Merry Christmas!

We are going to be off until the New Year.  To find snow, to play with friends, to have some peaceful time to think about how life can and should be filled with joy.

It has been a wonderful 2012.  I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing the "girls" and our adventures with each of you.

Have a wonderful Christmas and here is to a marvelous 2013.

In the meantime....

One the first day of Christmas my labradors gave to me: 1 milk bone
One the second day of Christmas my labradors gave to me: 2 dirty collars
On the third day of Christmas my labradors gave to me: 3 tennis balls
On the fourth day of Christmas my labradors gave to me: 4 filthy towels
On the fifth day of Christmas my labradors gave to me: 5 daily walks
On the sixth day of Christmas my labradors gave to me: 3 pairs of beggin' eyeballs
On the seventh day of Christmas my labradors gave to me: 7 tails a waggin'
On the eighth day of Christmas my labradors gave to me: 8 barks at Mr. UPS
On the ninth day of Christmas my labradors gave to me: 3 X 3 daily treats
On the tenth day of Christmas my labradors gave to me: 10 missing socks
On the eleventh day of Christmas my labradors gave to me: 11 muddy paw prints
On the twelfth day of Christmas my labradors gave to me: all of their love.

Merry Christmas.  See you in a week!

Murphy's Day.

We Are All Newtown

I haven't wanted to comment on this horrific tragedy.  But, I am, like so many people, familiar with Newtown.  I passed through there on my way to my research site when I was at Yale.  And, of course, like every one, I am appalled and deeply sadden by the events last Friday.  Losing a child, a loved one, a peer, a friend to unnecessary and horrific violence is unimaginable for each of us, but unfortunately becoming a reality to all.

It can be stopped.  It shall be stopped.

We are all Newtown.

Murphy's Day.

Frozen Precipitation

Who knew snow could bring so much joy?

Willa is convinced snow is her only Christmas present.  And she would be truly happy if that is all she got.

We have a lot to learn from her.

Murphy's Day.

Welcome Happy!

Today our dear friends Les and Ann pick up Happy, a yellow lab puppy.

There is no dog who is as lucky as Happy.  She is going to the very best home...and I could not be more excited for my friends.

Happy!

Welcome to the family!

Murphy's Day.

Long Weekend in the Snow

We left late Friday and stayed until we knew a storm was going to make the mountain passes unbearable on Sunday.

Nothing better in the middle of December than a long weekend in the snow.

Murphy's Day.

Memories of Murphy

One of my fondest memories of Murphy has to do with winter.  She came to me in the winter.  A fierce New York winter.  Her first night in New York she was "sledding" down the hill created by all the snow we had shoveled.

The the other three seasons came.

So, after Christmas, she went to Vermont.  And we stopped to let her out as we worked out way to Manchester...

Murphy went nuts.  Banking off the snow, tailed tucked, running like crazy.  Pure joy.

And the girls, this past weekend, were a lot like their predecessor.  Snow!

Murphy's Day.

So, What Do You Do In The Snow?

You lick the cover of the outdoor fireplace.  You romp.  You roll in the snow.  You do a happy lab dance.

Life in winter is very good for labs.

Murphy's Day.

What is This Stuff?

Snow!  We found snow at Nahahum Canyon this past weekend.  And the girls?  In ecstasy! Happy happy happy dogs.

Snow was made for labrador retrievers.

Murphy's Day.

Spoiled? Nah.

Pictures say a 1,000 words.  In this case, only one: spoiled.

Murphy's Day.

Riding in the Truck

One of the reasons for the truck is the 4 wheel drive (and yes, Bill, there are sandbags in the back) for the snow.

While it is an extended cab, it's still tight quarters for three labs.

They make it work (after a little snarling).  Always eager to go anywhere!

Murphy's Day.

Lab Sandwich

Off for the weekend!

Murphy's Day.

The Ideal Lab Holiday

Don't ya' think this is it?  The ideal lab holiday?

Murphy's Day.

For Les and Ann

My dear friends, Les and Ann lost their beloved Kol.  And after a long time, they are now beginning to think about letting another dog enter into their lives.  They should.  They are the perfect dog parents.  Kol lived a great life, and any pup who comes to the wonderfully warm house in Deadwood, Oregon, will believe it's in labrador heaven.

So, Les and Ann have been Black lab people.  I had been a Yellow lab person.  Until Willa.  Actually I was a terrier person until Murphy.  I wasn't sure I could "handle" a lab.  But Murphy, well, she came into my life and just swept me away.

And I think, now, it doesn't really matter what color...it's about whether the dog has wormed it's way into your heart and whether you're heart is open.

I remember Murphy as a pup.  Full of energy.  And then, at night, while I was watching TV after a long day, her head would rest on my lap.  As if to say: "there is nothing better."  Didn't matter what color Murphy was, she just wanted to give me her love.

Murphy's Day.

Waiting for Action

Annie waits for action.  When we walk at night, she eyes Sage, anxious to see if Sage will run after something, anything...a cat, a scent...then Annie will try to bolt.  She is a hunter, a dog of action.

But she is also so sensitive.  Of all the girls, she really is keyed into my moods.  If I am tense, anxious about something, she is close by, ready, willing, to see if she can help.

Annie should be an action-doll.

Murphy's Day.

As We Enter December

We can not believe we have less than 30 days until 2013.

We spent this weekend at home, anticipating the next number of weekends will be east of the mountains.  The girls endured many errands, then listened as plans were made: Christmas, the week after, New Years....

And after Christmas, Sage will turn 9.  Nine!  After two days of running in the cold, wet, damp Seattle rain, she seemed stiff on Sunday evening.  Found her bed, watched TV...Nine!

We're entering the holiday season.  Advent calendar is out.  The dogs know...Monday is Annie Oakley's day.

Murphy's Day.

Gunshots? I Am Out of Here

Whenever a neighbor in Nahahum Canyon decides to shoot his gun, my hunting dog wants to head back to Seattle.

Go figure.

Murphy's Day.

Are We Leaving, Yet?

Sage enjoyed the little bit of sun we had over the Thanksgiving holiday.  But when it was packing up time, she was ready to go.

I keep wondering what the dogs feel about having this bi-place life, where they spend much of their time in Seattle, and much of their roaming and romping time in Nahahum Canyon.  They settle into the car for the drives fairly well, particularly when they know there is a stop along the Yakima.  And they seem to enjoy getting to Nahahum as much as they enjoy their beds in Seattle...Annie certainly doesn't like the gun shots in Nahahum Canyon....

They are all waiting for the snow, that much I know.

Murphy's Day.

Miss Independence

While Sage and Annie were in the car waiting to come back to Seattle, Willa was out wandering around.  While she is definitely a "pack" dog, she also has quite an independent streak to her.  She wanted to absorb the last few minutes of sun and being able to roam before heading back to the city.

This is Willa's second holiday season with us.  I am contemplating putting up a Christmas tree this year, but wonder how she will deal with it....maybe not!

Murphy's Day.

Bought and Sold by Google

Ok, so we bought more storage.  I caved.  I guess it's because there are so many great pictures of Murphy, Sage, Annie Oakley, and Willa that are only on this blog, that I might was well keep going...or who knows?

This was what greeted me on the anniversary of Murphy's death.  The alpine glow from a beautiful sunrise.  Not a great picture, but it was stunning.

Murphy's Day.

Why There is No Picture

So, I have a gorgeous picture that I am ready to post with this entry.  But, thanks to Google, apparently I need to purchase storage space for my new pictures, because I am at some limit that I was never aware existed.

Gotta' love Google.

Or do you?

So until I figure all this out, you get this blank page.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, it was the fourth anniversary of Murphy's Death.  I still miss her terribly.

Murphy's Day.

Annie of Mt. Diablo

It was more than two years ago, we took my parent's ashes up to Mt. Diablo.  And I got a chance to go back this past week.  Annie was with me when we took their ashes up to the oak tree, and she thoroughly enjoyed being back, again, this past week.  While it rained the whole way down to California and once we left Ashland, it rained all the way back to Seattle, the weather for the three days we were there was fantastic.  So, we hiked and explored the gorgeous foothills in the East Bay area.

Annie was in lab heaven (having recovered from her salt water drinking episode).  Nothing better than being with a lab in her element.

We are off for the Thanksgiving holiday.  And while this year we have seen many friends suffer, a few leave us, and several of the "pack of labs" also go, we also have many things to be thankful for during these past twelve months.  I am grateful for all of my family and friends, particularly those of you who love and care about these amazing labradors.  The provide me with joy, laughs, frustration, curiosity, and energy...they are, essentially, what life is about.

Have a great holiday and we'll be back on Monday.

Murphy's Day.

Willa's First Trip

It is amazing to think that this was Willa's first trip aside from going east of the mountains.  Sage and Annie were both raised on staying in hotels.  But this was Willa's first time.  I was, I admit, more than a little nervous about it.  Willa is very intense and when she wants something she lets me know ("it's 5:00 AM Mommie, time to get up...").

But she turned out to be the most fantastic traveling dog.  She was patient, not nervous, willing to go along, and seemed to thoroughly enjoy each day's adventure.

While she has big paws to fill, she seems to be a serious contender for "one of those dogs."

Murphy's Day.

When in Astoria, Do as the Astorians Do!

We're back home, at least until Wednesday then off for the Thanksgiving holiday (the girls favorite holiday...what is not to like, lots of turkey?).

We had a great time, despite the rain.  And more rain.  And coming home to rain.

So, our first night was in Astoria, Oregon.  Near where Lewis and Clark camped for the winter, and almost lost their minds because of the rain (did we mention the rain?).  Despite the weather, it is a lovely town, fantastic maritime history museum, and a lovely hotel on a pier where we watched Sea Labs, er I mean Sea Lions, roll around outside our window.

Very dog friendly.  Sage was ecstatic when she walked into the room and found this bed waiting for her.  A cozy fire...all was good except for Annie being sick from drinking too much sea water at Long Beach.

When in Astoria find a fire and a good bed.

Murphy's Day.

Oregon Coast

Yep, that's where we are heading...

Back in a week!

Murphy's Day.

Looking for a Beach

So, we're looking for a beach where the girls can romp and play...leaving on Saturday for a week away, mixing business and pleasure and Willa's first long road trip (gulp).

Should be fun!

Murphy's Day.

Willa's Happy Life

On Sunday morning, after a long long day of painting and a long night of trying to sleep, Willa was prancing through the house with a squeaky toy.  The more it squeaked, the more she squeaked it.  I began to laugh out loud.

She is one happy dog.

Murphy's Day.

Thinking About Elections

Well, Willa is non-plussed about the election today.  Despite the zillion mailers, trillion robo-calls (I haven't answered my home phone in weeks), and obnoxious "get out the vote" canvassers while I was trying to paint which led me to post a sign on the door: "I've already voted, please don't knock," Willa isn't interested.  Plus, she is still too young to vote.

But, despite my exhaustion, please, if you haven't already, vote.  These past few years we have, again, witnessed people all around the world putting their lives in danger for the right to have a say in how they are governed.  Our democracy, imperfect, full of not-so-good-stuff, but still, it's better than what people in other countries live under or with.

So vote.

Then crawl into bed in exhaustion.  It's been an long election.

Murphy's Day.

Patience is a Virtue?

For active labs, it was a long long weekend.  First, I decided after 17 years, it was time to paint the living room/dining room of the house.

Second, it was raining.

So the girls not only didn't get much play time, they had to suffer through the house being completely torn apart.

Knowing they were anxious, we worked really hard, and got the painting done in one day.

Of course, I forgot to tell the girls that the clocks "fell back" an hour, so exactly at what was 6 AM in their clocks, Willa and Annie decided I needed to get up.

It was a long weekend,  but the house looks fabulous (who knew I would love a Ralph Lauren paint color called Parchment?).  And Willa managed to stay out of the paint!

Murphy's Day.

Field Assistants

New client, cold and wet field work.

Someone doesn't seem to mind.

"Can you identify that leaf, Mommie?"

Murphy's Day.

Murphy

Murphy.  This blog's namesake.

It's been 4 years since she died, November, 2008.  I still miss her greatly.  While my three girls constantly remind me of Murphy, she holds onto my heart.  And that is a good thing.  Each of these characters are unique and that is what life is about...learning to love over and over and over.

But as the dark, misty days creep in, I think about Murphy a lot more.  How she found such joy in simple things.  How she got so excited over simple things.  She really taught me a lot about what is valuable in life.

And she always managed to find joy.  Even in the wet, dreary, dark days of a Pacific Northwest winter or the bitter cold days in New York.  She lived every moment.

Sage, Annie Oakley, and Willa have that same passion for their lives.  I can't sleep in very often because Willa wants to get going with the day.  She'll pace all over the bed, working on getting me up. Annie will come and kiss me, and Sage always stands ready at the door.

"Let's get going."

Murphy, I know, is wagging her tail watching the whole thing.

I miss you Murph.

Murphy's Day.

Happy Halloween

They are going as labs.

Wet, sandy labs.

Murphy's Day.

We'll See You in Bend!

Our dear friends, Scott and Paula are moving to Bend.  They have been commuting there for a number of years, but finally decided this big, messy, intense city was not for them (and I can not blame them...we are two steps behind them...remember the painting job, it's called getting the house ready).

The girls need room to romp.  And here in Seattle, doing what they are doing in the picture above, playing at the beach that is less than a mile from the house, is illegal.  Yep.  Illegal.  It's a HUGE fine if we had been caught ($500 per dog, that's a lot of dog biscuits).

That the thing about living in a city.  It may be full of interesting things to do (although I do believe almost every city in America has become homogenous, with the same stores, the same bike lanes, the same "artisan" restaurants (can I just howl the next time some hip waitress tells me my salad is locally sourced?"), and chock-a-block full of nanny "no-no" rules.

Bend.  Missoula.  Boise (ok, a tiny city).  Ketchum.  We are a few steps behind you two and can not wait to see you both when we come down to Bend for our dose of sanity!

Murphy's Day.

Weekend in Seattle

A weekend in Seattle.  First, it was very wet and wild on Saturday.  We went for a run, that literally could have been classified as a swim.  Then, the whole house was turned upside down (ok, not the whole house) when I decided to begin a long needed job: painting the main downstairs room.  It only took me a zillion years to chose the color!  So, if you see Willa looking Parchment, rather than black, it's because her curiosity over the DIY painting job got the better of her.  It's one wall at a time!!!

Of course, staying at home always has its risks, such as watching football, or fiddling with tech stuff...but we managed to get a lot done and the backyard, having had three dogs romping over it, looks like a mud-bowl.

It was nice, though....nice to stay home.

Murphy's Day.

Sage on the Wenatchee

Sage has many favorite places.  But this little sand bar...it's her absolute favorite.

And I simply love it when the river gets low enough that she gets to stand in the sand, watching the river flow.

Sage.

Murphy's Day.

Sweet Annie

I don't think I have ever met a more sensitive dog.  Annie is totally attuned to the world around her and if something is amiss, Annie is on it....

Sweet Annie.  She is a reminder why labs, all labs, are the best dogs.

They make each day worth the effort.

Murphy's Day.

Pile O' Labs

I simply love this picture!

It's like "Can You Find Waldo?"  Can you find Willa?

Of course, she is probably the happiest of this pile of labs!

Murphy's Day.

Hard at Work

I took this photo while I was working.

Clearly I need to be much more firm with Willa's union!

Murphy's Day.

Seasons Changing

We woke up on Sunday morning to temperatures below 30º.  Frost on the ground.  Annie was ecstatic, she rolled in the frost (pretend snow in her opinion) and the girls did seem to have an extra bounce in their step.

Me?  I shivered.

Murphy's Day.

In the Field

Labs are field dogs.  There is a fair amount written about whether a lab is "field" or English (which is mostly about conformation of their bodies...boxy or narrow head, tall or short, etc).  But labs, all labs, are bred for the field.  They have keen noses, sharp eyes, and a quick sense when there is something moving, even a mile away.

I thoroughly enjoy getting the girls out in Nahahum Canyon.  Although this time of year, with all the deer hunters crawling around, I am very careful, I love watching them scent a quail, find a deer, or search out the pheasant that is near-by.  It's like watching a craftsman do his work.

Hopefully this weekend, we'll get out in the field.  Enough of the city!

Murphy's Day.

When the Weather Changes

I have a new client in eastern Washington, requiring some field work.  And the weather is changing.

After a long day in the field, my assistant is rather exhausted and I think I heard rumblings of asking for a raise.

Murphy's Day.

Autumn Colors

I had my camera with me, but didn't take any photos when I was guiding the two guys on Saturday...many of the Poplars were changing colors and it was stunning (aside from the pouring rain).

I really love Autumn colors.  And couldn't resist this mum....yes, Ann B., it's from Swansons!

Murphy's Day.

We Stayed Home

It was the opening weekend of hunting and I had to "guide" some novice, and I mean novice, fly fishermen on the Yakima (I donated a trip for some neighbor's son school auction), so we stayed home. The girls didn't even get to go fishing....I wanted to focus on the guys, not worry about Willa rolling in some dead salmon (ah-hum, like she did last time).

So, we stayed home.  By Sunday the girls were ready to play.  It was muggy and wet, but we found ways to stay entertained, including getting paint samples to begin the long long long awaited and much needed painting of the living room-dining room whose walls still have evidence of playing indoor soccer with Murphy!

For some reason, house projects just don't "cut it" with Annie.  And I am trying to figure out how to paint without having three dogs covered in it!

Oh dear!  The last major interior house project (aside from the much loved windows) was a tile project. At least then I had Mom and Dad who came over and chaperoned Sage, Murphy, and Riley while it got done...now, it's going to be a little tougher!  Maybe I need to chose a color that will look good on the girls, too!

Murphy's Day.

Operation: Dinner for Three Hounds

I can only imagine what my nieces go through, feeling their children.  It's a tactical operation, I suppose.  It certainly is with three hungry labradors....although Annie Oakley is not very food driven, Sage and Willa are, and I can hear paws tapping the floor, waiting for dinner or breakfast...

Plus, I do this somewhat complicated meal: kibble, then a bit of wet food, then some sort of topping (like cheese or a bit of bacon...you want to eat at my house!).  It's an operation.  You can only imagine what it is like to pack for travel!

In the end, though, they are happy.  Isn't that all that matters?

Murphy's Day.

Hunting Ethics

So on Sunday we watched our neighbor drive up the driveway with  commercial apple crate.  He is a huge hunter, and opening season of deer opens tomorrow.

After he left, we went up to his land to explore (we have an easement) and indeed, as I suspected, he is baiting deer.

It's legal in Washington (God knows why).  And this guy thinks of himself as something of a big time hunter.

But as I think about it, he usually hunts in places where essentially the game is staked to the ground and he can shoot at it.  So why should I be surprised that he is baiting the deer.

Ethics?  He has none.  More than likely he'll get his buck.  And feel like he is a big man. But really, really, what did he do?  He baited the hunt.

Murphy's Day.

Treats

So, the girls get lots of treats.  One of their favorites are pig ears.  And Sage?  Her favorite game is to hold onto her treat as long as she wants, taunting Annie and Willa with her treat when they have already eaten their treats.

It's a whole dynamic.  Every day.  And I love watching it every day!

Murphy's Day.

Mornings Off Leash

One of the things I love about Nahahum Canyon is we walk out the door, no leashes, and go for a walk.

Ah, to be out of the city.

Murphy's Day.

Smells of the Outside

Sage is getting of the age that her nose is beginning to control her.  She is following her nose.  So when we head east, she gets to follow her nose for a long time.

She seems happy.  She is beginning to know that climbing stairs is not the best thing for her.  She is knowing her limits yet is thoroughly enjoying her life.  Dancing that lab dance when she is happy...

She is reminding me of Murphy as she ages.

Murphy's Day.

Getting Out of Town

Yes, there still is smoke in Nahahum Canyon.  And yes, the U Dub was going to play the Oregon Ducks (no offense Les and Ann, but arch-enemies of the Dawgs and every other Pac 12 team), but getting out of town was priority number one (other than celebrating Jacob's birthday.  Happy Birthday Jacob!!!!!).

And boy did it feel good.

Even Annie's paw seemed to get better (she split a nail last Sunday).

Murphy's Day.

Yes, We're Going Back

Long Week.  And the girls are ready to get out the city.

Me too.

Murphy's Day.

Here Fishy Fishy

Really, there once were fish in this hole.

Murphy's Day.

So, You Wanted to Fish?

So many fly fisher folk are somewhat "particular" about their fly fishing ambiance.  Having three dogs trying to share the same "great place where I am sure there are lots of fish" is not something you're going to see in the chi-chi fly fishing magazines.

But I have to say we all had a blast.

Isn't that what matters?

Murphy's Day.