Sage Smells Spring

The nose knows.

Spring is coming.

Murphy's Day.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today would have been my mother's 86th birthday.

I miss her terribly.  She had a love of life that was amazing.

Happy Birthday, Mom.

Murphy's Day.

Waiting

One rare moment of patience in this household.

Murphy's Day.

I Love this Picture

From Mountain Khakis.

Looks a lot like some jokers I have in my life!

Murphy's Day.

Becoming Buddies

It's so very interesting to watch how Willa has and is working her way "into" the family.  Her newest best buddy is Sage.  Sometimes at night, now, she lays near Sage's bed and begins playing "air" wrestling, where they both just wiggle and make noises as they "think" about wrestling.  It's a hoot to watch.

And Willa tags along with Sage, or helps Sage navigate a path that is easier on her knees when we're out walking.

Willa has a family.  It's what makes her such a happy dog.

Me too.

Murphy's Day.

Mornings

When we are in eastern Washington, this is one of my favorite times of the day.  I get up, make my latte (yes, I am from Seattle) and walk the girls down the driveway.

Frequently, this is what I get to look at.

Doesn't get any better.

Murphy's Day.

On Last Week

Like everyone, we watched the events of last week with a mix of horror, sadness, and pride.  Pride in how swiftly and deliberately the law enforcement and first responders reacted.

We can never fully ensure our safety and security in life.  Each day, I have found, must give me meaning and fulfillment, since, well, you just never know.

I found myself hugging the girls a lot last week.  Grateful they were there to make me smile, to get me outside, to remind me that life is valuable.

Despite the fact the suspects have been found, it's not over for the many victims.  I saw a report that a "canine" ministry was already attending to many of the victims, bringing in Golden retrievers to those maimed and hurt in the blasts.  While modern medicine performs wonders, dogs at a bedside really do miracles.

You're in our hearts, Boston.

Murphy's Day.

New Collar

When I lived back east I used to joke that the state dog of Vermont was a labrador and the requirement was the dog had to wear a red collar.  For years my dogs all had red collars.

I am picky about the collars.  I want something plain, washable, and expandable as they grow.  At the risk of being an advertisement, I buy Orvis collars.  They have one where the girl's name and my telephone number is embroidered on the collar.  It's been helpful over the years.

When Annie came along, I stopped getting red.  She got orange (although now she wants cameo with orange lettering..."toughen her up," she says).  And Willa then went to lime green, which is about as loud as she is....for several years Sage didn't wear a collar.  Too well behaved to need one, I guess.  Plus, I love her lion's mane that she has around her neck.

But, recently, I had to order Willa a new collar, and so, Sage got one too.  I am far far away from red these days.  Sage's is in basic black with white lettering.  A tuxedo!  It so fits her!

Murphy's Day.

Middle Child

Annie is a complicated dog.  Always has been.  And now she has this "force of nature" sister and her older, wiser sister, Sage, Annie is working on finding her way.  She is such a sweet girl.  Born of hunting pedigree, she hates gun shots and thunder.  She is cautious around other dogs.  And she protects what she thinks is hers.

I dearly love her and her complications.  She relies on me to get her through all the worries she has...and I do.

She is my middle child.

Murphy's Day.

What Are We Doing?

The one problem in staying in Seattle for a weekend, is we miss our off leash walks down the driveway.  The sun (yes, sun) beginning to hit Burch Mountain, the birds, Balsam, deer beginning to head into the hills, the birds....

And Willa, always looking for mischief and wondering what is on the day's docket.

Murphy's Day.

Waiting

I really like this picture of Sage.  This area, from the top of the driveway, to where she is, has always been a favorite spot of hers.  It allows her to look down the canyon.  And sitting next to the truck, she can keep a close eye on whether she is heading home to her other comfortable beds.

Sweet Baby Sage.

Murphy's Day.

Hanging Out

We stayed in Seattle this past weekend, hanging out.  In between hail, rain, thunder, lightening, more rain, we ran errands, got new tires on the car so we're ready for Spring and Summer adventures, cut what is left of our grass, did some work, watched movies, watched The Masters (Willa thinks it's a waste to let all those balls go into "the hole," when she could be chasing them), and ate.

Sometimes, after a long week, we need to hang out.

That said, no one told Willa that the alarm isn't set on the weekends.

Murphy's Day.

Standing Watch

I dearly love how protective the girls are of me and of each other....

One thing they do when we are in eastern Washington is sit on the hill and look down the canyon.

You just never know...

Murphy's Day.

And When the Sun Shines!

The girls play.

Willa loves to wrestle Annie.  Sage, of course, referees.

Murphy's Day.

Willa Takes on The Boss

Sage is top dog.

But Willa is certainly feeling her oats, as they say...and she is learning that she should know her place.

It's a good lesson.

Murphy's Day.

Speaking of Snow

And watching pheasants!

Fortunately the girls were in the truck, so the pheasants strutted their stuff!

Wonderful weekend.

Murphy's Day.

Welcome, Spring!

Spent last night watching Cal-Berkeley's basketball team in the women's Final Four....and enjoying spring weather.  Golf on Saturday, snow on Sunday.

The girls came home tired and happy.

That's what matters, right?

Murphy's Day.

Happy Birthday Deb!

Happy Birthday!

The girls are looking forward, well, er, sort of, getting crammed into the truck and going on an adventure to celebrate your birthday!!!!

Murphy's Day.

Paint Colors

Dogs are supposed to be color blind, but here, they are helping to chose the paint color of the house.

Nothing worse than paint color choosing by committee.

Particularly this committee!

Murphy's Day.

Running Amok

One of the reasons being in eastern Washington is so delightful is the dogs can run amok.  On Sunday Willa did a great demonstration of this, gleefully tearing around this field, celebrating the shear joy of being alive.

Gotta' love it.

Murphy's Day.

Spring!

Really, there is nothing better than a dog celebrating spring.

Murphy's Day.

Another Dogs

Well, we're thinking about getting a fourth!

April Fools!

Murphy's Day.