Ready for Adventure

We're swinging into warmer weather (we hope) and someone I know is ready for adventure.

This summer we're hoping to get into the mountains, some hikes, swim and fish in lakes and small streams.

Can not wait.

Murphy's Day.

Happy Birthday Mom

I miss you.

My Classic Dog

Annie is a classic lab...totally built for being in the field.  And when she is active she is happy, another classic lab feature.

Having Willa around makes her more playful, which is great, except when she is in "thief" mode, stealing shoes!

Murphy's Day.

More Blooms

While the southern aspect hill is blooming, there will be more Balsam in a few weeks on the north side...one continuous spring!

Can't wait to get there this afternoon!

Murphy's Day.

Sisters

Annie is quite protective of Sage.  She worries about her, watches out for her, and wonders why Sage is up the road laying in the sun...

They have a great friendship.

Murphy's Day.

Because I'm Happy!!!!

Sometimes I think I can hear Sage (or Annie or Willa) singing Pharrel's "Happy."

Murphy's Day.

From Fire...

Several years ago a fire swept through Nahahum Canyon.  The gnarly wood in the foreground is a lovely Sage, yet to begin returning.

But the Balsam?  It thrives on fire.

What an amazing treat to be able to watch nature restore.  Happy Earth Day!

Murphy's Day.

Easter Weekend

Easter has always been a special time of year for me.  I love Spring, and the holiday symbolizes the season.

We left Friday afternoon, desperately needing time away.  Our ritual once we get to Nahahum is to unload then do a lot of ball throw for the herd while walking all the way down to the gate and back to the house.  It gives the girls a chance to check out where the deer are sleeping, what other critters have been wandering their fields, and of course, some exercise after sitting in the car/truck for over 2 hours.

Both Saturday and Sunday were sunny, but not too warm.  We ran along the river, took a hike down to Dusty Lake, ate good food, and visited our neighbor's new foul, Nutmeg.  The Meadowlarks were out, even more Balsam, and the Lupine just starting to bloom.

Great weekend.

Murphy's Day.

Not Exactly Easter

But I couldn't resist this picture.

Have a happy holiday!

Murphy's Day.

Care Giving

Sage is beginning to feel her age, and have some chronic issues.

Willa is there to care give.

Murphy's Day.

More Balsam

What can I say?

It's spring!

Murphy's Day.

Spring Ritual

It's spring in Nahahum Canyon and one of my rituals is to photograph the Balsam.

It's stunning this year.

As are the two girls in the picture.

Murphy's Day.

Annie's Find

Annie is not by any stretch of her imagination, a hunter.  She hates gun shots.  But she comes from great hunting stock.  And when she finds something dead, all of Annie's instincts kick in.

So, she recently found a dead quail.  She was so proud of this find, bringing it to hand a number of times.  And whenever I hid it, she found it.

Annie Oakley.  The hunter.

Murphy's Day.

Pause Button

It's been a long year so far and we're only into April.  We've got an action packed week this coming week, so we're going to hit the pause button for a week.

In the meantime, we are going to enjoy the energy of the girls.  This coming week they get to meet a friend from Syracuse, New York.  He loves dogs and is bringing them his famous peanut butter treats.  They;ll get a chance to romp in Nahahum, play in the rivers, and maybe even find a deer to chase!

Spring is in the air, the girls are beginning to stare at my dresser drawer that has shorts...won't that be nice!

Have a great week and we'll be back, soon!

Murphy's Day.

Oso Strong

For many reasons, I haven't nor won't talk about the mud slide north of Seattle, in Oso.

But let me say that dogs have been instrumental in finding victims and comforting those who are in search teams and are waiting for word of their loved ones.

This picture was posted somewhere.  I thought the lab looked like Willa, intent on her mission, ready to work.

Dogs give so much, particularly in these kinds of tragedies.

Murphy's Day.

Spring Sun

As the world knows, March was very wet here in Washington.

We are all looking forward to spring sun.

Oso Strong.

Murphy's Day.

Captain America

What can I say?  She is my action hero!

Murphy's Day.

April Fools

Annie is not easily fooled.  Because of her puppyhood, spent mainly in the back of my old Honda Pilot shuttling back and forth between the Seattle house and my parent's apartment, she is wary of many things.  Her beginning life wasn't the best for a hunting dog who should grow up in the field.

Wary and suspicious.

That said, she is also wonderfully happy.  She loves life!  And now she has the very best playmate, Willa.  The two of them together are quite a paw full!

I'll try to fool Annie today.  But my guess is there will be no such luck!

Murphy's Day.