Amazing Computer Apps

I am still constantly amazed at the things computers do (although having just watched "Citizen Four" I am also aware of the digital age dangers in massive data collection).

There is an application that takes photos and makes them into paintings.

Here is one...

Murphy's Day.

Sometimes a Great Notion

Sage.

What a great dog.

This past weekend, despite age and bad knees, she ran, romped, and took long walks.

It's the thing about labs.  They are stoic.  It's up to us to remind them that they don't need to do everything all the time.

She is a great notion.

Murphy's Day.

Going Solo

A long weekend by myself....well, not really, with the girls.

We leapt at the chance to head to the wilds.  Long walks, some work, several runs, good food.

It's late winter over there, no snow.  But still, a great time.

Murphy's Day.

Champions

Another year, another Westminster Dog Show where a lab doesn't even win the Sporting Group much less the champion's ribbon.

Yesterday a woman described labs as "goofy."  Maybe that is why they never win.  The girls do have a goofy side, but they are actually more home bodies.  And I suspect the idea of having to travel around the country promoting the dog shows and whatever sponsors, isn't part of a lab's idea of fun.  So when the time comes to parade around the Westminster ring, they just take their radiant personalties down a notch...just so they can sleep in their own bed!

No matter.  We happen to think they are champions.  And for this one time, they get to sit on the furniture...

Murphy's Day.

Love the Weekend

Finally, no football to watch (and agonize over), no chores in the city...in fact, a day off (well, as much off as staring at the iPhone for email and taking calls can be).  Bolting out and into the sunshine on Snoqualmie Pass, where there is virtually no snow...and down to the canyon.

It was sunny and in the mid-fifties.

But more importantly, there were 10 acres of woods and fields for the girls to run and play.

It was wonderful and we are all looking forward to getting back there as soon as possible...oh wait, there is a weekend coming up soon!

Murphy's Day.

Yes, Willa, Horses Are Larger Than You

Our neighbors have two horses.  They thoroughly enjoy taunting the girls.  Willa will go charging to about 50 feet of the fence line, abruptly pull up, and come scurrying back to me.

Learning about large mammals is an essential part of growing up.

Murphy's Day.

Subliminal Advertising

Just when I thought the girls didn't know or couldn't even use my computer, this picture appeared on my desk top.

Foothills of the Cascades from the east side.

Ok, I get it!

Murphy's Day.

Happiness Is

It's been several weekends since we've loaded up the truck and headed east.

Promises are made to the girls that we will go this weekend.

That, for Sage, will be happiness.

Murphy's Day.

Needing Mom

There are really only several times that Willa needs me:

When she is hungry
When she wants a pillow while sleeping with me
When she wants her ball thrown
And when she is at the vet

Other than that, she is perfectly self sufficient.

Don't worry Will, I am here when you need me.

Always.

Murphy's Day.

Post Vet

Willa had a minor ear infection which she stoically allowed me to treat twice a day with annoying (to her) ear drops.  Yesterday we returned to the vet for her check-up.  Infection gone,  but she will be on maintenance drops...

Of the three, Willa is the best at the vet.  She has endured a tooth pull and the usual pokes and prods with a great temperament.

So, after the vet we went to a near-by pet store and Willa caught and kept a stuffed trout.

Murphy's Day.

Curling Up

I am an avid list maker.  Every day I have my list of things to do.  And if gives me great joy when I can check-off things on the list.

And then there are some days that stretch into weeks, where I can barely check off anything....this week is one of them.  My work got flummoxed by my work!

So all I really want to do is curl up with Sage and not go for a run in the pouring rain and hope Friday comes, soon!

Murphy's Day.

Not Isis

For those who watch Downton Abbey, there is a yellow lab, Isis.  Much loved by Lord Grantham...Sage looks a lot like the original Isis (this year's has a narrower face).  So it wasn't much of a surprise when someone asked Sage the other day if she was Isis.

Nope.

While she does live in luxury, she also is a cowgirl, loving her western Sage!

Murphy's Day.

What We Long For

We stayed in Seattle this past weekend, mostly as a result of the local football team being in the Super Bowl.  It gave Willa a chance to head several blocks east to visit with her litter-mate sister Murphy (who holds the legacy of her name!).  The time in Seattle was also spent in the back yard, such as it is, thinning and pruning (making the airspace better for ball throwing).  And there as the Costco run for dog food...

But really, we all longed for time outside like the picture above.

And while the weather reports indicate the skies will be crying rain because of the Seahawk loss, just being able to romp in the open field will be nice.  So this week will be in Seattle, working, meetings, a vet appointment to double check Willa's ears, then off to play and listen for coyotes, Red-tailed hawks, and Magpies.

And, of course, happy labs.

Murphy's Day.