Weekend Work

Another weekend of preparing for disaster...just kidding.  But part of living in an area dominated by fires, is creating defensible space around the house.  Lots of work, but well worth it.  Fortunately it was gorgeous weather and we had great supervision.

Murphy's Day.

There Are Deer in Those Hills, Mom!

Willa is three.  Her first few days with us were spent at the Canyon.  And ever since then she knows that being in the Canyon means 'critters.'  In her early months as a pup she would sit at the edge of my bed, looking out over the fields, barking at anything that moved.  Curtains went up so I could sleep!  She still watches, guarding, but no longer barks in the middle of the night if a bug stirs.

She remains most vigilant over deer.  Those pesky critters who are tall and can run a lot faster than she does.

On our early morning walks her nose is always in the air, smelling the first whiffs of deer in the grass.

"Mom, there are deer around here some place."

"I know, Willa, I know.  They are taunting you."

Murphy's Day.

First Weekend of Spring

Look what is blooming!  East of the mountains, spring is beginning to show.  Since there was not much snow this year, and it has been slightly warmer, spring is beginning to pop up, particularly on the southern aspect hills.

This could be a rather bad year for ticks and fleas, so the girls got their doses of flea/tick medicine.  I am always rather reluctant to use this stuff, but given we spend so much time in areas filled with deer and other tick vectors, I would rather be safe than sorry.

On another safe than sorry line, we also spent the weekend further preparations for what is called defensible space, making sure we have done enough to protect the house from wildfire.  Lifted a lot of river rock!  Sore muscles = good weekend.

Murphy's Day.

Door Opening Season

It's becoming door opening season in Seattle.

Love it!

Murphy's Day.

Hanging Out

I simply love this picture.  I took it while the girls were waiting for me to load the truck and take them fishing.

Murphy's Day.

On the Pitch

Annie Oakley has a beloved soccer ball.  It's cover is chewed off, it's deflated, but this is one of her favorite toys.

And one of her favorite things is to have me kick it while she plays goalie.

It's attention, it's play, and she is happy.

Plus, she is a really good goalie.

Murphy's Day.

The Life of Riley

The Life of Riley.  It's a term my mother used.  I always thought it meant that whoever she was describing had a good life.  Indeed, when I finally had a dog named Riley, Riley had a good life.

Several days ago the girls went to the beach, which is major illegal in Seattle.  But we sneak on at various hours of the day when we mostly encounter other dogs running from the law and homeless folks, probably also running from the law...

And there is nothing better than retrieving a beloved soccer ball (and for Willa a tennis ball) in the setting moonlight over the Olympic Mountains.

Murphy's Day and the Life of Riley.

Getting Ready

While we have had a mild winter, especially compared to our friends back East, we are still thinking of warmer times...especially on the river.

The girls watch intensely while I tie flies.  They know it means time on the river!

Murphy's Day.

Cover Girls

Well, actually these are boys.  But these two good looking labs came in the mail yesterday.  Orvis Dog catalog.

Reminding me of how noble labrador retrievers can be...notice, no silly poses?  Hello, girls?

Murphy's Day.

And Another

I could easily get addicted to this new application!

Gorgeous, if I do say so myself!

Murphy's Day!