Go Fetch

Annie has been slow to develop in this area, but now she is totally addicted: balls, sticks, toys.  Can not get enough of the "go fetch" routine.

It really is amazing to watch her grow-up.  She still has not lost that puppy-like enthusiasm for toys, attention, anything resembling play.  And surely one of her goals is to continually annoy and enjoy Sage.  If having a younger sister is supposed to keep you young, Sage will live forever.  Annie keeps her going.

Annie Oakley, the ultimate goon-ball.

Murphy's Day.

Out of Town

Got a chance to be out of town on Friday and Saturday.  Despite the weather, it was good to be someplace where all the talking heads could not lambast us with their latest analysis of politics, much less the radio reception for the UW game was so bad we didn't have to endure their humiliation.

You know things are bad when the post-game commentary sounds like this: "well, they played well for the first quarter."

Walks in the country are good for the soul.

Murphy's Day.

Can't Get Enough of Your Love

Only Barry White could capture Annie.

Here is a link to Annie's theme song!

Murphy's Day.

Sweet Baby Sage

Of course, Sage's song is James Taylor's "Sweet Baby James."  It's a lullaby as well as a lament for carrying all the sorrows of the world.  But the song also has such a sweet tune and gentleness about it.  It's Sage.

A link to a James Taylor performance is here

And just substitute Sage for James.

"Rock-a-bye Sweet Baby Sage...."

Murphy's Day.

Theme Songs

Don't ask how I ever got onto this, but all three of my labs have theme songs.  Murphy's became "Louie Louie" but sung to "Murphy Murphy."  And when I began singing it, she would always come to me.

Here is a link to the song as done by the Kingsmen.  Substitute Murphy for Louie.

When Murphy died in my arms, I sang it to her.  I just know she is out there somewhere, ready to dance.

Murphy's Day.

The Road Less Travelled

The girls just got back from a weekend in eastern Washington (or more precisely, North Central Washington).  They hadn't been out of the city for awhile, so they went a little crazy.  Romping, a few mad dogs, wrestling, and indeed, Annie even herded three very large Black Angus cows.

What is amazing to watch is Annie's speed on the run.  She barrels down hill...and even more amazing, runs at full speed up hill when I call!

It was nice to get them out, to watch the in their native element!

Murphy's Day.

It's November

This is a month that haunts us.  Two years ago Murphy died.  Then last year, my mother.  A fog of sadness descends in November.  I remember calling my aunt after my mother died and she said: "why do they all have to go in November?"

Yet, this is the month of Thanksgiving.  We celebrate harvest, our family, friends, good things.

The leaves have changed.  The days are short.  It's cooler.  Snow is coming in the mountains....It's a tough month ahead.  But I am so very thankful for my family and friends, and of course, the two knuckle-heads in my life.  Annie makes me laugh and Sage's soulfulness grabs my heart.

Murphy's Day.