Pools in the Summer

For a lab there is nothing better than a fresh water pool in the summer.  All three dogs did a long long hike last week, and as we descended back toward the truck, we found some nice pools in the creek.  As I took this picture, Annie Oakley was busy trying to dive for a stick embedded at the bottom of the pool.  Willa just wanted to wade and enjoy the cool water on her belly.  And Sage was showing them how to really enjoy the pool!

These girls are great dogs and every single day they show me something new, different, and funny.  What more can you ask from best friends?

Murphy's Day.

Sage's Hill

There are many places at the property that Sage claims as her own.  The southern hill, above the house, is where she thought we ought to site the house...

She knows a good view when she sees it.

Murphy's Day.

Spider Meadows, Again

It's a long round trip hike, but well worth it.

We did Spider Meadows, again.

And came closer to all those things that make life worth living.

Murphy's Day!

Club Closing

Every summer, the place where I swim (aka the club) closes for a week to do serious housekeeping.

I talked with the girls, and I think we'll take a "club closing" for a little while.  Get outside some more, enjoy the sun, reflect on life, smell the roses.

We'll be back on August 11th, all clean, clear, and ready to go!

Murphy's Day.

On Being Outside

Summer is back in the PNW and Annie loves being outside.  One of her favorite things to do is to roll around until her collar slips off.  Then she finds me, naked so to speak, tail wagging, proud as punch that she managed to slip out of her collar!

Annie is and will always be, a puppy.  A puppy in the summer sun!

Murphy's Day.

Now We Are Three

Yesterday was Willa's third birthday!  She ran, she swam, and she played with her litter-sister, Murphy.

And oh, yeah, there were some toys.

Each of us say this, about time...how it goes so fast.  It is hard to believe it has been three years since she was born, and in two months, she will have taken over this herd...

Lots of changes since she came and more to come as we begin to think about where we want to live for the next phase of life, what we want to be doing, and how to make sure the girls continue enjoying life as they seem to now.

Willa is a great dog.  Devoted, silly, happy, somewhat well mannered (except if you have food).  She has a zest for life that is unbounded.  Everyday she makes me laugh, giggle, and smile.  Like Murphy, Sage, and Annie Oakley, her compassion and love seems unending.  She is a great teacher for me.

Happy Birthday Willa!

Murphy's Day.

Annie

Annie is a very sensitive dog.  She senses, instantly, when there is something wrong.  I simply love her for that.

Murphy's Day.