Monday, June 27, 2011

Rain and sun

My new cone flower plant

Miss Gracie after playing in the wet grass

They are so cute together
We had thunder storms this morning. When there was a break, I took the dogs for what turned out to be a very long walk. Jake has developed a love of entering the small creek in the park. Gracie will only get her paws wet, not wanting to venture into deeper water. Jake, on the other hand, likes to leap in the water, pushing his face down into it. He is such a happy little guy.

I had decided that the front flower beds needed to be filled out some more, so picked up two cone flower plants this spring. I know these will spread, and eventually I'll have to split them up and relocate into different beds, but I like the cream color instead of the traditional purple. The finches love the cone flower seeds, so I don't dead head my plants even though they can look kind of ugly after awhile. I can put up with that to draw the beautiful yellow birds.

The sun is out for a brief period. More storms coming our way. I am so enjoying this weather, because it's not snow or ice or frigid temps. Love it.
Have a great day.

Linda

Friday, June 24, 2011

After the rain

Lilies

Lambs Ear that I did not plant...

I couldn't resist the bumble bee
We have had a great deal of rain lately, not that I'm complaining.  No, not after the drought of last summer and fall. Yesterday afternoon a gentle rain moved through the area, and I went out to sit on the bench by the front door to enjoy it and look at my garden. When it stopped, I grabbed the camera. The light was too good to not take some photographs.

That huge clump of Lamb's Ear was not planted. Last summer, in the midst of that heat, my neighbor, Lisa, gave me several clumps of this plant that she had dug up from a friend's yard. He wanted to thin out what he had and get rid of it. Now I know why. All Lisa did was lay a bunch of drying rapidly plants on that corner of my front garden. By the time I got home to plant it, the plants were pretty much dead. But here's the thing: I didn't plant anything on this corner. It just laid there. Obviously dropping seeds, thinking "I'll get my revenge!"

The bees love this plant. I am, unfortunately, one of those individuals who is highly allergic to insect stings. Bees, wasps, hornets, all three are lethal to my system. So believe me when I say I was far back from this stalk, using the telephoto lens to take this pic. I kind of like the way it turned out.

Have a great weekend.
Linda

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Rantings of a woman

Well. First off, my friend Carol was robbed at the dog park last night. This was around 6pm. There were only 4 dog owners in the park, and we were back in the shade, enjoying the breeze, just talking. A maroon van pulled into the parking lot, and we thought it was the Wheaton Terrier, Dega. (Not driving, Melissa, his mom would be driving). But the van stayed a moment, then left. We never saw anyone get out. My car was locked, with my purse on the front seat, but Carol's car was unlocked, and they took her purse.

There are several points here that piss me off. We pay to use this park, and it isn't necessarily cheap. There are a lot of dog owners that balk at the fee, and will not use it. So basically that makes it a private park, to a certain extent. So what gives any yahoo the right to pull into the lot and think they can browse for stuff to steal? What gives any moron the right to victimize people in a public place? Carol must now cancel credit cards, bank accounts, get a new drivers license, and watch her credit rating like a hawk. My solution is that I will no longer take my purse with me to the dog park. Just the park pass and car keys.

Second Rant:This morning I was driving home from taking the dogs for a walk at Townhall park, and an older sedan was in front of me in the left turn lane. The driver was way down in the seat, bald, obviously older, and his driving was erratic. I am being kind. His driving sucked big time. Stop, start, stop, start, weave. This man had handicap plates on the vehicle. Okay, that happens. Don't have a problem with that. But as I followed this gentleman, I noticed that there were what appeared to be bullet holes in the back of the car. Really? Imagine that. Crappy driver, bullet holes. Hmmmm. Is there a correlation there? I think so.

So now we will have to be vigilant at the dog park, not relaxed, and wary of all strange vehicles that pull in. Rumor has it that this is happening all over the area. Yes, it is a sign of the times, a reaction to the economy. But dude, if the dog owners catch you, it will not be pleasant. Oh, no. Several suggestions have been made. Let us just say you will think twice before continuing a life of thievery.


Have a good day. Be safe, please.

Linda

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Sunday

Gracie kissing Jake

The frantic play has calmed down a bit. I think part of the reason is that both dogs now realize that this is the permanent situation. Jake is staying, Gracie has accepted that, and therefore they don't have to play constantly. So Gracie has taken to sometimes grooming her brother. Just his face. There is something about Jake's face that either fascinates my Aussie, or he tastes good. Jake allows this and actually seems to enjoy it. See above.

And then he'll get up, wait until she is lying in the grass all comfy, and attack. I laugh a lot.

Happy Father's Day to all. My dad has been gone 31 years, and I still miss him. He taught me a great deal, and I will be eternally grateful for our time together.
Linda

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Jake Revisited

The boy in the backyard

It has been suggested, repeatedly, by a dog mom friend that I have Jake professionally groomed. She thinks he needs to be shaved and put into some type of Schnauzer cut. Uh huh.

Who knows what his DNA is. I don't care. I happen to think that his scruffy fur matches his personality. He is still a puppy. I'll never know exactly how old he is. The vet seems to feel he is around 18 months. I'm thinking younger, and the pet sitter agrees with me. Again, it doesn't matter.

Jake has been with us for almost 6 weeks now. This is 6 weeks of good nutrition, being combed and bathed, getting lots of love. We walk every day, go to the dog park whenever possible, and have plenty of interaction with Gracie. His coat has filled in and is growing longer. Perhaps someone had tried to trim him at home before he became a stray. The fur on his back was extremely wiry when I adopted him, and now is getting softer.

He is one happy little guy. We love him a lot.
Linda

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Rain and Flowers




Our last day of vacation in the South Carolina, it rained. The day wasn't a complete washout, but there was enough moisture to add the drops to the flowers in the gardens. Due to the overcast skies, the colors were rich and vibrant. These images were taken at Boone Hall Plantation.

I was reminded of that fact today, sitting out front of my house under the overhang by the door, watching the rain fall on my own garden. Need to get the camera out and take some shots. We needed the rain. But, dang, there was no walk for the two four legged guys that live with me, and they are literally driving me nuts. "We're bored, mom!" Get over it. Go bite your sister on the leg, get a chase going. But no, not today. The dogs are just as dependent on that 90 minutes of exercise in the mornings as I am. We all miss it.

Thanks for stopping by.
Linda

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Back to Biltmore

View of the mountains from Biltmore terrace

Part of the north side of the house

Gazebo

At the garden pools looking back to the house
It is so sweet that you can look back at photographs from vacation and remember how great it was. Although it was over a month ago, I still feel the sense of adventure and wonderment at how this magnificent house was built.

If you ever get a chance to visit Asheville, NC, please take a day to tour Biltmore. Very enjoyable.

Our weather has cooled considerably, so I'm heading out to once again shovel mulch and place it around plants and trees. Enjoy yourselves, no matter what it is you do today.
Linda

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Lazy Summer Days

Petunias in the back yard planter
Life is not always fair or just. Things happen. These are truths that I know from my 63 years on this earth, and although it can sometimes hurt, you have no choice but to accept them. It is days (and weeks) like this that I am thankful for my dogs to hug, my friends to talk to. And the beauty of nature. I can always step outside my doors and see that beauty in bloom, all summer long.

Have a restful weekend.
Linda

Friday, June 10, 2011

Amusing




Playtime is almost a constant thing in our house now. But Gracie, smart little Aussie that she is, has found out that the best way to avoid mom is to play with Jake. Like when I pull out the shedding rake and comb. Gracie hates to be combed, no matter what you use. I can understand the Furminator, because it can be a little rough, but the shedding rake is a wide toothed steel comb that gently releases the undercoat. Doesn't matter. The Diva hates it.

So when I pull the implements of torture (in her eyes) out of the basket and head for the deck, she will go out with me, but immediately engages her brother in play. Mom is patient. I wait them out. They will play hard, chasing one another, rolling around for about 5 minutes. Then it's a short break.

Today I got a pile of undercoat out of her. For those not familiar with Aussie's coats, this is like the finest angora. Very light. I had a pretty good size pile that I laid down next to the deck, and Jake took off with it. Fur everywhere, had to pull a bunch of it out of his mouth. Sigh.

Jake loves to be combed. So far, Jake loves everything about me, Gracie, and this home. Life is very good.
Linda

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

On being a dog mom



Jake does not like my camera. I imagine it looks imposing, this big, black thingy pointing at him. Who knows? Perhaps someone terrorized the little guy with a gun, and he associates the camera with that memory. So to get any decent pics of Jake, I have to be sneaky.

Gracie, on the other hand, has had her photo taken since she was 5 weeks old. She is so used to it by now, I swear she will actually primp up, knowing she wants to look her best for the blog. But she is an Aussie. And female. Need I say more?

The dogs get along great about 95% of the time. Sometimes we play too rough. Sometimes we get a little too aggravated with our sibling. And sometimes we forget who was here first. Gracie no longer rules as the Diva Princess of Avon. There is a lot more give and take on her part. I think once Jake learns some more manners, it will all even out. But whatever problems I have encountered are nothing compared to the sheer joy I see on the two dog faces as they play.

I wouldn't give Jake up for anything. We love him a lot.
Linda

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

I want....

From a private garden in the historic district, Charleston SC


One of the famous homes in Charleston

Folly Beach, SC early morning
I want a lot of things, but today I want some ocean breezes or downright winds coming in my back door. After the winter months we endured here in central Indiana, I don't really want to complain about the heat and humidity. Because, truth be told, I prefer the heat to the cold, snow, and ice.

I look at the photos I took in the Carolinas and I long to go back. But then logic sets in: hmmmm, June in Charleston, SC. How hot is that? Blazing, I'm sure. So we'll just stay here, walking early in the morning to avoid the heat, and lower the blinds to block the sun from the windows.

But wouldn't it be nice?
Linda

Friday, June 3, 2011

Sigh

Did you ever have one of those weeks? This has been mine. There is no excuse for not posting except I have been dragging all week long. Due to the holiday, I picked up extra hours at work. That is a good thing, every once in awhile. The bad thing is for some strange reason, my energy level just bottomed out. To the point, the dogs and I took a few afternoon naps this week. I hate that. I hate being that tired that I just lay down and pass out for an hour.

We did go sheep herding on Wednesday, and Jake spent a day at doggie day care. He did quite well. He is a sweet dog that still has a lot of puppy in him. Of course I will never know how old he is exactly, the vet can only guess. But compared to how Gracie was at a year, yeah, he is still puppy.

So far, Jake likes to rearrange the bed, move carpets, and chew potatoes. I put the potatoes up, so that problem is solved. The rugs are another issue. But just to put things in perspective, this is what Gracie did at age 9 months, in the space of 90 minutes while I was exercising outside the house: removed a quilt from my bed, removed the top sheet, chewed through the bottom sheet to get to the foam topper, pull said foam topper up through that hole she had made, and shred the foam all over the bedroom.

Now I know that they should be crated while I am gone. However. Gracie is now an adult and beyond that type of destruction, and Jake is a handful when I attempt to place him in the one crate I own. You must remember, this dog spent 5 weeks in a kennel at the shelter. I do believe in crate training for dogs when they are young pups. But I also think that we are in the adjustment period for Jake, and that the crate is a last resort. Lots of exercise will help, and believe me, he gets that.

Life with dogs. Sigh.
Linda