Hello Stella!

I have neglected this blog for years but now have a great reason for an update:  

We decided that it was time to say, 

"Hello!" to a new puppy. 

Introducing.....

STELLA!

We were told she is a Bichon Frise and Poodle mix that was 4 months old when we got her on March 14, 2014.    

The first photo is the day we got her before her first visit to the groomer.

 After the groomer.  

 Rusty and Stella

Stella has found her way into our hearts and is helping us mend from having to say goodbye to
 Ruby in January, 2013.

Spring is in the Air!

Even though it is still cold outside,

 there are buds coming out on the trees.  

Then I saw the first blooms of daffodils and forsythia this week. 

I can’t even put into words how much better the first signs of spring makes me feel.

Rusty's 4 Year Gotcha Day

It was 4 years ago today that we added Rusty to our family. 

 He makes us smile:)

Catching Up- Again

Some photos to catch up from the last time I posted.

 Swan Island Dahlia Festival in Canby, Oregon. 

 I was thrilled to be there.

 Pretty Kitty napping in the morning sunshine.

 Grapes in the Wine Country of Oregon. 

 I want to move there...at least when it isn't raining.

 This lucky dog has quite the life running free in such a beautiful place.

 Butterfly in Millcreek Canyon 

 Dahlias for my Mamacita. 

 I miss her already.

 I got permission to cut these roses for Mamacita from the Murray Park Rose Garden.  She would have loved  them.

 My Dahlia Arrangement brought home ribbons!

 These were all our entries into the Dahlia Show. 

 We won two BIG ribbons along with some others. 

 We played dress up to go to a "Bollywood Party".

And again for Octoberfest.  

 I think blonds do have more fun!

First Dahlia Bouquet

My First Dahlia Bouquet of the Season

Up Close and Personal

Lucky for me a little bee thought he'd check out the new blooms.

I tried 3 different lenses, several different settings from every possible angle of the same bouquet.
 I like them all or maybe I just love the flowers.

The name of this Dahlia is Bristol Fleck.  I love how it has some pedals that just want to be noticed.

Click on the photos for a closer look

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park was our destination for this year's exploration.  We stayed at The Big Bear Inn.  It was appealing because it served a Continental Breakfast and Dinner!  Plus, and a big plus was that it had availability on short notice.

This was a beautiful lake near Polebridge, Montana.

Big Horned Sheep looking kind of shabby after shedding their winter coats.  At least most of it.

Avalanche Lake

Mountain Goats were used to people.  This guy thought he had showed up for a photo shoot and was ready to pose. 

Road to the Sun was more of a Road to Rain for us but beautiful all the same.

My first step into Canada to see The Prince of Wales Hotel.

A peak of the lake at Rocky Point

We saw this bear and her cubs crossing the road in front of us.  I was so excited I forgot to take a photo until they were well on their way back into the trees.  I was also so excited we got to see Bears but not on the trail!

The test of true friendship is to spend basically 5 days in a car.  We passed.

Ruby's 12th Birthday

2010

Her Cake: Homemade Pumpkin Oat bran Biscuits frosted with Peanut Butter...She loved it and we loved watching her eat the peanut butter.  Everybody wins!

1998

Happy 12th Birthday to Ruby!