Happy New Year!

Griz is the perfect Puppy Portrait to end the year. She has already seen 13 of them come and go and can't wait to see what 2009 has in store.

You Go Grizzy Girl!

Bad Dog

A bad hair day you might be thinking, but actually “Bad Dog” is quite famous. He needs to keep his identity under check. His person is an accomplished writer and he is an important team member on her blog. He does have a name but prefers “Bad Dog” to keep up appearances. He wouldn’t want you to know that he is a big lover boy and a terrific hiking/snow shoe companion. Don’t worry, Bad Dog, your secret is safe with me.

Canine Cousins

It may take a village to raise children but I know for a fact that it takes at least my immediate family to get more than one dog to sit, stay and smile. I suppose smile is a bit much to ask, I usually settle for the sit and stay part.


These handsome fellows are Ruby and Rusty's Canine Cousins. They each have a story to tell; Jack on the left came from a home that didn't want him anymore, Big Toby has hip problems, said to be so severe that the vet advised my brother to put him down when he was only 3 months old. I wish that vet could see him jump, hunt and play now that he is 6 years old. And Chewy, the result of creative breeding with loads of love to give came from the local shelter.

Miss Zoey is our niece's "child". She has loads of personality and a face her family loves!

Christmas Traditions

We have a family tradition of getting together for either Christmas breakfast or dinner, whatever fits every one's life at the time. Part of the tradition is a family photo. The one you see here is the latest and the 28th installment. We started including our dogs in 1998 because we consider them part of our family and they also provide the day's entertainment.

This is the photo that started it all. It was 1981 and Sean was 9 months old.
In 1983 Jessica was added to the family.

This picture was taken in 1993 and is significant because it is the last one with my Dad.

It started as a whim but has become a way for us to capture the moment and have a means to savor each Christmas Season we share.

SHE WEARS OVERALLS

If you have read my comments you have discovered I have a friend that wears overalls. It is really not unusual, many of us do, especially those of us that spend a good amount of time working in the soil, getting our clothes and hands dirty. This particular friend is also my Master Gardener mentor. I had never heard of Master Gardeners until I took a gardening class and she was the teacher. I entered into the Program as soon as I could and did many of my apprentice hours working with and learning from Ms. Overalls. If you have ever had the opportunity to drive down State Street in Murray or walk along the Murray section of the Jordan Parkway, or be lucky enough to enjoy the many flower gardens in Murray Park you have seen her work. It is her job but it is also her passion to design and plant the many colorful displays of blooming art.

Garden at the City Building and Murray Park Rose Garden

Her talents do not end in the garden; pottery, sewing, quilting, and cooking, to name a few.

Today just happens to be her birthday.

Happy Birthday dear friend and thanks for sharing so many of those talents with me.

Hand Made Table Runner and Pottery Bowl

Jud's Rusty

Meet Rusty, I know he has the same name as our dog and even had it first. When we name our pets we sometimes just can't resist the obvious. Our Rusty tricked us and turned white just so people would think we're dumb for naming a white dog Rusty. From the puzzled looks we get when we introduce him, it worked.

I have some experience photographing dogs, none for cats so I thought I would use Jud's kitty as my first. He was none too impressed so these were the best I got out of several.

I can't blame him for having an attitude.

How would you feel if your Mom

wore Christmas Mouse Ears?

Thanks for a fun party Jud!

Sunni

This regal pup is Sunni. It is pronounced "Sunny" but her "Mom" just had to mess with us. Sunni is a rescue from a shelter and was said to be roaming the streets at this tender age until some nice man found her. I am so glad she found a home and happier still that she came to visit and was willing to put up with me and my camera.

TREAT!

"Heel, what's heel?" We never taught them so we get this view on most walks.

Most dogs are trained to respond to "COME!"

Not ours.....we yell TREAT! and get this response.
Always from Rusty, and when Ruby gets around to it.

Thanks to Wunx and Kate

I am very lucky to have two great friends that introduced me to the Blogosphere. Wunx and Kate are likely bloggers. They both are computer "geeks", a trait I envy more than I can explain. They are wonderful cooks and frequently share their efforts. Kate and Wunx also are Master Gardeners so we share the love of the outdoors and the growing season. Another shared passion is a great photo, one with perfect light that brings a smile to our faces.

Kate invented the "Friday Afternoon Club" that has manifested into many great adventures. You can check some of them out in her blog http://www.highaltitudegardening.blogspot.com/. I'm sure you will find a few future entries on this blog as well. My first ever snowshoe adventure is planned for this Friday.

Wunx has two blogs. Yes, she does have a busy life! Her first one is http://www.thewitlesswanderer.blogspot.com/. Her second is http://www.cluelesscrafter.blogspot.com/ and is dedicated to her new found love of yarn and knitting. You won't believe how accomplished she is in less than a year. To prove it check out this photo of Ruby in the coat that was custom knit just for her. She is a lucky dog!

Joining the Blogosphere

I have pictures galore to share. My friends and family found their e-mails full of pictures of the furry Ruby and Rusty and others just begging for attention. It is time for a blog to end the madness. Don't be surprised to find flowers, landscapes, and other things the lens of my camera just had to capture. The world really is a beautiful place and I just can't resist the click of a shutter.

This is Ruby and Rusty. Ruby is on the left and is a 10 year old Bichon Frise. We got her when she was just 9 weeks old and life has not been the same since. Rusty is just 2 years old and is a Rescue from Pet Samaritans. We think he is a terrier mix but know for sure he is 100% lovable.

Ruby and Rusty in competition for the most snow stuck to their noses

It could be a tie.





Great Guy and "the kids". Children he said he would rather not have, now can not live without.