Posts from the ‘Front Porch Musings’ category

New days

It has been 5 months since Bear’s first TPLO surgery.

Three months before that things changed as we tried to resolve his lameness with rest.

And now, in what feels like a sudden change, we are resuming ‘normal’ activity.

I had been keeping the blinds drawn in all but the kitchen and the sliding door in the office so as to keep Bear from being tempted to jump up and see out windows.

This morning I opened everything.

The bedroom had been closed to Bear during the day. Now, it is open.

It feels like we have a new house. And it is larger and brighter!

The day cooperated by being beautiful, sunny and warm. The light, the vivid colors – everything seemed fresh and new.

We spent hours outside today. Bear had his first off leash time in 5 months. He followed me around as I did some yard work and then dug a cool spot in the dirt under a tree when I took a break and sat on the front porch.

All of that fresh air, a little more activity, a long nap and then the light of the late afternoon.

All day, it was different.

The 5 months were good months of healing and working together. It is an incredible bonding experience. I am happy we are at this point. If is surprising how it feels, though. I have been so focused on doing what we needed to do every day to progress that I never thought about what it would be like when we got here.

It is good.

New Days.

May Day Evening: Spring returns

I must confess that I did not put on shorts nor did I go barefoot yesterday but the day was sunny and warm and the evening was beautiful.

Blue sky, gold from the setting sun and a productive work day had us all out in the yard in the early evening.

Bob has mostly forgiven me for moving his outside bed away from the dryer vent and looks marginally less crabby.

And the first glacier lily…smack dab in the yard near the front porch.

May Day Evening: Spring returns!

Simple Delight

Sunday was gray with a few sun breaks here and there.

Bear and I walked, took a Jeep ride and another walk, and we all enjoyed some time outside.

I was warming up the grill to cook burgers, sitting on the front porch with a cup of tea, enjoying the sounds of the woods and the company of Bear and Bob.

The gentle happiness of this simple, quiet time with Bear and Bob bubbled up inside me and especially as I thought about the early days with Bear when all was so new that he was not comfortable relaxing in the yard. And much less comfortable, relaxing with Bob!

The word that came to my mind as I sat was delight. I love things that delight. It is more than “happy”. It is joy from the heart that brings a smile and an inside laugh at the wonderful-ness.

Simple Delight.

From the front porch

It was so beautiful this morning…quiet and 38F but it did not feel cold. There was a softness to the air that signaled another warm day.

After Bear and I had our property perimeter walk he laid down in front of the front porch to have his treat. I let Bob out with us and got myself a cup of coffee. It was a classic Spring morning with the birds singing, a soft breeze and blue sky. I took a little extra time to just sit quietly and enjoy.

I stopped working for the day about 5:30. Bear and I went out for our before supper stroll and then we repeated the morning routine:

Bear with a treat.

Bob with us.

From the front porch.

Into every life a little rain must fall

Even here in Northwest Montana…far removed from the horror of Boston and Texas, the week was disconcerting at best. I do think that there are a few silver linings – small in comparison to the loss – and not comforting to those who suffered the ultimate loss, but I was a bit heartened to read that lessons learned in Afghanistan saved lives in Boston. I dearly hope that we hear of other positives and that we get some understanding – particularly for those whose lives were changed in an instant.

Here at my home we had a little rain…a sprinkle compared to the downpour of tragedy elsewhere.

Mr. Bob had a visit to the vet for an ear thing which turned out to be an ear infection and a broken blood vessel (hematoma) that caused his poor ear to look like one of the Star Wars critter ears (Yoda).

We went to the vet on Thursday and all was lanced, flushed and medicated and we continue at home with some ointment twice a day.

It really did rain.

It is supposed to snow tonight!

Bear continues well, but the Thursday trip to the vet and gray, rainy weather gave us all the sleepies.

Despite all, Bob looks to be feeling better and although the news and ramifications of this week’s events are still to come – we are concentrating on good things: ears and legs on the mend, love in our house, love for our neighbors, friends, family – and prayers for all who lost so much.

Easter Morning

As the sun came up.

Waffles (Buckwheat-coconut!), pineapple and sausage for Easter breakfast.

An Easter Robin…first Robin I’ve seen this Spring!

A little rib roast getting ready for the oven. Dinner will be prime rib, fresh horseradish, baked sweet potato, white beans and braised greens.

It is a beautiful morning. Happy Easter!