Posts from the ‘Pets’ category

From Dawn to Dusk

Bear and I…in the Jeep…headed down the road before 7:00 a.m. this morning. I hoped to watch the moon set over the valley. I did see it, but it was very faint – obscured by clouds.

But…the road home, just before sunrise – it was beautiful and spoke of a pleasant day to come.

And it was correct!

Although my yard/woods/driveway are still some mix of dry/icy/puddly/slushy … the temperature hit 59, the air was warm and soft, a breeze blew high in the pines – it was a beautiful and pleasant day.

The workday done, Bear and I spent an hour outside, alternately exploring, sitting and enjoying, and finally walking the short loop as the setting sun turned the clouds pink, over the mountains to the east…a little bit of cloud aplenglow.

Lazy, restful weekend

From Bob…

…to me…

…to Bear.

It has been one lazy and restful weekend after a week that included several appointments in town as well as normal work and chores.

I read next to Bob, watched some streaming shows next to Bear, sat in front of the fire and did nothing.

It is warm and drippy, sometimes sunny, sometimes overcast.

Saturday, as the sun went down…

…it was both.

Snow

Less than a month of Winter left -technically… Montana “Winter” can happen any time! – and we get the heaviest snowfall of the season.

Although, yet again, it looks prettier than it really is. It was above freezing all day yesterday and last evening when the snow started falling. The bottom inches are slush…tough shovelling!

But it gave Bear a great workout as he went to and fro and round the property as I cleared the walk and some room in front of the garage and motorhome. I’ll leave the rest to Mother Nature and/or a visitation from yon neighbor and the mighty backhoe!

My ‘Mr. Beam’ lights have so far survived the Winter and their little roofs have worked well also. Both lights are still on their first set of batteries (3 C’s each) and I’m very happy with how they work.

At night, a very low sensor light comes on. As motion is detected, they come full on and cast a bright light across the driveway. These particular lights are designed to be foot path lights. I have them mounted on the trees about 5 feet above the ground to keep them clear of snow from the edges of the driveway. I’ll get more next year – some for the driveway and maybe a couple for the woods paths as well.

Snow!

Sunday

A bit of snow.

Some time with Bob and a book.

Icicles…dripping.

A walk with Bear.

Coconut almond chocolate biscotti…and a rolled out pizza crust.

A new venture…pizza on the grill! (Emile Henry pizza stone)

Supper.

On Sunday.

Seasons

This dog, Bear…I am so thankful that he is my dog. For whatever reason(s), these last several weeks, the loss of Karl has hit hard, yet again. Maybe because I came so close to losing Bear. Maybe the time I’m spending in the woods, again closer to Bear to reinforce training. Maybe just a cycle of the grief thing. I really don’t know.

It is not that I am sad. It is that suddenly, out of the blue – that Karl is not here – it feels overwhelming.

But, then Bear comes to me or I go to him…or to Bob…or I take photos and peace returns. It is maybe a season, like Winter is a season.

Winter decided to make an appearance. A little late and even later in my corner of Montana and with less ferocity than most parts of the northwest.

This evening, as all was done that needed to be done – and the light was clear – Bear ran and jumped and played in the snow. We were out several times today. It was very cold when it snowed so the snow is like sugar. The sun was out this afternoon and lit the edge of the snow covered trees forming a border of light against dark clouds over the mountains to the east.

As I watched Bear – after our play – resting and watching, snow started falling again…light, medium sized flakes, softly falling.

Happy, happy start to 2012

Bear and I…not sure about Bob…are very, very happy to be starting 2012 together. I took this photo on 12/29, approximately 24 hours after Bear’s return. A timer photo…Bear and I are in motion, but still…it is all of us, together!

Rosemary simple syrup…a new mixer for me, recipe courtesy of 101cookbooks.com, rosemary sent home with me from my folks herb garden. I’ve been mixing a wee bit in with the Yellow Tail bubbly I’ve been sipping Christmas and New Year’s. A change of pace. It smells like Christmas – a bit piney. Refreshing. Perfect for this year’s holiday.

Best wishes to all for a happy, peaceful, love-filled 2012 from Bob, Bear and me!