And BAM...Summery Spring has arrived...

Almost all of the trees are leafed out by now. The undergrowth of the forest which includes Barberry bushes, Honeysuckle, Raspberry, Gooseberry, and other prickly things all are in blossom or getting ready to blossom.

The grass and weeds in the Meadow have sprung to life this past week. The yard grass has a life of its own seeming to grow inches each night.

Our friend Jason came out for Mother's Day with his fluff balls...

his intent was to give me time to do what I wanted on Mother's Day.

This next series of shots is from my morning out in the forest. The last shot is of one of my favorite trees that flowers. The Hawthorne tree. The flower buds still weren't quite open. I was able to spend a little more time by this tree to discover that there were six or seven little ones growing under the forest canopy.

Color me happy.

Whoops...an Allosaurus???

Jason had come to give me coverage for Rich on Monday night. Olive's Track Team had a Conference Meet at their home field and I had volunteered to come and photograph the kids doing their things.

It also meant that Rich had to be comfortable enough with Jason to allow him to help him undress and put him to bed. Rich and Jason said they had it covered and off I went.

I donate my time and the photos. I give Olive the shots and she hands them off to the Head Coach who lets the kids have their photos. 
The last time I did this the Head Coach received feedback from the students. They asked to have my name and wanted to know how much I charged. 

I had set up the ground rules ahead of time.

I remain anonymous and they get their shots.

I did get to see a few students that I'd seen the last time I'd done this. Six hours of running about on a hot spring night 'shooting' action shots was pretty fun.

My favorite event to photo is the hurdles. I only tried them one time myself, but never quite got the hang of it.

The meet went on until after dark so the 'shooting' got a bit trickier as the night went on. Still, I had great fun pushing the limits on my camera. Even with a high ISO and panning, I got a bit of motion blur. However, this was the last event and it sure was an exciting one.

Another coach suggested I try photographing the triple jump and pole vaulting ... along with some of the other events if I wanted more cool action.

I'm game to try it one day.

I probably pushed the boundaries of activity and sleep a bit. By Tuesday I was totally wiped out between being up long hours doing fun things, farm things, and having fun at the track.

When Shay came out for 4 hours of Respite care, I went to the upstairs bedroom and turned a fan on high and slept for most of that time.

Below. A photo from the Meadow back to the forest pasture. I'll be opening this gate and letting the gals out onto more grass for the summer.

[Taken in Infrared...well, because it is that time of the year!]

I have a lot more work to catch up on the outside and yard.

Wait. What? Its the year 25?

I went to bed at 9PM. Woke up at 10PM and stared out the window until much later, then wrestled the covers a while. Rearranged pillows. Got up, walked downstairs. Looked out the window.

The New Year didn't look any different at 2AM than it did the day before. But at least there wasn't fog.

I went back and beat my pillows up a bit and pushed around the blankets much to Charlie's disdain and sighs. He sleeps on a corner of the bed in his own little nest.

Welcome 2025 your start sucked.

By 4AM I made decafe coffee and decided to go through my files for December and back up other photo files.

Delete 
Keep
Hmm
Delete...and so forth.

By 5AM I got up and started stretching. Either a pressure system was moving through or suddenly I aged a gazillion years over night. Everything hurt from head to toe.

Maybe I'd just skip 2025 all together. 

Charlie watched me sleepily and went to his nest on the couch. Big help he was!

I thought I'd check into my mileage for the year of 2024. I was surprised. I did reach a pretty cool milestone. 1,070 miles hiked since January 1st 2024. I had no intention of reaching any goal other than just having fun keeping track.

Maybe I'd better get my oil checked for this year.

After another morning walk and some other Mobility work, my body felt much better.

So I guess 2025 may not be so bad after all.

I think I'll go do some Loopy Yarn work today and perhaps a nap.

Happy New Year Day.

A shot from last year. 

I'm not ready to be

nice yet.

After the circus came, I was tired. I was exhausted and woke up with what felt like fire and glass in my throat.
Imagine that? For 3 days my throat raged against me with intense pain. I put on a mask and drank tea to help calm the shards of glass in my throat.

I spent most of the day napping in the upstairs bedroom. I napped and I read. I did chores and made meals but tried to stay away from the other half.

I had no fever, no cough, and only a slightly stuffed up nose. 

By yesterday, I felt un-tired enough to get some groceries and take Charlie to his vet appointment. I was nice at the vet's office. Charlie had some blood drawn and his toenails clipped [I hate that job!]. 

I warned them that he would be vocal about the whole thing.

Oh and he was vocal, he has a yodel-ish voice to express his displeasure when he is removed from the same room I am in. For such a tiny dog, he has a big voice.

The vet brought him me and told me that the whole time they were with him, he was wagging his tail [I think she thought I may have worried about all the noise he made]. 

I laughed and explained that he got like that when I stop and get out of the car to fill it with gas. Usually, it only lasted about two minutes. I imagine it is a separation thing?

Charlie is now considered to be a late middle aged dog who is in great physical shape. Doc told me he was nicely muscled up!

I'm coming out of the Grumpy -- I feel Icky Stage and becoming more human again. Just in time for another group of visitors for this weekend. 
I don't know if they will come tomorrow or not. As usual, we haven't heard a word about their plans.

Me as a Grumpy Person:

Good news also. We've been seeing a lot of bluebirds!

This morning we woke up to the predicted snow fall. We may have gotten about two inches so far so we are happy with the moisture and happy it isn't a blizzard.

I'm going to work more on my being nice. I can't walk around with a fierce Grumpy Face too long. My mom once told me, my face would freeze like that if I did it too long.....

Lighten Up

This bear looked how I felt

yesterday!

In some ways this has been a real rough week. 

What a start though! Fantastic mornings, runs, glorious rides, and bicycling along with the usual mundane but necessary things.

My house became spotless.

Ever Anger-Clean? Or Stress-Clean?

I did that! Charlie hid on the porch and tried to bury himself under the rugs and blankets I tossed outside to hang in the sun.

The smell of vinegar and furniture spray permeated the living room.

I'm a CareGiver. Some days my giving takes its toll in trying to make another person understand things.

Sometimes I am met with an attitude of a 3 year old.

It goes with the territory.

Up and down.

I got frustrated. And sometimes when I get frustrated and don't have a way to release it. Well.

I keep it quiet because yelling and throwing things don't really work.

I shrug. 

Finally I finished my daily chores and skipped my work out. It didn't suit me to do it.

I attached Charlie's collar to him and we skipped out the door. I jammed some toy Dinosaur skeletons in my bag that I'd ordered. My intent is to share the bag of dinosaurs with my Grandson. I get to play with them first.

I almost left them behind because I was still in that bad place.

I got the 90 questions. Where are you going? When will you be back? What's for supper? What do you have in your bag? Are you taking Charlie? Does he have his collar? I can't find anything to watch. Do you have your phone?

Where ARE you going? Why?...

Wow.

I stomped ahead and got through the first pasture gate before I felt like I could suddenly breath again. Charlie trotted ahead of me while I monkeyed around with my old Olympus Camera. Parts of it are having a slow death. Aperture and Shutter keep flicking back and forth as if the tiny computer chip inside can't figure out where it wants to be. I can only use it on Program or Manual. 

Now the LCD monitor is having its fits. Sometimes it is so dull I can't see to use it. I switch to the EVF and everything looks great. However, I rather like using the monitor, especially while doing low to the ground shots. 

I give it this...the camera is a 2012 model. It has put up with my extreme abuse for 8 years.

I finally got the EVF to work properly and then just stuck it back in the bag. I wasn't going to mess with it much. 

I'd brought the little Red Tough Camera.

When I reached our destination: The Creek, my phone gave off an alarm letting me know I was literally in a Dead Zone.

Perfect.

Charlie and I wandered up to our favorite spot and I sat down on a rock.

The water rolled over the rocks and we were in a deep green lush forest.

And like magic, I felt this dark cloud leaving my body.

Charlie hung around while I set things up and explored a bit.

I took these with my cell phone so I could send them to my youngest son and Buddy.

Then I just couldn't resist.

They are fun little toys. 

I can't name what sort of dinosaurs they are supposed to be, but as I set them up in different places I chuckled a bit.

I sat near the stream and watched Charlie wander around checking out all of the smells.

He'd stop and look over at me then continue investigating scents.

I knelt down and studied some moss on a rock.

Moss is neat. So tiny and unassuming. Yet when looked at closely the mosses are different.

The color is pretty neat too. When all else fades, the moss keeps its green colors.

When I got home I felt very relaxed. I'd found some odd fungi along with some Indian Pipes.

I was doing better.

I had an inspiration for a project while sitting on a mossy rock...

more later...

An Un-day

I woke up to a second day of incredible fog. I thought it would be fun to see what the infrared camera captured in the thick fog.
I was surprised at the amount of light I did get!

The bark of the trees actually reflected an unforeseen light back to the camera.

The green pine needles turned white in the black and white version of Fred in the morning paddock waiting for his breakfast...the yard reflected white also.

When the sun broke through just before the rain started...

the whole winter pasture and sky looked amazing!
I took a similar shot with my regular camera and it did not pick up the sky detail like this did.

The rest of the day was dreary and grey with about 1/2 an inch of rain.

Neither Rich or I slept well the night before so we took naps. I don't often do that, but Charlie convinced me that taking a day nap while reading a book with him cuddled on my legs would be perfect.

When I woke, I really wasn't in the mood to do anything at all and the day was still quite dreary. I decided to let my list of to - do's wait another day while I took a day off.

I think my mistake the night before was reading an article about a doctor in Chicago and his account of putting people on ventilators. Of trying to calm them, to suit up and do so many procedures each night. And then watch them on monitors as they respond or don't.
The story was sobering and gut punching. Just the sort of thing I like to read.

But I shouldn't...not ever...ever read something like that before going to bed.
I didn't sleep and when I did it was fitful with dreams of breathing machines and doctors with face masks...
of never being able to touch or hug someone again if they got sick.

Of how this virus has de-humanized us in so many ways. I did finally sleep towards morning. But the night was a nightmare.
I finally found a good book and dove into it until my eyes were too heavy.

Tomorrow is another day.

Charlie is on to something

Napping is good for catching up on lost sleep from lots of pain for several days.
The day of the extraction, I fell asleep with Charlie on my legs while I read a book.

By the way, Charlie is now starting to 'ask' to go outside for potty time. Amazing puppy! He whines at the porch door or if he is 'gated' in the kitchen he whines at the gate and then at a person and trots to the gate.

He is doing fantastic at 'Crate Training'. At night he knows he needs to go in rather reluctantly but he goes. He cries a few times and then settles in until he hears me get up in the morning. We have nailed down a good routine.
Potty.
Eat.
Play 15 minutes.
Potty.

Nap on my lap while I read the news and have coffee.

Yesterday we visited MIL in the nursing home. I was pretty excited, she is getting a new medication dispenser that basically won't allow her to take her meds at the wrong time and cause another visit to the hospital. I encouraged her to give it a go as this was what would help her get home. She is angry about it and told us that she wants to take the meds 'her' way. I hope we can work that issue out.

The snowstorm was gathering strength when we got home. I ate some soup. Rich decided it was nap time. I grabbed a book and Charlie once again supervised a reading-nap on the couch.

The rest felt very good and I was even able to sleep all night despite two days of naps.
That is fairly unusual for me.

By 9 PM the snow was up to Charlie's chest when I let him out for the night. The HUGE snowstorm didn't really appear. Charlie's chest is about 3" off the ground.
Charlie loves the polartec fleece blanket Morris used to have for his crate. He snuggles right in.

Apparently my enthusiasm with MIL over her meds and asking her if she'd like some in Home Health assistance was not appreciated. It may be the right thing to do, but...

Let's just say that my SIL got an earful about it today. MIL perceived it as me trying to 'take over'.

Nope, I already have my hands full with my husband who had a stroke and is considered to have a very mild form of Vascular Dementia, along with other health issues.
In reality I would love to concentrate on my husband's care and have someone take care of MIL so I could visit her and spend quality time. Not time filling her timed med box and assisting her in her daily activities.

I told my husband and my SIL that we had to remember that we were dealing with a woman who was very stubborn, proud, and independent thinking. Any intrusion into her life by others was seen as a "hostile takeover". Add Cognitive Issues to that mix and it gets interesting.

Much ado, much discussion. Much angst. And there is a bit of grey area because no one really knows exactly how things will go once MIL does come home.

So Charlie did what any good pup would do.

Asked to play.

He stole one of Morris's old toys off from a crate I have in the living room and gave me this look....

The ... I am adorable and innocent look.

I started tossing toys for him and he played making me laugh.

We've missed going for our daily walks and I hope to feel better soon so we can resume them.

Last thought. Elderly parents often do resent getting help from their kids or relatives and take it out on them. In their minds everyone is trying to 'take over' their lives and take away independence. I get that.

I hope I can avoid this very thing.

But Charlie keeps us smiling and laughing. And that is the best medicine, right?

It's Time ~by Morris

I looked up at her as she came in from her last 'exploration'. She put away her camera bag and strode over to the couch where I was laying to check on me.

"How are you doing buddy?"

I am always her buddy. I am always her pal.

Her hands gently caressed my fur.
I tried to tell her that I really didn't feel good. She stood up and walked to my feed bowl. It was still full.
I admit it. The new food she got was awesome and I am a glutton. I loved the soft food, special diet food she had told me. Just for me!

Special indeed. However. I had no interest in food. I barely even wanted water. I had this thing that took over me and made me shake. SHE called it pain. I called it 'nasty'. I shut my eyes and went back to sleep.
How awful. I used to spin, bark, and jump, at the mere idea of going on a hike with her.
Who would watch over her now?
Dixie? 
Well.
I guess.
I can at least say that Dixie does pay such close attention to her every move.

My ears are quiet. Seems I can't hear much. My eyes seem dim. I'm afraid to get off the couch.
My...something hurts. I shake.

She picks me up. How did it get to be so dark outside? What did time do?
She takes me outside. She doesn't yell at me for trying to pee on the porch post.

I sense she is sad.
I walk slowly past her into the house.

I unable to drink. I can't find the water. She shows me, even puts some in a syringe and puts it down my throat.
I urp on her.
I'm so tired. Just let me go to sleep.

She must figure it out. She says something about it being the middle of the night and she picks me gently up and sets me on the couch. She covers me with warm blankets and holds me until I sleep.

In my dreams, I run and jump. Badger is there. I want to ride on Badger with her! We ride together through the woods. I am in the passenger seat in a snow storm. I MUST guide her through the storm. Okay, I had no idea how to do that so I took a nap. I eat frozen mule poop. She yells ICKY! I run.
There are kids. Lots of kids. They pass through my dreams and I follow them on adventures. Always adventures. So many adventures. Floods, storms, fireflies, barking at dangerous things, walking with kids, sledding, the creek, always to the beautiful creek.

There is light and She and He are looking at me. I can't raise my head, I squint my eyes. She lifts my foot and holds it. I don't have the strength to pull it away. I normally pull it away and jump up. 

"I am tired" I tell Her. So tired, so much pain. I just want to sleep. 
It is time.

RIP, Mr. Morris. We had fourteen years of adventures together. My life will always be better and more enriched because of you.

Just

This ... today.

Chillin' Time

It has been a bit since I've had some solo time.
Last night I returned Siera, Fred, and Sunshine to the large meadow. I had intended on going riding last evening.

Good intentions get ruined by unexpected thunderstorms with a lot of lightening.
It was probably a good thing though, we ended up going to bed a bit early and I slept through the booming and crashing around us.

The other night when we watched a storm come slowly in from the porch the girls and I were amazed with the show of 'fireworks' in the sky.

I had the tiniest of urges to set up a tripod on the porch and do some photography but the thought fleeted through my brain and went out my ear.

I was tired and sleep sounded much better than watching the skies.

Tonight and tomorrow night there is a chance that we could see the Northern Lights. I may have to take a rest so I can check that out.

Today? I'm thinking it could be a nice quiet hiking type of day. Yesterday was spent cleaning up the gardens and weeding them.

However, we had a huge supper of good things. Fresh beets, lettuce, turnips, leftover carrots and green beans, onions, peppers, and pork steak.

I pulled my very first baby carrot out of the ground yesterday. I think our carrots will do nicely now that I think I have figured out how to grow them in our soil!

Well, off to do chores alone which will feel strange this morning.

How the Grinch was stopped by Morris the guard dog.

The Terrible Grinch was Grouchy. She hadn't had a good night's sleep because of the big snow storm.
Oh the snow wasn't bad, finding out that one of her co workers had started her car and then left with her keys in his pocket probably made the bad night much worse.

After only a few hours of sleep Miss Grinch woke up and discovered that the beautiful white snow was still coming down and by night fall it was supposed to be super frigid. Like -12 frigid.

Miss Grinch decided that instead of placing all of the nice gifts under the Christmas Chair she'd get them ready for the Christmas visit next week.

However she had an evil thought.

Perhaps she should just hide them.

If she stuffed them in a paper bag and hid them well, no one would get their Christmas gifts.

She chortled and chuckled.

Naughty Miss Grinch.
She thought she should be ashamed of herself but she was oddly pleased.

Hide the gifts!
Whoops, she forgot her boots. So off ran Miss Grinch to grab her chore boots and think of where to cleverly hide gifts.

And as she took off...

...thinking she was being wicked and wise...

...she was stopped by Morris.

Morris even made her put everything back.

Morris, the dog who saved Christmas from the Grouchy Miss Grinch.

Starry Night

On our drive back from canoeing Miss Lily fell asleep in the car. I suggested she take a nap before we try riding our mules.

She slept until nearly 8pm. Wow, she was tired! We ate supper and made out her school list of supplies so we could go shopping to get them this afternoon. 

We sat at the table after eating and played word games and spelling games. Gramps went to bed and Lily wanted to look at the stars. We took the smartie-phone out and used the Google Skymap to find Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and a couple of constellations.

I had set a rug down on the concrete floor of the porch. Lily, Morris, and I had pillows and a blanket. We snuggled down on top of the rug and talked about stars and...stuff. Nothing important stuff, just stuff.

Lily wanted to see the Milky Way appear so we got quiet and waited for the moon to set.

Lily gasped in delight as we saw a shooting star. And cooed in delight as the Milky Way indeed began to appear after the moon had set.

An owl called. Another answered. The mules snorted in the pasture. A coyote barked in the distance.

Soon we were sound asleep. The dog, the kid, and the old lady.

I woke her up as this old body can't sleep on concrete too long before it gets a bit uncomfortable.

And that was our Starry Night Adventure.