November Sun
November 11, 2009
“The thinnest yellow light of November is more warming and exhilarating than any wine they tell of. The mite which November contributes becomes equal in value to the bounty of July.”
~ Henry David Thoreau
With one of the coldest and wettest summers now behind us, Mother Nature has decided a small dosing of sun may be in order. This past week has been glorious, especially being that it is November.
The dogs and I have been making up for lost walks and have been out and about under the blue of the sky, trying to take in as many of the sun’s rays as possible. With the ground now dry, most of our walks are taking place behind our house… on the dike at the far end of the field.
The entrance to the field is just a short jaunt to the end of our block. I love the long shadows of this time of year and how the sky just seems to open up and welcome us.
At the far side of the field there is an elevated dike kept somewhat groomed (not sure by who) for walking. The rest of the ambiance is as natural as any a prairie field with each season offering its own unique colour scheme.
Lately, while walking, I have been a little startled by some noted tell tale signs of man. Surveying posts now dot the path, every 50 feet or so. And out of no where, one day there appeared a bench… cemented in, no-less. I have to wonder… what is up with that!
It looks like changes are coming to our little prairie out back… not quite sure on my feelings about that.
Anyway.. right now this place is my and the dogs own little piece of Manitoba paradise and we love it, especially in this late autumn sun. The dogs are happy to tear through the grass, so many smells to explore. I am happy to feel warmth on my face… mitts come off, jacket zippers come undone.
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After our walks it has been too nice to head indoors so I grab a book, a coffee and head out back to my favourite bench to read and bask in the November sun. Coco finds his own comfy spot near by.
Every once in awhile we both look up to watch Sadie as she runs on by.
Where, oh where, does she get all that energy. :-)
and so it goes
August 24, 2009
It’s early… only 7:00 AM. As I sit at the computer with my morning coffee, Coco sits on my lap, his ears pressed back, his entire body trembling. Out of the corner of my eye and out the window to the left I see a flash of light fracture the dark sky… followed almost immediately by a thunderous crack. Coco’s body vibrates in response, his sad eyes questioning mine. I hold him close and whisper, “it’s only thunder… you’re ok.”
Another flash lights the sky. Another loud crack shakes the house. The rain begins and falls in sheets against the window. Coco trembles while Sadie slumbers at my feet.
Another moody Manitoba Monday.
Another rainy summers day… seeming to be our norm this year.
 rain drops on lilies rain drops on poppies |
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Ah… but not so yesterday.
Yesterday was a fleeting but generous reminder of what our summers can be like. Blue skies with a gentle breeze. Warmth.
The perfect day to finally get some gardening in. The only thing being that we have somehow already arrived at the time of year when the lettuce is done, and straggly remaining peas are close behind. The time of pulling is here.
“How can this be”, I heard myself say, for part of me is still in waiting mode for the summer that seems not to be. Time for acceptance, I suppose. Hopes for a long and extended fall are now in the works… an Indian Summer would be most welcomed.
The days are already noticeably shorter. By 9:00 last evening, the sun had set.
Still early in the night-time scheme of things, and with no moon visible to cast a glow, the dark blue sky stretched to the horizon with lighter tones reaching to the west. Two bright stars peeked out from the dark. One in the east (not blinking.. could it be a planet) and one almost directly over head and slightly to the north.
I love warm summer evenings. I love them even more this time of year when the sun has set, leaving the trees shimmering and taking on a golden hue under the hovering street lights. The perfect time to walk. And that is what we did. I grabbed the dog’s leashes and off we went.
Still early, the street was very much alive. A couple of times the dogs and I were caught off guard as a small gaggle of kids zoomed on by … some on bikes, one on a scooter. Their voices and laughter carried by the night air.
More than once we found we had to shift our path to the side of the street to let by a passing car.. radio blaring, turned up high. The teenage hours I assumed.
But for the most part it was a quiet stroll reminding me of how much I love these late evening walks. The sounds of summer still there, but with the crickets starting to build their chorus.
By the time we arrived back to our yard, the night sky was alive and dancing with stars.. so lovely and not witnessed enough this year.
More rain had been predicted for today… and looks like once more, they are on the money. But at least we had yesterday.. and last night.
A Good Day
August 5, 2009
‘Twas a busy day yesterday. It started our with loading both dogs into the car for a trip to the V-E-T. Yup.. Sadie and Coco. Coco for his ear check and Sadie to have a leg check.
Not sure of any specific incident, but two days ago I noticed Sadie with an on again, off again limp. As you may imagine I felt sick at the sight. Her torn ligament injury last fall took a good six months to heal. My first thought when I saw the hind left leg carried high was that she had somehow re-injured it.
Happily the Vet only had good news for the three of us. Coco’s ears have been cleared and no more antibiotics are required. Yay! It’s back to his regular food today… we’ll see what he thinks about that. :-)
Sadie’s knee is swollen but the joint is stable.. nothing a week of restricted activity and some anti-inflammatories won’t heal. Double Yay!!
The plan for the afternoon involved me babysitting Zach for a couple of hours, but a set of mistakenly taken car keys kind of kyboshed that, so some time spent visiting happened instead.
Have to stick this next photo in here. Must respect the equal time and opportunity clause of being a Grandma. :-)
This was taken this past Sunday. Finally a warm summers day.. finally time for some fun in the sun.
What a wonderful age these two are at!! :-)
Now back to yesterday… the evening plan involved me and Mom. Every August Winnipeg puts on this most amazing cultural event called Folklorama, a two week festival involving approximately 40 different pavilions, each representing a different country. When Mom was younger, she and her friends used to hop from pavilion to pavilion, sometimes with grandkids in tow.
Now, at 87, her days are long and I suspect lonely. With her eyesight being what it is, she no longer gets out that much. But yesterday we decided to give it a go and the two of us headed out to one of the more popular attractions, the Celtic Ireland Pavilion.
Mom is increasingly frail and uses a walker to ambulate. I worried some about the logistics of maneuvering through what I knew would be a busy place.. but as it turned out, my worries where for not. Handicapped parking was available and those with disabilities where ushered in before the long line of waiting patrons. A practically front row seat for the show was then made available. It couldn’t have turned out any better.
We had an absolutely marvelous time. The food included classic Irish homestyle pub fare such as meat pies, soda bread, bangers and apple crisp topped off with a cream topped cup of Irish coffee.
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The stage show by the Brady Academy Irish Dancers and the local fiddling sensation Sierra Noble took our breath away and left us wanting more.
We so enjoyed ourselves that another pavilion or two may just be in the works.
Finally July… pinch me
July 5, 2009
Finally July… time to pinch myself and remember to savor the light and the sun. July and August seem to be the months so often dreamed about in the cold of the winter… the summertime so longed for.
Well… they are here and heaven forbid that they slip on by, simply lost in the business of every day life. Time to slow the pace just a little and take a minute of each day to embrace all that is summer.
Our spring was wet and cold… but the past couple of weeks have been grand. Not as hot as some may have wished for, but plenty warm enough for t-shirts and shorts. For whatever reason, the North Wind is still hanging about, but I tend to appreciate the relief it brings to the heat of the day and the cool breeze it offers at night.
Lots of grandkid stuff happening this summer. My ‘big grandkids’, Cynni and Chris, both graduated from grade 12 this June. Way to go you guys!!!
Both are planning visits to Winnipeg this summer, Cynni in August and Chris next week. Ask me if I am excited!!
I look at them and feel such pride, but again have to wonder at the fleetingness of time. “Gotta find a way to slow this all down,” I think to myself.
Lots of lovely days avail themselves… perfect for long walks with my two best walking buds, Sadie and Coco. Sadie’s injury now seems to be a thing of the past and all limitations to activity are history, although I do find myself discouraging any sudden bursts of speed… more for my peace of mind than anything else. The risk of a re-injury weighs heavy… so I am cautious.
Coco, poor little guy, has had a bit of a rough couple of months, plagued with ear infections and stomach problems. The stomach issues seem to be resolved but the ear infections still daunt us. I found more awful looking gunk in his ear yesterday (sorry for being graphic) … so it is another trip to the v-e-t for tomorrow. *sigh*.
Not that any of this seems to get him down. He is still as ready for a good walk and a good time as he ever was. Dogs are such stoic creatures. Again my dogs teach me. :-)
My work will continue to consume much of July but this is the time of the year when I appreciate working the evening shift. The mornings and early afternoons are mine. Lots of summer time for my garden and simply being outdoors.
I do have vacation time to look forward to… happening near the end of July and including three weeks in August. Yay!!!!
Yes… much to look forward to…and much to embrace. Must remember to do that… the embracing part, I mean.
Just a good day all around
March 8, 2009
Finally into March and my heart can’t help but feel a little lighter. Not yet warmer… but we are definitely on the down hill slope as far as spring goes.
Yesterday it was cold, –20C, but the wind was still and the sun just that much higher and resting a bit warmer on my face.
This past week our Vet gave Sadie the green light to increase her activity. Hard to believe that it has been close to six months since her injury. Dr. Karen had only good things to say about her progress and gave the impression that the big thing now will be to maintain muscle mass to protect from further injury and to maintain mobility.
The sunshine was a calling and deciding that maybe today should be the day, I loaded the dogs into the car and headed off to the dog park… the first time in six months.
Dogs have way better memories than we give them credit for. As soon as we turned into the drive into the park, both Sadie and Coco were at attention… heads up, tails up, their entire bodies quivering with excitement.
Being Saturday, the park was busy with people and dogs. It felt so good to be back. I opened the door and the dogs practically flew as they leaped to their freedom, noses already twitching before they even hit the ground. Happy days!
The canine welcoming committee was there to meet and greet.
The park is an absolutely fabulous place to walk in the winter. The creek beds are all frozen and covered with walking paths. The walking is easy. The scenery is wonderful.
We spent a good hour walking and visiting with other dogs and their owners. Sadie managed well. I saw no signs that her injury was bothering her. All I saw was a very very happy dog… two happy dogs actually. :-) I must admit.. I was feeling happy and free myself.
And then, just to make the day more perfect, I was able to put in some ‘Birdie time’.
Oh my goodness… but that little one makes me smile. Not even four months old and she is a mover and a groover. Not to mention, a horseback rider.
I really must work on less chatter while making videos. :-)
Murphy’s Law.. the canine version
February 27, 2009
you know… the adage that states "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong."
The beginning of the month started out wet and warm, admittedly quite unusual for Manitoba.
A rain storm in February.. who would have guessed. Anyway (trying to make a long story short) the place (referring to Manitoba here) was a mess…. mushy, icy, sloppy, and wet, wet, wet. Sadie and Coco, both wearing their winter coats, were quickly matted and dirty.
A dilemma of sorts arose. I had already booked a grooming appointment for Coco.. should I take Sadie in as well and get both of them clipped with their spring coats??
The warm weather continued. The dogs got scruffier. My house got messier.
"Take it off", I said to the groomer, "Sadie too".
What was I thinking!
Today it is -33C (not counting the windchill).
+Sigh+
Sadie doesn’t seem to mind so much. She’ll go out in any type of weather. But my little Coco isn’t so happy. It’s sweater and boots time for him.. and out only when necessary. Otherwise its under the afghan, thank you very much.
Warmer days are once more predicted for next week. Fingers and paws are crossed.
Bear’s Winter Adventure
January 21, 2009
Bear is an indoor cat for the most part, especially in the winter. Today was mild, no wind. He ventured out for the first time since the snow arrived. He actually made it all the way to the back of the yard and to his favourite spot… in amongst the trees under the bird feeder. Cold wet paws quickly dampened the adventure.
Coco: “What the heck are you doing out here??”
Bear: “Can you show me the way to go home??”
a picture story
October 6, 2008
Looking at the clouds this afternoon, it seems to me that rain is surely the-word-of-the-day with grey being the designated colour.
Earlier in the week this was so not the case. Lately many of our fall days have been the kind that have poets reaching for their pens. Much of my time has been spent out in the yard putting my garden to bed and just dilly-dallying about, often with camera in hand.
Unbenounced to me, on this particular afternoon, it was Roland who sensed a photo op.
Not visible in this picture, Bear is in his favoured spot, in amongst the trees. I, forever trying to get the perfect picture, proned myself on the grass. After taking a few shots, and feeling quite comfortable, I took my time going over the captured photos on the camera LCD screen. Coco, never one to turn down comfort, took this opportunity to get up close and personal. Thus the photo.
This one shows Bear in his spot.
Roland’s capture had me smile.
a good week
September 21, 2008
It has been a good week and because I am now enjoying 4 days off.. it is an even better weekend. :-)
Lots of photo opportunities these past few days, so I am thinking that I will share some of my favourites.
This past Friday my niece and her most darling little girl dropped over for a visit. They are in town visiting from Vancouver. Little MissA is the sweetest little thing.
She and Sadie are best friends.
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After a cold and wet summer, September has been gracing us with some lovely fall days. Yesterday started out on the chilly side, but the sun was shining and the winds calm. Two friends and I met at Birds Hill park for a combo dog-walk-photo-shoot.
Sadly, I had to leave Sadie at home. With her bad knee there is no way she could do the walk. Roland said she cried after Coco and I left. I am still feeling bad about that.
Coco, on the other hand, was thrilled at the opportunity to be out and about. He may be small but he is a great little hiker.
Birds Hill park is a provincial park just a stones throw down the highway from Winnipeg, and a mere 15 minutes from my front door.
Surprisingly the trees are still quite green, no dramatic change in colour as yet.. but there are hints and spurts of reds and yellows here and there. Hard to believe that tomorrow we will celebrate the autumnal equinox.
I love the fall.
Of all the seasons it seems to me that fall, and all that it promises, is perhaps the perfect time to practice the art of mindfulness.. embracing the moment and letting go of the past and the future. I hope to give it a go.
A ( Kuranda ) Bed Time Story
August 12, 2008
I had heard of the Kuranda dog beds some time ago but had tucked the info away in the back of my mind listed under things to investigate later. Then last month Sadie was diagnosed with joint problems and the Kuranda beds popped up front and center. These beds with their off the floor construction are both durable and comfortable and are ideal for dogs with arthritic aliments.
I checked out the website at kuranda.com and ordered a bed that very day. I am still a little leery about ordering things online but I wanted this bed for Sadie so decided to give it a go.
Three weeks later the bed arrived. Easy to assemble, Roland had it put together in no time, and within minutes the furkids were checking it out. Now I only had one problem.. or perhaps make that two problems. Both Bear and Coco liked the bed just as much as Sadie and Sadie being the gentle soul that she is, would defer her own rights to the bed if one of the other two laid claim to it first. She would simply nudge the sleeping Coco and/or Bear on the bed, make a couple of circles and then lie down on the floor beside them.
+ Sigh +
There seemed only one solution.. a second order was placed for a second bed.. this one was to have a burgandy coloured fabric.
Like clock work, three weeks later the second bed arrived just as I was leaving for work. I left the house with the bed still in its box knowing that Roland would assemble it a little later.
That evening the first thing I checked as I walked back into the house was the new bed. There it was. But what was this? The fabric wasn’t burgundy .. it was blue! A nice dark blue, but not the colour I had ordered and not a colour that went with my new decor.
I went to bed trying to tell myself that the colour wasn’t important.. but I woke the next morning knowing that it was. I sent the Kuranda company an email explaining that I had gotten the bed but the fabric was the wrong colour.
I quickly got a response:.
So sorry Colleen. We will send you a burgundy fabric ASAP. Our office will advise how to return the blue unused fabric.
I was very pleased with the quick reply and the very positive response but I still had one small problem. The blue fabric was not exactly unused… Coco had slept on it all night.
I sent another email off:
Thank you for this. But, I feel I must tell you, the bed arrived while I was at work. My husband put it together and the dogs have already been on it. I have no problem sending you back the blue fabric.. but I just felt that I had to tell you that the blue fabric has been used.. even if only for a very short time.
Colleen
Another quick reply:
No problem Colleen, We are sending the new fabric, and no need
to return the blue one, so you’ll have a spare. Thanks for your
honesty!
Kuranda.com
Needless to say, I was now very happy as well as very impressed with this company’s generosity and good business sense.
One more email went off with a simple “Thank-you” signed Colleen, Coco and Sadie. I included this photo:
One more email came back my way:
Oh, they are lovely! I want to post them on our dog of the month page.
–please give me a sentence on how they are enjoying their bed.And we will include a luxury fleece 35×23 for the website photo.
Thanks
Kuranda.com
So there you have it.. two very comfy dogs and a wonderful Kuranda bed time story with a very happy ending.
And if you would like to see Sadie and Coco as the dog of the month at the Kuranda website just click here.
Would I recommend this company and these beds.. you bet I would.
