Old Dogs and a ROW80 Check-in

Hi folks, 

This past week Charis managed something I have failed to do in the past ten years; get the dogs to pose for a portrait. So, I want to share this with all of you. These are the guys I'm always talking about. They're old now, but old dogs have a special energy that I love. Older dogs are a true gift. So, in order of age, here they are.

Another Week Zooms By

Hi folks,

So where did this past week go? I did get a bunch of writing done, but not as much as I wanted to. We’ve had some crazy weather, but I managed to get out with the dogs to play in the woods and fields a few times.

There was also the annual search for the woollies and shopping to replace what we couldn’t find or had grown out of. (sigh… gotta get more exercise) As soon as we dug out the winter clothes, laundered and installed them in the closet then put away the summer stuff, it warmed up and rained for two days. Argh

On the bright side we are back in the cool crisp sunny fall weather that I love so much. Hmmm, I’ll soon have to think about getting the snow tires installed.

Guard Cat

Hi folks,

Well, another week has run away from me and here we are again. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving here in Canada and I do have a lot to be thankful for; I enjoy a wonderful life.

I should also mention that we are well protected from evil spirits at night by KC (Kathy’s Cat) For instance; it was clear to me this morning that, sometime in the night, an evil spirit possessed a roll of toilet paper and tried to strangle the whole sleeping family, dogs and all. However, it was obvious KC had intercepted the evil doer and dealt with the situation accordingly. I could tell by the smug look on her furry face and the shredded body of the spiritual invader.

Dog Walk Meditation

How to meditate and walk dogs at the same time.

First you pull on your dog walking togs.  Sounds easy enough, except when all four canine supervisors begin to micro manage the process at the same time.  Stress, right off the bat.  By the time the boots are on and you have attached the leashes, they’re ready go.  Out the door and down the street at a brisk march to burn off last night’s ice cream and their enthusiasm. 

The march gets you breathing deeply and rhythmically, the endorphins kick in and you feel wonderful.  Soon you arrive at a dirt road leading to an expanse of open fields and forest.  You unclip the leashes and they’re off and frolicking.  You can march easily now, no one pulling you this way and that. The sun is warm on your back, the air filled with the sweet scent of wild grass and trees, and the gentle breeze off the water cools your face.  You set your mind free, focusing only on the sensations your environment provides, reveling in the oneness with the living earth, and feeding your soul from the sheer joy your canine companions take in accompanying you through this wonderland.

At length you reach the end of the path and it is time to clip the leashes back on.  They are all panting now, tired and ready for the long march home.  There is no pulling on the leash, they just trot along beside you, enjoying your company.  You keep a steady pace, matching your breathing to the rhythm of your boots on the pavement, lost in the magic of it all.

You reach home, unclip and hang up the leashes, give the dogs fresh water and a biscuit, then settle in with your coffee and computer.  Meditation is finished, you are refreshed and ready for a Wednesday ROW80 check-in.

Ocean View

I’ve always loved an ocean view. It was always there as I was growing up. The pounding surf of the Bay of Fundy was my lullaby. The wind always blew, the waves always caressed the rocky shore, and that was the basis of my world. Once I grew up and tackled life I found myself away from the comforting view and lullaby

I spent some time on the Great Plains, but longed for the coast so I moved on to the west coast of North America. In all my travels I have always settled somewhere near the ocean. Perhaps not close enough to see it from my windows, but close enough to get there if I needed a fix.