07.04.2023 Happy 4th of July - Rain and a little sun!

 O the plans that we had for the 4th of July celebrations. We were going for a nice long morning walk, followed by a cookout. Then after a little gardening, I was going to the boat to work on her and spend time awaiting the firework display. But alas, plans are just that. It rained in the morning, so no morning walk. Then in the afternoon it poured. So not much gardening and no working on the boat and no cookout! But I did finish a book and cleaned a closet. Always feels good to get some chores done. Also feels good to just chill. Maybe I will just watch the fireworks on the television!

A few lilies from the garden. The rain has been a big help, so no complaints. Last year we had a drought and just a little snow this winter. So the rain is most welcomed, even on the 4th of July!

Blossum from a very tall tree behind the house. The tree is beautiful when in full bloom, but the
rains had dislodged many of the flowers.

 

Here is my Shorty. He seems to be slowing down a bit, getting old like the rest of us!

Gunnarr and Fionnegan after a spa visit and haircut.

Before the spa they looked like little sheep dogs!  They looked cute. I am amazed they could still see to run!

The spa date a couple of weeks ago did give Shorty and me some walking time alone.  He does so well on the walks and we do have a good time. He doesn't bark at other dogs and is just happy sniffing and marking and exploring. He is so much easier than the twins! He also does not accept treats from strangers! Good boy.

A new dawn rose. The bush is lovely.

Hope you all had a nice 4th of July, rain or sunshine! It was a good day. Now to get ready to see the fireworks.

Until next time..............

07.02.2023 Visit to Plum Island

 Do you ever have one of those days when you just have to "get out of here"? Well one day I just had this strong urge to get out of dodge, so to speak, So I let the boys out early, gave them a nice breakfast, and said, see you all in a little bit. I grabbed my bag and headed off to Plum Island, one of my favorite places to visit at any time of year. 

There is a lot of peace and quiet there. One can walk along the beach for miles and watch and listen to the rhythm of the ocean. It is also a good place to look for shore birds in the marches. As I was walking along the road, I heard the faint call of a willet. With a bit of patience, I found her! This is the first time I have found one on my own. Felt pretty good. She was in view for quite a while so I was able to observe her foraging along the shore. Wonder if there are little one hiding somewhere in the eushes?

There also was a bobolink calling from the field, so I took a little time to watch him in all of his glory. 

Do you see him in this photograph?

There are a few purple martin nesting boxes at the main entrance. In and out they went through the openings to the nests. This is an odd looking bird house.

Here is a kingbird on a branch. He was sitting there singing as loud as he could. Hard to miss him.

But my favorite place to walk is along the shore. It us now nesting season for the piping plovers, so many miles of beach are closed to protect the nests. There are always a few people who test the limit of the signs - settling down just at the edge of the boundary. They always make me chuckle.

The walk along the shore was just what the doctor ordered. The water was cold, but I did have to step into it. There were only a few people on the beach so the walk could be spent just enjoying the views. A young man did ask me to hold the leash for his dog while he needed a quick escape. With luck, my own dogs could not smell the new pooch on my clothes!

It was a great break and I returned home refreshed - the whole point of an escape! So close to home yet worlds away. Now it is time to return to the ole routine and tend to the gardens and the pups and everything else in the house. 

And yes, my girl Mimi is now in the water! She was launched 2 weeks ago and I still have a little more work to do on her. That will be my plan for the 4th of July. But she is on her mooring and looking good!

Getting her ready for the trip from Crystal Cove to Cottage Park. I do get alot of exercise going back and forth from the car to the boat carrying her gear.

Here she is on her mooring. Just as happy as can be! It has rained a lot recently, so once it clears, I will be back on her. A day on Mimi is also a nice break in the routine!

Do you ever need a break from the daily routine? What do you like to do to chance pace a bit? 

Hope you all are well and enjoying the summer- rain and all!

Until next time...... 

And Greetings from my boys!