Wordless Wednesday 33

That Time of Year

 

Scary Movie Night, Saturday

It's that time again. Once a year, I give myself permission to drop out for a bit - to leave pressures behind, catch up on neglected responsibilities, and enjoy the simple pleasures. This is that week.

Winter is rushing to replace fall as the days shorten noticeably from one week to the next. The dogs are fired up. Nigel may love his seventy degree days, but the Labs live to surf powder and make snow angels. As we walk, they now pause frequently to catch the scents of fall. Their wheels are spinning, as are mine.

This new blogging season (summer does not count - at least not for us) promises to be extraordinary. There are mountains of projects to tackle, some huge surprises in store, and as always, so much to share. You may notice a few small changes as we prepare for the coming months. One change to note - our giveaways will increase in frequency but will now take place on our Facebook page. It's our way of saying thanks to all - not just those who have signed up for Blogger accounts.

The next week will feature limited posts if any. Our Facebook page will remain active, and has become a great place to share general dog information. Please join us there if you have not yet done so. I'm actually considering a wordless week, but maybe that idea should be saved for the depths of winter - something tells me Sola and Truffles may have a sledding trip planned.  :)

Heartfelt thanks to all who have made this year so enjoyable. While I may call this week a break, behind the scenes there is so much happening that I don't know where to start.

It just keeps getting better.

Send your dogs our love. We'll be barking again in a few days...

The Final Frontier

click to enlarge and eliminate the blogger pic hosting fuzzies  :)

 

Autumn Joy

Labor Day marks the true departure of summer in Vermont. The days shorten noticeably as August fades, the heat and humidity abruptly departing for cool, dry days that beg you to get out of the house and just live.

We did. A week of notes and ideas scribbled on paper still stares at me from the corner of the office. My to-do list remains just large enough to cost me sleep if I consider it. There are nearly six hundred blogs that I have not visited in the last week, and I must - the Friday Five depends on it. Will I sleep this week? Very little.

I can live with that. The liberation of pushing the computer aside and taking in all that early autumn has to offer is worth a hefty price. And like so many times before, when I stop the noise; step away and drop out a little, clarity and calm take over. It is from this place of quiet contentment that I observed the events of this weekend. Nothing way out of the ordinary happened. A funny story did not present itself. The dogs were on their best behavior. And it was nothing short of beautiful.

There was one very pleasant surprise. Luna's parents were in town for a wedding and we managed to catch up Sunday for a quick lunch and tour of downtown Burlington. As much as I dig that dog, it makes my heart happy to now know that she shares her life with two very cool humans. Luna and family are leaving for the west coast soon, so this may have been our only chance to catch up. I am very grateful that we had the opportunity, and hope that they enjoyed their visit to our little corner of the world. Thanks so much for taking the time.

Speaking of our little corner, here are a few brief glimpses of what a proper holiday weekend feels like in our neck of the woods. Planning a visit? We'd love to meet you!

 Sola considers a heavy subject.

 

An afternoon glow for my love. 

  

Whimsy 

  

Nigel maintains his middle of the road stance.

  

Early defectors. 

  

And of course, much rejoicing.

Have I missed our blogging friends? Most certainly. Would I take back a thing? Not a chance. Good people, great dogs, and fun memories are not to be taken lightly, or for granted. I am blessed to occupy this space; to know kind people, to love a great woman, and to share my life with dogs. 

As I reflect on the summer I recall the questions most often asked of me, ones that I may answer with zero pause when given the chance. 

Why do I do this? What is it that inspires me? 

To that, I say just look up.

 

And of course, do not discount the power of a new football season.  ;)