The Times are A-Changin'

Here in the midwest we enjoyed Spring on Saturday. By Sunday it was colder and overcast but Easter was a brilliant day, for all the right reasons - faith! Here we are on Tuesday with the temperatures rising and it seems as if I'm destined to get outside and start the seasonal yard work. The dogs have all been out for HOURS rather than MINUTES and that's a great sign. Not only do they get more exercise, they are getting groomed longer, and are toning up their muscles as they romp, they sleep splendidly each night. It was 6:45 a.m. when we arose this morning, a far cry from the usual 5 or 5:15 a.m. I probably look better too :-)

Still, how about some snaps of what was hiding under the snow which graced us with its presence a week ago yesterday?

 This one is a Lenten Rose and I wasn't sure it would be blooming in time since Easter was early this year. It came through though!

This is everyone's spring favorite, the mighty crocus. We have very few of them left as I think the critters dig under and eat the bulbs. Not our critters of course - the ones which live outside. When we see a blossom pop up we're delighted.

Both of these were spotted just a couple of days ago when I was outside shaking dog hair out of throw rugs that had been used to collect mush and mud being tracked in over the last week. Anyone relate to that? I'd write more but there are floors to scrub, dog treats to bake, and thanks to give!

P.S. Here's a shot of 2 of the 6 in residence. Photo was taken less than a week ago. Little White Dog (Harmony Victoria) is wearing her new "peace sign" tee shirt. Baxter Cyclone wants to make something of it. She apparently wants to keep the tee shirt on and to herself.

Ted Kerasote Does It Again!

Wheeee, I'm back! It's spring break here and I have several "clients" who need to be fed and walked regularly so they see me three times a day. Good dogs and cats - each and every one of them. Often we hear how independent and unattached cats are. I'm here to say the cats get lonely. They cling to me upon arrival and "talk a leg off". Dogs, love 'em dearly, want to go out and want a toy and a treat. They'll do anything you want (I didn't use the word "always") but I suspect there's a personal motive involved. The cats are just pleased to see someone in the house. Granted, they do disappear when the newness wears off and they recognize it's just me.

And, already this morning I have done a task that makes me ask "Are these people nuts for having me take care of their critters?" One place I am visiting has plants and the note left for me includes a request to water the plants. You know where I'm going don't you? Yes, I watered a fake one. It was early this a.m. The note said "living room" and that was IT in the living room. I caught on. It's drying upside down in the kitchen sink now. No one will be the wiser, really. They don't know I blog. :-)

Really important today is sharing with you all a wonderful book, PUKKA'S PROMISE. For you who are MERLE'S DOOR fans this is the next non-fiction book Ted Kerasote has written about dogs in his life. If you haven't read about Merle you can do that first or not but I highly recommend both books. What's critically different about this new book is the exhaustive, extensive research done regarding dogs in the human world. Like Ted, I found myself thinking, "I wish I'd known that..." Gosh, we humans have a great deal to learn about what chemicals, processes, surgeries, etc are suitable for ourselves and our dogs. Naturally I hope Ted will continue producing some of the best books around as I find his real-life-situations very heartwarming and revealing. I have read and do read other male authors' books about dogs but Ted always reveals a great deal about himself too, showing his tenderness. The only other author who did so convincingly wrote FOLLOWING ATTICUS.

Yes, usually I try to tell tales of/on myself but some exceptions are worthwhile these are tremendouse "reads" and if you read a blog you can read a book! Go forth and conquer the world with words!