Ring, Happy Bells

We use sound and color to keep track of our dogs.  I clip a small bell to each of the dogs' collars with a carabiner before we go outside.  If they run out of sight I can still hear them and know their position and general distance from me.

We also "dress" the dogs in blaze orange vests spring, summer and fall or brightly colored jackets in the winter when the the temperature dips below 20 degrees.  Their colorful wardrobe helps us to find them when they try to "disappear" in the woods.

Can you find 2 Weimaraners?

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
   Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
   The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.

-Alfred, Lord Tennyson

It's May, It's Mother's Day, Hooray!

Asher Celebrates May

The snow and ice are finally gone; it's time to celebrate.  The sun helped us by making an appearance this weekend and the dogs, cat, chickens and flowers joined in the fun.

Almost Daffodil Days

The crocus plants are in bloom and the daffodils promise to blossom soon.

Asher Patrols the Shoreline

Winter's quiet has been replaced by the noisy spring sounds of frogs, owls and insects. 

Maddie Patrols the Woods

Asher embraces the spring and enjoys spending all waking hours outside, lakeside and upside down.  Maddie Jo takes a cautious approach and sticks to the woods near the house.

Vision in Red Astilbe for Mom's Garden

 I usually try to clean up the two little garden plots in the Friendly Forest that  my father made to honor my mother.  In the past I have been able to add some spring flowers, but the weather threatens to turn cold this coming week.  I bought two red astilbe plants at the Warehouse, but won't plant them until later.

Gardening Help from Asher

 For now Asher and I raked and weeded the gardens and the area around them.  Well, I raked and weeded, Asher dug holes - perhaps for future plantings.

One Garden Cleaned of Debris

Spring Brings Second Garden to Life

The chickens are particularly fond of warm weather.  They wander near and far in search of grubs and worms.

Chickens at Play

The only one missing is Mr. French - he prefers to enjoy the mild weather at evening's twilight.