Borrowing a quote from the blog Inspiration for Your Day I thought the quote posted today by Benjamin Eisenstat, "Inspiration comes from nature itself. I am enamored of nature, and that admiration has only increased as I age" really said what I was feeling today.
As I drove down Mountain Road today, I couldn't help but feel the inspiration that comes from so many different things that there are to see, if you just slow down for a moment and notice.
For instance, I just love this hay field! Each time they bail hay on it, I'm in awe of this beautiful rolling green field that meets the "Short Hill Mountains." I think belongs in a painting.
There are 2 wineries on our road too. I love to drive by and see them harvesting the grapes in the fall. 
Driving down our road it's easy to notice the mix of all kinds of animals from chickens all the way to these bison. Each have a place and a purpose.
But of course there's no place like home and I don't have to go far to find something to enjoy. 
Just from the front porch we have...
A good view the place I call home...
Of the birds this morning taking dog hair that I'd put on the feeder pole. Can you see the Titmouse on the left in the picture?
A groundhog looking for his breakfast...
There was a time when I may not have admired the simple beauty of even a snail that we saw this morning... 
I didn't expect to see the bloom of a day-lily today or...
I didn't expect to see the bloom of a day-lily today or...
A bloom from a daisy either--That's one thing I love about nature, sometimes there are those unexpected surprises...
It was okay that Hamlet didn't notice...
Maybe he did later--But you can see that he's healed nicely from his surgery.
I really do try to appreciate everything around us. I've noticed this tree every year--I'd love to see its value in nature as well, but I've no idea what kind of tree it is--Is it a Huckleberry tree? Are the berries edible? 
Finally there is one sad thing in nature that we can't always understand and that's the loss of a pet. Several of you have lost your precious dogs lately. Today, someone that I'm particularly feeling badly for is John at Going Gently who 
unexpectedly lost his girl Maddie today. Losses are never easy, even when they are expected, but when our four-legged-family members are taken from our arms so suddenly, it makes the loss that much harder to take. With his birthday being Tuesday, I hope you'll take a moment from your busy day to think of him. ~God speed Maddie~Thank-you for stopping by & I hope you have a good week!
What a wonderful post- thank you so much! Very inspiring and uplifting!!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth & Luna
So good to get a close-up of Hamlet. He does look good after that...er...VW sized whatever removed from him. He must be one strong willed boy. Of course, His ma and pa took DAMN good care of him. I'll stop by and see about Maddie. Very unfortunate. His pack seems like our kind of peeps.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post!
ReplyDeleteVery lovely pix and Hamlet looks wonderful!
As you might know, I live life with the same attitude: just enjoying all the little things along the way.
Thanks for another peek into your piece of the world!
:)
-C
I'm pet sitting a Scottie right now. I'm sure his heart just breaks over his loss. You and I know this all too well.
ReplyDeleteWe just took a walk over to see Maddies family and read some stories. We sat for awhile, and then we left some love. More hearts breaking make us so sad.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think about how fragile life is. And I think about how hard it is to stay positive in all the sadness.
Your words brought a reality check to our mind- because we ,,,,, like are like you- appreciating the special things that make our hearts beat calmly, but sometimes we forget- and we loose track of that rhythem that used to beat in our heart,. and then every once in awhile someone comes along to remind us of the beauty in the simple things, things that make our journey on earth more peaceful and it is always special to hear the reminders from friends,
thank you for tapping us on the shouler, and allowing us to see inside your world.
I am so happy Hamlet is getting better.
And we hope your heart is healing too. Through your rough days we will be beside you.
love
tweedles
Beautiful pictures, and beautiful Hamlet! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteA GReat post with so much to khonsider...
ReplyDeleteHugz&Khysses,
Khyra & Khousin Merdie
What great pictures! I think that's a mulberry tree, in which case the berries are edible but not especially yummy. We ate a lot of those as (hungry) kids.
ReplyDeleteYou have so much beautiful green there and such lovely nature all around you ~ including at your own back door! I love it that the birds get to keep extra nice and warm when they line their nests with doggie hair! Cozy!
ReplyDeleteI don't know what kind of berry tree that is ~ they almost look like black berries. No? Hmmm... best not nibble at them if you don't know!
It's never easy hearing about someone losing their beloved pet. They leave such an empty space in our hearts. :(
Warm thoughts,
xo Catherine
That was such a shock about Maddie wasn't it? It's been one dog after another passing recently in blog land.
ReplyDeleteI love your photos, you live in a stunning part of the world.
Gill in Canada
Really uplifting post, I feel like I was right there with you and the pups!
ReplyDeleteRaining here right now *ugh* seeing your pictures brought a little sunshine back in the day!
Hi Kim
ReplyDeleteThank you for an uplifting post (even though I'm reading a day late). Hope Tanner is doing better too.
Love, hugs & wags,
Nadine, Apples & Neeli
God certainly gave us a beautiful place to live!
ReplyDeleteLiz
Wonderful post showing us your world. It sure does look beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWe are glad Hamlet is recovering.
We are so sorry for the sudden loss of Maddie, she will be in our prayers.
Hamish & Sophie
Woof! Woof! You have a wonderful place. LOVE to be surrounded by the beauty of nature. Your pets are very lucky. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful piece of art to read and gaze upon today! Thanks for pointing out all the beautiful things, great and small, in nature around your home - great photos, great thoughts! And RIP dear Maddie. We'll go over. So glad that Hamlet is healing so WELL!!!
ReplyDeleteBig Hugs xoxo
Sammie
Your surroundings are so inspiring and thanks for the reminder to stop and look and take it in...Every morning when I wake up I stare at DJ and DR and let them decide who is taking me out...once decided I wander off towards the door, wait and then charge down to the backyard..I stare and sniff so does Daddy ;-) The air is fresh and so inviting!
ReplyDeleteI can`t wait for tomorrow morning to come again.
There is so much beauty all around us and it's good sometimes just to stop and stare and appreciate all that nature gives us.A lovely post Kim.
ReplyDeleteBellaboo :0)
Kim,
ReplyDeleteLovely blog post. I was really surprised to see the that you live close o wineries.
And Bison? Have you ever eaten bison burger? Actually we had one when we were out in B.C. and they are delicious.
The berries you see growing are actually Blackberries and yes they are eatable but very seedy.
I have made jam and jelly from them and it is really quite good.
You see them added to yogurt with other berries often.
Kim,
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love living in the country?
The berries look like blackberries, is there a vine growing on the tree?
Yes, there has been much sadness lately. I think it's wonderful how we all support one another, through the good times and the difficult!
Headed over to leave note for John.
Hugs and bellyrubs to all the pups,
Kit
I don't know how I missed your blog yesterday... well, maybe I do, I was kind of tired.
ReplyDeleteHamlet is looking good! How's that Tanner coming along? Better and better, I hope! I was crushed to hear about John's Maddie, poor old gal. :(
You have one great view at your place! Really great pictures!
I would check a book, I think if they are on a tree or bush, could be mulberry (as in - here we go round..), but there are loganberry and others too. Compare leaves, branches and size. Mulberries make a good pie although DH didn't like the one I made from a bowlful that a friend brought by.
Have a good night now, sorry that I almost missed this post, it's a great one!
Beautiful post and so sorry about Maddie. We are still grieving our dear Jo and life is not the same without her sweet and kind presence. So hard to even write....
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post! If everyone only took a minute to just stop what they are doing in their busy lives and just look, I think everyone would be suprised at how beautiful things surround them.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Beautiful and uplifting post. I love the drive to your house, and the wonderful animals who share it with your family.
ReplyDeleteLovely post...I'd be a bit suprised if I saw a Bison or Groundhog on my walks here ! I really try to appreciate the nature all around us. Sometimes on walks I stop & simply breathe it in.
ReplyDeleteAlways wonderes what Huckleberries looked like. A neighboutr grws bosunberries & we had lganberries where I grew up ( and fabulour raspberries )
You have a lovely home to come back to.
Hi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog - not sure how, but glad I did. I so enjoyed reading your posts and look forward to following your gaggle of Goldies and your beautiful country life. My husband and I live in the Black Hills of South Dakota and although we've had Golden's for 24 years, we also have been rescuing dogs, mostly Goldens - for 11 years now. We currently have 3 Goldens, a Golden/Corgi mix, a Scottish Deerhound mix and a Jack Russell Terrier. We also foster for GRRR, Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies (in Denver). All our dogs were adopted from either a Golden rescue or the Humane Society. Thank you for sharing your little piece of heaven. One more thing.... I too am turning 49 this year - in September. You're not alone! ;o)
Hi Kim just found your blog yesterday and have been reading everything. Great job takings care of those Seniors.
ReplyDeleteThey really give back don't they.
We rescue Pugs, right now we have two pugs over 14!
Also have a boxer. Rescued from a puppy mill out west, and a 4 year pug that someone he knew from work didn't want because they couldn't house train her. Ha, we had it done in under a week. You just have to listen to them, right?
By the way that is a Mulberry bush and they are good berries to eat raw when really ripe.
We live in Frederick, MD. Stop by if you are ever nearby!
Kim