Focus, Patience and Persistence

The last few days have been really busy ones.  I was out late on Friday night because of our office Christmas party.  Saturday morning was off to an early start Christmas shopping.  I wanted to get ahead of the afternoon crowds and I thought I was doing well, but ran into another parade in the town of Leesburg. Trying to remain focused on the tasks at hand, and not really in the mood for a parade, I only took a couple of pictures and was off again.  I was on a mission after all!

It paid off as there were few people in the stores.  

Finally after about 5 hours of shopping, I was home!  

It was then time to try and capture that elusive perfect picture
of the dogs for this years Christmas card.  

Here are a few examples of my trying to get the dogs to cooperate... 

~Toby~

~Sheba~

Needless to say, I was worn out at the end of the day and the photo session...But determination and patience and a little bit of creativity did pay off when an unexpected almost perfect picture was taken.  Last night I ordered the cards online and I'll pick them up tomorrow.  I'm my worst critic when it comes to my photos.  This is why this morning I can't even look at the picture that we decided to use, so I won't post it today.

Today I'm looking forward to relaxing, watching the birds out the window 

and catching up on your blogs!  Enjoy your Sunday!

I Love a Parade!

There's nothing like a Christmas parade to give you a dose of the holiday spirit!

For me, there's just something about the simplicity that's found in small town parades.  

I love their beauty... 

And the poise and grace...

Of the people within them. 

The sound of the music always electrifies the air...

And seeing the dogs never fails to put a smile on peoples faces...

I enjoy the riders on magnificent and beautiful horses...

That walk with their dogs...

It's always fun seeing the local groups in the parades too...with their dogs...

(Great Pyrenees Mountain Dogs)

It's so hard to say what my favorite part is about small town parades.  

I guess it's the dogs...

At Last a Happy Ending!!

Every single soft toy that we had has been ripped to shreds.  The best and biggest rope toys that have been around for several years, have been unraveled and every tennis balls de-fuzzed and chewed up.  The culprit of this dog-toy massacre was not the puppy, but Jasmine. From early October when she arrived, despite trying to hide them, no toy was safe as she used her Golden Retriever instinct and found them.  The rein of Queen Jasmine didn't stop there.  At any given time, her bark could be heard all over Golden Pines as she would let me know that her meal wasn't being prepared fast enough, treats were not as plentiful as she wanted, and outside is where she wanted to go.    

The reign of Queen Jasmine ended today. You may recall that she was supposed to have surgery this past Friday.  However, there was a change in plans when Jasmine was all prepped and ready for a spay surgery and tumor removal, it was discovered that Jasmine had other tumors in her abdomen.  Closer examination and x-rays showed that there were multiple mammary tumors that should not be disturbed because if they are the cancerous-type it may cause them to spread more quickly. So, no spay or tumor removal was done, which meant that Jasmine was ready for adoption!  I called and discussed everything at length with her new family and took Queen Jasmine to her new kingdom this afternoon.   

So tonight, with Jasmine dethroned there's nothing but the most indestructible of dog-toys left behind, and a bit of a sting in my heart because she's gone. I am going to miss her.  But I'm thankful for the time that Jasmine was here with us.  And I am especially thankful for a happy ending because a good and kind family opened their hearts and home to her.     

Even with all the dogs, with Jasmine gone there is a different feeling in the house tonight.  Carl reminded me that this is the first time in a long time that we've not had a foster dog for the rescue.  I wonder how long that will last?   

~Bubba~

Difference in a Day

This was Charlie yesterday...

This is Charlie after spending today at the 'spa.' 

What a difference a day makes!!

I hope you've enjoyed yours!