And Now He's Three.....

The Westminster Kennel Club says that the "Scottish Terrier's character and personality reflect the bleak and lonely moors of his origin.

Life to him is serious, to be met with dignity, reserve and stout heart. 

He is by nature aloof, but to the accepted few friends and family his devotion is deep and lifelong. 

A secure place in his home, understanding and companionship are essential to his happiness. 

The description continues by saying:  "In spite of his independent spirit, his strong desire for approval will win compliance with your wishes where harsh words and punishment will fail." 

To those who appreciate his unique character, the Scottish Terrier is a friend and companion, second to none."

I think the Westminster Kennel Club has perfectly described our "unique character," Todd, who turns 3 years old today.  Happy Birthday Todd....

The Pick of the Weekend

It was a quiet Sunday morning.  Usually as it begins to get light the dogs will start to get restless.  But for whatever reason they didn't this morning, and it allowed us to sleep just a little longer than normal.  

~Guess Who?~

I made us a good southern heart-stopping-breakfast using fresh eggs from the friend who received 'our chicks' last year, and scrambled some for the dogs too.  

Outside there was a light wind and a couple extra degrees, making today the pick of the weekend.

~CarrieAnne~

We again enjoyed the warmth of the spring sun and playing with the dogs.  

It's supposed to go downhill with showers and a general chill to start our week. I figure this is because we were supposed to have a new roof put onto our barn.  Work was supposed to begin tomorrow, but that is probably going to be postponed.  Isn't that how it always goes?    

Now Springtime Can Begin!!

One of my favorite signs of spring is the return of the birds singing.  It might still be cold out, but if the birds are back, you know that the turning of the weather can’t be too far behind. Noticeably absent for me has been my favorite, the Eastern Phoebe. Photos taken this same time in previous years shows that had returned at least 2-3 weeks earlier.  Knowing this, each morning for the past couple of weeks as the dogs and I have gone on a walk, I've listened for this bird that calls out its own name.  I've no idea why this cheeky-noisy-bird with its plain plumage gives me a sense of peace and why I feel so attached to it.  Whatever the reason, finally on Friday morning, I caught a glimpse of it as it sat on the fence post. Today its song joined the others in our mornings that are getting brighter and warmer.

Another sign that spring has begun happened this afternoon. I will often take CarrieAnne and Sheba on walks to explore the neighboring field. The two girls get along really well, but unfortunately that hasn't always been the case. So I feel that these walks with just the two of them helps to strengthen their connection and bond. It shows that it's working because they happily took turns rolling in the same-something that was mucky, green and smelly. This has happened before and they both feel differently about the baths that have to come afterwards.  The sparkle in Carrie's eyes seem to say that it was totally worth it.

However Sheba's eyes on the other hand, seem to be saying something else.

As for me, I say with the return of the Phoebe and wet dogs, let springtime begin!

A 2013 video of "our" Eastern Phoebe on the gate. 

The Commute

~On my way to work this morning~

Some of you know that I commute to work about an hour each way. I really do like my job.  But I have to admit that there are some days that I question myself about driving so far to get to work.  This is because a lot of my drive is stop and go traffic which can be exhausting.  Sometimes by the time I get home in the evening (6:30-ish), I am totally worn out from the commute.

~Josh~

But at the end of the day, there is nothing like the feeling when I finally approach the driveway.  Usually Todd and some of the other dogs are outside, and as soon as they see my van, they start barking.

I never get tired of that instant when they know I’m home.

~The gang at the fence~ 

The dogs are always excited to see me. If I’m having a good day, the dogs are just the icing on the cake. If I’m having a bad day, it’s impossible to stay down when they’re so happy. Their happiness is genuine and pure which is what makes it so special.

~Cissy~

Each day they remind me about unconditional love. It’s in every lick, jump, bark and tail wag. They appreciate the small and simple moments in life, as we all should.

~Sunny at the gate~

Today was a long and stressful day, and the drive home didn't help that.  But when I finally got home, I was reminded that being home and with the dogs is my favorite place to be and that the long drive is worth it. I'm ready to do it all over again tomorrow.

~On my way home this evening~