Post Christmas Weekend

The five day weekend has come to a close. The weekend had everything.

~Gus~

A chuckle at things like this birth announcement sign in front of the church on our road.  I think it was meant as a joke--What do you think?   

We enjoyed a really nice dinner and evening with our friends and their family.  When we got home, we were met by a very happy and exuberant Todd outside of his crate. I really thought I'd locked the door when I put him in. 

Todd of course won't tell me if I actually did or not.

The mild weather allowed us to spend plenty outside with the dogs.  

~Josh~

But now it's time to go back to work.  

Which I think is okay with the dogs.  I think they're missing getting their naps.  

~A tired Cricket~

I hope your post Christmas weekend has been an enjoyable one too!!

Christmas Day

Our rain finally came to an end, and the sun came out for Christmas day.   

~Todd on Christmas Eve~

Just as we planned, it was a quiet and uneventful day spent at home. No chaos. We have decided that this Christmas may go down as one of our favorites.  

~Gus~

No, it wasn’t a white Christmas, but it was the right Christmas without a doubt for a lot of reasons. One was because we unexpectedly became the recipients of several generous and random acts of kindness that showed the true meaning and spirit of Christmas.

During our day yesterday there were calls, texts and e-mails with family and friends who could not be with us that punctuated our day. Even though we cannot be with everyone we felt connected to them and hope that they felt the same way, too.  .

~I even heard from Cricket's family on Christmas Eve~

With the warm weather we spent some extended time outside with the dogs.

Of course, once Sunny sees the camera, it doesn't matter what the weather is, he wants to go back inside. 

Our day ended enjoying dinner, and afterwards watching our favorite Christmas movies. It made things all that much more peaceful. 

~Ms. Yellow enjoying her day~

I hope that everyone was able to catch up with or spend time with the people who mean the most to you.

Christmas Eve at Golden Pines

It's Christmas Eve, and I have 5 days off work.  This means that I will be obeying the signs on the trucks that I see practically every day on my way into the office.   

The weather today is warm and rainy.  It looks and feels more like it should be spring-break instead of Christmas Eve.

Our day began with two of our traditions.  One is a newer one that began three years ago when a good friend who also takes in the senior Goldens told me about one of hers.  Each year she makes an ornament for her tree that has the names of the dogs (and cats) that are with her that year at Christmas.  I loved the idea and to my ornaments I also add the losses from the year on the back.  A bittersweet moment.  But truly one that brings humbling gratitude.    

 Our Christmas day will be a quiet one at home. The next two days will be spent in the homes of our friends.

Whatever your plans are for this evening and Christmas Day if you are traveling to enjoy the company of good friends and family, or spending it simply at home, “May peace and plenty be the first to lift the latch on your door, and happiness be guided to your home by the candle of Christmas.”

A Short Day and Long Night

A brilliant sunrise started the weekend when I was off first thing to the vet with Beau and Buddy for rechecks.

Buddy is much, much less itchy these days and no longer has to wear the 'cone of shame.' His skin still needs to heal a bit more, but his new coat that is growing in is soft and healthy.  

Beau had a recheck of his ears and there is some improvement, but both are still infected. He'll continue on a steroid at least until he sees the dermatologist on the 30th.

With a lot of last minute things to tend to for the holidays Saturday was a busy day.  But we weren't too busy that we couldn't meet some friends who are in town for the holidays to visit family. It was an unplanned get together, and we met at a nearby winery. I'm glad we made the time, it was an enjoyable visit with them while we listened to a jazz band.

It's the winter solstice, and the sun has now set on the shortest day of the year and the longest night has begun. Sheba is ready for the shorter days that take us closer to Christmas.

And Todd is ready for the longer nights to recharge his batteries.

Are you ready for the week ahead?