Warm on the Inside and Cold on the Outside

This past weekend I was back in my hometown for the wedding, I took the time to enjoy the beautiful winter white of the country.

Despite the bitter cold weather, I bundled up to go walk around the property and see the freshly fallen snow…..which was up to my knees! Talk about a workout!

I had two friends who were more than eager to join in for a walk. I love how even on his hind legs, Whiskey isn’t as tall as Shadow. Poor guy just can’t compete.

Shadow loves the freedom of running around in the yard, bounding through the snow.

Considering how bad her life was when she was much younger, its nice to know that she lives such a happy one now. Full of lots of running, lots of snuggles and lots of cheese!

Whiskey is more content to follow around in my footsteps and avoid the snow at all costs. If he'd be more willing to wear his boots my grandmother gave him, I'm sure he'd be happier.

Walking through the property, I came across a tiny little tree that was just trying to make it through this winter.

With plenty of love and care, hopefully he'll be a big strong guy one day.

Walking down to the river, I saw the canoe covered in snow and longed for lazy summer days on the water.

Now our little river is covered by a thick layer of ice and a ton of snow. My brother and I have cleared off the ice a couple of times to make a rink, but by the time we get it all cleared off, we’re too wiped to actually lace up our skates. Hopefully there will be less snow and I'll have more energy when I get home next time.

As I walked, it was incredibly quiet and calm. I’d sometimes hear the occasional bird singing a song, or a distant snowmobiling making its way along the river. It’s a fresh change from the hustle and bustle of the city that I am used to these days. Its this calmness that makes me love winter in the country so much.

Last Dog Days of Summer

Its the final dog days of Summer and just as the weather was starting to get more bearable again, we have another heatwave rolling in. All this humidity has been wrecking havoc on me learning to run this Summer. I'll be all laced up and halfway through my run when I start to feel lightheaded and woozy...and then that crisp clean pool starts calling my name louder than the running shoes.

I think I'm going to take a cue from Shadow and Whiskey, and just take it easy on the couch until September comes around. For the record, they are NOT allowed on this couch, and neither are newspapers. Are they reading it?

I have to wonder what Shadow is thinking about? The depressing article she just read on the current stock market. How fast she could chase after that squirrel living in the tree out front. Or maybe she is just wishing for the cool comfort of lying under the trees on a nice Fall afternoon.

Who am I kidding. She's probably just thinking about squirrels.

Cottage Dogs

When I headed out to Six Mile Lake, I had every intention of taking Whiskey up to romp around with the other dogs, but then he developed a fear of fireworks (poor buddy!) and I didn't want him to have to deal with that in an unfamiliar place. However my friends did bring their adorable pups, and we all know how I love to take pictures of dogs (one of my favorite subjects, by far). I think its their cute expressions that really get me hooked into them.

Like Keela. Her face is just so cute, and she is the most lovable thing. She just wants to curl up with you whenever she can. I have a 3 inch scratch/bruise on my leg to prove it, from when she jumped on the bed to cuddle with me on the last night.

The one thing that is guaranteed to distract Keela from being adored by humans, is when she can play with Shauna's dog, Shelby.

I know that they are just rolling around having from "Wrestle Mania" time, but it did look like they were just hugging it out.

Shelby is the sweetest, most obedient Shepherd/Lab/Whatever cross I've ever seen. The emotions that she can emit from those gorgeous brown eyes are incredible. Smart as all get out.

Keela on the other hand is just happy to have the golf ball.

(Don't worry, I took it away from her before it became a choking hazard).

What is it about a dog that makes even guys become all affectionate?

Until they pull back their faces.

But I don't think that Keela minds every much. However she can really pull of that "Human Society commercial" look. You know the one? Where the dogs are in cages and the narrator pleads for you to donate. But don't be fooled by this look on Keela. Her tail was wagging, she was getting a lovely back rub and within a couple of minutes she was out like a light.

I'd like to call this one "Skipper and Gilligan". I just can't decide which is which.

The pups were so good on the boat - no moving around or causing a ruckus (I just love that word). They were content to just lay down and watch everyone getting thrown off the watertubes.

But at the end of the day they can just curl up on someone's lap and enjoy the sunset while getting a scratch behind their ears. What a life ;)