Winter Pastimes: Dreaming of Summer Days!

Here he is again. My good dog. This was taken last June. Now, in the middle of the cold, grey days of January, we are dreaming of the warm weather that is soon to return. Just on the verge of February, the longest month in Michigan by my reckoning, the thought of summer days and warm, out door wanderings, is a pleasant thought indeed.

Searching for Signs of Spring

Photos from April 14, 2009.

A walk in the rain one early spring day. Seamus would need a raincoat this time because it was still pretty cold. The field grasses hadn't grown tall yet, as they would do when the summer months arrived. He could stand or sit far away from me and I could still see him plainly.

He and I wandered around. Down to see the horses. Down to the creek. Looking for signs of spring. He and I are spring lovers, not built for the cold weather months that linger for so long in the midwest. We need to smell the growing things and see the green come up magically from the ground after being buried for months under snow. We like to run in the fields and hear the wind rush past our ears.

Though the snow had passed for now, we were on a mission to find some early signs that things were going to start growing soon.

The creek flowed briskly by,



Signs of squirrels feasting on Hickory nuts...

The Love Of a Dog

Next to my husband, this creature is my faithful companion. He is always at my side. He's really fun and smart and such a good friend. Everyone should be loved by a dog!

Happy 2009

Our family had a wonderful Christmas together: so many things for which to be thankful, and so many things to which we look forward.

This pic illustrates how we feel after the holidays. Ready to seize the day! Ready to seize 2009!

Gardening with Seamus, my Parson Russell Terrier

While I garden, he observes from the window. Eager to help in any way I'd allow, I find his assistance most helpful as a companion on the other side of the screen. His devotion is charming, though, and he is such a good friend.

He speaks to me:

"Hmm... This gardening project may take her longer than I thought..."



"Psst... Hey, there! I've got a great idea! Dog treats!"



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"Is anyone else ready for a snack break???..."



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"I think you may have missed a weed over there..."


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"I'm picturing some lovely blooms by next spring..."


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"I'm here if you need me..."

Orange Mosaic (2)

Slices of orange images that have filled my eyes at one time or another. In anticipation of the orange of the coming autumn.

My "Boy"!

My "Boy"!
Originally uploaded by marylea.

Uploaded from my cameraphone, this shot was taken in August this year. He is such a happy dog!

We went for a bracing walk in the cold rain this morning, which he enjoyed. He helps me see the world with enthusiasm. He is so much fun!


Working here at home, cleaning, packing, organizing. An overcast day outside, but there is nothing dreary inside. We are so blessed.

Considerate Listener

Considerate Listener
Originally uploaded by marylea.

Who doesn't like to be heard when something is on their mind?? Seamus listens to me, and considers my words. It's actually quite therapeutic to talk to him, since he does pay attention so well, and tilts his head at all the appropriate times.

"How did that make you feel?" "And then what happened??" "Do you want to throw the ball for me????!!!"

Seamus Rules!

Seamus Rules!
Originally uploaded by marylea.

There's nothing like a warm spring Sunday afternoon, and a little time outside playing fetch to get the kinks out! Seamus and I play ball whenever he can convince me to take a break from my other work. And he's pretty convincing...! :-)