Sunday, July 19, 2009

Oregon by Greyhound • Field of Poppies


The Adventure Silverton Road Poppy Field
Location LAT 44° 59' 28" N LON 122° 51' 34" W
Date July 5, 2009
Weather 80°, Sunny
Distance 5 miles


On our way to Abiqua Falls the day before, we passed the most incredible field of poppies.


We retruned the next morning for a few quick photos. The field was amazing. Full of flowers and bees.








Saturday, July 18, 2009

Enough all ready


You can turn the heat down anytime.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Madeline Sweet Girl of Mine



Oh Maddie girl. I remember the day I brought you home so vividly. You were supposed to stay as a guest, but that rabbit soft fur of yours kept telling us you were home. Do you think Jeff really knew what he was doing when he handed me your leash?


After a few short weeks we signed your adoption papers and you too, knew you were home.


Of course, even as a 7 year old, a senior to some you kept us on our toes. Nobody could shred a roll of toilet paper faster than you. You had a whole caper dedicated just to you.


Of course, who could suspect our sweet and innocent Madeline.


You had your moments of being a total nutcase, sometimes you just felt like a nut.


And you seemed especially attached to Gracie. You two started off as best buds right away.


The backyard was your haven. You spent hours out there maintaining an alert level, just to keep everyone safe.


You definitely had a sense of princess entitlement. The softest bed was yours and yours alone.


And you adored your mommas, just as much as we loved you.


You had the perfect mixture of gentleness, kindness...


and that wild and crazy side was with you until the very end.


A stroll in the park was always welcome, and you were so happy to go for a ride in the car.


And if a ride wasn't possible, then a shady patch of grass was the next best thing. You had the best sphinx ever.


As an esteemed member of the Red Hot Houndies, you wore your red and purple very well,


But you were even prettier in pink!


Ah but Maddie, I will miss all of those things about you, but you know what I will miss most?

I will miss you laying next to me at my desk. You always picked out the cushion that was closest to me.

I really miss you at my side honey girl.


But I know in my heart of hearts that you are already back in garden, front and center, just like you liked with your head held high. 



Loveletter aka Maddie • January 31, 1996–July 9, 2009

Thursday, July 16, 2009

July Poster Girl


Crystal is the adorable model for this months event at Forever Pets.

See you Saturday.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Oregon by Greyhound • Return to Abiqua Falls


The Adventure Abiqua Falls
Location LAT 44.849 N LON 122.33938 W
Date July 4, 2009
Weather 91°, Sunny
Distance 28.1 miles


Every trip down into Abiqua is just as beautiful as the one before.

This time we got there early enough in the morning that the sun had not made it over the canyon walls yet.


Part of the rock formation on the walls.


Doesn't matter where you stand, Abiqua Falls is stunning.


A better look at the basalt columns.


The top of the 100 plus foot falls.


Karen immediately made a friend. Little Abby is giving us a high two!


View from the entrance of the amphitheater.


There were actually a pair of butterflies playing at the base of the falls.


Looking downstream from the falls.


Abiqua Creek was so still, the reflection was amazing.


A roadside Tiger Lily as we were pulling out of the canyon.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Oregon by Greyhound • Without a Greyhound


We have a favorite of all times place that we love to go. Sadly, the trail is just not greyhound savvy, so we are forced to go it alone.


Wildflowers greet us at the trail head every time.


At the beginning of the trail head we immediately start going down.


And down.


Under...


and over.

More photos to come!

Monday, July 13, 2009

Diamonds in the rough


A thunderstorm rolled through this afternoon. Most of the greyhounds could care less, just a couple of them were frantic.

But a little rain and a few very fine spider webs mix up very well together.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Ya know it's summer when...


The cherry tree is almost laying on the ground because it is so full of cherries and


Lucee is making two or three trips a day to visit the cherry tree.


Fortunately, several branches are at basset hound height. She attacks one side of the branch,


And then she attacks the other. Until she has picked the branch clean.


But don't worry Lucee girl, once you figure out how to jump, you'll have cherries for days.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Flight of the greyhound


Years ago, after we sent Gracie to the bridge, a yellow swallowtail butterfly appeared in our yard the following summer. I was certain that Gracie had returned to the gardens.



Just last week I saw a pair of butterflies chasing around the white flower bush thingy that grows so well. Gracie had brought Cleo home with her this year.

Thursday we sent Maddie to the bridge. I was running the dogs on Friday noon, and to my delight, I saw three butterflies chasing around the bush.



I know this one is Maddie. Maddie had the softest coat of any greyhound, ever. Check out the fur around the body of this butterfly.