Another May Birthday

No wait! It's three more birthdays.

On May 17, 2002, Village Jill gave birth to a litter of seven bouncing fawn babies.


Skirvee came to join us when he was five months old. We love and treasure our baby boy. On on March 28, we were so excited that two of his sisters were joining us.


Bouncing baby girl Slinky.


And bouncing baby girl Jillian.


Together they will celebrate their 8th birthday.

Good-bye our trusted friend

I remember the day you got off of the Homes for Hounds truck and pranced into our home. I thought you were the most beautiful dog I had ever seen.


Of course, you came with a bit of history, you had an attitude, some sleep aggression and maybe a bite under your belt. We were your third or fourth adoption stop. But when you hit the acre, you knew you were home and you just fit right in with the rest of the pack.


Of course, you were a bit of a scaredy cat. You hated, hated, hated the fourth of July. Every year we cranked up the TV, the radio and all of the industrial fans just to hide the noise.

And when something was going on over at the high school you wanted nothing to do with the back yard.

You quickly earned your claim to fame, opening up the back door by standing on your hind legs and opening it with your front paws.


You were so beautiful. Your head was shaped much like Picker's, your uncle.


I wanted to so badly to take beautiful pictures of you, one right after another. But you were the guy with your nose to the ground.


Always.


When it came time to get a drink, it must have tasted better if you stood in the pool, even on the coldest days of winter, you wanted to stand in the pool to get your drink.


You have been a card-carrying member of the Double-Digit gang for two years now. You were far too young to leave your membership behind.



But somehow, just all of the others, we know that you have returned to the gardens. Duncan, you always had a smile on your face. You were one happy hound dog. We miss you more than you can imagine, we love you big guy.

Duncan aka Guest Star • April 22, 1999–May 14, 2010

The Rainbow Bridge

For the birds

We spent most of our day out in the yard with the hound dogs, walking around, playing and stalking the backyard birds.

I did capture the best picture of multiple dogs. If you saw the most recent double-digit gang photo, you know what a challenge I face.

But if you want to see it, you'll just have to come back Monday. :o)))

One of the best parts of my 365 project is Twitter, I have interacted with many people and admired the talents of several photographers.

I started following an incredibly talented photographer @thetrudz. I love her work and her blog. I was honored when she wanted to interview me and today it was posted.

Here's the link. Thanks Trudy! http://blog.trushots.com/2010/05/female-photographer-spotlight-terri.html

Civil War Camp

A few weeks ago we went to a Civil War Re-enactment. To say the least, we had a blast. The actors were fabulous and so friendly.

For the entire week-end, they live, eat and sleep as if it were the 1860's.


Entire families were there. The clothes were amazing. I don't see myself in a dress full time.


There was a pair of young boys chopping wood.




Guns were prepared for the war re-enactment.


Another young girl was writing with quill pens.


An entire tent city had sprung up. These tents were part of the confederate army.

Just pawzing

We were lucky enough to catch a few rays last week-end. By Sunday afternoon they were gone and we haven't seen them since.

We can still dream about them though.

The Jori roll

There is nothing better than sitting on freshly mowed grass than just hangin' with the hounds. Last week-end we finally had our first warm days and Jori knew it.


She looked right to see if anyone was watching.


And then she looked left.


Next step was going down.


She cutely pulled herself around in a circle on her side, but temptation got the best of her.


And she did the Jori roll.


Rolling in the grass with such glee.


Scratching every inch of her back.


And then, she was up, checking to make sure no one was watching.

The Double-Digit Gang

It was time to take another double-digit gang picture. Lighting was perfect, cooperation wasn't so perfect.

Seven dogs, ages 10 to 13.5. Two black, two white and fawn, one white and brindle, one fawn and one brindle.

Many, many images and I don't think one shot was produced with all of them looking at me.

Duncan and Murphy exchanged a few pleasantries. The lump that continues to grow in leaps and bounds shows up quite well here.

Here's the line-up: Left side, back to front - Roxy 13.5, Buddy 12.5, Blender 11, Murphy 12

Right side, back to front - Jori 10, Adam 10, Duncan 11

And this one is the family photo, yes even Karen and I are card-carrying members of the double-digit gang.

Oh Joey

Joey, I promise you that we did not forget your birthday yesterday.


Honestly, don't look at me like that. It's just, it's just that there was so much going on. You know, Mother's Day and all.


But Joey, you will have tons of nice days to run around and celebrate.

Happy 9th birthday Joey!

Happy Mother's Day

The best part of the day

At the end of the day, no matter how much chaos we experience, the greyhounds make us laugh.

Coming home is happiness, coming home all is forgotten, all is forgiven.

And somehow, when we cross the threshold we can do no wrong. We are unconditionally loved.

I love coming home to the family.

It's a great place to play.

It's a great place to be.

I think I'll stay awhile.

And watch the sunset.

Oh Talley

Some days you take my breath away.

It's schedule week

Mom doesn't play much when she's on a deadline.