Cute Overload

Just when I’m feeling a horrible case of blogger burnout, which will probably be the subject of a post soon, something happens to invigorate me. There is so little time in the day for meeting my responsibilities plus finding time for relaxation, which in my case, is creating a form of art called blogging. It’s a peaceful release of energy that I look forward to every day but it’s a challenge to find the time to create something pleasing for myself, first and foremost, and for others who might read along with me.

Here he is. Mr. Biggins spent a few hours with us this weekend. For those who don’t know Mr. Biggins, his real name is Austin (named after the city in Texas) and belongs to my daughter Gina and her boyfriend Billy, originally from Austin, Texas. But we call him Mr. Biggins because he is three times the size of my two Boston Terriers. Does he look like a mean dog in this photo or does he look worried? Yes, but his looks fool you. He is the sweetest, gentlest male Boxer mix! Mr. Biggins loves pink plush toys with squeakers in them. What I love about him most of all is his affection for Bella, Chloe, Grampa, and Gramma. When Gina brings him through our door, he turns himself inside out with glee and heads directly to the kitchen for a cookie.

“Off you go!”, I say. “Play outside for a while.” Two minutes later, they are begging for me to come out to play with them. “And, bring some TOYS!” (Cute overload.)

PURE DOG JOY.

Mr. Biggins and Bella wear each other out. I love my camera and this photo! This action shot would have been a complete blur if taken with my old camera.

MORE PURE DOG JOY.

They are spent. Mr. Biggins ran and played until he couldn’t stand on his feet. Chloe asks, “Is it time for him to go home yet?”

There was no time for a walk or watching the feeder birds today but I managed to catch a few. They are especially for YOU, Gina!

The Cowbirds are back after being gone for a week or two. They try to rule the feeder but the others get their share. I caught this female waiting for me to disappear.

I’ll probably tire of the Goldfinches soon but until I do, here's another one, “Around and around we go…”

This afternoon I went to a movie with Gina, her friend Lea, and her mother, Ellen. The movie we saw was so appropriate for mothers and daughters, called “Because I Said So”, starring Diane Keaton and Mandy Moore. It's a nice chick-flick that made me laugh alot and cry, just a little. While driving out of the mall complex, passing the restaurants, I saw the sky swarming with Ring-billed Gulls. It’s the first time I’ve seen them in several months!



While I was stopped at a traffic light I saw a gull perched on a light fixture... I fumbled for my camera and dropped it once, rolled down my window and got one shot before the light turned green. Because I held up traffic for maybe three seconds, at the most, the driver behind me honked his horn. I shouted out loud, “Oh, blow it out your ass!” Then, as I drove through the green light and remembering it’s Sunday, I calmly said, “And have a nice evening.”