Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Great Days and Little Dogs

100_7272


I thought they’d never surface!


This beautiful black background and template has to go. My medium-sized Flickr photos are cut off center and my archives are too dark to read. Now I’m looking for a wider template (Blogger options stink) and one that will suit my header photo. When I took that Skipper photo last year, I knew it would be good for something. During my spare hour in the evenings, I’ll be trying on new templates for size. Thanks for your comments. I appreciate all of them.

A case of the blahs for a few days had hold of me and on the way home from work yesterday I realized I hadn’t taken a decent photo in a few days. And I sighed. I put my car in park at the end of the driveway to get the mail and heard a Robin, loudly, clearly, and close by. Did someone above hear me whine?


100_7292

And there she was, just a few feet away, sitting pretty in a Crepe Myrtle tree


100_7300

singing her little heart out and unaffected by my presence. I believe I could have reached out and touched her. Not really.

And that’s not all. My mood lightened throughout the evening.



100_7303

Wanting to fall to my knees when I saw a Chickadee visit for the first time since early May, I soon became suspicious of my good fortune when a Carolina Wren danced on my back deck rail. Wow. It’s been so long…



100_7306

Hummingbird activity is slow. But, a little female posed for a nanosecond. For me? Wow.


100_7315

First Buckeye! Is it a Buckeye?



100_6892

Bella: Chloe, w-w-we have a waccoon!
Chloe: Will you be quiet and let me concentrate?



100_6891

Every day I watch them doing what they know how to do which isn’t much. They’re on the trail of a raccoon that tipped their water dish on the back deck which put them in a high alert investigative mode. They know something isn’t right, I'll give them that.



100_6963

Often, I observe them watch the world go by and wonder what they think of it. Uncomplicated lives they lead, spending the day watching Good Morning America and soap operas. When Oprah airs, they are waiting for me to walk through the door at 4pm. Small, innocent souls. Two minuscule specks on earth. Inexperienced. Sheltered. Dependent. And I realize just how insignificant their lives are in this big old world.

I always walk away and breathe deeply, knowing just how significant they truly are. Big. Huge. For us.

Hug your pet today.


36 comments:

The Quacks of Life said...

ah but such happy dogs.

when you see how some people mistreat them !!

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

But you know May, when I really let myself think about about how huge and complicated this world is, it makes ME feel like I have the significance of a speck! We value what we love don't we?

Love-love-love the picture of the Licker Sisters, butt to butt, with their heinies in the air!

You take the loveliest pictures.

Anonymous said...

Nothing that gives so much love is insignificant. Wish Ruby could hang with the Licker Sisters! :)

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Nothing like some great photo opportunities to lift the spirits. I always feel better when I do something creative. Your photos and accompanying narration is such a creative effort. I always love to see and read what you have going.

I just love the way mature crepe myrtles have that exfoilating bark.I think they are so pretty. Isn't it amazing how the Robin could blend in even as big as it is.

I wonder what Bella and Chloe would do if they came face to face with a racoon?? I hope they don't ever do so becasue Racoons can be vicious if they are cornered or attacked.

beckie said...

It's been a while sice we've seen the girls. They are just so darn cute. Glad you took some pictures-they are great as always. The robin is wonderful and it does look like you can touch her. How do you get the hummers and in such great focus?! You much have the patience of Jobe.

Stephanie said...

the dog are so cute

NCmountainwoman said...

I love the way some of the instincts are preserved. The Licker Sisters may not know what to do, but they know they should take action.

Both of our girls have had many hugs today. In fact, they sometimes get downright pushy, nosing my arm if I don't pay attention.

possumlady said...

Oh, yes, all animal lives are important and signifcant in ways we can't fathom. I'm preparing to take a quick trip to Seattle this weekend for a wedding and I must say, I'm already dreading leaving my herd behind. Lots of hugging going on between now and when I leave on Friday.

said...

Oh I do enjoy seeing the Licker Sisters. I found myself getting excited when I saw part of the title of this post was "...Little Dogs"!

I put a new header photo on my blog. It's Charlie, my 4 year old. Looking pensive. But I love how happy they are, and so easily pleased. :o)

KGMom said...

ZOWIE--that first photo is a stunner. Electric pink. Gorgeous.

I will watch with interest to see what transpires with your template. I haven't played with mine at all, but then I depend on words so much that the photo spacing isn't something I think about. Plus, I always compress my photos first. Takes up less space (so I can WRITE more--tee hee).

KGMom said...

Oops--meant to add--love the puppehs!

Robin's Nesting Place said...

Mary, Blogger has the stretch template that does away with the empty side columns. You can use larger pictures with it. It's what I use.

Those are wonderful pictures. I'll be glad when the hummingbirds slow down a little. They are zooming in and out so fast right now I can barely see them.

Susan Gets Native said...

Wow. You went to the bottom of the ocean on this one, Mary.

When I dare to think of the infinite, and my super-tiny part in it, I remind myself that I am not insignificant. I am the wife of a brilliant, loving man. I am the Mom of two smart, gorgeous girls who will someday be women and I better not screw it up!
That helps me when I feel small. I have a job to do.

JeanMac said...

So dependent, our pets.Big hug.

Bek said...

Great pictures of the robins! The picture with the water lily looks very relaxing.
Personally, I like blogs with lighter backgrounds better. I know, it shouldn't matter how it looks like, but what's written.
Have fun playing around some more with the templates!

Sherry at the Zoo said...

There is nothing like having an animal to love and to give love back. I love your Bostons. They make my day.

Hugs

nina at Nature Remains. said...

Yes, our pets fill the gap in our lives that cannot be filled by work, or even other people.
Perhaps insignificant if we measure by accomplishment, but very significant if we could measure satisfaction.
There's nothing that can fill their role as well.

Nice little hummer :-)

Richard said...

The stretch template works fine. I haven't figured out how to make my pictures larger (like some people do) then what Blogger offers. I personally don't like the black background either since it seems to take something away from your beautiful pictures.

dguzman said...

You make me happy inside, Mary.

The black template is kinda weird! Totally unexpected!

Q said...

Dear Mary,
From the stars point of view we are a tiny speck. When an ant looks up and sees the bottom of the flip-flop we seem huge!
I just read the best way of looking at irritations,"make pearls." You made pearls.
Your pictures just keep getting better.
No pets here so I will hug your darlings.
Sherry

Susie said...

I like this green background better than the black, but it might just be my eyes! Loved all your photos today. Do the raccoons eat the fish in your pond? They come by for snacks quite often in ours..
xo

Robin's Nesting Place said...

Mary, I like the green! Much more soothing and easier on my eyes.

My Blogger template isn't Jellyfish it is Stretch Denim. You're doing better than me, I haven't figured out how to get a picture header yet. I've tried many times but I'm just never satisfied.

I got the camera this afternoon!!! It's so windy that I'm having a hard time getting good outside pictures, but I'm having fun playing with it.

dmmgmfm said...

They are adorable, as always. And by the way, my kitty is on my lap right now.

Hugs,
Laurie

Angie said...

I do so love your blog, Mary! And MY spirits always lift when I see that you have a new post up! :) You are just incredible with that camera, girl!! And your furbabies are precious. My Badger has gone nose to nose with a possum several times---and scared the daylights out of me! Hope your girls steer clear of Rocky Raccoon. :)

Richard said...

New background is better then the black but sorry...yuck...lol.

Richard said...

Maybe you need a light brown background...something that will not take away from your pictures. But then, it's your blog so guess you can do what you want with it...:-)

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

I like the green.

Mary said...

Richard, I'M NOT DONE YET! Give this girl a break, will ya? LOL!

Thanks, Linne :o)

Anonymous said...

Hi Mary

Everytime I visit you are a new color..LOL...I'm sure it will look fantastic when you are done!! Always enjoy seeing Bella and Chloe!

Angie
SC

Anonymous said...

Hi Mary, I'd like to help you
with your butterfly ID. No, it
isn't a Buckeye, it is known
as American Lady (Vanessa
virginiensis), quite common
around the world. Also, your
header is beautiful. It appears
to me to be a member of the
grass skippers, called the Sachem.
Keep up the fine work, it is
obviously bringing delight to many!
Hap in New Hope (MN)

PJ said...

Hmmm...some thoughts I had in my post before last. (the smallness of it all) but how huge it is to us! Again, you outdo yourself! gorgeous pics and I actually love your blogs new look!!!

Anonymous said...

Mary, your photos just continue to get better with each photo! Keep up the wonderful work! It is great seeing the puppies again!

Cheryl said...

What a beautiful butterfly Mary and of course your birds are always sublime.

I hug my dogs everyday....they are a huge part of my life, as I know your two lovlies are.
I remember one very sweet girl many years ago saying to me "When I die, I want to come back as one of your dogs." I say no more.....

Ruth said...

Fiddling with headers has wasted a lot of my time. I like what you have done.

TR Ryan said...

It seems the bird world conspired to lighten you mood. Seems they adore you too. Those licker sisters could have their own tv show. They are hilarious.

Anonymous said...

I love your new look, Mary.
Yes, that is a buckeye, wish I would see one up here.

If your dogs had their own blog, they would have a following, you know! Always enjoy reading about them.