It's another wacky weather day. The temperature is climbing and the air is thick with humidity. Panda couldn't take it anymore.So off we went - for a very different beach walk than the previous time. Calm waters, bare arms, warm winds swirling summer promises through our hair. Spring.
Beach walk
Things have been a little more hectic than usual around here - so yesterday, after running errands, Christian drove past our usual route home and we took a little break down by the beach. The sky was dark and the wind had whipped up the lake water, allowing me to momentarily pretend that we were by the ocean - the sound was spectacular. We went home to our waiting to-dos, wind-blown and chilled but smiling...
Spring: Day One
It's the first day of spring, but it's sure been feeling a lot like summer around here. Apparently we're in for a few more days of extra-warm temps before they drop back down to normal. I'm no fool (I was born during a massive snowstorm in April) so I know better than to get used to it, but in the meantime we've been taking advantage...
To celebrate the first day of spring, we took a long walk down one of our beloved Hudson trails. We were a little startled that it was warm enough for short sleeves - but it sure felt good. Later, we'll be barbecuing some burgers and perhaps whipping up a margarita or three.
Years ago a dear friend of mine introduced me to the tradition of Persian New Year - I couldn't agree more that the new year should begin on the first day of spring! So much more appropriate than during the freezing, dark days of January, no? Happy Norooz! Hope you all do a little celebrating today.
Happy Pandaversary!
A year ago today, we took a ride to the Eastern Townships. I have since lost track of the hugs, cuddles, laughs, games, and kisses. Especially the kisses. I have watched strangers' faces transform as we walk by - Panda brings smiles, squeals and a conversation to just about everyone she meets. We hear snippets of: I don't like dogs, but I like that dog. If I had a dog, it would be that one. Look at that - THAT'S a dog. Best dog ever. Dog of the day. Ohhh I want that dog.
Sadly for most who ask, she's one of a kind - as anyone who's ever adopted a shelter dog knows. We've come up with breed names for her so that when people ask, we have an answer - what kind of dog is that? Oh, she's a Fluffmaster 3000. A Fluffy McFlufferson. A rare and unobtainable Fuzzface. No matter what you call her, she's our Panda. Happy first Panda-versary, dear Fuzzface - extra carrots after dinner today :)
p.s. If you are thinking of welcoming a pet into your family, please consider adopting a shelter animal. There are many, many loving animals out there who need forever homes. Many thanks to the Frontier Animal Society, who made life possible for Panda.
Busted!
We're not the only ones who love where we live. We knew about this guy when we moved in because he's been here since last spring, but it's time to send him on his way - even though he's living in an exterior structure, the ground below it is littered with styrofoam and other nest aides, and the inside of our garage is starting to smell. So we called Humane Wildlife Control and they came by today to assess the situation. They'll be back tomorrow to send this fellow on his way. Sorry buddy, paying tenants only! Here are some pics I took one evening last fall as he watched me sweep the front walk. So long, peanut gallery.