Oh Christmas Tree

 We're still getting settled in our new home and have many boxes stored in the barn we've yet to unpack. Many of the boxes are full of Christmas decorations . We knew we had a lot of Christmas decorations but boy oh boy, is it possible to have too many ? Especially since our new home is less than half the size of our home at Cedar Pond. ( Picture is of our youngest grandson helping my husband place the first few decorations on our tree.)

 We bought a new artificial tree for our first Christmas here. Yes, we have many beautiful trees growing in our forest that'd be perfect for us, but the woodstove in our new home keeps the whole house roasty-toasty and we did not want to worry about keeping the tree stand filled with water when we knew it would dry out every day with the heat and our cats and dogs drinking out of it. We chose this tree because it is narrow and nine feet tall, filling the window but not crowding us out of our new little living room.

Blizzard, our 20 pound cat, stretched out under the tree .

 We have a new puppy . She was born to a Labrador Retriever one of our granddaughters owns. We got her when she was 8 weeks old and now she is 8 months old. Her name is Luna and we love her. She discovered a long time ago she can peek into the house from the windows overlooking the deck. Our two cats seem to enjoy mocking the dogs from indoors. Here is Miss Marple almost taunting Luna. If Luna were indoors Miss Marple would be hiding under the bed or in the closet.

 The view of the tree from outside on a cold snowy winter's evening. You can see our other cat Blizzard looking out the window.

"The shining sparkling ornaments strung on our Christmas tree , Reach out and take me by the hand to years that used to be."  *  'To The Years That Used To Be '  from poem by Annette Victorin

My Canine Companions ~ Blessings !

 I don't think I can ever underestimate the many ways my canine companions have enriched my life. This is Whimsy our German Shepherd. If I had known many years ago what an amazing breed German Shepherds are Whimsy would not have been our first GS Dog. I believe we have been mightily blessed she is our first because of her willingness to please us and quickly learn our ways and routines , mutually beneficial to all concerned. And how could you not love a face like this ? She is looking at me in this picture. She watches, studies, and follows me , humbling me with her unwavering devotion.

 This is Hawk, our old Vizsla , settled in front of our fireplace with our other constant companion, Blizzard. Blizzard may look like a cat, but he is 20 pounds of muscle in a cat body with the personality and friendliness of the average snuggly dog. Blizzard actually becomes a nuisance when we have company because he runs to see who's here and then proceeds to jump in their laps, especially if that company includes children. He loves being in the midst of loud playful kids and often frustrates them by snatching their toys for himself. Alas, Blizzard usually has to settle for us and our dogs, but he has no qualms about thrusting himself upon us. Hawk always appreciates a warm body to lean into and he and Blizzard are friends.

 Beatrix is 11 years old and such a faithful dog. She and Whimsy do not get along because they both strive to be by my side. Whimsy works hard at keeping Beatrix away from me by circling us as we walk and nipping Beatrix , trying to bully Beatrix to stay back away from me, far away from me. This works too , because Beatrix will back away from me and flatten herself on the ground when this happens. It is apparent Whimsy has quickly become the "alpha" in my little pack of four. I am working with Whimsy to teach her manners, it is not polite to mistreat your elders . This has really been my biggest challenge with Whimsy. I will not allow her to abuse Beatrix , and Beatrix is the only dog she picks on. I have been thinking on this since Whimsy was 6 months old. Why does Beatrix seem to concern her regarding me ? How can I stop her from bullying Beatrix... still working on this, but Whimsy has not physically harmed Beatrix , and thus far Whimsy has respected my insistence on this. ( She'd better ! )

 This is Willow, Beatrix's older sister. She is 13 years old. Both Beatrix and Willow were born in my kitchen. They are full sisters from different litters. Willow and Whimsy are companions, sharing the back yard and porch. They sleep together too. Willow gets along with everyone, people, other dogs, cats. She loves nothing more than food and her beef bones. She is always carrying a beef bone around with her and sleeps with her favorite beef bone. Willow is one of those dogs often unappreciated until they are gone because she is so easy to have around. Sometimes she is silly and it is fun to watch her roll around in the grass , one of her big pleasures. Rolling, rolling, rolling.. and snorting with pure doggy joy as she does.

All our dogs love to hang out with my grandchildren , and all my grandchildren love dogs. My canine companions enrich my life, entertain me, and I hope I give to them even a fraction of the love and devotion they give to me. My dogs are a blessing to me and I am thankful for them. ( Picture is of Whimsy and one of our grandsons, daughter's youngest son. )

Just An Old Dog

Just an old dog following me around as I tend my flocks and gardens . My Beatrix loves me so much. She is an old dog now and has always lived here. Beatrix was born here at Cedar Pond in our kitchen, as was her sister Willow who is older than Beatrix. Beatrix and Willow are easy dogs to have around and because of that I sometimes forget what amazing dogs they are. Right now Beatrix is snoring as she sleeps at my feet but if I were to move from this chair she'd be up and ready to follow me even if her aching bones protest.

I remind myself that my dogs live to follow me around and please me. Their life is short compared to ours and it is so easy to make them happy. They want my praise. A nod and a pat and simply saying "good girl, I love you " to my dogs causes ecstatic tail-wagging and happiness . Food treats I give my dogs are a bonus , but I can tell when I feed them and walk away while they're eating and my dogs leave their dish of food still half full to follow me, it is me they desire most. I am humbled.

A Faithful Dog Is A Treausre

Beatrix, ever faithful, always following me. She was born in our kitchen along with her many sisters and brothers. When the litter of pups began opening their eyes, I would always find one wee puppy simply sitting up in her wobbly puppy way and watching me no matter what else was going on in the puppy bed. She is still the same, ever watchful and loving. She's getting old , but her older sister is still doing well so I expect to have Beatrix around for a few more years. (Right now she is snoring as she sleeps at my feet .)

A loving and faithful dog is a treasure. This dog, my Beatrix, seems unable to settle down unless she is near me , unless she can see me. She is perfectly content to simply be near me with no physical interaction needed.  How much more I would hope to desire my God, my Lord & Savior. Absolute and steadfast love for Him , not so unlike that of my dog for me. Thank-you God for the simple adoration and friendship of a loving dog.

Sunday Sunshine Therapy

 There were a few moments of sunshine between down-pourings of rain . I took a walk along our little road  with my pack of 4 dogs . We watched my geese and ducks swimming in sunshine reflections.

 Me, my puppy ( she might be large but is still in her youth ) and our 3 old dogs who have all been with us for more than a decade, took our time. I allowed the dogs to examine every log , stick,stone and puddle. The Labs just had to take a splash and a swim in the pond. Therapy ~ that is what you should call a walk in sunshine with dogs you love & enjoy.

The very old Labrador Retriever ,Willow ( dog with collar ), is always limping and in some pain , but she is one of the happiest dogs I spend time with. She gets along with all the dogs and cats and is easy company. She was born in my kitchen many years ago, 4th and last generation of Labs born here at Cedar Pond . She has been such an easy dog to train and have around I have taken her for granted. As I watch her in her old age I am appreciating more and more what a treasure she is.

Just a simple walk with my dogs, some Sunday sunshine therapy.

Apple Retriever

Who knew you could get fat on apples ? Not apples baked into pies, sweetened for applesauce, but just plain apples ! Beatrix retrieves and piles apples near our front porch all day. She gets them from our orchard and she doesn't wait for the apples that fall onto the ground, she will pick the apples herself. Of course she eats her fill of apples before stockpiling them. She is a Labrador Retriever who tends to gain weight easily ( like most of us ) and she is on a diet of 2 cups of dog food per day. She had already lost weight and we were helping her maintain a healthy weight until the apples ripened and began to fall during wind and rain storms. She wiggles and wobbles as she runs now.

Fortunately she can only eat so many apples and because she stockpiles them near the front porch my sheep are benefiting from her labors. Good dog Beatrix , my sweet, stout, and loving Apple Retriever.

Kona ~ A Happy Dog

This is Kona, a Labrador Retriever. Kona is a happy dog. Kona's mistress , Shannon, ( sister of our youngest son's wife ) hosted a baby shower for our son and his wife who are soon due to have their first baby ( our grandson ) after over 13 years of marriage. A miracle and a blessing we will never take for granted. Kona seemed to take over the role as host for the baby shower and I thought he was pretty entertaining, greeting every newcomer and checking out the gifts. During the baby shower I saw him grab an unopened water bottle, bite the lid off  and enjoy a long cool drink . His happy face made me even happier. How can you beat this ? A happy son, a happy daughter-in-law, a happy family, a happy dog enjoying the gathering ? Well, the only topper for this ? A happy birth !!!!! Soon.....

A Walk In The Woods

One of my granddaughters and I set out with my dog Whimsy for a walk in the woods. We were hoping to find two other granddaughters in the woods who told us they had made a shelter and hide-away there.

We had a very pleasant walk together. A walk in the woods with granddaughters is a very special time. Two romping  dogs make it even more so. We found the pond hidden in the woods and the dogs took full advantage of it. But where are the other granddaughters ?

Whimsy and Beatrix played in the shallow pond , but where are the other granddaughters ?

We discovered quite a few stumps and trees riddled with holes ...

...and one of the makers of the holes . A pileated woodpecker, one of many living in these woods , but where are the other granddaughters ? All it really took was my German Shepherd Whimsy to find them. We would have surely passed them by but Whimsy rushed to a hidden place in the woods and when I went to retrieve her I found her wagging her tail as she licked the other granddaughters profusely. She loves my granddaughters.

See ? You really would not find them if you did not know where they were or if you had not brought a dog who likes them with you ,

 

but yes, here they are in the bower and hide-away they made out of branches and leaves. A true hide-away , a magical place I know they will tuck into their memories of childhood  to bring out and be remembered as happy times with cousins, with family.

This granddaughter and I ( and Whimsy ) left the other granddaughters to their hide-away in the woods and walked back home , sharing conversation and thoughts as we also simply enjoyed the walk. "Take a walk outside - it will serve you far more than pacing around in your mind." Rasheed Ogunlaru ~ " Walking is also an ambulation of mind " Gretel Ehrlich

The Blessings Of A Good Dog Or Two

"Any woman who does not thoroughly enjoy tramping across the country on a clear frosty morning with a good gun and a pair of dogs does not know how to enjoy life." Annie Oakley

The top photo is of me and 2 of my beloved Labrador Retrievers.These two are sisters. They are from different litters though and the dog in the first photo, the one trying to climb into my lap, is Willow. She is 2 years older than Beatrix who is behaving herself at my feet. Do you know how hard it is to get a good photo of yourself with your dogs? My daughter was patient, and the dogs were both so excited to see the children, run around, try to get in my lap...and I love them. The sisters are perfect companions around here on Cedar Pond. They are from the last 2 litters of purebred Labrador Retrievers we bred. I miss having puppies around, but not too much. It is hard work to properly raise and socialize puppies. Then there is the emotional toll of selling them, and there is ALWAYS one puppy that steals my heart and I miss forever more (* Peppi). I do have two little heart- breakers here in the photos...although my husband did mention to me they both seem to be in need of a reduction in the amount of food they are eating, and looking at these photos I agree!

The Annie Oakley quote above is so true, although I do not trek with a gun, I do love to take long walks on frosty days, well, any days, with my husband ~ and my dogs at my side. I love to take the dogs camping with us, and we have taken at least one dog on many a trip and been very happy we did. "We give them the love we can spare. In return dogs have given us their absolute all. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made." Roger Caras

"The one best place to bury a good dog is in the heart of his master." Ben Hur Lampman

She Chose Me

~This is Beatrix. She was one of 11 puppies born to our dog Sienna.She is the granddaughter to our beloved Saxon, and great-granddaughter to our dog, Thor.The last litter of AKC registered Labrador Retriever puppies I intended to raise. After more than 15 years of raising Labrador puppies it was time to quit and enjoy the 5 dogs we had. I already had a full sister to Beatrix, Willow, from Siennas' first litter.I did not, repeat, DID NOT want another puppy to raise. Sometimes though, I am outsmarted by my critters.Outsmarted with love. ~My puppies were born in the kitchen and kept in a children's swimming pool on the floor near my kitchen sink. This allowed me to keep an eye on them all the time and attend to their momma's needs as well. In every litter of puppies, even if all 11 of them are rust-gold yellow and look alike, they very soon distinguish themselves as individuals with their own unique personalities. Well in this litter there was one little female pup who as soon as her eyes opened, would just sit herself up and watch me. Her brothers and sisters would be playing and snuffling the pool, but she would just sit there as close to me as possible and watch me. ~The puppies were always moved outside into enclosed shelters with heat lamps if needed when they were about 3 weeks old. Every time I would be outside attending to the puppies, there was the little female following me, and carefully observing me, just me.When the puppies were put up for sale, they sold quickly. But every time a family would come out to choose their pup, this particular little female would be clinging to the shade and corners of the puppy house. What was going on? She had never before exhibited shy or timid behavior. But the families that came and went were sure she was one of those timid dogs all the books said to avoid. As soon as the families left with another puppy, there she would be,out of the puppy house, happy and content to just gaze at me. ~Finally, there was just her left. I had spent a lot of money on ads and as the last ad ran out, and the last calls for puppies ceased....there was just her. We had to take her on our Thanksgiving trip to our son's home over the mountains ( we couldn't leave a puppy in the kennel alone) and she traveled with her 2 years older sister Willow. We discovered this little puppy was a perfect traveling dog. She got along well with our son and his wife's 5 dogs and she got along well with children and she house broke herself.It dawned on me she was, and is a smart dog. I think she planned this all out and knew what she was doing. I ended up keeping her, but did not settle on a name for her for awhile because maybe I should sell her...we don't need 6 dogs. But she is now 4 years old. You can see we still have her. ( or she still has us) ~She lives for me. I don't know why. Her whole being seems dedicated to being by my side. She does not jump up on me, or pester me with her tongue and pushing against me. She simply follows and watches me. When I sit down or stand still, she sits and gazes at me. When all the other dogs are vying for my attention by leaping around me, pushing each other out of my way, she sits...and gazes.When I call to her for petting, she is at my side, head in my lap, and her sigh tells me that to her, this is more than enough reward for her. When I have had to chastise her for misbehavior ( rare for her ) she doesn't flee, she lowers her head and leans close as she thinks proper, and watches me for approval again.She will ignore food if she thinks I might give her attention instead. How can I have ever thought I did not need or want another dog, especially when she chose me in the first place? "I don't like people who don't like dogs-I just don't , declares Brooke Astor, the doyenne of New York society.....A negative view of anything does not come naturally to this warm hearted nonagenarian...but do not cross her on the subject of dogs. " I simply cannot live without them," she says." from LIVING WITH DOGS by Laurence Sheehan I have no problem with people who care not for dogs, or cats, or animals, but I personally do not want to live without them either and am so blessed to be able to have so many sharing my life.

Cookies and Another Santa

~This is a Santa I made about 20 years ago. I drew out the pattern on paper, and my Hubby cut him out of wood. I then painted him, added toys and hid a music box in his sack. I bring him out every year. I made 2 more and gave them away as gifts. Funny thing is, his face so looks like someone we know and I couldn't help thinking the little guy kind of took on a bit of life ( not in a spooky way ) as he stared at me while I worked on him.~Here is a plate of sugar cookies I baked up tonight using the recipe from yesterdays' post. The grandchildren are not here and I did not want to take the time to roll out and cut the dough, I am busy finishing up things for the bazaar this weekend. So I simply pulled a roll of the dough out of the fridge, sliced it like one would a loaf of bread, baked the sliced bits of cookie dough, cooled the cookies, and decorated with the powdered sugar icing and sprinkles. Voila ! Freshly baked Christmas cookies and hot coffee . ( The larger snowman in the picture was made by my Hubby's youngest sister and her husband who live next door. ) ~And just what would Christmas be like around Cedar Pond without a decorated Labrador Retriever or two or three or four ? Here is Beatrix, putting up with bows and picture taking. "You have never been properly welcomed and given holiday greetings until you have been welcomed by a quartet of Labs. Retrievers to the core they will greet you with something in the mouth- a boot, mitten, child's toy, anything that is in reach and retrievable." Jo Northrup

~"Christmas! Tis the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial fire of charity in the heart." Washington Irving

Spot On Someone Who Made A Difference

~This post will be a bit heavy on the Labrador retriever pictures, but there is a reason.~ Beatrix

~A friend of ours died this past week. Dale Tibbits, DVM. Since we have lived out here our lives have been intertwined with Dr. Tibbits' . He was our vetrinarian, he was an employer of our sons and nephew for a few years. He was the landlord of our dear friends, Dirt and Lanny ( It's The Dirt, in sidebar ) But really, he was so much more than that. Mabel (below) is our black Lab. ~Dale Tibbits was almost always seen with one, two, or many more black Labs. Dale was an avid hunter and field trial dog trainer and competitor. We would see his truck all around the area , Labs in their carrier, or often we would see Dale training them in his ponds and fields, or Ft.Lewis range land.When our sons and nephew were younger Dale would take them along for help. ~Dale made a difference in our sons' lives. A good difference!

~Here is Sienna, Mabels' sister, and mother to our dogs Beatrix and Willow. Now the little stinker has a litter of Vizsla / Labs. She is a good Mom. When she surprised us this past weekend with puppies I had made a mental note to myself to call Dale when we got back from the coast to have him dew-claw the pups and dock their tails. Dale did this for us in his home office, and usually we or the Vick girls were called into action to hold the puppies while he clipped and stitched. (Sienna is a Yellow Lab, yellow Labs can be anywhere from white, to yellow, to fox red, as Sienna is) ~When we called our daughter this weekend to see how the animals were doing she told us the animals were fine, but she had some bad news. Dale Tibbits was dead. You know, it is hard to imagine someone as alive, someone who fully enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest, as dead. ~This is Willow(below), Sienna's daughter, Mabel's niece, Beatrix' sister, half sister to litter in the kitchen right now. Sienna and Beatrix had their dew- claws removed by Dale. Sienna also had a hunting accident repaired by Dale. ~Dale is someone who if you know him, you will always remember him. Whenever we are gathered with anyone who remotely knows Dale Tibbits there are the 'Dale stories'. Believe me, the 'Dale Stories' will be told to grandchildren of our grandchildren. I think his funeral will be full of people remembering their 'Dale Stories'. Dale was interesting, funny, and I believe he is what one calls an 'eccentric', in the true sense of the word. ~This is our oldest dog, Misty(below). She is blind now. About 7 years ago she had her last litter of puppies. She was having trouble and could not pass a puppy. Dale told me to bring her in. While he munched on cookies he checked her out. Yes, Dale munched a lot on snacks. After a while, he had X-rays taken and they showed a very, very, large puppy stuck in the birth canal. Instead of rushing to C-section, Dale did a little bit of manipulating, and waiting. He waited awhile, and after more manipulating, the puppy came out...ALIVE ! And you know, two more came out fine, then Dale had me take her home where the rest of the puppies were born alive and well. I know had I taken her anywhere else she would have had a C-section. Thank-you Dale ! ~Here is Hawk(below), Hubby's Vizsla, father of the litter of puppies. (sly dog) Hawk somehow managed to slice a large hole in the top of his front right leg, just below the chest.I could see the muscle wall, a lot of blood.... You have to see how thin the skin is and how little there is to stitch together on the slender foreleg of a Vizsla to appreciate what Dale did. Hawk sliced his leg open while Hubby was away on business, on a weekend. Fortunately Dale was home, which is just across the highway from us. I rushed Hawk over to Dales' and he had Bet, one of Dirt and Lanny's daughters help , and we held Hawk while Dale stitched. He predicted problems with such a delicate area, but you know, Dale did a great job and Hawk healed fine. He still has a large scar there, but the skin held together. ~I could go on and on about what Dale has done over the years for our animals...I will leave the "Dale Stories' for other times and gatherings. Dale was killed in an ATV accident while hunting with friends in Montana. All who know Dale even a little will know Dale was having a great time until the end....hunting, friends, ATV's, Montana.....Dale leaves behind his beautiful wife of many, many years. He leaves behind grown children, and grandchildren. Friends, colleagues. People who have benefited from his generosity. Dirt and Lanny and their children live next door to Dale and his wife, they will miss him terribly. Their daughters don't know life there without Dale, his dogs, his antics and ideas. Life around here will be a bit less interesting without Dale. ~One thing we do know about Dale though, Dale loved Jesus ! This is what Dale held to be true:

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16 We'll meet in Heaven. I hope Labrador Retrievers romp there !