The weather gave us a break today, sunny, not so windy, highs in the 60’s. And I didn’t have to work! Can’t let an opportunity like this get by us, so Katie and I went to our small local park. It’s really just a couple of softball fields, a soccer field and some paths mowed in a big field with a couple of ponds sprinkled about, but it’s one of Katie’s favorite spots in the whole world. I like it because it’s close to home and still scenic.

In this picture Katie isn’t on her leash, but that was the only time I tried this.  She’s really good at sit and stay, and we were far far away from any cars.  But still…our trainers say the only time a dog should be off leash is when you’re 100% sure they are safe, and for Katie and me, that’s a good rule.  But I wanted a good portrait of her without the leash in the picture.  The rest of the time she was on one of two leashes I had with me.

There were lots of great things to sniff!

We tried to do a self portrait of the two of us, but Katie wasn’t that into me and didn’t want to sit still.  After all we hadn’t been to the park all winter and there was SO MUCH to explore!  Silly Mom wanting to sit and take pictures!

Eventually we made it down to the big pond where we explored around the edges.  We startled three gartner snakes.  Well, let’s tell the truth.  They startled us! Can you see the snake in the photo below?

We also startled a frog into jumping into the pond with a big PLOP!  Katie is a big wimp, all bark, no action.  She jumped just about as high as the frog all the while backing up!

We settled in for a bit  just watching the water.  The wind was blowing toward us, making little waves wash up on the shore.  It was very relaxing!

What a wonderful time at the park!  Hope you all had a great day too!