Katie and I survived a full night of camping out in the back yard last night. It was soothing to listen to the rain as it fell off and on throughout the night, and we had an early morning wakeup call from a couple of robins about 5:30. For the most part Katie and I had a nice snooze and we’ll do it again soon I think. I’ve packed up the tent so that Daddy can mow the grass.
At work yesterday I was searching for a book in the teen fiction area, a part of the library I really don’t have much experience with. The book was not to be found, so I began to look for it throughout all the shelves. Along the way I realized there were several titles I was interested in reading, and recognized with a start that there was no reason I couldn’t. I’m planning on grabbing a few titles next time I’m in that branch. Another chance to read “outside my box.”
Today I glanced out the laundry room window and thought I saw a big rock in my neighbor’s long gravel driveway. Then the rock moved and I realized it had legs. And a head. So I ran outside with a camera, and this is what I saw.
It’s a snapping turtle, about a foot long, maybe 10 inches wide. She wasn’t very happy with me so I took my pictures and retreated back across the road and down into a little dip where I could watch her without appearing to be threatening. She sat for a long moment, then kept on moving toward the pond. I think she had been out laying eggs somewhere. She moved very delibertly, picking up one giant foot, plopping it down and then doing the same with the another foot. Even so she moved quite quickly and was soon safe in the pond. Very fun to watch.
Katie and I went to PetCo today. Apparently it was adopt a dog day and there were lots of people and dogs outside. I probably wouldn’t have gone today if I had known. After we made our purchases we drove to the park. That too was full of people, a family celebrating some sort of event complete with a giant blow up jumping house in the shape of Thomas the Train, and a little league softball game going on, teams in uniforms, each side with a mess of people cheering them on. Katie and I decided to skip the practice in our normal area, and went for a walk in the field instead. Just as fun.
So that’s the news from up in Michigan on a Sunday. Nothing earth shattering. But sometimes that’s a good thing.
Last night Katie and I had the opportunity to do a little agility again. It’s been a very long time since we have tried this, and I was worried that she wouldn’t remember anything. I was wrong. She remembered that she hates the dogwalk and the A-frame, refusing to begin them, and only tentatively maneuvering them when she was placed on top of each. We didn’t even attempt the teeter. She still likes to do the tunnel and she loves to run and jump. She even did weaves pretty good with me guiding her through them. Most of her weave problems were caused by me not being able to handle the hand with the leash (and her) and the hand with the cheese through all the poles. The chute was OK, but someone was holding up the end so I think she thought it was just another tunnel.
Katie and I had an opportunity to drop into a competitive obedience class this morning. Most Saturday mornings I have to work, but for whatever reason my random schedule has me working 5-9 tonight. I like that this class has a drop-in policy that just costs me $10 to attend, whenever I can make it.
She probably brought home a few special dandelion seeds to plant in her Daddy’s pretty green lawn. Shhhhhh! Don’t tell him! She especially liked sniffing around the taller grass, checking out paths that might need investigating.
Though she was also always up for a quick recall. Just never know when Mom might have found another treat hidden deep in the recesses of her treat pouch. Can’t always tell ya know, might be worth the run back to check it out!
It was really difficult not to buy everything I saw. It is an amazing place that makes me realize how lucky I am to have this nursery just down the road. If I ever have a blue sort of day I can pop in there and just look around. It never fails to make me smile.
Oh, there was so much more that looked wonderful as I was ‘not’ looking. But I have enough garden to keep track of already, no need to go make it any bigger. And of course, in these economic times I’m trying to keep as small a spending footprint as I can. But it’s so tempting!
Meanwhile Katie has been very patient while I planted. She even tried to help, but in the end I had to do most of the work myself. We’re off to the park. After all, I promised!
I’ve been so busy coming and going from work that poor Katie hasn’t been able to go to her favorite park in awhile. Today is the first day in ten days I haven’t had to work. And lucky us, the sun is shining! So guess what? We will definitely make some time for park visiting. And she can’t wait! I can’t wait either, but I think we should at least eat breakfast first. More later. 
Change Is Hard 