Roger in a Hat and a couple of pics for Kitt

OK, I admit it, I have seriously neglected this blog for far too long. I suppose that's partially due to my immersion in my 365 Project on Flickr, my Photo Blog and the photography class I'm taking at the community college. Oh, yes and the tap dancing class I'm taking at the Rec Center! There were a couple of times in February when I felt inspired to post something, but it was either a fleeting thing, or I wasn't able to act on the inspiration at the time...and for me, timing has a lot to do with it. So, to at least have one post for March, here's a picture of Roger which has been quite popular on Flickr and the story that goes with it.

It started out as a spur of the moment response to an email from the trainer whom Roger and I hold in high esteem. Monday night/Tuesday morning I was finally getting ready to turn off the computer and go to bed, but I thought I would first quickly check my email (which I have also been neglecting). There was an email from Dr. Sarah asking if I had a photo of Roger in a hat that she could use to announce an event she is planning for May...Hounds in Hats. Well, I didn't have one, but I figured there's no time like the present (albeit 1:30 in the morning!). I grabbed an interesting hat out of my closet, summoned the ever-obliging Roger into the garage (where the light is bright enough so I don't have to use flash) and snapped a few shots. This was actually the first one and the best by far. I did a few minor adjustments and promptly emailed it back. In the back of my mind I thought I could also use it for my Flickr project if nothing better presented itself during daylight hours. What was I thinking!? What could possibly be better than a picture of Roger in a hat? Of course, I did use it for my pic of the day without even looking for something else...it was a no-brainer! Hope you all like it, too!

Kitt, these next 2 are especially for you, just because I cannot see a honey bee now without thinking of you! In fact, the other day there was a bee in my car when I got in. When I heard it (before I actually saw it) I thought it was a yellow jacket, so my first thought was to open the window so it could get the heck out. By the time I saw that it was a honey bee, it was already poised on the edge of the window, ready to take flight. My next instinct was to take a picture, but alas, it was already too late. I spied this solitary bee in my front yard yesterday and was able to get a couple of pics.

Surprise!

We went to Home Depot yesterday and saw this truck parked in the outer reaches of the lot. Of course, I had my camera with me so I just had to snap a picture. As I was walking around it, camera pointed, deciding on the best angle, someone came walking toward it/me. I was briefly worried that this person might think I was responsible for this hilarious (to me, anyway!) prank.

I spoke up and said said something like, "I just saw this and thought it was funny" and he walked past and said, "Yeah, they do that a lot around here." I wonder if the birthday person was aware of this celebretory practice and would be expecting it or if it would be a complete, and (hopefully) happy, surprise. If this was MY truck and it was MY birthday I would LAUGH!

Just practicing...

...for my new blog (click here) , which starts officially next year. OK, so that's only the day after tomorrow. In the meantime, I'm posting this photo of the ever so loveable Roger here, just because I can. I'm sure he will be appearing many more times throughout the coming year, in both places.

Helper dogs!

Need a little help decorating your tree? Call these guys! (click here). It is my understanding that they are all service dogs. I wish I'd seen this a couple of weeks ago!

Am I CRAZY?

Do I really need another diversion? NO. Can I manage another diversion? Well, I don't know, but I certainly hope so and I'm up for the challenge, so we'll see! Who knows, maybe it can even serve as a tool that I can use to help me become more disciplined.

Check THIS out (click here) and tell me if you think I'm crazy for embarking on such an endeavor...

Paws for Claus

Yesterday Roger and I participated in the 2nd Annual Paws for Claus at Windchime Assisted Living, an event that is thoroughly enjoyed by the residents. There were about 30 dogs in all, most dressed in their best Christmas finery. Normally I don't go for dressing dogs up in costumes or people clothes, but this was for a worthy cause, and besides, Roger wasn't actually dressed up, he merely had on some seasonal accessories!
The event began with a freestyle ("dancing") demonstration, then the dogs paraded past the audience, one at a time, as they were introduced. There was an award for Most Christmas Spirit, Best Dressed and Most Obedient. While the judges were tallying the scores, there was general mingling among dogs and audience. If invited to participate again next year we will surely accept.

Red is a good color on Roger. He didn't even mind the jingle bells.

Trixie
Vanderbilt, a Saluki rescued from Kuwait

Buddy

I don't know the name of this cutie

Teddy, winner in the "Most Christmas Spirit" category

I knew this would happen...

It has been over one month since my last post...and it was almost one month in between that one and the one before. Where does the time go? Why is is that when I have an inspiration I am not in a position to take action, then when I am in front of the computer the inspiration is no longer there?

Well, here goes, just a little recap of my afternoon.

I decided to take Roger down the hill to the dog park and to run a few errands. We were approaching Lookout Point when Roger started whining a little and seemed restless. I figured nature was calling, and since Lookout Point is now so easily accessed, it seemed like a logical place to stop. We made the rounds, checking out trees, grassy mounds, mulched areas and the perimeter fencing, but no go.

I have not stopped at Lookout Point since its transformation. In fact, I have not stopped there for several years. It was worth it, even though Roger only sniffed. The view is as spectacular as I remembered, and they did a good job of making it user friendly.

Lookout Point is now official

The viewThere is an inscription on the marker that reads, "Gone but not forgotten, although we are apart, your spirit lives within me, forever in my heart." Sad...

Roger strikes a pose

Not the best pose, in fact I think he looks a little stuffy. Another visitor had just pulled up and he was momentarily more interested in them than me and my camera. Oh, well, at least his visit is documented.

Then it was on to the dog park, aka: tree farm. This picture was taken a couple of weeks ago. As luck would have it, my camera battery died right after Roger's stuffy pose at Lookout Point.

This is Roger's new favorite place and it is one of mine, too. Leashes are optional in a large portion of the grounds. The number of visitors varies day to day and hour to hour. It is always fun to watch the interaction when dogs meet for the first time. Roger's best friend for today was a 17 month chocolate lab named Buck. His humans said he was a very good hunter. They also said he usually outruns most dogs, but that he met his match in Roger. Roger is very fast! I wish I could have captured their antics on video.
On to our errands, nothing exciting there. I must say, however, that one of Roger's fine attributes is that he is completely trustworthy while waiting in the car. He never gets into the front seat, never chews on anything (he didn't even get into the 2 packages of dog treats that were in the back seat with him!) and, as far as I know, he doesn't bark.

I have a few more items up my sleeve for posting in the next few days, so let this be a new beginning of a more regularly updated blog.