Early Morning

I took a walk early Saturday morning.

I brought my new camera with me in the hope of capturing some deer.

As I walked, I realized I can now tell the difference between the sound of a squirrel moving through the woods and a deer.  You might think that would be a no brainer, but for the longest time, any rustling I heard made my heart skip in the anticipation of seeing a deer.

First, I heard a squirrel.  I wasn't fast enough with the camera to get him.
A short time later, I heard a deer.  I crouched down and got my camera ready.  The rustling became louder and louder.  She was running straight at me!  My nerves got the best of me and I stood up.  She, of course, stopped in her tracks and bounded off in the opposite direction. 
Maybe next time I will stay put and get an amazing photo of a deer leaping over me!

A little while later, I saw her and another doe playing in the woods.  They were jumping at each other like two puppies.   I didn't even try to snap a picture--I just stood there enjoying them.

I did manage to get these photos of the beautiful winter foliage though.  I was able to sneak up on these plants with no problems--I'm a cagey one like that.

Happy Thanksgiving

I'm having a Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale in my Etsy shop.  I'll let you in on a little secret, I activated the coupon code early.  So, if you're doing some after dinner shopping, use coupon code BF2011 to save.
Here's the link to my shop  www.songbirdcabin.etsy.com
Happy Thanksgiving!

Autumn Adoration

A Last Glimpse

of Summer.

I didn't spend a whole lot of time appreciating the joys of summer this year--my mind and heart were consumed with things that were much more important to me.
I did manage to snap a few pictures though.  It's funny, looking through my pictures, I don't really even remember taking these, but I'm glad I did.

I'm looking forward to Autumn and I'm already enjoying seeing the very beginning of the leaves starting to change.  But I did want to take a quick look back at some of summer's beauty.

One in a Million

Hope

January 23, 1999~August 17, 2011

 

She liked to be tucked in under her fleece blanket on winter nights.

The girl loved her toys. . .

A LOT

She also liked to watch TV. . .

A LOT

Mmmmm, cheeseballs

When I recovered my kitchen chairs, after I scotch guarded them, I set them out on the deck to dry.

I looked out a few minutes later and saw this

She cracked me up.  Such a silly, quirky dog.

Resting after a strenuous morning of opening Christmas presents.  Resting, yet making sure no one takes the one she saved for last.

This is how I will always picture Hope in my heart~sleeping with her toy in her mouth.

Well, we may not have had 25 years, but we had a good run.  I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Oh, hello there. . .

Apparently, I'm not the only one who likes the gardenia plants beside my front porch.

Clothesline Therapy



There is something about the simple act of hanging clothes out to dry that lifts my spirits.

~stepping out into the quiet morning~

~the sun on my shoulders~

~the sounds of the birds and bugs in the trees~

~keeping an eye on the woods, hoping to see a deer wander by~

~a grateful heart for where I get to live~

And maybe, the best of all, sleeping in sheets that have been soaked in sunshine.

My idea of luxury