Sadness creates lifesaving happiness

We got the very sad news that Lenny and Jack, two of the sweetest little dogs, succumbed to their old age within one week of each other. The normal thing to do would be to grieve for months and then maybe look for another dog. Fortunately for 10 year old siblings Billy Bob and Penny Sue, M's sister and brother-in-law embraced the notion they should have a home as soon as possible and went to a shelter an hour away to adopt two charmers. The double names are the because the dogs lived in South Carolina (it's a Southern tradition) until their guardian died. We're told they are energetic and clingy, and they make two sad people laugh - which is a good thing. 

They may look as if they will create mayhem, but the next photo tells the true story that they have fit right in.

Perky is as perky does (whatever that means)

 Nellie's bestie Nick has been truly suffering in the heatwave we've been experiencing. Well, in all fairness, Nick thinks anything above 75 degrees is too hot. When he's having the vapors he won't eat, he refuses treats, and he looks like he's near collapse. Imagine our surprise on our last visit when he not only DEMANDED treats, but was zesty. It was so good to see his alert, whadda ya gonna do for me expression, it's impossible not to share his cuteness.

Welp - that's it for me today says Angel

Last night was National Night Out and we decided to crash a block party that was happening a couple of streets away. Baking my world famous brownies (in a three block area) and taking them seemed to be a clever way to blend in. We were also greeted by the many neighbors who knew us (and actually invited us). All in all, a jolly evening. HOWEVER - the duo we were expecting, and had assured us would be present, were missing. A quick text and -- disappointment followed. They weren't coming. The reason -- Miss Angel was too tuckered out to move. As follows:

 Yup - totally crashed. Sweet dreams. And excused.

Stunning simplicity

There is a house on our dog walks that has a nice yard and occasionally their overly exuberant dogs are out to loudly and repeatedly say hello. But this, surprisingly, isn't about dogs (for a change). They added a touch to their entry gate that is just so simple, and yet stunning. It reminds me of Japanese bonsai (though it isn't at all), and being in front of a Craftsman style house, which has Japanese origins, it makes perfect sense.

 

OK -- one last detail

On June 23, the post was about finishing the front triangle area of my yard, and the statement was that it was done and dusted -- until I thought of something else. Well, of course there had to be something else. The pebbles at the back end just felt...wrong. Ah ha. What they lacked was a nice border. Bottles wouldn't do as the slate was really a pathway to have access to the plantings and a tripping hazard isn't a good idea for an old geezer. Thought of plastic edging, but then a hard no to plastic. Didn't want to buy anything. Mmmm. And there it was. Large black pebbles that had previously made a lovely design in front of an artistic tree stump were now completely hidden by the foxtail agave that has grown so aggressively (and beautifully). Dug a few of those out and created a border that just makes the area look finished. Or at least that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

An Angel celebrating the Fourth of July

Angel is indeed just the right ambassador for celebrating Independence Day. Enough said.

Sleeping beauty

McSnoozy-Snorey, otherwise known as Nellie's good chum Nick, is of such a delicate constitution that he is unable to cope with any temperatures above 70º. Even that can be a bit of a struggle. On bad days he gets a very upset tummy that results in messy cleanups. On good days, he's able to nap quite soundly and STILL be cute as a button.