Outdoor Dog's Blog

Pacific NW home

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 18:20:00 +0000

When you can go home. Revisiting issue.

A little older and wiser.....

And the seasons keep changing....

The creeks still flow. All appears to be the same, but we know better...

Last year I stumbled on a tiny tree frog hatch. There were millions of tiny tree frogs hopping in front of me. I left the area to give them peace. This year at the same time, no tiny tree frogs to be seen.
It's the tiny things we may not see....

And no matter how hard we may try not to, we always leave a trace..

As the rain pours outside my window, I remembered this blog. It's still here. And so, we have returned to send out another post from my small part of the world to yours.

And should you return, may you find your home as you left it.

Beginning again.

Hiking With Demons and Dr. Suess

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 20:22:00 +0000

Silver Lake 6/24/13

"On and on you will hike
and I know you'll hike far
and face your problems
whatever they are."
-Dr. Suess

There were 4 adults varying in age and 4 dogs. It was slightly overcast, but not cold.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Hiking is a very individual activity. You can't fake your fitness level. You must dig inside yourself and mentally prepare to concur the mountain waiting before you. The lure of a mountain top lake with possible snow on the ground in June, drew me in.

"And when things start to happen, don't worry. Don't stew. Just go right along, you'll start happening too." -Dr. Suess

The weather changed from pouring rain to sun and back. The dogs found snow patches and they played like puppies.

" Onward up many a frightening creek, though your arms may get sore and your sneaker may leak." -Dr. Suess

Where I am happiest is by wild water.

"You can get all hung up on a prickle-ly perch and your gang will fly on. You'll be left in a lurch." -Dr.Suess

"I'm afraid that sometimes you'll play lonely games too. Games you can't win 'cause you'll play against you. "- Dr. Suess

I find hiking somewhat annoying. So many metaphors and cliches about
climbing mountains versus attempts to achieve in daily life. It becomes clear that the more you over analyze and create self doubt about your capabilities, the slower you become as you proceed up a mountain. As is also the case in daily living. While on the mountain, there is a window of opportunity to acknowledge personal patterns and let go of the mind games. I see transparent personalities with those I share this time with. There are the "go getters", the "stop and see everythingers" the "my gear is the coolest" the"OMG what was that sounders" the "This plant/mushroom is edible munchers",etc.
When starting out; I secretly dread the up hill climb as my personal battle.
I am a "coaster." I like to roll with the flow, hang on the side lines and watch the world go by. I fly down hill, always on the flip side of life. I take my time and lean on diplomacy as my method of dealing in this world. I dislike confrontation. Fact is, you can't get through our society without a little juicy confrontations. Because if you don't engage, someone will inevitably run right over you. This is bad on self-esteem. This is not a healthy way to be and has the potential to flat line life progress. My personal demon.
Needless to say, I prefer reaching the goal of mountain top,(not so much the work it demands) the celebratory pride of getting there and the descent.

And here a dog finds her spirit.

"So be sure when you step,

step with care and great tact and remember

that life's a great balancing act.

And will you succeed?

Yes, you will indeed.

98 and three quarter percent

guaranteed!

Kid, you'll move mountains."

-Dr. Suess

Sir, you remain the earliest great teacher that a child (and adult) could have.

Thank you, from my head to my shoe...

My Freaky Alien Garden, Trippin' with Sade and Saying Goodbye.

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Thu, 30 May 2013 00:01:00 +0000

Spring has arrived here in NW Washington state! As the sun stubbornly hides behind grey cloud for days on end, I have found strange alien-like life forms in flower blooms....

Yea, baby!

And my new favorite....A blue poppy when the sky is blue.

P. Dog and I are about to head out on an adventure. And as we prepare for a 12 hour drive south to look for a new home, I think of Sade. The music has traveled with me through time, bringing comfort in ways that I find hard to articulate. Along for as many life travels as I can remember, and many of those times in deep solitude. The place where I tend to lose focus.
Sade herself, like a member of my own family has always offered me a new prospective while effectively denying me the self-prescribed pill of black dog (or crow) that I tend to hardily swallow by the handfuls. No, it's not like I feel I know her, but in some way I do feel appreciative just knowing she shares the planet I'm on...I imagine her life to be very different from mine. It's another reminder of how I think the "not knowing" may be better than reality. But, sometimes I think it would be so cool to just sit down and have tea with her. Even cooler if she would agree to go hiking in the forested Washington mountains with us. Alas, she would probably be checking her watch for the next flight out of small town america. (Maybe I'd have better luck with Sir David Attenborough for tea and a hike?)
As I pack my bags and some boxes, the rain begins. I hear an owl calling across the field in the trees I helped plant so many years ago. The quietness of the country side seems to pester me for the blues. The traditional style blues of which I have a nice collection. This time I bypass the urge and pop in the latest Sade CD to relax the tightening fibres of obsession over silly unimportant details. I laugh when I think of the crazy girl crush I had on the sax/guitar player, Stuart Matthewman back in the 80's. The couple of years of tenor saxophone classes I took to try to sound like him. In my rented living room where the neighbors must have been going crazy as I played one measure a million times...Over and over trying to figure out what notes they were. I did earn a seat in a jazz band....It's a good memory and I still have the sheet music.
Sade's outdoor concerts circa late 80's in California. Fantastic. I still have a program for the "Promise" tour in my treasure box.
Sade,
wherever you are and wherever you'll be, please think of us too sometimes. The tiny specks on the map whom you'll never meet. You continue to live on in their hearts.....Wherever life takes them.

And so we say "Goodbye"

To the fields in which we played, the mountains we climbed, the waters we swam, (and one time nearly drowned), the grass we ate, the beautiful state of Washington. Crazy, beautiful, cool and windy. Many memories, but new experiences await. The pets don't know the move is coming. P. has had so much fun here in her 4 years of life. I'll do my best to take care of everyone going forward.
Southern Oregon and northern California await exploration. Will write more as inspiration and time allows. "Can she tame the beast that is her fear?" -Sade
Yours,
M.

Farmer Whisperer and a bird of a miracle.

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:15:00 +0000

I'm about to share a story with you. A story captured with pictures. I was at home alone when out of the corner of my eye, I saw the cat run by heading for the bathroom where he released his occasional mouse offerings. I knew he'd drop the item in the bathtub and it may be in various stages of consciousness. So, I grabbed my trusty mouse container and prepared for possible live capture. Only this time, it was not a mouse. It was a tiny and fragile hummingbird. My heart sank to see it laying upside down and only shallowly breathing. I removed the cat, closed the door, and opened the bathroom window. I figured I'd give it some time to collect it's barings and hopefully fly out on it's own, if it was able to. However, at first glance, the situation seemed hopeless to me.

Then farmer C. arrived. I mentioned the event unfolding in the bathroom. He disappeared from view and then I noticed C. sitting outside with the hummingbird held tenderly in hands. Something quiet and peaceful about C.'s concentration and this little hummer.

Something told me to keep watching. Something special was happening.

I suddenly realized that the contrasts in this scene were

inspiring me. The size of man vs. tiny bird. The roughness of the farmer's hands vs the fragility of this soft bird. The sacrifice of compassion vs the will to survive.

I stood in my hidden spot, watched and waited....

And waited.
And watched.

Until I couldn't watch anymore. I left and came back periodically to check on them.

It was almost as if C. was trying to heal and encourage the bird. Giving it a safe and warm place to gather the confidence and allow the life it had before.

A private whisper for bird
from man.

Then after about 20 minutes just after I took this picture

It buzzed off! A miracle!
Overjoyed, I ran outside and told C. how I had been inside taking pictures all along and how fantastic I thought that the hummer flew off, when I noticed C. had tears in his eyes....
I didn't mention it again until a few days later. I asked him what had occurred between him and the bird during that time. He only said, "I was concerned." I knew he had been a black belt martial arts teacher years ago and asked him if that's where his concentration was learned. "You could say that." He replied. "Was it a male or female? Do you know?" I asked. "It was a male." Hmmm, I thought. Maybe he was so mysterious because it was some sort of male bonding thing? I'll never know...

Inspirations, Dreams and recipe for Po'man's soup

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 21:51:00 +0000

When the world is ice cold and seems to push against her; she just puts a smile on her face and gets out there.

Be sure to check out both sides of the fence and choose your side with care.

According to R., we are living in the age of "peak everything". In a nutshell, the planet can not support the population with it's limited resources. "The fallout has already begun." He tells me.
"The ship is sinking. We are on a speeding train heading towards collision with an unknown date." He points out examples of raising gas prices and food costs, corporate takeovers, political corruption,environmental degredation, on-and-on.
"If it is already too late", I asked him. "What can we do about it?"
"Get prepared. He replied. "Pare down your lifestyle. Learn some basic skills to survive the rough. times ahead." I listen to R.'s recommended radio shows with authors of books who were former college professors or scientists who back his words as if by order. They also push their books in subliminal ways and in the same breath tell you how making money will be of no use in the future. They go on to say that all our interactions will be limited to a local level using mostly a barter system and integrated community support.

So I begin to commute by bike. In my sleep, I have dreams of designing an enclosed rainproof cover to use my bike more as I do a car.
The chicken coop. We can always eat eggs and <gulp> chicken and share them with others...The coop will be ready for spring chicks. I wonder if I can hang with some cute chicks and not think of them as friends, but as a source of food. It would be odd indeed to think of eating something that shot out of your new friends' backside. I suppose that's better than from a complete stranger.

Hmmm. This brings us to the next episode of

Dispatches from BFE To The City, episode two

Today's topic:

HOW TO MAKE PO' MAN'S SOUP

"Please sir, can I have another treat?"

Presented to you by: Dog Tired Times and Naptime Productions

(A sustainable, local and all-around lazy company)

So, you don't have anything in the fridge? Do you have an onion and garlic clove?

Dice and Stir fry onion and garlic in oil to your desired texture and crispness.

Add water according to how many people you are feeding.

Any leftover meat or bones? Add.

Add any vege(s) you got left over from your fridge in order of density and bring water to boil. (carrots, root veges/potatoes in first)

When these begin to soften, add frozen/or canned veges, if you have them. Add beans or left over pasta if you have it

Add fresh veges and/or

go to your yard and pick some dandelions or other edible green weeds. (Remember, you'll need to know before this situation arrives which ones are edible)

Basically, add anything you got at the right time...

Add spices from your kitchen herb garden, remove the bones if any in there and voila!

A Po' man's soup, to warm your soul.

And as we look due south, a silver lining...

Until next time......

Windy Winter Antics /Awwww, take a walk.

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:35:00 +0000

A day off and I can not afford to skip a walkie with the boss. She demands this of me no matter the weather. So off we went this morning into gale force winds along the coastline of Washington state. It was my bright idea. I thought that because it was a little windy that the two of us would enjoy a quiet empty trail... I was right. We saw only 1 other person because everyone else knows YOU WOULD HAVE TO BE INSANE TO BE OUT THERE!

This is how it went. I made sure I had the proper gear on, (please see the new, "Dispatches from BFE to the City" adventure series starting at end of this post)and we headed out. I felt like the wind was literally going to sweep my legs back and I would take off like a kite. What was the boss thinking of this wind? I looked over at her with her blown inside-out ears. She had a huge #$%&-eating grin on her face. Truth is, she really doesn't care as long as she's outside. She is a total outdoor enthusiast and she only puts up with my expletives because she loves me......Nice to be loved.

Brrrrrrrrrrr.

Sometimes I think I'm not enough of a back woods, thrill seeking mountain adventurer for her. I'm always huffing and puffing after a 10 mile hike. She comes home and says, "Ok, what shall we do now? Come on, at least throw the ball awhile. PLEEEEASE?" She never worries about her "do" or chapping her lips or looking cute....She just is what she is and does what she does.

We put up with each other. It feels kind-of like the odd couple sometimes.

"Who's the cat,(or dog in this case) that won't cop out,

when there is danger all about?

SHAFT!

Right on!

And we can dig it! "

-Theme from "Shaft"

By: Isaac Hayes, the coolest

Dispatches from BFE to the City , episode one

Today's topic:

A WINTER GEAR GUIDE FOR IDIOTS

presented by: Getting Some Tail Dog Walking Services

P. Dog and I stood near the cliff, not too close to the edge because we were at least smart enough to know that a gust could blow us over the side. Sand was blowing up and over the ridge from the beach below. I could see the granules accumulating on P and felt them hit my face. I unzipped my jacket pocket and slipped the BALACLAVA over my head. No, I did NOT say "Baklava". A Balaclava is a ski mask. It is used to protect the face and keep the head warm. This protective clothing item has a long history with the military and police as either part of a helmet system or concealment of identity. Mine is polar fleece and I wear it over my entire face, only exposing my eyes. We walked on to an area with a long straight-away and that's when I saw him. A guy running towards us. He stopped dead in his tracks and I realized that I was essentially wearing men's clothes and a mask that has a reputation of being worn by criminals during acts of illegal activities. I shouted to him that I was ok, er a girl just walking my dog and er, a nice person. As he ran by me, he smiled an awkward smile and I giggled like an silly school girl. Can't be too careful these days, I guess. And uh, what in the world was he doing wearing shorts? Here is what I was wearing:

(sorry girls, this is not a fashion show)

Tops: base layer: not cotton. This is not your mama's long underwear. It's what the big boys wear.

Short or long sleeve shirt to wear over the top base layer. This can be stripped off if needed.

Wind breaking/water resistant, fleece lined jacket. For days like today. Hoods are good.

Bottoms: I'm not going to tell you what type of undies to wear, you figure that out! Next base layer tights. Mine are fleece lined. Sometimes I wear them under dresses. Love them in winter! If you are hiking in the mountains wear shorts over these. Today I needed rain pants over them, looked like rain.

Socks: light poly socks for wicking away moisture and keeping hiking socks in place. And a good quality hiking sock and water resistant, not too bulky hiking boots....Make sure everything fits right or you will suffer.

Gloves: You will regret it if you forget these! Fleece for holding the leash.

Did I forget anything?

Oh, yes.........

Tha Balaclava:

This is me. Be careful where you wear these. I hear they are illegal in France.

Note: Fleece alone is not good protection agaist wind. In fact, wind goes right through it. Sometimes you just have to use what you have. This mask helped against the blowing sand, but then my face got too hot. This hat better suits lower temperatures. Also, the quality base layers come in temperature ratings and different weights. In winter here, I usually use the med. weight ones.

My frozen street in winter 2013.

As I write this, the wind sounds like it is pulling the roof off the house. Wind at 30-40 mph according to NOAA. Me thinks it's more than that! May lose power tonight. Time to set up the wood stove.

And a

winter sun worshipping skinny feline

Thanks for visiting....

The Big Picture: Mountain Love/Winter Muse

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:40:00 +0000

Look around you where you walk. Listening, moving forward, smelling and thinking. Where have you been that allows you to open your senses and be at peace with simply being human? And what time of year would that happen for you?

The above photo is from a summer hike in the mountains close to where I live. Pictured here is the time and one of those places for me.

On this day in winter, Robert Frost has been gone 50 years. His vision of nature was his own. During his own time. What will the rest of us leave behind?

As I write this, the clouds lay over our town like a lid closing over us inside an unforgiving grey box. Dark. Undecided if next comes rain, wind or snow.

The cravings begin.

For the fire in the wood stove, raging hungrily as a wild starved animal fed continuously with dry cedar, then roaring with delight.

For me, it's the smashing color and the remembrance of spring and summer.

Like the feeling from an instant crush as the clear-eyed saxophone player winks and sends a cool breeze through my opening heart from across a crowded room tinged in blue.

And I see it now, but only in my mind.

I listen and wait for your return.

Yet another winter time muse whispers from the player of imagination. Freeing my captive boxed-in soul if just for the moment...

Black Cat, halloween,dog,seal and frog prince,

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:09:00 +0000

P. contemplates life BY the sea......

While this fellow contemplates life IN the sea....

So,

I asked A. Cat what he thought about dressing pets up in halloween costumes. He replied, "You are asking a black cat about halloween? First of all, let me point it out that black cats are totally misunderstood on this day. Some people even carry an unnecessary superstition of black pets all year. We are much like any other animal. Some good, some not so good. To judge unfairly is unwise. To answer your question, if it makes the owners happy, then many pets will put up with a costume for that reason. From my point of view, I prefer to be in my natural state. Costumes, collars, etc. only put a damper on my natural activities. I can't imagine wearing something that tells the world I'm something I'm not. You see my dignity and this is who I am. I don't want to pretend I am human. Your various celebrations don't really matter much to me. In fact, they are really boring. But,if there is something good to eat, then maybe I'll be present. Mostly, I'm not interested. Hope I didn't disappoint you with this answer, but you asked and this cat doesn't always say what you want to hear. Take it or leave it."

M.: "That's a very diplomatic answer. You mean if you had a chance to be a human, even for just a day, you would not be interested?"

A.C.: "Nope. Here's why. Humans take everything so personal and they don't live in the moment. Just once try to use only your body language and eyes to communicate your distaste and then move on. Don't dwell on the complications of your everyday life. There really is no time for that. Relax, challenge yourself, have fun, give love, treat pets like pets and not babies, If something does not work out for you that day, don't beat yourself up. It's not healthy. Eat what you need and at the right amount. Eat until you are 80% full. The Japanese people have got that right. Stay clean. Be curious. By the way, I don't believe in that old saying. (Curiosity Killed the Cat) That's not been my experience."

M.: "Thanks A. I don't know where I would be without you and our little talks."

A.C.:Well, come here and rub my right cheek and listen to me purr. Show me your love and then let's get on with the day. I am soon for a nap."

And,

In my last post, I photographed a Tree Frog which was caught at a local nursery. We didn't know what type of frog it was when we released him. He was placed on a rock in the new pond where I took pictures.

He sat there for some time as if not sure where to go. Finally, he jumped in the water, swam around in there, came out and headed for the nearest tree.

Since that time in late august, he was relocated back to the pond area from the greenhouse. Not sure how he got in there. I've tried to keep an eye out for him, wondering about his welfare. Yesterday, while in the garden near the pond I noticed a frog. Only this one was brown.

Was it the same guy?

In summer; waiting before plunge into pond...

I believe this is the same frog.

Quick Google search says that Tree Frogs DO change color to match their surroundings.
He looks like he is expecting a kiss. I'll name him "Prince."
Um, I'll get back to you in Spring on that kiss.. Ugh.

PS)

Two views of same barn for my photographer friends. One day, I'll be good enough to play with the big boys.

And a different angle. With a faint rainbow...

Thanks for visiting.

Thoreau,Wendell Berry,Douglas McArthur and Me....

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 05:56:00 +0000

Cooper's Hawk in the yard.

"Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit and resign yourself to the influences of each. Let these be your only diet-drink and botanical medicines. Grow yellow and ripe with autumn. Drink of each season's influence as a vial for your especial use."

Henry David Thoreau

Pacific Tree Frog . So cool.

P. walks in the forest.

"Love the quick profit, the annual raise, vacation with pay. Want more of everything ready made. Be afraid to know your neighbors and to die. And you will have window in your head. Not even your future will be a mystery any more. Your mind will be punched in a card and shut away in a little drawer."

Wendell Berry, Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front

Best catch of the day.

If there is a trail, P. will find it. She seems to say, "Let's go this way!"

And then we found this

Nature's dream catcher or Halloween remind? There were many, many more like this in one area.

And they glistened with marine influence caught up in the webbing. Interesting in a spooky way.

Two pals share some late summer shade.

A Dreamer

and also

A Player

I came across this quotation I have kept in my drawer for a long time. It is by, of all people, Douglas McArthur. No, he is not my champion of great historical character. I don't look for military heroes, and if I did, I'm quite sure it wouldn't be him.. I don't agree with or admire him, but somehow this piece of writing that he wrote resonates with me.

"Youth is not a time of life, it is a state of mind.

Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years, people grow old by deserting their ideals.

Years may wrinkle the skin but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.

You are as young as your faith,

as old as your doubts

as young as your self confidence

as old as your fear

as young as your hope

as old as your despair.

In the center place of your heart , there is a recording chamber.

So long as it receives messages of beauty, hope, cheer and courage, so long are you young.

When the wires are all down and your heart is covered with the snow of pessimism."

and the ice of cynicism, then and then only are you grown old."

By: Douglas McArthur

And just below it in a tattered old notebook, some of my own thoughts from a time previous. Here is one for you called

"Floating Candles"

What if you never find your way?

Like flickering lights going out one by one.

Fire and water.

Reflections burning brightly in the dark water

reaching for the sky and everlasting life,

swaying against a dangerous breeze and

only to succumb into clear,cool, waxy liquid.

Then silent as though never existed

The memory of you will flicker until the next light boasts a brave new beauty bright with heat.

Harmonious and strong with opportunity; but no meaning,

to repeat the mystery without expectation.

The harvest moon in two days. Happy fall to all.

5 days of hot balloons and a wizard sighting

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 22:34:00 +0000

It's a Beautiful Morning! The kind that makes you think you can see heaven in the sky.

When I arrived at the airport, all was calm and quiet at 6:10am. I planned to shoot each morning of the 5 day event so I could get the different light levels available each day. I found a spot in the field where the rising sun would be at my back, sipped my coffee, prepared my camera and threw some fetches for the semi-awake P. Dog. This became our routine each day.

The volunteers were scurrying around looking for their assigned areas as the trucks arrived. The trucks were lined with lights like christmas trees and drove slowly around the dark field looking for a perfect spot. A weather balloon was launched to locate where the wind would blow the big ones that day. All morning tests were completed as the bystanders waited for the action to begin.

Rolling out the balloon. It came out of a large sack, just like a rolled up mylar sleeping bag.

The volunteers, or balloon crew, helped hold up the edges of the balloon so the fans could blow air inside after the attachment was made to the basket.

I don't know him. I didn't talk to him, but I had a special name for him, "The Wizard of Balloon." If you didn't look close, you would not see him.. He was often hidden behind a curtain of people, reminding me of The Wizard of Oz. The Wizard manned the final propane blasts after the initial fan blowing. This would soon raise the balloon to a standing position.

He was probably the pilot for this balloon,

but I'm not positive.

I was satisfied thinking of him as The Wizard; not knowing the details.

Imagination is a gamble. If left unsolved, it may sometimes be better than reality.

Otherwise, he might say, "Go away and come back tomorrow! Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!"

"The Wizard of Balloon"

And of course, the flames in darkness are irresistible and a powerful show off tool.

And a necessary lift-off tool.

So, would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon?

A special viewing of the "Blue Moon" and of the mountains.

For we can fly we can fly

Up, up and away

My beautiful, my beautiful balloon
***Love is waiting there in my beautiful balloon
Way up in the air in my beautiful balloon
If you'll hold my hand we'll chase your dream across the sky
For we can fly we can fly
Up, up and away
My beautiful, my beautiful balloon
Balloon...
Up, up, and away.....

- The Fifth Dimension

And as P. and I walked home picking blackberries to share, we watched one float away over the wheat field..

To be continued...

Phobia/Fear Update & Dog Tired

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 22:20:00 +0000

"To fear is one thing. To let fear grab you by the tail and swing you around is another."

- Katherine Paterson

"Well, we can't have that, now can we?" -P.

(Get ready, here it comes!)

My last post described my fear of spiders and my decision to self cure using photography. Um, I am making some progress. I can now take shots like this without breaking out in a paranoiac itchy rash or giving into the flight part of the "fight or flight response" or any involuntary screeching.
However, I wouldn't say I'm ready to allow a hairy, creepy crawly of the spidery persuasion climb up my arm... Truth be told, I am alittle disappointed that it is taking longer to beat this fear than I thought it would. That's partly due to the "professional"s on the internet who claim to completely cure your phobias in one day. Yeah right. Hypnosis is not for me. What if you were under the spell and you woke up too early and there were tarantulas placed all over you???

(Throat closing. Not good. Must remember the plan. No imaginary situations. Some people have tarantulas as pets and they love them. I have pets too. It's all good.....Ahhhhhh, yeah. calm.....breathing deeply into the paper bag...)

Sorry, a little episode, still working on my issues. See how the ideas can sneak up? Pretty sneaky.

EEEEk!

I do believe in curing phobias. I also believe we can either get professional help or we can do it ourselves. Expect a much harder time doing it yourself. As for me, I know it can and will be done.
A work in progress.....

"I will show you fear in a handful of dust."

-T.S. Eliot, The Waste Land

And now for something completely different

our recent hike pictures. Whew, thank goodness....

That's my puppa, P. The ever enthusiastic nature girl.

Good dog waits for voice command at trailhead.

You can bring this dog to water, and she'll always go in it!

Back and forth.

And again.....

A bridge in the wilderness and the beauty of forest floor. Happy fern and oregon grape.

A gnarly blow down? Exposing sharp woody swords.

We found a spot to rest by the river.

A beautiful spot. Time to head back. R. and P. head for home.

Know how to tell if your dog had a good time?

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ....

Fear itself and steps to self cure.

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 21:10:00 +0000

"The only thing we have to fear, is fear it'self." - F.D.R 3/3/1933

So, I want to share my experience with confronting a fear. I moved into the country and must live with certain truths. It's not always relaxing and low key. There are things that no one tells you and you must find out the hard way. For me, the major thing is spiders. Big ones, little ones, fascinating ones and bland. They all make me afraid. According to Wikipedia, one of the most common specific phobias are those of spiders and other arachnids. Furthermore, some statistics show 50% women and 10% men display symptoms. (Is that because some men denied this fear in the study? Aww, come on guys, please catch that huge spider and release it outside please. Give me a break!) At the time I viewed it, the Wiki page titled, "How to overcome the fear of spiders" was followed by 92,789 readers.

This summer it became clear to me that I can no longer avoid this fear. It's not getting better by itself. I do the self talk about how spiders are busy eating bugs and are an important pest control, but the mere thought on them near, or (yikes) on my person sends me into wild dance and involuntary scream mode. (As I write this, I suddenly feel something crawly on me and try brushing it away. Imagination clearly plays a part ) Gardening this summer is difficult as well. I always inspect any outdoor gloves, shoes etc. for any 8 leggers lounging in there. I have never found them in there, but the thought of it.......Horrors! (Shortness of breath, pant pant.)

Very recently, I was on a hike and saw a small one on my arm. A noise came out of me so loud that it echoed across the canyon. So unlike me. Normally, I prefer quiet, and try not to disturb wildlife or other people in the mountains.

The very next day, my research began. After viewing various phobia sites, I decided to try curing this phobia by myself. My understanding is that cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications for anxiety or anti-depressants can be utilized for treatment. The next step is to be exposed to pictures of spiders. Later, face-to-face with a real spider. When you are able to HOLD a live spider without feeling anxious, you have conquered your fear.

Granted some people have much more serious conditions then I. I don't cry or curl up in the fetal position when I see a spider across the room. But, I am clearly bothered by these encounters more then the average country folk.

My plan will follow three steps.

THE PLAN:

1.) Seek out the spider. (not hard to do here) See if I can get close enough to photograph them. Why? Apparently, patients begin therapy in safely controlled settings using photos of their phobias. I am comfortable taking pictures, so why not take them myself?

Easy does it. No pressure, just pictures. If I can't get close, oh well. It's about how close I CAN get. May take a few days.

2.) Relaxation/breathing technique. Deep, slow breathes until relaxed. (Do not hyperventilate! Maybe carry paper bag?)

3.) Challenge negative thoughts. Stop telling the future. (No, it's not going to jump and land on your face....Or is it?)

Don't overgeneralize. Not all spideys are biters and/or venomous. Stop catastrophizing. Yeah, they are everywhere when you start paying attention, but this is not the movies and they are not taking over the world. Or on a smaller scale, they are not taking over my world.

4.) If I start getting crazier due to the above steps, I will discontinue the plan immediately.

5.) Hold a live spider........Seriously? I am not going to commit to this one yet.

OK, ready? Here's what happened on my first attempt:

I stepped outside on the rapidly warming morning of august 16, 2012. I located my first spider. I stood far enough away and was setting up just fine untilI (gulp) zoomed in!

"OH MY FREAKIN' DOG!" (Sweaty palms, urge to quickly run away, really wanted to put camera down first. No just run! ) "Wait, must breathe deeply innnnnnnn and ouuuuuuuut. It's much smaller than I and probably much more afraid..Yeah. He's just doin' his thing like a good guy that he is. Yeah."

*Warning graphic photos to follow. Some images may be disturbing to some viewers and may be inappropriate for all ages.*

"Uh, like me."

Against orange paint gives me a spooky feeling. Comfort level non existent at time of picture shoot.

Please tell me those aren't EYES looking back at me!!!!

Hands shaking.

Duct taped my scream hole closed.

That was enough yesterday. How do I feel after that? Well, I looked at these photos today and kind of think the patterns on them are pretty cool. I actually wanted to add one picture to the collection! And guess what? No fear at all!

Guess I have a bit more work to do. Will update progress next week. Until then remember, it's all in your head.

"Courage is not the lack of fear; but the ability to face it." - Lt. John B. Putnam (1921-1944)

Outdoor pets and sunny sunflowers

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 19:30:00 +0000

A freshly cleared field needs to be explored.

Did she mean to pick up a piece of grass?

And not to be left out, A. cat took a supervised stroll.

Suddenly, something fluffed his tail.... And off he went!

"Oh, hello. Where did you come from?"

So I head for the garden. The sunflowers are my favorite.

Here is how I see them.

In the beginning...

Closer now and see the formation of sunflower seeds.

And a few more taken in recent time.

Summertime. A time to bloom and show the world the best you are.

From this:

To this:

And when we lay down for sleep, the sun opens the flowers on the other side of the world. Yet, in the quiet of the night, the sun still shines.

To be continued.....

Ode to the mountain stream

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 05:08:00 +0000

I've always felt at home with water. Water that moves. The sight and sound of it energizes me. It makes sense then, to have a pet that feels the same way. P. seems to have the same love and swims easily in both salt or fresh.

Sitting beside a mountain stream and cooling some hike weary paws alongside the Tubal Cain Trail in the Buckhorn Wilderness.

Like the artery of life giving liquid through the forest falls the stream.

Sometimes barely skimming the rock and yet slippery to cross.

And in the time when the snow melts, misty air all around clears the senses.

Crashing down in places like a salute to the change of seasons.

Or still enough to be a secret gathering place for green life to flourish.

A quiet caress of wonder.

Sifts, turns and swirls. Everywhere I look, the stream teaches the constant rhythm of time. It only stays the same to the untrained eye. Yet, I come back again and again, for some reason, needing to relearn this lesson.

So inspired, we went home and sat next to a pond with a waterfall. It turns out there are some other little creatures who love the water as much as we do.

Hope your summer is progressing as you would like. We'll write again soon...And a few parting shots...

For the love of the river and living life in the element!

Empty nesters? A study of Eagles

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 08:14:00 +0000

After a few unusually stormy days complete with thunder and lightning....

The sun welcomed my camera and I outside. All I had to do was follow this fellow.

Time for some practice with the big birds...

My, and such a handsome fellow. I thought he looked a bit cross with me for interrupting his sun bathing though...

And another tried to hide and the sun disappeared. Oh well, the search continued.

"Um, can't you see I'm wet? Go find a dry raptor to photograph, sheesh!"

And then I spotted a nest with two (large) fledglings

"Gee, I hope somebody comes to feed us soon!"

"Hey, feed me a fish, bro."

"This nest is getting too small for us both. I wonder if I could fly"

"Whoa, that's a long way down. Maybe later today or tomorrow."
I whispered in reply, "No rush. You are almost ready."

Here's one that made it.

And a different resident in the same area.

A parent arrived. He seemed so small next to the big youngsters.

While the young ate a fish, the adult called out. Here's dad zoomed in. I mean, what an outstanding sound and sight!

Hope summer has arrived where you are. The Lavender smell fills the air here. The festival starts next week. We'll probably head for the mountains....

'Til next time, take care.

Forest for the trees: Former city girl in nature

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 07:57:00 +0000

The road that leads to where I am going.

Getting closer now.

'Tis the season for hiking!

A creek runs through the forest.

The snowy patches cool the mountain air. Deep breath.

Wild blooming Rhodies love dappled sun and gather under trees.

P. has not seen snow for several months. Cause for play!

Nose work and forest exploration.

R. tells me this is what an old growth forest should look like. Older, dead and dying trees mixed with the new. It all works together and acts as food or shelter for the ecosystem throughout. A delicate, yet rugged process of life. A busy, yet quiet place. A forest of intricacies.

A couple more examples.

Thanking the trees for clean air we enjoyed here.

Under the canopy.

Indian Paintbrush

Crazy, beautiful rock flowers

Where the snow line broke.

Who lives here? Marmot hole?

Care to stick your hand in there and see what bites?

No thanks.

On the way home, R. stops the car suddenly. The tires skid and a cloud of dust from the dirt road engulfs the car. "What is it?" I gasped.

"I have to get it out of the road so no one runs over it."

We slowly back up and I look in the rear view mirror to try to see what he is talking about. But I don't see anything.

He stops and gets out. I grab my camera and follow.

It's a snake. R. loves snakes. I like them too as long as I am not touching them. I know they are beneficial because they eat bugs and I think, slugs. I also know they are about as afraid of me as I am of them. Somehow, this relaxes me.

R. shoos the little 2ft long garter guy off the road. It's the first snake I've seen this year. To me, it's a sign of good luck and summer.

True Story!

Thanks for visiting, take care.

Watch the road for little critters.

'Til next time.

Free bedtime stories from a make believe storyteller

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 04:16:00 +0000

Now you lay yourself down to sleep. What kind of story would you ask the storyteller to tell ?

"Tell me a story about a tree. Tell me a story about a storyteller. Tell me a story about being lost and then found. Tell me a story about why we need to tell and hear stories. Tell me a happy story."

A Story About a Tree

Once there was a tree in the forest This tree grew up with lots of other trees around it for a long time. The soil below kept it's roots damp and full of life. The other trees offered protection from wind and intense sunlight.
Many birds and wild things would climb on it's branches and some even made their homes inside the shelter of this tree. It was a quiet and peaceful place. One day, there was a lot of vibration on the ground from large vehicles. The trees nearby were being harvested. The tree didn't know that the other trees were gone. It was exposed to sun. Wind whipped against it's hard bark. The wildlife left looking elsewhere for a canopy to hide under. The tree fought to stay alive and strong. But, it had no choice. One night it slowly began to dig itself out of the dead dry soil. It picked up it's roots and moved into a new forest where there were many trees of different ages. It planted it's roots in the soft vibrant soil next to a clear running stream and grew bigger and bigger. Now it is the biggest tree in the forest. It helps the young trees stay healthy. It is still there today.

A Story About a Storyteller

One day a storyteller became a writer. She wrote about herself and her cat.

On a damp morning, a day of rest awaits. I sip a latte as Lottie gazes wistfully out the window. She shines from grey window light into soft shades of billowy white fur. Her marble yellow eyes dart to anything that moves. A cat of the wild stirs something inside her.
It is quiet in the cabin except for the settling of the fresh log just put in the wood stove. The forest that surrounds us is dewy, green and still. This is my favorite time of day. With the ticking of the cuckoo clock, I look around at the items I've acquired over the years. Beautiful things I've placed strategically around the breakfast nook. Vintage prints on the wall, a second hand indian tablecloth and handmade lace drapes over a dresser. A linen peace sign that hangs from the door sill blows through the open airway on gentle spring breeze. A colorful flashback of the 60's seems oddly out of place amongst the rest of the tea stained collectibles. My imagination leads me to consider their former residences. They have their stories to tell and I would love to listen.

The writer thought about the last sentence. She was now ready to hear the stories of others.

A Story About Being Lost and Then Found

One day a black dog wandered away from home looking for something to do. She was bored and had nobody to play with her. She decided she would jump over her fence and explore the world. After all, she would be home by dinnertime. But somehow, she got lost. The noise around her was loud and frightening. She started to get hungry and didn't know where to go. She was even lonelier than before. A nice man who seemed to know her put her in his truck. She was taken to a building and put in a small area with bars and a high wall. There was no way to escape. There was food though, and loud barking around her. A long time went by and the black dog began to want out. A nice lady came in and took the dog outside. The lady adopted the black dog and brought her home. Now they like to hike together and explore mountain streams.

A Story About Why We Need To Tell and Hear Stories

Once there was a bird who was only interested in his own song. So much so, that he did not want to hear what the other birds were saying and doing. He wanted to live his own way and thought his song was the prettiest one. The other birds took note of this and many did not want to waste their time with someone as selfish as that. But, a few birds tried harder to win the friendship of the selfish bird. Because in the bird world, there is alot of communication. Many birds understand this and entertain one another with stories through song. They share information about the weather or where the new sprinkler is in the neighborhood. You know, important stuff. To them, survival is more important than the prettiest song.
Some birds are wise and have experiences to share. They know how to recognize clean windows so they don't fly into them. They know what to do if they are caught by a cat. They know what is good to eat and how to avoid a sour worm. The wise birds explain these things to the others and the stories get passed from generation to generation.
One day, the selfish bird overheard part of an interesting story about a weasel. He pretended not to listen. He learned about the ways a weasel could trap a bird by offering a berry and then pouncing on top of it After awhile the selfish bird went on his way. A few days later, a weasel asked him to help him find a berry to eat. Selfish bird remembered the story from the other birds. He got away because he knew what to do. He decided it was time to tell a true story.

Of course, none of the birds above are selfish birds.

A Happy Story

On this day, the (formerly) selfish bird, the black dog, the writer and the old tree met in the forest for a picnic. The old tree provided the comfortable shade, the writer brought her pen and paper so she could interview the guests(and yes, Lottie came too), the selfish bird shared a story about how he tricks cats. (Lottie ignored the story by taking a cat nap) and black dog brought along her lady and shared tips to make trail mix for people and dogs and how to properly hug trees.
The weasel who lived in the tree listened from above to make sure no one was talking about him. A great time was to be had by all.... THE END

A few more happy pictures before we go.....

It's ok if you feel a little out of place...

Show your true colors.....

A.'s morning patrol in the compost bin........

Thanks for visiting, see ya next time!

Wandering far from home?

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Wed, 23 May 2012 22:08:00 +0000

Sometimes it's all about walking a new path. The path leads to the unknown. You cannot foresee the future on this path. You have not been there before. The path invites and waits silently for you to explore. Ready?

Looking for clues as you proceed. Sometimes with caution and fear. You've met with flashy promises before and have had your hopes dashed. The path has you in it's grip, encircling you within it's web of life. But is there really anything to fear?

Suddenly, you begin to feel comfortable in your surroundings and the walkway widens. Your senses open up and the beauty of your discovery encourages you further. With the sound of rolling brook feeding foliage, you reflect on the previous journeys with people, animals, etc. who are no longer with you. Missing them and appreciating the time shared. The impact they had in your life. Enough to never let them go and forget. They continue to walk with you in this way. Down this path. With your vows of remembrance for what was. But also, to accompany you in your wonder of what will become.

Here, time does not stand still. Even in it's quietness, this place is busy with life. Stopping only briefly to acknowledge your presence.

Light levels change when you least expect it. The prolific foliage has receded in search of available sunlight. You feel the darkness too and notice how the loss of sun affects your thoughts.

Hope springs to life when you find flowers growing out of fallen tree. Nearby, you hear the sound of life affirmating water and it gives you some comfort. The life blood of nature.

"Time for exploration of another kind. The nose kind. My, what a lot of visitors have been here overnight! Wonder if anyone has left anything good to eat." -P.

Interesting little flower heads make you stop and wonder some more.

And this is what you always hoped for. The literal "light at the end of the tunnel." The point of desire when clarity is reached. At which all the noises swirling around in your head make sense or become obsolete. The place we all strive for. The culmination of all we have ever done or said. A place of no question. This picture is all the proof I need that clarity is attainable. When will you take the time to find your light?

A couple of photos on the way home.

The NW spring in full swing:

< SNIFF> "Yummy!"

Safe travels, 'til next time!

Pacific NW, on mountain time.

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Wed, 23 May 2012 16:35:00 +0000

Our first hike of the season the day after mother's day. Not sure about snow line, but headed up to see how far we could get before hitting it. We hiked up the south side of Blue Mountain. Not only had the snow completely melted past the 4,500 ft level, the wildflowers were beginning to bloom.  It was a great time for pictures.

Yep, P.loves to hike and even carries her own back pack. If we were going on a longer hike, I would also make sure she had enough dog food for a least a day. Here is what she had in her "day pack" (by Ruffwear) for this hike.

**Note: This pack may need some adjustments to keep the
              sides balanced.

Basic contents: 2 (equal size) water bottles, collapsible water bowl,treats,leash,

a couple poop bags and of course, a ball.

View from the trail head...And then I realized I only brought one set of lens. So, wide angle was not going to happen. I had to work with what I had.

Looking across approx 3 miles to Greywolf mountain area.

Yeah, baby.

Quiet forested trail. Under the canopy with all the layering of natural forest. How it should be. No breeze, only soft bird calls. And then, a clearing....

Tree love.

R. lead the way, P. stayed in the middle. And I lagged behind. I often stopped to take pictures and to enjoy the peaceful scenery that laid before me like a painting. Many signs of the arrival of spring.

Looking through the Alaskan Cedars at the dappled forest floor.

Hot over here, cold over there....Can you feel it?

Now that you are in the mood. Let's add some color with WILDFLOWERS and SUCCULENTS! OOOOOO!

R. says this is a Glacier Lily

Spreading the pollen love.

Oregon Grape turning colors

Leaf out time coming to a mountain near you!

P. relaxing sans pack at top of mountain next to R.'s walking stick. It's all downhill from here.

Sharing more soon! Thanks for visiting!

Drop of a paradigm, city vs. country

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Mon, 07 May 2012 21:34:00 +0000

Part 2: The City In Photographs

I have been fortunate to live in both the country and the big city. There are benefits and negatives to each. I hesitate to choose which I prefer because of the radical differences. For example, the city offers many opportunities for culture and engaging activity. The country offers more solitude and a slower pace in a quiet setting. These traits are not interchangeable. Somehow, you must choose between them. Consequently, while living in one, I tend to fantasize about a life in the opposite. How do I know where to be when I always miss the other?

I look to SF to fulfill the city end of the deal. I spent a few years growing up there. I love the great food, entertainment, people, history and of course, my beloved Giants. So, as an occasional treat, I head down there to visit family and enjoy the lifestyle. This time I took some photos from Potrero Hill, the farmer's market and from a vehicle.

View from rooftop garden in Potrero Hill

From the dirt to the city

Yum!

Once I was able to pick my tongue up off the sidewalk, I enjoyed some entertainment.
Here's how some make a living in the city:

Be a singer!

OR

Make balloon toys!
(I'm thinkin' that's a sword, right?)

OR

Roll a crystal ball all over your body!
OR

Become part of a production crew!
(This is California after all!)

The flowers

Nice color

K.'s orchid at home

The Chocolate

Not mentioning the Michael Recchiuti artisan chocolate would be a sin! These photos by permission at the retail store.
Visit: www.recchiuti.com

Achey breaky ginger hearts!

That's what I'm talking about!

Totally like eating works of art!

Scenes from a vehicle

Heading into town. Passed a long row chess boards set up on Market street. I wish I could sit there all day just talking and taking
pictures. Some quality time with the city folk.

No wind, only sun.

SF, with it's beautiful people, food, weather and hidden treasures waiting to be found. Another fab visit. Each time I leave a piece of me there. It does feel like my heart.

Will work for food/ P.'s job interview

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 22:57:00 +0000

*Note: Employer name has been withheld for privacy purposes.

P. enters the room.

P: "Nice to meet you, thank you for taking the time to meet with me today." (offers paw)

E: "My pleasure, please have a seat."(hand/paw shake)

P. takes a seat on the floor and looks over the desk. (She told me later that she was smelling biscuits in the desk drawer and also pastrami sandwich on the E.'s breath. A slight distraction)

E: "P, is that what you like to be called?"

P: "Yes."

E: "I've looked over your resume and I have a few questions."

P: "I'm all ears. And of course, nose."

E:"Yes, I see. You have extensive experience in searching,sniffing, fetching and swimming. Tell me more about this experience."

P: "Ever since I was a pup, I have been learning how to perfect these skills. I believe in practicing every day to maximize my effectiveness. It takes alot of work and I love every minute of it. I always give 110% and I have references to back that statement."

E: "Impressive."

P: "For example, the first thing I do each day is wake up my team. We all fuel up and then head out for some morning exercise. During this time, I will practice finding with my nose, running with my legs, listening with my ears and/or swimming with everything I have. I do similar activities thru out the day as needed."

E: "P, what is your greatest strength?"

P:"My nose is exceptional. You can give me a scent, and I will find it fast. I am hot on the trail. I will scour a large or small area and not give up until I find it. So, my final answer to this question is nose and focus."

E:"What is your greatest weakness?"

P:"Because I am so focused, I require my team to be creative in their training methods. I don't like to be bored. That would be where my weakness lies. Boredom. I prefer not to sleep as much as the cat."

E:"How do you handle stress/pressure?"

P:"Keeping things light. I like to make people and other animals laugh. Sometimes all they need is a goofy face. Hey, if it gets results, I stick with it."

E:"How do you evaluate success?"

P:"A team/pack that is balanced, healthy, active and happy. It's not about how many toys we have. It's about the immediate family that I work with and effective routine."

E:"Why do you want this job?"

P:"I feel I have a lot to give my community. Not only am I great with my team, I enjoy getting to know new beings. I am a wonderful conversation piece because I am so well behaved. That's what all the animals seem to like about me. It does not matter who is on my team. Whether cat, mouse, snake, worm, bird, cow,bug etc, we can connect easily. So, it's a natural fit for me to get out there and make it happen. I am ready for a new challenge."

E:"Tell me about a time when you failed."

P:"Recently, I was searching out a ball that landed half way up the trunk of a tree. I had no choice but to try to climb the tree. I kept slipping, it was not working. So, I had to delegate some help from my co bi-ped. She was able to reach it for me. It was a team effort because I sniffed it out and told her where it was."

E:"Do you have experience training others?"

P:"Yes, as a matter of fact, just the other day I had the opportunity to teach another dog how to run without a leash with a ball in it's mouth at the same time. I believe there is a picture of me doing that in my portfolio. Here it is."

"And here I am teaching how to bob for balls."

E:"Nice. P, if you could choose anyone to have lunch with, who would it be?"

P:"My mom.......Or you."

E:"What is your favorite book? What is your favorite movie?"

P:"Rin Tin Tin and Rin Tin Tin."

E:"How do you balance life and work?"

P:"Use your talents at work and use play in your life. Do each everyday."

E: "Ok, good answer. One last question P., why should I hire you?"
P: "Because I know instinctively how to find whatever is missing. I have a strong desire to succeed in all I do. I work hard, and I play hard. I am focused on my goal and won't quit, even when the going gets rough. I swim in the ocean, I swim in fresh water. No matter. This is my spirit, this is who I am and I would make a spectacular addition to help you meet your goals."

E:"Thank you P. I enjoyed speaking with you." Both stand up and P. says, "Your welcome, very nice to meet you. Interviews make an active dog hungry. Know anywhere close with a good pastrami sandwich?"

Here is the rest of P.'s portfolio photos:

Swimming the ocean coming back from the mtn. on a retrieve

I can drive too.

110% Run

Athletic Catch. 110%

Do you think she'll get the job?

Small town quirks- #1 dedication benches/who are these people?

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 04:57:00 +0000

Sequim is a small town nestled in the valley below the majestic Olympic Mountain range. It is mainly a "retirement" community, but also has it's share of unusual characters.

On my way to work, I've noticed a few new benches being placed. To have a place to rest and remember a loved one. Kinda sweet. Now the idea seems to have taken over the town. A new fad. You don't even have to be dead to order one. "Why wait?" The truth is, no one in Sequim has the patience to wait until they are dead. I know this because if one of my neighbors has to wait in line, it's like the end of the world. They simply won't do it and everyone left gets to hear the angry rant going out the door.

So, P. and I decided to set out and find as many dedication benches as we could within a short bike ride from our home. Here's what we found and some thoughts while sitting there.

1.) Mike

Mike's bench

Lots of words for a small plaque. This bench is on the bike trail. Mike, did you like to ride your bike or walk on this trail? A memory means you are no longer with us, but I wonder how long you have been gone. Do your brothers and sisters still come around here, sit and remember you? How do they want us, the users of this bench who never knew you, to think about you?

2.) Ryan

Ryan's bench

This one is heartbreaking. They say the hardest thing to endure is losing a child. I believe that is true. I sat here and thought about that for awhile. I also thought about his parent. The "my" indicated one parent, and I imagined a mom. I sent a secret well wishing to the parent. This bench is brand new and sits at the entrance to a park. There was a bunch of fur on the ground beside it as if a coyote had eaten something there the night before.

3.) El

El's bench

This looked like a happy bench. Maybe El is alive. This location was my favorite as it was in a totally quiet and restful spot. There were trees all around and birds chirping, etc. Yep, nature was here. Delightful on a sunny spring day. Tell me El, do you have many friends and family members? Why is your bench here?

4.) Norm, Diane and the Pugs

Well, I acually know this couple and their pugs. I should say, pug because after this bench was installed one pug died. P. loves Norm who we see on our walks a couple times a week. She sits and he feeds her bacon, yum! I asked them if the remaining pug misses the other. "Nope. She enjoys getting all the attention now."

Their bench

5.) W. and D

W. and D.'s bench

I think this was P.'s favorite bench. She got right up on it and had this soulful look on her face. Again, no dates. Not sure how long this one had been here. Did they love dogs and can she sense their presence? I don't really think so, but it makes for good reading, yes?

I'm sure there are more, I just haven't seen them yet. And there are probably some getting ready to be installed soon. With the summer months coming, there will be plenty of butts needing a seat to catch the breath.. I only hope that the rate of bench growth slows down some. It would be awkward to live in a town lined up with them end to end!

Thanks for reading!

Hedonistic dog, free advice from cat, and a peeping deer.

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:40:00 +0000

Caught in the act! A Peeping Deer!

Mountain view with our home-made raptor pole and birdhouse.

"Um, can we go this way???"

For P., deep fulfilling happiness lies in a mucky puddle. (Her eyes closed in restful meditation)

Enjoying the same puddle, only earlier in the year with less water. Note how the ball is always there.

This is A. cat's perch every evening during dinner preparation. He sits on the microwave and stares with those bright yellows. So, I talk to him. And he talks back. This evening I asked him for some catty advice. "Do you think I am leading a positive lifestyle? I'm thinking of changing some things. If you were me, what would you change first?"
"Well, since you asked, let me be perfectly clear." He replied. "You should stop with the computers already, sheesh! I think you are nuts to sit in front of that thing for so long every dang day. Can't you see there are voles out of control in the field? Live in the moment and enjoy your treats and food. Also, I would take more naps."

Thanks A. For words of wisdom from a cat's point of view.

My Bike, then and now

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 03:30:00 +0000

This was my bike when I was a kid. A Schwinn Stingray with no gears.

It was the same color and had the same kind of seat. My seat was purple with little sparkles embedded in it that shone in the sun. I called them "banana seats" and they were the most comfortable seat ever, as I recall.

What a ride!

My bike meant freedom to me. With it, I felt like I could go anywhere I wanted. I petaled or pushed uphills and came zooming down. I traveled to distant towns. I went over to my friends house, and I could do it all by myself. I don't remember any trouble with maintenance or flat tires. I was a child with alot on the mind. Out on an adventure, I could get my head together. I trusted my bike to get me there. I never wore a helmet and do remember an occasional wipe out. There were days when I thought I hated my bike, but I always came back for more. On my own time. True autonomy.

As an adult, I still prefer autonomy. Living in a small town with a bike trail that runs through it and out and beyond both ends provides a nostalgic feel to me. I see the trail through the eyes of the child that was. I think she would have enjoyed this place.

My current ride is now 6+ years old. A red Hawaii Cruiser by Electra. It has 3 speeds,internal Shimano and no banana seat. I love it! Several times a week, I use it for commuting 5 miles each way. Still has the original decorative tires and never had a maintenance other than a bi-yearly spring tuneup. It has traveled in mud, rain, ice, sleet, fog and dark moonless evenings.

One night I rode home in especially low visibility due to thick fog, I rode right past a horse on the trail. I didn't even see it and only heard a small whinny as I past. The rider must have seen my lights and got out of the way.

After caked-on mud and hard country living, she still cleans up well!

Electra Bicycle Company

Vista, California

Founded: 1993

Idea

Benno Bänziger, a Swiss national, grew up in the Swiss Embassy in West Berlin, fascinated with California and action sports. When he was a teenager, he began designing and manufacturing snowboards in Germany. Bänziger moved to California after graduating with a degree in graphic design. Banziger founded his own firm, Projekt Design, in 1990 while doing work for other companies.
As Bänziger told the San Diego Union-Tribune, “The one thing I found when I looked at cycling in the US was that everything was some kind of sport, but very few people used bikes for fun or for transportation. I wanted to introduce the ‘having a bike in your life’ factor, as opposed to ‘being a cyclist.’'

Founding the Company

Classic Electra Headbadge

At the time, there were very few cruisers, the classic “fun” bike, on the market. “Back in 1993, there were no cruisers available,” Erforth told the Carlsbad Local News, “You could buy a $99 Huffy at Wal-Mart, or you could try to find an old one and restore it, which is very expensive,” Bänziger decided there was a market niche for a stylish, affordable cruiser bicycle for twenty somethings and began working on designs that combined classic looks with contemporary technology. About this time, Bänziger met Jeano Erforth, a fellow German transplant who was selling pieces of the Berlin Wall. Erforth said he could sell the kind of bikes Bänziger was designing, so the two pooled $30,000 in personal savings and founded Electra Bicycle Company.
At first, "Dealers laughed at us," says Bänziger. "But people realized they didn't need a mountain bike to go to the grocery store." ^] However, when bike shops tried stocking the Electras, they began to sell, and word-of-mouth convinced more dealers to sign on. In fact, the fledging company’s cruiser sales were so strong that larger firms were spurred to start offering their own cruiser models. Today, Electras are available in bike shops throughout Europe, the USA, Japan and Australia.
Electra advertising in the early days focused on the company’s combination of classic looks with more modern features, such as aluminum frames and multiple speeds, with the tag line “Modern cruisers, with modern components, for modern people.”

Bänziger says, "We’ve spent the last eleven years making casual cycling cool." "We’ve begun to fulfill our original dream, which was to make bikes for the people who would not normally ride. We are suddenly riding an incredible wave." In fact, bike shops report that Electras are selling “obnoxiously well."

So, there you have it, my electra love!
http://electrabike.com
"Official bike of nothing official"

The color of happiness

noreply@blogger.com (Outdoor Dog's Blog) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 07:36:00 +0000

My friend and I discussed an ongoing debate. If given a choice, would it be better to experience both happy and sad in life, or just be happy all the time?
I chose to be happy all the time. But, now everyone I ask says it's important to experience both or, "how would you know what being happy is?"
I say, "The question clearly asks about happiness. But, let's assume you are correct and I couldn't experience true happiness making this choice. I wouldn't think I was missing anything either. I wouldn't have to process all the issues and deal with all the ups and downs. Just remain in a state I am familiar with."
For some reason, I can't wrap my head around why I am in the minority in this thinking. Must be missing something.
I think colors and nature are forms of happiness, but maybe not for everyone. If they are, these I share with you.
From the archives of memory card #1, here are some of my seasonal best.

Final hay harvest of fall in Sequim

mountain wildflowers

View from the trail

mountain stream

A. Cat in winter's snow

Beloved orange rubber ball and puddles. Ah, happiness.

wildflowers

Sister's sunny lemon tree in SF, CA.