We received a lot of snow today, and Sally was sooo cute romping through it. She loves it! She bounds and pounces as if she was a cat or a fox. Must be the beagle and sheltie in her, because I just can't picture a pug doing that. (^_~)
Showing posts with label pets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pets. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Snow Dog
We received a lot of snow today, and Sally was sooo cute romping through it. She loves it! She bounds and pounces as if she was a cat or a fox. Must be the beagle and sheltie in her, because I just can't picture a pug doing that. (^_~)
Friday, December 3, 2010
Gracie: 5 Months Old
We had so much fun with Gracie a couple of nights ago. At first, Sally was checking her out, and Gracie kept trying to reach out and touch her, but Sally decided she wasn't interested.
Gracie wants to get moving so badly. She loves doing 'push-ups' and 'flying', and although she can inch herself backward and rotate, she still has not yet figured out how to crawl. She practiced so much that she became a tired Gracie. She's growing so fast...
Gracie wants to get moving so badly. She loves doing 'push-ups' and 'flying', and although she can inch herself backward and rotate, she still has not yet figured out how to crawl. She practiced so much that she became a tired Gracie. She's growing so fast...
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Tea Tree Oil and Kitties Don't Mix
This past Wednesday, we had a scare after I'd attempted to remove a tick from my daughter's kitty, Leslie, using tea tree oil. Little did I know that tea tree oil is extremely toxic to cats and can even lead to death. (Tea Tree Oil Toxicity) After examining the tick and bite, my daughter did some research online and gave Leslie some raw food mixed with charcoal. I posted a plea for prayer on Facebook, as well as asking for prayer during our evening Bible study/prayer meeting, and we just continued to watch her and keep her hydrated.
Later in the evening, she began to act just a bit differently... a little quiet, but she still seemed okay. My daughter took her up to bed as she usually does, and the next morning, I waited anxiously for them both to come downstairs. Not only did Leslie seem to be herself again, but she even invited my daughter to play a game of hide-n-seek! Yay! Thank you, Lord!
Texture by David Gunter
Later in the evening, she began to act just a bit differently... a little quiet, but she still seemed okay. My daughter took her up to bed as she usually does, and the next morning, I waited anxiously for them both to come downstairs. Not only did Leslie seem to be herself again, but she even invited my daughter to play a game of hide-n-seek! Yay! Thank you, Lord!
Texture by David Gunter
Monday, September 20, 2010
The Northeast Kingdom
My daughter and I took a road trip this past weekend to explore the upper Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. While our primary objective was to visit the Abenaki Clan of the Hawk grounds, we were also hoping to catch sight of a moose or two, but the only wildlife we saw was a rafter of turkeys.
We took Sally along, which made the trip a bit more adventurous.
We stopped at this spring water access to refill a few water bottles. The water was cold and refreshing. Notice the date of 1892 on the side of the concrete reservoir. Vermont has several public water accesses along its back roads.
We passed by this quaint little country store and just had to turn around to check it out. Everything, from food items to a wide array of collectibles and antiques, was displayed in a folksy and artistic manner.
The Amish peaches smelled too wonderful to resist, and they were the best tasting we've ever had.
They also offered homemade cakes, pies, and cookies, as well as jams, pickles, and even free range eggs.
There was no cell phone signal, and we didn't bring a GPS, so I took a couple of wrong turns. But we might have otherwise missed the majestic view of Lake Willoughby had we been less adventurous.
After getting back on track and stopping by a large general store that was akin to a country Wal-Mart, we finally found our way to the Clan of the Hawk grounds where the Abenaki hold an annual pow wow.
No one was around, but the property is open to the public. We briefly stepped into the Welcome Center cabin, peeked into the locked Chief Looking Glass Museum, browsed the non-denominational chapel and bookstore, and walked across an open field to the stone labyrinth. The labyrinth is considered a sacred place of healing. There was also a small altar where people can place a small offering to the Creator. There were pouches, glass stones, bracelets, tokens, and a small wooden flute.
We noticed some small red pouches hanging in a tree nearby as well. The pouches are prayer bundles that people hang to leave their prayers in the sacred place.
There seems to be something about having a tangible place or person to go to in order to have our spiritual and physical needs met, or going through a ritual to make things more 'real'. We tend to be drawn to the mystical. It's one of the reasons some people have difficulty with Christianity. It's not mystical, and although some people call a church building 'the house of God', it in and of itself has no power to heal or transform, nor does it magnify any spiritual energies. And as much as we'd like to think we can and must do something, there is nothing we can do to earn our way to Heaven or appease an angry god. Jesus Christ offered Himself up as a sacrifice in our place to pay the penalty for our transgressions. He has done the work. All we must do is have faith and believe the things He has revealed. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8, 9). I'm so glad He sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us.
We took Sally along, which made the trip a bit more adventurous.
We stopped at this spring water access to refill a few water bottles. The water was cold and refreshing. Notice the date of 1892 on the side of the concrete reservoir. Vermont has several public water accesses along its back roads.
We passed by this quaint little country store and just had to turn around to check it out. Everything, from food items to a wide array of collectibles and antiques, was displayed in a folksy and artistic manner.
The Amish peaches smelled too wonderful to resist, and they were the best tasting we've ever had.
They also offered homemade cakes, pies, and cookies, as well as jams, pickles, and even free range eggs.
There was no cell phone signal, and we didn't bring a GPS, so I took a couple of wrong turns. But we might have otherwise missed the majestic view of Lake Willoughby had we been less adventurous.
After getting back on track and stopping by a large general store that was akin to a country Wal-Mart, we finally found our way to the Clan of the Hawk grounds where the Abenaki hold an annual pow wow.
No one was around, but the property is open to the public. We briefly stepped into the Welcome Center cabin, peeked into the locked Chief Looking Glass Museum, browsed the non-denominational chapel and bookstore, and walked across an open field to the stone labyrinth. The labyrinth is considered a sacred place of healing. There was also a small altar where people can place a small offering to the Creator. There were pouches, glass stones, bracelets, tokens, and a small wooden flute.
We noticed some small red pouches hanging in a tree nearby as well. The pouches are prayer bundles that people hang to leave their prayers in the sacred place.
There seems to be something about having a tangible place or person to go to in order to have our spiritual and physical needs met, or going through a ritual to make things more 'real'. We tend to be drawn to the mystical. It's one of the reasons some people have difficulty with Christianity. It's not mystical, and although some people call a church building 'the house of God', it in and of itself has no power to heal or transform, nor does it magnify any spiritual energies. And as much as we'd like to think we can and must do something, there is nothing we can do to earn our way to Heaven or appease an angry god. Jesus Christ offered Himself up as a sacrifice in our place to pay the penalty for our transgressions. He has done the work. All we must do is have faith and believe the things He has revealed. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8, 9). I'm so glad He sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Rock Hopper and Beach Comber
A few days ago, my daughter and I took her puppy, Sally, to a park, situated next to a brook, and yesterday we took a trip out to the ocean. We've been experiencing some record high temperatures for this time of year, and I didn't want to let this summer pass by without going to the beach.
Because Sally is still in training, she was kept on a retractable leash and had to be untangled a few times.
She liked wading in the shallow parts, but seemed a bit timid about venturing into the deeper, moving water. She loved hopping on the rocks. She was so cute and quite adventurous, sometimes making leaps two or three times her body length!
While exploring the brook further downstream, we discovered this beautiful wildflower. It is Gentiana Andrewsii, also known as "Andrew's Gentian" or "Closed Bottle Gentian" because it never actually opens.
The beach was very crowded yesterday. We were surprised considering most of the schools in our area have begun. But it was a gorgeous day to be on the beach nonetheless.
Doesn't this grouping of rocks standing firmly in the receding waves give you a sense of... strength and tranquility? Our Creator is the Master Artist!
Instead of making our way down to the rock jetty as we usually do, we went in the opposite direction until we came to a 'wall' of rocks and boulders... the perfect place for a 'treasure' hunt.
We found bits of pretty drift wood and a couple of shells, and I came across a tiny red crab. My daughter was actually a little grossed out when I touched it, because... well, it was no longer among the living.
We also came across a sunglasses graveyard or a kind of lost and found. One had a stem missing and another had a bit of dried seaweed hanging on. I found it curious that one of them had an elastic band still attached. Perhaps the high tide absconded with them and then stashed them among the rocks. Speaking of tide, it was coming in fast, so we didn't tarry too long lest we find ourselves in a predicament.
The waves were beautiful but very powerful. Red flags, caution signs, and constant blows on whistles signaled the danger of riptides.
Several people had to be rescued by lifeguards. The woman on the left was rescued after being caught in a riptide. Another group of teenagers was also rescued after daring to go a bit too far despite the shrill warnings.
The 'big guns' were finally called in. Waverunners don't get tired. Wouldn't it be cool to have his job?
Some people were smart enough to heed the warnings and stay closer to shore. You can't see it in the photo, but three or four other people weren't as fortunate to catch the wave like this guy.
Despite the fact that my daughter was developing a sore throat and earache 1-1/2 hours into the trip, which was halfway there, we still had a wonderful time feeling the sand between our toes, cooling off in the salty ocean waves, shopping on the boardwalk, and eating junk food. Isak Dinesen, a Danish author, once said, "The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea." I would agree... almost. My daughter is still not feeling well today, so could you offer up a little prayer for her? Thanks...
Because Sally is still in training, she was kept on a retractable leash and had to be untangled a few times.
She liked wading in the shallow parts, but seemed a bit timid about venturing into the deeper, moving water. She loved hopping on the rocks. She was so cute and quite adventurous, sometimes making leaps two or three times her body length!
While exploring the brook further downstream, we discovered this beautiful wildflower. It is Gentiana Andrewsii, also known as "Andrew's Gentian" or "Closed Bottle Gentian" because it never actually opens.
The beach was very crowded yesterday. We were surprised considering most of the schools in our area have begun. But it was a gorgeous day to be on the beach nonetheless.
Doesn't this grouping of rocks standing firmly in the receding waves give you a sense of... strength and tranquility? Our Creator is the Master Artist!
Instead of making our way down to the rock jetty as we usually do, we went in the opposite direction until we came to a 'wall' of rocks and boulders... the perfect place for a 'treasure' hunt.
We found bits of pretty drift wood and a couple of shells, and I came across a tiny red crab. My daughter was actually a little grossed out when I touched it, because... well, it was no longer among the living.
We also came across a sunglasses graveyard or a kind of lost and found. One had a stem missing and another had a bit of dried seaweed hanging on. I found it curious that one of them had an elastic band still attached. Perhaps the high tide absconded with them and then stashed them among the rocks. Speaking of tide, it was coming in fast, so we didn't tarry too long lest we find ourselves in a predicament.
The waves were beautiful but very powerful. Red flags, caution signs, and constant blows on whistles signaled the danger of riptides.
Several people had to be rescued by lifeguards. The woman on the left was rescued after being caught in a riptide. Another group of teenagers was also rescued after daring to go a bit too far despite the shrill warnings.
The 'big guns' were finally called in. Waverunners don't get tired. Wouldn't it be cool to have his job?
Some people were smart enough to heed the warnings and stay closer to shore. You can't see it in the photo, but three or four other people weren't as fortunate to catch the wave like this guy.
Despite the fact that my daughter was developing a sore throat and earache 1-1/2 hours into the trip, which was halfway there, we still had a wonderful time feeling the sand between our toes, cooling off in the salty ocean waves, shopping on the boardwalk, and eating junk food. Isak Dinesen, a Danish author, once said, "The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea." I would agree... almost. My daughter is still not feeling well today, so could you offer up a little prayer for her? Thanks...
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Jesus Saves
 |
| “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ...” --Philippians 1:27a |
When we’d first reached the tower and saw the words “JESUS SAVES” scratched into the outer, surrounding wall, being believers of Christ ourselves and wanting others to hear His message of forgiveness and hope, it was a pleasant sight. At the top of the tower, we found the usual additions of sentiment one might find in such a place... declarations of having been there and romantic expressions of love to another. The notes at the top seem almost fitting, but as I was processing the photo of my daughter and her puppy, the big, bold letters etched into the wall below were recognized for what they are... graffiti.
While it may be satisfying to some well-intentioned believers to proclaim that 'sound byte' about the Gospel, I wonder if those same folks realize that obedience to authority and respect for property are aspects of the entire package of 'Good News'? And I considered my daughter's puppy, Sally. She had been excited to run and play with the other dogs we'd met, but she was also aware, in her little puppy mind, that she must be obedient. I began thinking that many Christians enjoy the excitement of proclaiming the immediate message of the only way of our salvation, but they forget that obedience to authority and the property of others is an important means to demonstrate our love for Christ. Just as my daughter's puppy showed her love for my daughter by obedience and respect, we demonstrate our following the Lord the same way - obedience and respect.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Keeping a Distance
'Leslie' looks on wistfully from a distance, longing to join in the fun. My daughter adopted a puppy last week... a Sheltie Beagle Pug mix. Although her kitty, Leslie, is beginning to venture closer, she still hisses to warn 'Sally' to keep her distance.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
My Friend Mya
“A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal, But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.” --Proverbs 12:10
Have you ever noticed that look of love and trust in the eyes of a horse or a dog when its owner approaches? You’ll usually also see it nuzzle its owner as it tries to get as close as possible to him or her.
I was pondering the second half of Proverbs 12:10, “... but even the compassion of the wicked is cruel”. How can that be? How can compassion or tender mercies be cruel? They are cruel when they are inconsistent and mixed with indifference and callousness, because the recipient doesn’t know what to expect. Instead of love, trust, and nuzzles, you’ll find apprehension and distance. I'd rather have nuzzles, wouldn't you?
I was pondering the second half of Proverbs 12:10, “... but even the compassion of the wicked is cruel”. How can that be? How can compassion or tender mercies be cruel? They are cruel when they are inconsistent and mixed with indifference and callousness, because the recipient doesn’t know what to expect. Instead of love, trust, and nuzzles, you’ll find apprehension and distance. I'd rather have nuzzles, wouldn't you?
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