April 18, 2008
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let’s get outside and enjoy them!
My friend Marie refers to her sons’ dogs as her granddogs. I’m not sure I’m that fond of my children’s pets, but
….when they are still puppies, they’re so cute! Daisy is the newest member of our extended family. This little girl is a born cow dog…see that herding instinct (below)? These dogs nip (supposedly very gently) the heels of livestock as they gather them in.
Eight-week-old Daisy is practicing on Wyatt.
I planted creeping phlox among the rocks in back of our house when we built it 20 years ago.
Last year it didn’t make much of a show and I thought it was worn out from old age, but this year it is feeling young again and is blooming away.
Did I mention that we have some big rocks in our yard?
We took a walk down to the creek behind our house. Recent rains have kept the water flowing, and I love to see the creek running. Chip had his first spring haircut this morning, and he is always so happy to shed his winter coat.
Chip was delighted to test the water! Don’t you know it felt good? Since Chip is a decidedly outdoors dog, he wears his coat all winter to help keep him warm. It really is dense and curly and thick and does a good job. Although Chip has the option of sleeping inside our garage, rarely does he want to do so. He much prefers to stay outside, keeping us safe from all manner of critters that might invade during the night.
Many nights I’ll go outside to look at the stars and find Chip curled up in a deep bed of leaves just outside the chicken yard, guarding his feathered friends. When I first brought my chickens home and released them into the yard, Chip thought they were a present for him! He immediately ran through them, terrorizing them into horrified squawks and shrieks. Feathers flew and four even flew away, never to be heard from again. Chip was astounded! He didn’t realize he had done a bad thing. After one simple scolding, he never has bothered them again, in nearly three years of having chickens. They are free-rangers and have the run of our place. They even come up to drink out of his water bucket, and he never even growls one complaint. Chip and the chickens happily co-exist and even seem to benefit from their companionable relationship.
It just comes naturally to little boys to throw rocks into creeks. (If Wyatt had been wearing something other than camo, he would show up better.)
The grass in the hayfield is growing again!
Buzzards perch each evening in the big sycamores that line the creekbank. This guy is circling, wondering who has invaded his roost!
Before we got back to the house, I was carrying a tired little boy and a tired little puppy…and by bedtime, I was one tired Mimi!
Comments (10)
What a simply wonderful life you live down on the farm! Your phlox is lovely and yes, that is some big rock! Frequently your posts bring out the urge in me to have another dog…this one included! It’s such a beautiful day here and I’ve seen others out walking their dogs…hmmm, I’ve been told to forget that idea, but it’s hard to forget!
I must tell you of our Everett’s fascination with camouflage. He called me a few weeks ago asking for “government paper!” I had no idea what that was, I thought he maybe meant money??? When I got his mommy on the phone she explained…he’s in love with camouflage and calls it “government!” The mind of a 5 year old!!!
Do you have eagles down your way?
Looks delightful! Missouri, right? I love your big rocks in the yard!
My small amt of Phlox isn’t blooming yet. The Periwinkle is just starting and the Daffodils are in various stages of bloom. Think we are several weeks behind you even living as close as we do. Our pastures are really green though. Wil put that “gold” on them. Thank heaven he had it reserved from last year or we couldn’t have afforded it. We usually fertilize every year but if it is as high next year as it is now we won’t do it then.
Hope this pup is going to be where he can work and do his natural thing.
What a FANTASTIC rock in your yard! Rocks are so interesting to me….many happy childhood memories include hours of play with my cousins on huge rocks and stone walls. The Phlox is a stunning blanket of color.
I have a “grandpuppy” that my daughter and hubby rescued—didn’t know the heritage at first but soon figured out it is mostly Aussie Shepherd—it does that nipping thing too. Beautiful pictures!!!
Little boys, dogs, creeks, springtime…it just doesn’t get much better than this! Bless you for having eyes to see and ears to hear.
I love phlox. I guess I’m impatient with it though — I want it to cover more than it does. Your pictures are great. That puppy with your grandson is so cute. Is Chip a Brittany spaniel? I had one (fostered) for while, and she just LOVED being outside. Even loved my swimming pool!!
I’m so glad to see that Wyatt can go outside without a coat or sweater! Wow, it really must finally be warming up. Creeping phlox and green grass…. YES!
Our lives ARE so different, and it makes it very fun to come here for a cyber escape from my busy city.
We have a small shitzu. We aren’t seeing many instincts in him, though, cus the stray cats are quite comfortable on our front porch.
great pictures and what beautiful place you live in!
Good to hear from you again. I do love the little walks you take us on there down on the farm. You are loving life and it shows. Thanks for your posts.