Happy Anniversary, Hubby

Grow old with me, the best is yet to be.

~Robert Browning

____________________________________

Uga VII

RIP

Happy Trails,

Sassy Says

Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happy Trails,

How Pumpkin Pie is Really Made

(Thx, Liz)

On a more serious note; if you live in Vermont, have a loving heart and are looking for a fur-ever companion, please check out Mia.

Happy Trails,

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Trails,

My Co-Pilot

Have you seen this bumper sticker?

It's true...

We need to work on Zack's map skills.

I think we shoulda taken that left turn at Albuquerque.

Happy Trails,

Guess Where We're Sleeping Tonight

HOME!!!
We're in Toomsuba, MS and will be home by sunset...
We've had a wonderful trip, but are ready to get back to the North Ga. mountains.

We were looking forward to the Leonids Meteor shower tonight, but the forecast is calling for rain. If it's clear in your area, check it out!!!!
http://www.space.com/spacewatch/091101-leonid-meteor-shower-2009.html

Homeward Bound,
~K


Happy Trails,

Apache Creek Valley, NM

We took a detour and spent a couple of days in the area Hubby goes star-gazing.
The Apache Creek Valley is beautiful this time of year with yellow cottonwoods lining the creek. We had our last campfire and cookout of the trip while listening to bugling elks.

This has been a wonderful trip, but we are anxious to get home!

Happy Trails,

Olympic Torch Mushes On

The symbol of the Olympic games continues to travel across northern Canada.

The Olympic torch relay got under way bright and early last Wednesday morning in Old Crow, Yukon.
The Olympic flame rode into town in style on a dog-sled. Martha Benjamin was the final torch-bearer in Old Crow. She used to be a member of the town's cross county ski team. After arriving via the dog sled, Benjamin lit the Olympic cauldron at the community celebration in old crow.

The torch is on a 106-day journey across Canada on the way to Vancouver, the host city for the 2010 winter games.



Happy Trails,

Shake Your Groove Thing

Thanks for sharing Chelle...




Happy Trails,

Cooper, A Lucky Dog

Hubby met Cooper and his mom our first morning at Tillicum Beach. Cooper and his paw-rents live one block off of the beach. He and his mom walk in the campground every day. And as if that's not lucky enough,

Cooper is also a rescued pup, which makes him doubly lucky.

Until next year....take care Cooper and Cooper's Mom!

We're in Kingman, AZ this evening...It's looks like we left a gale in Oregon and are headed for Hurricane Ida in the Gulf.

Happy Trails,

Saying Goodbye to Oregon

Sassy and Me

Tillicum Beach Sunset

It was difficult leaving Oregon, as always. Fortunately, we left before a huge storm hit the coast. (Surf's Up, Dude!)

We drove down the Redwood Highway (Hwy 101) and through Napa Valley-beautiful! I always feel so small and insignificant in the presence of those giant trees. After being on deserted beaches for a month we're having trouble adjusting to the traffic and multitudes of crazy drivers.

The vacation is over and we're in the "GOING HOME" mode, driving long days and staying in commercial campgrounds-not fun for the dogs. Only good thing about commercial campgrounds is wifi access.

I must say, I'm looking forward to getting home and preparing for the holidays. We have a very dear friend coming to spend Thanksgiving with us. I am also looking forward to being able to catch up with all my blogging buddies!

I'd hoped this break from blogging, (my intervention), would cure my "Blog-aholic-ism." But here I am, blogging away instead of enjoying the lovely California sunset.

Happy Trails,

Tillicum Beach, Oregon

Tillicum Beach is nestled on a narrow stretch between Highway 101 and the Pacific Ocean, approximately 4 miles from Waldport. The ocean side campsites overlook the beautiful, usually deserted beach. Beach access is easy and no vehicles are allowed on the beach…

Can you say, “Dog Paradise”?

We love this beach. As a matter of fact, we love it so much, we almost bought a house out here 2 years ago. I know it rains in Oregon A LOT (e.g., Oregon Ducks) but there’s nothing like a beautiful, sunny day, when the air comes fresh off of the Pacific. All things considered, it was best for us to stay in North Georgia, a decision we never regretted.

Today is not one of those beautiful, sunny days, so we’re spending the day in Waldport washing clothes, but the laundromat has wi-fi, so that passes the time quickly. I plan to check out some of my favorite blogs, something I have sorely missed.

We plan to start home next week, depending on the weather (chuckle).
Will keep you posted!

Happy Trails,

Happy Daze

Happy Trails,

Cape Blanco, Oregon

It took us 28 days, but we finally reached our destination, the Oregon Coast.
This was not a record setting trip as we have had much longer and shorter trips in the past.

We’ve been coming to Cape Blanco State Park, on the Oregon South coast, since 1993. Thanks to an article in Sunset Magazine, Cape Blanco has become a popular stop on Highway 101. We saw more people in the first 3 days than we had seen in all our previous trips combined. Fortunately, beach access is difficult, providing a deserted beach, which allows the dogs plenty of running room. The cold water and strong winds didn’t keep these Southern doggies out of the Pacific Ocean.

The campground cleared after Columbus Day Weekend, leaving us to weather a strong storm which slammed the California /Oregon coasts. We enjoy the storms as much as the sunshine, although I can’t say the same for the dogs. The RV rocks with snoring on those rainy days.

We plan to move up coast in a few days to Tillicum Beach near Waldport.


TAKE ONLY YOUR MEMORIES….
LEAVE ONLY YOUR PAWPRINTS…..

Happy Trails,

Greetings from the Wild West

Parissawampitts Point, Arizona

This was our second trip to the Grand Canyon. This year we decided to be adventurous and do some dispersed camping on the North Rim. We had a very bumpy, dusty ride down forest service roads to Parissawampitts Point. We found a remote campsite in the middle of Ponderosa pines, quaking aspens, and cedar trees. Have you ever smelled the bark of a Ponderosa? It smells like vanilla-amazing!
Our campsite was approximately 250 yards from the North Rim of the canyon. As my friend Jan suggested, we threw tennis balls for the dogs away from the rim.
We got lucky and saw a couple elusive Kaibab squirrels, cute little critters.
BTW, hubby prefers sleeping in a tent every night, leaving the RV to the dogs and me.We’ve been keeping up with the flooding conditions in Georgia. North Georgia has gone from drought to flood in a couple of weeks.
Fortunately, our house is high and dry, but our thoughts are with those who have experienced flooding.

We only jump on a wifi spot for a few minutes and I miss visiting everyone’s blog…
Please know we are sending hugs (for humans) and rubs (for puppers) to everyone!

Cave Lake State Park, NV

After several days of dispersed camping on the North Rim, the RV and dogs were filthy. Two weeks of living with 3 Labs and a hubby in the rolling dog house (envision dog mobile from Dumb and Dumber) is all I can take before I need a day of “house cleaning“.

We found a great campground at Cave Lake State Park, near the town of Ely, NV. Elk Flat Campground sits in the middle of junipers, cedars and sagebrush, and is surrounded by beautiful hills and bluffs.
The night sky is incredibly dark which makes hubby very happy.

Although the dogs weren’t allowed to swim off leash in the state park, we found a nearby lake. Comins Lake is cold, clear and a favorite spot for ducks. The dogs and ducks agreed to ignore each other.

We spent 5 days at Elk Flat cleaning, walking, swimming and relaxing. I always hate to leave a clean, comfortable campground, but thanks to Hubby’s determination to keep moving west, we’re getting closer to our ultimate destination, the Oregon Coast!


Happy Trails,

The Land of Enchantment

We’re taking our time, enjoying the scenery, now that we’re on the secondary roads in New Mexico.

Marathon Lake, MS is a beautiful and dog-friendly campground with campsites right on the water. We were the only campers in the entire campground. The dogs were in heaven.

Another good campground is Brantley Lake in New Mexico, although the dogs and I had to ride in the back of the truck to access the lake. Buddy and I sat on the dog crate, like the Beverly Hillbillies.

This is our fourth cross-country trip and the dogs are real troopers n the road. We’ve found that if we stop every other day for a 2 day rest/play, they are happy and ready to roll. This is Buddy’s second trip and I’m pleased that he has matured into an excellent RV dog.

I know driving across the country in a 31 foot RV with 3 labs doesn’t sound like fun to some folks, but to us, it is the ultimate adventure with the ones you love.

We’re headed to The Grand Canyon for our second stay at the North Rim. I hope to see the illusive Kaibab Squirrel again.
I’ll be in touch when I can, and I hope to have a connection long enough to catch up on everyone’s blog. I’m still going through Blogger’s Detox and the withdrawals are Hell!






Happy Trails,

Carlsbad, NM

Sorry I haven't had a chance to edit any pictures....

But the dogs are having a great time...


Happy Trails,

Happy Trails

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Hubby, dogs and I are leaving today, heading to the Oregon Coast from Georgia. This will be our 4th x-country RV trip since retiring 5 years ago. We always leave the day after Labor Day and return home by Thanksgiving.

We rarely camp in commercial campgrounds; as we prefer state parks, forest service campgrounds and dispersed camping where available. As a result, we won't have wifi access very often. I'm taking my new HP Netbook (very cool) and will post when possible.

We'll be tootling down I-20, so if you see an RV from Georgia, towing a green pickup, with 3 crazy Labs hanging out the RV windows, that's us!!! Honk and Wave!!!

We would like to present all our readers with the Lab Approved Award. We'll miss visiting your blogs and hope you'll display this award so you won't forget us during our absence.

Buddy and me, whale-watching

Cape Blanco, OR

~Oct. 2007~

Happy Trails,

I'm Juz Sayin'

“Yesterday I was a dog. Today I'm a dog.

Tomorrow I'll probably still be a dog.

Sigh!

There's so little hope for advancement.”

~Charles Schultz~

HAPPY LABOR DAY!!!

Happy Trails,

Sunday is for Family

Eli ( my best high school friend), Daddy and Me

Tybee Island, Ga

Labor Day Weekend~1970
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, the Dawgs lost to the OSU Cowboys, or "Pokes" as they refer to themselves. I'll be buying the beer at next year's Iditarod, thanks to a friendly wager I had with Gumbie's new owner, who teaches at OSU.

Congrats, Pokes!

Happy Trails,

Hummer Frenzy

The hummingbirds are in a tizzy as they prepare for their southern migration.

I add a little extra sugar to the nectar recipe this time of year to provide them a bit more energy.

I'll refill the feeders before we leave Tuesday and then it's every hummer for humself. It will be quiet when we return in November, without our tiniest, feathered friends.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Happy Trails,

Sassy Says

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.

~Josh Billings

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We were tagged by our good Labbie friend, Moose, to play "Oops I ate it!"



"When accepting this award, you must blog about the food you have stolen when your humans were not watching. If you have never stolen any food, you must have been a really good pup! You can accept this yummy tray of cookies as your reward! Next add the logo of this award to your blog (optional), then nominate at least 5 other furry blogs and let them know by leaving a message on their blogs."
If you haven't yet been tagged to play along, feel free to take the award.

Sassy is the only one who has stolen food. A chocolate pie was left on the counter and before we realized, she had licked off the top layer of whipped cream. Fortunately, she was discovered before reaching the chocolate.

Happy Trails,

Bear Watchdog

The bears came visiting again yesterday evening and this time I had the camera ready. Mother Bear was on the ground and would have joined Baby Bear if it had not been for my ferocious bear watchdog, Sassy. I don't know who was more surprised, the bear or Sassy.
There was an article in our local paper a couple weeks ago about the unusual amount of bear sightings this year, especially in our part of the county. One neighbor reported that a baby bear came to her house everyday to nap on her cool garage floor. It saddens me to know the bears are hungry, but what a treat to see this on the deck.

Happy Trails,

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Trails,

Zack, Happy Older Boy

We adopted Zack 8 years ago and the vet believed he was a year old at that time. He has always been a happy dog, and although he now suffers with arthritis and cataracts, he still enjoys life. Everyday is a new adventure full of possibilities.
I love his enthusiasm and smile...

Happy Trails,

I'm Juz Sayin'

If you don't own a dog, at least one,

there is not necessarily anything wrong with you,

but there may be something wrong with your life.

~Roger Caras~

Happy Trails,

Sunday is for Family

Mother

Ft. Lauderdale, FL

~1933~

Happy Trails,

Dog Flu and An Award

Our good Labbie pal, Jack, has been diagnosed with a respiratory infection.

He hasn't been able to go to his favorite puppy park to play with his friends.

Feel better and get well soon. Jack!

Coincidentally, two days ago I read an article concerning the spread of dog influenza. If you recently adopted a dog from a shelter, or if your dog frequents doggie day care, boarding facilities, dog parks, or other public, dog-friendly places, please read this important article.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We were honored to receive the Daisy Awesome Paw-Some Award from our friends at A Doggie Life and Anna's Dog Blog .

This award originated on Daisy's blog and was created by the Purple Hatter. We are to pass the award on to 5 bloggers who blog at least once a week. Please feel free to take this award, with our best wishes.

Happy Trails,

Sassy Says

“If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude,

then animals are better off than a lot of humans”

~James Herriot~

Happy Weekend &

Happy Trails,

Just Chillin'

We received this "cool" picture from our good doggie friend, Blaine, who lives in PA with his pawrents, Jan and Walt. Jan and Walt are my wonderful Idita-Buddies.

Jan wrote, "Blaine and I walked at the local college. It was Freshman move in day complete with a picnic. Blaine found the ice they dumped and chomped away like Buddy before plopping his whole body down in the ice mound. Dreams of winter and Iditarod."

Jan (right) and Me

(We're both suffering from a bad case of "hat head".)

Iditarod Restart '09

I'm having Iditarod Dreams, too.

Happy Trails,

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Trails,

This One's for the Birds

Sassy, admiring the beautiful card we received from Shelley.

I've only seen Redpolls in Alaska.

I recently won a giveaway hosted by one my favorite bloggers/photographers, Shelley, at Birding in Michigan. Shelley's photos of birds are amazing. It's as if the birds pose for her. I've learned about many different types of birds by reading Shelley's blog.

Shelley also has a great on-line nature store, featuring her beautiful photography. Be sure to check out her "Sack Michael Vick" products. Fifty percent of the profits of the Vick items will be donated to the ASPCA. Way to go, and thank you Shelley.

Happy Trails,

I'm Juz Sayin'

Say it loud,

I'm black and I'm proud!

~James Brown~

The Godfather of Soul

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Did you know that big, black dogs are often the last to be adopted from animal shelters — a phenomenon known in pet rescue circles as "Black Dog Syndrome"?

Anyone who has worked or volunteered in a shelter can attest to the fact that animals (cats and dogs) with black coats are the hardest to adopt out, they're in the shelters the longest and therefore, they're most likely to be euthanized.

One of the most common reasons given for BDS is a reluctance to adopt certain breeds of dogs (Rottweiler, Dobie) because of their perceived aggressiveness.

Others speculate that black dogs just don't have the right look to catch the eye of potential adopters. There are several things a shelter can do to avoid black dog syndrome. One way is to photograph the black dog against a brighter, more visually appealing background. Black dogs tend to fade into the background when not properly lit, which can make them less appealing than other breeds.

Another tip is to heavily promote the benefits of darker coated dogs whenever possible. In other words, shelter workers should sell the breed, not the color. Many potential pet adopters would consider a larger black dog with a gentle disposition (Lab, for example) than a smaller dog with too much energy.

Anything that can be done to prevent future cases of BDS is certainly worth pursuing.

I'm certainly glad I found my big, black dog in time. I rescued Buddy on his "last day" at the shelter.

Happy Trails,

Sunday is for Family

Mother and Me

Savannah, GA

~1974~

We were playing a silly game at a bridal shower given in my honor. I was married (the first time) 35 years ago, on August 24, 1974. I look at that picture and I see a young, naive girl who had no idea what she was doing or where life would take her. Whew, that was long ago and far away...

Remember that girl, SH?

Happy Trails,

Home from the Lake

Sorry, no pictures of the dogs in the lake. After falling in the lake with my camera during our last trip, I kept Hubby's camera far from the water.

We had a wonderful time and are now preparing for our next RV trip, cross-country to Oregon. We plan to leave the day after Labor Day and at this time I'm not planning to blog while we are traveling. I have decided to take a break from my obsession and give all my attention to my hubby and dogs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you all for your comments regarding Michael Vick. I see no remorse in his eyes. Yes, he is sorry. He is sorry he got caught!

I believe in forgiveness, second chances, and karma. Karma will get Vick.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was surprised and honored to receive an award from one of my favorite blogs, Life with Dogs. This is a fun award as there are no rules or requirements!

If you've never checked out Nigel, Sola, Fudgepants and company you're in for a treat. They live in Vermont with their very funny, creative hooman. Thanks for the recognition Friends!

Happy Trails,

Sassy Says

Thorns and roses grow on the same tree.

~Turkish proverb ~

Happy Trails,

Wordless Wednesday-Golf ND Style

Happy Trails,

Michael Vick Signs with Eagles

Vick is getting a second chance in the NFL.

Can dog lovers give him a second chance?

The City of Brotherly Love is known more for its nastiness than a forgiving nature.

Read more: http://www.centredaily.com/news/state/story/1452412.html#ixzz0OJuWx02f

Please share your opinion on whether he deserves a second chance.

Happy Trails,

Sunday is for Family

Grandma and Brunie

(my childhood dog)

~1973~

Savannah, GA

Grandma appears to be frowning, but she really loved Brunie.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We'll be at the lake for a few days. It's deserted since all the kids are back in school. This is probably my favorite time of year to be retired. I miss many things about teaching, but the first few weeks of first grade is not one of them.

Happy Trails,

Zack Celebrates Woodstock

Peace, Love, Rock and Roll!

Happy 40th Anniversary to The Woodstock Generation

Where were you during Woodstock?

I was 16 years old, surfing on Tybee Island, Ga.

A Hippie Wannabe

Sit back, listen to Richie, and remember...

Happy Trails,

Sassy Says

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

~Aesop

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I received this story in an email and had to share.

(Thx, Kay)

Lost and Found Dog Saves Life of Boy with Down Syndrome

by Helena Sung

Photo: St. Petersburg Times / ZUMA Press

Do you believe in canine guardian angels and the kindness of strangers? You just might after reading this story.

Early one morning, Yolanda Segovia's neighbor, Stacey Savige, knocked on her door and asked her to temporarily take in a stray dog she had found. The scruffy terrier mix had no collar or microchip. Segovia eyed the pooch -- burrs sticking to his belly and mud caking his fur -- and reluctantly agreed to foster him for the day.
An erstwhile hairdresser, Segovia hasn't worked since 2006. At 47, she is a survivor of breast cancer and cervical cancer. A divorced single mother of two, Segovia shares her Port Tampa, Florida home with her 10 year-old son Azaiah and 21 year-old son Christian. Her elder son has Down Syndrome; he cannot speak or bathe himself, and he has had heart surgery and a kidney transplant, reports the St. Petersburg Times.

Azaiah immediately took to the dog, whom he named RaeLee (pronounced "Riley"). Segovia and her sons bought the dog a collar, leash, ball and brown bed from the dollar store, and all that day, Azaiah played with the dog, laughing gleefully whenever RaeLee licked his face. "Don't fall in love with him," Segovia warned.

Segovia and Savige made 4,000 FOUND flyers with the dog's picture, stuffed mailboxes and put an ad on Craigslist. When no one called, RaeLee stayed the night at the Segovias' house. His dog bed was placed in the living room, but when the boys climbed into their twin beds, RaeLee dragged his bed down the long hallway and bunked with the boys in their room.

By Saturday -- four days later -- no one had called to claim RaeLee, and he was still living with the Segovias. The honey-colored terrier had started responding to his new name. He almost never barked, loved playing rambunctiously with Azaiah, and was tender with Christian.

One afternoon, the dog settled himself on the floor near Christian as he watched a "Barney" video in his room. Segovia was outside watering the plants when the placid moment was shattered by the sound of RaeLee crashing into the screen door and barking crazily. Alarmed, Segovia opened the door, only to have the dog race back through the house towards the boys' room. Segovia followed, screaming when she caught sight of her son. Christian was "slumped over, his body writhing in a seizure, blood streaming from his nose and mouth." RaeLee stood next to him yelping, but suddenly went quiet when Yolanda reached down to hold her son.

"If he hadn't come to get me," Segovia told the St. Petersburg Times, "the neurologist said Christian would have choked on his own blood and died." The dog, she decided, was a keeper.

But the next day, Segovia and her sons were heartbroken when someone called to claim the dog they had come to love. Randy Cliff, 34, who lived six blocks away said he had been searching for his dog -- real name Odie -- for over a week. Odie had lived with Cliff, his wife, their four children and infant granddaughter. Savige cried, telling Cliff, "That dog saved my friend's son."

When Cliff came to collect his dog, RaeLee a.k.a. Odie, leapt off the Segovias' porch and into his arms. Christian watched from a window. Azaiah stood on the porch watching the man hug the dog he knew as RaeLee. "We're going to miss you," he said, tearfully.

Looking up, Cliff took in the scene -- Christian looking scared, Azaiah looking downtrodden -- and asked, "Is that your brother?" Azaiah nodded yes.
With a sudden change of heart, Cliff put the dog back down. "Maybe Odie was supposed to find you," Cliff told a stunned and delighted Azaiah. "Maybe you should keep him."

And that is how the kindness of strangers -- Savige for rescuing a lost dog, Segovia for taking him in, and Cliff for giving up his pet to a pair of brothers who needed the dog more -- brought RaeLee to live with Azaiah, Christian and their mother.

~~~~~~~~~

For another great dog story, visit random ramblings.

Happy Trails,

Southernism

Even Southern puppies know that ‘gimme some sugar’ is not a request for the white, granular sweet substance that sits in a pretty little bowl in the middle of the table.

Happy Trails,

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Trails,

Lance Mackey Joins LIVESTRONG

Lance Mackey, Nike, and Lance Armstrong unite to inspire and mobilize the world in the Fight Against Cancer.

This video blew me away, even though I am a bit prejudiced.

Just hanging out with Lance at the 2009 Iditarod...

I read on Lance's webpage that my good friends Jan and Walt Tremer are sponsoring Lance's 2010 Iditarod entry fee.

Way to go Idita-Buddies!

Happy Trails,

I'm Juz Sayin'

When you become senile, you won't know it.

~Bill Cosby

Happy Trails,

Sunday is for Family

Hubby and Me

~May 2009~

Happy Trails,

Newfador?

Buddy kept his eye on me whenever I went swimming in the lake. If I got out past a certain point, he came swimming after me with one thing on his mind-retrieve her! He actually nipped at my arms in an attempt to drag me to shore.

Happy Trails,

Sassy Says

The truth I do not stretch or shove
When I state that the dog is full of love.
I've also found, by actual test,
A wet dog is the lovingest.

~ Ogden Nash (1902-1971)

We had a wonderful time at the lake, with not a drop of rain.

I wish I could blame the rain for the the moisture in my camera, however the truth is I dropped my camera in the lake the first day.

I'd had the camera for almost a year after replacing my previous camera which was dropped on the driveway.

Needless to say, I don't buy expensive cameras.

Happy Friday Everyone!!!

Happy Trails,

Wordless Wed.-N.M. Wildflowers and Cacti

Happy Trails,

Back at the Lake

How we hope to spend the next few days.

Happy Trails,