I approve.

"I approve." That's that's what Moll's look said to me as we ventured into the yard for a dose of Springtime playtime. Today it will reach the mid-70s. When I let her out in the yard this morning she went to the foot of the hill and plunked herself down for a little sunning session.

We have been dogsitting my brother's husky, Shada. In our backyard, Shada enjoys freedom from his leash - at his home he is never without it when outdoors. And he very much enjoys it. He patrols the perimeter and after a few rounds he settles himself into a sunny spot and chills out. I think it's safe to say that Shada echoes Molly's sentiment, "I approve."

It's all in the details.

Oh, such a familiar view and comfortable sight. One that says home to me. I think Ben is the perfect-sized dog. His lovely head, just the right size, settling into my cupped hands. Home. Those white hairs overtaking the black hairs just a little more each day. Can I tell you I just adore those eyelashes?

Four feet on the ground.

Dogs make me feel grounded. The both feet on the ground-realistic-live in the moment-do not dwell- know what's important in life-kind of grounded. And I love 'em for it.

In repose

Despite the wind and rain, looks like the weekend will be pretty nice. Was thinking about joining some friends for an off-leash hike with the dogs this weekend... but Molly turned up with a gimpy rear leg late day yesterday. So rest for Molly. No frisbee or soccer action. No cavorting after squirrels in the backyard. Even dogzoomies in the living room. A little rest does plenty good.

The basket overfloweth

This is the toy basket. I should really say this is Molly's toy basket. Ben is not into toys, which makes me a little bit sad. But then I remember his mad skillz at disemboweling stuffed toys from the days of his youth. I am not sad anymore when I remember how proficient at that he used to be.

So, Molly's basket of toys. She loves her stuffed toys. She is very good with them, meaning she has no urge to purge the polyfil innards free of their encasements. She does occasionally try to break the squeaky or grunt mechanisms contained within, but most of the time I like to think she realized how much more fun the toy is when it still makes noise.

Because her toys do not get destroyed, and because I can't help myself, the numbers of them accumulate. A few years ago I decided that for every new toy that Molly gets means that 2 of them get the boot from the basket. By that I mean they get laundered and end up in a box with an eventual destination to the jaws of my sis' border collies (who share Ben's former proclivity for tearing them up). But the bounty of the holidays and Molly's recent birthday has me behind the effort to do so. Henceforth... the basket overfloweth.

How to relish, by Ben.

The warm weather front that has graced us the last few days is soon to depart. But we're relishing it while it's here. Right Ben? Hello? Ben...

Sorry 'bout that. Ben is busy with the "relishing."

Looking ahead

... to Spring! (Or the cat that dashed under the car up ahead.)

I've taken to shooting more pics with the iPhone for more artistic takes on our everyday activities. Hope you like!