Today finds it to be an overcast….damp….rain on and off kind of day. Having some free time I took the opportunity to play with Nikkor’s 50 mm AF S lens and I must say it is exactly what I have read and been told….Sweet It is really about time Nikkor updated some of the old favs. Wonderful Bokeh, and oh so quiet motor….fast enough for the puppies….and of course wonderful for inside and low light situations (1.4)!!! Other then resizing for the web, these images have-not been manipulated.

Since I had the time I decided it was time to “try” and get the pup to know just what he should do around the camera, of course we will need several more sessions for these were really just “luck” shots. When the pups were about 7 weeks old the breeder had sent a photograph to all of the new puppies families of all the puppies in the pen napping. The position that most were in made you smile….there was one pup that had actually climbed on top of one of the crates and was napping on it….half on, half off….can you guess which pup it was?

Even though the three adults are sooooo used to having their pic taken….when adding a new pup to the pack you have to have some patience….at this point the pup is actually a little shark with fur,!!! The other dogs do not want to be placed next to him….they will all learn…and really each will do anything for a treat

Life with Bailey is going great…almost a full week with us and I swear he has grown.

 He joined our pack one week ago and just fits in. Due to his puppy energy I have been using a puppy pen so that the adult dogs (and me) can have a little break several times through out the day.

When we decided to add to the pack it was done for several reasons…one of them being Rocky so needed a play buddy. The two females do not enjoy tugging, wrestling….romping…he needed another golden

They have made me laugh several times this week during their romps together. Rocky has turned into a great big puppy and is in heaven. Sit back and enjoy the images…I bet one or two of them will just make you smile…for that is what they make me do!!! The relationship is just flourishing. For those of you raising a pup….get your camera out….they grow way too fast!!!

Yes indeed…it really is. When our Golden Phoenix died over a year ago…well our little pack of three was just not the same. While Phoenix can never be replaced it was time to add another Golden to our pack….bringing our three pack, up to a four pack.

While only with us a couple of days…he has made himself right at home.

After the meet and greet it was time to explore the new surroundings…everything had to be taken in, smelled…rolled in

Just look at that face…oh how he just melts our hearts!!!

Looking up at the A-Frame….just maybe one day he will be an agility dog??

And yes….Puppy Breath

He plays hard, and nap time….he sleeps soundly. Now, before you all run out for no doubt I have so enticed a few of you to get yourselves a pup…it is hard work. They need you there to potty train, crate train and of course teach them to have a soft mouth, what not to chew on. Just like with our children the most precious thing you can give is your time.

Rocky finally has a brother…Bailey (Baileys Irish Cream…yum) and yes…a little R & B is indeed good for your soul. Check back once in a while to se how Bailey is growing….oh and look for his training puppy training video’s which will be posted on occasion.

Gift Certificates available for Holiday Gifts!!!

It is indeed funny that in the eyes of our families we really do not change much from the little girl, or little boy we once were…no matter how many years go by…no matter how much gray on our heads….the inner child remains. During those times when we actually allow him or her to come out and just marvel at the most simple things….as simple as a Tea Set…

The Forgotten Tea Set…

When I was a young girl I so loved looking at the tea set my Mother had. My father had purchased it during the early 50’s in Germany when he was in the Army. I had always thought it to be lovely and could imagine that when I was grown it would be on display, and maybe just maybe I would sip a warm cup of tea from it . I am not really sure why I thought it should be mine….I just did.

As young as I was I realized that I should “stake a claim” to it for I had two older sisters and I really thought something as lovely, well… we all must want it. I was brazen enough to ask for it…over the years on more then one occasion, just so my mother would remember that I am the one that realllly soooo wanted it to one day belong to me. Yes dear, she would reply…..I would sigh with relief each and every time I asked for it….it would one day be mine.

In the 80’s my parents started looking for property in FL. once found they had a house built and put the house in NY up for sale. My one sister and her husband…having fallen in love with FL soon followed. Around the same time I had gotten married and my husband and I were relocating to GA. That left one sister in NY. She was married and had two beautiful children….lots of friends and her husbands family with who she had bonded with.

I remember during that time my mother coming to me, siting me down and explaining we were leaving the one sister behind…she had thought it would be a wonderful, kind thing if she would give her the tea set. My Mother had so hoped I would agree, knowing it was promised to me…..I mean really, what could I do… I remember very clearly the feeling of loss I felt….and just a tad bit hurt. I told my mother I understood. It was her tea set and she could give it to whom ever she wanted. It seemed to please her leaving it with the eldest daughter….of course I would go along with her decision.

Sadly for my mother…she never really heard the end of it from me. I feel bad knowing how all of the years since I brought it up…making her feel bad about her decision. Kids, they never really grow up…and oh can we be such brats!!!

After several years the sister that was left behind relocated to FL. I remember visiting her new home…I looked for the tea set and it was no where on display. I did inquire about it and was told that it was lost during her move. Another time during a conversation she mentioned she still had it….somewhere. She soon sold that home and moved into another. For some reason over the years she stored a few belongings in the attic of my other sister. Several years ago that sister called me to tell me that her husband had been going through some old boxes and guess what they had found…The Tea Set! It seems No one knew it was there….carelessly wrapped in newspaper….forgotten.

I asked my sister if she would send it to me…all right, I sort of begged her to. After we discussed it I told d her I would call my mother and see what she thought. I think she was pretty shocked at what I was trying to get my sister to do…send me something that did not belong to either one of us. So….once again…the tea set remained in the attic…still forgotten.

This year as we traveled to St. Augustine and hosted Thanksgiving dinner my sister brought with her the tea set, and it was given to me…with my Mothers blessing. Not theirs to do so, but I indeed accepted…with a big smile. As I opened the box, my sister had rewrapped each piece in bubble wrap for the journey Home. I peeked inside and it was exactly as I remember….a little more worn from not being properly stored….still so very lovely.

So, after all of these years the Tea Set is where it belongs… no longer forgotten. Thank You Mom…Thank You Donna

So today is the last day here in St. Augutstine. Tomorrow we head home and I must say that I no doubt all of us will miss our daily walks on the beach….oh…and the birds….so many birds to help keep the pups entertained. Some more then others

Like many photographers that I know….I prefer being behind the camera rather then in front….as there are not that many images of me I set the camera up and handed it over to Mike. There is actually a series of these and they are pretty funny for we all seemed to look in different directions each time he actually took our photograph, these are the best of the bunch As I am using the laptop…other then cropping these are right from the camera!!!

For now….Homeward bound.

The pack and I have been on a much needed vacation. Since it was Thanksgiving, I was in charge of cooking dinner. Funny how we become accustomed to things, this stove was electric, I am used to gas. I delegated and had family members bring a dish…a dear friend from the west coast of FL joined us and she brought vodka, cosmos mix and my ever favorite….liqueur for chocolate martini’s….not to mention a mix for a bloody mary….delicious!!!

I must say the Turkey, gravy and all the fixins were wonderful…even better since we all particiapted. Great Food, wonderful company….one of the best Thanksgiving I have had a long time!!! Maybe, just maybe a new tradition is in the works!

Like most….too much food, a drink or two…time to work it off and just enjoy the surroundings. The pack enjoyed a nice lonnnng walk…as we walked and looked around… we all realized just how very Thankful we are!!! St. Augustine is so very lovely….and so very dog friendly…dogs must be leashed on the beach and please….PLEASE pick up after your canine friends whereever you go with them!!!

Sun, sand, cool weather….good food, wonderful company, it can get no better then this!

 A very young Phoenix learning agility….how that face makes me smile.

Lately, on my AOL account they have been sending out these warnings  about discontinuing the AOL Pictures on about a  weekly Basis. Delete, Delete….seems I use my Delete key soooo much….just this morning I took a few mintues and actually read through it. I was thinking I did not have any images stored there and thought it best if I took a moment to check. What a wonderful surprise….lots of old images taken with digital cameras from when digiatl first appeared….as you can see, digital has come a long way

What a wonderful delight to see several of my old furry friends who have since left us due to old age or illness.

Feeding time with a six pack!

Sweet Jasmine, my three legged wonder dog. If I close my eyes…I can almost feel her oh so very soft, fluffy coat!

Phoenix & Montana

Pheinix as a pup…Oh my, how my heart just melt!

 Sooo many wonderful memeories! I am just so happy and Thankful I took the time to check, then download to the pc. I cannot help but smile and think about each of my dogs….I have known such wonderful canines and so very blessed to have had them to come into my life. Each had something different to share with me, and teach me….I am indeed blessed!

I stand tall searching the sky…

I turn my head and as I do…

The warm rays absorb through me.

I am invigorated…

I follow that warmth throughout the day.

I am a Sun Flower and I am standing Tall.