1st QUARTER MOON RISING

 Bright, crisp, clear and fresh this is my 'today' moment for you,

but behind me faintly can be seen ~~~

in the upper left-hand corner

the 1st Quarter Moon.

This phase of the moon arises at noon hour

and I just happen to be here, perfect timing.

With the moon still in view, I have to keep my eye on Jim who decided to walk the main trail

because his footwear wasn't the right kind for these tricky snow covered trails.

 There he is camouflaged in the middle of the picture.

Now you can see why I have to keep and eye on him,

he blends so easily.

Jim has been rounded up and lead back

to where we started.

The moon seems to help with all this need I have

of keeping everyone together.

MY 1ST XMAS PARTY !!

"I PROMISE TO NEVER EAT OFF ANYONE'S PLATE"

repeat

repeat

repeat

These three are notorious for putting together a great meal for a bunch of people.

Jim's brother ~ Dennis

Jim

Jackie

I am sniffing the goodies because I believe in making sure 

everything's AOK for the visitors.

Jim is telling someone something

but I figure if I hang in close,

then just maybe

some sweet morsel will fall my way.

This sweet lady loved my Xmas necklace

and she really loved touching me, a lot!!

This fellow teased me the whole time,

look at what he is doing!

Even the baby behind me on Gramma Jackie's lap

enjoyed my sniffs and licks.

Jim kept rubbing my chest.

Doggies really feel calm when this is done.

Now this funny fellow really took to me.

I do believe I won him over

for being a cat person.

Imagine that!!!

But the piece de resistance

is Jim's bro who does weird things with his hands.

~~~

I'm always laughing when these humans get together.

It's contagious!

~~~

My 1st Xmas Party of 2013

was a lip smacking success!

HI YA FOLKS!!

Now look at you peeps

standing or sitting around with nuttin' to do.

What a shame.

Follow me!

Seriously, there's nuttin' to lose.

If I'm too fast for ya,

well, just keep an eye on my tail.

It's like a homing beacon, anyway!

There now doesn't that feel better,

calm waters

fresh air

some exercise

find a special rock

and 

watch the fellow surfing the waves.

He is very patient

just like me ~~ not likely ~~~ ha ha ha!!!

There he goes grabbing life and carving out a path

that works perfectly for him.

I'm pretty good at grabbing life too.

I know I can squeeze the life out of Mr. Orangie most days,

but meeting new friends and old friends

just about is the icing on my cake.

JUST A MOUTHFUL

Heading around the furthermost tip of Point Pleasant Park today ~~~

the calmness and serenity of the North West Arm ~~~

propelled us along as we trekked,

mindfully taking in the breathes of the ocean and woods.

This crow became stone-like perched motionlessly ~~

waiting for us to whisk by

because if you look very closely

s/he had a mouthful of deliciousness.

MOUCHO MANY CLOUDS

I see clouds all the time 

whether in the city 

as in yesterday's post

or when on the road driving

to Ron's birthplace,

the Annapolis Valley.

As soon as we leave the city limits this passed fall

the clouds were creeping in over the trees.

The drive was like this all the way

about 100kms crossing the province of Nova Scotia

on Hwy 101

from the eastern side 

to the western side.

In the distance the white clouds

gave us some hope,

perhaps fair weather

on arrival.

Then as quick as a wink

the grey clouds billowed up

and 

who knew

what was in store for us.

Up and around the bend

after passing a couple towns and villages

we saw Blomidon Mountain

shrouded in clouds.

This scene always means "Home" to Ron.

No this isn't his home

but the beauty of this view

just gives you an idea 

of his world as a youth.

The clouds did hang in that day,

but it didn't stop me from playing with my new friend.

The rain was pouring down in the background

over Blomidon.

I'll take you there some day when the weather improves 

like 2014 ~~~ winter's coming!

STORMY WEATHER

Safe and Sound, I am!

Yes, I have the back seat to myself

and with the rains pouring down

 the driving is somewhat slower than usual.

This cloud bank that we are heading into

looks like it is going to engulf

the roadway to the bridge span.

The closer we get to the center span

(181 feet (55 m) above sea level)

  (click for bridge info)

the windier and slipperier 

the driving becomes.

The darkness is surrounding us

and everyone knows to hold onto their wheels

because "white-knuckle" driving

is the norm on the bridge

in this kind of weather.

Oh doggy, we are off the expanse!

Phew, I really don't like stormy weather 

when crossing over the harbour.

Simple as that!

STATE OF BEING

For the moment

LIFE is what you make it

~~~ bird flying overhead ~~~

~~~ Sophie very focused on Mr. O ~~~

~~~ Jim gazing out to sea ~~~

Ahhh, such is a split second of  

three different worlds

enjoying their state of being.

leaving the observer (you)

at a glance

with a calmness and tranquility

hopefully

while watching the duo saunter along

with their visual and olfactory systems

in pre-dominant use.

Now you know why,

a smile is always welcomed and inevitable.