Welcome Home from Maryland!

We just got back from a trip to Maryland and I couldn't resist sharing this picture of Stumpy. She is overjoyed at our return! It is hard to believe she is nearly 10 years old. She still acts like a puppy when she is excited. You gotta love this dog! Rat Terriers are the best!

We met my nephews rescued dogs. I wanted to take them home with me. Their personalities were as sweet as their humans. I think Stumpy would have been the boss of them.

Snickers helps The Fisher House

So happy to be doing the 5K Sausage Run this year at Milwaukee County Stadium. The purpose is to raise money for The Fisher House. The Fisher House offers a home away from home for military families that need a place to stay while their veteran receives medical care at the VA Medical Center.

Last year Snickers cheered me on as I participated in my first triathlon. This year, Snickers is helping me work up to a 5K run. Not bad for a 58 year old. That little three legged terrier is GOOD TO GO when it comes to running! Her man owner tries to hold her back so she doesn't run too far. When I reach the half way point, I'll turn back and head back to her. She is so excited to see me running back to her! She will leap in the air and yip. I love that dog. You would never know she is eight years old. I would recommend a rat terrier to anyone with kids over four (they play hard). Here we are on the lakefront in Port Washington.

Here is a link to Snickers' fund raising page. Thank You Veterans!

http://brewers.race-mlb.com/5ksausagerunwalk/sausagerun1234

SCHLITZ AUDUBON NATURE CENTER

This week we visited the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center near Lake Michigan. It was an overcast morning which gave us the opportunity to listen to the birds, see misty spider webs, and enjoy the scent of roses that hung thickly in the air. I love these old fashioned shrub roses, their foliage thickly spreading across the ground.

The dew hung heavily on the leaves and flower petals, making the scent hang in the air so thick you could swim through it.

This peaceful walk was far from quiet. Life was all around me. At times I stood, closed my eyes and listened to the blackbirds, robins and chickadees. Squirrels called out their warnings to each other, spiders captured dinner in their webs and beetles happily munched on moist leaves.

HERB GARDEN

Snickers wants to show you her new herb garden. Besides tasting good, it's so much fun to look at and enjoy.

Last year Snickers and I built the frame for an herb garden in the back yard. We filled it with dirt and fertilizer so this year we were able to plant the herbs.

One of our friends gave us the little garden angel and some of the herbs. Isn't it pretty?

Wehr Nature Center

This month we visited the Wehr Nature Center. It was a rainy day, but we decided we wouldn't melt and braved the raindrops. It turned out to be a good decision. We discovered many spring flowers popping their blossoms. The center was in the midst of a sale of local perennials. Snickers helped plant these when I got home. Won't it be fun to see them bloom?

Hey Ralphie! You didn't do any work! Stay off my pillow!

Fox River Park

Snickers has decided to go for Saturday mornings walks at some of the local parks. She still is limited to 2 mile walks, but that's a lot better than most people do who have all their legs. Snickers' friend Deb joined us. Snickers had lots of fun marking as many places as she could. It's important to make sure you spread your scent so everyone knows you are around. There sure are lots of funny smells around here. The is the Fox River Park in Waukesha Wisconsin. We had a nice trail to walk on, lots of trees, and a nice view of the river.

Snickers never seems tired, but when I try to give her a rest so her legs don't get tired, she is all terrier! Even though Snickers only has three legs, she does not know she is any different than any other dog. It's her goal to keep on going. There are trees to mark, smells to sniff, and critters to growl at! Put me down!

Snickers is Back!

It's been a busy three years. I finished my MBA and Snickers moved the family to a new house. Snickers never left my side. The first thing we decided to do was take a road trip. Snickers thought it would be fun to visit the farm so she invited her pal Toby to come along.

It sure was a warm day! We helped to warm things up by cooking supper over the fire. It was worth the heat and we enjoyed a great dinner of stuffed peppers, rib eye and corn on the cob. Yummy!

Don't worry Snickers! We have food and water for all good little dogs.

Toby thought it would be better to look for people scraps. Hey, save some for Snickers!

After dinner, it's time for a little exercise. Hey, who put a mule in with the horses? Never fear, Snickers will take care of that! Uh oh. I didn't know the mule was in charge of the horses! Look out, Snickers!

Can you see the little white spot between the legs of the mule on the left?

Toby has seen enough. Time to dig a hole under the car and cool off a little bit. I'll bet a mule won't fit under here! Did you ever see a dirtier white dog?

Time to go home. Snickers is helping Uncle John with directions. No, not straight. Go left!

It sure is nice to see everyone again!!