Sun on the Wings

Merry Merry!

Dec 2013 Snow

Just a few inches of snow.... but the dogs LOVE it!

Hello Moon

Back At It

We finally had a decent cold snap (10 degrees) and the leaves have fallen from the trees. I can start taking the dogs hiking again without the fear of ticks. I can now hike in the woods and look for  critters also! I had a great hike this evening and heard Great Horned Owls calling back and forth. I was also lucky enough to see one, even though he was pretty far away. It would be great if there is another nest this year! Agility trials are over, and the dogs and I are ready for some fall/winter fun of hiking and indoor swimming to stay in shape. The mental break for all of us is wonderful - that way we don't burn out. I firmly believe people and dogs need a break from training and trialing. Dogs that start to lose their love for the game...they slow down....I want my dogs amped and ready to play, 100% crazy! And after 2 back-to-back weekends of running 3 dogs (one of them a baby dog....) it's time to chill out and get back out with the camera. Enjoy the last of autumn.... winter is just around the corner!

1 month!

My nephew, Grant (AKA Nacho, Baboo....etc) is 1 month today! This is my first attempt at baby photography... used natural lighting and no flash.

The Adventures of a Tomato Hornworm

A fat Tomato Hornworm has found his way into my small, patio tomato garden. He is quite adventurous... he eats, he poops. He moves around a little bit. I am hoping he is going to go into the pupa stage (dig himself into the dirt and change over the course of 3 weeks before he turns into a moth) and we can witness it. A little bit of Nature right outside my door!

Dog Training

I'm in the process of training Pixel's running contacts..... and I find I am having as much fun photographing as training! I had better get going... her first Standard agility trial is in November. If we don't have them by then, that's OK..... but at least it gives me a goal to shoot for!

A Boy & His Dog

I caught this moment of my friend's hubby, Nick, hanging out in the backyard with their dog, Moxie. They were relaxing and enjoying the day together. I'm pretty sure he did not know I took this, but Moxie sure did.

Sounds of Summer

 

Well, you know Summer is in full swing because the Cicadas are SOOO loud! I can hear them with music on, inside the house! They are everywhere, and with temps in the high 90's for another week...they aren't going anywhere.

Weekend with the Boys

Spent the weekend at the USDAA Central Regionals with the boys. They both ran great, giving me 110%. We had some amazing runs, and some little bobbles here and there. They kept me running fast and furious, and most of all - FUN! Never once did they slow down (I can't say that for myself!) or lose enthusiasm. Good boys.

My Butterfly Garden

Summer is in full swing - which means my butterfly garden is a hot spot for butterflies, bees, and other little flying critters. I have a variety of nectar-rich flowers that attract tons of butterflies, and it's so neat to sit out there and watch them all. I also have lots of bees, which is good. I've seen at least 3 different species of bees. It's a nice little haven in the yard, and I also let some wild milkweed grow, just in case the Monarch butterflies need a place to leave their babies. When trees are full and it is sometimes hard to see birds - it's fun to turn to the little creatures that surround us!

Dog Days of Summer

It's been a hot one! Heat and humidity have kept me from pulling out the camera and going for hikes. It's just so hot, but I feel camera withdrawal! Luckily, I have some great flowers in my yard that attract butterflies and bees. They are starting to bloom, so I hope to get some shots of bugs! It's been a great summer so far - swimming dogs, Thursday night Taco Ride on the Wabash Trail, and hanging out with friends. This time of year I am always ready for fall and the bird migration - but I guess summer can hang on a little longer.

The 'Ol Girl

Still keeping me on my toes and naughty as ever.

Bat Dog

Someone is a little intense when it comes to swimming + frisbee.

Fun with Perspective

Making Waves

The Zen of Biking

There is nothing more awesome than an early morning bike ride. The path that I ride is especially peaceful in the wee morning hours. It's just me, my bike, and Nature. It's a great time for me to sort out my thoughts, regain peace, and energize myself as I get ready to take on new challenges. There is nothing quite as fun as soaring on your bike, listening to the sounds of the woods, the lake, and the prairie.

Happy 11th Birthday Neelah!

Happy 11th birthday to the original little blue dog.... Neelah! While I have retired her from agility, she is still very active and torments me daily with balls and frisbees. She is my first dog ever, in my almost-40 years of existence, and what a fun ride it has been! Not only did we learn agility together (we were both newbies!) but we managed a MACH, a PDCH, and a couple of NATCHs. And while I know a heck of lot more now than I did then, I wouldn't change a thing. We have had a great journey together, and I hope it continues for many more years. She is still sassy and naughty, and she is showing Pixel the ropes. She occasionally plays with her, but not like she used to play with Asha. She loves going for walks, and she still loves to play agility in the backyard. She still weaves like a pro and sometimes does the teeter all by herself, just to show off. She has a fan club too.... everyone knows Neelah. The everlasting puppy. I always get asked how old my puppy is, and now it is a running joke every time I bring her out to a trial to hang out.  Today Neelah will be spoiled with a trip to 3 Dog Bakery so she can run around and show off and pick out some bakery goods. She always loves a Mommy 'n me day! Happy birthday Neelah ! AKA Panini, Dooey, Neelah-Doo, Blueberry, and Naughty Nee Nee!

Instagram Clouds

All of the recent storms have made for some great photos with Instagram!

Pixel 1 year Old!

 

Well, Miss Pixel is now 1 year old!  Time to get to work! HA! She is a fast learner, so I am not worried about taking my sweet time to train her. It feels like I have been the most relaxed with her - letting her just grow up and be the wild child that she is. She is a girl for sure - bossy and hard-headed. Obsessive when it comes to balls and frisbees - LOVES to tug loudly. She will thrust a toy against your leg to tug if you are ignoring her. She came with the most awesome retrieve - had to train all the other dogs, not her! She was actually pretty shy when we first got her home. With lots of getting out and about and attending classes, she has turned into a confident little lady! (and did I mention bossy??) It will be fun running a little dog again, and I know I will have my work cut out for me. She loves to push the limits. It will be an adventurous journey, that is for sure!

Just Another Rainy Day

Big & Little

My trusty companions..... Tazer and Neelah! After a busy 3-day AKC agility trial, a romp in the field does us all good!

Spring Migration!

Spring migration has been awesome so far! Lots of amazing birds. I'm enjoying it as much as I can - it'll be over before you know it.