Thursday, July 29, 2010

Following the Nose

July 26th, 2010
This was the day for me to follow Lily's nose.  Here are the things that Lily found the most aromatic.

This bench had a nice patch of grass...
    
and a mysterious sweater.
        

Lily insisted on sniffing this stop sign...
and this cable anchor.

Smelling the grass is very informative...
but there was something even more exciting further along in the park...Lily loved watching a little girl (of about 2 years old) play on the climber with her dad.  As soon as Lily heard the toddler's high voice, she stopped sniffing and sat down to see who it was. 
Lily just loves kids!

Monday, July 26, 2010

To each their own

July 25th, 2010

It was not quite so hot this morning, so we were able to have a much longer walk.  This meant we had more time to look carefully all around us.  Well, I looked carefully and Lily sniffed carefully. 

Here is something I found interesting, but that Lily walked right over.

So far, she has never paid attention to feathers.

While I was admiring this sculpted tree trunk, Lily was busily sniffing treemail at ground level.

Alright, Lily.  Next time we go out I'll take pictures of what you like best out there.  This should be interesting...


Sunday, July 25, 2010

July 24th, 2010
     After being away for a few days, I was looking forward to another morning walk with Lily.  I made sure the camera battery was fully charged before we left, in case we saw anything special. We did!

This little butterfly was constantly opening and shutting its wings.


Lily was very accomodating when I took this picture.  She sat patiently on the sidewalk as I rushed to get out the camera and take a photo before the butterfly flew away. As it turned out, the butterfly was very occupied with these purple cone-flowers and completely oblivious to us.  I still can't belive how close I was able to get!  Thank you for your help, Lily!  You're a good girl!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Change is good

July 20th, 2010
Over the past few days Lily and I have walked at different times and taken different routes.  I think we were both ready for some variety.  This meant we were able to see some entirely new things.

Check out this tree hugger.
During one morning walk, it was so hot that Lily dropped down in the shade of a tree after we had only been out a few minutes.

No one was home here at sunset.

If we hadn't taken a different route, we never would have seen this...
Routine is great, but change is fun!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Signs of life

This rather cryptic message has appeared on the road a block away from my house.


I keep imagining the moment this was painted.  Was the writer's mom sitting at a stand on the corner for a little while, offering advice like Lucy Van Pelt?  Did she approve of the grafitti?  If you could ask your mom a question today, what would it be? 


It's unfortunate that someone had to make this sign.


My new favourite thing is feathers.  Lily and I found these on two different walks.




We also found these feather shapes.



I wonder what we'll see today...

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

July 12th, 2010

We went for our long walk in the evening today.  There were a lot more humans and dogs out at 7:30pm than we usually see early in the morning, and this made Lily happy.  As usual Lily dropped to the ground after 4 minutes for a belly rub, at which point we found this...

I picked it up. 


Lily, you always take time to enjoy the simple things.  You're a good teacher.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

July 7th, 2010

     It has been VERY HOT and HUMID around here for about 6 days now.  It's startling to head out at 8:00am and be hit with a wall of heat that feels like 32 degrees with Humidex.  You can tell from these pictures how bright and hazy it has been.


As always, Lily - okay,  let's be honest-  I was happy to find a pretty pinecone in the grass.  Imagine our delight when we found this collection!


Every day brings simple gifts.  I hope you found yours.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Surprises

July 4th, 2010
     When Lily and I head off on our walk each morning, I have a general idea of what we will see.  A few other dogs and people, trees, flower beds, houses and cars.  Sometimes we see something totally unexpected and exciting and if I'm lucky, I can get the camera ready in time to capture it. 

It seems that we've had so many surprises lately, both good and bad, that I have almost come to expect them.  At least, I don't reel from them so much when they pop up.  I just try to take them in and enjoy the good ones, or cling to the people I love to get through the bad.  In the end, it's the people who love and need us that matter.


Lily greets just about everyone with love and is never too busy to enjoy the day.  I love you, too , Lily!

Friday, July 2, 2010

Happy Canada Day!


Lily and I had a great time together on Canada Day.  I hope you had a wonderful day, too!


July 2nd, 2010
Here a few things we saw this morning.
Who is Khloee, I wonder, and who let her do this?



This basket is usually a busy place, but not at 8:30am.  Weird.