My mad rush.

The weather here has been unbelievable this week.  

Perfect temperatures and (thanks to tropical storm Lee) crystal clear skies.  

I have been a bit behind on blog posts and comments due to what I like to call...

"my mad rush to winter".  

Just trying to make concrete, get my garden in order, and finish up all of the outdoor projects 

that are not so enjoyable in freezing temps, wind and snow.  

But....we all know that.... 

I do love snow.

Hello little newt. 

Love these bright guys. 

The humming birds have really been busy this week.

Tap...tap...

Hey....you are not giving me enough air time.

I am much cuter than that newt...I mean really...a newt!

Okay..Smudge being...

well...

her devilish self.

Bugging Gus to no end.

Well...

the rear end...

She has discovered the big fluffy tail.

Constantly attacking poor Gus.

A real terror. 

Gus...

you can't be so polite.

I know...you are a Labrador...and 

Labradors...are sweet and kind.

Thanks Gus...

You are the best baby sitter ever!

Help!!!

I just can't get enough of this super cute face.

Smudge has doubled in size this week!  

She and Zippy have been getting to know each other.

So far...

all is well and I am pleased with how calm Zippy is.

I said we would take it slow and I meant it.  

They have had nose to nose and nose to....well..

you know....contact.

Just look at that little bulldog stance!  Her ears have just gone back into 

what bulldog folks call rose ears. 

Ha!

Hello ragweed.  How I have been dreading your presence.

Even though you are extremely beautiful....you make me sneeze.

Smudge "helped" me dig potatoes this week.  

She had a most fabulous time.  

She looks like a little grub here.

Once she figured out the digging part...

She got along really well. 

Remember my worm story...

Just look at those yucky things!!!!!  

I clearly had to wear gloves and boots while digging the potatoes.  

My latest concrete creation.

A stump planter.

Fall is in the air folks!  

Hard to believe.

When did it happen?

Where did summer go??

In some ways it sped past and in others it was slow and hard.

Just a strange twisty road.

This summer has been a wild ride.

And unfortunately not on my horse...which I have ridden very little.

I hate that.

Things will change.

My goodness...

How can anything be this cute?

You bring a lot of joy to my heart.

So clear and beautiful.

Smudge after digging potatoes.

She passed out in the corn.  

My old band sweater.

Found it in one of my old boxes.

Wow...does that sweater bring back some memories.

Well...Opal is still growing but so slow...She is not a heavy weight, but she is beautiful.

I have to remember...

Beautiful things come in Small packages.

MASTERPIECE OF '79 - 1979-2011

Dear Lori, I am so sorry for your loss.

I will miss seeing Masterpiece on your beautiful blog.

Hugs to you and your family.