Fading

None of us is getting any younger. 

The heartbreak of having a beloved pet is determining when they are telling you that they want to be done.  No one I know has ever admitted to letting go too soon, in fact, the tendency is to hold on to our family pet just a little too long.

Still, it is a personal decision between me and my pet. When they falter, struggle, and no longer enjoy their existence, we deal with it with mercy and compassion no matter the cost to the human involved.

If there is still another treat to be enjoyed, still another sunbeam to nap in, still another toy to play with, still a spark for living, then my pets will be allowed to enjoy the time they have left. If that poses an inconvenience to anyone else, too bad.

An elderly pet requires lots more supportive care than a younger pet. (as does any elderly being.) But, I am willing to do that for any of my pets when it becomes necessary. They really don't owe me anything, in truth, I owe them. 

My pets have been steady and faithful.  They forgive me when I am not at my best, which is often.  They give me company and love.  They make me laugh, they help me smile, and yes, sometimes they can irritate me.  I am sure I irritate them, as well.  More than anything they are important companions and live on in our hearts even when they are gone.

So, until the time comes, we'll just take it slow and savor the happy times. 

Nesting on the Ground

Last evening, I had the rare privilege to come across a woodcock or timber doodle nest.  The mom flushed off the nest in the deep grass when I got too close.

What is more vulnerable than nesting on ground?  I have been thinking of this all day.  Is it vulnerability or is it just trust?  Maybe it's hope? Bravery?  Or is it just the way nature is.  The ground birds are just playing the hand that nature has dealt them.

Besides the Woodcock,Ducks, Pheasants, Grouse, Meadowlarks, Killdeer, Quail, Geese, Sand hill Cranes are just a few of the ground nesting birds I can think of.

Shortly after pondering this, I went outside to take the dog out.  There was a doe that was hesitant to leave the area, in spite of the dog barking wildly.  Two more steps revealed a tiny baby fawn curled in the grass.  I brought the dog in and got my camera.  What a delicate, beautiful little baby!  The little guy noticed me and he stoop up.  He finally decided to toodle away after i tickled his tiny chin.
Later, I observed the doe return a couple of times to the place she had left him.  Soon, she looked off to the East, and there he was, calling her and making his way back to her.  It was a happy reunion.

Another little helpless baby on the ground.  It makes me respect all the mommas out there in the wild.  They raise those lil babies with so many threats

have some FUN

Today is the hottest day in the world.  I never remember it being this hot.  But, still, it is much better than winter.

As part of my quest to move on, I signed up for some watercolor classes.  The first class was Friday, July 12 and today, the 19th was the last class.
I left disappointed after the first class, but did my homework and attended the second class.  There are lots of possibilities and this "medium" is exciting to me.  I hope to keep working and learning.  Meanwhile...here are the early works.  The first two do not thrill me, but I am noticing progress, which DOES thrill me!

And finally, the one piece of homework that I was very happy with:

Today's (Friday)

THEN, on SATURDAY, I did the following painting, which i really like: