Wild River

The Wild Sauk River~

I love wild rivers, any time of year -- especially this one, since I'm lucky enough to be close enough to visit it occasionally.   It's also lucky for me that I have access at a relatively remote spot.  Does this look like "Spring" to you?  Behind those clouds hides Whitehorse Mountain.  Last summer this part of the river bed had Alder trees that were 2" around & 6 ft. high!  No more!  The seasonal change over the last three years that I've been watching, has been dramatic to say the least.

Celebration of Life!

Petronella in pink~

One of my dearest friends, Petronella Fursman is a local artist of renown, especially in the Kirkland area.   We met over 25 years ago, working for the same company & managing apartment buildings in neighboring towns.  Just after the first of the year, it was discovered that instead of a bout with the flu, Petra had leukemia.  Undaunted by this diagnosis -- her positive attitude has been an inspiration to all of us lucky enough to be her friends.

Yesterday, we all attended a "Celebration of Life" for Petra.  What a thrill to celebrate with others the incredible accomplishments of an incredible woman.  Just a few of her travel accomplishments include, hiking the Himalayas at age 60, flying glider planes, going into the jungle for a week, with only a guide & a friend in a canoe to "live off the land",  horseback excursions in Italy & the list goes on.   We were each asked to select a piece of her art as a memento.  Her art itself is worthy of a large book, taking many awards over the years - with many items produced for charity.  I continue to strive daily to emulate my friend & admire so much her continuing zest for life!  If anyone can conquer such a diagnosis -- it will be Petra!

Our New Beagle Girl!

Mischief helping in the Cottage~

It's all Heidi's fault!  I was shopping with Jentry last Thursday when we ran into Rascal's "mother" :-)  Heidi of course asked about Rascal, then had to mention that she had a couple Very Nice puppies that were looking for forever homes...  I made the mistake of telling Butch!  On Sunday evening, we stopped by Heidi's to see her dogs!  Of course -- there's nothing better, than maybe looking at horses :-)  When Heidi opened a kennel, one little female (Rascal's niece) ran straight for Butch, stood up, wrapped her front legs around Butch's leg & held on for all her might!  He picked her up & that was THAT!  She came home with us!

We're in the adjustment phase here on the Homestead now :-)  The first night was the usual howls of misery...  heartbreaking...  But by dawn, hunger won out!  When Butch left for work, someone was Very unhappy!  Ran up & down the fence barking until he was out of sight -- then came running to me, sat & howled long & mournfully...  The minute he got home, she was following him everywhere!  Too cute!

Kitt has actually surprised us by taking to her & even letting her touch her!  Not hardly any growling!  Rascal on the other hand... is bent badly out of shape.  If she is near me, I get his sad look & he walks away with dignity.  He sits on my lap, which he hadn't been doing as often now that he's almost two, while she sits with Butch!  Butch gets dirty looks :-)

We've named her Mischief!  It fits her perfectly!  Heidi said she was the first born, first to do everything & is certainly very ready to find anything that will prove that her name fits! It's been hard to get a photo, since she's usually right by my feet!  I had plenty of help in the Cottage today!

Cavalia!

Cavalia ~

What an Incredible Show!  Just an incredible Day!  Janelle Wilton the organizer of our Sno-King Saddle UP Group, did a fantastic job scheduling our trip & all the arrangements to get forty some people up to Vancouver, to the show, shopping & back home again all in one day!  When we reached the border, we found a golden orb in the sky!  The day in Vancouver could not have been more beautiful!  Clear skies, fluffy white clouds, gorgeous horses, friendly people & good food!

Skyla has Arrived!

Papa & Skyla Jean

What an incredible day!  We arrived at the hospital about 7:20 a.m.  Skyla was delivered about 7:47 a.m.!  She's 18" long & weighed in at 4 lbs. 4 oz.  The nurses were amazed at her strength & development!  She may be a bit small starting out, but she's a little tough girl!  :-)  We're all thrilled to have her safe & sound in the loving arms of her family!