Fungus and some happy pets

Found while hiking--the biggest mushroom I have ever seen. I stuck my foot in the picture for scale. It was HUGE and in perfect condition. There are mushrooms everywhere right now.

Update: the poor, sad runaway dog was reclaimed. I'm sorry he has to go back to less than desirable living conditions. Turns out the old boy is 15 now. Honestly, I hope he dies soon--then his misery will be over. I wish I could save the world and yet, I can't even save one old dog.  

Early, Sophie and Clawdia taking it easy. I've got to get a bigger bed. Now these are some animals that are living the best life ever. If only all animals, domestic and wild could live a peaceful, happy, painfree, stress free existence. It's only animal and plant life that live up to the full measure of their creation. Humans are such a major disappointment. 

Homeless Dog

 

Admiral Halsey

This guy showed up on the doorstep this morning, looking dirty and hungry. I believe I know who he belongs to...which means he has been neglected for many years, tied up outside. I am not going to take him back there. He doesn't deserve that sort of miserable life. I called the Vet and they can't see him for 5 days. I notified the animal shelter and Mike posted a picture on Facebook. So we've done our due diligence. I gave him a bath, and because his skin is a mess, I gave him a capstar (just in case), some antibiotics and benedryl. He's had a good meal and is sleeping now. He's just the sweetest old dog. I know, I know I need another dog like I need a hole in the head, but I'm a soft touch. Obviously, he escaped and has been wandering around for days and finally came here where he knew he'd be loved. Poor old guy. I think I know his name, but I'm calling him Halsey, as in Admiral Halsey because he's part British (English Bull Terrier). I will not call him by his slave name. Oh dear...what have I gotten myself into. 

Early morning in early October with Early

We decided to brave the wilds of Chatham county and take a little hike. I was going to wait until the spiders had packed it in for the season, but we were too anxious to get outside. I truly love spiders. I think they are AMAZING creatures. They work so hard and there they are just patiently waiting for their next meal and we come stumbling through destroying their homes and their livelihoods. I have nothing but respect for them, but I don't enjoy getting those sticky webs in my face and hair. 

We saw 2 box turtles. I don't usually see them traveling in packs. I hope they get to where they want to go safely. May God go with you my little friends!

When we got home, I gave the kids a little treat. Some kind of chewy bone thing. They like them.

I'll be 65 in slightly less than a year. Not sure about the whole retirement thing. Would love the free time, but hate to give up a nice fat, steady paycheck. Luckily I don't have to make a decision yet...we'll see.

The picture above is of the old powerline right-of-way that is behind our property. There's a wooded area between this clearing and our house where me and dogs like to hang out. It used to look like an airport runway--nowadays nature is reclaiming her own and the weeds and trees and coming back. 

Clawdia

 She's so sweet when she's sleeping, otherwise she's a super pain in the hinder. We have to keep the studio and the bathroom doors closed because she has this annoying habit of sneaking in there and pooping, EVEN THOUGH I keep a window open so that she has free access to the great outdoors. In spite of this, she can be the sweetest cat I've ever had. She likes to get in my lap when I'm working and she has started sleeping in the bed with me. The dogs are already taking up a lot of real estate on the bed, but she will curl up next to me for most of the night. We have a king bed, with me and Mike, both dogs and now Clawdia--it is pretty dang crowded in there. It's okay. As I've said many times before, I prefer animals to people. Animals fulfill the measure of their creation. Actually everything in the universe does--except humans. Go figure. 

Fall is here

 

It is technically fall, but the weather is more like late summer. Trees are just starting to turn. The nights and mornings are cool. We don't have to run the airconditioning. I took the dogs for a hike in the woods today. They love it. I love it. Although I did have to give Sophie a bath when we returned. She was a mess. I took a picture of the old chicken coop out in the woods behind the house. That's what our house will look like in a few years, I'm sure. But at least it has a toilet. 

Life is just grinding along same as always. Eat, sleep, work. This is probably pretty much how things will be until I retire--which I HOPE will be in the next year or two.

4th of July celebration (belated)

 

We had another chance to get all the grandkids together. Also a chance to use up the fireworks we didn't get to shoot off last weekend. I'm sure the neighbors were thrilled. And Sophie. Poor little girl. She doesn't like loud noises. All the dogs and cats are a bit put out by all the activity in the house this weekend. The cats make themselves scarce. Sophie and Early just stay nervous. Lucky for them, we don't get many opportunities to have all 4 boys in the house at the same time. They are so different from each other, each with a full set of gifts and talents, and are all just so amazing.

Family Reunion!

 

Hannah came to NC to get vaccinated and brought the boys. We went to visit Jon and Lila so all the boys could get together. FUN! They played in the bounce house and then we had take-out from Samantha's Pupusas. That is the best Mexican food I've had in probably my whole life. It was so good. Definitely not Taco Bell swill. Hannah came in Thursday night and left Sunday morning. It was a wonderful visit. It was the first time we have seen her boys in 10 months. 

Today is Jon's birthday. I'm still freaking out about how quickly time is passing. In a couple of years I'll be retired and can finally have time to visit people and get moving on my hundreds of projects.

The semester at DTCC is over. I ended up teaching 2 classes since the other teacher sort of flaked out. I'll be teaching 2 classes again for the summer session. I enjoy it. And the money is a nice bonus. 

Still doing Art-O-Mat...and I really need to get moving on it.