A Berry Good Walk

I love this time of year, when I can graze while I walk. The wild blackberries are ripening, so I grab a few here and there as I walk. It brings to mind sweet Hickory, who loved him some blackberries! He had been with me on many blackberry picking expeditions as a pup, and before long, figured out how to pick his own. He would find a nice ripe berry, and gingerly bite it off the vine. I'm sure he's not the only dog who has done that, but I thought it was pretty special.

There are some interesting mushrooms around. In some, I see faces. I think one looks a bit like a friendly dragon. And there are several hearts, including one which rather looks like a heart sandwich. I've done my outdoor chores, and intend to have an inside day, working on soap and papers, as the forecast is for 98. Summer is here!

Remembering Hickory

My wonderful brother recently sent me a card, just because. He knew I'd love it, given my propensity for big dogs. It makes me smile every time I look at it. I can totally relate to the glee in the little girls face. I lost my sweet dog, Hickory, a little over a year ago. Hickory was a Black Lab/Great Dane mix. Though I am admittedly biased, he was a truly special being. He was the type of dog that, upon coming to my house & meeting him for the first time, people would ever after ask about him when we saw each other. He was a most excellent walking companion, and cheered me during some pretty dark days while going through a separation and divorce. He was, and remains, the dog of my heart.