LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Friday, February 13, 2009

Fridays are Golden

Thanks, everyone for the definitive ID on the Purple Finch. My husband was not as pleased as I expected. He said, "oh," and took the news in stride. But we will both look at these birds with new eyes from now on. And I will try to get more pictures showing all sides of the birds.


Several days a week, our Golden Girls get to run on one of our community trails. It is much longer and steeper than the trails on our property and they just love it. Fortunately, the trail is little used by people. There is no view, no dramatic scenery, no waterfall. It's just a wonderful place in the woods. So the girls can run off lead, up and down the hills and along the trail.

The girls know the word "trail" and they get very excited when they hear it. They know they are going for a short ride and then will be able to explore the forest and trail. Here they wait for instructions. This is a side entrance that leads into the foyer outside their room. It's wonderful when they are a bit muddy since they don't have to go through any other parts of the house before they get cleaned up.


They wait in the yard before heading up the steps to the garage.

Back home, they are exhausted but happy. See those smiles?



Big dogs need free running on a regular basis. We are so fortunate to have so many safe places for them to run.

Another week has past. We had unbelievable weather extremes this week. But the wonderful full moon every evening was a sight to behold. Wherever you are and whatever your weather, I do hope you have a wonderful weekend. Our thoughts go to those who have lost their jobs or homes or who are suffering for any reason.
Take care this weekend and stay safe. Have fun and pamper yourself a little. Do at least one thing that is fun and takes your mind off your worries.


23 comments:

Cedar ... said...

I absolutely love Friday "golden" posts with you,... must be those doggie-smiles!

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

My smile is as wide as your girls' smiles! I hope you both have a wonderful weekend too. You're so right- so many people are suffering during these tough economic times but that said, we CAN do something to relax and take our minds off the worries, even if only for a bit.

Kim said...

I love Golden Friday posts. I always leave with a smile on my face. They are both so precious.

Karen Hargett said...

I love your blog especially Fridays. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Doggy smiles...it makes me recall my dog. Seems so long ago now...

Cicero Sings said...

Nothing like a happy dog. We have to spell or use obtuse language when talking about going for a walk when Topsy is present! ... Speaking of Topsy, she is here and offering up huge sighs ... WHEN are you guys going for a WALK?

dmmgmfm said...

Your Golden Girls are beautiful!

Our dog, Shasta, gets terribly excited when you say the word "walk". We started spelling it, but then she caught on to that.

Aren't we lucky to have such wonderful additions to our families?

Robin's Nesting Place said...

Your golden girls are gorgeous! Lilly knows the word walk, and she knows when I put on the walking shoes. They are so smart!

April said...

thanks for stopping by my blog! I am loving your photos, and descriptions of the mountain life...will bookmark your blog for sure!

Carol Murdock said...

Carolyn.....they always look so regal, like royalty !

CountryDreaming said...

That wonderful place in the woods you speak of would likely be all I'd need for a view. Just finding a stand of trees at the right angle, or even one lone sentinel tree. Depending on time of day (twilight) or the weather (fog, snow, even rain) for a shot that could turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Golden Retrievers are good for that too.

Your description of the dogs brings back memories of staying in a Bed & Breakfast in Virginia, where the resident Border Collie would proudly shepherd guests like me along the trail to a small creek. I'm just glad I didn't know in advance about the bear sightings in the area!

mon@rch said...

Love the Golden's . . . Happy V-day to you and your family!

troutbirder said...

Exactly. I could have written the same post for my Baron. Only difference would be the key word.
WALK!!!! The he runs over to the truck and puts his paws on the bumper ready to head off for some adventure.

Unknown said...

Your dogs are just gorgeous. A friend of mine from the Golden Retriever Forum showed me your blog and told me that your dogs are Dichi dogs. I also have two Dichi girls, Magic who is 9 and Jazz who is 5 months. I am originally from Madison and living in Northern IL right now. We have a group of Dichi Lovers on the GRF forum. We would love to see you there! Love your writings and pictures.

Chris

Raymonty said...

Happy Valentine Day to you and your loved ones; may your heart find love and serenity.

Jane said...

Beautiful dogs!!

Jane

Jayne said...

Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Valentine's Day to you and your wonderful girls Carolyn!

Cheryl said...

I was out last night so did not get the time to see the golden girls.....wouldn't miss the post though....
I do believe your dogs actually smile.....they look so happy......

RuthieJ said...

Those doggehs are so pretty--I wish I could rub their ears and kiss them!
When I worked at Wild Birds Unlimited the owners had a dog who worked in the store with us as a "greeter." Ginger was a white german shepherd/golden retriever cross. I loved that dog and every day when I got to work she would hear my voice at the back door and come running to greet me. I sure miss her!

NCmountainwoman said...

Cedar - They really do smile when they are happy.

Lynne - Yes, we have to take our mind off things or we'll all go nuts.

Kallen - Thanks so much.

Karen - Thanks

Science guy - I don't think we could get along without a dog around. I still miss the other dogs in our lives.

Cicero - That Topsy is one lucky dog. How nice that you have her for company every now and then.

Bird Girl - Each time we lost a dog I vowed never to have another one for that reason. We are very lucky to have a wonderful person who keeps them at her home when we are away (which isn't often).

Laurie - One of our Springers would quickly learn every synonym we made for walk.

Robin - I love your Lilly. Her picture is so sweet.

April - Thanks for dropping by.

Carol - Well, Lucy certainly considers herself a little princess.

Country Dreaming - Lots of lodges are having resident dogs that guests can "sign out." I think it's a great idea.

Monarch - Thanks and Happy V-Day to you as well.

Troutbirder - Amazing how quickly they pick up the key words that mean FUN.

Christine - Thanks for dropping by. When we were in WI we were amazed to find so many lovely Goldens from Dichi. You can tell them in an instant. Thanks for the heads up on the forum. I'll check it out.

Raymonty - Thanks, and the same to you.

Jane - Thanks. Nice to hear from you.

Jayne - Thanks and the same to you and the family. I often wish Sam could see our girls.

Cheryl - Yes, they do indeed smile. No doubt about it.

Ruthie - Lots of shop owners here have their dogs with them. I know all of them by name!

Allison Walton said...

Aaw, your babies are so cute! We found your blog through Joey and Kealani's blog. Can we be your friends?

Wuv,
Gus and Waldo
(and Dog Mom)

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Carolyn, I didn't want to miss your Fridays are Golden post---so I'm here enjoying those beautiful girls...

Sounds like the perfect 'trail' for the girls to get alot of exercise.

Hugs,
Betsy

George said...

I'm glad your Golden Girls enjoy running along your community trail. I think I would enjoy that, too. But I would be walking, not running.