LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Friday, April 17, 2009

Fridays are Golden

Ellie would love to be a lap dog. She loves to lie in my lap when I'm sitting on the floor and I know she would REALLY like being on the sofa with me. Unfortunately for her and for Lucy, big shedding fluffly dogs are not allowed on the furniture in our house.

They are allowed on the outdoor furniture and their favorite spot is a wooden bench. They will sit there and watch while we are working outdoors. I often sit on the bench with them and try to read. That usually is not successful, so I listen to my iPod instead.





From the bench, they can survey the front yard.


There is always something interesting to watch.

We took the girls to the groomer for a bath yesterday. Regular readers know that we have wonderful bathing facilities for them here. So why take them elsewhere?
----------We used to trim and bathe both dogs at least once a month. Then, my husband got an injury and couldn't help me. I decided to find a groomer rather than spend two days triming nails, paw pads, legs, ears, and bathing the dogs. I found a groomer who did a really good job. She charged me $25.00 per dog! So even when my husband was better, we did some math. Hmm...we could spend several hours of our time, then clean up the grooming room, then wash a load of wet towels, then shower ourselves and wash our own clothing. OR, we could drive the girls downtown and pay $50 to have both of them bathed and groomed.
----------So, while we do use the grooming table/shower for emergency cleaning and for routine grooming, we let someone else do the bathing. Besides, it helps put more money into the local economy, right?
----------The day at the groomer exhausts the dogs. After a long walk, they spend the evening lying around. (Not much different from other evenings, actually.) Of course, Lucy must lie next to (or on top of) Ellie.


Another Friday as we head into spring. It's unseasonably chilly here. This morning a hummingbird was huddled at each feeder in the 32-degree weather, waiting for the sun to warm things up a bit. I sat cradling my coffee and waited for the same thing.
Have a wonderful weekend, whatever your plans. No matter how busy you are, take a time out to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you. Sit and listen to the birds or take a walk outside. Stay safe.
And you New River Gorge birders...better get packing. It's a little more than a week away. We're expecting some great photographs and stories. Heck, some of them might even be about birds!

26 comments:

KGMom said...

It is always such a delight to see the girls on Fridays. Lucky you to have them all the time.
We too have switched to using a local groomer. I did similar math--let's see, all morning to bath, trim, blow-dry, brush, comb the dog. And that's just the bath. Cleanup--vacuum whole bathroom (fur flies everywhere), wash out the tub, wash the towels, break my back!
Local groomer it is. It's worth it. Plus they do a better job of nail clipping--and I don't have to put up with the looks!

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

I don't think I'd noticed the color difference in your girls before. They're such beauties.

I've been packing for New River for over a month. Well, at least I've been piling stuff on a suitcase!

Shelley said...

They are such beautiful dogs and I love seeing them sit and lie together! You can see the bond between them!!

Sam said...

I really look forward to Fridays on your blog now. Thanks for sharing the great pics of Ellie and Lucy! They look stunning after their bath. I bet the cleanliness doesn't last as long as you'd like with all of that gorgeous property for them to run around on.

Adding your site to my blogroll.

Golden Samantha said...

Oh you gorgeous golden girls! Good move on the grooming! My hubby and I do it at a great local place, but for almost as much $$$!!! I love the bench shots and the photo of them lying together! Priceless! Thanks for sharing!
Hugs and Love xo
Sammie

Cheryl said...

The golden girls are magic......I love their expressions and am captivated by the things that they do....

I could not agree more re bathing.....I do bath our little terrier, as that is quite easy...
BUT I used to have four Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, with long silky coats.......they went to the parlour for their monthly bath.....unfortuinately they are no longer with us, old age and illness took them......

Another lovely Friday post......

Kim said...

I love Golden Fridays. Your dogs always seem so happy. So cute on the bench and all tuckered from their grooming sessions.

YD, sometimes with ♥June and ♥Angel Samantha said...

Awww....such wonderful beautiful golden girls! Mine think they are lap dogs as well. We have a leather couch, so they are allow on the couch.

Carol Murdock said...

ahhhhhhhh Ellie looks sad in the first pic! They really are gorgeous girls Carolyn!

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello, I love your golden girls. They are lovely. I also love reading about the wonderful place where you live in the NC Mts. I hope me and my sweetie will soon be retiring too. I look forward to seeing more of the place you call home. Hugs Judy

Cedar ... said...

It's always great to see the girls!

KB said...

It's so funny when huge dogs have the instinct to be lap dogs. Our dog, R, strongly wants to be a lap dog. He doesn't want to lie on the sofa next to us but, instead, he wants to lie on our laps when we sit in relaxing chairs. When I talked with the owner of R's mother, I learned that R's mother has the same funny habit! It must be genetic!

Now I know your trick for keeping the girls looking so gorgeous - regular grooming! What a lucky pair they are.

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

They are so pretty..m..

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Carolyn: The boys look like they are having a relaxing day.

Cicero Sings said...

Don't those Fridays roll around so fast though!?! I always enjoy hearing what the Golden Girls are up to.

Unknown said...

Carolyn I always love reading about the girls. You lead a blessed life and thank you for sharing.

kks said...

the dogs look beautiful...$25 each! wow, that is a deal! i take mine to the groomers, i just don't have the patience for it...
have a wonderful golden filled weekend..

cedrorum said...

We just bathed both our dogs last week. $25 doesn't seem so bad after what we went through. Actually, it wasn't as bad as I make it out to be.

Jayne said...

There you go... doing your part to stimulate the economy! :c) Heck, for that price, I'd do the same. Hope you have a beautiful weekend too Carolyn.

100 Thoughts of Love said...

Love your dogs watch post....lucky dogs! hey I have some new family additons, hop over and take a look when you get a chance!
http://pats-dryrun.blogspot.com/2009/04/welcome-our-family-additions.html

Ruth said...

We bathe our dog at home and it is quite a production as you describe. I have daughters who don't mind doing it, thank goodness. It sure is a mess to clean up afterwards. They look lovely all fluffed and clean.

Thistlebrooms said...

I truly believe ANY Golden would love to be a Lap dog...Just CAN'T give them enough Love...

I can't believe you can get them groomed for that price and such time saving for you both to boot!!! They ALWAYS look beautiful Carolyn...
Enjoy your Sunday...
Always...Marilyn

Jane said...

Oh, the girls look lovely as always!

Jane

NCmountainwoman said...

Thanks for commenting, everyone.

Lynne - Yes, Ellie is much lighter in color and her coat is thicker and longer.

Cheryl - Cavalier King Charles will be our "down-size" dogs.

CJ - This is indeed a wonderful place to retire.

A New England Life said...

The girls are gorgeous! Your groomer does a very nice job. I don't think $25 is too much to spend per dog considering how good they look. Knowing Goldens and they're zest for water it probably doesn't last long though! lol!

Valerie Cummings said...

They are just gorgeous! Hugs Joey and Kealani