Lately, we’ve been taking long walks on our local rail trail. We don’t take nearly enough advantage of it. We’re trying to change that. A brisk walk is good for the soul, the body and the mind.
The sun was bright – it was high noon – and I was shooting with my iPhone – so there’s a bit of graininess.
A couple of days earlier, these beauties were off in the distance; yesterday they were right by the fence.
Could that baby be any more adorable? And mom had the most beautiful eyes. I’m glad I’m a vegetarian.
That’s the ridge in the background. We have that same view, especially in the wintertime, from our little cottage.
And look who we found on the path:
It’s been a week now since we lost Riley. Each new day brings a small measure of healing. I’ve been watching Scout closely and I can tell she is not herself. She looks for Riley. She does that nesting thing – pawing at the rug – far more than she used to, and she does it a bit obsessively. She used to do it on the rug in the den. Now she also does it on the rug in the living room where Riley spent most of his time. She’s very clingy. She’s anxious. She doesn’t understand why Riley isn’t here and it is deeply upsetting to her. We are showering her with attention and love. But the poor thing is a bit lost and lonely for her brother. So am I.
My friend Judy sent me a package which arrived on Saturday. Enclosed was a beautiful sympathy card with a little note saying “these might bring a smile to your face.”
You’re darn right they do! You know I love these little elfin creatures called Nisse. If you remember, Judy handmade one for me a few months back when we did a swap. I sent her one of my Obsession Scarves. This was such a wonderful surprise. Thank you, Judy. By the way, Judy has a new blog called 20 North Ora (the same name as her wildly successful Etsy shop) and I know she’d love it if you dropped by.
I hope all of my readers find their way to my new site here on WordPress. If they’ve subscribed via Google Friend Connect, they are not going to get my feed. If you know of someone looking for the blog, please send her/him my way. It’s the same URL and it’s easy to subscribe to my feed.
This Saturday, September 1st, will be the first A Favorite Thing party. I sure hope you can join in. Every week, we will share a favorite thing; whether it’s a cherished antique, a book, a piece of furniture, a vintage find. It could be a camera or a laptop or a new washing machine (goodness knows, my laptop and camera are among my favorite things!) I will post the necessary link information on Friday evening around 8 pm and it will stay open for linking through Sunday.
Quick question: Are these photos too large for you? I’m experimenting – they are a little large for my 13″laptop screen but I know readers like large photos. Let me know what you think. Update: I think they might be too large, so I changed the size.
Have a wonderful Monday.
Glad you are feeling a little bit better. Just takes time. What a sweet friend to send you a special gift! Your blog is looking good!~Hugs, Patti
Everything is looking wonderful. Give Scoutie a big hug for me.
Mere
Looking forward to the Saturday party here. Your new blog is lovely. I especially like the many photographs on the right side. :-)
So glad to hear you are feeling a little better Claudia. A few steps each day.
I adore the Jersey Cows. We had a farm of them a few years ago but the farmer went to beef cattle instead ( glad I’m a vegetarian too!)
Hug Scout for me, she will get better too. It just takes time.
hugs,
Sue
Hi Claudia. I am excited to see you made your move to WordPress smoothly. MHC looks great. If anyone could do it I knew you could. I have an enormous amount of faith in you. I am having an invasive procedure late Thursday afternoon with anesthesia so I may not be able to join your first party I am sad to say. I am going to have some out patient surgery soon and life is fairly complex at present. The Nisse are precious. xoxo, olive
LOVE YOUR NISSE DOLLS….THEY ARE ADORABLE………YOUR PICTURES ARE GREAT………LOVE LOOKING AT THEM………YOUR SATURDAY PARTY SOUNDS GREAT………..NOT SURE IF I AM JOINING IN THIS TIME,,,,,BUT SERIOUSLY THINKING ABOUT IT……….HAVE A GREAT DAY……RIZZI
Dear, the photo size is coming across good on my MacBook Air – so know they’ll look fab on the big Mac screen!
Scout must be confused and it will take time – I’m sure when you talk to her she understands because I know you and Don are good parents! I’m happy you’re getting out some now – fresh air is always a good thing to clear the cobwebs!
I’ll do ‘favorite thing’ this week Claudia but can’t promise anything whilst on the ship – have to pay highly for an Internet card and then everything works so slowly usually, very frustrating watching ones minutes tick away and no photo loading!
Lovely moo cows – and you may recall I’m vegetarian too – 35 years now!
Such a busy week ahead – hope I remember everything I have to do!
Hugs – Mary
Hi Claudia,
That little baby is adorable with her sweet mom looking after her, right by her side.
I’m happy to hear you’re out and walking. It has been my saving grace, getting out there, walking, thinking & sometimes, just being – traveling forward, yet not thinking. I’m keeping you in my prayers, I know how difficult your journey is now.
How sweet are the Nisse elfin dolls, bringing you comfort and darling smiles to Mockingbird Hill Cottage.
I don’t know how you’re planning A Favorite Thing event right now, but I’d love to join in the party this week. See you then, good to find your new address here on the map. Oh, I love that tortoise, he’s got a beautiful house.
xoxo~Tracie
Gorgeous trail and what amazing views you have! I’m so sorry about your Riley. I remember when Jake passed…Max knew something was wrong, especially with me crying so much. It took several months before things felt even half way normal around here. It does get better. Wish there was a magic wand to wave to make that part speed up…I’d wave it right now for you. XO
What a lovely walk that must have been, and a good thing to do more often. I’ve been trying to walk more, as well, and I find early morning is my favorite time. And what a sweet present to receive in the mail from a caring friend. I’m glad it cheered you. I hope Scout will grow less anxious about Riley not being there. I’m sure it’s a difficult transition for her as well as you and Don. Keeping you in my thoughts as you find your way through this. Take care
Claudia, you are here, it’s home now for you, and it’s a good spot. Love the look of the blog, love the photos.
You show up fine in my Google Reader if that is any consolation.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
Happy to hear you are taking steps forward. I know it is so hard on sweet Scout also. Love the little surprise and glad they made you smile. Hugs, Linda
I’m overjoyed ( is that a real word ). After making my first comment, I see the fields for my name and email remain filled! Yeah! That’s less I have to type on my munchkin size keyboard. Don’t know how many readers follow you on their phones, but I do. The photos and print size are absolutely perfect when I rotate the phone horizontally. I don’t have to fiddle with resizing it, which is a big plus for me. Before I had to resize to read the print, then resize again to view the photos. So for me, maybe you are a little more user friendly now.
Do you have an old toy or blanket of Riley’s? That might help Scout; it seemed to help my younger cat when we lost our older cat. It’s times like that when I wish I could explain things to my dear pets. I’m so scared they don’t understand the situation. Then again , perhaps they understand better than I do. We so underestimate our animals at times. Hope each day brings you more peace, understanding, and closure.
Love the large photos you live in the country, how lovely