Late in the afternoon yesterday, we decided to go on a hike up in the mountains. It was warmish and lovely. This is the first time we’ve been up there in Autumn.
Glorious. Our shoulders dropped, the endorphins kicked in, and all this is about a mile or two from our door.
And in case you missed it, I posted this photo of Scout on the blog’s Facebook page yesterday. A bit blurry, but adorable nonetheless.
Scout, in an uncharacteristic move, put her paws up on the arm of the loveseat and looked right at me like she was ready to have a little chat. Don grabbed his iPhone and called her name and this was the result. That smile will melt your heart.
I’m in love, love, love with this picture.
By the way, the MHC Facebook Page has been neglected lately, as has my Instagram page. I’ve even considered deleting the FB page. Between writing two blogs and all my other responsibilities, it’s hard to keep IG and FB in the forefront of my daily thoughts, nor do I feel the need to most of the time. I’ll try to be better, but frankly, that’s just the way it is sometimes!
My dad is a WWII Veteran who has never romanticized war and has nightmares about his experiences as a young soldier to this day. In honor of our Veterans, may we strive to find a way to end war and the destruction and heartbreak it brings.
Happy Tuesday.
Susie says
Claudia, It is still really pretty around your area. So nice you enjoyed a hike with your man. The picture of you and scout is a good one. Don’t you feel that pets want to talk with us at times. ? Hugs to your dad for his service ,. xoxo,Susie
Claudia says
I think Scout talks to me all the time. It’s just trying to figure out what she’s saying that’s the hard thing!
Linda @ A La Carte says
Beautiful mountain photos! I was in the mountains last month and it was glorious! VERY relaxing. Love the Scout photo and I do believe our furry one’s talk to us all the time. Charlie can be quite vocal at times! So happy to see you all together.
hugs,
Linda
Claudia says
Happy we are all back together for sure, Linda.
Sue Silva says
Scout is so cute! I can see she runs the household!
It’s Remembrance Day here in Canada (also known as Poppy Day).
Happy Tuesday to you, Claudia.
Claudia says
Yes, and in England, too. I saw the photos of all the ceramic poppies at the Tower of London. Simply stunning.
Patricia says
I loved seeing all the pictures. The one of Scout, though, made me laugh out loud here at work!!! I almost dribbled!!!
Claudia says
She’s pretty darn adorable!
Missy George says
Thanks to your dad for serving. Wonderful picture of scout. How wonderful that you have such beautiful country so close by. Have a good day.
Claudia says
We are very lucky, Missy!
Sharon Carstens says
Claudia,
I too am a fellow pet mom. We have a french bulldog and a golden retriever. Pictures like the one of Scout are priceless. I would have that one blown up and framed.
Claudia says
I wish it was a tad less blurry!
Nancy in PA says
Claudia, don’t think of it as blurry; think of it as “soft-focus!”
Laura says
I love the mountains in fall. Don’t know why I didn’t drive the hour or so it takes to get to ours this year. Love that photo of Scout. Such an adorable smile. xo Laura
Claudia says
She’s a keeper.
Chris k in Wisconsin says
I did “like” your pic on FB yesterday. And don’t let a little blurry stop you from framing the pic…. life IS a bit blurry most of the time. :-) I saw those poppies in London on the news last night. Absolutely stunning. I think the best way we CAN honor those who have served is to work together so that peace can be found and the loss of lives and the destruction can be diminished. My Dad never spoke much about his service, but I know it must have been very hard as he was a medic on a ship during WW II.
Have you seen the movie The Monument Men? It sadly tells another tale of the destruction that war brings. It was very good if you haven’t yet seen it.
So glad the 3 of you are back together again!! yay!
Claudia says
I haven’t seen it, yet, Chris. I’m sure that will be on our To Be Watched list!
Tana says
Amen.
Claudia says
xo
Nancy Blue Moon says
What lovely views..we live in a valley surrounded by mountains here..I can look out my window and see the mountains..I don’t think I could ever live where it is flat..If only Scout could really tell you what is on her mind..it would be so wonderful to have a conversation with our pets..Thank your Dad for his service..my Dad never talked about the war much either..we can only imagine what they went through..if only there wasn’t so much greed in the world..then maybe the wars could end..
Claudia says
I think it would be hard for me to live with a flat landscape, Nancy, after having lived here. I’m going to talk to my dad later today.
Janet in Rochester says
Thinking of my Dad today too. He was an MP in Berlin during the post-war Occupation in early 50s. He knew how lucky he was to not see combat – the Korean War was going strong when he was drafted – and always had an abiding respect for those who did. God bless your dear dad and all those who have given us the freedoms we have today. PS – that photo of Scout is a keeper. And she is for sure talking to you. Something along the lines of “Oh, Mom, I’m so happy we’re all three together again…”
Claudia says
I think she was pretty excited about all of us being together again.
Barbara W. says
My maternal grandfather was one of the British soldiers evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk. It never really resonated until I saw the film “Atonement” which left me numb trying to imagine how my grandfather must have felt while waiting for rescue. My youngest brother flew in medical supplies and equipment during conflicts in the Gulf and Bosnia and saw things that I think would embitter most people. He is instead the kindest man and the most devoted father to his children. It may be too cold this morning (-15 F here and snowing) for some to attend local services, but I hope everyone takes a moment this morning to pause and reflect.
Does anyone remember a poster that said “War is not healthy for children and other living things”?
Claudia says
That must have been terrifying for your grandfather. The things our soldiers see shouldn’t ever have to be seen or witnessed. I remember that poster very well – from the Vietnam War-era.
Barbara W. says
Thanks, that makes sense. I remember seeing it as a child in the late sixties.
David J. Bauman says
This is lovely. I thought how much it looks like my hills and woods of central Pennsylvania.
Claudia says
Thank you, David.
David J. Bauman says
Indeed, my pleasure. I work at a library where our head of circulation follows your blog, and I was just taken by the beauty of this short walk from your home. I also wanted to mention that I am so appreciative of your comments on your father and veterans day. May we create a world yet where war is a thing of the past.
Claudia says
We are very fortunate to live so close to these mountains, David.
Thank you so much for your thoughts on creating a world where war is a thing of the past. I am in total agreement with you. Thanks so much for dropping by!
Melanie says
Lovely photos. Most of the trees here are bare and the bitter temps have hit us today. It’s only been a high of 33 degrees with a rain-snow mix today. Will now be down into the teens at night. :-(
Trudy Mintun says
As I dig out from under a foot of snow I especially enjoyed your glimpses of fall. winter came way to early for my comfort.
I do think the picture of you and Scout if worthy of framing.
My uncle would never talk to anyone about his time in the service during WW2. Except my brother when he joined the Marines. He bared his heart then. I think he was finally able to heal. My uncle earned the Bronze Star for the times he told my brother about. I do believe they were hellish.
John Lennon said it very well,” Give peace a chance.” I sure wish we would all try it.
Donnamae says
Your pics are gorgeous…you are so fortunate to live so close. Scout does look like she’s got some thing to say….oh, wouldn’t that be wonderful to hear! I so appreciate your comments about war…if only we could eliminate that word from our vocabulary. I wish us all peace! ;)
Carol Ann Hood says
Claudia, the pictures are stunning and I love the pic of Scout. She really looks good.
I hope you never give up your blog, I’ve enjoyed it for years. What is your other blog, Is it for family only or open to the public.
Carol Ann
Pat says
I think I ‘liked’ your pictures on IG…but never left a comment here.
Those are gorgeous pictures of the mountains and hiking trail…landscape. Just gorgeous. It makes you appreciate life doesn’t it? To be able to walk in and out of such beauty and so close to home!
The picture of Scout… cherish! She is beautiful! and I love that smile– she is happy to have everyone home.
diana says
Wonderful scenery ! Love Halifax and Newsroom too!