Another few steps

We did it. Caleb and I worked through his Canine Good Citizen renewal evaluation yesterday, and he aced it. Watching him was a treat for me. He has always done well in evals, but there was a clear difference this time. Another year of maturity and the closeness of our bond have contributed, I'm sure. After safeguarding me through my time of illness, our connection is definitely more complex. The important thing to me was the confirmation that Caleb thrives on our working together, and we enjoy what we do. Just being out at the training center and seeing Paul made Caleb so happy--I can only imagine what he will do next time he sees Jyl! Caleb's coat has grown out from the summer cut, and this fall weather has certainly recharged his battery. It is fun to walk the pups this time of year--especially Micah. He seems to become an alternative source of energy when there is a chill in the air. When he is in one of his goofy moods, it's impossible to keep from smiling! And Iris--who can be around that little character and not smile?

And speaking of characters--Jonah Mark Hughes! He is quite the bright light in Amanda and James' lives, and the rest of us treasure him as well. From what I can tell, he has one speed, and that is fast forward. They made a surprise visit a few Sundays ago, and here is a good shot of Jonah and me at Shady Grove.

The cooler weather has been a welcome change. I've been spending more time in my quilting studio and have actually completed one of my projects. I have sketches and ideas for the next one, and I hope to begin that today. We hardly have what most people would even consider winter, but I'm grateful for the climate change in order to focus on my quilting. Perhaps because I'm accustomed to such intense heat here, I don't enjoy gardening when the ground begins to chill. I do, however, need to scatter the poppy and larkspur seeds this week. The neighbors will be looking for those in early spring. And it's heartwarming to watch people, whether I know them or not, slow down, smile and simply enjoy the flowers.

Step by step, routine is setting in, and my health is stabilizing. Many special people, family and friends, walked with me through all of the confusion and change. Lots to be thankful for in life!

Thanks for checking in. Be well.


You must make a decision that you are going to move on. It won't happen automatically. You will have to rise up and say, ‘I don’t care how hard this is, I don’t care how disappointed I am, I’m not going to let this get the best of me. I’m moving on with my life.' — Joel Osteen