Random thoughts

Happy Sunday everyone! Almost half way through the month of January, how can that be! The days are truly getting longer. We notice it especially when we take Merlot & Sherlock out after their dinner...no need for lights. Love, love, love it!

This past week was good although filled with emotions thinking about those terrible fires in California. Our hearts are with everyone dealing with this disaster. We have been watching it all unfold and it's beyond tragic. Once again, we are thankful for the simple, everyday blessings that come our way. 

Russell is doing well. The swelling on his upper thigh is almost gone. Everyday brings new progress. He has another physiotherapy appointment tomorrow. It will be fun to see what the knee flexion number is...trying to beat 113 degrees from two weeks ago! Russell also had blood work done last week in preparation for his physical this coming Tuesday. All is good on that front. 

Our boys are doing well. We were reflecting the other day that they have been part of our lives for just a little over six months now. They have brought us such joy and peace. Sherlock is now 14 months and Merlot is 20 months. They still have that puppy energy and at the same time we are noticing "some" maturity happening. As I'm writing this blog, they are chasing each other up and down the hallway...yep, crazy puppies! We love them to the moon and back 💕

I've been seeing a massage therapist for some much needed fascia release in my hip flexors. In between sessions, I'm doing some daily yoga to help with the stretching. It's never been "my thing", way too slow for me, but I decided to give it a try and it's helping. I'm now addicted to "Yoga with Adriene" videos on YouTube. I say whatever works.

We got some snow last week. Not a whole lot but the boys enjoyed it immensely. The snow was very fluffy as such they created their own paths, mostly from chasing squirrels... and guess what? Both caught the tail of a squirrel in their mouths as it was going down the crabapple tree. I saw it with my own two eyes!  The squirrel was trapped between the baby gate and the Merlot & Sherlock duo. It eventually wiggled free and ran away from them. It all happened so fast, I couldn't get my phone out quickly enough. They are so obsessed with squirrels it's crazy!

Those are my random thoughts for today. It will be a quiet Sunday. Lots of football to watch. No hockey until Tuesday. How about those HABS! 

Have a wonderful week and enjoy our random weekly photos!

Patience is a virtue especially when
you are waiting to catch a squirrel!

Sherlock says that squirrel tail was 
mighty tasty!

Merlot thought the tail was a little too furry!

Together, snuggle time for the boys!

Is it time to go downstairs and play yet?!

Sherlock is the 'master' of the LOOK!

Cooper and Spicy loved the sofa and being on
neighbourhood watch, photo taken on
January 21, 2022.

A quiet start to 2025

Happy first Sunday of 2025! We woke up to another coolish morning and a dusting of snow. Our boys always get excited when there is fresh snow on the ground. They like it better than the mud we had last week...so do we. For them, it means they don't have to line up in the mudroom and wait for their paws to be wiped. They know the drill 😆

This past week was quiet and relaxing. Our New Year's Day was good. I cooked a small turkey and it was delicious. The next day, I made a big batch of turkey stock and froze it. It will make for some good soups in the coming months. We also took down our Christmas decorations. It took less than an hour and all was back to normal in the Duncan home. 

Russell had a visit from his physiotherapist last Monday. His knee flexion is now at 113 degrees, from 110 the week before. At this point, it is well beyond the normal measurement at this stage in the recovery. Any further gain will happen in the next few weeks/months with more physio and exercise. We are happy to have this behind us and we look forward to walking the streets of Italy in a little over four months.

On that note, we got a Happy New Year email from the reservation manager of the Bellevue Syrene Hotel in Sorrento. Mrs Giovanna Russo reconfirmed our reservation and our request for a top floor room. We can't wait!

I watched the last five games of the Montreal Canadians. What a treat it was to see them play so well 👏 I also watched The Perfect Couple Netflix series. It was quite good, a modern day "who dunnit". Yesterday, I started another small series which I will finish today, Missing You. Some good old fashioned downtime. 

Merlot & Sherlock are doing wonderful. They have lots of playtime during the day, inside and outside. They also enjoy chilling with us in the living room. Wherever we are, they are always close by 💕

Yesterday was our nephew's wedding in Punta Cana. My brother just sent me some photos so I thought I would include one in my blog. Sean & Julie make a wonderful couple. We wish them a lifetime of love and happiness!

That's my blog for today. I leave you with some photos that capture how we spent the past few days. Have a great week everyone!

A frolic in the fresh snow....these boys know how
to enjoy in the moment.

Time to chill on Russell's lap...how do you
spell "relaxed".

Merlot found the Habs game very interesting.

Merlot loves a good belly rub and Russell
was glad to oblige.

Sherlock has very special eyes and 
he knows how to give you the 'look'!

Sherlock and Merlot...sofa time and of course
the zebra has to join in.

Congratulations to the newlyweds
Julie and Sean! Both looking very lovely
and we wish them a lifetime of
love and happiness.

Cooper and Spicy enjoyed the 
snow and the many paths they
used to run...photo from
January 14th, 2023.