The Backyard Bird Patrol

Happy Sunday everyone! It's warm, sunny and the only sound is coming from the birds. We're on the deck now, enjoying yet another Summer morning. I can't believe this is the last week of July. 

It's that time of year when Mother Nature decides she's almost done showing off. The lush, emerald-green grass that made everything look like a postcard has been replaced with patches of straw-coloured grass. Our pooches, of course, couldn't care less. Every blade has a story. Their enthusiasm never fades even if the lawn does. Bonus...Russell doesn't need to cut the grass as often.

And then, there are those Brown-headed Cowbirds that have invaded our backyard. While Russell and I admire the goldfinches or cardinals, Merlot & Sherlock are obsessed with the cowbirds. They come in a flock, land on the grass then fly away as soon as our boys try to chase them. The deck transforms from a viewing platform into a launch station. I captured Merlot chasing them the other day. It's a very short video but if you look closely, you see the birds flying away. To say they are obsessed is an understatement. Not that long ago, the squirrels ruled their world. Now, they barely earn a second glance. One has to wonder what will be next LOL!

Merlot became a dad a few weeks ago...three beauties and they look just like Merlot did when he was a puppy. We look forward to seeing how those pups will turn out. It's exciting. I guess that makes us doggie grand-parents and Sherlock is an uncle (they are after all 3/4 brothers) 😍

Our boys got a new toy from their Havanese friend Tinker. They both enjoy it but Merlot is the one most obsessed with it. He can be such a goofball and he excels at entertaining himself. Sherlock is a bit more reserved, although he has his moments of craziness, especially around meal times LOL!

That's my blog for this week. I leave you with some videos taken last week and a few photos. I thought I would include one of Russell and I taken by our friends a few weeks ago. I quite like it. Have a great week everyone! 

Butt to butt...they are on
watch for the comings and
goings.

Merlot is a very proud father of 
3 gorgeous pups...all with his
markings.

A delightful lunch at friends and are
you taking a photo of me taking a photo of you?!

Morning wags...everyone's day should

start this way!

Merlot has not quite figured out how fast 

birds are...maybe he will one day.

Fun with the new bunny from Tinker....Merlot 

is a self directed ball of non-stop fun.

Sherlock is all smiles...particularly when it

is close to meal time.

Merlot and the maze...no short-cuts allowed.

Sherlock knows how to navigate these cones.

Spicy and Cooper reaching for the 
sky and they look for treats from
above...this moment July 13th, 2022.

Remembering my sister

  

Today, I remember my sister Lynn who passed away unexpectedly last week. She was my baby sister. As children, life was simple. We shared a world of imagination, laughter and the quiet certainty that we would always be part of each other's story. That wasn't meant to be.

Throughout the years, her life became such that it pulled us apart more than either of us probably wanted. Although we became estranged in the few years before her passing, I am reminded that while relationships can sometimes be complicated, love, loss and remembrance can exist together. 

Lynn brought two wonderful sons into this world, my nephews Sean & James, two of the finest young men I know. That is her legacy worth honouring.

I will remember Lynn as my little sister, the one who came along sixteen months after me, whom I looked out for long before either of us knew what that would come to mean. She was also my brother Francois's older sister. He is grieving her loss alongside me. 

Lynn can now rest. I truly hope she has found the peace that eluded her most of her life. She will always have a place in my heart.

Until next week's blog, take good care of yourselves and those you love. 

Two sisters...without a care in the world.

Savouring Summer before it slips away

Happy Sunday everyone! Another gorgeous morning in Beaconsfield. The forecast for this upcoming week is looking spectacular. We are making the most of these beautiful Summer days...spending time on the deck, eating outside, simply soaking it all in before July quietly slips into August. 

This past week was good. Russell kicked off the week on a cleaning spree...washing all windows, deck glass panels and even our kitchen light globes. He was on a roll and there was no stopping him. And before anyone asks, he's not for hire LOL!

I had my second physio treatment and it went well. My daily stretching program is now firmly part of my day. It feels good in the moment, although some of the exercises are a little challenging. It's all about making steady progress, listening to my body and celebrating the small improvements along the way. As my physiotherapist said, it's a marathon not a sprint. One day at a time. 

Our boys are doing well. Their daily schedule is full. Between walks, fun games and the endless excitement of chasing birds and squirrels, there's never a dull moment. They sleep well at night. On Wednesday, we celebrated their two year Gotcha Day. Russell and I were remembering, with a smile, what our house looked like for the first six months or so...gates everywhere, watching them like a hawk to minimize/avoid any marking. Having two intact boys comes with its challenges but we navigated through it. Merlot & Sherlock have grown into young adults, each with their own unique personality, quirks and special ways of keeping us entertained. They have completely taken over our hearts...and our home 💕

That's my blog for today. I leave you with a few photos from last week, some short videos and our weekly memory photo of Cooper & Spicy. Have a great week everyone!

With the giraffe in tow, Sherlock 
and Merlot maintain backyard
vigilance.

In the dappled shade of the crabapple, these two
seem to be shouting, can you see me now?

Sherlock and Merlot were intrigued by the 
sound coming from the wall mounted 
speaker.

Everyone has a place reserved at the 
table for our morning rituals.

Daisies in bloom and the Daylilies
emerging behind a lovely scene.

Merlot thought better than to jump 

through the cones to get to the bowl LOL!

Sherlock says come on mom, this is 

too easy.

Merlot and his sofa antics.

And, the chase in on....squirrel alert at the far 

end of the yard - yet another escapee.

Spicy and Cooper constant
companions and always in our hearts,
this moment July 31st, 2020.

The Great Squirrel Chase Returns

Happy Sunday everyone! It is a gorgeous Summer morning. The temperature is just right. It feels good to be able to write my blog on the deck. Our boys are chilling in their favorite spot and Russell is catching up on the news. A quiet start to our day...that is until the squirrels start driving the boys crazy.

This past week had another mid-week interruption with Canada Day. It also brought extreme heat which was, at times, suffocating. We didn't spent much time on our deck up until Friday. We took Merlot & Sherlock for early morning walks. We weren't the only ones. 

Our crabapple tree is once again the neighbourhood squirrel hotspot so the chase is back in full swing.  Russell wrapped a piece of metal sheet around the tree to prevent our pooches from climbing. Last year, Sherlock ripped his dew claw trying to chase up a squirrel. We didn't want a repeat of this incident. They still chase but can't climb 😏 

Last Friday, I started a physio program to help me better manage the osteoarthritis in both my hips. This diagnosis was confirmed a few weeks ago. I feel fortunate to have such a good physiotherapist in Michael Ennis, from Kinatex. We've known Micheal for a long time and we have built a trusting relationship with him.  He's treated us for a wide range of conditions, including Russell's post knee replacement surgery.  I am optimistic that my commitment to doing the prescribed exercises will pay off. 

Yesterday, our Canadian soccer team ended their journey but they gave us something to be proud of. They belong on the world stage. Well done and see you in 2030!

The weather looks awesome for this coming week. We will enjoy it to the fullest. Have a great week everyone!

A moment of stillness in front of the daylilies
before the romp around the backyard.

Nothing better than a little down time on the 
patio with Russell.

Early morning siesta on the sofa
while it is still cool on the back deck.
 

Squirrel alert and what is this shiny stuff around 

the tree?!

Merlot doing his famous face rubbing.

Some cool fun in the basement...free style

amusement!

Cooper and Spicy taking a little break on 
our walk by the Lake - June 29, 2020.