Peeks of pink

During a break in the front yard Frisbee action today we couldn't help but notice that our cherry trees were showing signs of bursting, two to three weeks earlier than last year.  

Like a watched pot though, our blossoms still might take their sweet time before debuting this spring.  

A few days of sunshine certainly couldn't hurt.

Favorite tag

Just had to share this Facebook tag from a couple of days ago.  A unique imgurish shot of a distant relative of Casey.  I've seen this expression, and been moved by it, countless times.

Might as well snooze

The weather really went south today with continuous rain forecasted all day long. 

And of course Casey is using his favorite coping mechanism.

Much-needed spring makeover

Finishing up - Casey in the window.

The kid was getting a little raggedy so guess what, today we made time for him to get his spring haircut.  You'd think Casey would opt out if he had a vote, but he actually enjoys getting cleaned and trimmed.  Well, "enjoys" might be a stretch, but when Melissa Wiltse at Happy Pooch is doing the styling he's OK with it.  He met her years ago when he was a recently rescued puppy, and Melissa has been working her magic ever since.

Looks like Melissa has someone's rapt attention.

Voila! Lookin good...til the next time.

Grayscale repose

Sibs of other mothers in a Saturday night snuggle

Genetic H2O sidestepper

It's been been clear to us from day one that Casey has always had a natural aversion to water. He would just as soon watch his Frisbee float downstream than to even get his pads moist. It so happens though that this trait was identified in an early 1990's genome project.


In 1996, 37 genetic traits were identified and isolated from the offspring of Border Collies and Newfoundlands by researchers Jasper Rine and Elaine Ostrander at the University of California, among these the Newfie love of H2O and the clear cut aversion to it by Border Collies.  By the third generation of this project the resulting grandchildren demonstrated genetic traits of both breeds, very sociable, medium-sized black and white dogs that gave "the eye", fetched on command, and eagerly took to water, to name a few of the more obvious. 

All very impressive, but in the mean time, Casey's not having any part of getting wet, preferring dry sand to romping with Labs.

Therapy dog

How therapeutic is this, a morning hug from The Kid.  A week ago, not so welcome, when a jump on the bed by Casey could have been disastrous, if Vic didn't know it was coming.  The first week or two following knee-replacement surgery couldn't pass quickly enough, but now, most gentle Border Collie disruptions to physical therapy can be the best pain relief ever.

The bluest skies

On crystal clear days like today I can't help but remember a song released back in the 70's called Seattle.  Most Pacific North-westerners are very familiar with its familiar refrain,

 "The bluest skies you've ever seen are in Seattle; and the hills the greenest green... 

Like a beautiful child, growing up, free an' wild etc." 

And you know, it really is true. Well, maybe not in Seattle anymore, but for sure over Bellingham. A ridge of high pressure will dominate for a few days, bringing northerly winds, temperatures dropping below freezing at night, and prevailing visibilities as clear as a bell.

Casey may not look that impressed, but it is nice to have the drizzle let up and the fog move out during winter's last gasp. 

  

An adoring public...

...or maybe not.  Maybe just patience personified.  As I was scanning emails, deleting more than I answered, I glanced over my shoulder and caught this keeper pose.  Casey's usually OK with the morning routine while I finish off that first cup of coffèe.  He knows he's got me for the rest of the day anyway.

Favorite knee-replacement get-well card so far

Inside greeting reads "This too shall pass."  Cute.

Just look at these pathetic kids, wondering why Victoria pushes this contraption (notice the walker in the doorway) around with her everywhere she goes...one week after knee-replacement surgery.  And will they ever be centers of their universes again.

Fearless at American Camp

On Saturday, the last day of a gorgeous stretch of blue skies on San Juan Island, Vic, Casey, and I visited American Camp, sight of the 1859 British/American confrontation known as the Pig War.  A short hike through what's left of the grounds of the British encampment takes visitors to the 50 to 75 foot cliffs overlooking peaceful Grandma's Cove.  Casey always makes treks like these a little more memorable because the kid is simply fearless when it comes to heights.  In this short clip you might notice the tenor of his guardians' voices rise a bit when we notice him navigating the brink of the cliff with more reckless abandon than our comfort levels could take.

Sunset on the Point

     Pausing to check out day's end at Lime Kiln Point State Park on San Juan Island. 

Show's over.

Photographic lookout

Casey just sighted a couple of labs coming our way about a hundred yards out, in this light.  Whenever he insists on doing a 180 in the woods, I'm a believer. 

Last glimpse of the arc, for awhile

Catching up to one last shot of daylight at trail's end

Just one look, that's all it takes

One look from Casey usually says it all.  Like now.  "Hey, Democracy Now is over, you've had your second cup of coffee, and the sun is out...let's hit it!"

A must-share toon

Naturally, friends on Facebook just have to share Border Collie cartoons. This one has probably been around for awhile, but it's definitely worth sharing.

Down for the count

After torrential rains, howling winds, and an incredible comeback win by the Seattle Seahawks over the Green Bay Packers, everything just sort of caught up with Casey, all at once.  Our guy is always a good sport, but way too much of an emotional roller-coaster for one day.

Who can blame him if he steals away with a cuddle friend to his favorite napping nook, under the dining room table, to recover.  Tomorrow, his day, his way.

Still got it

Today, no rain, and Casey really needed to air it out with a Frisbee. The front yard just wouldn't do, so we headed out to the outfields of Civic Field. 




After about 10 minutes of non-stop aerobics, with my accuracy hampered with the usual coat of slobber, we had to call it quits.  No sense pushing the envelope, but I did manage to take a decent photo or two with a slippery smart phone.  

The kid still makes it look easy.

Je suis Charlie