~ Monochrome Monday + WPC – Victory ~

When Jello was hit on a highway two months ago, I held her gaping wound to my chest and told her “we’re going to make it.” As I have said before, she lived due to the help of many people — angels — who provided assistance during and after the crisis.

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The stitches have done their job. Now, every day she gets a brisk walk followed by deep muscle massage from me. Her recovery is a victory for Jello, and all her angels.

In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Victory.”

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~ Cee’s Oddball Photo Challenge ~ Dancing Upside Down ~

This was one of those times I was really glad to have a smartphone!

IMG_4173 After lunch with my sisters in Portland, I saw this and just had to snap a shot.

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~ To our French Family ~ In Solidarity ~

Le drapeau de France chez moi.

Le drapeau de France chez moi.

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~ Retirement~ Weekly Photo Challenge – Victory ~

Most of my victories these days are little ones — progress made toward a valued goal.  Completing a thirty year career as a high school counselor (after ten years in business and graduate school) is the last “moment of glory” that stands out.  Creighton and I invited family, friends, colleagues and neighbors to a garden party at our home to celebrate.

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As you can see from the photo (taken by my niece, Molly) I was feeling great wearing my queen-for-a-day tiara, and flanked by my sisters and Dad.

In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Victory.”

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~~~ Wordless Wednesday ~~~

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~ Jello and Kass ~ Tuesday Two by Two + Hugh’s Photo Challenge: Week 5 – Pair ~

My sister Diana, and brother-in-law Les, have had their Braque du Bourbonnais, Kass since she was a puppy. At 12 years old she is a high-strung sweetheart, and excellent retriever.

Jello and Kass

When my Beagle Jello, and I visit (as we are doing now) the dogs do this “your pillow is better than my pillow” exchange in the daytime. Here, Jello is snuggled into Kass’ blanket, while Kass is enjoying Jello’s soft yellow nose pillow. They are quite a pair!

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~ Monochrome Monday ~ Insight Outsights ~

This week I am staying with my sister Diana, and brother-in-law Les, in Corvallis, Oregon for a few days. Our ninety-three year old father (who lives on his own in Corvallis) has a series of medical appointments, and the three of us will be tag-teaming to get him ready for, and to them all.

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It’s time for Dad to move into assisted care and he’s just now accepting that inevitability. This is bound to be an intense and challenging week for me on all levels. I’ll post as I can — it helps keep my creative soul alive!

 

 

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~ Cee’s Oddball Photo Challenge ~ Stuck In The Middle (With You) ~

This just cracked me up when I saw it!  Cool little old tractor turned into a “hands on” for kids.

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Love it at BiZi Farm.

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~ Mutable Clouds ~ Friday Flyers ~

If it’s from nature and in the air, or can get there on its own, it’s a Friday Flyer!

Whether they are ominous or dreamy, threatening or promising, clouds fill our skies and lift our eyes with wonder.

“Nature is a mutable cloud which is always and never the same.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

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~ Mushroom Madness! ~

With the advent of rains this autumn, mushrooms of all shapes and sizes have proliferated. Here are a few favorites of this season.

Someday I want to learn to identify them. For now, I have fun taking photos!

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