Dog Lessons for People

We saw these "lessons" on a t-shirt recently and thought they were worth sharing. I just wish I knew who to credit for the list.

Enjoy the simple pleasures of a walk.

Follow your instincts.

Never underestimate the value of a belly rub.

Be loyal and faithful.

Always drink plenty of water.

Sometimes it is best to just sit close and listen.

Be quick to forgive.

Avoid biting when a growl will do.

Keep digging until you find what you want.

Run and play daily.

Accept all of life's treats with gratitude.

Life is short, pet often.

Love unconditionally.

Byrd Park Pump House

Earlier this month we stopped by the Byrd Park Pump House. The Pump House provided water for the City of Richmond from 1883 to 1924. In addition to its utilitarian function, it was also a social venue and boasted a dance hall on the upper level.

Although normally closed to the public, the Pump House building welcomed visitors a couple of Saturdays ago. For one beautiful day folks could stroll through the pumping area and climb the steps to the old dance hall. The site is undergoing revitalization, and plans include reopening the building to the public as a reception space.

Please enjoy some photos from our day.

October

Hi Folks! We've been neglecting our blog, but we're back with a wrap-up of our October adventures.

First up... The Fall Festival at Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Academy in Powhatan, Virginia. What a great time. Nice people, lots of games, crafts, and small town fun, including a cake walk, Plinko, and Alpacas!




Jackson thought someone made these marshmallow sheep just for him!

Alpacas!

Our friend Howard came along for the ride. He napped most of the way home.

Then, we met up with a bunch of our Greyhound buddies for an afternoon walk. Can you spot Harvey and Jackson in this picture?

Here's our friend Baxter!

On our way to another event... The Dog Days Festival in Ladysmith, Virginia.

These guys have it made.


These guys don't.

Our good friend Jello.


Then a side trip to Shenandoah National Park for a ride along Skyline Drive.

This is Thoreau the Bear. Where we go, he goes.

Big Meadows.

What a beautiful day.

And finally... Harvey and Jackson spent a few days away from home while I spent some time in Denver. I had a great view of the Rocky Mountains from my hotel room.

Another view from my room... The Denver Marathon.

And check out this bear!

While we were away the beds were stacked in a corner. Harvey was so exhausted when he got home that he couldn't wait for them to be dispersed to their proper places.


And that's a wrap!

Simple Mindedness

Lately we've received quite a few inspirational poster parodies (also known as Demotivators) via email. In keeping with the trend, here's our own version.

Parks, Festivals, and Who's on First

Hi Everyone, we've been MIA lately, but only because Harvey and Jackson have been busy visiting parks, attending festivals, and hosting play dates with new friends! Here's a look at what we've been up to...

We made several visits to Richmond's beautiful James River Park System.






This little guy was no bigger than a dime!

This guy was much bigger.


One night we stopped by Bryan Park, the home of Richmond's famous azaleas. Sorry about the dark photos, but we were visiting at dusk.


Last weekend we volunteered at the 43rd Street Festival of the Arts, which benefits Freedom House. It was a really hot day, but we had lots of fun and met some great people.




Jackson, meet Jackson. We just met Jackson (the kid) that day, but notice how his shorts complement Jackson's (the hound) coat!


Here's our new neighbor, Howard! Fortunately for us, Howard (Pa's Zeus) lives just down the street, so he's able to visit often for romps in the yard and digging contests with Jackson.

The boys meet for the first time.

Howard and Jackson, who I imagined were having a "Who's on First?" discussion. Jackson's look of confusion suggests that he's playing the part of Costello.
A truce.

And finally, a photo of a sunset we saw as we made our way home one evening.

We'll see you soon... meanwhile, hug your hounds!