It's Been Too Long!

 I will try to do better!

I guess I am still adapting from the loss of my lifelong companion. There were also a lot of details around that loss that needed handling. Fortunately I think they are mostly done and that I am getting used to the " new normal".

I finally got out and did a little hunting (with the camera, of course).Only one thing showed up and that was a Spruce Grouse. The lighting was difficult but I took the pictures anyway.

Spruce Grouse

Spruce Grouse

Tamarack Turning

Needless to say, after a three mile hike through the bush the dogs were worn out! I have to post an "after" photo of each dog!

Missy

Daphne

Our Munchkin is Growing!

 Little Missy is growing like a weed. Daphne has taken over training, like how to play tug-of war, keep away, and how to handle the outdoors! Here are a few pictures of the two of them.

Cuteness

I hope this works out. It appears that Blogger has improved their program again and I am forced to enter one picture at a time rather than all at once

Back to the River

After two days of snow, it was good to get out to the Athabasca River again. We have snow forecast for the next 4 days! The River has opened up a little bit, but refreezes at night with our-26C temps.

The geese seem to be happy and there are even some mallards back!

 These two were paddling downstream

 Most of the geese appear to be paired up

My trusty Rough Collie is looking pretty good after her spring Spa Day. Washed, trimmed and looking good!

I am not sure if this is an immature Bald Eagle or a young Golden. I need to ask some experts on Alberta Birds. This was about 200 yards away at maximum magnification. The snow was too deep to get closer.

Dog Park and Wild Life

On the way to the dog park I came across this lone female Mule Deer, just willing to be photographed.

The grass is getting very tall, and approaching 4 feet high in places. Some of the local farmers are starting to make hay, but it is still very rainy.

Don't look now, but you have hairy ears!

 She is in very good shape. I suspect she is a yearling from last year.

 Back at the Park, Daphne met up with Percy, a 4 year old Golden. They have not seen each other for many months, but picked up the relationship right where it left off. BFF. Daphne's Kong on a rope, not to be messed with, but rather be shared.

 Both are very stubborn and will not give up! Lots of growling going on and tug of wars.

 Daphne normally wins and is a master of playing keep-away.

Solid Comfort

Some people think my dog, Daphne is spoiled. I don't think she is, but what do you say?

How Can You Get Mad?

This is a picture of a good dog, sitting patiently for me to play with her, or to be allowed into the kitchen. She is normally not allowed to cross the line.

This is a picture of a not so good dog that likes to show who is boss when it comes to sleeping priorities!

Another Five Mile Bush Walk

This was at the start of the walk. She was still perky.

Five miles, and no birds or deer to photograph. We did see two Ruffed Grouse, but Daphne spooked them before I could get a shot

 all in all, a good afternoon

From This........to This

In only two days!

 The Larch, or Tamarack are beautiful

 The access trails are sunny and bright

 Then came the snow!

 It doesn't faze my faithful companion though.

 -3 C, feeling like -10 and she still wants to run! Oh well, only six months till spring!

Bits and Pieces

 I figured that I should maybe post a blog before I forget how! Its been very slow in the great outdoors probably due to the miserable weather. Everybody is in hibernation mode, including me.

My faithful companion is always up for a walk in the woods, or a trip to the Dog Park. Whitecourt is blessed to have a facility as great as Rotary Park! I caught this little guy sitting on a rock wall having breakfast. 

There are still a few Mallards hanging around. If it were me, I would be

in the deep south by now instead of freezing my tail feathers off!

 I have bee adopted by about 6 Blue Jays that are eating my bird seed like its going out of style.
 Then, there is always this guy that figures he should eat for free also. Hopefully the weather improves and I can go farther afield for some photos.

The Dog Days of Summer

A day in the woods with Daphne is great! It gets me out and working towards my 5 miles per day

Over hill, over dale and over logs. Nothing stops her!

 A brief stop at the dog park so that she can show off her retrieving skills rounds it off well

 The Kong retrieve comes right back to my hand.

 Along the river today, I spotted this Osprey. I am surprised he is still around.

 Fishing must still be good!

 This Mule Doe was another bonus until Daphne put the run on her. Daphne does a token chase and doesn't go far. I guess she knows that catching deer is not easy!