Waiting patiently & always watching me.
It's that time of year - finally able to explore the forest with out bugs - yet, although a few black flies were seen, it won't be long before mosquitos are plentiful. What a workout! I went last week but this week we walked all over and already spied mushrooms. Every spring after we first venture out my feet (in particular) hurt the next day, almost as if broken -after a winter of walking on only flat ground. The property is up and down -hills to climb. I was amused as the guys both asked "how did you get up here" I think, how the duck do you think I got up here? Forest fairies carried me? I climbed.
Use it or lose it. The climb can be slow and the dogs stop and watch & wait patiently... but we manage. Daisy and Ginger feel it too as they are not far behind me, Ginger panting but she keeps up - good because she needs to lose weight & this is the fun way, for us all. An adventure!
Poppy & Arrow are the rock climbing explorers! I'm amazed at Poppy - hopping from rock to rock, Arrow following her like a good big sister as we 3 watch from below. We found false morel - the kind you do NOT eat -they are poisonous but it means real morel won't be long. Tons of Trillium just up - no flowers' yet, in just a couple of weeks it will be harder to explore from all the vegetation, especially wild raspberries with branches that scratch as we walk through them, I worry about the dogs eyes and face but for now - out we go.
I was feeling sad & mentally worn down the other day, a few things on my mind but I had promised the girls" first nice day - we go!" Once out, surrounded by nature - all was forgotten while discovering mushrooms, shoots, new buds, deer poop and new growth as well as newly fallen trees - next years firewood... as usual I was reminded of Gods greatest creations (besides us) - nature. It all started in a garden after all. Nature is good for the mind & soul and dogs. I am grateful to climb as difficult as it can feel at times. I know many with arthritis who just give up and give in to it. If I did that, I would have stoped painting about 10 years ago. The TN also seems to be aggravated by the continuous ups & downs and stepping over branches... one eye constantly shutting throws the balance off therefore we just go a little slower. Arrow runs ahead & returns to my side & I use her for balance at times - dogs know. Each time & come back feeling simply grateful - because I can explore the forest... never taken for granted.
We're out for at least an hour and come home sweaty, thirsty and exhausted- everyone ready for a nap on the deck.
I also felt better emotionally or perhaps I'm just too tired and surrender easier, either way all I can say:
Thy will be done.
We also slept great! Now, I just touch my walking stick and the excitement starts! Hopefully we'll get out several times before the mosquitos take over, then it's more like a run through the forest to keep them from finding us.
This mornings walk was a bonus - Storm joined us! A perfect start to a lovely day.
Thy will be done & Thank you, for another day... another adventure.
Some images below of what it looks liken the woods in Ontario, in the spring.
Use it or lose it. The climb can be slow and the dogs stop and watch & wait patiently... but we manage. Daisy and Ginger feel it too as they are not far behind me, Ginger panting but she keeps up - good because she needs to lose weight & this is the fun way, for us all. An adventure!
Poppy & Arrow are the rock climbing explorers! I'm amazed at Poppy - hopping from rock to rock, Arrow following her like a good big sister as we 3 watch from below. We found false morel - the kind you do NOT eat -they are poisonous but it means real morel won't be long. Tons of Trillium just up - no flowers' yet, in just a couple of weeks it will be harder to explore from all the vegetation, especially wild raspberries with branches that scratch as we walk through them, I worry about the dogs eyes and face but for now - out we go.
I was feeling sad & mentally worn down the other day, a few things on my mind but I had promised the girls" first nice day - we go!" Once out, surrounded by nature - all was forgotten while discovering mushrooms, shoots, new buds, deer poop and new growth as well as newly fallen trees - next years firewood... as usual I was reminded of Gods greatest creations (besides us) - nature. It all started in a garden after all. Nature is good for the mind & soul and dogs. I am grateful to climb as difficult as it can feel at times. I know many with arthritis who just give up and give in to it. If I did that, I would have stoped painting about 10 years ago. The TN also seems to be aggravated by the continuous ups & downs and stepping over branches... one eye constantly shutting throws the balance off therefore we just go a little slower. Arrow runs ahead & returns to my side & I use her for balance at times - dogs know. Each time & come back feeling simply grateful - because I can explore the forest... never taken for granted.
We're out for at least an hour and come home sweaty, thirsty and exhausted- everyone ready for a nap on the deck.
I also felt better emotionally or perhaps I'm just too tired and surrender easier, either way all I can say:
Thy will be done.
We also slept great! Now, I just touch my walking stick and the excitement starts! Hopefully we'll get out several times before the mosquitos take over, then it's more like a run through the forest to keep them from finding us.
This mornings walk was a bonus - Storm joined us! A perfect start to a lovely day.
Thy will be done & Thank you, for another day... another adventure.
Some images below of what it looks liken the woods in Ontario, in the spring.
