Banjo and Blooms

My tiny crocus bulbs opened yesterday.

And the dog is named Banjo. He's a very good boy.

Photos via OBrooks:

Dog Days of Winter

Rental Woes

Although living in a rental affords me the flexibility to move and try out new jobs and cities, renting does have its downsides.  Recently I've been visiting with friends who own their places and I have been reminded of my two main I-wish-I-didn't-have-a-landlord grievances. Number One:  I'm increasingly unhappy living with white walls.  I frequently consider how I would repaint my rooms and every so often take out a swatch and dream.  And sometimes I see outside inspiration I wish I could use.  Example: When watching Doubt the other day, I was completely taken with David Gropman's production design.  In particular I loved the green he used in the principal's office:It would look fabulous with my black/white/red color scheme in the den.  Sigh, I'll have to keep dreaming for now.  Even if I was allowed to paint, I'd really rather not deal with laboring over painting and repainting a temporary residence.  Second woe-is-me-I-can't-own-in-this-overpriced-city complaint:  I can't have pets!  Although I would much rather have a dog, I've been enjoying hanging out with my new friend Walter in Virginia: 

He was very interested in the computer cursor.  Now he is curled up asleep, and I might be able to knit without him attacking my yarn. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.  I'm looking forward to meeting up with my brother, returning the rental car, and beginning the family festivities.  Hope you are too!

Raining Cats...

Despite the drizzly, grey weather, I went for a long drive this morning to soak up rural Virginia. Lost myself on the country roads and saw this sweet dog playing King of the Mountain.  He even had a friend (just out of frame) looking up admiringly.The farms around Charlottesville are beautiful and varied: from horses to apples and everything in between.Grabbed lunch at a gourmet gas station (yes, I know that makes no sense but you just have to believe me) and returned to my sweet friend's house.  Came across her succulents enjoying the spritz in a pair of loved and repurposed boots.

AND Just the other week, I was reading about conserving water with rainwater reservoirs. Was so pleasantly surprised that my friend installed these water tanks under her gutters.  Although they aren't the most attractive addition to a house, they certainly would help save water and money.

Wish I had been able to take more photos of the countryside... but one really must be in the country to appreciate it.  Was glad I didn't let a little rain keep me inside today.  Off to watch "MILK" then have dinner with a wonderful old friend.    

Man's Best Friend

Received a sad phone call today.  My sweet bird dog Patt is being put down this evening.  The old girl is close to seventeen years old and her body has given out.

She will be missed.