Getting Out

Yesterday was a beautiful day. The sky was clear, the wind was hardly blowing and although it was still chilly there was enough warmth from the sun that we needed to run the A/C in the car. We have been taking care of Frankie and Erica and Geoff got home from their vacation yesterday. So, we decided to drive Frankie home ourselves. It was a lovely day and it had been several weeks since we had ventured very far. It was so good to see leaves appearing on the trees, blossoms starting to reveal themselves and lovely daffodils all along the roadside.

Frankie was one excited dog to get home. Bentley, who loves to visit Erica, was also excited to be there. Erica fixed us a quiet dinner and we were on our way back to Delaware.

I took my camera out and starting taking pictures as we proceeded home. I am still (probably will be for a long time) learning how to use my new camera but it was fun just pushing the button. I will post more of the photos later. Here are a couple of Bentley I took by just pointing the camera to the back. I had no idea if he was in focus or not.

The front window was open a bit bit for him to have more air so his hair looks slicked back. He was quite put off by the fact that he was not allowed to ride up front with us.

Here, he has turned his head to watch out the window. He is looking at the Chesapeake Bay as we cross on the Bay Bridge.

Christmas 2008

I was so very late in getting all the details for Christmas completed this year. But, it came with very few snags and was a great holiday for us. Erica, Geoff and Frankie spent the long weekend with us and we enjoyed their being with us very much. Here are a few pictures as evidence of the excellent holiday.

The tree is all decorated and there are lots of presents beneath it.

Our trees do not have an angel on top but there is always an angel on the tree. This angel has adorned our trees or mantels for many years now. Erica made it, as I remember, while she was in pre-school.

It's Christmas Eve and everyone is ready.

Geoff, Erica, Bentley and Frankie opening presents on Christmas morning.

We always get up early on Christmas morning (5:00 a.m.). Here you can see that most of the presents have been opened and it is still dark outside.

A trip to the beach was in order. Here we have Erica, Geoff and the dogs enjoying the outing.

Bentley usually doesn't enjoy the beach that much, but he enjoys running with Erica.

Bentley love Erica especially when she plays with him.

Woof to Geoff

Geoff is still away on his extended business trip. Erica and Frankie just wanted to give him a big woof out. They are anxious for his return next week.

Taking Frankie Home

Wednesday, I took Frankie back home. Erica was home from her trip and they missed each other. On the way over I marveled at the colors as I passed field after field lined with beautiful trees all changing colors. The above photo is of an area here in Delaware just before crossing into Maryland. Coming back yesterday I was able to see the trees in the morning light. They were even more beautiful.

Before I left yesterday Frankie was on the bed for his early morning rest. The first photo is of him just pondering (Erica had gone to work). The second is one I caught when I came back to bedroom to get dressed. There he was all snuggled down and hiding in the covers.

Hope you like the pictures Geoff.

Frankie Is Visiting

Since Erica and Geoff are both on business trips this week, Frankie came to stay with us for a few days. That's okay except he and Bentley both just sit in the living room waiting for Erica. The hardest part is trying to get they each outside at appropriate times. Both have selective hearing -- Frankie, the older and somewhat stubborn; and Bentley, the younger and still preferring to ignore some commands. Right now Frankie is woofing at the holiday flag waving outside the living room window. When he is finished I am sure Bentley will start.

They have been pretty good especially when the giant container of Tide liquid sailed off the the dryer and went crashing to floor leaving blue oozing liquid all over the utility room and hall. Each went running to their appropriate spot and did not move for a couple of hours.

Here are a couple of pictures for Geoff and Erica to enjoy while they are away.

Frankie in the living room.

Bentley pouting in his corner.

Summer is Coming to an End

The days are growing shorter, the temperature is moderating, and yesterday I saw a few signs of leaves changing colors. The weather has been beautiful yet there are subtle changes like crisper, cooling breezes. Last week at the "concert in the park" the temperature and breezes were almost perfect. Those of us who love fall were really enjoying that night. We'll go to the park tonight for the last of the season's concerts and to help with the Milton Clipper Express. This is a very short video of the train last week. What fun the people have with the train!

In other happenings of the Labor Day weekend, Erica and Geoff came over from Virginia. Erica helped (mostly did) paint our bedroom. What a great thing to have done. She and Geoff spent some time at the Dewey Beach and were able to swim and enjoy some the end of summer activities there. Here are some photos taken at the Iguana Grill. We had lunch there before they went back home. It was fun because we were able to take the doggies with us.

Erica is checking on Frankie and Bentley who are enjoying a bucket of ice water.

Ice cubes are one of Bentley's favorite treats. Here he thinks that ice water might even be better.

Frankie and Bentley sharing the treat.

Meanderings

This past weekend we enjoyed Erica spending some time with us as well as doing a couple of other things. While Bill attended to his docent duties for the Milton Historical Society, Erica and I (Bentley & Frankie came too) went to the Sidewalk Art Show (sponsored by the Milton Arts Guild) that was set up along Governor's Walk and into town. There were some great pieces but alas we did not purchase anything.

Here are some pictures taken along the walk.

The "Governors Walk" was so named to honor four Delaware governors and one Wyoming governor all born in Milton. It runs along the Broadkill River. This picture is from a spot near Union Street looking towards Wagamons Pond.

This is the spillway from Wagamons to the Broadkill. It is amazing to me the number of fishers we see at the pond.

I call this picture "Condemned" because that is what this building is. One of the realities of an older building on a weakened foundation along the river is condemnation. The building is slipping into the river. I wonder what stories these windows could tell.

Sunday we attended a barbecue for the historical society. Bill won a poster that he has been wanting. We saw Geoff and Mike when they collected Erica and Frankie. All in all a good weekend.

Mike and Bentley getting to know each other.

Sorry about that Bentley, but you can't go to Virginia with Frankie and Mike.

Geese on Wagamons

Warmer Weather and Four-Pawed Family

The last couple of days it has been in the high 70's. I have really been wanting to get out and do some yard work. But, alas, it is to cool off tonight and we go back to some colder temperatures for a few days. We have managed to open up the windows and air the place out a bit and went to Dover yesterday to get the car serviced. We took a different route, for us, home and really enjoyed the green starting to show in the fields of many of the farms. You can tell that some of the trees are getting ready to bud and there are a few daffodils up.

We are sitting our "grand doggie" while Erica and Geoff take a few days in London for their anniversary. It has been quite an experience dealing with our active puppy Bentley and the more senior Frankie. They are getting along quite well and even the cat is showing some signs of acceptance.

Today we decided to take the dogs to the beach. Since Frankie is from Miami he seemed to be quite energized by the activity. Bentley, on the other hand, did not like the stairs on the board walk and didn't seem to enjoy the beach as much as Frankie and Bill. For Bill, there are no bad days at the beach.

Here is Bill enjoying taking the "boys" down the water line.

Catch the wave action in this video I took.