Ivory's first TV appearance (in 1999!)

This is the first time Ivory was on television, way back in September of 1999. It was on Channel 8 in Richmond. It shows a few seconds of Ivory visiting kids at MCV:

Spring things I've not yet mentioned

Actually it's more flowers. More to the point, more smells. Of course they look beautiful too but in May in Richmond the smell is everywhere. I meant to put pictures of honeysuckle - the main smell source - in my last post. But here it is:

Honeysuckle
Lonicera Caprifolium

It almost looks garish when it's that close. But what a joy. If you think it's pretty to look at, you should try sticking your nose in a bunch.

Pony Pasture - and elsewhere - in May

Lots of trips down there this month; it's been stunning every trip. There are new flowers in bloom each time we go. Earlier this month - maybe even late April - the redbuds were blooming. Always a lovely early reminder that Spring is arriving. But now the honeysuckle is out in force and it smells so good you don't even want to stop long enough to exhale.

The above is of course not honeysuckle but it looks beautiful and smells heavenly. If you know what it is, drop me a line. Maybe it's some kind of wild blackberry or something. More later.

Skye's BFF's

Skye left this morning; unbelievable. Here are a pair of pictures of him with his BFF's:

April in Richmond - there's no improving it

How much is that kitty in the window?

Roux at the River

Table for two, please - Bottom's Up
Friday, April 24, 2009

A couple more pictures from the Maple Festival:

Click on the pictures to see larger versions:

Arrival in Monterey:


Watching sap being boiled for syrup (and holding stuffed huskies):

Getting ready to go home (still holding stuffed huskies):

Catching up on sleep (still holding stuffed husky and another unidentified stuffed animal):

Highland Maple Festival, 2009

Clare, me, Wren, Phoebe
Highland Inn
Monterey, VA

If someone told me that this year my nieces would be even more delightful company than they were last year I would have said "impossible." And yet this year they were even better. I don't know how they do it. They are first class companions for dining and travel.

Hard to believe it snowed a week ago...

...and Saturday we did our first AT campout of 2009! And it was in the seventies! Ivory, Mackey and Max were, as ever, superb:

Mackey (in the background)
Ivory, Max (on the leash)
Saturday afternoon

Ivory "conserving energy",
Max, Mackey
At the shelter - Sunday morning

Hiking out on Sunday

First big snow of 2009

Unfortunately I only took a few good pictures of the dogs, although we went for a great hike at Pony Pasture at 10:00 on Monday, March 9. It had started snowing in the evening on Sunday, March 9 and was still snowing a little bit Monday morning. We got at least 6", maybe more. The dogs, as always, had a blast at Pony Pasture. For right now, just one quick picture - of course Ivory is the only one facing the camera. Roux and Mackey are facing away, and Max is out of the picture. More later. Have a great day,

Jay

Roux, Ivory, Mackey

Pony Pasture - Richmond, VA
Monday, March 10, 2009
~10:30 AM

Two cats in February

Dash is orange and my cat, Kite is not orange and Alex's cat. They're both neutered males, ~1.5 to 2 years old. And adorable. They are very wide-eyed. This was on February 17, 2009.