I'm getting back into the photographer swing, and the August challenge over at I Heart faces is perfect for me! The challenge is 'Pets' and I had three little hams running around the house begging for attention. Pickle was the most focused on giving me a charming smile though, so he wins!

Really?

"Mom, I'm trying to sleep an the camera is making way too much noise."

Quotography: Hobby

As you may know, I have a lot of hobbies. The one that has stuck with me the longest happens to have 4 legs and whinny. Ok, so there are 2 of them (Copper and Lyric;b). This week's Quotography theme really made me think of my pony babes, and I've always loved this quote.

Though it should say 'owning a horse' because riding is just the surface of it. I have had Copper for almost 14 years and Lyric for 12.5. For that past 4 years, Lyric has been un-rideable due to a movement disorder (stringhalt) that he developed. Copper has spent the last couple of years injured or painfully allergic to everything. It hasn't been easy, but you can't lay them aside or ignore them- they are my pony babes and I'm doing my best for them!

Spring is the Hair

Spring is rough. Two horses. Two dogs. One cat. All of them fluffy. Yesterday I could barely breath for a large portion of the day. *snorf* Today I've got allergy meds keeping me going, but I am wishing that shedding season (known to others as spring) will pass quickly!

And by fluffy... I mean fluffy. Each of the house critters was kind enough to pose for a photo with their pile of liberated fuzz yesterday after I groomed them. My furminator is my best friend right now!

Fifty50: Pickle

I love photo challenges, but you wouldn't know it from recent post. I admit it- I have fallen off the challenge bandwagon. For several months I had my days planned around what challenges were coming up and what photos I needed to capture, but... it was too much for me. Between work, pets, life (and I guess I should mention the husband), I just couldn't devote that much time to photo challenges.

But... then I realized  the joy of periodic and monthly photo challenges- yay! Over at Chase the Light, Tracey has a variety of fun and no pressure photo challenges to enjoy. This month she started her Fifty50 project which focuses on diptychs (she has a great explanation of what that is). So what did I take 2 photos of?

Pickle, of course!

Well, I was mostly focusing on his ears.

They kind of do their own thing, no matter what he wants them to do.

"Mom- I'm being serious. Stop playing with the clicking black thing and pet my belly!"

"What? These are my serious ears!"

Poor Pickle- he won't ever be taken seriously until he gets more graceful and learns to control his ears.

I hope that never happens!

The week in Pickle

Why do puppies grow so fast? It seems like he gets larger by the day. Right now, his head looks way smaller than his body should warrant- not sure if we are on an awkward puppy phase or if that is how he'll end up:).

And we still have no idea what he is- sometimes he looks like a long dog (Corgi, Daschund, etc) cross, and sometimes he doesn't.

But he pretty obviously adores his older brother. He has a habit of sitting on Chowder's head or feet. For the first 2 or 3 times this happens, Chow will move. After that, he just gives up and accepts the awkward cuddles.

And they do spend a lot of time cuddled. I think Chowder is pretty content with his new little brother. They spend a lot of time wearing each other out with viciousness. Then they curl up and make me smile!

Pepsi still does not know if she accepts this interloper, but she hasn't tried to eat his face yet, so I take that as a good thing.

Behold- Pickle!

ANNOUNCEMENT!!! I have prevailed! After months of sending emails with photos of cute adoptable puppies, squealing at opportune moments while web surfing and outright begging, Mr. Pony caved before my onslaught and we have added to our family!

Behold- Pickle!

Really, he is thrilled. Just tired. He came with a case of kennel cough, but that happens when you are a 10 week old puppy at an animal shelter!

No, we have no idea what he is. The shelter listed him as a collie mix, but his face looks a bit hound-ish, his paws are pretty big and his body seems slightly too long for his legs. But that could be an awkward puppy phase, not a breed trait. We'll find out as he grows {hopefully not to a giant size!}.

He spends a lot of time sleeping right now. And peeing on stuff- sometimes outside, sometimes not. *sigh* However, we are in the process of housebreaking and he is starting to get the hang of it. We were spoiled by Chowder, who came to us at 4 months old already housebroken- perfect {other than the parvo}.

Speaking of Chowder- he is learning to love his little puppy shadow. It might take a bit, but they are getting along. Of course, he does have his 'HOLY CRAP' moments.

But you can't really blame him- this is a big change and he is used to being the canine center of attention. No worries, he'll get used to it and we are giving him lots of attention!

Quiet weekend

Sushi lunch with a friend.

Snapshots for no reason.



Perusing paint colors for my next big project. I may even put a coat of primer on!

Finishing a good historical fiction read.

Maybe later I'll be useful and clean the house up, but for now I'm content to listen to music, coodle with critters and sip upon tea. Laziness can be lovely sometimes!

What is in store for your weekend?