A shortened walk

I don't walk every day, but I do try to walk on a regular basis. Now that vacation is over and everyone is back to their work/school routine I decided to get back into my routine.

So Moriah and I headed out this morning.  I was going to head down to the road to extend my walk time and distance until I noticed an "extra" with us. 

Silly Thor. He's more like a dog than a cat sometimes. Maybe that's why he's my favorite. 

So we shortened our walk and stayed away from the road since Thor decided he would join us for the whole walk

Well, it was a nice walk even though it was shorter. I had good company.

We went anyway

It was starting to sprinkle as we left the house, but we went anyway. 

We hadn't been to the river yet this year. And it was a good time to get out of the house for some fresh air and a Sabbath afternoon walk.

I didn't think we'd stay to long. It looked like rain on the way and it was windy and not real warm.

Love the layers.

Austin thought ahead and brought our kite! This kite has some history. A special friend of ours use to fly it with Travis and Tyler when they were young. The three of them would head to his car after church and fly it in the parking lot. When we moved away almost sixteen years ago he gave it to the boys.

Right after this, the wind started whipping the kite around visciously until the string snapped. Duane had to make a run for it as the kite blew and tumbled down toward the river. Fortunately he was able to rescue our precious keepsake.

I love looking at all the rocks; the various shapes, sizes and colors are fascinating.

Man's best friend. Actually you'll see evidence in a moment that this dog happens to be "woman's" best friend;)

Ahhhh.....dog hug!

Let me.......

.....go!

And she's off! Gotta go see "mom"! Silly girl.

One more. I like it, they're both smiling.

Time to head home. It was windy and chilly, but I'm glad we went anyway.

Losses

First there were three, then there were two, now there is one.

I can't believe we've gone from three active, wonderful watchdogs down to one in a span of six months.

Jack was always the family favorite, having grown up with the boys. So it was a terrible blow to the whole family when he got cancer and had to be put down last summer. Moriah has always been "my" dog and very attached to me since I raised her from a pup. Echo came to us as an adult. She's been a handful and not always cooperative and obedient. But overall she has been a good girl, super watchdog, excellent walking partner and loved by everybody that met her. I am sad she died and she will be missed around her for sure. But I feel bad mostly for Moriah. She's lost her two best buds. I know she will be lonesome. She has nobody to romp and play, explore the woods and bark at the cars with.

Tonight I went out the garage door to do my evening chores (feeding horses and dogs). Moriah was waiting for me as I lifted the door, then headed straight over to where Echo was (still laying) on the porch (covered up). (Duane had covered her when he found her after work since he couldn't do anything with her tonight. We'll have to bury her tomorrow.) Poor Moriah, she sniffed Echo, nosed around on her and whined like she was trying to tell me something was wrong with her friend. It was heartbreaking to watch.

Tomorrow we will bury the big girl and spend some extra time with Moriah. Unfortunately, losses are a part of life. Not a good part, but a part of this sin sick world. I'm thankful God has a better place He is preparing for us all. And there will "be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain".