Linda 365/365

In the past year, you've seen me go from living on my own with a 9-year-old
German Shepherd to living with this precious man and two young pups. Thanks
to you terrific Envisage 365 ladies for letting me share my life with you
while at the same time giving me a glimpse into yours. And a heartfelt
thanks to Sarah for bringing us all together. It's been an awesome
experience.

Linda 364/365

We went to the lake for a relaxing cruise on the pontoon boat. After
letting the dogs play on a deserted beach for a while, Rixi crashed for a
nap, but Katie kept watch at the front of the boat. I think they enjoyed
themselves as much as we did.

Linda 363/365

Enjoyed one of my favorite annual traditions today -- going to the State
Fair with my daughter. We had a lot of fun, and she even tolerated me
taking silly pics. Great afternoon!

Linda 362/365

Even though they popped straight up a few days ago, Rixi's right ear has a
bit of a lean to it today. Heidi had that same right ear leaning all of her
life (the vet said it was due to faulty muscle development). I've never
seen that characteristic in any other German Shepherd, so I like to think
it's a little "hello" from Heidi, which makes me smile.

Linda 361/365

The moon through the trees was stunning. It had pink tinges a little
earlier in the evening, and then turned to a nice shade of orange. My
camera will go up to a 54x zoom, but unfortunately, even with a tripod, I
still can't manage to get things perfectly in focus. Any tips?

Linda 360/365

Sweet little card reader. I can pop in the memory card from my camera, and
transfer pics MUCH faster than using the USB cable. It cost me a penny on
Amazon ($3 with shipping and handling). It's here: (
www.amazon.com/SDHC-Memory-Reader-Adapter-Smoke/dp/B000Z9....

Many thanks to my sister-in-law, Lynn, of Photographic State for turning me
on to it!

Linda 359/365

Evidence that I live in the country yet again (which I absolutely love).
The neighbors just doused their brush pile with gas and lit it. Can't get
away with that in the city!

Linda 358/365

I've never seen a vehicle with so many stickers all over it; sort of an
American theme, but not completely. I think I'd be embarrassed to drive it.

Linda 357/365

Clowning around with my daughter (who took off her seat belt just long enough to get her CDs). I took a 14-hour road trip to go retrieve her from
Arkansas. It was really nice to get to spend some time with her on the way back.

Linda 356/365

Both ears popped up today! Rixi isn't going to have that leaner like Heidi
always had (though I wouldn't have minded).

Linda 355/365

My guy went to a Rams game in St. Louis, and Katie just can't understand why
his truck isn't coming down the driveway at the usual time after work.
She's just over 3 months old now, and I think she's turning into a beautiful
dog.

Yes, I'm probably posting far too many puppy pictures, but looking back, I
regret not posting more pics of Heidi, so I'm not making that mistake
again. And besides that, a whole heck of a lot of my time does revolve
around the two pups, so it's still a pretty accurate reflection of my days!

Linda 354/365

Katie waits patiently for Rixi to wake up from her nap. Sometimes she plays a little too roughly with the youngster for my taste, but she's getting
better by the day. They already look for each other if they're separated
for any reason. Eventually, they'll be the best of buddies.

Linda 353/365

Supplies for my guy's birthday dinner. Live lobster, fresh artichokes, and
a lovely buttery chardonnay. Yum!

Linda 352/365

We had an all-day retreat for the faculty in my department out at Touch of
Nature. After lunch, I took a walk toward the lake, and came upon the
"chapel". A very peaceful spot.

Linda 351/365

"Touch-me-nots" are a fun wildflower in the late summer. Though these
aren't quite there yet, when the seed capsules mature, they literally
explode when touched, sending seeds flying for several feet.

Linda 350/365

Meet Rixi, our new German Shepherd puppy. She's a little sweetheart, though
she's feisty enough to stand up to Katie (who is about 3 times her size).
She has a place in my heart already.

Linda 349/365

Something has been eating the ripe sweet corn in the garden, and this is the
likely culprit. It's is the third raccoon my guy has trapped and relocated
to the Jungle. I hope it's the last one, because I don't want to share any
more corn with critters!

Linda 348/365

Fresh haircut and new color. Three colors all over this time -- red,
blonde, and brown. I inherited the haircolor gene from my grandmother, and
sometimes my hairdresser has too much fun!

Linda 347/365

We went to Patti's restaurant in Kentucky for dinner. They have little
shops and gorgeous landscaping around the back of it, and I especially like
this water wheel. We had our first picture together taken in this very spot
in December of '07.

Linda 346/365

Project of the day: painted 3 exterior door frames. It looks so much
better; I certainly wish I'd done it when I moved in a year a half ago, but
at least it's spiffed up for my new tenants. I don't enjoy painting even
the least little bit.