Good Dog

Bailey Cornelius Twist

January 9, 2003 - March 14, 2014

Eleven years just doesn't seem like long enough to share life with such a good dog.

We first brought him home when we were still two young lovebirds with time and energy to give.

He patiently took a step to the side when kiddos entered the family

and never once batted his eyes at needing to welcome their little selves into his pack.

I could ascribe all the usual terms given to our canine family members... loyal, faithful, devoted. 

But he was also mellow, kind, brave, and just a little bit rebellious.

Bailey lived a double life, heading over to the neighbor's house each morning after we left for work.

We tried everything we possibly could to train him to stay home, afraid he was annoying them.

But then in an over the fence conversation, the neighbor told us that he always looked forward to Bailey coming over for "his morning biscuit".

We were telling him to stay home, but he was being rewarded for leaving. 

What's a dog to do?

As a result, he lived a twice-loved life,

and is survived not only by the four of us and his two BFFs Freaky and Strange (our black cats),

but also by our truck-driving neighbor and his Harley-riding son,

along with their elderly black lab Lincoln, and newly-rescued pit bull Pinky.

We will miss you, you old wiggle-butt dog.

Lately

There has been a Continual Riot of Color...

and fun times with Grandma...

The Bulldozer and Farmboy have been hard at play...

we've seen a little bit of Blue Sky...

and a Whole Lot of Rain...

there have been Walks in the Woods...

some Seasonal Stitching...

a Multitude of Mushrooms...

a depleted Garden overrun by Chickens...

Flower Beds putting out one last Burst of Effort...

and best of all, there has been time together...

I am thankful each and every day for the gifts I have been given in family, friends, home, and community (both local and cyber). May you also find thankfulness in the simple moments of your life.

Anniversary Tree 2013

Some of us are growing, some of us have a few more grey hairs, one of us is substantially smaller, thanks to the long illness of last winter, but all of us are more connected, more in love with each other, and can't imagine a better little family to be blessed with.

To read more about our Anniversary Tree, click here.

Lately

Japanese Iris, Crabapples, and Warm Afternoon Sun... Full Moon, Brilliant Colors, and Mushrooms the Size of Dessert Plates... Hydrangeas, Bananagrams, and the Frilly Underside of Fungii... Blazing Red, Autumn Barn, and Threads Pulled for a New Sampler... Playing Kids, Pearly Everlasting, and Black Kitty Fur Soaking in Final Rays of Sun.