Mid-Winter Woes

We have been having some really crazy weather over the last couple of weeks from below zero temps with record setting windchills to 50s with rain, sun, snow, ice, sleet, and freezing rain.  After the really cold temperatures we had, we were fortunate to get a really beautiful and warm Sunday last week so that the girls and I could get out of the house for some fresh air.   And any time we get weather like that on a weekend while we're at home, we head for the North Country Trail.

We were surprised to be the only ones out enjoying the afternoon in Marshall.  The trail was fairly clear at the start, but we did experience some rough spots along the way.  I was just thankful that despite the crazy pulling girls attached to my arm and all the birds we saw along the way, I didn't fall once!  The scenery was beautiful, and I was so happy to be out enjoying the 50 degree temperatures.

After our nice hike, we headed home to watch the Superbowl.  It was a great way to spend the day.

We started our week with Paige's trip to the vet for her check-up. It was a pretty exciting place for her and she loved all of the people!  She had a good report from the vet and can officially be adopted now.   Now we just wait for the perfect family to come along and fall in love!

We have spent time this week working on some obedience skills.  Paige has a little bit of a mischievous side and likes to find ways to get herself in trouble, but she is working hard on learning good behavior.  She's getting better every day.  Our biggest accomplishment this week was learning sit, and she has become quite a pro at it.  We're now working on stay, with much less success.  Life is way too exciting to sit still for long! Maddie and Peaches are enjoying the training sessions because they know all of the tricks and still get to practice and get treats.  It's a good way to exercise all of their minds in the really cold temps when we can't get outside for a walk. 

Even Bentley got involved in the fun one morning.  And Paige is happy to show off her skills any time there is food in my hands, but she is also learning to sit and wait to come in from outside.  She is a pretty quick learner and I'm excited to see what skills she'll learn this week!

 

Most of this week, we haven't been able to get out for many walks, so we are all getting a little stir-crazy.  Even though the temperatures were in the low to mid 20s, the sun was shining Saturday afternoon, so the girls and I headed down to Albion for a hike on the Riverwalk.  The trails were clear, the sun was warm, and the girls were excited to be out exploring.

Everyone was a little extra crazy since we hadn't been out much during the week.  Peaches was not on her best behavior and was especially disappointed with me when I made her sit down and listen to me.  She was showing her stubborn side a lot on this walk!

After our little talk, all the girls cooperated much better on our hike back to the car.  We hiked 3.1 miles and now have nearly 14 miles toward our 100 on the NCT for this year.  

We had a nice drive home, stopping for dinner along the way, and then settled in for the night to watch the Michigan vs. Michigan State hockey game. While I enjoyed the game, the girls preferred to get in a good nap.  Paige was particularly comfy! 

We spent our Sunday at home, spending a quiet day inside.  The girls snuggled in for a good long nap while I kept myself busy doing a whole lot of nothing. 

We don't spend many days like this so it's always nice to get a chance to relax and rejuvenate.  I was surprised at how well Paige settled down for the day.  And Miss Maddie was sound asleep, snoring away for most of the day.  Peaches was off pouting because Paige had stolen her spot on my lap.  Poor Peaches!

We did get out this afternoon for a quick walk around downtown as the snow began to fall.  It was a beautiful afternoon for a snowy winter walk, although Paige isn't much of a fan of snow on her paws.  As I sit here now, two of the three girls are snoring away, so I'd say it was a very successful weekend.  

A special note:  Earlier this week, we had two losses in our circle of friends and family.  

My uncle Jim, who has been married to my Aunt Ellen for 61 years, passed away on Tuesday.  He was a good man with a family who loved him very much and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  Sending lots of love to my cousins, Becky, Bob, and Julie and especially to my Aunt Ellen.  

In addition, our friends Barb and Tom lost their beloved GSP, Charlie, on Tuesday as well.  He was suffering and in much pain, and they made the difficult decision to let him go.  He was far too young to die and will are very saddened by his loss.  We enjoyed the times that we spent with Charlie and we will definitely miss having him around for our play dates.  It will be strange not having both Imke and Charlie around when we get together again in the Spring.  

God Speed to both Jim and Charlie...heaven gained two amazing angels this week.