Walkin' the dog

I promise to not constantly post about my dog because then this would be a blog about a dog, but I had a rather fabulous walk at Antietam National Battlefield with him the other day.  It was a rather nice day, well as nice as a day as we get right now.  It was in fact the first day of spring.  So we headed out on a trail near Burnside Bridge.  It was a great little trail that takes you down to Antietam Creek.  Max was so excited.  He really loves to walk.  So we walked and walked, taking in the almost spring like weather and we even saw some signs that perhaps spring is on its way.  We saw pink beauties and grape hyacinth.  Even some flowers I can't identify off the top of my head.  It was a great way to celebrate the first official day of spring and to truly enjoy being in Washington County (or as I like to call it WashCo).  I do love having this dog because I think of places in different ways.  Now I think about places I can go to take Max.  Places that he will love and be able to walk to his hearts content.  Well at least till I get tired of walking.  So here are a few pictures from our spring walk.  Enjoy.


Mac loves to look at the creek

One of my favorites, Spring Beauties

Max to the Max

I have failed to mention that we have a new farm member.  His name is Max and he is part beagle and part jack russell.  I kind of love the way everyone's eyes bug out a little when we say that.  He is a hit with folks as he has the most adorable face (yup, I'm biased) and tamazing eyes that you don't see everyday on a dog.  He has been a handful but we are all learning (with the help of puppy school) and I have a lot of hope he will be a good farm/kayaking/chicken-loving/ all-around dog!

Competitive Gardening

I recently was talking with a friend who is just beginning to garden in a community garden plot (which I LOVE) and apparently I over-shared and kind of scared her. Now she doesn't want to plant as much and I feel absolutely horrible.  I didn't mean to scare her.  I just was so excited and wanted to pass on all that I knew.   Sometimes I just get so excited and over-pet the cat (sweet Golden Girls reference).  So anyway, in trying to make up for this I come to find out that she is super competitive. She wants her garden to be better then the ones around her.   At first I scoffed at this notion.  "That's not what gardening is all about."  "Gardening should be peaceful and serene."  "One should know that gardening (and life) are a journey."

But wait....perhaps I was being a judgey gardener.  I mean all of those things are what I love about gardening, but that doesn't have to be the case for other people.  I suppose we all have different reasons for gardening and why shouldn't having the best garden be a reason.   So I say good for you my friend and I hope that your garden is successful and beautiful, and that there are many lessons learned and just know....MY GARDEN IS BETTER!!!!!!

PS here is a funny in honor of competitive gardening

cutest story ever

http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/28/us/yosemite-girl-nature/index.html?iref=allsearch

So for those of us who have spent time in public lands or in scouting this is the 11th commandment.  This also is such a good reminder of the power of a child....particularly a child in touch with their natural world.  My heart is full.