Halloween Memories

It's the first Halloween without my Simon and I am remembering so many good times with him throughout our 36 years together.  Halloween was always such a fun night for us and we always dressed up and entertained anyone who came to our door for candy.

Simon could hold a pose long enough to make many a person think he was just a prop, and then when he finally moved he would join in with the laughter and shrieks that ensued!  

I don't know if we will ever end up with another sweet creature to share our life with, but my mind is now open after reading a recent post that was in our town's monthly newsletter.  Here it is below:

A Pet's Last Will

Before humans die, they write their will:  give their home and all they have to those they leave behind.  If my paws could do the same, this is what I would do.

To a poor and lonely stray I'd give:  my happy home, my bowl and cozy bed, soft pillows and all my toys, the lap which I loved so much and the hand that stroked my fur, and the sweet voice that spoke my name.  I would will to the sad, scared shelter dog the place I had in my human's loving heart, of which there seemed no bounds.  So when I die, please do not say, "I will never have a pet again, for the loss and pain is more than I can stand."  Instead, go find an unloved dog, one whose life has held no joy or hope and give my place to him.

This is the only thing I can give . . . the love I leave behind.  

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Happy Halloween everyone.  And to all you little gobblins out there stay safe and bring home lots of candy!

Focusing on My Distractions

Here's a photo that Henri took that I recently found on my camera.  I thought it was so simple and sweet and  for me it was a reminder of something I have not done in a long time.  While I am still sleeping, my dear husband has his own routine of sitting quietly by the window enjoying his first cup of coffee.  More and more I find myself distracted by Pinterest as I sip my coffee.  Looking at this photo I realized I needed to start giving equal time into finding inspiration from nature as well.  

Armed with our bicycles and camera we headed over to one of the carriage trails in Acadia National Park on a brisk yet sunny morning.  It had been a while since we rode our bikes and of course we ended up having to walk them up many of the long grades there.   I always sympathize whenever I see the horses pulling the carriages up these steep grades.

The shot below was Henri's idea and I had never tried this before, although I had always wanted to.  I used my bicycle seat to balance my camera while using a low speed setting on my camera to try to slow down the flow of the water.  He always has the ability to keep me focused, even though I may grumble and continue to be too distracted.

After a while though, it was me slowing down to catch a shot of this glistening web.  

And then one to capture the colors of this scenic vista along the trail. 

We enjoyed a bit of hiking too in the early morning mist.  

Being able to capture some pictures again for this blog helps keep me focused.  I thank you for bearing with me despite my long absence in between posts.  You all are the best!