Important Things We have Learned from Our Westie

So our big news is that we're new parents! We adopted a 5 1/2 year old Westie from the Westie Rescue of NJ and he is bringing us joy every minute. He's definitely the dog for us as he is quite the "mellow fellow" as David calls him. He's housebroken, patient, cuddly, not skittish about strange or loud sounds, loves everyone he meets and is as gentle as can be. He came to us with ear and eye infections and skin irritations but all that has cleared up in the past few weeks and he is one handsome boy! He's at the groomer for the first time today so we will see whether or not we recognize him when he comes home.

I'm amazed at what things we can learn (or relearn!) from animals. Here a few of the things we've learned from our wonderful Islay (EYE-la) Bear.

• Hold no grudges
• Trust unconditionally
• Find a way to tell people what you need even if you don't speak their language
  
• Don't settle for dry kibble
• Sit in the sunny spot when you need some Vitamin D
• Notice your surroundings - smell EVERYTHING!
• Barking is rarely necessary
• Live in the moment
• Nap often
• Be patient
• Grass can settle an upset tummy
• Leave a calling card wherever you go to let them know you've been to visit
• Celebrate the small things
• Be friendly to everyone
• Always be on the lookout for safe hiding places for precious things
• You're never too big to sit on someone's lap
• Eat only when you are hungry
• Let people know you love them
• Long walks are the best!
• Car rides are gateways to new adventures
• Seek out new adventures every day
• Stick close to whoever's in the kitchen
• Stretch first your front legs, then the back after a nap
• Smile for the camera
• Minimize the drama
• If you quietly stare at someone long enough they will notice you
• It doesn't have to be pretty as long as it's comfortable
• A little bacon makes everything taste better
• There's nothing like a good tummy rub
• Move things around in your room if you don't like where they put it after they leave
• Snuggling up with an old shirt can make you feel better if you miss someone
• Dad rocks!
• If it itches, scratch it!
• Don't be afraid to expose your soft underbelly every now and then
• It's fashionable to wear white all year 'round
• When you're done being petted, move to another spot nearby if they won't leave you alone.

July 4th activities

David barbecuing in the rain - how many of you have similar stories and pictures this June?! Luckily July 4th was a beautiful weekend and we were able to enjoy a picnic on the Tanglewood lawn while listening to the amazing Diana Krall with our weekend guests. The wine bottle and wine glass sticks from Wine Enthusiast that Bryan and Diane brought us drew many comments from fellow picnickers. For once we were the ones with the cool gadgets!! After the show, the Tanglewood folks delighted us all with some spectacular fireworks!! We were just missing the 1812 Overture or some other patriotic music playing in the background.

Herb Garden and Deck Railings!

Every day a little closer to done on the renovation. Last weekend my friends Bryan and Diane were up and they built me a wonderful herb garden.... right off the kitchen so I can see it every day and easily get to the herbs when cooking. Two kinds of thyme, rosemary, tarragon, basil, nasturtium, lavender, salvia, russian sage, and salad burnet! Yum!!

For weeks the contractors have been working on finishing the deck - we almost used the wood for an arc it has rained so much in June! But today the railings are going up and the cool wire ones so we preserve as much of our view as possible. Can't wait to stain it and move all the furniture up so we can have meals out there and relax in the sunshine that I just know must be coming.