My happy thought

Graham at One Man’s Travels issues a monthly photography challenge and November’s challenge is “Happiness”.  Each photograph should represent something that makes you feel happy.  One of my happy thoughts are my two pups, Buddy and Buster.  Buddy is approaching three years old and Buster will soon be one.   I tried to get these two to sit down side by side.  Yeah, it wasn’t happening.

Buster and I had to take a trip to the vet yesterday.  Thanksgiving day both of his eyes were looking pretty red, but I just figured it was because we went to bed at 1:30 am the night before and got up at 6:00 am Thursday morning.  With company and another dog, there was lots of excitement for both dogs.  Friday he slept all day and didn’t want to play catch, which is highly unusal.  By the afternoon I noticed both of his eyes were rather goopy so off to the vet we went.  He has ulcerations in both eyes, probably from playing too hard with Buddy.  Home we came with four different meds and he seems to be feeling much better today.  We’ll have to go back to the vet on Monday for a glaucoma test and to see if there is improvement and healing.  I sure hope so.  It is amazing how much you worry about a furry companion, especially when they can’t tell you what is wrong.

All’s good with Buddy!!  Yay!

This is the final image for November in Black and White, a challenge issued by Maya at Springtree Road - click here for more info and more wonderful photos.  For those of you enjoying the black and white images, never fear, there will be more to come.

Food galore and stuffed tummys, too

Yesterday was a very good day.  My son, E, brought a couple of his friends home with him to spend the day.  They were a lot of fun.  They are a young couple and are expecting their first child.  They are six months along and already know that they are having a girl and have her name all picked out – I love their choice.  I love the way they talk about her and talk to her with love and joy and anticipation in their voices. 

That is what love and thanksgiving is all about. 

Another photo for Maya’s challenge at Springtree Road to post November photos in black and white – click here for more info and more wonderful photos.

Beauty in a drop of water

Today is Thanksgiving, a day of giving thanks.  I am thankful today for N & H and E.  I am thankful for my mom (and I’m not sure how I forgot her – thanks, Mom).  I am thankful for Buddy and Buster…most days.  (I’m kidding – every day!!)  I am thankful for a roof over my head, groceries in the pantry, and a good job.   I’m thankful for my camera, which has allowed me to get to know quite a few wonderful people through their comments (although none in person…yet).  I’m also thankful for the camera because it has allowed me to find beauty in simple things, such as this drop of water.  It has opened my eyes to the world around me, be it my backyard, my place of employment or places where I get to visit.  There is beauty everywhere, if we are just willing to open our eyes and minds to it.

I’m wishing you a day of beauty and thanksgiving (and safe travel) with your family, friends, pets, or even a complete stranger…Happy Thanksgiving.

[Another photo for Maya’s challenge at Springtree Road to post November photos in black and white - click here for more info and more wonderful photos.  Yes, this one is sepia, but it was taken in black/white.]

The last of the leaves on the trees

I have today off from work – actually the rest of the week.  Yay!!  I stopped and bought groceries last night after work in anticipation of Thanksgiving.  Lots and lots of groceries.  My son will be doing most of the cooking when he gets here on Thursday morning with a couple of friends, but today I will be baking pies and bread.  And cleaning.  Lots and lots of cleaning. 

For the first time in quite a while we will be having a traditional Thanksgiving meal, with turkey and stuffing, mashed potaotes, green bean casserole, scalloped corn, etc.  Except my son will be putting his own spin on things.  He’ll be cutting the breast off the bone, tying it together and roasting it and then poaching the legs and thighs in oil – low and slow, not fried hot.  A turkey confit, if you will.

My other son and his girlfriend will be spending Thanksgiving at her parents, since they were here last year.  I remember having to split the holiday, but our parents lived in the same town!  It was more of an afternoon at one place and the evening at the other.  They will be stopping through town for a short visit on Sunday on their way back home.  That’ll be nice.

So what are your plans?  Traveling?  Staying home?  Cooking?  Going out to eat?  Friends and family?  Volunteering?

Another photo for Maya’s challenge at Springtree Road to post November photos in black and white – click here for more info and more wonderful photos.