SkyWatch Friday: Along the Boardwalk

Another 'Flashback Friday' photo from last year about this same time, when Nik and I were taking a late spring hike along the Simmons Woods boardwalk. This year the marsh and trees are no where near as green as this picture shows them to be... but at least the sky is blue and the sun is shining!

See more SkyWatch Friday photos here.

A Romp in the Park

Winter can't keep Nik down.  She loves the snow and loves to hike, so off to Balmer Park we go! Beyond the playground are the woods and bare cornfields, where her nose will be on the trail of deer and rabbits, and other critters.

Winter Trails

Another snowy, tree-lined path that Nik and I love to hike. This one borders the Broken Hill subdivision. Just lovely - however, we definitely got our exercise since we were the first visitors to blaze the trail, and the snow was still almost knee-deep in some places. I think I'm investing in some snowshoes for next year...and maybe a little sled for Nik!

Don't Worry About It...

...Nik & I weren't planning on doing any trespassing or swimming at the pond on this day. With single-digit windchill temps, it was highly unlikely!

Meeting Her Match

During our walk on Sunday afternoon, Nik and I passed by George's barn on the corner of Swan & Lindsay roads. His little miniature horse called "Patches" was out, and Nik was more than a little curious, as they had never met before. Nik is familiar with regular horses that we meet on the Ryan Road trails, and gives them a wide path. She's also met George's goats and shows no real interest in them. Patches, however, is very friendly and and more her size. They sniffed noses and Nik's tail wagged happily. As we left to continue on our walk, Nik looked back and did her "Woo-Roo" bark, as if to say good-bye.

Walking the Dog on Lake Drive

Kate & Nik going down the steps to the walking path next to Lake Michigan in downtown Milwaukee.

Scoff-Law

I think the picture says it all. Oh, the dejection!....perhaps this is where the expression "hang-dog" look comes from?

Nik and I often walk up to Balmer Park, and if no one is around, we'll stroll the perimeter. The majority of space is given to playground equipment, tennis & basketball courts, a soccer field, and a softball field, but we avoid those areas and stick next to the woods along the road. (And I am very diligent about picking up after her.) After all, as she says, dogs are people, too.

Dog-Walkin'

In keeping with June's theme of "feet"...

During a hike back in April, I was trying to find something that would suggest spring. Subject matter was hard to find as, even though the sun was out, it was still rather brown and gray all around the park. For lack of anything better, I decided to get a few shots of Nik - and in doing so, got my shadow and my foot in the picture!

Wake Me When Dinner's Ready

No need for sleep-aids for this dog. When Nik's out, she's OUT like a light! Although her little dog bed is comfy, she prefers to curl up on the sofa now and then & I don't have the heart to disturb her. She could probably sleep through an earthquake. However, if she hears the faint rustle from a bag of chips, she's out to the kitchen like a shot!

Dogs & Cats Living Together

Both Nik and Phoebe have a little touch of cabin fever. Usually, they give each other a wide berth but lately they've been waiting in ambush for each other or jockeying for position over the few spots of sun in the house. Recently, while I was playing ball with the dog, Phoebe surprised us all by chasing it, too. I just had to share the "best butts" shot!

Eventually, they both just looked at the ball - and then at each other - and then walked away. Not worth the effort when there are beams of sun to absorb...(see below.)

Snow Day!

We had another 8 inches of snow here yesterday and so Nik and I took a walk in the tree line behind our house. Following the path through these Colorado Spruce trees felt like being in a Christmas card!

Waiting for Spring

Nik sits quietly in her favorite spot, watching out our patio door windows. Often just after dark or right before dawn she will give several warning barks and we'll see that deer have wandered right up to the patio crabapple tree. Their tracks indicate the back tree line is a well-trodden path.

After last weekend's February thaw (we made it up into the 50's!) much of the snow has melted. However, reality has set in the past few days and we have gone back down into the 20's. Plus, the weathermen are predicting 2 or 3 more inches of snow tomorrow for Valentine's Day.

Sunbathing

After our walk the other day, Nik, our 5 yr. old black & tan Shiba Inu, still wanted to stay outside. She promptly plopped herself down on the front yard - right in the snow! - and basked in the "balmy" 30+ degree weather. Even a pup has to take every chance she can to enjoy the sunshine!