Ring-of-Fire Eclipse

Photography books say to take pictures in the early morning or during low evening sun. Today we has a 6:30 pm, ring-of-fire eclipse. I decided to see how taking a picture with the long solar rays would turn out so, five minutes before total eclipse I gathered the dogs.

During the last five minutes, the sky got really cloudy, which actually made viewing quite easy. This picture was taken during the total eclipse. The clouds obscured the other half of the ring.

Here is another as the moon moved away quickly followed by the clouds making any further pictures impossible.

Week 5 - 27"!

Cedar seems to be growing as fast as spring grass - and moves around about as much. Her waist is now 27".

Cedar's National Chinook Champion of Champions trophy is finally engraved. I decided to take a picture of her with it before it's shipped to Kalamazoo. She was not in favor of leaving the comfort of the dog couch for the photo-op so I perched it against her as she laid there.  
 "OK mom, can I go back to sleep now?"

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day from my kids.

McKenzie with son Willy

 pregnant Cedar with daughter Koyuk

Kitty with best friend Koyuk

Cedar Is Now 4 Weeks Pregnant

Cedar has reached the halfway point of her pregnancy. Her waist measures 25.5". Lying in the sun is her favorite activity. 

everyone enjoying the sun (but not posing)

Cedar with beautiful daughter Koyuk

Spotted Owl Habitat

All day yesterday and this morning we had representatives from US Dept. Agriculture, Oregon State Forestry, Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife, Federal Soils Management, and the Federal biologist in charge of the spotted owl restoration wandering around our family property and meeting with us. 

Spotted Owl

The dogs and I really enjoyed walking with them and seeing the property from a totally ecological perspective. Bets of pop and beer flew around as to the age of the trees. 

This Douglas Fir is 60 years old

This 10" diameter Douglas Fir entwined by the oak that stunted it's growth is over 100 years old. 

This Douglas Fir is 36 years old.

I find it exciting that we may become a designated Federal Spotted Owl Habitat even though the spotted owl is the nemesis of the Oregon wood products industry. According to the forester, in the 1980's, our county produced more lumber than anywhere else in the US. Now there are very few trees harvested. Only a handful of mills exist in all of Oregon. Whole towns have disappeared. All blamed on the endangered spotted owl. The general populous feeling is that if the owl completely dies off, logging can resume. I have always seen the owl as the canary in the cave. Only a very healthy ecosystem can support the spotted owl. I am proud of my husband's family for fostering our properties environment and allowing it to become a designated Spotted Owl Habitat. 

Spring is Finally Here

Cold full moon last night and a cold bright morning this morning. Spring is finally here. For the dogs it was a lazy day munching cow hoofs on the grass and showing off to visitors. Dave and I continued the winter clean up; met with future Chinook owners (I think Koyuk might have closed the deal by giving her best doe eyes as she tried to get in their car. "These are good people. Chinooks could live with them.") and sent Lupin home. 

Lupin enjoying lying the sun.

Willy, McKenzie and Koyuk preferred the shade.

 McKenzie is also a huge fan of the hot patio. 

Anna is back and just the right height for McKenzie kisses.

 Anna and the dogs.

"Oh Yea. Life is good!"

Cedar Looking Pregnant

Cedar is loosing her waistline. She is now 24 1/4" around - up from her trim 23 1/2".  The milkbar is starting to fill and she is loosing belly fur. Supine is her favorite position. All of the dogs took turns snuggling with her today.             

                       Willy sharing the dog couch warmth.

My tulips are about spent for the season. Today's bathroom bouquet.