This past Monday was a glorious day. We have already bid our farewell to Summer, and have not welcomed Winter just yet. Our weather forecasters were predicting only a slight chance of rain (with sunny periods) so we had a quick discussion, and it was decided to give Ray an extra special walk.
What a wonderful day for him. He loves the cooler temperatures and is a “very bouncy boy” when on trails, so it was off to one of our local conservation areas! Ray was, as could be predicted, very happy to be sniffing his way along our route and seemingly analyzing every conceivable scent. It was just over a 6Km walk with a number of rather steep climbs, so we all got a bit of a workout. On the final climb, and while Carol and I were discussing the possibility that this hill was steeper than last time, Ray was just effortlessly taking it all in his bouncy stride (and pulling me!).
We couldn’t have such a lovely time without taking a pic …..
For recent Followers (thank you and welcome), there is a book “Who Said I was up for Adoption?”, which covers the first 18 months (an emotional roller coaster!) of having Ray live with us. Click on the book cover in right column (may have to scroll) for more information. All net profits will go to the Oakville & Milton Humane Society who rescued Ray, and worked with him for 3 months in order to make him a feasible adoption candidate!
A New Direction Perhaps? 
What a sweet, sweet picture!
About two months before Lena left this world, a friend took me as a thank you present to a “Paint with a Twist” venue. This particular class was to paint (in acrylics) from a photo of your pet. My friend took the photo for me, and we sent it in, where the teachers sketched it out. I am so happy now I have that painting. I hung it on the Sunroom wall.
Freesia in the meantime is endearing herself to us more and more each day.
Give Ray a hug from Free
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A friend of mine from way back took it upon herself to take drawing lessons (she was always good at sketching), and at the end of her program she wanted to do a sketch of Ray and asked me to send a photo of him. The end result was really impressive and is now framed and hanging. Isn’t it nice to see a pic of a loved one on display.
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Link below takes you to a Post which includes the earlier mentioned drawing!
https://meandray.com/2016/05/05/you-just-never-know/
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Sure is!
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🙂
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You both look energized and ready to go.
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This was near the end of our walk and we WERE energized … to get back in the car and stop at Tim Hortons on the way home! 🙂
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With his heavy coat, he must be in heaven! Sounds like a lovely romp for everyone. Great picture.
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He loves Winter!
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Oh, I can relate to that so well. Those rather unexpected and spontaneous occasions are treasured. So glad you could have this beautiful walk with Ray. Btw. I am always using the stairs (5 stories) for getting into my office. Every morning I think that the stairs are a little longer than the last time… lol
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Yes you have to be so careful with stairs as they change from day to day! 🙂
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Those mischievious stairs 😄
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Yes … you just can’t trust them. 🙂
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Not at all… Hogwarts is real… lol
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Absolutely! Who could possibly believe otherwise? 🙂
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Exactly! Proved 👍😄
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🙂
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It looks like a nice place for all of you to walk in, Colin.
Ray looks very happy 😀
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Hi Irene – It’s a lovely area because the trail goes down to the river and then follows it. There is a bridge at each end so a “round trip” is available, which is what we did. Finally, apart from trail maintenance, the whole area is left to “do its own thing”! Needless to say, Ray loves it there. 🙂
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I’m very sure, that my Odin would love a walk there too, Colin 😀
We can’t walk so far any longer, not without reasonable breaks, as Odin has Hip Dysplasia and this is developing fast. We can’t walk longer than max an half hour. Lucky Ray 😀
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🙂
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Great photo Colin and Ray! It really is a beautiful time of year. I have a Hill on our regular walking route that I too swear gets steeper by the day. It couldn’t be these wobbly old knees of mine could it? 😉. Enjoy the season!
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Always nice to hear from you Michael. 🙂
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I love that pic, with the fall colors and silver tree trunks, behind you.
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Our town has a large ravine with creek running through it. For all the political nonsense we read about daily, somebody in our town’s history decided that the creek and its banks on both sides should be designated a conservation area, and not allow any development. Such a wonderful concept which we now enjoy! 🙂
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That person had great foresight. I appreciate people like that, every time I enjoy an area that’s been placed off-limits to development.
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Yes … they do however appear to be a rarity, but we must appreciate anybody who sees beyond $$$$$$s! 🙂
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That is great about them designating it a conservation area. The first house we moved to we had a beautiful view from our backyard of farmland. Gave a peaceful feeling, but years down the road it got all built up and we had houses pretty much in our backyard. Moved to the house we are in now and once again had a lovely view, kind of like Moonbeam Farm, and once again it got all built up! But we do have woods close by to go too!
I love Ray’s expression in this picture, with his head tilted a little. He is such a handsome model every time! 🙂
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Yes he poses very well! 🙂
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That guy beside him poses well too. It is a good picture of both of you. 🙂
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I’ll be sure to let him know. Thank you.
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🙂
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Looking good, guys!
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Thank you Monika. Just doing the best with what we have … and neither of us getting any younger! 🙂
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Neither of you look any worse for the wear. 🙂
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🙂
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