A Saturday, Sunny Side Up.

Some days you just need to pack up your sister and your Schnoodle and head out to the coast.

Start out with the biggest cup of coffee you can find, and hit the beach.

Begin up on the bluffs. 

Wind whipping your hair everywhere, crisp February skies bright with sunshine and wispy clouds.

Then mosey down the hill onto the sand. Fluffy, soft, each footstep making divits as you walk.

Let the schnoodle off her leash, and into her happiest place.

Freedom. 

Make sure you bring a ball. She knows it's in your purse. 

That's why she's jumping on your leg.

Throw it.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Rinse. Repeat.

Watch the crashing waves.

They are huge right now.

The foam sneaks up on you.

But if you're listening, you'll hear it and run out of the way just in time.

Did you stop throwing the ball?

You better get back to it. 

Far as you can.

Farther. 

A little more left.

A little more right.

The Schnoodle runs after it, and a cloud of sand poofs up around her as she stops the roll.

She'll snort, and huff to get the sand out of her nostrils.

But immediately turn around and return the ball to you.

That's what you're here for.

Isn't it?

Watch out for other pups.

The Schnoodle just wants her space. 

Plop down in the damp sand. 

Let the Schnoodle curl up in your lap.

She isn't much of a cuddler, but any serious game of fetch requires a momentary breather.

She's ready.

Throw it again already.

Hurry.

Throw it.

Now.

Okay, and again.

And again.

And again.

Again, again, again.

If she could speak one word of English, it would have to be "again".

Make her carry her ball back.

Constantly looking up at you with a sandy muzzle.

Inquisitive eyes, won't you throw this for me, or do I have to keep carrying it?

Yep, keep carrying it.

And then you carry her. 

Up to the car.

Beach party is over.

Towel her down with a spare blanket, and let her curl up in the back seat.

The day has only begun...

Just a Few Happy Things

Just a few things I love this week...

First off, Monday was a holiday.

Which means the work week is only 4 days - can I get a hip-hooray?

This bunny dog romping through the clover.

Making sure there are no squirrels in her back yard.

I caught a little bit of a sunrise sky party over my building on Tuesday morning.

The pink blossoms arrived.

I look for them every February.

Last year they were here the week of Valentine's day.

This year, they decided to show up a little later.

They don't last long - so enjoy them while you can.

 

 I have been on the hunt for the most adorable bow ring for months.

Kate Spade has a gorgeous few to choose from, but I never could pull the trigger.

Instead I found this gem on groopdealz for a steal of a deal.

Bow Rings are never Bo-Ring.

 

I had a very happy visitor at work yesterday.
She made me the most beautiful butterfly sticker collage.

Tell me, what little bits of sunshine you have been finding in your days this week?

Grover Cleveland Celebration Ride: A Golden Gate Park Adventure

I had yesterday off to celebrate and honor the Presidents.
I don't need to get all political and worry about Bush, Obama, Reagan, or Clinton.
FDR, JFK, or JQA.

No, my favorite president is Grover Cleveland.

And with a day off on the calendar, I had to plan some sort of adventure.
It's for the presidents, you know?

I put in the request with my dad and sister to do something active.
Dad suggested riding around Golden Gate Park, and believe it or not, I have not done much exploring there at all.
The most I have been in recent years was the tail end of the Nike Women's Half Marathon.

I only recently found out there were Bison (yes, Bison!) in the park a couple years ago. We got to jog past them during the Half, and I got a quick pic. But I really wanted to go check them out more.

So the three of us loaded up our bikes (well, Dad and I did the loading) and we hit the City.

It was chilly. A lot chillier than my last adventure on two wheels.

Hence the hoodie over the helmet.

A helmie?

Hoodmet?

Despite the chilly weather, the day was great for riding, as JFK Blvd was blocked off from cars, which made our swervy riding, and last minute turn arounds for photo ops much easier.

Like for the Conservatory of Flowers.

And for amazing views of Twin Peaks.

And an adorable hidden carousel. 

And then lunch. With these two goofs.

Sweet potato fries all around. 

And then the sun did its best to peek out a bit.

A few blue skies here and there.

And meeting my one request, a bison sighting.

And from here, things went a little bit downhill.

And by downhill, I mean I lost my dad and sister. They were a little bit ahead of me and I hit a fork in the road and couldn't tell which way they went.

(hint: downhill)

So I waited.

And SOS texted and called. And they came back and got me. 

PHEW.

And then we went on unpaved paths.

And I almost fell off my bike once.

But, I'm an almost falling off survivor.

And here to tell the tale.

And take more pictures. 

Of course.

We explored the Polo Fields.

And waterfalls.

And finally ICE CREAM.

From an Ice Cream truck.

That took 15 minutes to get.

And wasn't cheap.

And then ended up a top heavy sea salted chocolate dipped mess on the concrete.

But Dad and Laura shared.

Their toffee sundaes were way more delicious anyway

And we still ended the day with smiles.

And a few more gorgeous sights.

I am happy to have windchapped cheeks and another "backyard adventure" in San Francisco is in the books.

It was a great one.

(But really, when aren't they!)

It's a Dog's Life

This girl has it good. 

She has 4+ humans who dote on her 24/7.

One whose "full time job" is to take her on walks, to the doggy park, and many other adventures. 

(Hint, it's my dad)

She waits by the door everyday at noon, because most days that's when I'll show up and feed her some Shredded Wheat.

And once I'm there, she'll go back to sitting by the door hoping someone ELSE will come over too to feed play with her.

Her temperament is sweet and she puts up with a lot.

So, she does EARN her treats.

  

She has a best bud, a companion, a shadow, who doesn't like to eat, so she gets plenty of leftovers.

She's not much of a cuddler. 

But that doesn't stop me.

The front yard is her personal playground for romping around and enjoying the sunshine.

She runs the neighborhood.

And brings smiles to all those she meets.

Forget diamonds, she's my best friend.

{end crazy dog lady post here}

10 on 10: February 2013

6's

waking.

7's 

hydrating.

8's 

fueling.

9's

helping.

10's

corralling. 

11's

lunching.

12's

experiencing.

1's

antiquing. 

 2's

shopping.

3's

napping.

Linking up with Rebekah!