Another Year Ends

This was not the way I expected or wanted this year to end... At the vet :(
During our morning routine I noticed some bloody prints on the kitchen floor and found the trouble between Geisha's toes. I think her having one of her toes stuck under a fence before we picked her up was a sign. That was on her right front paw as well. This year, she had cut the same paw (top) at a lure coursing practice, dislocated the outer pinky toe of her left rear and then just before Christmas the same toe on her right rear. Those I was able to pop back in place, tape up and let heal, but the cuts I prefer to have checked out by a professional.

She's very well behaved at the vet's office and a good girl leaving her wraps alone at home. We still have some of the balloon boots to prevent it from getting wet or dirty outside. We'll see how long it takes to heal up. It's in a really bad spot. I guess, the little hike we had planned for tomorrow will have to wait...
I wonder, is it actually better the year ends this way, than having it start like this tomorrow?

Lexington Horse Show

Back in November, our neighbor Brenda and I went down to Lexington to watch the first day of the SWVHJA Annual Horse Show.

Nice sunshine, but so cold! Forgot the camera as well, so just a couple blurry shots with my phone... It was very interesting though to see this. For me it's a very different kind of horse jumping event.

I'll keep on working on my posture, heels down over the fence, let the horse go a bit more and shorten the reigns :)

Birds

 Cardinal male

 and female

 checking out the exits

 or entrances

 Blue Jay with seed

 aiming in

 2 woodpeckers

a group of Starlings (?)

Happy Holidays

fall lure coursing

Our last lure coursing practice for 2013 was at the beginning of November. Geisha did a very good job with her start and Kenzo was as enthusiastic as always :)

 Love it, when they look like they are flying!

 The Scottish Deerhound went BIF that day.

 Waiting for the training runs, we were watching little Roxie - a cute puppy out of Ashley a Timbreblue Whippet.

Thanksgiving

It's been a while and the next holiday is already knocking on our doors already. Thanksgiving was a lovely get together with an old friend I grew up with. Andrea's here for an internship at the Austrian embassy in DC, and was able to come visit us with a friend for the holidays.
Andrea and Carla arrived Thursday just in time for a traditional Turkey dinner - yummm!

Once we settled on the couch, there was a 2nd welcome - in their faces! Thanks Geisha for leaving such a great impression :)

 Friday we decided to get moving up the mountain.

 Although getting there wasn't too easy, as the roads were closed due to some snow...

 we made the best of it and hiked as far as we could.

 Overall, we were blessed with fabulous sunny weather, just a little chilly in the shade.

 Afterwards, we hit old town Charlottesville and stayed till the Christmas tree was lit.

 Andrea managed to get a great shot of Geisha in disguise as statue.

 It was so nice sharing the holidays with the 2 of you! Thanks so much for coming!

hm...

I guess I should dust there... just a little...

although, the paw print is just too cute to wipe up :)

what is going on?

Playing

Looking

Then slowly checking what's happening

always alert :)

outdoor life

 We had 2 ginormous sunflowers in the front beds bloom up. It took quite a while, but was worth it!

 A long legged spider in the back... pretty netting and interesting color pattern

 Most interesting were the caterpillars on my parsley.

They started small and black with a white stripe and dots.

One was greenish though.

Not different, just ahead of the others as I found out later.

With the change in color and size, their appetite came along too...

 Only a couple are left. I hope we'll get to see, what they end up becoming. Supposedly a Swallowtail.
 A rare visitor spotted by Geisha yesterday.

 Fall has aproached fast and winter is coming too!

tactics

 some feed to eat

 I try to eat while managing my monkey

 let's see, if I can take a bite

 doable

I think, he's wondering where the food went... LOL

My Best Friend

I only hope, she doesn't squish him completely at some point...

Too cute!

early in the morning

we all still need a nap :)

good, that we turned back time this weekend!

Kitten-model

first days of frost in the morning.. it's getting colder and some don't have sufficien hair to warm themselves...

it's all about Football

Even in the park

 The purple power was a bit too strong for 1 Steelers fan though

 I tested my balancing skills and ended up dry :) woo hoo!

 At home, Kobe is a good supporter.

 If you watch, or not, doesn't matter though...