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2023 - Walks with Elsa
I hope 2023 is treating you well... I am taking a one-year sabbatical and the newsletter is getting a facelift, so no monthly newsletter for the time being. If you'd like to follow my journey, check out this page, "2023", fresh with daily photographs.
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Welcoming a dog into your life can be life altering. I have been blessed with quite a few dogs in my lifetime, many of them "rescues", but who rescued who?
My current dog Elsa (age 3) is mostly "shepherd" and apparently shepherds have a reputation. Well deserved, I might add. She is bright, attentive, protective, affectionate, and STRONG willed. Her first year on the planet is not a total mystery, and sadly, was a year of people leaving her. I don't know all the details, but she bounced between homes and shelters multiple times; her written history accounts for at least 8 addresses in just 12 months. Needless to say she had some behaviors that needed to be addressed.
![Nov 4 - Sunset Trail morning view. The mountains are magnificent with the rising sun highlighting them. Nov 4 - Sunset Trail morning view. The mountains are magnificent with the rising sun highlighting them.](images/2023/9E34FF3D6ABE4C9E8B98221BDA9E730A/Sunset Trail morning view-sm_thumb.jpeg)
![Nov 16 - SIX days of the Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour!
Come see us Nov 17-19
and Nov 24-26. Nov 16 - SIX days of the Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour!
Come see us Nov 17-19
and Nov 24-26.](images/2023/9E34FF3D6ABE4C9E8B98221BDA9E730A/HITH 2023 Ad-sm_thumb.jpeg)
Come see us Nov 17-19
and Nov 24-26.
![Dec 11 - Robin and I went to see Gail Haire's Amazing Artist Series presentation at the Holland Center. Dec 11 - Robin and I went to see Gail Haire's Amazing Artist Series presentation at the Holland Center.](images/2023/9E34FF3D6ABE4C9E8B98221BDA9E730A/Gail Haire 20231211_thumb.jpg)
![Dec 16 - Two weeks after my tumble I finally get a look at why my elbow has been so sore - quite the bruise! Dec 16 - Two weeks after my tumble I finally get a look at why my elbow has been so sore - quite the bruise!](images/2023/9E34FF3D6ABE4C9E8B98221BDA9E730A/bruised elbow_thumb.jpeg)
![Dec 20 - Two week followup with the hand surgeon. My fingers and knuckles are still a little bruised and swollen. Dec 20 - Two week followup with the hand surgeon. My fingers and knuckles are still a little bruised and swollen.](images/2023/9E34FF3D6ABE4C9E8B98221BDA9E730A/right arm-2wk followup_2-sm_thumb.jpeg)
Love and consistent rules have been important in her socialization. We walk twice a day; long walks in the neighborhood. She is 90+ pounds so when she decides to chase a rabbit, or attack a passing vehicle, I have to be hyper-vigilent. She definitely keeps me on my toes.
These days she (mostly) avoids the rabbits quite deliberately by walking to the middle of the road until we have passed the temptation. Elsa has learned to sit and stay if we hear a car or truck coming, we're still working on electric vehicles. She is NOT a fan!
Since we walk early in the morning, sometimes before dawn, and early evening, just as the sun goes behind the mountain, the ambient light is amazing. We observe the local wildlife either just waking up or headed for their evening sanctuary.
I am dedicating this page to a daily photograph; something that catches my eye, tickles my fancy, or just reminds me that life is good!
We welcome the New Year 2023.
January / February 2023
Click HERE to view photos.
March / April 2023
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May / June 2023
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July / August 2023
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September / October 2023
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