Monday, November 08, 2010

Easing Into New Seasons

So we're easing into Autumn here, and easing back into a semblance of stability (we hope) and routine (if there is such a thing; who really knows?).

I've finally found moments to relax and watch TV, and, don't you know, that's happened just in time for cooler weather. I never need worry, however, about cold toes or a chilly lap (yup, that's the real me with the very real and heavy Elsie and the very real and slobbery Ridge):




Frosty temperatures and warm-each-other-up snuggle times are part of easing into Autumn for us.

Cooler weather also means the start-up of our wood stove and of Elsie giving me heart failure every time she naps near the fire. I'd swear, with how close she gets to the cast iron, her fur or whiskers would singe, but the closeness doesn't appear to bother her. Maybe it's that slow metabolism of hers (she's our girl who loves napping in the sunshine even when it's 90s F and humid outside):




Maybe it's age (she's 6.5-ish now). Maybe it's maturity (very likely).  Maybe it's just a further emergence of her gentle, easy-going, unusually-calm-for-a-Labrador disposition.

Whatever it is, she's quite content to wile away the hours in her clearly claimed happy spot of glowing embers and radiating warmth.

Just as we're easing into Autumn, Elsie seems to be easing into a slower season.




 And we're quite happy to walk through this season with her just as she is.




Silly doggy. Sweet waddle butt wide load. Superb snuggler extraordinaire.

Our aging Elsie Bear.

May you know peace at the hearth stone, sweet Elsie girl. May you rest easy, free of all cares. May you find warmth and contentment in your place by the fire.

And maybe, just maybe, I'll join you there.

Here's to calmer, gentler seasons to come!

'Til next time,
Joan



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2 comments:

Mary said...

You made me cry with this post not because of sadness, but because of the pure love you have for Elsie and the pure love she obviously has for you. May you both have an autumn of calm, warm, love filled days.

D.K. Wall said...

It is amazing to look around at the dogs in my life and realize that they are older than I realized. Seems like just yesterday they were rambunctious puppies and teenagers.