This past August, I wrote a blog post about this sweet and magical dog named, Cleo. She has been keeping John company most of the summer as he did a big remodeling job for Cleo’s family. Most mornings for the duration of the summer and into early fall I’d say to John, “Are you working by Cleo today?”

I’d met Cleo mid-summer when I had to run John’s shop vac over to Cleo’s house.  When Cleo leaned into my leg as I pet her, well let’s just say, my heart exploded. She is such a sweet girl!

Seems John has become smitten with Cleo also as he has often talked about her and taken a few photos of her that he texted to me. I do believe it is also the magic of Cleo that got him to think he was ready now to bring another dog into our life. This is something we’ve been talking about and thinking early spring/summer of 2023 is when we will begin our search for a dog in rescue. We first want to make our big six-week trip to Arizona with our new-to-us RV in March.

As the weeks have wound down with this remodel job I have a feeling John is going to miss Cleo. I know I will miss hearing about her through John also. It got me thinking about getting a little gift for Cleo to remember John by and to thank her for all the love and joy she brought to John and myself.

I was so excited when I found this toy in the shape of a hammer. Seemed fitting, don’t you think?

It’s tough as nails – pun intended (!) – and made out of natural leather.

John only has a day or two left at Cleo’s job site, so today he took the toy hammer with him to gift to her. 

And this is the short video Cleo’s mom sent to John. It was a hit and Cleo approved! Oh, the joy of a dog and a new toy!

And oh the joy Cleo has brought John and me…and paved the way for us looking forward to bringing a dog into our life sometime next year!

XO

Barb

This past weekend I finally bought a new camera which also does video. I’d been thinking about it for well over a year now. It was a big decision as cameras aren’t inexpensive. But I finally made the plunge and I’m happy I did. Though I have a lot to learn about my camera yet, which is really just a ‘starter’ one as the helpful man at the camera shop stated. But that is all I need.

I think it’s pretty evident by my Facebook page that many of my photos are of critters. So I’ve dubbed this my critter camera. Though I’m sure I’ll take some photos of other things too. Maybe. ha!

Today was my first critter capture! Squirrel finally found the pumpkin that I cut open the top for just this reason and in hopes, the squirrels or chipmunks (if not nestled underground already) will enjoy it.

Filling up his cheeks with seed!

Taking a moment to digest before he scrambled back down the railing for more!

Will see what else I can capture with my new camera and share it with you here. Critters – oh, the enjoyment they provide!

XO

Barb