Valentine's Day 2013

Valentine's Day was super fun this year.  I got an idea from a friend for a Valentine's Day card, pictured below.  It was so easy to make and a hit with everyone.

Also a picture of our V-Day breakfast together - love it!

Music to My Ears...

I've seen two great concerts this year that I absolutely loved.  I'm not sure if I'll see any show as good as  The Lumineers or Mumford & Sons for the rest of the year.  "Wow!" is all I can say.  Both shows were amazing in their own way.  I was in shock the entire time I was at the Mumford & Sons concert because I couldn't believe I was actually seeing them live!  The energy of the crowd and passionate performance by M&S was ON FIRE.  I kept pinching myself because it all felt so surreal and an out-of-body experience.  Awesome, awesome, awesome concerts and experiences.

  

January... aka the Month We Spent at the Vet

We spent the majority of January trying to identify Daisy's health troubles and navigating the world of pet healthcare.  Our poor pup became so ill overnight with what we initially determined with the help of the first veterinarian (yes, first... unbeknownst to us there would be many, many more to come) as a canine virus.  We left the emergency vet with meds, instructions, and hope to get Daisy girl on the right track.  The first couple of days seemed promising, but Daisy's health began going down hill again - vomiting up to 6-8 times daily and losing weight expediently.  Needless to say, we took her back to the vet (our home vet and second one in this case) and the second one in this as asked for an ultrasound, which we received a at a different vet clinic (and third one).  The ultrasound detected a string-like material in her stomach and along her intestinal track.  The vet told us she needed surgery immediately to have it removed because there was no other option and they weren't sure how much longer she had before it caused serious damage.  So we rushed her to yet another vet (and the fourth one!) to have emergency surgery.  It was such a dramatic experience for Daisy and us - it was like our heart was teetering on the edge of a cliff knowing there was something very wrong but not exactly sure what it was.  

Daisy survived the surgery like a pro and came home to heal soon after.  She was back to her normal self in about another week.  This experience taught us so much about ourselves in a crisis and reminded us of just how much our fury girl means to us.

The After picture

 At the third vet and very sick

 After the surgery and on lots of meds

 On the mend and being silly

A Spring-like Winter Weekend

These pictures are from a gorgeous weekend we had back in January.  A sunny, but blustery walk in the woods at French Creek and then the weather turned on a dime within a day, which we enjoyed by having our first braai of the year with our neighbors.

BYOB Paint Party

My mum, sister and I spent the first Friday evening of the new year at an art studio painting a winter scene on canvas.  This paint party was awesome because it was BYOB - seriously, what could be better?!  I'm looking forward to going back for round two!

Posing with my painting...

Ivy and I posing after painting

Christmas

Things that stood out from this year's Christmas celebration include family pictures like the one below of some of the youngest family members (growing up ever so quickly, too), food - lots of homemade and delicious food, and great conversation on topics small and large... all emphasizing the most important part of Christmas... family.  

Gorgeous Autumn Weekend

The last three weekends have been beautiful and perfect for hiking.  We've managed to get another hike in for the third weekend in a row.  The trail was extra special this weekend with a touch of color on the ground and up above.

Daisy does well on the trails at French Creek State Park.  She's been doing great off-leash and listening to commands, especially when I remember to bring her treats.  We've been non-verbally training her the last two weekends - quietly stopping to watch what she does and wait for her to return to us.  Just when I think she's made significant progress and has outgrown her puppy antics, she'll surprise us and throw one in just to keep us on our feet.

We played 9 holes at a nearby golf course this weekend, walking from hole to hole, or golf ball to golf ball, enjoying the beautiful weather.