Having my family live a mere half hour away is perfect. I am close enough to go home for a fresh cooked meal now and again, but far enough where there is no danger or bumping into each other while out and about. I do not go back to their house very often, maybe just once a week- but there is one sure way to get me to go back. That is my puppy. He is my 12lb. fluffy, happy, energetic ball of joy. The moment I hear he will be home alone all day there is near nothing that would keep me from spending at least some time with him. Last weeks adventure was a journey to the mechanic, but this week we went on a hike.

I use the term hike loosely because it was not very strenuous, nature walk might be a better name for what we went on. But none the less it was enjoyed by all there. My puppy does this thing that any dog owner would hope for... when you let him off his leash in the woods he loves to explore, but he never strays too far. The moment he gets too far ahead or can no longer see you, he lays down (in the dirt- this part is no fantasy) until he sees you come up beside him or you tell him it is ok to keep going.

No matter how much we(I am referring to the 12 lb. subsection of we) love nature, and being able to explore on out on we hate the water. Baths, sprinklers, lakes... if it's water it is not enjoyed.

The particular hike we went out is maintained by the town we live in. For part of their maintenance routines in the winter, remove a small foot bridge that you walk over to cross the stream. I guess I am exaggerating a little bit this morning, because calling it a foot bridge makes it sound a little fancier than it really is. It is more like a couple 2x4's laid side by side. But since it is winter, there is no bridge, so you can imagine how happy my puppy was when we walked across the partially frozen stream.

Seldom do thing makes me happier than seeing how happy my puppy is when we go on out adventures (a few weeks ago we went to Home Depot, and they keep dog bones behind the registers!). Unfortunately the vigorously wagging tail and the constant stream of kisses brought on the the serenity of nature (and the other people we met along the way) comes quickly to a close when we arrive home covered in mud- it is time for the dreaded bath.