Okay, I had to post a photo of my sweet Cocoa Joy because lately it’s been Chipley, Chipley, and more Chipley, which is what’s going to happen in the next few photos. Today, Chipley went to his fourth lesson at Dog School 101 while Cocoa stayed home and watched Meerkat Manor on The Animal Plant.

Chipley waits to go in the door at Dog School. He’s wearing a gentle leader just so he won’t jump or pull.

Chipley says “hi”to Jake, the man!

Xalina explains how a hoola hoop is used to squelch doggie fears. Chipley often plays with the one Cocoa Joy got when she was going to DS101. From time to time, he pulls it out from under the bed in guest room and says, “I’m not afraid!”

Sandy easily gains this dog’s attention. “Sit, watch, stay, and good dog!” I love her shirt. It says, “Got Woof?”

A quick trip to Chick-fil-A for a cup of cool fresh water, and then we’re set for the drive home. Oh and his homework (the yellow sheet of paper) is right beside him on the back seat.

Last Monday, we drove out to Pickett’s Mill near Dallas. It is one of the most beautiful Civil War battlefields I have visited. Well, Gettysburg was special, but Pickett’s Mill has a wild and protected feel to it. It’s a perfect place to visit on a weekend afternoon. Chip still can’t walk too far because he is so young. Last Monday, we walked 1.5 miles—a little bit of a stretch. Going on a walk with Chip is an event! Everything is new and everything—absolutely everything needs to be explored. By the time we got back to the ranger’s station, he was wet, covered with red mud, and panting like crazy!

I just love the look of new ferns. They are so bright, green, and peaceful. While this is not the sharpest photo, I bet it will help you relax.

Here is where I really messed up. While I was taking this photo, Chip was behind me diving into the water. I was so shocked by the site of a paddling puppy that I forgot to take his photo. Then we all broke out laughing as he hopped out of the water and jumped right back in! There’s no way to have a bad day when these two dogs—Cocoa and Chip—are around!

At the end, no one was any worse for the wear. Cocoa Joy is such a good dog, and don’t you love Chip’s little expression? He’s such a doodle. . . . And he’s doing so well in Dog School 101.

I almost forgot to post Chip’s “dog gone, it’s hot” photo. I can’t seem take a single photo of him in focus because he is always on the move. I’ll try again later

A silent tribute to all who fought and died for my freedom. Thank you for your sacrifice.

An afternoon at James Sloppy Floyd park provided a good time for me to use a polarizer that originally belonged to a friend’s father. He bought it when he was in Japan many, many years ago while serving as a missionary. It is an awesome little filter.

Here’s Chipley with Pat. He’s really growing up fast, but he’s still pretty much a baby. Where’s Cocoa Joy? She’s probably under the bench looking for a possible stray crumb.

The rain finally caught us as we drove home.

Tiny little flower; tiny little memory.

When life takes a different turn than what you expected, the best place to be on Sunday is in church! One of my favorite verses is found in Psalm 91: “He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge” (v. 4). I do wish I had the opportunity to walk back through the doors of this old place of worship, but I can’t do that today. It’s located somewhere in the English countryside. But there is a little church down the street that will work just as well.