I’ve been to North Carolina the last two weekends. It’s not something I really “planned” to do. When you are tired, there are times when you make yourself pack a car and leave. This Friday I was watching the weather report and realized we were going to have rain on and off for the next couple of days. “Perfect,” I thought.
I love the mountains when it’s raining. I love being in a dense forest and breathing in the fragrance of the Balsam trees as the wind whips through them. And I love to photograph an approaching storm. We watched several come and go, and each time I confess I felt exhilarated.
Atlanta friends will remember one of my favorite quotes is from F. B. Meyer: “A storm is only as the outskirts of God’s robe, the symptom of His advent, the environment of His presence. Dare to trust Him; dare to follow Him! And discover that the very forces which barred your progress and threatened your life, at His bidding become the materials of which an avenue is made at liberty.”
Grab a cup of coffee and head out to the porch. Right! That is what I was trying to do. Several people were there already and when I went through the door, one lady said, “Oh, we’re watching lightening strike the valley below us.” I looked up just in time to see a bolt race earthward. Magnificent!
What about Cocao and Chip? Did they go or did someone keep them?
Raphael
Dear Raphael,
Cocoa and Chip actually did go to Mt. Mitchell with me. Both of them had a grand time! Cocoa held a “meet and greet” session on the top of the mountain where she met people from several states and as far away as Europe! It was just like being back at DS101. Chip just watched at a safe distance. =:) Wish you could have been with us.
Dear Angie-
I am SOOO glad to hear that Cocoa and Chip “went with.” Seemed like too much of a good time for them to be left out.
Mama walked all five of us last night on 2 couplers plus one leash. She decided that we all need more exercise and sometimes her own energy level won’t allow her to do 2 long walks in one night. Sometimes it will, but not all the time. Today she found 2 great links about pack walking, and is going to call dogschool 101 to see if they can help out with some of the training. Mama saw herself in the example of the dogs out of control. She thinks they are Caesar-based, and not sure if S or X will agree with technique. Will let you hear back what they say. Have ordered a 3-dog coupler. Hoping for a private lesson. (Since we took a staycation this year, we need something special going on in our lives. Everybody needs goals now and then.)
Would love to join up on a day adventure. Just me, maybe one of my calm brothers, too. (we wouldn’t “do” all five to you or C,C, P or PJ!) Mama says she doesn’t mind the drive, actually enjoys it.
Slurp!
Raphael
Raphael,
Dogs and me and P will drive to meet you some place special! We’ll bring dog treats and pails of water and lots of anticipation. Tell S and X hello for me. I miss them. Actually, was telling a doctor’s wife about them today. She said sign me up for a class! Remember: “Dogs that walk together don’t fight!”