Have Puppy, Will Stay Home

David and I both enjoyed a week of vacation this past week. We might have gone somewhere, but we have this new puppy. So we had fun at and around home instead. We went to Branson for the day with my parents and ate some great barbecue at Famous Dave's at the Landing. We took a drive to Arkansas to see if Buffalo Point would make a good camping spot. We raked. Well, David raked. I whined about how much I hate raking. We ate breakfast for supper. On Saturday, we went to my aunt and uncle's to see the cabin my uncle built. It's really cool! It doesn't look at all new - looks like it's been in that spot in the woods for many years. Riley really loved being a country dog! He ran beside the four-wheelers with the other two dogs, dipped his toes in any available water, and generally had a great time. All the world's problems disappear when sitting on this porch looking over the creek. I wish I could go there everyday! Riley might too, although he was worn out by the time we got home.
Today, David had to go back to work. Vacation over. Mine lasted one more day and Christina and I decorated some fall cookies. We may have sampled a few too! It feels like fall outside again, and it was nice to spend the day with a good friend in a warm kitchen.

I'm already looking forward to our next vacation! It was just as relaxing and renewing as going somewhere would have been. And Riley sure has enjoyed having his people home. He may have a rough day tomorrow!

Blackhawk Up

I worked one day of our vacation this week, so that I could take advantage of an opportunity to ride on a Blackhawk helicopter. There is a great JROTC program at the high school I work at and every year they take the JROTC students up in the helicopter. Faculty members have begged, cajoled, and bribed, but never been approved to go. This year, the army said yes! I didn't pause before replying to the e-mail to get on the list to go.Here we are boarding. I wasn't concerned during the safety briefing until there was mention of the blades' ability to slice you in two.Not my best picture, but it's the only one of me in the helicopter. We were safe as the school's police officer happened to be on my flight. ;)It was pretty cool to see the school from above, but after we passed it, I wasn't sure of where we were. Not so good with directions! I think we went north of the school and circled back around.The landing was a little dusty! The ride was great - loud, but great. I'm so glad I got to go!

Buffalo Point, Arkansas

David and I are on vacation this week, so we took advantage of the beautiful day and went to check out the Buffalo Point area in Arkansas for future camping. Riley got to take his first ride on the ferry to cross the lake. I'm not sure he was impressed, but we thought it was fun!
Mr. Photogenic posed momentarily by the Buffalo River for this shot.
David had a little fun splashing across a low-water crossing.
We checked out the ghost mining community of Rush, AR. It's kind of spooky! We were afraid that when we looked at the pictures, we'd see a ghosty face peering out the windows, but fortunately I don't see anything. Wouldn't that be creepy!
We posed for some Christmas card pictures on the steps of this rock wall while keeping our fingers crossed that the animal that we could hear in the brush behind us stayed where it was. It was a great day!

Riley

Riley has been very busy! Visiting, sleeping, making friends with Outside Kitty, and mostly - growing! He weighted 15 and a half pounds at his last vet visit.
He loves to play with toys, but is especially fond of sticks. Once in a while, we win and he is worn out.
Yesterday was the first potty-accident free day, so there is hope!

Riley Update

See basket full of dog toys.

See doggy play with stick he brought in from outside.

What's that? You want to take my picture? No need to use the zoom. I'll come closer!

While Riley and I were playing outside, I heard meowing. Looked up to see this kitty watching us - from inside the fenced yard. She walked right up and laid down about 3 feet from us. Wherever she came from, she must be used to dogs because she wasn't the least bit concerned about Riley. Haven't seen her since - good thing since another pet is the last thing we need!