Oh the weather outside is frightful and I still get to walk the dogs!

I wake up still snug in my bed. The air in the bedroom is cold - just the way I like it. Next to me, Paul burrows deeper under the covers. I glance at the clock - 7:30am. That's sleeping in for us, it is Saturday after all. The sun hasn't risen yet. The light outside the windows is a murky grey; that's winter in the Pacific Northwest. My stirring awakens the dogs, who sleep in beds under ours. I hear the tell tale "click, click, click" of their toenails on our pinewood floors. "Don't make eye contact," murmurs Paul from beneath the blankets. Too late! Eye contact has been made and the dogs are officially excited. Its time for "walkies" and our day begins.

The dogs leap and cavort around us. If I'm any judge of dog behavior, this is absolutely their favorite time of the day. Paul and I change into our dog walking clothes (a.k.a. sweats) and head down to the garage where we keep the leashes. Once in the garage, Nellie, our yellow lab/mix, is all business. She sits, waiting patiently, facing the door which we will exit. Tucker, our brindle lab/boxer mix, is 80lbs. of goofiness. He tries to sit, but his wagging tail eventually takes over his entire rear end, thus rendering sitting impossible. It also makes putting on his collar and leash quite the challenge. Finally, we get the dogs all "saddled up" and head out into the crisp, cool, drizzly morning air.

Nellie waits patiently for us to get our act together and head out the door.

Tucker waiting not so patiently. Note the blurry wagging tail.

This is my favorite part, getting outside and moving. Its made even more pleasant because I also have my husband and two trusty dogs for company. We'll take our usual route, waving to any other intrepid souls out enjoying their morning constitutionals. After our walk, we'll feed the dogs and have a hot breakfast, possibly waffles! 



If beginning an exercise regimen is on your list of New Year's resolutions, please consider the humble neighborhood walk. Its pretty much a free activity. There's no gym membership needed. All you need is a sturdy pair of walking shoes. Bonus - you will make your dog love you even more, if that's possible. No dog? No problem! Grab your spouse or a friend and head out the door. Happy New Year and Happy Walking!

CLOUD COVER
7x5 inches, oil on linen canvas, 2015
BUY THIS PAINTING AT AUCTION 
Click on this link to bid: http://ebay.to/1GkcXfG
Cloud cover - auction ends on Sunday, January 10th at 9:00am PST. 

My husband and I found this barn in Northern California on a trip to the town of Taylorsville. We were visiting Taylorsville because I wanted to show my husband their grange hall with the bouncing dance floor. Its still there and its pretty cool. This painting is currently for sale at auction.