August 1, 2021 – Go Out Doors – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, and I adventured to “Go Out Doors” in Lexington, Massachusetts. “Go Out Doors” is a project sponsored by the Lexington Council for the Arts. “Go Out Doors” is a public art campaign where local artists paint recycled doors, and four additional doors have been painted by high school students. The goal of the project is to promote healthy activity, and appreciating the outdoors. The doors have been installed on the Minuteman Bikeway near the common, and on greenery to the right of Lexington High School.

We had an art-filled adventure to “Go Out Doors”. We have actually seen this unique display numerous times but thought it would be a fun thing to blog about so today was the day. We enjoyed our walk around town and on the Minuteman Bikeway this morning, making sure to stop and view each door. You will see many of these doors in my photographs below, although I found the lighting made it a bit difficult to capture. I enjoy the “Go Out Doors” project as it adds a fun touch to a “normal” walk. Each door is beautiful, and unique, many bright colors and lovely artwork. Along our walk Wilma made sure to appreciate some rolls, Gus loved finding sticks, and I attempted endless poses, although realized I need to add some bribery next time (haha). Lexington is a great little town, filled with history, restaurants, shops, and the Minuteman Bikeway going right through the center of town. I would encourage you to check out “Go Out Doors” if you are in the area, a fun and colorful “campaign”. Glad to blog about “Go Out Doors” today (This blog will not be rated).

July 30, 2021 – Moffatt-Ladd House/William Whipple House – New Hampshire

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Moffatt-Ladd/William Whipple House in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The home was the former home of William Whipple known as one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and is now a historical landmark and museum. The museum strives to share the history of all inhabitants of the home. The museum and gardens are open for limited hours, and guided tours of the home are available.

Wilma and I had a lovely Adventure to the Moffatt-Ladd House. I decided to take Wilma on a private adventure today, and we were quite pleased that the weather was just right. Wilma, Gus, and I enjoyed a two hour family walk this morning, and have been mostly appreciating our “normal”, local locations this week. However today I decided to return to the Moffatt-Ladd House. Wilma and I had actually tried to visit one other time but the hours were changed and they were closed, so today we returned for a second attempt. Since parking was not available, and because I wanted to get a walk in on the way we parked a little distance away from the House. We were pleased to arrive to find the doors open. The property was very quiet with few other visitors in sight. I am assuming dogs are not allowed inside the buildings, although did not formally inquire, so we just explore the grounds. The gardens were very small, but quite beautiful with variety of vibrant colors, and some unusual flowers. The garden was highlighted by lovely trellis-like arches which really added quite the touch. It did not take us long to finish exploring but we took our time, myself enjoying taking some photographs while Wilma enjoyed lounging and rolling in the perfect green grass. So glad we could visit the dog-friendly garden at the Moffatt-Ladd House today (This blog will not be rated).

Weekly Video/Photo

If you follow my blog regularly please skip down to the last paragraph…

The Weekly Video/Photo section highlights an Adventure, while I might also sneak in some that are humorous, adorable, or just other fun dog moments. If you have followed my blog from the beginning you know that I adopted Shadow as a puppy, and about a year later adopted Buster as a puppy. We had many wonderful years together before experiencing the devastating loss of Buster at just seven. It took a long time for our hearts to heal, but almost a year after his passing we welcomed little Wilma into our world. We were devastated to loose Shadow on April 3, 2020. These two precious boys boys will be furever in our hearts! We were recently thrilled to add another amazing rescue, Gus, to our home on June 28, 2021! This Weekly Video/Photo section will allow me to share photos from all four of my rescues, whether it be a precious memory, or a current moment.

Today’s photo is an adorable photograph of Wilma and her three siblings when they were puppies. It was taken in their foster home before they arrived to Massachusetts. She was lucky to be in a foster home with so much love, which is something you can tell by all the time and patience that I am sure it took to take this photograph. I love seeing how these siblings together and how they look quite different! Three precious pups, including my Wilma, here they are:

July 26, 2021 – A swim in the pool?

Today I decided would be the perfect day to see if Gus would be a fan of the dog pool. Wilma, Gus, and I enjoyed a two hour local walk in the morning before heading home. Wilma decided to lounge in the air conditioning for some time afterwards while Gus and I headed outside. I put minimal water in the pool to see how Gus would respond and as I expected he had no interest in entering, however appreciated his new water bowl (haha). Wilma has never enjoyed the pool either and is not a swimmer. I always thought she would be inspired by Shadows passion for the water but that did not happen. We will have to try swimming again another time…the adventure continues!

See

July 22, 2021 – TurnPark – Massachusetts

Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I adventured to TurnPark in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. TurnPark is an open-air museum and sculpture park, which also has performances at the outdoor amphitheater. It highlights three main artists and is located on approximately sixteen acres of land.

We had a wildflower-filled adventure to TurnPark. I was excited to visit TurnPark as I have not been to a new sculpture park in some time. The admission was $10 to enter, and thankfully the dogs were allowed in the building to purchase tickets. We began our walk at the former marble quarry, huge boulders reflecting into the water below. There were sculptures throughout our walk. Although we received a map it was a little confusing, and we found several areas blocked off so just followed our eyes, and noses (haha) to make sure we did not miss any of these creative sculptures. There were lots of wildflowers on the grounds, sometimes framing the paths. These wildflowers were difficult to catch up camera however were quite lovely. We found few other visitors, and besides the nearby highway, it was quite peaceful. The sculptures ranged from objective to subjective, and varied in size and shape. Each sculpture had a label, and although I did not read all of them I particularly loved the one that I believe was titled “eyeball”, and one that appeared hammock-like in my mind. The Park was quite small, which surprised me , however definitely a unique location. It was starting to get warmer out on our visit so Wilma appreciated some lounging in the grass on this adventure. Gus does not often stop moving on our adventures, although occasionally will lounge with big sister Wilma, or to eat a tasty stick. So glad we could adventure to TurnPark today (This blog will not be rated).

July 22, 2021 – Stanley Park – Massachusetts

Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I adventured to Stanley Park in Westfield, Massachusetts. Stanley Park is a non-profit, privately owned park, that is approximately 300 acres in size. It includes: gardens, trails, playing fields, and a duck pond. The park was established in 1945 by philanthropist Frank Stanley Beveridge.

We had a fun adventure to Stanley Park. I had been to this Park five years ago with Shadow and Buster and was eager to visit again. Several gardens in the park are off limits to dogs but overall it is dog friendly. On our visit we walked around and enjoyed the many unique aspects of the park including: the covered bridge, Asian gardens, the “mill shop”, waterfall, ponds, the “meeting house” and bridges. The park was very quiet, although there was some construction going on in the garden. Wilma and Gus enjoyed some leash play, parallel stick chewing, and of course exploring their new environment. Wilma participated in some grassy rolls as Gus watched wagging his adorable little tail. Although the park was much smaller and less colorful then I remember I was very pleased to return. So glad we could visit Stanley Park (Rating: 4).

Throwback Adventure

I have decided to make some changes to my Throwback section. This is partly because I have had the blog for about three years and each week I have posted an Adventure from before I started the blog. This has become more challenging between finding old photographs, and identifying the location. Although I will still be adding some here and and there I thought I would also use the Throwback Adventure to share past Adventures I have posted. I have new followers, and of course not every follower has been able to view all blogs. This Throwback blog will also allow me an opportunity to share special memories of my boys, Shadow and Buster who have passed. They began my life of wonderful adventures with my rescues, and will be furever in our hearts!

Today’s Throwback Adventure is one Shadow, Buster, and I took in August 2016 to conservation land in Westford. I have been trying to figure out which trail this was from, and have never been able to identify it. However I do have it saved as Westford Conservation Land, so know that is the location. I remember enjoying this walk with Shadow, and Buster, and the unique scenery. Hopefully some day I might locate it again and will share more photographs. If you have not taken advantage of your local conservation land, make sure you check it out. There are endless trails, which are free to the public, and the perfect getaway from the world. So glad we were able to enjoy a walk on this day (Throwback blogs will not always be rated).

July 21, 2021 – Breakheart Reservation – Massachusetts

Today Gus and I Adventured to Breakheart Reservation in Saugus, Massachusetts. Breakheart Reservation is 640 acres of forest which includes many trails, hills, a dog park, and two lakes. It is popular for walking, running, biking, swimming, and fishing. Breakheart Reservation is free to visitors.

We had a peaceful Adventure to Breakheart Reservation. I decided to take Gus on his own Adventures today, while Wilma was relaxing at Grandma and Grandpa’s spa! I feel this is important for him to increase his independence as he is much more comfortable when Wilma is by his side. So today Gus and I explored Breakheart Reservation. We decided to take the Healthy Heart Trail, a two mile paved, loop trail. Throughout our walk we saw many side trails but decided to traverse the main trail today, partially because Gus is still getting used to her surroundings and I expected this loop be may more predictable. Along the way we passed several lakes, found many mushrooms, viewed endless boulders, and enjoyed a quiet walk through the forest. Gus was curious to explore any little stream of water he could find, chewing sticks, and practicing posing. There were many walking with their dogs, and we only saw one off leash, although the owner quickly leashed him when we came in sight. Gus is still working on being confident, but earlier in the day he met a new puppy friend, so he clearly is making progress. He is doing better when we see people, and on occasion will warm up to them. Breakheart Reservation was very unique and had many options for walking. So glad we could visit Breakheart Reservation today (Rating: 4).

Weekly Video/Photo

If you follow my blog regularly please skip down to the last paragraph…

Today’s photos is one from our first family cuddle. These little milestones are so precious for me, a crazy dog Mom, as I see Wilma and Gus continue to bond and become more and more comfortable with all parts of the day. They have just started playing more mutually, and it is just amazing, and hysterical to watch! I was not sure if I could find a match for my socially complex Wilma, but we have, it is the special Gus. This simple moment will be forever etched in my heart by this photo. I literally was working on this blog as we had this first family cuddle, here we are:

July 17, 2021 – Kimball Farm, Carlisle – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Kimball Farm, Carlisle. Kimball Farm has fifty flavors of homemade ice cream and provide picnic tables for seating. Kimball Farm has four different locations between Massachusetts and New Hampshire. It is a family run business.

We had a tasty adventure to Kimball Farm in Carlisle. Today was a fun day, we had a two hour family walk in the morning, and both Gus and Wilma had their own private adventures. I cannot remember if we have been to this location before but decided to blog about it without checking. I was excited to get some ice cream, and take Wilma on this adventure. We arrived to find a busy location, but all windows open creating quick services. Wilma made some friends with some little ones quickly rolling over for some belly rubs. I ordered a coffee frappe and Wilma ordered her traditional dog ice cream (haha). Due to the quick influx of other dogs I decided to let Wilma appreciate her ice cream in the car, on her knew luxurious new car cover. She devoured it quickly and had no complaints. I was not overly impressed with my frappe, but was glad to have a refreshing treat. So glad we could adventure to Kimball Farm, Carlisle today (Rating: 3).