Author: adventuresofshadowandwilma

August 22, 2024 – Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum- Massachusetts

Yesterday, Wilma, Gus, and I had a lovely, long daytrip that included five main adventures. I will be posting two of these (which happen to be the smaller ones) as the others I have blogged about previously.

Yesterday, Wilma, Gus and I Adventured to Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. Ventfort Hall Mansion is a Jacobean-style mansion originally build in 1893. Visitors can tour the mansion and learn about the Gilded Age. The Mansion also holds special events, including weddings, music events, and ghost tours. It’s listed as a National Register of Historic places and is currently owned by the Ventfort Hall Association.

We had a brick-filled Adventure to Ventfort Hall. I had found Ventfort Hall when I was looking up mansions, as I love exploring the grounds and seeing these diverse structures. I confirmed that dogs were allowed on the grounds, so we decided to make this museum one of our stops. There were few exterior frills to the Mansion, but it was quite large and lovely. In writing this blog I read that there were some repairs needed, and I did observe that it was not in tip-top shape. However, we wandered around the mansion and made sure to find the color, and little features around the grounds. So glad we could check out the grounds of the Ventfort Hall Mansion yesterday (this blog will not be rated).

Weekly Video/Photo

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 lose Shadow on April 3, 2020.These two precious 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 video is from a road trip Wilma, Gus and I took to Florida back in February 2022. It was an absolutely amazing experience taking these two to the parks I used to love to visit with Shadow and Buster. The scenery there is gorgeous and so unique compared to New England. I absolutely loved this bridge in Hillsborough State Park in Thonotosassa, Florida. Such special memories of this amazing Adventure. Here they are up and over:

August 19, 2024 – Mac’s Dairy Farm – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, and I adventured to Mac’s Dairy Farm in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. Mac’s Dairy Farm sells Richardsons ice cream products. They have been family owned since 1983 and are open year around.

We had a delicious adventure to Mac’s Dairy Farm. I was actually planning on visiting another ice cream stand but literally on the way I realized it was closed on Mondays – oops! However I located Mac’s Dairy Farm which was just right for today’s adventure.

Upon arrival to Mac’s Dairy Farm we found no other guests. The location was very simple, no decorations or floral arrangements but yet plenty of seating available. I ordered a root beer float and two “pup cups”. I was so impressed with the “pup cups”, grand in size, and covered with peanut butter and a treat. I decided to take our treats to a nearby area with grass. The pups enjoyed their ice cream, although Gus often took breaks always thinking about the surrounding environment. I decided to let them finish the last couple bites in the car just as it started to pour. Although the site was quite plain the food was great! So glad we could visit Mac’s Dairy Farm today (Rating: 4).

Weekly Video/Photo

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 lose Shadow on April 3, 2020.These two precious 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 video is from August 2017 back when Wilma was a wee puppy, and Shadow nine years old. Wilma had not been with us for too long, and I believe we were on a daytrip in Maine. I find this video adorable because Wilma is just so tiny, and Shadow is trying to play with her but yet not sure the best way to interact with his new little sister. He was just so gentle and so sweet. Many people doubted me adopting a puppy when I had a nine-year-old dog, but I knew Shadow and I knew what was best for our family and it was the perfect decision. I do think Wilma kept him feeling young and playing more. Hope this short little video brings a smile to your face today. So glad they had they had three amazing years together. Here they are:

August 12, 2024 – Kayaking at Dunn State Park – Massachusetts

Today Gus and I Adventured to Dunn State Park in Gardner, Massachusetts for some kayaking.  Dunn State Park is a 132-acre park that surrounds a 20-acre pond.  It is popular for swimming, hiking, fishing, and boating.  There is a 1.3 loop trail around the pond, and other trails throughout.

We had a peaceful Adventure to Dunn State Park. I have never been kayaking at this park but often visited it with Shadow and Buster as we lived closer to the area years ago. It is a small but lovely park and we used to love taking several loops around the pond. This was Gus’ first Adventure to Dunn State Park and we decided to focus on kayaking today.

We arrived at about 8:30 am and the park was almost empty. We were able to drive down to the pond to launch, park, and then walk back to the kayak to start our Adventure. For some reason Gus appeared nervous upon arrival but soon after we began paddling, he became at ease. It was a beautiful day, probably only about 70 when we arrived. We went around the pond trying to find different colors and textures along the route. On this Adventure we found yellow and white lilies, endless lily pads, small purple flowers, and spotted a turtle from afar. It was just what we needed to start a gorgeous day. There was one little island, but no easy way to land the kayak so I decided to skip that idea and make it a day in the boat. Gus appeared to enjoy the smells and let out a couple big yawns – just adorable. It was one of those days the sun is just absolutely refreshing. We will have to be back for a walk around the pond next time (Rating: 4).

August 8, 2024 – Watermelon

Today I thought I would let Wilma and Gus try some watermelon on the rind. I was extra curious to see how they would handle this unique experience. If you follow my blog or know me personally you likely are aware that I am quite the crazy dog lady and easily entertained by these types of activities (haha!)

So who do you think the adventurous one was – if you guessed Wilma you were right! I think Gus might just did not know what to do with the task and just gave up. And I can promise that I was quite entertained as expected 😁. Here are some photos and videos of this activity – yummy!

Weekly Video/Photo

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 lose Shadow on April 3, 2020.These two precious 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 photograph is a selfie of Shadow and I when he was eleven. Shadow probably was my best selfie poser although I’ve been lucky to capture some good ones of all of my best buds. So thankful he had a long and happy life filled with endless adventures. Here he is:

August 5, 2024 – Dairy Queen – Masachusetts

Today, Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Dairy Queen in Natick, Massachusetts. Dairy Queen is an international franchise that serves items, including ice cream, burgers, and shakes. Some of the Dairy Queen’s including this one in Natick have drive-throughs.

We had an ice cream filled Adventure to Dairy Queen. The recent weather has been steamy, and we have not been up to any NEW Adventures, so figured it would be a good day for ice cream. As you may expect Dairy Queen tends to be very simple, and does not have decorative features, however this one provided a covered area with picnic benches for guests.

We ordered our ice cream through the drive-through, two dog ice creams, and I ordered a cookie dough blizzard. There was a lot going on around the car, with people closely passing by, and not providing much space. Both Wilma and Gus were a little overstimulated, and between that and the heat, I found a nearby location for them to devour their treats. I was hoping to find a park, or something more scenic, but did not see anything so figured we would make sure the ice cream did not melt. Both Wilma and Gus loved their ice cream and did not miss licking up each drop. I was actually a little disappointed at my blizzard, not sure quite what it was, but I of course still ate it all up (haha). So glad we could enjoy a summer treat (Rating: 3).

I realized after I had started the blog that we have actually been to this Dairy Queen before – oops – they really all look the same! However, decided to still post this Adventure as who does not like an ice cream Adventure in the summer!

Weekly Video/Photo

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 lose Shadow on April 3, 2020.These two precious 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 photograph is of Wilma in Camden, Maine back in 2020. I absolutely love this photograph! She is posing gracefully, and the scenery is just right. Here she is:

July 26, 2024 – A Day in Vermont

Today, Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Vermont for the Day. Our destinations included some of our favorite places like Marsh-Billings Rockefeller National Historic Park, and some new locations like the Mosely Covered Bridge. You will find besides this blog I also posted a blog for the Moseley Covered Bridge to include in my Covered Bridge section of the blog.

Today was a gorgeous day, not too hot or humid, and a nice breeze. Wilma and Gus enjoyed walking through the woods, smelling the scents of nature, and rolling in the grass. Wilma especially relished laying in the shade, while Gus appeared to be searching for some creature in the grass, which made his adorable little tail wag as fast as can be. It was a relaxing day with some of everything. The colors were brilliant! I loved spending the time with these two and appreciating the great outdoors. Life has been challenging recently, and this was just what the soul needed. So glad we could Adventure to Vermont today, below you will find a photo collage of our Adventures.