June 8, 2025 – Rhododendron Path – Massachusetts

Today Gus and I Adventured to the Rhododendron Path at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, in the area of Boston, Massachusetts. The Arnold Arboretum was established in 1872, and encompasses 281 acres of land. The Arboretum maintains a record system of which all plants on the ground are tracked, while research is ongoing. The Arboretum is free and open to the public, offering outreach enrichment to people of all ages.

We had a colorful Adventure to the Rhododendron Path. Due to Wilma’s knee, we have not been walking often but I try to take one extra-long walk each week. Thankfully we spend endless time in our fenced yard, Gus enjoys two days at daycare, and I am always trying to think of fun ideas for home. So, although my guilty conscious kicks in a bit, Gus and I still had a lovely walk at the Rhododendron Path. I actually took photo over about a month’s time, as I wanted to make sure I captured the “Path” in full bloom, which going by weekends I would say it peaked last weekend. Although this was just part of our walk at the Arboretum, it is a specifically labeled section of the Arboretum, gorgeous, and unique, so a good excuse for a long overdue blog.

I have always loved this little area of the Arboretum drawn by the bubbly brook, and scenic wooden bridge. However, when in bloom it’s beyond magnificent with every color of Rhododendron you could imagine, many towering high into the sky. On our walks Gus loved following the trail and checking out what other furry friends had been exploring. He is always alert of those around us so was not as inspired to pose, but I did not spend too much effort on this task. He definitely prefers big sister Wilma by his side but has become much more comfortable, yet always vigilant. The “Path” is a small area, but we spent a good amount of time wandering back and forth through the little trails appreciating the beauty, serenity, and vibrant floral colors. Gus surprisingly enjoyed some sips from the brook and of course some jumps on some rocks. Such a lovely spot to explore! If you are looking for this “Path” at the Arboretum I would highly recommend it (Rating: 5 when in full bloom!)

September 12, 2024 – Felix Family Farm – School Street Sunflowers – Massachusetts

Tonight, Wilma, Gus and I Adventured to School Street Sunflowers. School Street Sunflowers is a seasonal event on Felix’s Family Farm in Ipswitch, Massachusetts. Tickets are required for this Sunflower event and can be purchased online for $12. There are over 100,000 sunflowers on this Farm.

We had a sunflower filled adventure to Felix Farm. We arrived, showed our ticket, and parked next to the Field. Upon arrival I found the entrance a bit complicated as the farm animals lined the Field. I therefore decided to slip under the gate as I figured the pups would become quite loud in meeting these new creatures. Luckily this worked well but it was a little busier than we preferred so did not explore the entire garden, however, were still able to view and enjoy endless sunflowers. The sun was setting which made for a lovely setting, but yet probably should have come a little earlier to get some brighter photographs. However, I still snapped away and we wandered around the area. Gus was very curious to watch everyone and everything while Wilma’s highlight was some rolls and laying for a bit in the grass. We did not see any other dogs visiting, but many other people enjoying the lovely location. Such a unique spot! So glad we could visit Felix Farm today (Rating: This blog will not be rated)

May 10, 2024 – Tip Top Tulips – Massachusetts

Tonight, Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Tip Top Tulips. Tip Top Tulips is a seasonal event on Felix’s Family Farm in Ipswitch, Massachusetts. Tickets are required for this Tulip event and can be purchased online for $12. Tulips can also be picked for an additional $1 each.

We had a refreshing Adventure to Tip Top Tulips. Wilma and Gus arrived with a loud greeting in the car, partially due to the check-in being next to endless farm animals. However, I appreciated that the Farm was not phased and after that moment we had a peaceful evening, staying far from the animals. The Tulip Garden was absolutely gorgeous with endless colors, and scenic photo ops. It was overall quiet, and we only saw one other dog in the garden. We spent about an hour and a half walking around. The pups posed and enjoyed endless bites of grass (haha!). We arrive at about 6:30 and left when the sun went down. It just lovely, and although the weather was cool it was just perfect for an evening walk. I did not want to leave as it was just right! So glad we could visit Tip Top Tulips at Felix Farm, and grateful they allowed dogs (Rating: 5).

May 4, 2024 – Lemon Fair Sculpture Park – Vermont

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the Lemon Fair Sculpture Park in Shoreham, Vermont. The Lemon Fair Sculpture Park is a mile walk through country land, that displays over 50 sculptures. The sculptures feature various artists, and some are for sale. Frank and Elaine Ittleman run and organize the Park, and it is found on their property on Route 74. The Park is free but donations are appreciated.

We had a relaxing Adventure to the Lemon Fair Sculpture Park in Shoreham, Vermont. I emailed Ms. Ittleman before arriving at the Park to ensure the Park was open and dog friendly. We arrived to find ourselves being the only visitors. The Park began right on Route 74 and was in a very rural field. There appeared to be a path so we followed it along the mile route, including up a little hill. There were some sculptures near the family home but I did not go near that section to ensure their privacy.

Wilma and Gus seemed to enjoy sauntering along the trail, although Wilma did seem a bit warm. I took photos of many of the sculptures and appreciated the unique experience. The pups did a second glance at the horse statue but had no other moments of which they thought sculpture appeared live. My favorite sculpture was one by Martin McGowan appearing to be a metal sculpture of a face. I also appreciated those sculptures which framed the landscape. As you may expect I did not take photographs of all of the sculptures but many. So glad we could appreciate a new sculpture Park today (Rating 3.5).

Weekly Video/Photo

If you follow my blog regularly please skip down to paragraph three….

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 photo is one from Wilma and Gus at the Mount in Lenox, Massachusetts this weekend. They were posing grandly in quite the scenic, garden “window”. It was actually not too easy to get Gus to pose, lots of more exciting people for Gus to look at besides me (haha!). However after endless shots, this one became my favorite. Here they are:

June 10, 2023 – Wickham Park – Connecticut

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Wickham Park located in Manchester and East Hartford, Connecticut. Wickford Park is a private, non-profit foundation. It is 280 acres in size and has a vast amount of opportunities including: gardens, playgrounds, sports facilities, and ponds. It is also a popular location for community events and private weddings.

We had a garden filled Adventure to Wickham Park. Wilma, and I had visited with my mom three years, ago but this was Gus’ first trip. Since it was so long ago, I decided to blog again about this location again today. We explored the trails, gardens, hills, and everything we could find, spending about three and a half hours exploring. Wilma was a little hot so in between walks and gardens we drove around to make sure she got some air and water…well of course both of them but Gus did not seem to mind the weather. My favorite parts of the park were the gorgeous flowers, the boardwalks, and the Asian gardens. Wilma loved her rolls, and meeting people while Gus appreciated all the smells and trotting along the trails. I am so glad I decided to return to Wickham Park, it is quite pretty and a wonderful place to appreciate the colors of the great outdoors. We definitely will return (Rating: 4).

August 12, 2022 – Art Omni – New York

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Art Omni in Ghent, New York. Art Omni is a non-profit art center with a 120 acre sculpture and architecture park and an art gallery. The park is free, but a $10 donation is requested. Dogs are allowed in the gallery and on the grounds.

We had a unique adventure to Art Omni. I was excited to find yet another local sculpture park. We found the park easily, grabbed a map, and off we went. As it was a summer day I knew Wilma would not necessarily want to explore every inch of the park, so I decided to explore without an official route. The trails went through the woods and the fields, scattered with sculptures of all shapes, sizes, and colors. There were endless wildflowers and a lovely green pond on the grounds. Both Wilma and Gus enjoyed some rolls, while Gus loved chasing any little bug or moth he could find, continually bounding into the tall grass. We took time to rest in the shade and drink some water. Throughout our walk we saw other visitors and dogs, several were off leash, however thankfully appeared to be under voice control. So glad we could adventure to Art Omni today (Rating: 4).

June 20 – Kelsey Arboretum – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Kelsey Arboretum in Boxford, Massachusetts. The Kelsey Arboretum is a four acre property that preserves the shrubs and trees of Harlan Kelsey who originated the Arboretum in 1929. The Arboretum includes various greenery and has benches, and picnic tables for guests to sit and relax.

We had a shady Adventure to the Kelsey Arboretum. I was pleased to arrive to find we were the only car in the parking lot. We ventured through the gates, reviewed some information, and headed on our walk. We circled the Arboretum and found several other trails to traverse. As we were aware the property was very small. We found minimal flowering plants and guessed we may have missed the main blooming season of the Arboretum. I was a little disappointed at our findings, but yet it is always nice to have wonderful company and spend some time in the great outdoors. Glad we could cross off another New England Arboretum from our list today (Rating: 2).

April 20, 2022 – Decordova Sculpture Park – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the DeCordova Sculpture Park in Lincoln, Massachusetts. This was the first time Gus has been to the Park, although Wilma and I has been there previously. The DeCordova Sculpture Park encompasses nearly 30 acres including: landscaped lawn, gardens, and forests. It is on the edge of Flint’s Pond, and contains up to 60 sculptures at a time. The collection includes art by significant twentieth and twenty-first-century artists. DeCordova also has an indoor museum, gift shop, and cafe.

We had a wonderful Adventure to the Decordova Sculpture Park. Although I have blogged about it before it was over three years ago, so thought I would share about this unique and artistic location today. This was our first adventure since our terrifying day with Gus. Although I was quite nervous to head out again the pups were adorning their new equipment and GPS’ so it was time. I guess I should re-frame that and say time for ME to face my anxiety and get back to the things we love! The Park was clearly undergoing some construction and did not have as many sculptures as I recall in past visits. However I loved checking out the sculptures and finding every piece of color around. Gus was especially thrilled with some new sticks, and Wilma enjoyed her cheerful grassy rolls. We spent about two hours exploring, including the connecting conservation trails. The sun was shining and the weather perfect for some walking. It was so nice to be out again, although it will take me some time to feel back to my “normal” self. However, a fun day at the Decordova Sculpture Park today (this blog will not be rated).

September 25, 2021 – Taconic Sculpture Park – New York

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the Taconic Sculpture Park in Chatham, New York. The Taconic Sculpture Park highlights the work of artist Roy Kanwit. The property has over 30 sculptures hand made by Kanwit from material including: cement, marble, and limestone. The sculptures are on his three acres of property. The entrance fee to the Park is $10.

We had an art filled Adventure to the Taconic Sculpture Park. We were greeted by Mrs. Kanwit who gave us some background and information about the Park. It was a nice personal touch to start our visit. We then trotted off to explore this lovely Park on a hill. There were sculptures in different directions, all unique and lovely. There were beautiful wildflowers across the hill, and numerous monarch butterflies, unfortunately too fast for me to capture. We walked and explored making sure not to miss a sculpture or a sight. Gus loved pouncing on whatever he was seeing in the long grass (haha) while Wilma enjoyed many rolls. It was definitely a happy experience for all three of us! I especially love the sculptures of the faces and heads. The largest one actually had a ladder in it that you could climb to the top but of course that would not work for the pups so we skipped this unique feature. Although the Park was small I really just loved it, so many creative sculptures to see. So glad we could get to the Taconic Sculpture Park (Rating: 4).