I am the richest person in the world!

As I sit here looking out the window at the wood duck taking her early morning dip in the pond, the finches grabbing their breakfast from the bird feeder and singing their cheery songs, the antics of the chipmunks and squirrels, all the while the pups snuggled on their blankets taking a snooze I realize what a wonderfully rich life I have.

I start reflecting on the choices I’ve made in my life.  When I was 15 years old I worked at a little café named the Jolly Boy.  The owner was my mentor and he taught me so much during the time I worked for him.  He always talked about when he retired him and his wife were going to buy a motor home and travel all over the United States.  Just months after he retired his wife had a stroke and they never got to follow his dream of seeing the country.  That always stuck with me.  I just couldn’t imagine waiting my entire life to do what I really wanted to do and then not being able to do it.

Our latest family gathering at my sister’s house on Easter

I decided that making a huge amount of money was not going to be my motivation in life.  Don’t get me wrong, I have always been a hard worker.  I believe that you do the absolute best job that you can to earn a living, pay your bills, and feed your family.  But spending time with my children and family, traveling, and enjoying life were always my priority and I did just that.  Throughout my life my family went camping, went on vacations, and had many, many family gatherings as we still do.

Working and making new friends in Alaska

Ten years ago my children were raised and gone from home.  I had a wonderful job but felt that time was ticking away and I needed more time to do the things I enjoyed doing.  So I quit my job, rented out my house and went to Alaska and started my new life of travel and adventure.  I met new friends and had great adventures while I worked there.

Karen and Taty, a couple of girls I met in Alaska who became friends for life

After working in Alaska for several seasons my path eventually led me to pet sitting.  This was the perfect fit for me.  I absolutely love animals and I get to spend every day loving and caring for them while having the freedom to travel when I want to.

Watching Maddie & Zoey in Maryland

Wally, a cat with a huge personality

I also figured out how to travel inexpensively.  This meant traveling all over Alaska sleeping in a VW van, spending New Year’s Eve in Times Square while staying in a hostel in Harlem, backpacking throughout Panama and Mexico, taking a three-month road trip around the entire United States and parts of Canada in my little 8-year-old Toyota Corolla as well as many, many other trips I have taken on a shoestring throughout the years.  Here are some of the many places I’ve visited over the years.

I swam with dolphins in Jamaica

I swam with Manatees in Florida

I took an eco tour in Laguna San Ignacio and had a close encounter with a huge but beautiful mama and baby grey whale

I saw Mt. Rushmore

And Mt. McKinley

I’ve seen moose in Alaska

And buffalo in South Dakota

I’ve shared lobster with my sister Kathy in Maine

And fried sardines with my friend Donna in the Algarve, Portugal

I’ve seen the Eifel Tower

And the Teotihuacan pyramids in Mexico with my cousin Bruce

I’ve had martinis in frozen glasses at Chena Hot Springs with Kathy and Susie

Mimosas at Café Lalo in New York City to celebrate my daughter and her fiancés engagement

Sangrias in Lisbon, Portugal with Donna

And green beer in Florida with Karen and Eunice

I’ve seen black bear in Alaska

And Alligators in Florida

I’ve seen world-famous performances

And not so world-famous but just as thrilling performances by my grandson LJ

I have toured DC

And went kayaking and hiking in Hawaii with my friend Susie

And I visited the Kuna Indians with their “moon children” on the San Blas Islands of Panama

I’ve seen the Northern Lights in Alaska

And IllumiNations fireworks at Disney World

I’ve backpacked through Mexico and Panama

And walked along the beaches of Zihuatenejo

Just recently I was fortunate enough to be able to spend a year taking care of my two youngest grandsons.  Being a part of their lives in such an intimate way was such a gift and since I don’t live as a traditional Grandma does, I was able to form a bond with them that I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.  I will cherish that time with them for the rest of my life.

Happy grandma with LJ and Declan

Kids just wanna have fun

Brrr!

My bestest boy!

Such sweet brothers

I have now returned to pet sitting.  I am so blessed that I get to stay in so many different locations like the home where I’m staying right now, meeting wonderful people who have become an extension of my family and caring for all the different dogs and cats that I have fallen head over heels in love with.  Here are just a few that I get to spend my time with.

Brody and Calla

Reilly and Luna

Poppy and Spanky

Maggie and Gus

Whether venturing out on my own

Or traveling with a group of friends…

Whether having a personal adventure with one of my grandchildren

Or a huge party with my wild and crazy friends and family…

Or just cuddling up with a sweet pup that I’m pet sitting

I have enjoyed every step of my life so far!

And I look forward to where the next 10 years are going to take me.

So as I look out at the pond again and down at the sweet sleeping pups I think about how I, someone who in this society is considered poor, am the richest person in the world!

New Years Eve 2013

I have been spending the last several New Years Eve’s in Portland, Oregon pet sitting two adorable Italian Greyhounds, Luna and Reilly.

Cuddling with Luna and Reilly

I love these two little ones so much and enjoy each and every minute I spend with them.  Luna has had a bit of a decline this year and is now blind and deaf.  Along with her having prosthetics on her two front legs, you might think she would be having such a hard time.  But not Luna!  She has managed to learn how to navigate around the house and yard, and she even still enjoys playing with her treat toys with Reilly.

Luna and Reilly playing with their treat toys

This year my sister Kathy came down from Washington state to spend a few days with me and the pups.  She immediately bonded with Reilly and they were pretty much inseparable during her stay.

Reilly with his new friend Kathy

Reilly is just the sweetest little boy.  He loves to cuddle with me, but he also loves to cuddle with and groom Luna.  Is this the sweetest picture ever?

Reilly comforting Luna

On New Years Eve Kathy and I went out to see the Christmas lights on Peacock Lane.  This is a tradition for Kathy and I.  We’ve gone out to look at lights for many years.  Some years with the kids, then with the grandkids, some years just the two of us.  We even went out one year in our PJ’s!  Peacock Lane is an entire block with every house adorned with lights and decorations for Christmas.  It was really beautiful!

One of the many decorated homes on Peacock Lane

Then we went out to dinner at a local family restaurant.  The waiter was a nice young man looking forward to finishing his shift and going out with his friends.  When we were ready to leave, Kathy decided to leave him a $50 tip!  She put the tip on the table and we left.  From the parking lot we were able to see him pick up the tip and all excitedly show it to the hostess.  What a fun, unexpected treat for him.  That’s my sister for you.  You just never know when she is going to do something crazy and wonderful!

A couple of days later we took a drive to Stevenson, WA and to the Scamania Lodge for lunch.  A friend of ours had told us about it so we decided to take advantage of being in the area.

What an absolutely beautiful place!  We sat in the lobby and enjoyed the fireplace and mountain atmosphere.

Kathy enjoying the beautiful lobby

What a warm and comforting fireplace for a cold winters day!

We had a delicious lunch while enjoying the beautiful view of the mountains and the Columbia Gorge.

Lunch at Scamania Lodge

Next we crossed the Bridge of the Gods back into Cascade Locks.

Kathy had read the book ‘Wild’, the story of Cheryl Strayeds’ journey of walking the Pacific Crest Trail and was really touched by it.   She was thrilled that we were right at the trailhead so she had to get a picture next to the trailhead sign.

Kathy by the Pacific Crest Trail trailhead

A movie is being made of her incredible story and it was actually being filmed here in November.  Reese Witherspoon is playing Cheryl in the movie.

Reese Witherspoon playing Cheryl Strayed in the movie ‘Wild’

Cheryl ended her hike at the Bridge of the Gods, walked down to the East Wind Drive-In to get an ice cream cone and reflect on her journey.

So of course Kathy wanted to experience having one of the huge, delicious chocolate and vanilla ice cream swirl cones to finalize her bonding with this amazing story.  Well, needless to say, she didn’t get quite the serene experience that Cheryl did.  As soon as Kathy was handed the huge cone, it ended up on her lap!

Swirl cone disaster

She rescued the cone and dumped it in a cup.  As we drove away in laughter she ate her cone with a spoon and decided this was probably as close as she would ever get to experiencing the life of Cheryl Strayed.

Pet Sitting Oscar

When Oscar and I aren’t at the dog park or taking our walks around the beautiful Queen Anne neighborhood…

Oscar enjoying the water at Magnuson Dog Park

Walking around the neighborhood amongst the fall leaves

we are hanging around the Condo overlooking the beautiful view of Seattle and Elliott Bay.  I enjoy watching planes of all different shapes and sizes circling over the city on their way to SeaTac.  I have even seen a couple of unique aircraft.

Plane pulling a banner

I saw a blimp come in and land at Seattle Center and leave again!

Barges and ferries are constantly coming in and out of Elliott Bay.

Since I’ve been here there has been all kinds of weather.  We’ve had a wind storm with gusts of over 50 mph.  The big planters on the deck blew over and there were fallen branches and debris all over on our walk.  For over a week the city was covered with an unusual fog bank.  And we’ve had cloudy and sunny days.  Every day is beautiful in its own way.  Here are some shots I’ve gotten of the beautiful view.

Space Needle peeking out of the fog

Morning shot with the morning sun shining on the buildings

Space Needle with Mt. Rainier in background

Beautiful view of the city at night

On Oct. 26th the Space Needle was lit in Husky Purple as a tribute to UW football coach Don James. The fog cover made it look Absolutely awesome!

Oscar isn’t too interested in the view.  When I’m not rubbing his belly or playing tug of war with him, he’s pretty content hanging out on his bed.

Oscar hanging out on his bed

 

When I’m not enjoying the sights of the Bay and City, I’m watching the birds coming onto the deck and getting their breakfast.  I put out peanuts every morning for them.

Western Scrub Jay grabbing his morning peanuts

Stellar Jay coming for his breakfast

The crows sneak a few peanuts too

And the hummingbirds come to get their nectar.  There are two that I see.  I think it’s a male and female.  They’re so sweet and delicate.

This hummingbird hangs out on the deck quite often

 

Soon I’ll be leaving Oscar and this wonderful place, but I’m looking forward to going to the Phinney Ridge neighborhood to pet sit for a couple of pups I’ve watched before with a new little 4 month old Yorkie addition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walking the dog

I know that I’ve talked about the importance of walking your dog before.  Honey has reminded me of how much dogs love their daily walks.

Honey ready for her walk

She is the BEST dog to walk!  She checks out EVERYTHING!  There are lots of squirrels and cats in the neighborhood and she has to find them all :-).  It’s so much fun watching her snooping around.

Is there a cat back there???

Anyone home?

And there are three spots along our walk where Honey loves to roll in the grass.  She’s very particular where she rolls.  The grass has to be soft, silky and cool.  It’s pure joy for her!

Rolling in the grass. Feels soooo good!

As I walk along, I love looking at all the different kinds of architecture and landscaping.  Each yard is so unique.  There’s the one with the flamingos…

The landscaping varies from perfectly manicured

To au natural

And everything in between.

One of the houses that I am amazed at along our walk is the one pictured below.  It has the most unusual fence.

Unusual fence

Then I noticed that it has a globe tucked behind the tree

Can you see the globe?

And then for the grand finale, there’s a palm tree in the yard!

A palm tree? In Seattle?

Amazing, right?  I wonder what I’ll find in the next neighborhood I’ll be walking in!

The Grandma Theory

My daughter will be delivering her second son any day now.  When she returns to work after her maternity leave I’ve decided to take an extended break from my pet sitting to watch her two sons.

Hanging out with Maddie & Zoey

This was a really hard decision for me because I LOVE all the pets that I watch and will miss them terribly.  But on the other hand I know that these little boys won’t be little for long and I’m so thankful that I’m able to be with them during their young lives.

I read an article in the Readers Digest the other day and had to share.

It’s call The Grandma Theory.

We will always remember how Grandma gave us cookies, great birthday presents, and…longevity?  According to a new study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, humans developed longer life spans because grandmothers began looking after their grandchildren millions of years ago.  With grandmas helping out at home (or, more appropriately, around the cave), prehistoric mothers were able to have larger families, according to study author Kristen Hawkes.  The result:  Grandmothering set into motion evolutionary changes, like bigger brain size and long-term monogamous bonding between individuals – all because Nana wanted to play tea party with the kids and read the occasional bedtime story.

Well, I plan on doing my part, just like my mother did with my children 🙂

Mothers Day

Brody & Calla

What a great week I’ve had pet sitting in Snohomish this past week.  I absolutely adore the two pups that I’ve been watching.  Brody is such a gentleman who loves to snuggle and Calla has the biggest personality all wrapped up in a tiny 8 lb. body!  It’s so much fun watching her play with her squeaky toys and when I open the door for her and Brody to go outside, she shoots out like a rocket, barking and chasing away any rabbits, squirrels or birds that dare come into the yard.

Speaking of the yard, what a beautiful time of year it is with all the trees and bushes in bloom!

Just a small sample of all the beautiful flowers blooming in the yard

My daughter Heather lives fairly close by so on Saturday we decided to meet at the Country Village just down the road in Bothell.  What a cool place!  It was such a beautiful, sunny day!  A perfect day for LJ to get to run around and play, and a time for Heather and I to catch up.

He had so much fun playing on all the playground toys including a Pirate’s Ship, swings, merry-go-round, etc.  He also got to watch the ducks and chickens that were walking around.  There’s a cute pond and stream going along the back and there’s even a little train to take a ride on.

Fun at Country Village

After taking a break at The Village Bean, where there was another little activity area for LJ to spend some energy, LJ and Heather took a ride on the train and then poured into the car and went home for a good nap :-).

On Sunday, Heather invited me out to lunch.  She had a bloody mary waiting for me when I arrived!  Oh how she knows her mamma!

We had a really nice visit and some snacks!  I was so glad I got to spend Mothers Day with my daughter.  I haven’t been close enough for several years to do that.  It was especially nice because Heather’s expecting her second child so it was a special day for her too!  My son lives in Wenatchee so I wasn’t able to see him but I did hear from him so it completed my day!

Thanks Heather for creating the collages for me!

Sammamish, Bella & Peep

Peep

I’m in beautiful Sammamish taking care of a canary named Peep.  I have had such a good time watching him.  It brings me back to my childhood and my moms canary named Sugar Foot.  Peep has been taking baths in the morning when I bring him his fresh water.  He splashes all over the place and fluffs his feathers enjoying every minute of his bath time!

Peep taking his bath

Every morning while I’m on my computer I turn on Pandora and listen to music.  Peep LOVES the music!  He sings along and makes beautiful music.  I think he likes Country music the best :-).  It’s a really nice way to spend my mornings!

I’m also watching a sweet little Italian Greyhound named Bella.  She’s had some issues with her hind legs and has recently had surgery so is a little weak.  Like all Italian Greyhounds, she loves cuddling and burrowing deep in the covers.

Where’s Bella?

Bella loves her nap time!

We take a slow walk every day and she’s doing great!  You can never say that Bella doesn’t like to stop and smell the roses…and everything else.  She loves exploring everything!

Sweet Bella

And we have the most beautiful path to walk on just outside the back door.  It’s been so nice and sunny lately so the walks have been wonderful!

Is that a bird?

I wake up to this beautiful view every morning with the sound of birds singing and I get to spend my days with sweet little pets like Bella and Peep.

Outside my bedroom window

Every day I have to remind myself how lucky I am to have this wonderful job!  A big thank-you to all of my clients who put your trust in me to watch over your sweet little pups, cats, birds, etc.!  I’m so thankful to all of you!

 

Mukilteo

During the time I was pet sitting in Mukilteo I decided to pop down town to see the ferry and take a walk along the beach.  I absolutely love being by the water, listening to the water rush onto shore, and listening to the sound of the ferrys mournful horn.

Roman & Juma

The Mukilteo Lighthouse Park is right next to the ferry dock and has lots of parking, and is a pretty cool little park, so this is where I went.

Ferry coming into Mukilteo

Art in Mukilteo Lighthouse Park

Sitting on a historic plot of land, flashing a white light once every five seconds, the Mukilteo Lighthouse guides ships on their way to Everett, Washington.  The light was lit for the first time on March 1, 1906.  Electricity reached the station in 1927 and was automated in 1979.  I think it’s a beautiful little lighthouse.

Mukilteo Lighthouse

The beach is pretty cool with lots of driftwood and things to explore.  Even on a week day afternoon there were plenty of people enjoying it.

Beach along Mukilteo Lighthouse Park

If you’re taking the ferry across to Clinton on Whidbey Island, be sure to leave yourself a little extra time to enjoy this great little park.  I’m so glad I took the time to take a little walk along the beach.  Maybe next time I’ll take a ride on the ferry!

McMenamins Kennedy School in Portland

I’m back in Portland pet sitting my two special little Italian Greyhounds Luna and Reilly.

Luna and Reilly – aren’t they adorable?

Before their Mom and Dad left they suggested I go to The Kennedy School to watch a movie.  Since I always try to find something new and different to do wherever I go, I decided to check it out.  WOW, what a treat!!!

The Kennedy School has quite a history.  It was an elementary school from 1915 until 1975 when it closed its doors because of its declining condition and was decided it was too old and crumbling to repair.

Mike and Brian McMenamin presented a proposal to renovate the property and on October 22, 1997, the original principal’s bell was rung on the front steps at 7 a.m. sharp to herald the old school’s new beginning as McMenamins Kennedy School.

McMenamins Kennedy School

Today, the school is a hub of activity.  It seems that there is always an event scheduled and while I was there (on a Tuesday night) it was bustling with people in every nook and cranny of the building.

The Kennedy School has 57 guest rooms, some fashioned after former classrooms complete with original chalkboards and cloakrooms, how cool is that?

Guest room at Kennedy School

A restaurant,

Courtyard Restaurant

a brewery,

several bars,

Boiler Room Bar

Detention Bar

a soaking pool,

Soaking pool. It was lit up the evening I was there and full of people. Looked wonderful!

I could go on and on.  Just walking along the halls is an experience in itself.  Original artwork and historical photographs cover the walls, ceilings, doorways and hallways.

Hallways of Kennedy School

Beautiful artwork in the halls of Kennedy School

After watching the movie ‘Lincoln’, (price of ticket $3) in the theater, which by the way was a fantastic movie if you haven’t seen it, I wandered through the halls poking my head into the restaurant and a few of the bars.  I saw enough to know that I will definitely be back!

Ticket counter for theater. The pizza looked to die for!

Comfy couches and stuffed chairs in the Theater

I used all photos from the Kennedy School website since it was pretty dark while I was there and my pictures didn’t show how beautiful the place truly is.  You can check out more pictures and learn more about Lincoln School and all the activities on the website below.

http://www.mcmenamins.com/427-kennedy-school-home

 

 

A day in Annapolis

Maddie & Zoey enjoying the sun

While the pups were enjoying the sun, I decided to take advantage of the beautiful day and go to downtown Annapolis.

Middleton Tavern

Annapolis is quite a historic city.  It is the capital city of Maryland and actually acted as the Nations capital for a year in the 1780’s.  The entire downtown is a National Historic Landmark.  I absolutely love all the old buildings.

The U S Navel Academy founded in 1845 is also located right in downtown Annapolis where tours are available, although I haven’t taken one.  An Officer and a Gentleman was filmed here (I can visualize Richard Gere zipping around on his little motorcycle now, ahhhh!).

Chase Lloyd house

There are a lot of houses on tour including the Chase Lloyd House where Chase Lloyd, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, lived.

Shops along Green St.

McGarvey’s Saloon & Oyster Bar

Another fun and unique thing about Annapolis is “Ego Alley”.   Ego Alley is a small, narrow waterway that leads to the heart of the city. It got its name from the endless parade of boats and yachts that traverse this dead-end canal, usually only to see and be seen.

Ego Alley

Walkway along Ego Alley

My next destination was to the Pennsylvania Dutch Farmer’s Market, or the “Amish Market” as most people call it.

Amish Market in Annapolis

Although located in Annapolis, all the Amish merchants are from Lancaster PA, the heart of PA Dutch Country.  The market is only open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  The rest of the week the merchants are preparing items to sell.   And boy do they have a huge assortment!  Cheeses, produce, bakery items, more kinds of candy that you could ever imagine, preserves, etc., etc., etc.

Most of the market’s products are grown and prepared  in Lancaster County using traditional PA Dutch recipes that have been handed down by the Amish though the generations.

I picked up some beautiful vegetables, meat, a loaf of home-made wheat bread, and I had to get a piece of shoefly pie, a traditional Amish pie.  It’s different from anything I’ve ever tasted, and if you’ve never had it, it’s kind of hard to describe.  The filling is sort of like the filling of a pecan pie, but not as sweet, the main ingredient is molasses, and it has a crumbled topping.  Sooo good!

Shoefly pie

After going back to the house to walk Maddie and Zoey and have some snuggle time, Donna picked me up and we went to dinner at a small Greek restaurant called Georges Restaurant.  It’s just down the street from where I’m staying and it is so inviting and cozy.  George and his family have had this restaurant since 1983 and it’s always good, and always busy.

We got to Georges before the crowd hit. It was full when we left

We had one of their specialties, George’s Special White Pizza.  It was topped with chicken, smoked salmon, capers, spinach, red onions, feta cheese and Greek olives.  It was delicious!

Enjoying one of Georges specialty pizzas

George preparing a meal at the booth next to ours. Fun!

The end of another wonderful day in Maryland!