Attitude and Gratitude...

Imagine what creature has the most consistently positive attitude, the most grateful disposition.  Did you think of a dog?  Following is a reading of "The Thirteen Commandments" (from the Canine Old Testament):

• When family members come home, drop what you're doing and run to greet them.
• Let others know when they have invaded your territory.
• Take namps; stretch before rising.
• Run, romp and play daily.
• Eat with gusto and cencentration.
• Be loyal.
• Never pretend to be something you're not.
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close and nuzzle him or her gently.
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
• When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
• No matter how often you are scolded, never pout. Run right back and make friends.
• Delight in the simple joys of taking a long walk.

Wouldn't it be great if humans could have the same qualities as our canine companions.





Signs Of Fall...

Our hike today revealed signs of fall...hooray!!  As we gained in elevation the trees are beginning to show their color. There were a lot of leaves on the trail making that crunching sound as you walked along.   I'm ready for some cool crisp weather.

taking a break at Deep Gap shelter on the Appalachian Trail

tree with a nose

Fall At The Farmers Market

I love our new farmers market...so many fresh vegetables, fruits, homemade jellies and bread.  It's a great place to go if you are too lazy to have a garden of  your own.

Take Time To Notice The Little Things...

We took a hike to Ravin Cliff Falls yesterday.  The whole hike was along side a stream.  The 2 and a half mile hike to the falls was done in record time for me.  I guess you could consider it an aerobic workout.  The trouble with walking so fast is that many things go unnoticed.  But I got caught up with the group and was swept along.  I tried to make note of things I wanted to take pictures of because I had already made up my mind that I would have a very lazy walk back out.  Unfortunately I was unable to recall the exact location of that "special scene".  Several times the thought came to me...am I on the right trail...I don't remember this log bridge or this stream crossing.  That was a silly thought because there was only one trail in to the falls.  I had walked so fast going in that I didn't remember these things.  They went unnoticed like I'm sure a lot of those "special things" in nature do when you don't walk slow and take in your surroundings. You're too focused on the end result. 
I wish I could have captured the sound of the rushing stream...it was so soothing and relaxing.  I guess you can say I had both an aerobic workout and that "ahh" moment...the time to enjoy nature and God's beauty.