The Dogs, The Work, And Some Pictures, Of Course!!

The dogs seem to be adjusting well to the house. In fact, the first time I took them out of the car at the house was last week, and they were curious, but appeared to be very comfortable there. It was almost as if they knew it is ours. Since then, we have been there every day, and it is easier with each one. Part of it is probably having a backyard again, and being able to some and go, to stretch out in the sun, and to feel some freedom. But it feels as if they have an understanding about the whole process, as well.

They are also enjoying wandering in the big, open front yard, too. There is very little traffic on our road, but I still want to be sure they don't get in the habit of going there. They have had a good sniffing time, but don't seem to be too interested in getting out of the yard. I suppose they have enough to sniff at to keep them busy for quite a while.

Ali's adjustment is especially notable. He has been such a basket case for so long. It is really good that he is settling down into a far more comfortable pattern. He is relaxed and ... well, just more balanced rather than the neurotic little mutt he had become.

I've done a little walking around the property to explore what I actually have. I've discovered that I have some cleaning up to do. There is a lot of "scrub oak," a name that may or not be the correct one. It is, I guess, a sapling of some sort of oak which causes an incredible tangle in the forested areas. Anyway, there is a lot of it around, and I'd better get busy clearing some of it out before it takes over with spring and summer.

Along with the undergrowth are all kinds of things that need to be cleaned, cleared, disposed of, or whatever. There are a few small piles of old wood, tree limbs or other debris, rocks that need to be moved for aesthetics, a fence to be taken down and part of it moved. After that I'll erect my own fence, but not an old wire thing like is there now. I'm planning on doing a fence the includes wagon wheels and some sections of coyote fence.

I've noticed a few boards in the deck that need to be better secured.and the whole deck, steps and ramp need to be painted. And I'm sure the list will go on and on. That's the price of ownership.

Here is a shot of the road that I take from Allan's place to mine. This is taken on top of the mesa between our houses. You might click on this to enlarge it as I've pointed out the significant landmarks around my home. You've seen them in other pictures, but this gives a perspective of my whereabouts.

This is Sierra Blanca, the taller mountain on the left in the above picture.

The white peak on the right here is Nogal Peak, slightly less high than Sierra Blanca. I live closer to it than Sierra Blanca.

A close up of Nogal Peak.

This next picture has nothing to do with the above. When I took the dogs out a couple nights ago, I saw the moon peeking through the trees. I just hought it was a pretty signt. Again, a good one to click on for enlargement.



And now, I need to get in the shower and go to my house. More painting to do today, and I have to call the phone company about DLS. I am having trouble getting it to work right. Boy, I hate sitting on the phone and doing the technical trouble shooting, but I have no choice. I hope to be able to stay at the house beginning tonight, but it will depend on how much I can get out of the way today and if I have Internet access. I can't be without that!!

Later, all!