Furry Friends Friday ~ Our newest "Buddy"

Meet Buddy...

Buddy is my sister, Virginia's, newly adopted dog.  She and my brother-in-law adopted Buddy a few weeks ago from a shelter in Killeen, Texas.  Buddy was just days away from being euthanized when they stepped in and adopted him.  So, needless to say, Buddy is a pretty lucky guy!

Jack, Madi, Bella and I have had the pleasure of hanging out with Buddy a few times and we love him already!  He's a mild mannered guy with a lovable personality and (as you can see) a sweet and totally kissable face!

Yesterday, Madi and I {Jack stayed home - he's been sick for a week, poor guy!} joined Gennie, Jason and Buddy at Yettie Polk Park here in Belton.  It was a lot of fun and Buddy took the opportunity to demonstrate his awesomeness to us all!  Even Gennie and Jason said they'd never seen him so playful.  He was a lot of fun to watch!  We oohed and ahhed at his cute tricks and cracked up at his crazy-playful rowdiness.

 Buddy begging for treats.  How cute his this?!  He really sells it because he's sitting completely on his bottom.

We walked down to Nolan Creek, which runs along side the trails at Yettie Polk Park, and Buddy jumped right in..

and laid right down!

It really wasn't that hot out, maybe around 84 degrees, so I'm pretty sure  he wasn't dying from the heat. I think he just thoroughly enjoys the water!  I've seen dogs jump in the water {not ours - she's terrified of water!}, swim around and play, but I have never seen one just lay down like this - totally content.

 Madi enjoyed walking around in the water with Buddy.  I think she was happy for an excuse to get in and get her feet wet!

He's a good boy! He listens and seems to be pretty smart.  And did I mention, he has a kissable face?!  He looks a lot like our Bella too!

 Buddy watching his best bud throw rocks into the water.

Playing with Jason.

Back in the water

He walked up to this dead tree laying in the water as if he were going to pick it up in his mouth and play with it. Maybe he thought it looked like a nice place to sit in the sun?

Gennie was laughing at him shaking off even though he was still in the water. 

I deserve treats!

When we were walking back to our cars, we stopped so that I could take some pictures of an old church.  While I took pictures, Gennie, Jason and Madi took Buddy over to the grassy area alongside the trail to throw sticks for him.  Apparently, he liked Madi's flip-flop better because he took if from her and started doing, what we call, the "bucking bronco".  I just barely caught the tail-end of it before the CF card on my camera was full. Ugh, I hate when that happens!

I think Buddy is going to fix into this animal loving family just fine! 

Today, we're doggie-sitting this guy...

My Mom and Dad's dog, Leo - a.k.a, His Royal Cuteness.  He's a bit of a DIVA, but he's a sweet boy and we enjoy getting the opportunity to watch him while his Mom and Dad are off doing exciting {I won't mention what, just yet} things!

Happy Friday everyone!!

I know it's all about green

and Shamrocks on St. Partick's Day. And around here, we love to get our Irish on and all...but, did you know that ladybugs are considered lucky too? So, on this St. Patrick's day, I wanted to share some springtime/St. Paddy's luck in a little bit of a non-traditional way.

First Ladybug of Spring 2011 ~ well, it's not officially spring for another 3 days, but who's counting! :)

I'm sending luck and wishes
All wrapped up in a hug
Good things should come your way
With this tiny ladybug

A rabbit foot or horseshoes
Are said to bring good luck
But ladybugs are special
They also bring you love

This ladybug of friendship
I've sent to you today
Comes with hope, joy & happiness
to last throughout your day.

~Author Unknown~
Poem found here.

Wordless{ish} Wednesday ~ Heart-Shaped Knothole

I found this heart-shaped knothole in an old tree yesterday while hiking at Miller Springs Park in our lovely little town - Belton, Texas.   

Wednesday links:
The Paper Mama

Christie in bloom

As I mentioned in a previous post, our Mexican Plum Tree is in full bloom.  You may recall that back in March of last year, we planted the tree in memory of Christie, a childhood friend of mine who had passed way a few days earlier. So, as you can imagine, the survival of the tree is pretty important to both Jack and I. 

There was a long period of time where it seemed that, in spite of Jack's best efforts, it would not survive.  Then, back in October, we noticed some new growth; it wasn't much, but it it was enough that we were hopeful "Christie" would survive the winter months and that we would be lucky enough to witness her bloom in the Spring.

Well, it isn't Spring yet, but Christie's been in bloom for about two weeks now.  We are thrilled!  It's very gratifying to see our efforts to show respect and continued life in Christie's name succeeding. 

A flower that had fallen off and landed on the ground below.

I've already shared this one, but I'm sharing it again with the rest of the pictures because it's my favorite.

It's Spring break week here. Yippie!!  Madi's out of school, Jack is taking time off from work and the weatherman is predicting very nice weather all week.  So, I'm pretty sure we're going to have a fantastic Spring break!  We hope your week is fantastic also!