Peace in the valley ... or crazy on the prairie

It's a bright sunny crisp morning in Strathmore. I heard the wind blowing all night and worried that my "miles" of greenery, white lights, and big red bows adorning the fenceline would be strewn all over the pasture by daybreak. Fortunately, all is intact and Mrs. Claus is a happy girl this morning.

The crew sounds happy, too. Will and Aspen have been out in the yard for 3 hours already. I let them in every 45 minutes or so and they run around the kitchen and warm up a bit, but head for the door the moment I even hint at getting up to let another group of doggies in or out. Their coats are beautiful already at their young age of 5-1/2 months and with the colder weather, their undercoat is quite thick and plush. I sometimes tease that I'd like to have a dog show outside in the snow as my Aussies look soooo beautiful in a natural setting.

Old Zoey lies up against a large round bale in the farmyard. It's a sunny spot and sheltered from the wind, and affords her a perfect place to keep an eye on the comings and goings. Her old body is so stiff these days, especially with the colder weather, and we feel blessed with each day, week, month, or yet another year she gives us. Stiff or not, her old joints never let her down when she suddenly spies a coyote out in the field. Just moments ago, I heard her loud warning bark and sure enough, she was up like a shot and charging out into the pasture. She knows what her job is and does it well and as I glance out to the south, sure enough there are two brave, if not naive, coyotes trotting through the field along the fenceline, unaware they're about to be swiftly escorted off the property. She'll return in a little while, moving much less slowly on the return trip than she did in the pursuit. I'll probably soften a little and open the door so she can come in and lay in the mudroom to warm up and rest her weary bones. For a Pyrenees guardian dog whose life has been spent outdoors, she has no problem adapting to life inside the house and would probably move right on in if given the opportunity.

Pearl is laying in a spot of snow outside and Will is bark-bark-barking at her, trying to entice her to chase him. Aspen has come up to the door on the kitchen deck, hoping to be let inside. Once in, she's supposed to head to her crate until her feet dry, but lately she hops right back to perch on top of the toy box and hope that her cute antics will make me break a rule or two. I told you Aussies were smart!

Happy Trails ... Theresa