I'm still resting up from my get-away, lol. I'm sure I'm not the only one who's ever felt this way.



First of all, I had a wonderful time! It was so relaxing and peaceful while I was there. I was visiting a friend who lives out on a farm, way, way out in the country. It reminded me a lot of rural Illinois where I had lived for several years after grad school. Couldn't get more peaceful!

On Saturday, I visited some local shops (including a quilt shop, of course), and then did some walking in the woods, down a narrow farm lane and through a small prairie-like area. Very peaceful. The day was perfect - sunny and mild temps and very, very few people around. I was way out in the sticks.

I took Cassie with me and she loved walking and running through the woods and down the farm lanes and so on. I was a little worried about taking her off her leash but she made sure she kept me in sight. If she couldn't see me, she'd stop and wait until I caught up or came around a bend. Then she'd take off again.



By Sunday evening she must have felt more secure and realized that I'd always be there so she took off on her own. We had walked down to a field pond through some heavy muddy clay and she went around the bend while I was distracted. I may have been taking pictures of the pretty yellow flowers, I don't remember.

Anyway, I started calling her, but no matter how loud or insistently I called, she wouldn't come. I've never seen her swim so I "knew" she wouldn't be in the pond but was pretty worried. When I rounded the final curve, there she was, in the pond swimming and splashing around with a big grin on her face. That water had to be freezing!



Back at the house while drying her off, I discovered she had burrs. I took a couple off with my fingers, but finally gave that up and used my little thread snips and hacked away at her fur. I took out 42 of the little suckers.




After a bath (and some of my best conditioner) she smells as sweet as she looks and is silky and shiny too. She slept very well that night!

Comments:

I used to go out to the country with my friends and hike! I loved it! Thanks for sharing your vacation! Wonderful photos.

Wonderful weekend and photos! Loved em. Sorry about Nicky

comment by cindy on May 27, 2008 7:10 AM ()

Thanks Cindy. It was a good change from her usual timid self so I couldn't be mad.

reply by catdancer on May 27, 2008 9:24 AM ()

A chance to play in the water just rejuvinates dogs. It is like a doggy spa.

comment by elderjane on May 24, 2008 4:02 PM ()

I never thought of it that way, but you're right. She was rarin' to go after she got out of it.

reply by catdancer on May 24, 2008 8:51 PM ()

I live in the country. Those photos and farm descriptions makes me think I take my rural living too much for granted. Glad you enjoyed yourself.

comment by solitaire on May 23, 2008 8:12 AM ()

I loved it. I think we all tend to take familiar things for granted. I know I do. On the way home I was even thinking I might sell my house and move into the country here. You never know - I might do it someday. That "pond" looks enormous from the air - I found it on Google maps. I'm glad she didn't decide to try to swim to the middle of it. I forgot to mention the company - it was nice because I never felt pressured to talk - or to listen!

reply by catdancer on May 23, 2008 11:18 AM ()

comment by tealstar on May 23, 2008 5:09 AM ()

There's a forest preserve in the far western suburbs that I explored whenever I visited my aunt. She lived in Glen Ellyn and later Warrenville. I can't think of the name of it and can't find it on the map, darn it. I applied for a public relations job there once but didn't get it. I think I would still be there if I had.
I know what you mean about how much time it takes to relax. I made a conscious effort to do so while I was driving down. Laughter is a great way to relax so I listened to some old George Carlin routines. He was hysterical!

reply by catdancer on May 23, 2008 11:13 AM ()

I don't think I'd want to be standing too close when she comes out of the water!

comment by jjoohhnn on May 21, 2008 12:51 PM ()

Actually, she was pretty good about shaking off before she got to me. She did save a little for me, but that's part of the package.

reply by catdancer on May 23, 2008 10:58 AM ()

awe! Too cute! I would love to live in an area like that... I hope you enjoyed! Sounds like ya did though.
And I ALWAYS need a vacation after any vacation!

Cassy looks like he is enjoying himself.You know I never got
to see the full size quilt there.Did I missed this?
Glad that you had a fun weekend.

comment by fredo on May 21, 2008 10:51 AM ()

Sorry you didn't get to see the quilt, Fredo. Here's a link to a picture of it: http://greasy.com/catdancer/group_hug_scarlett.html
Yes, Cassie had a ball! I've never seen her be so silly. I call it letting her "inner puppy" out.

reply by catdancer on May 21, 2008 12:29 PM ()

Your Cassy looks just like my Nicky (RIP).

comment by nittineedles on May 21, 2008 10:16 AM ()

Oh, I know how hard it is to let go! Sorry about your Nicky; I still miss my Bob and it's been nearly 4 years. Cassie is supposed to be about 12 so she may not have many more opportunities like this. I'm glad I got to see her play in the water now!

reply by catdancer on May 21, 2008 12:31 PM ()