Another new year

First race of the year, first time on snow since last Winter. 28 miles with 6 dogs over some of the most beautiful areas in the U.P. Danya and Fiona, Macc, Attla, Goose and Cruise ran over ice, sand, snow, rocks, roots, up hills, down hills....barefoot and were absolutely wonderful. Tried to keep them slow, but they insisted on moving along at a faster pace. We've trained through the warm months of last Fall... I never got more than 17 miles in any one run, but we had over 300 miles total for training. They finished the race in good shape, which was my main goal.

I love our dogs...they are so reliable and hard working, affectionate and focused. They never complain or judge...good friends and trailmates! Jill and Martha also raced the Tahqamenon trails and Ted was our driver and handler. It was a merry group of mushers to travel with!

Our first race apart from MUSH/MiDD events, so we were the "outsiders/strangers" but everyone seemed nice and many were very helpful. Looking forward to next year and training in the U.P. with the dogs, if we can. Ted is thinking about running a team in the race too, so that's another thing to look forward to!

We worked hard and accomplished my goal of getting there, finishing the race with all 6 dogs, and having a good run. Other than helping another musher with a tangle, (+40 minutes) we had a smooth run considering the trail conditions. It was a good learning experience for the dogs, and me. I drive a dog team like I do a car...like an old lady...but had such a nice time, and enjoyed the scenery . Being on the trail with my dogs, alone and with the Superior winds blowing across the trail, was a mystical experience. Certainly NOT the Iditarod, but I am so proud of my dogs for doing all that I asked of them (EXCEPT slowing down) .

Still no snow...54 degrees today and sunny. Tonight we are supposed to get rain, then snow for the next couple days. We'll see....I doubt there will be enough for this weekends race to go. :(

Catching up

So much happens..too much to relate, really.
Burr is the newest puppy, born Dec. 9, 2010. He is from Kirov/Fiona daughter, Pai and Q/Pennys son Bear. Had so much fun raising him in the house with his Grand parents...he learned to use the bells on the door to let me know when he needed to go out immediately, and played with Kirov when Kir felt up to it. It was to be our last winter with Kirov...so it was a blessing to have his grandson. Kirov leaves behind many wonderful memories, friends and offspring in our kennel. He was a one in a million...and is missed more than words can tell.
This Spring and Summer have been wet, hot then cool...then hot again. The older dogs (11-13 yrs old) seem to be handling it o.k., though several go off their feed occasionally, and Storm and Nick are stumbling along. Kiska, who is 14, is still behaving like a big puppy, while her daughter Tesla is showing her age (ll) more so.
Volt, who was 11, passed on recently. He developed an endocrine malfunction, and was being treated, but to no avail. He was euthanized in my arms, and passed very peacefully.
Well, this is all a part of life, and it may hurt terribly, but the days and years we had the honor of spending with the dogs...all of the dogs we've loved and cared for, has to make it worth the pain. Otherwise, why would anyone invest so much in an animal whose lifetime is so short? The days we spend, in their company and working with them...cuddling and caring for them...building trust in another species that doesn't speak our language or understand the passing of time is one of life's greatest gifts. It is impossible to "look down the road" and see a life without them...but inside you know that the great circle is always turning, and someday we will all be gone. SO! put it aside...after all, one cannot dwell on the end of the journey...the destination. It is about the travels, the twists, the turns of life's journey. Dogs show us how to live in the moment...one of their gifts to us if we'll accept it.

LOVE the U.P.!!

Will be leaving for the U.P. in a few hours...am so looking forward to going "up North" again! In January I will be making the trip alone to run in the TCSDR with my 6 dog team . This time, going up to the Midwest Sled Dog Symposium with Sebastion Schnuele as a guest speaker...as well as many other activities pertaining to dog sledding and dog training and care. My friend Karen Garvey is coming too, after she gets out of school. It's so nice to be able to spend time with people who "get" this whole dog thing.
Sounds kind of goofy I guess...but I'm gonna miss my dogs for the 2 days we're gone...seems you cannot spend much time with them without them taking over your heart, and I spend as much time with them as possible. I just like "hangin'" with them...they give me affection and companionship, make no demands (well, Fiona does sometimes) and are always happy to see me. Who wouldn't miss that?! Now that there are so many old dogs in the kennel, I feel especially drawn there to embrace every moment we have left with them...it will be very difficult when they start leaving us, but that isn't to be worried about now. Need to enjoy the time we have left, and make sure the quality of their lives is the best we can give them.

The wind is pretty fierce today...will have to take it easy in the little "toad" (Prius) so we don't fly off the Mighty Mac! If I have to drive 5 mph across I will...its a long way down, and don't think the landing would be fun at all!

The leaves are starting to change into their colors...gotta remember to take my camera with me. Although Karen is an excellent photographer, and will take better photos than I will....she has the good "eye" for it.

As Fall draws near....

Another Summer comes to an end (thank goodness! This last one was hotter than normal and humid.) Attla and Macc, the two new pups from last Spring are growing like weeds and we enjoy them a great deal. Raven and Cruise, last years pups, have developed into true assets to our teams, and though we have many retired dogs, the young ones are giving a new energy to the kennel.
This last month has been difficult due to losing two very special mushers we had the privilege to know...Bonnie Ingham and Monica Terrel were both taken by cancer. Way too soon to leave us, but they fought a good battle and passed with grace...Leaving behind many that admired and loved them.
Training has started, but not as consistently as I'd hoped. Today is humid and in the 80's...too hot to run dogs. Q-Ball overheated on a 1.5 mile trail, had to be carried home and hosed down.
Fortunately he recovered quickly, and seems to be o.k. but it scared the be-jesus out of me. I watch the dogs closely when I train/race them...and haven't overheated a dog until Q. It made me even more cautious on those iffy days (60 degrees, windy, no sun...slight humidity) Always carry cold water for the dogs, and in early conditioning/training, make stops about every half mile to give them refreshment and catch their breath. Q has a heavier coat than most of the other Seppala's I run...and he is a very hard worker (exactly the type to over-heat) Well, I'll be more vigilant from now on.
Once it cools down in the 30-40's I will switch from the quad to the Dyck cart. Haven't had Macc or Attla in a team yet...that will happen soon though. We want them to have a good experience and enjoy running with the "big dogs". They are such nice pups...just have a feeling that MACC is going to be even bigger than Strider or Zev. I guess that Ted will enjoy his team of big boys. I'll have my little Raven and Fiona, Goose and Danya, Attla and Ursula. Kirov will be officially retired this year which is sad....it is always sad when one of your best dogs ages to the point that his life as a sled dog is over. He won't be happy, but with some luck, he will still get to play in the snow with the grandkids and my daughter. That will depend on how he is feeling when the snow comes.
We have 8 dogs that are over 11 this year...all such good dogs that gave so much to us, for us.
Nicholai and Kiska will be 13 in 2011. Kiska is so much like Willow, always smiling and tail wagging, still. Nic is looking old in the eyes, and his hearing is going. We sure love those old dogs, and will miss them when they are gone.
Well, the sun is shining, and I guess it's time to go out and fill some holes.

A New Year

Hootie (heidi)

She was a small female, loving, and somewhat shy...tough as nails, non-demanding, sometimes annoying with her vocalness....cat-like in her affection, the sweetest, most doting mother and our friend. When I was in the U.P. Ted brought her in to the house and she enjoyed her new status. Well mannered, lacking any aggressiveness to man or beast, she mothered all things, even us.
I'd noticed that she'd been losing weight...she seemed to be eating, though not as aggressively as usual. Ted noticed it too when she was inside those couple days. So off to the vet!
He listened to her lungs, frowned and asked me if she'd been coughing a lot. I hadn't noticed any coughing except when she drank water a couple of times. After blood work, X rays and other tests, we found out that our little girl had a "massive tumor" in her lung. Dr. Lepley called me in, showed me the radiograph, explained the prognosis, and said he couldn't believe that she didn't present with other symptoms. But, that is her "MO"...she never complained.
The tumor started at the base of her heart, probably 6-9 months ago...it rendered a lung virtually useless, her heart was sagging onto her sternum, and her esophagus was displaced and probably made it very difficult eat at all. The decision was made to give her the relief she deserved, and so it was done. Ted made it there so he could say goodbye, and be with her too.
We buried her near her friends that have also passed on...and in spite of the heavy hearts we bear today, we are grateful for the time we got to spend with our little silver dog....grand-daughter of the great Beowulf.
It never really surprises me what we learn from each of these dogs that we share our lives with.
For each life that we are responsible for, we have been taught what grace, dignity and loyalty really mean....that living in the moment is the best way to live....loving is constant and without conditions...forgiveness is peace. How can you not miss them, when they are suddenly gone? SO much is taken, but MORE was given.
The young receptionist at the Vet's office asked me how I could stand it...she found it unbearable and couldn't imagine having so many dogs to care for and know that life will end for all of them sooner or later. I told her that I don't think about the "end"...and try to enjoy and APPRECIATE every minute I get with them...you love them, care for them and try to give them the best quality of life you are capable of...that is really all you can do. With life, eventually there will be death...you can let it drag you down now, or push it to the very end, where it belongs. It is never "easy" and I hope it NEVER gets easy to lose a loved one.
So thank you Heidi for the years we had, and while I'm not so sure there IS a heaven for us humans, I'm certain that there has to be one for dogs, as they are much closer to perfect than we will ever be.

'nother photo

You can see Canada in the upper right of the picture. Almost as cool as seeing Russia from your backyard...huh?

Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior

Thanks to a generous musher, we were able to have a girls weekend camping at the most beautiful area in the U.P. (imo) Tara, Linda, Blaine (NOT a girl...but he knows the trails, and is fun to be around anyway) and I headed up on Friday a.m. in the rain and wind. Once we got to the campsite, we dropped the dogs, unloaded the ATV's and went for a ride to see the trails while it was still light. WOW. The trails are just gorgeous...stunning scenery and little critters to keep the dogs interested, Lake Superior along side the trail in most parts, and deep beach sand for the dogs to swim through on parts of it too. Friday night, we didn't even try to make a fire...it was so windy and wet. The wind roared through the tree tops all night, and a couple of times tried to lift the tent. The waves were huge, and crashing along the shoreline. SO much power in them! So loud! Surprisingly, the dogs didn't seem nervous at all. We hooked up our teams on Saturday morning for the first run, and it was a blast! They were tired when we got back, as well as wet (we all were!) That deep sand really gave them a good workout,
After a few hours of rest for the dogs, we went out again for a shorter run. Linda and Blaine had gotten a nice fire going that afternoon, so we had our "hobo" dinners and sat around the fire in the rain. At least the wind died down. Sunday we woke up to a lovely autumn day...even got some sunshine...though just to remind us where we were, a light sprinkle of rain would pass over. On this day, we all went out separately, confident that we knew the trail well enough and wouldn't end up in Canada. I was the first team out, and we made it to the shore with one small wrong turn....Fiona wanted to go the right way, but I asked her to turn the wrong way. (Pilot error!) Once we got to the Lake, we proceeded along the shore. The dogs kept looking at the lake, but the waves were only about 1-2 feet. I gave the "gee" command and they eagerly entered the water and drank their fill, cooling off their feet too. Standing there, with my best buddies, surrounded by the wild beauty, the sun overhead sparkling on the water...it was really hard to imagine having to leave and go back.

Of course, as all good things must end way too soon, we were packed up and heading back by 3 p.m. The best weekend is a weekend with the dogs...and this was one I will always remember and cherish having had the chance to do it. Thanks to all who made it possible!!

First time

Raven and Cruise got to run in harness for the first time this morning. They ran with Tesla and Kiska for only about 1/2 mile and did really well. I am so proud of my "babies" as they both were very well behaved and serious about their "work". It was fun to put them into harness for the first time, and both seemed to enjoy the experience. I love those puppies so much...they are so intelligent, loving, funny and vocal. Raven is especially affectionate, and tries to hog all of the attention when they are together. I don't think Cruise minds, as he has his own agenda mostly.
Can't wait for cooler weather so we can get down to some real conditioning on the dogs, and work with the puppies more. Ted starts school again in about a week...then the Fall training will begin!
The tomatoes are taking their sweet time in ripening this year. I want to get chili and pasta sauce put up for this winter...but it looks as if it is going to be into September before I will be able to do that. We really haven't been getting much from the garden except for cukes and zucchini...a few tomatoes. The squash are abundant, as well as the peppers, but need to ripen more.
I hope we'll be able to have the grand kids up some more before school starts...Fall gets so busy after that. We do have a couple sleds to build and always wood to get stacked before the snow flies, too.
We did get Tara's drag brake put on her sled today. Took us 4 hours to get it all figured out, and I do hope she'll like it. I think I would like to put a wider one on my sled. My hips get so sore from standing on one leg for miles....I'd like to be able to get both feet on the drag brake, especially on those Baldwin trails!
Today is Alaine and Mikes 9th anniversary...and my brother Mikes 61st B-day! Wow.....

The Princess

She was very small once, fitting into my open hand with her tiny little paws and curly tail. People would ask what kind of an animal she was, a gerbil, a cat? No, a "wooly coated" Siberian Husky. Her name, Willow...and in full coat, she was a truly beautiful "Princess"...at least she thought so. Even at 12 years of age, (rather old for a dog) she strutted and ran and ruled the house and kennel. Her breath could remove paint. She hated having her bum and tail brushed out... but we loved her. During storms she would shake and cower, constantly demanding that you pet her, or at least have an arm over her to protect her from the noise and fury of nature. As if I could...then one day, Willow vanished. My sweet little girl was not there to greet me with her merry dance, and sparkling amber eyes. Searching for her helped keep hope alive...that she would be found, somewhere or somehow we would see her again. It was not to be. I am still encouraged that we did not find her body, that someone has her and is loving her and taking care of her. I notified the animal shelters, put up posters, and let the area vetinarians know that she is missing...we've been scanning the papers for found dogs...but if someone intentionally took her (and she would get in a car with anyone...very friendly little lady that she was/is) I suppose that will lead to a dead end too. We still listen for her bark to be let in, still expect to see her running across the yard...miracles can happen I suppose. My only hope is that she is well and happy, where ever she is. We miss you Willers...and we haven't given up trying to find you.

Misc stuff

Photo by Alaine Poelstra

The two new pups are growing like weeds! Cruise (the male) seemed to have a sore throat this morning...but is better tonight. He may have eaten a bee...not the worst thing he has gotten into so far, but the most painful! Raven, (female) is the puppy on top. She is quite a character as well as being athletic, sweet and very loving. They are both extremely intelligent, and good at figuring out things...it's fun to watch their little minds at work! Still able to let them free run while we walk an adult dog. They like other dogs, and seem to enjoy spending time with the various sled dogs in the kennel. Goose, Hunter and Heidi seem to be the favorite "uncles and aunt" though. Probably because they aren't as rough on them as some of the others. Both of the pups are very vocal and sensitive...if an adult rolls them or accidently bumps them, they scream like little banshees! Penny only had to give them the "mom look" to correct them, she never used her teeth or growled much...so if they get a physical correction from an adult, they think the world is falling down on them. Raven is more mature than Cruise...but he has learned not to jump on me, and Raven just doesn't seem to "get" that yet. Cruise is more aloof...though he is very affectionate on his terms. Ted still seems to frighten him a little. He reminds me very much of Q-Ball, his sire. I cannot wait to start training them in harness this fall...

Damien...who shall be recieving a new name as soon as I come up with one that fits him...is really doing well. Tonight, RJ and Alaine walked right up to him and petted him. No showing teeth or any signs of aggression, just a welcoming wag of the tail! I am so encouraged by the progress he is making! We have had him here for 4 months...Ted says that he is now our dog. (He is the dog we took in for some people who bought him as a puppy, but they were looking for a house, and couldn't keep him, so asked us to watch him for a couple of weeks to a month.) Well, it has been 4 months and they haven't called once to see if he is doing o.k., so I guess he is ours now. I have been taking him out with the other Seppala males and Fiona on the neck-line only gangline for 1-2 miles and he is so good. He gets along with the other dogs, and they accept him as well. Even though he doesn't understand much of the other dogs language, he has his parents accepting temperment and shows no aggression or desire to fight. I am very happy that he is getting over his defensiveness when on his tether. Our grand-daughter Nicole is trying hard to help with his rehabilitation...and has made progress with him too. She is deciding if she wants to be a musher or not...she certainly has a great deal of love for the dogs! If we can just get her confidence built up, teach her how to handle the dogs and stay safe on a sled, she will be great at it! I keep telling her if I can do it, she certainly can!

It's been a good day. RJ and Bethany were married...my mother was able to be there...my beautiful daughter Alaine took some good pictures...Ted and Beth's children also witnessed the union, perfect summer day and we had a nice dinner together. Oh..we did sneak in to peek at LeeAnn and Steve's new pups and Keesha too. They are growing nicely, and look healthy. Keesha looks good, and is a very good mom. We said hello to all of their dogs, and Alaine took some photos of the newlyweds in their beautiful yard. Heehee.she's going to send some to LeeAnn and Steve with their house in the back-ground to surprise them!

Wedding day

Today, my oldest son was married to a wonderful woman...what more could a mom want? With luck, and, as all of us must, work at times, I believe they can share a lifetime together. Bethany is kind, intelligent, sensitive, compassionate, loving...a great cook, fun to be with, and a good mom to her two children. She also loves my son...a LOT. I hope they stay as happy as they were today for the rest of their lives. That they will be good to each other, and learn to tolerate that which makes them different, and celebrate each day they spend together. The days, months and years go by so quickly, and so much of what we fret about isn't worth the time or energy we spend on it. Another person to share your life with, through all of the trials and challenges that life will to bring...that is worth working on, and for.

Ode to Alaine

Two days in a row! Didn't think I had anything to share today, but as I was looking at all of the beautiful pictures my lovely daughter has taken for/of us (the dogs especially!) I realized that I've not given her the credit she deserves! Pretty much every photo on this blog, my facebook, and even "my" Flickr sites were taken by my girl. We call her the official photographer of Thunderfeet Kennel and Sleds! Not that we do not have our own camera's...I just never remember to a) take mine along or b) even if I DO remember, I forget to take pics and then there is c) Alaine has a gift that neither Ted nor I do. She has a good eye for composing and color, shadows, etc. The truth is that she is a MUCH better photographer than we are, and we LOVE her photos! So this is a tribute to my wonderful, talented daughter, who provides our family with interesting pictures and videos...even though I wish she'd learn to "gauze" over any photos of me so all of my warts and wrinkles won't be plastered across the 'net, and put into family photo albums! (Sigh) Goodbye to having one chin, cheekbones, and smooth skin....Funny, I don't FEEL as old as I look. Must be something wrong with the new-fangled digital cameras everyone is using??? Yea...that's it! Next year is the big 6-0! (ugh...now that is starting to sound old!) Geesh!

Chase gets a kiss

Well, the mosquitoes are out in full force, the dogs are all blowing their coats, and the world is green once again! Wish I could say I love summer, but that would be a lie...anyway, it is just a season to get through until FALL!! (The BEST time of year, next to Winter.)

The puppies are all growing, and sooooo adorable...Alaine says they are the cutest puppies ever.

We get to keep the two (YES!!! Ted said we can have 2 puppies...he wants one for his team. NICE, huh??) puppies from this weekend on. They'll be 7 weeks old, and Penny has already weaned them. Tara will be picking up her 2, and Jill is getting a male. They will all be good dogs, I predict...(somewhat biased, yes.) They should match up nicely with Fiona/Kirov's offspring.

Ted is busy getting ready for the end of the school year, and also with the projects going on around here. The drain field failed, so he is fixing that, and we have the garden to plant too.

Mike and Jon will be coming for the weekend. It is Jon's birthday on Sunday. Alaine and the boys will be coming up for Saturday to help us celebrate. It should be a beautiful day...those boys do love to spend time together. When my Aunt Edith would come to our house in Rockford, we had so much fun playing with the cousins. They were "city kids" then, and we were the country cousins...but we all got along, and played tag, jumped off the barn, swam in the creek, and rode the horses and our mexican burro Jeff until it was time for dinner. Mom and Edith would make us grilled cheese sandwiches with Velvetta cheese and the bread my mom made. There were over 10 kids to feed! Delicious! Sometimes, mom would make fudge and popcorn to have around the campfires my dad built. We didn't have the electronic stuff kids have today, but we spent so much time outside we probably wouldn't have played with it anyway. A good night was chasing and catching a bottle full of fireflies, and listening to the spring peepers singing as we lay in the grass gazing at the stars and talking about how small we were compared to the whole Universe. Ahh....yup..those were the " good ol days"!

Of course, that was before I discovered THE Winter sport...and Siberian Huskies. How my life has changed!

More dog stuff

This is Penny and Rocky (I think) giving her a kiss. Or, maybe he is telling her a secret?

Talked to RJ earlier, and the 9 puppies and Penny are doing fine. She is eating good, and taking care of the pups. He did say that she seemed really tired last night, but she did have a busy day. Tara is very excited about her puppies...will be coming to see them on Friday, but probably won't pick out the two she wants until they are older. Rj is still partial to the first born female, but it is too early to tell what their personalities will be yet.

Damien...Kirov and Ice's son...was born in 2006. I have tried not to get attached to him, but cannot help it. He is so affectionate and reminds me so much of his daddy...except for the attacking people that approach him when he is tethered. THEN, he becomes a real butt-head.
Not sure exactly what his story is. His previous owner said that he was teased and tormented by some neighbor kids while they were at work...that would explain why he is like a different dog when tethered. It is hard to reconcile that with how he is when I am with him. He is good with other dogs, and I can take food away from him, put my hands in his bowl while he is eating...he is so good...but we cannot trust him because of the way he is when he is tethered.
He had been in a kennel with another dog, but got out of it. We had no idea that he would react the way he does when he is tethered, but after the campout weekend with the grand kids, we saw how he acts. It is still hard for me to call him an "aggressive dog" though I've seen his bad behavior. Obviously, we cannot have a dog that cannot be trusted in our kennel...one we KNOW will bite if approached by anyone, kid or adult. It breaks my heart that I am not able to" fix" him. When he isn't tethered, he seems to really enjoy people, and loves attention...but there is always that tension...will he bite? Ted is afraid that we will lose our kennel, our home, everything we've worked for, if we keep him here...but the ONLY safe alternative is to have him put down. Geez I hate the thought of that, but we cannot pass him/the problem on to anyone else. It is too much of a risk. Wish the dog whisperer were here to help!
The people that own him want him back (they say) when they find a home....Ted thinks they just wanted to rid themselves of a problem. I'm not convinced of that, because I do believe that they really love him. He IS very lovable, oddly enough. When they took him home, he was a wonderfully sweet puppy. His parents are two of our sweetest, most loving dogs...and I do believe that he is only a monster because of a couple of brats that thought it was funny to tease a dog. The only way I know to train that out of him is to expose people to him that don't torment him while he is chained up, and hope that he will re-set his way of thinking. It is a risk, and finding volunteers to risk getting bitten is probably stretching family and friendships too far...not realistic, I guess. Poor Damien.

Jill's mother in law passed away yesterday evening. Jill felt it was coming sooner than later...and was grateful that she didn't suffer. Went to sleep, didn't wake up. I am sorry for Paul, Jill and their family...but she was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer a couple months ago, and that is not a kind way to die. She went peacefully, without pain. What more could anyone ask for? Jills family is still grieving for Scout, and now for Paul's mother, too. This has been a difficult year for them so far...I do hope/pray it gets better.

Penny, Blaze and Timber

Oh, and here is a photo of Penny (L) and Blaze(middle) and Timber (R) two of her sons from her first litter. I expect some of these Easter pups to look like Blaze...

Easter Birth

Penny had 6 beautiful sleek, dark puppies on Easter. BUT, she had more inside that couldn't seem to get down to the birth canal. She was tired, exhausted really, and since we couldn't contact the Vet or the Vet Tech we decided to take a wait and see outlook. We spent most ot the day at RJ's place...waiting and watching. This morning, she went in to the vet first thing, and was X-rayed. She had 3 more pups in one uterine horn, and the other was prolapsed, but had a puppy in it. He/she didn't make it. The other 3 did. Total count for this litter is 6 males and 3 females. Penny is doing very well. Tired, but I'm sure she feels much better than she did yesterday. Beth and RJ are probably tired too. I worried about Penny all last night, and am so grateful she and the pups are all o.k. Sad for the puppy that didn't survive, but sometimes that happens. So, our wonderful Dr Lepley, somes through again. He is such a kind man, and always so fair and honest with us. ( It will be a sad day when he retires.) The dogs all love him too!

So, that was how Ted, RJ, Bethany, Penny and I spent Easter...and this morning it was all worth it. Penny is a very sweet dog, and so tolerant of all of us hovering over her as we waited for the next pup to be born. It will be exciting to watch these pups grow, and learn. They are all so dark and long legged...look like Q-Ball, their sire.

Back again

Well, it has been a while. Been crazy busy around here, and with the nice cool weather, we were able to have another dog weekend with Ted, Jill, Tara, Martha and the oldest grand sons Mike (10) and Jon (8). Lost Lake BS camp was desserted, the weather was beautiful, and we got in some good runs on the trails...through mud puddles, running water, across bridges, chasing ruffed grouse across fields, and moving the deer herds around. Mike saw a Fox on our first run, and he'd seen a Bald Eagle on the way into camp...He loves camping and being out with the dogs.
Jon seemed to enjoy it too, but he and Grandpa were in watching the basketball game while Mike and I took a team out with the other mushers. It is always fun to spend time with the girls, and their dogs.
A couple of new mushers came up to see what it was all about...Liz and Scott. Nice young couple, and they are very gung ho about learning all they can. Jill let them use her scooter to hook up some dogs (they have 3) and they seemed to have fun with that. We all remembered how it was to be just starting out. Today, there are many more accessible resources than there were in the 80's...Joining MUSH is always a good first step. Long before I entered my first race, I belonged to MUSH just to get the newsletter to find out what was happening with the club, and where events would be taking place. I do love our club...it is so unique and we are fortunate to have it here in Michigan.
Well, I have to run for now. RJ's dog Penny needs to see the vet this morning, and I have to meet Beth to take her there. Will let you know how that all comes out....

Girl power-Wooo-hooo!

The girls weekend at Lost lake had to be moved to a different locale...so Tara and I spent the weekend at Fort Custer St Park running the dogs on her SWEET! Fritz Dyk cart. We mostly took out 8 dog teams, and one of us drove, while the other one relaxed in the (comfortable) seat. It was fun, and we got to run the dogs, see lots of wildlife, as well as hearing scary footsteps in the night walking closer and closer...then went on by. When you're laying inside a "tent cot" (another cool thing Tara brought along) and you hear heavy footsteps clumping outside, it makes your heart beat faster! Fortunately, my friend Tara comes well armed, and she is reported to be a pretty good shot, too! I had a dog-collar light I was going to use to either strangle the guy with the elastic band, or shine it in his eyes to blind him so Tara could get off a clean shot at him!

We kept a nice fire going, ate very well, ran dogs, and listened to the coyotes near by yipping and howling. We figured out how to "cook" coffee in a fire pit, and I put up a "mushers bathroom" for us to use as the pit toilet was a bit of a hike, (and after a couple of beers, it is imperative to have nearby facilities!) I tend to talk too much, and probably bored Tara to death with my long winded, rambling stories....but she is a well mannered young lady, and instead of shooting me, leaving me to wander the forests of Michigan, or telling me to shut up, please, she listened.

We lucked out with the weather too. Friday night was cold, so we got a couple of short runs in , on Saturday we went out twice with the dogs (a.m & p.m.) then we got up early this morning and went for a longer run with the 8 younger dogs. It got warm today, and we enjoyed sitting in the sunshine around the fire. Reluctantly, we packed up and headed home. That was when Tara checked her messages and I found out that my son, Jeremy had gone to the hospital for chest pain. He is resting at home with a lung infection (they think) Khamala, his wife, said that he was still in a lot of pain. I worry about him a lot....he smokes and doesn't take good care of himself. They have 4 beautiful sons, who love their daddy very much...it would be terrible to have something happen to him. Jeremy is such a good man. I love him so much, and he works so hard for his family (as does Khamala!) I wish he could see how his kids look up to him, and that they all count on him. It hurts to know that he is hurting, and I hope he will be well again soon...but maybe this will finally convince him to quit smoking, and take care of himself better.