If a dog was your teacher you would learn stuff like . . .
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
Take naps and stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and rest under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout --
run right back and make friends.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
Stop when you have had enough.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
- Unknown
I just returned from a trip to the beautiful Central Coast of California. A good friend of mine from Ohio (Thea Brigham) just moved to Arroyo Grande and she invited me for a visit. Thanks for the great time Thea!!
Saturday we explored the beaches at Pismo and Grover. It was part stormy, part sunny - but beautiful! At Grover Beach there is a Monarch butterfly grove. The butterflies migrate from the Rockies and even as far away as Canada each year to this same area. There are thousands of butterflies grouped together in the trees. During cooler weather (which it was when we visited) the butterflies stay huddled in large groups - but when the sun is out and the temp is above 55 they fly around in the woods. Quite a sight I am sure! There were telescopes set up so we could see into the clusters - and view all the individual butterflies. It was pretty amazing!
We then headed to Santa Barbara to explore all the sights, shop and eat at a few of the many, many wonderful restaurants. It was beautiful, refreshing, and uber cool. We both decided the pressure to be "cool" would be exhausting if you lived there. But maybe "cool" comes with a Santa Barbara address? Who knows. But it was fun and not possible to see it all in a two days. I would love to go back.
