these boots were made for walking

While I was cleaning out my craft closet the other day, Elizabeth was trying her hardest to fish in the toilet. Yes, I know great Mama. As I turned to get her out of the bathroom, I found her standing alone with the biggest smile I've ever seen on her face. She was so proud of herself! Of course, I was elated. She took a good three steps and went boom, as I call it. My little baby is so big now. Truthfully, she is pretty petite. But, she changes so much day by day. I just feel so blessed to have her in my life.

We headed down to the golf course by our house the other evening to take some pictures of her. She had a blast! The light was less that desirable, but I think I got a couple of decent shots.

my pumpkin

Saturday, the three of us took a little trip downtown to the Farmer's Market and to a local church to pick out some pumpkins. I'm quite certain there are no real pumpkin patches in our area. If there were we would be there with bells on! But, that didn't bother my little one. She had a ball, or shall I say a pumpkin! These pictures were harder than you think to catch. Between keeping her from eating the grass and the huge scratch she acquired during her pumpkin patting, picture snapping was a bit hectic. It's almost impossible to catch that little booger grinning!

As for the Farmer's Market, our town has a tiny one open on Saturdays and Wednesdays downtown. There are only a handful of vendors, but they have such a beautiful array of plants and veggies. Elizabeth and I went last weekend and convinced Travis to tag along this week. A local farm sells grass-fed beef and Travis wanted to test it out. We wanted a couple of filets, but they were fresh out. So, we opted for two strips. I've had grass-fed beef from Whole Food before and it was wonderful. This, not so much. The cows are very lean and it makes for a tough steak. However, the shrimp, squash and asparagus we had were yummy. The weather was also beautiful, so we had a great Florida Fall morning!

those who lie with dogs...

In November, regal old Forbes will be 14. You know, that's 98 in dog years? Elizabeth loves her yellow buddy, as do we. He was acquired in Richmond, Kentucky one chilly Winter 14 years ago this coming January. He was the most expensive Lab I had ever found, a whopping $800! My Dad thought that was absurd and told me to find a thriftier one. So, I flipped through the Herald Leader, searching for our newest friend. Day after day, his ad showed up. Finally, we called. He was 12 weeks old and there were only two left. I stayed behind while Mom and Dad drove a good distance to meet Mr. Forbes. In usual fashion, my Father bartered with his breeder. I'm quite certain he got a wonderful deal. He always does. However, each moment we spent with this amazing dog, the more we knew what a steal he truly was. This dog was bread for greatness. Instead, he has filled my family's heart with unconditional love and adoration. He is stubborn as an ox and has had a many love affair with tennis balls. I often think he dreams of a Doggy Heaven filled with tennis balls soaring through the air. Little Elizabeth is enamored by him. So much so, she shares her breakfast and luch with him each day. He is just as in love.

a simple start...

I have abandoned my previous blog.

I guess when life gives you the greatest gift your perspective changes.

My daughter or the little bee, fills my days with pure joy and happiness. Please feel free to bask in the joy she brings me.