Meet writer dogs. Rider dogs. Best dog friends. Surf the couch, the www, or a wave. Wave back at us!
It's all about the ride. The ride of life with a dog.
Our Surf Dog Diaries crew in a previous parade. Photo: Richard Hallman, Freelance Imaging
For the first time in 20 years, we are not surfing down the street in the Christmas parade Friday night. I hate to miss all those amazing kids on Oak Street in Hood River as we roll by.
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T-day dinner - DogDiary household Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, www.DogDiary.org
Would you look at all that food!? You're a self respecting surf dog in a situation like this. Whatcha gonna do?
Hang loose. Be patient. Step up to the nose of the board. Make your move.
Grandma and me, Doodle, with turkey. www.DogDiary.org
But first - work your allies.
Start early.
Start with women.
Start in the kitchen.
She's the one with the bird in the hand.
Aunt Danya is always a good target. www.DogDiary.org
You make life easier for him/her!
Be sure to wear your best "I'm so small and cute" outfit.
That's grandpa on the right
That empty chair is where mom sits. She's always snapping photos. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers
Yeah, the guy in the Hawaiian shirt is always a good choice.
Is there anyone left? Is there anyone all grown up?
Me and my sister Tia. Mom says sis needs to cut back on the turkey consumption. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, www.DogDiary.org
Prep for round 2.
Our DogDiary family surf team. L to R: Dude, blind beagle; dog mom Barb Ayers; Elvis surf basset (RIP, we miss you;) dinky doxie Doodle on the nose. Photo (c) Barb Ayers, www.DogDiary.org
Work up an appetite. Then, head back inside for round 3
The people behind the dogs. Family members, left to right: Doodle, dog mom Barb, cousin Mel, Uncle Jerry, Aunt Danya. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers
Jump in their lap. Show what's in your heart. Snuggle up.
Warning: this could lead to round 4.
Snow reminds us we need to snuggle up more! Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org
An attitude of gratitude is what this week is all about.
THANK YOU to our Surf Dog Diaries family and friends!
www.DogDiary.org
Doodle's sleepy Sunday morning selfie Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org
‘Tis the season to take stock of all that we have - all that we are.
‘Tis the season of gratitude.
Sunday morning Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org
For the simple joys of life.
Sleeping in. Snuggling up.
No politics. No Type A. No agenda.
Slo mo Sunday mornings.
Be fragile. Be human. Say “I love you.”
Better yet, show it. That’s what dogs do.
Curl up. Burrow under the covers.
Breath the same air.
Are we lucky to have each other, or what?
Outdoor dog fun in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest - near Trout Lake, WA Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org
In Oregon, we are thankful for the majesty of nature around us. Grounding us.
Sharing forest secrets.
River currents. The journey.
Mountain hikes to panoramic views.
Elk, bear, eagle and quail commuting through the yard.
Though it's a big, busy, loud world out there, life begins and ends in moments like these -- quiet moments. Moments between moments.
If we slow down and stop rushing from A to B. If we listen to the quiet.
The call of the quail in the yard.
Magical hike in the Pacific NW Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org
We don't all speak the same language - or live in the same neighborhood. Some of us eat meat – some of us, seed.
Tia and Doodle - lion and lamb. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org
But wherever in the world we are, we are neighbors. Maybe even relatives - whatever our species.
We are all on this planet together.
We are here to blaze a trail – to help – to give what we can. To share. To help each other find our way. To find the meaning of life.
Sometimes we get lost - and in being lost, we find a whole new journey.
Give thanks. Give back. It's that time of year.
Whatever causes are important to you, help them. Whatever lives you can touch – please do so.
Here are a few causes we believe in.
Hood River Rotary service project at Hood River Middle School 2016 - cleaning up the track. That's me, Barb, on the right - the girl. Photo: Michael McElwee
Snow will be closing in soon. There’s a turkey, giving his all for us.
There’s a moment- in the quiet- when we feel completely alone – and that’s when we know how much we need each other.
It will be a long time before the renewal of spring.
Fall view in the front yard - Coyote Wall syncline Photo (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org
There’s a guy in a red suit coming to town at some point – I think he has a list...
Happy holiday season!