Echo Lake: the solid version

For a change of scenery, Karl and I headed east on our road to Echo Lake. We haven’t been since late Fall as the pavement ends not far from my driveway and the narrow, winding mud and gravel road is a bit harrowing in Winter. It wasn’t great today, but the Jeep managed with just a little slip-slidery along the way.

It has been so warm and I’m used to Flathead Lake so was surprised into laughter to see Echo Lake still frozen over.

Karl seemed mystified.

Where the heck is that water that used to be here???

…keep looking…

Is this a joke?

Where’s my treat?

This morning…snowing and blowing per NOAA’s forecast. And the temperature dropped from its balmy 39F to 16F overnight…scheduled to go even colder…Karl’s kind of weather :)!

The routine is our morning walk down the driveway at which point Karl peels off and circumnavigates the property while I keep an eye on the bouncing blue collar and return via the direct route back up the driveway. Meanwhile, Bob circumnavigates the garage and adjacent wood pile.

One of Karl’s “2 per day” special treats is dispensed after Karl, Bob and I return to the house.

“I’m back! I’ll take my treat now”.

“Oh, wait – invader???”

“OK, I’m in. Where’s my treat?”

Battle Stations!

Uh-oh…

Karl is on the job…

There is no sick leave at Beardog Consulting… When the going gets tough, the tough get going!

We are at battle stations!

Karl is protector of house, home and property as usual. Last evening, we started the medication that I believe gives him comfort without adverse effect. He wagged his tail last night! It does not have its curl back, but it wags – VICTORY!

For my part, I visualize my own army of warriors – angelic knights – standing at the ready around us and this house -with swords raised – keeping fear, worry and all that is not Joyful at bay. If something sneaks through, I yell at my army, fling forth my arms in wizardly power and command that the intruder be turned away!…dramatic maybe, but the visualization works :)!

The foe (and squirrel!) must be vanquished!!

Bob’s comment on the proceedings is not printable…

**All photos taken this morning (9/8/2010) – Karl rolls with the ebb and flow of his energy – I’m learning to do the same.

Thank you…more than words can say for your comments and prayers.