Let There Be Light

This was our old basement door. We knew it needed to be replaced when the last bout of heavy rains pushed water under the door. Closer inspection showed that the sill under the door had rotted.

The basement is dark and I wanted a door with a window. I thought we would get a 9 light door, but when we saw this 12 light we decided that it would look nicer.

We bought the door and researched installations on the Internet. 5 hours is the estimated duration. However, anyone who has done home improvements knows to expect the unexpected.

It took little time to get the old door out. Great - we were on our way! Unfortunately, not only was the sill rotted, but also the framing on both sides. Off to Home Depot to get some 2x6s and we were underway again.

The door was put in and then came installation of the new locks. We wanted to reuse our old locks but this presented an issue - how to remove the locks from the old door?? The lock installation was by far the biggest challenge with a lot of "I don't knows". Eventually the locks were removed and reinstalled. Time for a break.

Next came the foam insulation.

The door still needs to be painted and the molding installed, but at least it is a functioning door again.

Time to reframe and install the door: 8 hours

Seventy Seven

Danny's new nickname is "Seventy Seven". He's down three pounds since he's been on Science Diet R/D. He's got about 3/4 of the 30 pound bag left, so we'll see where that gets him.

Autumn Fetch

The only problem with playing fetch in the fall, is that sometimes you end up with a mouth full of leaves.

A rescue dog

When strangers meet Danny, they often comment on what a good dog he is. Some of the most common descriptions are sweet, friendly, nice, and beautiful.

When we mention that Danny was abandoned and Sunshine Golden Retriever Rescue saved him, people are surprised. Most people just don't understand why anyone would give up such a great dog.

Sometimes people ask "What's wrong with him ?" As if it is Danny's fault that he was abandoned. I want to respond "What's wrong with you!"

There is NOTHING wrong with Danny or the thousands of dogs currently in shelters.If you are thinking of getting a dog, please consider adopting one.

Soccer game

Last weekend, Danny got to attend his first soccer game. The weather was just perfect - warm and sunny, feeling more like an early Sept day, not mid-Oct.

Danny arrived at the soccer field and was instantly surrounded by the young soccer stars. They all wanted to pet him and hug him. Danny LOVES people and could not get enough attention.

Once the game started, the parents came over to visit. Danny was in heaven.

Halfway thru the game, a guest for the opposing team arrived with a young yellow lab. The lab started barking at Danny. Danny gave her a quick glance and then refocused on watching the game.

At the end of the game Danny got one more round of love from the players. I was so proud of how well he behaved.

Danny's Gift

At our house we do not celebrate a birthday; we celebrate a birthWEEK. In honor of Danny's birthday, this week's entries will all be about Wilton's favorite dog, Danny.

Danny has been us with one year and our best guess is that he is about 3 years old. I gave a lot of thought about what Danny's birthday gift should be.

A new toy ? Danny already has plenty of toys. When guests visit the house, they cannot miss the big pile of dog toys in the family room. This does not include the toys in the bedroom and basement.

Rawhide ? Danny is a chewer and for the sake of shoes and furniture, we always have a supply of rawhide on hand.

A trip to the groomer ? I loved the idea, but decided that gift would be more for me, not Danny.

I finally came up with the perfect gift! Sunshine Golden Retriever Rescue (sunshinegoldenrescue.com) is the wonderful organization that brought Danny into our lives. Why not give back to the people who saved our beautiful dog and gave him a second chance for a happy life! Danny's wagging tail confirmed that he liked the idea of helping other Goldens.

Happy Birthday Danny!

Happy Birthday to me! Happy Birthday to me! It is hard to believe that I moved to CT one year ago. At that time I thought no one would ever love me again. In a span of a few short weeks, I was abandoned, lived in a shelter and then was shipped from Alabama to Maine.

I had a great foster Mom, Linda, and was starting to hope again, when two strangers knocked on the door. The next thing I knew, I was on the road again.

When we arrived at my new home in Wilton, I was nervous. One look at their newly finished hardwood floors and figurines and I thought this will never work. I'm a big guy who loves to run around and wag his tail - how would I ever fit in ?

It turns out that Mom and Dad are pretty cool. The scratches in the hardwoods are called "character" and the breakables have been moved higher up.

I had a lot to learn; sharing the bed is ok, the couch is not, eating from the candy jar is a MAJOR offense. After a year, I have Mom well trained, a sigh or a sad look will get me extra hugs or playtime or a snack.

Each season has brought new visitors to our yard. Ducks in the spring, woodchucks in the summer, deer in the fall. Add in the foxes, turkeys and coyote and I never know what I may find.

These Golden days have passed quickly with a lot of laughter and some tears (being diagnosed with epilepsy). Through the ups and downs Mom and Dad have stood by me. Mom says we're a pack and a pack always sticks together.

Always - I like that word.

Bed Warmer

Who needs an electric blanket when you have a big furry Golden ?

On these cool nights and mornings, Danny acts as a bed warmer. I am amazed at how much heat he radiates and love that my feet are never cold.

Coyote

Driving down our street, Jeff and I noticed an animal in our neighbor's yard. We stopped the car to get a better look. What is that ? My first thought was a wolf, then a dog, then a coyote. We turned into our driveway and I did not expect to see the creature again.

Going out later, we saw the same animal standing in a different neighbor's yard. This time we were able to get a much better view and I could clearly see the gray coat that looked matted. There is no doubt that this coyote seemed very much at home - he slowly trotted off into the woods. Not the least bit afraid of the car or the attention. Could this be the answer to stopping Silverback (the woodchuck) ?

I always thought coyotes were small, but this one was taller than Danny at the shoulder and thinner. I also thought the coyote's coat would be brownish, but this was full wolf gray. I guess you never know what you will meet at 3pm in Wilton! Maybe that is why Danny is constantly sniffing in the yard and on his walks ?

Watching You

This month's masthead courtesy of who else, but Danny the Dog. His defeated expression in Last Bath of Summer translates into a watchful look when you just look at his eyes.

Last Bath of Summer

We decided to take advantage of the unusually warm October day and gave Danny his last bath of the summer. On such a warm day, you would think the cool water would feel good, but after a few minutes, our hands ached from the cold well water. Even Danny, tried to escape the hose before the final rinse.

Once the water was shut off, Danny ran for the grass and rolled from side to side. When he stood back up, his wet coat was covered in leaves and I swear there was a gleam in his eye and a smile on his lips that seemed to say, "I showed you"

With such a thick coat, the drying process takes hours, but in the end, Danny's coat gleams.

PS - I previously mentioned that Danny's early winter coat might be a sign of a rough winter ahead. This week, two people mentioned the large number of acorns in their yards. It turns out that is another foreshadowing of a harsh winter. On a 88 degree day, it is hard to imagine snow ahead, but we'll have to wait and see.

Sunday Breakfast

As we were enjoying our Sunday breakfast, I looked out and near the shed was my nemesis, Silverback. Silverback (named after his silver streak) is the oldest, largest and craftiest of the woodchucks in our neighborhood. Due to his extra large size, he inflicts the most damage on our garden. Silverback had not been spotted in the last month, so I was hopeful that he had moved on.

Jeff commented, "I'm not surprised to see him, the Montauk daisies are looking a little bare". I raced to the front window and looked out. 2 days ago the daisies were getting ready to flower, today there are just a few bare stalks!

I sat back at the table and out trots the fox! The fox walks under the bird feeder and all the birds scatter. The fox continues across the yard and into the woods. Unlike the woodchuck, I truly enjoy seeing the fox with his beautiful dark red coat.

Why Aunt Dottie is my favorite Aunt...

Did you ever notice that when you are down to your last Milk Bone, one just finds it's way to you? Well the same thing happens with tennis balls!

I'm down to my last two tennis balls, and lets just say they're a little gamey. Mommy loves to throw them with the ChuckIt, but when they get lost she refuses to go look for them. For some strange reason, she expects me to go find them. Imagine that? I'm a retriever, not a pointer for pete's sake.

So when the tennis balls lose their bounce, my Aunt Dottie freecyles them and gives them to a well deserved puppy. Me, Danny.

Um, I'm trying to sleep here

My Latest Find

While mowing the grass the other day, I came upon a shiny spot in the yard.

"Most likely more broken glass", I though to myself. Most of the time I find broken shards of glass or metal while mowing the lawn and I dig them out so the dog doesn't get hurt. But every once in a while, I dig out a whole bottle. To my surprise, this one came out whole!


This is one of the more decorated bottles that I have dug out so far. On the front it says:
HILLSIDE SPRING WATER CO.
NEW MILFORD, CT.

REGISTERED

And on the back, it says:
THIS BOTTLE
NOT TO BE SOLD
8 FL. OZ.

There are a couple marks on the bottom, but are indistinguishable. And here we thought the spring water craze was something new....

Birding season

As the annuals die in our garden, the hanging baskets are slowly being replaced with bird feeders. The first day the first feeder was out, we had cardinals, blue jays, tufted titmice and chickadees. I thought that it would take longer to attract the birds which we stopped feeding in March.

The second, third and fourth feeders went up this weekend and I realized it was time to buy more bird seed. I bought 40 lbs. which should last a few weeks.

When I saw the downy headed woodpeckers trying to feed, I realized it was time to hang the suet.

What is odd is that our sunflower is bursting with seeds, but the birds show no interest.

In the late afternoon, I often hear the hawks screeching for minutes at a time, but with the leaves still on the trees, they are difficult to spot.

Wilton Center

In the evenings, we often take Danny for a walk at the Wilton Center. Wilton Center has nice wide sidewalk and interesting stores to window shop.

There are some beautiful flowers here. Obviously, there are no woodchucks living near by.

Winter Predictions

If woolly caterpillars can be used to predict a harsh or mild winter, what about a Golden Retriever ?

I'm asking this question, because Danny has already started to grow in his winter coat. It is only September and Danny's coat is full and fluffy. Someone commented that he looks like a fuzzy bear.
Instead of his normal outer coat, Danny is developing a soft thick undercoat across his body. Whenever I look at Danny I wonder if he knows something we don't.

With a coat like this, I predict a long cold winter.

Very Addictive

Only start if you've got plenty of time.

Cat with Bow Golf

Sunday in the Park

On Sunday afternoon, we took Danny to the Westport Dog Park. Danny really enjoys playing with the other dogs and we enjoy meeting other dog lovers.

I am always surprised by how many people go to the park who do not have dogs. We met a young Mother and her baby girl. The woman said her daughter liked dogs, but she did not have time to take care of a dog. So, she brings her daughter to the park, to play with the dogs. I was a little nervous, Danny is big and the girl was very small, but Danny loved the attention. The Mom commented on Danny's beautiful coat and how incredibly soft it was. They wondered if he would like a rice cake as a treat.

We met a group of special needs adults. They enjoyed petting Danny and he stood there contentedly closing his eyes. One man kept saying Danny looked like the dog on tv. Perhaps he meant "Duke" from the Bush's Baked Bean commercials?? Several other people have said that Danny could be Duke.

I am amazed at how well Danny seems to read people. He can instantly go from rough housing with a pack of labs to a calm docile dog who lets strangers pet and hug him. Perhaps all dogs are so attuned to people, but I like to think that Danny is extra special.

Danny & the Aerator

The fall is when I start to get my grass in shape for the next year. It usually starts off with me going over the lawn with an aerator (takes little plugs out the lawn to help with compaction). Then I follow it up with over-seeding using a slit seeder.

This weekend was the aeration weekend. The aerator is a motorized machine about twice the size of a lawn mower.

About half way through the lawn, I turned it off and took a break. Valerie let Danny out and when he spied the aerator in the yard he started to growl. His ears perked up and he started very slowly walking towards it. About half-way to it, he growled again and the hair on his back started to stand on end. By the time he finally got to the aerator, he was in full-nasty growl. He walked around it, sniffed it a couple times, decided it wasn't a threat and continued on with his day.

Sunflower

This spring, Jeff received a free packet of sunflower seeds from the bank. Since I had an empty flower pot, I decided to plant them and see what happened.

I planted 9 seeds and one started to grow. The squirrels dug up the rest of the seeds. How do the squirrels know that you just planted seeds ? I had some left over bird seed, so took some of those sunflower seeds and planted them. Again the squirrels dug them up. I gave up and focused on this one tiny plant.

Surprisingly, the sunflower started to grow and was soon 3 feet tall. That is when the woodchuck struck and stripped off the first 2 feet of leaves. I thought the sunflower would die.

However, this plant was a fighter and continued to grow. I watered it daily and fertilized weekly. Finally the flower began to form and when we returned from vacation the flower was finally open!

As you can see, the sunflower is about 10 feet tall. The face is usually covered with bumble bees. It is amazing that one little seed can produce such a large plant.

Canadian Coin

During our vacation to Niagara Falls, we strolled past a fountain. Check out the Canadian Quarter just about in the middle of the picture. It's actually floating on the water!

Niagara Day 3

There are many beautiful parks and gardens around Niagara Falls.

Here are some of the interesting flowers we saw.

Danny's vacation

When I saw the suitcases being loaded in the car, I knew something was up. I immediately jumped into the backseat and would not get out. There was no way I was going to be left behind!

I spent the week with family in upstate NY. Mom was worried that I would think Grandma's new leather couch was a giant chew toy, but I know better. In fact, I was a very good boy.

I had so much fun! I go lots of attention, walks and there were kids to play with. The best part was sleeping on a King size bed and not getting kicked off in the middle of the night.

I hope to go back again soon.

Niagara Day 2

While we were at the Falls, we went on the Journey Behind the Falls, at which you get to stand behind the Falls and very near the side of the Falls. The water sounds like thunder as it crashes down.

The White Water Walk was beautiful. I did not realize the Falls lead to Class 6 Rapids. There was a duck just floating along the edge of the rapids - the rough water did not seem to bother him.

We also went to the Butterfly Conservatory - the colors on the butterflies are amazing!

Niagara Falls - Day I

We took a couple days and went to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls last week. As you can imagine, everything is centered around the falls.

We decided to get an up-close and personal look at the falls by taking a Maid of the Mist cruise that got us right up to the falls. It was quite amazing and unbelievable that anybody could survive a trip over them. At night the falls come alive with a light show of the falls followed by a brief fireworks show over both the American Falls and the Canadian Falls. Lots of walking the first day, but definitely worth it.

Crossing paths

We have spotted the fox several times in the last few days. When I looked out the window, the fox was standing at the edge of the pond. I do not know if this fox is one of the kits from the spring or one of the parents.

The fox's coat is now a beautiful rich red and the white tip on the tail is in sharp contrast to the red. This is very different from the brown/red spring coat.

Danny and the fox literally crossed paths on our morning walk this week. We were walking down the street and the fox crossed ahead of us. Danny and the fox stopped, looked at each other, and then the fox ran into the woods. A sharp "No Danny" kept Danny from chasing the fox.

Bad Hair Day

Danny got caught in a downpour during his morning walk. I tried to dry him off, but his coat was still damp when I left for work.

The result was a bad hair day. My first thought when I saw him in the evening was Wow! You look like you had a rough day!!

After a few minutes of brushing, Danny was looking like his old self.

Family tree

Our butterfly bush is finally in bloom and the butterflies have quickly discovered its sweet flowers.

Ten years ago, we bought a butterfly bush in NC and gave it as a gift to family on Long Island. For 10 years the bush grew and several saplings were born.

Our bush is one of the saplings. It was given to us last year when we moved to our new home. Last year, the bush was quite small and had few flowers, probably due to being transplanted.

This year the bush is at least 7 feet tall and full of blooms. Now that we know the butterfly bush is woodchuck and deer resistant, I am considering planting additional ones in the yard.

The Sweet Life

Pictures say it all!

This month's masthead

This month's masthead courtesy of the two fawns that frequent our yard. In certain Westport circles they call deer "rats with hooves" and I thought it was catchy, so I used it.