A Very First Birthday

Yesterday, May 21st, was a very special day.  Riley turned one year old, at least according to her records.  Since I adopted her from a rescue, her birthdate is probably a guess, but her vet records say May 21, 2012 and that's what I'm using.  So that means we had something to celebrate!

Last week a friend sent along a package with all sorts of goodies!  Riley got to taste test some of her treats and really enjoyed them (*after Mom forced me to sit nice for a picture, pfftt*).

Then yesterday came time to open her present.  There was investigating and sniffing and with a little help the package was open.  (*it's a bird, Mom... a bird with a mohawk...*)  The stuffie was a hit - she played with it, she ran from one end of the condo to the other with it, and she took it to her hiding place - under the guest bed. 

She still looks tiny, though she's more than doubled in weight since I brought her home. She still has the energy and craziness of a puppy, though she's grown to enjoy her quiet time. She's officially a dog, but she'll always be my puppy.  Happy very first Birthday, Riley! 

For Coco

The blogging world has lost a puggie friend - Coco went to the Bridge.  I'm sure his mama and his sister Amelia are very sad and will miss him so very much.  Coco always had a smile that was contagious. Run free, little one!

Spring Has Sprung

It is now May and I have been reminded to post more often - my last post was a holiday post and now it's already spring! While I've been slacking on the blog, I've been doing some spring cleaning.  It's a perfect time to freshen things up around the house as windows begin to be opened when the day allows, flowers are starting to bloom to add color to the previously grey world of winter, and trees are budding with promise of green to come.

Part of my spring cleaning has been a major project I've been working on for what seems like years - go through the boxes of 'stuff' I've accumulated over several years.  I know I want to move again - it's hard to believe I've been in this condo for four years now! - and I know I don't want to move all of this 'stuff' again. A few weeks ago I took some things to the donation truck and also took a couple bags of books and CDs to Half Price Books to sell.  And several times a week I take a small bin of recycling down to the big bin in the alley.  When I see progress being made, when I can finally have just about all of my clothes out of bins and easily accessible, it feels real good, and it makes me want to continue.

I'm not sure where I will move next, and I'm not sure when, but I am taking these little steps at trying to get ready.  I want a yard, to plant a little garden and to have a place for Riley to play, but while my mind has been clouded over the past couple weeks thinking about where I'd like to look, the project of cleaning out what is unnecessary or unwanted has helped.

Spring is a remarkable time of year.  A time of rebirth, of renewal, and yes, a time of cleaning out the dust, and the clutter of winter and looking forward to better days ahead.  It's not just our homes that could use a cleaning like this, but our minds as well.  Wipe away the cobwebs that prevent us from enjoying life and focus forward.  Spring has indeed sprung and we should rebound from the doldrums of winter and bound out into the world!