4.25.2011

April 25, 2011

White Dog, The Other White Dog, Another White Dog, and Still Another White Dog spent most of the day napping and recuperating from the "strenuous" outdoor activities of the weekend. But they all wanted to help chose photos for the post sharing our offbeat Easter celebration.
This was preparation for the picnic. Our menu was a portable feast and combined the efforts of our house and Gregg's: ham and cheese empanadas; asparagus in lemon and oil; a Spanish goat cheese and a sharper mountain cheese flavored with merlot from the Pyrenees with crusty french bread; a Spring tossed salad bursting with local fresh produce and sprouts; a chicken pasta salad with olives, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, mushrooms and feta; turkey on home-baked potato rolls; homemade cinnamon rolls; poppyseed bar cookies; and cherry almond cupcakes. Oh, and duck jerky, too, just in case!

We headed north to Dixon where the sheltered apple orchards at higher altitude are just beginning to come into bloom. Later, we returned to this lake for our picnic.
Hiking along the orchard road. Steve is wondering how he is going to photograph our adventures when there are FIVE in the WDA.
It was a pleasant breezy day and hiking was pleasant. "Why don't we find a way up?" Nuka, our robust hiker, suggested as she and Puff lead the way. (With little Sen-ge right on their heels). Dragon and Quinn stopped often to whiff the incredible scents of juniper and apple blossons, and pine.
So up they went, except for White Dog who decided to join me back where we had parked...at the edge of the apple trees...where I was sketching and enjoying a more tranquil approach to celebrating the Season. As I worked, WD investigated a bit and then settled next to me to observe and critique. We were both startled when the hardy hikers returned.
After nibbling Gregg's delicious cinnamon rolls, everyone agreed that we should find a feasting spot. We made a short drive over to Cochiti Lake and found a shade shelter on the top of a rise which overlooked the lake. We feasted and savored and toasted Life, Family, Love, Nature. Then we took a short walk down to the water's edge. The late afternoon sun glistened on the water and we all took a moment to say "Thanks."

16 comments:

Teddy Bear said...

Love the picture of the Army waiting for Mom to offer some treats.:) Looks like such a beautiful day filled with lots of walks and wonderful food.:)

Love,
Teddy Bear & Sierra

Asta said...

White doggies
I think you had an inspiwed and bootiful Weekend
Gowgeous scenewy, incwedibully yummie menu fow youw pic-nic, (Mommi is dwoo;ling along wif me) and a hike and best of all, all of it togethew as a loving family
smoochie kisses
ASTA

Casper and pals said...

Sounds like a great day!

TwoSpecialWires said...

It sounds like it was a perfectly wonderful day. With all the necessary ingredients. You know exactly how to put it all together.

Enjoy the moments ... and the spring.
xx
Jake and Fergi

Suka said...

hey White Dog Army,

What beautiful photos! I would love to go hiking there, and I think my human would love to swim in the lake! Sounds like you all had a fabulous time! How wonderful to spend the day in such beauty, surrounded by family and friends, and lots of delicious food!

Suka

p.s. We agree with Teddy Bear, the photo of the pups waiting on mom is great! :->

p.p.s. Rabbit and bluberry?! Oh My Dawg that sounds so yummy! :->

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

Beautiful pictures. Sounds like the perfect day.

Remington said...

Great pics! What a beautiful day!

Hansel said...

What a wonderful day you had!!!! We can't believe how great steve is with the camera with 4 WDS- mom can hardly do it with just ben ben!!!

The World Of Hansel Not signed in!!!!

Kari in Alaska said...

our family loves off beat celebrations :)

Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com

Brian's Home Blog said...

You sure are a great bunch of wonderful White Dogs, oh such adventures!

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Another great day out and loved seeing the pictures of you all. It sounded wonderful. I heard some wonderful news over at my friends blog and It was that you will maybe be having another addition to your white dog army. Wow wonderful news indeed. Hugs GJ x

Sagira said...

Looks like another great adventure. Love the photo of all helping get things ready. :)

Sally Ann and Andy said...

Hey, if you want a fifth member of your white dog army, I have a private who would love to join up. He is good at walking. Just let me when you want me to send him out. He does bark with a southern accent, but apart from that he is just like y'all.
Sally Ann

TimberLove said...

What a beautiful day! So happy a joyfilled time was spent by all~& we can't wait to see the pics once there are FIVE in the WDA!!

RA & Isis

How Sam Sees It said...

Sounds like you had a very wonderful day!

Sam

ForPetsSake said...

What a perfect springtime celebration! All the important ingredients all in on e place. And that menu's making my mouth water!!