Osprey nest overlooking Lake Oroville. I really love this nest. It’s such a classic.
I haven’t posted much about our local ospreys this year, so here’s a teaser. They had an excellent year. Nearly all the local nests were occupied with fledglings. There will be more posts to come.
Log Stringer Bridge
Here’s a sight we don’t see much in California anymore, the log stringer bridge. It used to be the standard bridge for small creek crossings on logging jobs. Most of the old log bridges have been removed and replaced with large arch pipes or metal bridges. This one was put in for a temporary crossing. When the logging is complete the logs will be removed and sent to the mill. The stream channel will be returned to it’s original condition and the approaches will be grass seeded and mulched to prevent erosion. This was an inexpensive solution to access an area that didn’t need a permanent bridge.
Bliss is helping with the log quality inspection. She offered to take care of the tiny logs and left me the big ones.
A perfect Fall day in the woods.
Bliss
This Summer I’ve been extremely busy and I haven’t had much time to devote to the blog. The near future looks pretty busy too. I might have to put Bliss in charge of it.
Dock jumping fun times for our dogs!
Fun times at dock jumping class with the crew from Shasta Splash Dogs. Phanny and Tasha build confidence as Bliss and Sailor take to flying off the dock with style.
Fluffy puppy Phanny builds confidence in her jumps before taking on the full run. She took 1st place in side jumping.
Tasha takes her leap from the side. Happy girl brought home 3rd for side jumping.
Bliss’ 1st jump of the night.
Bliss and Tim on her 2nd jump. She set the jump to beat.
Sailor’s jump ties him with Bliss.
Sailor’s tie-breaking jump gains another foot in distance for the longest of the beginners. Sailor brought home 1st and Bliss 2nd for the end jumps.
Kerfe, thank you so much for sharing this beautiful picture of my Bliss. I love it. Your poetry is so perfect for her. I am very touched. She would give you a snuggle if she was there.
“You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, ‘Wow, you’re right! I never would’ve thought of that!’”
–Dave Barry
blissful eyes reflect
absolute trust devotion
loyalty returned
For National Pet Day, I started with a quote in answer to Elusive Trope’s 3-day quote challenge. And of course, a poem for NaPoWriMo. My neocolor drawing is a portrait of Bliss, one of the beautiful golden retrievers who shares the life of Tim, The Forester Artist. When he posted this photo in January, I remarked to him that her face begged to be drawn. It’s taken me awhile, but she is a perfect poster girl for the day.
It’s been a long time since I drew any dogs. I did a few drawings and paintings of one of my roommate’s wonderful dogs, Bacchus, 40+ years ago, and I think I…
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Just back from a road trip to where the antelope play.
If you were following our competition, here’s how it turned out.
Recap: Tim and I each donated an original framed piece of art for the Forestry Education Auction held at the Lumberjack Dinner, 2016 Sierra Cascade Logging Conference.http://sneakingbliss.com/2016/02/10/ready-to-rumble-bliss/
Going head to head. What married couple doesn’t thrive on a little friendly competition?
The auctioneer explained that bidders would bid, not knowing which piece other bidders were bidding on. The winner would have the option of buying both, each at the high bid price. If both weren’t taken, the second place bidder had the option of the “left-over” piece. If not taken then, the “left-over” would go back out on live auction.
The auctioneer brought us both to the front of the audience with our pieces and asked me to say something about my piece, but before I could answer, Tim said his piece was “…for the children.”
How do I top that? “For the children.” Really, Tim?
With that introduction, the…
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Happy Birthday Tasha!
Today is Tasha’s third birthday. We celebrated with some retrieves and photos in buttercups with her buds.
Happy Birthday Tasha!
In our area, the first showing of wildflowers happens around Tasha’s birthday.
Redtail’s Hotty Toddy Tasha – turns three years old today.
Sailor and Bliss join the birthday girl.
Bliss, Sailor, Tasha
Great painting Mary! The gauntlet has been thrown down. I better get something ready. I think it’s time to panic now.
For the past several years, Tim has created a piece of art for the Education Auction at the Sierra Cascade Logging Conference Education Lumberjack Dinner.
This year we’re doing something different. We’re both creating art for the auction to go head to head raising funds for forestry education.
Here are a few images of “Food Chain” as a work in progress.
I’ll save the final piece for when it’s framed.
WIP – 1
“Food Chain”
Food Chain – WIP
Getting some paint on paper.
Food Chain WIP
Food Chain WIP
Food Chain WIP
Food Chain WIP
For Wild Wednesday I’m sharing Mary’s post of our wild puppies! The sound of puppies in the house without the smell. Enjoy!
