Today is Martin Luther King Day in the U.S. When I found this quote/meme, it occurred to me it was even more poignant to share it today. I had just came back inside from shoveling the snow that fell overnight on top of all of yesterday’s snow. One way to honor the civil rights leader, is through participating in some sort of service on this day. So, I chose to shovel the two houses sidewalks next to my corner lot. Both are somewhat new to the neighborhood and I haven’t met them. While it’s below zero, it was quiet, I was well bundled up and being out pre-dawn, it allowed my thoughts to percolate softly on that idea of service today. I also couldn’t help but think that Mother Nature’s calendar is definitely messed up. January is normally our driest month of the year. Guess the powers to be didn’t send out that memo to her.
And while it’s MLK Monday, we still felt it was important to start today out with a couple of smiles. Stay safe and warm; we hope MLK’s words strike a note in your heart.
Not to be outdone, as I was trying to shovel out the ‘pee-tio’ yesterday, a similar scene made for some interesting maneuvering at the Ranch.
Here’s hoping you have a great Monday.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
A beautiful tribute to the man and his day mama.
Thanks, Marco. Given the ‘other’ event on the same day, it seemed especially appropriate.
🙂
Goodness you’re a Wonder Woman 😻 you couldn’t get me out of bed if it was that cold 🥶 beautiful sentiment and post ♥️
Many thanks for the kind comment. Sometimes, necessity is the mother of invention. 😉 Foot traffic begins early in this neighborhood and it makes shoveling that much easier when you can get out there before it’s all packed down.
What a nice thing to do!
You’re too kind. Thank you.
Lulu: “That’s right where I would be, Wilson! Right in my snow bed, feeling warm in my cool furs!”
Chaplin: “I think we got all of your dry weather for January this year and boy is it not serving us well …”
Chaplin-Mother Nature is truly mixed up. Not to be greedy (but we can always use more moisture), she sent 10 inches of white stuff to…wait for it…New Orleans. I think the West is going to be in big trouble this summer. As if it wasn’t already. ;(
Happy MLK Jr Day! Hee was a furry wunderfull man Miss Monika! You were so kind to shovelo out 2 nayburrss.
Wilson you are a TRUE Snow Pup!!! Mew mew mew….
**nose bopss** BellaDharma an {{hugss}} BellaSita Mum
Many thanks, BellaDharma and BellaSitaMum. We woke up to blue skies and it actually warmed up a bit today. Hallelujah! Cloudy conditions with snow, grey and white is the pits. Even if it’s cold, blue skies make it better.
Yesterday I focused on MLK day… and trying to preserve my sanity.
That’s going to be a 4 year process I suspect. For all of us. I think it’s going to be like watching a toddler play with a loaded gun without the safety on. 😭
An incredible post and quote that reflects the thoughts of many of us as we try to keep hope and light in our hearts. Nobody can take THAT away from us! Love the photos of snow-clearing…..No sooner do we get something cleared off than we get more snow. Life is often like that too isn’t it! LOL
Love, Pam
We woke up to clear blue skies this morning. Yay! I’m hoping there’s some warm up to melt the snow and we can finally go for walks. Everyone at the Ranch has cabin fever!
We had a lot of blowing snow yesterday…when I got out of work, I cleaned off my van and two cars of the nurses I had worked with. It’s nice when they come out all tired to have a clean car. Last week I convinced another co worker to help me clean ALL the cars, LOL!!
Aww, aren’t you an angel. MLK would be proud that you paid it forward with your service. Well done! We woke to clear blue skies and the forecast calls for a bit of a warm up. Finally! So looking forward to walking the dogs.
From a human perspective what a great way to honor Dr King, From a dog perspective never give up the snow spot. Humans feel the need to destroy all snow they see
I’m sure Dr. King would like the idea that this day is about citizens doing public service.
Dogs either give up their space (i.e. like when you’re vacuuming and they’re terrified of that noisy beast) or they have a “make me move” attitude. It’s pretty funny when it’s the later. Happy Monday.
That was a good way to start the day and I’ll bet the neighbors had a better day too!
One can only hope. I know if I had to work, not having to deal with shoveling would have been greatly appreciated. I have the time and really don’t mind. It’s nice and quiet at that time of day. Hope it’s been a good Monday for you, Terry.
Thanks, Terry. Sure hope so. Happy Monday.
A perfect quote for the MLK Day. Being of service is also a perfect way to honor Dr. King. Wilson is stunningly handsome. He looks terrific.
It seemed to be tailor made for today in so many ways.
Thanks for the kind comment about Wilson. He is a pretty handsome fella. I say that and look up to see him on his back with his legs in the air on his cuddle bed. Such a goofball dog! 😆
So much fun. 😁
Perfect quote for today! Trying to focus on MLK and forget what else is happening today! But yes, choosing love is what this country needs!
And you are a wonderfully kind neighbor! 😇
LOL at Wilson! Love it.
May your Monday be bright!
❤️
Thanks; I try. Most of the time. 😉
You have a caring heart ❤️ my friend. 🙂
Don’t let that get out of 😂
LOL! My lips are sealed. 😉
Outside shoveling in below 0 weather…no thank you! You are to be commended for your service to others in what I would call “adverse” circumstances. That first picture made me smile because it is like something that Xena would do. Nope, not moving, work around me. Wondering how it played out with Norman??
Outside shoveling here in the 303 is something you get used to. You may not like it but I’m too cheap to warrant getting a citation from the city. This is a heavy pedestrian traffic neighborhood and I sure don’t want anyone to fall and hurt themselves either.
I presume you meant Wilson and not Norman. Wilson patiently waited while I shoveled the area where they pee but has been happy to go inside right after peeing. We will only reach single digits today. It’s brutally bitter. Even the quick potty breaks require boots, heavy coat and gloves. That’s been the only exercise I’ve done in the past couple of days.
So sorry about the wrong name. Yes, I meant Wilson. I still miss Norman, though, and I know you do too. You get a citation if you don’t shovel your sidewalk?! Wow. So do you own that sidewalk or does the city?
Yes, I sure do miss my big boy, but no worries. On occasion, I’ve called Wilson Norman as well.
So sidewalks are in the street easement. Technically they are owned by the homeowner and they is responsible for them but the city basically dictates their use of which one aspect is snow removal. You have 24 hours after a storm stops snowing to clear them. It’s even more onerous for business owners with a much shorter time frame. Enforcement generally isn’t done unless someone files a complaint. There’s no way they could monitor all sidewalks unless a citizen reports the scofflaws. The same people year after year ignore the rule and I have no problem reporting them. The neighborhood has extremely high pedestrian traffic and it’s a major safety issue. It cheeses me off when I see the same residents neglect to clear their walks. It’s gotta be dangerous and more than hard for a handicapped person or young mom with a stroller struggling to get through frozen slush or ice from the snow getting packed down.
Ahh, I never lived in a high volume area, so didn’t know any of this!
I think those easements are for utility access.
Excellent quote. Aren’t you cold in the snow??
Thanks. You betcha…we’re freezing, despite Wilson’s nonchalant gaze. It’s 2F and almost 11 AM.
The best quote of the day. Love it.
Love the snow shoveling too. That’s the way it goes. I laughed and said Awww at the same time.
I linked this post to Awww Mondays.
Have a fabulous day and week, my friend. A big hug to you and lots of scritches to the pups. ♥
Thank you, Sandee! You’re too kind to link us up. Wilson just cracks me up sometimes and yes, makes me think awww simultaneously. Have a fantastic Monday and an even better week. Ear scritches to the two cutie kitties.
Awww, look at that snow. We only got the cold and are in need of snow. How nice of you to shovel extra sidewalks. Mom loves being out early when it is so peaceful, especially after some new snow.
Today’s snow came as a bit of a surprise (as did the amount from yesterday). January is our driest month. But boy is it bloody cold today. We’ll be lucky if we reach +7 as the high. Yikes! Have a great Monday; we’ll keep our fingers crossed that snow arrives soon for you.
Still, kudos to for putting shovel in hand in the dark! You can rest well knowing you did so, etching what was important to you and for others. Goldens can be a little stubborn, especially as they get older (Kali!!). But just goofy. The pic reminds me of when I vacuum around Kloe because she chooses not to get up. I’m convinced that one of these times there will be an outline of the dog where she was laying that I didn’t vacuum. I live in a cartoon world sometimes…. Good luck with the boredom factor.
I had to chuckle out loud at the cartoon world comment. It makes life that much richer, don’t you think?
Love the snow clearing pics. Our last dog (Ray) would sit on our back lawn and watch me cut the grass. Like the “snow dog”, I would have to mow around Ray!
Good ole Ray…I can just see him doing that. Hope all is well with Nigel. Have a swell Monday, Colin.
I can just see you shoveling around your pals😂
It was interesting since he usually avoids being in close proximity to any shoveling activity. He probably thinks it’s like vacuuming and they can’t get away fast enough. Happy Monday! 💙
Haha! I cannot help but think of Zeke who would choose the one bit with snow to lie down. He wouldn’t have wanted to move, either.
And you are a lovely neighbour.
On the bright side, being so snowy is going to keep the grounds wet and hopefully stave off potential future fires, no?
Yes, do focus on trying to do the good deeds.
Dogs seem genetically wired to create obstacles for us humans to navigate.
This snow is very powdery and has little moisture in it but every flake is still important.
I can only hope a kind gesture will get paid forward by the neighbors. Being as young as they are, I think they’ll expect it in the future, but still think it’s a good idea since I’m able-bodied and retired. I had a neighbor in the late 80’s who did it for me and it always struck me as such a kind and neighborly gesture and never forgot his kindness. Have a super Monday.
They they are!!
Oh, right. Type of snow would make a difference, wouldn’t it…
Oh, I hope you are right. and if they assume it will always get done, hopefully they have another think coming! I’ve yet to have a neighbour shovel for me, so, call me impressed.
Have a wonderful Monday, you, too.
Two of the neighbors across the street are really good about helping out. They have small street/sidewalk frontage and both bought electric snow blowers. Yesterday one came and helped me shovel, the other brought his machine and did my double driveway despite me saying I wouldn’t be driving anywhere. I love those guys!
Now that is right neighbourly! What wonderful people they are 🙂
And somewhat unusual for this trendy Gen Z neighborhood that’s more than just a little bit self absorbed. It reinforces that there are still some good people in this city, not just posers who think they are the only people around and that rules don’t apply to them.
I think this is a good sign that these younger ones are aware of their surroundings and friendly to their neighbours. It’s hopefully a trend that will spread!
Sadly my neighbors are the exception from the majority of the nearby folks. I’m not optimistic they have the social depth to realize what they should be doing. Too busy whinging about TikTok being down for 14 hours over the weekend on NextDoor. 😬
This is sad. And yeah, their priorities are outta wack! I blame so many things…
Shoveling snow before dawn, yikes! What a great way to say welcome to the hood to your newish neighbors. Service really does start at home. And although Wilson is quite regal sitting on the snow in that photo I could not of course miss the fact that in the first photo that pup is a Golden behaving in true Golden style. I hope you have a warmer week at the Ranch and thaw out soon. Here at the Golden K days have been dry and mild. Ear scratches to the ranch hands!
It’s better to do it right away before the very pedestrian neighborhood tamps down the snow, making it hard to shovel away. For some reason I woke up at 4 AM and couldn’t go back to sleep so figured best to use the time constructively. And shoveling for others covered the notion to serve others that MLK espoused. The new neighbors are young people, I hope it reminds them that there’s a world beyond their phone screens and they’ll pay it forward in turn. 🤞🏼
Had to laugh about the Golden standing its ground. Are you implicating they have a stubborn streak? Cold will last a few more days before we reach the 30’s again. Trying to figure out ways to occupy a dog with cabin fever on cold days is going to take some special thinking, I guess. Idle minds is the devil’s playground, especially when there’s a bored dog who needs some exercise. Happy Monday, Mike with digital belly rubs to the Golden Girls.
I love that. It’s like my pup on my ottoman. Nothing moves him.
It was hilarious since he’s very unsure of the shovel and tends to avoid it. Much like the vacuum. LOL Happy Monday, Jacqui!
Love is the answer! 💕
Most definitely. We’ve already seen that hate is not the answer to solving problems. Happy Monday, Eliza.
Thank you, Amy. I hope small gestures like shoveling walks (and visual reminders like the MLK quote) stem the tide of anger, division, hate and apathy. We’ve got to start somewhere-clearly past behavior didn’t change outcomes. Can’t promise I won’t get churned up with proposed policies over the next 4 years, but do plan to keep to reminding myself of this quote. Happy Monday!
We may need to keep the MLK quote in mind for the next four years, methinks. Could be tough some days. And I love the dogs preventing snow shoveling! (Ours are small and not at all loving the snow!!) They remind me of cats who try to “help” make the bed.
Agreed which is why I posted that quote. I may need to print and read it every day so as not to lose my mind over the next 4 years. I had to crack up at the shoveling around pets photos. I was surprised that Wilson did that. He’s clearly not a fan but he has great patience when it takes Elsa’s quirkiness so long to relieve herself in cold weather. Maybe there’s a lesson to be learned in that behavior as well as the MLK quote. Hope springs eternal. Happy Monday.
That’s the second time I saw that quote today and it’s more important now and ever before (although we’ve had weird times before). You were very kind today.
Absolutely. It’s one reason I chose it. I’m not happy one bit about the election outcome but feel this is a watershed moment in this country. Burning everything down won’t be the appropriate response, much as we hope it might be. If anything it could make things worse and I shudder at that thought. A peaceful transition applies to everyone. Then it’s incumbent to get to work to change what can be changed. Like people’s ill-informed beliefs that drove them to this moment. We must do better listening.
Hello Wilson … isn’t your tummy cold? Tell your Mommy her act of kindness was a good and thoughtful thing to do … hopefully it will “paw another forward”. And we think the quote from Dr. King is very beautiful …
Thank you; I hope it helps. Every little act of kindness can be viewed a big thing if people just realize those small gestures (instead of constantly looking at their phone screens). Wilson’s laying in the snow reminded me I need to do a better job of being patient, just like pets are. Happy Monday.
a good start into a new week… and lots of love and light…
Hope springs eternal. Doubly so for the next 4 years. Wishing you and the Weim boyz a great Monday.
That’s a nice introduction to the neighbourhood for the newcomers.
Let’s hope; I had a neighbor back in the late 80’s that used to do that for me. It touched my heart and I vowed to pay it forward from then on. Wishing you a happy Monday and a better week (sans ants).
Monika! This is a fabulous post to start what promises to be a traumatic day.
And what a kind and thoughtful gift to your new neighbors.
Well done.