{Yawn, s-t-r-e-t-c-h} Here we are after spending a quiet day in our new home. Not sure why but Mum overslept this morning (she didn’t do a lot of much yesterday after having her son and partner for a little brunch-sadly without images…clearly the time she’s been away trying to get us settled in has left her a bit deficit in proper brain function…i.e. she forgot to take photos) but I nudged her out of bed with my legendary “quilt” move where I jump up on the bed and smother her. But enough about her shortcomings, I love still her. It was a good day for just hanging out, getting chin scratches from the visitors and a great walk along the creek. I’ve reminded Mum the best way to settle in to the new home is to take loads of walks liberally enhanced with loads of treats for making me feel more comfortable in the new environment. We hope those of you who celebrated the Christmas holiday had a day that was merry and bright with lots of tasty snacks and good cheer.
Today we’re climbing back into the blogging saddle and joining our friends at Adventures of the LLB Gang. Be sure to check out what others shared for their Nature Friday blog hop. While Mum is trying to open her eyes with a second cup of coffee, let me share a few of the things we’ve seen over the past three weeks since our big move.
Wilson: First up…here’s the ‘before’ reveal. A real hellscape and something that had Mum wondering what was she thinking. But despite being a bit OCD about stuff being in its proper place, she put her paws in front of one another and made daily progress. Notice how hard I am working snoopervising the move in.
Wilson: A real mess, right? And that was just the downstairs! It was worse upstairs. Well, I’m happy to report her doggedness has paid off, everything downstairs has now been put into its proper spot and you can actually walk about without stubbing a paw on a bin or box. Thank dog! The language I’ve heard over the past 3 weeks has been shocking and I’m not one to blush.
The Mum: Hey, that’s not fair…I noticed you howled a couple of times yourself.
Wilson: Oops, hi Mum. Thought I was doing a solo today. Ahem…sorry about that characterization. Since misery loves company, Mum reminds herself that this is a community that’s still under construction and more folks will begin to move in and enjoy the move in process that we had {snicker}. We already met the couple at the end of our lane. Mum shakes her head-those folks have managed to complete all manner of projects since moving in (i.e. painting their garage walls as well as painting the garage floor and power-washing all the mud from the sidewalks. They make her back hurt just watching these two eager beavers. I tried to make her feel better by saying there are two of them and she’s only one person. Sadly, she hasn’t been overly dissuaded about her feelings of inadequacy (she continually refers to it as slug-ness) so I’ve reminded her that envy is the thief of joy but she usually just stomps upstairs with an armload of things for the studio, grumbling with each step.
The Mum: You’re right about the theft of joy. I’ll try to do…
Wilson: {interrupting} Well I say a good place to start would be to bust open those presents of treats for me that Santa Paws delivered and stop being so stingy with dishing out the goodies he left me. And for heaven’s sake, be grateful for all you’ve done and accomplished. Sheesh, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
The Mum: I’ll try to keep that in mind. Obviously the dude in red thought you were a pretty good boy this year and not just a pretty face.
Wilson: Well I could have told you that but you were too busy being consumed with thoughts of inadequacy. At any rate, enough about the move…we could fill volumes but I have a few photos from the neighborhood around us to share.
The Mum: Yes, you’re absolutely right. What have you got for us, House Pony?
Wilson: Well, my daily walks are a veritable sniff fest. I’m beginning to think I might even be part bloodhound who’s tracking a burglar. It’s. been. awesome!
The Mum: Yes, I’ve noticed you are enjoying sniffs along our regular route. Haven’t seen as much wildlife as we’d hoped yet for but the wildlife habitat that we walk through might have provided more than just the thousands of Canadian Geese we see/hear along the trail. But there have been loads of dogs, walkers, bicyclists that we’ve passed and it has been interesting seeing so many dogs in strollers with elderly owners pushing them along. The demographics of this neighborhood range from little ones to seniors and is a nice mix of folks.
Wilson: Somehow I don’t see you being able to push me anywhere. We are both entertained with the vegetation, mostly dried grasses (the best sniffs) and downed logs along the creek which is very dry as we’ve experienced temps in the 60’s & 70’sF since after the day we moved in when there was 4 inches of white stuff on the ground making the move quite the challenge. We’ve been told the gravy train of unseasonably warm temps will run out this weekend and temps will be back in the normal range-30’s & 40’s with the possibility of some accompanying moisture. We can only hope. The sunrises have been spectacular and I can’t help but recite the old adage…”red skies in morning, sailor take warning-red skies at night, sailor’s delight.”
The Mum: The sunrises have been pretty spectacular. The above photo was taken the first morning we woke up in the new house and has been repeated numerous times during last week’s power outages amidst the hurricane force winds. Christmas was the most unusual we’ve ever experienced-it was 70F (21C).
Wilson: Well I know you’re constantly grossing about it being too dry but I’ve enjoyed these fair weather temps. You’ll get no complaints from me.
The Mum: You and a jillion others around the region but skiers and environmentalists continue to worry about the unseasonably warm weather.
Wilson: Well, I say we enjoy it while we can. January and February are coming up and they are the coldest, driest months. But there’s still lots to enjoy.
The Mum: Indeed, for a few days this week, I couldn’t help but wonder if the mallard couples may have blown away because we hadn’t seen any in the canal along on the trail this week.
Wilson: It has been mostly quiet on the trail, with only a few of the many Canadian Geese populating the nearby golf course.
The Mum: Here’s hoping everyone has a great last weekend of 2025 and a Happy Kawanzaa. We’re looking forward to ushering in a New Year next week. Which reminds me, guess I’d better get cracking on putting up shelves this weekend to better utilize the remaining time in this year and to pack up the Christmas decor now that we’ve enjoyed our first Christmas in the new house. Have a great weekend.
Wilson: And don’t forget to enjoy every single minute along your own trail.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Moving is one of the most traumatic experiences we will go through, and THAT is the good news. But once all moved in and once the mess has been managed away, you are home and all the stress will have been worth it. Funny how that works.
And it sounds as if you found a nice little neighborhood to boot. The temps? I dunno what to think of them but as you pointed out, the next two months will most likely remind me.
Here’s to you mama and to your floofy and fabulous walking mate.
Peace and love
Moving is just flat out the pits. No way to sugarcoat it but with each passing day, I’m loving this new space more and more. I think the Floof and I will enjoy many wonderful adventures here.
It is. I applaud you for making it look easy because it is anything but.
That’s what makes all the stress and headaches worth it in the end. And I am sure of it!
Oh gosh, aren’t you sweet. With this move, I think of myself like a HGTV ‘realty’ series without the designers, carpenters and production staff. The end result looks quite marvelous, but getting there was physically and emotionally taxing and miserable. Now where did I put that bloody hammer and that little wall hanger I needed?
You’re doing it old school brass knuckle style. Stay out mama’s way, she got business to attend to!
This calls for wine! But then again, doesn’t everything?
I’ll drink to that!
Salud!
Mee-yow THE move was wild fore sure Miss Monika! Wislon iss guud you are there to snoopervise an keep Miss Monika healthy an fit 😉
THE Sun rise iss speck-taculur!!! “Still Water” iss breathtakin foto two….mee-yow WOW!!
Wee wish you both a happy an healthy an organized 2026!
~~~head rubss~~~BellaDharma~~~ an ((hugss)) BellaSita Mum
Aww thanks. I love crossing the bridge on that stretch of the canal and look for the mallards that hang out there nearly every day. Wishing you good health, happiness, and wnderful moments in 2026.
So far this yeer been guud Miss Monika an Wilson, mew mew mew….
Nice to see your lovely kitchen…well it will be soon enough! Some part of our humble old barn like dwelling often look like that…we have no real lower level, and no storage space…unless we get rid of 40+ years of junk…I mean stuff. Your area looks lovely too. If you want snow and moisture come on up here, yesterday we broke records for precipitation, and it was about 60F. Today we have snow squalls, and winds of nearly 50mph…and the temp is a frigid 25F…we cancelled our eye appointment, and are staying inside else we might get blown into the next county! Never mind the ice under the snow from all the freezing rain we had as the temps went down.
Our very cold and hungry birds have almost emptied the feeders so I will have to get out there and refill them…it will take some bravery to not get blown over…and goodness knows what our woodsy area of the yard looks like now. I hope we don’t have to call our lumberjack friend back!
Thanks. Finished the main floor over the weekend and couldn’t be happier with the results although I’m sure I’ll rearrange things multiple times 😉
We’ve been enjoying exploring the area with its wildlife and hope to see more than just scads of Canadian geese. The city has been busy using downed branches along the tiny little stream into ‘wildlife habitat’ areas though we’ve yet to see any yet. Maybe once things leaf out we’ll see more🤞🏼
Yes, no more visits by the lumberjack in 2026!
Lulu: “Our Dada seems to be quite enamored with that new kitchen, Wilson! Not that it would do the rest of us any good since we never get to sample anything he makes.”
Java Bean: “Ayyy, but that looks like a great place to walk and scuff in the leaves around that fallen tree and such! And that’s a lot of Canada geese to bark at, although according to Dada it is not a good idea for dogs to approach geese, especially Canada geese. I would still like to try it though.”
Lulu: “You would probably end up regretting it.”
Java Bean: “Maybe sí, maybe no, but it would probably be fun, at least at first …”
Luckily Wilson isn’t interested in Canadian geese. But squirrels…now that’s a whole ‘nuther ball of wax. That said, we give them lots of berth-we know how cranky they can be. Cheers to a fresh start and new adventures in 2026.
You live in a beautiful new area. I hope you get some moisture and seasonal temperatures soon, since I know what you mean about the worry with the environment.
Thank you. It’s a big change for us but so far, it’s been great. Yes, we’re in dire need of moisture. I know everyone has b een loving the 60s & 70s but it’s not sustainable. Best wishes for a great 2026.
Your new neighbourhood and trail look beautiful Wilson and well done to you and your mum with all the unpacking! We wish you the happiest of times in your new home and a very happy and healthy New Year! 🤗❤️🐾🍀 xxx
Thank you so much, dear Xenia. It’s a nice a quiet neighborhood with a great trail system. We’re definitely enjoying it so far. Wishing you a wonderful 2026!
Your Header is lovely…Just thought I would say so. Your tree is the cutest too. Mum said moving house is never easy which is why she said she’s never going to move again….she’s in her forever home. I have been having so much fun with my grandma staying but sadly she’s going home tomorrow, I’m going to miss all the extra cuddles and scritches xoxo Little Miss Titch
Aww, thanks, Titch and Rachel. Appreciate that. You’re right, moving is the pits. I hope I never have tyo move again, otherwise I’ll sell everything and start over! Glad you’re having a great time with your Grandma-sorry she can’t stay until New Year’s. Enjoy the time you guys have together today. 🩷 💙
I remember that kitchen from when we moved. Christmas tuckers humans out
It’s a nightmare when a kitchen is chaotic. Thanks for dropping by and for your comment. We 💙 new visitors.
Beautiful photos. Moving is a big chore, glad your mom is almost settled. XO
Thanks, Ellen. Moving is the pits…but I’m starting to feel like I may actually come out of this mess soon. Best wishes for a wonderful weekend.
Good job keeping things moving along, Wilson, and thanks for the detailed report. You’re looking pretty good. Those snacks must sit well with you. I think you were right when you told mum to be “grateful for all you’ve done and accomplished.”
I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and maybe get a chance to relax.
Thanks, Dan. Wilson lives for treats. Being so very food motivated is helping him get over some of his anxiety of the neighborhood. I’m trying to take a page from a dog perspective on taking things one day at a time. He’s a great inspiration-I just need to remind myself not to be so hard on myself. The last time I moved, I had the whole house done in about 3 days. This time, I’ll be lucky if I get totally settled in 3 months! 😉 Have a great last weekend in 2025.
Thanks Monika – there’s no deadline.
Hi Wilson, you seem like a good work supervisor for your Mom. Maybe you could teach me how to be more helpful like that. Your friend, Lucy
I’ve been feeling the same way since we got back from our trip. Rarely sitting still, but there’s just so much to do. Well, I’ve still got the weekend (after I groom 4 more dogs Satuday morning). Was wondering, are you still close enough to the hospital for Wilson to keep going there to do his therapy work?
Lucy, you’re a champ when it comes to being helpful!
4 dogs in the morning?? Holy cow. I was lucky to get Elsaq done in 4 days-she was not a fan of grooming and I never wanted to risk her having a seizure so I did her in stages.
Wilson retired from the hospital recently. This move really has been to much for this sensitive boy plus he was recently diagnosed with a pinched nerve in his neck. I couldn’t risk someone hugging him too hard and he reacting. It’s really unfortunate because he was so loved by the staff but couldn’t risk him reacting to hurting. Ironically we’re much closer to the hospital now. Sigh.
Oh no, is there nothing that can be done for the nerve? (I’m sure not, or you would have done it…just couldn’t help asking.) Poor boy. I know how much he loved his “job” and how much he was loved there.
Yep, four dogs Friday and also on Saturday. One was a first time on a 12 week old schnauzer puppy. Talk about trying my patience! I finally finished around his head and face with scissors and he ended up looking pretty darn good (at least his mom thought so)
Once we get fully settled I’ll start some rehab work to see if he’ll feel better but I suspect his hospital pet therapy days are over. It is unfortunate but he can now just be my therapy dog.
Your dog grooming work is impressive. I cannot imagine doing that many dogs in such a short period of time! Gold star for you-especially with a puppy! ⭐️
Thanks, Monika. There was a time I did more in a day, but I now limit myself to 4 and am very happy with 3 per day on Fridays and Saturdays and any week days I have off from the office, such as NYE.
Enjoy some down time-you’ve earned it!
Oh my goodness, I recognize that trail and golf course, so many memories looking at your post. Glad you and Wilson are settling in and having a cozy holiday, house looks great. We made so many canine friends on our RC trail walks, I know you will too!
Thank you. It seems like a terrific area and as the weather morphs into spring and more neighbors move in, I hope we are able to develop lots of nice relationships. My old neighborhood block had the best neighbors and will be hard to replace.
I’m sure it’s a big change, but hopefully a good one. I guess a lot has changed over there since I moved in 2014, but it was a nice place to live.
I’ve had good vibes about Arvada as a whole. The general vibe not nearly as Gen Z centric (unless you factor in Olde Towne 😁)
Lovely seasonal header!
I can’t get the image of Wilson in a stroller out of my mind…..!
Thanks for noticing the new header, Helen. Wilson being pushed in a stroller is a very hard image to imagine. 😂
Glad to hear you are making such good progress although I guess it seems to you that the progress is glacial. Beautiful nature shots but seeing all those Canada geese reminds me what the greens and fairways look like after they depart – tough on the golf shoes if you know what I mean. We’re still raining a lot over here so I’d hazard a guess you have a lot of moisture heading your way and hopefully cold enough for snow. It’s pretty warm – our snow level is 7,000′ right now. Your kitchen looks really nice and I anticipate you’ll tell us all about the great recipes you prepare there. Good job, Wilson – I see the results of your supervision!
You’re so right, progress has been in tiny segments. I spent all day building some shelving units with wheels to organize the under the stairs area. But it felt doggone good breaking down more moving boxes and recycling them.
When I lived near Sloan’s Lake, the geese poo was all over the sidewalks and the grass. So far I haven’t seen much on the sidewalk (more horse manure just off the trail but yeah, I get it). Shoes with spikes were not meant to coexist with geese.
Thanks, because the kitchen is open to the great room, I had to get that area squared away first. I’m sure I’ll move things around as I realize there are other ways to maximize the space and figure it’ll be an ongoing adventure for the next 6 months. Started hanging a few pieces of artwork so the space is beginning to look lived in and is starting to come together. Still loads to do-especially in the studio. There are a couple more bookcases that need to be anchored before I can really start creating again. Something I’m really jonesing to do.
We hope you and the little fur kid are continuing to make progress and can start out the New Year on a positive note. Have a great last weekend for 2025 and try to stay dry if possible.
Nice to see your post, you’ve been on our minds. Glad you had a good Christmas. Hope things are settling down. Take it slow and easy, remember the tortoise and the hare… slow and steady wins the race. 😉
Thank you, Eliza. Moving is the pits but we’re starting to get better situated. This move has been very humbling. I’m trying to not go too crazy but it’s hard when you want things with a more lived in vibe. Have a great weekend!
Reminded me of so many moves. I still get neck aches just thinking about it. Glad you are getting organized. That shot of the geese is amazing. So many in one spot.
Boy can I relate! Thanks; we’re starting to feel more comfortable in the new space and hope we can continue to organize it to the fullest. Spent all day building shelving units for under the storage space under stairs. Felt good but I’m a tuckered upright. Will take it easy tomorrow to give my back a break. Have a wonderful weekend, John.
What a GREAT news-filled update on the new digs and your Holiday!! Santa Paws found you – I knew he would. Your Mom is doing a lot of work getting everything settled and I’m SURE you’re helping her right Wilson??? RIGHT??????? Looks like some beautiful places for walks and your Mom is already taking some fab photos. We’ll look forward to more. We also hope you are ready for a BRAND NEW year……!
Love, Teddy and Mom Pam
Thanks, Pam. With all the recent salty language, I wondered if Santa would find us. Luckily Santa is pretty forgiving. We’re totally enjoying the new neighborhood and finding spots of nature so close to our house. Sending our best wishes for a great 2026. I’m personally glad to turn the page on 2025.
Your new home looks more rural. Did you move out of the city? Sounds like Wilson is doing just fine. You may need some rest!
It’s nice being close to a lot more nature filled areas. Still in the metro area but close enough to enjoy seeing critters and the foothills. Yes, rest will be most welcomed. My back is telling me I need a good massage! Enjoy a great last weekend of 2025.
A new home sounds like fun Wilson and I’m sure there will be plenty of treats showing up!
It’ll be great fun once everything is in place. Luckily gtreats help Wilson and if he’s happy, I’ll be happy. Happy last weekend of 2025, Terry.
Moving is a lot of work and our Mom has moved a lot in her life, including twice over the ocean which is really rough. She has now lived in this house for 18 years which is crazy considering before that she always moved before 5 years. Your new place looks nice but get those geese outta there! They will poop up every walking path faster than the speed of sound. We can’t stand them. Their beauty doesn’t make up for their dirty and rude lifestyle. Enjoy your walks in the new area and getting finished settling into your house.
Moving is extra hard when you’re doing it all be yourself and are a lot older. Last time I moved (nearly 24 years ago), I think I had everything in its place in 3-4 days. It’s been humbling, to say the least. Luckily the geese haven’t been a problem along the trail-I think the golf course probably gets most of the presents they leave behind. Whew! Have a wonderful weekend-here’s to a pawsome 2026.
Wishing you both much happiness in your new home!
Many thanks, Lori. We’re looking forward to a much better New Year. Hope you have an excellent weekend.
So glad you’re getting all settled in, more or less. I hope you enjoy your new community!
Thanks, Debra. Every day gets a little bit better. I put away all the Christmas decor today and built some shelving units to organize the storage space under the stairs. Things are looking much more organized. Sending positive thoughts for a wonderful 2026!
Wilson, so glad to hear Santa Paws came through, and I am sure your Mum can be trusted with managing all those gifts in a responsible manner that will be most enjoyable…for both of you. The move sounds like it has a few less move-ing parts than last week. For sure, both of you will work at your own comfortable pace, enjoying the journey of setting things up just the way you want them to be. Our geese are waiting for the golf course lake to thaw out so they can resume swimming, but we continue to have some chilly nighttime temps that have them standing on the water instead of frolicking in it. We may even have a touch of post-Christmas snow today! Have a bark-o-licious weekend!
Many thanks, Bruce. So far Mum has been pretty generous with the treats. She says they make me be a better dog. Yup, we’re working hard to increasing the number of moving parts. Today Mum packed the Christmas decor away and built some wire shelving units for under the stairs storage area. That was very exciting and she promised me she’d take tomorrow off. Yay. It’ll be good getting out on the ole trail again before winter arrives tomorrow night. Have a safe weekend and stay warm.