Happy 6 Months Winston

It seems like only yesterday that the newest member of our family came home to live with us.  We had discussed getting a dog for some time yet was not sure when or what breed we would choose.  Vincent was fonder of smaller dogs, yet I loved the big ones.  I honestly think he was afraid that I would eventually make good on my desire for a wolf pup so he suggested we go and look at some yellow lab pups one day back in April. 

Being a breeder of labs earlier in my life I knew they were good dogs and knew if I saw them I would be in love immediately.  Of course I was right and we brought Winston home that day.  A beautiful little 7 week old yellow lab pup.  He is the lighter blonde so when he was little he was almost snow white.  As he has grown he has gotten a little more blonder in spots yet still he has that striking light yellow  coat.

Today Winston turned 6 months old.  I have to say he is the best dog I have ever had the pleasure of sharing part of my life with.  I know that labs are an extremely smart breed yet Winston was potty trained in a matter of 3 weeks from the time he came home.  He took to crate training wonderfully.  Honestly I think he thinks of his crate as his bedroom.  We have started to let him stay out at night as he is getting bigger.  He still crawls in the open doored crate each evening and spends at least some time there.  His monkey is still with him although his arms and legs are no longer.  I have had to sew a couple heart patches on his other pal "Adolf" who he likes to chew feriously. 

Winston is fast becoming a good friend and a constant buddy.  This evening to celebrate his half year mark I am making him his own doggy meringues.  He loves mine yet I think the sugar may not be as good for him so I perfected a recipe using beef boullin and he loves it.... I always swore I would never get so ridiculous with any animal... I guess we should watch those things we say we will never do... Life can be longer than we expect sometimes.... Blessings

Celtic Tree Lore - The Hazel Tree

eginning this Thursday, August 5th and continuing through September 1 is the Celtic month of the Hazel tree. The Hazel is considered a tree of knowledge especially in Ireland. The nuts from the Hazel are considered to be a symbol of great mystical wisdom. There are 15 different species of the Hazel tree. The fruit which comes from the Hazel is the filbert nut or hazel nut as it is more commonly known.

The Hazel is more like a large shrub then a tree. Its average height is 12 to 20 feet. It is another tree like the Willow which prefers to live in damp places such as near ponds or streams. The nut which comes from the tree though will do better if it is grown where the land has good drainage.

The wood of the Hazel is a whitish red and has a close and even grain. Such items as walking stick, fishing rods, and baskets are often made from the wood. Another use is after the wood has been burned , the charcoal is used in the making of crayons and gunpowder.

The flowers of the Hazel appear in January, although sometimes they have been seen as early as October if they reside in the right climate. Both men and female flowers appear on the same tree yet in different and distinct clusters.

An Irish legend concerning the Hazel has been passed down through the ages. It is associated with the River Shannon. It is said that Connla’s Well which is at the foot of Culicagh mountain in County Cavan which is believed to be the source of the River Shannon. The well is said to be surrounded by nine Hazel trees, which produce both flowers and fruit (representing beauty and wisdom). As the nuts fall into the well, the salmon that live in the well then feed on them. The number of nuts that each salmon eats will then become the number of spots that will appear on their bodies. The salmon which come from the River Shannon are prized by fishermen. Many believe them to possess great wisdom because of the knowledge they received due to the nuts of the Hazel tree.

Update To My Recent Blog Giveaway

As many of you know recently I held my first aniversary giveaway.  I had a wonderful time gathering everything and eventually choosing the winners with the help of my grandkids.  However one of my winners has not contacted me as of yet to give me her mailing info.  I have tried numberous times to get in touch with her yet with no email it is somewhat difficult.  So I was forced to choose another winner.  I knew there was a reason I kept all those names in that silver bowl.  Nice to know it wasn't procratination. 

Earlier this evening I picked a new winner and I am glad to announce the winner of my My Soul Goodie box is Faerwillow over at Serindipity.  I am sending out the boxes tomorrow so the lot of you should be receiving them in the coming week... I hope all of you enjoy the goodies.... blessings

Lammas Night

Lammas Night

by Robert Burns

It was on Lammas night,

When corn rigs are bonie,

Beneath the moon’s unclouded light,

I held away to Annie;

The time flew by, wi tentless heed,

Till ‘tween the late and early;

Wi’ sma’ persuasion she agreed

To see me thro’ the barley.

The sky was blue, the wind was still,

The moon was shining clearly;

I set her down, wi’ right good will,

Amang the rings of ‘barley

I ken’t her heart was a’ my ain;

I lov’d her most sincerely;

I kissed her owre and owre again,

Among the rig o’ barley

I locked her in my fond embrace;

Her heart was beating rarely;

My blessings on that happy place,

Amang the rigs o’ barley.

But by the moon and stars so bright,

That shone that hour so clearly!

She ay shall bless that happy night,

Among the rigs o’ barley.

I hae been blithe wi’ Comrades dear;

I hae been merry drinking;

I hae been joyful’ gath’rin gear;

I hae been happy tinking;

But a’ the pleasures e’er I saw,

Tho three times doubl’d fairley

That happy night was worth them a’

Among the rig’s o’barley

Corn rigs, an’ barley rigs,

An’ corn rigs are bonie;

I’ll ne’er forget that happy night,

Among the rigs wi’ Annie.

This poem above always makes me think of the of the song "Fields of Barley" by Sting.  A beautiful song and fitting for this Lammas day so.....

Feast to your hearts content… Sing dance and be by all means merry. Light your Fire and make your corn dollies. For it is Blessed Lammas Day.