Weekend Festivities

Now that we have a very active puppy on our hands and warm weather, getting out of the house on the weekends is pretty much mandatory. To keep both ourselves and Talos from getting bored, we try to mix it up as much as we can. And with New York actually having a lot of outdoor activities during the warm months, it actually hasn't been that hard to do so. 

A couple weekends back, we took a trip to one of our favorite State Parks and hiked along this trail that goes around this huge and absolutely gorgeous gorge. Much to our dismay, there was still some snow on parts of the trial, but Talos actually loved it. Unfortunately for him, we're trying to get away from copious amounts of that stupid white stuff, so we let him enjoy it while he could. 

The following week, James had a day off from work, so we took a trip to the "beach." It's not a real beach, but that's what everyone here calls it. It's just a shore, but it's enjoyable enough. All three of us really enjoy being close to a body of water and not being completely landlocked. It was a beautiful day, too, so the spur of the moment trip went down and Talos LOVED it. We've discovered that one of his callings in life is digging. He probably spent a good half hour just digging a hole, us filling it back up, and then him digging it up again. He got so excited that both James and I were in hysterics. 

And then, the following day, we made a trip out to Sacket's Harbor. I absolutely love Sacket's. Beautiful doesn't do it justice. It's right on the lake with a cute, old feel block of downtown. There are all these old buildings and little beachy bungalows and it just has a perfect feel to it. A couple of our friends live out there, so we figured we'd ask and see if they wanted to get their puppy together with our pup and let them play/wear each other out. So, we headed out to the battlefield and let the two of them be derpy lab babies together and continued to be in hysterics because they're just two little off-brown balls of energy. 

Project 52 l Week 19

Week 19 ; Faces

We found this little guy during our trip to the shore and he had me obsessed within seconds, mainly because he was on his back and I was worried! Fear not, though. I rescued the little man and sent him back on his way.

And, of course, there will be more pictures from our "beach" trip to follow, soon!

Project 52 l Week 18

Week 18 ; Moody

The weather has been moody, so it only felt appropriate to capture a moment that matched our surroundings.

The Fifth Member of Team Armstrong: Talos

Now that we've finally decided on a name, I can blog this post! Meet Talos, the Rhodesian Ridgeback/Lab mix puppy we added to our family last week! After much deliberation, many visits to the pet store to see him, and several discussions, this boy became the fifth member of our family. 

It only took us 9 days (thanks to someone being super picky... cough James cough cough), but we've finally come up with a name we both feel is perfect for our little man: Talos. Not that we haven't come up with some phenomenal names, this is just the first one that seems, well, perfect. And here's why.

Talos is a Greek man made of bronze. Hence, our first liking of the name because Talos has a very bronze coat. Though seemingly black, his Rhodesian red is showing under and becoming more prominent day by day, emitting a bronze coloring. He was also a gift from Zeus to his lover, Europa, as a protector. We both absolutely loved this aspect. While James loves Talos to death, he is very much a Momma's boy. And when we run into things on our walks that he deems "scary," his first instinct is to get in front of me and protect me from danger. Lastly, the Greek Talos would throw rocks at any intruders on the island he was guarding, which is truly more than fitting for him seeing as he picks up and chews any rock that he can find. 

It just...fit. Every piece of it just fell into place with him. And he just fell into place with us. 

We were apprehensive about getting another puppy because our hearts still miss Atlas, very much, and we both agreed to not get a dog until California. But, you can't deny when things just line up. James had been eyeing Rhodesian Ridgebacks, but he wanted a mix. And then one just showed up without either of our knowledge. It was almost as if fate was calling to us. Both of us truly had a need for a puppy in our life. There's something about the unconditional love they give and how they're just so innocent. We've wanted to add a pup to our family for so long, but there's just been one thing or another that wasn't right. Now that we're settling and stable enough to give a puppy the patience and attention one needs, everything is just about right. And things seem so perfect. 

I don't think either of us could deny that life with Talos is so much more satisfying than life without him. It's been 9 days, but life 9 days ago just seems less unfulfilled than it does now. We're so happy with the decision we made and look forward to the years we have with him ahead.

Warm Weather Babies

I'm consistently jealous of people in our complex because they have cats who they can let out on their porch without them running away. My kitties cannot be trusted to do that, so the closest we all get it when we open our sliding glass door and the only thing dividing babies from nature is the screen door.

Morris and Penelope absolutely LOVE it. However, it's been winter and far too cold to do that. I suppose we could, but neither James or I fancy increasing our already expensive electric bill. The heater has run enough as it is and doesn't need any additional help. 

It finally warmed up a few weeks ago and ALL the windows were open that day. Fresh air filled the house and both cats had a field day looking out the window. I think Morris spent a solid five hours in front of it just watching/stalking the birds and any trash that blew across the yard. Penelope came and went, but she probably spent just as much time in front of it as Mo did.

And, I must say, they were way too adorable just sitting in front of the window together like a little team, plotting and scheming together. 

Project 52 l Weeks 16 and 17

Week 16 ; Mine

These cleats have been with me through injuries, some of the most memorable moments of my life, suffered heartache with me, and have aged alongside me. These cleats are mine and me, worn and experienced but still strong.

Week 17 ; Pastel

The newest addition to our "pack," Oakley. Though not pastel, this boy has completely stolen my heart and has me seeing nothing but sweet baby pink in the shape of hearts.

(Belated) Birthday Girl: My 23rd

I am SUPER behind on blogging. I've been meaning to post this since my last gift showed up in the mail, and then I obviously procrastinated because it showed up like 2 weeks ago. Also have 2 weeks of project 52 and some personal entries... but we'll pretend I didn't say that and you're completely unaware.

Anyway, a whole 21 days ago, my clock turned some more and I've been alive for a whole 23 years now. Though I really liked being 22 (I'm not sure why, it just seems like a good number. Probably because of the symmetry of the number and it makes my borderline-OCD habits happy), my day was truly spectacular. We spent the day with plenty of our friends, friends who I truly do think of like family, in Syracuse and I got spoiled by my mister. The man put a good dent in the account on two gift cards to my favorite stores, and then some by getting a new and completely fabulous camera bag that I've been lusting over for months, now. 

And then my family-family just completed this spoiling with some wonderful gifts, such as harry potter fridge magnets (we've been using them non-stop), a cat ring holder (which I also use nonstop as my rings always come off when I'm cooking), and some additional gift cards.

Even across the country, I can feel the love coming from the west. AND Africa, even (Hi, Susan!). Not everyone gets a FaceTime call from Malawi on their day of birth. Thank you so much to everyone who contributed, even with something as simple as a "happy birthday." I'm truly blessed and it just makes me look forward to 24, which isn't easy as I pretty much detest the concept of aging and I've decided that I'm going to stop at 25.