Rough roads

As one wanders through life the road ahead can be smooth, twisted, lonely, scenic and any number of other superlatives. Sometimes we walk our path alone, sometimes with company. I recently staggered down the roughest road I’ve encountered in many years and without a dear friend at my side it would have been unbearable. Bailey, my furry companion of 13 years took her last walk in Arizona and did not make the long trip back to Canada. I weep still.

Over the years she grew from an exasperating stubborn pup (she and I became friends when she was 10 months old) to age and mellow. We reached compromises and grew to understand each other when words were not needed.  She would express joy, love and disapproval with one look. She asked for little and gave much. It has been a month now since we said our last goodbye and friends and family have been my strength. One told me the doggy heaven is richer for having her – I agree.

I continue to walk and her shadow is with me every step of the way.

Rain or shine

Spring has sprung and it’s leaking all over the place. The few days of warm sunshine this past week had me wandering off to the nursery to fill the trunk of my car with plants and seeds which I diligently tucked into my well-sifted soil as I fed swarms of black flies. Nasty little critters – my ears are still burning from the bites. I looked forward to showers to coax the seeds to life and make the plants perk up. Little did I expect a deluge, now, I cross my fingers that the seeds have not washed away or the plants drowned.

The ditches along my road are alive with wild flowers so armed with my trusty camera I braved the hungry insects and slogged through the mud to capture a shot or two. Bellwort, dog-toothed violets and trilliums were willing subjects. Contrary to the stark sands of the desert I so recently left, where delicate wild flowers survive in spite of the rigours of the environment, the wild flowers of Ontario reside in lush surroundings. Of course I have to share. These two shots depict the difference yet the sameness of spring’s blooms – a desert primrose at home in hot sand and an Ontario trillium basking in dense foliage.