I’ve debated writing a post like this because it’s different than my normal vibe. When I started this blog, I knew I wanted to share my life with other people, but I also knew I needed a place where I could write for me. Continue reading…
This weekend we slept in late like a bunch of bears then took the dogs to a dog park about 30 minutes east of us. It was Keep’s first time at a dog park and she loved it. Her herding instinct kicked in and she was chasing all the big dogs down. She didn’t care about the ball or frisbee, she’d rather herd that Bernese mountain dog over there. Go on then, girl. When we came home I made Keep and Jack stop and take a photo since they were all happy. I think it looks like they are doing the prom pose. Sunday we went to the Berkeley flea market and found some cool stuff including some wooden hands, indigo mudcloth and a bolga basket. Then we made brunch and finished up working on Wildlandia’s new design so we could debut it today! I hope you like it. Trey is a talented Software Engineer / Web Designer and hopefully the new look he cooked up will allow you to navigate easier within the site and be able to locate popular posts you may have missed, etc.
…Alright Monday, here we come.
Leisure reading, morning matcha and Jenny Pennywood towels / 2. Cactus I saw on a walk / 3. Sleep, she ain’t havin’ it. / 4. Smells like sandalwood / 5. Indigo house, volvo / 6. Mila cat, tulips, ranunculus (because they look like wild flowers) / 7. Coffee at Blue Bottle / 8. Panda pillow, panda dog / 9. Vintage red bug spotted / 10. Morning face / 11. Dawgs 4 lyfe / 12. Farty Jack
Jack tried out his spiffy new custom-made trail pack from Groundbird Gear on our last hike. He was psyched (exhibit A: the first photo up there ^ ) and looked like a smiley cub scout the whole time. Groundbird Gear is a small company based out of Baltimore, Maryland that specializes in lightweight, durable packs made custom to fit your dog. Owner Marie works closely with you to create a unique one-of-a-kind pack that is perfectly tailored to your dog’s body individually. The process was easy and fun, from choosing the design and colors, to submitting measurements, seeing mock ups and finally unwrapping the finished product. We’ve had packs before that we bought off the rack and they never really fit Jack correctly (he’s got a mutt bod, we say he looks like an eggplant). These packs are a great alternative to those mass-produced ones. The roll-down pockets on each side are roomy and can adjust to carry as much or as little as you need. This is especially useful as Jack likes to have multiple balls with him at all times (teenagers). We’re really happy with his new trail pack and will continue to use it on our future hikes and camping trips. You can get your own custom trail pack right here just in time for Spring.
This weekend was good. We shook off the funk from last week (sorry I got all pukey on you in that earlier post) with a nice hike on Grizzly Peak trail in Tilden park, a spot not too far from our place. Keeper got her last set of shots so now she can go to dog parks and trails without the risk of catching nasty viruses….just in time for spring, yesss. Jack was lovin’ life. The vet says he has a couple pounds to lose so we strapped a pack on him with a few balls and some water inside. Jack is my buddha. I feel most at peace when I’m with him. He is the kindest soul and my best friend. Besides Trey, Jack is the most honest and rewarding relationship I’ve ever had. Whether that’s because I’m somewhat shy, or because I’ve moved around a lot and it’s made it hard to maintain close relationships, I’m not sure. But, he’s always here, knows all my secrets and we have sleepovers. That’s a best friend, mine just has an extra set of legs. Always a good time exploring nature with him.
So, we also got Lola moved from the shop in Mill Valley it was at into a shop near us that can do engine repairs. She’s getting checked out and all spiffed up and will hopefully be on the road again soon. We stopped by Point Labs surf/skate shop on the way home and met some cool people. I may have picked up a few things.
It’s late afternoon now and I’m laying in bed writing this. Sundays are the best. Our room feels like a treehouse, high up in the trees with a sliver of the bay peeking through willowy branches outside. The big windows have old hardware and the sun shines in unforgivingly most days. In a few minutes the sun will meet the horizon, but for now I’m sitting here admiring the glowing pastel pinks, blues and oranges I can see in the sky. A nice little cap on a sweet little weekend.
ah Monday, you buzz kill.
Well, the past weekend was not my favorite. Lola our Landcruiser broke down on HWY 1 half way between Muir Woods and Stinson beach. We got her towed to a shop in Mill Valley and the next day heard the worst news: the engine had seized. When we bought the truck, we knew it needed a new engine, but had been told by several mechanics that she had at least another 75-100k left before we’d need to start thinking about it. It’s part of it, rebuilding a vintage truck. We did happen to break down in probably one of the prettiest places, so that made it not suck as bad. I climbed up on the cliff above the highway and sat there looking out over it all. The cars passing by, Trey in his camo shirt on the phone with AAA, Jack’s head hanging out in the back seat window still psyched as ever, the Farallon Islands – the last islands before Hawaii – in clear view 26 miles off shore. Yep. This is my life. I wouldn’t change it. Sometimes you just gotta shake that shit off and move on.
It’s nice to have our evenings back. I’m looking forward to walks at night with the pups and strolling down to the old school theater and patch of restaurants a few streets over with Trey. I’m a spring/summer person through and through. I appreciate snow and cold weather, but prefer warmth and sun over the cold any day. When I was choosing where to go to grad school, I chose sunny San Diego because of the heat, and when I was deciding which animal to study, I chose rare beaked whales in a remote part of the Caribbean because of the turquoise blue waters (well, and these crazy critters). My grandmother used to say it was the mediterranean blood in me, but whatever it is, the sun makes me feel just a little more alive.
So, yesterday we took advantage of a short work day and extra hour of sunlight and took the pups to the park. Keeper is 13 weeks now and huge. She is sweet as can be. Her favorite things right now are Jack, chasing Mila (our cat), skateboards, and people. This week she mastered “give paw…other paw”. Little girl was so tired after chasing Jack at the park. We dropped her off at home and went and got Nepalese food, and when we got back she was still sleeping. Puppies are basically the cutest things ever.
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Also, Trey and I got a kick out of the last photo…look at that glamour shot, with her little Cindy Crawford beauty spot on her face. Get ready Vogue…or should I say Dogue? Work it!
