...stars and stripe

As he gets older, Ralphy's black stripe down his back is more pronounced.  I am not sure how he got such an unusual marking, but it makes for conversation and speculation.  The hair stripe is also a coarser feel, while the rest of Ralphy is smooth and soft.  Also noted, is when Ralphy is on "alert", the black stripe stands up from his head to his tail. 

....glad to be me

An attempt to be someone else is an act of futility and it can only make you frustrated.  Trying to emulate someone's good qualities though is a good thing and if successful, it can improve the way you think of yourself.  When it comes to the end of the day, always be happy who you are and celebrate your life.  Take this good advice from an old dog like me..............I am the Ralphy and I am glad to be me !!

...singular beauty

The simple and singular beauty of a flower has its own unique characteristics.  People also possess the special glow of their own individuality.  It would not be a terrible idea for us to look at others in the manner we appreciate a spring daffodil.  If you are able to accomplish this, the world will be a better place in which to live.

...leapin' for love

You have to admire his tenacity.  An exciting athletic leap with his eyes on the prize...Rocky the Squirrel...Ralphy is a joy to watch.  I obviously have no idea if he actually thinks by leaping he will catch his adversary, but I really am pretty sure he is just having fun on this warm spring morning.  I make it a point everyday to appreciate and love him so there are no regrets. Making that same commitment when it comes to family members and friends is advisable and makes for strong, comforting, and satisfying relationships.  Leap with gusto as does Ralphy, toward making your ties with others stronger than ever.  It is a good thing. 

Happy Easter................jimmy

.....Happy Easter from the Easter Pears

...old pic..........different look

...early evening April moon

...bloomin

...tiptoe thru the tulips

...time for peace

It is time to end our military conflicts and create a U.S. government of peace.  You do not have true peace until you lay down your weapons.  Our young soldiers have paid a heavy price and have endured enough.  Bring these brave citizens back to their families..............where they belong.

....a new leaf

Well the trees are just starting to bud, so I would guess in about 2-3 weeks the leaves should start to pop out and greet a new season of life.  If it is a new time for the trees, it is also one for us......time to reevaluate what is important to us and turn over the proverbial "new leaf" to a new season of understanding ourselves and others.....hopefully for the better.  Ciao......................jimmy

...thanks for the photo class

............fast  shutter speed makes this pic  lots of fun

...different perspectives

The nice quality about diversity, is diversity itself.  What is pleasing to our eyes differs with each individual, so with this one photo I changed it up a bit to see what you might like............or not.  I am more particular to the bottom photo, but I enjoy them all.  What do you think?.............................hey its just a bowl of fruit.
See ya.............jimmy

...on the look out

...colors

...just getting ready for the color explosion spring is about to bring to us

..squaring off

Oh, not to be alarmed.  Ralphy and Bear are just trying our for a role in NatGeo.  They are best of friends and even though it looks dangerous, they are just playing.  Not once have they bitten each other.  I do notice they take turns being the alpha male.  Now that Bear is much bigger, Ralphy usually gets a bit more aggressive at first to remind Bear he is still boss.  In the coming years, this may only be a pipe dream for Ralphy, so it is good they are friends.

.......purple haze

It is a typical Sunday afternoon and I am doing what I do best...........naturally.  But I am here with my family and we will be all sitting down for dinner soon...........then catch the Detroit Red Wing game.  As I have said so many times before, the importance and significance of family is everything and it just doesn't get any better.  When you are surrounded by familiar faces and you know how much you are loved, well what can a dog or a person ask for.  I am fortunate and wish for everyone to enjoy the company of their  family.  Time moves along without a second of hesitation  and it would be  a waste to miss the special times your family.   See ya..............Ralphy

..duck duck

...not sure what these duckies were doing on the garage of my neighbors, but they seemed to be enjoying each others company.............hope you like the photo shop..........I like it..............jimmy

...the "little stuff"

The simplest things are often the least enjoyed because by the time we realize how special they are...well... they have passed us by.   When I was younger, the simplest of things most assuredly were  ignored.  I was working hard and always looking at the big prize while not paying attention to all of the "little stuff".  For me at least, age has brought on a new perspective.   Maybe because I now realize the road of life I have been traveling on for the past 58 years is clearly coming to its final destination, that I now notice life's little subtleties.  I do feel terrible  for the times in my life I ignored the beauty of a blue sky  morning or the new life of a baby robin on my backyard lawn.  Examining the unnoticed especially when we are young, is unfortunately par for the coarse, but maybe if enough of us "older" folks spread the word, finding joy in what we have and  see in any phase of our lives will be more the norm than not.  I still fret about  the "big stuff" in my life, but I now find the time to look around and see the wonders that surround me in my small little universe.                  always..........find peace in your life.................jimmy