New Blog Location

Obviously.... there are no snow trails here at Rays Retreat now. Although, we do still have some snow piles! ...
Sparky and I are trying a new blog location titled Rays Retreat Ramblings. It has a long address, sorry about that! didn't realize it was going to be so long until after we had started the new location.
It is:
http://raysretreat.typepad.com/rays_retreat_ramblings/

Hope you'll join us there through the warmer months.

Easter Vacation

I wanted to get this up for Easter - but obviously its a little past Easter. We've just returned from our Easter vacation. A trip downstate to visit family, and then we even ventured further south to TN and North Carolina. Where we enjoyed the warmer temps, greener surroundings, even flowers in bloom.

Egg Dying Contest

Words to Think About

A day without sunshine................................is like night.

We actually had both today.... sunshine and no sunshine. I went into work this morning and when I got home it was just beautiful outside. 60 degrees and sunshine. We ate lunch out on the picnic table, then took the dogs for a walk.

Back in time for Mike to settle in to watch the race. The dogs and I opted for a nap. I am feeling much better than I did on Fri/Sat... but still not 100 percent. Its mainly centered in my head now....
during the nap time clouds, thunder and rain moved in. A spring shower.

Hyacinth, tulips, daffodils, poppies have all made their appearance through the grounds dark earth. Several crocus in yellow and purple bloom.

Hope you enjoyed your first day of April!

Why did the Easter egg hide?

How did it happen

I was just thinking.............................
last week; how I had made it through the winter/flu season without getting sick at all. A few times I had a slight sore throat for 24 hours, but that was the extent of my winter illness. Until, yesterday.... and it took me completely by surprise.
Although, looking back.... I did think my allergies were especially bad the start of the week. Sinus seemed to be draining by mid week, and Thursday I had a sore throat and was starting to sound raspy. Yesterday, it hit me like a ton of bricks. Completely stuffed up head and raging sore throat. Miserable. I was up every 2-3 hours through the night with a throbbing head, plugged nose and scratching throat. And aching bones.. more than usual for this old body.
I was grateful for the quiet cloudy day since it has made it easier to indulge myself. I have not done much of anything besides lay in bed or in the recliner wrapped up in a blanket.
Hopefully it will make its exit as quickly as it entered.
Its no fun being sick.

Sick puppy

I don't know what those ears are all about!

I had a really rough night last night, so am going to bed early tonight. Whew, Mike fed me some of his cabbage soup (note: do not feed your dog cabbage soup - esp. mike's!)

I woke him up at 3 a.m., 4 a.m., 5 a.m. and then we just stayed up... I won't go into details... but i was a sick puppy....

feeling better now. And Ann told Mike to not feed me anything! She is in charge of feeding us dogs.

We took a little walk this afternoon when Ann got home. The water is opening on the lakes. Gizmo loves the water, and came home a muddy mess which meant she got a bath! hahaha! ... so there Gizmo. She sure looked funny all soaped up. of course now she's a pretty and fluffy and they've been making over her. whatever.

My collie friends stopped in for a visit. More fun... Sassy and I can tangle Sue and Ann up in no time! Dancer too.

i've got to get to bed. ... my eyes are droppy.

Sparky T. Ray...................................................................................

Dog saves owner with modified Heimlich - Pet Health - MSNBC.com

Dog saves owner with modified Heimlich - Pet Health - MSNBC.com

A Golden makes the news - as a hero! ... well of course.

Good Day for a Walk

Hi Everyone! ... Its Sparky here.... I had a really good day. Both Ann and Mike spent the day with me. Gizmo hung around with us most of the day. But, it was just the three of us that took the new truck into town. I love having the whole back end to stretch out ... relaxing, watching the world pass by as we drive down the road.
They made a few stops then we went to Aspen Park for a great walk. Saw a few other dogs (and people there). Been noticing alot of squirrel activity everywhere. They have been cluttering up the yard! Everytime I look out there's squirrels chasing each other, jumping from tree to tree and enjoying the bird food Ann sets out each day.
After walking at the park, we hit Burger King. Chicken Tenders are awesome.
Once we got home Mike was fiddling around with the camper while Gizmo and I watched Ann cleaning out the herb garden and raking. Crazy Gizmo is something to watch when she's tied up. She runs like a wound up gizmo toy and then SPRING! she hits the end of her rope.... she's a crazy little thing. And always thinking she can tear me up. I let her have her fun. I know who's the biggest.

Naughty Rabbit