Snowy days

The specter of the dawn of a new day jolts me into action each morning. I don't want to miss it!

In the soft glow of the sunrise, the frost-laden aspen skeletons shimmered.

And, my K glowed like the rich chocolate lab that she is.

Whenever the trail turned uphill, K led the way, stopping frequently to check on my progress. It's tough and slow work pedaling a bike uphill through snow but I'm so happy that running is effortless for K now!

We arrived atop Hug Hill, with K waiting for me just beyond the jolting transition from forest shade to snowy glaring light. She squinted in the sunlight as she sat behind a rose bush, naked except for the prickers that hold frost.

 The bush held balls of delicate crystals that reflected the sunlight.

Atop Hug Hill yesterday, K and I played a few games, like recalls, on the soft carpet of light snow.

 And, she placed her front paws on a snow-carpeted rock.

While we played up there, the wind suddenly stirred to life, blowing from the Divide. The snow flew off the tree-tops in billows that looked like smoke.

By this morning, the wind had swept the summit of Hug Hill clean of snow. We played a new game that we've been practicing - I've taught K to place her hind paws on an object like the rock on Hug Hill. It's not as photogenic as placing her front paws on a rock or stump but it exercises her brain.

When we arrived home from our ride, the warm sun was melting icicles that had formed on an aspen sapling. The sun's rays lit up the ice and the water droplets dripping from it and from higher branches.

It's been a gorgeous couple of days here in the Colorado Front Range, and the dogs have enjoyed them thoroughly, running hard, eating plenty, and sleeping deeply.

I'm as sleepy as R after all the fun we've had!