Lazy Sunday Afternoons...

   The lost frisbee taught me two very valuable lessons...well, three, actually if you count the fact that we really, really needed to spend more time taking our beloved mutt on adventures.

The first was that he really enjoyed playing fetch in the water, and the second was that he needed a toy that was MADE for playing fetch in the water, so he wouldn't have to dive to get it.

With that in mind, I found a likely suspect at our local PetSmart, with the promising name of 'Flying Squirrel'.

Fortunately, this little gem lived up to its hype, because it cost me more than my weekly lunch allowance to get it.

 I have to admit, though...it was worth every penny.

Even in the current of the Watauga River, it held its buoyancy well, and was visible enough for Luggie to see quickly and retrieve before it got swept downstream.

We spent a delightful Sunday afternoon with him at our favorite spot along the river on the running trail behind Sycamore Shoals state park.

There's a lovely little bench there in the shade, and a spot shallow enough to allow him easy access and fairly calm waters in which to play.

I swear, I think he'd fetch as long as his daddy would throw for him.

Our boy loves to play, and he loves the water!

Who would have thought even a month ago that he would turn out to be such a water boy?

It seems like yesterday we were almost having to drag him in, and now, HE's dragging US!

....have I mentioned lately just how much I love this mutt?

Anniversary Trip...

 Since we didn't really have a chance to celebrate much yesterday, with Luggie being home from the vet's, we decided to take a delayed day trip down to Gatlinburg for our anniversary.  The morning started out at one of the HUNDREDS of pancake houses, and from there, we migrated to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.  What follows is a large assortment of pics we took there, which was by far, the highlight of our day.  After that, we strolled the shops, ate a wonderful meal, and made our leisurely way back home at the end of the day.  Happy anniversary, honey...I love you!