My Backyard
I live in a developer’s dream...a house in Continental. But whether it was a stroke of good fortune or the result of wisdom in design, my house backs up to a 22 acre greenbelt. In our most territorial moment, we regard this patch of forest as ours and have ventured into the woods for frequent hikes with our dogs, two miniature dachshunds - Oscar and Buddy.
As you might expect, this place affords untold numbers of opportunities for “wild” adventures, ranging from barking at a squirrel to using a combined strength derived from an average of 14 pounds to pull mightily on leashes in an effort to assert ownership over the deer and elk that also walk through.
But on some days, our adventures are less dramatic. There are occasions when my eye catches sight of the deer but Oscar and Buddy, with their noses to the ground, rush right on by. The deer, somewhat impervious to these domesticated creatures, stand quietly, blending into the forest. Or, on other occasions, as represented in this picture, our adventure is limited to a moment of discovery of a wildflower in bloom, being awakened by the warmth of the morning sun.