All posts by Michele

EVERYBODY LOVES HANK

by Michele on
Hank sitting and expecting a treat

Hank sitting and expecting a treat

Hank was given the command to sit. He is waiting patiently for a treat. By patiently, I mean 10 seconds. He breaks down after that amount of time. I have to ask him to sit again, and we start all over waiting. I actually wanted him to pose for this picture. He doesn’t pose. He waits for treats or attention.

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This is Hank walking down the driveway at dusk. It’s about twenty minutes before he hunted and killed his first chipmunk. He disappeared into the woods for a longer time than usual. I became frantic with worry. And then he appeared with his kill. I waited for at least half an hour until he was ready to follow me back up the driveway. A shocking reminder that he is part wolf.

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Several friends have offered to “dog-sit” for Hank. His has an adorable look about him and gives as much affection as anyone can handle. These offers surprise me. Taking care of him is a lot of work and responsibility. There’s something about Hank …

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Craig working in the apple orchard. He just picked an apple and is about to take a bite. It’s not the forbidden fruit. It is the fruit of living the good life.

Zinnias rule the garden!

Zinnias rule the garden!

Whenever I go to work, one of my clients consistently asks “Did you bring Hank?” I disappoint her every time. I worry about him making a mistake with his house training. I really worry that he will bite someone while playing. I worry that it will be hard to focus on my job and look after him. Today, the client asked again and has lost patience with me. She said “I am going to find out where you live and walk to your place and find Hank. He won’t bite me.” There is something about Hank…

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HANK CHRONICLES

by Michele on
The Pond Monster

The Pond Monster

Last week, Hank was out for a walk with Craig by the pond. They discovered this new creature. Hank ran around the pond, through the backyard, onto the porch and flew onto the couch. I was sitting there reading quietly. I don’t think his feet touched the floor of the porch between the steps and the couch.  Actually, this is a a fake alligator to scare away the Herons who fish out the trout in our pond. It fooled Hank …

Hank on his couch

Hank on his couch

Chillin'

Chillin’

Hydrangeas with dead tree

Hydrangeas with dead tree

Corral Garden

Corral Garden

The corral garden is actually Craig’s canvas. It’s all his design. I add a few things here and there such as the blue birdhouse and birdbath. On the other side of the garden is a lovely glass ball I bought at Mount Vernon while visiting family. Oh yes, did contribute a Hosta plant called “Ginko Craig”.

Below is the patio garden which we started several years ago. The Russian Sage makes me so happy. The Hollyhocks are really beautiful this year. There’s also a spray of Baby’s Breath that I plan to contribute to Hillary’s wedding next weekend.

Patio Garden

Patio Garden

The Hank Chronicles

by Michele on

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Hank and I go for a big walk every morning on the driveway. He wakes up at 5am for breakfast.  He is crazed with energy. Jumping, nipping and generally tearing around the kitchen. I read in the Dog Whisperer that every dog needs 45 minutes of exercise before they are ready to start listening and training. Hank starts focusing about halfway down the driveway.

The garden is lush and full of produce in August

The garden is lush and full of produce in August

Lettuce, Zinnias, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Tomatoes, Corn, Beans and Squash.

Lettuce, Zinnias, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Tomatoes, Corn, Beans and Squash.

I made a delicious yellow squash casserole.

Saute onions and squash which has been sliced 1/2 inch thick.

When squash is soft and onion translucent, pour into casserole dish. Cover with crushed Ritz Cracker crumbs. Top with parmesan cheese. Add layer of sliced tomatoes. Bake for half an hour at 375 degrees. Yum. There were no leftovers for lunch.