A walk in the woods on the last day of 2011

Today I have been reminiscing about the year that in seven hours we are going to saying good-bye to. I looked at the pictures taken exactly one year ago and felt some sadness. Two dogs are no longer with us. Our beagle Rip died last May. The picture I took of him a year ago on December 31, 2010, is still one of my favorites.

Quenotte is no longer living with with us as she is with the Wilson family. Her life is to be envied - she has a chance to track wounded deer, but she is also loved and showered with affection.

How different this day is from the one a year ago! No snow and the temperature peaked today at 47F (around 8C). For me this has been the first quiet day in a long time. Our tracking/hunting season ended just 11 days ago. And then there was Christmas, which is always a busy time of the year. It was great to see family and friends that we don't get to see very often.

So today I made two trips to the woods - first with our two oldest dachshunds Asko and Elli, and then with the youngest - Summer.

Our pond today -  a little bit of ice on the surface.

FC Asko von der Drachenburg is 12.5 years old, and his age is starting to show.

FC Elli v Moosbach-Zuzelek SW is just over 10.5 years old, but she was diagnosed in Jan 2010 with congestive heart failure. Unfortunately her condition has been worsening lately.
Are you going to be with us on December 31, 2012 Elli?

Summer was born on August 4, 2011, and she is Asko's great-great-great granddaughter. Full of spunk and energy, she really enjoyed her solo walk in the woods.

Wishing Everybody a Very Happy New Year!