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Jun 17

Andy

This post is intended primarily for those of you who have either run or played with Andy over the years. Andy was our oldest Springer spaniel (he would have been 13 in August) but during the past few weeks both his kidneys and back legs weakened, limiting him to brief walks to the park but that has also become difficult. Yesterday Susan and I took Andy to Chappelle Small Animal Hospital in Fort Collins and with the assistance of their wonderful staff he died quietly in our arms. He was a wonderful companion and we already miss him a lot! As do Rusty and Sorrel (our two six year old spaniels), they seem to have sensed for some time that their uncle was quite sick. It is so very hard to lose such a sweet and loyal friend BUT he brought us so much joy that we actually feel quite blessed — many fond memories that continue to make us smile especially his propensity for and skill at stealing toilet paper from the bathroom, he truly was a toilet paper junkie. These past few weeks we’ve tried to do all the things he loved: walks (when he could) on the prairie, wading in the water at Crow Reservoir (he was an excellent swimmer), tenting outside in the backyard, adding chicken to his supper bowl, having him join us at the sunroom table for Sunday brunch (he always sat on the window bench across the table from us) and getting fed some French toast, visiting my office, drives in the car without the twins, and we even barbecued hot dogs in his honor Thursday evening – we sense he truly liked them. We sure loved Andy and he’ll always rest in a very special place in our hearts! Below are a few photos.

Andy playing in a pile of leaves when he was a pup

Andy was a real mud-magnet (he could always find it and then play in it)

Andy loved to run on the prairie (especially in snow)

Andy at Crow Reservoir (one of his favorite places to swim)

What Andy loved most about Christmas was playing with boxes and ribbons

Andy and Susan had an especially strong friendship

Though Andy’s body grew weak his spirit and desire remained strong (this photo was taken two days before he died)

Jun 11

Kenya Wildlife Safari, June 2013

Greetings all,

Have FINALLY added some additional Egypt photos: Egypt with A&K, The Nile, and Egyptian Pyramids. Now I begin training in earnest for my REI adventure to Base Camp Everest in October AND discussing and taking reservations for next summer’s Kenya Wildlife Safari (a pdf file with itinerary is attached). My hope is many of you consider participating in the Kenya program — John, the other coordinator, and Charles director of Maridadi Travels in Nairobi have put together a very reasonably priced and outstanding itinerary. I’ll be along to assist with your wildlife viewing and to provide photographic assistance: have almost completed a wildlife safari photo journal to be shared via the blog in the next few months. This will be my 6th trip to East Africa; each time I land at an airport in either Kenya or Tanzania it feels like I’ve returned home. It’s a Wonderful feeling!

Jun 7

Greetings (7 June 2012)

Greetings all,

Have spent most of the past two months cataloging the massive number of photos taken in Egypt. In the next few days three groups of images will be added to the blog — my attempt to capture the wonder of the pyramids, the scenic beauty of the Nile, and the grandeur of the numerous temples visited. But Susan and I did find some time for play; our friends Karen and Gary from California visited recently and joined us for a trip to the Park (i.e. Yellowstone) and Jackson. Though the weather was rather nasty (rain and even snow) we still had a grand time. Attached are a few photos.

Susan and I with Karen and Gary at Artist Point, Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River – Yellowstone National Park