Thursday, December 26, 2013

In Memoriam: 13 years with Bonnie

Tough moments for every pet owner - realizing that your journey with a beloved canine (or feline) companion has come to the end AND then following through on that ultimate decision.

The Powers' Family journey with Bonnie has come to an end after 13 years.  Although it may have taken us a little while to realize the decision we had to make, we finally did...today.  Understandably emotional. For my brother, sister, and I, Bonnie was a dog we grew up with.  We all went through high school with her.  We all "flew the coop" and went off to college, but when we returned home, who was the recipient of our first hugs and kisses?  You guessed it...Bonnie.

Bonnie was born with a heart murmur that got worse with age.  About a year and a half ago, she started having seizures when she got excited.  We tried making our routine a lot "calmer" to help her, but we eventually had to put her on a slurry of medications to combat the seizures, the heart failure, and the fluid building in her lungs.  Despite it all, this spunky, persistent, ball-obsessed dog lived on.  While I'll spare you the uncomfortable details of her last several months with us, it was obvious on Christmas Day the decision that had to be made.

Enough with this depressing stuff.  The rest of this blog is a celebration of Bonnie's life with us in pictures and some video.  If you are like me, you'll need a Kleenex (or two or three) handy.  While she isn't your dog, you'll inevitable think of yours...sorry.
Bonnie as a pup. Late 2000



 






 



 



 
 


 


 




Hurry up lady.  Throw the ball.
 

 



 




 



 

 







Bonnie is reunited with her older "sister", Rexy.
Rexy
 

Farewell sweet Butternut!




Monday, October 28, 2013

Height Challenges


Interesting thought. And I would have to agree...in today's volleyball world. I was of average height when I was playing college volleyball 10 years ago. By today's standards, I am below average...especially for my primary position, middle blocker. Most top division 1 programs have middle blockers that average 6'3". 

Times have changed and I'm glad I'm not trying to battle against these athletes now. 

Saturday, October 26, 2013

I'm Everywhere

Sasquatch makes an appearance at work. 


Fact of the day: I acquired the nickname Sasquatch because I was observed lurking thru the woods neighboring a community park where we were playing some volleyball.

My Sasquatch nickname has since morphed in to Sassy. 

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Why Do I Hike?

We'll just jump right past the fact that I've neglected this blog for almost nine months and, instead, jump in to my latest musings.

Today's question: "Why do I hike?"

Excellent question...here are my list of answers (in no particular order...except the last one is the most important):

1. I can't afford a gym membership.
2. I hate running.
3. I hate biking.
4. I love exploring.
5. I love reading maps.  An artifact from my Girl Scout days.

6. I went to Berkeley...ergo, I'm a hippie...ergo, I'm a tree hugger.    

7. Although not always accurate, I love the feeling of being somewhere that most people haven't been.
8. I love adding up the mileage and the sense of accomplishment when I reach a new max.
9. I love the silhouettes and contrasts of the trees with the light.





10. I love being away from the noise pollution of the city.
11. Because I have to live up to my nickname "Sasquatch".
12. I love, love, love the views. 








13. And probably above all else, I hike because of the joy that this guy experiences when we do...