July Rain

While back home in Illinois they are getting a lot of rain, normally here we don't get any rain from May to October. We are also in a serious drought, because we haven't been getting enough rain from October to May, either. The past week has brought two different short episodes of actual water falling from the sky...an un-heard of event in these parts for July. It is delicious and refreshing, and oh-so-not-enough for the parched landscape. But, it is good for the soul anyway. And plus you get to see if your windshield wipers still work. They do. :)

July has been quite a busy month. We went to Carmel over the Fourth of July and escaped the firecrackers at home. I am told by my local friends that it was the worst year ever for the illegal fireworks here in town. We had a great time getting away to the ocean, the cool weather, and no booms, pops, or smoke.

The beach was really busy because of the July 4th holiday. So it was hard to find space like in the above picture, to walk the dogs off leash. This walk shown above, was about the only time, unlike in other years past when the dogs have had more freedom.  There were just dogs and kids everywhere, so that part was not as fun as perhaps in the past when we have gone and the Fourth was a mid-week holiday.

Besides our trip to Carmel, it feels like other activity has been nonstop. I have been working dogs a lot it seems. Spot has really turned the corner on his progress in the past few weeks...he is partnering up and wanting to work with me, for which I am really grateful.

Spot is doing short gathers, lift and fetch...and a few steps of a drive here and there. We're working on his flank commands and stops. It looks more and more like we are getting together as a team, and that is really encouraging. :)