Out of the Deep White Sea

I'm sure the novelty of the pure white background will wear off shortly and I'll be screaming for more colour in my photos but I'm really enjoying the way Lacey looks like she is just popping out of nothing.

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I'm just a little obsessed actually and can't wait to get out there again today to take some more while it isn't actually snowing.

I'm just patiently waiting until it gets above -20 C to venture out.

Au' Natural

Coulee is enjoying the snow just as much as Lacey is.  She just enjoys it naked.  :)

Cooperation

So usually when the girls get the toy at the same time, this is what happens...

And then Coulee lip curls, and Lacey gives up.  But yesterday something magical happened.  They brought the toy back together.

It wasn't always willingly, but neither one would admit defeat.

And they didn't just do it once.

They did it a few times.

Lacey was usually hauling Coulee along behind her.  Coulee really wanted to do her neurotic sniffing, but had to follow the toy or lose it.

Have you noticed how pleased Lacey looks in all the pictures and how "un-pleased" Coulee looks?  LOL

Coulee tried a few times to stand her ground, but it never worked.

And another miracle happened yesterday too.  They stopped to pose for a picture!

PS - I've remembered why I hate photographing a black dog when it is actually snowing... Every bit of snow between Lacey and the camera totally shows up!

The Empress' New Clothes

So I've never been one to dress up Lacey.

Although believe me, it has been tempting.

I think Marlin would kill me if I put her in a cute t-shirt though.

So up until now, I've resisted.

But when I saw these winter coats by Ruffwear, I couldn't resist.  And I got away with it because this sweater has a purpose.

And I gotta say - I love this sweater.  Her back legs were all frosty and cold but her little belly was all toasty and warm.

And most importantly... Doesn't she look cute?!

Bridge Pics

Constance and I headed out on Remembrance Day to photograph the bridge at night. They had lit it up for the occasion and unlike the first time I went out to see it, there was no big crowd appreciating it.

I didn't get anything drastically different from last time, but we did manage to witness an incredible sight.  A flock of birds flew over the bridge and they were illuminated by the lights.  They became these white, fluttering ghost birds that just looked stunning.  Both Constance and I just stood there in awe.  You can actually see a few in the picture below (it might look like there is dust on the lens, but it is bird shaped dust if you look closely!), but it was much, much more beautiful in person.

The view to the south was nice too.

But it was the bridge that got most of our attention.

PS - If you come here for dog pictures, don't worry they will return!  I've been having some wrist pain lately and have been instructed to carry my camera less, so I'm only taking pictures when I "need" to.  And this week that seems to be all the time!  But in an effort to appease my wrist, I haven't been taking any of the girls lately but that should change soon.

Harvesting Wool

The Photography Club's challenge this month is for a Harvest Picture. I may have pushed the envelope a little with the theme, but I decided to photograph sheep shearing.

Dave is a local sheep shearer (one of very few shearers around) and agreed to let me tag along with him yesterday to a farm.  They had just over 100 sheep which should take him about 3.5 - 5 hours to complete (2-3 minutes a sheep).

It isn't the most graceful of jobs - for the shearer or the sheep, but it is fascinating to watch.

Dave was working non-stop, and there were about 5 people just standing around watching - me included.  There is something about it that is a little mesmerizing.

His clippers are incredibly sharp and slice through the wool like a hot knife through butter.

He manages the sheep in such a way that they don't struggle and generally just sit there while he works.  When he is done, they calmly stand up and walk away.

At one point in my life I actually considered becoming a sheep shearer and went with Dave to a few jobs.  In the end I decided I wouldn't have the physical strength to wrestle the sheep and I also didn't feel I had the knowledge.

When Dave is shearing, he gets an up close and personal look at the sheep - it is probably one of the only times in the year they are touched - and he is often pointing out issues that the farmers may have yet to notice. I know with time that knowledge would come, but it would be a steep learning curve for a city girl like me.

Thanks to Dave and the farm owners for letting me come watch for the morning!  I had a lot of fun.

Happy

Coulee is happy that her paw seems to be on the mend.

Lacey is happy too!

As am I, but I have no picture of my smiling face.  :)