How to Enjoy Winter, Guest Post by Dr. Ruby

"Brrrrrrrrrrrr" 

Grammy says this strange word sometimes when we are outside.  She says that people are wishing for spring.  But I think it's going to be winter here for awhile yet.  So, maybe I can help.  Let me tell you how us dogs enjoy winter.

First, I pretty much enjoy myself all year long, so winter is no different. It is nice to have something to look forward to though.  I look forward to visiting Grammy's house every Thursday.

 She thinks I run up the steps to greet her, but I am really running for the kitchen.  I check the floor to see if Grammy has cleaned it lately or if there are crumbs for me.  Maybe she does know this, because I don't think she sweeps the floor before I come.  I love those crumbs!  Enjoy the little pleasures in life....

Also, go outside.  You might have to put on lots of warm clothes like Grammy.  

I don't wear clothes, so for me it's simple.  But sometimes I can't stay out very long or my toes get cold.  Like when the thermometer looks like this...  

But even if only for a little while, going outside is great!  Even in winter, there are still lots of things to smell, at least for bassets there are! 

Grammy does not ever seem to be interested in smelling things, but she was oohing and aahing about how pretty the shadows of these trees were--

Another thing fun in winter are tracks in the snow. They are fun to see and make....

Do you know who made these tracks?  See that line along them on the left-hand side....

Yep, that was me.
I had a goldenrod stem stuck in my collar for awhile.

Hee hee, Grammy though it was funny and laughed at me.  I don't mind if she laughs at me.  Why not make someone else smile, it's nice.

My bird friends make her smile sometimes when it's really cold, too.  They get very fluffy-looking...

Blue Jay

Goldfinch

 Too bad they can't come in with us to enjoy a little tropical feeling in Grammy's sunroom.

It is nice to see some green plants this time of year!

 I don't enjoy reading, but people and the doll in Grammy's rocking chair seem to.  I can't understand why she keeps reading that page with a picture of a cat on it! If you need a better book to make the winter go by quicker, Grammy has some she likes - even one about a dog!

Another way to enjoy winter is to take lots of naps.  If you can, a place by a nice fire is best.

I am doing that right now while Grammy writes this for me.... oh, do you need some help Gram?

That's okay Ruby, I think we are done, you can go back to sleep.

Ok! Thanks!  Enjoy the rest of winter everyone!  Love, Ruby