Big Dog has always preceded me on the walks. He is the alpha male. The oldest resident. The Boss Guy. But lately I have realised that he has been walking at my heel, trudging along, not because he wants to but because he is not able to pick up speed and pass me. Big Dog is getting Old. I stop and let him get ahead. 
Then he will rest a bit and wait for me as he catches his breath, pretending to be interested in interesting things, TonTon will roar back to move us along and after a break we carry on.
I have been working in the barn. Getting everything ready for the winter. Because I have decided to write a book in November with NaNoWriMo and then You and I are going to New Zealand for most of December, everything needs to be settled into a humming winter pattern by the end of October. The feed bins have all been moved back inside. I believe in transparency, everyone needs to know what everyone else does, then they can do it too in case of emergency so I label everything very clearly. I especially label the lids so they go back ON.
I did not like the number 13 on the pigs gate. It was one of the gates out of an old hog shed. We bought them from the junk man the other day, do you remember? 
So I changed it.
Much more appropriate don’t you think? It will dirty up and deconstruct as time goes on. 
See those hoses on the right? Now that it is starting to freeze, when I have finished filling all the water barrels, I dismantle the hoses and hang them on the fences so the water drains out. Otherwise they are useless. They freeze solid. And the alternative is carrying buckets of water. Not a good alternative. 
As you can see there is still piles of plants growing in the flower gardens. Even some flowers. Bedraggled and weedy at this time if year but resisting the efforts of the frost to kill it. The bees love that borage. Though I still need to give them some sugar water today, don’t let me forget.
The Daily View. 
Though chilly in the morning, the afternoon was delightful.
The wind died down yesterday and the freshness of the air with its tiny crisp edge was a joy. I worked outside all afternoon. It was a beautiful day.
Have a lovely day. A lovely weekend day for all of you.
Today we will get to some of the heavy work, so there may even be some changes in your Daily View tomorrow. You can play spot the difference.
celi
On this day last year – Coleslaw. I try to always have a huge bowl of coleslaw in the fridge for when I need a snack. It is one of my favourite foods.
The Kitchen's Garden 
45 responses to “Big/Old Dog took the Lead”
Good to see big dog out there still going, if a bit more slowly. A book in November! My goodness, you never cease to amaze me. That’s quite a challenge, but I know it’ll be a great book, and perfect timing to take December off to go to NZ afterwards. Really looking forward to seeing NZ with you.
one of the things that draws me to our site each day is the photos, never stop posting them!
You get a hug for that “Hug a Pig”
Don’t forget to give the bees sugar water today, Miss Celi.
I didn’t realize just how big that old dog is until I saw him next to TonTon. We’re going through that phase with Coltrane. He is slower these days. I am looking forward to December. How exciting.
Yes, I didn’t realize Big Dog is so big either. His having to be first reminds me of my old Doberman who had to be out the door first and in the door first. So, I can’t get enough of all of your creatures, the dogs, especially, but also Daisy and Minty and Hairy McLairy–I know I’m not spelling his name right–and Mia and Bobby Blanc and all the pea’s cocks and hens, and the kitten and cat and the Shush Sisters — and the piglets to come. I honestly can’t get enough of them.
reading this brought tears to my eyes, so gentle and kind you are with Old Dog. Seems to be a weepy kind of day. Remember to take time just for you.
Celi you are so respectful to animals. It is a quality that appears to be rare these days. People aren’t respectful to others – let alone animals. It must be a horrible combination of ignorance and lack of compassion. Have a wonderful week-end. Hugs V.
My dogs are getting old too. It’s so sad how they age so quickly. My oldest dog also can’t walk very fast anymore. She has problems with her knees. I do hope she’s not in too much pain. I bet you’re looking forward to your time in NZ. Can’t wait to go there with you xx
Love your “Hug a Pig” sign. You are so organized and think of all the little details, great idea labelling the lids. I need to drain my garden hoses too, will do that tomorrow if it does not rain.
love, love the “hug a pig” sign for sweet charlotte and shelia! will sweet big, old dog let you put a big, old dog sweater on him for the winter months…even though he curls up in his blanky? i just got one for one of my older goats…it’s really a dog coat and super easy to get on and off…velcro!! 🙂
Hi,
I have another suggestion for you that defiantly doesn’t need to be done before winter.
Have you thought of having an album of all your blog photos accessible from this site? I save every one of the daily shots and already enjoy viewing the changes in fast forward.
Love is just about the greatest thing in the world: perchance respect is even more important . . . God bless Big Dog being able to grow old and pass away in such a caring environment . . .
It is the natural order of things.. morning eha..c
I feel like Old Dog some days….so nice he has a lovely friend to walk with 🙂
I love the way you let Big Dog still be the alpha male – you are so kind and thoughtful to your animals.