Typist: Bethany
At 3:03PM yesterday afternoon, we officially welcomed winter to Cascadia. But the shortest day of the year was a busy one for the Cascadian Nomads canines. We started the day with our third and final Santa visit of this Christmas season. As it turns out, the third time was truly the charm because this was the first time since his first Christmas that Wilhelm did not scream the whole time he was with Santa. It was a Christmas miracle; the little doxie didn't make a peep. I guess "moments before zero hour, it did not pay to take chances." At long last, I have a Santa photo of Wilhelm with his mouth closed.
At 3:03PM yesterday afternoon, we officially welcomed winter to Cascadia. But the shortest day of the year was a busy one for the Cascadian Nomads canines. We started the day with our third and final Santa visit of this Christmas season. As it turns out, the third time was truly the charm because this was the first time since his first Christmas that Wilhelm did not scream the whole time he was with Santa. It was a Christmas miracle; the little doxie didn't make a peep. I guess "moments before zero hour, it did not pay to take chances." At long last, I have a Santa photo of Wilhelm with his mouth closed.
Three dogs Santa might say are nice.
Our next welcoming winter adventure was a trek to Solstice Park to watch the first sunset of winter. The park has three stones that align with the sunsets of the winter solstice, the equinoxes and the summer solstice. Each of the three stones also has a trail leading towards in from east to west. When we arrived at the park, about a half an hour after winter had officially begun, there were a few scattered people. By the time the sun set, the line waiting to walk the winter solstice trail "stretched all the way back to Terre Haute." Wilhelm, Brychwyn, Huxley and I hung back from the masses and appreciated how lucky we were to have such an amazing Pacific Northwest sunset for the solstice.
The east end of the Winter Solstice trail at Solstice Park in West Seattle, Washington, Cascadia
Brychwyn, Huxley and Wilhelm on the Winter Solstice stone at Solstice Park.
Watching the first sunset of winter behind the crowd on at the east end of the Winter Solstice trail.
Someone might think that three dogs who had walks to see Santa then to the park would be tired but that would be someone who has never met fit dogs Wilhelm, Brychwyn and Huxley. When we arrived home from the sunset watch, it was time for the first dog play of winter! Unfortunately, this playtime involved the sacrificing of a snowman toy. The poor symbol of winter was decapitated and dismembered. Worst of all was that his body parts quickly became favorite shaking and tugging toys. Should such happy snowman destruction mischief making mean the dogs will be moved to the naughty list? Time will tell but as Wilhelm, Brychwyn and Huxley watched me put the remains of what was once a cheerfully squeaking snowman toy into the trash, "I thought that I heard the sound of 'Taps' being played, gently."
Three dogs a snowman might say are naughty.
Most humans spend the short, dark, cold winter days celebrating various festivals of lights involving parties with family and friends. Apparently, all dogs need is two adventures and a sacrificial toy to beat any blues the shortest day of the year might bring. Wait. They also need a pile of pillows atop a large couch. "All was right with the world."
How did you and your pets spend the first day of winter?
Even thought there was mischief that has caused the dogs to be forever feared by snowmen everywhere, do Wilhelm, Brychwyn and Huxley belong on Santa's naughty or nice list?
Even thought there was mischief that has caused the dogs to be forever feared by snowmen everywhere, do Wilhelm, Brychwyn and Huxley belong on Santa's naughty or nice list?
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