J&A's Fourth of July!

Happy birthday America / Puppies early scent introduction (wing)
Charting Toph's temp / Better than fireworks / Holly's break

In the past we often celebrated America's birthday on July 4th by hosting huge cookouts at our home inviting family, friends, and neighbors.  Often there would be well over 50 gathered together to enjoy all things barbecued. Some years were better than others and we would have Maine lobsters and steamers obtained right off the local, nearby docks of the Piscataqua River. We did the turkey in a garbage can thing, bean hole beans you name it we did it!  Our pool was opened up and supervised kids would have a blast!  Then, in the evening we'd either travel over to Portsmouth, NH to catch the fireworks over North Pond or stay put and enjoy gathering around our own firepit into the wee hours of the morning under a beautiful starlit sky.  We had a small, built-in screen house underneath our balcony offering a necessary reprieve from the inevitable onslaught of mosquitoes. Other ways we have celebrated the 4th include sitting on the beach in York, Maine watching fireworks, a trip around Lake Winnepesaukee in New Hampshire on the Mount Washington boat, or cruising on a friends party boat with a group of John's co-workers while the fireworks exploded from lakefront homes. This year however was different.

This evening (or should I say this early morning) is spent in quietness and intimacy far removed from the explosions or partying that this day brings. The night is beautiful and God is an awesome creator.  The stars glisten and shine as a slight breeze blows. The rising moon is an indescribable color as it makes it way above the tree line. And it is good. Everything that God does indeed is good and we know that "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." James 1:17 

There are other sights and sounds here and now that I wouldn't miss for the world. The miracle of life right in front of my eyes as demonstrated by Holly and her family.  The grace and beauty of nature as Toph instinctively prepares for the arrival of her own. All wrapped in the gift of love, respect, and admiration I feel for them.  They are special to God too! Take time to seek what is written about animals. We are to highly regard and revere their very lives, caring well for them. 

The pups are 10 days old, content, and fairly quiet. There are occasional mews, squeals of delight or agitation, and once in awhile an actual pint sized neo-natal 'woof' sound. Eyes are closed but they will open soon. Holly keeps them so impeccably clean at this point you'd hardly think they even ever pooped. This job of keeping them clean will be handed off to John and I in a couple of weeks and then some. I have been faithful to perform the early stimulation exercises with them daily and even added early scent introduction today using an actual frozen grouse wing saved after last fall's bird hunting!

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I am monitoring Toph's temperature looking for that all important drop that stays below 100 degrees. I'm beginning to see a bit of a trend develop which sometimes happens.  Things are right on time.  She enjoys the slow, long walks I have been taking her own. Toph's usually full speed ahead but certainly that's not the case currently.  Regular updates are given to my daughter who owns her.  Toph is accustomed to frequent visits here so being with us is no unusual thing. 

And with that it's time to try to get back to sleep!  Thanks for your interest in ATB and as always take care and God bless.  John and Ann 

PS I have to thank our puppy watch prayer group for carrying us through in Jesus Name. So blessed. Please continue to pray also for Peggy and Billy.