Turbo!

On Saturday we drove two hours up into the mountains to the town of Granby, where we met and adopted Turbo, an eight-week-old Australian Labradoodle. 

Do you think Paul looks happy enough?  Well, we all were!  We "placed the order" way back in early May and have been anticipating the happy arrival for months.  He's going to grow to about 30-35 pounds and about knee high, but right now he is quite tiny.

Paul held him in his lap for the ride home on scenic Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park.  The high altitude mountain drive got the little guy a bit carsick but otherwise he was a trooper, which was a good thing since the two hour drive turned into three as we stopped several times for wild animal sightings.  We had forgotten the elk and moose are on the move this time of year and we had to stop a couple of times as herds moved across the road or were sighted by excited tourists.  Which included us!  It is exciting to see a huge bull with a big rack of horns or to spot a black bear ambling along the landscape.   

All the "how to raise a puppy" books say to keep visitors to a minimum for a day or so while the little one adjusts to his new life.  But it was quickly clear that Turbo was ready to embrace his, so he had a full day of visiting.  He even went on another car ride, this one to the pet store where he was fitted for a collar and harness while meeting more people and a couple of dogs.

And back at home he met Sheba, the queen of cats, who gave Turbo a good sniff and then wandered off without any further interaction.  When Turbo spotted Sheba, though, he growled and barked before we could explain that Sheba was a cat and that she was going to be a friend.  

Saturday and Sunday were busy days for both Turbo and all of us.  But he awoke at 4:15 this morning ready to do his business and then enjoy some fun play.  Although I'm doing the early A.M. duty, Paul got up as well and we all had a little party until Turbo collapsed for a nap at 5:30.   I know from raising our other three dogs that this kind of early morning activity calms down after a while and before you know it your dog is in sync with your schedule, so I'm trying to just enjoy it for the moment.   

Adopting Turbo was the culmination of a busy week.  I spent Sunday though Wednesday in Cleveland with my sister, Jean, and our dear friend, Janice, who we've known since high school.  It was our annual "girl's weekend," our 19th, isn't that amazing?  We had a great time visiting the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, seeing the Labor Day air show,  watching the Broadway production of "The Lion King," seeing the Cleveland Indians beat the Chicago White Sox, and exploring the vast offerings of the Cleaveland Art Museum.  It was a great time with great friends. 

Thursday we pulled the living room back together as it had been in disarray while new tile was laid in the entryway.  All the coats, shoes, hiking poles, hats, and other everyday necessities had been taken out of the closet and entryway while the fellows did their magic, and had to be put back before our puppy arrived.  And we had to buy a few things to be ready for him, so we also shopped.  

On Friday Ben and I got up early and by 7:00 were hiking the popular Ouzel Falls trail in Rocky Mountain National Park.  I'd been wanting to do this 5 mile hike for several years and we decided to make the time now since dogs aren't allowed on it.  Having now done it, I can see why people say it's their favorite hike in the area.

The trail passes by a rushing river and several lower falls before reaching the main attraction.   I think the one I'm gesturing to here is Copeland Falls.  

I loved the river; isn't it beautiful?  The man up in the back is one of the many fishermen we spotted.

There are lots of Aspen in the forests near the falls and they will all be a shimmering gold by next month.  Some were already turning. 

It looks like the heat has finally broken here and we've started to close some of the windows at night.  Turbo isn't the only big change around here; the season is changing as well. 

Linking to Mosaic Monday at Letting Go of the Bay Leaf.