My Aura

"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. 

For me they are the role model for being alive."

Gilda Radner

There was no greater dog, nor do I imagine there will be a greater dog, than my Aura. And today our journey together ended, but the unconditional love that she gave me for 11 1/2 years will be a part of me forever. There is no companionship like that of a dog - and there is no dog like Aura. She loved everything about life - she was my running partner, my squirrel hunter, my kitten-cat-puppy-dog-frog-children lover, my heating blanket, my diary, my assistant teacher, my road-trip buddy, my shoulder-to-cry-on. When I was happy, Aura wagged her tail and tap-danced endlessly. When I was stressed, she chewed on her leg until I found my peace. She was, without a doubt, a reflection of every minute in my life. 

Aura lived in my first apartment with me. She moved to three different rental houses with me. She was by my side when I bought my first house... when Zach moved out and John moved in... when I got married... when the girls were born. She attended every holiday function in our family, every birthday, every gathering. Aura loved opening presents. She was Cali's first family dog companion. She was with us when Sam and Murphy joined my parent's world. She welcomed Lucy into our home. She was a role model for puppy tolerance when Ginger and Charlie arrived. Aura was my journal for the past 11 1/2 years; there is nothing that she didn't know. And I am forever thankful for our time together and the place in my heart that will always belong to Aura.

The first snow

It snowed on Wednesday night. It was a snow that I spent all day Wednesday hoping for - you see, Aura loves the snow. My faithful companion of nearly 13 years has always LOVED the snow. And we were preparing ourselves (however poorly) for this to be her last snow. I'm not convinced that it isn't, but I feel like it snowed for her. And I'll be damned if she managed to get herself off the floor and insist that she join us outside - and I'm sure it did her old arthritic bones not a bit of good to be out in the cold, but so be it. The vet, as of this morning, put her on some pain meds that will either make a huge difference... or not. He was nowhere near ready to give up, so I'll peel myself off the floor, wipe the tears, and do the same. But while I wallow in my pathetic and insufficient coping skills, please make sure to notice and enjoy the little things...Like the first snow and all the wonderful memories it triggers. 

Wordless Wednesday: The presents under our tree

Foodie Friday: Kale Salad

• 3-4 leaves organic kale; shredded
• Heat 1-2 T olive oil in pan
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes in pan (amount depends on your heat preferences)
• Add kale to pan and toss in red peppered olive oil
• Saute until tender - I covered for a bit to steam slightly
• Toss kale with fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, grated Parmesan, organic avocado

Wordless Wednesday: Barefoot and Bows

Lovin' Lawrence

It's good to love where you live. Really, really good. The past several days have simply reminded us, as a family, how great it is to do things, see people, and share experiences together. And Lawrence, KS is just the place for all of the above! We started our weekend-o-fun on Thursday with the Festival of Trees at Liberty Hall, followed by dinner at Freestate Brewery. We continued on Saturday morning with the horse parade and ended our day with some Rock-Chalk excitement at Allen Fieldhouse for the KU volleyball tournament. Sunday took us to Strawberry HIll Christmas tree farm, which felt nothing like December but was complete with warm apple cider. As we were leaving downtown on Thursday evening, surrounded by the glowing trees along Mass, Elise sighed and said "I just love the holidays". Yes, my child, I. do. too.