It happened before I could even catch my breath...

This weekend was an incredibly sad weekend for our family. Our beloved Great Dane, "Sleeping Lady", had to be put down. At only 5 1/2 years old, she developed Osteo Sarcoma... Bone Cancer. Our only other option would have been to amputate her leg and start chemotherapy, hoping that there were no other tumors. Financially, this just wasn't an option for us. I am incredibly heartbroken, as she was my loving companion since she was a pup. Hard to believe we are down to just one dog now. Rest in peace, Lady, and know that I am crying tears of misery even as I write this.

Lazy Saturday Morning...

Yes, she's a big girl, and she snores, too!

A few photos... and dang is it hot outside!

It is 4pm right now, and my thermometer (on the coldest corner of the house) is reading 78F! Last year I don't think it got above 70F all summer long. Alaska weather is nothing if not unpredictable! {{UPDATE... 4:30 pm.... 80F and still rising!!}}

Here's a couple of random photos taken a few minutes ago....

My Great Dane, "Sleeping Lady", named after my favorite mountain and looking particularly majestic herself today

The first "Sitka Roses" (wild in Alaska) blooming... mmmmmm, wild rosehip jelly this fall!

High-bush cranberries (also wild in Alaska) in full bloom as well. There are about a million things you can make with these!

I just checked on my greenhouse, and boy am I glad I did! It was over 100F in there, even with the vents open and the fans on! I have the door propped open now, so hopefully it will cool down a bit. I try to keep the temperature at around 85F during the day, the plants seem to like that temperature the best. At least I know to only water the gardens first thing in the morning, or late in the evening... I would hate to sunburn them this early in the game!