There are certain times when I wish we didn't have a dog. And then there are other times when I couldn't imagine life without Maddie.

On Sunday morning, I had every intention of going to church with Stephanie. But as I was laying in bed waiting for the shower, Maddie jumped up and started to get her snuggle on with me. I looked out the window and saw that the sky was perfectly blue, so I decided that Maddie and I would play hooky. I gathered up my new cross-country ski equipment and we were soon heading down the road to Mt. Hood.

It was an absolutely perfect day. There was plenty of snow, it was incredibly warm, my new gear worked great and Maddie had the time of her life.

By the time we made it back to the car, there were tons of people at the Sno-Park. Maddie said hello to all of the little kids with their sleds and as they were petting her, you could almost see them asking their parents with their eyes, "Can I get one?" Maddie spread her love around to everybody nearby (she's not picky) and soon we were loaded up and heading home.

Not 30 seconds after I started driving, I looked in the rearview mirror to see Maddie's head drop to the floor. She slept without stirring until we got home.

Read the previous post before looking at this one.


Jim with Paul Revere in the courtyard of the Old North Church.


Alex (Stephanie's cousin) at Sturbridge Village.


Stephanie, Alex, Delissa, & Samantha at Sturbridge Village.


Jim and Samantha share a moment.


Yes, that is John Ashcroft in the background.

Hello. Sorry it's been so long since I last posted. Stephanie and I had a great time on our trip to New England. Below is a picture essay of our adventures (more to follow in second post)...

And for those who might be interested, we can further discuss (in person) my insights gained regarding self-realization in the formative years of childhood, or what makes a memory a good memory.



Where my house previously stood.


Stephanie enjoying the view of Bar Harbor, Maine.


Boats in Bar Harbor.


Stephanie excited about finding Portland Head Lighthouse.


Stephanie climbing a rock.


Stephanie on guard duty.


Samantha (Stephanie's cousin).