Tomorrow, Rowdy celebrates his 11th Birthday and because today is Valentines Day, we start the celebration early and continue it for as long as we can. Today, he and I went for a walk on our Nature Trail. Temps were in the low 70s, bright sun, light breeze. In short, a lovely day for a walk with my favorite guy.

As we emerged from the wooded trail into a clearing along Shingle Creek, we spotted two Duckies that were nice enough to wish him a quacking good Birthday.



On the bank to their left was an Egret giving us the eye but staying on the ground along the stream.



Watching them, from high on one of the power line poles, was an Eagle.



As we strolled along the trail, Rowdy heard some noise behind us and immediately went into his "guard dog" pose.



Once he saw that it was a couple with their Golden Retriever girl, this is how he greeted them.



The three of them joined us for the remainder of the walk and Rowdy had a ball chasing his new girlfriend -- and being chased in return. Right now, he's snoring in the hallway.

Tonight, we go to one of our favorite restaurants to dine on the patio with Mr. R and a bunch of friends. I suspect he'll eat very well tonight. Eleven is pretty old for a Rottie but Rowdy is in excellent health and excellent shape so we're going to enjoy everything this life has to offer for as long as he is able. Please join me in wishing him a very Happy 11th Birthday.

Jim

Sounds, and looks, like a fantastic day Jim. Give Rowdy a big birthday hug for me! Happy Birthday Rowdy. Hope you get a big chunk of carrot cake! (no frosting of course)

Bob,
strawberry/banana cake (no frosting) after some chicken tenders, french fries and some of dad's lime/garlic chicken. Yum!

Also, lots of hugs and a few kisses from several little girls passing by our outdoor dining spot. It was a very nice evening and Rowdy was smiling the entire time. Thanks for the wishes. I'll tell him you sang Happy Birthday to him.

Jm

Happy Birthday Rowdy!

Happy Birthday indeed! Jim, do you ever march around/near the Everglades? Also, and it may be a VERY silly question, but do you ever see alligators/crocs?

James

James,
alligators are everywhere in Florida (and Georgia) where there is a pool of water. So, yes, we see alligators all the time on our walks along Shingle Creek since it drains into wetlands and that's where the gators hang out.

We also see river Otters but they are elusive little devils and hard to find when I'm walking a dog. Still, I've spotted several on my walks with Rowdy. Just never got close enough to get any decent shots.

Before major construction took over all the open areas in Hunters Creek where I live, I used to walk the dogs near lakes and see the baby gators swimming with their moms. The Goldens we had at that time weren't all that curious -- which was good. Gators can get to any body of water through the underground aquifer so it's not unusual to find them in the retention ponds on most golf courses. A few years ago, we actually had a crocodile off or the 18th hole here that had escaped from Gatorland Zoo which is located within a mile of the course. Crocs are nasty and aggressive so that one got put back into the zoo.

Never got to the Everglades but it's on my agenda. Think I'll do that one without the dogs .

Jim

Happy B-Day Rowdy!

Great illustrated story. Happy belated birthday.