Eddie planned a special trip for my birthday this month. He whisked me away to Assateague National Seashore in Maryland for a few days. This is one of the few remaining places where wild horses roam free along the beaches. It's absolutely breathtaking! I was lucky enough to spot not 1, but 2 foals, brand new this spring. :) This foal, Giggles, was named by the National Park Service. There are over 100 wild horses in this heard, some are named, others only given numbers. Giggles They roll in the grass or sand to get the bugs off...no owners to groom them. This was actually a bit frightening. About 7-10 horses wandered through a campsite and got spooked. They began running in circles through this enclosed, crowded area. A reminder that these are true wild animals and not as tame as they appear.  This was the most beautiful mother and foal, estimated at only 4 weeks old! She has no name, just a number. So I call the baby S'more.  S'm...

My dog Joy found Scoop. Scoop is the cuddly polar bear who was much too adorable to put away after Christmas was over 3 months ago. Named for his remarkable resemblance to a round scoop of vanilla ice cream, he makes his way from sofa, to floor, to shelf, to bedroom. I just couldn't bear to put him into a box in the basement. Can you blame me? Joy has stuffed toys, she chews on them, fetches them, and shakes them from side to side in her mouth. But she knows Scoop is not that kind of toy. And she found a good use for him. *Contented sigh* "Yes?" "Goodnight."