Month: May 2013

8174_Bucks 2013

This is Irish Water Spaniel, Riley {GCH Whistlestop’s Riley on Fire}, photographed at the Bucks County Kennel Club show last weekend.  Riley had a Sporting Group 1 at Bucks and is a gorgeous dog!  According to the AKC website, Irish Water Spaniels are considered the clown of the spaniel family and will find creative ways to accomplish the smallest of tasks.  They are also the tallest of all spaniel breeds and are recognized by their rat tail and curly liver colored coat.  Love this breed!

7387_Bucks 2013

Meet the Berger Picard!  This is a French herding dog, also called a Picardy Shepherd in some countries.  It originated from dogs brought to northern France around 400 BC, but almost became extinct during the World Wars.  In the 1940’s, fanciers worked to bring the dog back and though still rare, it is shown in the Miscellaneous class at AKC dog shows.  They are a good natured and loyal companion with a touch of a stubborn streak.  I had never met a Berger Picard before the Bucks County Kennel Club show last weekend.  What a nice looking breed, don’t you think?

8360_Spring 2013

I love Bleeding Hearts and am happy to report that the plant that I added to my garden last Spring is flourishing!  The problem, however, is that as I get older, it’s more difficult to get down on the ground to photograph them.  Maybe I’m just out of practice!  I hope this plant gets nice and tall (or that I somehow become more limber) so that photographing these beauties isn’t such a challenge!

6799_Bucks 2013

The first outdoor dog show of the season for me is always so much fun!  The dogs enjoy the fresh air and having so many new scents to sniff!  The crowds come out to enjoy the Spring weather and camaraderie of seeing old and new friends.  A good time was had by all at the Bucks County Kennel Club show yesterday in Erwinna, Pa.  Congratulations to all of the winners!   Here’s an adorable Beagle that I photographed during breed judging.  Love those velvety ears!

Rose Garden_May 2013_wm

My dad was an artist.  He loved oil, acrylic and watercolor painting and spent many hours creating art that now hangs in my home.  We used to take day trips on weekends and when he saw something that he might like to paint, I would photograph the scene and he would use the image as a basis for creating his art, always adding special touches to make it his own.  When I saw this woman painting the dogwood trees on location at the park, it reminded me of my dad.  He would have loved this spot and in my mind he was there with his easel and paints, creatively capturing the colors of Spring on his canvas.