Avalon of the heart

One of the highlights of our summers here in the US is getting to spend time with our friends in Avalon, NJ. We can always be guaranteed good laughs, mighty-fine food and engaging conversation (not to mention heavy-duty exercise). Avalon is one of my favorite places to take photos!

We were there last weekend. We had a few nice hours on the beach and some great games on the tennis court. But mostly it was a stormy weekend, with amazing colors and light.

Nina basking in the sun.

Ginger keeps watch.

Early morning at the beach

This is one upset seagull

Beach

Nina swimming

Nina fetching her ball in the surf. 

Beach buddies.

Storm moving in

View from the balcony

Horsing around

I went to the riding stables last week in Conshohocken with my sister my neice Sophia, who has adored horses practically since the day she was born. She starting riding when she was four. And it shows.

She can gallop, cantor and even jump! On this particular day, she rode Mr Chips. I snapped a few pictures; it was fun with a complete change of scenery. I really enjoyed watching Sophia ride and visiting the stables. She'll be nine next week. So happy early birthday to her!

Beaming!

The dogs are a mainstay

Exhausted. And a little sad.

Lucky finds.

No sign of chickens except the eggs.

Goodbye, Mr Chips!

Lucky rest in peace

I forgot to tell you weeks ago when I first blogged about Cathy & Andy's new puppy that their little beagle Max's name had been changed to Lucky. Everyone liked this name better.

I got some sad news today: Lucky died this past weekend of a freak accident. Lucky was special - he managed to charm the dickens out of everyone who met him. It seems strangely unlucky to die so young. But in Lucky's short life he was really loved. And any way you look at it -- heck, that is lucky.

Rest in peace little guy.