Samantha shocked me today. We went for a walk in the woods with Ella, and Sam ran into the woods after Ella, ran up steep hills, and generally either walked or ran for an hour and a half through the woods. She was a joy to be with up there. We sat on our picnic rock and had a snack. I got to demonstrate to Sam how you spit out the cherry pit. What better way to celebrate the 4th? Ella went for a little swim and looks exhausted in the heat. She isn’t feeling well with her tummy, so Sam kept a close eye on her, walking her on leash at times. We saw a beautiful snake on the side of the road. I spotted it and pointed it out to Sam. She didn’t try to approach it, but seemed curious and definitely unafraid. The snake had bright yellow, black and white stripes running the length of its body, about 18 inches long, very small head. She said we could walk on and leave it to be cozy in the woods. Sam made it to the car and all the way home. I had to read to her and read again before she would sleep. I know she had a few m&M’s this morning, but would that little chocolate give her that much energy? Maybe she is just getting to be a big kid. She doesn’t need the phone book on top of the step stool to reach the sink to wash her hands anymore. She looks very tall to me. I marvel at what a gorgeous body she has, a golden light tan now from the sun with hair getting even blonder and redder.

Sam just ran and ran on the path screaming Ella, Ella Bella! This is one important dog in the scheme of Sam’s life.