It Ain't Over Til It's Over

February 14, 2010
Sandy Creek Park, GA

On day 3 of the snow event, most of the snow was gone but some still remained, including a melting snowman and his snowdog someone had built inside the rental dog park.

Overall, it was a fun three days. I really wish it would snow more often here in Georgia!

Family Reunion

February 13, 2010
Sandy Creek Park, GA

At noon, Tessa got a visit from sister Tink, half-brother Porter and cousin Jenny - and the four Shorthairs had a blast in the park. By then, the snow had started to melt but there was still plenty on the ground and it was fun to see these dogs enjoy such a rare treat. It was a high-speed event!

Then There Was Light ...

February 13, 2010
Athens, GA (Clarke County)

The next morning we woke up to our 6 inches of snow and a brilliant blue sky. We walked back over to Lake Herrick and I could not believe that we were the only ones out - do people really not care? Well, their loss!

Winter Wonderland:

We Got Snow!

February 12, 2010
Athens, GA (Clarke County)

They announced it, and it came. At 2 p.m. we had the first flurries and by 3 p.m. they turned into big flakes. UGA closed down at 3:30 p.m. so we all got an early start to what for me would be a wonderful weekend. I went home, grabbed the dog and went for a walk in the snow that was now accumulating fast. By the time we made it to Lake Herrick the snow was already 2" deep and kept on coming. We had the entire field to ourselves and Tessa had a blast! I love snow and could not believe my luck, so at around 5 p.m. I decided I should really take some pictures but I had not taken my camera for fear it would get wet. Well, we walked home to get the camera and an umbrella, then DROVE back to the field - one of last the few cars driving. Road conditions were fine, no ice, just a lot of slush.

When we got to the field, three guys were busy building a snowman. I asked them if they'd mind my dog sharing the field, and they didn't. Strangely, Tessa didn't bother to "help" them with the snowman and stayed with me at the far end. When we later walked over to inspect the creation, she pointed it, but was not impressed.

We kept losing the tennis ball which got wrapped in snow and remained well hidden in all that white. It didn't matter - Tessa ran for the sheer joy of running. A little later, a nice Irish woman joined us with her old dog. At around 6 p.m. we drove home, as the roads were definitely getting a little tricky.


It continued to snow until 10 p.m. I estimate we got about 6 inches.

A Visit To The Iron Horse

February 7, 2010
Greene County, GA

I took Tessa to see the Iron Horse today, for a little lesson in art and UGA trivia.

The infamous 12-foot-tall Iron Horse is an abstract sculpture that was created by Abbott Pattison at UGA's Lamar Dodd School of Art and placed in front of Reed Hall in 1954. Back then, art, and metal sculpture in particular, was new to southern universities and the horse was not well received. Just hours after its placement, students gathered around the iron creature, placed straw in its mouth and in front of it, manure at its back, and painted the word "front" on its neck. Balloons were tied underneath the rear legs, and attempts were made to set the horse on fire. When the fire department arrived, the students refused to back away until eventually the fire hoses were turned on the students.

The day after the incident, the university moved the sculpture to a secret hiding place; R.I. Brittain, a university official. said it was unfortunate that students ''on the college level'' had minds on the level of ''grammar school or nursery children'' and ''react violently to anything new, with which they have not had previous experience.'' In 1959, the Iron Horse was moved to its current location on a farm in Greene County, where it now sits in the middle of a corn field, facing south and away from UGA, visible from GA 15 only in the winter. Jack Curtis, owner of the farm, says they are now judging the corn crops on whether or not they can see the horse.

There have been several attempts to bring the Iron Horse back to campus but they all failed.

Bird Dog Silhouette

January 28, 2010
Sandy Creek Park, GA

I had a doctor's appointment today, and got out of work early, and as always, if at all I can squeeze in an hour at the park, that's where we go, even if it's a grey winter day.

That Chocolate Head

January 25, 2010
[at home]