Tessa Goes To Town

 February 13, 2014

Athens, GA

Finally, this morning, we woke up to a little bit of snow. Overnight, one inch of fine snow had fallen on the frozen sleet, and things were walkable. I tried on my own at first, then went back to get Tessa, and we went for a 3-hour walk all across campus and downtown Athens.

There was minimal traffic, we just spotted the occasional Jeep. Those Jeeps sure love to come out to play in the snow. On Washington Street, there was no traffic at all - usually such a busy street, it was a bit surreal to see this. 

By the end of our walk, the snow was melting fast, so anyone who slept in didn't get too enjoy it as much. I am so glad we got up early!

 High foot traffic.

Yes, we went wild! 

Warm Winter Hunt

February 8, 2014

Jersey, GA

Great day at the plantation today. Weather, grounds and birds were perfect. There was a twist though: this time, we let the Setters hunt, with Tessa coming in late. Very late. There was only one bird unaccounted for, and she found it in those 30 acres. How do these dogs do that? #thenoseknows

With temperatures around 60 F, we were able to make up for the lack of birds with a couple of swims. I think she was pleased with the outing.

 She marked these feathers, twice.

The Sharpshooter

January 19, 2014

Jersey, GA

Thanks to my generous friends, there has been yet another hunt, and today, all three dogs pulled their weight and did well from beginning to end. As always, it was a joy to watch them work the fields together and honor each other's points. No struggles whatsoever. Happy.

1976

April 17, 2011

Plains, GA

Next stop was Plains, GA, home of former President Jimmy Carter. Here is Tessa in front of the old depot, which was used as a campaign headquarters in 1976. During the campaign, a stray dog showed up here and hung around. He became known as J-Who the depot dog. When J-Who died in 1986, he was buried across the depot on the town green.

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:

Sawdust Memories

October 3, 2009
Sawdust Cemetery
Siloam, GA

On The Road

December 30, 2008
Senoia, GA

After days of drizzle and rain, the sun finally showed itself and we went for a road trip that took us through Griffin, Barnesville, The Rock, Dog Crossing (yes, there is such a place, and I had to let my dog cross it), Thomaston, Senoia, Starr's Mill and Atlanta.

On the left, Tessa poses at Starr's Mill, with a heron in the background that she just would not notice. She did find a huge fat worm though and was trying to eat it, which was pretty disgusting. She had no interest in the historic significance of this place, the historic marker of which reads as follows: "The property that became Starr's Mill was owned by Hananiah Gilcoat who built the first mill here before his death in 1825. This site, on Whitewater Creek, was less than a mile from the boundary between Creek Indian lands and the State of Georgia. Hilliard Starr, who owned the mill from 1866 until 1879, gave the site its current name. After the first two log structures burned, William T Glower built the current building in 1907. This mill operated until 1959, using a water-powered turbine, instead of a wheel, to grind corn and operate a sawmill. The Starr's Mill site also included a cotton gin and a dynamo that produced electricity for nearby Senoia."

Dog Crossing is located in Upson County near The Rock. There actually is a book by Ed Grisamore called "Smack Dab in Dog Crossing". This is the one.

On our way back, we came through the big city. It was Tessa's first trip to Atlanta, and I don't think we need to bother again - what a place! How can people stand it? But I thought Tessa should get a glimpse of it. The photo below was taken through the windshield and shows Atlantic Station, a fairly new and still growing area in downtown Atlanta, the motto of which is "Life Happens Here" and "Work Live Play". I can see where they work and live, but where do they play? I'd rather work, live and play in Dog Crossing.

December 30, 2008
Atlanta, GA

Upon our return to Athens, we headed straight to Lake Herrick for a little detox. Here, she is in a solid "whoa" but without EVER taking her eyes off the Orbee.

December 30, 2008
Lake Herrick, Athens, GA