Merry Christmas Sora-chan ....

Sora went to the rural park in Hastings again with Mindy. The big stick was being thrown for another dog but Sora got it first and wouldn't give it back!

crossing the bridge ...

In one spot in the forest there is a bridge for mountain bikers to cross . Sora has taken a liking to running across the bridge and S has been trying to get a photo of her on the bridge for months. Finally this morning she stopped long enough ..... 

In the water again ....

When Sora visits Hastings going for a swim is not as easy as a quick walk down the lake, but the other day we found nice spot on a walk to a rural park.

Even Mindy joined in the fun in the water.

After dinner ....

The other day Sora and S went out after dinner for a walk in the evening sun.

Busy weekend ....

It was a busy weekend for Sora with visitors at home, including Mindy. Sora decided to take Mindy to the beach and to show her just how strong she was by carrying the biggest piece of driftwood she could find. 

Gambatte Sora-chan .....

With M away Sora has been going to work with S every day. Today S had a meeting much of the day so Sora  was on her own. She did really well - thanks Sora. Tomorrow is unfortunately much of the same - gambatte Sora-chan!

Another trip to Hastings .....

Sora had another trip to Hastings at the weekend and enjoyed playing with Mindy and posing  for a photo at the beach.

A change of routine ....

Sora's had a change of routine the last couple of weeks. M is away and S  had to go away too and couldn't take Sora so she got to spend a few days in the kennel. Once S got home Sora had to go to work with him. Still she got interesting lunchtime walks, though with the warmer weather she got pretty hot.

Visiting with Mindy.....

Sora visited Mindy for a couple of days. They are usually the best of pals, but Sora sometimes bothers Mindy a little too much and gets quietly snarled at.

Rough at the beach ...

It was rough down at the beach today as the wind was really strong. To Sora it was just a great time to have fun.

When she wasn't running in and out of the water she was tearing up and down the beach.

When disturbed by S....

Sora was disturbed when S got excited or grumpy about something (I don't remember which) and fled to her house in the garage for some peace. I wish she wouldn't do that as it makes me feel really bad, but maybe that's her idea.

it looks nice inside...

Sora is an indoor dog but also loves the outside. When outside she rarely pines to come inside. The other night it was starting to rain and decided that inside warmth was a better option than outside freedom.

At work for the first time in ages ....

Sora hasn't been at work for a while but went with S the other day. At lunchtime they walked down to the river. Sora runs up and down and has a real ball.

A typical evening ....

After dinner Sora usually relaxes a little but once she's had her 'tea' she often crashes. These are typical 'crash' poses.

Just been for a walk, waiting to get inside....

For breakfast!

sometimes its quite difficult ...

Sometimes it can be quite difficult to takes Sora's picture. At times you have to get her to sit and wait to stop her coming over to see what you are up to. For this reason pictures of Sora sometimes look a bit dull and 'static'. Will have to try harder.

Riding the wave ...

Sora tried body surfing the other day down at the lake.

There's a cat over there .....

Sora was distracted at the park by a cat walking on the other side of the road ....

Chilling out .......

Sora doesn't lie like this that often, but sometimes when she is very relaxed.

Where's Sora?

Can you see Sora? She had returned from a walk and slipped into the picture. She's just gone to the kennel for the weekend so she's bound to have a busy time.....

Busy in the garden .....

Yesterday morning Sora was in the garden with M. She was non-stop 'play with me, play with me'. Earlier we had been to the market and stopped by the park where they were having husky sled races. On one side of the park there were signs saying 'no dogs beyond here', which of course we followed. Returning from the market we walked the other way and stopped to watch the dogs go by. Some officious organiser came by and moved us on. Apparently our presence, behind the barrier and more than 10 m from where the huskies were racing, was 'putting off the dogs'!

After breakfast rest ...

A little like the 'bugger dog' pose .....

Digby .....

This is Digby. He's a German Shepherd guide dog. He was at S's work with his owner and kindly posed for a photo. He's a big boy, probably 10 kg heavier than Sora.

Wet feet .....

At the beach Sora often stands in the water waiting for someone to throw a stick.

Peeping ....

Sometimes Sora is a little odd and sits behind the curtain that divides the living area and then peeps out to see what we are doing.

At the beach in Hawkes Bay ....

Sora usually plays on the beach by the lake but last weekend she was at a real beach with real waves. We had to keep an eye on here so she didn't get too close.

Afterwards she still looked longingly towards the beach.

Big feet ....

You can always tell where Sora has been on the beach.

A real big girl ....

From up close Sora looks really large.

What a wet dog does ....

Like most dogs Sora has a big shake once she comes out of the water. Look out!

Bacon and eggs, yummy .....

M watched the Olympic opening ceremony and Sora thought her bacon and egg breakfast looked pretty interesting.

Watcher.....

Watching the world go by.....

Dog abusing?

M calls this dog abusing. Only Sora has no concerns at all and  doesn't understand what we find so amusing.....

Enjoying slightly longer days ....

Its now a month after the shortest day and there has been a small increase in the length of the days. If the weather is nice and S gets back from work early enough there might be the chance to go down the lake for a swim before dinner. Tonight there was a lovely sunset but Sora was happily occupied with other things....

If you want it then come and get it ....

Sora plays it like she's the boss ....

Remind me what we just bought at the market ....

Sora licks her lips as she tries to remember what we just bought at the market. Sora, its eggs and sausages, I'm sure nothing you'd be interested in!

cafe sora ....

This was sent by relatives in Japan. A bakery-cafe  named Sora. Of course Sora is a Japanese word so its not that surprising.

cafe girl ....

We had coffee and cake this afternoon at a cafe in town and Sora can along. One of the ladies brought her a bowl of water and she waited quietly the whole time we were there. Well done Sora!

market girl ......

This morning Sora went to the market again. She was really well behaved as we chatted to several people. The only problem was we forgot to get pictures on Sora at the market. So you'll have to make do with Sora at the park, which was this afternoon.

Football and paying attention ....

At the weekend Sora went to Hastings. She enjoyed going to watch football, and when the ball went out  helping retrieve it for the players. Of course she spent time with Mindy while she was there.

Sometime Sora is quite happy doing her own thing, but at other times she is really attentive to what you are doing. This time M grabbed S's camera and got Sora's full attention.