A Day Off

On Friday (Oct 18th) Matt and I took a day trip south to Whitewater State Park to enjoy the fall colors. 

 

A small swampy pond near Whitewater.  If you look real close, you can see 2 eagles perched up on the lone tree in the center of the photograph.

Fall colors around peak.

A small bride that we crossed to hike the Chimney Point trail.

A forest full of gold!

Matt taking a small break on top of an overlook.

Though cloudy and cool, there was still plenty of color and scenery to enjoy.

More scenic overlooks.

A winding road surrounded with color.

Golds, oranges, and green, oh my!

Chimney Rock.

How long can Matt "hold up" this rock?!  Ha ha ha

Past Chimney Rock, to the scenic overlook.

The Whitewater River below.  Matt was more daring than I was to get that close to the edge.

More views of the Whitewater River.

Me being goofy.

Back up from the edge; too close for me!

Chimney Rock

 

While we were hiking, we noticed some rangers doing a control fire down below along the beach area.

Smoke from the control fire added some interest to this overlook.

A small little dam underneath a hiking bridge.

On our way back home, we noticed this abandoned house in a little town.  It was too haunting to not get out and photograph!

Wonder what the history of this place is like?  If only these walls could talk...

A Sunday Drive

On Sunday, Oct 13th, Matt and I took a drive up north to view the fall colors.  We went as far as Banning State Park, where we got out and did a little hiking on some of the trails.

 

A lovely day for a drive!

An abstract blur of the colorful trees whizzing by while driving on the highway.

On the Quarry Loop trail at Banning State Park.

Matt and I near the Kettle river.

 

A swirl of foam on the river.

The Kettle River.

Another view of the river, taken by Matt.

Lovely fall color!

 

A small bridge surrounded with golden colors of autumn.

Matt walking the Quarry Loop trail at Banning.  It was a great day for a stroll!

 

 

 

Healing

After a week since his broken leg, Hershey is showing signs of improvement.  This week, we had him outside during the nice weather for a little exercise. 

The bruising from surgery is gone, and even his hair is beginning to grow back a little!  He purred for the first time Friday since the day we brought him home from surgery.  A good sign!

Accidents Happen

Everyone who has a dog or cat will relate to the following scenario; you're working away at something in your house, when, you take a step back and you hear a "yelp", "screech", "hiss", or "meow".  That's when you realize your furry one is next to you or behind you, and you just accidentally stepped on them.  I'm sure it's happened to everyone; it's happened to me several times.  This weekend, the accidental step became an emergency visit to the vet ER.  Matt was fixing breakfast when, not knowing our beloved Hershey was lying behind him on the kitchen floor, took a step backwards and stepped on him.  We knew something was wrong when Hershey's front leg hung lifelessly and he wasn't putting any weight on it.  After rushing him to the vet, the diagnosis was determined; Hershey had a broken leg.  We immediately brought him to the U of M Vet Center, where he went in for immediate surgery that afternoon.  The surgery was a smooth one; we were able to bring him back home the following day.

 

 

Our poor little Hershey; shortly after bringing him back home from surgery.

 

Hershey has a major suture, and will be unable to do any normal activity for 8 weeks.  We have to keep him under a very watchful eye, so that he doesn't jump, play, or climb around.

 

The Humerus bone that was fractured.  The surgeons were able to put in a permanent rod and metal plate that will hold the bone in place. 

 

Lots of sleeping on Sunday, which is EXACTLY what we want!

 

Matt comforting Hershey post-surgery.  He was very happy to see us, and very forgiving.  :)  We're very thankful to all the wonderful surgeons and staff at the U of M who treated and cared for Hershey!!