Spring, already...and another anniversary.

It's February 20, 2016. And it seems like spring outside...mind you, I'm not complaining. A week ago, the temperature ended up at around 8 below. I'll take sunny and 55 degrees. I think it hit 60 yesterday, but because of the high winds, it didn't feel that way. There's a breeze today, but not like the gale force winds of yesterday.

Since last I wrote, I have passed another year anniversary of John's death. It was tough--they all will be--but I was able to manage. I took the day off and Elvis and I went for a drive. First, we visited the church yard where part of John's ashes are...and as always, Elvis always knows where to sniff. I've never actually directed him to the area.

After our visit there, we stopped by Stoneleigh, the hospice John was in and so tenderly cared-for the last 8 months of his illness. Elvis remembered who the treat-givers are (a beagle never forgets) and also remembered where the treats are kept. One of these days, we'll go on some walks in the grounds...he loves to sniff around there.

Then, it was a trip to Fort Custer, where the other half of John's remains were. First, I visited Mom and Dad's grave (had to brush off the snow to find it. And then I went to John's grave. As I recall, it was pretty cold that day, and there weren't many people around...and ordinarily, dogs are not allowed outside of the car there, but I figured that Elvis had the right to visit the stone at least once. So...we did.

Ordinarily, I am not at Ft Custer during the weekday, so I was surprised to see the flags flying in the winter, until I remembered that there were flags flying when John was buried there. So, I figured there had been burial services there that day.

So, we headed next to Ft Custer Recreational Area--a state park not far from the cemetery that has about three or four lakes. We were in one of the few vehicles there...so pretty in the winter!

On our way home, I went through a Starbucks drive-through...and Elvis had a free Puppy Latte (a cup of whipped cream). I knew they had those, but had forgotten. They were the ones that offered it. He LOVES that sort of thing!

So...it was a quiet and reflective day...and over all, better than I expected.