Hi, everyone!
It feels good to be back writing on the blog again. It’s been an emotional month. Before I start today’s recap, I wanted to thank all of you for the kind words and prayers you all sent my way during one of the worst weeks of my life. I’m so grateful to all of you. Another big thank you to those who donated to the Morris Animal Foundation in honor of Grumples. It meant the world to me. With their matching, we raised $2631.40 to help fund science to advance the health of animals around the world! I hope we can keep the number going, and I will continue to donate each month. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart. 
Last week, Walt Disney World invited me down to experience the parks. The trip to Disney World was planned for a while, and I didn’t feel like going and having a good time when I felt like everything around me was falling apart. I knew that it was something I desperately needed. Sometimes, it almost feels as if laughing while grieving is wrong. But it’s ok to laugh, and it’s ok to be sad at the same time. Crawling up in a ball and pushing everything away (even when that sounds like the good thing to do) when your sad isn’t healthy. Even while grieving, it’s good to go out into the world and try to smile again.
This trip ended up being one of the best experiences of my life. I met amazing people and laughed harder than I’ve ever laughed before. I’m so happy I went, and I cannot wait to share everything with you all in the upcoming Disney blogs. 
I was so excited to be back with Leo and Kyle when I got home.
It was good for them to have their bonding time, though. Kyle sent me photos of him and Leo on walks, and they went almost everywhere together.
On Saturday morning, we took him to the Fort Mill SC Farmer’s market to visit Megan Jayne’s bakery stand! My friend, Caitlin, her sister make the most amazing desserts, and we were so excited to pick some up! Not only are they cute, but they are so so so tasty! I believe her next trip to the Farmer’s Market is June 22nd, so if you’re local, make sure to stop over! We bought the iced sugar cookies, vanilla cake, chocolate cake, and pistachio macarons. The cakes are so cute because they come in a single serving-to-go container. 
After the farmer’s market, we took Leo over to Napa to have lunch by the water. We have been bringing him everywhere to keep him busy and upbeat. I ordered the lemon & shrimp gnocchi. It was so tasty!
We stopped at Starbucks on the way home to get him a puppuccino. He loves them! 
Leo has been getting so much love from other pups on our walks, and we’ve been setting him up with playdates with the neighbors. I know we are so extra annoyed with him, but sometimes when he’s alone, he seems sad and confused, and it breaks my heart. 
For dinner on Saturday night, I made a delicious kale salad and roasted carrots from the produce I picked up at the Farmers Market! My salad had kale, my homemade vinaigrette, pecans, avocado, and roasted tomatoes. I also added crumbled black bean burger to the top. 
On Sunday morning, I headed to hot yoga. I have been doing yoga 3-4 times a week this past month, and I really love it. But Sunday’s class was the first time back in a while, and holy moly, was it tough. I have to remind myself to drink more water before going.
When I got home, I had a smoothie with raspberries, peaches, unsweetened almond milk, and vanilla protein powder.
For dinner, I made another delicious kale salad! 
I’m going to sound 100-years-old right now, but I’m really excited about the new addition to my backyard. I picked up a stone birdbath this morning from Lowes to place next to the climbing roses, and I can’t stop watching it. This was Grumples favorite spot to pee (😆 ) so it’s in honor of him. A few bluebirds have taken sips, and it made me want to cry happy tears. It’s the small things in life. 
We struggle to water the flowers every morning when Leo thinks he needs to help. But these moments make me so happy. 
Just in case you needed another Leo photo! 😃 He went on a walk this morning with his new girlfriend.
Thank you all for the patience with me on this blog. Things will start to all into place once again. As of right now, I’m doing much better than I thought I was going to be. I can look at photos of grumples and smile and laugh at the memories we had together. I’m starting to move forward without forgetting, but things are starting to hurt a little less. Time heals all. xo
Questions for you!
- What is one small thing in your yard/home that brings you joy?
- Does your town have farmer’s markets?
1. Next to our house is a huge tree with a ton of squirrels! I call it squirrel city lol. It’s silly but I just love seeing them running about everyday! There were also two ground hogs that lived nearby and would also share the grass under the tree with the squirrels but I haven’t seen them this year :/ not sure where they are but we move soon so hoping I see them before we leave!
2. We have a couple small farmers markets near us! I love going to them. The food is usually pricier but it’s worth it 😉
So happy to hear you are feeling better these day! Time does heal all <3
I planted Dianthus flowers in the backyard and they make me happy.
Yes, we have an awesome farmer market.
Glad to hear your week is going better. Leo is probably missing Grumples too- its nice that you’ve included him in your outings so he is less alone. <3
P.S. Your yellow roses near the bird bath are beautiful.
Do you have a favorite flower you've planted?
I love the Australian shepherd photo with Leo!
She’s so pretty! ♥️
Cutest photos ever! Hope you’re doing okay! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
♥️ thank you charmaine
Never enough dog photos! 🙂 Happy to hear that your heart is healing. Grumples was a good boy and will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.
♥️
We have a big, wild, steep yard so there is always something to find in there. But my favorite thing is the hummingbirds that come to our deck, they really make me so happy.
I am also happy to see you doing well. I’ve been reading your blog for about 10 years so I have been thinking of you and hoping that you are as well as you can be at a time like this.
Give Leo a hug from me! 🙂
Leo’s girlfriend is gorgeous, they make a beautiful couple! lmao.
It breaks my heart how we can’t explain death to animals, but it looks like you guys are helping Leo keep going really great! He must be loving all of the outings!
aaaaaand now I’m craving sugar cookies!
Lol yes they do! ♥️
I’m happy to see him doing well. I hate that he gets confused and it’s bittersweet to see him in GG’s bed. It’s hard but I know it gets easier.
Never stop thinking about Grumples. He is such a loved pup. Love seeing all the photos of Leo and his new adventures.
I just redid my laundry room (wish I could upload a before and after for you) but redoing things here and there as small projects make me happy and this 2 day venture definitely sparked joy. I’m not so defeated when I walk in there now and it actually makes me happy to fold clothes 😆
We have a few farmer markets around here (Columbus, GA). There’s one in uptown and Midland and then we have vendor events throughout the year. Tons of ways to get out and shop and support small businesses. We love it all. ❤️
Thank you, Barbara
I can’t wait to work on our laundry room! That’ll probably be next year though lol
GA ALWAYS has the best farmers markets!
I also have a stone birdbath and it’s so entertaining to see who stops by! The fact that you see bluebirds there is a great thing. When we see bluebirds it often means the start of a new chapter in our lives. Seems pretty fitting given what you’ve been going through. I am confident this next chapter for you, Kyle, and Leo will be a happy one, and Grumples will certainly drop little reminders all around you when you least expect it <3 A small thing in my yard that brings me joy is the shady spot in our side yard. It's the only part of our property speckled with mature trees and it has a really old Pawleys Island hammock hanging that I haven't busted through yet lol! It overlooks 70+ acres of farm fields and the MOST beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. I love to just sit over there and just soak it all in. My town has a farmer's market and it is one of the reasons why I bought a house in this town! I've come to befriend so many of the farmers and its like my little Christmas morning every Saturday getting up early to get the best strawberries and freshest eggs 🙂 Glad to see you're living life and honoring Grumples along the way! I hope you have a great MDW! xoxo Kelsey
Just catching up on your blog. I am so so sorry to hear about Grumples. We lost our husky to a hidden bone cancer several years ago and it was devastating. You and Kyle are honoring Grumples by taking such good care of Leo and spending so much time with him- especially when he’s being annoying! Thanks for sharing your trials as well as your joys. Sending love and light to you !