ivyknoll's photostream  

Today is Lucy's and my third anniversary. Can't believe it has been three years!

She is such a great dog in so many ways but her behaviour with other dogs is still such a trial -- for both of us, I imagine. I've made so many attempts to tackle this issue in the past, I've just about given up on making any progress. I'm sure it hasn't helped matters that I myself don't like it when other dogs approach us off-lead anymore.

However, I thought I would give it one last try. I'm now working regularly with our resident behaviourist in the Dog Club to develop some new strategies to manage Lucy's (and my) reactions to other dogs.

We had another vile and scary storm here on Tuesday last week. A very large branch blew down off the tall pine tree that you see at the right of the frame here. I actually saw it come down -- quite spectacular it was too. It narrowly missed my neighbour's car.

However, you can tell already that the days are getting longer, and somehow that makes everything better. I opened the curtains this morning and was struck by the unusual cloud formations.

Ted had to be retired when the seam in his back split open. Lucy now has another favourite toy -- The Purple Gorilla. That's his name: The Purple Gorilla.

Lucy also injured one of the pads on one of her paws during our walk on Sunday morning, so she's been hopping around on three legs for the past few days. The little boot that they gave me at the vets to protect the injury was a waste of money.

I've reached the end of my 365 project. However, rather than feeling a sense of elation or achievement, I feel more of a sense of relief.

I have decided not to continue into 2012, and it will take me a little while, I think, to reflect on what (if any) value there was for me in taking a photo every day for 2011. For now, however, I'm looking forward to taking photos again because I enjoy making pictures, rather than because there is a "requirement" upon me to take a photo every day.

As my regular contacts know, 2011 wasn't a good year for me. And yet, I am conscious of how very fortunate I am in my friends. I could not possibly have got through this year without them, and I only wish that more of their faces had appeared in the collection of photos I took this year. I would like to change that in 2012.

On this first day of January, I am determined to hold onto a glimmer of hope for the coming year. (Angela Merkel -- could you not have given us all just one day to be hopeful before giving us your message of endless economic gloom?!)

Dear Flickr-friends, look out for those around you who are struggling. In these times, we need each other's care. Best wishes for 2012.