That's a wrap

As I'm winding up my time here in HEALdsburg, I am amazed at the blessings it has brought to me. I have spent the last four weeks going on long walks up the steep hills every day, going to yoga every other day, eating very well and getting lots of sleep. It's been such a healing experience.

I have watched Winter turn to Spring and the amazing displays of color that surround the hills and the neighborhoods. There are so many kinds of flowers and plants, birds and grasses. Each day I pick a few flowers to bring back and put in the little vase on the window sill in the kitchen.

Everyone I have met has been such kind hearted souls. From the sweet neighbors, Suzy and Wayne who took me out for dinner, to the Portuguese man, Paulo at the shoe store, to the Nepalese couple at the Indian restaurant to the incredible community at World Peace Yoga studio. They have taken me in and made me feel like family.   

I'm going to miss little Miss Coco when I go. She has taught me a lot and we've become great pals. We know each other quite well by now and can speak without speaking, it seems. She has her anger issues and I've learned to be patient with her. Most of the time....But because she's so protective, it gives me great comfort and freedom to roam the furthest trails that I would not normally go alone. We are getting wonderful exercise together and I think we're both looking just a little more sleek for it.

She follows me around like a, well, like a puppy, and watches my every move with curiosity and the hope of another walk or a game of ball. At night after I'm asleep, she scoots her little doggie bed across the floor and closer to me.  She has gotten on my sleeping schedule and we both peacefully arise around 9 am each day. When I get in the shower, she lays on the bathroom rug and waits while doing her funny little up-dog yoga poses.

We have worn a path through the backyard grass playing toss the ball, which is now in shreds. So I guess it's time for me to go.

Thank you Coco. Thank you Healdsburg.

Coco Chanel

She sniffs at the air
with her super-charged snout
black ears down, eyes relaxed
in the morning sun's rays

Doggie meditation

The chorus of birds
talks over the morning gossip
What's going on in the neighborhood

She looks around to make sure I am still there
We've come to depend on each other
for comfort

She is ready for her exercise long before I am
Please let me finish my tea

She begins to pace and whine
and looks at her long red leash
That holds her back
yet gives her so much freedom
to roam the 'hoods and hills
of her home in Healdsburg

Housesitting in Healdsburg

I've been here one day shy of one week now in the suburbs of Healdsburg with Coco the Frankenstein dog.

It's lovely here. The house is small and cozy and there is great walking and hiking from here. The town square is not far and holds many bakeries, restaurants and wine tasting rooms. It's thriving and full of life. The weather has been delivering mostly rain, but the thirsty ground is happily drinking it in.

Coco is a rescue dog and definitely has some issues. She looks like a bulldog or a pit bull but with legs that are about 5 inches tall and don't look like they should be able to support her large body. Her legs kind of turn at odd angles and don't match the rest of her at all. She reminds me of a science experiment where a mad doctor put together the different parts of a dog and came up with Coco.

She is heavy and solid and built like a linebacker. When we are out for our walks I have to be very aware of other dogs or cats that she may see because then the hair raises on her neck and she makes a beeline toward them. If I'm not hanging on tight, she will drag me down for sure. She loves to walk and would be out all day if I would. We've been going out once or twice a day and I feel like I'll be in very good shape after this four weeks. Her favorite place to walk is the hill above the house which is open space and I can see the whole valley from there. It is a visual feast.

I've had a lot of nice quiet time because of the rain, but also taken some time to explore a little. The beauty of the Alexander Valley and the Dry Creek Valley are stunning. The grape vines stretch out in perfect rows through acres of fertile land and the entrances to wineries are decorated with the most beautiful flowers and trees. Each one looks like a mini vacation waiting for you to step inside.

I will be here for three weeks more and plan to enjoy every minute and cover a lot more ground. Me and Coco. If our legs don't give out on us....

The lovely Coco

My official membership card

Lake Sonoma