Ruby Goes on Vacation!

Well, she was able to go with us, anyway.  She doesn't usually get to go along, but this time we rented a little cabin in northern Minnesota where dogs are allowed.  She was a nervous wreck for the first couple of days - she just wasn't sure what was going on.  All these strange people and strange sounds. A scary dock to walk on. Dad disappeared across the horizon, and people zoomed in and out of the area all the time in some kind of vehicle that splashed.

Of course, we spoiled her and made sure she wasn't out of our sight.  [Or rather, we weren't out of her sight, ha ha!]

What IS this place?

Hubby was able to do a lot of fishing, while Ruby and I stayed on shore.  I grew up fishing, but really have no interest in it anymore, other than EATING the catch. 

My goals for the week were to finish my 2015 Spring Doily (Renulek), finish one book and start another.  All 3 accomplished!  More on the *!@#$%@!*&! DOILY tomorrow.  

On the LAST round of this monster doily - the largest doily I've ever made!

Finished A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman.
On to the 2nd book - The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt.  What else do you do in the woods?

Sunset views from our cabin were spectacular!  A picture just doesn't do it justice.

And when it rains, what else do you do but play cribbage or nap? [I won - ha!] Thankfully, we only had two half-days of rain - otherwise, the weather was beautiful.

We were able to do a little hiking, too.  The "Suomi Hills" is an interesting name, and made us think of our friends in Finland.  (Suomi means Finland, and this is an area in Minnesota with many Finnish settlers as well. There is a nearby town named Suomi.)  This area was established as a Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the 1930's, and then became a Prisoner of War camp during World War II.  I never knew we had a POW camp in northern Minnesota during WWII.  There are still some stone/concrete foundations from the old shower house and mess hall in these woods. Interesting stuff.

This trail is "primitive" - no kidding.  We were almost carried away by the nasty flies, and Ruby had a little reaction to bites as well. This one wasn't a pleasant hike - we weren't sure we were headed in the right direction. We much prefer our beautiful state park hiking trails that are well marked and nicely groomed - even if they do have as many bugs!

Poor Ruby and her swollen face from bug bites!  

And Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety-Jig.  After a couple of doses of Benadryl, Ruby's face is getting back to normal.  I feel like a terrible dog-mom!