Surviving our northwest winters has always been a bit of a guessing game when it comes to our gardens. No year is ever the same.

Now, as I look out over my patio and realize that several of my prized container plantings are frozen like a brick, I am wondering what’s going to happen come spring.

As cute as can be, that’s our dog of the week Hooch! This six year old terrier mix is as adorable as they come. And not only does looking at him make you smile, but being around him will make you absolutely ecstatic.

Most of us know that taking care of ourselves involves eating whole foods, maintaining a daily rhythm that includes adequate sleep, staying hydrated, exercising and doing some kind of self-care ritual on a regular basis. But self-care and happiness actually involve a lot more than just the physical stuff.

If you are like me, you went to bed last Sunday night with a light dusting of snow on the ground and woke up to eight to ten inches covering virtually everything in the garden.

You might ask: “Is all lost?” Hardly!

Meet our dog of the week Sadie, a two-year-old Lab mix who's as sweet as they come.

Sadie is a lovable girl who wants nothing more than to spend time with you. She can take a few minutes to warm up but once she does, she's happy to go anywhere and everywhere with you.