Author Archives: Jay McLaughlin

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About Jay McLaughlin

I am a rehabilitation counselor. I have many friends with autism and traumatic brain injuries. They help me learn new things constantly. I hike with dogs at the James River in Richmond - a lot. I've completed an Iron distance triathlon a year for 11 years. My most recent was in Wilmington, NC in November, 2013. I currently compete in mid-distance triathlons. And work and hike and take pictures and write and eat.

Incredible Sunday Spring spin

Posted on April 17, 2011 by Jay McLaughlin

An amazingly wonderful Spring spin – spectacular. I rode 68 miles last Saturday, 9 April. It was cold and damp and I was out of shape and I struggled every pedal stroke. The today’s ride (Sunday, 17 April) was different … Continue reading →

Posted in Endurance, Fun, People, Smiles (including "dog smiles"!) | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

I work with interesting people

Posted on April 16, 2011 by Jay McLaughlin

They remind me daily to enjoy each moment. They don’t often think about what’s going to happen in the future. They don’t think a lot about the past either. I’m very fortunate to be reminded so often. It’s a crucial … Continue reading →

Posted in Fun, People, Trains | Tagged | 2 Comments

A friend mentioned earlier she was “drunk on lilacs”…

Posted on April 13, 2011 by Jay McLaughlin

…and it’s very easy to get that sensation. I am surrounded by them. So as usual I’m overdoing things a little. I just went in the yard and took this picture; they look stunning and smell heavenly. They won’t be … Continue reading →

Posted in Flowers | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Lots of plants, a few animals, a Special Delivery from Amazon:

Posted on April 12, 2011 by Jay McLaughlin

I got a package from Amazon a day or two ago; imagine my surprise and delight when I opened it and found this handsome boy inside: Perhaps it was sent to the wrong address but I’m not sending him back! … Continue reading →

Posted in Dogs, Flowers, Fun, People, Smiles (including "dog smiles"!) | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Days like this, I don’t even know where to begin – Monument Ave 10K & more

Posted on April 2, 2011 by Jay McLaughlin

…so I’ll work backward. Even though I’ve still got a big afternoon ahead. And what I am sure will be a fantastic Sunday and an even more exciting Monday. So many  astounding things just keep happening, right out of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Dogs, Endurance, Fun, People, Smiles (including "dog smiles"!) | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Too Much Fun (II)

Posted on April 1, 2011 by Jay McLaughlin

April 1, 2011 – no fooling! First – I have to brag – sue me – my superb friend Ivory’s book “To the Rescue” by Elise Lufkin and Diana Walker is now available as an e-book! I just downloaded it … Continue reading →

Posted in Dogs, Endurance, Flowers, Fun, People, Rivers, Smiles (including "dog smiles"!) | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Q: How is “too much fun” like “too much chocolate”?

Posted on March 29, 2011 by Jay McLaughlin

A: I don’t believe in either one. When my friend Heidi and her Mom invited me to visit the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden with them this fine March morning, it was a whole, whole, whole lot of fun. Since Heidi … Continue reading →

Posted in Flowers, Fun, People | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Congratulations Alex!

Posted on March 26, 2011 by Jay McLaughlin

Congratulations Alex! Three years ago this month my friend Alex moved in here, the latest – and greatest – in a 15+ year string of superb renters. Of course you can always forecast quality potential renters by interviewing their pets … Continue reading →

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“A dog is a bond between strangers.” – John Steinbeck

Posted on March 24, 2011 by Jay McLaughlin

John Steinbeck wrote a beautiful book in 1960 called Travels With Charley. He wrote about traveling around the US in a camper with his poodle Charley. About  the connections they made. I’ve always liked having my dogs help me make … Continue reading →

Posted in Dogs, Flowers, People, Smiles (including "dog smiles"!) | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

If you know me, you know Ivory

Posted on March 22, 2011 by Jay McLaughlin

Actually it’s quite possible you don’t know me – but you know Ivory. Tons of people walk up to us and say “Hi Ivory! And hi… there.” Perhaps if I had a floppy right ear and a tail that never … Continue reading →

Posted in Dogs, Flowers, Smiles (including "dog smiles"!) | Tagged , , | 1 Comment