Author: Allie Zottola

Marching into spring

I feel like I just posted about winter’s arrival, and now spring begins this month. Technically the meteorological spring began on March 1st, but most people consider the astronomical March equinox, which begins on the 20th, to be the official start of spring.

Enough of my nerdy weather research, though. I am ready for this new season! Not that winter has been particularly bad in Pittsburgh this year. I just love a fresh start.

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To me, spring symbolizes growth, and growth is a wonderful thing. I’ve been working hard on my goal of knowing what I value and keeping my priorities straight. Along the way, I’ve been learning a lot and having fun. A win-win in my book.

I’m learning that most of the choices we make in life aren’t between good and bad, but between good and great. I am trying to choose great every day. When I focus on what’s truly important, I feel a sense of purpose and true joy. I feel closer to God when I am being who He created me to be.

Looking forward to this new season, I want to continue to serve, grow, and learn. Here are some things I’ve learned lately…

Mountain Pie Date

Mountain pies are delicious. Have you ever had or heard of a mountain pie? Basically, you make a sandwich (I made peanut butter and jelly), put it in a mountain pie maker, and stick it in a campfire. A few minutes later, you have a melty, warm sandwich!

While mountain pies and campfires are lovely, spending time with Jimmy is what really fills me up. We ate our mountain pie dinner outside and then went to the movie theater to see Zootopia on Saturday. The movie was great, and I was so glad I got to have a date night with Jimmy. We like to stay busy, but the times when we just relax and hang out really strengthen our relationship.

Windowsill learning

Learning something new is gratifying. Jimmy has been making the windowsills and trim for our house and I’ve been helping as much as possible. He taught me to use a sander, and I’ve been painting like crazy. I really enjoy learning how to use tools to create things. The work we do together on our house is something I will remember and cherish forever.

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Time spent with family is time well spent. It’s not always easy to get together with family when everyone has busy schedules and lives in different areas. When we do see each other, though, it’s the best. Being there for my family and knowing they are always there for me is one of the biggest blessings in my life.

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Dogs make everything better. No matter what kind of day I’m having, it always gets better when I spend it with Lola or a dog I’m pet sitting. I would love to do something full-time with dogs for work one day. Ultimately, I think I’d enjoy running a kennel, but you never know! We’ll see what God has in store for me. There are so many things I want to do, but I’m leaving it all up to God and prayerfully following where He leads.

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Taking time to soak in a beautiful sunset reminds me that God is so good. The sun rises and sets every day, and we can count on God every day.

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:2


As we march forward into spring (get it, March… ;)), I am looking forward to many things. Getting outside as much as possible, hearing rain, starting a garden, more sunlight, and another season to grow, serve, and love.

What do you love about spring?

From Lola with Love

Hey everyone! It’s Lola here. My fur-mom said I could write a post so you all can get to know me better. I got the idea from Rue, Amy’s cat. I thought you might like to read some insider information about me since I’m basically the star of this blog 😉

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Let’s start with the basics.

My full name is Lola Maria Zottola. I’m almost 10-years-old, but everyone says I don’t look a day over five! What can I say, I eat a healthy diet, get lots of sleep, and try not to stress too much. My fur-mom adopted me from the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society for her 14th birthday. It was fitting because I was 14-weeks-old. I’m part Labrador retriever and part pit bull.

My favorite things are going on walks, visiting my fur-dad at his family’s welding shop, riding in the car, vigorously sniffing anything, getting into the garbage, peeing on beds (both my parents and mine!), snuggling on the couch, and most recently, yarn!

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My least favorite things are sharing toys or food with other dogs and loud noises when my fur-dad works around the house. I’m still undecided on vacuums.

One of my fun memories is when I slipped my collar while on a walk a few years ago. My fur-mom chased after me and cornered me on someone’s porch, so I jumped off. It was a 12-foot drop and I was just fine. I’m a bit of a daredevil. I also once ate a whole chicken carcass. It was delicious, but my fur-mom was freaked out for some reason?!

I enjoy meeting new people and dogs. Every time a new person meets me, they always think I’m a boy. I forgive them, though. I think my fur-mom needs to buy me a more girly collar. Maybe you can put in a good word for me to go shopping with her?

I’m an expert snuggle buddy. I always seem to know when someone needs a good snuggle.

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My fur-parents are basically wrapped around my paw. They let me hang out on the furniture (that’s why it’s called furniture, right?), and I even have three beds around the house. One in the basement so I can hang out while my fur-mom does laundry, one in the living room, and one in my fur-parents’ bedroom.

Well, that’s all I have for today. It’s time for my nap!

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From Lola with love. ❤