Monday, August 31, 2009

Music Monday

MORE beach music for your enjoyment...and you tell I'm anxious for our vacation to get here?

(I can't embed the video so please click here)

ALABAMA'S DANCIN' ON THE BOULEVARD

So much has changed at Myrtle Beach since this video was shot...Mother Fletcher's, the amusement park and the Grand Strand Pavilion are no longer there...I'm not sure about "Peaches Corner" I'll be looking when I get there, I think it survived the demolition that took place a few years back.
Cruzin' on the boulevard is not what it used to be, they tend to "frown" upon the activity these days. I LOVE old cars! Have I ever told you I have a hot rod Chevy (that I helped build)? Good news though...The Bowery is still there!! I had a chance some years ago to see Alabama play there but didn't...yeah, I'm kickin' myself!

I wish I had a small bit of rhythm...I'd love to shag, it's fun to sit in a club and just watch though.

Can you believe it's the last day of August?

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Sunday, August 30, 2009

NNNOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooo~~

...please tell me tomorrow is not Monday?!! Where the heck did the weekend go?

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Dogs on Thursday


Rudy had a GREAT birthday last week...

at first he had NO idea what to do with the "big cookie" -- but then he got the hang of it.



We also received a swap package all the way from England! He hasn't put this toy down for very long at all.
What can I say, not only do I appreciate the goodies but he enjoyed his too!

I can't wait to show you my knitting project, I'm trying to get it done before we leave for the beach.
This week Chan asked if anyone had castonitis...yes I do but I'm resisting the temptation until I get this done.
I have a stack of things I want to get started on.

Lots of stuff going on at work...needless to say I'm running more (so far I've logged almost 65 miles this month) and started acupunture to help relieve the stress!! ...and literally marking the days till we leave for the beach!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Music Monday

As late summer comes on I'm reminded of this great tune:




...and remember I have less than 1 month till we leave for the beach!!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Thursday, August 20, 2009

VERY SPECIAL Dogs on Thursday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUDY!


(you really should click on the picture to enlarge and see how he's grown)

It's so hard to believe...but our little Rudy is 1 year old TODAY! I don't know what life was like before he came home to live with us...everyday full of furry joy & kisses.




I spent yesterday baking "The Birthday Cookie"!







All the while, Rudy patiently watched only to discover...



...the joy of licking the spoon!


Ta-Dah!! I freehanded the big cookie aka Rudy's Birthday Cookie, the others I had cutters for and will give them to the "family members" who we visit so often, and his "classmates" tonight! (boy, do I sound like the mother of an elementary student again or what)




An in the usual "family tradition" -- Rudy can now enjoy Sundays right along with us! Yes, this one of his birthday presents!



Rudy's ready for some football! Now, if Notre Dame will just start making doggie jersey's...he can be like his namesake!



Thanks for all those who've continued to come by and read what's going on here at "The Coop"--believe me I'm still knitting I just find that blogging each and every stitch sometimes gets pretty boring, at least for me it does.

I know my blog has evolved and I've lost a lot of readers because of this but you know something...it's MY blog! There's so much more going on in our lives I just feel is much more interesting to blog about.

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Not The Only One~

Rudy's not the only family member making the newspaper! A small publication here in the Valley has MY picture in it!
My cousin emailed me yesterday to say that I was in it, of course you have to know what I was wearing to even know that it is me.



Sunday I joined the Star City Striders on their regular Sunday morning run on the Blue Ridge Parkway (BOY, I love running there--so beautiful). I actually ran 9 (almost 10) miles, it's amazing what a little encouragement will do for you. I probably would have petered out long before that, my maximum was 7 miles.

Another installment of "What a Runner Sees"~
1-Child's sandal
2-More cell phone parts
3-ONE really big fat squirrel barking at me
4-Another squirrel in the tree and I swear he was throwing acorns at me, one actually hit me in the head...I guess it's a good thing they're not monkeys, they poop in their hands and throw it at ya!
5-Two "apparently" used condoms (GROSS)...bleck, within close proximity of each other. Which leads one to question...hmmmmm?
6-Lipstick tube
7-Broken mirror...someones gonna have some bad luck, maybe the person with the condoms?
8-And of course lots of litter & trash....SOME HUMANS ARE NASTY!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Bark in the Park

Well...our little Rudy has made headlines. I told you last week about this event, a good showing of dogs came out with their people...



Rudy didn't want any part of the "dog wash" but he immediately jumped into the pool they had set up for the dogs to cool off in, I had to be REAL quick to take off the jersey. I have to admit it was a very hot afternoon.



All in all it was very successful for the local SPCA, they hope to do it every year. I can't think of a better way to visit the ballpark!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Music Monday

I know, I know....it's been music all weekend, but sometimes we ALL can use a little help from our friends!



...some repeated video in this one...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

...and One More



Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

More Woodstock



...and Santana is still just as amazing today!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!

Friday, August 14, 2009

40 years ago~~

It's so hard to believe that so many years have passed...



I know I'll spend my weekend listening to some great tunes!



I love looking at the people who attended...wondering where they are today. If I had been old enough (I was only 6) I would have been there for sure...in trouble with my parents but had an experience to last a lifetime!

Peace-Love & Rock-n-Roll!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Dogs on Thursday

Caption this...




I'm interested in how everyone else would caption this picture.

Rudy cracks me up...he'll put up with just about anything if I ask him to. We've discovered a new talent, we're trying to catch him on video...but apparently he's camera shy.
He sings!
I play the harmonica and he goes to it...I get so tickled that I can't keep playing, not that I can play and that's probably what he's trying to tell me!

This Sunday is Bark in the Park at the baseball field...we're going! This is a fundraiser for our local SPCA, what a FANTASTIC idea!! Pssst...I've ordered Rudy a Red Sox jersey!

...and remember to head on over and VOTE for my Rudy everyday.

Oh, and I have to wish one of my fiber buddies a VERY~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NIKKI!!!! Hope it's full of fibery goodness!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Monday, August 10, 2009

Music Monday

A friend of mine plays drums in several bands...this is just one of them.


Justin Jones and the Driving Rain

I can't wait till this CD is released!

Here's another one for your enjoyment~~



If you're in the DC area they'll be at the Merriweather Post Pavilion performing at the Route 29 concert with the likes of Levon Helm, Old Crow Medicine Show, Iron & Wine and others! I'd love to be there...these are some of my FAVORITES! MAN, I WISH I COULD GO....

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Sunday, August 09, 2009

The Results Are In~~


Of course, as always, Rudy was there to see me off and cheer me towards the finish line.
I awoke to overcast, cool conditions...thank goodness, because the forecast for the next 3 days are brutal.
I felt good, though I was a little nervous for this race. Something I've never felt before, maybe I was putting too much pressure on myself to "do better"--I set my sights on 2nd place in my age group, since last year I took 3rd place for my first race EVER!



Another large group showed up for the 35th running of the Health Focus/Salem Distance 5K. It really felt as though this race went really fast, before I knew it I was at the halfway point...then the finish line!



Finish time: 29:52
Pace time: 9:38

2 of 3 goals met...finishing UNDER 30 minutes AND pace time under 10 minutes!

Well, did I finish on the "podium"? Remember I said my goal was to finish 2nd this year. Let me tell you these women are FAST!



I placed 3rd again this year but I'll say that I shaved almost 5 minutes off last years time! I'm STOKED--this felt so good!!!! I'll try for 2nd again next year.

Hey, notice my hat in the last picture? It was part of my birthday present from Hubby. I've wanted one for a year now, ever since I saw Roger Federer wearing his. Of course, its his signature hat but it's ALSO my initials!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Saturday, August 08, 2009

Race Day

Feelin' a little like Opie this morning...dreamed about the race all night long. Just hoping I don't disappoint myself!

If you don't know what I'm talking about watch these clips:
#1
#2
#3

More later....

Friday, August 07, 2009

Just another day...


Happy Bir--ANNIVERSARY!

Today's the 17th Anniversary of my 29th Birthday! Do you think I can convince the family to only place 17 candles on the cake?

Thanks Tanya for remembering!

I've taken the day off from work--I need the mental break!

Tomorrow I race...keep your fingers crossed for me.

And remember to hit this link and vote for Rudy once each day!! Thanks...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Thursday, August 06, 2009

Dogs on Thursday

Yet another "Cuteness Contest" for Rudy!

Please vote!

CutestDogCompetition.com
Vote for my DogSponsored by All American Pet Brands makers of premium dog food.

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Sharing

These videos came from a FaceBook post I received today.

This is a video of one of the BEST Old Time Fiddle players I've ever heard play. Hubby and I have had the opportunity to see him on several occasions. His name is Jake Krack, funny name - phenomenal musician!

...and remember me telling you about the great jam sessions that take place in the campground & parking lot?

Check this out:


One year we watched this 7 year old play every instrument put in his hands with such mastery...it was amazing!

My friend Kimberly decided not to compete this year, I know she misses it but sometimes the beach calls your name...and when it does you GO!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Wishin' ~

...I WAS HERE!



74th Annual Old Time Fiddler's Convention in Galax, VA

Friday night is my favorite night to go...the Old Time Bands compete, but some of the best music is played in the parking lot & campground behind the stage. I won't get to go this year.

I wish my friend Kimberly good luck as she competes tomorrow night in the Dulcimer competition!


Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'...and do a little Pickin' & Grinnin'!!

Sunday, August 02, 2009

In Awe and Inspired!

I sit here knitting and watching the Atlanta IronGirl competition on TV with tears fill my eyes and joy in my heart for the courageous stories that are being told about several of these ladies. There were professional triathletes involved and MANY-MANY ordinary ladies each with a story, though they only told a select few...and boy were they emotionally moving to hear.

This is just TOO awesome to not post...**taken from the Iron Girl website**

Iron Girl's mission is to empower women toward a healthy lifestyle.
Grace, also the name of the symbol used within the Iron Girl logo, is within us all.
It's what makes women heroic, charming and limitless. Grace is with us in difficult times and happy times, silly times and sad times. Grace is with us physically, mentally and emotionally.
Grace is what makes us special, unique and strong. Grace acts with truth, beauty and spirit.
Grace is within you and you are Grace.

I had really hoped to find some of these ladies stories on the website...I'll keep looking but to give a few examples:
One young mother fighting cancer and living life to the fullest, another mother who was running for her son that's been battling leukemia (I started crying when he was cheering her on during her 5K run), another lady who has type 3 diabetes--simply amazing and then there were 3 women, 2 sisters and their mother, who challenged each other to enter this race. As I stated before I'm sure there are MANY-MANY more stories to be told.



I may be sitting here feeling like crap (Ole ToM is here to visit..but better this weekend than next) - as much as I've been telling myself I don't feel like it going for a run, I have no excuse not to go for a run knowing what these women can do.

I'm not saying that I'm going to go out and enter a triathlon, but then again you NEVER know...and I've learned to "never say never"! I'm simply sharing, yet again, some of my feelings about my new found fitness/hobby/mindset! Next Saturday is my anniversary race...and I'm so psyched.
I really don't know that I've told you all this before, but I was NOT, let me say that again...I was NOT an athlete in school. Far from it...I didn't hang with the popular, cool, athletic, brainiacs or the nerds. I was like one of the "misfit toys"--I simply didn't fit in anywhere. Running for me came as a way to find good health, fitness and lose weight. It all started with walking, then I started walking and running for a few steps and then I heard about the "Couch to 5K" program! I have a few friends who are giving it a try. I just hope they find the satisfaction I have found...and if they don't...well at least they gave it a shot and I'm SO proud of them for giving it their all. All you can do is try.

I can add one more reason to my post about "Why I Run"---because of GRACE!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!