Thursday, December 30, 2010

Promises....


...are made to be broken just like resolutions! I'm going to take my queue from Carole and make my "intentions" for 2011:

Spin more, read more, sew more, remain steadfast in my efforts to knit through my stash...yes, I'm staying on "The Yarn Diet", maybe I'll get that tattoo I've been thinking about, continue to run (training begins in May for my next 1/2 marathon), improve the "inner" me, change what I can and LET GO of what I can't (I'm horrible at this), (and borrowing from Carole) live in the moment and be joyous at what each day gives me...and allow myself to be happy--2010 has been a VERY hard year on me. I'm sure I'll think of a few more along the way but there's plenty of time till next year to keep improving upon.

Making "intentions" will help me keep from feeling like such a failure than making resolutions! (goodness knows I don't need to feel like a failure anymore!)

Here's to finally saying goodbye to 2010...and HELLO 2011!!

OH...and I'll try to blog more!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Baby....It's cold outside!

I love Loreena McKennitt...and I love the photography in this video...



BUT, I don't love it being so cold. How long till Spring?

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

WHY?

Do I feel like this in every aspect of my life?

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas Everybody!



This morning we woke up to a White Christmas!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Blue Christmas

I love a Blue Christmas...but how do you get rid of the Christmas blues?

I've found my song



...now if I can just get to the last part of the song and "find my Christmas"

Thursday, December 09, 2010

It's Not Even Winter Yet......

.....IT'S FRIGID.....

And I wanna go back here~~



Call me "Dorothy" cause I'm clickin' my heels!!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinniin'!!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Emotional High....





I DID IT!!!!





What can I say, 4 1/2 months of training and a purpose for this race left me on an emotional high when the race came to an end.

....and of course my little cheerleader was there~~

(funny, one of my running partners here in Roanoke found me after the race because of Rudy -- She saw him before she saw me!!)

The morning started off VERY frosty & cold, I was up at 4am to start my day...yoga, breakfast...and lots of coffee!! Thank goodness there were LOTS of port-a-potties available! I met up with the Donate for Life team for our team picture.



You can't see (of course, I'm behind everyone...check on the right side) but I was wearing my "I'm Running In Honor Of..." banner on my back.

Though I was very nervous, time flew by...before I knew it -- it was 7:40 and my starting corral was off. Now back in June when I started this journey I estimated I could possibly finish in 2:30, as I trained I had it in my head that I could possible do better than that. So I set a mental goal of hitting 2:20 for my finish time...



Of course, I kept my uncle close in thought the whole race long but as I turned onto Cary St headed for the finish I started to get emotional...the tears were unstoppable, even though I kept telling myself that there were cameras taking pictures...(I kept saying to myself) SMILE DAMMIT SMILE!! I guess it was a good thing I was sweating so bad, the tears can be mistaken for sweat! You can check out my "Official Pictures" here! There's even a video.

OH....my finish time? I finished in 2:19!!!!!!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

A Day Late and a Dollar Short?

....Behind the times? or Timeless??

So, 2 years ago Starbucks had THE Christmas wreath after a knitters heart...I wanted to make it last year---didn't get it finished---SO, I finished it today!

drum roll please.....





I'm doing my best to get into the Christmas spirit...nothing seems to be working right now.

I have so much catching up to do, I promise I'll get pictures from my half marathon and the Drumstick Dash, along with pictures from my Thanksgiving trip to Pittsburgh to see my Uncle.

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Pikermi~~

A running I will go...a running I will go...

Well, for most of you by the time you read this I'll have finished my race. I've trained hard and I WILL win today...
In my mind I will win simply by finishing the race, no matter what my time is!!

Title confusing you? Well, it's a greek word used to describe a half marathon...an I think it's SO cool--oh, and it's a community in Greece. But it's such a cool word!

I'm running a "Pikermi"!! Pikermi~Pikermi~Pikermi~Pikermi~Pikermi~Pikermi
Sorry...it just rolls off the tongue!

I'll have pics later.

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Friday, November 12, 2010

Keeps you Runnin'

Please keep my Uncle in your prayers....he's been moved to ICU yet once again.

I have this on my MP3 player for the race tomorrow, one of his favorite bands!



Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Happy Veteran's Day

I LOVE this song...John McDermott (same fella who sings one of my favorite Christmas songs--Christmas in the Trenches)



Salute to all our Servicewomen & Servicemen!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Friday, October 29, 2010

Funday!!

Yesterday I had some fun! A couple months ago Hubby and I answered a casting call for a new movie (Alone Yet Not Alone due out latee 2011) being filmed at Explore Park, our old playground...that we hope will come alive again after all this.

I GOT THE CALL!!! So, after doing the essential job at the library I headed on out to the park...and along the way the view was fantastic!



Then the WOW factor hit...the upper parking lot to Explore Park was FULL--like I haven't seen it in quite some time!



I reported to the staff...was logged in...sent to wardrobe (of course I came with my own)...and then to make-up--to get "dirt" & hair. Upon receiving the call I was told that we'd be portraying 1760 Philadelphians. Now, I have NO fancy clothes since Hubby and I only portray pioneers (1750-77)--so, I started to panic. Oh, I know they have wardrobe but I really wanted to wear my clothes. (note to self--time to make fancy clothes) I took the best outfit I own and the rest of my clothes. The costume director didn't like my best, saying it looked too good! Good thing I brought the other things...the ratty clothes I wear for dyeing demos & cooking!




Will anybody recognize me??

We filmed in front of a "green screen" which should make the final product interesting. I'm very anxious to see how it all comes together. I'll keep you posted as more info becomes available with the movie.

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Dogs on Thursday

Okay...so I have to share this link~

Why Dogs Hate Halloween

Boy...I got some ideas for next year!! Rudy's going to be a lion this year--and I'm the lion tamer!! RAWR!!! Pics to come....

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Whiskers on Wednesday--Dogs on Thursday Combo

I got in trouble for this photo! Mr Ace doesn't want anyone knowing he really likes his canine brother...but getting a picture is just too hard, when the opportunity arises and Ace doesn't run before I can get the lens cap off the camera I have to grab it!



Rudy looks worried huh?

OH and.....Happy Birthday Julia!!!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Spinning with Balls!

NO...not those kind of balls!! Check this out--spin and get a workout at the same time!!



Boy, Cat Bordhi can come up with some stuff!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Just a Small Space

(I tried to post this yesterday but Blogger was "having maintenance"!)

Look at the new "Runners Corner" I made in my new fiber room!!





I saved the sign that my buddies Pam, Nikki, Steph & Dani brought to my first ever race! AND...for some crazy reason all my running shoes that have been retired! Yeah...I'm a packrat!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Monday, October 18, 2010

Yeah...Like I Need More Fiber!

But I love pretty fiber!!

Yarnahoy's Etsy

....and I love color!!

You can enter her contest too!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Start Your Engines!

(I know...I know....it's been a month. Finding time for blogging is getting harder and harder)

Oh...about the title---Start your engines and heat to the nearest Goodwill! A friend posted a project idea and I couldn't resist! I LOVE this pumpkin!


(Thanks Jenn!!)

I happened to have a sweater in the "going to Goodwill" pile. Boy, I grabbed that sucker out quick when I saw this craft idea. It's so quick and easy, I want to make another. Gee, I guess I better get to Goodwill before everybody else does!

One more picture with my favorite model...



Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Gone-gone-Gone...

Well...FINALLY the time has come! I hope to have pics and maybe even a video from our trip.



Anita.....Anita.....Hurricane Robin's coming to town!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Saturday, September 11, 2010

To Crochet or Not To Crochet?

I learned to crochet when I was 6 years old at my Great Grandmother's knee. I really don't crochet much anymore, though it seems to be making a comeback...but do you think Rudy would like one of these?

Puppoose

Somehow I think....NOT!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Friday, September 10, 2010

SQUIRREL!!

From the files of "What a Runner Sees" I have a funny and yet a little morbid tale from yesterdays run.

I don't know if anyone else has experienced this....but are you familiar with the "indecision" of a squirrel? It happens in the fall and spring A LOT while driving...squirrel runs out in front of you and as you near he dashes from side to side---either to dare you to hit him or out of mortal fear, who knows. Here lately it's been happening to me while running...not only do I have to worry about the unevenness of the sidewalks in the one particular neighborhood, now I have squirrels to worry about. I'm sure his friends are up in the tree watching after daring the little sucker to see if I'll fall!

Well...today it happened again only "little squirrel" was to worried about his new nut to give me much grief. However, I believe a runner before me had an encounter with one of the "bushy tail buggers" -- but it didn't turn out so good for the squirrel. Keep in mind I'm on the sidewalk, not in the road (where I prefer to run) there lay a squirrel, nut in mouth and (sorry to be so morbid) footprint on it's head....I SWEAR IT WASN'T ME!! Poor little guy...maybe he zigged when he should have zagged?!

Maybe I need a dog like this~~


(I LOVE this movie!!) Rudy's doesn't think much of squirrels...in fact, he doesn't even pay attention to them while on our walks! So even getting Rudy a collar like Dug's wouldn't work.

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

What a Runner Sees...

"Running long and hard is an ideal antidepressant, since it's hard to run and feel sorry for yourself at the same time. Also, there are those hours of clearheadedness that follow a long run." -Monte Davis


Well...this one I can show you, I couldn't help but stop long enough to take a picture.
Yesterday I saw~~




Probably this biggest snapping turtle I've seen in quite some time! I know it's hard to tell from this picture but it's head was as big as my fist!!

Oh...I'm still seeing all sorts of strange stuff too!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Monday, August 30, 2010

Music Monday



Happy Monday....

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Dogs on Thursday


It's that time again! RUDY TIME!!! Of course at our house it's ALWAYS Rudy Time!!

This week I have a rant.

Last Thursday evening we had a scare, while on our walk in the neighborhood a pit bull mix came after Rudy. Luckily Hubby was with me to intercept the dog. Now let me begin by saying it's NOT THE BREED that I have a problem with...it's irresponsible people thinking it's "cool"--"tough" or whatever they think when they get the dog and then they don't train the dog...especially knowing it's a powerful strong breed.

I grew up with large breeds; several German Shepherds, a Labrador, a Weimeraner, and an Irish Setter (oh how I loved that dog). Rudy is my first small breed dog.

Now I'll further qualify my statement by saying it's not just the pit bull, doberman, rottweiler breed I'm talking about. It's anybody getting a dog for the wrong reasons. I don't visit pet stores that sell dogs anymore because I've seen too many times, someone holding a puppy and deciding they want it-they buy it right on the spot...without researching to see if it's a breed for kids, other pets or whatever may be their special situation---this is why so many dogs end up in shelters because they soon find out it's "not going to work out"!
Besides that I end up crying when I see all those sweet little faces looking at me through the glass or wire cage.
It's very simple here in our area to obtain even the easiest dog obedience for under $100--Petsmart, City of Salem Parks & Rec or a private dog obedience school like Rudy went to (Star City Canine)...yeah, he's an uppity "Private Schooled" dog~~hee-hee!
That is only the beginning of what went wrong. Secondly the dog was being handled by 2 pre-teen girls using a bungee leash made for a toy breed. Needless to say when we turned the corner unexpectedly it didn't take much for those girls to lose the dog. When I saw the situation I put Rudy in a sit & stay, giving them the opportunity to get dog moving away from us. That didn't happen, the dog broke free and I quickly scooped up Rudy and turned my back...so thankful that Hubby was there cause I probably would have been torn to shreds!
We have a very good Animal Control division of the Police Dept..they are VERY compassionate and caring about ALL animals, I'm not sure of the percentage but they do place LOTS of animals from the facility. I called to talk with one of my friends there, who knew all about this dog...in fact had been in court with the owner just 2 days before...for the same reason, another neighbors chihuahua nearly attacked. Another neighbor a few doors down fears for her two Pomeranians.
I'm sorry for the owner that she's angry that she might lose her dog but I, as well as others in my neighborhood want to feel safe. The Lt. of the Animal Control was willing to fix her fence for her, where the dog had escaped on one of the previous occasions...but she declined his help. So...she's not willing to train her dog...and she's not willing to fix a fence that would otherwise give the dog some running freedom....Hmmmmm, this makes me mad!
All I can say to her is...if you love your dog--spend time with him/her through some training, you'll both be better for it! BE RESPONSIBLE!!!

Okay, I think I'm done now...I hope I didn't step on any toes here.

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Music Monday

There are lyrics here I need to listen to!



".....You keep your heart above your head and you eyes wide open
So this world can't find a way to leave you cold
And know you're not the only ship out on the ocean
Save your strength for things that you can change
Forgive the ones you can't
You gotta let 'em go....."


Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Fingers Crossed....


Oh, this is exciting...so I have to share!
As many of you know I used to have a business making historical reproduction clothing. Well, today Hubby and I answered a casting call for a movie being filmed on the sight of Virginia's Explore Park (which there is good news to tell you about there too....see the end of my story)--it's an 18th century period piece...that's all we know about it right now. This is the first time I've ever done anything like this, very exciting. (Hubby's been in two other films) Hmmmm, paid extras in a movie.....yes, very exciting.
WELL...this picture is the one I took with me...they wanted to know about my clothing. When I said I made all my clothes they took me aside, wanted more info and said that the costuming director and his assistant would be contacting me. When I learned that they worked on Braveheart and John Adams....I GOT REALLY EXCITED AND VERY NERVOUS!!!
My clothing has been in a movie before....God and Generals. There may be others that I'm not aware of since my clothing was made and sold across the country.
OH I'M EXCITED!!

Now...about Explore Park. It may be revived!!!!! We're all very excited...the deal with the guy who wanted to create a "family destination", in short a mini Disney World, in Roanoke County fell through. Efforts are being made to do some fundraising and open up the park again! It may not be exactly like before, with interpreters throughout the park 7 days a week...but we may get that chance again to dress and participate at the park. This film is the first of a fundraising effort for this to happen. We are all comforted in knowing that all the buildings and the land will be preserved just as we all left it 2 1/2 years ago!!! You just wouldn't believe that guys "vision" for the "family destination"--when I saw the video presentation I got sick!

Just thought I'd share~~

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Friday, August 20, 2010

TWO YEARS!!!


Happy 2nd Birthday Baby Boy!! I'm sure I don't have to tell you guys, but Rudy is the sunshine in my day!

He's getting lots of treats today....and, much to his dismay, a grooming!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Dogs on Thursday

Per Chan's request...Rudy's a surfer dude in training!



(I had a real hard time choosing a picture for this post)

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.
--Roger Caras (1928-2001) American wildlife photographer and writer


I have to post this with a caption:

"Does this shirt make my butt look big?"

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Well I did it---ADDENDUM!

You remember my post about the Richmond race in November? If you need a refresher...CLICK HERE.

As of this past Sunday my uncle had been at Univ of Pitt for 3 weeks, going through test after test. A week ago today the word came that he had been placed on the lung transplant list....WooHoo....we've all been on pins and needles waiting for that word. Fast forward to this past Sunday evening...the call came, they had a lung for him! Prayers answered!!!
Surgery took place yesterday morning, I was getting constant updates from my cousin throughout the day. She finally got to see him at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, of course he was out of it but she did get to hold his hand.
This evening I received this picture from my cousin:

Simply AMAZING!! Can you believe that? He's wanting to play cards!!! Not sure yet when he'll be coming home but I can't wait to see him in person!!!

Oh....about the race, prior to all this news coming down I decided (and, in fact, changed my registration) to take the leap and run the half marathon in honor of my uncle. I am nervous about taking such a big leap in my running but this is minor in comparison to what my uncle has endured...the gift he's received...and the sacrifice a family made. Whether I finish running or walking I will be thinking of my uncle and the donor family the entire time!

I'll ask again...if you haven't made the decision to become an organ donor please give some thought to it.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Serenity Now....

(Sunrise @ Newfound Gap)

My birthday trip was a MUCH NEEDED break from all the crap I've been dealing with lately, so as promised pictures from our trip:

I've been traveling to the Gatlinburg, TN/Cherokee, NC/Great Smoky Mountains since I was very young. My Grandparents used to take me there just about every summer since I was 3 years old...I love that area and could live there in a heartbeat. Well, with the exception of Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area--it's WAY too crowded for me now, though there is the Gatlinburg's Arts & Crafts Trail, I think I'd like that area okay. That's really where I spend all my "shopping" time while others are at the tourist traps in town and in Pigeon Forge.
We didn't make the hour drive through the Great Smoky Mountain NP to Cherokee...as much as I love that place it's very hard for me to see it with the casino in place now. I know, I know...it's a revenue for the Cherokee people but it has it's pitfalls to it too. Just like with Gatlinburg I take the good with the bad.

Cable Mill @ Cades Cove








We found a river cairn someone had left behind...I would have added to it but I didn't want to knock it over...



...and of course, Rudy had a blast!


Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Monday, August 16, 2010

Music Monday

Here's a little bit of what I've been listening to lately.....ummmm, yeah---I'm ready for a beach trip!

Groove Armada-



Jack Johnson-



Zac Brown Band-

Click Here (embed prohibited via YouTube)

Kenny Chesney-



and, of course, the one and only JIMMY BUFFETT!!



...oh there's more on my playlist!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Dogs on Thursday

I know...I know, I should have posted something by now! Thanks for the birthday wishes, I truly do appreciate all your well wishes. We had a great time in Gatlinburg, (more pics to come...just too tired to do all the editing!)

...and so did Rudy!!



Sportin' his new hat! Besides my shopping experience, Rudy found that he had a store to visit! We found that lots of places in the area were pet friendly, allowing Rudy to "strut" through like he owned the place.

Is it hot where you are? I really hope it cools off some by Saturday morning...I have a race to run.
Speaking of which, recently I spoke about the Richmond race which I will run in honor of my uncle, who needs a lung transplant. We got word yesterday that he's been placed on the transplant list---Hallelujah! they've been at the Univ of Pittsburg for 2 1/2 weeks waiting for all the test results to be completed. Please keep him and my family in your prayers. In light of that, I decided to up the ante...I changed the race in November...I won't be running the 8K (4.97 miles)---I'm running the Half Marathon!!! YEP...13.1 miles!!! Let the training begin!!!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Saturday, August 07, 2010

Happy Birthday to me....

....Happy Birthday to me! Okay so this has NOTHING to do with knitting, spinning or sewing...and EVERYTHING to do with the fact that a VERY special event is happening ON MY BIRTHDAY!

You all know I'm a HUGE Dallas Cowboys fan--today the great Emmitt Smith is being inducted into the Football Hall of Fame. I'm kinda sad that I'm not there as Hubby and I had planned to be (job scare...) but I will be wearing my jersey and enjoy watching on the tube! What more can a crazed Cowboys fan ask for on her birthday?

Now I have 3 Hall of Fame jersey's:



Now...I have 2 other jersey's awaiting induction!



Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Thursday, August 05, 2010

Dogs on Thursday

(sorry for the poor quality pics...phone camera just isn't the same)



Last week there were 2 very happy dogs in the house. They practically played NONSTOP for 8 days, both were so tired but had a blast with each other...the next photo will show you just how sad Rudy was when Milo left.



Isn't that the saddest thing you've ever seen??


This morning we are leaving for a weekend trip...BOY do we ever need this!! Hope you all have a great weekend, stay cool and...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'------and Rudy says....

"Are We There Yet?"

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

Whiskers on Wednesday


Well, the Old Man is still around! He moves very slow, but he's still full of spunk!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Attention...Attention...


Yes, I actually have a FO to post about...can you believe it? Well, it only took me 14 months to finish...why? Geez--I don't know!

This is more of David Simpson's fiber, I seriously wish you all could have the opportunity to spin this fiber...he's so meticulous the finished product it's simply amazing to spin.


This is called "Silk Road" 80% merino--20% silk, the pictures do the coloring no justice at all.



Specs:
3.20 ozs
22 wpi
2 ply laceweight
yardage?? I have no idea...I got tired of counting wraps on the niddy noddy! It's A LOT!! If I were to guess I'd think that there's about 1200 or so? I just know that I spun...and spun and spun...then I plied and plied and plied for what seemed like forever!!

Now I look at my stash and say NEXT!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Monday, August 02, 2010

Music Monday

Well...it's Monday again! Where does the weekend go? For me--it was yet another very busy weekend. Project after project has kept me busy and my mind off of the things that make me sad. I don't know about you but when I'm upset or have a lot on my mind I clean and/or organize....what do you do? Just curious...

Because I'm in serious need of a change in lattitude and our annual beach trip is still 6 weeks away. I was trying to think of a song that would fit...so, I love me some Buffett!!



This coming weekend Hubby is taking me away for my Birthday...we're going a little south in latitude, but I'm still anxious to hit the sand and sun of Myrtle Beach! Boy, would I love to run away to Key West or the Carribean...I wonder if I'd be missed?!

Stay tuned...tomorrow I have a FO to show off!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Dogs on Thursday


Well...here we are again! Rudy has a welcomed visitor this week, Milo's here with us while his Daddy is vacationing in FL. Needless to say Rudy is having a blast but I think they both are starting to wear down...instead of playing like wild dogs they sort of just look at each other as if to say..."do you wanna play...me either, let's take a nap!"



Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Monday, July 26, 2010

Music Monday

There is music that I go to for comfort~this is one of those. I love Sarah McLachlan...her voice is so soothing.

It's been a very tough 3 weeks for me, and it's not getting any better. I've managed to keep myself very busy so as not to think about.....stuff!

Enjoy...

I Love You....



Answer....



(such beautiful lyrics...."If it takes my whole life I wont break I wont bend
It'll all be worth it worth it in the end Cause I can only tell you what I know
that I need you in my life"

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Dogs on Thursday

As promised, more Rudy footage! Check out his swim stroke...so fluid...so easy! I'm telling you this dude is the next Michael Phelps!



(can't you just hear him saying..."put me back--put me back!"

I didn't get any video cause Hubby wasn't with us but on Tuesday Rudy actually rode the "boogie board" in the river!!! He amazes me!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Two Bobbins Full



...and ready to ply!

Yeah, I'm silently participating in the Tour de Fleece...really just to get my spinning mojo back. Now I've lost my knitting mojo--wouldn't you know.

I had hoped this would have been finished last week but a few set backs have put me behind my goals. Oh well...at least I have this to look at...ponder over...find a pattern...then maybe my knitting mojo will return! I'll post up the final product with all the specs, I know it's going to be a nice lace weight yarn!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Music Monday

Yep....back to some Music Monday! Here's a blast from the past...check out the hair!!



Well....I did it, my first "sports injury"--yesterday I was out early for my morning run when almost a third (just over 2 miles) of the way into my run I felt a "snap" in my calf. DAMMIT!!! SO...I have to R-I-C-E for a while. Hopefully 2 weeks will be enough time to recover. I can't stand this...the overwhelming sadness here lately only gets worse. Running has been my therapy.

Hope you all had a good weekend...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Friday, July 16, 2010

Rudy...the swimmer!

I'm not sure that you all are aware but Rudy LOVES to swim...in fact, he has a doggie swimming pool in the backyard for those really hot days. Honestly, I believe he thinks he's a labrador! He will go underwater for a rock or golf ball without hesitation (hmmmm...maybe I should take him golfing with me?!)

The park we take him to sometimes for evening or weekend walks follows a portion of the Roanoke River...and of course he wants to go get in the water! Since he's NOT a water dog (no webbed toes for Shih Tzu's) and he's a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed he needs a little help in the deeper water....AND we want to train him to ride in the canoe with us, we bought him a "doggie life preserver"!




Now I'm working on training him with the boogie board...who knows, he might just be one of those surfing dogs!!

Stay tuned...more videos to come!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Sunday, July 04, 2010

Friday, July 02, 2010

FO Friday



These are just too cute not to share! BABY CHUCKS

One of the girls at the coffee shop where I get my morning java had her little boy 2 weeks early...luckily these little things are SO easy and quick--I see me making more of these....for girls & boys! Though the pattern does knit up a little larger than newborn I think he will get to wear them...or Mom can use them as decoration!

I used to have Chuck Taylor myself...not knitted of course!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Thursday, July 01, 2010

Oh Canada....

In honor of my friend Dani and Canadians everywhere--Happy Canada Day!



This is the latest mountain dulcimer Hubby is working on...how appropriate!!

No Dogs on Thursday today....Rudy's feeling a little under the weather. Poor little fella has a stomach bug.

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Well, I did it....

I registered for the Richmond Marathon/Half Marathon/8K last night!! I'm planning on running the 8K, but I'm going to train as though I'm running the half marathon...who knows I may switch races!!!

This time it's going to have special meaning. As with most races they are for a charity, Richmond's charity is Donate Life. I have been an organ donor for YEARS...and I hope that those reading this are as well, or may decide to become a donor. Please....PLEASE consider this very important choice.
Many donor stories have brought me to tears...there was one that I saw on the news a year or so ago where one person saved 5 lives.

Now you ask how this related to my reason for running this race...I will be running for my uncle. You see he has Pulmonary Fibrosis, without new lungs and a liver he won't be with us for very long. Life is precious...and time is of the essence.
My uncle was one of my teachers as I grew up...you've seen pictures of me fishing, well...

I have that love of the outdoors to thank him for. I'd LOVE to take him fishing, but he's far too weak to go.

As Hubby and I head out this weekend for our annual 4th of July float trip with friends, my uncle will be with me in spirit. I hope to bring him back a fish...or 2!!

Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers...and if you aren't an organ donor please give it some thought, it's very easy to do!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'----and Fishin'!!

Monday, June 28, 2010

Yet...another Monday

...with bad news related to last weeks post. The beautiful Gazebo you see in the background was destroyed on Thursday. A truck parked up on the hill was NOT placed in park, only the emergency brake was applied and it failed, causing the truck to roll down the hill and BOOM....

This is a landmark in Salem...the original one was built in 1841 and was on the old Courthouse lawn, later it was moved and for many years a local band played regular concerts in it.

It will be rebuilt...right now it's still laying in a heap where it once stood.

Oh a happier note....wish my lovely husband a Happy Birthday will ya?

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Monday, June 21, 2010

Monday....AGAIN??

....geez, the weekends get shorter and shorter!




Saturday we had our WWKIP day at our normal spot...Lake Spring Park in Salem, aka The Duck Pond. It was a beautiful morning, and this year we didn't have a storm till later into the evening. Our group was small and Pam had her very opinionated duck there...every time she said something it would quack-quack-quack-quack...too funny! Pam & Stephanie brought their wheels but I didn't this year, I couldn't figure out how to travel with hit on the bike. Dani & Christy were there too with some beautiful knitting projects.
Pam offered up some great prizes--THANK YOU PAM!

Hubby came by so Rudy could visit with the ladies! Simply a GREAT DAY!!
Sorry to be so short, but I'm trying to get this post up before I start dinner!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Friday, June 18, 2010

Finally.....IT'S FRIDAY!!


Nothing real significant to post up today...except for my BEAUTIFUL Anniversary flowers from Tuesday.

Hope you all have a GREAT weekend!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'