Music Monday

Happy Monday....

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

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'!!

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'!!

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'!!

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'!!!

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'!!!!

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.

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'!!!

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'!!

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'!!

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'

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?"

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'!!

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'!!!

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'!!!