The Best~~~

Saying "Good-Bye" is so hard to do....

Ace~~1992-2012

Ace has been the best cat I've ever been owned by.  He's been with me through good and bad...I've taken really good care of him over the years but the last several months he has struggled greatly.  The time has come to let him go...I LOVE YOU ACE-MAN!!!

Somethings Never Change....

Yep....he's still up to his old antics!  I set down my laptop to let the dogs outside and come back to find THIS~~

Dirty Ole Man....on the kitty porn sites!  You would think at 19 1/2 years old he would give up.

Maybe he just wanted to let everyone know he's still alive and kicking?!  I'll have to check my temp files to see what sites he was surfing!


Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Peace....

Amazing what time will bring...only a few short years ago this would have NEVER happened! The old man now looks for comfort (and warmth) with his canine buddies, but Rudy is always a little weary when Ace wants to be "cuddly"! Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving Day weekend! Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Catching up....

Ok...lets see if I can cover the bases here without being too long-winded.

Jack officially retired the 1st of July...he's been VERY busy in the workshop--check out this blog & Etsy page!

In my last post you saw my new bag for the summer...WHICH I LOVE....and I'm going to hate having to change out later. I'm working on a new one in my head, lets see how long it takes me to hit the sewing machine with. It's been really hard keeping my head above water in the past few months, so I'll give you THE BEST news first....I QUIT THE "FREAKIN'" LIBRARY!!!!! Yes, I said good buy to "BIZZARO WORLD" -- listen, I don't want to step on toes here and I don't know if all libraries are like the one here but after 11 years I'm tired of being the round peg in the square hole! I didn't fit in....not at all! Yes, I love books...yes, I'm good at customer service....but after I was "demoted" last October because MY BOSS/SUPERVISOR went psyzo (literally) and I WAS DOING ALL THE WORK--I got the short end of the stick--I was told I wasn't a "team player"?! HUH?? That group of women wouldn't know what a "team" was if a baseball bat hit them in the head!! Anyway...I won't keep beating that dead horse.

Now I work in the "polar opposite" world at the YMCA. I'm currently helping to coach the half marathon team there and working the front desk. It's awesome!!

In August I ran my anniversary race aaaaannnnnnnnnnnnd........Finished 1st in my age group!!!!!! Yeah--you'd thing this would rank as the best news but it's such a close one. Currently I'm training for the Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon (oh...and Rudy & I and Milo & Jack are training for the Doggie Dash too)







All the while....the knitting continues, though slow I have managed to finish a couple items...sorry no pics at the moment but I promise to have some soon!


Did I share THIS with you? I can't wait till the movie comes out!! I can pick out all the places filmed at Explore Park and I was there on the day that they had to do the water scene...it was very chilly!!

Ummmm....lets see....OH--all the animals are doing well. We are adjusting to living with a cat who is senile....really! I've come to realize when he's confused, have to talk to him even though I think he's going deaf too...unless he's just ignoring me. He forgets where his litterbox is...thank goodness for Rudy who lets us know where the poop is so we'll clean it up! He cries in the middle of the night....so now we keep a nightlight on for him. Milo has become his protector--he worries about Ace so much. He has a hard time moving around so Milo watches him to make sure he gets where he's going okay. Ace will turn 19 on the 15th of this month!

The Girlz have faired very well in their first summer. They are allowed to free range in the backyard...a couple of my flower beds have suffered but then again the hot, dry summer hasn't helped much either! They are a lot of fun to watch...there was a brooding period for a couple of them and we saw the pecking order change because of it.

Henny Penny is my favorite--she's a riot!

We made our annual 4th of July float trip with friends this year....last years was abruptly interrupted by a VERY ugly family drama. This year's was probably the best yet--I guess making up for what we missed last year!!



And Son #1 had a milestone birthday this year!!

Yeah I know...it makes me older too!

Well, right now we are getting ready for our annual beach trip...a much needed and deserved vacation is on the horizon!! Just about 10 days away now....

Okay, I think I've blabbered on enough now. I hope I can be a better blogger in the days & months to come. Please bear with me....and with blogger, apparently with a recent "upgrade" there has been some issues, one of which is while you are loading my page it will go to "blogrolling.com" for some odd reason and tell you this domain name is for sale. Just ignore it...if you can!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Whiskers on Wednesday

"It's snowing still," said Eeyore gloomily. "So it is." "And freezing." "Is it?" "Yes," said Eeyore. "However," he said, brightening up a little, "we haven't had an earthquake lately." ~A.A. Milne



Anybody else tired of winter? --besides me??


Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Whiskers on Wednesday

"Why not learn to enjoy the little things - there are so many of them." ~Author Unknown



Here's a RARE photo...they were both heads down before I picked up the camera. Ole Ace was too slow to get up before I took the shot. They snuggle often, it's just too hard to get the picture! Ace loves his canine brother...he really does, but if you ask him....

Whiskers on Wednesday

"Oh, my friend, it's not what they take away from you that counts. It's what you do with what you have left." ~ Hubert Humphrey


Well, it's been a while but Ole Ace is doing VERY well. Seems Rudy has been a GREAT brother for him. He's livened up, actually plays with Rudy in the morning....for about 1 minute. He makes a mad dash through the house to get Rudy to chase him and then he's off to his bed to sleep for the rest of the day. That's about it for his boost of energy. Besides the fact that Rudy keeps him young when I discovered the perfect food for Rudy, Nutro Natural Choice, I decided it must be good for Ace too. Well, has it ever...he's gained weight, his coat is shinier than ever (he still sheds like crazy but that's just a cat thang) and he has these little energy boosts. Dr. says he'll be around for a while...

About the picture--that's NOT Ace's bed...



...that's Rudy's bed--his security blanket...his bed he's had since he was a wee thing (watch for Dogs on Thursday tomorrow). He's trying to "tattle-tale" on his feline brother. Can't you just hear him now---Momma, Ace is in my bed...and stealing my sunbeam!



....and Ace says....(I'll let you fill in the blank)

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

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'!!

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'!!

Whiskers on Wednesday---What a Runner sees...

WHISKERS ON WEDNESDAY

I know you guys are probably wondering about Mr Ace...he is doing pretty good. He has good days and bad days. With the heat and humidity we are having these days he has more bad days than good...but he's hanging in there.
This September he'll be 18...in cat years that's 93 (according to a chart at the vet's office--other websites say he's 87)....Old Man!

WHAT A RUNNER SEES--
I wish I had my camera with me when I run so I can show you some of this stuff...pretty amazing.
A baby bottle
A baby pacifier
A baby diaper (used--ugh)
A baby shoe----not all on the same trip but I'm beginning to wonder if I'll find the baby!!

More trash...I think I'll start running with a bag so I can start picking up some of it.

This past Sunday I had a great idea (one might think) to run Roanoke Mtn...just off the Blue Ridge Parkway...I'll tell you that this is Wed and I'm STILL sore from the run! It's a 4 mile loop (that I added an additional 1.25 miles after the descent) The first mile is a CONTINUOUS 10% grade -- which feels more like 50% once you get started!
....ANYWAY--while on this run I saw:

More trash--jeez people, what are you thinking?!
2 young bucks ran across the road in front of me
Lots of other cyclists and runners, which is comforting to know I'm not out there alone running a mountain!
Several pages from a gay magazine (and you know what kinda magazine I'm talking about)!!! Ummmmm, okay....

As I run I'll keep a list of more that I see!!


Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!

Dogs on Thursday

Rudy keeps a VERY watchful eye on Ace, he's so sweet...he gives him kisses and Ace allows it, which is totally out of character for the old man, Rudy also follows him as he goes from room to room to make sure he settles in okay. If he thinks anything is wrong he comes and gets me.

...and sometimes he'll just watch him sleep.

Whiskers on Wednesday

I haven't posted a Whiskers on Wednesday for a few weeks now...Ace just hasn't been himself.
The old man is slowing down...a lot. He moves painfully (we know he has arthritis) and carefully. In the last 3 months he's lost 4 lbs, yet his blood work is amazing perfect for his age. His body functions all work properly...if you know what I mean. Well, except for the increased issues with hairballs (that's another thing, he's blowing his coat like crazy), and he hates the Laxatone.
There are further tests we can have done but at this time I'm not ready to know he is in his final years (months or days), I'm hoping he has years and years left with us, but am prepared for whatever may come.
In September he'll be 17 years old...according to his Vet that's the human equivalent of about 95 years old.


I'm not sure if I'll be posting WOW each week. It all depends on how Ace feels...

...there's more to this picture.

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

~~~~Ohm~~~~

He's baaaa-aaack!

Finally a shot of "The Ace-Man"...does this look like Kitty Yoga to you?



Forward fold? Intense West Stretch Pose? Turtle pose? Plow pose - modified?

NAMASTE /\

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Tap-tap-tap...everyone still here??

...wow, it's been a week since I blogged!? And what a week it's been!

Lets see if I can do this without boring you all!

My 5K race last Saturday went well...I survived! I finished dead center of the pack!


Keyword is ...FINISHED! My finish time was 1 minute slower than my last race, but I finished--whew~! Again I'd like to THANK all those who donated, it was a great success. I was 4th highest in fundraising, something I never even thought of doing...I just wanted to run!





Sunday we had a GREAT Mother's Day cookout (well, it was also my DS's birthday party)...the dogs played themselves out! We were all pretty wore out.

Monday started a horrible week at work, and it's not over. I have 2 days to work this week before we head out for our annual Memorial weekend camping trip...ahhh, I can't wait!

...by Wednesday I decided to start job hunting!!

I missed WoW & DoT this week...sorry.

Friday came and a Vet emergency for Ole Ace, turned out to be a "hairball" issue. Do you know how hard it is to make a cat "lick" his medicine when he doesn't want it?! I've been having to shmeer it on his nose and he's NOT happy!


At about 4am this morning we had an EARTHQUAKE! Yes, SW Virginia had an earthquake...2.6 magnitude! I slept right through it, surprising since I don't sleep well these days. We got tickled at my Mom who said "She felt the earth move" -- maybe I don't need to tell you but this is not a statement you want to hear from your mother..I was thinking TMI! (hee-hee)


Today we or I should say Rudy took us to the 2nd Annual Mutt Strutt another great benefit event and what fun!



Rudy entered his a contest for his first public performance..no he didn't win but he DID perform! In case you need an explanation...he's begging!










This is the most adorable costume winner...sorry, I can't remember his name. Is that not the cutest thing ever?
We also saw a cute pair of pups that I'm sure were in the final vote..."Dorothy & the Cowardly Lion"!








And Rudy received his "Blessing of the Paws" as well as participated in the "Parade of Dogs"--fantastic event, we'll be back next year!


Hope you all are having a good weekend...any special plans?

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

WoW

This week getting a picture of "The Crusty Ole Curmudgeon" has been very hard.



I refuse to look at the camera



I refuse to look at the camera

Where's the furball Rudy?

I refuse to look at the camera


I refuse to look at the camera

I know you want to look out the window, but I'M here right now!

I refuse to look at the camera



I refuse to look at the camera



I refuse to look at the camera

I'M NOT PLAYING WITH YOU!! Now, because I've had to STEP in HIS bed I'm going to have to bath myself all over again...ewwwww!!

How does Rudy react to all this "fussiness"?





He smiles!

Did you know we live with Garfield & Odie?

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Whiskers on Wednesday~~

Ace would never have you know how much he missed Rudy this weekend but he did! He's really stayed close to all of us, even allowing Rudy to lay next to him in the floor!




Pssssssst~~



...is he still behind me?

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Whiskers on Wednesday

Who's PeeOed??

...but then again who stays that way?







Ace had his yearly check-up yesterday (but of course he had to know something was up when the pet carrier came into the house). I've had concerns because of the amount of water he drinks these days. Then I was surprised to see that he'd lost 3 lbs...so I was sure something was wrong with him.

The blood work came back...

...the Dr. called to say that he's "competition drinking" with/against Rudy! His #'s are absolutely normal and in the Dr.'s words pretty darn amazing and impressive for a cat his age!

The only thing she had an extensive talk with him about was his "extracurricular activities" causing his back pain issues! We'll see if he listened to her...something tells me it went in one ear and out the other!

You know, I'm very surprised myself that he's as healthy as he is. I'm sure he didn't get much of that first mother's milk he needed to build antibodies...I thought for sure he'd be a sickly sort of beast all his life. I hope he's with us for another 17 years...wouldn't that be a record?

I missed last weeks WoW post, but I must comment on my Veterinarian, I owe them a lot of credit for the great care they've given to Ace, Rudy and my families pets. They are a fantastic group of Dr's who work together and give the compassion, care and concern about your pet. They treat them as if they are their own, that's really all one can ask for. I've visited vets in the past that are looking for the almighty $$$ not interacting at all with my pet, needless to say I never went back again. I found our current Vet about 20 (maybe more) years ago and feel like I'm a member of their family. All questions are answered, phone calls are returned in a timely manner and in my Mom's case they made that unfortunate house call...but it's nice to know that they cared enough to give Dolly the dignity of dying in her own home.

Have you found the perfect Vet for your pet? I hope so...

Happy Earth Day!!!!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Whiskers on Wednesday

Our local news (I hope this link works) ran a great story last week, I'm sharing in hopes that you either have this program or can encourage one to start...or maybe you know of someone in need of these services!
You'll remember my "Feral Cat Problem", which is still on going...but there may be hope now. In this time of high unemployment there are jobs opening up...that is if you are a feral cat.
Barn Cat Buddies is a program specifically for feral cats, those who can't be socialized to society but need shelter, care and food. The cats are throuroughly checked out by a Vet, spayed or neutered and put up for adoption. Since we live in farm country and plenty of barns need a cat or two this is absolutely perfect! If you know of anyone who needs a good mouser have them check out their website or give them a call.

Now on to the "Non-mouser" that lives in our house...

Question--What is this look all about?




Answer--Rudy's on HIS Mom & Dad's bed (obviously it's prior to me making up the bed)!



Mama...make him play with me!!




Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!

Whiskers on Wednesday~~

It's a new month and I, Ace the Cat, have decided to make some changes around here...


I vow to be nicer, more loveable and generous. I promise to love my mom, dad and Rudy more. I'll try not to cause momma to sneeze. I will no longer "love" her robe (since she took the pillow and blanket away from me I found her fuzzy robe)...I will take my "hairball hacking" to the kitchen since the floor is easier for momma to clean up. Rudy is so cute, I love my furry brother...and will spend more time cuddling with him.




APRIL FOOLS!!!!

(you didn't really this I was serious did you?)

Whiskers on Wednesday~~

We all know what today is...and of course yet again Ace unavailable for interview, go figure!

The evidence left around the house shows that he did quite a bit of "partying" for St. Patrick's Day yesterday. I tell ya...the noises we heard after going to bed, you'd have thought there were 20 cats in the house!

I did find this picture that leads me to believe there was quite a shin-dig here:





I opened the freezer this morning and Ace grabbed an ice pack!








Notice he has that paw out to stop the bed from spinning!

Hee-hee...serves him right!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!