Showing posts with label Rudy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rudy. Show all posts

Monday, March 12, 2012

So.......

How did you spend your weekend?  With my last long run in the books I'm preparing for Sunday's race and crossing that finish line! With a few more challenges ahead of me I may be competing in my first triathlon in June...I'm still trying to talk myself into this.

Another season of an hour of sleep lost...but I LOVE the extra hour of daylight!!

I took advantage of the warm temperatures to do a little dyeing...



Inspired by a favorite beach towel (and longing to be back in the sun & sand) I went headlong into this without knowing what was going to happen.  Needless to say I'm VERY pleased!!  I'm still playing with a colorway name for it. The first thought was "Seaglass" then "Ocean" ~ Oh, and of course "Beach Towel"......anybody have any other ideas?


I had a silk scarf blank that I couldn't resist knotting that sucker up and painting it to see what would happen...VERY PLEASED!!


....and Rudy graciously modeled it for me!


(I hope none of my friends see this on me...really I'm not a sissy dog--my Momma just makes me wear this stuff)

Now to decide what I'm going to knit with it...always my dilemma. But I WILL be sporting a new silk scarf this spring!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Catching up....

Well, I know it's been a while and I need to catch up. Though there has been some knittin' going on I don't have any pics yet...some are gifts so I can't "show" them yet. Let's see...where did I leave off?

Oh yeah--the 2nd beach trip...






THIS is one of my favorite sights, I can't take enough pictures.
Every morning was even more beautiful than the last.



Well, the reason for this trip was my 2nd half marathon. This year I chose the Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon, I wanted to do this one last year but I had already chosen Richmond and knew there was no way I could do 2 in a month. Since becoming a runner I've found that I'm ALL ABOUT the finishers medals!! 
This one was one I REALLY wanted...and it's HUGE!












An 8" long surfboard that doubles as a bottle opener (and a fridge magnet...I guess there are 3 uses)!! I had a good finish, expected a little better but with only a 1/2 mile left to finish I started to cramp up. The after race party made me feel better! I even met a new running friend while there...I hope to get to Nashville to run the RocknRoll Half Marathon with her very soon.

Can't wait to get back to the beach now...is it Spring yet?

The BOYZ even had a BLAST!!

Earlier this month we had our own Oyster Festival here in the Valley. Hubby is from a town that has an Oyster Festival the first weekend of November every year for the past 54 years, so 2 of his brothers came in with the "goods"! Oh what fun! Sorry no pics...I was so busy cooking and entertaining I never picked up my camera. We had lots of good food & good company that made the evening a complete success!

I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving. Since the last 2 years involved us traveling this year we got to stay home. Son #2 and I ran the Drumstick Dash...his first 5K EVER--and we finished side by side! I'm so proud of him and hope that I've spurred on some interest to do more in the future!




Pre-race pic...not as cold as in previous years and the race continues to grow! It started 6 years go with only 2000 runners & walkers--this year there were 14,000+!!!!!!! Their motto--"Move your feet so others can eat"!


Then on this past Saturday Son #1------GOT MARRIED!!!!!! They eloped but I'm so pleased...I have a new daughter and 2 new step-grandaughters out of the deal! Hmmm....well, I guess that's all I have right now.
Guess I'd better get back to my Christmas knitting! Are you ready for Christmas?

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

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'!!

Monday, September 05, 2011

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'!!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Dogs on Thursday





Best Friends BROTHERS!!



My house is always a mess of dog toys and bones...during this rainy spring my kitchen floor is autographed with paw prints but at the end of the day I wouldn't want it any other way when I see a how much they love each other!




This Sunday is "Bark in the Park" at the Salem Red Sox -- yes, we are all going. Milo & Rudy both have their jerseys...one of the exciting changes this year are a few contests and a Pooch Parade on the field prior to the game.
Check out the webpage...yes, he's on the front of the brochure that's being distributed too! Ummm--and for some reason he thinks he's getting his breakfast in bed...served on a silver platter!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Dogs on Thursday

Yes, we've been M.I.A...but life here has been very busy. The Girlz are doing VERY well...I'm still hanging with 2 jobs...Hubby's counting down the days till he's finally retired...he's making dulcimers left & right, and they are selling...I'm still running--just ran the Susan G. Komen 5K this past weekend (IT WAS COLD!!--just sayin')

OH....


AND THE


BIGGEST NEWS!!


We have a new addition to our family...



Rudy has a new Brother!! Yeah, that's Milo!! He's come to live with us for good. He's happy...Rudy's happy...and we're ALL happy!!

Stay tuned--more fun yet to come!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

The Girls~~



"The Knittin Chicken Coop" now has new "Girlz"!!

None have names yet...but they will! They have settled in very well and are totally unfazed by Rudy & Milo's antics. It's quite hilarious to see them checking each other out!

Rudy thinks he has a new job~~



WATCHDOG!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Thursday, March 03, 2011

Dogs on Thursday

I miss my Mommy....




...she gone awot here watewy...I been a good boy...I don't understand. I so happy to see her when she getz home at night.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Dogs on Thursday

"A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition." ~William Arthur Ward



Guess who doesn't care that it's still winter?! We went for a walk in the park on Monday morning and "someone" decided he wanted to swim!

Happy Dogs on Thursday!

Keep on Knittin & Spinnin'!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Dogs on Thursday

"Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you." ~Maori Proverb






Oh Momma...I is shweepy...





Put away the camwa...



Goodnight Momma...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Wednesday, February 02, 2011

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....

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Dogs on Thursday

"When you feel dog tired at night, it may be because you've growled all day long." ~Author Unknown





Under the baby blanket is the bed I spoke about yesterday...amazing how big that bed was.




Seems he is always "falling out" of his bed!



The latest picture (I posted it up the other day) -- same bed, flipped inside out. That's something he's mastered when he romps & plays with his bed...and when he's really tired he chews on the inside corners.
Just like Linus and his blanket, Rudy loves this bed. When we travel, the bed goes with us...when we go camping...the bed goes with us, not so much that he actually sleeps in it...he just has to have it. I've sewn and repaired it several times. Oh, I can get him another but it won't be the same as this one. Let's hope it doesn't simply disintegrate to ash...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

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'!!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Renewal





“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” Winston Churchill




Every day is a promise of a better day...(see I'm being positive)

I'm SO tired of this winter season...the dreary and bareness of the trees. I'm ready for the renewal of Springtime. What brought all this on? My new heirloom seed catalog came in the mail. I'm planning out my garden already, I only have a very small space so I'm trying to put as much as I can in.
I'm playing with the idea of creating a greenhouse so I can have some veggies (or something GREEN) over the winter months.

I miss my farmers market!!! Oh, we have a group that comes every 2 weeks with farm fresh eggs and root crop but it's not the same as seeing all those fabulous colors and hearing the hustle & bustle of the people at the market.
Oh, I've been doing pretty good on my 3/50 Project The only items I have to buy from the grocery store are cleaning supplies & paper products...oh and bananas--I've yet to find Virginia grown bananas.

I think Rudy's even tired of winter....



Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

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'!!

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'!!

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'!

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'!

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'!!

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'!!!