What a Runner Sees...

Since I've started running and increasing my mileage and places in which I choose to run there are so many things I see along the roadside, I just wish I could have my camera with me...but then I wouldn't get much of a run in if I stopped to take pictures every few feet.

So here's just a small list of the things I see on my runs, and I may add more as I continue to train for my races.

1-Dead animals: opossums, squirrels, rabbits, birds, frogs, lizards and an occasional snake. (and in one particular spot there's almost always a dead skunk)

2-I also see lots of live critters...

Hubby took this picture of a young lady who crossed the road and watched me run on by! (this was on the Blue Ridge Parkway)

Squirrels are dangerous...you know how when you're driving down the road and they run out, then can't decide what to do and dodge back and forth? Well, they do that to me when I'm running. You know there's a group of them in the trees laughing like banshees!
Bunnies, birds and every now and then a buzzard (I know they think I'm going to keel over...HAH!)

3-Irresponsible people IDIOTS discarded litter...why do they find it necessary to throw their trash out the window? Here's where I wish I could run with a bag in order to clean up after these idiots...but like carrying my camera I don't think I'd get much running done. I do carry an extra bag when I walk Rudy and pick up litter as I see it.

4-CD's and Cassette Tapes-I guess they skipped or hung up one too many times!

5-Busted up pagers...What? Did the person get a page into work and they said Oops, I lost it?

6-Shattered Cellphones--Hmmmm, P-Oed at the girlfriend/boyfriend?? Bad break-up? Another call into work?

7-Condom wrappers...yep, my question is this--were they driving while using? Because this wasn't in a private place in which to have a "quickie"! Thanks goodness I've only seen the wrapper.

8-Underwear--I guess I could list this along with #7, but maybe it wasn't for the same reason.

9-I've also had to dodge dog poop, chewing tobacco wads and on one occasion "road apples" (everyone know what that is?)

10-Sunglasses/eyeglasses--this could be a very expensive loss, I just received a new prescription for glasses and know the cost!

I am currently training for my "Anniversary" race. I would have never guessed in a million years that I would love running so much.
This year it's the day after my birthday, so I guess in 2010 it'll be ON my birthday?!

Keep on Knittin' - Spinnin' - and come on...join Runnin'!!!

All Stars Among Us

As I sit here at watch the All Star Game, 5 living Presidents honored 30 citizens who give back--All Stars Among Us...one of which was Christine Shively and Knots of Love

How AWESOME is that??

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Music Monday

This week is dedicated to old friends...or maybe I should say longtime friends. FaceBook has reunited me with so many friends from my past. There are always those you don't want to remember but then there are those friends who you've always wondered about, this is dedicated to one particular summer.
Because of the avenue my life took so many of those friends had been lost until now. Thank You FB!!



Boy did we "oogle" over Mr Stewart that summer!

I have to say that he only gets better with age...Hubby and I attended a concert a few years ago, he's AMAZING!!

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'!!

Photo Essay

How I spent my 4th of July...







We stopped for lunch and had a visitor...

He/she flew overhead for about 15 minutes.



Do you think I had a good time??




Good weather...good water...good friends--it doesn't get any better!

Music Monday

...a clue to tomorrows post




Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!

Happy July 4th!

Be safe y'all!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

It's Ba-aaack!

Well, it's really no secret that I'm no big fan of it...The Salem Fair is back (my other name for it is "The Freak Show")...in 22 years I've managed to stay away from it for about 18 years!

I really scares me at how fast they put up those rides! They started on Wednesday morning, and finished up Thursday afternoon....just hours before it opened to the public!
When my boys were small I took them, they wanted to ride this ride that, against my better judgement, I allowed them to. I heard that thing pop and it dropped a bit, scared me to death. Needless to say I didn't allow them on anymore rides. They still go on their own today...they just have to bring me cotton candy so I'll know they're okay! (oh, how I love fresh made cotton candy!)

...and there are some truly "freaky" people who attend! The traffic on that side of town is horrendous, you just don't even try! I was a judge one year but they offered no special parking for judges...I felt like I walked forever to get to the judges area!

BUT...if you enjoy crowds, loud and rickety rides...come on--enjoy!! But you have to bring me back some cotton candy!

I shouldn't be such a prude, but it's just one of those things that when you live here and endure all 10 days of it...well, bah-humbug!

Tomorrow we'll be enjoying our annual canoe trip with a couple of our very close friends...peace & quiet, listening to water lap the side of the canoe, do a little fishing and have a picnic along the way. That's my idea of the perfect 4th of July!!

You guys have any special plans?

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Dogs on Thursday

....and IT'S KNIT/SPIN NIGHT!!



Rudy loves camping...especially when it's with his best buddy, Milo!



They literally played themselves out in 3 days! When we got home Rudy slept for hours and hours!


Here he is spending a little quality time (and napping) with his big brother and nephew Milo!
We celebrated Hubby's birthday with a big surprise for him...we managed to arrange for his girls and their families to come camp with us and he didn't know anything at all about it! Happy Birthday Hunny!!


Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Ahhh, the weekend...

See y'all on Monday!

Dogs on Thursday

Sorry, I've been absent but it has been pretty crazy around here. Work this week has been the pits...but Friday we are leaving for a camping trip! Can't wait and I know Rudy's going to be very tired...his best buddy Milo will be there with us!



Big News going on...Rudy's a Graduate AND an AKC S.T.A.R Puppy! He performed all his required behaviors and a few tricks to boot. This class was so much fun for both of us...I learned a lot and I KNOW Rudy did too. We've already sent in our registration for Beginner II (we're headed towards his CGC training). Rudy thoroughly enjoyed the "agility" activities we worked on...so maybe agility competition is in his future?!





he got the box of "cookies" for perfect attendance

Since we all know what a character Rudy is, he needed to be appropriately dressed for the occasion, I looked for a cap & gown to no avail. So he went in the outfit he would have worn UNDER his gown!


One of his instructors called him Magnum PI! Another lady said with all that "chest hair" sticking out he just needed some gold chains to go back to the 70's.

One of the games we played was a "challenge" game, where we were broken up into 2 teams. We had to challenge the other team to a trick...Rudy left his entire bag of tricks on the floor yet our team still lost. But we had SO much fun doing it.


Rudy doing his beg!




Hi y'all...I'm a Obedience School Grad-g-ate!

As Rudy's Mom I can't say enough about this school and the great job these trainers do. Their methods are positive and rewarding for both owner and pet, I think in 7 weeks Rudy and I have increased our bond.

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day
A Dad is a person
who is loving and kind,
And often he knows
what you have on your mind.
He's someone who listens,
suggests, and defends.
A dad can be one
of your very best friends!
He's proud of your triumphs,
but when things go wrong,
A dad can be patient
and helpful and strong
In all that you do,
a dad's love plays a part.
There's always a place for him
deep in your heart.
And each year that passes,
you're even more glad,
More grateful and proud
just to call him your dad!
Thank you, Dad...
for listening and caring,
for giving and sharing,
but, especially, for just being you!
Happy Father's Day

Music Monday~~Special**

10 years ago today we met for the first time and 7 years ago today...we met our "Forever & Always" (this is the inscription on our wedding bands)!






Happy Anniversary Honey!

WWKIP Day 2009

Happy WWKIP Day...another great day in the park! We had a small, intimate group but a wonderful time!













Though small, we had a great time...but then again when do we not have a great time?



Aunt Pam brought along her WeeTwo, who like his Mom, serenaded us! What a cutie pie, I tried really hard to find a way of slipping him in my spinning wheel case.


A few of us were spinning...



I LOVE these colors!

Thanks to all the ladies who came, I don't know about you but I'm ready to do it again anytime!
It all had to end a little too soon...like last year a thunderhead formed and it began to rain just about noon, if we'd waited it out we could have continued but that's okay...we still had a great time.


So...did you Knit In Public today?

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

28 Years Ago Today...

...oh, the pain & agony. Twelve hours worth!




Happy Birthday David!!




Mothers revenge...you know every Mom has to put some sort of embarrassing picture out there! This is for all those times when you pulled pranks or embarrassed me...

Paybacks are hell!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Dogs on Thursday

Rudy's so funny, he LOVES his toys. When he gets a toy it's his newest, latest favorite...though there is one that is his pacifier (Pinkie - he's a hedgehog). But on Saturday my Mom, aka TuTu, brought Rudy a little chickie that he's carried around with him everywhere...literally! It chirps, I think he thinks he's a "chickie momma"! Of all things Mom paid 10 cents for this little thing at a yard sale!



Thanks TuTu! I wuv you and Chickie!!

(in case you are wondering about the whole "tutu" thing...28 years ago my Mom wanted to be called something different by my kids. While on a trip to Hawaii she found out that TuTu means "granny" in Hawaiian, it stuck -- EVERYONE calls her TuTu!)


Yesterday Rudy got a new haircut! It's been so hot & humid here he needed some relief!


Ain't I somethin'?

Please check out Sue's Blog..there are some really cute pups there celebrating Blue Bandada Day!

Time Travel Upgrades...

I bet you didn't know you could upgrade your time travels?! But sometimes it's necessary.

This...


Elk hide


Becomes these...


Shawnee style Moccasins

During the 1700's when our pioneer ancestors were out on the frontier they couldn't just pop into Walmart for a new pair of shoes, so when their shoes wore out or they just found out how much simpler and MUCH more comfortable it was to make their own many turned to the Indian style moccasins. These are Hubby's new shoes.

...and

This nice 100% raw linen fabric--




...will become a new pair of Knee Breeches. (boy, these men can go through some breeches, I think this is the 4th pair I've made for him...in 5 years)





I have to share the cover of this book, it's one of my favorites that I use for most of my 18th century projects. "Tidings from the 18th Century" by Beth Gilgun



This is a John Buxton print (one that I want REALLY bad)...do you see the spinning wheel strapped to the horse? Oh yeah...that would be ME!!
"Honey, you want to move where...to the frontier?" "Then you'd better find a place for my wheel!"

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Please Mr. Postman

(yes, I am all about music -- If you need the tune click HERE)



Wait oh yes wait a minute Mr. Postman
Wait wait Mr. Postman.
Mr. Postman, look and see,
Oh, yeah, is there a letter large box in your bag truck for me
Please, please Mr. Postman
I've been waiting long, long time...

Look what arrived at my doorstep yesterday!




Back in February I sent off 2 fleeces to be processed, a shetland and the largest part of a merino that I got tired of teasing out (the process is quite meticulous). So, I patiently waited, I really had no reason to be anxious...I have PLENTY of fiber to spin up!



I wish you could feel this--This is the shetland I got from Debbie Dull earlier this spring when I went to (or rather played hookey from work) help with shearing day. 2.5lbs of fibery goodness! I knew it was a beautiful fleece, I just had NO idea of how wonderful it truly is.

...and...drum roll please...

Remember when I went to that merino farm and bought my first fleece (actually I bought a second one later that same weekend)? Well, the method in which the shepherdess suggested I process the fleece was literally taking me forever (now 2 years to be exact).



Washed, double carded and pin drafted into 3lbs of FABULOUS fiber to spin. The fleece had lots of VM in it, I'm REALLY surprised at how clean it came out. There are going to be some small flecks to get out, but very little!

If you noticed the box and are interested I had this process at Ohio Valley Natural Fibers. Last year I sent an alpaca fleece with a friends order and was pleased with how they process it (no, I haven't spun it up yet--remember THIS picture) That's why I'm on a yarn/fiber diet...I have enough to make my own! Though I have recently fallen off the wagon, but I'm back on again...I promise!
OH...and if you decide to send a fleece (or two) to Ohio Valley, be sure and take advantage of their coupon for first time customers, just click the button on the left side of the page that says "Gift Certificate"!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Music Monday

As you all know...I HATE Mondays! ...and with all the rain we've been having it sorta makes one blue...So what better way to start out than with a fantastic Blues artist, one that I miss a lot!

The one and only SRV!



It's hard to believe that's it's been nearly 20 years since his death!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

WIP

SilkRoad could not be named any better...



As always David Simpson's fibers are a DREAM to spin up.

I should have placed a coin to show the singles, next time I will.

No real amount progress on my 2nd sock, too many other projects keeping me busy.

Happy Friday!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Dogs on Thursday

The hot, humid weather of summer has landed in SW VA!

...and Rudy loves playing in the water.



It's funny because he tries to catch every droplet of water.



"HEY--WHO TURNED OFF THE WATER?"


Summer also means a new wardrobe...

(queue the Beach Boys)




Is this NOT the cutest thing ever?




"Where did I leave my surfboard?"

...now I've just gotta find him some little swim trunks! I did see THIS today!

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'!!

Music Monday

I'd love to embed the video for this one but it's been restricted...so please follow THIS LINK for this weeks "episode"!

I tend to share lots of my running music, this one is appropriate since we just celebrated Memorial Day and I missed my post last week.



Support our troops--







Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!