Week 5

....Give Rudy a vote??



He's made it to week 5 but no weekly winner yet. Oh, but he's a winner in our book!

Dogs on Thursday

Rudy IS ready for football season! He has a new jersey...










This is his "namesake" jersey...well, except for the fact he is #1 instead of #45. (he'll always be #1 in our book) We love the movie "Rudy" and the history of Notre Dame football.

Now, if UVA would just license a doggie jersey his wardrobe would ALMOST be complete! I still think he needs a leather jacket to wear with his doggles!

We're heading to Richmond this weekend for a birthday party and to visit DS#2...and Milo of course! We haven't told Rudy yet that he gets to see his best buddy.

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!

The Numbers...

...have been calculated!



I logged just over 82 miles during the month of August! That doesn't included Rudy's 2 walks a day (at a mile and a half each)!!! Yes, I am patting myself on the back...and singin' James Brown....I FEEL GOOD!!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!

Amazing~

Having vacation on the brain...thoughts of camping, the ocean, sea shells and sand--I have to share this:



Simply amazing!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Music Monday

MORE beach music for your enjoyment...and you tell I'm anxious for our vacation to get here?

(I can't embed the video so please click here)

ALABAMA'S DANCIN' ON THE BOULEVARD

So much has changed at Myrtle Beach since this video was shot...Mother Fletcher's, the amusement park and the Grand Strand Pavilion are no longer there...I'm not sure about "Peaches Corner" I'll be looking when I get there, I think it survived the demolition that took place a few years back.
Cruzin' on the boulevard is not what it used to be, they tend to "frown" upon the activity these days. I LOVE old cars! Have I ever told you I have a hot rod Chevy (that I helped build)? Good news though...The Bowery is still there!! I had a chance some years ago to see Alabama play there but didn't...yeah, I'm kickin' myself!

I wish I had a small bit of rhythm...I'd love to shag, it's fun to sit in a club and just watch though.

Can you believe it's the last day of August?

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

NNNOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooo~~

...please tell me tomorrow is not Monday?!! Where the heck did the weekend go?

Dogs on Thursday

Rudy had a GREAT birthday last week...

at first he had NO idea what to do with the "big cookie" -- but then he got the hang of it.



We also received a swap package all the way from England! He hasn't put this toy down for very long at all.
What can I say, not only do I appreciate the goodies but he enjoyed his too!

I can't wait to show you my knitting project, I'm trying to get it done before we leave for the beach.
This week Chan asked if anyone had castonitis...yes I do but I'm resisting the temptation until I get this done.
I have a stack of things I want to get started on.

Lots of stuff going on at work...needless to say I'm running more (so far I've logged almost 65 miles this month) and started acupunture to help relieve the stress!! ...and literally marking the days till we leave for the beach!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Music Monday

As late summer comes on I'm reminded of this great tune:




...and remember I have less than 1 month till we leave for the beach!!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

VERY SPECIAL Dogs on Thursday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUDY!


(you really should click on the picture to enlarge and see how he's grown)

It's so hard to believe...but our little Rudy is 1 year old TODAY! I don't know what life was like before he came home to live with us...everyday full of furry joy & kisses.




I spent yesterday baking "The Birthday Cookie"!







All the while, Rudy patiently watched only to discover...



...the joy of licking the spoon!


Ta-Dah!! I freehanded the big cookie aka Rudy's Birthday Cookie, the others I had cutters for and will give them to the "family members" who we visit so often, and his "classmates" tonight! (boy, do I sound like the mother of an elementary student again or what)




An in the usual "family tradition" -- Rudy can now enjoy Sundays right along with us! Yes, this one of his birthday presents!



Rudy's ready for some football! Now, if Notre Dame will just start making doggie jersey's...he can be like his namesake!



Thanks for all those who've continued to come by and read what's going on here at "The Coop"--believe me I'm still knitting I just find that blogging each and every stitch sometimes gets pretty boring, at least for me it does.

I know my blog has evolved and I've lost a lot of readers because of this but you know something...it's MY blog! There's so much more going on in our lives I just feel is much more interesting to blog about.

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!

Not The Only One~

Rudy's not the only family member making the newspaper! A small publication here in the Valley has MY picture in it!
My cousin emailed me yesterday to say that I was in it, of course you have to know what I was wearing to even know that it is me.



Sunday I joined the Star City Striders on their regular Sunday morning run on the Blue Ridge Parkway (BOY, I love running there--so beautiful). I actually ran 9 (almost 10) miles, it's amazing what a little encouragement will do for you. I probably would have petered out long before that, my maximum was 7 miles.

Another installment of "What a Runner Sees"~
1-Child's sandal
2-More cell phone parts
3-ONE really big fat squirrel barking at me
4-Another squirrel in the tree and I swear he was throwing acorns at me, one actually hit me in the head...I guess it's a good thing they're not monkeys, they poop in their hands and throw it at ya!
5-Two "apparently" used condoms (GROSS)...bleck, within close proximity of each other. Which leads one to question...hmmmmm?
6-Lipstick tube
7-Broken mirror...someones gonna have some bad luck, maybe the person with the condoms?
8-And of course lots of litter & trash....SOME HUMANS ARE NASTY!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Bark in the Park

Well...our little Rudy has made headlines. I told you last week about this event, a good showing of dogs came out with their people...



Rudy didn't want any part of the "dog wash" but he immediately jumped into the pool they had set up for the dogs to cool off in, I had to be REAL quick to take off the jersey. I have to admit it was a very hot afternoon.



All in all it was very successful for the local SPCA, they hope to do it every year. I can't think of a better way to visit the ballpark!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Music Monday

I know, I know....it's been music all weekend, but sometimes we ALL can use a little help from our friends!



...some repeated video in this one...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

...and One More

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!

More Woodstock

...and Santana is still just as amazing today!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!

40 years ago~~

It's so hard to believe that so many years have passed...



I know I'll spend my weekend listening to some great tunes!



I love looking at the people who attended...wondering where they are today. If I had been old enough (I was only 6) I would have been there for sure...in trouble with my parents but had an experience to last a lifetime!

Peace-Love & Rock-n-Roll!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Dogs on Thursday

Caption this...




I'm interested in how everyone else would caption this picture.

Rudy cracks me up...he'll put up with just about anything if I ask him to. We've discovered a new talent, we're trying to catch him on video...but apparently he's camera shy.
He sings!
I play the harmonica and he goes to it...I get so tickled that I can't keep playing, not that I can play and that's probably what he's trying to tell me!

This Sunday is Bark in the Park at the baseball field...we're going! This is a fundraiser for our local SPCA, what a FANTASTIC idea!! Pssst...I've ordered Rudy a Red Sox jersey!

...and remember to head on over and VOTE for my Rudy everyday.

Oh, and I have to wish one of my fiber buddies a VERY~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NIKKI!!!! Hope it's full of fibery goodness!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Music Monday

A friend of mine plays drums in several bands...this is just one of them.


Justin Jones and the Driving Rain

I can't wait till this CD is released!

Here's another one for your enjoyment~~



If you're in the DC area they'll be at the Merriweather Post Pavilion performing at the Route 29 concert with the likes of Levon Helm, Old Crow Medicine Show, Iron & Wine and others! I'd love to be there...these are some of my FAVORITES! MAN, I WISH I COULD GO....

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

The Results Are In~~

Of course, as always, Rudy was there to see me off and cheer me towards the finish line.
I awoke to overcast, cool conditions...thank goodness, because the forecast for the next 3 days are brutal.
I felt good, though I was a little nervous for this race. Something I've never felt before, maybe I was putting too much pressure on myself to "do better"--I set my sights on 2nd place in my age group, since last year I took 3rd place for my first race EVER!



Another large group showed up for the 35th running of the Health Focus/Salem Distance 5K. It really felt as though this race went really fast, before I knew it I was at the halfway point...then the finish line!



Finish time: 29:52
Pace time: 9:38

2 of 3 goals met...finishing UNDER 30 minutes AND pace time under 10 minutes!

Well, did I finish on the "podium"? Remember I said my goal was to finish 2nd this year. Let me tell you these women are FAST!



I placed 3rd again this year but I'll say that I shaved almost 5 minutes off last years time! I'm STOKED--this felt so good!!!! I'll try for 2nd again next year.

Hey, notice my hat in the last picture? It was part of my birthday present from Hubby. I've wanted one for a year now, ever since I saw Roger Federer wearing his. Of course, its his signature hat but it's ALSO my initials!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Race Day

Feelin' a little like Opie this morning...dreamed about the race all night long. Just hoping I don't disappoint myself!

If you don't know what I'm talking about watch these clips:
#1
#2
#3

More later....

Just another day...

Happy Bir--ANNIVERSARY!

Today's the 17th Anniversary of my 29th Birthday! Do you think I can convince the family to only place 17 candles on the cake?

Thanks Tanya for remembering!

I've taken the day off from work--I need the mental break!

Tomorrow I race...keep your fingers crossed for me.

And remember to hit this link and vote for Rudy once each day!! Thanks...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Dogs on Thursday

Yet another "Cuteness Contest" for Rudy!

Please vote!

Sharing

These videos came from a FaceBook post I received today.

This is a video of one of the BEST Old Time Fiddle players I've ever heard play. Hubby and I have had the opportunity to see him on several occasions. His name is Jake Krack, funny name - phenomenal musician!

...and remember me telling you about the great jam sessions that take place in the campground & parking lot?

Check this out:


One year we watched this 7 year old play every instrument put in his hands with such mastery...it was amazing!

My friend Kimberly decided not to compete this year, I know she misses it but sometimes the beach calls your name...and when it does you GO!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Wishin' ~

...I WAS HERE!



74th Annual Old Time Fiddler's Convention in Galax, VA

Friday night is my favorite night to go...the Old Time Bands compete, but some of the best music is played in the parking lot & campground behind the stage. I won't get to go this year.

I wish my friend Kimberly good luck as she competes tomorrow night in the Dulcimer competition!


Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'...and do a little Pickin' & Grinnin'!!

In Awe and Inspired!

I sit here knitting and watching the Atlanta IronGirl competition on TV with tears fill my eyes and joy in my heart for the courageous stories that are being told about several of these ladies. There were professional triathletes involved and MANY-MANY ordinary ladies each with a story, though they only told a select few...and boy were they emotionally moving to hear.

This is just TOO awesome to not post...**taken from the Iron Girl website**

Iron Girl's mission is to empower women toward a healthy lifestyle.
Grace, also the name of the symbol used within the Iron Girl logo, is within us all.
It's what makes women heroic, charming and limitless. Grace is with us in difficult times and happy times, silly times and sad times. Grace is with us physically, mentally and emotionally.
Grace is what makes us special, unique and strong. Grace acts with truth, beauty and spirit.
Grace is within you and you are Grace.

I had really hoped to find some of these ladies stories on the website...I'll keep looking but to give a few examples:
One young mother fighting cancer and living life to the fullest, another mother who was running for her son that's been battling leukemia (I started crying when he was cheering her on during her 5K run), another lady who has type 3 diabetes--simply amazing and then there were 3 women, 2 sisters and their mother, who challenged each other to enter this race. As I stated before I'm sure there are MANY-MANY more stories to be told.



I may be sitting here feeling like crap (Ole ToM is here to visit..but better this weekend than next) - as much as I've been telling myself I don't feel like it going for a run, I have no excuse not to go for a run knowing what these women can do.

I'm not saying that I'm going to go out and enter a triathlon, but then again you NEVER know...and I've learned to "never say never"! I'm simply sharing, yet again, some of my feelings about my new found fitness/hobby/mindset! Next Saturday is my anniversary race...and I'm so psyched.
I really don't know that I've told you all this before, but I was NOT, let me say that again...I was NOT an athlete in school. Far from it...I didn't hang with the popular, cool, athletic, brainiacs or the nerds. I was like one of the "misfit toys"--I simply didn't fit in anywhere. Running for me came as a way to find good health, fitness and lose weight. It all started with walking, then I started walking and running for a few steps and then I heard about the "Couch to 5K" program! I have a few friends who are giving it a try. I just hope they find the satisfaction I have found...and if they don't...well at least they gave it a shot and I'm SO proud of them for giving it their all. All you can do is try.

I can add one more reason to my post about "Why I Run"---because of GRACE!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

On My Soap Box...

...well, if you've come for knitting or spinning content--you won't find it this post either! Gee, it seems as this blog has evolved~~this is sort of Dogs on Thursday--on Friday!

No, I have something "stuck in my craw" and I'm about to let it out. Just warnin' ya!

I did something today that I've never done before...not sure I'll do it again either. Oh I'll probably watch it on TV.

There's a Dog Show in town, my Mom calls, me because she had my niece there, and told me that I needed to check it out. So, of course, Rudy and I head on to the Civic Center. I also thought I could find some Shih Tzu goodies and Rudy wanted to shop for a toy...not like he doesn't have enough already. He did get a new one...he's not spoiled!
I just so happened that the Shih Tzu's were showing in the ring just as we got there. So...we watched--There was one handler there who was showing multiple dogs, came out of the ring changed armband #'s and picked the next dog to show. I'm assuming it was a little girl dog by the color of her bow, with all that hair you can't tell. She lead her on her initial trip around the ring when the dog started to sit...the handler yanked her up, scolded her and yanked her again. Pulled her up by her tail only to realize the poor dog had to go poo (she'd been waiting for her turn in the ring for who knows how long) yanked her by the tail again only to look up and see ME staring her down, yes-we made eye contact and the fury in her eyes was evident. Flipped the poo with the dogs hairbrush towards the spectators behind her and went on about the show. THIS PISSES ME OFF!
I told Mom I was done watching, and gave Rudy a big hug & a kiss for being the best little boy!
I'm THANKFUL for the connection that Rudy and I have, I know what he needs when he needs it..and he give me nothing but love right back. I've learned that the best way to get everything good from our "furbabies" is by positive reinforcement. You all know that Rudy achieved his S.T.A.R Puppy status and we're beginning our next class on Thursday headed towards his C.G.C (Canine Good Citizen) certification. I'm not doing this for the recognition...I am doing it for Rudy and the possibility of being a Therapy dog. Though I think he has other plans, he discovered, as I did, that he LOVES the AGILITY course! These classes are a way for us to connect.
There are behaviors I don't want Rudy to pick up or learn, so we work on all the behaviors that we want. After all, pets are our kids covered with fur...I wouldn't want my kids doing things in public that were destructive or bothersome to others. I have read posts from people who talk about seeing a dog that acted like a robot instead of a dog because all it's "training and obedience classes" -- would you really want a dog that jumped on you, grabbed food off your plate or nipped at your heels when you moved?
I don't...I think about when my kids were little, maybe they didn't act like little angels at home but at least in public they were polite, behaved and helpful. I learned this from a lady in the grocery store one day, she came up to me and told me "how wonderful my boys were when they played with her son" -- of course, I'm standing there with my mouth hanging open wondering if she had the right mother! Then there's the other side of that coin when you see the kids that come in the library and act like little heathens!

This brings me to my next issue with dog shows...I know MANY, MANY of these dogs are family pets like Rudy, but there are plenty that are simply show dogs. I remember the movie Big Red (I had an Irish Setter at that time) and how that dog was kenneled. One of my co-workers has just that...her previous show dog passed a year ago, so she has another. He's young, the handlers do all the "training" as far as I know she doesn't work with him. When she leaves to go out of town she kennels the dog at the vet's office (yes, in a wire cage for who knows how long...okay, maybe just my issue) then has the nerve to come into work complaining about him smelling like urine when she picked him up?! Uh...that should tell you something right there!! CHANGE FREAKIN' BOARDING SERVICES--YOU PAY FOR WHAT YOU GET!!! "Oh, but others are too expensive"...this response totally puzzles me??!!!!!
When she is home he is kenneled in a pen out back of the house...what? Where's the love & connection between them? Today she comes in complaining that her handler called to tell her that she wouldn't show the dog because he'd be an embarrassment?! Uh...OH PLEASE!! My first question is - because he's untrained? or because the handler (like the one I mentioned in the beginning) wants to look good??

These smaller dog shows are people trying to get certified to go on to "The Big Show" now I LOVE watching the AKC Dog Show on TV, I certainly hope that they are "weeding" out the handlers who act like the one I saw today. I know they are looking at the best dog...but to get the best out of your dog, you've got to put the best into them.

LOTS OF LOVE AND ATTENTION!!!!



Rudy...YOUR MOMMA LOVES YOU!!!!!!!!

...okay, I think I'm done now.


A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS.........


1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8.. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

~ Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.

Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters

I RUN BECAUSE~~

I feel empowered -- I'm energized --
It keeps me sane (and from killing people) -- I love food -- Running is faster --
I not only love the crossing the finish line, but the journey to get there --
My personal best is just that: MINE -- There are a lot worse addictions out there -- It makes me appreciate nature -- Adrenaline is my drug of choice --
In the words of Forrest Gump: "I just felt like runnin-g"! --
I can challenge myself to keep going -- It takes all I've got, but gives back much more -- The pavement doesn't complain when you pound on it -- I can release the stress or problems of the day --
BECAUSE I CAN!!

What a Runner Sees...

The latest items I've seen while running are:

1-hubcaps

2-a distributor cap - now how far did they get before realizing this was missing?

3-socks

4-a dead baby skunk

5-more kamikaze squirrels!

...and you're gonna love this one, go ahead and ask if you're not sure of the terminology.

6-a "johnson" spray painted in the middle of the street of a very upscale neighborhood -- do you suppose the old couple who's house has the best view has ANY IDEA what this thing is?

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Could it be?

...that I'm a "runaholic"?

After spending ALL of Saturday helping DS#2 move from Charlottesville to Richmond, climbing 3 flights of stairs MULTIPLE times...sometimes taking them at a run pace for the heck of it, carrying heavy stuff...being tired as H&LL after a total of 16 hours from home and back. What did I do on Sunday morning?

Walk Rudy at 7:30AM...yes, AM!! Then hit the road for a 7 mile run!!

I guess there are worse things to be...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!


(click on the image for other pendants!)

Music Monday

Since I'm often introducing music that you've never heard of, I wonder how many out there remember this band!? Only 2 albums were released...which saddened me greatly!



The Rossington Collins Band
...and again I don't want to hear that you hadn't been born yet or were still in diapers! I know I'm gettin' old!

Dogs on Thursday

Rudy's new haircut!



Momma~~be sure and get my profile!



Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!

Producing Produce

My little garden plot is beginning to feed us for the summer, well...I still go to the farmers market and buy items I don't have room to grow, like green beans. But everything you see here came from my garden.
Two weeks ago I had my first toasted tomato sandwich...MY summertime favorite! Yum-Yum!



Now I had to put up a makeshift scarecrow because the blue jays were helping themselves to my tomatoes. Talk about something that brings the fight out of me!!

This is not one of my Granddaddy's shirts but it sure looks like one he would have worn...Granddaddy was a towering, scary fella when we were kids! So far it seems to be doing it's job!


My cousin posted on her blog a few weeks back about our Granny & Granddaddy's garden. I could only wish to have one the size they did, but then again I remember all the work it too. She has pictures of it on her blog. When you visited them it was customary to go on a walk around the garden and see all that was growing, and before you left you had a bag of veggies to take with you. Boy...what I wouldn't give to take one of those walks today.

Saturday I took a 6 1/2 mile run from the house to downtown, and ran by my Grandparents old house. It looks the same, the house is still painted white...the little shed out back still has the ladder hanging on the backside, both utility sheds are still in place (Granddaddy had a lot of tools)--there are some pieces missing...the white picket fence is gone, Granny's flowers are for the most part gone (I have her birdbath in my backyard) AND there's NO garden out back. This makes me sad...for as long as I can remember in the summertime you saw every sort of vegetable growing healthy in that garden.

Have you noticed my 3/50 Project button on the sidebar? If not please check it out, I saw this on my friend Pam's blog and made note of my contribution to this idea. I can count 6 local and Virginia based business that I visit or do business with on a weekly basis. I think this is a great idea and makes lots of sense to me. I for one am afraid to buy produce or other products from other countries with all the scares we've had in recent history. If we keep our money in our localities everybody wins!

Come on give it a try...will ya?

Check out my Hibiscus, the blooms are the size of a small dinner plate!




Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Music Monday and a Day in History

As I sit here at 5am, listening to the thunder roar and watching the sky light up this song came to mind...enjoy



...AND

I remember where I was when this took place...do you?! (and don't tell me if you weren't born yet, you'll just make me feel old)



Keep On Knittin & Spinnin

Dogs on Thursday

Momma sez she needs a break...I hear dem talkin about going "to a beach", whatever that is, so I thought I'd get ready.



Of course, I don't think Momma & Daddy would leave without me!

So Momma...when are we going? How long is 2 months? Are we there yet??

ETA--I think I need to clarify that it's 2 months before we leave, I could only wish we'd be staying for 2 months!!

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'!!