*Do you knit or crochet? How long have you been at your craft?
I knit and have been seriously knitting for about 5 years. I learned to knit as a child, but never did anything challenging.
Do you spin? What type of spinning do you do?
I do spin and have 2 spinning wheels. I've never gotten the hang of a drop spindle.
Are there any other crafts that you participate in?
I used to do cross-stitch and still like some patterns, but time is short and I'm mostly doing knitting.
What are your favorite yarns/fibers?
I love Berrocco, Classic Elite, Rowan, Elsebeth Lavold yarns/merino, merino blends, cotton and cotton blends, silk and silk blends.
What are your LEAST favorite yarns/fibers?
*Red Heart acrylic yarns/100% acrylic.
Are there any types/brands of yarn that you are dying to work with but haven’t gotten a chance?
*I'll come back to this.
What are your favorite types of projects to knit/crochet?
* I've done a lot of socks and still enjoy them, but lately I've been loving hats, especially Wooly Wormhead hats. I'm also very attracted to cardigans without a lot of buttons.
What are you currently working on? Anything you plan to start this autumn?
* I'm working on 2 pairs of socks, some fingerless gloves, a cotton/linen vest, and a hat or two. I plan to start a sweater this autumn.
Are their any knitting/crochet techniques that you would like to learn?
* I keep saying I want to learn color work and there are a few hats and mittens in my queue that might be easy to begin.
Do you have a yarn winder and/or a swift?
* I have both.
Where/how to you keep you needles/hooks?
* Stuffed in drawers and bags. I'm hopelessly disorganized!
Do you collect anything?
* coffee cups, coasters, pens, stationary and note cards, note pads.
What is your favorite type of music? Are you MP3 ready?
* Celtic, alt country, folk music, international music. I have a nano, if that means MP3 ready.
Do you like sweets? What are your favorites?
* Nips (hard caramel candy), Jordan almonds, cookies, hot chocolate, toffee, chocolate covered almonds and cashews.
What is your living situation like? Any pets? Children?
*I live with my husband and 1 adult son (other son and 1 daughter are out on their own) but live locally. I have 1 Cairn terrier named Aidan, 1 career-changed Guide Dogs for the Blind yellow Lab named Ardella, and 1 12-week-old GDB yellow Lab named Madeline. I also have 3 indoor cats named Theo, Mischa and Willow, and one outside feral cat named Emma. I have 3 foster kittens with colds for the next 2 weeks and then who knows how many more kittens I'll foster this year.
Are you allergic to anything?
* I have some sneezing with adult mohair, but love kid mohair and silk. I can't abide cigarette smoke - it triggers migraines.
Do you have an online wish list (Amazon, Etsy, Loopy Ewe, etc.)? Please include links for your swap pal.
* I have Loopy Ewe and will have to work on Amazon. I'll provide those before the swap starts.
Is there anything else that you would like your pal to know?
I look forward to getting to know you!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Kristin
I got an e-mail this morning from my leader stating that in spite of the new food that Kristin was changed to, she still relieved too frequently to go into formal training, so she's being career changed. I know we all did what we could do for Kristin, guide dog training just wasn't meant to be. It doesn't bother me so much that she was career changed - it's KILLING ME that I can't adopt her. I know she'll find a good home, GDB does a wonderful job placing dogs, but I'm still sad her home can't be with me.
Madeline is growing and we are loving raising her. She's almost 12 weeks old! Her personality is really coming through and she's got a feisty side. Still, she's quite responsive to redirection and correction. It would probably help if I didn't laugh at some of her antics (like taking the small amount of water in the food bowl and tossing it in the air). I'd have more pictures if I'd remember to take a camera that had a charged battery. I'll try to get some up this weekend.
She did not do well on the new Natural Balance. I'll wait a few more months before transitioning her again.
Madeline is growing and we are loving raising her. She's almost 12 weeks old! Her personality is really coming through and she's got a feisty side. Still, she's quite responsive to redirection and correction. It would probably help if I didn't laugh at some of her antics (like taking the small amount of water in the food bowl and tossing it in the air). I'd have more pictures if I'd remember to take a camera that had a charged battery. I'll try to get some up this weekend.
She did not do well on the new Natural Balance. I'll wait a few more months before transitioning her again.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Book title that lifted my spirits
Okay, don't look if 4-letter words are offensive, but this book made me laugh. I missed my opportunity to make an FU fund an employee goal at my latest evaluation! (kidding).
Monday, August 16, 2010
Kristin
I heard from my leader today that Kristin has finished adjusting to her new food and that she is well liked by her new raiser. I'm keeping fingers crossed that the new food will help her not relieve in public. I've missed her horribly. I thought I'd feel better with Madeline, but that ache for Kristin hasn't gone away yet. I'm glad she's doing well and I'm glad Cyndi loves her.
Madeline is becoming a stinker, but still the cutest puppy ever. Ardella would like to move out with Annalynn, but I think she'll adjust.
Madeline is becoming a stinker, but still the cutest puppy ever. Ardella would like to move out with Annalynn, but I think she'll adjust.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
New food protocol
I got it and I meant the new food list, not food protocol. I had the right Natural Balance food.
Book Habit Questionnaire
I've found a blog assignment I want to participate in. I found this questionnaire through Ruby Ringz' blog, who found it through someone else. The original source can be easily traced. Feel free to copy questions and answer on your own blog.
1. Favorite childhood book: Any book by Albert Payson Terhune like Lad a Dog, etc. I also loved Mary Poppins, Boxcar Children, and Five Little Peppers and How They Grew. Remember, this is childhood favorites, I don't think I'd love any of them now.
2. What are you reading right now? I just finished The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer last night, so will finish The Spanish Bow and The Name of the Wind, the other 2 books on my Reading Stand (listed in blog).
3. What books do you have on request at the library?
The Lost Cyclist by David Herlihy, The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet by David Mitchell, The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz, A Little House of My Own by Les Walker, and Tiny Houses by Mimi Zeigler
4. Bad book habit: Buying books I already own and had forgotten I owned.
5. What do you currently have checked out at the library? The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer, The Spanish Bow by Andromeda Romano-Lax, The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom, The Passage by Justin Cronin.
6. Do you have an e-reader? No, but I want one. I'd like to simplify my life and create some more space in the house. It would be nice to sell my books and put them on an e-reader and then supplement with the library so I get a physical book fix.
7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once? I prefer one book at a time, but time limits from the library often have me reading several at once.
8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog? No, not really. I've been using the internet to find books for over a decade now. I think I read more and not less because of this.
9.Least favorite book you read this year: Let the Dead Lie by Malla Nunn
10. Favorite book I’ve read this year: I've read many good books this year, but my most recent favorite is the book I just read: The Invisible Bridge.
11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone? I think I read a wide variety of books, fiction and nonfiction, but don't read certain types of books ever.
12. What is your reading comfort zone? Literary fiction, especially international fiction, police procedural fiction, some thrillers, autobiographies, some science fiction and fantasy, some classics, travelogues, literary journalism, especially medical student chronicles, medical specialty chronicles and public health topics.
13. Can you read on the bus? NO! No reading while traveling for me, not even on a plane.
14. Favorite place to read: IKEA chair in yarn room or bed. Any comfortable place with good light.
15. What’s your policy on book lending? I love to, if I can get the book back.
16. Do you dog-ear your books? Only if a bookmark is not nearby, and only the books I own, never library books.
17. Do you write notes in the margins of your books? No - I hate that!
18. Do you break/crack the spine of your books? No.
19. What is your favorite language to read? I can only read in English, unfortunately.
20. What makes you love a book? Characters, getting the time and place right, narration. I like books that are meant to be read slowly.
21. What will inspire you to recommend a book? If I like it and know a person with similar reading tastes would like it.
22. Favourite genre: I guess mysteries - I don't really have a favorite genre.
23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did): science fiction/fantasy; biographies
24. Favourite Biography: I've read more autobiographies but favorite biography would probably be No Ordinary Time:Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front
Favorite autobiographies: Angela Davis: An Autobiography, The Autobiography of Malcolm X, and Shot In the Heart by Mikal Gilmore. I also loved The Long Loneliness: The Autobiography of Dorothy Day
25. Have you ever read a self-help book? (And, was it actually helpful?)
I don't usually like self-help books but made an exception for The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D. It gave me some useful background information on the above subject as well as techniques to use when having a panic attack. I don't let panic and anxiety rule my life now, and this book pays a key role in that status.
26. Favourite Cookbook: Laurel's Kitchen
27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction): I'll come back to this one
28. Favorite reading snack: I can't eat and read at the same time, so don't.
29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience:
This happens all the time, but I can't recall a particular title. It's usually when a first-time novel is compared to a great classic novelist. I like reviews, don't like marketing blurbs.
30. How often do you agree with the critics about a book? About half the time.
31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews? I don't have a strong feeling about this - sometimes books are poorly written and don't deserve good reviews.
32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you choose? Spanish, Russian.
33. Most intimidating book I’ve read: Lie Down in Darkness by William Styron
34. Most intimidating book I’m too nervous to begin: Anything by Faulkner.
35. Favorite Poet:
I don't read many books of poetry, but have loved poems by Anna Akhmatova and the poem at the end of The Invisible Bridge called Any Case by Wislawa Szymborska. I think Shelley's Ozymandias is wonderful!
36. How many books do you usually have checked out from the library at any given time? 4 or 5 from each library.
37. How often do you return books to the library unread? About 50% of the time due to time limit of book and inability to renew a book.
38. Favorite fictional character: Atticus in To Kill a Mockingbird
39. Favorite fictional villain: I'll have to come back to this.
40. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation: Anything in paperback.
41. The longest I’ve gone without reading:
The year following 9/11 was a difficult reading year - I couldn't concentrate at all.
42. Name a book you could/would not finish:
Something by Ann Rice - I don't even recall the title.
43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?
Someone trying to have a conversation with me, television, puppy needing some direction.
44. Favourite film adaptation of a novel: To Kill a Mockingbird
45. Most disappointing film adaptation: Charlotte Gray
46. Most money I’ve ever spent in a bookstore at one time:
I don't remember and probably don't want to remember! I'm sure it was over 100 US dollars.
47. How often do you skim a book before reading it? Not often.
48. What would cause you to stop reading a book halfway through?
Repetition of ideas and character behavior, too much violence, death of children or animals.
49. Do you like to keep your books organized? Yes, I love to organize by country and subject.
50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once they’ve been read? I keep them.
51. Are there any books that you’ve been avoiding?
The Twilight Series, Left Behind series
52. Name a book that made you angry:
Anything by Ann Coulter or Glenn Beck - just the titles make my head explode - I haven't actually read anything by either author and never will.
53. A book I didn’t expect to like but did: The Help by Kathryn Stockett.
54. A book I expected to like but didn’t: South of Broad by Pat Conroy
55. Favorite guilt-free guilty pleasure reading: Southern fiction
Added question:
56. Do you keep a record of books you have read?
Yes, I keep a book journal where I number the books, write the title, author, dates read and a small summary or impression. I have filled 3 journals since I started this process 15 years ago. I also keep a record of books read on my blog and have Good Reads, Library Thing and Shelfari accounts, too. I find the journal helpful in recalling books I've read through the years. Now if I could find the journals!
1. Favorite childhood book: Any book by Albert Payson Terhune like Lad a Dog, etc. I also loved Mary Poppins, Boxcar Children, and Five Little Peppers and How They Grew. Remember, this is childhood favorites, I don't think I'd love any of them now.
2. What are you reading right now? I just finished The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer last night, so will finish The Spanish Bow and The Name of the Wind, the other 2 books on my Reading Stand (listed in blog).
3. What books do you have on request at the library?
The Lost Cyclist by David Herlihy, The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet by David Mitchell, The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz, A Little House of My Own by Les Walker, and Tiny Houses by Mimi Zeigler
4. Bad book habit: Buying books I already own and had forgotten I owned.
5. What do you currently have checked out at the library? The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer, The Spanish Bow by Andromeda Romano-Lax, The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom, The Passage by Justin Cronin.
6. Do you have an e-reader? No, but I want one. I'd like to simplify my life and create some more space in the house. It would be nice to sell my books and put them on an e-reader and then supplement with the library so I get a physical book fix.
7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once? I prefer one book at a time, but time limits from the library often have me reading several at once.
8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog? No, not really. I've been using the internet to find books for over a decade now. I think I read more and not less because of this.
9.Least favorite book you read this year: Let the Dead Lie by Malla Nunn
10. Favorite book I’ve read this year: I've read many good books this year, but my most recent favorite is the book I just read: The Invisible Bridge.
11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone? I think I read a wide variety of books, fiction and nonfiction, but don't read certain types of books ever.
12. What is your reading comfort zone? Literary fiction, especially international fiction, police procedural fiction, some thrillers, autobiographies, some science fiction and fantasy, some classics, travelogues, literary journalism, especially medical student chronicles, medical specialty chronicles and public health topics.
13. Can you read on the bus? NO! No reading while traveling for me, not even on a plane.
14. Favorite place to read: IKEA chair in yarn room or bed. Any comfortable place with good light.
15. What’s your policy on book lending? I love to, if I can get the book back.
16. Do you dog-ear your books? Only if a bookmark is not nearby, and only the books I own, never library books.
17. Do you write notes in the margins of your books? No - I hate that!
18. Do you break/crack the spine of your books? No.
19. What is your favorite language to read? I can only read in English, unfortunately.
20. What makes you love a book? Characters, getting the time and place right, narration. I like books that are meant to be read slowly.
21. What will inspire you to recommend a book? If I like it and know a person with similar reading tastes would like it.
22. Favourite genre: I guess mysteries - I don't really have a favorite genre.
23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did): science fiction/fantasy; biographies
24. Favourite Biography: I've read more autobiographies but favorite biography would probably be No Ordinary Time:Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front
Favorite autobiographies: Angela Davis: An Autobiography, The Autobiography of Malcolm X, and Shot In the Heart by Mikal Gilmore. I also loved The Long Loneliness: The Autobiography of Dorothy Day
25. Have you ever read a self-help book? (And, was it actually helpful?)
I don't usually like self-help books but made an exception for The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D. It gave me some useful background information on the above subject as well as techniques to use when having a panic attack. I don't let panic and anxiety rule my life now, and this book pays a key role in that status.
26. Favourite Cookbook: Laurel's Kitchen
27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction): I'll come back to this one
28. Favorite reading snack: I can't eat and read at the same time, so don't.
29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience:
This happens all the time, but I can't recall a particular title. It's usually when a first-time novel is compared to a great classic novelist. I like reviews, don't like marketing blurbs.
30. How often do you agree with the critics about a book? About half the time.
31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews? I don't have a strong feeling about this - sometimes books are poorly written and don't deserve good reviews.
32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you choose? Spanish, Russian.
33. Most intimidating book I’ve read: Lie Down in Darkness by William Styron
34. Most intimidating book I’m too nervous to begin: Anything by Faulkner.
35. Favorite Poet:
I don't read many books of poetry, but have loved poems by Anna Akhmatova and the poem at the end of The Invisible Bridge called Any Case by Wislawa Szymborska. I think Shelley's Ozymandias is wonderful!
36. How many books do you usually have checked out from the library at any given time? 4 or 5 from each library.
37. How often do you return books to the library unread? About 50% of the time due to time limit of book and inability to renew a book.
38. Favorite fictional character: Atticus in To Kill a Mockingbird
39. Favorite fictional villain: I'll have to come back to this.
40. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation: Anything in paperback.
41. The longest I’ve gone without reading:
The year following 9/11 was a difficult reading year - I couldn't concentrate at all.
42. Name a book you could/would not finish:
Something by Ann Rice - I don't even recall the title.
43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?
Someone trying to have a conversation with me, television, puppy needing some direction.
44. Favourite film adaptation of a novel: To Kill a Mockingbird
45. Most disappointing film adaptation: Charlotte Gray
46. Most money I’ve ever spent in a bookstore at one time:
I don't remember and probably don't want to remember! I'm sure it was over 100 US dollars.
47. How often do you skim a book before reading it? Not often.
48. What would cause you to stop reading a book halfway through?
Repetition of ideas and character behavior, too much violence, death of children or animals.
49. Do you like to keep your books organized? Yes, I love to organize by country and subject.
50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once they’ve been read? I keep them.
51. Are there any books that you’ve been avoiding?
The Twilight Series, Left Behind series
52. Name a book that made you angry:
Anything by Ann Coulter or Glenn Beck - just the titles make my head explode - I haven't actually read anything by either author and never will.
53. A book I didn’t expect to like but did: The Help by Kathryn Stockett.
54. A book I expected to like but didn’t: South of Broad by Pat Conroy
55. Favorite guilt-free guilty pleasure reading: Southern fiction
Added question:
56. Do you keep a record of books you have read?
Yes, I keep a book journal where I number the books, write the title, author, dates read and a small summary or impression. I have filled 3 journals since I started this process 15 years ago. I also keep a record of books read on my blog and have Good Reads, Library Thing and Shelfari accounts, too. I find the journal helpful in recalling books I've read through the years. Now if I could find the journals!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Sawtooth Mountains; Backpacking, Flora and Fauna
My daughter Vanessa and I and our friend Steph recently spent four days backpacking in the Sawtooth Wilderness area here in Idaho.
There was the usual gorgeous scenery;
But being a gardener I was equally impressed with all the beautiful wildflowers. We had timed our trip well for viewing the flora.
Look at this breathtaking Little Pipsissewa which was quietly posed beside our first campsite:
According to my wildflower guide book; "The genus name, from the Greek cheima ("winter") and philos ("loving"), refers to the evergreen nature of the plant. The common name Pipsissewa is believed to be derived from the Cree Indian word pipisisikweu, meaning "it breaks it into small pieces;" the plant was once used in preparations for breaking up kidney stones or gallstones."
A less friendly plant is the Elegant Camas;
Still lovely, but according to my guidebook; "Camases are among the most infamous western plants, poisoning many livestock, especially sheep. Indians and early settlers were also poisoned whenever they mistook the bulbs for those of edible species, such as the Camas Lily."
I didn't haul up my wildflower guidebook, I had enough to carry, but I was pretty sure this was heather when I saw it.
I believe it is Pink Mountain Heather which has a range from Alaska to northern California, Idaho and Colorado.
I just love what I've always referred to as "Indian Paintbrush." This one must be Giant Red Paintbrush as opposed to Desert Paintbrush. It was everywhere and so gorgeous.
In this field of flowers you can see Sulfur Paintbrush also. From the guidebook; "Most Indian Paintbrushes are bright red; this is one of the few yellow ones. The large genus is found primarily in western North America."
Sulphur Flower (Eriogonum umbellatum) from the Buckwheat Family.
Hooded Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes romanzoffiana) from the Orchid Family.
Probably Sticky Aster (Machaeranthera bigelovii) from the Sunflower Family.
I was constantly tempted to stop, kneel down, and take wildflower photos which is really very difficult with a pack on your back. Luckily I only fell down once as I was attempting this maneuver. But really, how could I resist?
We did manage to see a bit of "fauna" but not much;
Vanessa and I, standing on top of a waterfall.
(Our packs are covered with ponchos because of the many thunderstorms we encountered.)
It was a good trip but it's always nice to be back home with toilets, electricity, running water and a real bed.
There was the usual gorgeous scenery;
But being a gardener I was equally impressed with all the beautiful wildflowers. We had timed our trip well for viewing the flora.
Look at this breathtaking Little Pipsissewa which was quietly posed beside our first campsite:
According to my wildflower guide book; "The genus name, from the Greek cheima ("winter") and philos ("loving"), refers to the evergreen nature of the plant. The common name Pipsissewa is believed to be derived from the Cree Indian word pipisisikweu, meaning "it breaks it into small pieces;" the plant was once used in preparations for breaking up kidney stones or gallstones."
A less friendly plant is the Elegant Camas;
Still lovely, but according to my guidebook; "Camases are among the most infamous western plants, poisoning many livestock, especially sheep. Indians and early settlers were also poisoned whenever they mistook the bulbs for those of edible species, such as the Camas Lily."
I didn't haul up my wildflower guidebook, I had enough to carry, but I was pretty sure this was heather when I saw it.
I believe it is Pink Mountain Heather which has a range from Alaska to northern California, Idaho and Colorado.
I just love what I've always referred to as "Indian Paintbrush." This one must be Giant Red Paintbrush as opposed to Desert Paintbrush. It was everywhere and so gorgeous.
In this field of flowers you can see Sulfur Paintbrush also. From the guidebook; "Most Indian Paintbrushes are bright red; this is one of the few yellow ones. The large genus is found primarily in western North America."
Sulphur Flower (Eriogonum umbellatum) from the Buckwheat Family.
Hooded Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes romanzoffiana) from the Orchid Family.
Probably Sticky Aster (Machaeranthera bigelovii) from the Sunflower Family.
I was constantly tempted to stop, kneel down, and take wildflower photos which is really very difficult with a pack on your back. Luckily I only fell down once as I was attempting this maneuver. But really, how could I resist?
We did manage to see a bit of "fauna" but not much;
Vanessa and I, standing on top of a waterfall.
(Our packs are covered with ponchos because of the many thunderstorms we encountered.)
It was a good trip but it's always nice to be back home with toilets, electricity, running water and a real bed.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Madeline pictures
It's been a good first few days with Miss Maddy. She's a great puppy. She actually slept through the night last night, or maybe we just didn't wake up. At any rate, she was dry when she awoke at 5:30 this morning. Madeline has learned her name, will come when I call her, can sit and is pretty quiet in her crate. She has moments of being feisty, but most of the time is pretty calm. She has puppy breath.
She has shown more interest in the other animals in the house, but isn't obsessed with any of them. Ardella is jealous, but also wants to play with Madeline. We took Maddy on a short walk tonight and Lyn carried her most of the way. However, when we put her down to walk a little bit, she hesitated and Ardella barked at her and tried to get her to follow, which she did. Aidan could care less about Maddy most of the time, except he would like to take her toys. The cats are okay with her.
Madeline learned to go downstairs today. She was quite hesitant at first, but Aidan went ahead of her and showed her how to do it. She looked at a stair for a long time after he had gone down a few steps, and then just started going down like a pro. I just love her!
Here are a few pictures I've taken. I'm still feeling a bit sleep deprived to write much.
She has shown more interest in the other animals in the house, but isn't obsessed with any of them. Ardella is jealous, but also wants to play with Madeline. We took Maddy on a short walk tonight and Lyn carried her most of the way. However, when we put her down to walk a little bit, she hesitated and Ardella barked at her and tried to get her to follow, which she did. Aidan could care less about Maddy most of the time, except he would like to take her toys. The cats are okay with her.
Madeline learned to go downstairs today. She was quite hesitant at first, but Aidan went ahead of her and showed her how to do it. She looked at a stair for a long time after he had gone down a few steps, and then just started going down like a pro. I just love her!
Here are a few pictures I've taken. I'm still feeling a bit sleep deprived to write much.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Oregon Fun Day 2010
Fun Day was great this year, in spite of the fact we said good-bye to Kristin. After a very short night, I wasn't sure we would make it, but I think excitement provided enough adrenalin to make the day doable. We made record time to campus, even though we left a few minutes after 8. There were plenty of parking spots this year and we were able to park on campus. We registered, listened to the opening ceremonies, and then took off to tour the kennels and meet Kristin's littermates. Along the way we saw and talked to club members and other club members that I've come to know over our almost 2 years puppy raising with GDB.
Lyn and I toured the kennel setup and looked at the pictures of how dogs spend their days in the kennel. Honestly, I can't believe they'd ever want to leave. They have a great time!
Skipping to meeting littermates, Kristin got to be reunited with Kenny, the only littermate that made it this year. Kenny is a big guy like his dad, Cubby, and he's got a lot of personality. Kristin is more mellow.
Lyn and I met up with Anna while the litter groups were dispersing and caught up on "A" litter news. Anna's encyclopedic memory always astonishes me!
I perused the Breeding Books and saw Cubby and Chestnut, Cher and Tiburon.
Then we had lunch. Following that we went to see the new film on food protocol. Then it was 1:30 and time to wrap things up with Kristin. Before we went to the movie, we met the person who would be taking Kristin and we couldn't be more pleased. Kristin will have several dogs and cats in her new environment and her new raiser is part of a club whose members I know. I'm really hopeful things will work out and am so glad Kristin is getting a chance.
Lyn and I sat on a grassy area near the stage to spend some final time with Kristin. It was bittersweet, but not as bad as I thought it would be since I knew where she was going and knew she'd be in great hands.
Cindy came to take Kristin shortly before the puppies were handed out.
A final shot of Kristin. Bye baby, we'll miss you but hope you go on to do great things!
I didn't shed a tear until I was standing in line to get our new puppy. But I quickly overcame any sorrow I felt on Kristin's leaving.
So, after ticket prizes and auction baskets were distributed, it was time for the puppy delivery. We had 17 new puppies and they gave out the yellow Lab females first, so I didn't have to wait long. I got a Tiburon and Cher "M" puppy and she's a cutie! Here is Madeline!
When the person holding Madeline handed her to me, her first words were "She's REALLY sweet." She has been very calm, sweet, not mouthy, and she slept all the way home. She has Tiburon's darker coat, and a white blaze on her forehead like her almost white-coated mother, Cher. She is appropriate with the cats in the house and Ardella really likes her. She's pretty calm, too, something I'm not quite used to in a puppy! I'm not complaining. I'm delighted to get an easy puppy.
We got 4 puppies in our group and here's a group photo. There is Sherbet, Madeline, Kiva and Pegasus (Bruna's puppy).
Since I was early getting my puppy, I missed out on hearing the names of other puppies. I think they'll be up on Oregon Fun Day pictures that can be accessed from No Bones About It.
So, that's my Fun Day. I'm exhausted and I want to play with Maddy.
Lyn and I toured the kennel setup and looked at the pictures of how dogs spend their days in the kennel. Honestly, I can't believe they'd ever want to leave. They have a great time!
Skipping to meeting littermates, Kristin got to be reunited with Kenny, the only littermate that made it this year. Kenny is a big guy like his dad, Cubby, and he's got a lot of personality. Kristin is more mellow.
Lyn and I met up with Anna while the litter groups were dispersing and caught up on "A" litter news. Anna's encyclopedic memory always astonishes me!
I perused the Breeding Books and saw Cubby and Chestnut, Cher and Tiburon.
Then we had lunch. Following that we went to see the new film on food protocol. Then it was 1:30 and time to wrap things up with Kristin. Before we went to the movie, we met the person who would be taking Kristin and we couldn't be more pleased. Kristin will have several dogs and cats in her new environment and her new raiser is part of a club whose members I know. I'm really hopeful things will work out and am so glad Kristin is getting a chance.
Lyn and I sat on a grassy area near the stage to spend some final time with Kristin. It was bittersweet, but not as bad as I thought it would be since I knew where she was going and knew she'd be in great hands.
Cindy came to take Kristin shortly before the puppies were handed out.
A final shot of Kristin. Bye baby, we'll miss you but hope you go on to do great things!
I didn't shed a tear until I was standing in line to get our new puppy. But I quickly overcame any sorrow I felt on Kristin's leaving.
So, after ticket prizes and auction baskets were distributed, it was time for the puppy delivery. We had 17 new puppies and they gave out the yellow Lab females first, so I didn't have to wait long. I got a Tiburon and Cher "M" puppy and she's a cutie! Here is Madeline!
When the person holding Madeline handed her to me, her first words were "She's REALLY sweet." She has been very calm, sweet, not mouthy, and she slept all the way home. She has Tiburon's darker coat, and a white blaze on her forehead like her almost white-coated mother, Cher. She is appropriate with the cats in the house and Ardella really likes her. She's pretty calm, too, something I'm not quite used to in a puppy! I'm not complaining. I'm delighted to get an easy puppy.
We got 4 puppies in our group and here's a group photo. There is Sherbet, Madeline, Kiva and Pegasus (Bruna's puppy).
Since I was early getting my puppy, I missed out on hearing the names of other puppies. I think they'll be up on Oregon Fun Day pictures that can be accessed from No Bones About It.
So, that's my Fun Day. I'm exhausted and I want to play with Maddy.
Pre Fun Day Post
We're up late. I spent all day long knitting a hat that I ruined when I was binding it off. I am so tired that I'm not going to stay up all night and knit another one. I am going to leave the knitted objects out of the auction basket. Oh well...
Kristin had an evaluation yesterday and she had an accident. However, everything else was so good that the CFR who evaluated her wants to keep trying. Kristin has been pulled off the recall list and will go to a raiser under this CFR who will start Kristin on the new approved food (Natural Balance) to see if that can help her relieving schedule. I'm glad that the CFR is doing this - I'm delighted that Kristin is so good that they will give her a chance to make it to school. Kristin will go back tomorrow and will be with me until right before I get the new puppy (who I am calling The Divine Miss M).
TDMM's siblings have 5-letter, 2-syllable names. I have been thinking of names that fit that category, but like everyone says, no matter what names I think of, I will never guess it. Maisy, Maile, Mavis, Marie, Mary, (can't be Martha), Merry, Mary Mack (all dressed in black...), whatever, I'm eager to learn the new puppy's name.
Camera batteries are charging, most of our forms have been filled out, I think we're prepared. Details of the day will follow some time this afternoon or Sunday.
Kristin had an evaluation yesterday and she had an accident. However, everything else was so good that the CFR who evaluated her wants to keep trying. Kristin has been pulled off the recall list and will go to a raiser under this CFR who will start Kristin on the new approved food (Natural Balance) to see if that can help her relieving schedule. I'm glad that the CFR is doing this - I'm delighted that Kristin is so good that they will give her a chance to make it to school. Kristin will go back tomorrow and will be with me until right before I get the new puppy (who I am calling The Divine Miss M).
TDMM's siblings have 5-letter, 2-syllable names. I have been thinking of names that fit that category, but like everyone says, no matter what names I think of, I will never guess it. Maisy, Maile, Mavis, Marie, Mary, (can't be Martha), Merry, Mary Mack (all dressed in black...), whatever, I'm eager to learn the new puppy's name.
Camera batteries are charging, most of our forms have been filled out, I think we're prepared. Details of the day will follow some time this afternoon or Sunday.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Other People's Presses: Hatch Show Print
I've decided to start featuring some of the wonderful presses and designers creating letterpress and paper ephemera. Why not start with the Press who started it all for me, Hatch Show Print in Nashville, TN?
Living in TN for quite some time, Hatch Show posters are ubiquitous in the area, and a visit (way back in 1994) to the Nashville shop turned me onto letterpress forever. Hatch Show is a true printmakers mecca, a shop filled to the brim with wood type and block, prints, presses...
Living in TN for quite some time, Hatch Show posters are ubiquitous in the area, and a visit (way back in 1994) to the Nashville shop turned me onto letterpress forever. Hatch Show is a true printmakers mecca, a shop filled to the brim with wood type and block, prints, presses...
Hatch show has been cranking it out since 1879, creating posters for some of the biggest acts in country music not to mention newer acts and adverts.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
And the letter is...
M!!!
I was right - see revision - and I got the only female yellow Lab in the Tiburon/Cher litter. Woot! Meyer and Mingo are her brothers, and are oh so cute! I don't know her name yet.
We are getting 4 puppies in our litter and the other letters are K, S, and P.
I'm so excited!
I was right - see revision - and I got the only female yellow Lab in the Tiburon/Cher litter. Woot! Meyer and Mingo are her brothers, and are oh so cute! I don't know her name yet.
We are getting 4 puppies in our litter and the other letters are K, S, and P.
I'm so excited!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Kristin's Last Week
Here's my girl at the beach - in the first picture she is standing beside a pile of kelp and ignoring it. Good girl!
I like picture #2 because it's of Kristin looking into the distance. She's going to be away from us soon and her pose here is like she's looking forward to her future life, whatever that may be.
Lyn took Kristin to Long Beach yesterday where she attended a Quaker worship group and then took a brief walk on the beach. This is Kristin's last week with us and I'm not sure how we're going to wrap things up with Kristin - it seems like there's nothing we can really do to adequately prepare for Kristin's going up to Boring or saying goodbye. Kristin's leaving us is definitely on my mind and I am always stopping and remembering that this is a week of last things to do with Kristin. She and Ardella have been sleeping on her mat at night together - they've become great friends. When Kristin went off with Lyn yesterday, Ardella was moping. When Kristin came home, Ardella got the Labby scoots and was scooting all over the house. Kristin definitely has a place in the family and it's hard to imagine her not being part of our daily life after Saturday.
So, how have others spent last weeks with their dogs? What has made you feel prepared to say goodbye?
I'm excited about our new puppy. Fun Day is going to be an emotional day for us this year. My leader thinks I should return Kristin before Fun Day starts because it's just prolonging the agony, but I'm tempted to keep her for part of it. On the other hand, it might be a better idea to say goodbye in the morning and spend the day adjusting to the fact that we'll be coming home with a very young puppy!
I looked at the California Fun Day pictures and especially paid attention to the puppies being given out. I'm very confused. They were all over the place with litters. I have no idea what to expect now! Not knowing is driving me batty!
I said goodbye to all the foster cats and kittens last week. Frida went back on Monday and was more than ready to return. Merlin and Tulip went back together on Friday. Merlin weighed way over the 2.1 pounds required for neutering and Tulip had gained back 3 pounds. I feel the fostering was successful and I hope that they all find homes very soon.
Edit: I can't believe I forgot this, but I heard from Guide Dogs that McCoy had been placed with a couple in Lake Oswego. They were excited about bringing McCoy into their home. I feel a sense of closure now that McCoy has been placed and feel happy that he belongs to someone now. It would be great to be contacted by the family and to be able to see McCoy enjoying his new status as a pet. Maybe I'll even run into them at an all Lab play date.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
