Ci Caru Cardigans and Cardigans

Yup, that time again

2010-08-11T19:53:00.001-07:00

Sorry I've pretty much moved over to Facebook and don't really post here at all anymore. So quick update...

It's that time of the year again. MissyVannah is probably three days into her heat. It's so much harder to tell with Ethan fixed. No boys in the house made her stretch it out a bit, too, I think. While I have no intention of breeding her anymore, since the right stud may prove really difficult to find, I don't really want to put her under to spay her, either. She's never been messy while in season and now we hardly notice it at all.

Speaking of Ethan, we had to call Gramma Carolyn for advice. We think he's got a soft tissue problem in his left rear. His OFA for hips came back as good, so we knew it wasn't that. Most times we've had doggy leg issues have been with front legs and they healed pretty quickly. His has just been weird and worrisome. He thinks he can run just fine, thank you very much. He barks incessantly for us to throw the basketball, but we haven't done anything with him for nearly a week. We thought it was improving, but not as quickly as other things have in the other dogs. We thought he was just stiff and maybe had a touch of arthritis, but that didn't match. We now think, with Carolyn's advice, that he probably has a ligament strain. We'll be off to the vet on Friday or Saturday, it looks like. His favorite thing ever, but we need to know more.

Libby will be eight in September. She's been grey since she was three or so, so that doesn't change. She doesn't act like a veteran and we've actually got her down to a still heavy, but not humongous weight. She'd prefer to wrestle than run, but that's always been true, too.

So, there, no more sleeping blog...for now. ;-)

Biennial Blog

2010-01-31T11:38:00.000-08:00

It's that time of the year again for Miss Savannah, so I'm blogging to keep track. She's been in about 3 or 4 days, though I'm not exactly sure how long. Our normal alarm system was put out of whack last July when Ethan was fixed. He checks her, sniffs her, likes when she tries to be in charge, but it is absolutely nothing like it's been in the past. He thinks she smells good, but he's not overwhelmed with desire for her anymore. It's truly lovely and confirms, yet again, that neutering him was a good idea.

Not much more to report otherwise. I finally feel humanish after having what I'm 99% sure was the H1N1 flu. I've been sick since new year's eve and still have the nasty phlegm production thing happening. Just went back to my knitting group for the first time yesterday. Just couldn't take the chance of getting anyone sick there.

I ordered some gorgeous bulky yarn over new year's (being sick at home in front of the computer has some perks!) and finished the sweater this week. Wore it Thursday for the first time. I made Emerald from Knitty. Mine's a bit more fitted than the one in the picture. Once I get the button sewn on and the weather cooperates, I'll try to get some pictures. I actually made the medium size - can you believe that?!? Most of the time I'll stick to a large, but Emerald would've been way too big on me if I had left it that way. Now I'm making Bianca's Jacket from an old Interweave Knits magazine. I'm making it longer, because having it skim right at the belly roll just doesn't seem like a good idea! I mean, jeez, look at the picture. Even that wispy model has a tiny belly roll that this length points right at! Still knitting socks nearly constantly, too. I have way too many things planned and nowhere near the time to do them...and I bought more sweater yarn at the Knit Shop yesterday. Glad no one's decided I need an intervention...yet! :)

Work is about to go into crazy mode. Our program application deadline is Monday. The new position/promotion has been good with some frustrations at times. It's still nice to have your work ethic recognized, so I'm appreciative! My wonderful friend, Jenniver, has moved on to her part-time position and her replacement< Jesse, has been great, but I miss her terribly and we've yet to teach him how to knit. Gotta work on that!;)

I plan to go to Albany for the dog show on February 13. I'll bring Savannah if she's not too tempting. :) She'll be in all her fuzzy glory. The only thing that's been "styled" are her pants. I need to get her into an obedience or agility class and find something fun to do with Ethan and Libby, but being sick and work busy-ness is kind of pushing that idea off until March, at the earliest.

Okay, so that's the quick and boring update. Back to blog silence, I'm sure.

Cook Concert in More Detail

2009-09-06T13:33:00.000-07:00

Last night, we saw David Cook with the Crash Kings doing an opening set at the Oregon State Fair. We had terrific seats, only three rows back to the right side or stage left side. I actually ended up in the second row, because the people who had tickets in front of us never showed.

I was pretty surprised that anyone was opening, though I knew the Crash Kings had opened Cook's last few shows. The Crash Kings definitely earned themselves some new fans. I'd heard a couple songs, but was really impressed with them live. Tony, the lead singer, has an amazing range and strong vocal ability. Their lyrics are interesting and quirky and they can ROCK! They put out a powerful sound for being a three man band, for sure. I couldn't get great pictures, but there was a fourth guy sitting at the second drum kit doing nothing but rocking to the music the whole time Crash Kings were on stage. You'll see someone with dark hair in a grey hooded sweatshirt and white heart-shaped sunglasses in the stream. That's Tony of the Crash Kings making it clear to everyone that the dude who sat at the drum kit during his set was David Cook in the same outfit and a blondish wig. Figures!

David Cook finally came on at 8:05 and only played until about 9:20 or so. My only complaint is that I'd have loved for him to play longer! He mentioned he's been on tour since February 13th and I'm pretty sure he has at least another couple months' worth scheduled. Can't imagine being on the road that long and working hard to make every night memorable, but he really did. He puts on an entertaining show, his personality really sucks you in, and his music is really good. You get the sense that he's remained pretty humble and he's got quite a sense of humor. The set included many songs from his latest album, an unreleased song called "We're Only Honest When We're Sleeping," a cover of "Hot for Teacher," and a bit of "Hotel California" slipped into "Kiss on the Neck."

So a great time was had by all! I've posted all the pics on my Flickr stream. This was the first time I'd used my camera in low light, so lots of experimenting. Worked best to go auto with no flash, I think, but wiggling at a concert and my low photographic ability are pretty evident. Here are a couple more just for fun, though!

Oh, yeah!

2009-09-06T00:31:00.001-07:00

All I can say is he was fantastic! Here is one of many, many pics and probably not the best one. We were pretty close, which was great. Hub really enjoyed it, too, so guess that means I'll get to see him the next time he comes around! Anyway, this is just a quick preview. More to report/post tomorrow. I think I'll have to figure out Flickr to put them all up.

Oh, here's another to prove he was in Oregon...

Photographic Evidence

2009-08-21T21:21:00.000-07:00

And here she is, Ch* Wolfrun White Lightnin' ~

Thanks again to Kim and Mark at Samhain Cardigans for the hosting, support, and wonderful friendship! I think I see a family resemblance between the girls, whaddya think? :)

Yippee!!!

2009-08-17T19:03:00.001-07:00

Quick post to say thank you, thank you, thank you to Kim K and Mark for being lovely hosts, supporting us so much, and sharing the points this past weekend!

Most of you have already heard the awesome news, but Savannah is now, pending AKC approval, Champion Wolfrun White Lightnin'. She's even got the new crate tag to prove it! Many thanks to everyone who encouraged us along the way and kept us going even when it felt like we were both beating our heads against the wall. Thanks to Judge Cathy H Daugherty for awarding Savannah with Winner's Bitch and Best Opposite Sex for her second major to complete the championship. Now Miss Mud Princess is looking for a good agility class, maybe a bit of tracking, and perhaps herding if the sheep don't remind her too much of Komodors. And, yes, I'm tempted to special her a day or two at Eugene. ;)

Thoughts of the Red Dog or Revised Priorities List

2009-08-04T19:04:00.000-07:00

"Hmmm...let's see, sleep, then basketball, then treats, then food, then chewie, then hmmm...what else is there....hmmmm...oh yeah, doggie secks. Oh, wait, I don't like that at all. I might even like the kitties better than that. Why won't she leave me alone? I just want to rub on her and play, but she just won't get out of my way and she just won't play. Geez, really, leave me alone, okay? I don't like you that way anymore. Seriously! Mooooooooooommmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Poor boy really wants to be rescued and can't figure out what the heck Savannah wants. Savannah, on the other hand, er, paw, can't figure out why Ethan doesn't love her and worship at her feet (or other parts). And Libby's just grateful to not get molested anymore when Savannah turns Ef down. He still thinks the face eating is really cute, but he couldn't care less about anything beyond that. Pooooooor Bobannah!!!

Wow!

2009-08-03T11:11:00.000-07:00

People said over and over that neutering a dog, even one who has been intact for five years, would make a difference. Did I really believe it? Only slightly. Did I think it would make a big difference? Not really. Did I think it would happen this quickly? Absolutely not! Am I 100% sold on the change? No, but it is truly an amazing transformation.

My five year old dog hasn't been easy to deal with since he was about five months old. He seemed to be mellowing a bit with age, but still, he's not been easy by any stretch of the imagination. The first shocker was taking him in to the vet. The last time he was there, they had us give him a pill to "sedate" him before bringing him in. If anything, it made him worse. We literally had to dump him out of his crate and then had to corner him to try to muzzle him. This time, we didn't give him anything beforehand, took him in the back door, put him up on the table, had them check him and shave a spot to find the vein on his leg and knock him out, all without a single growl, let alone snap. We felt like that was a major accomplishment, but it's continuing and far beyond that.

The next shocker is how he's reacted after surgery. Any past sedation or anesthetic has made him even more unpredictable than usual for at least a month afterward. I'm just hoping what is happening now isn't a different kind of unpredictable, because now has been nothing short of amazing.

Things that would normally set him off don't anymore. The lovey dovey puppy who was sweet to both me and Hub is back. Savannah is in standing heat and he plays with her and thinks she's cute, but that's it. He loses interest quickly and doesn't react badly at all when she tries to eat his face off. He shares chewies and toys and doesn't get as defensive about treats. He's still not a real kitty fan, but he doesn't seem as focused on hating them as he used to be. And the funny little idiosyncrasies he had as a puppy seem to be coming back. He was a very sensitive puppy. He got his "feelings" hurt somewhat easily if scolded and he'd pout a bit until he was sure everything was okay again. He's always come to "check" me when I sneeze or I cry and has been concerned about what is happening with me. Now it seems to be back with both Hub and me. He got in trouble for going into the cat room last night and proceeded to sulk in the back yard until Hub made it clear that he wasn't in trouble anymore. He also stopped playing for awhile when we brought their special toys out because Hub wasn't playing, too. I don't know if Ethan thought he was in trouble again or what, but Hub couldn't play due to a tweaked back and it seemed to really bother Ethan. Once Hub threw the ball from a seated position, Ethan figured all was well and was happy-go-lucky boy again.

So, I'm incredibly amazed. I wouldn't bet on it lasting, I'm "knocking wood" as I talk about it, but I'm hopeful. I won't ever let my guard down entirely, but I'm certainly impressed. Wow!

Marking the seasons...

2009-07-26T10:41:00.000-07:00

As is my norm, I'm documenting when Savannah is back in. She's been smelling pretty good to Ef for about a week, but just started showing signs of poochiness today. I thought she'd be in full swing last weekend, so technically, she's about a week or two late. No biggee! Just really glad Ef didn't get a chance to make last time around puppies or something. Of course they'll have to stay separated this time around again. I'm sure Ef could still have some swimmers in there.
Ethan seems to be doing much better today. Tired still, but acting more normal and wanting to spend more time up. He'll probably get to go off leash in the yard a bit today. Just have to keep Savannah from jumping on him and trying to eat his face off in her oh-so-flirty way.
In knitting news, it's just a week and a half to Sock Summit. I've got homework done for two of my classes and need to work on the other three. Fortunately, it's all pretty quick to do. Can't wait!!!

Twitter, how I love thee

2009-05-23T12:05:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I'm so hooked to Twitter, but I sooooo am. I don't do Facebook or MySpace...too time-consuming...but Twitter, oh Twitter. I can just blurt out a bit, comment to someone quickly, and run away. And it works so nicely on my new Blackberry. I find out all sorts of things quickly that I either wouldn't find out at all or it would be awhile before I found out. And the links people put up...I love the links. Here are three I enjoyed just from today. One is a pattern for a cute entrelac knit pouch to give entrelac a test drive posted by @knittingnews. Another is a cute video of Boston Terriers diving for a toy in a swimming pool. And another is an article about medieval knitting, probably also from @knittingnews. I've found long lost friends from high school and talk far more with an old friend on Twitter than I have on email since we reconnected. So, if you Tweet, let me know!

On a totally different topic...David Cook will be at the Oregon State Fair on Saturday, September 5. Woot!

Happy birthday to my beloved red dog

2009-05-07T19:46:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to my ornery, sweet, hard-headed, caring, growly, darling, most beloved red dog, Ethan (CH C-Myste Mission Impossible). He's spending a quiet evening in his crate after tweaking a front paw some time today. He did get a new chewie last night, some show bait for memories tonight, and he'll get a long walk and lots of time with his favorite basketball (ironically nearly the same color as he is) when he heals up. And, without further ado, the picture commentary of my boy...

Woot!

2009-03-29T16:25:00.001-07:00

After going fourth in open yesterday, Savannah gave me a fantastic birthday present today by going Winners Bitch and Best of Winners for 5 points at the supported entry at the Chinitimini Kennel Club in Albany today. When Judge Honey Anne Glendinning pointed at her for open, I squealed. I was just pleased she did well there in such a large, quality class. I've been stunned ever since she gave her winner's and can't really remember much after that, other than frequent utterances of "Holy crap!" Official pictures will be up by the end of the week. In the meantime, Emily took pictures of today's festivities, so keep an eye out there. Now Savannah has 13 points and one major, so we'll be looking for one more. :)

Almost as good as watching men do housework...

2009-03-18T15:20:00.000-07:00

I've become a wee bit addicted to Twitter. One that I follow called Trazzler offers travel ideas and pictures. Today they lured me with "Watching Men Knit on Taquile Island in Lake Titicaca, Peru". Knitting in public on a whole other level! Love it!

For the dog and knitting fans alike....

2009-03-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

Saw this on Shannon Okey's blog today:

I've heard all sorts of things about what men do with sheep, but this is pretty amazing! ;) And what about those dogs!?!

If Savannah was a teenager...

2009-02-16T20:17:00.000-08:00

...she wouldn't talk to me for weeks when she found out I posted this gorgeous photo of her in her new grooming gear that I affectionately call her track suit. Pink skulls...how fitting!

You can tell by the look on her face just how hard I was laughing. Thank goodness the hubby took the pic on his cell phone! I couldn't have quit shaking in time. I did fold it back onto her neck so her ears could stick up. She's really not thrilled about it, but it did the best job on the shoulder and butt curls of anything I've tried with her, so she's stuck with it!

The Angle Pictures

2009-02-15T21:30:00.000-08:00

I took a stab at drawing the angles on two of my three. First is my boy at almost three. First from the side with angles drawn.

Note that the issue here isn't a short upper arm, but a short humerus. The angle's there, but there isn't enough in the humerus to wrap around the chest. He also tends to have a bit of a flat bottomed chest.

Here is an angle shot of my youngest girl. I think she's got great shoulders and she can flat move.

Yep, that's really me and, yep, I no longer am as wide as my dog is long. :) Not the greatest stack of the rear, obviously, and I'm still playing with the wee curl on her butt, but you get the idea. And here's her front.

Hmmm...didn't seem to get a real good one with today's bright lighting, so this will have to do. She also wasn't standing all that well. I think her chest looks better than in this picture...seems washed out and blended into the table. Her pasterns are on the long side, though.

In knitting news, I finished my black sweater. Here is a picture of me in it squinting painfully at the hubby in the bright sun.

Kinda like a really unattractive mug shot, eh? And I should really try to take a pic of it with a shirt other than black under it...doh! Oh, and look a little happier. :) Whatever. At least it's a wee bit of knitting content. This is the second sweater I've ever made myself and the first that really looks like the typical sweater. Now I'm working on a new one that I got through the Malabrigo club that is a gorgeous spring green soft wool. I just hope I can get it finished in time to wear it before summer!

Here we go again...

2009-02-07T10:07:00.000-08:00

So, I obviously don't keep the blog up, but it is a great place to track certain things. This one tracks the days Ethan is in love, otherwise known as Savannah's in heat. Again. Right before a show. Again. Lovely! Guess that gives us a good excuse as to why she won't stand still on the table, eh? So sorry to all the boy dog owners!!!!

In other news, work is crazy. Application time again. UGH! I worked 11 hours overtime this week. Craziness!!! I did it so I wouldn't have to work this weekend, though, and it was worth it. I'm off to have the hair colored and cut, followed by a massage later today. That should make up for some of it!

Knitting is good and I'm bad, because I never take pictures of it. And the sun has hidden away this weekend, so it's likely we won't get any new ones, but I'll try to keep an eye out for opportunities. I've got about half a sock to go to finish a pair, I've got ends to weave in and blocking to finish my black alpaca sweater (the first to fit the new me), and lots of odds and ends that I've either made quickly or am trying to finish up. I've joined two clubs this year. A sock yarn club called Sock Yarnista by Three Irish Girls and a Malabrigo club through Eat.Sleep.Knit. I can't keep up with the socks, though, so may only stay in a few more months. The Malabrigo club is for the entire year. This month's shipment is going out today and is for a sweater. Can't wait!

Traci did it again!

2008-11-24T13:28:00.001-08:00

Traci tagged me, too, so here goes:

8 Favorite Foods (oh, I'm so limited now!)
Coconut Bliss ice "cream"
Shrimp anything
Steak anything
King or snow crab
Mother's sugar free cookies (though they've gone out of business now)
Skinny Cow chocolate mint Skinny Dippers
Sugar-free Almond Roca
Potatoes of all kinds

8 Things I Did Today
Got ready for work
Answered email and phone calls
Walked to the Duckstore for coffee, trying desperately to keep my nose from freezing off
Put together application packets
Figured out how to pay the whopping repair bill on vanosaurus
Talked to Mom's California bank
Texted my sister
Solved a friend's knitting problem (two socks on one circ!)

8 Favorite Stores (let's try an all online list...)
Little Knits
Discontinued Brand Name Yarn
Blue Moon Fiber Arts (Socks that Rock!)
Etsy
Knitting Warehouse
Amazon
Audible (much easier way to "read" and knit at the same time!)
iTunes

8 Favorite Restaurants
The Wild Duck (now defunct, but my favorite restaurant ever, anywhere)
Kabuki's
Eugene Mongolian Grill
Napoli
Ta Ra Rin
Cafe Yumm
Sakura
Cafe Soriah

8 Things I Look Forward To
Spring
Visiting my dad in Alaska
A trip to Wales and Ireland
Winning the lottery
Reaching my goal of losing half myself (just 36 lbs. to go!)
The next season of True Blood (it just ended last night and I already miss it!)
Upcoming concerts
Yarn sales

8 Things I Like to Do with Family
Play games
Laugh
Reminisce
Camp
Shop
Eat
Craft
Dog stuff (with my "dog family")

8 Things on My Wish List
Peace (on earth, of mind, etc.)
A new wedding ring (mine's getting too big)
That lottery wish
More knitting time
Keeping the weight off once it's all gone
Work to put things back in place once all the weight is gone ;)
A great birthday for my hubby
Great seats when David Cook tours

8 People I Tag
Oh, crud, most I know have been tagged, but I'll tag my sister (she can do it on Facebook) and anyone else who hasn't done it yet and wants to

Something to be thankful for...

2008-11-04T20:35:00.000-08:00

My president!!!

Traci did it...

2008-09-30T11:56:00.000-07:00

so I thought I'd check it out to see if I live in the right place or not. Hmmm...I'd say I do. And I even said I had no preference as to part of the country. Yup, I'm where I belong, though I have been joking about moving to Canada if things don't go well next month... Thanks for the link, Traci! Here is my list from findyourspot.com:

Portland, OR
Providence, RI
Little Rock, AR (WTF?!?)
Hartford, CT
Eugene, OR (Gee, who'd have guessed?)
Albuquerque, NM
Corvallis, OR
Salem, OR
Baltimore, MD
Worcester, MA
New Haven, CT
Fayetteville, AR (what's up with Arkansas?)
Medford, OR (okay, that stretches my limit of Oregon love...too warm for me!)
Baton Rouge, LA
San Francisco, CA
Washington, DC
Charleston, WV
San Jose, CA
Milwaukee, WI
Boston, MA
Danbury, CT
Honolulu, HI
Santa Cruz, CA
Sheboygan, WI (love that name!)

If I didn't have to work and had lots of money, I'd get Hub to hook up the trailer and off we'd go to visit these places I'd supposedly like. Funny how I got so many in Oregon and none in Washington, though I love parts of Washington. I love this sort of stuff!!!

I can't count

2008-09-07T12:11:00.000-07:00

So, turns out my math is worse than I thought. Actually, it turns out that I counted bitches wrong. We needed five for two points on Friday, but only had 4. So, Savannah has 8points and is not quite singled out yet. We were dumped yesterday and got reserve today. Bummer! So we'll be trying to drum up majors for Ridgefield (Clark Co. Fairgrounds) Oct. 25 and 26.

On other news, I went in and had my hairdresser get rid of the orange yesterday. This means that both win pics are with the old hair, of course. So, as much as I hate having my picture taken, I'd like to think you'd all be curious, so here you go. Close up, taken by me. Farther out taken by Paul. Yeah, I still need to lose that last 50, but I did find my cheekbones and chin! ;)

So fitting and what a deal

2008-08-31T12:47:00.001-07:00

We have a new branch of a local pet store near us called Mini Petmart. I've been to their other locations, but this new one is the showcase, if you ask me. They have so much stuff there, including things you can usually find at the dog show, but not at a pet shop...and they don't sell any animals. Gotta love that! Anyway, in my first visit yesterday, I remembered that Savannah's collar has seen far better days. While they had lots of pink things to choose from, cuz you know we've got to make her girlie in some way, when I saw this one, I knew it was perfect for her...

Monkeys. Pink monkeys. Too dang funny! We call her the little monkey sometimes, because she is just so silly sometimes...and she loves to climb. It just seemed oh-so-fitting!

And the deal? Thank goodness for craigslist. We picked up one of those Booster Bath dog grooming tubs like Carolyn has for $100. The woman has another one, but it's missing the drain hose. This one looks like it's never been used. It's been sitting outside under a cover, so will need a bit of a scrub, but otherwise, it's in great shape. Woo hoo!!!

Finally a picture of the babies...new chewies make for cozy couch sitting...

It's baaaaaaccccckkkkk....

2008-08-23T10:05:00.000-07:00

first signs of poochiness last night. UGH!

Is it that orange?

2008-08-10T21:11:00.001-07:00

You know what I'm asking...and these are adjusted. So, is it????

Win pictures from Umpqua Kennel Club, August 2 & 3, in Roseburg. We're still waiting for the picture from Bandon. The poor photographer was in a car accident with her family just a few days after the show and all were injured pretty badly. I think they'll be okay eventually, but we send them our best!!!

Oops, she did it again

2008-08-03T16:45:00.000-07:00

Savannah managed to pick up Winner's Bitch again today, in spite of herself. Emily says she has mommy-itis...I don't have to do what Mommy wants. Every time we'd start on the go around, she'd try to run into me instead of going straight and I had to force her to go to her left. She trotted half way around. She wanted out of the ring, period. In other words, I got told the exact opposite thing by the judge today than I got told at Bandon. The one at Bandon wanted me to speed her up. This one decided she was doing it because I was taking her around too fast, which I know wasn't the case. Frustrating!!! Anybody got any suggestions? On the bright side, she's up to 6 points, whether she deserves them or not! ;)

Savannah gave me a birthday present

2008-08-02T17:26:00.000-07:00

Savannah decided to celebrate her birthday in style by winning winner's bitch and best of winners for 1 point at the Umpqua Kennel Club today. That brings her up to 5 points. I have a feeling we'll be major hunting soon. I'm just happy she was a good girl today!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Bitty!

2008-07-31T19:16:00.000-07:00

Our Savannah, Wolfrun White Lightnin', turns 2 today. Can you believe it? She's still the baby of the house, though she'd really like to take control soon. She listens better than her other siblings, but is definitely a teenager right now. She got a brand new frisbee tonight, so she'll run to heart's content. She's very sweet and loyal, loves her "parents" equally, is cautious, barks with abandon, cuddles as much as she can, and is silly, silly, silly. We adore her and are so happy that Louise and Juniper let her come home with us! Thank you both soooooo much!!! And now to some pictures to celebrate life with our goofy, pretty baby girl. :)

Why I love this dog...

2008-07-28T19:35:00.000-07:00

Where was I last night...and why I hate my camera

2008-07-13T17:41:00.000-07:00

Hub and I returned from our Bandon vacation on Thursday, turned right around on Saturday and headed to the Tacoma Dome for American Idols Live. (A few Bandon photos, including a win pic will hopefully be posted by next weekend.) I've been a fan of the show from the start...there, I admitted it!...but I've never had any interest in going to see them until this year. This year, I didn't think there were any stinkers (Sanjaya, anyone?) and I thought there were at least four albums I'd buy out of the group, if not more...gotta love my iTunes.

And, I was nearly as enthusiastic about David Cook's win as Traci, parenting of future children aside. ;) I even went out and downloaded his albums with Axium and his solo album before it got pulled by Amazon. Good stuff, I'm telling you!

So, why am I hating my camera? We weren't that far away. Lowest part of the first section to the left of the stage. But my pictures are crap! And did you wonder why I mentioned my adoration for David Cook? Sure, it could be that I just wanted to really explain why I'd want to go in the first place, but oh no, it was to further emphasize just how much I'm hating my camera right now. The damn battery ran out just as Cookie took the stage. Aw, crap! I did get some video of one of the screens on my cell phone that's not much better, but I'll see if I can attach it. ARG!!!!

Have you ever wondered why the judges on the show sometimes seem to be listening to completely different singers than we're hearing at home? I understand why after this show. Some I thought were pretty strong weren't in person and others were amazingly good. Now, in reverse order, this year's American Idols...and my review, for what little it's worth.
Chikezie was really good! I have to admit I was somewhat surprised, but the AI folks got really lucky when he was voted off at number 10. He adeptly got the crowd going and, when singing songs he's comfortable with, the man has a terrific voice. Probably shouldn't have been this low.

Early on this season, I thought Ramiele had a strong voice she just hadn't really released. Maybe she didn't have good song choices or maybe she was having off weeks. That big voice just never re-emerged...and that continued last night. The song choices didn't show what I hoped was there. She should have been number 10...or lower.

I will pay money to see Michael sing again. I liked him from the start, felt he was another song choice victim, and was shocked to see him go so soon. In person, he's just as good, more charismatic, and funny! Charming man with a fantastic voice...totally robbed at number 8.

I'm not a fan of country music, though I grew up on a good dose of it. That aside, Kristy Lee really is a good entertainer. She has a more than solid voice, a spunky attitude, and an ability to put on a show. And I'd say, after hearing her in person, she was actually better than a few who came out over her, rough weeks notwithstanding.

No words truly express how amazing Carly's voice is in person. The power behind it dwarfs that of all the other competitors. If the people who handled her as a teenager had just let her do more solid rock a la Heart or Evanescence (whose songs she sang) rather than the pop crap they foisted upon her, she never would have needed Idol to be famous. She is brilliant and should have been in the top three. Please, oh please, let her put out a rock album! I will sooooo see her in person again if she does. Amazing (it bears repeating)!!!

Brooke is what she is...a singer/songwriter type whose voice may not be the strongest, but who can tell a story with that voice. Pure as the driven snow, even on stage, and cute, but also so heartfelt. I may go see her again and I will buy her album, but she probably was lucky to place this high. I still adore her!

At this point, a group number commenced with Brooke, Carly, Ramiele, Kristy Lee, Michael, and Chikezie.
On to the intermission and Guitar Hero challenge, then the show began again...

Ahhh, Jason...what do you say about Jason? Either you love him or you hate him. On the show, I decided I liked him, but only when he could sing something he enjoyed that was as unique as his voice. In person, I think the same can be said, though I wasn't overly impressed. I think room exists for lots of voices and styles, but in this kind of competition, I think Jason survived by being cute and not being the worst each week. I think, if he'll put the work in, he can be quite good, but not yet. Oh, the Dreadheads are gonna hate me! Sorry!

Poor Syesha! Her first song was rough, to say the least. Maybe I thought that because I dislike the song, but she really seemed to struggle. In between songs, she spoke a bit. That's when it became pretty obvious that her voice was giving her some trouble. The next song was better, though still rough. Moments of brilliance emerged and I know she was having a rough day, but I still think she shouldn't have been third.

People seem to think that if you like one David, it precludes you from liking the other. Not true! David Archuleta had the second strongest voice of the night. Really a lovely voice. But, for me, it comes down to whose album I'm most likely to buy and enjoy and who I'd most like to watch perform and, for now, he isn't it. He deserved to finish where he did and may have a great career. If he does, I'll be interested to see if he goes more the social commentary route or more the r&b, easy listening Clay Aiken route. It's obvious which I'm hoping for.

David Cook totally deserved to win. Oh, I said that already, didn't I? He puts on a great show, he interacts with the audience, he has a fantastic voice, and, well, he's just wonderful! Next year, when he's touring on his own to support his first album, which I will have totally and completely memorized, I will so be there and I will so have great seats...floor seats...oh, yeah, and a better damn camera. Got any recommendations for concert photography with great zoom and video taking ability? Inquiring minds want to know...and are shopping.

There was a final number with all ten of the AI folks that was quite good...no camera for that one, though. And here is one of the cruddy videos I took on my phone. Sorry about the screeching and the bouncing at the end...

The Dangers of Multi-Talented Friends

2008-06-23T20:40:00.000-07:00

As I was griping in my last message about mojo, I also mentioned the upcoming, now past, Black Sheep Gathering. I've totally got my mojo back now, but haven't posted much cuz I have lots of real life stuff going on and just haven't had time....nor blocking room. I'll explain about that on my private blog in a few days. Those of you who haven't been invited to it, but want to be, email me. So, back to the topic at hand...

I had classes (which were wonderful, by the way) both Saturday and Sunday of BSG. Saturday was all day, but we were given a two hour lunch break to shop...oh, yeah, and to eat. My friend, Pat, had planned to come hang out during the break, but hadn't made it there yet when we were let out, so I took a quick trip through the vendors. I really hadn't planned on getting much. I just knew I wanted enough of some kind of Blue Moon Fiber Arts Raven series yarn to make a shawl...didn't even care which one, just one. Nothing else really sucked me in, having just recently repacked and moved my entire stash...good lord, I've got a lot of yarn!!! I didn't even buy that without Pat with me, though I managed a quick look (I ended up with a gorgeous skein of Laci in Valkyrie later in the day). Just as I was near the end of the last building, I saw my friend, Shannon the talented.

Shannon raises Jacob sheep, trains herding dogs, used to run agility, felts wool, spins, and now knits, I understand. She saw me coming down the aisle and lit up. She knew I'd be sucked in by the wool fumes, too, so brought something with her that she said I absolutely had to see. I immediately thought, 'Oh, crap!,' but willingly followed her to her other booth. As we walked over, she told me she'd been asked to create prizes for the upcoming Cardigan specialty in September. I really had a feeling that was probably bad news for me. I haven't ever gone to that show and don't really plan to this year, though I've been encouraged to. She told me she'd decided to do some felted wall hangings, but she said that when she'd finished the first one, she knew immediately it shouldn't be sent up there. Just then, we came around the corner of her booth to fully view what she meant. There, hanging on the wall, was this:

Can you believe that?!? My three dogs, plain as day. She said she knew it right away and thought to herself, "Those are Richelle's dogs." She knew I'd want it, of course, and, of course, I did. I'd have bought it no matter the cost and no matter who'd made it, but it is more special knowing the artist and knowing she thought of me as soon as she'd finished it. Here are some details:

Ethan with one of those great Celtic buttons she found

Savannah

Libby

Cool, huh?

Where'd the mojo go?

2008-05-24T15:40:00.000-07:00

I haven't really been into my knitting lately. Not sure why, either. I'm pretty busy with Mom move stuff and I'm not as good at sitting still as I used to be, but I still sit sometimes and just do nothing. Maybe my projects aren't interesting enough. Maybe it's the weather being better. Who knows?

I am still excited about some things knitting related. I'm taking an awesome lace class at Black Sheep Gathering with Galina Khmeleva and a beaded knits class with Jill Laski from Ashland Bay Trading Company . I should learn tons and I'm excited for that.

In September, the Knitting Guild of America's (TKGA) fall trade show will be in Portland. Knitting rock stars will be teaching classes at this one. I'll be taking a Tips, Tricks, and Hints class from the fastest knitter/crocheter on the planet, Lily Chin. Every time I see her on Knitty Gritty, even if it's a repeat, I learn something new from her. And I'm taking a class called Cable Sanity with the Knitting Heretic herself, Annie Modesitt. I cannot tell you how excited I am to take something from her. I love her attitude that no knitting is wrong knitting. I just can't wait to meet her. So, that's terribly inspiring!!!

I think it must be my projects...arg! I'm not good at having too many going at once. I already feel guilty that I have socks for a friend, a kimono sweater, a triangular shawl (though not lacy), and a stole (totally lacy) actively on the needles. I really shouldn't cast on something else, but then again, if I don't love what I'm working on, why not move to something else? I just hate having undone things. I don't believe I'll ever go back. Maybe I need a quickie project to get me over the hump. Ugh!

Hope I never go this far!

2008-04-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

Though I am going to Black Sheep Gathering rather than the Canby dog show...and I may even be sucking others in with me! Too funny!

You can find this Close to Home comic by John McPherson at the link!

Kissy face

2008-03-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

What goes lickity, lickity, lickity, woof? Ethan and Savannah and damn near constantly, too. I think Ef has decided Savannah is a cute girl now. She's been out nearly a week, but he puppy dogs after her, is at her beck and call, kisses her teeth (as she does his), shows her his belly (!!!), and thinks it's cute when she tries to chew his face off cuz he just plain can't leave her alone. I don't know how long this'll last, but it's been pretty nice. Efie is in love with life again and will let us do whatever we want with him...he even jumped into the bathtub all on his own for Paul to give him a bath. This is the dog we normally have to put a muzzle on for baths! Amazing!!! Puppy love is good!

In other news, I'm going to start another blog to document the more personal thing I'm going through now. If you'd like to be on the list to view it, let me know which email you'd like and I'll let you. I'm keeping it private to the rest of the world, though....and I haven't started it yet. Should be in the next few days....stay tuned...

In knitting news, I'm working on way too many projects at once. Usually three is my limit and I guess I still only have three really active ones, but I have lots to finish and lots more I want to start!

I'm a little more than halfway done on the Kureyon rainbow scarf I'm making from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. It's like the striped ones here on Flickr.

I've nearly got one retro rib sock done from Favorite Socks in Dream in Color Smooshy dusky aurora. Love that yarn!!!!!! Just haven't been thrilled about knitting socks lately. Bummer! I really want this pair of socks!

My last active project is my newest. I'm making the Fan Kimono from Knit Kimono out of Ella Rae Classic wool in sage. It is coming out really cool! And it's a kimono...it should fit all sizes! :) I'm about to add on to start the sleeves. It's an interesting construction, though very simple. It's knit in one piece starting at the back bottom edge and knitted up over the top and down the front. Again, should be interesting! Only my second sweater for me, so I'm excited!

Ugh...or gurgle

2008-03-08T19:14:00.001-08:00

Liquid diets suck! Just started this morning and my tummy is really not pleased. Oh, well, better get used to it...it's this way for another 2+ weeks until I get to progress to....wait for it...puree! Woot! Jealous, aren't you? All things are temporary, or so I keep telling myself.

Great timing, as usual...

2008-03-01T13:48:00.000-08:00

The little black hussy is back. Surgery is 10 days away. Lovely!

Actual knitting content - OMG!

2008-01-07T19:46:00.000-08:00

I keep waiting for the perfect natural lighting to get some pics of my recent projects, but being as I live in Oregon and there won't be good natural light until June (at the earliest!) I'd better just give up and get pictures taken. So what if the color isn't perfect? At least it'll get documented before it gets overly used, right? I'll get to that soon, bad light or not, but in the meantime, here are pictures of my mom's Christmas present. It's called the Hemlock Ring Blanket. It's a doily pattern from the 40s, but made with a heavier weight of yarn to make it a lap blanket. This one is Lamb's Pride Superwash Worsted in the Japanese Plum colorway. It ended up about 44" across. Mom had to convince her neighbor it wasn't crochet. She finally told her I don't know how to crochet, which is so true! Anyway, there is really some knitting, but I'm not making promises on the rest...until June, of course. ;)

The blanket picked up a nickname while being knitted. I began affectionately referring to it as "The Amoeba." Is it just me or does it have a jellyfish kind of quality to it?

While I don't agree that knitting is the new yoga, knitting itself goes through its own kind of yoga when stretched to its extreme for blocking. Looks a bit better, eh?

Here's a close up of the center while it was blocked.

Finally, the finished product. The color really isn't all the far off in these pictures, either.

Me?

2007-12-19T16:35:00.000-08:00

I'm not so sure about this one, especially the "mellow" part...

Your Brain is Blue

Of all the brain types, yours is the most mellow.

You tend to be in a meditative state most of the time. You don't try to think away your troubles.

Your thoughts are realistic, fresh, and honest. You truly see things as how they are.

You tend to spend a lot of time thinking about your friends, your surroundings, and your life.

What Color Is Your Brain?

Holiday Knitting...or how I won't be done in time

2007-12-18T10:37:00.000-08:00

Here I sat thinking I was soooo on top of all the holiday knitting and then it happens...I remember someone I forgot. ARG! On top of that, I'd put some things out of my head that need to be washed and blocked before they can be given and that hasn't happened yet, either. What was I thinking? Where did I think this time was going to come from? How did I think woolen things would dry in just a day in an Oregon winter? Good grief! I should have it all knit, but the things that have to be mailed aren't making it out of here until next week.

That's not the only way the mail has jinxed me this year, either. Maybe the reason I'm behind is also because the things I ordered online either showed up late or haven't shown up at all yet. That could definitely be part of it! I know one person is getting something totally unexpected, because something I ordered still isn't here...let's just say that I'm much faster at knitting socks than I used to be, but I can't knit them if the yarn isn't here yet! In the past, I've been a heavy holiday internet shopper...can't stand the bustle of the walk-in stores during the holidays. I've always had great luck with it, even ordering at the last minute. I think someone or millions of someones, to be more correct, have caught on to my plan and are using it themselves. :} Lesson learned...order in October! :)

Dog content: Not much, which is really a good thing. It means no dramas and everyone is getting along fine. Can't wait to get a treadmill in January! It should help run off some of the stored energy that happens in rainy weather. Until then, we take soggy walks and wipe off bellies. Ethan is back to the very loving, sweet red boy he was as a puppy, though he still greatly dislikes dogs outside his pack...boys, what can you do? Libby, the queen of manipulation, has pretty much guaranteed her position as bed dog for life, so she's happy. And Savannah, just like all little sisters, enjoys thoroughly annoying her older "siblings" in any way she can. Man, that girl can bark, too! But she's also "dangerously cute", as her grammas say, and she's very cuddly when she can manage to sit still. A very loyal girl, for sure!

I hope to get some project pics and some puppy pics over the long holiday weekend...probably figuring I'll have more time than I really will again with Friday being Hubby's birthday...but I'll try!

Savannah Pics from Today

2007-11-11T20:01:00.000-08:00

Since it's been so long, here are pics of the Bitty girl...who isn't so bitty anymore. These were taken when we got home today after a bit of tussling with the big dogs in the yard. Talk about fabulous weather this afternoon! Too bad the show wasn't so good for us. Kinda wondering why we do these dang early mornings!!! Backgrounds are, um, rustic, at best, but you get the idea. I'm spamming you with a bunch of pics just cuz we took 'em.

She says she's had enough!

OFFFF (Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival...Finally)

2007-11-11T18:31:00.000-08:00

Are old pictures anything like fine wine? Do they get better with time? Afraid not, but at least there are finally pictures of my visit to the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival in September. I've only experienced one other fiber festival on a whirlwind excursion, just an hour or so long, thanks to a big work event and a dog show all loaded up on the same weekend. It was the Black Sheep Gathering in June here in Eugene. It was fun, quite tempting, but I wasn't blown away. Then there is OFFF. Wow! It's huge!!! So many vendors in so many places, so many classes, so many animals, and so much to see. I even got to pet a camel! Talk about surreal! A camel right where we normally groom dogs for the Canby show.

Here are the camels...a male and a young female, I believe. The male nuzzled a woman as she scratched his neck. I thought he might give her a big ol' doggy slurp, but he kept his manners about him. :) Camel fur is incredibly soft. I expected just the undercoat to be soft, but the top felt just a little rougher. If I won the lottery, I'd have a couple of them, I think, though it's said they aren't big fans of small herding dog types. Hmmmm...

Look sheep in the sheep pens instead of groomers!

That's a funny show ring!

The building in the background is where the superintendents and local kennel club folks normally set up. For OFFF, it becomes one of THREE vendor buildings.

A gorgeous display of baskets caught my eye. Believe it or not, I actually escaped without buying one of those.

And here is the market bag I made specifically to fill with my goodies when at OFFF. This bag grows an amazing amount! It's the Everlasting Bagstopper from Knitty. It folds up nice and small into its own self-made pouch. Love it!!!

My friend, Jennifer, came along and enjoyed two spinning classes that day. JC Briar taught a terrific class in multi-directional scarves that I took. I learned a lot and started with gorgeous, bright merino/silk yarn from Dicentra Designs. On clearance, incredibly soft, luscious colors and the perfect yarn for this technique. I'll get some pictures of the finished product to put up soon. I will definitely be sure to go again next year. I can't wait to see what classes and vendors they'll have!

You don't suppose...

2007-10-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

...My sister would let me borrow Quinn, Megan would let me borrow Izzy, or Jeri would let me borrow Jack when he's older, do ya? Too funny!!!

I love this cartoon! Be sure to get check out more at the Close to Home website.

It's finally over...

2007-10-08T12:04:00.000-07:00

...and the Brandy grandchild may be taking her rightful place as alpha. It's either that or Ef is giving her full sway because he remembers she smells so darn good. A typical interaction now has Ethan following Savannah everywhere, then, when he gets too pushy about being close and sniffing personals, Savannah turns and threatens to rip his face off, at which time Ethan jumps around as if to say, "Oh, that's so cute," and "Holy crap, she's gonna eat me!," all at the same time. I wonder what the settled effect will be this time around. The last heat made Ethan decide she could indeed be allowed to stay in the house and could play with him occasionally. This one, at least for the time being, has made him decide that she is in fact in charge and that he wants to be with her all the time. Hmmmm... If I had to pick which would be top dog, it'd be Savannah in a heartbeat. She listens and obeys far better than either of the other two and knows we're in charge. One can only hope...

Bark Collar - 1, Corgis - 1

2007-10-02T21:36:00.000-07:00

Citronella bark collars work well...sometimes. The peace and quiet gained by wrapping it around Savannah's neck has been well worth the price of it! Therefore, bark collar gets a point.

The corgis gained a point, though, when Ethan's turn to try it out came. Can you say, "Totally not phased?!?" Bark, squirt, head shake, back up, bark, squirt, head shake, bark, squirt, head shake. Granted, it decreased the bark frequency, but in this case, the corgi won.

We'll have to see what happens if Libby wears it, but for now, I'm so glad I got it. No more demanding barks from Savannah when she can't go out with Ethan due to her hyper-hussiness! Woot!

Life can only get better...

2007-09-26T10:47:00.001-07:00

I'm super sick (as a dog, some would say) and Savannah is in heat. Woot! Updates on OFFF and knitting to come soon, hopefully, if my head doesn't explode from the congestion and I survive a week and a half to two weeks of separation of the intacts at home.

Off to OFFF

2007-09-21T21:35:00.001-07:00

Paul gets the dogs and the house to himself tomorrow. I'm off for some fibery goodness at the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival in Canby. It'll be weird to be there without a dog!!! I've got a class in multidirectional knitting in the afternoon...in the morning I'm gonna SHOP!!!! Woot!!!

You know you're outta shape when...

2007-09-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

...your arms have been achy and sore for days and you're embarrassed when you finally think you've figured out the real reason for it. There is a flu bug going around here, as Megan can attest, and I thought for awhile that was it. And we all know I really like to knit. I've cranked out a pair of slippers, a sock, and the start of a scarf over the past week, but I don't think that's it. My desk is about the least comfortable and least ergonomically designed thing ever, but it's always been that way, so nope, that's not it. I've typed quite a bit, too, but still no.

So, what do I think it really is? Can you say, "Throw the ball!!!," or perhaps more correctly, "Bark, Bark, BARK!!!!?" Yup, the kids are getting along so well that tussling to reach the ball first, wrestling it away from each other and me, and annoying me to no end for it are all easily done, even in the house! While this means Ethan has taken some amazing strides in the last month, including allowing me to maul him and hug on him with no grrrrs aimed at the girls at all for that or anything else, it also means my damn arms are about to fall off, because I MUST THROW THE BALLLLLLL!!!! And I must throw it at least 50-100 times a night...probably more! They seem to think I am the only one who can fulfill the deep requirements of ball-throwing, too, because they leave Paul alone and only insist on me doing it. Sure, they might ask him once or twice and then it's back to me. ARRRRRGGGGG!!!! Now I know why my arms want to fall off! :) Okay, so it probably is work and knitting and maybe even the bug, too, but still....

Not the best, but here it is

2007-09-19T16:03:00.000-07:00

Here is Savannah's win picture for Friday at Eugene. Two points down, thirteen to go. I wish it was a better picture. The folks at work gave me a hard time for picking it apart so much, but I know you dog friends will understand. The photographer said she was set up great and I knew better, but she was rushing as usual, so I went with it. Would have been nice to at least have her feet lined up straight if I couldn't get her wave to settle a bit across her topline. And she looks like she's taken the weight off her left front foot just as the picture was being shot. And she's too stretched out. Dang it! Not to mention my hand being in a weird place and the dumb grin and scary hair. ACH! Oh, well, we got a point and that's all that matters, right? Just look at her head and it'll all be alright. :)

To blog or not to blog

2007-09-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

Blogging is an interesting thing. Once you start, you feel guilty if you don't do it. You waiver over what is good blog material and what isn't. Sometimes you've got tons to blog about, pictures to show, etc., and it all flows very easily. Sometimes you've got nothing. And sometimes you've got lots going on, but it's either not blog worthy or not something you're willing to blog about, at least not yet, so you don't blog about anything. Blogger's block, perhaps. Weird! It's sort of like losing track with friends who you were really close to solely because you don't move in the same worlds anymore. Then, when you're ready to get back in touch, something else in your life keeps you from it. Hmmmm....

I really do need to get out and take some pictures of some of the things I've knitted up recently. I'm also hoping I'll have Savannah's last win picture soon, so I can scan and post it. While I still visit Ravelry several times a week, I've been neglecting it due to those darn pictures. Dang!

Do you think they've figured out I'm a knitter?

2007-08-30T15:09:00.000-07:00

I received a mysterious envelope in my work mail box today. It was obviously recycled after having been sent to some big muckety muck across the courtyard from me. The original info was scribbled out and scrawled across it was my name. Wobbly letters, they were...I think she must have been laughing and writing at the same time! It was sent by an infrequent attendee of our twice monthly noontime knitting group and she KNEW how fitting it was. I opened the envelope to see this and laughed heartily myself. I guess this is what my world has come to...what my dear work friends think of me.

Wait a minute! Why are you laughing?!?! Uh, oh, I guess it's not just my work friends, eh? :) Too funny!

Going to the coast

2007-08-17T23:03:00.001-07:00

We're headed off for three wonderful days of coastal goodness tomorrow! Woo hoo! I know we'll be muttering about retiring over there some day when it's time to come home. I love that ocean air!!! We got a great vacation rental house owned by a friend of one of my work/knitting friends. Close to the beach, great set up, and they love dogs, so ours are very welcome. Plans include long beach walks, movie watching, game playing, no work talk for hubby, no cell phone for hubby, unwinding time for hubby, and a trip to a yarn shop for me. I'll post pictures upon our return. Woo hoo! Oh, yeah, I said that already, but I REALLY mean it! :)

What flower are you?

2007-08-17T21:26:00.001-07:00

I swear I only took this once, even though those of you who know what my favorite flower is may not believe it. :)

I am a
Sunflower

What Flower
Are You?

Savannah at Umpqua

2007-08-15T10:32:00.001-07:00

And, here she is, in her first win photo. Not too bad for having a newbie set her up. The first pic is how close Ross cropped it...I'd have appreciated a bit more background, but oh, well. I should have smoothed her topline around her shoulders a bit and pulled her tail out so you can actually see it, but otherwise, I'm happy with it. Of course, I like the bottom one with me cut out muuuuuuccccchhhhh better. I know, I know, it's about the dog, but still! :)

Ravelry, how I love thee!

2007-08-07T21:08:00.000-07:00

I know most of you who check out my blog are here for the dogs, but dang, this Ravelry this is soooooo addictive! It's a record keeper (how much yarn and what kinds do I have, what types and sizes of needles do I have, which projects have I made, which projects do I want to make, etc.), but that's just the tip of the iceberg. How do I put this into dog terms? You know all the talk about building a cardi health database? Ravelry to knitters and crocheters is like that database, but only if it could give you all the health information; show you pictures of nearly every cardi that ever existed; link to every sport cardis have ever done and have pictures of them all doing those sports; show you what your puppies would look like if you bred dog A to bitch B; put you in touch not only with all the other cardi breeders now, but let you have access to resources left by every breeder ever; show you all win pictures of every cardi ever alive; show you every shampoo, lead, collar, food, and other product ever used on a cardi and what the results were; and more! It's amazing!!!!

On Ravelry, I put in the name of a designer and, most likely, go to that designer's personal Ravelry notebook that shows what she is working on, what types of yarns and needles she's using, what patterns she's written and how to get them, what books she's got patterns in and how to get those, what groups she belongs to, what her personal blog address is, and so, so much more. Or, say I find a great deal on some yarn, but I haven't a clue what to make out of it. I can put it in Ravelry and it'll show me every pattern any member has ever made out of that yarn. So, not only can I see what the projects look like, I can see what all the other colorways look like, too! And I just started using it, so I'm sure there is way more I haven't even discovered yet.

I joined a bunch of groups based on different knitting podcasts I listen to. While at one of those groups, I saw someone's chosen profile picture...a cardi! So, I went to her Ravelry site (Karen in California with Tango and Dancer), which led me to her blog and more pictures of her dogs. Turns out she was at Nationals and I'm almost positive I spoke with her very briefly. She's an amazing knitter and only has been at it a year longer than me. She bravely tackles stranded colorwork!!! I'm in awe! And that's just one person. So amazing to me!!!!

Gawd, I'm spending way too much time on the computer, I'm having to learn how to use Flickr, I missed handling class (nail appointment was the real reason, not copious amounts of time on Ravelry - RIGHT!), and I'm not even knitting. ARRRRRGGGGGG!!!!!

And if you're ever on Ravelry and looking for me, my username is RichelleCK. :)

We did it!!!!

2007-08-05T19:31:00.000-07:00

Savannah was Winners' Bitch and Best Opposite Sex today. Digger won Winner's Dog and Best of Winners. Getting there early made a big difference! She got used to the atmosphere, I cooled off and calmed down, and we pretended it was handling class. Much better! She needs more Petsmart trips to acclimatize herself, though I think she was being a bit ornery on purpose today. She was certainly feeling full of herself when we came home! She was trying to tell Ethan she was boss...and he was letting her! Wonder if she's starting to smell good again...

We didn't get any good show pictures, but we did get some fun pictures of Savannah getting to use her birthday present for the first time. I definitely have a water dog in this one!!! I have a cute video, but it's too big for YouTube...any ideas on compressing it?

On a knitting note, I've finally received my invitation to Ravelry, a new online knitting community that is a BIG deal among us knitting geeks!!! Woo hoo!!!

Poor Savannah....

2007-08-04T17:58:00.000-07:00

....handicapped by her handler again! Why do dogs all have to be soooo different? Wait, no, I'm glad they are. Okay, why can't I control my feelings about showing? I really dislike it, I get nervous and can't control my emotion, and I sweat more than flows over Niagara Falls on a wet day! Ach! Today's lesson? Savannah is not Ethan. (Which I'm thankful for most of the time, but...) Savannah needs to be at ringside at least half an hour before time to go in with me sitting calmly in a chair by her. Ethan needs to get to the ring right before he goes in or he'll bark his silly damn head off. Now, the real challenge is me sitting calmly for that half hour. Perhaps I should knit ringside...hmmm....

Anyway, we went reserve again today. I was so out of it I don't even know who won, except she was in open. Kayla came second in class to her. Digger won WD and BOW. Truman won BOB.

Nikki looked terrific in group...poor Carolyn couldn't hear us clapping...well, I guess it was just me and Debbie Berry and Debbbie's goldie friend, but we really were clapping. Tomorrow I've promised to hoot and holler, too. :)

Tomorrow's another day...wonder if socks will calm my nerves....

More dog or more cat?

2007-07-23T15:52:00.000-07:00

Richelle is: 50% Dog, 50% Cat

You are a nice blend of cat and dog.You're playful but not too needy. And you're friendly but careful.And while you have your moody moments, you're too happy to stay upset for long.

Are you more dog or cat?

Portland Show

2007-07-22T14:50:00.000-07:00

So, we didn't go yesterday due to Paul's work stuff, meaning we were up at 4;30 a.m. and on the road by 6:30 today. I'm pooped! The good news is that Savannah managed to hold herself together through most of the show, including looking for treats on the judge. She won her class again, so we were off to winner's again. She did great in winner's...until the judge put us at the front and asked us to go around again, that is. Then the bad news....at that point, she sort of had her usual fall apart...she was too busy turning around trying to figure out why all the other dogs were behind her, which made her hippity hoppity, and we blew it. We got RWB, so not a total loss, but we blew it.

I can't be too upset. It was only her fifth show and ninth time in the ring (if you count sweeps at Nationals). Counting sweeps, she's won her class 6 of 9 times. And now she has her first reserve and it was a major reserve. Not too bad. We just have some kinks to work out. Silly girl! Our smaller, more private handling class on Wednesday helped a lot, too. I think I'll ask if we can go first next week, just to get her used to it. The Petsmart maulings have made her more interested in visiting strangers in search of treats. I may even try to sneak her in for a half day at work next week. We're getting there!

I musta jinxed it!

2007-07-19T14:34:00.000-07:00

There hasn't been enough sun to get good pictures of my lace shawl. Dang it!

In other news, I think I may have found a dog sitter. This means there may actually be a time when Paul and I can go to Alaska to see the folks. Yippee!!!

Catch up

2007-07-13T21:27:00.000-07:00

I've said it before, but I suck at this blog thing...and keeping up on other people's blogs and keeping up on email. Sorry to all of you!!! I just spent three hours trying to catch up on blogs alone. Good grief! I think I've got something of a handle on what's been happening now, at least...missed birthdays and all!

Things have been busy, busy, busy here. The hubby is working insane amounts, but hopefully it'll be well worth it in the long run. Work for me is not only busy, but odd and changing and uncomfortable, but I don't want to go into that here. Suffice it to say that my job is safe, though my duties may change down the road. I hope that will be for the better, too, but we shall see. Sure wish we had air conditioning at work, no matter how things are other ways!

Knitting...I've been knitting...A LOT! I finally finished the second gigantic sock (see older post) and the Tuscany shawl from "No Sheep for You" in bronze Handmaiden Sea Silk...pictures of that will go up if the sun is cooperative tomorrow. Love how it looks...on smaller people. Tempted to take the cast off out and add another skein, but it's some damn expensive, yet wonderful, yarn, so it'll wait awhile. I've started Sally's Favorite Summer Top out of Sally Melville's "The Knit Stitch" in SWTC Bamboo. It's amazing how light and cool and airy bamboo yarn is. Lovely! And I got sucked into Melanie's Mystery Stole 3 by the Yarn Harlot (or, perhaps, Stole Pimp would be a more appropriate name for her these days, since 2400 people joined the group after she posted about it...Enabler!!! :) It's coming along, but I chose difficult yarn and I'm using beads and I've only knit a year and a half, so.... We shall see! Planning a pair of Jaywalkers by Grumperina in Socks that Rock mill ends (I think it was Watermelon Tourmaline that got too fuscia in the pink) that I got at Black Sheep Gathering and have some other projects in mind, but no super firm plans at this point. I've become such a knitting geek! I can't wait for the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival! I plan to spend the entire Saturday there, shop first, then take a class, hopefully. Too fun!!!

The dogs are wonderful! Ethan is starting to regard Savannah as a full, if junior, pack member and they get along fine...even in the house. The only issue we have is if I'm sitting in "my" chair...both would like to "own" me. So I move around a lot or sit somewhere else and all is well. Dogs are weird!!! It's just nice to have my darling, sweet Efa back. We've got all Ef's winter weight off and he looks really good, if somewhat hairless. Libby's losing again, too...still Libby, but she can gain weight by looking at food, like me.

Then there is Savannah. She really is an awfully pretty little puppy. Shedding like crazy now, but very pretty. We decided after Canby that she needs more "odd situation" training than show training right now. We're taking her lots of places and giving people treats and asking them to maul her. She's gone to handling class, just to be mauled...I knew people there would really grab her. She's been to Petsmart a few times...the last time was really good, because we basically did our own handling class while a puppy class was happening. Tons of distractions and she had to pay attention to me and did well at it. She went to work one day when I was on vacation...we were there nearly three hours total and she must have seen 40 or 50 different people and been in five different office areas. It's been very good for her. I think we'll take her out to Petsmart for a crazy Saturday tomorrow and really get her some exposure. We'll go back to actual handling training this week, too. We'll do the EKC class on Tuesday that we usually go to and then a private class with another instructor at her house on Wednesday. She's hoping to pull a small group together, so we can pretend we're doing classes and winners'. Savannah's okay in classes, if there aren't too many distractions, but she falls apart by winners'. Little brat!!! So, we'll work on all of that. We're showing in Portland (probably daytripping - ugh!), then Roseburg (definitely daytripping), then Eugene (woo hoo, home show!). Keeping our fingers crossed!!!!

Phew!!! Long update!!! More soon, I hope!

Quickie Post of Pictures from Canby

2007-06-26T21:59:00.000-07:00

Up too late again tonight after having taken Sillyvannah to handling class and Petsmart. We decided she needs more socialization after Canby. She's a bit cautious and a little easily spooked, so we took her around and asked people to maul her. I think it went well and both were very good experiences to strengthen her bravery in other places. She's a normal pushy corgi girl at home, but she gets a bit overly cautious and doesn't mind having a talk about it when she's out and about. And she decides who can and who cannot maul her...touch her places other than head and neck...which must change. Thanks to Auntie Kim, the Camera Jedi, for capturing the bucking wild thing while Gramma Kim was trying to stack her.

Below there are pictures of the group wearing Union Jack pins to honor Trooper at Canby. This weekend when I have a bit more time, I'm going to put a copy and a pin in a card to send to Troop's family to let them know we care and loved him. If any of you wizards can photoshop Paul and Savannah from the second picture into the first picture, everyone will look great.

Finally, there are a couple pics we took of Savannah the week prior to Canby...prior to bath and grooming. She'll be 11 months old on Saturday the 30th.

Not much happening...thank goodness

2007-06-10T18:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I think I have such a boring life and sometimes I think I have such a busy life. Today, I just think I have a pretty good life. Sure, I don't much like work these days, but I'm in too good of a mood to go into a lot of detail about why. It's busy there this time of year with one group finishing and the other starting over the summer, but I know the calm for me is just around the corner. And, if all goes well, maybe in a year or two (or less) I'll be looking at different "work" type things to do, anyway.

Paul and I had a lovely time getting soaked yesterday...a truly Eugenian time, I think. We went to Saturday Market, even though it was raining, and had a lot of fun. It was nice just to get out...yes, I actually left the house to go somewhere other than a dog show on the weekend! :) We meandered around for a couple hours, bought some tie-dye (very Eugene), some fresh veggies, some chocolate, some street vendor food...all wonderful...wet, but wonderful! Another shocking thing we did? We watched a movie! I know, not too exciting for most people, but we actually used the tv for something other than Halo 2 on XBox and DVRed versions of "Knitty Gritty." That's pretty amazing for us!

I didn't go see the Yarn Harlot in Portland on Friday...thus the boring part...but I'm glad I missed the busy-ness that would have brought, not to mention the late night drive that it also would have entailed. I've knit quite a bit, but not tons, I've listened to some podcasts, but not hours worth, and I've bought some books, but with gift certificates so they were "free." I'm plotting in my mind how wonderful Black Sheep Gathering will be, but don't really mind that I'll be sharing that weekend between it and a dog show in Canby.

Speaking of the dogs, they've had a terrific weekend. They've had long walks each day, they've been very cooperative and happy around each other, and there hasn't been even the slightest idea that they might be otherwise. Libby has been cuddly and easy going and not as hard-headed as usual. She adores both Ethan and Savannah and has a great time playing with either one. As we sat on the porch together today, I admired the white hairs where she's greying early around her muzzle. Funny how fast time moves! Ethan, who most of you only hear the bad about, has been a perfectly happy, well-adjusted, sweet, cooperative boy all weekend. He's down about 3 lbs from Nationals, he's lost a lot of hair, but isn't naked, and I think he's beautiful. He's really been into smiles, woo woos and hugs this weekend, not to mention playing with Savannah...in the yard AND in the house. Savannah has been her silly, goofy, adoring, cuddly self. She's really good at finding ways to try to injure herself...must be a cardi puppy. She's such a goofball, yet there are times when she'll stand and look at you, just regal as can be. Her brindle pointing really stands out on her neck now. She hasn't shed much, but she doesn't look fluffy, either. A bit long in places, but not fluffy. She truly is a dog in the most loyal sense of the word.

I guess the word to sum it all up for the weekend (except for Paul on Halo!) would be peace.

More Knitting

2007-05-27T17:05:00.000-07:00

Here is one big sock. It's for my size 13 footed husband. One big sock down and another one to go. This is done in Lorna's Laces Motherlode colorway. I guess I got a couple of vintage skeins from a woman on eBay, because the colorway was handwritten on the wrapper band. This is a pattern I sort of made up using a basic sock pattern with two circs. One down one more to go. The color is more true on the ones that the flash didn't go off on.

The next pictures are the diagonal rib scarf out of the Artfibers Alfabeto that I got in SF and mentioned in an earlier post. It's still a work in progress...pretty slow going since it's also in fingering weight yarn.

Finally, this is a work in progress that's been in progress for awhile. It's a Wings of the Swan scarf/stole out of Traditional Knitted Lace. I'm using Cherry Tree Hill Supersock merino mill ends I got on eBay, so I'm not sure of the name of the colorway. I think it may be African Grey, but I'm not positive. Computer monitors are so weird! It's not blocked yet, since it's a little less than half done. It should spread quite a bit when I do block it, I think. Wouldn't really know for sure, since it's my first lace project, but that's what the books say it will do. :)

Paul's biiiiiig sock - the ball on the left is all that's left, the ball on the right is a whole ball. Good thing he likes the tops short!!!

More true to life color of the sock on this cuff detail

Heel and gusset detail

Diagonal rib scarf in progress

Close up of this lovely, shiny silk blend yarn

Wings of the swan with flash...

and without (more real life color than flash)...

Close up detail

Super close up detail

Drifting Dreams Jacket for Ida on Ample Knitters

2007-05-27T11:16:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of my finished version of the Drifting Dreams Jacket from Just One More Row. The first is me in the jacket on BART headed to San Francisco during my trip to the area last week...I just had to prove I knitted on the trip! Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) I don't have any pictures showing the whole jacket on me, but these will give an idea. The following pictures are stitch detail. It's amazing how much maneuvering there was for each stitch, particularly with the "in next 3 sts work (p3tog, yo, p3tog--all in same 3 sts)", but I think it came out pretty well, considering it's my first ever sweater. I made it out of Elann Sonata (100% mercerized cotton) in the vineyard colorway. I made it longer and made the sleeves longer. I think I went a bit overboard on the length of the sleeves, but the added length to the bottom of the jacket was a must.

What's in a name?

2007-05-24T19:44:00.001-07:00

One of the people I used to work in the same office with is also one of my dog friends. We call her Libby's fairy dogmother, because she's the one who connected us to the people who led us to Libby. Anyway, we'd been emailing back and forth a bit today when she invited me to lunch with some of the other people who used to be in my office and a new hire from their office. The newest secretary's name is Genevieve, which makes her only the second one I've ever met in person after my sister, Genny, also Genevieve.

Walking on the way to the restaurant, she mentions how interesting it is that my sister's name is Genevieve, because she has a sister named Rachelle...yup, just one letter off from mine. We laugh a bit at the coincidence, then she jokingly says, "You wouldn't happen to have a sister named Sarah, too, would you?" She thinks this is impossible, I know she does, but I have to tell her that I do, in fact, have a sister named Sara without an h. How bizarre is that? My name is Richelle and I have a sister named Genevieve and a sister named Sara. Her name is Genevieve and she has a sister named Rachelle and a sister named Sarah...too weird!!!

So, we get to the restaurant and, of course, my friend and I are talking dogs, which brings the topic around to Genevieve. She also has a dog and asks what kind mine are. I tell her Cardigan Welsh Corgis. Her mouth drops open and she says, "No way!" I'm not sure why she's so surprised until she confesses that her dog is also a Corgi...a Pembroke. Okay, so now we have the same unique names among the sisters in our families and we both have corgis. To top it off, she wants to join our knitting group to learn to knit.

Weird!!!

Artfibers in San Francisco

2007-05-23T16:04:00.000-07:00

One major highlight of the San Francisco trip for me was riding the BART from Pleasanton to a station just one and a half blocks from Artfibers in the financial district. It isn't a large yarn shop and you certainly won't find anything here that isn't special. They only sell their lines of yarn that are either made by them or specially made for them. The things you can find here, you can't get anywhere else. And it's incredibly amazing stuff!!! Very mind boggling, but wonderful! If I ever have to go back to SF, even as a layover for a flight, I'll make sure I have plenty of time to go back to Artfibers, though I'm sure I'll order online in the meantime. The woman who helped me was terrific, friendly, and helpful! The patterns were lovely...wish I'd had the money to get a sweater custom designed, but we'll save that for next trip...they design for free, if you buy the yarn there to make the design.

I didn't get much, considering it was the end of our stay, but I got some very interesting things. Here is the color of Alfabeto (76% silk 19% superkid mohair 5% wool) I got...

And here is the stitch pattern (diagonal rib stitch) I'm using with it to make a slim scarf...

Another yarn I got was Tsuki (silk 40% superkid mohair 60%). It looks almost black in the picture, but it's really a vibrant dark electric blue...

And here is what I plan to make out of it...

Finally, I got some lush Big Bunz (90% angora, 10% nylon). Super, super soft and gotta love the name. I think I'll do a small cable scarf with it...really wanna make that angora sweater some day...

Anyway, a great, great place! Check them out at www.artfibers.com.

Random Nationals Pics

2007-05-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

These were all taken by my sister, Genny, at her second or third ever dog show.

Poor Ef ...he can't help having a coat

Jeri, Lizzie, Traci, and Sedona in classes

Savannah in classes

Too fast for the camera

Could she shed any more?

Okay, who did that?!?

2007-05-14T09:51:00.000-07:00

How did my daemon go from being a glorious tiger to a not so cute bunny rabbit?

The Golden Compass - Daemon

2007-05-12T18:57:00.000-07:00

I haven't read the book or listened to it, but got a bit of a head's up about it on Amy Singer's Knitty blog at http://knitty.com/blog/. It's kind of interesting and I definitely think I'll listen to it...I've got Audible. I dunno about the shy part, but, anyway, here is what it came up with...

How to make her eat and some random pictures

2007-05-10T19:59:00.000-07:00

Savannah's been on a hunger strike...not only does she have to start blowing coat right before Nationals, she thinks it's a great idea to be a tube dog, too. BRAT!!! We've tried everything...different treats in with her food, feeding her in different places, threatening that the cat would eat it for her, taking it away after 15 minutes, leaving it with her in her crate all day, hand feeding her...everything...until tonight. And what was the magic thing to do? Lock her in Libby's big wire crate in the living room and drop food in the crate with her, with no bowl and Libby and Ethan staring at her, willing to eat whatever she wouldn't. So, today anyway, she doesn't like bowls or dishes. Very ornery, but at least she ate it all. Sheesh!!!!

And here are some random pictures taken over the past couple weeks or so.

Bobannah and Woobie

Li'l Bit close up and personal

Nothing like a good play session to tear the cover off the couch and wear ya out

Libby's New Hobby - Halo 2 on XBox 360 (she takes after her dad)

Peaceful coexistence

Stalker?

2007-05-09T19:17:00.000-07:00

Man, I'm a crappy blogger...just had to get that out of the way before telling my story.

On the way back to work today after letting the dogs out at lunch, I decided to stop at a convenience store in the university area to grab my friend and I some diet Dr. Peppers (like you needed to know that). I drove along in my semi-trance headed back to work and pulled into the lot like the thousand other times I've gone to this store. As I'm getting my wallet out of my newly knit and felted bag (which I will show and brag about at Nationals), I see this flash of a blue car in my rear view mirror. It pulled right up behind the Kiasaur very quickly, then, just as quickly, slammed into reverse and powered into the parking space two over from me. How odd!!! I finished what I was doing, trying not to look at this car (afraid to make eye contact), and headed toward the door of the store. This woman somwhat breathlessly comes bounding toward me and, once she realizes what she's done, sort of stutters her way into saying, "Uh, I saw the stickers on the back of your car...so you have a corgi? A Cardigan corgi?" Yup, it was another one of us extremely odd corgi people who just had to track down the owner of that car with a corgi on it that she'd seen in traffic. Been there, done it myself. Turns out she has a pembroke girl who is just over a year old that she got from a breeder out toward Junction City. I didn't get the name of the breeder. And, though we talked about the differences between Cardis and Pemmies and all other corgi related topics for a good ten minutes, I don't know her name or even her dog's name.

Funny, aren't we?

Too dark and rainy

2007-04-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

I tried to take knitting pictures, but my camera sucks for detail with a flash and it's too dang dark and dreary to get a good photo without the flash. Let's see what the ever changing weather of Oregon holds for tomorrow...

Finally

2007-04-18T19:13:00.000-07:00

I am so done with American Idol

2007-04-04T19:49:00.000-07:00

I mean it! I'm not watching any more. Hacks like Sanjaya and Haley are still there, funeral singers like Phil are still there, but Gina got voted off. I didn't expect her to win, but damn if those three shouldn't be gone first. I'm disgusted. Guess those stupid vote for the worst ones are getting their wish and ruining it for me. Bastards!

Plug-Ins?

2007-03-29T20:32:00.000-07:00

Glade needs to make Savannah scented Plug-Ins. Ethan would be in a good mood all the time with those. Wonder if those pheromone ones would do the trick... I've never seen a bigger Ethan grin and he's never been this easy going...no moaning, no teeth chattering, he just plays it smoooooth. :)

Do They Have Doggie After School Specials?

2007-03-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

You know the ones...everything that's happening to your body is completely normal, this is what to expect, and here is how you handle it. Nah, I guess they don't, even though Savannah is ready for one. What was her birthday gift for Mom? She decided to come into her first heat this weekend. It started with Ef acting like he does around the girls he meets at shows...cute, perky, easy going, fun, no growls to be heard. We knew for sure when Savannah told him in no uncertain terms that he could keep his nose to himself, thank you very much, that she was probably officially in. She's been a bit swollen since Thursday or Friday. So, her gift to me is that she won't be in heat at Nationals. Thank you very much, Bobannah! The bad part is that she'll be two weeks into it when the five of us head over to Yachats and have our first Savannah hotel weekend over Easter. Lovely. Please let Ef not be a moaner!!! Please let Savannah not be messy!!! Good grief!!!

And, though I said it on the list, Happy Birthday to Guppy, Caleb, Becca, and Georgi!!!

Show Update and Pictures

2007-03-18T17:03:00.000-07:00

We showed both Ethan and Savannah at the Albany show this weekend. Saturday wasn't great. Ethan barked and barked and barked and barked...so much so that Tami said he was hurting her ears. ACH! Savannah realized right before time to go in that she needed to poo, then promptly forgot the minute we got outside, then acted up the whole time in the ring. She wouldn't stand still, she wouldn't walk straight, she had to bark at the big dogs the next ring over, and the judge was laughing at us. BAAAAADDDD!!! She was second of two in her class. Oh, and Ef got propositioned again, but it'll be a good 18 months before the bitch is ready, even if they still want him then.

Sunday was a new day. Ef was VERY well behaved, no barking or carrying on, having a great time, and today Tami wanted to know what the secret to keeping him chilled out was. He didn't win, but he did in our book! Savannah had a better day, too. We were both calmer and Auntie Kim K and Uncle Mark saved us with a squeaker!!! That made a ton of difference. She moved well, she didn't bark at others, she was great on the table, and she won her class. She was pretty well expired by the time winner's rolled around, and she kept chomping at the bit to do her up and back...more judge laughing, but in a good way this time. She still did okay and I was proud of her.

And Libby was spoiled by having Grammy and Grampy over BOTH days this weekend...a much better treat than going to the show any day! :)

On to the pictures taken in the yard at home this afternoon. Not the greatest shots ever, but they should fill the need for gratuitous puppy shots. Should have brushed Savannah's topline, but oh, well.

The money shot...don't have bait? Just crinkle money in front of their faces. :)

Stand straight? Surely you jest according to Savannah.

Libby didn't want to be left out...this is what can happen when you spay early...long legs and a not so good topline. We lub her, though.

What we're gonna do...

2007-03-11T13:44:00.000-07:00

...we're going! Just Ethan and I, but we're going. We've got our hotel, we've got a lovely co-owner and handler who loves Ef nearly as much as we do (thanks Traci!), and we've scoped out a couple yarn shops (one just five blocks from the fairgrounds). I haven't been to San Francisco since I was in high school...and there is a yarn shop near the touristy areas I just have to visit. Woo hoo! I'm excited!!! Scared by the arm and leg it'll cost, not too thrilled about the long drive, worried about the time off work, but excited. Now, Ef goes to corgi boot camp. Hill walks, teeth cleaning, and handling class every week for practice. Can't wait!!!

And I have room for one more person and a dog or two if anyone wants to take me up on it. I even have a hotel room with two beds and a fridge. :)

What to do, what to do?

2007-03-08T20:31:00.000-08:00

My mom used to sort of sing song that sometimes when one of us kids had a decision to make. Well, now I guess it's my turn to sing song about one of my "kids" and decision to be made. What to do, what to do?

Paul's company is changing product lines, selling plants, and minimizing work force. While he's still gainfully employed, many of his co-workers aren't and he gets to take on some of their duties. They also are going to a set vacation schedule, meaning the plant closes and everyone is on vacation. When the plant's open, no one gets to be on vacation. Lovely.

What's the decision to made? There are a few actually. Nationals is in May, but it is almost a complete impossibility that Paul will be able to go. So, do I want to go without him? Which dog or dogs should I bring with me? Is it worth making the trip? How do I enter the Megan if I'm not a member (or how fast can I become a member, even though I'm not sure I want to be...see the COE debate on the ShowCardi list today, which really all boils down to color breeding...but I digress...)? Should I even bother trying? Should I go all alone or coerce someone into riding with me? If I only take one dog, which one and why?

Here are my initial thoughts. Breeders can spot too much hair in an instant and, even if we've got a glamour coat, it's probably too much to expect to do anything in Nationals...love what's under the hair better than a lot of the ones I've seen out there, but don't expect most people to get beyond that, especially at her current age...we'll see what happens in a year or so. So, taking Savannah is likely out, gorgeous movement and all.

So, that leaves going for Ethan. I love Ethan. I think he's a darn nice red dog. Do I think he's worth putting in BOB at Nationals? No. Do I think he'd do alright in the Megan against other red dogs? I think so, but I'm biased. Do I think this may be his only chance to find a girlfriend besides his "sister" (ewwww!!!)? Probably. So, if I do it, it would only be for Ethan and only for the Megan, most likely.

Which brings us to the more logistical questions...how fast can I make him eligible to show in the Megan? And who is going to handle him? Now, don't look at me! I've shown a 6 month old puppy once...this is Nationals and he's red and he needs someone with more experience, so who? And how long do I stay? And do I get someone to ride with me? And how many yarn shops are near Pleasanton? Oh, sorry, meandering thoughts again.

After all that, what say you? I guess the essential question is, "Is it worth showing Ethan in the Megan?" I think everything else could be worked out from there. And don't be swayed by "but you've got to go," "you know you really want to," "you so don't want to miss it," or "it won't be near us again for another 4 years," please. In other words, HELP!!! Wish I knew how to put up a poll on Blogger!!!

Pictures and Video

2007-03-03T19:23:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted anything in awhile, but thought I'd just put up some candid photos I took in the yard this afternoon. There is also a video I posted at YouTube so you all can see the fuzz moving and tell me what you think. There have been no trimmings since Feb. 8 or 9 and the ears haven't been touched since Portland, at least a couple weeks before that. I don't think she's quite as endowed as her sister, but she's got plenty to spare. I'll also include pictures of Ethan's ungroomed back and the two of them together for comparison. I've been told Ef's coat is fine, but I think it's a bit long in a couple places. Savannah's is a bit longer than that, but she's also young still...Ef grew into his mane. :) Anyway, lemme know what you think of candid Miss Savvy at 7 months.

And if anyone knows how to make Blogger put the pictures at the end instead of the start automatically, I'd appreciate it if you'd tell me how!

Itty Bitty Pretty One

2007-02-03T20:20:00.000-08:00

Okay, well not that itty bitty, but it seemed a nice title. Savannah had her rabies shot today and was weighed. She turned 6 months on January 30 and she weighed 24.4 lbs. today. So, we add the possible 8 lbs. by full grown and she'll top out at around 32 to 33 lbs. Perfect for what I'm looking for. I had a GSP friend tell me she is definitely feminine, but not snipey. Phew!! Now if only she had a bit closer coat...

Savannita at the Show

2007-02-02T08:25:00.000-08:00

These pictures are courtesy of Hamcam (Mark) from the Portland show in late January. Savannah got to be a big girl and visit. It also was her first trip on a big yellow bus, which she really wasn't impressed with. :)

Here is my friends' dog, Shadowalk All in Good Time, "Ollie", finishing his championship the day I got to visit! They have two of Libby's littermate sisters.

And here is a gratuitously cute photo of my nephews. The one on the left is 7 month old Quinn and the one on the right is nearly 3 year old Keegan. Yup, Quinn's a big guy!

Really Quick Picture Post

2007-01-15T16:04:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of the dogs in the recent snow...some of which is still on the ground now and may get added to tomorrow. The pictures at the bottom are of the two alpaca scarves I made for my dad and stepmom and sent off to Alaska...and they made it in time for Christmas!!!

Alpaca illusion knit scarf from the top

This is the same scarf from the side...and now the illusion is revealed. :)

Also in alpaca...wavy scarf from Knitty.com

Wavy scarf detail

It's been a long time...

2007-01-05T14:41:00.000-08:00

Wow! I haven't posted in ages. Don't have any pictures to put up right away, but I'll download some and get them up later this weekend. I've got some finished projects that have finally been gifted and a couple I finished for myself that have finally been blocked.

It's been a busy holiday season for us. We've had tons going on with the dogs, the family, and ourselves. We had several wonderful celebrations over the holidays and really enjoyed our families. Things change there, but you can still count on others to be the same. And we'll have more get togethers soon, I'm sure, when Dad and Kathleen come home for a visit from Alaska in the last half of the month. I can't wait!

As I write this, I'm recovering from a horrendous cold and LASIK surgery that I had yesterday. I still have a bit of trouble seeing the computer screen, but it's so much better right now than it was this morning. Just amazing!!! I had my one day follow up this morning, which was actually less than 24 hours after surgery and my vision is technically better than 20/20...I can see some on the 20/15 line. It's just getting my brain used to and my corneas healed up enough to see the in betweens and clarify some of the details. It's just absolutely amazing...I said that already, didn't I? I've worn glasses or contacts since I was 8 years old. This is the first time since then that I can wake up, open my eyes and see clearly without having to have any kind of aid. Amazing!

Savannah's had some big milestones in the past month, too. Her registration papers arrived, so she is officially Wolfrun White Lightnin'. Now we just have to see what kind of letters we can put around that. She's so darn smart and so willing to please. I think she may be destined for obedience, if her mom can figure that sort of thing out. And if she stays more moderately sized she could do agility, though I know I'd hold her up there! She also has lost most of her baby teeth and has all her big girl canines coming in. Poor little thing, but she's a trooper and put up with it quite well. She also go her first big girl crate. Everyone teases us about the giant corgi condos our other two have...size 400s. Well, believe it or not, we went for a 300 for Bobannah. We just couldn't fit 3 400s in the Kiasaur and don't think she'll be as big as Libby and Ethan...at least we certainly hope not.

She also had her first handling class where she actually practiced this past Tuesday. For being a spoiled rotten 5 month old puppy who never has to walk on a leash at home, she did quite well. There is a golden/cardi person there who covets her, that's for sure. She keeps going on about her personality and how nice she is. She even pretended to steal her when we shut the lights out to go. :) I know she's waiting for just the right black puppy bitch, too, but I sure am fortunate this one is ours! She's going to be so much easier to handle than my darling/ornery red boy! The other interesting thing is that one of the kennel club members actually asked if Savannah was related to Maya, whom she'd only seen in the ring when visiting the golden/cardi person. I definitely see a resemblance, but I think she looks more like Huxley right now. She's got some habits that remind me of both of them...and her bark sounds like them, too. Silly little girl!!! I love her tons!!!

Libby's nose is put out because she can't be bed dog for a week after the eye surgery. That's been her major special thing that keeps her different from Ef and Savannah. She's pouting about it, of course. She and Ef are out playing right now. They were getting a little rough and tumble, so I brought Savannah back in. Lib and Ef need time to play by themselves without their little sister always butting in. Both Savannah and Ethan gang up on Libby...it's a wonder she has taken one or both of them out by now!

Well, that's a real quick update...about all I can stand right now...eyes are getting tired and I reallllllllyyyy need to be knitting!

Babies in the backyard

2006-12-17T17:26:00.000-08:00

Had to use digital zoom, which sucks on my camera, to get this, but I finally got all three of them in one place. Here is the proof!

Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

2006-12-16T20:25:00.000-08:00

The angels are singing, there is reason to rejoice...I've just completed my last bit of holiday knitting! I have accomplished all I hoped and I'm more than a week ahead of schedule. Hmmm...maybe I should try to stuff one more gift project in. What am I thinking?!?! Of course not!!!! Ahhhhhhh, I sigh in relief! Now to knit a bit on one of my UFOs and then to begin again on the gifties in Janaury. Woo hoo!!!!

And in the other kind of cardigan news...Savannah is becoming a toothless wonder. She spit out two last night that I had to pick up. Nasty! She looks so funny...little face and a row of big girl teeth on the top and bottom, yet tiny little baby canines. Silly girl!!!

It blows....

2006-12-14T19:50:00.000-08:00

Not life, but the wind. Damn it's windy tonight! A major deluge with immense gusts. Paul says it sounds like a jet engine when you go outside. I'm hoping it doesn't blow the roof or the siding off the house!!! Scary!!!

Took Savannah to handling class the first time this past Tuesday. We didn't practice...I just wanted her to see what it was like, get comfy around the big dogs, and get used to the noises. We'll start running her next week. Got compliments from the folks who have Libby's sisters. They're getting a puppy out of a litter in Arizona soon. I could tell they coveted my little black dog a bit, especially when they mentioned that they were unfortunately getting a blue. They were hoping for a black, too. And the famous Carbon puppy personality continues...they even mentioned how lovely his puppies' personalities are. Savannah was well-behaved, friendly, good with the other dogs, and calm. She showed off her large repertoire of tricks, including her lovely natural stacking. Too darn cute!!!

As Traci said on her blog, one of the things I've been knitting away on was a bag for her. I'm so, so glad she likes it!!! I also made a scarf for my sister that caused me some trouble, as it was the first (and only) thing I've ever knitted on straight needles. Never again, I say!!! I forgot to get a picture of it, so I'll have to rely on her, as I have Traci (see below), to take a pic and send it to me. I've also got two things done to send to Alaska, one of which needs to be blocked, and I've got something to make for my nephew that I should be able to get done by the 23rd with no trouble. Then I'll finish my clapotis and maybe work on my homespun cardigan before I start my next exciting gift project that I've got to finish by the end of January. In February, my friend at work, Jennifer, and I plan to do a bag knitalong. I've got a couple skeins of Kureyon in the deep seas colorway that I'm going to use in a Fibonacci sequence with black to make a nice felted bag. Fun!

Traci's bag

Quick Catch Up and Obligatory Pics

2006-12-04T21:35:00.000-08:00

I have so neglected my blog lately...so much to do, so little time. Need to win the lottery just so I can stay home and get it all done...and knit a lot. Where to start?

Turkey day? Didn't really have one until this weekend. Paul and I took it upon ourselves to make it for ourselves yesterday when our original Thanksgiving weekend plans fell through. It's okay that they fell through...four days off of work is always something to be thankful for!

A week ago today was our last puppy socialization class. Savannah was a good gainer over some of the other puppies, but she's only keeping up with Sedona out of our recent group's batch of babiez. She weighed 16.8 lbs that class at 17 weeks and one day. I'm sure she's gained her lb for this week, too...she's starting to take a bit of effort to lift her up and hang onto her for awhile. Nothing like puppies to build muscle in your arms! She really blossomed in class after having been shy and clingy at first. By the end, she held all the nasty boys off and was quite vocal about having her string cheese quota met during class. :) I think I'll take her to visit handling class tomorrow night...if I can get her a bath...you'll see the dirty mud princess pretending to be show dog pictures below. I just want her to get a feel for the atmosphere and to know all is well.

Savannah also got to see her first snow last Monday. Now, you must remember, this is lower Willamette valley snow, which means it looks like a heavy freeze, just mushier, but we still call it snow here. It was dark, so not a lot of great pictures of the black dog in the white snow during black sky time, but we've got a couple.

Knitting, oy, knitting! I have been knitting and felting and trying to get things done for birthdays and Christmas and can't talk about any of it. Dang! Did try a new technique that I think is just the coolest thing, called illusion knitting, but that's about all I can say for now. Double dang!! Also have a new favorite yarn for felting, but can't even talk abou that. Triple dang!!! Loving the knitting, though...looking forward to being selfish and knitting for myself again, too. :)

Okay, pictures below will start with a couple of the psuedo snow and then move on to quickly taken table pictures taken during lunch hour today in a huge rush to catch the sunshine. It's supposed to start raining again tonight, though it's not supposed to last long.

The Mud Princess

2006-11-25T11:34:00.000-08:00

Haven't posted in awhile...been pretty busy and didn't have much to say...but wanted to share why we call Savannah the mud princess. These pics show it a bit, but she is actually much muddier than she looks here, even. :)

Quick Update

2006-11-13T21:21:00.000-08:00

We had a rough weekend...Ethan can't decide if he loves or hates Savannah and Libby goes whichever way he does. So, we've backed up a bit and are only having dogs out in pairs for the most part right now. Seems to help. Got to get Ef reassured that we're not going to bite his head off if he acts normal with little "get outta my face, kid" growls, but that he will be in trouble if he goes overboard. I also think Savannah may smell a bit different and he's a bit torn between her and Libby. We'll just keep working it. We know it'll have to be this way when Savannah goes into heat, so I guess we're getting practice now.

Tonight was Savannah's regular puppy class. She's pretty skittish at first...of course, the bully pem puppy jumped on her the minute I set her down. Once things calmed down a bit and the instructor, Charlotte, grabbed the pem, she came out of her shell again. Charlotte wants us to bring her to the Thursday classes, too. I guess she had one drop out and one puppy actually was killed (puppy and older dog got out and puppy got hit on the highway...older dog stayed to protect it...very sad!!!), so the Thursday class is small. Charlotte says she wants her to come and have more exposure since she'll be a show dog. Funny that she's completely outgoing at home and not at all fearful, even with Ethan and Libby being buttheads sometimes. She does all the tricks that class would offer her, so it's just for socialization. We'll also start handling class after her fourth shot next week. She's definitely growing now. She's up to 14.8 lbs at 15 weeks, so that's good. And I think it was mostly legs, length and nose this week. We'll try to get some more pictures tomorrow. Oh, and the people at class asked if we'd shaved her...guess she's growing into her hair. She's not going to be one of those black undercoated blacks, though, I'm afraid...the grown up undercoat is coming in red. Figures...we're a household of reds...one way or another. :)

Just dawned on me...

2006-11-08T22:39:00.000-08:00

I think the way this blogger thing works, you'll see this post first, but I'd rather you go below and read that one first. Dang again!!!

Another thing...do all of your dogs' eyes glow different colors? Ours do...Libby's glow greenish yellow, Ethan's glow reddish orange, and Savannah's glow blue. Can anyone tell us why this might be? Weird! It could be pitch black, but if I could get a reflection of each of their eyes, I could tell by the color which dog it is. Strange!!!

Savannah looking pensive at the end of a bark

Playing with her Woobie

Kung Fu Corgi

14 Week and Few Days Pictures

2006-11-08T22:17:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm just gonna throw 'em at ya and comment below...

We figured out at this point that we should do the non-show side first, because she calms down and relaxes with a bit more working time. Hmmmm.... doh!

Seems I've reached my limit on this one, so I'll open another post for more. The last few have been an attempt to give Auntie Kate an idea of the fringe we have going on here. I have also now figured out that my camera sucks for indoor and close up shots. Damn! Also, the red on the back of the ears shows, but it's not as bright as it seems to be in the photos. I think the flash may have something to do with that. Anyway, wrapping this one and on to the next for more pictures.

Savannah finds her inner cardi bitch...

2006-11-06T21:45:00.000-08:00

Tonight was our third night of puppy class and our little wallflower finally came out of her shell. I'm pretty sure somewhere deep down she figured out that Brandy is her grandmother and Maya is her auntie/half sister, because she told those nasty boys in puppy class right where they could put their rude little noses and if they didn't, she'd just nip 'em off for 'em. :) The other owners all thought she was the sweetest most shy little thing, but she put the other puppies in their place tonight without being obnoxious about it. She was so good, played well, and had a great time. Charlotte, the instructor, kept going on about how she really blossomed tonight. All I can say is, "You go, Girl!" :)

She also gained 1.1 lbs. for a total of 13.5 at 14 weeks. And she knows down, stand, watch, leave it, come here, and her two newest ones - up and speak. I don't think I'll have to do anything special to her body, but I'll definitely have to do some, um, weeding from her shoulders forward. We'll see. Her coat reminds me of Joey's or Caleb's. And still zero messes in the house! I lub her!!!!

Gift Knitting

2006-11-05T15:42:00.000-08:00

The problem with holiday/birthday gift knitting is that you don't get to share as you go along. You can't even brag about the wonderful yarns you've found at great deals, or the lovely new technique you're going to use, or the beautiful colors you're working with, or the new patterns you've designed. No bragging until after gifts are given. Bummer!

Actually cardi content later today after bathing, brushing, toe nail grinding, and, of course, photo taking. Poor abused smelly puppy!!!

A breakthrough

2006-10-29T19:39:00.000-08:00

I think the video probably says it all. Sometimes dogs know more than the humans do. Ethan's treatment of Savannah is a good example. He's been growly and ornery with her, not letting her get away with much of anything. Smart dog! Now she respects and adores him, while treating Libby as a total equal and always attacking her. I guess Ef does understand pack order. What a good boy! I love my girls, but damn I love my silly red dog!!! The original video is nearly 10 minutes long and You Tube doesn't let you use a lot...I'm new to this video stuff. I'll have to play when I have more time to learn.

Ef and Savannah 10-29-06

Freaky!

2006-10-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

This happened lasst night, but stupid Blogger wouldn't let me upload the damn picture. No picture, no story, so here we go with what I wrote last night.

The strangest thing just happened! First, we heard this slight popping noise that the house has made a hundred times when temperatures change and it shifts a bit. Then, a bit later, we hear this loud crack from the bathroom. I don't have a lot of space in there and leave my hair dryer on the back of the toilet and it just sounded like it had fallen down onto the floor or the lid of the toilet. We keep the door closed with a new puppy in the house. When we went in to check what was up, everything seemed in place until we looked up at the window and saw this.

We were sure someone was in our backyard taking pop shots at the house until we went outside and saw that the window was whole on that side. Only the inside portion of the double paned window broke. How weird is that?!?! Paul was just about to go in and take a shower, too. Glad he didn't! Have no idea what it'll take to fix this, but it has to be one of the oddest home repair things I've ever seen. I'll have to call Dad and see what we should do!

Twelve weeks and one day and more

2006-10-23T22:20:00.000-07:00

At 12 weeks, it's official, Savannah's a potty prodigy. I'm not bragging (much), but there have still been zero accidents...none in the house and none in the crate...and she now goes to the back door and barks when she needs to go out. Just one small bark, not incessant barking. Thank goodness!

She does have a wee bit of a temper when she doesn't like what you're doing...like grinding toe nails...and she's got a dramatic flair, but otherwise she's the easiest going of the three. She backs down when necessary and she jumps right back in when it's time. She doesn't scare easily and is willing to check things out when they do startle her. She knows "watch", "leave it", "down", "stand", and "come here". She's just plain smart! And way damn cute and a little energizer bunny. As we speak, she is busy frapping around the living room and kitchen trying to wear herself out enough to go to sleep. She's starting to go to the bedroom door where everyone but she and I are sleeping and she's looking intently at her crate, so I better wrap this up.

She's cooperating a little more...next to work on the stretch.

The light was fading fast!

On other news, my dad is happy in Alaska and having a great time. Here is a picture of him with his new Alaskan boat. He looks healthy and that's oh so important even though I miss him like crazy!!!

Another reason for a blog

2006-10-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

Pictures are the overriding theme here, but I just had to send the latest my sister sent me of my nephews. The cutey with the upside down frog on his head is my 2 1/2 year old nephew, Keegan. The one looking proud of his rolling over achievement is my nearly 4 month old nephew, Quinn, when he was only 3 months. Yup, he's a big kid....we're already planning his future football career. :)

I suck at this

2006-10-17T21:30:00.000-07:00

I haven't a clue how to do the stacking thing. My table is too damn big and too damn heavy to bring out every day. ACH! Guess I'm buying myself a table instead of yarn next month. :( It needs to be a wee bit higher and a ton lighter. Any favorites? I need it to fit both Savannah and Ethan. I know he can be better...he just has to be taught how and he has to be taught regularly. It's not happening now and I'm so exhausted I can barely write this with the way work and life have been lately, but it must be done and I know it's do-able. I just haven't a clue when, though I know a lighter table will help.

So, here are the obligatory attempt at stacking at 11 weeks pictures...and I'm not even showing what we tried to take of Ethan. They're inside and the flash is too close, so the quality isn't good, but we're trying.

Can you tell by the tightly gripped muzzle how cooperative she was?

So abused!

Rough night

Where did the week go?

2006-10-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

Has it really been a week since I posted anything?!? Busy, busy week, that's for sure. Savannah's growing like crazy, Libby's decided she's staying, and Ethan thinks she's great...as long as she stays outside. It's getting better, but still a bit of a pain...always have to be vigilant inside. He'll get over it.

We went to our first puppy kindergarten at the vet's office last night. The class was big. Something like 11 puppies, so she split the group to two nights. We'll be in a group with a pemmie, a shiba, a dachshund, lab/border collie/goldie/something mix, and maybe another one or two. Savannah wasn't so sure about all those other dogs, especially when the instructor tried to put the shiba on his back. He's already bullying his owners, as shibas are wont to do, and the instructor happens to be the breeder of this particular boy, so she took him in hand to show him she was boss. Of course, when the typical shiba screaming didn't get her to stop, he decided to poop on her. Lovely! All the other puppies were like, "We'll do whatever she wants!" We've gone to this same class with our other two, so she was shocked at how calm and laid back Savannah is compared to Libby and Ethan. Can I just hear a hallelujah on this one?!? :) Finally, a calm Cardi...thank you, Louise, and Styxie, and Carbon!!!!!

Savannah did make nice with a cavalier that will be in the other class and the big mix puppy and talked a bit to the pemmie. Everyone just thought she was adorable, of course. And I'm proud to report that she's gained her pound (and a bit more) this week. She was 10.6 lbs. at 11 weeks. We'll attempt to do the obligatory stacked on the table pictures tonight between all the other things we've got to accomplish today. :)

We need to do some training

2006-10-10T20:25:00.000-07:00

Okay, so we've been bragging about how wonderfully the potty training has been going, which it still is, but we've got to work on that table stuff! Here is our really lame attempt at 10 week stacking. No laughing, please. Remember, we didn't do early training with Ef...Traci did. :) We didn't have a clue and we weren't looking to get one, either. So, now we're learning. Oh, and there was no combing prior to the taking of these pictures...we'll do better next time, Mandy! :)

Forget me looking straight ahead!

Here's the other side...all scrunched up with a hair bump in the middle of her back.

I can look straight ahead!

All done!