Artfibers in San Francisco

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

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?!?

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

The Golden Compass - Daemon

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

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?

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

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

:)

I am so done with American Idol

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?

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?

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

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...

...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?

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

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

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

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

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...

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!