Winter Survival Kit

It was a lovely, lovely surprise when we got home from Denver yesterday and found the package from my Swag Swap partner! Yaaay! So fun! My generous partner provided survival items for Lailah and me! Just look at the goodies! Two items are not in the picture, which I'll explain in a bit.



 

  First of all, I know I'll survive with the darling project bag she sent. The Boxer bag is just precious! Love it! I am sharing the pretzel treats with my DH so everyone in the house is enjoying goodies from my swap partner. I thank her so much! You can see how cute the Boxer puppies calendar is--so sweet. She also sent a cute metal button that says "Keep calm & Hug a Boxer" which I stuck on the cork board in the kitchen. In addition to the set of raw hide chews, Lailah received this:

See it there? The red thing, yes, that's it. Guess who loves it and carries it all through the house and outdoors? If you guessed me, you're wrong! ;)  It is a clever toy for an adult dog--a goofy looking dog cover that has an empty water bottle in it. You know that loud crinkling sound the plastic bottle makes when you squeeze it? Like when you're in a meeting and the bottle loudly crunches and you try to slide under the table? Yep, that sound. Add a squeaker to that and there it is! Lailah thinks it's great! I love watching her play with it.

Sincere thanks  to my swap partner on Ravelry Swag Swap.

Oh.....have you heard about the Super Bowl?? Here's what you need to say: 

GOoooooo Broncos!!!

 

(Full diclosure: two of my former students are affiliated with the Bronco organization--one is a scout, the other is a player.  WOOT-WOOT!)

Play Fetch!

 

" You've been knitting long enough.
Now put down the yarn and throw this toy for me!"

My sweet Lailah giving me "the look"!

Click to see more Saturday Snaps.

Crocheted Ruffle Scarf

 

 For a quickie project there's nothing quite like the ruffle (or potato chip) scarf--crocheted version-- done here with some aran weight stash yarn and an I hook.
 

 

 My model, the lovely Lailah, did not want to sit and stay. However, she executed a model's stretch in a most fetching way.
 

 

Pink is obviously her color though maybe not this particular pink item in 90-degree temps!  Good Lailah.

Ruby Tuesday

 

Lailah guards her new toy. She doesn't share her toys at all!

Celebrate Ruby Tuesday! Post a photo of your choice and taken by you that contains the color red and link to this blog.

Dogs-n-Books on Thursday

Question from the hostesses:

What is your favorite summertime drink??

My all the time, anywhere go-to beverage is Diet Coke.

http://dogsonthursday.blogspot.com/

Max and Lailah check the placement of the pot of daisies on the deck. Approved!

http://btt2.wordpress.com
A combo of two suggestions by: Heidi and by litlove
Have you ever been a member of a book club? How did your group choose (or if you haven’t been, what do you think is the best way to choose) the next book and who would lead discussion?
Do you feel more or less likely to appreciate books if you are obliged to read them for book groups rather than choosing them of your own free will? Does knowing they are going to be read as part of a group affect the reading experience?

I have been in two book clubs and enjoyed them at the time. In both groups, members mentioned books they had read or were inclined to read. The group discussed the books and settled on one to read next. It was all very civil, actually. No blood was let. The person who suggested the book led the discussion. Some used novel ways to get into the book, bringing fun and interest to the reading.

Knowing the book was read for a group didn't affect my enjoyment so much as trying to read books that I couldn't connect with. I eventually decided that if I didn't like the book by a certain point, I just didn't read it.

 

Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” ---John 6:28-29

Dogs-n-Books on Thursday

Peek-a-boo! When I grabbed the camera, both had their eyes closed.

http://btt2.wordpress.com/

Have your book tastes changed over the years? More fiction? Less? Books that are darker and more serious? Lighter and more frivolous? Challenging? Easy? How-to books over novels? Mysteries over Romance?

Great question, given my advanced years. :D It does give me pause to think about the many books I've enjoyed and what common threads may connect them relative to my situation at the time. The first thing that I realize is that I tend to select non-fiction featuring characters near my own age at the time of reading. I do look for characters and/or topics that connect to me in age or circumstance as well as those that transport me to another place.
Though I've always enjoyed biography, my reading includes more memoirs and biographies now. I find it interesting to read about life's patterns and how each is affected by them, how each reacts, how I react. Life's journey connects everyone. I have moved away from autobiography and found an affinity for memoirs. I do tend to read several books about the same person or group to detect commonalities in each book. That gives credence to what most probably is true. Well, unless its the same interview subject in every book!!
I definitely have excluded books that are sexually graphic and/or violent. Now, I read to experience positive feelings at the end of the book. I avoid sad and very emotional books. Yes, I now realize upon reflection, that it has everything to do with changes over the years.

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As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength. ~ Psalm 138:3

Knitting In The Rain...Just Knitting In The Rain...

What a glorious feeling! I love rain. Always have. I was standing in the open doorway to the deck when I noticed that part of the swing was dry because of the roof over-hang and the lack of wind. I grabbed the cable square I am knitting for the Sampler Ghan. Of course, my water loving assistant, Lailah came along too. Rocking on the swing while knitting and listening to the rain was so relaxing, I decided to run inside to grab my camera.

And returned to find this tangled mess in Lailah's mouth after she had run around the deck table and chairs a couple of times!! Can you relate?

Lailah can look contrite in an instant. She does it several times a day!

As darkness fell, I could barely see my knitting, so I leaned back and enjoyed the pattering rain and creaking sound of the swing for several minutes. So peaceful, beautiful, soothing despite my adventure with yarn and Lailah...again.

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I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign Lord. I will tell everyone that you alone are just.~ Psalm 71:16

Books-n-Dogs on Thursday

Dedicated to Fireflynights.

"Pick up the nearest book. (I’m sure you must have one nearby.)
Turn to page 123.
What is the first sentence on the page?
The last sentence on the page?
Now . . . connect them together….(And no, you may not transcribe the entire page of the book–that’s cheating."

Chocolat by Joanne Harris Page 123
First sentence: "For some reason she wants to abet them."

This would be the famous abetting scene in which the gypsies arrive unabashedly as visitors and sell supplies for cash-money. Then there is the "hiss-thump!" of the breathing machine that prevents pere from indicating what should be done about the gypsies---how to get rid of them.
The decision to speak to the woman is daunted by the disdainful look of the MAN with a glass in his hand. He was drinking something!

Last sentence: "He looked dangerous, violent, in his filthy overalls and long, loose hair, and for a second I felt a thin stab of anxiety for the woman."

Now then, aren't we all so happy that Joanne's writing of the mid-section is what it is! :)

Max & Lailah:

"OK. Got it. Spring snow storm. Can we come back in now?"

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Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:17

Friday Fill-In and More!!

1. Tonight I saw all the mistakes I made in a new knitting pattern I'm doing. Fixed now!

2. Joyfulness and thanksgiving makes me wanna dance!

3. Splitting a few appetizers between friends: Me, "Do you want to split one?" Friend, "Oh yes, They look decadent!" Moments of eating pleasure, then Me, "Do you want to split another one?" Friend, "Of course! Why not?"

4. Alecia, a gracious woman at church, is someone I'd like to get to know better.

5. The smell of Easter lilies reminds me so much of springtime!

6. A kiss from DH and that made it all better.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to recuperating from a tough week of health problems, tomorrow my plans include continue recuperating with the help of meds and breathing treatments and Sunday, I want to have fun at the Rockies/Diamondbacks game at Coors Field. I plan to have reasonably recovered by then!

In Response to Questions in the Comments (Love comments!)

The Santa Fe pic on Wordless Wednesday was taken about two weeks ago when DH and I took a road trip to Tucson to see some Rockies games at Spring training camp. And now, the season has begun! We drove through two days of white-out blizzards in Raton Pass in northern NM.

While in Santa Fe, we visited the Georgia O'Keefe Museum for the first time. I was enchanted by the peaceful atmosphere, the simplicity, and the thrill of seeing original O'Keefe works! I bought a couple more small prints to add to my collection.

Arriving in Tuscon meant trading snow for mild sunburns!

Then on to Scottsdale for another Rockies game.



And, yes, we did drive a little way on Route 66. My first trip on 66 was in the '60s when my grandparents took my middle sister and I from NE Ohio to San Diego and many other interesting places in the West. I remember Colorado and Denver on the drive home and decided CO was a most amazing place. Never in my wildest imaginary journeys did I ever consider that I'd move to CO in 1974 and remain here to this very day!

Moving right along....

The Friday Night Knitter's Club by Kate Jacobs
My notation in my reading journal says, "so-so/got bored with it." Knowing that its a huge hit among knitters, and apparently others as well, I feel like a turn-coat, a heretic. But, here's the thing, I stayed with it to page 204 and could not get engaged with the characters. It seemed predictable with some stereotypical characterizations. I put a bookmark after page 204 and returned it to the bookshelf where it is resting comfortably.
So that's my true confession. But, that's just me. I'm just saying....

On Max being relaxed.... Poor boy. Though always Mellow Max by nature, he now suffers with arthritis at 10+ years of age. So, yes, he may be a bit zoned-out on pain meds and the anti-inflammatory med, well also, the Benedryl and thyroid med--all prescribed after weeks of tests at the Colorado State University Veterinary Hospital and our personal vet. Maybe he's groovin' to the Eagles (who completely predate Max) or Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band or "How Much is That Doggy in the Window". Anyway, he's not crying...or moaning. Nope, not many action shots of Max, good ol' boy... My sweet Max. :)

Dogs 'n' Books on Thursday

"When somebody mentions “literature,” what’s the first thing you think of? (Dickens? Tolstoy? Shakespeare?)
Do you read “literature” (however you define it) for pleasure? Or is it something that you read only when you must?"

In considering these questions, I realize that I think of literature in terms of the quality of the piece rather than as a body of work by specific author(s). I am drawn by the pro forma attributes of skillful writing as well as content or topic, that is, a sense of place, characterization, plot development, climax, and denouement. (Sounds very textbook!)

Someone in a book swap noted that I read "literary fiction", a comment that caused me to wonder if that terminology has been a result of big box book stores' categorization process or if its been around for a while. It was unfamiliar to me at that time. So, yes, I do read literature for the beauty of the writing, the vocabulary as well as the story line.

Today's questions are thought-provoking and quite interesting. Find a book and read on!

Max -- Relax

LailahA Coke and A Smile

 

Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose. Philippians 2:2

Books, Dogs, Thursday

This week’s question comes from Julie, who asks:
While acknowledging that we can’t judge books by their covers, how much does the design of a book affect your reading enjoyment? Hardcover vs. softcover? Trade paperback vs. mass market paperback? Font? Illustrations? Etc.?
The story is most important, so this question led me to realize that the formats listed above do not have a bearing on my selection. Sometimes I prefer an audiobook for my iPod so that would be a qualifier that could impact my selection.

Let sleeping dogs lie!

Max has made his away around a chair and under the desk -- big dog in a small space.

Lailah likes to lay claim to this recliner in the evenings. There are times when she is deposed in favor of a human's use of the chair. Poor baby!!

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Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:23

Book/Dogs On Thursday

"Who is your favorite female lead character? And why? (And yes, of course, you can name more than one . . . I always have trouble narrowing down these things to one name, why should I force you to?)"

A Year By The Sea: Thoughts of an Unfinished Woman by Joan Anderson

Joan is the lead character in this memoir which drew me into the story that I never wanted to end. Her year of learning about herself at a pivotal point in her life spoke to me so vividly that I wanted to know her, become friends with her, have weekly lunches, and share the marvels that she expresses so well in her book.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

Rosaleen and "the Calendar Sisters" for their spiritual strength and powerful connection with Nature. The author describes Mother Nature as looking like Eleanor Roosevelt. Love that image of strength and compassion!

Chocolat by Joanne Harris

Armande is an 80-year-old woman who remains artful, clever, and playful with a strong will and great determination about absorbing pleasure in life. Fantastic character!

Lailah: Have you ever discovered the exactly perfect, unexpected spot for an afternoon nap?
I have.

 

kkkkkkkk

 

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.2 Corinthians 4:7

If Its Thursday, Its Books & Dogs!

"All other things (like price and storage space) being equal, given a choice in a perfect world, would you rather have paperbacks in your library? Or hardcovers? And why?"
Hardcover books are my preference because I enjoy the solid feel and texture of the book cover and the better quality paper. This question has led me to realize that reading is a multi-sensory experience for me as it relates to the format in itself. However, I have been purchasing books to enjoy on my iPod as well --- bringing in another sensory area.
 

How about YOU? What's your preference?

And this from Crochetoholic at http://crochetoholic.blogspot.com/

The Rules
1. Pick up the nearest book of at least 123 pages.
2.Open the book to page 123 and find the 5th sentence.
3. Post the next 3 sentences.
4. Tag 5 people

From The Roosevelts and the Royals by Will Swift, a fascinating page-turner for readers who relish the details of history, page 123:
" As the congressional members awaited the royal couple in the Capitol rotunda, Vice President Garner told inappropriate jokes and stories in an attempt to ease the tension. Spotting the king and queen, he yelled, 'The British are coming!'" Leading isolationist senator William Borah of Idaho was first in line to meet their Majesties as they stood awkwardly beneath a painting of British general Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown, which no one would even had considered removing for this event."

You are tagged!!

:::: drummmm roooolll ::::

And now, the dogs!Lailah -- searching for the perfect toy!

There's no better way to enjoy the perfect toy than to roll and wiggle!

Max serenely observes how youth is wasted on the young.
 

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I don’t concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me. But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD — now and always. Psalms 131:1b-3

Bookin' Through Thursday With Dogs

Happy Valentine's Day to you and those you love!

"Here’s something for Valentine’s Day. Have you ever fallen out of love with a favorite author? Was the last book you read by the author so bad, you broke up with them and haven’t read their work since? Could they ever lure you back?"

Yes, Maggie Sefton, because the quality of her writing seemed to decline in her series of books about a Colorado knitter who happens to solve crimes. The initial books are less formulaic than her more recent efforts.
Yes, I could read her again when her writing returns to its previous compelling and literary level.

How about you? Have you abandoned a formerly fave author?

Lailah and Max enjoy their Valentines from their cyber-canine friends! Thank you to the people who obeyed their doggies and sent Valentines through the "Dogs on Thursday" swap!

*******************This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. John 15:12