tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54918987081995908902024-02-19T04:45:44.837-08:00A Traveling Fishshabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.comBlogger210125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-63616613599604087212016-10-09T14:58:00.000-07:002016-10-09T14:58:55.766-07:00Grand Tetons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28mikt2j15qgxpV93YJaa1FlmEg4HuqJmbWeBNQN6vBAwr3Kje0tuSXAlhCTcf9_KDzZ4oInZPv5zFRvlZfIa3Wa5WpKPn535ulaQCzxY630AfVBx1q30BU0g7EzpmEG-2AX39ZnAqVF3/s1600/IMG_7207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28mikt2j15qgxpV93YJaa1FlmEg4HuqJmbWeBNQN6vBAwr3Kje0tuSXAlhCTcf9_KDzZ4oInZPv5zFRvlZfIa3Wa5WpKPn535ulaQCzxY630AfVBx1q30BU0g7EzpmEG-2AX39ZnAqVF3/s640/IMG_7207.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We took this photo of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming in 2012 while still moseying around the country in the motorhome. They're so majestic, aren't they?<br />
<br />
I miss it, the traveling from the comfort of our home on wheels. I miss waking up one morning and deciding where we'd like to go next. Freedom is what that was. Yes, we're still free, and could still travel in our little travel trailer, but it's not the same. Plus, I work two days a week at a motorsports dealership. Crazy...me working in a motorcycle, atv, & side by side business. I know nothing about motorcycles, no interest whatsoever, although I do seem to be picking up weird odds and ends about them. I work in the office handling the co-op with the manufacturers. That's how that all started. We are the advertising agency for Cochise Motorsports, as well as others. One day the owner asked if I would like to work a couple of days a week. Let's face it, I was already putting all of the co-op paperwork together for their billing, so it was a no brainer. And the idea of a little extra cash for grandkids presents was enticing!<br />
<br />
When he hired me, he said he realized that we were nomads (well, actually he said we were transients and then upgraded us to nomads), and would want to travel some. But as we've settled into our new house in February or March, then started re-imagining the backyard, somehow we've become home bodies entrenched in hauling rocks out of nearby washes and planting trees. It's hard to let go of the idea and feel of planning road trips and just going, but will we do it? I just don't know.shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-6611073170119599932016-09-14T14:57:00.002-07:002016-09-14T14:57:53.246-07:00Arizona Sky<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpLQcQHbaqLykJRr6aS9rOFQG1goBfQaoSz3gEPSF1BbLqSPDaPmCoivy71f7z0bPiB-w_Kz5OR4irzZQxQSQjBLemcWLcRlSinSMYgZtsKo5AdtCep5mLsJmSXm1xjRnj_MhAW_n0_E-/s1600/20160912_182822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpLQcQHbaqLykJRr6aS9rOFQG1goBfQaoSz3gEPSF1BbLqSPDaPmCoivy71f7z0bPiB-w_Kz5OR4irzZQxQSQjBLemcWLcRlSinSMYgZtsKo5AdtCep5mLsJmSXm1xjRnj_MhAW_n0_E-/s640/20160912_182822.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what came through last week as a left over from a hurricane in Mexico. We are so fortunate to have a big piece of sky in the backyard to watch the ever changing clouds. I love how the clouds "blow up" the later the afternoon gets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-13997325395370138022015-03-09T16:20:00.000-07:002015-03-09T16:20:20.926-07:00Spring Doves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BLHs6uA8Me9fS2UxSSQDILPNJwZV_9AHuppAkryCNUCHRsFe5mRMlTdWLOBtg1nIA96Anwf3J1263IFiYcXTv3AY8joyFAvGi0vujTinXqxdCf_baIPtXpuU7cfjB1jgomyqWy0bChF5/s1600/nesting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BLHs6uA8Me9fS2UxSSQDILPNJwZV_9AHuppAkryCNUCHRsFe5mRMlTdWLOBtg1nIA96Anwf3J1263IFiYcXTv3AY8joyFAvGi0vujTinXqxdCf_baIPtXpuU7cfjB1jgomyqWy0bChF5/s1600/nesting.jpg" height="320" width="275" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The doves started building their nest in the eaves of the backyard deck on the 24th of February. I'm not sure how that nest came down that same day, whether by an attack, or just from them flying in and out. Next day, they built a new nest. All was well for a day or so, then the egg fell to the ground.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
:(</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They waited a few days for the next nest, and I really thought they figured it out. This nest lasted several days, then ended up on the ground as well. I started hoping that they wouldn't rebuild it. It made me sad. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But they did rebuild and she sat for a number of days while Daddy Dove spent his days on the fence standing guard. As you can see from the photo, number four was disastrous too. Their nests are simple, just twigs really, easily knocked around. How do they ever manage to hatch those eggs?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
They haven't shown any signs of using that spot again, and I'm so happy about that!shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-56534412913352279282014-03-10T16:09:00.000-07:002014-03-10T16:09:08.024-07:00Life with Reggie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LMQ07llSlt_y_hAs57OONSkvQJmOGo8PZmvzjSvD-Fejcn63H-fPPH62iNFxeBBzG_dgl8XkEam3lJz7moLYIMZE96orUT5KRHwx_9YGDfjI3r0CS7J4mZWP2LFILvE0ot8Zbds4xn4N/s1600/Reggie+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LMQ07llSlt_y_hAs57OONSkvQJmOGo8PZmvzjSvD-Fejcn63H-fPPH62iNFxeBBzG_dgl8XkEam3lJz7moLYIMZE96orUT5KRHwx_9YGDfjI3r0CS7J4mZWP2LFILvE0ot8Zbds4xn4N/s1600/Reggie+1.jpg" height="640" width="622" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We have been talking "around" finding a rescue dog to make a part of our family for a few months now. We knew we had to wait until we moved back into our house. It wouldn't have been fair to uproot him a couple of different times through our transition out of the motorhome. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We looked at rescue sites online for a couple of weeks. And look who jumped out at us! He's a little larger than I thought, but after a drive (1 1/2 hrs) to Tucson, we weren't going to let that stand in the way. They say 45 lbs, I say 50. He's part Scottish Deerhound and part German Shepherd? Reggie is seven years old and pretty well-behaved. The warning that came with him is that he's an escape artist! (Can scale tall buildings, climb a chain link fence, and jump into the neighbor's yard in a single bound.) Well, he did end up in the neighbor's yard one day with their two dogs. Luckily, they all got along, but then there was the problem of getting him back into our yard. They were not home, gate locked, and no way to get him. After much coaxing, he managed to jump between the metal slats, and was really happy to be back on this side.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yo1fVx4h0g90llyvNVg0jIF955X2iw0sIcWVVrnPbI_Za7gsNL1-nSy61c8XYfN-A-j-PceqGMht7oymufZVjcy4WdW01Hvs30rT8gMoELjBXqWoAIdp8wlM-2F_U0SvJ4KjwZc7bGzN/s1600/Reggie+on+alert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yo1fVx4h0g90llyvNVg0jIF955X2iw0sIcWVVrnPbI_Za7gsNL1-nSy61c8XYfN-A-j-PceqGMht7oymufZVjcy4WdW01Hvs30rT8gMoELjBXqWoAIdp8wlM-2F_U0SvJ4KjwZc7bGzN/s1600/Reggie+on+alert.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think the only thing that stops him from going over this back fence is that there is about an 8' drop on the other side. I can only pray that he doesn't try it! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
Reggie has slipped out of his collar on a walk, and had THE best time galloping around the neighborhood. We keep having to figure out new ways to foil his exploits. For this one in particular, we found a really great harness at Target by Boots & Barkley, $12.99. It has material that fits under his chest up to the collar area of the harness in front, and more material that clips around his tummy and back. The ring that holds the leash clip is attached to the back section which keeps him from using his neck muscles to pull. Plus, the edging on the material is reflective! Cool.<br />
<br />
He never barked for two days. We began to think that it was just the Deerhound in him (they are not big barkers). Well, not so much. Yes, he will bark at the neighbors, anyone walking on the street, and pretty much anyone he doesn't know, and that is everyone.<br />
<br />
Here's the good news. :) I believe that he has had some training before, not that anyone recently has followed up on it. I'm the first to admit that I was never good at following up with training either with any other dog that I've had. I find that this is a very different situation. He was surrendered by his original owner because they could not contain him. My feeling is that he spent way too much time alone in a backyard. I get it. People have to work, etc. Then he was taken to a shelter (SPCA), evaluated and kept there for as long as is allowed. Cold, Wet, Noses (a no kill animal rescue) in Tucson picked him up, got all of his shots up to date, his teeth cleaned, and placed him in a foster situation. <br />
<br />
He was adopted a few weeks before we found him. They had him for a few days then returned him for whatever reason. Well, actually they said Reggie did not like them. Imagine how confused this boy must be! <br />
<br />
So, we have started our own training with him through PetSmart. I will be much better at following up, because he has been through so much already. I can't imagine letting him down again. We had our third week of training today. He is doing well. Of course, when he's all fired up, not so much, lol, but we are committed to making this work, and to make him a happy boy for as long as he has left. <br />
This is the picture we saw online.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKvH4CeIyiynykmLlmxT5qWS8cXDiLRM7mssWgJPe-iER0CC8_eKpNxSRi7Ny1ByMcaTIVwwT1DD0B27sYegdWDXnCyW-CC6b9WvBwp9z-0Mr5DBAfEosb88DP8TAeivlybK_eP8iJzH_/s1600/Reggie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKvH4CeIyiynykmLlmxT5qWS8cXDiLRM7mssWgJPe-iER0CC8_eKpNxSRi7Ny1ByMcaTIVwwT1DD0B27sYegdWDXnCyW-CC6b9WvBwp9z-0Mr5DBAfEosb88DP8TAeivlybK_eP8iJzH_/s1600/Reggie.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How could we resist???</div>
shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-61202864240257143292014-02-11T14:57:00.001-08:002014-02-11T14:57:43.408-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvJLNdt8CggTFXuBS-1zXNQyxwdzPtasQCYI-PrsHBs1_8iQRTw7AKAU6xFgTfPrgksQ6S-rzfa_tQ1p6fO65FTx8OOqmtmV-ei34aupeIUFnLGhPbHDc4CJTqBC5rGs-m8noSe7lkhkL/s1600/clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvJLNdt8CggTFXuBS-1zXNQyxwdzPtasQCYI-PrsHBs1_8iQRTw7AKAU6xFgTfPrgksQ6S-rzfa_tQ1p6fO65FTx8OOqmtmV-ei34aupeIUFnLGhPbHDc4CJTqBC5rGs-m8noSe7lkhkL/s1600/clouds.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
Gotta love Arizona, right? The cloud formations are pretty spectacular. These particular clouds seemed to hang around all morning a few weeks ago. They remind me a little of lenticular clouds, but I really don't know what kind they are. This is not a black and white photo, and I have not even done a contrast on it. It was a pretty grey day, lol!shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-38717896605216605642014-01-11T16:26:00.002-08:002014-01-11T16:26:58.710-08:00What a Strange Time This Is<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk48OZURjW8CgnXU1a3f2SbSjqxx4_FMdhs6UPifwEGdn7pwD3lDR3FSc7YU_lKuZDEEd8jbYiTxMAPO519btnb4y0VyVCpDoIptFge8hn2V3X2sjSv5FU7TZMOzIOxGYPC79qmdV1GsNZ/s1600/Medina+Lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk48OZURjW8CgnXU1a3f2SbSjqxx4_FMdhs6UPifwEGdn7pwD3lDR3FSc7YU_lKuZDEEd8jbYiTxMAPO519btnb4y0VyVCpDoIptFge8hn2V3X2sjSv5FU7TZMOzIOxGYPC79qmdV1GsNZ/s1600/Medina+Lake.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Life traveling in the motorhome... We've been in so many cities every couple of weeks, that even going into a store that is in almost every city, eg. Target, Walmart, Safeway, we are turned around in those stores, since they are not necessarily set up the same. Even coming out of a store into a parking lot such as Costco, we seem to have to stop and ask, "Where are we?" Then we laugh. Every time.<br />
<br />
Believe me, it has been a Blast! I love waking up to a new view every couple of weeks. How many people get to do what we did? Not many. Loads of people would like to. We talk to them all the time. They dream about it. But it really takes a lot of effort to make that happen. My best wishes for those people who are actually able to do it. <br />
<br />
Circumstances are such that we need to stop. BooHoo. Not really, (the boohoo part). Yes, I could continue and be perfectly happy. However, life is leading us in a new direction. Thankfully, we have a small house that has been rented out for the last three and a half years, in a city that we really like. <br />
<br />
Looking forward, we're excited to move in, set up our nest, and discover what we had left in storage! shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-18415670228649402922013-11-20T17:21:00.000-08:002013-11-20T17:21:49.628-08:00Owl Hats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LU4S5U5S1j-Fv_-1w1Wtc_B2MYq_ZZlVRoqwcieQicIuTDMT7EM5j1D7MYtKamVeryZoHRh9y0aEXVhJcm157mtagBXUU2lpjzJXiL82Y_FVO5DIE5gT2gyKR0lCZtkVfJEJNFH7JRBS/s1600/Owl+Hats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LU4S5U5S1j-Fv_-1w1Wtc_B2MYq_ZZlVRoqwcieQicIuTDMT7EM5j1D7MYtKamVeryZoHRh9y0aEXVhJcm157mtagBXUU2lpjzJXiL82Y_FVO5DIE5gT2gyKR0lCZtkVfJEJNFH7JRBS/s320/Owl+Hats.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
These are fast and easy! The hardest part for me is finding the 3/4" black buttons for the eyes! I mean it. What do people do when they need a button? For crying out loud, it's next to impossible to find them. <br />
The pink hat, for my sweet grandbaby, Lexi, I managed to find those buttons at Walmart. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieM7q6Wqr4GzKBVoEFegf4o-y8GjTWSRdqAf5McR7FAEGVt2zCkoQW2pdt6NgmDNTzaZgOUWgwiHAVoUKYqSZ_sgOjw8nnDw_f1WUd3FKdGwqImXzyml365YtMLMlxCGaQOzNC6Zz9Pkxq/s1600/Lexi's+Owl+Hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieM7q6Wqr4GzKBVoEFegf4o-y8GjTWSRdqAf5McR7FAEGVt2zCkoQW2pdt6NgmDNTzaZgOUWgwiHAVoUKYqSZ_sgOjw8nnDw_f1WUd3FKdGwqImXzyml365YtMLMlxCGaQOzNC6Zz9Pkxq/s320/Lexi's+Owl+Hat.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
Once I got finished with Brycie's hat, the second one because the first was too small, we had moved the motorhome, and this Walmart had almost NO BUTTONS! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6WFuPZwV7hn6SlyQO-kvwaxeQlhuqB5xKqHDIlNM7scQ7PbhvJG8Mb2tQwVk_mhNHlZ4w147s11vMRV76i2AFKIhKRDYo2b2576jLVkU8f0_SAnl1uyfD27e3LcGpSCaMyOhVthNIvlz/s1600/BB+Owl+Hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6WFuPZwV7hn6SlyQO-kvwaxeQlhuqB5xKqHDIlNM7scQ7PbhvJG8Mb2tQwVk_mhNHlZ4w147s11vMRV76i2AFKIhKRDYo2b2576jLVkU8f0_SAnl1uyfD27e3LcGpSCaMyOhVthNIvlz/s320/BB+Owl+Hat.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
I'm pretty sure this is not the first post I've done on the subject of the world's lack of buttons. But it's weird to me. Remember when we used to be able to find GOBS of buttons anywhere? Me too.shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-24762273365600142492013-08-28T16:16:00.000-07:002013-08-28T16:16:01.340-07:00New AdventureSome of you know that Hubby and I have an advertising agency, making radio and television commercials. We can do it all; the voice work, the production, the editing, then placing buys on radio and tv, from the motorhome. The exception of course, is actually recording video in person. But we see our clients face-to-face once a year and can do everything else over the phone. We can also make commercials from still photos that come out great.<br />
<br />
With the cost of travel and diesel, we've been trying to come up with new ways to make money. We started learning how to create websites which is the latest popular way to advertise. For internet in the motorhome, we use a MiFi by Verizon, and we're only allowed so many gigs per month. As much as I was enjoying the learning process with Adobe tutorials, we soon discovered that we would run out of gigs fairly soon. Humph!<br />
<br />
Our next big idea was given to us by one of Hubby's old radio buddies...Audiobooks! You send in auditions through ACX.com and if a publisher, or rights-owner likes your voice, you agree on terms, and you have the time and equipment to narrate a book, you're in!<br />
<br />
Just last week I started narrating a book that is right up my alley. I finished reading it already and thought to myself that it's a book I would have chosen for myself to read anyway. I'm so pleased that they picked me for this, my very first audiobook.<br />
<br />
Once finished and the book is released, I'll invite you to let me read you a story!<br />
<br />shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-15245513309816612802013-08-09T12:15:00.001-07:002013-08-09T12:15:16.167-07:00Coeurs et Fleurs Hat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDvF8TeSolMM6ZJxcaYopjTpsCPOKNLQStXvfoyU2xCXi0ol61vArOc1qsxn0wlhCmKT3vkzMsA23h56TJLZkl1zljRkPqD3gou-E5fWijRS_0M6eW-WYI0sb-iOQWWP6ztVdgwbBU2ok/s1600/hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDvF8TeSolMM6ZJxcaYopjTpsCPOKNLQStXvfoyU2xCXi0ol61vArOc1qsxn0wlhCmKT3vkzMsA23h56TJLZkl1zljRkPqD3gou-E5fWijRS_0M6eW-WYI0sb-iOQWWP6ztVdgwbBU2ok/s320/hat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It's hard to tell in the picture, but the design is of leaves, or diamonds. I can't imagine being able to write a pattern. Math was never my strong suit, and I'm pretty sure designing requires it. My mind doesn't work that way, lol. Although, I guess if you have been knitting forever, and know what kind of stitch will turn into what you want your design to be, then maybe it's a natural progression on the knitting highway. This pattern, by Linda Irving-Bell can be found on ravelry.com.<br />
<br />
The bright tomato color of the yarn is fitting in nicely with my decision to move away from all of the blacks and blues of my closet. I'm breaking out of that mindset. Wheeeeeee!shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-31633826055451079722013-07-26T21:29:00.000-07:002013-07-26T21:29:48.349-07:00Whaass Been Up?Well, I haven't been here in a while. I think I'm trying to decide what it is I'm going to do. Not on the grander scale of things...Life changing... but what it is that will bring me satisfaction on an everyday level.<br />
We have had so many ups and downs over the last few months, for so many reasons. Things that have left me wondering where my energy should be focused from here forward were at the uppermost of my thoughts. I haven't quite figured that out yet, but here's what has been occupying my time lately. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46Uc5T8r0zyK2WIMvj7ZNS7Fpnyy_r6SXH7yExFdaQOR_eRetq6NJWqHYykSRgEhIwj75nkPp3SV29mcTrFGVHc-w36Go4qN53yJYe2fawQljQB0Wr1U7mMQMzkLiggxzJ_XeNW4rNQbc/s1600/blocked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46Uc5T8r0zyK2WIMvj7ZNS7Fpnyy_r6SXH7yExFdaQOR_eRetq6NJWqHYykSRgEhIwj75nkPp3SV29mcTrFGVHc-w36Go4qN53yJYe2fawQljQB0Wr1U7mMQMzkLiggxzJ_XeNW4rNQbc/s320/blocked.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I loved working on this Sand & Sea Shawlette that was awesome to knit, and even more of a pleasure to wrap around my neck! It's a bit smaller than most shawls, and also works as a scarf! This one I may keep for myself. :)After 400 plus stitches on the needles, I'm back to working on a lovely lace hat. I'll post a pic of that work in progress tomorrow. <br />
Sweet Dreams, people!shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-34420431665495638842013-04-25T18:21:00.001-07:002013-04-25T18:21:30.220-07:00Hello Spring!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sfLzx2z3BWeh7Nqcc29ay3uP8xUMyk-nwmhFEk-v-bQsXzxrTK1SGzPDMwFIHgu1wEDr6EjUPvBE8kjTWZrvX1ZkvNLfo2GT4XC9rKq7n304BCTcMWU57SwDlAyDiicz8PgR3pLQ1Xv_/s1600/baby+ducks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sfLzx2z3BWeh7Nqcc29ay3uP8xUMyk-nwmhFEk-v-bQsXzxrTK1SGzPDMwFIHgu1wEDr6EjUPvBE8kjTWZrvX1ZkvNLfo2GT4XC9rKq7n304BCTcMWU57SwDlAyDiicz8PgR3pLQ1Xv_/s640/baby+ducks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Have only seen three baby ducks so far. However, there is a whole lot of twitterpation goin' on! Mama Goose is still sitting. She only gets up and down off the little island to stretch and bathe once, maybe twice a day. We leave here on Monday, so I'm not sure if we'll get to see the goslings or not. shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-31832902049307928372013-04-18T13:45:00.000-07:002013-04-18T13:45:59.196-07:00MenifeeWe're in Menifee, CA right now. Yes, we were here around Christmas time and enjoyed our stay very much. Enough to come back (never mind that it's an hour and a half from Brycie). This is like a fantasy land. Like a Disney movie. Mostly because of all the ducks, geese, herons, and other birds flying around all the time. Here's a few pics from our stay this time. <br />
<br />
Mama Canada goose nesting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbMvMkCSZBInimDvIHaPJJr0IXpKjgOhT5dIVZ_xGwLGcqiKBn0BhZ5xQdoy_8EbaGTgely6V7HpOqtloZ1CJ0dXdGvZifHiu8szgAfulgW5yPhhJYnuA5NLaiCIvr4tfFhH8kNPNMFDk/s1600/Canada+Goose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbMvMkCSZBInimDvIHaPJJr0IXpKjgOhT5dIVZ_xGwLGcqiKBn0BhZ5xQdoy_8EbaGTgely6V7HpOqtloZ1CJ0dXdGvZifHiu8szgAfulgW5yPhhJYnuA5NLaiCIvr4tfFhH8kNPNMFDk/s640/Canada+Goose.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
What a perfect spot to sit on eggs, in the middle of the water canal. Looks comfy, right? Papa goose is trolling around keeping guard. I was feeding some other fowl by the motorhome a couple of days ago and wondered why the two geese in front of me were hightailing it away from me. When I turned around, I saw Pops swooping down on those two with his beak open, ready to bite. Unnerved me too.<br />
<br />
I posted on facebook the other day the photo of the Night Heron. I just love these guys!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyaqk-p7GUhdkVToc1QAQPhbdKaO_Rsp8UjYugpz99cXDJG7khOWqqrxcgpAdOtfJecsusK2HeZe3cc0IeeExuZv9qJ9iWtqDz__S3WJZCQKZINc0s2BIdm6H3NPCuFF3AY5Ywf4Dah5C/s1600/Night+Heron+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyaqk-p7GUhdkVToc1QAQPhbdKaO_Rsp8UjYugpz99cXDJG7khOWqqrxcgpAdOtfJecsusK2HeZe3cc0IeeExuZv9qJ9iWtqDz__S3WJZCQKZINc0s2BIdm6H3NPCuFF3AY5Ywf4Dah5C/s640/Night+Heron+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I had mentioned then that anytime you feed any bird outside, these birds will come runnin'. I ended up with 10 of them around me. They are NOT afraid AT ALL. Last evening we had one just sitting next to our chairs, and actually was so comfortable that he fell asleep.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXzbmd6pOtMDbyMUuNzWYfD_YJHDCCe1UFZ4SmCuDs-JJrPoOQGOhWZyXkcXB8P1VFPc-BZG7T_lMwKmX1VVjlya7ACMz7cEtUFBCIptLQsuJbIn1psrvaKu2IFBsIZCgIL679bWgatzn/s1600/Night+Heron+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXzbmd6pOtMDbyMUuNzWYfD_YJHDCCe1UFZ4SmCuDs-JJrPoOQGOhWZyXkcXB8P1VFPc-BZG7T_lMwKmX1VVjlya7ACMz7cEtUFBCIptLQsuJbIn1psrvaKu2IFBsIZCgIL679bWgatzn/s640/Night+Heron+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Here's another photo. The brown one in the background is a juvenile. They are also unafraid. <br />
<br />
Today is the first day since we've been here that the weather has been almost perfect. Close to 80*. Love it!shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-90075722514166697772013-04-12T17:05:00.000-07:002013-04-12T17:07:16.436-07:00Be Here NowI'm freaked out tonight. I am. I admit it. We've had snakes around before when we lived in AZ. I even had to catch one in the house because Hubby Just. Could. Not. Do. It. I hiked up my big girl panties, threw a towel over him, picked him up and threw him outside. Yes, I threw him.<br />
<br />
But last night when a BABY RATTLESNAKE (12 inches) slithered underneath my camping chair, everything changed. Luckily, I had my feet up on the bar below my seat, and I just happened to catch a glimps of his tail disappear underneath me. I won't post a picture of him (you're welcome), although I did grab the phone and snap away.<br />
<br />
Gone today is the bravado I felt around the bullsnakes and gartersnakes in Arizona. I'm sure I'll <strike>stop</strike> <strike>high-stepping and cursing</strike> settle down eventually when I go outside. We're leaving the area on Sunday, but going to a similar type park. <br />
<br />
Be Here Now takes on a whole new meaning for us now.shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-59851334497785114152013-04-09T19:09:00.001-07:002013-04-09T19:09:43.872-07:00Promotion PeopleYes, you know Hubby wrote a book. It's out there on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, Black Opal Books, and who knows where else. But, for me, it's all about how to promote it. He has friends that are authors, and radio people, but he also has friends from back in the day who are Promotion People! <br />
<br />
We are worried about over-hyping on facebook and twitter, but as one of our friends, who is a big-time promotion guy (then and now), says, go big or go home. <br />
<br />
Okay. We'll do it. We are going for it! Morning shows, interviews, book signings. We are doing it! It's a full-time job. The more we do, the more we realize we need to do.<br />
<br />
And then there is everyday reality. A strange combination.shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-42947458134419092172013-04-02T11:31:00.001-07:002013-04-02T11:32:18.908-07:00Wow!Imagine our surpise when we noticed that <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kickin-Out-Jams-Sean-Conrad/dp/1626940061/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364926766&sr=1-1&keywords=kickin%27+out+the+jams"><span style="color: purple;">Kickin' Out The Jams</span></a> was released five days early on amazon! The e-book and audio book are not up yet, and neither is Barnes and Noble, but they are coming. <br />
Wow. What a ride!shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-49231931493796687312013-03-17T08:36:00.001-07:002013-03-17T08:36:37.453-07:00A Little Catch Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ShJaHy4MUYq7YMwbUuFrMxYxo8EP-pQ0RRmmpnAYqKy-6pYpKn_btjX5s5NYYM50_A9rQDUqGENZv664xmbohrD05VLrdmaURomEMg4Y7f9wk7yFV6eq4wMuwxjzAVBHbFT7u6kUa8jy/s1600/catalinas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ShJaHy4MUYq7YMwbUuFrMxYxo8EP-pQ0RRmmpnAYqKy-6pYpKn_btjX5s5NYYM50_A9rQDUqGENZv664xmbohrD05VLrdmaURomEMg4Y7f9wk7yFV6eq4wMuwxjzAVBHbFT7u6kUa8jy/s640/catalinas.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCBeVEShNzIzM6xDES_oPi_iz_QcDF5BOVwvJEtdPbNI3xMsA_WZ_HqFalbXevEh3NIxucTiy0PG_Fwn-ZIkDVWjtNFBDSOBqXNuIJrQC80HUz_XHqt9WxlrosTnedB-rRHjjsHc7JW8Y/s1600/truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCBeVEShNzIzM6xDES_oPi_iz_QcDF5BOVwvJEtdPbNI3xMsA_WZ_HqFalbXevEh3NIxucTiy0PG_Fwn-ZIkDVWjtNFBDSOBqXNuIJrQC80HUz_XHqt9WxlrosTnedB-rRHjjsHc7JW8Y/s640/truck.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our old house, we're sitting next door</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvr_Wumc3Oie_LX0moDEu6F9DodXGKnZePG6_g-O5uQ1f49di4GrvA24c7l9W1qpYvzgvx2aSysMfzXWK11I3QEOtkXlIznqgpX0egySV3clNfhyphenhyphen8imT1Jtt-kiku-CZ0fbtqla7zEmX-u/s1600/backyard+next+door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvr_Wumc3Oie_LX0moDEu6F9DodXGKnZePG6_g-O5uQ1f49di4GrvA24c7l9W1qpYvzgvx2aSysMfzXWK11I3QEOtkXlIznqgpX0egySV3clNfhyphenhyphen8imT1Jtt-kiku-CZ0fbtqla7zEmX-u/s640/backyard+next+door.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24G1tHGDDb-NRmDSzWjyhaqs3SDw-4DtfiS7OtVqMBIsqzZIXiOb-YEQGSjek3LNPjDuuOHGbWaLZfwH6lgug-vcbLVZRWeIJraO2cX-tp5aG6PIX4Mj_iRgaCqJT0Tm2-S2434V64snA/s1600/oldest+wip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24G1tHGDDb-NRmDSzWjyhaqs3SDw-4DtfiS7OtVqMBIsqzZIXiOb-YEQGSjek3LNPjDuuOHGbWaLZfwH6lgug-vcbLVZRWeIJraO2cX-tp5aG6PIX4Mj_iRgaCqJT0Tm2-S2434V64snA/s640/oldest+wip.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFu0CS_kNZKLODlMXgepKJQhrpb4g5Ymt4A5DuxxRl68mlX2eEC_K583fknllHJFNKE4RUvgluW9haX-GiK9Hj0TshlMA9Rv93VZFtiAphWjycleI16uOpSTkEBzMRU36M8bblxs_hm1b/s1600/Lexi+sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFu0CS_kNZKLODlMXgepKJQhrpb4g5Ymt4A5DuxxRl68mlX2eEC_K583fknllHJFNKE4RUvgluW9haX-GiK9Hj0TshlMA9Rv93VZFtiAphWjycleI16uOpSTkEBzMRU36M8bblxs_hm1b/s640/Lexi+sweater.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vaLKu7N69nnLgktXwblzWlmC99HHOZXZb56tkCf1pBzOiP7A2G-7Cb3MQKCQXsDnFHQqSXN32HW6qpmkfFu9DE7PNUbA_uBNjKuJWL84LAwIQi01OTug7C7UY23AfC7Vk7s-pobXgs74/s1600/Lexi+painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vaLKu7N69nnLgktXwblzWlmC99HHOZXZb56tkCf1pBzOiP7A2G-7Cb3MQKCQXsDnFHQqSXN32HW6qpmkfFu9DE7PNUbA_uBNjKuJWL84LAwIQi01OTug7C7UY23AfC7Vk7s-pobXgs74/s640/Lexi+painting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
So, here we are back down in Sierra Vista, AZ. We're nextdoor to our house that we sold. I have to say that things work out as they're supposed to. The people that we sold the house to are Perfect for this wonderful little neighborhood. And we're so fortunate to be able to stay here in this yard with full hook-ups.<br />
<br />
On our way to Sierra Vista, we came through Tucson during the "blizzard." Yes, that is a blizzard for Tucson. I love when it snows heavily, but not for too long. Snow without shoveling is fun.<br />
<br />
We came down here for yearly doctor and dentist appointments, and also to get footage to make commercials for clients. Nice to catch up with friends as well.<br />
<br />
The first sweater photo is a project that sat around for, I swear, thirty years. I got the front, back, and one sleeve done, then I guess life happened. Fast forward thirty years and I can hardly believe that I brought it with us when we packed up the motorhome. I finished the second sleeve, sewed it together, then realized that I didn't have enough yarn to finish the neck. #&#@*! I managed to find something close and got the thing done. <br />
<br />
The second sweater is a really cute pattern from ravelry, Girls Bolero Shrug. I really love the border on the bottom. Not much in the way of yarn choice here in Sierra Vista, so I used stash yarn. I'm nervously wondering if I'm going to have enough to finish this one too. Bummer.<br />
<br />
Lexi's painting is finished. I added some sparkley beads just to fill in a little. A vintage paper bird or two would have been cute glued on, but I'm happy with it. Hopefully, I'll get it mailed off to CO tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Heading out on the road in the morning to Casa Grande for a night, Blythe for a night, then into Palm Springs for a couple of weeks. Supposed to be in the 90s there. A little warm but I'm not complaining.shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-13132377888332243542013-02-16T11:19:00.001-08:002013-02-16T11:22:00.301-08:00As Promised<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tr0q-L0K4j6-6cnN7xu63B2RPF1HVYYpzf9UiZfwZkRxJSP5uNYFFNWs5dQkOMrZNQqDN6Qka0Tt_66m8c86NMlCjTvai-bWP_Ws3flu2ZNKVnMpZpEU4JYb_zvPTTwkxBoWz4h2Eu6y/s1600/cropped+Jams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tr0q-L0K4j6-6cnN7xu63B2RPF1HVYYpzf9UiZfwZkRxJSP5uNYFFNWs5dQkOMrZNQqDN6Qka0Tt_66m8c86NMlCjTvai-bWP_Ws3flu2ZNKVnMpZpEU4JYb_zvPTTwkxBoWz4h2Eu6y/s320/cropped+Jams.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
The sneak peek of Hubby's book. Hehehehe...<br />
For even more fun, go to his website, <a href="http://sean-conrad.com/">sean-conrad.com</a>, and watch the book trailer! Yes, he was a wild man back then.shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-34103151328805851752013-02-15T15:07:00.000-08:002013-02-15T15:07:03.881-08:00Jumping CootAt Wilderness Lakes Thousand Trails in Menafee, CA there was waterfowl in abundance. Hundreds of ducks, thousands of American Coots, and some geese and Canada Geese.<br />
<br />
Out of all of those birds, there were only TWO Coots that knew how to do this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyJ7vvdyZ76PS5qTqVuKTyi4D-dd_JlF_w6ddY5OpD_PSlqWEMz6k5vAcmJ8tLqdXFDpyEc098auJc4fTENlw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
This one was pretty protective of it, too. The Einsteins of Wilderness Lakes!shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-83087837907280812622013-02-14T13:11:00.001-08:002013-02-14T13:11:14.328-08:00Newport, OR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4sFx26Ioh1esk9pQxQSlpxmd31bclLJ3fcJih6QnP0m9MR3Le7p04PkU-ijUPpQKJ4oqfdzMV_iany-m8wf5DdQnydqw_7kwDn7iiKYJ5dzHS4ksAK1azaZvqXiRtdKAvrzhk0zuRp5I/s1600/Newport+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4sFx26Ioh1esk9pQxQSlpxmd31bclLJ3fcJih6QnP0m9MR3Le7p04PkU-ijUPpQKJ4oqfdzMV_iany-m8wf5DdQnydqw_7kwDn7iiKYJ5dzHS4ksAK1azaZvqXiRtdKAvrzhk0zuRp5I/s640/Newport+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The RV park we stayed at in Newport, OR was right along the ocean by the harbor, and this bridge stood guard over the boats. <br />
Also docked at the harbor were two huge NOAA ships. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is a federal agency focused on the condition of the oceans and atmosphere.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yhaNckFnVE6JV0g6oAbcWBA5JYCkdW_26-ZJeP1Kr9fps7hDRK2m4C7BDjSvl4WNhBuykVa9XqWpvn7lSpkZAaqCIQ-yNSpyTRvG2Q-GpCLT7KH-lI1J9Ap3q0C0ULrRjXEsquDolTwU/s1600/newport+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yhaNckFnVE6JV0g6oAbcWBA5JYCkdW_26-ZJeP1Kr9fps7hDRK2m4C7BDjSvl4WNhBuykVa9XqWpvn7lSpkZAaqCIQ-yNSpyTRvG2Q-GpCLT7KH-lI1J9Ap3q0C0ULrRjXEsquDolTwU/s640/newport+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<em>McArthur II departed on her maiden NOAA cruise on 1 June 2003 from Seattle. She conducts oceanographic research and assessments, throughout the eastern Pacific Ocean</em><em>, including along the United States West Coast</em> -- <em>where is involved in studies in several National Marine Sanctuaries</em>-- <em>and the Pacific coast of Central and South America.</em> <em>She engages in measurements of chemical</em>, <em>meteorological, and biological sampling for several large scale programs within NOAA, and the scientists who carry out research aboard her come from many divisions of NOAA, as well as other United States Government agencies, and academia.</em><br />
<br />
Also along the harbor was a very large brewery, <a href="http://rogue.com/about/about.php">Rogue Nation</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6kb4wElFxUmKlE9QugM9tk1LE6GZY6V1e5JFiHjb0jYi0pBX7ExMIRnZaWExW1_eSNQdT8-XBZTZE1AC3mOHxkWpDM356KzIdCgqL2Ag8m7pdagLMr14Bx7vJQwFRLkwVw38fzylCWcB/s1600/newport+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6kb4wElFxUmKlE9QugM9tk1LE6GZY6V1e5JFiHjb0jYi0pBX7ExMIRnZaWExW1_eSNQdT8-XBZTZE1AC3mOHxkWpDM356KzIdCgqL2Ag8m7pdagLMr14Bx7vJQwFRLkwVw38fzylCWcB/s400/newport+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We entered the building around 11 a.m., toured the grounds and actual brewery, and by the time we left at 8 p.m., we had sampled a great deal of their wares, ate in the restaurant, met the owners, and quite possibly every one of their employees. Just kidding. Sounds like fun though, right?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lots of fishing happens along the Oregon Coast.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADxVBVHux-FdUBP8sA05puF1gK5Kg8V6D0iRHmayI5A0rUtxjANO_rnQ6fQcutYD4zreo-NxbXiQRJypx71MxJ3NSH1IuieRIzPMcbxK8WGklCxuzuDsHDFNW_t9b0cdQu81PkJb5g8fs/s1600/newport+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADxVBVHux-FdUBP8sA05puF1gK5Kg8V6D0iRHmayI5A0rUtxjANO_rnQ6fQcutYD4zreo-NxbXiQRJypx71MxJ3NSH1IuieRIzPMcbxK8WGklCxuzuDsHDFNW_t9b0cdQu81PkJb5g8fs/s640/newport+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Unfortunately, there will be no more fishing for this guy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJByK3Zqi22vzQ9pY3NolvdUSw27WFB19HLd4AnpMRFoL_B7oz8e3WU2j0HmqRvWjiNNggvV69vTYDrlG10iUAS9aOO2MTeyqzjlYZAA4QOgYB-FnjyyQwbcqaF3yNu143GQXFKsa4FK9/s1600/newport+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJByK3Zqi22vzQ9pY3NolvdUSw27WFB19HLd4AnpMRFoL_B7oz8e3WU2j0HmqRvWjiNNggvV69vTYDrlG10iUAS9aOO2MTeyqzjlYZAA4QOgYB-FnjyyQwbcqaF3yNu143GQXFKsa4FK9/s640/newport+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-84704458194032080822013-02-02T17:17:00.004-08:002013-02-02T17:17:59.910-08:00DiscoveryWe had some errands to run today to a totally different section of Indio, CA today. This is desert out here. Real desert. Every so often there are areas filled with palm trees and housing developments. Palm Springs proper, in my opinion, is older, as is Indio, but Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indian Wells look newer. La Quinta and Indian Wells are closer to the mountains (why haven't I taken pictures?) and by the looks of it, the areas, have $$. <br />
<br />
On the more warehouse-ish side of Indio, driving between to RV stores (looking for outside light covers), we noticed a couple standing just outside of some water reeds in some sort of riparian area with binoculars. Hmm, what's that all about? Moments later, we passed a sign for <a href="http://coachellavalleywildbirdcenter.org/">Coachella Valley Wild Bird Center</a>, which is a wild bird rescue center. What? Out here in the desert?<br />
<br />
A quarter of a mile, a Uturn, and we pulled into the parking lot. From the front of the building, it didn't look like much. As we approached the door, it was opened by a very nice woman that said, "Come on in. I have to let you in because we have a bird out and I need to close the door." <br />
<br />
Once inside, we noticed Big cages against the walls of the trailer. I immediately fell in love. Screech Owls, who knew they were so Beautiful??? Why do I not carry a camera with me EVERYWHERE? Yes, there were dead mice in the cages for lunch, but, hey, I just couldn't focus on that. <br />
<br />
Well, we are going back, with binoculars for the open water area, and a camera for the outside cages which hold recovering Great Horned Owls, Barn Owls, Perigrin Falcons, Red-Tailed Hawks, and more.<br />
<br />
We had planned on going back in this morning, camera in hand, but I woke up with a nasty cold. Boo! We'll make it back in there, but maybe not until we make our way back from AZ.<br />
<br />
shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-31980481553505402892013-01-29T13:00:00.000-08:002013-01-29T13:00:50.058-08:00Lexi's PaintingThis painting was so fun for me. It hit every creative hot button, from my graph paper and colored pencils, to trying different designs, to the fear of actually starting, to the light bulb moment of discovering what it needed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXsAI_ZyLpYOVFi0wylb_wOUCTH2tdz7bY6bT4Bx_T2GFH1Q-5lOYA0Y1Wi_Jc2n96srVhg1uvpIiNaavnmurYXDpII8BFQaY38cKJGG5FmDlH79C7BsKZ-kPSOcm6fmKTOOc1cY5HYZD/s1600/Lexi+painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXsAI_ZyLpYOVFi0wylb_wOUCTH2tdz7bY6bT4Bx_T2GFH1Q-5lOYA0Y1Wi_Jc2n96srVhg1uvpIiNaavnmurYXDpII8BFQaY38cKJGG5FmDlH79C7BsKZ-kPSOcm6fmKTOOc1cY5HYZD/s640/Lexi+painting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I'll probably add a few more leaves, but I wanted to keep it simple. Oh, if I only knew how to paint a little bird! I'd perch him on top of the X! Can't you just picture that! Then maybe one more flying towards the x, under the L. Maybe someday. <br />
<br />
But for now,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kDYj26OgkJ4bg_PelXEi-rxmK7JvTYGUCOYGTRlWV_7QFn30ZQZyWYxyggmjAjxuTiSmiuEcWln52owsSLKJuYEWkrHq1Bc9bq4Bwiyk3VwvIzGj4d7aNUBSaj3ExgO8TAo2iE2XfiCN/s1600/Lexi+painting+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kDYj26OgkJ4bg_PelXEi-rxmK7JvTYGUCOYGTRlWV_7QFn30ZQZyWYxyggmjAjxuTiSmiuEcWln52owsSLKJuYEWkrHq1Bc9bq4Bwiyk3VwvIzGj4d7aNUBSaj3ExgO8TAo2iE2XfiCN/s640/Lexi+painting+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-90579707866985369802013-01-22T16:42:00.000-08:002013-01-22T16:44:15.848-08:00Decisions, decisions...I've been messing around off and on for the last couple of days with my graph paper and colored pencils. I want Lexi's painting to be feminine and girly (yes, there is a difference), but not so sweet that it becomes obnoxious. Know what I mean?<br />
<br />
I started with a background of pink and yellow plaid, but decided it even made my teeth hurt. I guess the bookshelf and magazine table I did in those colors several years ago used up any sugary leanings I had at the time. Next I tried green and yellow plaid with a darker green skinny line and black and white checks on the outside. Definitely no.<br />
<br />
Have I ever mentioned how much I love graph paper and colored pencils? When I dream of designing something, which I have never followed through on by-the-way, out come the pencils. I am no artist, but if I draw suggestions of how I want something, I'm happy. I even bought water color pencils at one point, but don't really understand how to use them. I'm such a dork.<br />
<br />
Anyway, today I decided on the colors I'm going to use and the pattern of the background, and actually put the first coat on the canvas.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrucC6Nxp6gcy0eOuYyElM3cRrQAeXO-tEZGNBaME9MpMb6oZebl7c5HOhXbFex4xR_zUkB53Qu0LfCZMsm1jH92X1_s-E71_IrInbI93jIQ4wAm17OE3CQL-NQDR_FdH8tn8E2sw7ubW/s1600/Lexi+painting+peek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrucC6Nxp6gcy0eOuYyElM3cRrQAeXO-tEZGNBaME9MpMb6oZebl7c5HOhXbFex4xR_zUkB53Qu0LfCZMsm1jH92X1_s-E71_IrInbI93jIQ4wAm17OE3CQL-NQDR_FdH8tn8E2sw7ubW/s320/Lexi+painting+peek.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-28458582966672404122013-01-19T09:25:00.003-08:002013-01-19T09:25:43.353-08:00KnitlessSince finishing Shannon's scarf, I've made two cowls (neck warmers), one out of the softest furry yarn ever, Carabou, and the second out of a yarn I didn't really care for but had started knitting with it anyway. Eh. Maybe it will soften up after being washed and blocked.<br />
<br />
What to do now? Hubby is working on his audio book, adding snippets of music and station identification jingles to his words. And frankly, I need something to occupy my mind to block out listening over, and over, and over to his book. After 18 years of listening to production edits of radio commercials, TV commercials, and on-hold messages, I've become quite adept at tuning it out. He he.<br />
<br />
So I thought I'd buy a blank canvas at Michael's Arts & Crafts store today and make little granddaughter Lexi a painting of her name to hang in her room. Hopefully it will come out well enough that her dad won't be too embarrassed to hang it. :) I'll post a picture, maybe, if I'm not too embarrassed.<br />
<br />
shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-13365625444730250142013-01-11T19:02:00.000-08:002013-01-11T19:03:51.004-08:00Daughter Gets Her Present!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">WooHoo! Finally finished, albeit after Christmas. Better late than never, right Shannon? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First time using a chart, and that was a wee bit confusing for me, but as usual I learned so much. And guess what? I love charts! Its just seems so much easier to follow where I am on the many repeats of the pattern. This is far from perfect, but wrapped around her neck, nobody will notice. If I decide to make another for myself, I'll know better.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ireIN0dW5iMP3iJ8450B6vGY1CsethDzZ_y3wxzImMnTCUOaGHd19N6YJqjtDGaZKRRGrThoVYecPjLfMsHGWw8wwE7K7-BvqRYj5APacgaEYyO8JDS0DesTkw2DgaRSMOSQC3b_Te7R/s1600/shawl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ireIN0dW5iMP3iJ8450B6vGY1CsethDzZ_y3wxzImMnTCUOaGHd19N6YJqjtDGaZKRRGrThoVYecPjLfMsHGWw8wwE7K7-BvqRYj5APacgaEYyO8JDS0DesTkw2DgaRSMOSQC3b_Te7R/s400/shawl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This was before being blocked (washed, stretched and opened the lacework).</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfqJc9GsT9zzBlypJrtIo_7NhLnW7f5ScVguM0DqUoHvh_wYs9oGqE4YKCK9yG7gzhFwKmaGj0ntd2mZgrsuNLuz0ah23CcWSEcH172juL2Zz5IXvEnInAbu0d31DJLUbmaMQOHnsxF4R/s1600/samantha+1+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfqJc9GsT9zzBlypJrtIo_7NhLnW7f5ScVguM0DqUoHvh_wYs9oGqE4YKCK9yG7gzhFwKmaGj0ntd2mZgrsuNLuz0ah23CcWSEcH172juL2Zz5IXvEnInAbu0d31DJLUbmaMQOHnsxF4R/s400/samantha+1+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is after blocking. I swear it's like wrapping yourself in a warm cloud! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The pattern is #151 Samantha Featherweight Lace Shawl on ravelry. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The yarn is Elann Silken Kydd which is a laceweight yarn, 70% mohair, 30% silk. Yummy. It's pretty slippery yarn and I was always scared that I would drop stitches because of it. After a while, I learned how to hold the needles in a way that wouldn't let that happen. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">BTW, I did change my browser to be able to post pictures. I don't know, maybe I just needed updating, or perhaps it's the fact that I use Picassa to process photos. I don't know enough about technology to answer that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My header doesn't fit anymore, but I'll get around to that. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491898708199590890.post-47343009533877632192013-01-09T10:19:00.004-08:002013-01-09T10:19:46.288-08:00Posting Pictures, or Not!All of a sudden, I can't post pictures. I just can't figure it out. I click on the little picture icon and the window comes up for posting a pic, but there's no browse button. <br />
Any ideas out there?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />shabby girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12340974325967555770noreply@blogger.com6