Cute little Gracie



Gracie Poses

 What a girl, my Gracie. 
This must be my all-time favorite picture of her, though not quite in focus, since I used the iPhone camera.  I think it's from about March of this year. She's now 3 years old, weighs 10 lbs and I've (successfully) trimmed her coat - myself!!  She loves her stuffed toys, especially retrieving them or playing tug-of-war. Sleeping on my lap is her very favorite activity.

We've been buddies now about 18 months---and she is a great dog!  So loving & affectionate; I really picked a sweetie.  I can't remember what my life was "BG" -Before Gracie. It's nice to be adored.  And she's a pretty good traveler, too. Two airplane trips to Texas so far, even changed planes on the last one in March.  However the last leg back was a long flight, after an even longer day. About an hour before we were due to land in Phoenix, she escaped from the carrier. Really. She was seconds, I mean seconds from running up and down the center aisle. I 'bout had a stroke. But the lady next to me and I grabbed her, fast. She flew the rest of the flight, incognito, on my lap under my sweatshirt.  So she basically got what SHE wanted - my lap! (and we weren't asked to leave the plane)

I have a new toy -- for me, not Gracie.
It's a fantastic pedometer called a FitBit Zip. I love it & use it every single day.  I track my food, blood pressure, weight, steps walked, miles traveled and calories burned.  It gives me the needed motivation to walk farther, longer, faster....and increase burning those calories. And best of all:  it securely attaches to my bra, so I forget about it. Doesn't get lost, drop off my pants & break, quit working, nor do I leave it in the bathroom! I track all my numbers on either my PC or iPhone.  Since I started using it (Mid-April) I've increased my daily steps, am burning more calories and have lost 11 pounds.  I'm a believer. 


Here's a link to the website:  http://www.fitbit.com/home

Donkeys & Traveling & Knitting--Oh My!



Chinook Pattern in Malabrigo Yarn

 I've been getting 'round, past few weeks.  Most recently to Tucson for the wedding of a friend's daughter. Naturally (besides the wedding) I visited 2 local yarn shops (LYS) I'd never been to: Purls, out on Broadway & Kolb, and Tucson Yarn Company on Oracle.  both are terrific stores, carry an awesome selection, have wonderful staff to help me buy more yarn (!) Sure, like I actually need more yarn. Like need has anything to do with acquiring more yarn.

I finally gave in & bought some Malabrigo, 2 skeins in fact. That's enough to make 'something' in the way of a scarf or cowl or shawl  ....and after several hours perusing the Ravelry patterns, I decided today on the Chinook. Simple enough but still a little lace for a challenge...beautifully showing off Amaroso colors. I've been seeing & reading about the fine qualities of Malabrigo from Uruguay - so now I'll find out for myself what all the fuss is about. I'm seriously liking the yarn so far.

The pattern is called Chinook Scarf by Ali Green

7-18-11 UPDATE - It's finished & I love it !

I love the color the yarn the pattern !

Update 7-18-11: I hate this afghan.

 I continued working on the 3x3 ribbed afghan I started a few weeks ago. Using up some stash: natural kitchen cotton, Wool-ease & left over Paton's Silk Bamboo, on size 11 needles, for the end of my bed. Again. A bigger, longer, wider, better-made natural throw/afghan for the end of my bed. Again. No pattern here either, just 3x3 ribbing. Pattern notes to follow.

Here's my Oxford Grey Cable & Ribbed Scarf, in progress. Making it to go with the Grey cabled hat for Bjorn. The Lion Brand Wool-Ease Heather Grey is  soft, squishy, nice. This my own variation of cable & rib stitches, will do pattern later.

Oh yes, I did find time between the knitting stores & actual knitting, to attend the wedding. A western-style Wedding! Lots of fun, beautiful weather in the desert, country music and then my favorite: 

 Cake, I LOVED the cake! The boots were cake too.

my favorite food: carbs with frosting! 

Not done yet:

A few weekends ago, I traveled to South Texas to deliver Dad to my sister, for his little 2-month visit. Had a nice time catching up with sister, and short day-trip to the Ranch --- visited with all the horses, donkeys, cattle, & dogs.

The donkeys Emmy, Lucy, Fritz & Max are my favorites. 

Nevada is particularly handsome-for a horse. 

Then the dogs (these 4 anyway) needed their treats too

(Beau, Chaser, Duke & Daisy) 

Seriously- Lucy is  so aptly named- what a clown!

Silly Lucy