Please Take A Second...

... to read this awful, heartbreaking, peed-me-off like you would not believe, story. I had just finished posting my entry for today (Dogs on Thursday) and this came in my afternoon headline news.

Officer Accused After K-9 Dies In Hot Car
Temperatures Reached 109 Degrees
UPDATED: 11:42 am EDT September 6, 2007

PHOENIX -- Authorities arrested a Chandler police officer Wednesday in the death of a police dog that was left in a hot patrol car for more than 12 hours, KPHO-TV in Phoenix reported.

I won't post the whole story here, instead click here to read it. If this ticks you off even a fraction of how much it does me, please, please take another moment to go here and file a complaint against this jerk! A dog should never, ever be left in a locked car for 12 hours - PERIOD. Nevermind the sweltering temps. And all the while he was napping, running errands and have dinner with his wife? The blog sensors won't allow me to type the words I really want to do so here.

Have a Woofy Autumn!

Happy Dogs on Thursday... and although Autumn doesn't officially begin until Sept. 23rd, its beginning to look and fell a lot like fall in New England! Yeah!!! As if the beautiful colors and cooler temps weren't enough to make everyone wag their tails, Paula is hosting a doggy Halloween costume contest over on the DOT blog so make sure you check it out!

Some of us are happy to see the sweltering, icky sticky, stinky hot lazy, hazy days of summer go buh-bye and some of us got in an extra long, lazy nap to celebrate the coming fall...

Yes, that's my ever so classy lady, Lola, stretched out in a that-can't-be-comfortable position. What you can't see is that there wasn't anyone else taking up the other half of the couch, yet she still somehow wound up like this. Crazy lady.

A couple weeks ago I had realized that the baby, Teutul, is usually less photogenic than his older sister & brother. I've taken the mental note and have now tried to make it a point to snap away when I can get him looking more like his usual goofy self, instead of scared of his own shadow the camera...

Speaking of the baby, wanna see what a Mini-Tut looks like (even if he'll only be "mini" for another few months)?!?! Click here! Yes, you can get your very own Teutul in the form of the most adorable Wendall who is available for adoption!!! Isn't he friggin' adorable??!! If the little guy is still available for adoption in 2 weeks, chances are pretty good that we'll be fostering him! I was hoping to get him next weekend, but then realized its NASCAR weekend in New Hampshire and it just wouldn't be fair to leave a foster home in a crate all those hours we're gone.

Now I can't possible do a DOT post with leaving out the big guy... even if he was more concerned with playing with his rope than taking pictures this week...

Please don't forget to click on the link for Operation Bring Charlie Home from yesterday's post if you haven't already... and until next time, be sure to hope on over to Grace's blog to check out her blogging anniversary contest and keep your knittin' paws going!

Catch Up Part 2 - Pats Win!

Okay, now for more catch up... but before we get to that I would like to ask you to please take a moment to visit the Operation: Bring Charlie Home site. I was made aware of SGT Watson's mission to bring the wonderful Charlie home to the United States by my friend Kim yesterday and will support his efforts in any way I can.... I hope you will too.

Now, for some catch up from Charlotte! We had a blast at the game, despite the sweltering heat. It was an awesome experience, esp with the number of Patriots fans on hand. We met lots of wonderful people... and it was so cool to just be walking around the stadium area getting approving nods, high-fives, smiles, etc. (you don't even get that in Foxboro from stangers!). The Panthers mascot, Sir Purr (love it!), even took a minute to pose with us "Northern Folk" before the game... and, to our surprise & liking, new Daddy Tom Brady was on the field for the entire first half and to start the second!



This is one of the few pictures I've actually really liked of Matt & I from the past couple years... hhmm, maybe Christmas card worthy? lol

The game was great...
I'll share a few photos and hopefully not bore the non-football fans too much...








Are ya ready for some football??!!

Three Quarterbacks & An Offensive Back...

Hey look Ma... we WON!!!!

Due to the insanely too short stay in Charlotte, we really didn't do too much. We visited a couple of race shops, did a little bit of shopping and ate way too much food though. Of course I made a stop at The Canine Cafe and came home with some treats for the kids. This is what happened when I tried to photo them....

Teutul: "hmm, smells like its mine..."

Mommy: "Teutul, leave it."
Teutul: "I'm not touching it."

Mommy: "Teutul... don't touch!"

Teutul (never taking his eyes off the prize): "hhuuuffff!"

Yes, yes... they all eventually got to touch and chomp away. We have a few of the donuts left and have not yet ripped in to the pumpkin cinnamon biscuits. Sadly, when we stopped in to the store Barbara informed us that TJ, who was doing whatever he pleased and eating all he wanted to that day, was going to be put down the next day. He had just reached such a deteriotating stage and it was time for him to cross the Rainbow Bridge. We were honored to have met TJ that day and got to spend a little time with the precious inspiration for all of the wonderful treats our doggies enjoy so much. Rest in Peace TJ... and keep chasing that ball over the bridge! You will surely be missed by many.

We also brought home a Tony Stewart #20 squeaky bone for the kids...

Mommy: "Zeus, balance this on your nose and look cute..."

Zeus: "hhuufff... I can't see you..."

Lola: "Hey, what's this that just fell off

Zeus' nose and landed on me?"

Other than that, this was actually a pretty tame trip as far as cramming stuff in the luggage to get it home. We didn't have time to visit Charlotte Yarn, so no fibery goodness... I did get a long sleeve Tony t-shirt when we got the bone for the dogs at Joe Gibbs... a super cozy hooded sweater at Outdoor World that I can't wait to wear when it gets cooler (the colorway actually reminds me of one of Heather's Sereknity colorways... I'll have to photo it to post later!)... and I got one of the most comfy pairs of flip flops ever there too. Oh yea, and this cool game pin...

Did I mention we won!!?? So now... back to knitting. I've been knitting up a bunch of little things the past couple of days... stuff for the Holiday Extravaganza at Jenn's on Dec 1st...

Catch Up Part 1 - I got mail!

After a sleep deprived very busy week, I get to start playing catch up... first up, I got mail... some great mail!

Last Monday, after returning from Charlotte, I received my absolutely amazing Knitters Virtual Vacation Swap package from Robin. I knew I was getting to go on a fabulous Virgina vacation when she started sending me postcards about 2 weeks before my box arrived (the beautiful postcards with little notes made the experience that much more fun!). I had no idea just how much fun I had on vacation until the box arrived! Everything was wrapped up in pretty tissue ... but not for long, as I anxiously tore into everything... and unwrapped one wonderful treat after another. Robin really took the time to get to know me and I can tell she read my blog! Look at all the wonderful treats she crammed in to that big 'ole box...


I swear it was a bottomless box! As I tore through the packages like a 6 year old at Christmas carefully unwrapped each item, I found a book on Historic Williamsburg, a whole bag full of local brochures & tourist info, a Virginia lanyard, an instrumental CD of music for the state parks, ginger cookies, chocolate covered cookie dough (yum-o!), 2 Virginia magnets, Earl Grey tea, a deck of cards, 2 of the bestest smelling soaps made by Robin herself under the "Bird Bath Essentials" line (I'm not sure if she sells on Etsy, but if she does you must check out her product - Robin???), a handy wood soap dish/saver, a doggie treat cookie cutter, the cutest doggy keychain I've ever seen ("most affectionate dog lover," why yes, that's me!), a just as cute "best friend" paw print ornament, a personalized set of doggie stitch markers with a scissors fob (which I needed!) also made by the amazinlgy talented Robin, and 4 skeins of Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk in an absolutely stunning colorway (oh... what to make, what to make??!!). Everything is so amazing and so perfect for me... Thank you Robin - I feel truly lucky to have had you as my spoiler and now look forward to getting to know you more! Now for some close ups for your viewing pleasure...

Alpaca. Silk. Chocolate. Covered. Cookie. Dough. Need I say more?

Doggy themed goodyness...

The yummy-licious soap that I can't wait to use...

As if I weren't spoiled enough (is there such a thing as being too spoiled?), the next day I received my Dog Days of Summer dishcloth swap box from Nicol. The box took the declining USPS service an unexpected slow boat from the West Coast, but it eventually got here! Look how she decorated the box! She carefully wrapped up all the goodies in tissue and I once again tore thru them like a dog with a new stuffed toy carefully opened each one.


Nicol also paid close attention to my love of the 4-legged furbabies in my life as well and even knit me a super cool and thoughtful "DOG LUVR" dishcloth (its the dark purple one in the pic below, although you can't really see the wording well in the photo)!

Once again, I felt like it was a bottomless box...

Inside I found 2 handknit dishcloths, 2 skeins of Debbie Bliss (do I sense a theme here people? if so, nice theme!) Baby Cashmerino in a yummy minty green color, a huge oversized skein of Bernat cotton in white, Lantern Moon straight needles (omg - Nicol, you're awesome!), chocolate covered pretzels, peanut butter cups, chocolate covered cherries, a vanilla coconut candle (yummy) and some loose black honey flavorered tea & tea ball. I haven't had a chance to sit and relax and try the tea yet (did I mention how busy the past week has been??), but I'm really looking forward to it (my first experience with loose tea) - it smells soooooo good! I'm all set for a great night of relaxing and knitting now... if only that night will come soon!!! :) Thank you Nicol, everything is absolutely wonderful and great treats!!! I'm so happy to have gotten you in the dishcloth swap and look forward to reading your blog and getting to know you.

Okay, part 1 of the catch-up is done... part 2 to come tomorrow from the week which included returning home from vacation on Saturday afternoon and rushing straight from the airport to pick up the dogs at their new boarding place... Teutul coming to us with the hives & blown up snout on Sunday night and dealing with his mystery allergic reaction and a couple sleepless nights and vet trips (he's still on meds)... me getting sick on Tuesday and having to return to work, only to leave early... staying out way too late on Thursday night at the Tesla concert... a friends' cook-out on Saturday... Matt's racing on Sunday... the Hopkinton Fair on Monday & meeting friends there for the demolitian derby last night... and now back to work. I need a day off!

Fall Into Autumn Dishcloth Swap

Here are my answers for the Fall Into Autumn Dishcloth Swap...

1) Do you knit, or crochet, or do both? How long have you been knitting \ crocheting?
Knit only. My Mom tried to teach me when I was a young child and I learned the very basic stitches back then. About 4 years ago I decided I wanted to get in to it again and asked her for some supplies at Christmas. I would say I've truly been a knitter now for about 2 years....

2) Have you made dischloths before? Do you use them yourself, give them as gifts, or both?
Yes, so far I have just given them as gifts, but do plan hope to make some for myself soon.

3) What's your favorite cotton to make cloths from? What cotton would you like to try that you haven't before ?
For dishcloths, Sugar 'n Cream is a good 'ole go-to, but I do love lots of other cottons, including Debbie Bliss, Knit Picks and Lion Brand. I would really love to try some Blue Sky Organic Cotton and Vickie Howell Craft!

4) If you knit, do you prefer circular or straight needles? For all, do you prefer wooden, metal, or plastic needles?
It really depends on the project, as I use circular, straights and DPNs often. I love good quality wood/bamboo needles and Addi Turbos. I'd love to get my hands on some lovely luxury needles from Lantern Moon, including the sox sticks. I got a pair of Fiddlesticks (size 7's) in July and absolutely love them and would like to find more.

5) What are your favorite colors? Any colors you don't like much?
I love purples (wine, mulberry), blues and reds ... and I love warm fall colors and jewel tones. I really love the way the button for this exchange looks - beautiful colors! I don't like neon colors or "icky" shades of anything.

6) What do you like best about Autumn?
I love all things autumn, esp. that I live in New England and get to witness the beautiful foligae season first hand! I love the crisp, cooler air and being able to take out sweaters and scarves... I love pumpkin festivals, fall fairs, caramel apples, hot apple cider, cider donuts, warm apple crisp, etc. Autumn is my favorite season if you haven't guessed... and I'm lucky that my birthday falls in there too (Oct 7th)!

7) Pies: Pumpkin? Apple? Pecan? All of em? or No Thanks!
Pumpkin please! I do like apple as well and may have a piece of pecan from time to time, but its not usually a first choice.

8) When you were a kid, were you the one who couldn't wait to get started with school , or the one who overslept on the 1st day?
Couldn't wait to get started!

9) Do you celebrate Halloween? (The real key here guys is especially knowing if you have an aversion to the holiday or little goodies/decorations associated with it, given the timeframe of the swap)
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays (going along with the fact that autumn is my favorite season and I love all things fall in New England!)

10) If you had to choose just 3 edible 'goodies' to eat for a full year, what 3 would you choose?
Are you kidding .. only 3??? Chocolate (mostly milk, some white), peanut butter and sweedish fish. I have a super sweet tooth for chocolate covered gummy bears too!

11) Do you have any pets? Kids? Husbands who seem like kids? ;)
Three of the 4-legged furbaby variety, which you will see all over my blog - Zeus (6 yrs), Lola (5 yrs) and Teutul (4 yrs on Oct 25th). I also have a significant other of 12 years, Matt, who I'm still "raising" as well... :-)

12) If you were to describe a particular yarn that shares traits of your personality, what would it be and why?
Well, I just took the "what kind of yarn are you" quiz and it said I was mohair! I'd like to think I'm something a little tougher like superwash wool though... tough, yet still flexible!

13) Do you use your cloths mostly for dishcloths, or as facecloths?
Both - it depends on the yarn softness and prettiness of the cloth! I need to get or make myself a couple of soap socks though... I don't have any and need some.

14. Favorite Fall Holiday: Halloween or Thanksgiving and why? (Feel free to share another fall memory if you do not celebrate either of these holidays)
As noted above, I love all things autumn/fall and Thanksgiving actually used to be my most favorite holiday of the whole year... until we lost my Nana (4 years ago this coming November). She passed away just a few days before Thanksgiving and it was truly heartbreaking for me. I still love the holiday and the food can't be beat, but its a "different" time of year for me now.... and I so miss those wonderful Turkey Days at Nana's house all those years growing up.

15) Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should know about?
Cigarette smoke.

Mohair, huh?

I found this little quiz on someone's blog last week and finally got a second to take it...

What kind of yarn are you?

You are Mohair.You are a warm and fuzzy type who works well with others, doing your share without being too weighty. You can be stubborn and absolutely refuse to change your position once it is set, but that's okay since you are good at covering up your mistakes.
Take this quiz!

Why yes, I am stubborn... does this mean I can get that t-shirt now that says "plays well with others?" lol

Happy Friday - have a great long weekend and with any luck, I'll have some time to download photos and blog again!

TGI-almost-Friday... DOT!

Happy Dogs on Thursday! I'm still swamped at work playing catch up this week and forgot to download photos off the camera... but am happy to report that Teutul is doing much, much better - we haven't seen any hives come back since Monday and he's already begun the ween off the prednisone!

In honor of DOT, I wanted to pass along a link to the hilarious Michael Vick graphic t-shirts from Big Dogs (type Vick in the "find it" box on the top right) - I think the "step on #2" is my favorite so far! Gotta love Big Dogs! My kids all got a good laugh at them...

Zeus wants one of his own to wear...

Lola & Teutul asked if we could find a Vick

jersey for them play tug of war with...

And I think foster doggy Dustee was dreaming of peeing on Vick... or, um, a jersey...

Speaking of our former foster kids, please take a second to go here and vote for the awesome photo of Cotton (the beauty formerly known as Bella) that her Mom entered in to the picture.com contest!