Fiber Arts Friday: Thank You

Happy Fiber Arts Friday.  It's been awhile since I've joined, but it's also been awhile since I've completed any projects. 

I had knit up a few chunky cowls for Christmas gifts, which were well received, and decided to make a couple more for special thank you gifts.  Not only are they a fun knit, but with bulky yarn, they are a quick knit.  Which translates into something I can knit with love and gratitude, and get them finished in time to reach their recipients while they could still use them this season.  With everything going on in our house, quick + knitting therapy has been a good thing. 

Teutul was the model for this blue number sent off to a dear friend from high school whom I've reconnected with thru the help of social media.  She's a animal lover, so I knew she wouldn't mind if a certain hound modeled her new cowl.

Pattern is the Snow Cowl, a freebie you can find thru that Ravelry link.  The stitch pattern is easy to remember, making it just interesting enough yet not too complicated, and I adore the warm, cozy fabric it creates. 

Tut was a little upset that I didn't let him model Sue's grey version before we sent it off to the Portie household.  But, then I told him this one went to a kitty household and I swear he had a bit of evil laughter thinking there were going to be pesky cats who were going to smell his houndy scent all over the cowl.  I didn't have the heart to tell him the kitties didn't seem to mind, and certainly weren't intimidated by King Tut.

Wordless Wednesday: A Little of This, A Little of That

Wednesday again?  Looks like it... If you don't visit us daily, please hop back and check out Zeus' 14th birthday post.  It was a very special one for us.  Now, let's get wordless...

Ten On Tuesday: Extra Light

I haven't played along with the Ten on Tuesday folks for awhile, but today seemed like a good day to chime in.  Besides, this blog could use a fluffy little fun post today.

Today's topic is 10 Things I Will Do During That Extra Hour of Light at the End of the Day...

1. Take more pictures.  I'm always taking pictures, but having longer hours of natural light makes for better shots.

2. Watch the snow melt.  Of course, this also means watch everything become covered in mud... ugh

3. Start spring cleaning the house.  Extra light means we can see the dust and tumbleweeds dog hair more.

4. Get the dogs outside to play more.  Despite our neighborhood's lack of sidewalks, I think this might be the year we start trying to go for actual walks.

5. Make plans for this year's container garden.  I haven't done one the past 2 years, and I really miss the fresh tomatoes and basil. Now to figure out what else will work best in medium - large size containers on a deck (hint: leave tips in the comments please). I've tried string beans, cucumbers, peppers, etc. in the past with not a whole lot of success.

6. Start getting things ready for race season, which will be here before we know it.  I'm hoping to find a couple of businesses to add to our awesome sponsor family this year, so if you've got any type of business that could benefit from some really fun and unique advertising (with your name/logo in front of thousands of folks all year long), get in touch! 

7. Knit more. Longer hours of daylight certainly inspire me to do more than just plop down on the couch once I get home from work.

8. Enjoy time sitting outside on the deck.  We have a nice back porch/deck and patio set that needs to be used more often (once it's a bit warmer, of course).  The dogs absolutely love lounging out there... the humans really should take a cue.  It's a great place to sit and knit, or read a book, or drink wine. Maybe this summer we'll even enjoy a few dinners out there. 

9. Catch up with friends for afternoon coffee (working part time gives me a little more flexibility). 

10. Now that I've gotten my Cricket loom warped, it's time to finish watching my Craftsy class and start weaving! 

Monday Mischief: It's All About The Cake

Is it really Monday already?  And, the Monday after turning the clocks ahead?  This whole daylight savings time thing is nothing but unnecessary mischief. 

The Lapdogs had a nice, lazy weekend at home with their humans.  Best of all, Zeus had a pretty good weekend and a very happy birthday!  Of course I haven't had time to download any pictures off of my camera yet, but I do have some from my phone to share.

My boy got an apple oatmeal cake with peanut butter frosting from The Barkery.  It smelled almost good enough for me to take a bite, but I didn't.  Although I certainly could have.  I love that The Barkery not only uses human grade ingredients, but they keep things simple too - pureed apples, unbleached, un-bromated white flour, oats, vanilla and water (plus the peanut butter icing and peanut butter dog bones).

It's safe to say the cake was Zeus-approved.  He absolutely loved it!  We usually just put the cake down and say "don't touch" (I know, awful parents, right?!?!) in order to take some pictures before we cut it up to share... but not when you turn 14!

I let Zeus have at his cake for a few minutes before we took it away to cut up and serve (of course he shared with Sophie & Tut, and we even had leftovers for later).  This video just makes me smile from ear-to-ear...

Please keep the good vibes flowing for my boy.  Just over a week ago we thought we only had a couple hours left with him, but he's a trooper and once again showing that amazing will to live.  He actually seems to be acting a little better, but we know that is in part due to the anti nausea meds he needs daily.  I'm not sure how long Zeus can keep this fight up, but we are cherishing every moment!

Happy, Happy 14th Birthday!

Happy 14th Birthday baby boy!

Happy Birthday Zeus!

It's been quite a journey to get here, and we've had some very scary moments in the past week alone, but we made it.  Zeus is 14 years old today and it's time for our annual birthday recap!

Of course I'm a little biased, but I think my boy is quite handsome.

He even makes my selfies look good...

Zeus always works hard at reviewing items for the blog...

My big guy loves spending time outdoors, especially lounging on the back porch...

  

He loves going for a R-I-D-E...

Sometimes he's Mr. Serious... 

But most of the time he's a big 'ole ham...

 

Zeus has always been my biggest lapdog...

My baby boy has been thru so much in his 14 years, but most especially in the past year.  He's been a trooper with his mega esophagus, got thru Vestibular Disease with flying colors, and survived 3 bouts of aspiration pneumonia.  And thru it all, he's always smiled and wagged his tail at the vet.

  

 

Zeus loves his younger siblings...

 

But his bond with Lola was unmatched.  I'm convinced his recent heat arrhythmia diagnosis is truly a broken heart... he misses his sister so very much.

   

Zeus, being Zeus the Moose...

 

He's an amazing handknit model...

One of his best tricks...

 

Always such a happy boy....

 

Happy Birthday Zeus.  I love you more than words can say.  We bought our home 14 years ago and brought you home, at just 7 weeks of age, just a month later.  You have been a part of our lives and home for so long, and have fought thru so much, been so brave.  Your amazing will to live has taught us all so very, very much.  I can't even begin to thank you for your unconditional love.  As much as I can't stand to think about it, I know the day is coming soon, and it truly breaks my heart to think about life without you here. 

Happy Birthday, my Happy Old Man....