Pixelpost

Snow + Sun

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 02:14 -0500

We had a sunny day this week.

I'm in the process of moving things around blog/photo-wise. I'm slowly getting my act together in starting up my pet photography business. Slowly. While I re-work the actual business site, I've set up blog where I can post and write in a more reader friendly format. Hopefully, I'll be able to provide some value added by posting information about the technical aspects of photography and post-processing.

I may continue to cross-post here. We'll see. The new blog is here:
Fur In Focus Blog

February 7, 2009

Kitty

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 15:37 -0500

January 31, 2009

Snow Day

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:37 -0500

There's so much snow outside!

January 31, 2009

Hey McGee...

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:02 -0500

Miss Elle, looking up.

January 25, 2009

Interior - Alai Gate

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:13 -0500

An interior view of the Alai Gate showing the amazing stone carving. This is adjacent to the Qutb Minar.

Delhi, India
January 8, 2009

Red Fort

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 15:43 -0500

Red Fort, just after sundown. After we took these shots we spent some time in the Chandni Chowk Market. We bought some salwar material, then had some chai and gulab jaman at a tiny shop. Mmmmm. Hot gulab jaman!

Delhi, India
Janaury 8, 2009

Pou-Pou

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 10:34 -0500

Our dog in India. Her name is Pou-pou and she's a rescued street dog. My sister-in-law rescued her as a puppy and had her sterilized. She now lives almost exclusively in the house, but ventures out on the porch to "socialize" with the neighborhood street dogs.

The nick on her right ear was made by the vet to indicate that she's been spayed.

December 31, 2008
Michaelnager, Kolkata, India

Poster Girl

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 20:04 -0500

More play with presets. I think this one was called "fancy snapshot". With a bunch of additional pp in Photoshop.

The best trick that I learned this year was this one from CowBelly: Grey Film Be Gone. I like the technique with the unsharp mask a little bit better than the overlay one.

Fred

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 19:38 -0500

Sweet and goofy. That's Fred.

Playing around with Lightroom presets. This is "rock star" from agirlinlove.

North Coast Dogs Studio
December 23, 2008

What Big Teeth You Have, Grandma Katy

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 01:25 -0500

Katy's Nose

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:33 -0500

Playing around with Subho's new wide-angle lens.

Gabby

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:00 -0500

From a recent studio shoot. Gabby was a very sweet girl.

Ellie With Yarn

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 20:45 -0500

Katy's Happy Face

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:26 -0500

Going back through some old photos, this one jumped out at me. It's pure Katy.

July 7, 2007
In the Backyard

Thoughtful

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:42 -0500

In the Studio
December 1, 2008

Fall 2008

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 01:23 -0500

On Emerson Road heading West from Apple Creek towards Kidron, Ohio.

October 18, 2008

Go With the Flow

Fri, 30 May 2008 21:56 -0500

Gardenview Horticultural Park
May 24, 2006

Sparkler!

Mon, 26 May 2008 21:50 -0500

A wonderful end to a holiday weekend - fireworks!

May 25, 2008

Katy in the Bluebells

Thu, 08 May 2008 22:43 -0500

These flowers are amazing. A perfect setting for another photo of Katy.

Summit County Metroparks
May, 8, 2008

Farm Dog

Sun, 04 May 2008 22:32 -0500

We met this dog on a walk by Hale Farm and Village. He has his very own sheep and cattle to herd. Lucky Dog!

May 4, 2008
Hale Farm and Village
Ira, Ohio

Tan on Tan

Thu, 01 May 2008 22:58 -0500

I love the way Katy's coat color blends into the colors of the dry grass at the park.

Lookout

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:59 -0500

Always on the lookout.

Station Road Trailhead Swamp
CVNP
April 11, 2008

Katy in the Cat-tails

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 21:59 -0500

Forging through the local "jungle".

Station Road Trailhead
CVNP, Ohio
April 11, 2008

Pool Service 2008

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:59 -0500

Katy's glad that it's pool season again.

Now, if someone would be kind enough to spray her in the face with hose, she would really appreciate it!

In the Backyard
April 10, 2008

Dirty Dog

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:46 -0500

On the bridge after some serious swimming and wading in the mud.

CVNP, Station Road Trailhead

Spring is in the Air

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 11:43 -0500

At our favorite swamp.

Station Road Trailhead, CVNP
April 11, 2008

Winter Play

Sun, 03 Feb 2008 22:54 -0500

Katy in her usual state of excitement at the park.

The Voice of Discontent

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 09:36 -0500

Too few meals, improper bedding, too hot, too cold. This one just can't be satisfied.

Fall Cosmos

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:50 -0500

Still blooming!

Before the Crossing

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 18:05 -0500

Here's Katy sitting nicely, just a few seconds before she and Ellie swam to the other side of the river. Usually the river is a natural barrier for us because on the other side is a path full of joggers and bicyclists. I never thought that they would swim across, but now will never estimate the will of Ellie when she sees something that she wants to chase.

Watch

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 02:16 -0500

Pensive

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 02:49 -0500

From earlier in the summer.

June, 2007
Aurora, Ohio

Ellie on Leash

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 20:27 -0500

Sleepy Girl

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 23:41 -0500

Ellie models a finished project. She's a sleepy girl.

Again, The Bean

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 22:38 -0500

Funny story. While I was in Chicago someone stole all of the wheels off of my car (my car was still in Ohio). It made for an interesting trip and I still don't have my poor car back from the repair shop yet. Who knew that anyone would even give my eleven year old car a second glance.

The Bean
August 25, 2007

Mom and the Bean

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 18:34 -0500

My mom and the bean. Really, is there anything else in Chicago to take a photo of?
(She's holding her iced coffee from the new Intelligentsia that's on East Randolph near the park. Yum. My favorite coffee in the world!)

August 25, 2007

That Crazy Bean

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 22:37 -0500

Millennium Park
Chicago, IL
August 25, 2007

Hey Good Lookin'

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 10:33 -0500

Out of all of the chickens at the fair, with all of their fancy plumage, I ended up liking this plain little one the best.

Cuyahoga County Fair
August 12, 2007

For Liv

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 23:15 -0500

All that is missing is something pink!

Secret (Doberman Puppy!)
July 1, 2007

Secret, Again

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 00:00 -0500

Another shot of this cute little one.

Chase

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 21:46 -0500

This is Chase - he's the big brother of little Secret who showed up here a few weeks ago.

Cuyahoga Falls, Oh
July 1, 2007

It's Official

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:21 -0500

Several weeks ago, I sent a cheek swab from Ellie in for a Canine Heritage Breed Test.

I just received the results from Ellie's test. Drum roll, please...

Chinese Shar-pei/Akita

Both breeds were listed under the Primary category of the results which means that it's likely at least one of her parents was a purebred dog of one of these breeds.

I would have never guessed Akita, since that's a pretty big dog and Ellie is actually a bit smaller than a pure-bred shar-pei. I always guessed that she was shar-pei mixed with something like a Jack Russell terrier. Particularly since she has very strong prey drive (just ask the poor kitty!)

Ellie at the Park
August 4, 2007

Must Love Dogs

Sun, 05 Aug 2007 22:11 -0500

Katy in serious stick chasing mode.

CVNP
August 4, 2007

E-L-lie

Sat, 04 Aug 2007 17:30 -0500

I rented this lens and, yes, it's all it's cracked up to be. Tomorrow I'm heading down to an agility event to try for some serious action shots.

Backyard
August 3, 2007

Where's the Ball?

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 14:50 -0500

Paddy - looking for his tennis ball and contemplating whether he should go in after it.

Hinckley Metropark
June 16, 2007

Bad Kitties

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:43 -0500

No - they weren't really bad. Just locked up at the shelter waiting for new homes.

Blossom

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 22:53 -0500

This little puppy at the shelter was really making me sad. She had just come from from her spay operation at the vet and was all by herself in this big crate. She was shivering and looking at us with those big sad eyes. I just wanted to bring her home for some cuddles.

Parma Animal Shelter
July 24, 2007

Distressed Volvos

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 23:53 -0500

Mine fits into that category as well.

The Volvo Shop
Ravenna, Ohio
July 15, 2007

Not an Angel

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 17:48 -0500

That's what some people think. Those that know Ellie, know better.

;)

Ellie in the Backyard
July 21, 2007

The universe knows your dog

Sun, 22 Jul 2007 10:06 -0500

Janice - I think you must be right!

Just goes to show that even with lots of practice, I'm still not always paying attention to my background. And, that I have a messy backyard.

July 21, 2007

Snacktime

Sat, 21 Jul 2007 20:05 -0500

This little kitty has been really sick all week long. For a few days she was hiding out in the basement, but has finally made an appearance and seems to have gotten her appetite back. As you can see, she's not a very picky eater!

This is a funny dog photo (link to flickr)!

Frances
July 21, 2007

Can You Tell?

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 18:07 -0500

That I took this with a different camera? I'm doing a little experiment this weekend.

July 20, 2007

Old Handles

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 22:28 -0500

More details of old volvos.

The Volvo Shop
Ravenna, Ohio
July 15, 2007

One Local Summer

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 10:13 -0500

Caprese salad for One Local Summer.

Tomato, still warm from the summer sun, from my backyard container.
Basil, from my herb container garden.
Fresh, local mozzarella (planning on making my own, but still need to collect the supplies. I may opt for a paneer version since I can easily collect the supplies for home-made paneer )
Kosher salt and olive oil.

July 16, 2007

I Can See Paradise

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 22:22 -0500

by the dashboard light.

Brings back memories of junior high school! This photo makes me think of that silly song.

Outside behind The Volvo Shop
Ravenna, Ohio
July 15, 2007

Berries

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 11:57 -0500

Summer berries on the hood of an old Volvo.

The Volvo Shop
Ravenna, Ohio
July 15, 2007

(more photos from this shoot may be found here!)

She's an Angel

Sun, 08 Jul 2007 18:49 -0500

The frisbee halo was a complete accident.

It really makes me laugh - given Katy's devilish personality!

Secret

Sun, 01 Jul 2007 13:36 -0500

This is my friend's new puppy, Secret. She's a darling little (for now) Doberman Pinscher. The breeder agreed not to crop her ears - isn't she adorable?

Quiet Time

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 22:57 -0500

June 10, 2007

Please Don't Make Me Do It!

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 22:40 -0500

After agility class on Saturday night, we went down to a local pond to practice a little bit of dock-diving. My agility instructor's dog, Paddy, wasn't too thrilled about the idea of jumping three feet off a dock into algae covered water. Fortunately, my friend Maria's dog, Bailey, was there to rescue any un-retrieved tennis balls.

Brecksville Flowers

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 22:44 -0500

Along Rt.82 by the Brecksville Reservation.

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Climbing

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 22:48 -0500

More Flowers

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 21:33 -0500

From the Farmer's Market

Sat, 09 Jun 2007 13:22 -0500

This morning my mom and I went to the local Farmer's Market. Luckily we got there early enough that there were still some flower bouquets still available!

I was talked in to buying some turnips! Now, what to do with them? Any ideas?

From the Peninsula Farmer's Market
June 9, 2007

Sunday Morning Swamp

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 20:40 -0500

New tripod. After a Sunday morning rain delay.

Off the railroad tracks, Station Road Trailhead
CVNP, Brecksville, Ohio

Station Road Bridge

Sun, 03 Jun 2007 19:07 -0500

The Station Road bridge, looking south from the west side of the tracks.

Just north of this bridge is the first documented bald eagle's nest to be found in the park.

Down the Tracks

Thu, 31 May 2007 22:02 -0500

Station Road Trailhead railroad bridge.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Brecksville, Ohio

Dame's Rocket

Sun, 27 May 2007 14:07 -0500

It's disappointing that this very pretty, late spring flowering plant is an invasive species!

Pretty on the surface, potentially devastating in reality.

Schoepfle Garden
Birmingham, Ohio

By the Dam

Wed, 23 May 2007 22:34 -0500

Going back through my photos from Africa. This shot is from our last evening game drive.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Lewa Downs
Kenya

Blackberry Fowers

Tue, 22 May 2007 20:52 -0500

What's in bloom this week?

Purple

Mon, 21 May 2007 23:13 -0500

Another flower found along the trail at the Gardenview Horticultural Park.

Asian Lily

Sun, 20 May 2007 22:57 -0500

Sunday morning at the Gardenview Horticultural Park.

May 20, 2007

Teeing Up

Thu, 17 May 2007 22:32 -0500

I took my nephew to play his first nine holes of golf. We played on this lovely little par three that's nestled down in the Cuyahoga Valley by the river. He's been taking lessons and had some really nice shots. I timed it so that we had the course to ourselves.

A few years ago, I read an article that provided some ideas on how to get kids interested in golf. One - let them drive the cart (we didn't do this - though I rented a cart and we had alot of fun driving around in it). Two - purposely hit some golf balls into a body of water (we did - hitting a few into the river).

Then we went out for ice cream.

Dramatic Ellie

Wed, 16 May 2007 22:26 -0500

From earlier in the spring.

Owen

Sun, 13 May 2007 13:52 -0500

My nephew.

Yesterday his mom compared him to a loaf of white bread. Meaning that he's quite soft and squeezable. A very cute description of a sweet little guy.

Hannah

Fri, 11 May 2007 23:14 -0500

My beautiful niece, Hannah.

More Dogwood

Thu, 10 May 2007 22:15 -0500

Dogwood blossom in my backyard.

Warehouse

Wed, 09 May 2007 20:25 -0500

Warehouse loves Katy.

My next-door-neighbor's dog. Everyone always guessed he was some kind of crazy corgi-shepherd mix until Liz described the features of her friend's Swedish Vallhund to me. Who would have guessed? He's a sweetie pie.

Dogwood

Tue, 08 May 2007 23:53 -0500

This tree in my backyard has about half of the flowers that it usually has at this time of the year. I think the late spring snowstorms may have held it back a bit. The flowers are so pretty. I love them at night - they glow in the moonlight.

Ellie in Blue

Mon, 07 May 2007 21:44 -0500

At the park today (Virginia Bluebells - thanks Liz!).

Off of Daffodil Trail
Furnace Run Metropark
Richfield, Ohio

Spring Branches at Sunset

Sun, 06 May 2007 13:13 -0500

At the park.

Three Friends

Thu, 03 May 2007 22:17 -0500

At the Chicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe, IL

Backyard Flowers

Wed, 02 May 2007 22:37 -0500

There's a little neglected flower bush that blossoms in the back corner of my yard. It always surprises me because it's so pretty an unassuming.

Shelter Kitten

Tue, 01 May 2007 21:42 -0500

It's kitten season at the shelter. Oh, boy, this is one of a pair of creamy peach love bugs.

Soft White Flowers

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 14:50 -0500

Soft, white flowers at the Chicago Botanic Garden. I'd estimate that only 5% of the gardens at the park where in bloom - yet it was still a lovely visit. Now I want to go back and visit each season.

April 25, 2007
Glencoe, Illinois

Skyline

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 17:03 -0500

I ♥ Chicago!

Ok - more details. Went to Chicago for MPLS training. The actual training class was held in Schaumburg - but I made it downtown one evening and out to a couple of the botanical gardens on the other nights. This shot was taken from the south side bank of windows of the 94th floor of the John Hancock building. It's so pretty to look out over the city at night.

April 24, 2007

Pale Pink Lily

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 22:44 -0500

Forest Floor

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 22:42 -0500

Off the Wetmore Bridal Trail.

CVNP, Everett, Ohio

Katy in Action

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 22:41 -0500

Playing at the park.

Chippewa Creek
CVNP, Brecksville, Ohio

Sunset Branches

Sun, 22 Apr 2007 22:40 -0500

At the park on Saturday evening.

(We had enough light to keep hiking until 8:45pm!)

Playing with Water

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 22:16 -0500

I washed my car today - and apparently Katy at the same time. She BEGS me to spray her with the hose.

Crazy!

Lily

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 21:42 -0500

Dried Flower

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 22:02 -0500

Brecksville Reservation
April 18, 2007

Ellie

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 20:49 -0500

Chippewa Creek

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 20:40 -0500

Chippewa Creek from the railroad bridge.

(With a little bit of experimental post-processing)

April 14, 2007

Dried Flowers

Sun, 15 Apr 2007 12:47 -0500

Maasai Bracelet

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 20:54 -0500

Beautiful Maasai beaded bracelet.

Tassels

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 23:41 -0500

One of the items that I brought back from Africa is this beautiful woven scarf. I love the way the colors combine on the the tassels.

Daisy for Daisy

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 09:03 -0500

Practicing with the rental lens. One lesson learned - these shots need lots of light and there hasn't been much available lately. This means that I had to open the aperture up and narrow the DOF a little bit too much. It kind of stinks when there's not enough DOF to even get the whole central part of the flower in focus!

Old Moroccan Stamps

Sat, 07 Apr 2007 14:16 -0500

Tomorrow was supposed to be a day spent in a hidden local garden, taking pictures of beautiful spring flowers. Unfortunately, the photo shoot has been canceled due to all of the flowers being buried under a foot of snow. But! I rented a macro lens for the weekend, so I'm creeping around my house looking for something, anything, to take a photo of.

Here's a shot of my grandpa's stamps. He built up (what seems to me) an amazing stamp collection - most of the stamps are from the 1800s and early 1900s. It's amazing the stories that these stamps tell.

This shot is for my friend who has visited Morocco.

(This lens is so much fun to play with!)

Cottages

Fri, 06 Apr 2007 19:58 -0500

The cottages at Lewa Wilderness Trails as viewed from across the valley on a morning nature walk.

Isiolo, Kenya
January 13, 2007

Superb Starlings

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 22:12 -0500

Starlings in the horse barn.

Lewa Wilderness Trails
Isiolo, Kenya
January 14, 2007

Alex

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 20:49 -0500

Out behind the North Coast Dogs building is a large fenced in area where we let the dogs get together and play. Alex owns the spot under this camper that is parked back there. He watches all of the other dogs play and periodically runs out and around to herd them. Then he runs back to his lookout spot.

Woody

Sun, 01 Apr 2007 18:18 -0500

Torturing the Dogs

Sat, 31 Mar 2007 21:21 -0500

This little guy moved just far enough away so that the dogs couldn't get him. Then sat there and drove them crazy with his mere presence.

Normally, I'm not much of a fan of squirrel photos. Ho-hum, squirrels are so common. But, my roommate for the gorilla trek was from Australia and she told me that while she was in Canada, she took about 400 pictures of squirrels. She was Amazed by them. I came home and have been trying to see squirrels from an Australian's perspective!

The other cute thing about this guy follows up on some of the discussions held at ClickerExpo last weekend. One of the lecturers mentioned some of the things that she sees in dogs that are having "issues" and mentioned that for dogs in really bad situations, she's noticed that "there's no there, there". I see this in the majority of the dogs at the shelter - there is so much sensory input that they have to deal with, they end up having to zone out just to avoid being over-whelmed. Fortunately, most of them are ok once they find themselves in a new home. The point of this story is that it really seemed like there was something "there" in this squirrel's eyes. Now all I need is my clicker and some acorns and I may be able to train him to do a trick!

First Day in the Pool

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 20:27 -0500

Zebra

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 21:18 -0500

A baby common Zebra.

And, a totally unrelated link: Mr. Deity!

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Isiolo, Kenya

Full Moon

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 22:56 -0500

Last month's full moon.

March 3, 2007

Ellie

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 22:00 -0500

Just playing around with a new lens. Ellie's always a fairly willing model.

January 22, 2007

Lake Bunyonyi

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 22:19 -0500

While I was laying in bed, reading *Coyote Blue and wondering if my fever was going to break, my friend Maria was out on a village tour. This is one of her photos.

The Lake Bunyonyi area of Uganda is a special place. I'm thinking of going back next year via this Learn from Africa program. What I like about this program is that it celebrates and appreciates who the people of Africa are and doesn't have a religious affiliation.

*Any Christopher Moore fans out there? He makes me laugh out loud. The first book that I read of his was, A Dirty Job. Now I have to go back and read the rest.

Kabale District, Uganda
January 8, 2007

Hot Dog

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 22:54 -0500

We're getting ready for the Great American Hot Dog Retrieval Challenge.

Oh, yeah! Clicker Expo is here in Cleveland this weekend!

Dinner Guests

Mon, 19 Mar 2007 23:33 -0500

It was getting so dark that all my photos from Giraffe Manor are out of focus - but the experience - well, there was nothing like it!

Giraffe Manor
Nairobi, Kenya
January 15, 2007

Swimming in Winter?

Sun, 18 Mar 2007 21:15 -0500

Frosty puppy!

In the creek off of Daffodil Trail
Richfield, OH
January 16, 2007

Lake Bunyonyi

Sat, 17 Mar 2007 21:56 -0500

Kabale District, Uganda

January 10, 2007

Grevy's Zebra

Fri, 16 Mar 2007 21:45 -0500

Adult Grevy's Zebra

UTA: Dog and Cat food recall. This is why I'm glad I feed RAW!

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Isiolo, Kenya

January 12, 2007

Whipp's Ledges

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 22:23 -0500

While looking around for a decent link which describes Whipps Ledges, I was reminded that today is the day that the buzzards are scheduled to return to Hinckley. We were at the trail across the road from the lookout point - and the park didn't seem particularly crowded. Maybe the birds show up in the morning?

ETA: The Dawg Whisperer - hilarious!

Whipp's Ledges
Hinckley, Ohio
March 15, 2007

Whipp's Ledges

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 22:14 -0500

I love the early time change! There's plenty of time to get to the park and hike for over an hour with the dogs while it's still light.

Whipp's Ledges
Hinckley, Ohio
March 15, 2007

Hard at Work?

Wed, 14 Mar 2007 22:39 -0500

She's studying so hard!

Flip's Sheep

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 22:06 -0500

A long time ago, I mentioned that my friend was getting some sheep for her dog. Well, these are Flip's sheep: Crimson, Crinkle and Clover. They were very tolerant of me as I climbed over the fence to get into their paddock - though a little suspicious!

Good news! I just got a share in a local CSA for the 2007 growing season. Their list filled in less than eight hours!
Basket of Life Farm

Medina, Ohio
January 11, 2007

Scholars with Collars

Mon, 12 Mar 2007 20:44 -0500

Scholars with Collars is the name of a dog training business that I found in the yellow pages up near Toronto. I always thought that it was a very cute name for a training school.

Here's an out-take from our photo session yesterday. Ellie's a good reader (and she's got some good books in her reading queue!)

One more thing - earlier in the evening, my house shook! It wasn't until I heard the news later on in the evening that I found at that it was earthquake - 3.6 on the Richter scale! It's kind of funny because I'm in the middle of reading A Crack in the Edge of the World (I love Simon Winchester's books.)

January 11, 2007

So Much to Learn

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 20:02 -0500

I'm taking an online photography course and our latest assignment was to take a photo (of a pet) that tells a story.

Here's Ellie, studying up on good canine behavior.

March 11, 2007

Bakiga Women

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 22:59 -0500

Dancers from Bufuka Village.

More about the Bakiga...

Bushara Island Camp
Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
January 8, 2007

African Grey

Thu, 08 Mar 2007 22:46 -0500

There was something funny about seeing an African Grey Parrot...in Africa!

(Though, this bird was not in the wild. It was in a large enclosure with a few other parrots.)

Uganda Wildlife Education Center
Entebbe, Uganda
January 3, 2007

Snacktime

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 23:27 -0500

This is the same little guy from this photo. I like this one because he is so focused on his snack.

Uganda Wildlife Education Center
Entebbe, Uganda
January 3, 2007

Kendall Hills

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 20:27 -0500

Late afternoon - before the snow started falling.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Kendall Hills
March, 2007

Roses on the fireplace at Lewa

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 00:56 -0500

Lewa Wilderness Camp
January 2007

Crossing the Equator

Sat, 03 Mar 2007 15:13 -0500

On the Kampala-Masaka highway.

Uganda
January 4, 2007

Keli

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 23:30 -0500

Our wonderful guide at Lewa.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Isiolo, Kenya
January 15, 2007

Hello There

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 23:01 -0500

One of the residents of Giraffe Manor.

Nairobi, Kenya
January 15, 2007

CVNP Scenic Railroad

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:29 -0500

Go Girlies, Go!

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 23:14 -0500

Hildy

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 00:02 -0500

Hildy is available for adoption at the Parma Shelter.

Ellie at the Park

Sat, 24 Feb 2007 23:19 -0500

Gray Kitty

Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:28 -0500

The patient kitty.

Playtime

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 23:47 -0500

What I think is funny about this picture is that it captures something special about the way these two play. On the surface, it sometimes looks and sounds like they're in a death match. But it's much more subtle. When they're playing tug with a toy and Ellie loses her grip, Katy will wait until Ellie gets a good grip back on the toy before starting to tug again.

In this picture, Katy was waiting for Ellie to "re-grip" and had a chance to watch the neighbor's car come in to the driveway. She makes me laugh.

Winter Sky

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 01:33 -0500

I took Katy to the park to play frisbee. It was getting too dark to get a good picture of Katy, but the sky was glowing beautifully.

Katy

Tue, 20 Feb 2007 23:34 -0500

February 19, 2007

Vervet Baby

Tue, 20 Feb 2007 22:47 -0500

A baby vervet monkey at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre.

Entebbe, Uganda
January 3, 2007

Southern Uganda

Sat, 17 Feb 2007 22:23 -0500

Between Kabale and Kisoro this is the view. Family farms range from the tops of the hills to the bottoms of the valleys. Across what seems to be the entire southern third of the country.

Uganda, East Africa
January 2007

Steep

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 22:33 -0500

Looking back on the rest of the group while hiking up to see the gorillas.

Dalia, Jess, Chris and the rest!

Virunga Mountains
Parc National Des Volcans, Rwanda
January 6, 2007

Yum. Icicles!

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 12:34 -0500

Ellie eating an icicle.

February 14, 2007

Travellers Rest Hotel

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 22:18 -0500

Flowers in the garden at The Travellers Rest Hotel. A very nice place to stay while in Kisoro.

Kisoro, Uganda
January 7, 2007

Moses

Tue, 13 Feb 2007 22:30 -0500

Pictured above is one of the guides we had for game drives at Lewa. Moses is a Mara Maasai (most of the Maasai that work at Lewa are Laikipia Maasai). He was working at Lewa during his holiday break from university. He's a great storyteller - and in this picture he was teaching us some new Swahili words. Relative to Moses, who is about 6'3" tall, my friend Maria looks really short. Moses was nice enough to teach us how to say "very short" in Swahili - mfupi sana (like a pygmy!) - which gave us a few more laughs during the rest of the trip.

There was a story on npr yesterday about the color red and it's various meanings. The story explained some of the history and reasons why red is used in textiles, but failed to mention the red outfits worn by the Maasai. As you can see - it's quite an omission.

“I think that a textile is not dyed red by chance… No, you use red for a specific reason, whether it’s for love, for fertility, for happiness. You made it red on purpose.”

~Curator Rebecca Stevens

More about his outfit: His mom and sisters did all of the beading. The beads don't mean anything in particular (at least that is what he told us) - they are pure decoration. The little silver discs attached to his belt jingle like chimes. I'll always associate this very quiet chime sound with the views of the beautiful Kenyan country side.

Tusker

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 21:38 -0500

Africa wasn't just about the wild animals - we got to meet some nice domesticated animals as well. This pup is a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog puppy. He was born here in the US and then shipped out to live with his family in Africa. He's one of the sweetest dogs that I've ever met.

Lewa Wilderness Camp
Lewa Downs, Kenya
January 15, 2007

Rwandan Farms

Sat, 10 Feb 2007 12:57 -0500

Another shot of the farmers' fields in Rwanda. This shot was taken just before the park boundary wall and gives a nice view of how the fields extend into the distance.

Ruhengeri, Rwanda
January 6, 2007

Family Farms

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 23:27 -0500

The areas in Uganda and Rwanda where we traveled were covered, literally, with family farms. Uganda is known for it's extensive banana farms - about 100 varieties are grown there. But, by the time one passes the southern border of Uganda into Rwanda, the longitude and elevation contribute to a climate that is a bit less tropical and bananas can't be grown. However, the Rwandan farmers grow their crops in this amazing volcanic soil and the weather is mild enough throughout the year so that they have three harvests.

At first I thought that those small white flowers were chamomile and were being grown as a fallow crop. My guide explained that the flowers are pyrethrum - a flower that acts as a natural insecticide.

I wish I was better at capturing landscapes - this scene was about 1000 times more beautiful than what you see in the picture. These particular fields are at the base of a volcano (Karasimbi) and about 400 yards away from the park boundary where we climbed to see the gorillas. The plots are cultivated right up to the stone wall that follows the edge of the park.

It's quite easy to see why so many African species like the mountain gorilla are endangered. The land is all used up. It's beautiful, but it has to support so many people. There's not much room for anything else.

Ruhengeri, Rwanda
(I was yelled at by soldiers for taking this picture!)
January 6, 2007

Petit's Cuckoo-shrike?

Thu, 08 Feb 2007 22:57 -0500

That is my best guess on this species of bird. Our little safari tent on Bushara Island felt like it was at the center of a considerable bird community. This one landed on our porch railing just long enough for me to get a picture.

Bushara Island Camp, Cisticola Tent
Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
January 9, 2007

On Lake Bunyonyi

Thu, 08 Feb 2007 00:00 -0500

Two nights of the gorilla trek part of our trip were spent "camping" at the Bushara Island Camp on Lake Bunyonyi. The camps were permanent wooden tents with canvas tarps. The views from our porch were unbelievably beautiful.

I was sick while at the camp, so I spent a serious amount of time in my tent looking out at the view. I would love to return to the camp to spend a few days hiking around the island and actually enjoying the full beauty of the spot.

The camp serves many purposes - it provides respite to weary gorilla trekkers while the proceeds feed back in to the local community. I bought some of my favorite souvenirs from the gift "shelf" at the camp.

From the boat crossing over to the Bushara Island Camp.
Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
January 9, 2007

Tula and Elvis

Tue, 06 Feb 2007 23:18 -0500

The baby black rhinos, again.

Dreamgirls

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 20:52 -0500

Did anyone miss the doggies?

It's way to easy to egg these two on and get them howling. It's hilarious because their howling is so lame - but they participate with such enthusiasm.

ETA: Yes, Ellie is wearing a necklace. While I was in Africa, she stayed with my friend who has two sighthounds. Did you know that necklaces are quite fashionable in the sighthound world? So Ellie wouldn't be left out, she was given a necklace. (And Ellie is all about lure coursing - so I don't think she'd mind passing as a sighthound. Perhaps a Basenji-Ridgeback mix?). It does look kind of cute on her.

My last photo of Maria...

Sun, 04 Feb 2007 22:06 -0500

I told everyone that at least I'd have one photo to show her husband when we had to explain that after this we never saw her again!
Not really, but that's what we were joking about.

On the second to last day of the "gorilla express" we were driving through the outskirts of Kampala. At an intersection, a guy runs up to the truck, says something in Luganda to our tour guide and the next thing you know, Maria jumps out of the safari truck and runs over to get on this guy's motorcycle. She only drove with him for about a mile or so. Given the general disorder of traffic around Kampala (ok, in Africa in general!), one has to acknowledge that Maria is pretty brave.

Kabale Flowers

Sun, 04 Feb 2007 15:06 -0500

Despite the sense of perpetual summer, we saw very few flowers in the areas we visited in East Africa.

In Kabale (on the way to Rwanda), we stayed overnight at the White Horse Inn, which is located on Government Hill. This hill overlooks the town and hills across from the town.

We took a long walk down the hill, through town and then back up the other side of the hill. Living on the hill seems to be the privilege of those with more wealth as well as the location of several NGO facilities for the region.

These flowers were planted in a garden on the hill.

January 4, 2006
Kabale, Uganda

Vervet Monkey

Sat, 03 Feb 2007 15:50 -0500

In Uganda, we saw vervet monkeys with about the same frequency that squirrels are found in the US. They just run around free and were a novel sight for us (Look! Monkeys all over the place!). It's likely that to the locals, they seem a bit like pests.
But, they sure are cute.

Charles and Fidel

Sat, 03 Feb 2007 02:57 -0500

How close? The park rules request that the trekkers should try to keep about 10 meters of distance between themselves and the gorillas. But - they haven't done a very good job of explaining this to the gorillas. A baby gorilla climbed down a branch and touched my arm. In the other group, several people were hugged!

Elephant

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 22:04 -0500

Bull elephant.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Lewa Downs, Kenya.

January 12, 2006.

(this was the day that I got to use the white lens! Oh, look. It's $40 off!)

ETA: The story behind the lens. Staying at the same lodge as us at Lewa was a very nice professional photographer and his lovely wife. Joe also shoots with a Canon camera (he had his 1D with him) and he let me borrow one of his lenses for a game drive.

Something in the Grass

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 23:11 -0500

A kitty perhaps?

Breakfast Time

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 23:35 -0500

Isn't She Gorgeous?

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 22:50 -0500

This is Inyongera and her baby. She's a member of the Umubano group found in the Parc National des Volcans in northern Rwanda. Each gorilla is identified by the pattern of indentations above their nostrils. Prior to our hike up the volcano, our guide showed us a "family picture" of the group which included a picture of each member with a little mark next to each picture that looked kind of like a Chinese character. That "character" was the nose print of the gorilla.

Our group of eight "trekkers", two guides, three trackers and several members of the Rwandan Army, hiked up the side of a volcano for just over an hour to visit this group. The first member of the group we came upon was Charles, the silverback. He is quite an impressive fellow (and I got some nice photos of him, too).

January 6, 2007. Ruhengeri, Rwanda.

A Cousin?

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 19:27 -0500

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

A chimp sanctuary located on an island in Lake Victoria about an hour off the coast of Entebbe, Uganda.

January, 2007

Kenya

Sun, 28 Jan 2007 22:08 -0500

Kenya is breathtakingly beautiful. Truly.

Miami Beach?

Sat, 27 Jan 2007 18:10 -0500

or downtown Kampala, Uganda?

The answer is: Kampala. Under the barrage of signage and somewhat gritty coating of smoke and exhaust are a series of beautiful art deco style buildings.

Baby Rhinos

Fri, 26 Jan 2007 23:04 -0500

I was going to try to post my Africa photos in a "then this happened next" kind of order, but, apparently I just don't have the patience. So, perhaps I'll go back later and resort them. But for now, I'm just going to post the ones that I like in random order.

This shot is of a pair of very cute baby black rhinos that are being "fostered" at Lewa. Their names are Tula and Elvis. The background setting is the amazing, eden-like plains of north, central Kenya.

Kasubi Tombs - Detail

Sat, 20 Jan 2007 13:03 -0500

On our first day, we were free until our tour meeting at 5pm. We took advantage of this time and hired a driver for a whirlwind tour of Kampala and Entebbe.

First stop: Kasubi Tombs
This is a detail of the building.

The history of the Ugandan Kings is quite fascinating. We also took about 30 minutes to sit down and learn how to play the Ugandan version of mancala which is called omweso.

First Glimpse

Fri, 19 Jan 2007 20:33 -0500

Late on the evening of January 2, we arrived in Entebbe, Uganda. It wasn't until the next morning, that I caught my first glimpse of Africa in daylight.

This is a peek out of my window at Sophie's Motel in Entebbe, Uganda. The patio seen above the shrubs looks out over Lake Victoria.

2007

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 11:43 -0500

I'm off to Africa! Be back after January 16.

Here's one of my favorite pictures from 2006.

Making the World a Safer Place

Sun, 31 Dec 2006 13:21 -0500

My nephew charms me with his imagination. He becomes the character - as was demonstrated later when my brother tried to add Owen's winter jacket to the costume.

"But knights don't wear coats!"

A struggle ensued.

Fall Grasses

Fri, 29 Dec 2006 20:43 -0500

October 2006

Maine Flower

Wed, 27 Dec 2006 00:13 -0500

Rockport, ME

September 2006

Bored at the Park

Tue, 26 Dec 2006 11:09 -0500

While I was taking some pictures, Katy was getting a little bit bored. She's so subtle.

Rainy Christmas

Sun, 24 Dec 2006 11:36 -0500

Best wishes for a wonderful Christmas!

Weather

Sat, 23 Dec 2006 02:10 -0500

Rainy day at the park.

Oxen

Fri, 22 Dec 2006 01:02 -0500

Oxen at the Common Ground Fair.

September, 2006

Check out this photo blog - cool stuff (I love the photo that I linked to).

Moon Over Ledge Lake

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 08:21 -0500

October 2006

Carl Sagan and My Dad

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 03:22 -0500

Life is but a momentary glimpse of the wonder of this astonishing universe, and it is sad to see so many dreaming it away on spiritual fantasy.
~ Carl Sagan

Today marks the 10th anniversary of Carl Sagan's passing. As a memorial, a blog-a-thon has been organized.

There is no way for me to think about Carl Sagan without thinking of my father. My dad, he of the constant impersonations, loved to impersonate Carl Sagan. Particularly the way he used to say "billions and billions" and "star stuff". As kids, we found this very amusing and so we bought my dad the book, Cosmos. I remember spending a summer vacation entranced with the book. Both of these men sparked in me a love and respect for science and impressed on me of the importance of independent and critical thinking.

This lovely short video which quotes Carl Sagan from his book, Pale Blue Dot, is the closest thing I have to a dogma. It's a reminder that humility, kindness and mutual respect could go a long way towards making our world a better place.

Thank you Dad. Thank you Dr. Sagan.

(UTA: And apparently he loves dogs!)

Actual Knitting Content

Sat, 16 Dec 2006 17:43 -0500

The very beginnings of the Flared Lace Smoke Ring. In some very pretty merino/silk/cashmere.

Buttermilk Falls - Again

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 18:36 -0500

I could just take this photo down - it's over-exposed and pretty crummy. But, I think it's good to see how the same photo can be adjusted - and improved by more careful handling of the post-processing (though, this photo seems to be beyond repair - I'm still not happy with it).

I found a mentor to help me with my photography. We met three or four times over the summer to discuss equipment, lighting and strategies for taking better photos.

The more one learns, the more one respects the talents of great photographers as often the shot that appears simple and beautiful is actually the product of an artistic eye, experience behind the lens and careful planning. I'm certainly a long way from there and find that I have so very much to still learn. Good equipment is the tip of the photography iceberg (and not always a necessity as an artist's eye and an understanding of composition goes a very long way towards taking a nice photograph).

Katy Sniffing

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 00:43 -0500

Feels Like Summer

Tue, 12 Dec 2006 23:03 -0500

Well, not quite. This is a summer picture given the "watercolor" effect in Photoshop. These effects tend to get misused, but I thought that this picture came out kind of pretty.

Kitten

Mon, 11 Dec 2006 23:33 -0500

It's December and there are kittens at the shelter. This little guy was so funny - skinny, but very furry.

It's amazing that even after two years, I can still cry about losing Spencer while reading a sad story that is a quiet homage to the love we have for our dogs.

Buttermilk Falls

Sun, 10 Dec 2006 12:36 -0500

Thanksgiving Day, 2006

The Meadows

Sat, 09 Dec 2006 02:52 -0500

December, 2006

Branches

Wed, 06 Dec 2006 00:58 -0500

A leftover photo from my Maine trip.

Go Ellie, Go!

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:44 -0500

I love how the color of winter grass matches the dogs' coats.

(no, she's not running from coyotes!)

December

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 00:38 -0500

We heard coyotes singing at the park today.

December 3, 2006
Meadows Picnic Area
Brecksville Reservation

Scientists are funny...

Sun, 03 Dec 2006 11:08 -0500

From the Talk.Origins newslist:

'' > We are told the crocodile has been here for a couple hundred million
> years, dinosaurs lived for several hundred million years. Among the
> dinosaurs, why was there no evolution of intelligence, or was there?

It's hard to administer an IQ test to a fossil (they never remember to
bring their #2 pencils).''

A Drawing

Fri, 01 Dec 2006 23:43 -0500

Just a puppy.

I bought a drawing tablet quite a few years ago and didn't like using it at first. But, tonight I broke it out to play around with. Fun!

Nature

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 14:10 -0500

October, 2006

An experiment on how spread across the blog world. If you want to participate, follow his instructions and link to the entry.

Superhero

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 10:52 -0500

The superhero, Owen, getting some last minute instructions.

November, 2006

A Walk in the Woods

Sun, 26 Nov 2006 13:00 -0500

Thanksgiving day at the park. Beautiful weather.

November, 2006

November Birthdays

Sat, 25 Nov 2006 11:13 -0500

From our family birthday party last weekend. Four birthdays were celebrated and this picture was of the second candle-blowing-out ceremony.

Buttermilk Falls

Fri, 24 Nov 2006 11:35 -0500

Katy at Buttermilk Falls. A fun day at the park - swimming at the base of a waterfall!

November, 2006

Hardware

Thu, 23 Nov 2006 12:02 -0500

From an old set of french doors.

Noro Encore

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 20:42 -0500

Three comments must mean that you all want more, more, more of the lovely Ellie in my Noro scarf!

Though, honestly, I was just playing around with Photoshop and retouched another one of this series of Ellie at the back door.

Ellie would have been quite happy to run out and chase squirrels while wearing this scarf - but it wasn't going to happen. I could see that it would be about 20 seconds before my dear scarf would be dragging through the mud in the corner of yard (close to the squirrels favorite pine tree).

Ellie in Noro

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 22:47 -0500

Ellie modeling my Noro scarf.

Buckwheat

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 00:44 -0500

This is the last little guy left from the litter of puppies that was born about nine or ten weeks ago. His name is Buckwheat and he's a little lovebug.

Fall Leaves

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 00:02 -0500

Frances

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 03:02 -0500

Poor Frances - she doesn't even have a category. I had to put her in Family and Friends.

And she gets chased all the time.

Can You Say, Relaxed?

Wed, 15 Nov 2006 01:04 -0500

This is my friend Maria and her dog, Flip.
She's a massage therapist - for horses and dogs!
Flip gets a massage every day of his life -
can you tell that he's pretty comfortable with this schedule?

Maria, one other friend and I are going to Africa in January -
a trip that I'm really looking forward to.
We'll be going to the Parc National Des Volcans in Rwanda,
to various sites in Uganda, including the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
and then a few days volunteering at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Isiolo, Kenya.

Lamb Steak Zen

Tue, 14 Nov 2006 00:04 -0500

This is all I have. I've been re-building my laptop for the last few days and it will be a miracle if I can get all my files back together in one place.

Here are the doggies - displaying excellent "zen" skills in front of some lamb steaks.

Blue Hen Falls

Sat, 11 Nov 2006 12:29 -0500

Blue Hen Falls, CVNP

November, 2006

More Flowers from Vacation

Fri, 10 Nov 2006 00:43 -0500

More fall flowers from Kerstin's front yard.

September, 2006

Christmas Morning

Tue, 07 Nov 2006 23:13 -0500

I feel like a kid on Christmas morning. You know - the lucky kid who gets just about every present that they wished so hard for?!

Sherrod Brown (was my congressman, now is my senator! Woohoo!)
Ted Strickland (A Democrat!!)
Betty Sutton (my new congresswoman!)

Ellie McGee

Tue, 07 Nov 2006 01:13 -0500

Ellie says, "Go out and VOTE today!" or she'll chomp you with those little white choppers!

No, she won't chomp you. She's really just yawning. And wearing a fashionable dinner napkin. Don't worry, she doesn't go out in public like this!

Do you like the (mostly) black tongue? It's a shar-pei and chow thing. I think it makes doggie kisses extra special - even if they are just air kisses. Spencer's tongue was completely black - per the breed standard - even though he was still probably a mix of shar-pei and something. Ellie's mix leaves her a bit more distantly related (I suspect) - but still as cute as anything.

Puppy Love

Sun, 05 Nov 2006 23:38 -0500

Many people get a bit nervous when they see Katy and Ellie playing - these two can get quite enthusiastic and Ellie is one of those dogs who vocalizes quite a bit while playing. Lots of growling and play-biting. But it is all in fun and they rarely get into a serious fight, if ever. They're wonderful friends. This is Ellie giving kisses to Katy. (Which is almost always the way the giving and receiving goes. Ellie acts like the tough one - but she's also the one who goes seeking affection from Katy. It's very sweet to see.)

Creek Bed

Sun, 05 Nov 2006 11:40 -0500

Buckeye Trail. CVNP.

November, 2006

More Maine Flowers...

Fri, 03 Nov 2006 12:25 -0500

More flowers from Rockport, Maine.

September 20, 2006.

Dogs By the Bridge

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 21:58 -0500

October, 2006.

The doggies wearing their Gentle Leaders - covered with some moleskin to make the strap softer.

Park Fence

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:27 -0500

Near the Everett Road Covered Bridge

October, 2006

Stormy Day

Sat, 28 Oct 2006 16:15 -0500

Tree Farm Trail
October 28, 2006

Sniffing

Fri, 27 Oct 2006 00:36 -0500

Ellie at the park. There's something in the wind.

October, 2006

Tomorrow...BNL!

More: Brain Food. Delicious!

Brecksville/Northfield High-Level Bridge

Thu, 26 Oct 2006 22:58 -0500

And the Station Road Station.

October, 2006

What's Down There?

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 19:27 -0500

Must be something pretty interesting...

Zinnias

Sun, 22 Oct 2006 23:00 -0500

Zinnias in a cut flower bouquet at the Common Ground Fair.

Unity, ME
September, 2006

Fall Grasses

Sat, 21 Oct 2006 13:49 -0500

There's a spot in the park where this gorgeous grass grows. It really is pink - and from a distance, the whole field just glows. Up close, it looks different, but just as pretty. Honestly, I can't quite believe how beautiful it is.

Innocence

Thu, 19 Oct 2006 22:23 -0500

Don't worry! It's not mine. About a month ago the shelter took in a pregnant dog and she recently had her pups. They're three weeks old and there seems to be one in every color. They're also really big! Their poor mom is just a little one - maybe a beagle-terrier mix. It's fun to watch the pups grow up. This pup was the adventurous one - he ventured out of the crate to pose (and to pee!).

Simon Says go watch this video! It's very cute.

Chippewa Creek

Wed, 18 Oct 2006 17:21 -0500

October, 2006.

Field Retriever

Mon, 16 Oct 2006 20:29 -0500

Well, it's a nice field retriever pose, anyway.

Horseshoe Pond

Sun, 15 Oct 2006 23:36 -0500

Cuyahoga Valley National Park
October, 2006

Meadow

Sun, 15 Oct 2006 00:37 -0500

Brecksville Reservation, October 2006.

Espress Yourself

Thu, 12 Oct 2006 22:15 -0500

You may or may not know that I have a slight coffee obsession.

I'm hoping that the movie, Black Gold, shows up in theatres in my area.

Since I read this article by Mark Prince about two years ago, I've probably visited Starbucks less than ten times. This change in behavior was helped along by my purchase of the dear, sweet Miss Silvia.

Making responsible coffee purchases is a win-win. It's a situation where quality of life really does equal quality of product.

Roast Your Own Beans - it's not as hard as you might think!
Find a Local Roaster
Buy from Responsible Roasters

Fall Wedding

Thu, 12 Oct 2006 21:55 -0500

I went to a nice little wedding this past Saturday. Fall provides such lovely decorative details.

Fall Color

Wed, 11 Oct 2006 22:07 -0500

Brecksville Metropark, October, 2006.

Oh, Ellie.

Tue, 10 Oct 2006 21:44 -0500

I so rarely get a good picture of Ellie since she is almost always in constant motion. This was a lucky capture - she's sitting in the bathtub!

Unrelated...One of my favorite bit of lyrics from this year:

"I spent my youth, thinking people spoke the truth. Now it's hard to think."

Why I Don't Have a Clean Car

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 21:16 -0500

Fall Flowers

Sun, 08 Oct 2006 22:32 -0500

Ledge Lake, Hinckley Reservation

Lace

Sun, 08 Oct 2006 11:57 -0500

I love the star shapes.

Get the Squirrels!

Fri, 06 Oct 2006 21:30 -0500

That was what I said about 10 seconds before I took this picture. The tree on the left is a dogwood and I was pretending that there was a squirrel in the tree so that I could get some action shots.

I almost never get the action shots. So, this one was just a miracle. Capturing the look on Katy's face and the fact that it was mostly in focus is quite amazing!

This week's Photo Friday topic is "Thin". If I cared enough, I could enter this picture of Katy - she's lost ten pounds since she's been on her thyroid medication and she's doing great.

Miss Katy

Wed, 04 Oct 2006 23:19 -0500

Taking a nap while on vacation. There was lots of running around. And lots of napping.

Update. As this topic has come up in more than one place, it's funny that I was just sent a link to this article about a study which shows that high levels of testosterone in a handler can result in more punitive behavior towards dogs (details in the article). The summary speculates that similar effects could explain the behavior of adult spectators/coaches of children's sports activities.

Fall Fern

Tue, 03 Oct 2006 22:05 -0500

Maine has the most beautiful ferns.

Kerstin's Flowers

Mon, 02 Oct 2006 23:15 -0500

While traveling through New England, I was fortunate to visit several beautiful gardens. While at Kerstin's house, I snuck outside and took a few pictures of the flowers along the driveway.

Cooperation?

Sat, 30 Sep 2006 16:07 -0500

or competition?

I think that it's most likely the second.

Rockport, ME

Thu, 28 Sep 2006 21:08 -0500

The dogs and I spent a gorgeous, quiet afternoon walking the dirt roads and sidewalks of Rockport, ME.

Along one of the side streets was a photographer's dream garden. Just beautiful on a sunny afternoon.

Rockport is also the home of these photography workshops. Intriguing.

More Seaweed

Thu, 28 Sep 2006 00:38 -0500

I just got back from a lovely Maine vacation. It was fun to meet up with friends, visit the fair and play on the beach.

Seaweed

Tue, 26 Sep 2006 23:13 -0500

Apples at the Fair

Mon, 25 Sep 2006 22:07 -0500

Celery Leaves for Soup, dried

Mon, 25 Sep 2006 10:10 -0500

Herbs, eggs and flowers displayed for judging in the Exhibition Hall at The Common Ground Fair.

Friday, September 22, 2006.

Maine Fern

Sun, 24 Sep 2006 10:52 -0500

Ocean Girl

Sat, 23 Sep 2006 10:52 -0500

Ellie in the Kelp

Fri, 22 Sep 2006 10:52 -0500

Girl in the Waves

Fri, 22 Sep 2006 10:52 -0500

Seashore, Seashell

Thu, 21 Sep 2006 10:52 -0500

Ocean View

Thu, 21 Sep 2006 10:52 -0500

Cottage Steps

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 10:52 -0500

Two Girls

Thu, 14 Sep 2006 23:57 -0500

Summer Leaves

Wed, 13 Sep 2006 22:10 -0500

Cleveland Browns Stadium

Wed, 13 Sep 2006 00:28 -0500

Cleveland Browns Stadium at sunset.

August 3, 2006.

Kendall Park Hills

Tue, 12 Sep 2006 13:16 -0500

It always amazes how on a cool summer evening the park is often still and quiet with barely a visitor.

I'm not complaining - because of all of the time spent there, I sometimes feel like the park belongs to me (and the dogs). Our country's National Park system is a precious gift. How lucky I am to be less than a mile away from some of the most beautiful forests and meadows in the region.

Katy

Mon, 11 Sep 2006 17:44 -0500

Relief

Sun, 10 Sep 2006 10:25 -0500

My Niece

Fri, 08 Sep 2006 21:46 -0500

Katy

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 22:30 -0500

Summer

Wed, 06 Sep 2006 23:34 -0500

Summer memories.

Charlee Bear Zen

Wed, 06 Sep 2006 16:28 -0500

It's funny when these two play this game. Ellie stares right at me, barely blinking, just waiting for me to say that it's okay to take the treats.

Katy gets nervous and looks around and away. I think she thinks that if she just ignores the treats it will be easier to resist them.

Pine

Wed, 06 Sep 2006 12:09 -0500

Can you smell it? It smells like fall.

Off Road

Tue, 05 Sep 2006 22:10 -0500

Ellie

Tue, 05 Sep 2006 10:15 -0500

I'm two.

Kureyon Sleeves

Mon, 04 Sep 2006 22:38 -0500

There hasn't been much knitting going on over at my house lately. But I did knit two sleeves of this striped sweater. Two rows each of two different colors of Kureyon always makes for an interesting knit.

I Can't Drive 55

Mon, 04 Sep 2006 10:15 -0500

But I can drive 65. Random Volvo parts! I had fun taking pictures of an inorganic subject.

Pieces Parts

Mon, 04 Sep 2006 01:22 -0500

Old Volvo parts!

Old Volvo

Sat, 02 Sep 2006 21:53 -0500

There's a Volvo graveyard that surrounds the shop where I take my car for repairs and maintenance. I finally remembered to bring my camera with me today to take some pictures. There are at least 100 old Volvos there and piles and piles of parts. I think my sister-in-law once remarked that it was like a scene out of the movie Deliverance.

(this is the door from a Volvo PV444 - these were manufactured between 1944-1958)

September birthdays?

Ellie is two years old.

My car is ten years old (140,000+ miles on it. I'm shooting for 200,000!)

Tennis Ball

Wed, 30 Aug 2006 18:15 -0500

Katy and her tennis ball in the backyard. She likes to retrieve. As a matter of fact, she's obsessed.

Finally! As someone so accurately described him...an article about the Dog Chokerer. Just because it's on television does NOT mean it's good dog training.

Interested in learning about the other dog whisperer (who didn't really want to be called this, but his editors insisted)? Paul Owens.

From Paul Owens' web site:

Paul says, 'I believe nonviolence fosters nonviolence. Because of the link between dog and human behavior, it's possible that a holistic program of nonviolent dog training, coupled with self-health stress management methods, may play a role in helping build a world of peace for humans and dogs. When people, especially children, are successful using nonviolent methods with animals, they feel good about themselves and they are encouraged to have a kinder, more positive attitude with their friends, family and the environment.'

I'll take this kind of idealism any day!

End of the Season

Mon, 28 Aug 2006 17:39 -0500

Ledge Lake. Hinckley Hills Metropark.

August 23, 2006.

Ellie

Sun, 13 Aug 2006 11:41 -0500

Ellie.

August, 2006. Tree Farm Trail.

Patience

Thu, 10 Aug 2006 21:28 -0500

Katy is ready to start a local union for dog models. She's tired of all of this time spent hanging around and waiting for photographers! She wants better pay, her own trailer, catered snacks and more breaks for stick chasing.

Ah, the life of a super model.

Beautiful Singing

Wed, 09 Aug 2006 22:51 -0500

Katy likes to "sing".

But, no singing before 10am or after 10pm. City ordinance!

Shelter Pup

Sun, 06 Aug 2006 20:05 -0500

This little girl sure does love to tug. She's is so new to the shelter that she doesn't even have a name yet. We couldn't stop playing with her she is so much fun.

Fountain of Eternal Life

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 21:53 -0500

The Greater Cleveland Veteran's Memorial.

The Queen of the Hill

Wed, 02 Aug 2006 17:50 -0500

We had so much fun at the park the other day.

Bologna

Wed, 02 Aug 2006 17:26 -0500

It looks like she's got a big old piece of bologna hanging out of her mouth!

Silly Katy.

Really Local

Tue, 01 Aug 2006 12:31 -0500

It doesn't get more local than this. The first cherry tomatoes picked from the plants in my yard.

Kendall Park Trails

Tue, 01 Aug 2006 10:08 -0500

Hot summer evening.

One Local Summer

Sat, 29 Jul 2006 18:11 -0500

My first official "One Local Summer" meal. Corn on the cob. Grilled. Yum.

Portrait

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 19:21 -0500

Photo Friday. 07/28/06.

Corners

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 13:53 -0500

A corner in my house.

Playing around with my new cable release on my camera and I thought the light was nice in this corner.

Frances

Thu, 27 Jul 2006 21:14 -0500

The one who so rarely makes an appearance.

Believe it or not, she was sitting on the couch and watching a dog agility training video with me. She seemed quite intrigued (or maybe she thought it was a comedy - Hey, look at those silly dogs!)

Summer Swimming

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 18:30 -0500

Katy loves water.

The No Maintenance Plant

Mon, 24 Jul 2006 23:39 -0500

Which is why I love it!

Common

Mon, 24 Jul 2006 16:25 -0500

Photo Friday, Week of July 21, 2006.

Ellie

Sun, 23 Jul 2006 13:39 -0500

My beautiful puppy.

(When is she no longer "the puppy" - probably not until another puppy comes along!)

Pine Cones

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 23:44 -0500

How come I never noticed these little pine cones growing on the huge pine tree in my backyard? Aren't they cute?

In Case You Didn't Believe Me!

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 22:47 -0500

It's true. The geese really don't like the Charlee Bears. This one tried to like it. Really tried. Then spit it out on the ground.

Sacrificing a Charlee Bear at my house is a grave offense. It's a good thing the dogs weren't around to witness this spectacle!

Dogwood Leaves

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 22:47 -0500

Ahh, summer.

Old-fashioned

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 00:04 -0500

Some say I have a messy house. I just call it shabby chic.

Parma Ducks

Mon, 17 Jul 2006 19:39 -0500

These ducks were cooling off in the lake behind the Parma Animal Shelter today.

Trivia: White ducks DO like Charlee Bears. Canadian Geese DON'T like Charlee Bears.

Daffodil Trail

Sun, 16 Jul 2006 21:39 -0500

Akron Metropark. Richfield, Ohio.

July 2006

Serious Girl

Thu, 13 Jul 2006 22:55 -0500

Well, she just looks serious. She's acts quite goofy most of the time.

This is funny.

Ent Feet

Tue, 11 Jul 2006 21:39 -0500

Hinckley Reservation, Worden's Ledges Area

July 2006

(What's an Ent?)

What's So Maybe about...

Mon, 10 Jul 2006 19:37 -0500

Katy?

Statue

Sun, 09 Jul 2006 23:15 -0500

Stan Hywet Gardens, May 2003.

Looking for Squirrels

Thu, 06 Jul 2006 22:57 -0500

That pretty much summarizes the backyard activity at my house.

Penny

Wed, 05 Jul 2006 23:17 -0500

Penny the Pekingnese.

This little old lady came into the the shelter last week. When I look at little dog likes this, I have to remind myself that these really are dogs! When she's out on a walk with the volunteers, she kind of looks like a very large guinea pig!

Independence

Wed, 05 Jul 2006 10:27 -0500

Red zinnia(!) found in the floral plantings that are done every summer in the city of Independence, Ohio.

The Fourth

Tue, 04 Jul 2006 19:15 -0500

I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it.

~Thomas Jefferson

Bridge over the Cuyahoga

Sun, 02 Jul 2006 21:58 -0500

"The Brecksville/Northfield High-level Bridge carries State Route 82 over the Cuyahoga Valley at the Pinery Narrows. It was constructed in 1930 and 1931 of steel-reinforced concrete and carries the road surface 145 feet above the valley floor. This bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Ohio Historic Bridge Inventory. It was designed by Alfred M. Felgate.

It is a bridge that embodies the distinctive characteristics of concrete bridge construction of the 1920s, however, it also displays the tendency to develop thinner supporting members. This balance between thinness and safety gives the structure an elegance that is sought and prized by engineers."

~ Description from the CVNP website.

More photos of the bridge. And some more.

Before this bridge was built, everyone had to cross the river by using the Station Road Bridge. The Station Road Bridge is now for pedestrian and bike traffic providing access to the Towpath Trail. This picture was taken from the Station Road Bridge, with the bridge filling in as an on-the spot stabilizer for my camera.

Prismacolor

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 22:48 -0500

An old photo that I pulled out of the archives and did some updated editing on.

This was entered in the Photo Friday challenge in the "Macro" category back in May 2004.

Agitate'm

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 19:33 -0500

Flowers by the Brecksville Center for the Arts (which sounds much fancier than what it actually is!)

Katy

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 00:16 -0500

I've been playing around with some old photo files and revisited this picture of Katy from 2003.

I love her eyes in this picture.

Flip

Tue, 27 Jun 2006 23:17 -0500

This picture is for Janice - of one gorgeous, red-tri Australian Shepherd.

His name is Flip and he earned his AKC PT certificate in herding this weekend. The real big news, though, is that Flip just got three of his very own sheep to practice with at his house. One of these days, I'll take some pictures of the sheep - they are quite cute. They are Barbados Blackbelly Sheep - so they look alot like goats.

Red Merle

Mon, 26 Jun 2006 20:27 -0500

I went to a herding trial on Friday and took a few pictures.

This girl is a red merle border collie - isn't she gorgeous?

Baby BC

Sun, 25 Jun 2006 14:31 -0500

There was a pen full of Border Collie puppies at the local herding trial.

Not all of them had these blue eyes - most had hazel eyes that were alot like Katy's.

Decoration

Mon, 19 Jun 2006 17:13 -0500

One of the unexpected delights at the farmer's market are the gorgeous bouquets available from several of the farm stands.

But, you better get there early or the best ones will be gone.

This bouquet wasn't for sale. It's job was to brighten up the lovely display of June vegetables at the Crown Point Ecology Center's booth.

Lettuce

Sat, 17 Jun 2006 15:14 -0500

Countryside Farmer's Market.

Lettuce from the Crown Point Ecology Center.

Peninsula, Ohio
June 17, 2006

Barn

Fri, 16 Jun 2006 20:39 -0500

Storage barn. Greenwood, NY.

May 2005

16 Hours Old

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 19:25 -0500

This little lamb was born the night before our herding clinic and as with most baby animals was just as cute as anything.

That's my friend, Ed, the owner of Alex the border collie in the previous photo.

Alex and the Sheep

Tue, 13 Jun 2006 13:10 -0500

This is my friend's dog, Alex. After sitting in the car for the first part of the day, he finally got to get out of the car and learn why he was dragged all the way up to Canada. He now understands!

Alex was adopted from a border collie rescue organization. The group that adopts these guys out is extremely careful about where the dogs are placed as this is not the dog for just anyone. Alex now belongs to the guy who owns the training center where I teach. This is one of the nicest border collies I've ever met. Smart and highly motivated to work with his human friends, but not over the top. Such a good boy!

Hello Ladies

Mon, 12 Jun 2006 13:10 -0500

When I look in these faces, I can't help but hear Babe's voice.

Yes, in case anyone was wondering, herding sheep can be taught to dogs using kind training methods.

The sad story is that the old-fashioned methods of dog training are all that most herding trainers use. There's only so many times you can yank a dog off it's feet with a long line before all of the enthusiasm for herding is lost. I started lessons a year ago with someone like this and walked out after 1.5 lessons. No dog needs to be abused while learning something new.

The good news is that there is a place where kindness and common sense are used and it's "only" about four hours from me. We won't be able to take weekly lessons, but we did get to spend a wonderful day on the farm yesterday with our dogs, friends, ducks and sheep.

Tee Creek Farm
Welland, Ontario
Canada

Resting

Sat, 03 Jun 2006 12:57 -0500

It's important to rest in between bouts of kitty chasing.

Zeus

Mon, 29 May 2006 11:38 -0500

It's amazing that I've been able to resist for this long. I started taking pictures for a local shelter last September and haven't brought home any new pets until this past Saturday.

This is Zeus, though I will probably change his name. He's still finding his place - and it's not a sure thing since Ellie really, really likes to chase cats. I'm hoping that this works out since he's a really nice cat.

In the tub!

Thu, 27 Apr 2006 00:17 -0500

A bit of dog training advice. Start making a game of entering and exiting the area where the dog will be bathed when they are just a little pup.

I learned my lesson with Katy after she reached full-size. There is not a good way to force an 80 pound dog into a bathtub!

With Ellie, I started early - and we play the "In the tub! Out of the tub!" game on an almost daily basis. She doesn't love her baths, but it's amazing to see that on the day after a bath, she'll happily jump back into the tub.

Mostly Dogwood?

Tue, 25 Apr 2006 14:28 -0500

I'm going to have my backyard modified for maximum agility practice area.

In the first draft of the plan, this tree was going to be removed. I thought this would be the last year I'd get to enjoy it's quite loveliness.

Fortunately, I have found a different landscaper who came up with an alternate plan that will be easier to execute and will save this tree (plus he's really cute!)

New Neighbors

Mon, 24 Apr 2006 22:39 -0500

These blue eggs are nestled inside the forsythia that was in glorious bloom last week.

Natural Colored Romney

Sat, 22 Apr 2006 12:23 -0500

I just love the way the yarn wraps so precisely onto the bobbin.

It satisfies my inner perfectionist (who so rarely makes an appearance in everyday life).

Ellie

Sat, 22 Apr 2006 08:35 -0500

This is still my favorite picture of Ellie. She's so smoochable.

Yarn

Mon, 17 Apr 2006 17:07 -0500

Roving

Singles

Yarn!

Roving purchased from All Things Heather

Singles

Sat, 15 Apr 2006 14:10 -0500

Half of the merino roving spun up!

see the finished yarn

Spring

Fri, 14 Apr 2006 21:20 -0500

The warm days of spring always make me feel like I'm at the beach.

I find those first few days, when things start to turn green, to be the most glorious days of the year.

Crate Games

Mon, 10 Apr 2006 21:28 -0500

It's not really supposed to work this way! Usually it's played with only one dog at a time.

Crate games!

(Ellie is wearing her Gentle Leader. It's covered with moleskin so it's soft - but she still wants to rub it off!)

First Skein off the Butterfly

Mon, 10 Apr 2006 11:16 -0500

This is my first skein spun on the electric spinner. Since I was experimenting with the spinner, I grabbed a small Romney wool roving that I had dyed a few years ago. I spun the singles all on one bobbin and then turned around and navajo-plied the singles.

It's still not my favorite plying technique, but with practice I am getting a little bit better at it. And it is an efficient way to get a three-ply yarn.

The romney is really tough stuff. I still have to wash it up and see if it relaxes and softens a bit.

Butterfly Electric Spinner

Sun, 09 Apr 2006 11:16 -0500

This is a fun little toy! Perhaps it's the woolee winder. Or it may be the size and portability of the wheel. Whatever it is, I feel that I can pick up my spinning and do it here and there. I've probably spent as much time spinning in the last week as I have in the last six months.

Not that I don't love my other wheel. I think it's that I can spin in bed - which is where I usually knit.

Some may stick up their noses at electric spinners (I've met a few! But then, those types usually stick up their noses at everything from heel flaps on socks to people that follow patterns to knit a sweater. Who needs that kind of attitude, I ask!).

And while it's less traditional, it gets the job done. I already have a finished skein that I made while experimenting on this little guy. And Jerry Womack, the guy who builds and sells these, is such a nice man - it makes me like it even more!

(note: in the picture above, the bobbin isn't on the spinner)

Good Morning

Sat, 08 Apr 2006 11:48 -0500

While trying to take a decent picture of the new little wheel, I ended up with this one instead.

Every once in a while I get a picture of these guys that just captures what I see in them. This is one of those.

Merino Roving

Fri, 07 Apr 2006 20:45 -0500

From All Things Heather. Beautiful, inspiring colors.

Merino wool. Hand-dyed. In queue for spinning on my new wheel!

see the finished yarn

SayYes!

Sat, 01 Apr 2006 12:29 -0500

Ellie and I just got back from Canada!

We went to an agility skills training camp and boy did we learn alot!

Ellie is now officially enrolled in Susan's Ruff Love program.
It's not easy, but it's going to be worth it!

Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

Sat, 01 Apr 2006 11:29 -0500

Yum!

Homemade Dog Cookie Zen

Sun, 19 Mar 2006 14:17 -0500

All natural and from a special friend - with heartfelt thanks from both the doggies and myself!

L'Ellie

Fri, 10 Mar 2006 20:35 -0500

Little Ellie is sad because Katy got a cut on her foot yesterday and doesn't feel like playing anymore.

Katy's okay, but I'm back on duty as a dog nurse for a week or two. Time to invest in a couple sets of doggie boots.

Yarn

Sun, 05 Mar 2006 12:35 -0500

Pack of yarn for the sweater Laleli

Katy :: Fall 2005

Sun, 05 Mar 2006 12:23 -0500

Fall Foliage, 2005

Mon, 27 Feb 2006 11:48 -0500

My favorite bush - which is found around here growing wild (or in parkland that has been returned to it's wild state) and in landscaped yards.

It glows with the most glorious reds and oranges during the fall.

Tracks, Leaves, Dog

Sun, 26 Feb 2006 21:44 -0500

Just south of the Station Road Trailhead.

Late Fall, 2005

Bagels?

Sat, 25 Feb 2006 22:08 -0500

My first attempt at making homemade bagels.

I think the dough was too soft, so they flattened out when I boiled them. Though they tasted just like bagels, so it was a partial success.

Recipe from The Bread Baker's Apprentice by Peter Reinhart

Katy in the Snow

Thu, 23 Feb 2006 21:12 -0500

December 2005, Medina Lake

A reading on her expression: Throw the frisbee, NOW!

Railroad Bridge :: August 2003

Thu, 23 Feb 2006 15:27 -0500

I'm obsessed with taking pictures of this bridge. It's old and new at the same time. It's the link between the parking lot of the trailhead and the more private parkland to the south.

It's also funny to watch the dogs navigate the bridge since the ties are spaced between two and five inches apart.

It can be slippery in the wintertime, but still worth crossing.

Purple Flower

Thu, 23 Feb 2006 15:24 -0500

Station Road Trailhead, July 2003

South of the station between the swamp and the tracks.

Station Road Railroad Hardware

Thu, 23 Feb 2006 15:23 -0500

July 2003

Katy :: July 2003

Wed, 22 Feb 2006 22:09 -0500

About three months old.

Meadows Picnic area, Wildflower field.

Fossils

Sun, 19 Feb 2006 20:29 -0500

Greenwood, New York

May 2005

Farmer's Market Flowers

Sun, 19 Feb 2006 20:09 -0500

Flowers bunches for sale at the Countryside Farmers' Market in Peninsula.

Handpainted Manos

Sun, 19 Feb 2006 20:04 -0500

Katy

Sat, 18 Feb 2006 23:45 -0500

January 2006

Go Ellie!

Sat, 18 Feb 2006 21:55 -0500

November 2005

Medina Lake
(this photo was taken with the Olympus SP-350)

Swamp :: Station Road Trailhead

Sat, 18 Feb 2006 21:53 -0500

Fall 2005

Na-Na!

Sat, 18 Feb 2006 20:32 -0500

I take the adoption pictures for a local animal shelter.

Young cats are tough subjects since they are usually in constant motion. We don't use pictures like this one on the web site or petfinder, but I love these "out-takes".

This little girl was a spitfire!

Sniff

Sat, 18 Feb 2006 20:32 -0500

Handspun Gloves

Sat, 18 Feb 2006 12:05 -0500

Pattern: Ann Budd template pattern

Yarn: Handspun purchased on ebay from anniem584.

Finished: Almost finished on 2/18/06

Pedicure?

Sat, 18 Feb 2006 09:47 -0500

Katy :: Under the chair

Fri, 17 Feb 2006 23:52 -0500

Superbaby

Fri, 17 Feb 2006 23:50 -0500

Noro Kureyon Scarf :: March 2005

Fri, 17 Feb 2006 23:50 -0500

Eat Local :: Green Onions

Fri, 17 Feb 2006 23:47 -0500

Yarn

Fri, 17 Feb 2006 21:58 -0500

Handspun and Classic Elite Lush

Snow Bunny

Fri, 10 Feb 2006 20:39 -0500

River Grass Gansey

Sat, 03 Dec 2005 17:56 -0500

Pattern: River Grass Gansey

Pattern Source: Jamieson's Shetland Knitting Book 2

Yarn: Jamieson's Shetland DK

Color: Cinnamon

Completed: 09.09.2003

Blackwater Abbey Swatch

Sat, 03 Dec 2005 17:51 -0500

Yarn: Blackwater Abbey worsted weight wool

Color: Pink Heather

Needles: US6 (4mm), bamboo

Notes: How gorgeous is this yarn? It holds cables beautifully, is crisp and has an amazing depth of color. I. love. this. yarn. I think this would be an awesome yarn for the Crossed in Translation sweater if you wanted to use the weight of the yarn to automatically make the sweater in a larger size. The needles that I used were too small and I may make another swatch with larger needles to get a feel for the overall size and whether I get a little bit less smooshing of the stitches.

Cascade 220 Swatch

Sat, 03 Dec 2005 17:49 -0500

Yarn: Cascade 220 (The Heathers)

Color: I think this is #9451, Lake Chelan Heather

Needles: US6 (4mm), bamboo

Notes: Cascade 220 is such a great yarn. It's well-priced and knits up wonderfully. Of all of the swatches, this one really shows off the details the nicest. I don't think the Cascade heathered colors can compete with the intricacy and depth of color in a yarn like the Blackwater Abbey - but for a nice, basic yarn, it's definitely a good option.

Everyday Cardigan

Sat, 03 Dec 2005 00:19 -0500

Pattern: Everyday Cardigan
Pattern Source: Peace Fleece
Yarn: Peace Fleece Worsted
Color: Grass Roots
Completed: 03.08.2004

Bartlettyarns Mittens

Sat, 03 Dec 2005 00:04 -0500

Yarn: Bartlettyarns sport-weight fisherman's wool

Color: Blue Heather

Gauge: About six stitches per inch

Pattern: Mitten from Ann Budd's The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns (with a few accidental variations in the first mitten that I duplicated in the second mitten so that the "variations" would be the same in both)

Notes: I think that the top decreases were supposed to be done at four points around the mitten. I did the decreases at three points and so I wasn't decreasing fast enough. To compensate, towards the top I did a double decrease at each of the three points. I'm happy with the nice, round shape of the decrease.

Based on a pair of gloves that I knit from the same book, I knew that I wanted a little bit of extra length in the stockinette between the ribbing and the start of the thumb. I knit about five rows of plain stockinette to get that extra length.

The pattern calls for gathering the stitches at the end and pulling them together. This makes for a pointed end on the thumb. I don't like this as well as I like the kitchener stitch for finishing off the top.

Completed: 11.24.2005

Inishmore

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 23:56 -0500

Pattern: Inishmore

Designer: Alice Starmore

Pattern Source: Fisherman's Sweaters

Yarn: Mission Falls 1824 Wool (recently discontinued)

Color: Sage (016)