I am just so beyond excited to see all of the flowers in bloom. Spring in the Columbia River Gorge is truly an amazing sight to behold. The rain has started to taper off, which is quite a relief. It is so nice to get the dog out for a walk without getting drenched the second I leave the porch. Another fabulous thing about this time of year is reconnecting with friends that have also been hibernating all winter. Sunshine=BBQ's, hikes, beer gardens, bonfires, fresh foods, camping trips and just an overall feeling of happiness. Cheers to all of my friends and to mother nature. Can't wait for another beautiful summer.
Best,
April
Monday, May 10, 2010
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Hey, let's go to Bend for the weekend!
Jacob and I decided that we were going to go visit some great friends of ours that live in Bend, OR. We had never been there before. Every time we mentioned "we are headed to Bend this weekend" to anyone they would say "Oh! I love Bend!" We were so excited.
The trip started out last Saturday morning. All of us, Jacob, Tank and myself, drove up over Mt. Hood and it was beautiful. I was doing all the things I love to do in the car...listening to great tunes, knitting and eating beef jerky!
When we arrived, we were greeted with a warm welcome, a beer and the most glorious lunch I have had in ages. Home made coconut crab and lamb soup with puff pastry tarts. DAMN. THAT WAS GOOD. While planning our evening, Jacob and I noticed that Tank seemed a little bit stiff. That is not uncommon for a 107 lb. giant golden retriever that has just been on a 4 hour car ride. We didn't pay much attention to it because he had taken 2 spills in the car which would result in him moving around this way. Off to Deschutes, Bend Brewing and this cocktail bar called Vault (i think.) We were shown a good time while experiencing the night life of Bend....
When we arrived back at the house,around 11 pm, Tank was not looking good at all. He was barely able to move. He did show some interest in drinking water and was able to go on a short walk to use the bathroom. We just figured his condition could still possibly be from the car ride but decided to keep a watchful eye on him just in case.
Around 2 am is when it became obvious that Tank needed the attention of a vet. His breathing was labored and his extremities (feet, nose and inside his mouth) were ice cold. We was completely unable to move at this time, so Corey brought in a mechanics 'sled' to load him onto. Jacob and Corey carried Tank to the car and we were off. When we arrived at the vet, the snow was really coming down. They brought our a gurney and wheeled him directly back to examine him. About 5 minutes later the doctor came out and said she had found straw colored fluid in his abdomen. She suggested an ultrasound of his heart as well due to it beating 200 bpm rather than the standard 90 bpm. When the results came back, fluid around the heart, we knew that we were to be faced with a night of deep sorrow. Our dog, our friend, had a terminal ailment and we, after hours of loving on him and crying knew what our role was.
We were escorted to a quiet room with dim lighting, pillows and a comfortable couch. There was a blanket laid down on the floor where Tank, when they brought him in, was to lay. We said our goodbyes and notified the vet when we were ready for the injection. There were a series of 3 shots and then Tank was gone.
In one evening into the night, our lives changed again forever. Two months prior, almost to the day, we were faced with no choice but to put our other dog, Hanna, to sleep. I am sure that part of the reason Tank passed away was due to a broken heart. The loss of Hanna weighed heavy on all of us. Perhaps more than we even realized. Tank stayed around long enough to see that Jacob and I would survive after Hanna's passing, and then, he too let go. Those dogs continue to be humongous bright spots in our lives. They inspire me every day to keep moving towards things that make me happy...to pay attention to the little things that make me smile. Their spirits, in death as well as in life, are so strong and guide me through. I love my dogs forever and ever and ever. If I close my eyes I can still nuzzle my face in their fur.
The trip started out last Saturday morning. All of us, Jacob, Tank and myself, drove up over Mt. Hood and it was beautiful. I was doing all the things I love to do in the car...listening to great tunes, knitting and eating beef jerky!
When we arrived, we were greeted with a warm welcome, a beer and the most glorious lunch I have had in ages. Home made coconut crab and lamb soup with puff pastry tarts. DAMN. THAT WAS GOOD. While planning our evening, Jacob and I noticed that Tank seemed a little bit stiff. That is not uncommon for a 107 lb. giant golden retriever that has just been on a 4 hour car ride. We didn't pay much attention to it because he had taken 2 spills in the car which would result in him moving around this way. Off to Deschutes, Bend Brewing and this cocktail bar called Vault (i think.) We were shown a good time while experiencing the night life of Bend....
When we arrived back at the house,around 11 pm, Tank was not looking good at all. He was barely able to move. He did show some interest in drinking water and was able to go on a short walk to use the bathroom. We just figured his condition could still possibly be from the car ride but decided to keep a watchful eye on him just in case.
Around 2 am is when it became obvious that Tank needed the attention of a vet. His breathing was labored and his extremities (feet, nose and inside his mouth) were ice cold. We was completely unable to move at this time, so Corey brought in a mechanics 'sled' to load him onto. Jacob and Corey carried Tank to the car and we were off. When we arrived at the vet, the snow was really coming down. They brought our a gurney and wheeled him directly back to examine him. About 5 minutes later the doctor came out and said she had found straw colored fluid in his abdomen. She suggested an ultrasound of his heart as well due to it beating 200 bpm rather than the standard 90 bpm. When the results came back, fluid around the heart, we knew that we were to be faced with a night of deep sorrow. Our dog, our friend, had a terminal ailment and we, after hours of loving on him and crying knew what our role was.
We were escorted to a quiet room with dim lighting, pillows and a comfortable couch. There was a blanket laid down on the floor where Tank, when they brought him in, was to lay. We said our goodbyes and notified the vet when we were ready for the injection. There were a series of 3 shots and then Tank was gone.
In one evening into the night, our lives changed again forever. Two months prior, almost to the day, we were faced with no choice but to put our other dog, Hanna, to sleep. I am sure that part of the reason Tank passed away was due to a broken heart. The loss of Hanna weighed heavy on all of us. Perhaps more than we even realized. Tank stayed around long enough to see that Jacob and I would survive after Hanna's passing, and then, he too let go. Those dogs continue to be humongous bright spots in our lives. They inspire me every day to keep moving towards things that make me happy...to pay attention to the little things that make me smile. Their spirits, in death as well as in life, are so strong and guide me through. I love my dogs forever and ever and ever. If I close my eyes I can still nuzzle my face in their fur.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
A Trilobite Hat
So, to be honest, I really didn't know much about trilobites when I discovered this pattern. I simply thought it looked cool. This project was a learning experience on a few different levels. It was pretty simple, for the most part, though drinking too much wine while knitting reared it's ugly head once. Not a mistake that couldn't be fixed however. It made me curious to learn a little about them....if you are curious too, follow this link:
I also was reminded that I absolutely love knitting with Berroco Peruvia. It is a highland wool that is oh so soft and the finished product looks of superior quality. Inexpensive and a luxury all at once. LOVE THAT.
It's another rainy day here in Stevenson. I guess I'm not quite used to the idea of it being so dark. I am getting the house ready for 2 house guests tonight. It's the 9th anniversary week at Walking Man and a couple of beer lovin' friends are going to crash with us. I am looking forward to it.
Jacob, Tank and I are headed to Bend this weekend to visit Corey and Anastasia. I've never spent any time there and am very excited to get away! Sometimes those little weekend trips are so great at recharging the old batteries!
Off to swim laps at the pool!
Happy Creating,
April
Monday, November 16, 2009
Summer's Over, Back to the Blogging!!!
So, the days have turned to short and chilly and the inside activities are beconing once again. I have been busy working on discovering new knitting patterns to bust through my stash. So far, I have been pretty dang successful. I am also trying to decide whether or not to do Christmas knitting this year. Now that it's November 16th, I think that choice may have already been made!!!
I love fall and it is the most inspiring time of year for me. The colors, the smells the food!!! We were just in Portland this last weekend hanging out with some great people in great places. I had one of the best Reuben sandwiches of all time at Pause on Interstate. They smoke their own pastrami people!! It was great to be in the city on a sunny fall day. Well...more to come. Glad to be back!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Busy, busy, busy!
So, I have been very busy with all sorts of fun things lately. I finished my Cosby scarf...which turned out beautifully, a striped scarf made of Noro as well as a satchel for my friend Kathryn's birthday gift. I just started the Vortex hat from Ravelry.com. I am using my 2 favorite yarns, Noro Kuereyon and Malabrigo,to make this interesting and fun hat. I am pretty sure I can finish it today before work.
My mom and sister were also out for a visit from Montana. It was blissful, as usual, to see them. We had way too much fun like we tend to do. We enjoyed great food, beer and wine, as well as a trip to the coast. The weather was fantastic and the dogs were in heaven.
I just got a new computer and am still figuring out the photo program. I will be posting some pictures of recently knit items, as well as some beach shots. Hopefully in the next couple of days or so!
Happy Creating,
April
My mom and sister were also out for a visit from Montana. It was blissful, as usual, to see them. We had way too much fun like we tend to do. We enjoyed great food, beer and wine, as well as a trip to the coast. The weather was fantastic and the dogs were in heaven.
I just got a new computer and am still figuring out the photo program. I will be posting some pictures of recently knit items, as well as some beach shots. Hopefully in the next couple of days or so!
Happy Creating,
April
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Handmade Nation, Etc.
So, I went to the Portland Premiere of Handmade Nation on Sunday. It was WONDERFUL. You really must see it if you get the chance. I visualize crafters worldwide renting the moving, getting together for a craft night, and watching it. It was really cool to meet Faythe Lavine too. She was delightful.
The day before, Saturday, was the first anniversary of Birdhouse Quilting and Yarn. It was really great to hang out with the Stitch N' Bitch crew, and others, in the back classroom. We were sharing patterns, knitting and aiding eachother if we were stuck on something. Prices were discounted 30%, so I stocked up on some Noro and Debbie Bliss Donegal Tweed. YUM! I am planning on making an over the shoulder bag with the tweed. It is a wonderful shade of orange...Speaking of orange....
The sun has been out for 4 days! I got a sunburn working in my yard all day yesterday. How amazing! My mom and sister are coming for a visit at the end of April, so, I wanted to spruce up my yard. What a project. It was weird to go a day without knitting...my last thought before I fell asleep was about yarn and my nearly completed Cosby scarf....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Well, off to start the day, in the sun. I am definately going to walk to work today.
Happy Creativity,
April
The day before, Saturday, was the first anniversary of Birdhouse Quilting and Yarn. It was really great to hang out with the Stitch N' Bitch crew, and others, in the back classroom. We were sharing patterns, knitting and aiding eachother if we were stuck on something. Prices were discounted 30%, so I stocked up on some Noro and Debbie Bliss Donegal Tweed. YUM! I am planning on making an over the shoulder bag with the tweed. It is a wonderful shade of orange...Speaking of orange....
The sun has been out for 4 days! I got a sunburn working in my yard all day yesterday. How amazing! My mom and sister are coming for a visit at the end of April, so, I wanted to spruce up my yard. What a project. It was weird to go a day without knitting...my last thought before I fell asleep was about yarn and my nearly completed Cosby scarf....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Well, off to start the day, in the sun. I am definately going to walk to work today.
Happy Creativity,
April
Friday, April 3, 2009
Good Day Sunshine!
OMG! The sun it out ladies and gentleman! It hasn't happened in way too long!!!! Nothing gets my creative juices flowing like the sun. Living in the only land locked rainforest in North America can be a little grey sometimes. It feels like I am swimming for about 10 months out of the year.
I have been busy working on a scarf made from a funky vintage yarn called "Reynolds Classique." It is from France and was a gift from one of my friends. It smells like little old lady, but is absolutely beautiful. It is 100% virgin wool and looks like it is braided. The pattern I chose was the Berroco Wedge Scarf found on Ravelry. It has a nice balance of lacework and an interesting pattern. This yarn is perfect for it.
I am trying to finish the scarf before Sunday. My friend and I have tickets to see the Portland Premiere of "Handmade Nation." If you are not familiar with this documentary, you can check it out at www.handmadenationmovie.com
I am beyond excited for it! Here's to sunshine and inspiration.
April
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