Sunday, September 26, 2010

Toby 1998 to Sept.22, 2010


Pets give us so much and ask so little. When they die it is such a loss. My cousin Elaine sent me a quote

"I have sometimes thought of the final cause of dogs having such short lives and I am quite satisfied it is in compassion to the human race: for if we suffer so much in losing a dog after an acquaintance of 10 or 12 years, what would it be if they were to live double that time?" Sir Walter Scott

There seems to be no real customs to mark the death of a loved pet. Thank you to all family and friends who have been supportive. I wanted to mark the life of the sweetest dog I ever had – so this blog.

Toby lived with us only 6 years, we never really knew how old he was – he was picked up by after a weeklong chase by animal control in the Bethlehem area with a missing tooth and a broken front leg. It was presumed he had been hit by a car. When no one claimed him a second cousin of mine whose daughter worked for the vet that treated him – took him home. He lived happily with her and her mom until she married but couldn’t take a dog to her new home. We lucked out and Toby came to live with us. He was about 6 at the time.

He was so smart and so sweet. The first winter he was with us he loved running around in the snow – he had spent most of his outside time on a lead but here he could run. I never saw such a joyful dog running back and forth in the snow. He was always gentle with children. At the dinner table he would do the rounds, putting his head in one lap after the other – looking up at you with his beautiful brown eyes. He had the habit of listening to you talk with his head cocked to the side and those lovely eyes staring right into yours. He begged by putting his front paws together and moving them up & down. No one knew where that came from. He loved getting in the car but was happiest when the end of the trip was at home. He was most attached to my husband – Charlie went out, Toby went out – but both of his people in the same room was the best. It is so hard to be without him – he will live in my heart.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Beach Week 2010










We aren't all happy to be at the beach - here is my sweet puppy Toby, sad, sad, and resigned. He loves to get in the car but then wants to go back home - 2 days of travelling to end up somewhere hot with water and without his dad isn't his idea of a good time. While I feel bad for him I know this is actually better than him at home while Charlie works a 12 hour day, 3 days in a row but Toby doesn't know that. I have enjoying my vacation - knitting, spinning and - TA DA - my new loom picked up on Monday. Most of what is woven here was done by the individual I bought it from but I did throw a few shots myself. It is just the loom I wanted! Notice in the background on the left - the newest puppy in the family, 5 month old Milo sleeping next to his mom on the couch.


I still need to work on my Ocean Waves Cowl for the 4 Oz. Challenged but I have gotten some knitting done on my Featherweight Cardigan, cast on during Beach Week 2010. So glad it is only Tuesday and I have 4 days here to go!







Here is my progress so far on the Featherweight - One sleeve to go yet then the band that goes up one side of the front, around the neck and down the other side of the front. I think that will be slow going.






Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Craft Weekend



I had a lovely time last weekend at my cousin Susan's house. We do a craft weekend every month or 2. Well, actually is is Quilt Weekend but I haven't quilted since I started knitting. My sister in law Barbara comes, sometimes my sister Leslie and we have had others join us at different times too. Last weekend it was just the 3 of us - the top picture is a detail from one of the quilts Barbara is currently working on - she is very focused! I love this one with the sheep in the center block. The whole wall hanging, minus one block is laid out below. I think this is going to be my favorite. I love the colors. the pattens and the layout.

It is so much fun for me - I contribute design advice and the next time we get together - I see my suggestions completed! I get to do the fun part - design! Here is Barbara on the left and Susan on the right. Barbara is wearing a crazy quilt shawl she designed and put together. There are so many lovely little embroidery details I had to take a close up.

We had a great time, I got some more knitting done on my Featherweight sweater. Don't think I will get it done before Beach week but should be able to manage finishing AT the beach. One sleeve left to go plus the band that goes up one side of the front, around the neck and down the other side. That will take some time I think.