Walking in a winter wonderland...

Not today that is for sure! With the temps at a paltry 10 degrees no one wants to be out walking or anything else! Especially HoneyDew, for the second day in a row she has squatted in the house to piddle.

She is not being sneaky, oh no, she is very blatant about it! She is not asking to be let out as is her usual custom. Last night hubby was watching tv and there she squatted right in front of him. And tonight she came upstairs where I am on the computer, just wandered in and squatted.

I caught her prepiddleinteruptus and got her behind out the door! I am keeping an eye on her to make sure she doesn't have a bladder infection. So far I dont see any other symptoms, knowing her she just doesn't like to go out in the winter weather.

Anyways, we are all warm and snug as a bug in here. Just excited for the boys to come home for Christmas!

Looking forward to making some cookies tomorrow night...maybe some ginger cookies...these look like great candidates...

I think I will mix them up before work, then bake them after dinner. I can smell them already!

Christmas time in the country...

Well it's getting close anyways. We got the tree up and the wreaths hung on the doors as well as a few outdoor lights and greens.

Obviously the decorating was just too much for some of us...

Hubby is watching the football game. Boys will be home next weekend.
I've got a cold but I wanted to:

•  get groceries this weekend, check
• clean house, check
• and decorate, check.

This week my plan is to bake some Christmas cookies and to do some Christmas shopping.

So I think for the rest of the afternoon, I will sip tea, take a nap and knit!

Sharing a moment with you...

Youngest Son's College Graduation!

Our youngest son has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry/Ecological Management at Paul Smiths College, a December graduate as he squished 4 years into 3 1/2. He will be home over Christmas (when he and his fiancee are not finding a place for him to live) then he will be starting his new position as Forester for Porosky Lumber in Preston Park, PA. We are very proud of him and happy for him! 

And just like that, winter.

We really have had a very mild fall. The temps have, for the most part, stayed in the upper 50's-low 60's range. We knew it had to come at some point but I was suprised nonetheless to find snow on the ground when I woke up this morning. The snow is more pleasant then the rain we have had for the last two days. I know that HoneyDew thinks so. Poor little girl can only cross her short little basset legs before she has to give up and go out to relieve herself. Of course, I am the one standing out there with her holding the umbrella!

Speaking of HoneyDew, and well Sampson too, they have had to make some real adjustments. As you know my basset babies have been with me pretty much 24/7 since they were 10 and 8 weeks old respectively. I have very recently rejoined the workforce fulltime but unfortunately the pups cannot go with me as they were used to doing with my last two positions.

This has meant, ready or not at 5:30 AM, we are out the door for an early morning walk (unless it's raining because HoneyDew does not do rain!). It's dark when we walk but at least the roadway is not very busy at that hour. And so far, it's been ok. With the new weather conditions, snow, ice, etc. we will see how it goes and I may have to adjust the schedule again.

I think while I am gone during the day, HoneyDew mostly sleeps. Sampson on the other hand is quite different. I think Sampson believes that we got Skittles the kitten for his amusement. He watches her every move and they have become fast friends as well as partners in crime! Their favorite hit is the garbage can in the bathroom and the one beside my bed that has balled up tissues in it...or did have.

Also I believe Skittles knocks anything that will roll off the coffee table, end tables, desk etc. onto the floor for Sampson too chew up. So far it hasn't been anything important or anything that could hurt him, he just chews it up and spits it out. They haven't bothered my knitting bin yet, needless to say a treat puzzle ball will be one of my purchases very soon!

I miss them during the day too truth be known, but I do try to make it up to them with snuggles in the evening and hikes on the weekend. I know that we will all adjust, but any tips you would like to send my way would be appreciated.

I do love the views out the windows, the unique shapes of the snowflakes, ice cicles, the crunch of the snow underfoot and the fresh smell of the air. If we could have all that without the plunging temperatures that would be great!

I am thinking we may have to do evening walks, after the plows have gone through, the only problem with that is the salt that will be on the road. I may have to put out a dishpan of water to rinse their paws when they come in...

Anyways, hope you and yours are staying warm and enjoying the winter weather where ever you are.

Oh and happy DOT's!

As HoneyDew, Sampson, Skittles and I (you know I can't do anything without 3 sets of eyes supervising watching me) will be so busy getting ready for the holiday we won't have the time to blog. We will be counting our blessings and include our blogging buddies as one of them. So from all the Switzer's (including the furbabies)...



Author Unknown



Birds of Prey...and other "guests".

So one day a couple of weeks ago, my flock of chickens had a guest. I am not sure whether he was invited or not, but none of the chickens had their feathers ruffled and knowing my hens, well let's just say their gift of hospitality sometimes exceeds their sense!

Can you identify what hawk this is? I was thinking a Cooper hawk or immature Red Tail. As you can see the chickens aren't all that worried as there isn't anyway for the hawk to get in.

Spotted this owl along the road on my way home...sure is a beauty.

Kerry and I saw this Eagle near Lake Wilhelm.

I think they are impressive one and all.

Sampson is moping...

If you look into the back ground you can see what he is down about. Do you need a closer look?

HoneyDew and Skittles snuggling in Dad's chair.

HoneyDew says: "Snooze you loose!"

Happy DOT's!

Latest Knitting Projects...

Off the needles and just in time!

We had two additions to our family this fall which of course meant some heavy duty knitting time. I had two sisters expecting at around the same time and both my nephew and my neice came a bit earlier then expected. I had already posted baby Jacob's gifts...

Crib Blanket pattern from Debbie Macombers Building Blocks Crib Blanket the Shop on Blossom Street
and hippo from Itsy Bitsy Toys by Susan B. Anderston.

...but as everything was happening so fast I did not get a chance to post a pic of the baby! Here is baby Jacob with big brother Josh...

Then came Miss Maddie...

for her gift which was my first attempt for knitting baby clothes...

As you can see Miss Maddie has quite abit to "grow" for!



Back view of dress. Dress made from Debbie Bliss pattern Flower Frock.

 Then of course was the little boy who saw me knitting a hat for my son and 'hinted' that he wished I would knit a hat for him since his birthday was coming up soon! He even picked out the colors he thought would look nice. Of course I couldn't make him one without making one for his little brother, although he did get to choose first!

I bet their Mom thinks this is a rare sight to see the boys this close without it being something along the lines of a headlock!

Thanks for posing guys!

 Last but not least as the temps were falling I made myself a scarf using Mochi's Bodega Bay, which I did post the colorway in a previous post, but then since I had some Merino wool in a lavendar I decided to make myself a beret also from a pattern on Ravelry called Meret. I had some of the lavendar left over so I thought I would make a pair of mittens too so I could have a complete set...



The dogs will be happy to know their treat jar came in handy as a model!

How about you? Since the temperature has started falling have you felt the desire to work wth some nice comforting wool?

Skittles

So we have a new 4 legged addition to the household and her name is Skittles. When Skittles first arrived she was one hissing mess let me tell you. Not in appearance or anything like that. She was just...well....skittish! And she is a calico kitten. So that is how we came up with the name. Just imagine a colorful bag of Skittles hitting the floor, breaking open upon impact and candies flying every which direction at once, complete with sound effects and there my friends you have a pretty good impression of Skittles!

This kitten was hidden from people, with the rest of her litter by their mama, for approximately the first 5 weeks of her life. The person who brought her over for me to meet was bitten that very morning trying to catch her. When I met her (I had a choice between two calicos, the other one was friendlier, go figure) we seemed to make an instant connection. And within the first 24 hours no longer tried to hide from me or hiss at me. By the weeks end she was standing by the gated opening meeting the hounds, still hissing at them but no longer hiding in any cupboard/crevice she could find.

Two weeks in, she knew her name and comes running when called. She loves to climb up my leg and onto my lap. She has the dogs trained to her satisfaction. She will curl up with them and nap, plays with their tails, and their toys, and pretty much rules the roost at this point.

Trying to get a good picture of her though is almost next to impossible because she moves so quickly, even on the action setting. Here is a few that we have taken and she will be making frequent appearances here with the pups too!

Anytime I am on the computer, she is too! Loves to watch the mouse, flickering lights, etc.

Here she is telling me I have been on the computer enough by biting my finger and pouncing on my hands.

She likes grandpa and thinks he makes a nice climbing post.

Last but not least sitting with me being adorable while I am knitting! Isn't she cute!

A Real Date Night!

Every Friday, my DH and I go out for date night (generally with my Dad and Step Ma). This usually includes dinner somewhere, a trip to WallyWorld, Dunham's Sporting Goods, Ollies, or sometimes we just cut the evening short and go home. Not much to do around here on a typical Friday night unless it is near a holiday or one fest or the other.

As you know I do enjoy a glass of wine from time to time and therefore I am on the mailing list for a couple of the local wineries. About a month ago I got an email from Deercreek Winery about an event they were having last weekend...

"L ive Music This Friday Night, Oct. 29, 6:30-8:00
Cluricaun, Celtic Ensemble

The band consists of 5-7 members depending on who shows up! Hammer Dulcimer: Sally Ringland
...Tin Whistle, Concertina, & Voice: Mike McConnell
Bodhran, Harmonica, & Voice: Jim Rose
Voice: Linda Rose
Guitar: Greg Goodman & Rob Bullington
Fiddle: Karen SpuckCluricaun plays traditional Celtic Music.

Come out to the main winery and enjoy a nice evening with wine, snacks, and of course great music. This is our last one until May...be sure you make it!
~No cover charge~"

 

I am a big fan of Celtic/Irish/Scottish/ Dulcimer music and have collected a number of CD's over the years. So a chance to hear someone play my favorite instruments live time was a real thrill! After quite a lot of arm twisting recruiting the rest of the gang to go with, and a couple of others, good friends Denny and Kathie Z we were off to enjoy the evening. It was a blast! I wish there was something like this every weekend but I guess we enjoy things more if they don't come along that often.

 

Of course I wanted to share some of it with you! I did ask the group for permission to put the following clips on here so I am all legal and stuff ;-)

 

Please excuse the background noise, some people are totally RUDE, and of course this is my first attempt at posting a clip from my camera but here goes...

 

The second was a little better accoustic wise, but neither gave a true representation of just how good these muscians were...

 

 

Loving the Fall Colors-DOT Post

Fall is my favorite time of year. I love almost everything about it (except archery of course!), the scent in the air, all the colors, the leaves swirling around as they fall, the brisk air, the rustling leaves as you walk. And evidently the hounds feel the same as I do.

HoneyDew gets quite peppy in the fall, running, sniffing, she has lots of energy after being sluggish from the summer heat. She can walk for hours going in one direction. If we turn around to retrace our steps, she becomes quite obstinate, passive aggressive even! Can you imagine pushing, prodding, carrying a basset that weighs 64 pounds when she decides she does not want to move?

Sampson just becomes the Giant Idiot. Bone Headed even! He does the stupidest things. Running full on at HoneyDew and literally bowling her over. Barking at falling leaves. Chasing squirrels into a briar patch, without an escape plan and then looking pitifully at me like "heh, I am kind of stuck here, what aren't you going to help get me out?"

Me: Nope you were having fun getting in there you can have fun getting out!

He especially loved the mud holes that were camoflaged with leaves. You know *gallop, gallop, gallop, splosh, slip, slide = underbelly full of mud and leaves! Then the stiff legg walk trying to get the crackling leaves and sticking mud off of him.

Me: You better hope that falls off before we get back to the car!

A couple final scenic shots of our walk.

Wherever your trails and tails take you, have a happy DOT!

A beautiful fall day, 29 years ago...

A little country church and friends and family...

pledges made and meant...

a Blessing...

the happy couple...

the wedding party...

the first of many "meals"...

Some good natured ribbing...

Off to start our new life...

He still hangs the moon for me...



Happy Anniversary sweetheart!

Riverwalk...

Gorgeous afternoon so the houndies and I set off for a riverwalk...of course once again, I forgot my camera, but did manage a couple of snaps on my cell phone.

The fall colors are really coming out.

I don't know if you can make out the picture below, but it was clusters of wild grapes left after the grape leaves have died back.

So after this idyllic walk, imagine my horror, that in between loading up the hounds to come back home and unloading back at the house, HoneyDew's face and head must have been crawling with thousands of ticks! Well maybe not that many...but it sure seemed like it. Thank heaven the frontline was working because the ticks would go down into her fur then come right back up which made it a lot easier to get them off her. All I can say is eeeewwwwwe! Sampson only had like four on him, but he mostly stayed in the clearings unlike Miss Nose that has to go into every bit of underbrush and high weeds she can find.
Someone remind me of this next fall, k?