Our new puppy, Sophie

Here is our little Sophie. Austin's mom had a dilemma. She had given her puppy, Sophie, to her mom. Her grandma just moved in with her mom and brought her dogs. It soon became apparent that there were too many dogs in the house and Sophie had to go. Since we had just lost Thor, she asked if we wanted another dog. Because of her pending homelessness, I relented. Anthony wanted another Maltese to fill the void that Thor left. Sophie just happens to be a Yorkshire Terrier/Maltese mix.
Not exactly what he was hoping for but since he had become aquainted with Sophie at Austin's house, he was cool with her coming to live with us. We got her on Friday and she did quite well. Today she peed and pooped in the house for the first time (that I know of!) which is surprising because she is housebroken and has been using the doggy door since she arrived. I think Sam is getting more comfortable with her. They seem to play during the day. Sam is so used to having a senior citizen for a friend that they never had much play time.
Here is a picture of Anthony and his friend, Austin after their first varsity game. They actually got in on a few plays after halftime. They won the game 46-7 and advanced to the Sunrise Regional semi-finals this Friday. Please wish them luck!

Goodbye, little man.

Our little Thor passed away this morning. He was 15 years old. He had been a very loyal companion for the 13 years he was a part of our family. I miss him dearly but I know that he is no longer suffering and has crossed the Rainbow Bridge to join his friend, Missy, who preceeded him 4 years ago. I take comfort in knowing that I will see him again when my turn comes.

We love you and miss you, Thor!

For those of you who don't know about the Rainbow Bridge, here is a copy of the poem:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Is it a shrug or shracket?

Saw an episode of Uncommon Threads last week and it was about crocheted projects all starting with a very basic shrug and how you can change it up by just adding rows starting at the neck opening of the shrug. I think I'm making the shracket. I started late last night using some black RH Light & Lofty that I had in my stash. I originally bought it for an afghan but I can always get more later. I have made several shrugs in the past but I'm just getting back into wearing them. I only wear them around the house so far but if we go to the movies tonight, I'm definitely bringing one of them. This reminds me that I had never posted a picture of the shrug that I made out of the Paton's Soy Wool. Here it is. I'm pretty happy with it except that this yarn is very itchy. I have yet to wash it, which might help reduce the itch factor. We'll see. I crocheted it using an N hook and a simply 2dc, 1sc shell. I don't remember how many chains I started with but it's nice and loose and goes from my neck to my waist in the back.

Gotta run and get the little one from school.

Our San Diego quickie

Bernie worked the San Diego State vs Cal Poly game this past weekend so we took the opportunity to take Chris to Sea World and Legoland.  Anthony went to Disneyland with his friends, so didn't come with us.  We were lucky enough to have our two nephews, who go to college in San Diego and the surrounding area, join us for the football game.  It was great seeing them again.  Chris and I did Sea World while Bernie was doing his pre-game activities.  It was so cool watching him interact with the animals.  He loved feeding the sea lions, and inadvertently feeding the seagulls as well.  Those things are so aggressive!  Since Anheuser Busch has a presence there, we were able to see the Clydesdales.  There is even one named Chris.  At Legoland there was a boat made of Legos named Chris.  Too cool!  I got pictures!  I'll have to make Chris a little photo album with all of his vacation pictures in it.  Since I'm not a scrapbooker, this will really be a stretch for me.  I don't want to just slap pictures in a book.

Here is a firefighter and dalmation vignette made entirely of Legos.  How cool is that?

San Diego Oct 06 - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting