Kunahat Clan

A strange reaction...

2010-05-13T06:29:00.000-07:00

Maybe sleep deprivation? I read the part of the article that said the pirates were "released" 300 miles from shore with no weapons and no navigation equipment. it isn't funny that they apparently died, but I just started to giggle thinking of the "justice of the seas"!
If you just scan the headlines, it appears that Russia "released" the pirates because they didn't have enough proof to hold or charge them. That part is scary, especially if they had to know that the chances of them surviving that far from shore, where slim.
href="http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_525194.html"

Five are on their way.

2010-05-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

Hattie had her x-ray yesterday. Five are on their way, sooner than we thought. They had all been moving into birth position and her temperature has dropped. The temperature is one harbinger of impending birth. Last night I was convinced because of that and some of her activity it would happen then...well, we are still waiting! Everything stopped around midnight. I have to take her temperature this morning, but for now, she continues to grow....

And now we wait...

2010-05-06T22:32:00.000-07:00

Hattie is 10 days away from her whelping date. It is to be May 16. May 10 we have an x-ray scheduled so that we know how many puppies to expect.
We bred her to Goren, Champion SB&K Criminal Intent owned by Carol Onstad. He is Sully's dad and Alex's litter mate.
She happily checked out the new whelping box Greg made for her.

Families are like puzzles

2010-05-05T08:28:00.001-07:00

Each member a piece...

My oldest son is 35 today. Wow. I still remember the day. It was hot in Las Vegas. Over 80 degrees. What a blessing he is.

Our puzzle would not be complete without him.

Nigerian Miniature Goats

2010-04-15T06:18:00.001-07:00

Aren't they darling? An adult can produce as much as 2 quarts of milk a day. MMM, mm. goat cheese.
I would love to have a couple of these and a couple of fiber goats. Some chickens....oh and the land to put them on....

Locks of love

2010-03-30T16:17:00.000-07:00

Several months ago, my darling grand daughter decided she was going to donate her hair to an organization called "Locks of Love". She has very thick very curly hair. I am not sure why she decided to do this. Locks of love takes the hair and makes wigs for cancer patients. Each hank of hair must be ten inches long. Her mom washed it last night and then made about 7 braids, each of them about 1/2 inch thick. 5 of those were saved to be sent off to Locks of Love. I am very proud of her, she was pretty nervous today and afraid of the reaction of her school friends to her short sassy new hair do.
She made a decision, set a goal and in spite of nervousness followed through with it!

Birth of a dream...

2010-03-09T20:33:00.000-08:00

http://www.methowgear.com/Site/Blog/Blog.html

This is the blog page of Kevin and Sherry's dream. Follow the birth of their business...very talented couple. Exciting business idea!

Hiking again

2010-02-15T22:37:00.001-08:00

Jennifer reminded me that I had stopped hiking. It felt good to be out today in the woods. It had been about 12 years since I had hiked in Washington state. The last time I had gone out to go on a hike, a couple of the boys had scared me. Doing things that I didn't think were safe.

I knew that if I went with Kevin, Sherry and the baby it wouldn't be too much for me to handle. It was fun.
We went to Guillemot Cove Nature Preserve, out on the Kitsap Peninsula. It was an interesting hike. The beginning was very nice. Beautiful woods with lots of ferns and alder trees. It would down a hill to a cove on Puget Sound. Once we came out of the woods, there were some abandoned buildings. The preserve had once been a farm. The interesting part starts here. There was water running into the cove...everywhere. Lots of water. At some points pretty deep...had to hold my pants up to keep them from getting wet!

We had a fun time, it got to be a pretty long day, but felt good being out like that.

HAPPY 80TH TO MY MOM

2010-02-07T07:33:00.000-08:00

On February 4th my mom turned the big 8o. Last night a group of her family and friends met at Fido's Farm in Olympia for a celebration of her life.

There were about 30 people there. Chris Soderstrom the owner of Fido's Farm opened her home for the party. Many thanks to her! One of my most favorite people.

Two of my grandsons

2010-01-09T11:10:00.001-08:00

Jameson and Logan. Taken by thier mom. She is so talented, and they are certainly beautiful children!

Agility classes start tomorrow

2010-01-04T20:42:00.001-08:00

I am so excited tomorrow we start classes with Aireborne Agility in Woodinville!

Kona is so happy to work for me, and I can hardly wait to begin!

Read to me daddy

2010-01-03T15:55:00.000-08:00

Jay gave this book to Marley for Christmas. It is a great book and I love watching her face as she looks at the book. Kevin and Sherry are really good with her.

Speaking of traditions...

2010-01-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

..I was just on Face Book remembering how we used to celebrate New Years Eve:

We used to make root bear floats between 8-9 o'clock (that's right, load the kids up with sugar and send them off to bed).
I would never consider staying up until midnight to watch a ball drop somewhere back east and then have to get up in the morning with kids! I still wonder why we care. The new year will be waiting in the morning when you wake up. Celebrate with breakfast and the Rose parade!
For as long as I can remember I have made beans and rice. It is a southern tradition, I have no memory of it as a child living in the south, but I carried it with me into my own house (one of those internal rules Jennifer refers to). Today I have a ham hock, andouille sausage and the beans are soaking.
Happy 2010 everyone!

All who wander are not lost....

2009-12-27T08:28:00.000-08:00

I got the Garmin Nuvee from Greg for Christmas this year. I am very excited. He got the smaller unit so that I can carry it in my purse when flying or on foot in town. Good job Greg!

Santa's littlest Elf!

2009-12-21T07:53:00.000-08:00

The result of a little "photo therapy" by his mom. Jameson has been sick for 6 days with Whooping Cough, so Jennie used photo therapy with Logan to take some of the stress out of her life. Isn't this a darling elf?

More pictures of Brender Valley Farm

2009-12-18T08:05:00.000-08:00

Here is the farmhouse in it's winter white coat of snow. The fireplace seating area, easily accomadating 7 in the big cozy sectional.

The midroom seating. Nonni, Kai and Jameson learn about "keeping chickens". Behind us is the custom made table, made from a beam from the 100 year old home taken out when the attiic was converted to a game room. Easily seating 16 people!

Game room ping pong table. What you can't see: 2 couches, a game table cove, a lego cove, two twin beds.

Grandpa and Jameson collecting eggs.

I can hardly wait to go back. I hope that I can experience a different season...one where we can raft, hike, wander through the grapes, maybe ride some horses...

Christmas Rail Adventure

2009-12-18T07:56:00.000-08:00

Kevin, Sherry and Marley are headed to Michigan to spend Christmas with her family this year. I know she must be soooooo excited...as are her mom, dad and sis. They decided to go by rail. What a fun adventure! I hope they love it, it might get the rest of us into a new way of seeing America!

Catching Snowflakes

2009-12-18T07:32:00.000-08:00

What more can be said..kids know how to celebrate snow better than the rest of us...just look at Jameson.

Mountain Getaway...in Heaven!

2009-12-18T07:02:00.001-08:00

Brender Valley Farm in Cashmere Washington. A 100 year old farmhouse that is made available for rental to those of us anchored to crazed metropolitan areas. The family who own it also live in the Seattle area and luckily for us have decided to share it with us. They have done an amazing job of updating some areas and preserving the romance and charm of the amazing home. We spent two nights there in celebration of our family at Christmas time. This house was absolutely ideal. Plenty of room for all 12 of us! The property has chickens and vineyards...the night before we left we got 12 inches of snow and the visit of a herd of elk. I hope to make this a tradition..the gift of "us" for the holidays!

Welcome Logan James Perry

2009-12-18T06:59:00.000-08:00

November 11, 2009

Logan James Perry born to Brian and Jennie, his big brother is Jameson.

Isn't this beautiful?

2009-09-01T07:23:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken by my very talented daughter in law. Jennie Perry. I think it is specatular!

Look at these cute babies!

2009-08-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

That is my baby with his baby!

Yikes, he looks like my dad with a goatee!

How did I get so old?

Cool milk frother...

2009-08-27T15:49:00.000-07:00

Look at this! Dena sent me a surprise for my birthday. Now, when we are in the motorhome, we will froth in style. It is beautiful and I really appreciate the thoughtfullness of the gift! Now I have to find a stainless steele espresso maker (one that I can't melt the handles on)!

Uncle Bob

2009-08-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

Robert Moyle Platt

1935-2009

I will miss him.

Happy Birthday watch

2009-08-23T20:53:00.000-07:00

Here is the darling watch that Greg and the kids got for my birthday! It was so unexpected. Thanks to all of you. We had a shower for baby Marley and ended the day with a BBQ to celebrate my birthday. Present were my mom, Duane, Barb, David, Cheryl, Julie, Bob,Sarah, Justin, Melissa, Addison,Ryan, Jennifer and Alex, Kai and Maya, Brian, Jennie and Jameson, Kevin, Sherry and Marley, Jay, Mark and Kari and their kids (adopted family members)! IT WAS GREAT FUN!!

Baby nirvana

2009-08-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

Jennifer, Kai, Maya and Marley enjoying some baby nirvana!

A beautiful moment

2009-08-20T07:42:00.001-07:00

This is one of the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen. I love the tenderness. Kevin did a good job capturing this special moment.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARLEY MARIE PERRY!

2009-08-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

BORN ON AUGUST 16, 2009
5:30 AM
6 lbs 13 oz
18.5 inches long

Day at the beach.

2009-07-02T21:16:00.000-07:00

Jennifer snapped this shot yesterday at the beach with the kids. I love the look on Maya's face. It was windy, but under the umbrella, quite pleasant. A fun afternoon.

Cute cousin

2009-07-02T06:37:00.001-07:00

This is my darling cousin and her family. This is such a good picture, I love the love!

Lake Tye in Monroe

2009-07-01T21:42:00.000-07:00

Today I met Jennifer and the kids and Kerry and her kids at this park in Monroe. It was really windy. I thought it would be too cold to stay, but I ended up hanging out for awhile anyway. Sheltered from the wind, it was lovely!

Off on an adventure...

2009-06-16T00:07:00.001-07:00

Sully and I take off in the morning for Long Beach, California. We are going down to the 3 Specialty shows and puppy sweeps. I coerced Dena and Betsy into going along as well..(evil laugh here). We should all have dogs who are competitive...should be fun! We don't care (well, we really do, but it sounds good to say otherwise)...we will have fun together

Jameson has a baby BROTHER!! :-)

2009-06-07T06:54:00.000-07:00

We found out yesterday that Jennie, Brian will have another baby boy!

We don't know if Jameson is all that excited, but in a few years I am sure they will be having a blast! He is going to have quite a transition from "baby do it" to the role of big brother...

A sad, sad day

2009-06-02T22:44:00.000-07:00

I just read on my daughter in laws blog.
She has had to shut her blog down because of the stupidity of some random person she does not know.
Her reputation as a teacher has been tarnished and her spirit has been crushed. It is a very sad world today. She is such a caring, kind person, I am so upset.

Dancing in the sunshine!

2009-06-01T06:58:00.000-07:00

Sunshine has come to the northwest...and no words could say it better than this!

Welcome to our clan!

2009-05-13T20:43:00.000-07:00

As Merl prepares to go to his forever home (the Bobodzhanov family), we have found a wonderful new addition to join us.

Meet Scotch Broom Thistle the Patriot. We will call him Sully.

He comes to us from Lopez Island and Carol Onstad. I fell in love with his beautiful movement, personality/attitude and fabulous structure. He is big (his only fault), he is the same age as Merl, but got his size early (and is bigger than Merl will ever be)! I was not looking for a dog, but when I saw this dog and learned that he could be mine, that was all it took. I will show him in conformation as well as doing earthdog, agility and obedience. He is a fun dog!

BRIAN IS 34!!!

2009-05-04T22:08:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

WE LOVE YOU BRIAN...WISHING YOU ALL THE HAPPINESS GOD WANTS FOR YOU!!!

Hold on to your dreams....

2009-04-15T09:15:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

This is amazing! Please take a minute and watch it...have a tissue handy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEVIN!

2009-04-13T07:54:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR KEVIN, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

LOVE YOU BUNCHES.

Easter 2009

2009-04-13T07:47:00.000-07:00

What a fun day! All of the kids were there...plus Sherry's mom and sister, Debbie. There were 14 of us for dinner in Lake Stevens at Kevin and Sherrys house. It was rainy and blustery outside, but perfect inside. We all learned that their baby is a girl..her name Marley Marie. Maya was very excited to learn there will now be another girl in our clan. Kevin and Sherry had the baby room locked until time for the big reveal, what fun! Very cute green and red decor ala Ikea. (yup, no pink to be found!)

Thank you Kevin and Jay!

2009-03-25T22:42:00.000-07:00

Look at this beautiful gate that Kevin and Jay built for me. Yesterday working outside with a

cold wind blowing, the boys built this beautiful gate. It swings inward from the center and over to the right in accordian style. I LOVE it! It is a beautiful gate and a wonderful gift of their time and talent. Now I have several more I would like for different areas on the deck! ...in case they are still bored with no job....

Jennifer is 37!

2009-03-20T07:41:00.000-07:00

Wow, where did the time go? My oldest child is 37 years old as of yesterday morning at 3:50 am...more or less. Our tradition is to spend the day together if possible. So for this birthday Jennifer and I went to La Conner to one of her favorite restaurants!

The bonus was that two of her brothers got to go with us...Jay and Kevin were available to join us.
We picked Kevin up on our way north and spent the day hanging out together. We had a wonderful lunch at the Calico Cupboard in LaConner and did a tiny bit of "shopping" in the darling shops there...it was VERY cold and blustery, so made that short and sweet.
We then went to check out the site for our family reunion this year. Kevin and Sherry chose Bay View State Park. A really cute park with a nice big wonderful lawn for games and kids space, cabins and access to the beach. Just a very short walk from the cabins and camping area!
We found a gas station/mini mart with gas UNDER $2 a gallon...a bonus for sure. Heading home, it was hard to remember these were grown up people that had once been my babies. It is good to have Jay living on the mainland again...the only thing that would have made our little mini road trip more fun would have been if Brian and Greg had been with us. I should have planned a little better!

Home from California

2009-02-18T07:25:00.001-08:00

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_11719386?source=rss

Kula, Merl and I are home from our latest adventure. We were down in San Jose for the Northern California Cairn Terrier specialty dog show. Merl and his littermates,Tipsy and Ivy as well as his best friend Padme were entered over the weekend. They were the youngest entered and did a wonderful job in the ring. Confident and well behaved (for the most part). They all placed in the ribbons and we had lots of compliments about them, so I was very pleased with the results (of course, we would have loved to win something .... that will come as they get older).

Pat Gentry and I drove my van down, looking forward to some balmy California skies...DENIED~

We stayed in Yreka the first night with Ivy's family. What a wonderful time we had with them. Yreka is a darling town and Heidi and Mike are such a wonderful couple. Lucky for us too, because the puppies got to run and play hard before starting out for the day. We awoke to two inches of snow...and I had left the chains in the garage!!! No problem, Mike and Heidi led the way to Les Schwab and $90 later, we were on the road. Twenty miles down the road we were required to exit the freeway and put the chains on. (THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU TO MIKE. He insisted on doing the cold dirty deed. THANK YOU AGAIN!) For the next 40 miles or so we poked along safe and sound with our little caravan of Mike and Heidi leading the way.

We made it to the show ground, depositing our gear and then on to the hotel to settle in. It was fun seeing friends we don't normally show with and all the lovely dogs. The weather was HORRID...cold and rainy. Luckily the rings were inside, the grooming however was on a covered breezeway porch...and it was breezy and damp and very, very cold!!! Pretty miserable experience on that front.

It was a very safe and uneventful return trip. We scooted away from the show grounds as fast as we could to try to beat an incoming storm...success! We made it back to Yreka staying with Heidi and Mike again. Greeted by homemade turkey and rice soup and a huge bowl of fresh cut fruit. Puppies racing, racing, tumbling and playing, glad to be free again...if only for the evening. We left early yesterday morning and made the trip with no incident or bad weather, whoray!

I wonder where we will go next...

BIONIC GIRL

2009-02-05T22:37:00.000-08:00

The good news is that Kula had her second ACL repair today. She came through the surgery today with flying colors. The doctor was very pleased with how it all went.
It was a really hard wait from December 25th until today...but we made it! Hopefully by the end of the summer we will be back training..my very own bionic girl! My first best girl...

Passion for fiber

2009-02-03T20:54:00.000-08:00

Just added to Ravelry (www.ravelry.com) more yarn for my stash. A good thing to do, since I forgot I had some of it! Isn't it beautiful?

A generation gap regarding Facebook.

2009-01-31T14:43:00.000-08:00

I have come to the conclusion that facebook is a social network for a different generation. I won't say younger...I refuse to play that card, just different. I don't understand why I would need or want to know that a friend of an acquaintance of my nephew's wife went to coffee (and enjoyed it) with another friend (who she graduated with 15 years ago and hasn't seen or spoken with since). My generation doesn't use it for anything...well, some of us kicking and screaming so that we can know what is going on in our children's lives. Kids like mine really don't use it either though, so there goes that rationale. I got on so that I could be part of the family and know what was going on. I have an incredibly hard time figuring out where things came from or how to get to the place to answer them.

I know I am not the MOST techno savy person on the planet, but neither am I the most dense. I just don't get it. (Now MySpace made sense to me..but everybody left there.)

I have gotten into one really good scrabble game with Jay, but it is so ssssssssssllllllllllllloooooooowwwwwwwww moving I want to pull my hair out. There are no tiles left, I still have 4 and we are tied. We have been playing for a week now. I tried to start another couple, but those pooped out really fast.

So, basically I think I am about to pull the plug on Facebook. It is too frustrating.

Latte foam

2009-01-28T22:03:00.000-08:00

I can not make anything like this art. I can however make absolutely beautiful, thick, rich wonderful foam. I love my ancient espresso machine. It is a renovated Starbucks Estro Vapore. I have had it for 11 years! I usually only make one latte a day. Now and then I go crazy and make

two. Sometimes, I take it with me when I travel and make wonderful foam and lattes for my friends. It is crazy how happy it makes me to make foam, makes me even happier to feel it on my lips as I drink the rich lovely espresso it is cloaking and keeping warm. The grand finale is sharing the foam at the bottom of the cup with my dogs!

MORE SNOW!

2009-01-25T17:02:00.000-08:00

Enough already!!

It isn't sticking to the roads, they are just wet, but it has fallen all day long! This accumulation is from a different storm, but you get the picture...

Urge to cast on!

2009-01-24T17:59:00.000-08:00

500 grams of natural wool from the sheep of a friend!

I am so excited and will begin the gauge swatch tonight...

It is a beautiful warm beige. I will make a sweater for layering...

Greg asked; "What if you don't wear it?" It isn't about wearing it anyway. What it is about is working with the fiber. Wearing it is a bonus. If I don't like what I make, I will take it apart and make something else. Maybe a vest for him! Like he says, I get more knitting out of a skein than anyone he has ever seen.

Beautiful project

2009-01-24T17:54:00.000-08:00

I love my latest project! They are Alchemy merino wool and silk. Lovely to work with and oh, so cozy to wear!

What fun!

2009-01-23T21:36:00.000-08:00

Jameson was over on Wednesday. He was in a goofy playful mood, so we had fun with my camera. He is giving me a "muss" for the camera.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

2009-01-20T10:21:00.000-08:00

What a day. No matter who you voted for in November, the events of today are historic and emotional. I spent most of my youth in the south, the child of parents who worked hard to teach that all of us are created equal. I am glad that the shadow of racism is moving off of the face of America. I am hopeful for the new president, but I am always hopeful on inauguration day. It is like the first day of school, the first day of baseball season, the birth of a child. All the world is waiting for what is to come. GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Not again!

2009-01-10T11:13:00.001-08:00

An update on Kula. She had an ACL reconstruction in April which she has fully recovered from. On Christmas day, she was romping in the yard with the other dogs and blew the other one. It was confirmed yesterday by the ortho vet who will do the surgical repair. Dr. Iverson of Evergreen Veterinary Hospital. He was very pleased with the first repair and seems to think that if this goes as well, we may return to agility. In the mean time, I have set up equipment in the rec room above the garage and am going to get busy with the other dogs! I have three who I can begin the basics.

Could you pass

2008-07-02T05:27:00.000-07:00

a test to become a United States Citizen? MSNBC had this link on their homepage this morning. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25461301/from/ET/ You will have to copy and paste this, I can't seem to get a live link. Anyway the website scores the test for you and you get to see (in my case) that you have forgotten a lot of the civics that you had to know to graduate from high school.

It is interesting to contemplate the kinds of requirements to have this honor if you are not born in this country. Maybe we should all start acting like we really, really WANT to become good citizens. I bet we would surprise ourselves!

Our "Bunch of Grapes"...

2008-07-01T14:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am a "new Grammy". No, I am not obsessive! Hattie is a very good mom and is totally enjoying her new role as Queen of the Red Room (the room upstairs which has been converted to the puppy nursery). She REALLY loves all the additional food. New mom has figured out a sort of system for "holding" the babies in the warm zone and it is quite cute. She sort of "stashes" them under the pig rail and between the bumper of her bed and the side of the whelping box. Of course, anyone who knows puppies knows this only works for as long as they are passed out from their glut of nursing!

Hattie and Kona are proud parents!!

2008-06-30T11:17:00.000-07:00

Of course Kona is clueless. Hattie did a great job whelping. She didn't need anything from me. I did help a bit with bringing the babies around for her to clean up. She is laying contentedly with all the babies cupped in her front arms and under her chest with her head laying over them all. She is going to be a very good mom.

Look at this darlin' boy...and his sibs.

2008-06-27T11:59:00.001-07:00

Top photo is "Obie" the nest is the whole Star Wars crew! Aren't they BEAUTIFUL!!!

Where does the time go anyway?

2008-06-27T09:20:00.001-07:00

In my defense, I have been blogging on the nwpawsacrossamerica blog, but I haven't blogged on my own since Maya's birthday. That is awful! I guess that means my life is boring right now? ....yeah, it is. I am on puppy watch. Hattie is due to whelp 4 puppies sometime this weekend.

Kona was attacked last weekend by a lab in our neighborhood. Greg was walking him. He did have a wound, poor guy. Totally unproked.

Oh, there is the trip to Canada 3 weekends ago. Here is one of the highlights of that trip!

Time does fly!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAYA!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-31T08:43:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe she is 6 years old today!!! Have a wonderful day....MMMUUUUSSSSS!

The journey of the fava

2008-05-26T22:34:00.000-07:00

They have sprouted! My friend Lorin was quick to remind me that they are a cool weather crop...all I need to do is move them to the front porch! Voila, cool weather. As soon as they get a good start, I will move them out there. Today I also planted two more artichokes and some red lettuce. So, now I have three artichoke plants (having been assured by the lady at the nursery that they would easily mature in our growing season), one tomato plant, and my little row of fava beans. My little suburban grazing farm is on it's way.

MEMORIAL DAY..A DAY TO HONOR

2008-05-26T06:15:00.000-07:00

Today is a day to reflect on our blessings. It is a day to honor the amazing sacrifice people have made for us and for our country. ...

It is Memorial Day. I am so appreciative for and of our military. Agree or disagree with our political leaders, Please honor and respect those who serve and have sacrificed. Take a minute to say the words to someone you know, who has given of him or herself, say the words to their family. Take the time to make yourself a little uncomfortable. Take the time to say; "THANK YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE!" We are a blessed nation!

New Endeaver for Jennie

2008-05-17T21:47:00.000-07:00

http://jenniferperryphotography.blogspot.com/

Check this out! A very talented photographer.
Of course, I am unbiased!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAN!

2008-05-05T06:10:00.000-07:00

5/5/75 THE FIRST OF MANY WONDERFUL DAYS WITH YOU.
Thanks for everything you bring to our family. Thanks for being who you are.

Can you say; "Fava"?

2008-05-01T11:14:00.000-07:00

I say "Yum!"
Greg and I were down in Sonoma county staying on a small vineyard there. The owners are friends of ours, they live the Sonoma lifestyle. Including a wonderful array of foods and wine. They have two acres in grapes, enough to make the wine Otis wants and sell top quality grapes to a couple of wineries in the area.
Dinners were amazing. Lorin would throw together this and that and we would feast. One night my contribution was schucking and then peeling the fava beans...grown there in her kitchen garden (yes, I am JEALOUS). I have had fava beans before, in a cold salad and while I thought they were okay, nothing spectacular, the beans we cooked way out passed the "okay" designation! She used them in a sort of stir fry creation and they delighted and amazed all senses. One of the most amazing things about this rave is that she had paired them with baby artichokes....ALSO grown in her kitchen garden.
Otis is building their house and he built the house they live in while he is building the big house. In addition, he manages their rental properties and makes this fantastic wine. It is amazing now, someday, it will be spectacular!
Otis has invited Greg to come at the end of summer to help with the harvest and Greg is excited about it. I wish we lived close enough for Kevin to be able to shadow this guy. His workmanship is something else. Actually, I wish I lived close enough!!! Like right there in Sonoma county!

Eyes on the prize

2008-04-20T07:02:00.000-07:00

Good for Danica Patrick. She won the Indianapolis 500 Japan. This is her 50th race and she had never won, until yesterday...talk about eyes on the prize. Most of us would have quit long ago!
Her comment on winning "Finally!"
I hope all of us can learn from this. Also....GIRL POWER!!! Whahoo!

FAVORITE TIMES

2008-04-20T06:48:00.000-07:00

We had our birthday celebration for Kevin yesterday. My mom came up with her dogs Lucy and Enslow. Jennifer, Alex, Kai and Maya came with Recee, Kevin and Sherry with Lanie and Augie, Brian, Jennie and Jameson. I love family gatherings. It was fun sitting and talking after dinner, we ate around 5:30 and before we knew it mom was racing out the door because it was already after 7 and she wanted to be home before dark. Since home is about 90 minutes away, she undoubtedly didn't make it. I hope she wasn't too upset. Brian, Jennie and Jameson were all Hawaiian tanned...there is something special about the real thing, it isn't just color, it radiates warmth. Jameson is nearly walking and a little teaser, so fun to watch him play. All in all a totally wonderful day. Worth all the work? Absolutely!!! I wish I could figure out how some families end up playing games, I think talking is this families favorite game!

Time flies

2008-04-17T19:34:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe I haven't written on here all month. Kula had her surgery and everything went better than can be expected. This after me totally going ridiculously fearful about the surgery! She got her stitches out today. All of them, front dew claws and surgery site. There are no bandages on the front legs any more and she is being pretty good about leaving them alone...off and on.I did have to put the cone on for a few minutes when we first got home because she would not stop licking her feet. Not the surgery sites, but her toes.
The knee repair site was really long. Probably five inches. I was surprised that it is so big. She still has a huge bandage on it, in an effort to keep the knee stable while it continues to heal. It is sort of like a soft cast. She will have that on for several more weeks.
It has been a very busy several weeks, I have come out of it with an overwhelming feeling of relief and knowledge that Kula and I have a lot of work ahead of us!

Maui envy!

2008-03-31T07:11:00.001-07:00

Next week some of my family will join others of my family in my favorite place on earth! I have having a severe case of envy right now. Mostly I hope they have a terrific time. (What good does envy do?) I love sharing that place with people I love...or even people I don't know!

HAPPY #ONE JAMESON!

2008-03-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY. NONNI AND GRANDPA LOVE YOU VERY MUCH.
It is hard to believe a year has already passed.

Motor Home woes....

2008-03-20T18:09:00.000-07:00

I am to be leaving tomorrow around noon for a dog show, with the motorhome. Problem is that the motor home is at the doctors office again...and won't be ready until about 1. That means that I am going to be trying to leave the Seattle area with everyone else for Easter weekend. UGH!!!!! It wouldn't be so bad, except that Betsy and Dena are meeting me at the show venue. They are driving up from Portland....UGH! Well, just keeping my fingers crossed that it is ready when they say it will be.

Trip to Portland

2008-03-17T10:05:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I went to Portland to see my friends dog in another High School production of The Wizard of Oz. This one was done at Sunset High School. This picture IS Happy, IS NOT the one this weekend. This one was earlier in the winter at David Douglas High School also in Portland. Betsy and Happy volunteer considerable time to assist these schools with thier productions. Anyway, Happy was wonderful although this cast did not use him as well as David Douglas did!
I also went down to Albany and did rally on Saturday and Sunday. No qualifiers this weekend, Excellent is way different than Advanced. In Excellent I think the judge really tries to make it hard for you to pass. Kona did well on Saturday, the team did not. The "team" was totally out of it on Sunday! Fun with friends, but no greens this week.

New focus for Spring....

2008-03-07T06:08:00.000-08:00

Kula is okay, she blew her ACL today. We were out in the field at Fido Farms and the dogs were just running around being silly. I didn't see what happened, except that all of a sudden, Kula wasn't running. Then tried to walk and couldn't! As soon as I checked her and knew it wasn't a broken leg, in the pit of my stomach I KNEW what it WAS!! I am counting my blessings. We live in an area where the surgery she will need is fairly routine. My new vets office has a surgical guy with a good reputation. I had heard a gal talking about him not too long ago, having had the same surgery for her dog.....coincidence? I am counting blessings. We can afford to do this. For the next 4 months Kula is not allowed to do anything except potty on leash. No running, jumping, chasing the ball, weave polls, nothing! At least she has cute leashes.....and best of all. When this is all over.....SHE WILL RUN AGILITY AGAIN!!!!

My family and friends will appreciate this. Last night I went online and found some transportation for her....(She won't have to share with the Pap!) It is the doggie equivalent to BOB...actually it isn't, there are some much fancier ones. This one is good for up to 30 pounds and the crate comes off and can be used without the wheels. So, Kula will still be able to run around with us...just a differnt mode for her. She is such a little athlete, this is going to be a LONG 6 months of healing and rehab!

I have been wondering how do we keep her muscle tone decent while she isn't allowed to do anything. To bad Sherry isn't a doggie therapist.. Maybe this will open a new doggie door for her!

4 Points in Canada

2008-03-03T19:15:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we went up to Canada for our first Canadian dog show.
It was great fun. A very small show, Kona did very well, brought home 4 of the 10 points needed for a Canadian Championship. We will go again for sure. We took the motorhome and Greg decided he didn't need to take his passport....or birth certificate. Mistake. The border guy going back to the U.S. was highly incensed that I had my passport and Greg had nothing...go figure. I was worried they would decide to "teach him a lesson" and search the motor home. They did not
We were up at Cloverdale, a suburb of Vancouver. The people were very nice. It was almost like stepping back in time of dog shows, sort of low tech and not too many people. Hardly any motorhomes, most that were there were quite old. It was fun, pretty cold, but fun.
We went to dinner on Saturday night with friends. We went to a place called Bistro Pastis. IT WAS FABULOUS! They specialize in steak fritte, but it was upscale and a lovely menu. I had an endive salad instead and it was one of the best things I have ever eaten. I would highly recommend the place. It was in Vancouver proper. Kits_____, some long name I don't remember, but fondly called Kits by the locals. www.bistropastis.com

Catching up

2008-02-26T18:33:00.000-08:00

I can't believe the last blog was on the 15th! Lots is happening.
I am working on a display for the Seattle Kennel Club show coming up next month. I went out to Kevin's and he "helped" me build...well, actually he built them for me....6 panels, 6 ft by 2 ft. I painted them,figure out how to hinge them, put backs on them and then decorate them with educational info for the breed booth.
I am headed up to Canada to see if we can get Kona a Canadian Championship. It is a lot different there than here and totally possible for it to be done in a 3 day show sequence.
I just took all the dogs to a new vet. I really like her, she is a block from the house and she LOVES reproductive stuff. So, if Hattie has any problems, help is close!
I watched Jameson for a short time last week. I forgot when I committed to this week that I had a hair appointment. Jennifer said she would cover for me. Now I just have to hear back from Brian. He isn't the best at answering his phone.
The motor home just got back from the shop...again. Hopefully for the last time for awhile. I am supposed to be taking it out for the emmisions test (how did I get roped into that again?). The license is expired and it needs emmisions before it can be purchased.
Okay, that is it in a nutshell.

Disney Report

2008-02-15T21:34:00.000-08:00

I have delayed blogging about Disneyland because I had no pictures to attach. You see, Greg downloaded all of them to his computer. It was the one we took with us. I asked him if he would make a disc so I could have them. He said sure, but I understand this is going to be on his time. So, I have learned to adapt. We had so much fun in Disneyland. It is hard to believe we could walk our legs off for 5 days and call it fun. The weather was absolutely perfect. Sunny and moderate, even a bit hot a couple of afternoons. Friday, Saturday and Sunday the park was so crowded. We still had fun. I would highly recommend that anyone considering going would go on weekdays. Most families are not as flexible as ours. No matter what the circumstances, we make the most of it. We had fun and enjoyed each other even though the parks were very crowded. Kai and Maya were troopers, they too were very flexible and good natured. We talked at the end of the trip about changing things up next time. Not spending so much time at Disneyland, checking out some of the other things to do in Southern California. Of course every year we talk about doing things differently and then the next year, we just go and have lots of fun and Disneyland and California Adventure. Hopefully next year there will be more of us and the parks will be new all over again! (Hint, hint...Brian, Jennie, Jay, Danielle, Kevin, Sherry.....come on!)

DISNEYLAND!!!!!!!!!

2008-02-03T19:14:00.001-08:00

WE ARE GOING SOON!!!

No matter how many times we go, when it comes time to go again, I am always excited!

Baby it's cold outside!

2008-01-28T17:28:00.000-08:00

Snow fell last night. I woke up to the hush that is only found after a big snowfall. We got about 5 inches total, the dogs were very happy, the grandkids were very happy. I was very happy that Greg shoveled the driveway and sidewalk before he left for work. It is beautiful. I can hardly wait to miss it.

Friendships

2008-01-22T07:31:00.000-08:00

I spent last weekend (Thursday through Sunday) down in Portland. I was to have been entered in the shows with my dogs, but somehow messed up the computer online entry. Thanks to my wonderful husband, I was able to go anyway and support my friends. Dena had torn her rotator cuff in her right shoulder. Makes it very hard to groom and handle dogs in a show...gave me a mission! In the meantime, I was reminded (partly because of the results of the shows) of the reason I stay involved in showing and trialing. That is the friendships I have developed. The network of support that we have developed is awesome. We laugh and cry and are serious and silly. Just what I need to keep the world in perspective. Without that, I might think it (being the world of shows and trials) is more than it really is. It is a hobby and nothing more. A hobby that I share with some TERRIFIC people!

Rally Advanced A Qualifying score!

2008-01-14T17:26:00.000-08:00

It was a good day in Puyallup yesterday. Kona earned his first Rally Advanced leg. One of three he needs for another title. We are on our way. He is a wonderful working dog!

Headed to Puyallup!

2008-01-10T15:07:00.000-08:00

The dogs and I are so excited! Tomorrow is the first of the Puyallup shows. The motor home is at the house and the dogs know a trip is in the air! They love to go, so they are running around like goof balls when they are not following me back and forth to the door as I load stuff. I will take off with them in the morning in the car. Kona shows at 10:30 and I don't want to have to try to get things set up out of the motor home and get him ready to go. Greg can't leave til afternoon, so I will hang out in the grooming area until he gets there. It is very exciting and we are ready to go! (To bad we don't really have anybody for the conformation ring this year....)

PRE-ANGEL

2008-01-06T18:41:00.000-08:00

I am sure this is to be a snow angel. Faith is poised and ready for fun in the snow. The little pink figure in the background is Maya, waiting for her turn.

Thoughts about my wonderful family.

2008-01-04T20:50:00.000-08:00

First of all, I love my family. They mean more to me than words can ever express. We all need therapy! I am not kidding. At Christmas, my kids and I all become some kind of manic group. We have to spend every possible minute together. On top of that we have to stay up way too late, do way too much and force our spouses to try to cope with the lunacy! My son and daughters in law all do an amazing job. They keep smiles on their faces (most of the time) and play our silly games...both board games and manic family games.

It almost begins at Thanksgiving. Jennifer and I started going out the day after Thanksgiving several years ago. We now drag any of the "sisters" who will go with us. Thus begins the lunacy! We haven't purchased anything on that day for many years. It isn't really possible to find any bargains unless you get there far earlier than we do. (This year the malls opened at 12:01) We just go to feel the "season" and laugh and the people who are so stressed. (See, I told you we need therapy!)

Next year I hope to come up with a way to have a more meaningful, less manic Christmas season. Maybe I will begin with not going out on that Friday. Maybe not. Maybe we should go away for Christmas. Maybe not. I am sure something will come to me. Hopefully we will be in a different house.....that is another issue.

HAPPY 2008!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-01-01T00:37:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL. WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST THAT 2008 CAN BRING.
I just brought the new year in with my husband of 37 years and friends who we have celebrated with for close to 20. Life is good and full of rich blessings. See you soon!

Now this is Christmas...

2007-12-20T22:06:00.000-08:00

Last night we had the second "Team Perry" Christmas event. We all went out to Kevin and Sherry's house for Cookie decorating! Brian and Jennie provided the naked cookies and frosting. I brought out the sprinkles and dinner. It was a total blast! After we finished cooies, we all played Balderdash. Could there be a more perfectly named game for this crazy family?

Christmas gifts to service providers....

2007-12-14T06:26:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here listening to the TV. They are talking about what is "appropriate" to tip your service providers for the holidays! YIKES!!!!!!!!!! Who are they kidding. If I "tipped" all these people as they suggest, I would be more than doubling what I spend now. They are suggesting the cost of a service to my hair stylist or nail person. My mechanic??!! Give me a break! My mail carrier.....REALLY? There is a reason they can't take cash. Could it be because this whole phenomenon is ridiculous?

I understand a Christmas (yes, I said Christmas!) gift for a teacher or someone you spend hours every day with. That would be someone important in your day to day life and a small gift is a token of your relationship.

Maybe I should be wearing green rather than red this season, when I hear this kind of propaganda, it sends me to my personal soap box!

The wrapping room

2007-12-14T06:19:00.001-08:00

It is official! The wrapping room is set up and ready to go. I moved stuff out of "my room" upstairs, set up the table, pulled the bows, ribbons and wrapping paper and "geegaws" out of the closet, set out the red pen, tape and scissors. Ready for action! I actually wrapped packages last night. Much fewer than in the past. For some reason, I used to go way over board on presents. I know what it was, I would buy things and forget I had them.....you would think that would be my claim now (you know age and all that). I guess it helps that the kids are all grown up and we all focus more on family and being together than the stuff under the tree! I still have a couple of things to pick up, but I am very close to being done....

CHRISTMAS CAIRNS!

2007-12-05T07:05:00.000-08:00

A
VERY
MERRY
CHRISTMAS
FROM
MY
FAVORITE
CAIRNS!

Good news!

2007-12-03T18:32:00.000-08:00

Jay, Danielle and Faith will be here on the 25th! It will be so much fun to see them and have them here for the holidays...what a fun Christmas present! So, if any family read this, they WILL be here for the family Christmas dinner. Yipeeee!

Our Christmas Elf...

2007-11-29T20:51:00.000-08:00

We had a visit from a Christmas elf yesterday!

I got to watch Jameson while his mom and dad worked. Well, Jennie was working. Brian was at a real estate class, technically working.

Jameson and I had so much fun, reading books, listening to Christmas music and playing with toys under the Christmas tree.

Brian forgot to bring the stroller, so we didn't get to go for a walk. But the day was full and so much fun!

Alex's 'Special Pie"

2007-11-26T20:04:00.000-08:00

After dinner on Sunday, we all got goofing off with the left over whipped cream from dessert. Brian thought I told him to put the whip cream pie on Alex. I had told him to put it on Kai. Alex turned his face away just as the "pie" was making it's landing, so he got it on the back of his head.

This was much funnier...something tells me Brian didn't really misunderstand what I was saying!

A Perfect Present!

2007-11-26T19:28:00.000-08:00

Sometimes things happen that seem almost perfect. Last Friday Jennifer asked me my plans for Sunday. She explained that they wanted to come over and put up the Christmas tree and decorations. It was VERY hard for me to say, "That would be terrific!" Very hard because I am a very independent, hard headed person. I was touched by her gesture and moved to allow my kids to do this kindness for their dad and me. She and her family, Kevin, Sherry, Brian and Jameson were all there to help or cheer on the others. Jennie had a prior commitment, but did stop by to drop off Jameson on her way to her date. Everyone dug in and got the job done. It was really fun and the tree is absolutely beautiful. We finished the night with home made turkey pot pie and salad and left over pie. It brought the Christmas season roaring into my house with the very real meaning of the season all warm and wonderful as our prize. Thank you isn't enough, but anything more isn't either! Thank you kids. I love you all.

Favorite Audience

2007-11-17T20:11:00.000-08:00

Today at Monroe, Hattie finished her AKC Championship and Kona earned his final leg toward an AKC Rally Novice title. All with my favorite audience there to watch!

Greg, Jennifer, Maya, Kevin and Sherry all came out to the Evergreen State Fairgrounds to support my silly hobby.

Thank you, all of you. I appriciate it, even thought I know that i am preoccupied, I do recognize your support!

Herbie Heading to California

2007-11-13T18:39:00.000-08:00

Herbie is a rescue dog currently in the very good care of Columbia River Cairn Terrier Club. Through networking within the community of the dog world, he is headed to California! A friend in the Bearded Collie community had a friend who was interested in a Cairn. She contacted me and through what I call a series of "coincidences" Herbie is headed into her life!

We had been emailing back and forth until last weekend when I met Herbie. My first thought about this sweet boy was that he would be perfect for this lady! Then I found out another friend was headed to California this next weekend...to the same city! Okay, too many "coincidences" for me. I emailed her, sending a picture and she was hooked. This coming weekend they will meet. Keep your fingers crossed for another happy ending.

Heavenly Day!!

2007-11-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

I got to have Jameson hang out with me for a couple of hours yesterday...Halloween. As you can see by his "costume"!

We had so much fun together. The best payoff was the big smile as his dad took him out of the car and I said "Hi" to him!

We went for a walk to have a play date with Harper, but we were late, so Harper had left for a picture appointment. Jameson played with some of Harper's toys at Auntie Nanci's house and then told me he was ready for his nap.

We walked home, enjoying the brisk autumn day. Me walking beside the stroller and him smiling and talking about the leaves and telling me all about his wonderful life so far. (I had to walk beside, because I can't see him if I am walking behind!)

All too quickly mom was there to take him home and our time for this day was ended.

About 45 minutes later, Darth Vader (Kai), and Ariel (Maya) arrived for our traditional chili before the evening Trick or Treat/Harvest Festival. The only kid missing was Faith! Seeing all four would have made it a perfect day, but as I said, it was a "Heavenly Day"!

Motor home is home!

2007-10-30T16:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Greg and I went to the RV "Hospital" in Moses Lake to bring the motor home back. Greg was pretty excited to be able to finally have it on west side of the mountains...I was being a bit cynacle (sp) and had just decided that we really didn't have a motor home anymore. Hehe. Just kidding, but after being put off for about the 4th time, I had just decided that we would get it when we did and didnt have any plans for it this fall! Lucky for me.

When we got to the shop where the work was being done, we were surprised to find that there was no mirror on the passenger side. "No problem, just a bit a fix, should just take 25-30 minutes." So, we decided to take the dogs for a walk along the lake to pass the time. It was VERY cold, we weren't dressed to spend more time out than it took for them to potty, so back in the car and a little nap. When we returned we found that it was more of a problem than anticipated. "Can you give us til about 4:00?". So, now what. We went and did a little shopping at Wal Mart. Back about 4:15 and it still wasn't ready. The epoxy wasn't setting up. Okay. Plan "C"! I was to follow Greg and be his right hand mirror. Goody!

So, about 9:15 last night we arrived home. Tired, but thankful that we had made it with no other adventures. Kevin came over today and he will fabricate an aluminum block to repace the piece that still hasn't cured. Hopefully that is the end of this story!

"In"

2007-10-25T05:45:00.000-07:00

This was in Moses Lake last week. John Schuster just sent it to me. John, Barb and I were doing the dishes one night while they were waiting with me for the motor home (which is still being worked on). It was so funny! Barb and I were going crazy about it and John was jumping around trying to find his camera and get himself organized to capture the images. One of the things I am loving about being so involved with the dogs is the opportunity to be "in" the world. Involved with people and the outdoors..not to mention the awesome road trips and adventures.

Blessings

2007-10-23T21:25:00.000-07:00

I just checked on the family blogspots. I am truely blessed! Today Jennifer asked me if I would help out with Maya. Jennifer was doing something with Kai's class and needed someone for just a short time until Maya went to school. So, I agreed to pitch hit. Then I came up with a plan. Lunch out...then Brian wanted to come and so did Greg...so we had a party. My favorite kind, spontaneous! We let Maya choose the spot..Wendy's. As hard as Greg tried, he could not get her to choose Taco Time. He tried tricking even. "So, Maya, next stop Taco Time, right?" Maya winked at me, laughed and said; "Nope, Wendy's!" She is such a delight. Then I checked the blogs and there is a darling picture of Jameson! One of him laughing and then one of him with a pumpkin, howling like a banshee. I am blessed.

Fun Saturday on Widbey Island

2007-10-20T22:02:00.000-07:00

We awoke this morning to rain and the promise of a day full of the same. Tentative on our schedule was to go up to Widbey Island for a practice with the earth dog club we belong to. I tried to be a sissy and stay home. Luckily Greg really wanted to go practice, so we went. As it turned out, the skies cleared up and was quite a lovely day. Of course as I say that, I am remembering the outfit I had on. Lined wind pants, rain pants over that, Long sleeve shirt, fleece jacket, rain jacket, fleece lined rain hat, fleece socks over cotton socks inside muck boots! It was after lunch when the rain stopped and the sun came out, but looking for the silver lining, I choose to hold on to that. It is my bubble and I will stay there...thank you very much!

The dogs had a wonderful time. There was a "Barn Hunt" which Kula aced. She usually acts like all the earthdog stuff is beneath her, but she got into the hunt in the barn. Hattie did well on it too, Kona was too excited about hunting the field to be bothered with the stuff in the barn.

Another fun day with the dogs!

Flying time

2007-10-18T18:50:00.000-07:00

It is officially fall in Washington. The first windstorm hit today with gusts up to 65 mph. The neighbors trees are still standing....a little lighter than they were 8 hours ago, but so far so good.

The Cairn Terrier National Specialty in Pennsylvania is over. Kona was 1st in the Working dog class. Kula ran out of the ring for agility both days...now I get to retrain what we do in the ring, since apparantly she thinks what we do is to run out of the ring. Kona did not qualify in rally, but did earn an Earthdog leg...#2 of 4 needed for his title. Hattie placed in her conformation class, but was not able to compete in earthdog (the girl thing).

Kona earned #3 leg in Earthdog in Moses Lake...the last one of the year in Washington, he still needs one more leg for his title and one more leg in Rally for a title there.

Seems hard to believe there are pumpkins everywhere and the spiders are spinning like crazy...didn't I just finish planting flower baskets? Just today I noticed Halloween decorations in the neighbors yards.

Challenges!

2007-08-26T20:29:00.000-07:00

I know that life is full of challenges. I appreciate that. Last weekend at an agility trial, a dog "jumped" Kula. He didn't physically harm her, but he did something far worse. He stole her confidence. We were waiting our turn for an agility run. All of a sudden this Portugese Water Dog just snarled and jumped at her. She yelped and was behind my leg so fast! As I said, she was not hurt physically, but she has not completed a run since that time. I did prevent her from running out of the ring one of the five runs since then. She did not finish any of them. Worse than that, she is fearful and wants nothing to do with the whole thing! I am so upset and sad, I can not imagine what she must be feeling. Worse than that is that I think she doesn't trust me! I was standing beside her and that dog went after her. I will rebuild that trust, I am afraid it may take a long time and it is very sad since she is so good at the course work.....there is the challenge! We are both up for it! We will run the courses together and the green ribbons will be ever so much sweeter.