Dog Days of Summer

Seattle has plenty of dogs in all shapes and sizes. Travelling back and forth to the studio each day and around Ballard I met a few.

This weimeraner keeps watch over a shoe repair store.

This little one models in a store window.

I met this greyhound on a walk one evening.

These dogs are on my bus route at one stop. This is not a good situation. I wish I good unlatch the gate and rescue them.

This little one is Jack. He was sitting outside a restaurant waiting for his owner and he loved treats from passersby.

These two terriers are mother and daughter visiting from the east.

A bicycle built for 7?!

Now is this the coolest bicycle or what!?

I was leaving the studio for the day and had seen these women riding it up and down Ballard Ave, not really knowing what the gig was. But as I was grabbing a camera to get a photo they asked me to come on along for a ride. Too hard to resist! It carries 7 people and each has peddles and there are the classic bells to ring. One person is the navigator and runs the brakes and that seat always faces forward. It is easiest and most fun with a full bike and because we all faced the center it offered a great way to communicate as we peddled. in the center is a big basket type area to put whatever. We all thought a knitting group would be a hoot! All the projects go in the center basket and anyone (except the navigator!) can knit, visit and travel all at once! But whatever you do on it, it is great fun and simply creates happiness just being onboard.

As we peddled up Ballard Ave with two empty seats, we'd call out "Come on, jump on. You know you want to!". Some stared, but wouldn't take the time, others ran to get on. Too much fun, especially in the flat city streets.

It hails from Amsterdam and costs somewhere around $13,000 You can see the particulars at www.dutchbikeseattle.com (darn links arent cooperating)

Seattle sidewalks

While here in Seattle, I have been taking a walk every day which can be a challenge in itself with the hills. Streets run level across the hills and cross with the streets that run straight up and down. There are great views with the mountains in the background, the Ballard canal, freight trains coming and going.These are pictures of views along the walk.

Bye bye

I'm headed to Seattle early in the morning....the annual sojourn to work in the studio at Earthues. No pictures tonight..I have just taken a walk with Jack around the farm and bid my goodbyes to all. It is so hard to leave this blessed place. I will be in touch from the Pacific Northwest as the next two weeks unfold...baaa baaa.

Remembering Mom

Today is my Mom's birthday. She passed away in 2006 and I miss her terribly.But I find great peace in knowing we had a great run together. This picture is when she served as a Wave in the US Navy during World War II. She was so proud of her service and she was also beautiful in a uniform!

I'll raise a glass to her today. July 5, 1921 ~ January 18, 2006

Celebrate your freedom and independence!

Wishing everyone a relaxing day with friends, family, even solitude perhaps on this most celebrated day in our nation's history!

The sheep celebrated early with a trip to new pasture. They have fresh water, hay for snacking, a shed to lounge in and green pasture for grazing. Independence!

The chickens are celebrating with independence to and from their coop to the main area of the barn. They have grain, water fresh outside air and room to move. Freedom!



We humans are celebrating by enjoying the freedom of doing what ever we feel like today, no deadlines or timetables. And, as always, we are thankful for those serving in our armed forces who preserve our continued freedom and independence!

WIP Wednesday

Just under the wire I completed the Rowan Froth Scarf tonight. It is 36" long and 6" wide. It feels wonderful around my neck, even on a July morning, so I can imagine the cozy feel come October. I found another pattern free on knitty.com (SORRY! Link option currently NOT working!)named Seascape which I instantly fell in love with. I ordered more Rowan Kidsilk Haze in a new color and will start this shawl over the holiday weekend. It is single strand lace knitting and that will be new to me. That's always good!