I couldn't resist this picture of our dog, Pepper.  Full grown, she weighs no more than 9 pounds, tends to be a little squirrely, barks for no apparent reason, but is lovable all the same.  Take, for example, how she didn't even notice the Chiquita Banana sticker my husband put on her nose:

It is appropriate, however, given that she had to be given a sedative today in order that we could bring her to the vet's office (where she also got to wear a muzzle), all to have her nails clipped.  She is the only dog I've ever had who has had a completely psycho reaction to a pair of nail clippers...

In other news, I knit a few rows on a vest that has been hanging about for too long.  It will be nice to wear this fall - eggplant purple to be trimmed with wheat.  Pics coming soon.

Stay cool and comfortable - more heat and humidity on the way for the Northeast.

Peace & Love,

Liz

I've decided to post some photos - some a bit past the point where they would be most appropriate (like this one):

These are my patriots, dressed appropriately for celebrating the country's independence.  Other photos hanging about on the memory of the digital camera include a shot of another family member -

Mako, on garden patrol, keeping a keen out for wayward snakes.

Here's a shot of one of the daylilies.  I'm so thrilled the collection we bought a year ago, as our vacation souvenir from Martha's Vineyard, has really taken off.  Our best crop around here is rocks, so it's really a big boost to see these beautiful flowers thriving.  Best part is - they are different varieties, so will bloom throughout the summer!

I have been to my second minor league baseball game in two weeks.  First time as part of a little league night, recently because Alex attended a baseball camp and the campers were invited on the field for the national anthem.  I thought of bringing some knitting along (see the Stitch N Pitch website if you are unfamiliar with this concept), but the venue just didn't seem right for it.  I'm unfortunately not much of a baseball fan (unAmerican, I know), but I calculated that the actual 9 innings that were played could have been accomplished in under an hour and a half vs. the 3 hours we were actually there.  The game just doesn't move fast enough for me...  I'm a football fan at heart and the action and pace of an NFL game makes anything else for me akin to watching paint dry.

So I've been content to knit more mitered squares at home.  This should be a pretty colorful afghan, once the fall rolls around and I put them all together.  Stay tuned...

Peace & Love,

Liz 

While I hate to complain about the weather during the very short summer season, it is seriously too hot and humid to move around.  My arms are sticking to the desk as I type, and the seeming inability to breath has robbed my brain of oxygen (required for clear thinking).  Add to this a very busy office and two children who do not like the humidity any more than I do, and you have a recipe for a lot of cranky people.  Luckily, there's beer.

At 9pm, it is almost bearable outside, but guess what?  The mosquitoes are out making that an unpleasant affair.  I know, I know - "bug spray would help" - but I hate the feel of that stuff on my already sticky skin, and I only use it when we head into the woods to keep away the gnats and deer ticks.

Days like this make me pray for a crisp fall day.  I am always happiest when the temperature is somewhere around 70, but mid-60's is even better. 

In a rebellious mood, I pulled some bulky weight yarn out of the stash last night and knocked off a couple of squares for my afghan which will be put together sometime during the fall.  It was actually enjoyable to be knitting away while watching important news programs.  I try to pick the ones that have a sense of humor - like the ones on the Comedy Channel.

It may cool down in a day or so, and I'm looking forward to more knitting on the innumerable projects that are underway.  For now, I think I'll go put an ice cube down my back.

Peace & Love,

Liz