Jill's life

The Book.

2012-01-25T11:39:00.000-05:00

Hi!

This is going to be a long post...

First we will get the Concrete Faux Bois..or Faux Bois Concrete out of the way

and...

Then.....

we will go on to better things.

Meaning Me.

This is a large concrete Faux Bois log planter.

Can you see the face?

I usually hide a face or word on my work.

Colse up of the "wood" texture.

The acid staining takes me almost as long as carving the texture.

Pretty much like creating a watercolor painting, but on concrete.

On this one, I had about 6 hours of carving time and about 4 more hours of staining.

This has been one of the strangest winters.

Very little snow and very warm.

We have been in the mid 40s all week and the snow that Smudge enjoyed last week is long gone.

Hey!!!

Hurry up..and get to the book!

Okay Smudge!!!

Here it is.

This is the book that I got for Christmas.

My sister made this book at Shutterfly.

It tells the story of Smudge's first six months of life.

Hard to believe that she was small enough to fit into her food bowl.

Look at those cute feet.

You should be able to click on the photos to read the captions.

My my...

how things have changed.

Notice the chew marks on the chair under the book.

This is such a great gift idea!

I love this book.

The picture of Smudge sleeping with her tongue out

is one of my all time favorites.

She had a long day delivering giant pumpkins.

Oh Smudge....

You were so cute!!!

What do you mean.....

You WERE so cute.

I am still cute!!!

Yes....

even though we have no furniture left to sit on..I guess that you are still cute.

Zippy on the way to work on concrete.

He found a mouse in the field and searched for it until I made him stop.

I just can't bear the squeaking as they go down the hatch.

Looking for a deer.

Were is My book???

You are not as cute as I am Oracle...

Besides..you are too muddy to be in a book.

Nothing funnier than a bulldog running with ears flapping.

Smudge in the golden light.

Looking for varmints.

Gus.

Smudge enjoying her favorite outdoor activity.

Leaf watching.

Also a little stick chewing.

Until next time folks!

Finally some snow!

2012-01-16T14:02:00.000-05:00

We have had a few small snows this year, but mostly just dustings.

This past week, we had a very nice one...

even if it was just a few inches.

I love to walk through the woods and look at the

framework of the trees with the snow resting on their branches.

It is almost magical and usually so quiet and still.

That is....when the wind isn't blowing.

Luckily this snow was one that was minus the strong wind.

My favorite time to take a walk/hike.

It was also pretty easy walking (at least for some of us) in the small amount that fell.

Last year was a little more difficult. Not so easy in snow up to your knees and thighs.

I am short....but it was much deeper this time last year.

Smudge LOVED it!!!

She had a bit of a face plant in the ditch on the side of the driveway.

I had to laugh at her for a few minutes after that one.

After Smudge composed herself, we took a nice long walk to enjoy the snow....

You just never know...this may be the only snow we get this year.

I hope not!

Beautiful!

Smudge and Gus going through the woods at the bottom of the driveway.

Smudge got tired of me taking pictures and just wanted to GO.

One of the small streams on our neighbor's property.

Zippy also loves snow and here he is on our commute to work the other day.

It was quite cold...around 11 degrees.

He had just jumped into the small stream above and luckily we were near the workshop.

Smudge just can't keep her face out of the snow and is constantly sneezing;

trying to get it out of her nose.

Eco with his snow beard.

Smudge flying through the yard.

She has a mouth full of snow in this shot.

Hard to see on here.

Once again with snow all over her face.

WooHOO..

Wild eyes.

Some shelf fungus on a fence post.

I really liked the texture on the post.

Zippy appreciates his jacket, but always has to stop and scratch.

Of course he also has snow on his face/nose.

Wild Zippy.

He can still get around pretty good for an "old man".

A fence/gate on our walk.

I love the way it is tied together with twine.

Let it SNOW!!!

Concrete Faux Bois, and of course...more chewing.

2012-01-09T21:11:00.000-05:00

Hi!

This is what I look like sometimes.

Working on concrete. Staining and sealing are not fun things if you are in an area that

is not well ventilated.

I try to be as safe as possible.

Most of the time...

Smudge has been caught in the act!

She is sooooo bad.

If I turn my back for one moment she has teeth on something.

What you don't see is the fact that she has all sorts of good toys and

stuffed bones to chew on.

...she wants that chair.

Gus is so upset he can't event look at her.

May and Otis were really upset with Smudge for chewing the chair.

But don't look too closely at that fence.

Zippy still can't believe it.

Zippy had to party a little to get over the shock of Smudge's chewing.

I know.... it's not true Zippy......

Sorry..Just kidding.

He really is not much of a party animal...Ha ha ha...

You know....

Spuds Mackenzie..

Now that...was a party animal.

Smudge and Eco

They had a quiet moment..

Checking each other out.

So cute.

We had a few inches of snow the other day.

but now we are back into 40 degree weather.

I would love to see some snow!!!

SMUDGE!!!!!

NOT AGAIN!!!

My furniture is doomed.

Zippy had to go for another walk to help with the stress.

Okay!!!!!

Here it is!!!

Concrete!!!

The above sign was just a little experiment and I like how it turned out.

The other side says "Dream".

Another motivational sign.

The "toxic love" sign stained and sealed.

I decided to try something a little more "happy" and positive.

Another.

This one has a wax finish on it.

Gives it a bit of a sheen.

I am going to do house numbers next and a memorial for

Bumble.

Another larger Votive holder.

I gave this a test run the other night and it really looked good on the table.

Hanging Votive holder stained and sealed.

A little hollow log candle holder.

This planter is about 12" W x 14" Ht.

Another candle holder.

and...

ANOTHER candle holder.

In the shape of a heart with a wizard face.

Short planter.

Short planter with more bark.

Same planter..different view.

AND

even

ANOTHER

candle holder.

This is the back the concrete dog head.

I arched a piece of plastic tubing through the armature before I added the concrete so that I can

then thread a piece of picture hanging wire though to hang it.

You may ask...

What is this?

It is a sconce that has the end of a bottle in it.

An experiment that I think has promise.

I want to do a larger version.

Thought it looked pretty lit up.

Beautiful Elk Knob State Park.

I promise to show the inside of Smudge's book in the next post.

Stay tuned.

Fun gift and someone is in trouble.

2011-12-30T11:00:00.001-05:00

Okay....

Don't believe anything you hear toward the end of this post...

I didn't mean to do it.

Besides...I am too cute to be in trouble.

We had a nice little snow this past week. Only a couple of inches, but still pretty.

If you notice things are a bit off in my photos...it is because my little Canon G10 is on it's last leg.

I am very sad about this because I really love this little camera.

It has begun to have a mind of it's own. For instance...the above photo was taken using the flash...

but I did not have the flash turned on. It is like spinning the wheel on Wheel of Fortune (is that still on).

When you turn it on...you just never know what settings you will get.

Makes life interesting though.

I got the most wonderful Christmas gift this year!

A book all about Smudge!!!

We draw names in my family and my sister, Karen had my name.

She had this wonderful book made with pictures of Smudge from my Facebook page.

Smudge thought it was pretty neat.

She read it all day and when I tried to take it from her...

She got mad.

Then.....she did this!

And this!!!

A little blurry, but...you get the picture.

Zippy was appalled and had to take a walk just to get over it.

Stay tuned for a concrete intensive post.

Happy New Year!!!

Fun with lights and an award.

2011-12-23T14:38:00.000-05:00

Smudge has decided that she loves the Christmas tree.

Constantly spinning the nice, plastic ornament that I left in her reach.

Such a curious little thing.

Ha ha ha....

I think that Smudge has decided just to go along with my antics.

Notice I have the antlers standing straight up.

They should be more like.....

This.

Much better.

Ho hum.....I may as well just give in.....

Look!!!!

A deer.

Actually just Zippy going to work in the shop with me.

Just for fun....I made this head.

I have a painting that is based on the same theme.

I thought that they would look neat hung side by side.

I really had a fun time making this.

I want to get a collar for it with a tag that says..

"Misunderstood".

I wanted the texture to be pretty rough.

I had to keep the ears pretty thick, for fear of the them breaking off.

The wet spots are from Smudge meeting and greeting her new friend.

"Mum" tattoo.

Skull and crossbones on the "wood" part.

Smudge...maybe you can actually play with the concrete Zippy.

My new thing.

Motivational messages in concrete.

Smudge decorated her crate for Christmas.

I think she wants to make sure her packages arrive safely.

Snoozing away making her little bulldog noises (and smells).

Oh no!!! She sees me.

Don't worry Smudge...I will not mess up your decor.

Seriously...don't be angry...I just wanted to share your beautiful decorations with everyone.

Help!!!!!

My friend LeeAnn awarded me the Liebster Blog award. LeeAnn has a beautiful blog about her life in Savannah, GA and posts about her own personal growth experiences. I really enjoy reading her blog and always get a very peaceful feeling reading her posts. She also has a most wonderful Bulldog named Gracie. I was trying to decide who to pass on the award to and came across a post by the Heartbeats. One of their followers (Kissa-Bull) just lost 5 of her dogs to a house fire. A very sad situation and I hope that by passing this on to the Heartbeats that folks can help to ease the pain at the Kissa-Bull blog by possibly sending them a message of condolence. I know that when we lost Bumble all of the folks that wrote me really helped me get through the pain. A little kindness goes a long way. A wink to LeeAnn as that is exactly what her last post was about.

The responsibilities of the Liebster Blog award are (1) To thank the person that gave you the award and link back to their blog. (2) reveal your top five picks, with less than 200 readers, and let them know (3) copy and paste the award on your blog. (4) Hope that the person giving it to you will keep it moving forward.

My Project.

2011-12-14T09:04:00.000-05:00

It has been a while since my last post.

I mentioned a special project that I have been working on in a previous post and it has been keeping

me very busy.

Zippy on our commute to work.

Where we are making our things for the "project".

He has really been enjoying going to work and keeps the path clear of

all wild animals.

It has been warm here.

Only small dustings of snow so far and the only problem with that is

the fact that we have lots of mud.

Eco showing off his muddy velvet coat.

Smudge has been chipping away at the chair again.

I must make her pose for another Christmas picture. Maybe with antlers.

Speaking of antlers....

A wonderful person shot a deer the other day ( on land that was posted )

and the poor deer died in the woods about 20 feet from my back yard.

Gus had his fill of venison and then walked onto the deck and threw up all over the place.

Thank you poacher. You make all real hunters angry.

On to better things.

My project!

I am getting things ready to jury for a spot in a local gallery.

I hope that I get in....

I am making smaller things that are marketable and affordable.

Also shippable.

This is a little candle holder.

(of course you can see that)

Smudge....

are you on that chair again!

Smudge likes to sit under the dining room table.

The other day I did not see her there.

and went out for a moment.

When I got home....she was still under the table.

I had scooted the chairs together before I left and she was stuck.

I was lucky that she did not chew her way out!!!

Check out all of the spots on her back!!!

More project.

A little tea light holder.

Top view of the tea light holder.

A hanging leaf.

I have been making these for a long time.

This one was actually made this past fall.

I do not use a mold for my leaves.

Or anything else.

All hand carved.

A votive candle holder.

These can be used inside or outside.

Everything has concrete acid stain and a solvent based

sealer.

A medium sized planter.

A larger planter.

A very small planter.

This planter is very different from any of the others that I made.

It has a little keyhole and also can be hung.

I thought it would look good as a wall pocket.

I am in the process of making some hanging candle holders as well.

A very small votive candle holder.

A Knothole tea light holder.

A birdbath.

All of these are concrete faux bois.

I used a sunflower leaf for the bowl.

Top view.

When carving the texture, I like to add a few touches of whimsey.

So....you will find a face or animal or word....

in the texture.

I think it is fun to pick things out.

Smudge pretending to be Rudolf.

Wish me luck getting into the gallery.

Having a pre-jury today and

regular jury in Jan.

Off to make more things to take!!!

Have a great week!

Fun with Smudge.

2011-12-05T17:53:00.001-05:00

This past week has really been a busy one.

I am trying to get a bunch of concrete finished for a special project.

I will tell you what the project is in about a week.

He he he he...

In the meantime...

I am decorating Smudge for Christmas.

I just could not take it...I had to get out the lights and get a picture.

She looks very subdued and sweet in these pictures.

Totally opposite of her true personality.

Ha ha..

She is SOOOOOO happy to pose for these pictures.

It looks like she had an "idea" in this one.

A light bulb right on her head.

Little Otis bringing some Muletide Cheer.

We had a 3+ inch snow this past week.

Smudge really loved it.

A cute video of Smudge in the snow.

Zippy and I took a walk and got this wonderful shot of

(of course)

Elk Knob State Park.

So pretty.

It was actually cold enough for Zippy to wear his coat.

Another mushroom update.

The mushrooms are actually STILL doing their thing.

Hard to believe with the snow and cold weather.

Excuse me.....

Which way do I go????

Over here?

Over there?

Hi folks....I have just about had enough of this!!!

Someone please send help to my mom.

I promise not to chew any more furniture.

Oh Smudge...you look so cute in your hat!!!

Just grin and bear it.

That's easy for you to say....

You don't have to wear this embarrassing getup.

HA!! Calm down Smudge. Just wait until I get out the Mrs. Clause outfit.

You are going to look so sweet.....

Oh crap!!!

I am outta here!!!!

See you guys next summer!!!

I am so embarrassed.

Please, Please, Please, send help.

Gus!!!

Help me get this thing off!

Otis!!!

Help!

Someone.....PLEASE!!!

Sigh...

I guess that I will just have to take matters into my own paws.

See you guys next week!!!

Without this dress!

I painted this picture for a friend.

The dog in the painting is a rescue Bull Terrier named Little Bit.

She had a very difficult start in life and is now in a great home.

So glad that she is on the mend.

Remember your local rescues and shelters during the holiday season.

After Thanksgiving fun.

2011-11-28T09:00:00.001-05:00

This is what Zippy did for Thanksgiving.

He does not play well with others.

Because of this little "problem", I always try to take him out for a long walk

before we leave for holiday festivities.

It is his way of celebrating and I get to see some pretty scenery.

Our peaceful breath before the storm of activity and feasting.

The mushrooms are still going strong....although they are a bit slimy.

A very interesting tree with barbed wire.

I even let Zippy wade through his most favorite mud hole.

It was Thanksgiving....

The weather here has been incredible.

Happy Thanksgiving horses!

Happy Thanksgiving minis.

Smudge...ready to hit the road.

A beautiful barn on the way to the family celebration.

Move over Gus! You are taking up the whole backseat.

Labradors....you just can't travel with them..

On the way to the feast.

My sister and my niece.

About a second after this was taken...Smudge was frightened by a loud noise and

ran for the hills.

Oh my!!!

Those ears...

After all of the celebrating was over, we decided that a horseback ride was in order.

After all....the weather was perfect and well...we just do not have that may perfect weather days

this time of year.

Oracle wearing his new Renegade boots.

We had to modify them to fit his little feet.

Man oh man....I LOVE my horse!

Eco is so much fun to ride and nothing in this world makes me feel better than

to be on my horse. All of your worries just disappear.

Not to mention the adrenaline rush you get when you are having such a good time.

I think everyone has that sort of feeling when they are doing something that they love.

Danza (25 years old) was really kicking up her heals when we got home.

She really was unhappy with us for not taking her.

She even had a few words to say about it.

Poor little thing.

Here she is....happy again and all is well with her world.

Smudge had the pleasure of meeting Bumble's sister, Maggie.

They really had a great time together.

Maggie lives with Merle who also visited.

Zippy enjoying yet another beautiful day.

Nice weather....I will miss ye when you are gone.

(I miss it already....we are having heavy rain and high wind)

The kids enjoying their Thanksgiving pumpkin.

Zippy jumping for joy.

A parting shot of Smudge and her new smudges.

Just look at the constellations on that heavenly body!

I think that I can spot the Big Dipper.

Ha ha ha...

Another Thanksgiving Post

2011-11-24T09:59:00.001-05:00

Hi!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

(Can you believe that my mom made me wear this crazy getup?)

I love my new wild turkey headdress.

(she made me say that)

I am thankful for my new Kong toy.

I am also thankful that Gus is getting a bath....

When will this be over?

Can I take this thing off?

Please....

Oh brother.....

I hope everyone has a wonderful day.

Love your family, friends, and memories....great and small.

Smooches....Smudge.

Thanksgiving and chewing.

2011-11-21T10:34:00.001-05:00

Hello...I want to wish everyone a very very Happy Thanksgiving.

Pass the mashed potatoes!

I am in BIG trouble!!!

My chewing has been out of control.

Really..

I don't know why I do it....

It just happens.

I even chewed the sheetrock off of the wall.

For no reason.

Then...I chewed up my crate.

Took the zipper right off.

The funny thing is that I was not even in the crate....

I just did it for fun.

I have been working on this chair too.

Trying to sneak some fiber into my diet.

I just can't help myself.

Then I get in trouble....and people get upset.

It's sad.

But really....how can folks be upset with me???

I mean...just look at how cute I am.

Oh....don't look at he arm of the chair....

LOOK at ME...

Okay..onto another subject.

We had this wonderful and beautiful rainbow the other day.

It was possibly the brightest rainbow that I have ever laid eyes on.

A double one too.

While out in the woods, right before it snowed...I saw this cluster of mushrooms.

The mushrooms had these little termite-ish looking creatures crawling around aimlessly.

It kind of looks like Monkey Bread with bugs.

Same mushrooms after the little dusting of snow that we had.

I guess the cold weather killed the bugs.

They were a beautiful color.

I took this photo...walked away and two minutes later..

I had a hole in the arm of the chair.

Nice.

Ha..I will just blame Smudge for the chewed up fence.

Smudge checking out the hose.

She was scared of it at first and then tried to eat the water.

A little video.

We trimmed all of the perennials in our flower beds back this weekend.

Smudge was not happy about that. She loves to hide in the flower beds.

Here is the little chewer...

tired from the days of chipping through wood and leather.

Not to mention all of the toys and rib bones that she has been getting.

Notice the chewed up crate in the background.

Leaving you with this tranquil scene....Please think about me over this next week.

I am running out of furniture and I am scared to consider what she will chew next.

Wish me luck.

I hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!

Planting garlic.

2011-11-13T11:44:00.001-05:00

I have been working in my garden this week.

Frantically trying to get my wonderful garlic that I purchased from

Skoog Farm in the ground.

You may ask......Jill, why do you have cow skulls in your garden and what does this have to do with planting garlic?

Well....you may remember "cow cam". One of the neighboring farms had a bit of a tragic event

when two of their cows became ill and died (in an area that was rugged and they could not be buried). That is when I had the bright idea of setting up my

wildlife cameras to capture some of the animals that feast on carrion. I got

some really nice shots of Ravens, Vultures, Coyotes, a Bear, a Bobcat, and other small assorted animals. Then when they were finished cleaning up, I got the skulls. I had to put them in my

garden to keep them away from the dogs. This has nothing to do with planting garlic.

So...there you have it.

I really liked the light and colors in this photo.

Smudge helped me get the garden ready for the garlic.

I put in about 5-6 inches of really good compost (horse manure/hay/leaves)

Then I planted the garlic.

Then I put a nice layer of ground up leaves on top of that.

Then....I put a nice thick layer of old hay on top of that.

Now my garlic (and the rest of the garden) is all tucked in and ready for winter.

You can see how nice and dark that compost was.

Beautiful stuff.

Smudge really enjoyed the leaves.

Here she is giving me the "evil" eye.

Right after this she pounced on me and tried to bite the camera.

As usual.

She is starting to grow into her ears a bit.

Well...at least that is what I am hoping.

What a ham....

I think she is just having a competition on who can have the best

"quotation" mark ears.

This kid is giving Smudge a run for her money.

Oh no!!! Now she looks like a Frenchie.

I think Benny and Lily (Smudge's French friends)

would like that.

Smudge lost her last baby teeth and had to get some dentures.

She really liked this set. They made her feel dangerous.

I went to a friend's house this past week and snapped a few shots of her chickens/roosters.

I really enjoyed watching these guys.

Beautiful birds.

The craziest thing happened....

My friend had this little mini cow in her truck.

It just kept standing there and looking at us. Cows are weird like that.

Ha ha ha..

Zippy and I visited the Wizard tree the other day.

He is still very wizardly.

While on our wizard tree expedition...we came across this wonderful piece of old Chestnut.

Very weathered and the texture was incredible.

My little baby is growing up!

She looks so mature in these pictures.

Her face is really getting ready to change as her new "big" teeth are coming in.

I am enjoying this brief time that she is unable to chew things up.

Or at least...it takes more time for her to chew things up.

Just look at how big she is getting!!

They grow up so fast.

I hate that.

Hope you all have a great week!

2011-11-08T11:29:00.000-05:00

Well....well....well..

Look at that cute little flower.

Smudge did not have a costume for Halloween.

So...I made one for her.

A scrap piece of watercolor paper, some paint and

you have an instant flower.

I had to take fast photos....the costume only lasted a moment.

You might think this is a costume.

No costume.....just my dad.

He hurt his eye and had to wear a patch for a few days.

He made me draw an eyeball and eyebrow on it.

Too funny.

It really looked strange when he was sleeping.....just a bit creepy.

Smudge chewing her nylabone.

We had a bit of snow last week.

Just a dusting.

Smudge is starting to enjoy snow and I hope she gets used to it soon.

She better.....

Loving the late afternoon sun.

Zippy and I went the the "thinking" place to check out the view.

So pretty.

Elk Knob State Park.

Our Ginkgo tree was so beautiful this year!

Many times the weather turns before the tree is able to transform

into it's vibrant yellow fall foliage.

Zippy jumped for joy when he saw it.

Smudge has been having a ball playing in the leaves.

She even tried balancing them on her nose.

This past week was a very busy week and I am late in posting.

A large group of folks in our community got together to put on a benefit

for my friend Mary Anne. The benefit was a grand success and she was overwhelmed.

It is amazing what can happen when a community of folks can come together.

We had wonderful music, a silent auction, and pot luck dinner.

Klee Liles, The Lost Faculties, Lisa Baldwin and Dave Haney, and Melissa Reaves performed.

We also had a theatrical performance by Black Sheep Theatre.

Just an incredible evening full of fun and fund raising.

Mary Anne is in the hospital again to have a bone graft for her wrist and we all wish her the best!

The deer have really been enjoying my leftover giant pumpkins.

This one was around 200lbs.

Oh deer...

Smudge continues to grow at record rates.

She has just lost her remaining baby teeth and I am so glad.

She is chewing through all of our porch furniture and she would put a

termite to shame.

We are constantly having to take things out of her mouth.

Her ears are still in the "quotation" mark stage and I

am beginning to wonder if they are going to stand straight up.

I have never seen a bulldog with such funny ears.

She may end up looking like...

This.

Even though all of our leaves have long been blown from the trees...

I am leaving you with these beautiful shots.

I took them and forgot to post them.

Have a fabulous week!!!!

New teeth, playing with Zippy and more artwork.

2011-10-28T16:11:00.000-04:00

Zippy enjoying some nice warm sunshine.

As I am sitting here typing this, it is 32 degrees and the forecast is calling for snow.

It was in the mid 60s yesterday.

Shadows.

Smudge has a very cute shadow.

A pudgy little thing with tall ears.

Not sure if you can see them, but she has a few new front teeth.

The drool is from the loss of one of her canine teeth only moments before this shot was taken.

I have put in a request for training help with Jane Killion.

She has a most wonderful book on training dogs called

When Pigs Fly

Training success with Impossible Dogs.

We really need it here.

This is impossible.

Help!

Just kidding....really.

Even without teeth...she can still hold onto my jeans.

Smudge and her brother Gus.

I did not do it!!!!

Nope...it was not me.

I am much too sweet and innocent to be accused of such a crime against furniture.

Handmade furniture...

Handmade by my grandpa.

Maybe I could lick it to make it better.

Hmmmm.....this tastes GOOD....

crunch

Smudge!!!

Seriously...I did not do this!!!

Gus did it!

I get no respect around here.

Please send more handmade furniture.

I also enjoy antiques and I have been known to chew on some concrete.

Just don't tell anyone.

Here is the rare and elusive one headed two bodied horse.

Lots of fun to ride and easy to feed.

Oh wait...

Ha...

Two horses two heads two bodies...

I saw a sign recently that said

"Reality is only for those who have no imagination"

A new fountain.

New wall hanging/stepping stone/backsplash...

really it can be anything you want it to be.

Very versatile.

New birdbath.

This birdbath is going into a silent auction for my friend Mary Anne.

She was the one injured in a car accident earlier this summer.

Nov. 3rd High Country Press Lobby, Boone, NC

6pm-10pm

We will have lots of beautiful artwork and items from local businesses

in the auction.

There will also be entertainment from

Melissa Reaves

The Lost Faculties

Klee Liles

Dave Haney and Lisa Baldwin

The Black Sheep Theatre

If you are in the area feel free to stop in.

When I said that I was taking it slow with Smudge and Zippy...

I meant it.

Here they are on different sides of the fence getting to know each other a little better.

They are actually playing.

Zippy is doing his hucklebutt dance and Smudge is jumping around.

They really got into it.

I like that!

I just want to make sure Smudge is big enough to handle it if something goes wrong.

Just being careful.

Zippy has a few loose screws.

So far though..he is doing well with the whole thing.

Smudge is really excited about the whole concept.

Just look at the cute tummy she has!

I had to quit letting them play together with Zippy wearing his muzzle, because

Smudge kept biting the muzzle and I could see that it was stressing Zippy out.

I want this to be like smooth sailing.

No stress, just fun.

Too cute!

Ollie update.

STILL off on that front leg

However...it is much improved and I think that with time it will be fine.

We have decided that he must have hurt some of his soft tissue while "playing" with

his brother Otis. The vet and farrier were unable to really determine

anything specific. I am glad to see him much improved and hope that will

continue. Amazingly he has shown no signs of pain throughout this and that

does make me optimistic that he will have a complete recovery.

Have a great weekend folks!!!

PumpkinFest

2011-10-22T15:36:00.001-04:00

I love this place!

This is my "thinking" place.

You will see many many....many....pictures taken here.

Also inspiration for a painting or 20.

How could you not love it?

The weather was fantastic for a few days and it was so clear that you could see

every detail in the distance.

That is

Until

The weather did this

You can still see detail...

it just had a bunch of leaves in it.

and

Then

the weather did

This!

BRRRR!!!!

On to PumpkinFest

Our annual

neighborhood punkabration....

This is my sister dressed as me....

AGAIN!!!

My other sister (Elly May)

and

LTM (Larry the Magnificent).

Elly May, Jill, and Me (Opal the pumpkin)

(that is not really a hat on my head...it's the guy behind me)

See my second place ribbon?

I had vines on my face.

Who knew...

pumpkins like Yuengling?

Lady gaga joined in on the fun.

We had a most wonderful bonfire and then we

were invaded by

this really creepy group of hooligans.

They laughed at all of us.

Soon they even took over the benches around the fire.

We enjoyed their company until they got a little out of

control and the smoke from the fire made us look like this.

Smudge also had fun.

I am making this birdbath for a silent auction.

Oh NO!!!

The Girls!

A picture of The Girls before the deer discovered them.

Picture during.

Picture after...

So sad...

My new socks.

Wearing these for Leontien

Smudge too!

(Thanks for the bandana, Terrie)

Speaking of Smudge...

Just look at those ears!!!

They look like quotation marks.

I hope one day that she will grow into them.

The other day one stood straight up.

Oh well.....at least she will hear her name being called...

HA!

Meanwhile......

Back at PumpkinFest.

The pumpkins took over the party and threw all of the people to the wind.

They got very rowdy and some

even....

Fell down.

The other pumpkins laughed and laughed....

That poor fellow was quite embarrassed.

Too much Yuengling...I guess.

They enjoyed the fire and had

one of the best PumpkinFests ever...

The End.....

Hey!!!

Where are our pumpkins????????

Gorilla Burl

2011-10-14T17:17:00.000-04:00

Well...It is getting close...We are having our annual

fall neighborhood get together.

Otherwise know as

PumpkinFest.

I am going as something big.

I can't say what yet, but I will post pictures later.

He he he..

Smudge already carved her pumpkin in anticipation.

When walking the other day...

I came across this wonderful burl..

It shall now be known as "Gorilla Burl".

Very very neat.

Closeup.

I am scared of Gorilla Burl.

Take him away...

I think that I will carve more of my pumpkin.

That way it will keep my mind off of that wild gorilla.

Check this out....

oh...just a leaf.

Did you hear that????

Help...

Gorilla burl is coming to get me...

It has been so so beautiful around here.

Other than the fact that it has been raining and windy...

Still BRIGHT!!!

The leaves have been so brilliant.

A rare sunny moment.

Or should I say...Partly cloudy.

Hello beauty.

Zippy and I took off for a walk the other day.

I wanted to find this root on a rock that I had taken a picture of last winter.

I did not find the root on a rock..

We continued on to the beautiful stream below.

This stream borders our neighbor's property and is always gorgeous.

Zippy crossed the stream and checked out his favorite spots.

When it was time to go home...

He started crossing in his normal spot that is nice and knee to elbow deep.

Zippy is not a fan of swimming and really prefers a nice wade.

He started out very nicely and stopped for a drink.

La la la...

Then....for some unknown reason...(probably a chipmunk)

He veered off to the right.

I tried to tell him to stop...that he was getting ready to go into a hole.

I just don't know if he didn't hear me or if he just wanted to do something daring...

but..

then...

this...

happened...

He fell right in that hole!

Serves him right for not listening.

Ha ha ha...

Well..at least I had fun.

Ha ha ha...

I was actually kind of glad it happened because he had previously rolled in bear....

um.....stuff.

Loving this color!!!!

Loving my leaf carpet.

When I was a kid....we had shag carpet this color in our game room.

Brings back some good memories.

Not sure if it shows up well, but there is a rainbow in there.

Or at least a section of one.

Hope you all have a great week!!!

Stay away from Gorilla Burl.

Delivering Pumpkins...and other fun.

2011-10-10T11:12:00.000-04:00

Merle came by for a visit and he posed right in front of the garden

with Smudge.

We have had a really wild week.

Pumpkin deliveries and getting ready for our neighborhood

PumpkinFest.

Smudge has been working very hard and she is really excited!

Can you see the excitement in her eyes?

Sometimes falling asleep in mid play.

Zippy is also excited because he saw some nice big black cows on our walk.

He pointed them out for me.

He likes to point and the cows were more than happy to be pointed out.

Zippy now has a nickname...he is the Jumping Dog.

We have had such nice weather and the leaves are putting on a fabulous show.

Zippy got his coat stuck on the barbed wire.

I think he wondered why I made him wear his coat...it was in the 30s.

I guess that I was cold and figured if I needed a coat he did as well.

I really think he was trying to scrape it off with the barbed wire....don't tell him that I said that.

See the white stitching on his velcro?

He did that last year when he ran right through his coat.

A 2 inch wide piece of velcro...Or should I say...Hook and Loop?

(I would hate to offend other hook and loop makers..He he he)

He can be just a "little" hard on things.

I love this time of year...it just goes by so fast...

Loving all of the beautiful fall wildflowers.

The Jumping Dog...did something really really bad on our walk.

He is a terrier and I need to remember that.

However....when you see the type of thing that I saw....It really is a

shocker.

We were joyfully walking along when he spotted some movement near a log.

I saw him dart over to the log and tried desperately to get to him before

he did what he did.

It is hard to even write about......

Anyway..

Right before I reached the log....and the dog...the dog on the log....Ha ha ha..

I saw it...

The chipmunk.

It just jumped right into the air and with one quick snap....

the little woodland creature was down the hatch.

Barely any chewing....just down the hatch.

Horrible!

Zippy was very proud.

A view from the golf course.

Some folks have been asking me to post a picture of a Peter Pepper.

Well folks...this is it.

They are an heirloom variety and a very good hot pepper.

They make excellent dried pepper flakes.

Just look at that cute little bundle of joy...

She knows that something really fun is about to happen.

THE GIANT PUMPKIN LIFT..

This is Opal...and me.

Can you tell that I am a little sad to see them go?

I miss those big orbs in my yard.

Lots of tender loving care went into these things.

Not to mention all of the pruning, fertilizing, and watering.

I know that they are going to a good home and that makes it a little better.

Here I am giving Ruby a lecture on how to be a good display pumpkin.

She really soaked in all of the advice that I gave her.

At least...she did not talk back to me....so I think she got it.

Enjoy your pumpkins while you have them....

They grow up so fast.

Opal in front of The Ragged Garden Inn and the Best Cellar.

Smudge taking it easy during the pumpkin delivery.

She was most definitely the center of attention.....she had really nice baby sitters.

They followed us into the parking lot to see the pumpkins and then saw Smudge.

She had a great time.

This is Smudge on the way home...

A full day for a little dog.

Seriously....

Well well well.....

What can I say about this?

So unbelievably beautiful!!!

Color.....

you have to LOVE it!!!

I think it is natures way of saying....enjoy this little tidbit of warmth and beauty...

you are getting ready to have some cold snowy weather.

Put your boots on and ride it out until next year.

Shamrock spider.

Super duper cuteness.

We had visitors over the weekend and enjoyed this beautiful fire.

Also a little pumpkin carving.

We all had a great time.

Getting ready for PumpkinFest.

Check out Gus!

He looks so vicious.

Silly dogs.

Have a Great week!!!

Our first snow of the season.

2011-10-01T13:12:00.000-04:00

Well...a lot has happened this past week.

The giant pumpkins (Opal, Ruby, and Yet to be named) will be going to their new home at

The Inn at Ragged Gardens and

The Best Cellar Restaurant in Blowing Rock.

If you have a chance and are in the area stop by and check them out.

Smudge is growing at a record rate.

Just look at her!

She is getting huge. She reminds us of the flying nun.

Still as mean as a snake...Just kidding...not really...kidding that is.

Ollie....

Still lame in the left front.

Our wonderful farrier..Charlie..came over and trimmed Ollie this past week.

We found no indication of an abscess or any other issue with his hoof.

No heat or sensitivity.

Still no swelling or any other issue anywhere on his leg, knee or shoulder.

I am at a total loss as to what on earth this could be.

He does not seem to be in extreme pain.

He puts full weight on it.

He acts perfectly normal...not lying down more often and eating as usual.

This photo of him was taken last Sat. after Charlie checked him out.

Standing with full weight on his leg. He is on a bit of a an incline in our front yard.

I do however wish that I had my camera during Charlie's visit.

He and his son stopped by after attending the ASU ballgame and he was in

his "street" clothes.

You have not lived until you have seen your farrier in fringed chaps, shorts and

tennis shoes working on a mini mule. We all got a good laugh out of it.

All of us except Ollie that is....

We have been having some stellar weather lately.

The leaves are changing at a record rate.

Nice and warm too.

This guy must have just come out of his cocoon.

His color was very bright.

He also picked one of the brightest flowers to light on.

Beautiful Elk Knob State Park.

Snake Mountain.

Hey!

Are you really taking away my giant pumpkins???

I will miss you Opal.....

Zippy has really been getting into jumping lately.

He is showing off for Smudge.

Just look at that form....

I give it a 10.

Smudge is a bit confused by the jumping.

She is really all about being grounded.

Enjoying the nice soft grass.

Dreaming of the next time that she can use her shark teeth on my tender skin.

Check it out.

LTM's (Larry the Magnificent's) farm.

Beautiful!!!

Took these on the way up to see my friend MA that was in the car accident.

She had another surgery last week and

is really doing well.

Thanks so much for all of the well wishes and prayers for her.

Elk Knob.

Zippy on take off.

Mid flight.

Coming down to earth.

Ha ha ha..Zippy down to earth.

Smudge lounging in her crate.

Studying for her new career as a concrete model.

So...

This was taken this morning.

A light dusting of snow.

On Oct. 1st.

A little later.

I had to cover the pumpkins with the horse blankets....

The horses got to stay inside.

Everyone was happy.

This afternoon.....

Always interesting around here.

Have a great week folks!

Thanks for stopping by.

I will now be in my kitchen for days processing every vegetable known to man.

Mutual of Jill's Wild Kingdom.

2011-09-22T12:04:00.000-04:00

Be very very quiet....

We are sneaking up on a rare and beautiful sight.

The almost extinct sleeping bulldog.

These animals are very sensitive and elusive.

Here we see one of the most sensitive parts...

This animal can go from sleeping to sniffing out

cookie with lightening speed.

Truly amazing.

Oh...

settle down now...

don't move.

See the intensity in the eye.

We must be very quiet and still.

Back away!

Very very slowly.

At any moment she could snap.

Look!

A successful tagging.

Now we can follow her in the wild and are able

to identify her later.

We leave this beast to rest in her lair.

Boy!

That was a close call.

I almost had to call in Jim.

Oh Brother....

Getting really nuts around here.

I don't know what is wrong with these people.

Where is my ball?

Well....I guess it is this overcast weather.

Making us do funny things.

Smudge went to a party this past week.

One of our neighbors had a birthday.

She got to meet a new "friend"...

only...

Lola did not really like Smudge.

She burrowed into her owner's coat. Silly wiener dog.

Better luck next time..

This is Terrie.

She made the cute bandana that Smudge is wearing.

It has dogs on it doing yoga.

extremely cute.

Thanks Terrie!!!

Loved the fire.

For some reason....folks keep doing this to me.

I just don't get it.

They must be shy.

On to brighter things..

A beautiful Gladiola.

That color is gorgeous.

Beautiful!

My little Knock Out rose.

I dedicate this to our friend Chuck who got skunked this past week.

He is the Oak Hill Iron dog.

This is Smudge's favorite toy.

The ears have turned into hair.

Smudge is growing at a record rate.

She loves to dine out.

Her favorite foods are venison and beef.

With a side of raw bone.

Dreary dreary dreary...I know we need this rain..but it is really cramping my concrete style.

You can see how the leaves are changing and "yes" that is ragweed in my flower bed.

Pumpkin plants taking over the yard.

More bright colors on the trees.

Oh Fall....why must ye sneak up on us like that?

Oh no!!!

The wild beast has awakened from her slumber.....

RUN!!!!!

Ollie update.

Still lame in front.

Medicating and hoping for the best.

His rear legs are improved and he is getting around better.

No swelling, and no heat in the front hoof.

He walks as if it is possibly his shoulder or knee.

I am beginning to think that he was injured while rough housing with his brother.

Ollie is a rogue type mule.

I guess he was not handled a lot when he was young and really could care less for people.

He is not easy to handle. To catch him we have to put him in a stall and then work on him.

Of course we did not know this when we got him (another story). I have tried every method known to man to make him like me. I think he does like me...but only if I am on the other side of the fence. This makes his lameness a real pain not only for him, but for us humans as well. It also complicates things, because he can make his condition worse by fighting us. Kind of a sticky situation.

Results of the Mad Rush.

2011-09-17T09:31:00.002-04:00

Well...I have been a busy person this past week.

Finished my stump stool/table/whatever you want it to be...

See Zippy in the bark?

I rarely make something for myself and I really will like and use this stool.

I also want to make some larger chairs for my fire pit area otherwise known as

PumpkinFest.

A very large Amanita mushroom.

Also known as a Death Cap.

Very poisonous.

So....do not touch or eat.

Check out the color on this little beauty!

Wow!!

This is a little road through the woods that I have been walking to

visit my neighbor that has been injured.

A nice little walk with all of the wonderful wild flowers that are blooming.

So many interesting mushrooms around lately.

This one "cracked" me up a bit.

I have been taking Zippy on some nice long walks and he is really

enjoying this cooler weather we are having.

Love this Iron Weed.

The locals also call it devils poker.

Such a beautiful color especially next to the bright yellow Ragweed.

Another shot on the way to my neighbor's house.

That is LTM's place.

The multi use stump stool.

This is a little (really large) planter that I have been working on.

Trying to polish my bark carving and wood texturing skills.

Another planter.

Both planters together.

I really like the way these turned out.

Another fountain that I am working on.

Still need to stain and seal this.

I like showing the different stages of things.

A progression.

I was trying to show a little more "movement" with the positioning of the stumps

and leaves.

Little miss Smudge is really growing this week!

She is starting to look more mature

and lady like.

I am now at a bit of a standstill with concrete...

we have a little cold front passing through.

Mid 40s here right now.

Not sure that I am ready for it.

Even the girls are covered and shivering.

A parting Smudge shot.

Wish me luck folks...

Little Ollie the mini mule has been having some problems.

His stifle locked up and he could not move his rear leg properly.

He finally got it working again and now he is lame in his left front.

Getting ready to go out and work on him. Not quite sure what is going on.

He is not easy to work with as he is quite a renegade.

My mad rush.

2011-09-12T13:08:00.000-04:00

The weather here has been unbelievable this week.

Perfect temperatures and (thanks to tropical storm Lee) crystal clear skies.

I have been a bit behind on blog posts and comments due to what I like to call...

"my mad rush to winter".

Just trying to make concrete, get my garden in order, and finish up all of the outdoor projects

that are not so enjoyable in freezing temps, wind and snow.

But....we all know that....

I do love snow.

Hello little newt.

Love these bright guys.

The humming birds have really been busy this week.

Tap...tap...

Hey....you are not giving me enough air time.

I am much cuter than that newt...I mean really...a newt!

Okay..Smudge being...

well...

her devilish self.

Bugging Gus to no end.

Well...

the rear end...

She has discovered the big fluffy tail.

Constantly attacking poor Gus.

A real terror.

Gus...

you can't be so polite.

I know...you are a Labrador...and

Labradors...are sweet and kind.

Thanks Gus...

You are the best baby sitter ever!

Help!!!

I just can't get enough of this super cute face.

Smudge has doubled in size this week!

She and Zippy have been getting to know each other.

So far...

all is well and I am pleased with how calm Zippy is.

I said we would take it slow and I meant it.

They have had nose to nose and nose to....well..

you know....contact.

Just look at that little bulldog stance! Her ears have just gone back into

what bulldog folks call rose ears.

Ha!

Hello ragweed. How I have been dreading your presence.

Even though you are extremely beautiful....you make me sneeze.

Smudge "helped" me dig potatoes this week.

She had a most fabulous time.

She looks like a little grub here.

Once she figured out the digging part...

She got along really well.

Remember my worm story...

Just look at those yucky things!!!!!

I clearly had to wear gloves and boots while digging the potatoes.

My latest concrete creation.

A stump planter.

Fall is in the air folks!

Hard to believe.

When did it happen?

Where did summer go??

In some ways it sped past and in others it was slow and hard.

Just a strange twisty road.

This summer has been a wild ride.

And unfortunately not on my horse...which I have ridden very little.

I hate that.

Things will change.

My goodness...

How can anything be this cute?

You bring a lot of joy to my heart.

So clear and beautiful.

Smudge after digging potatoes.

She passed out in the corn.

My old band sweater.

Found it in one of my old boxes.

Wow...does that sweater bring back some memories.

Well...Opal is still growing but so slow...She is not a heavy weight, but she is beautiful.

I have to remember...

Beautiful things come in Small packages.

MASTERPIECE OF '79 - 1979-2011

Dear Lori, I am so sorry for your loss.

I will miss seeing Masterpiece on your beautiful blog.

Hugs to you and your family.