"HOPPY" NEW YEAR EVERYONE...............

I AM SENDING ALL MY FRIENDS A

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

BFL & White Angora.......

Now that I have had a chance to give each project to its appropriate recipient, I can share with you what I've been working on over the past couple weeks.

I bought and bartered for dyed BFL wool, which I spun and then plied with some spun angora wool (rabbit). The BFL wool came from Somerhill Farm...GORGEOUS FIBER!!! It's been soooooooooo cold this year that I thought a couple hats would make good gifts this year.

The Blue and white hat went to my good friend Sylvia and the red and white hat went to my dear friend Margie. :- )




At least I'll know they'll be warn this year.

Maybe the hat's will help jinx the weather and the recipiants won't need to use them much for the rest of this year??????????????

This is the first time I've used my homespun yarn for any kind of project--crocheted or knitted. I've realized...I really like homespun yarns!!!!!!!!!!

I have two other friends, men, who do their own Landry. I was going to crochet them hats as well....but being men...I was afraid they'd forget the hats were made of real wool and they'd through the hats into the wash and come out with itty bitty hats. :-o So for them I opted for some store bought acrylic yarns. Not much worry there. ;- )

Merry Christmas!!!!!!

As we gather together in groups , family and friends,

We share the festivities and joys of this Wonderful Season.

To everyone

Peace & Joy!!!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!!

Welcome Winter...........

This year I've had busy fingers working away making hats from our angora wool. It's funny but I tend to think of each project as ... contributed by...Nova, Puffy, or Brendan. Or maybe a combination of contributors...kid mohair, BLF and others etc..

But while crocheting last night my 'Mother' called to tell me that PBS-Fusion, were airing the program, "A Simple Life". It's been several years since, BUT my dulimer group, The "Mixed-Up Strings", were insturmental in preparing the background music for the program. Intially our sountrack CD was offered on the program as a promotional awards item. It was a lot of work, at the time, but also what a thrilling time!!!!

If you'd like to hear a bit from this original CD go to our web page: http://www3.uakron.edu/schlcomm/White/mixed/music.html

Well, since yesterday morning the ground has been covered with snow. :- ( Actually there's only about a little over an inch of snow but every thing's still pretty white. I'm not a huge fan of winter months but I can live with it. Were as JG, BARELY tolerates it! As soon as the first snow flakes begin to fly I know the majority of JG's conversations will be growling about the weather, snow and cold. :- { This growling will last until springs return. I've told him that winter's inevitable and it can be a pleasant season for reflection on the warmth of family and friends as well as plans for the upcoming year's possibilities.

Another personal indicator of the winter months has been the change over in the barn, from water bottles to bowls for the bunz. Last night we removed all the waterbottles, as many had frozen. The temps are low but the wind chill bumps the temps even lower. BRRRRRRR!!! The only way we can maintain drinkable water during the winter is by using water bowls and multiply trips to the barn with fresh water, throughout the day.

With the holiday season I do look forward to the music and festive colored lighting. Even with the issues of today's economy we can still experience the joy of simpler pleasures, as long as we ignore the media machine push to brain washing us into thinking we HAVE TO HAVE everything they promote. :- (

This year I've had busy fingers working away making hats from our angora wool. It's funny but I tend to think of each project as ... contributed by...Nova, Puffy, or Brendan. Or maybe a combination of contributors...kid mohair, BLF and others.

T-Day with Family and Friends.....

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday! And that stuffiness has disapated. :- D

It's wonderful reason to gather with family and dear friends to share time, good food and share memories and chat about the future.

We began our day by going out to 'Hometown Buffet' for an early dinner with friends. Margie and Jim had their daughter, son-in-law and five year old son with them. Sylvia and Jim were there as well as Elaine and Chuck. The restaurant was crowded and the carving station, turkey-ham-beef, was totally overwhelmed!!! But the food is ALWAYS delicious!!!! And the foods selection is a pleasant change. Yum!!!!!!!

After dinner, and chat time, John and I came home for a grand total of maybe 20 minutes. John threw more wood on the fire of the beast (our wood fired boiler). We check on all the critters...gathered up the filled crepe's that I'd made the night before and hit the road again.

This time we landed at my Mother's place. My entire family was there, except one. My youngest niece who lives in Texas. She still trys to stay in touch during these family gatherings by calling to talk to everyone. It's ALWAYS WONDERFUL to hear from her! She's just had her second child, a little girl, after a difficult pregnancy. We're so grateful they both doing well now. Wonderful job Kelly!!!!

It's still tough for me to wrap my mind around the fact Kelly's old enough to have a family of her own. WHERE DOES THE TIME GO???????????

After the second dinner at Mom's conversaton was livelly. John and I continued to visit with my Mom LONG after the rest of the family had left. John and my Mom so enjoys their great theological conversations!!! Keeps my Mom's mind active and engaged. ;- D

The hour was late by the time we got home. John, sweet-heart that he is!!!, went out to make sure the bunz were settled in for the night. This allowed me time to spend with Jinn-Jinn. Sad to say Jinn-Jinns trip to the rabbit show, last month, proved hazardous for him. Not sure what bug he picked up but my sweet lover boy has been quite ill. He went off feed, developed diarrhea and stills has little interested in food. :- { I've been force feeding him Oxbow Critical Care, with Probios, vitamins, electrolytes, and neomycin. Last night was the first time in several days his poop has been even close to 'normal'. He has me soooooooooooooooooooooo worried!!!! Some times I hate it!!!! These angora rabbits are so darn endearing it difficult to deal with health issues! :- ( Keep your fingers crossed for us!!! And pray he pulls through this ordeal. I feel horrible for having taken him out...away from home. :- { Makes it a hard choice to take them back to the show tables.

But on the lighter side.... A good friend sent me a really cool video link about a fellow that rescued a young hummingbird. It's amazing to watch! If you've not seen it? Then here's the video.... http://www.wimp.com/babyhummingbird/

To kick off the holiday season, tomorrow evening, Margie, Sylvia, Larry and Myself will perform for our local Holiday Lighting Ceremony Community Walk....with Mountain Dulcimer Christmas Music. This is away a treat! We get a chance to greet large numbers of walkers out welcoming the season.

I hope your black Friday shopping day was fruitful!!!!JINGLE BELLS... JINGLE BELLS

JINGLE ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :- D

Another sad farewell.......

My good friend Margie lost her mother, Norma Lou, last Thursday. Life has been so tough for her these past three years. She looses her Dad, then her husband goes into the hospital (nearly loosing him), he recovered late last year and now her Mother passes away. Just seems as though life's trying to beat her up.

Margie's been a dear friend over the years and to see a friend go through such trauma doesn't seem fair!!!

Thanksgiving Day, this year, will be a tougher year for all of us. As a group, Margie's family and others have taken T-day dinner out with us. It'll NOT be the same without Norma Lou's ever pleasant smiling face across the dinner table. :- {

This morning, Ruth-another dulcimer friend, and I played our dulcimers for Norma's farewell wake. She's now with her beloved husband again.

A bittersweet farewell to a lovely woman!!!!!!

The Master of Disaster....at Kent Stage

Friday evening we went to a concert at the Kent Stage (Kent, OH). Our FAVORITE singer/songwriter, James Keelaghan was in concert. The man NEVER FAILS TO DELIVER!!! An awesome performer--even with a numb left hand!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He was suffering from the collapse of two vertebrae in his neck.

For an excellent example of his latest work check out his web site:

http://web.me.com/jameskeelo/Keeloweb/KEELOWEB.html. Click on the 'House of Cards' image in the lower right corner of the screen. -- ENJOY!!!!

This year we've been privileged as James has been in Ohio TWICE!!!! We had the greatest time at the Central Ohio Folk Festival (a three day festival in Columbus, OH at the Metro park Battelle Darby Creek). It would have even been a little more enjoyable "IF" I'd remember to take my jacket with me!!! I mean--HOW!!! Can you forget something as important as a coat when you know the weather's going to be COLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even the Canadian was freezing, but he had a good excuss...he'd just gotten off the plane from his Melbourn, AUS tour. (In the picture I was wearing MULTIPLE layers!!! How many shirts can you fit under one large sweat-shirt......FIVE!!! ;- D

Go check out James's website!

Medina Co. RBA Show........

Well, we just got home from the Medina Co. RBA Show. I'm so tired I can hardly even wiggle!!! But I'm also excited to!!!!


After a very last minute decision to go to the show, Raven and Ginger Jinn rewarded the herd with wins in both shows! :- ) I could hardly believe it!!!


And my grand old gentleman--Ginger Jinn made a proud showing for himself as well.





I really don't get to that many shows and to have the bunnies do so well was thrilling!


I ALSO want to thank Tina & Scott for helping me out. Scott tattoos the bunz for me and Tina helped groom a couple hopeless cases. :- \

THANKS GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


This past week I've been running on only a couple hours of sleep each day, with today being the worst of all of them, something like 1 1/2 to 2 hours of sleep. So I'll close for now. But, I will return when rested to add to the days events.


And hopefully Tina will allow me the use of a couple of her show photos, for my blog??????

Music rings on..............

Well, today finished our
WONDERFUL two days with Madeline MacNeil. Awesome concert & thought provoking workshops.

Such a sweet, sweet and gracious lady!!!!

Her angelic voice flowed through the rafters of the sanctuary. Yet when she sang "Summertime" from Gershwin's 'Porgy & Bess', she gave me goose-bumps!!!

Then she instructed the audience to join her with a Jean Ritchie song. Again, her vocal magic worked it's charms!!! I was in the back of the sanctuary by the sound-booth and the humming of the audience gave the song an ethereal feel...WOW!!!!

All who attended the concert was presented with a royal treat!!!

THANK YOU MADDIE!!!!!!!!!

This morning, Thursday, we all arrived at the church for the workshops. Maddie beat me to the church. For those who know me...that wasn't a huge surprise. :- o

We went about set up the room, moving four large tables and chairs, so the hammered dulcimers would have sufficient room. Their first workshop began while Elaine and I set about making coffee and put out the "nutritional food"-- Hiss's Donuts!!! (Yum!)

I missed the first hammered workshop, as I'd planned to take pictures....but the batteries died. grrrrrrrrrrr But I was ready with new batteries following a short 10 minute break.

Rejuvenated by the nutritious food Maddie began her second Hammered workshop.

During both of these workshops Elaine, John and myself chattered away in the kitchen. We were having such a good time chatting we forgot where we were and were hushed by the workshop attendees....not once but TWICE!!!! .....we bad! ;- )

These hammer workshops were such fun!!!! As I got a chance to see so old friends.

With the workshop completed it was time to grab a lunch. We went to David B's an interesting little restaurant in Barberton, OH. Lunch was good but we enjoyed the conversation even more!!!

Maddie told us a story of a friend of hers that kept talking about a Bob. Bob like this, Bob didn't like that, etc. At first her friend confused Maddie....this friend spoke as if Bob was a horse. Then she made reference to Bob going to dinner and to the theater. By now Maddie was sorely confused. Once established that Bob was a guy and NOT a horse this friend say...Maddie I'd like to join us at my place today....the friend wanted Maddie & Bob to jam at her place. Not feeling comfortable about this jamming idea Maddie's friend continued to pressure Maddie to join them. Maddie decided that she better get a little more information about this Bob fellow before she'd consent to set in on a jam. Her friend said I'm sure you'd know Bob. After listing several jobs in Europe and here in the states as well as the and FILMS he'd made, Maddie's friend finally got around to tell her that Bob was in fact Robert Duval. Maddie was flabbergasted to say the least!!! That afternoon she and Bob (Robert) jammed at her friends place. After all these years of being in the public eye I never once even considered that Robert Duval played guitar!!! True story!

Well after lunch we hightailed it back to the church for the next two workshops, which were for mountain dulcimer.

Again another friend who moved to Oberlin a couple months ago, for work. It was GREAT to see Jim! He made a very special trip from Oberlin just the the "Hymn's with Harmonies" workshop.

The normal protocol for this type of music event is to offer workshops followed by the concert. Well do to time constrains we flipped the norm. But flipping the events schedule I was able--for the first time!!!

To actually sit in on the workshops!!!!! YA!!!! What a treat!

We rolled through the two workshops as if they were only 30 minutes long. When in reality they lasted 3 HOURS!!!

Maddie put a wrap on her last workshop. We all chattered briefly until I reminded all that I wanted to get a shot of everyone. With some issues with my camera I managed to get a couple really nice shots!!!! I simply wished the camera had moved!!!! But here's the resulting shot.

WHAT A GOOD TIME WE ALL HAD THURSDAY!!!

Concert, rabbits, weaving and friends......

Well it's the night before Maddie's big concert. And I'm so excited!!! She came into town at 3 pm and has settled comfortably in for the evening at Elaine's place. Tomorrow afternoon we'll set up the stage and prepare for a sound check. The concert begins at 6:30 pm. So if you've nothing else to do...come on out!!!

Thursday morning we'll begin with two hammered dulcimer workshops a break for lunch followed by two mountain dulcimer workshops to conclude the day. Friday morning Maddie leave for Michigan.

WOW! What a time we're gonna have!!!! :- )

The rest of the week is pretty well booked too.

Friday will be dedicated to catching up with last minute rabbit grooming and a final decision as to whether any coats are in shape for the Medina Rabbit Show. I'm going to try to get a couple of the fuzzies to at least one show this year!

IF all goes as planned???? (Remembering that Murphy--from Murphy's Law lives with us.)Saturday will be spent at the Show in Medina.

Sunday my neighbor (with the loom and I plan to attend the final open day for the "Mishler Weaving Mill" in Smithville, OH's. That should give us a chance to see the looms in operation.

This evening my sweetheart hubby took me out to see a movie. We seldom go to the theater these days but this was special for us. I'm a HUGE love affair with equine species. In fact that's what JG and I talked about on our first date. I had a mare that's just foaled, pretty exciting, for me. But with the release of the movie 'Secretariat' it was a MUST SEE! (movie: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1028579/ ) Definitely didn't follow the book as closely as I had hoped for but it wasn't a disappointment. Interesting facts pertaining to the life of Secretariat can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secretariat_(horse) . We had a good evening!!!

Loom, Leaves, Dulclimers & Boats

As promised....I'm NOT keeping up with my posting. :- { But! I've still been busy these past few weeks.

As mentioned I've a loom, here it is. So far I'm still a LONG WAY from actually making anything with it. My learning curve can be very sloooowwww! And what you see on the loom was there when it arrived.

(A HUGE THANK YOU, to my good friend, Janellen!!!)

On the second Saturday in October, my dulcimer group--The Mixed-Up Strings--performed for the Medina County Parks, at their annual Fall Foliage Tour. The last stop, on the tour, is the Buckeye Woods Park were pioneer re-enact takes place. The event is known as "Pioneers in the Park". (We set up in the shelter house.)
One of the favorite audience appeal of my group is Bob....the wash tub player. You can see him at the end of the line of dulcimer & guitar players.

We were also luck to have another MUS member join us at "Pioneers in the Park"....Linda G. GOOD TO HAVE YOU BACK WITH US LINDA!!!!

This event celebrates the 'glorious fall colors' as well as the Native American and pioneer crafts which enabled survival through the hardships of the wilderness.

The event drew a great crowd this year! This year it was actually WARM & SUNNY!!!

Once again a couple of old friends stopped by, Mr. & Mrs. Krege. What a treat!!!! Martin Krege, has been an awesome mountain dulcimer builder (as well as violin builder)!!!! He's fully retired from building now. He and his wife enjoy travel, vacationing and visiting with family. We wish them MANY MORE YEARS of retired enjoyment!

The bunnies have kept me busy as well. Last night I plucked 'Red', my youngest Satin Angora male. He's SUCH A SWEET GUY!!!!! He's a wonder to work with. I usually card the FA & SA wool into small rolags to spin with.

I've held off spinning much this week as I'm borrowing a Louet wheel from one of my MUS members' wife's. She doesn't spin any more and is thinking of selling the wheel. I'm very anxious to try the Louet as my antique wheel is very difficult to regulate the tension and twist.

I'm trying to infect a couple of my neighbors with the spinning bug. :- ) I took one of my neighbors with me to my spinning group last week. I gave her a drop spindle and some wool to try her hand at. Hopefully the bug will seed itself and we'll have another spinner in our midst! ;- )

Over the summer my brother's been working hard on a sale boat. He bought it late last year. It's been in need of multiple repairs which he worked on through the winter and spring. He's excited! As he's has his maiden voyage on one of the local lakes (Portage Lakes of Summit county). I ask him for pictures share with you.

The boats name is 'Summerbreeze', a 22 1/2' sloop with a moveable center board keel.

These pictures were taken in September....the trees are just beginning to turning color.

They were wearing warm clothes as the weather's been colder than usual this year.

Till we meet again!!! Let the fur fly!!!

The Fallen Tree...........

Got the camera out again today. The tree that fell on our heating boiler had covered the boiler with leaves and branches, so much of the damages was covered.

With the clean up in full swing, we're getting a chance see just how bad things are.

The house surround is gone now. Most of the supporting structure of the building was trashed. In the picture to the left, the main supporting structure was a 4" x 4" with two additional married 2" x 4"'s which failed under the trees weight. The next two images are the back corner the platform--to the left of picture.

This is the rear corner of the platform. The water's been drained to alleviate some of the weight. We have to clear enough area so we can get the backhoe in to lift the boiler off the platform, so we can begin rebuilding.

Woods beginning to piling up!

The Fallen Tree.....written & sung by Laura ElderShortly after the tree came down I ran across Laura Elder's YouTube video. Her song spoke of how dear a tree can become over the years. And the emotions of loosing a tree. But it was simply too coincidental NOT to enquire about the use of her song. Plus, she's a fellow mountain dulcimer artist, too!!! So I contacted Laura for permission to use her wonderful song on my blog. I hope you enjoy her work as much as I did! Check out her YouTube channel "foothillsOH", for MANY MORE wonderful songs! Thanks Laura!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

..................................................................................

Two other unusual happenings took place today.

.While gather eggs from the chickens John found a poor little bird, dead on the floor. We've speculated that it maybe it flew into the wire and injured itself, fell and died, we simply don't know?

BUT, the bird isn't a species that I'm familiar with? Maybe you can help me identify it?

(My apologies for being so macabre!)

Notice it has a reddish brown streak running from it's nose/beak to the back of its' head, with two black stripes on either side of the brown streak. The predominate color of the body is a dark olive green. It has black streak running from underneath it's beak to it's neck. The breast has heavy black streaking but the streaks dissipate as the near the belly area.

What a shame!!!!! I really hate to see this happen!!!

Annette comes through again!!!!!!!!!! This little bird's identity is the 'Ovenbird'...NO JOKE!!! Don't believe us....Check the link: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ovenbird

I've left the very best for last!

A couple very, very sweet and special friends brought me a,

'WEAVING LOOM'!!!!!!

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And if that's not fabulous enough they also brought us a throwing wheel for clay pot making!!! It was dark when they arrived so I'll didn't get a chance to take any pictures. But asap I'll post some.

Pancakes and wood smoke

I'm looking forward to this weekend as my dulcimer group, The Mixed-Up Strings, will perform at the Loyal Oak's Cider Festival. One of the Norton Boy Scout Troops prepare a fundraiser pancake breakfast. We perform from 8 am to noon, with periodic breaks. It's a long day for us but the group looks forward to the breakfast every year!!! Buttermilk pancakes, ham, orange juice and a beverage--YUM!

It seems like we've been working on the downed tree for ever!!! There's an old saying that goes, 'wood heat is the only heat source that warms you twice! Once when you cut/split the wood and the second time when you burn it for heat.' I in 100% agreement with that! This past weekend I've divided my time into helping John splitting and stacking wood as well as cleaning the barn floor, cleaning cage trays and making accommodations for my hybrid NZ's who were due to kindle. (Two of the three does kindled.)

Needless to say that after several days of hauling and stacking wood my old bones aren't very happy with me!

We've quite a bit of dead wood that John cut about three weeks ago, it's in the woodlot. Our neighbor, who has a backhoe, has generously offered to move the cut wood in the bucket of the backhoe over to our boiler. BUT, Murphy's reared his ugly face again, as the backhoes developed some problem. It's okay, as it will allows us more time to work on the large tree in the yard.

Following the tree damage to the boiler, we've realized more damage to the boiler's surround than expected. The surround and platform will have to rebuilt before really cold temps hit. The boiler will have to be lifted from it's platform prior to a completely shelter rebuild. :- 6 The trees weight broke several 4" x 4"'s of the platfore and shelter structure.

Hopefully, we'll have it finished before the snows fly!!!

Life goes on -- post tree event

Why is it that trees do not appear as large while 'standing' as they do when they're on the ground??? The last couple days have been center around the 'tree episode'. John's been trimming the smaller branches, to expose the made body of the tree. Hopefully the tree will be dismantled and stored away for this winter by this time next week.

It appears as though the 'Beast' (boiler) survived without any major damage. The wooden shelter structure around the boiler took the blunt of the damage and was a life savor. The boiler will still need re-situated upon it's platform but John seems to think every thing else will be fine. (Keep your fingers crossed for us!)

Today the weather's been wonderful...a bit cool but bright and SUNNY! So needless to say the fur was once again flying. Aiden now sport a new light weight wardrobe. I'll still a few more bunz to shear, in the barn. About the time I finish my last bun it'll be time to start all over again. But I really don't mind, it's excellent bonding time for us--human & bunny.

Another topic..........................

I've been working on another task for my dulcimer group, Mixed-Up Strings (http://www3.uakron.edu/schlcomm/White/media/index.htm ).

We're hosting Madeline MacNeil, from Virginia, this coming October. Maddie's a legendary hammer dulcimer artist. She'll share her knowledge and skill tips during three 'hands-on' workshops for both dulcimers--mountain and hammered. She'll be presenting a concert as well, which will be a treat!!! Maddie has a wonderful singing voice and a delightful stage presence. If you've got the time Wednesday evening October 20th at 6:30 pm come on out to Barberton, OH; to the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Barberton, 249 Second St., Barberton, OH 44203. Maddies' concert is only $10!!!

What a day

OH BOY!!! What a day yesterday!

Well we decided to take down a rather large Silver Maple tree that stood next to the barn. Over the years huge black ants have been eating away inside it. We've been worried that it'd come down during a storm.

So, a neighbor volunteered to tackle the tree with a bulldozer and a little help from a chain saw.

The plan was to notch the tree so it'd fall into the neighbors' yard, who's yard had absolutely nothing to obstruct the fall.

The neighbor told John to notch the tree in the direction of the planned fall path, while he prepared the bulldozer. The chain saw didn't want to start, which I took as an omen. The notching required a significantly larger blade than John's saw had. It heavily labored during the task at hand.

When the neighbor returned he had yet another neighbor with him plus another chain saw!

NOW! There are three attacking this tree from all sides. YIKES!!!!!!!!!!! With so much testosterone over charging the air (and not enough thought or expertise going into the project) IMHO it's not surprising somethings going to happen. :- (

As I've told everyone, Murphy (from Murphy's Law) lives with us!!!

And, as we all know, too many chef's spoil the broth.

With crazed abandonment from this trio, all cutting and bulldozing away, to each his owns agenda, they were in store for a reality check. What a shock when this once beautiful tree instantly pivoted and hurtled to the ground with nary a warning sound!!!

I've neglected to mention that we heat our house with an exterior wood heat boiler. John worked like a madman last year to prepare the 'Beast' (as we call it) for its first winter. Following all the necessary mechanics it required a shelter from the elements

As you can clearly see from the picture the tree was badly infested with huge black ants. One quarter of the trunk had been eaten away by the ants.

.......................................................................................

'The Plan'

As for 'the plan', to drop the tree in the neighbors' yard.......it didn't work out quite as they'd planned. Remember that instant pivot the tree made???

Notice the tan colored object nestled under the tree? Well.........................That's the Beast and what's left of it's shelter!

The tree totally removed the roof as well as the insulated stainless steel exhaust pipe, which now looks very similar to a pie tin. It also appears as though the tree moved the Beast off it's platform a couple inches.

The soundness of the water holding tank which surrounds the boiler is now suspect?????

It's going to take more than a couple 2" x 4"'s, some nails and shingles to repair the structure.

All kidding aside, it was a heavenly blessing that someone wasn't hurt!!!!!!!

The tree came down to the northeast. IF, it had come down toward the southeast it would have hit my rabbitry....I DON'T EVEN WANT TO GO THERE!!!!

The only safe directions were to due east OR due west.

As you can see the neighbors' yard was ideal spot for the tree!

But Nooooooooooooooo! Murphy had other ideas!

Ya gotta hand it to the fella, he didn't fly off the handle or rant and rave or even go off the deep end....as many others would have done. He was soulfully grateful that NO ONE was injured.

So now you have it! My escapade for Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010.

And also the knowledge that I now have MANY MORE gray hairs on my head than I had Aug. 31st, 2010!

I think I'll go have a glass of wine!!!

Smithville Jam

We had a great time at the Smithville jam yesterday, it was our first time to attend. Saw LOTS of friends, shared good music and conversation. The jam was from 3 to 9 pm...it was well after 10 pm by the time we got home. The next jam is scheduled for the last Saturday of October. This jam's a great, inexpensive place, to go for an afternoon of musical entertainment.

Today was my B-day. :- o Another day older and hopefully wiser. ;- ) It was a very pleasant day with a dinner at Applebee's....not being vegan, I love there steaks! YUM!!! A relaxing end to the day.

Photo Shoots and Music

I've been busy over the past couple days. Mostly rabbit stuff. I've been grooming bunnies for pictures. It's interesting how squirrelly some of them can be. :- D The SA's tend to be so inquisitive, they can't sit still for more than two seconds. The want to see EVERY THING that's new. They stare directly into the camera lens. Or want to investigate were that funny noise is coming from, within the camera. Squirrelly little guys, yes, but oh so sweet!!!!!

My digital camera's not the newest model so especially with the SA's I'm getting LOTS of unwanted movement in the pictures. :- ( But with these adorable faces who could be upset with them.

Where as the FA's tend to take the photo shoots in stride...kind of super model types...old pros. ;- ) Some are so relaxed they prefer to lay down to strike a pose!

Thank goodness most of the pictures are finished, my next task will be shearing the remaining long coats.

And taking a hit of shearing from the rabbits, I decided to have my own hair cut today. After last weekend, at the sauna -- Akron Arts Expo -- my mop was such a distraction I decided it was time to do something about it. It was so hot last Saturday that every time I move my long hair would glue itself to my airs and pull my head. :- 6 I won't need to worry about that happening at the Rogues Hollow Festival in Doylestown, next weekend, we're performing again. I 'should' be much more comfortably this rest of this summer, now.

Today in Smithville, OH there'll be an 'open music jam', all acoustic instruments are welcome. The open jam's at Smithville Brethren Church from 3 to 9 pm. Come on out! Listen, sing or just chat. I'm sure you'll have fun.

MY but its HOT

We just got back from a gig--Akron Art's Expo. Whew!!! BUT IT WAS HOT!!! Hydrations was the name of that tune! There was a pretty good tune out at the festival, even with the outrageous heat index! :- 6 We dedicated all the music that Bobbi loved to her. So she was there in spirit with us. I put together a photo board of pictures, of her, from past Expo festivals as well as a rose for her memory. I think Bobbi would have been pleased.

Yesterday evening I brought one of the rabbits in to shear, Ginger Jinn. The weathers been so merciless to my poor rabbits. Before we left the house this morning we gave everyone their frozen water bottles, for cooling, but turned off the fans. Now that were back they're once again relishing in the fans. Off to the west there's serious rumbling so I think some heat relief is on it's way. So with the potential for a storm so near I'll close for now. I'll hit the shower and relax a bit. Maybe bring another rabbit in for a hair cut too?

Try and stay COOL! :- D

Final Good-Bye......

Since, Monday we've been rather emotionally parallelized. Bagpipes at a funeral can be devastating, even for the strongest among us. Bobbi's sister had arranged for a grave side piper, Bobbi was sooooooo proud of her Irish heritage. It's so tough to imagine she's really gone.

This Saturday the MUS (Mixed-Up Strings) my dulcimer group performs at the Akron Arts Expo, a festival, which Bobbi seldom missed! A vacant chair memorial will be appointed as Bobbi's chair of honor. If you happen to attend the festival stop by the dinning tent Saturday (2 - 4 pm) and ask us to play one of Bobbi's favorite dulcimer tunes for you --"I'll Fly Away" or "The Fiddler has Played His Last Tune for the Night".

May the road rise to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face.

May the rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Loosing a good friend.

Well I hadn't planned on adding qanything quite so soon but life has a way of taking you down roads you'd not planned on. :- {

I received word early this morning that a dear friend, Bobbi Finley (Roberta), passed away following a short but very difficult bought with cancer.

Bobbi joined my dulcimer group, Mixed-Up Strings, in the mid 90's. She was an awesome addition to the group, a wonderful musician. Her talent really blossomed when she got a banjimer. She developed an unrivaled strumming pattern which drove the music.

Bobbi hated the 1800's costume we wore. During the summer months they can be unbearable. One particularly funny event took place following a gig, in costume. As a group we stopped at an Amish restaurant. As Bobbi passed another seated customer she over hear the person comment to her friend...I didn't know the Amish were allowed to wear jewelry, let alone earrings!'. From that day forward Bobbi was tagged with the title, the 'Gaudy Amish'.

Bobbi was well respected and loved by the group membership. She will be sorely missed!!!!

Rest peacefully dear friend, till we all meet up again on the other side. In the meantime keep the music coming.

21st Century -- Welcome

Well, it's official! Today I've stepped into the 'Blog World'. :- D

Not sure what I'll do with this space--only time will tell.

I'm sure weather will from time to time enter into the conversation. And with that thought in mind, pictured below, is one of our rabbits. Aiden, enjoyed the breeze from the fan as we've been experience 80+ degree temps. :- P

(Caption on the picture reads--Aiden catching a breeze from a box fan. His momma didn't raise no dumb bunnies!!!)

So, welcome to my 'blog'.

Hoppy Daze!!! :- D