Sunday, September 30, 2007

Halloween Project






Katie has been wanting to make a Halloween project and this weekend seemed to be a good one to get started on it. She decided on a ghost. I found a piece of plywood in my workshop which seemed to be a good size for creating a ghost. My artistic ability is limited but I managed to draw what I thought a ghost would look like. I cut out a pattern and had Katie get to work tracing it out on the plywood. The handheld scroll saw came in handy for cutting out the shape. Katie was waiting patiently with her sanding block to prep it for primer and white paint. This is where we are now. Hopefully this coming weekend we'll get some eyes and a mouth on followed by a scary saying that Katie has dreamed up. More to come!

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Northern Greyhound Adoptions Inc.










While out running errands this weekend we came upon some volunteers from the Northern Greyhound Association. They had three of their dogs with them. Polly, Brook and Curly were very well behaved and very calm around the girls. We were told that most people believe that Greyhounds need many hours of exercise but the opposite is true. Since they are bred to be sprinters as opposed to long distance runners they do not require hours of running. Leash walks and playtime is sufficient. Also we were told that they do not make good watch dogs do to the fact that they rarely bark. The three we met were affectionate and very gentle. The information that I received states that most of the ex-racing Greyhounds are between 2 and 4 years old when they go to rescue. I was told that the organization was able to rescue in the neighborhood of 100 dogs last year. I promised to include them in my blog in an effort to spread the word of these beautiful creatures. Their phone number is (802) 524-6659 and their website is http://www.northerngreyhoundadoptions.org/. If you know of anyone who may have an interest please pass the word. :)


Doggie Dooms Day!
















This is my 11 year old German Shepard Luke. He weighs 145 lbs and has proven to be an awsome watch dog. He is a gentle giant with our family but is not very fond of his semi annual bath. We lured him in by taking him on a long trail walk. He knew something was up when we got home and I unreeled the garden hose. I had Katie and her friend lather him up and after a thorough rinse and several good shakes I asked the girls to towel him dry. Following he received two treats and is recovering well! Ray came over and we decided to take a bike ride. I thought these horses made a nice scene and were only a few minutes from the house. We also came upon a group of geese in a field. I liked the fall like colors in the backround.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Apples














Sunday was a perfect day for apple picking. We decided to go to Hackett's in South Hero this year. The Cortlands and Macintosh were plentiful and ready to pluck from the trees. They had ladders avaliable so getting the trophies on top was a breeze. Katie did most of the picking while Brenda and I taste tested. I always enjoy apple picking season as the weather is usually cooler and what a better way to spend an afternoon than in an apple orchard.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Let's Party!













We attended a Fall festival at the Georgia Beach on Saturday afternoon and evening. It was the first of what I hear may be a yearly event. Fortunately the rain stopped in the morning. Weather was cool but the driving winds made it a bit uncomfortable at times. The activities included a bouncy tent, bean bag races, tug of war and running and smiling faces in the playground area. The Lions club supplied food and drink at a very fair price. We were treated to a live band for several hours. Katie stayed on the dance floor for most of the evening. The Georgia firefighters were there to monitor a bonfire which was never given the go ahead due to the high winds. A raffle was held to help support the local firefighters.(Guess who won the raffle)? To top off the evening we were treated to an awesome fireworks display. I attempted to get photos but I have lots to learn taking pictures in the dark. It was a great time and we are hoping it will become a yearly event.

Georgia Elementary Playground




Last week Katie and I made a stop at the Georgia Elementary School's new playground. I liked the look of the play structure so thought I would share a few photos. The structure was erected on funds raised by the community in honor of a local child.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Day at the Fair









It's been several years since we've gone to the Champlain Valley Fair. We decided this year it was time to go. Katie brought a good friend and we purchased all day ride passes. Weather was on our side as the day was filled with sunshine. Brenda and the girls had their pictures taken with Oscar the robot. We were careful to watch our diets as we only had cotton candy, caramel apples, a rocky's pizza for lunch and Al's french fries for dessert.(Hey it's the Fair)! The "laughing" goat photo was taken at the end of it's yawn and is one of my personal favorites. We called it a day after almost seven hours and came home with many good memories to hold.