The New Bike: Stage Left

We had our dinner rather late in the evening since we didn't get an early start at the gym. Nonetheless, Squidley put together a simple but excellent meal, chicken and fresh squash. Later, he sliced a honeydew melon for me. And of course, we enjoyed his homemade sweet tea.

And the news of the day: rain, rain, rain. I must admit, I do enjoy listening to it fall while we are all snug and secure indoors. But my new little bike (and even my old one, too) must surely be impatient while waiting in the wings.

We're tired from working out, so we're going to get into the beddy bye.

Everyone take good care.

Nighty night.

The Professional

Just an ordinary subject for "Windows into Wednesdays," but one that is pleasing to my eye. And once again (referring to a long past post), I'm somewhat reminded of Natalie Portman. Just can't help it.

Nighty night, all.

Colorfast

I haven't posted any photos of things I've recently made, despite the fact that I've been working on various projects. So for tonight's entry, I include pictures of another bobble hat I completed last week. I don't think the color of the hat is accurately conveyed; the actual shade is a sort of forest green. And the yarn I used is a machine washable, pure merino wool by Berroco.

This wool knits up differently from the other merinos I've used for similiar hats. It produces a rather smooth surfaced fabric, versus a wool that makes a somewhat "wooly" statement.

Hope you are enjoying more pleasant temperatures, just as we are.

Nighty night.

Backyard Bits

Well, wouldn't you just know it! It rained the day after I got my new bike. And all day, at that. That's ok, though. I got some good cleaning done, and I found time to exercise on the elliptical.

At any rate, just posting a few favorite pictures of mine. The little winged creature, whatever he is (He appeared to be very large.), was photographed by Squidley. Double clicking on the images will provide a better look at him.

We are all quite tired and are headed for the beddy bye. Meanwhile, hope you're having a good day.

Nighty night, everyone.

Dutch Treat

I like the subject of this photograph immensely. The design is quite eye-pleasing to me. Mostly, though, it is a perfect example of love.

This Amsterdam bike, ordered from and shipped all the way from California, is a gift from Squidley. He knows of my enjoyment of all sorts of Dutch things, and he of course knows the pleasure I get from riding my bicycle. And as much as I like my new bike, I am beside myself with joy over this wonderful display of love.

The artwork featured on my bicycle is credited to Alexander Girard. He is widely known for his contributions in the field of American textile design, particularly through his work for Herman Miller, where he created fabrics for the designs of George Nelson and Charles and Ray Eames. Of course, he is known for many other artistic endeavors as well.


Girard and his wife, Susan, amassed a huge collection of artifacts including folk art, popular art, toys, and textiles from around the world. The Girard Foundation is responsible for the display of said items. One day, I hope we can visit these museums.


Well, I hope everyone has enjoyed a pleasant weekend. And I wish for you a very good week.


Nighty night, all.

Let's Just Clarify One Thing

Tonight I learned all about clarifying butter, which is what Squidley did before he sauteed the shrimp in it. The flavoring was outstanding. There was also salad, made with iceberg lettuce, for a change, and it was topped with a delicious oil and balsamic vinegar dressing and feta cheese.

We are enjoying the day and hope you're enjoying your weekend.

Nighty night.

Scout's Weekend Wish

Wishing everyone a pleasant weekend.

Nighty night.

A Day Late But Not a Dollar Short

Yesterday's Super Harvest Moon post meant postponing "Windows into Wednesdays." So I present it today, Thursday, instead.

The four pie-shaped panes that form this window are quite petite, yet striking. And the metal spire atop the scrollworked gable seems to pull the eye toward this little half-moon window.

This photograph was taken in an older section of Frederick, Maryland.

Nighty night, everyone.

Shine On, Shine On

Tonight is the night of the Harvest Moon, or, to be more precise, the Super Harvest Moon.

It is the last day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, the beginning of the autumn season, and it perfectly coincided with a full moon tonight.

I recommend reading up on this moon that actually has many other names as well.

At any rate, our household extends a warm welcome to this lovely, lovely season.

Nighty night, all. And happy Fall.

Hooray for Red!

That's the way, uh-huh-uh-huh, I like it, uh-huh-uh-huh . . . .

Nighty night, all.

The Start of Something Beautiful

Oh, my! Is this what I think it is?

Yippee!

Thank Ya. Thank Ya Very Much.

Photography of the actual exhibition wasn't permitted, but following are some of the Elvis standees and two of the banners located in the museum lobby. This exhibit of rare black and white Elvis photographs (greatly enlarged) is part of the Shenendoah Valley Museum, a multi-million facility that is relatively new. The picture at the beginning of this post was taken inside the ladies' powder room at the museum. Couldn't resist snapping that one.

Wishing you a very nice week.

Nighty night.

The Three Little Dachshunds

I'd like to tip my hat to Squidley, who scored these priceless, lovable pictures this afternoon, the likes of which could easily be found in a storybook. In this one, Scout's head is propped against the bottom of a door. Doesn't look comfortable, yet he is sound asleep.

Deutsch's black and tan coloring take center stage against a piebald backdrop.

India's head and the wood flooring blend beautifully as she takes a break from her typically lively activities.

Hope everyone is having a pleasant weekend.

Nighty night.

Sleepyheads

Our day had been incredibly busy, and we all are very sleepy. So India is here to help us all say good night:

Arf! Arf!

Nighty night, everyone.

Complimentary Birthday Puzzle Card

Someone else might have found it highly tempting to "go postal" upon receiving the following birthday card from their mother. Not me, though.

So just what was my reaction? Cool as a cucumber!

I have gone round and round with the good ole Pony Express so many times that I finally just threw in the towel. Fighting with them is simply not worth the effort or the stress. So, in spite of the fact that the card from my mom was heavily damaged, I actually will remember this card probably more than any other. Because there is a story behind it.

And just a by the way. The first photograph shows the message sent by the Pony Express, sort of a "stock apology."

When spread out, the card is in five pieces.

And a footnote to this story: the check my mom enclosed was unscathed. Boy, oh, boy! The Pony Express sure is slipping.

Nighty night, everyone.

Duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh, duh-duh!

This is the beautiful birthday cake that Squidley surprised me with this evening. Actually, he let me know about it when he popped it into the fridge last night. I didn't get to see it then because it was inside a box that was secured with string. At any rate, turns out it is a red velvet cake. And absolutely a great tasting cake.

And yes, I am older than six.

I like the things a baker can create with chocolate.

This birthday might be considered blase by some, but for me, it was, quite simply, a day of contentment.

I slept in for a bit, but not too late. And soon after I woke, I received a telephone call from Squidley and a friend of his from work. They sang "Happy Birthday" to me, and I loved, loved, LOVED it! But hold on. Just a little later, another friend of Squidley's from work called and sang the Ferris Bueller version (penned, of course, by McCartney) of "Birthday Lyrics" to me. You know, the "Duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh, they say it's your BIRTHday!" version. Loved both renditions. Thanks, guys.

I played with Scout, Deutsch, and India, which, of course, is something I do every day; however, like the morning birthday calls, they just made the day especially happy.

Around lunchtime, I donned my bike shorts and top, gathered the essentials needed for my afternoon biking excursion, and put the tires to pavement. And until I reached the first stop sign, I had no clue as to where I would go. At that point, I decided on approximately the first two miles of my trip. And on reaching that point, I accomplished an errand on my "to do" list. From there, I just made up my route as I went.

I spent a little time by the river and enjoyed a nice, cold, refreshing drink. Then I rode, and I rode, and I rode some more. And I made another little stop along the way. Soon after that stop, I paused for a brief photography session. Now, I don't know the mileage of my little outing, but I for sure got in a very good ride.

After I got home, fed Scout, India, and Deutsch and took them outside, I think I set some kind of record for taking a shower. I knew Squidley would be home soon to take me to dinner.

We had a wonderful evening together, and we did the cake thing later in the evening. And I talked by telephone with those who, along with Squidley, mean the world to me. Now, the five of us are having a pajama party, something that is a happy event for all of us, but especially for the three little ones. It is the highlight of the day for them.

And this birthday, regardless of how stodgy it may seem, was, for me, filled with sweet contentment.

Wishing all of us many, many, many happy birthdays. And many, many more on top of those.

Nighty night, dear ones.

Vote Early and Vote Often

I really like giving equal time to Scout, Deutsch, and India. That includes photographic posts on this blog. So with that in mind, today's entry includes some pictures that I think capture the essence of India.

So cute.

Well, it's been a good day. We got much accomplished, including exercising our right to vote. Oh yeah, and just plain exercising, too.

Nighty night, all.