Good Morning from Bear Mountain.....

Yes, that's really the name of the small mountain I live on. We're on a ridge with great sunlight (uh..yeah..when it's not raining..or overcast..like it's been for the last 2 to 3 months...ugh..) And aptly named. We do have bears strolling the neighborhood and through our yards from time to time. There is a 400+ lb black bear in my neighbors yard even as I type. I'm not going to try to get close enough for pics. I have other pics of other bears in our yard from over the years. We do have a neighborhood telephone alert system which is nice. Lots of kids playing outside, lots of pets, small livestock, etc. I'm hoping he/she rambles on back up the mountain before becoming a threat/nuisance and getting shot. It's kind of like the weather..you live here..you live with the the weather..and the wildlife. But I digress...

(ETA: Yes, thank you, I DID just now notice that I hadn't removed the blue masking tape from my bedroom window after the paint job last month. LOL! How tacky! But how so darn typical of me!)

It's a nice morning here. The girl's off to a barrel race playday. She was in another out of town rodeo last weekend and did really well for herself, winning a 3rd and a 1st in 2D competition in the adult divisions. She's really interested in leaving state
with her horse(s)...yep..she bought another horse..3 total now. Name's Nacho...pics to come)and competing against 'real' cowgirls. She'd like a job as a ranchhand next summer in the lower 48. We'll see. Wanna see something cool and inspirational? Link this and play the video clip. A friend sent it to me and I think it kind of helped me understand my horsey girl just a little bit more.

But you're not here for me just going on and on...you want the knitting! The Streaker's Shrug is just almost finished. I shortened the arms due to the natural growth of the Manos and comments from others on Ravelry...and because I HATE sleeves over my hands..and because I knew I was going to be cutting it very close yarnwise.

Here's the almost finished product...



Here's where I ran out of the Manos....15 stitches before the end of the last row..and the bind-off. I used Elann.com's Chunky superwash Peruvian Highland Wool. It was the best match in complementary color/texture of anything in stash.



I decided to use it for the lace sleeves too...pretty. :)


I should finish it today during Grandma Clara's hair appt. Then she and I might head off to the BearPaw Festival in Eagle River. I'll take pics if we go.

Oh, and just a cute shot of how well miss Bella Blue has integrated/ingratiated herself into the fam.....here she is with the ferocious and protective Tucker (DH's Vizsla)..slow supervised integration with the rest of the animals worked so very very well for us.



Lastly, I'll see you out with another garden view. Despite the cool overcast skies, the garden is a blooming riot of color. I must divide lots and lots this fall I think...



I just love Lady's Mantle in the mornings...don't you?



Well, must now get out of jammies and get ready to roll with the grannymeister. Have a great knitterly day!