Happy weekend, everybody! Here’s a picture to help us remember that no matter who we are or where we are in life, there is someone who looks up to us with love and trust.
Via Vamos lรก Portugal.
Weekend Open Thread
60 thoughts on “Weekend Open Thread”
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Gaaaa.
That is so sweet.
Yesterday was pretty sucky, but there was still good. I have to shake it off. Today is another day with beautiful weather. ?
That’s sweet enough to give you a cavity !
Today I’m going to have breakfast with my guy friends and then we’ll be catching John Wick chapter 2 : Leave my puppy alone! My husband is passing on the movie and prefer to go shopping . Did I ever mention we are not the typical couple? ?
Oh Mike, thank you for this.
Is there a prize for Cutest Photo? Or is cuteness its own reward?
Tough guys with tiny kittens FTW! Both faces look so very sweet.
People, I need your help. I have to buy cat supplies today, and Pet Smart is holding an adoption event. I’ve been craving a kitten or young cat around Scorpius’s age (under a year). I can rationalize by telling myself that another youngster might help Scorpius’s socialization. But I’m just being selfish. Help me to resist.
Other than that, a normal long weekend: chores, errands, knitting, kitty-cuddling.
Amazon. One day shipping.
OMG now they’re shipping CATS?!?!?! Or do they arrive by drone?
LOL!!
I refuse to help you resist Kitten proximity. It would help Scorpious. There. There’s your excuse validated!
You all are enablers! (thank goodness)
I dodged a bullet: adoption event doesn’t begin until this afternoon. Scorpius got some Grumpy Cat toys and that will make us both happy.
Darn!
DEBG, DO NOT RESIST!! RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!!
There now, that was easy, yes? Just think, the new cutie might look up to you with THAT sam expression…
Oh heck, I’ll get dressed and go to the pet store myself. ๐
It is truly sweet. But also made me break out in a huge involuntary catch of breath/sob when I read the hover text. It is that which broke my heart soooo much when I had to let my pets go and put them to sleep. Don’t get me wrong – there’s a lot of pain involved in losing people you love but that “twust and wuv you” is unique to our love of our animals. Sigh. At least it is for me.
The Catch-22 of pet love.
I’m a bit nervous today. I’m an introvert, my home is my sanctuary, and I pretty much never invite people over other than immediate family. But some of my friends have been pestering me to meet my new cat (because she’s awesome and adorable), and of course cats don’t travel for visits. Besides letting people into my home, Ella is still very skittish. She’s gotten more comfortable with me over the last two weeks, but I’m pretty sure she’ll hide the entire time other people are here. So I’m just preparing myself for an awkward afternoon. ยฏ\_(ใ)_/ยฏ
By the way, if you want to see some pics and videos of Ella, check out my Instagram linked on my username =)
Claire, try handing out kitty treats to your guests, or kitty wands. When my Sevi traveled to work with me for a photo shoot, he got TONS of treats.
And don’t forget a treat for yourself.
Ella is stunning! Is she pure Bengal?
Yep! She’s a classic Bengal in looks and personality. Lots of fun, but I have a feeling we’re going to go through a lot of toys. She was part of a breeding program, but got kicked out after having fertility problems. She was kept in a barn space and a basement, so it’s been fun watching her discover how awesome a real home is! Soft beds! Water fountains! Mirrors! Television and other screens!
She is a beauty.
Lucky kitty – have fun spoiling her!
What a gorgeous pussycat!
More Foreign Men of Cutetropolis for the calendar!
I landed in the Midwest yesterday afternoon. Last Saturday I was skiing and “curling” in Austria… but here it is unusually warm (high 60s – low 70s). In fact, on our walk, my mom and I were passed by four young men on their morning run, wearing only shorts! #heavenstobetsy
Why are there quotes around curling? Was it not real curling or were you so bad at it that it couldn’t be called curling?? You’ve piqued my curiosity!
Disclaimer: this is the third time I’ve tried to post a response to Dulcie. I hope they all don’t show up at once!
Good question, Dulcie! Intentional, because the Austrians don’t play curling like you see on TV (with curling stones and brooms and whatnot). Their version is called Eisstockschiessen which is a little like bocce/boules on ice. The Eisstock looks like a giant parcheesi piece that weighs aound 8 lbs. You can see an example here at the 1:00 minute mark.
Enjoy!
OMG thanks for the clip! I felt funny asking but curiosity got the best of me. Now I am glad I did because that was interesting! I have never seen that type of “curling”. I wish they’d shown more! We should be doing that here (Canada!). It looks like a game all ages could participate in – especially when you don’t need a fancy facility.
It is a fabulous pastime if you don’t mind cold weather. All you need is the Eisstock (custom wood or commercial metal and plastic) warm clothes, and spikes for your shoes to keep from slipping on the ice. We usually have tea and mulled wine during the game and then hearty Austrian food (Wiener Schnitzel, sausages, etc) afterwards. I’ve often thought that if I had to move back to the states I’d set up my own Eisstock empire somewhere in the frozen North!
That clip was breathtaking – I SO wanted to be there, casually ice skating from place to place with that gorgeous scenery all around. Sigh. Puts my day at the paltry little rink yesterday in stark contrast!
Yes the whole thing sounds wonderful. Who wouldn’t have a good time if there was schnitzel and mulled wine to cap off the game!
I would have to change the name though as I just can’t get a handle on it no matter how many times I look at it.
The smile on that kitten’s face is priceless.
I went back to the picture of the kitten to adore it a bit more. Gradually realized that my arm was feeling warm and wet. Looked down to discover my jammies sleeve in my tea mug, soaking up the hot tea! Cuteness made me oblivious!
…and smiling! Wonderful choice for weekend thread, Mike.
Finally got to the transfer station (dump) this morning – missed the last two weekends due to snow and failing brakes on my car (fixed now) – 5 big bags of recycling out of the house, plus nice chatting with neighbors and their dogs. The weather is supposed to be mild and sunny for days now here (Western MA) – yay!
My hands & neck are pretty sore – taking it easy now. This afternoon: prepping healthy noms, maybe some crafts, and physical therapy homework (I’ve gotten a lot better lately about doing the PT homework – the folks there are doing so much to help me that I don’t want to squander it by not doing my bit).
Tomorrow – laundromat, household stuff at Dollar General, maybe some easy repairs if the weather is nice enough.
Have a great weekend all!
I’m Me-e-e-elting! WHAT a cute picture – yes, that contrast of big and burly with soft and cuddly is charming indeed.
I zonked out today. Woke up at 1:00 pm. Millie let me sleep. But as soon as I finished my coffee she shoved a ball in my hand! We played on the bed for a half hour including snuggles. Then she ate. Now she’s lying beside me chewing a toy. She’s a perfect companion.
Two goals today: Dishes. Drawing. May sound limited but I like to keep things very very simple. There are whole days when you don’t get to relax for a minute or something is weighing on your mind or you are annoyed. So I do one or two things at a time if I can.
Wise Faye.
I agree. Sounds like a perfect day to me – and how nice of Millie to let you (Faye) sleep!
Hi everyone. Cute kitty.
Headache today. Gonna try to do some chores but I don’t feel like it. I wanted to read my book but don’t want to do that either. Maybe hot shower will help.
Aw, sorry about that, Allein – I remember other times you were suffering with migraine. I hope it passes quickly.
Thanks ๐
I still have a headache but it’s not as bad. I actually spent the last couple hours sitting in my quiet living room reading a book with no electronic devices to distract me. I didn’t even turn on my computer today and my tablet was in the bedroom (charging, I thought, but apparently the cord wasn’t quite in all the way and when I just picked it up it was at 26%). The only chores I did were taking out the trash and changing the filter in my water pitcher. Tomorrow I hope to take a ride to return the boots I ordered, do dishes, and clean my tub.
Glad to hear your headache has subsided. When I am recovering from an illness if I even do a couple of light chores I instantly feel better!
Thanks! My house is a mess. I really need to do something today.
The last couple of days here were gorgeous, so two days ago we went to the farther away but much bigger dog park. It was totally worth it — I finally got to see Melody turn on her best greyhound speed and RUN! I had hoped to video it, but honestly, she’s so fast that I’d have to have a much better way to capture her speed than my phone. She just *flew* the entire circumference of the large park, and every other person there just stopped and watched in pure amazement. She may not have wanted to race, but she loves to run on her own terms, for fun!
That was the highlight of the week. No work to be had — the entire government is holding its collective breath, so no thing’s happening for us to transcribe — so I’ve been catching up on audio books and socks for my daughter. The last batch I knit her are getting a bit worn, wearing them to work as she does, so it’s a good thing I have another batch nearly ready to go. Just the 2nd sock of two different pairs. I’m glad the socks are so well appreciated even if it means they wear out!
My husband found a new, rare variety of apples recently — Kiku apples. They’re only available at one specialized market in town, but they are SO worth the trip! Sweet, incredibly juicy, wonderfully crunchy — they’re the best apples I’ve had in a zillion years! If you find them, try them — I think you’ll agree with me!
Have a good weekend, everyone!
Oooh thanks for the apple tip! I love a sweet, crunchy apple. Texture really is key for a good apple. Also what a great story about your greyhound!
You may have to hunt for them. There’s only 2 growers in the US allowed to grow them, and we only know of the one market in the whole Tampa area where we can get them. But oh my are they worth it!
And if you can’t find them, Ambrosia apples are widely available and a good substitute!
That was a wonderful discription of Melody’s run. I could picture it in my head. Thank you for sharing.
Yes – I can totally see it.
Laura, there’s a sport called ‘coursing’ that I’ve seen on TV that you and Melody might enjoy – basically cross-country running for dogs, where they chase a lure on a string – and like you said, it’s just for fun.
Melody wouldn’t chase the lure when the trainer tried her out at the track in a race; she did a 180 and headed straight back to her kennel. ? She would probably react the same way to lure coursing, I’m afraid. She spends so much time visiting all kinds of places as a therapy dog, she just runs for fun, and only occasionally. I’ve been to multiple dog parks, including that one, and never seen her run like that before; she usually keeps her pace down to that of the pack of other dogs because loping along with the group is also fun.
But this time there was a hyper Sheltie in the small dog area, and she and Melody raced each other along the fence, with the Sheltie giving her a real run for her money — that was a *fast* little dog! I think that inspired Melody to then crank it up to full speed. She’s quite the princess; we can’t push her into anything! On the other hand, the other day she spent — by her choice — nearly 3 hours going around the VA hospital visiting, so she knows what she likes doing best!
That is awesome – I’m glad she has such a good life with you! I used to work at a dog-friendly office and one coworker had a rescued greyhound – they are such great dogs. All ‘Grace’ ever wanted to do was lie on the floor and make snorgling noises, and get petted ๐
Well, that’s all Melody does when she’s not therapying. ? And I can’t take credit for taking her out — my husband is retired and I’m not. So it keeps both of them busy while I work. It’s a great choice for my husband, too — after working in military hospitals his last 15 years before retiring (including 10 years at the old Walter Reed, which he *loved*), he really loves seeing veterans especially and making them happy with a dog visit. Although he does a weekly gig with Melody at a school for kids with learning disabilities. They *love* Melody, too, not surprisingly!
Great! I just saw this posted but didn’t actually look at it – how hilarious!
What a sweet picture!
My voice is almost back to normal, and the local PDs polar plunge today was less than polar, considering the temps were mid 70s. I don’t have plans this weekend, just avoiding people with germs. Sophie is snuggled up to my back, inside my sweater, where she usually is when I’m sitting at my desk, Grace and Callie are snuggled together on the couch. The husband is doing dishes, which I will let him do, even though it means I will re-do them after he goes to bed. He is terrible about not using enough soap, using lukewarm water, and rinsing with a trickle of water.
I spent the morning removing stuff from our hallways in preparation for painters to come and do all the woodwork. The area being painted is from the front door, up the steps, full 180 along the upstairs hall, another 180 up the attic steps and a landing just at the attic door. The steps have spindles all the way up. Then there’s the basement landing and stairwell – BIG job and I’m so happy I don’t have to do it!
Went to a friend’s birthday party at the Penn’s Landing skating rink in Philly. I so wished I could skate – I always loved it – but as I get close to my 7th decade I realize that maybe the old ankles won’t hold out and I can’t afford to do anything to my recently repaired shoulder – or any other body part, truth to tell.
Sleep well, all, and see you tomorrow!
NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY OFF THE SUBJECT.
I forget which of you it was, but around Christmas time someone was talking about learning how to do linocuts – Faye, I remember you said you had done some a while back – I just found a nice Facebook Group called Linocut Friends and it’s really good. Many levels of expertise, good information about supplies, etc., and lots of interesting work to look at. There’s no need to post work if you don’t want and you can peruse the group without joining but you can’t post or comment if you don’t join.
Hi Murray. I subscribe to that group. Very friendly group. They are so helpful with beginners and membership includes professional award winners. Stunning posted work and top notch inspiration.
Alas, I would need an art room to set up for even simple linocutting. Very frustrating.
I think you may be talking about me. I hadn’t heard of linocutting and Faye educated me! I like crafts so wanted to try it. I got a beginner kit from Michaels and an idea/pattern from the net. It was a stylized cat with a string of xmas light bulbs around it’s neck. Because I experiment with lots of crafts I know better than to expect instant perfection! So it was definitely a little rough and I am fine with that! It gave me a good idea of what it would take to get good at it. I will keep at it but don’t know how much I will do as you need good hand and wrist strength and mine has become marginal with age and repetitive strain.
The sites that Faye led me too were great. Inspirational.
Yes, it can be difficult on the wrists and hands. That’s why I recommend just trying out small projects – heck, even potatoes are used! I like Staedtler erases – they’re white so it’s easy to see your drawing on them. They come in a few sizes and they’re very easy to carve. The downside is the detail isn’t as good, but for a beginner it’s usually fine. Then you can stamp your design over and over again and have a textile pattern, for instance. It’s cheap, fun, and not too much of a time commitment.
Yes M.C. that’s valuable advice. The Michaels beginner kit has a lino block about 4×4 inches and that’s plenty to start with for sure. I remember doing the “potato stamp” as a kid. Little did I know I was actually doing a lino cut!
I know it’s not the least messy of pursuits, tho’ it’s possible to do very small pieces – almost like making stamps out of erasers – just to have your hand in. But you have your drawings which are very important and are best focused on without getting distracted by a technique. I hope you’ve managed to do some or are planning more drawings – I imagine Millie is a distraction – but she’s a very important one! I’d love to see you do a drawing of her in her colorful bedding!
I’m finally able to paint again – the nerve pain in my arm is pretty much gone, so I’ve been diddling around (always a lot of diddling before I can settle down to more long-term things) with water colors in advance of my class that I teach for Adult Continuing Ed. I painted a rather handsome lettuce if I may say so!?
Let us see the lettuce! Lol.
I’m so glad you can paint again!
I have been drawing for sure. I did some I cannot share here. But will give a heads up when I update the website.
I draw while Millie sleeps. She also settles down against my behind and chews her elk antlers.
Eventually Millie will pop up in a drawing. ?
So I just sat and watched all the Dear Kitten videos.
Here’s a handy playlist. ๐
Just watched “The Forbidden Water Bowl” and will probably giggle all through the rest of the night.