Cannon Beach Sock, Take ii

(Why is it that when you're in a hurry, your computer slows to the speed of molasses?)

Got a new start on the Cannon Beach sock. The original problem is that because of the way I altered the pattern, it was too narrow and wouldn't fit over my heel. So I picked up the 66 ribbing stitches and knit an increase row to get 91 stitches (13 stitches x 7 repeats).

Now I can start the pattern, and when I get 4 or 5 inches done, I'll see if I can get it over my foot!

The NPR program "Performance Today" did a brief tribute to Jerry Hadley last night, includinga clip of him singing "Che Gelida Manina" from La Boheme. Since I cry through La Boheme from the first note of the overture on, that totally did me in.

Interestingly, I'm having much the same reaction to Jerry Hadley's death as I did to Rick Danko's. I'm trying to work out why...

And what, you inquire, is this?


It's a pin-up of Timber.

Actually, I was trying to get a little farther south, to show how full and thick his britches and tail are, but it's hard to aim with one hand when you're lying on your back with a dog in your arms (you can just see my hand near his right foreleg). And, doting mom that I am, I thought this was cute enough to share. I just wish I'd gotten a *little* farther south so you could see the length of the feathers on his forelegs.

Speaking of Timber (also Taenzer), time to take them out to enjoy the 72 degree weather!

Feeling sad

Jerry Hadley died today. He shot himself on July 10, and had been on life support. He was the same age as me, almost exactly--born 10 days later--and also from the Midwest. He had been suffering from depression, and having money problems, which brings it really close to home...

I first saw him in the late 80s in the PBS documentary about the recording of the restored Show Boat album, conducted by John McGlinn. He doesn't have a lot of screen time, but I loved his voice and his attitude. I loved listening to him. Not a Pavarotti or Domingo, but a bright, lively voice and eclectic repertoire. I always meant to get the McGlinn Show Boat CD, as well as a couple of other of Jerry's CDs.

I hope he's finding peace, and that his next trip through will be brighter.

And I'm sad and disturbed about the suffering of the dogs, living and dead, who were found on Michael Vick's property. I find it almost impossible to understand how any human could treat any animal with such cruelty and callousness. Those dogs won't be waiting for anyone at the Bridge; they'll be wondering why any of the other animals would want to be reunited with their people. Bless them, after they've run free and had time to heal, I hope they're brave enough to give someone a chance to prove we're not all barbarians.