Karen’s Opinion

I have been in a creating lull lately. I finished some large quilt projects and I think they wiped me out! My husband has been wanting me to paint a large quilt block to put up on our barn. He finally gave up and painted it himself.

I do have a baby blanket to make and I recently bought a pattern from Studio Cherie for a large travel duffle that I am getting excited to make. In the meantime, I am playing solitare and waiting for the computer repairman to work on my desktop computer. What is wrong with me?!

This winter seems to have stretched out over a lifetime! I cannot remember reading as many books as I have this past winter. I suppose, I should look at that as a good thing. Janet Evanovich has kept me entertained with her books about Stephanie Plum, the crazy bounty hunter. I have also finished many quilts and purse projects this year.

If there is anything we have learned this winter, it is to be prepared. We were fortunate but others who lost power this winter found themselves going to a shelter to get warm. Our power never stayed off for long but if it does, we have a Genset generators as a backup to run our electricity. Generators are a Godsend! Some people use them all year round to run a heater or air conditioner in a cabin way back in the woods. Friends, that live south of us, have such a cabin. They can get away it all and are, actually, only 3 minutes from home. This year, their beautiful pond has attracted eagles. That would be my dream spot. I can see myself sitting beside the pond, feet up on a cooler and reading another Janet Evanovich book!

Hubby and I will be attending a ceremony this afternoon. The ceremony will be honoring a young man who is receiving his Eagle Scout award.

From Wikipedia

Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). A Scout who attains this rank is called an Eagle Scout or Eagle. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than 2 million young men. The title of Eagle Scout is held for life, thus giving rise to the phrase “Once an Eagle, always an Eagle”.

Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating Scout Spirit through the Boy Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Eagle Scouts are presented with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes the accomplishments of the Scout. Additional recognition can be earned through Eagle Palms, awarded for completing additional tenure, leadership, and merit badge requirements.

This honor is not given at random and takes hard work to earn. I can’t wait to give our friend a hug and tell him how proud we are of him and his achievement.

Hubby and I decided that if we didn’t have to pay for our own health insurance, we would be rich! I’m not saying I want the government to take care of me or even provide pet insurance for us. Although, dog insurance is something I wish we had invested in before we got our Shitzu. We could have saved thousands of dollars. Oh well, we are not going to risk going without health insurance. Some things are not worth taking a gamble on.

On the other hand, some things are worth the gamble. I recently won this beautiful brooch! By commenting and blogging about the giveaway on Three Fates Design, I was in the running to win and by golly I won!

Victoria at Three Fates Design makes the most beautiful jewelry. She has a little pug dog, named Yoda. I love reading her blog to see how Yoda is doing. Yoda has had some health issues.

Did you watch the Westminster dog show? Congratulations to Hickory, the winner of the best in show category at the 135th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. This champion dog is a six year old Scottish Deerhound. This old breed is known for their loving personality, forgiving nature and sudden bursts of playful activity. This large dog is similar in stature to a greyhound with its graceful curves and long legs. It has a natural, wiry coat with shaggy beard and brows. They are the perfect dog for a family who wants a loyal friend.

Somehow, I find it hard to picture a champion dog like Hickory as a pet! I would definetly have the type of insurance that the owners of the horses who run races have. I wonder if there is dog insurance similar to horse insurance? Equine horse insurance is not just thought of as an add on when dealing with that caliber of horse. I am sure that champion dog owners protect their animals in much the same way.

Sounds like subject worth checking into! I love trivia.