That was about 25 years ago.
This afternoon, the screen started to fail. :-(
That vertical line isn't supposed to be there. :-(
It will be a sad day when this baby goes dark.
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Things That Work: HP 48SX
When I was in college, a new and improved, fancy, scientific, calculator came out... and I had the opportunity to buy a great, used one from a friend.... The HP 48SX.
That was about 25 years ago.
This afternoon, the screen started to fail. :-(
That vertical line isn't supposed to be there. :-(
It will be a sad day when this baby goes dark.
That was about 25 years ago.
This afternoon, the screen started to fail. :-(
That vertical line isn't supposed to be there. :-(
It will be a sad day when this baby goes dark.
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Dog Show: Denver Cluster, 2018
Back in Februrary, Gunnar and I entered the Denver Cluster Dog Shows.
Although the "cluster" broke up a couple of years ago, the three kennel clubs now hold their shows at two different venues, but still on the same weekend.
Over the five shows, Gunnar was awarded Best of Breed three times and Select twice, as well as Best Owner-Handled all five days and an Owner-Handled Group 4 one day.
I enjoy the shows at the National Western Complex immensely. There is a significant attendance by the general public, which means I have the opportunity to educate a lot of people about Tibetan Mastiffs.
Although the "cluster" broke up a couple of years ago, the three kennel clubs now hold their shows at two different venues, but still on the same weekend.
It's a 5-day event the weekend after Westminster, in February.
The first 3 shows were held at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds which is a very nice, although small venue.
The first 3 shows were held at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds which is a very nice, although small venue.
The last 2 shows were held a the National Western Complex which is a large venue with a long history. This venue will be undergoing renovations in the coming years.
Over the five shows, Gunnar was awarded Best of Breed three times and Select twice, as well as Best Owner-Handled all five days and an Owner-Handled Group 4 one day.
The OH Group placement was a huge accomplishment since Gunnar prefers socializing with his fans over being in the ring.
 |
| courtesy: Helen Richardson |
With the winter weather turning bad, we did not stay for the group competition on the last day. But the next day was gloriously beautiful... as is typical in Colorado. :-)
I enjoy the shows at the National Western Complex immensely. There is a significant attendance by the general public, which means I have the opportunity to educate a lot of people about Tibetan Mastiffs.
We learned there is a couple that come to that show every year with the expressed purpose of seeing Gunnar.
We also learned that another couple got a Tibetan Mastiff from Gunnar's breeder because they saw his joyful greeting ringside the first time we attended this event.
I have a few more posts to catch up with from the winter.... we'll see how it goes. ;-)
I have a few more posts to catch up with from the winter.... we'll see how it goes. ;-)
Friday, August 3, 2018
Fiber Arts Friday: Tour de Fleece 2018, part 5
I started the last few days of the 2018 Tour de Fleece with about 9 oz of prepared fiber remaining.
This week is all about single #4 and getting my finished yarn from last week to the County Fair.
Friday, July 27th
Saturday, July 28th
Sunday, July 29th - Last Day
Final results
The finished yarn is 2 oz, 164 yd, 20 wpi, 3-ply.
The remaining singles weigh 7/8 oz.
The remaining prepared fiber weighs ~8 3/4 oz.
Which means I spun 1 5/8 oz of very fine yarn during the Tour de Fleece.
I was hoping this bag would look more empty at the end of the Tour, but at least it weighs less. I'll be spinning this batch of Tibetan Mastiff for a while to come. ;-)
Gunnar says great! He's making more! ;-)
Tuesday, July 31st - County Fair Check-in
I dropped the finished yarn at the County Fair. Mine is on top of the pile in the center toward the back.
Judging began on Wednesday morning. Hubba and I will be heading over sometime this weekend to see the results. *fingers crossed*
Epilogue
I was surprised to learn that some people don't have much dog hair to spin.
Of course I realize not everyone has large double-coated dogs in their life, but for a group of Chiengora spinners, I found it surprising. So I offered two 4-oz packages of washed Tibetan Mastiff as prizes. They will be heading to their new homes soon.
I enjoyed having more time to spin this year, it was very nice being able to see that the bobbins look different each day... a good measure of progress... It feels good to see progress. This was a productive Tour de Fleece for me.
This week is all about single #4 and getting my finished yarn from last week to the County Fair.
Friday, July 27th
 |
| Day 19 |
Saturday, July 28th
 |
| Day 20 |
Sunday, July 29th - Last Day
 |
| Day 21 |
Final results
The finished yarn is 2 oz, 164 yd, 20 wpi, 3-ply.
The remaining singles weigh 7/8 oz.
The remaining prepared fiber weighs ~8 3/4 oz.
Which means I spun 1 5/8 oz of very fine yarn during the Tour de Fleece.
I was hoping this bag would look more empty at the end of the Tour, but at least it weighs less. I'll be spinning this batch of Tibetan Mastiff for a while to come. ;-)
Gunnar says great! He's making more! ;-)
Tuesday, July 31st - County Fair Check-in
I dropped the finished yarn at the County Fair. Mine is on top of the pile in the center toward the back.
 |
| County Fair Entries for Spinning |
Judging began on Wednesday morning. Hubba and I will be heading over sometime this weekend to see the results. *fingers crossed*
Epilogue
I was surprised to learn that some people don't have much dog hair to spin.
Of course I realize not everyone has large double-coated dogs in their life, but for a group of Chiengora spinners, I found it surprising. So I offered two 4-oz packages of washed Tibetan Mastiff as prizes. They will be heading to their new homes soon.
I enjoyed having more time to spin this year, it was very nice being able to see that the bobbins look different each day... a good measure of progress... It feels good to see progress. This was a productive Tour de Fleece for me.
Friday, July 27, 2018
Fiber Arts Friday: Tour de Fleece 2018, part 4
I started this week with ~ 9 1/4 oz to go.
Friday, July 20th
Saturday, July 21st
Sunday, July 22nd
Monday, July 23rd - Rest
Tuesday, July 24th
Wednesday, July 25th - Challenge
When I embarked upon this tour, I thought that my challenge should be to ply everything that has been spun thus far.
The idea being that I could ensure the yarn planned for the county fair entry was completed in plenty of time to wash and dry. The drop off window is 1 week from yesterday.
So this morning I caked the third single. The largest cake was spun prior to the TdF starting. The second cake was made last week and the top was from this morning.
It's been several weeks since I broke my index finger, so I've been using the splint less frequently. This morning was the first time I used my index finger for spinning since it was broken. It was quite nice being able to use it. :-)
Not only did I begin plying this morning, but I finished plying as well. I used up both of the smaller cakes. There is about 3/8 oz left on the largest cake... and about 9 oz of prepared fiber still to spin.
Skein #1 = ~2 oz, 20 wpi, 164 yds
Thursday, July 26th
Began single #4... started in the correct, counter-clockwise, opposite direction.
With just a few days remaining in this year's Tour de Fleece and the Fair drop-off window on Tuesday, it feels great having my entry just about ready to go.
Happy Fiber Arts Friday!
Friday, July 20th
 |
| Day 13 |
Saturday, July 21st
 |
| Day 14 |
Sunday, July 22nd
 |
| Day 15 |
Monday, July 23rd - Rest
Tuesday, July 24th
 |
| Day 16 |
Wednesday, July 25th - Challenge
When I embarked upon this tour, I thought that my challenge should be to ply everything that has been spun thus far.
The idea being that I could ensure the yarn planned for the county fair entry was completed in plenty of time to wash and dry. The drop off window is 1 week from yesterday.
So this morning I caked the third single. The largest cake was spun prior to the TdF starting. The second cake was made last week and the top was from this morning.
 |
| plying clockwise |
It's been several weeks since I broke my index finger, so I've been using the splint less frequently. This morning was the first time I used my index finger for spinning since it was broken. It was quite nice being able to use it. :-)
Not only did I begin plying this morning, but I finished plying as well. I used up both of the smaller cakes. There is about 3/8 oz left on the largest cake... and about 9 oz of prepared fiber still to spin.
Skein #1 = ~2 oz, 20 wpi, 164 yds
Thursday, July 26th
Began single #4... started in the correct, counter-clockwise, opposite direction.
 |
| Day 18 |
With just a few days remaining in this year's Tour de Fleece and the Fair drop-off window on Tuesday, it feels great having my entry just about ready to go.
Happy Fiber Arts Friday!
Friday, July 20, 2018
Fiber Arts Friday: Tour de Fleece 2018, part 3
I start this week with ~ 9 5/8 oz of prepared Tibetan Mastiff remaining.
As much as I'd like to finish the full bag during this Tour de Fleece, I know that it is not likely to happen. My primary goal is to finish enough yarn to submit for the county fair at the end of this month.
Friday, July 13th
Wilma decided to help me spin by removing the drive band (while I was using my wheel) and then stealing some fluff. She'll be 6 months old tomorrow. :-)
Saturday, July 14th
Sunday, July 15th
Monday, July 16th - Rest
I caked everything that was on my bobbin. 3/4oz spun in 9 days.
The top cake is the new yarn and the bottom was spun prior to the TdF.
Tuesday, July 17th - Challenge
My intent for this Tour is to finish enough yarn to exhibit in the County Fair. I've already entered and drop off is in two weeks.
I intended no special challenge today, but I may be travelling before the tour is over, so I started a drop spindle this morning.
The drop spindle is always challenging for me, and since everything about this yarn is opposite to normal due to the intended final object, it was quite challenging to remember to spin the spindle in the proper direction.
I unspun the yarn a couple of times and broke it once, but I think I have it figured out. So this is ready in the event that I do travel.
Wednesday, July 18th
Back to my wheel, which I prefer.
Thursday, July 19th
~9 1/4 oz to go.
Happy Fiber Arts Friday!
As much as I'd like to finish the full bag during this Tour de Fleece, I know that it is not likely to happen. My primary goal is to finish enough yarn to submit for the county fair at the end of this month.
Friday, July 13th
Wilma decided to help me spin by removing the drive band (while I was using my wheel) and then stealing some fluff. She'll be 6 months old tomorrow. :-)
 |
| Day 7 |
Saturday, July 14th
 |
| Day 8 |
Sunday, July 15th
 |
| Day 9 |
Monday, July 16th - Rest
I caked everything that was on my bobbin. 3/4oz spun in 9 days.
 |
| 2 oz spun since July 7th |
The top cake is the new yarn and the bottom was spun prior to the TdF.
Tuesday, July 17th - Challenge
My intent for this Tour is to finish enough yarn to exhibit in the County Fair. I've already entered and drop off is in two weeks.
I intended no special challenge today, but I may be travelling before the tour is over, so I started a drop spindle this morning.
 |
| Day 10 |
The drop spindle is always challenging for me, and since everything about this yarn is opposite to normal due to the intended final object, it was quite challenging to remember to spin the spindle in the proper direction.
I unspun the yarn a couple of times and broke it once, but I think I have it figured out. So this is ready in the event that I do travel.
Wednesday, July 18th
Back to my wheel, which I prefer.
 |
| Day 11 |
Thursday, July 19th
 |
| Day 12 |
~9 1/4 oz to go.
Happy Fiber Arts Friday!
Friday, July 13, 2018
Fiber Arts Friday: Tour de Fleece 2018, part 2
As mentioned last week, I had already started this yarn.
As of Friday night I had completed 1 1/4 ounces.
10 ounces remain for the TdF.
Saturday, July 7th
Challnge#1 met... start the new bobbin going counter-clockwise.
Sunday, July 8th
Monday, July 9th
Thanks to allergies, I was awake way too early this morning... but I had nearly 90 minutes of dedicated spinning time. Add to that a few shorter sessions throughout the day and I made a lot of progress today.
Tuesday, July 10th
Wednesday, July 11th
Thursday, July 12th
It's really nice having time to spin and I like being able to see progress every day.
~9 5/8oz to go.
Happy Fiber Arts Friday!
As of Friday night I had completed 1 1/4 ounces.
10 ounces remain for the TdF.
Saturday, July 7th
Challnge#1 met... start the new bobbin going counter-clockwise.
 |
| Day 1 |
Sunday, July 8th
 |
| Day 2 |
Monday, July 9th
Thanks to allergies, I was awake way too early this morning... but I had nearly 90 minutes of dedicated spinning time. Add to that a few shorter sessions throughout the day and I made a lot of progress today.
 |
| Day 3 |
Tuesday, July 10th
 |
| Day 4 |
Wednesday, July 11th
 |
| Day 5 |
Thursday, July 12th
 |
| Day 6 |
It's really nice having time to spin and I like being able to see progress every day.
~9 5/8oz to go.
Happy Fiber Arts Friday!
Friday, July 6, 2018
Fiber Arts Friday: Tour de Fleece 2018, part 1
Good Morning Blogland! Oh how I've missed you.
It's July, which means it's Tour de Fleece time! I've joined up with Team Spinnin' Chiengora.
I prefer the smaller teams, I enjoyed this team a lot last time, and I'm in the midst of spinning a big bag of Tibetan Mastiff.
Gunnar to be exact. :-)
I promised a friend a pair of Gunnar mittens several years ago. So I figure it's time to start making progress on that promise. ;-)
My plan has been to use the Twined technique, which means I'm spinning this yarn backwards... counter-clockwise singles (S) and clockwise plies (Z).
This will be a 3-ply yarn and I hope to have it finished for the county fair at the end of the month.
Since the TdF begins tomorrow, I will likely spin more today, then cake this yarn and weigh the remaining bag before I start spinning for the TdF tomorrow.
I hope you're having a great day and Happy Fiber Arts Friday!
It's July, which means it's Tour de Fleece time! I've joined up with Team Spinnin' Chiengora.
I prefer the smaller teams, I enjoyed this team a lot last time, and I'm in the midst of spinning a big bag of Tibetan Mastiff.
Gunnar to be exact. :-)
I promised a friend a pair of Gunnar mittens several years ago. So I figure it's time to start making progress on that promise. ;-)
My plan has been to use the Twined technique, which means I'm spinning this yarn backwards... counter-clockwise singles (S) and clockwise plies (Z).
This will be a 3-ply yarn and I hope to have it finished for the county fair at the end of the month.
Since the TdF begins tomorrow, I will likely spin more today, then cake this yarn and weigh the remaining bag before I start spinning for the TdF tomorrow.
I hope you're having a great day and Happy Fiber Arts Friday!
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