Back home

[altivo]

After a five hour drive that was supposed to take three and a half. Construction and ghastly traffic levels...

I had a good snicker this morning at a television program on satellite at goldenstallion's place. It was the Animal Channel (I think) and was called "The Best of Flyball." For those who don't know, flyball is an amusing team sport in which dogs are trained to run a sort of relay race over hurdles and retrieve a tennis ball that is delivered to them when they jump against a treadle. It is extremely fast-paced and can be quite exciting if you get into it, even though a typical run between two teams lasts only about 20 seconds. The dogs seem to really enjoy it, and some show an elaborate understanding of the rules (or seem to.)

Anyway, this program was an hour long and was run just like any human sports program. There were two commentators who covered each match hurdle by hurdle, knowing all the names and backgrounds of the dogs that were running and reacting to each dropped ball or missed hurdle. It was both entertaining and silly, even though I do like watching flyball.

Fixed the water softener (which was again misbehaving) or at least hope I did. Took a shower, had supper which Gary had all prepared except for the salad, and put in my laundry. And the evening and the morning were the seventh day? No, actually the ninth day and therefore I must return to work tomorrow. Wah.

Comments

[goldenstallion.livejournal.com]

Dear Rider.

Bear and I both enjoyed your visit and miss you already.

Oh, and I just got home from Field's Fabrics with the only pattern they had, the McCall's 8953 Costumes. Bought three bobbins and several colors of felt squares so gonna work on Steed's head tonight and hopefully the book cover art as well.

Got home and Bear had the blanket and sheets folded and put away and all the sofa cusion covers are in the washing machine as I type. Good, that sofa was getting nasssty.

Guess I better get a bobbin wound and see if the Singer works ok. Thanks for working on the tensioner.

Will get picts to you soon as I do something significant both the Steed suit and book cover artwork.

Imperator your everfaithful companion and good flyer (sure beats traffic).

[altivo.livejournal.com]

I'm glad it was worthwhile for you both. I'd hoped to get you started with the sewing part, and will come back again if you need me for that. I'll check my pattern number when I get home. If necessary I could send you mine or tracings of the relevant pieces. You won't need all of what they give you, just the actual bodysuit parts. Don't worry too much about a snug fit for the body, but rather focus on enough freedom of movement. Your head is so impressive that the body isn't going to get that much notice, and especially so if you are using a vest or piratical ornaments with it.

Yes, under the cushions looked as if some unnamed tiny dragon(ess) had been using it for a lair. The new pillows were nice though. ;D

I really, really wish you could just fly me back and forth now and then. I don't mind the driving that much, but that particular route is just obnoxious in Indiana and Illinois.

[cabcat.livejournal.com]

Animals always make good tv :) That sounds interesting that flyball thingy, I don't think I've seen that. I've only seen the sheepdog trials which are always a good watch :)

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Look on youtube for "flyball" and you can find examples like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4CSGtllyuQ

[cabcat.livejournal.com]

I notice most of them seem to be Border Collies, sheep doggies :)

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Actually you see a lot of other breeds. There are quite a few border collies because they seem to learn the routine quickly, but we saw a whippet, a golden retriever, two Jack Russell terriers, a cocker spaniel, a German shorthaired pointer, a bearded collie, and several other breeds in the "best of" compilation on Sunday.

The hurdle height is adjusted according to the shortest team member, so there is a perceived advantage to having at least one small dog on the team. Jack Russells are lightning fast and you often see one as the "anchor" (last dog to run.) The most amusing match I've ever seen had an all dachshund team. The hurdles were set very low (about six inches) and the little guys were amazingly good.

[cabcat.livejournal.com]

My favourites are the dusty Kelpies :)