Spinderella's Meanderings

Olympic Fever

2008-08-15T07:09:00.014-06:00

Are you watching the Olympics? Well- this family is and more. The grand kids decided to host their own games right in the front of Nana and Grandad's yard!

What a thrilling display of talent and daring- as we watched these young athletes compete in gymnastics, swimming and extremely fast running races.

Flips and tumbles, with excited athletes. We saw such wonderful scores from the judges, who in our opinion were a bit bias. The lowest score was an 8.75, from a "character from India", but the winner in the men's gymnastic meet was Jarron with an almost perfect score- 9.95. ( Ok - so the judges were using the old system of points) LOL

Here you see the talented Azriela practicing her dive, getting ready for the 200 Freestyle event. While Jarron is busy warming up his arms for his 200 IM swim. These young athletes competed in so many events! They both were able to achieve a gold or silver medal! WOW

And what Olympic games would be complete without medals??? Well- that is what dog shows are for!!! Thank goodness the dogs brought home a few in their time and, well, as you can see , just perfect for these young athletes. We even had a beautiful platform for them to be adorned! The cut tree in the front has 2 great places to set little feet.

After singing the National Anthem, these young athletes celebrated in style! Of course the afternoon was spent on the platform receiving medals more than the competition itself- but hey- remember when we were young???

Jarron and Azriela are the loves of my life. Having kids and grands to share life with make it even that more special ! I loved getting medals and pretend! So glad the grands bring me back to that wonderfully special place of make believe. :-)

Even little Ezekiel got in the act. He is growing like a weed, and we thank GOD for all the blessings bestowed on this little boy. He thought the medals and ribbons were a tasty treat. We think he got his medal for being the one with the big healthy heart!!

Now it just happens to be my 52nd birthday. Yes 52 and proud of that number. Azriela made me a cake- and it was not only delicious, but celebrating with my family around make it sweeter than all the cake and icing we put in our belly.

Have a wonderful day- and remember to count ALL your blessings!

Hadar and his bag of tricks

2008-06-19T18:26:00.002-06:00

We took a few photos today of Hadar and thought we would share. He is a lovely boy who really loves Deanie. He turned 5 months on June 5th and is already 65 pounds!!! WOW- will he stop growing?? He is a smart boy who is learning to help Deanie. He seems to have the ability to detect when Deanie is going to have a seizure. He doesn't bark, he just wants to be close by.

We took a few of him training this morning- and uploaded some video. Here is Hadar taking a diaper to Deanie.

And here is one of him putting a diaper in the trash and aslo taking Deanie's socks off.

We think he is such a special boy and we are thankful that the Snoek's family, in Belgium, sent him our way.

Fathers Day Treat

2008-06-18T10:46:00.011-06:00

Jim competed Father's Day week end in a drum competition with the Salt Lake Scots, a Scottish Pipe and Drum band. It was a tremendous week- end- filled with Highland games and music of Scottish Bands from all over Utah and Colorado.The event was held at Thanksgiving Point.

Deanie had to look like his Dad, so we purchased a kilt and shirt. His wool tam came from a generous vendor who thought Deanie should have one. If you look closely- Hadar, Deanie's Service dog in training, lay quietly beside his wheelchair. He was quite a character during the festivities.

The group competed in a Grade 4 competition , and took 3rd place in the band competition. It was such fun to watch and listen to the traditional Scottish tunes. The crowd was very into it and clapped along with the music as well as giving a rousing cheer when they finished.

Jim competed in a solo drum rendition of Pipe Major Wiley Gray, with the help of his piper, Grant. Jim took 1st place under Judge Ed Best, and received a wonderful critique, telling Jim he would be able to move up to the next grade if he wished. We will see, but for now, Jim will continue to play in Grade 4.

All in all, the Salt Lake Scots were awarded many 1st place ribbons- they are a talented group , if I do say so myself. ( Lynn speaking) Jim and his teacher, BJ Gunn show off there medals - such a nice way to top off the day.

There was much to do at the Games- from watching the Scottish sports, to listening to local bands. Vendors galore and Clan tents made it a fun event- even though the heat was unbearable!

Deanie had the opportunity to fight a giant! He loved killing the giant with the help of Dad. We took deanie's Service Dog in Training and he was a good boy. He did bark at the Giant - though you cannot hear it on the video- the crowd watching got quite a kick out of Hadar trying to defend his little boy.

We are linking some video's here if you wish to listen- also a video of Deanie and Dad fighting the giant!

As always- Blessings and Peace to all of you!
Jim- Lynn and Deanie

This Old House Snell Style

2008-05-27T19:05:00.007-06:00

Spring time is here and now it is time to complete a job we started a few years ago. Hopefully it will not get too hot too soon.

Scraping - and new wood work - in between washing, carding and spinning fibers. This is what the original house looks like. It was painted long ago, and we found out that these type of bricks actually NEED painted. Go figure?!

Here is the same spread of house after we have put the base coat of light light yellow. It does look pretty BORING and not at all artistic. This MUST be changed - though most people would be ok with this- it was not something I wanted to live with for long. The soffit is a brighter yellow and the trim is dark blue and forest green, with the foundation a terra cotta. This photo makes it look more red than it is.

Eventually the whole house will be done this way- it does take a long time- it is done with sponges and lots of colors of paint- swiped on the brick over top of the base coat. Now this is more like the Snell look. A bit old, a bit modern, but really something to say- cool about. :-)

The stained glass street number was made by my daughter, Fallon years ago. Even though it is broken, I cannot find it in me to toss it- maybe I can get Jim to fix it so it can remain with us forever. Just too me to toss and too Fallon too! :-)

Weather that cannot make up its mind!!!

2008-05-22T19:09:00.005-06:00

From 90 degrees and sweating to 40 degrees- wind-rain and freezing - we really wish the weather would try to cooperate more!!!

On Tuesday of this week- the weather changed from hot to cold, but with that change brought quite a surprise to the Snell family!

Jim was off to his Utah Scots practice ( yes he will wear a kilt and photo's will be added) and I was sitting trying to upload the Wool Trek info. I heard some wind and decided before the fleece on the outside drying racks got blown to Colorado, she had better get them off and into safety.

Of course the dogs came with me to supervise and play. Good thing they all decided to listen... I called all of them to come into the house, as I felt rain drops. Much to my surprise, they ALL listened and up the back steps they went into the house. I followed and as I reach 1/2 way up the steps I heard a crash and felt the steps shake a small bit.

Up to to the dining room "I rose to see such a clatter"...... oh my goodness..... and what to my wondering eyes should appear........

Yep- one of our large trees came crashing down due to a micro burst! We now have a forest in our backyard without moving anywhere! :-)

Meriwether was probably shaking in her boots, as the tree came very close to her dwelling place.

The tree was pulled out by its roots, landed perfectly, if we can say that, in the middle of the yard- no harm to our home, or the neighbors, but the tree did reap havoc with he power line. It yanked the power line out of the breaker box, leaving us with no power and a mangled breaker box.

After more than 24 hours with no power, we are getting back to some semblance of life, having the tree guys start removing this big old gal and the electrician replacing all the necessary fixings to get the power back on. This is what our yard looks like today- one more day of tree removal and Jim to fix the fence - but we are grateful that no one was hurt and the home is intact!

We have had enough fun for one year and hope to get back to business and painting our home.

Fred and Jo's Wool Trek

2008-05-22T18:43:00.011-06:00

As usual, and right on time, the Knowlton's had their yearly wool trek, the 1st Saturday in May. Everyone gets to their farm around 11 am, brings something for a pot luck and Jo always makes a yummy lamb stew. After eating we are allowed into the garage, where the Knowlton's have all of their fleeces available for purchase. They also have roving and yarn available as well.

It was quite fun seeing old friends and aquaintances, and meeting a few new people.

The fun of the day is always the "Skirt Scramble". Fred and Jo heavily skirt their fleeces, and the skirtings are better than some fleeces we have seen! Everyone is handed a bag, and on the count of 3, people scramble to get free fleece in all colors and types. The Knowlton's raise Corriedale, Romney and Romeldale sheep. We took a few photos to share.....

Fred decides to push Cindy Marshall into the pile of fleeces.... and Cindy , stay true to her colors, strikes a pose!

After that- it quickly became a feeding frenzy! Laughter and fleeces flew- and happy spinners went home to wash- card and spin their fleeces. We always get out of the way - getting to close to that fleece when these ladies are around is taking your life in your hands! LOL

( Yes- many sent them to Spinderella's for processing... go figure??? )

We hope many of you in the Northern Utah area will try and make the Trek next year. Always entertaining and will surely add to that mountain of wool stash you already have, but know you NEED more. :-)

Sheep dogs go herding

2008-04-06T15:03:00.004-06:00

We had so much fun watching our sheep dogs do what they were meant to do! Herd the sheep. we would love to move to the country in a few years and want the dogs to help us with a small flock of sheep.

For now they will have to be content going to lessons and not having sheep of their own. Such fun amidst a georgeous setting. Here you can see the 12 week old puppy is really interested in these critters.

Shaymus our boy, was sheared this week- and yes he is still a Briard, though he looks more like a deer! I think we'll keep him.

Ugh- Snow AGAIN!!!

2008-03-30T08:31:00.007-06:00

Really- what is up with this? I think we have had enough snow to last us through next year- the spring weather hung around long enough to tease us into thinking we were actually going to have a spring this year! I the last few years it seems we go from winter to summer with no easing into HOT, the Hotter weather.

So are we complaining ?? I guess I shouldn't, we have to have water over the summer months- but gray skies and white ground is tiring. We are sun people! Even the newly formed flower on our flox in the garden seems to be saying enough is enough.

Looking forward to the warmth of the sun once again!

A new puppy

2008-03-28T06:47:00.004-06:00

We added a new Briard puppy to our home. His name is Hadar, which means honor. Hadar came to us from Belgium and has addapted to new life here in the USA very well. He is a smart little puppy and learns fairly well for one so young.

He will be trained for service work and hopefully take over for Simcha when the time comes. Simcha is 6 years old and it will take about 2 years to train our puppy.

Hadar certainly loves Deanie already- here he is trying to comfort a crying Deanie. He is 11 weks old as of this writing and will be attending puppy class next week.

We put up a mini slideshow on our web site about his travels to the USA- go to : http://www.spinderellas.com/hadar.html

What a year

2008-03-27T16:28:00.004-06:00

So many things happening here at the Snell household. We have been blessed with a new grand baby boy- Jeffery Ezekiel Demet. We call him "Z", the name Azriela calls him cause she cannot say Ezekiel. Fallon and Jeffery's baby #2. He is so sweet- born the 1st day of March 2008.

Last Thursday we had quite a shock! This little one was whisked to Primary Children's Hospital into the PCU unit for surgery on his little heart. He had to have bypass surgery. Through much prayer and faith- he made it through the surgery and is now home- only 3 days after surgery! Home and resting this little family has been through much, but counting the blessing of new life!