Grace1129 » Photography

Vote for Giles & Lily!

Christy — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:51:19 +0000

Yes, sir! We are ROCKIN’ the vote!

I’ve entered a photograph I took of my Cavaliers, Giles & Lily into a photo contest. The contest is for the Leesburg Today newspaper and I think we should win because the picture was taken at the new Leesburg Dog Park! Check out our qualifications!

Dogs of summer? Yes.
Relevant to Leesburg Today? Yes.
Adorable, cute, cuddly? Yes.

We’re in like Flynn! If you’d like to help us out, just click on this link ! Giles & Lily will be signing copies of the paper at the Leesburg Dog Park IF (and when) they win the contest!

It’s easy to vote. Just create a log in, click to vote, then submit! If you have any questions or need any help just let me know!

Thank you for your support!

Giles, The Swamp Thing

Christy — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:49:02 +0000

Today Mr. Giles, Lily, my friend Lindsey and her two Cavs, Abby and Mason, took a trip to Annapolis, Maryland with our friend, and Cavalier group organizer, Anne, and her Cav, Robbie. Phew!

We trouped up the beltway to spend the day at Quiet Waters Park. They have tons of picnic pavilions, a playground, a dog park, and… a dog beach! All the pups were very excited to be out and about, walking the trail and sniffing every leaf and twig that came across their path. Luck for us ladies the only snake on the path was very tiny, bright green, and fast as lightning. Anne and Lindsey didn’t even notice it.

As soon as we were in sight of the Chesapeake Bay Giles went loopy with dog swim fever. He wanted to jump right off of the pilings and sail off with the yachts and the birds that circle their masts. I told him he had to wait until we got to the dog beach before he could take a dip. The dogs were all let off their leashes and off they went! Giles waded in immediately and swam out as far as he could. We called him back to us. We called him crazy. Anne said, “He’s really something else, that dog”.

And he really was! It was exhausting just watching him. After quite a few long laps I made him come out, sit down, and take a break. Dogs can easily become over tired while swimming and run the very scary risk of drowning. This is the number one reason that Fido Floats, or any dog float devices, are so important, regardless of how they look!

I tried to lure Lily into the water and almost got her swimming when a big Portuguese Water Dog leaped into her path and deterred her from coming out any further toward me. She was brave though, and that made mommy happy. Abby was a real sport out there in the bay. She went after the tennis ball with the best of them. It was so funny watching her try, try so hard, to get that darn ball in her mouth! She kept chomping at it, missing it, and swimming around in little circles in order to bring it back to the beach. She was so determined! Mason cried, wanting to go after the ball, but not having the jumping off courage. So Lindsey gave him a little shove and off he went, swimming with his sis, Abby. Anne tossed around a stick for Robbie. Robbie has what’s called a Bully Stick and even Anne says, “It’s like a pacifier. It keeps him busy”. Not to mention it’s his favorite toy. She would throw the stick to the edge of the water for Robbie to fetch and he would splash around the waves, happy as a kitten in a yarn box.

While all this was going on I decided to get out my camera and snap a few. I got a couple of cute pictures and a little video of Abby going after the ball. But when I turned around to take Giles’s picture… he was gone! Oh my God! Where’s Giles? Have you seen Giles? Where did he go? I wasn’t frantic yet, just mad. I knew he would run off without a leash! It’s so Giles!

I walked down the beach, over a fallen tree, under some over grown bushes, and checked out the far side of the beach. Giles had wanted to go over there earlier, but I had told him no. I called for him by his name, I told him to come. Nothing.

I walked back down to the main part of the beach hoping that Anne and Lindsey had found him, but to no avail. My dog was lost.

Dammit!

I berated myself for trusting him so much. This is such a Giles thing to do! I think I just like the idea of my dog sticking by my side, following my every move. But Giles is a parameter dog. He has to sniff out the edges of ‘the territory’ and get lost in the wood. Rather, he gets lost in his own little head and doesn’t answer to his mommy when she’s screaming his name!

I made my way back up the trail on a tip that another dog beach goer gave me. She said that sometimes dogs run up the hill and go to the dog park. It happens. I called his name while I walked, ask some hikers if they’d seen him, then started to cry. Okay. NOW I was frantic. What if he had drown?

I walked back down to the beach with tears streaming down my face, all the time thinking “What if he drowned?”, this awful picture in my head of my little baby, limp and wet, floating up against the pilings.

By now I felt I was making a spectacle of myself, but honestly, I didn’t care. I just wanted to know where in the sam hell my dog was. I made my way across the beach again, over the log, around the overgrown bushes, then all the way down the inlet where no one else was. I called and called. Nothing. But I could hear Anne calling him, trying to get his attention and knew he was found. My phone started ringing and Lindsey gave me proof. He was found. And I was angry.

He had run through the swamp behind the beach and over to a pond to investigate. Anne said when she found him he looked like he was having trouble getting out of the pond and that he was tired. It’s a good thing she found him when she did.

Let me not forget to mention my Lily in all this. As soon as my heart rate went up she began to follow me. She followed my every step up and down the beach, up and down the trail, and when I got the call that Giles was found I made my way back to the log separating the beaches and there she was, standing upon the log, looking out for me like a beacon. She looked like a little doggie angel. I could tell she was concerned for me and would not let me out of her sight no matter how far I wandered searching for her brother. I wish I had been in the frame of mind to snap a picture, alas I was not. I was angry with Giles for deserting me and leaving me to believe him drowned.

Anne brought him over to me. I gave Anne his leash and told her that I was too upset to handle him at the moment, meaning that I could not touch him or hold his leash and command him with rational thought. She reminded me that he’s just a dog and that dogs wander off. Well, this is true, but masters also become extremely upset and are likely to take it out on the pet if not careful. And believe me. I would have liked to give him a good smack for what he did, but I know better. He has no clue that he did anything wrong, so it would be pointless for me to lay an angry finger on him and I really never could.

Anne saved the day! She said, “I risked snakes walking through that mucky swamp!”. I thanked her profusely. We all discussed our fears of him drowning. I eventually reached laughter through tears though when Anne called him “Swam Thing”. I told her that’s his new nickname and that I’d have to get him a new tag that reads “I’m the goddamn Swam Thing” instead of “I’m the goddamn Batman”. After ‘the ordeal’ we took the pups over the the regular (fenced in!) dog park to dry off. I’d tell you about the rest of the day, our crab lunch, the governor’s wife, ice cream, shopping and more, but I’m sure you’ve had enough blood pumping excitement for one day!

Enjoy the pictures that cost me approximately 37 days off the end of my life!

No. 2 Brownie

Christy — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:05:48 +0000

I got another box today!

My mom has been sending me things that belonged to my grandmother. Today I got a box that contained a No. 2 Brownie camera (circa 1900 – 1907) made by Kodak. It’s awesome! I’ve taken it apart as far as I dare, cleaned the lenses and view finders, and Googled some articles about modulating them to fit 120mm film. I’m excited to have a new toy and an old memory in one.

I might also play around with plain photo paper or Polaroid film, if I can find any. It would certainly make for some interesting exposures!

Here is a link to greyhoundman’s blog where he shows us how he has modded his Brownie and the results. Very interesting, thank you, Dave!

Stormy Weather

Christy — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:35:51 +0000

I love electrical storms!

Thunder and lightning give the soul a deep satisfaction. When lightning strikes just outside our home in the field next door and lights up the house it’s exhilarating. And when the thunder CRACKS then BOOMS along the horizon, shaking the whole building, setting off car alarms, it sends chills up and down my spine and rumbles through my tummy. I can’t get enough!

Here’s a picture I pieced together of our Leesburg, VA sky tonight at around 9pm. It’s amateur, but hey, I thought it came out looking pretty cool.

Cavalier Pool Party June ‘09

Christy — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 03:40:05 +0000

This Saturday, day before Father’s Day, was the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Meet-up Group’s annual Pool Party!

There were burgers and dogs on the grill (hot dogs, not furry dogs). Plenty of sides, chips, desserts, and tons of cold water. The dogs had a blast as usual. Giles jumped in all on his own as usual. Lily wore Giles’s old Fido Float since he doesn’t FIT in it anymore. He wieghs 28 lbs.! And he’s not fat by any means. He’s just a big Cavalier.

Giles and Lily both swam quite a few laps with me in the pool. Even though Lily looked kind of nervous she followed me to the deep end and back and did really well. Really, Lily!

Our friend Kim and her dog Snickers had a good time too. Snickers made friends with a beautiful Ruby named Lola, who we hope to board some time in the future. She’s a sweetheart! Lindsey and her dogs Abby & Mason had fun as well. Abby floated on the raft with a bunch of other Cavs and her curls looked gorgeous. I can hardly wait until the day she’s ready to have puppies! She’s going to make beautiful pups.

Here are some pictures for your enjoyment. Critique is welcome. I’m working on my pet photography. You think I could make a business out of it or not? I’d like your feedback. Thanks!

Antigua – June 2009

Christy — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 01:36:26 +0000

Adam and I had a wonderful time at Sandals Resort in Antigua! We dined, drank, took in all the sights, and participated in all kinds of activities. All inclusive is definitely the way to go if you’re looking for a no worries kind of vacation.

We had a good flight from BWI (Baltimore, Maryland) to MIA (Miami, Florida), then on to ANU (Antigua). We caught a van that took us directly to the resort. That was one crazy ride! As soon as we got to Sandals we were served hot towels to clean up with and champagne to sit back and relax with while we waited to be shown to our room. Classy.

We had a beautiful Garden View room over looking the small pool for the surrounding room’s convenience. First thing we did after settling in and changing into our swim suits was to grab a bite to eat at a restaurant right in the sand. Barefoot by the Sea. It was great! We hung out with this nice couple from Michigan and got to know each other a little bit. After lunch we hit The Big Pool. Adam went right out to the swim-up bar and acquired us some drinks.

The entire resort was just beautiful. All the pools were clean and a crisp, cool blue. The buildings and private bungalows were all painted in different Caribbean pastels and the landscaping was overwhelming, but well kept. A jungle of beauty. There were lizards and birds galore, one of which landed on my coke can while I was sitting out on the balcony. It took a sip of my syrupy, sugary drink, looked up at me, then took off. I found out later that it’s called a Bananaquit. Very cute little guy with black wings and a bright yellow belly.

On our second day Adam and I had a couple’s massage at Sandals Red Lane Spa. It was heavenly! I’ve had several massages before, so let me tell you, this was fantastic. It was Adam’s first massage and he just loved it. We were pleasantly relaxed for the entire rest of our stay.

Along with relaxing in the sunshine, lazing around in the pools, sipping our drinks, and swimming in the bay we also found time to do some activities. We went to The Cricketer’s Pub to watch the Penguin’s vs. Red Wings game 5. It was awful! The Penguins played like crap! (But we won the cup in the end, ha!). We took a snorkeling trip which, we both agreed, was kind of terrifying, but the Captain of the boat said that it was rough waters out there for first timers and that we did well. We also went kayaking. This mostly yielded some hilarious pictures. The most fun we had was sailing a hobie cat together. It’s a small catamaran. Two hulls, a trampoline in the middle, a rudder, and a 30 foot sail. We were chased from the shore out into the bay by a storm! It rained while we sailed out toward a marker buoy, but cleared as we came back in. It was our first time sailing anything and we did it by ourselves! I can’t wait to do it again!

A few other highlights from our trip would be dancing together in private on the look out tower with Reggae playing in the distance, having wine delivered to our room, having breakfast, lunch and dinner by the blue-green sea, visiting the adjacent casino and blowing $26 bucks, and watching Adam compete in a dance contest in order to try and win me a diamond necklace. Too funny!

On our way home we were delayed for 2 days due to a flight cancellation. American Airlines was very helpful and put us up for two nights in hotels in San Juan, Puerto Rico and Miami. They also paid for taxi fair and meals. We ended up having a good time in Puerto Rico and Miami too. Then back home to real life… relaxing by the pool.

Enjoy the pictures if you haven’t already seen them!

Giles Gets A Sister

Christy — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 03:46:35 +0000

So this past Friday my friend Anne, her dog Robbie, me, and Mr. Giles went down to Glouchester, VA. That’s SE of Leesburg near Williamsburg. We made a visit to a Cavalier breeder that Anne has known for a few years. Lynda has several Cavaliers. She breeds, fosters, raises, and loves her dogs. She had a 5 year old female named Millie that she was looking to re-home, meaning she had tried to breed Millie twice, but she didn’t take. Lynda didn’t want to put Millie through that again, not only because it’s not exactly fun for the dog, but because it’s expensive. Lynda felt that Millie would be better off and much happier in a new home. Besides, Lynda shows some of her dogs every weekend, so showing plus breeding dogs and whelping puppies takes a lot of time and focus. Well… now Millie is better known as Lily and is Mr. Giles’ big little sister.

Lily doesn’t notice the change in name since it sounds exactly the same. Her full name was Lyndsfair Thanks a Million. But on her second night home her new name just popped out of my mouth. Lazy Bones Lily Jones! She is SO mellow! Giles is very playful, but still sleeps a lot. Lily sleeps A LOT, but is playful now and then. I’m hoping the two of them will strike a nice balance in each other. Yin and Yang. Either that or I’m hoping Giles won’t bug her too much and HE will mellow out.

Anyway, here’s our new girl! Lily and Giles get along great! I think we’re all smitten with each other.

Lots of updates to be had yet. And more pictures too!

A Cavalier Christmas

Christy — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 04:53:52 +0000

I can’t tell you what an amazing day Giles and I had! But I’ll do my best.

Today we got up at 7:00 AM and made our way to our friend Lindsey’s house. Lindsey has two very adorable Cavaliers named Abbie and Mason, I’ve posted pictures below.

We all piled in the car and headed out to Alexandria, VA for the Christmas Scottish Walk. We met with the rest of the D.C. Area Cavalier Meet-up Group at the Monaco Hotel on King St. The organizer of our group, Anne Gavin, reserved their courtyard for us and had arranged for coffee and refreshments. We milled around there for a bit, chatted, and took plenty of photographs. Then we headed out the front door, posed for a group shot, then headed down a few blocks to get in our assigned spot for the parade.

The dogs were on excitement overload. They were oooed and aaahed over everywhere they went! They’re such an amazing breed. So friendly and laid back with smiling faces and wagging tales. And they’re just plain adorable!

Everyone had a great time all bundled up, prancing down the parade route. There was a good size crowd, cheering and singing, and some AWESOME Bagpipe music!! I’ll say, that just made my day!

It’s taken me hours to transfer, upload, edit, and organize these pictures/movies/words, so enjoy.

I’d like to thank Anne and the rest of the Cavalier Group. It was really nice to see all of you there and the dogs so happy. Sally, Corduroy, Margaret, Bobby, Penny, Nancy, Lucy, Riley and his mommy, Marcie and her Riley, Marty, Buzz, Cooper, Anne, Robbi, Nubi, Calvin, everyone! Mr. Giles and I thank you!

Mr. Giles 1st Birthday!

Christy — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 01:15:08 +0000

Our sweet, happy puppy is ONE year old today!!!

WE LOVE YOU, MR. GILES! CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 1ST BIRTHDAY!

Family in Virginia

Christy — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 04:28:50 +0000

YES! I have family members in Virginia! HOORAY!

My cousin Kirk, his wife Amna and their daughter Sarah are only 30 minutes away! Adam and I went over to their place in Winchester today. They’re living in a great big house, just the three of them. It’s gorgeous! Built in the 1700’s with more rooms that I can count on one hand. They’ve been Nomads lately, moving from California to Georgia, to London and back, then forth again, and landed smack dab in Virginia. I’m so happy!

Amna made this amazing home made “Chicken Soup with a Kick” as Kirk called it. It was spicy with curry and had a sort of Indian cuisine taste to it. It was fantastic! She had also made a fresh cucumber and tomato salad and home made hummus. I was in food heaven.

The five of us… and Mr. Giles… went to the Potomac River near Harper’s Ferry today. It was gorgeous, though the leaves have pretty much already gone out in a blaze of orange, red, and yellow. We parked just off 340 and took a little hike down the mountain to the river bank. Kirk, with Sarah in his arms, jumped across rocks and ventured pretty far out. They also climbed above the waterfall near by. Sarah found a dead minnow, a seashell, and some leaves the size of baby elephant ears which she’ll take to Show and Tell tomorrow. And Mr. Giles had a big old time rustling in all the leaves and digging a hole in the sand. We had a really fun day.

Enjoy this little video I made!