Lady Bug Invasion!
August 31, 2008 by Merry
Filed under Animal Lovers
Welcome back!
A ladybug invasion? It can happen.
At certain times of the year, these little red and black bugs will gather in gigantic groups. I don’t think they’re trying to keep warm, but there must be something comforting about it for them. Maybe it’s the only time they really feel safe, being as small as they are.
I witnessed one of these swarms when I lived in California many years ago. We were in a canyon just outside Los Gatos, and noticed large numbers of them gathering on the rocky walls. They were also flying all over the place, landing on our windshield and climbing up tree trunks. The neighbors took it in stride. After all, who can argue with having thousands of the best natural pet control machines in your back yard? One thing about lady bugs in such large numbers- you can smell them!
Pet Health for Human Health
August 31, 2008 by Merry
Filed under Dog Lovers
Pet health can be a good excuse to keep yourself in tip top form! I’ve read recently that people who own pets tend to be calmer, happier and hence healthier humans. Add a little outdoor exercise to that idea and you have a practically unbeatable way to stay in shape.
Besides, dogs have to go on walks anyway. Why not take your best friend to the beach, or on a long walk in the country? Both of you will benefit in more ways than one. Not only are you getting some great exercise, but you can relax your mind at the same time.
And that black lab probably gets a little stressed out when you’re at work- so it can be a relaxing and completely enjoyable experience for both of you. Simple, fun and valuable. Pet health and human health together!
Pot Bellied Pig Pets
August 30, 2008 by Merry
Filed under Pet Lovers
I was surprised to learn that Reese Witherspoon is fond of pot bellied pigs. In fact she took her two young children out to shop for one. The one she chose was adorable; but of course, I think most baby things are.
I have a tiny bit of experience with pot bellied pigs.
I’ve got some customers who own them, and a few years back they asked me to make them some custom pot belled pig earrings. Of course, I obliged.
And when we bought our Florida home, a very fat and friendly pot bellied pig named Audrey was living in a pen in the our backyard. I greeted her warmly, but requested she be moved to a petting zoo, where she’d get a lot more attention than I could ever give her.
I wonder if Ms. Witherspoon still has that pig, and what she ended up naming it?
Highland Cow Cutie
August 30, 2008 by Merry
Filed under Animal Lovers
A miniature Highland cow made an appearance recently on a TV show about a woman who raised all kinds of farm animals and took them around to schools for children to pet and feed. I loved the footage of 6 and 7 year old children stroking miniature goats; even feeding one of them with a bottle!
But I’d never heard of miniature Highland cattle.
This breed which is also called Hairy Coo or Heilan Coo come from Scotland originally, where they’re raised for their meat. They’ve been exported to the USA since the first part of the last century.
Super hardy, they’ll eat a lot of plants that other cattle shun, so they make good grazers.
Personally, I’d love to have one for a pet, especially a miniature Highland cow!
Hyacinth Macaw Bird Photo
August 29, 2008 by Merry
Filed under Bird Pictures
The lovely hyacinth macaw from eastern and central South America is a breathtakingly beautiful shade of blue. It’s the largest flying parrot in the world; I once had the honor of having one perch on my arm, and I couldn’t believe how light it was.
These are very expensive birds to own as pets; several years ago they sold for $10,000 and I’m sure they must be a lot more in this economy. I know people now breed them and sell hand-fed babies, which is surely helping out the shrinking wild populations of these beautiful birds.
Dog Breed Picture - French Bulldog Love
August 29, 2008 by Merry
Filed under Dog Pictures
This dog breed picture of a loving French bulldog would warm any dog lover’s heart. It’s interesting- with way fewer facial muscles to communicate emotion, dogs still manage to tell us what’s in their heart.
Dog breeds seem to wax and wane in popularity due to shifting interests, probably in TV shows and movies starring them, for the most part. I’m not sure what’s given the little Frenchie his boost, but looking at this dog breed picture that exudes love and devotion, I’m not surprised by it.
Pug Pendant in Silver - Puppy Jewelry!
August 28, 2008 by Merry
Filed under Dog Jewelry
This pug puppy pendant in sterling silver is my tribute to one of the cutest dog babies on the planet. It was an irresistible design for me because I am such a sucker for adorableness. By the way, I said ONE of the cutest puppies, not the only cute puppy.
And you know, whether you own a black pug or a fawn and black pug, this little fellow can represent your little darling. That’s the great thing about sterling silver. It just takes a little imagination to fill in the color.
As a matter of fact, I have an enamel fawn and black pug jewelry design in the works, and it should be up on my pug jewelry page before long.
What can I say? Sure there’s lots of dog breed jewelry I haven’t created yet, and perhaps it’s unfair to be adding yet more PUG designs, but there you have it. You can always wear this little silver pug pendant and hope that someday your Pomeranian will appear as well. Don’t give up!
Silver Sheep Pendant Covered in Curls
August 28, 2008 by Merry
Filed under Animal Lovers
My sheep pendant design in silver must have been inspired by my four year stint as a country girl in the Sierra Foothills of California (this was in the late 90s).
I’ve always loved the way sheep look, and I love the idea of a farm animal that doesn’t have to be slaughtered to be useful. Besides, what could be more fun than designing a sheep pendant with sterling silver curls framing its face?
And what a face! To capture the expression took a bit of work, simple as it may be. What do they say about the simple things sometimes being the hardest? I guarantee you this is true, at least as far as jewelry making is concerned.
But here she is, a sterling silver sheep pendant luxuriating in silver curls, all ready to slide onto your favorite chain.
House Rabbits-What a Pet!
August 26, 2008 by Merry
Filed under Animal Lovers
I just found a site that is all about the bunny world- lots of cute photographs and comments.
A couple of years ago I discovered the popularity of house rabbits at a veterinary conference where I was exhibiting my jewelry. According to the women “manning” the booth, rabbits are truly the pet of the future. They told me that pet bunnies are now more popular than cats. Can this be? I only know of one person who keeps a rabbit as a pet, but perhaps there are thousands of “closet bunny owners” out there.
Can some of my readers fill me in on the truth? And if you have some house rabbit photos or stories of your own, I’d love to see/hear them.
Farm Mules Replacing Tractor
August 26, 2008 by Merry
Filed under Horse Lovers
High Gas Prices Drive Farmer to Use Mules was a great read! It seems that this particular farmer can actually save money by gathering hay the old fashioned way, using a team of mules instead of his tractor.
“We can feed these mules cheaper than we can buy fuel. That’s the truth,” says farmer T.R. Raymond. And apparently he’s not alone.
To me, there’s something satisfying about the prospect of going back to the basics. I guess I’m a country girl at heart, but I’ll bet those mules are happy having a job to do.
Interesting times, because Mr. Raymond is apparently not the only farmer going back to the mules. His brother thinks it’s the “way of the future.”
I say “Good for the mules!”
http://www.smellshorsey.com/2008/05/high-gas-prices.html
