We had a lot of sunshine around here this past weekend, which made for some happy kitties.
Do you think Ruby is dreaming of tropical beaches?
Whatever Phoebe is dreaming about seems to make her happy; look at that smile!
(Believe it or not, this is her new slimmed down body!)
Sometimes Clover reads to Rico...
...and sometimes Rico reads to himself.
Have a wonderful weekend!
I couldn't compose a post today to save my life so I decided to do a 10 on Tuesday post. I've been reading them on other blogs over the past several months and have been thinking about doing it for a while. I guess this is as good a time as any to jump in.
1. Eat healthy - I don't know how I managed to let my eating get so out of control, but it must.stop.now!
2. Exercise more - I'd like to get at least three good workouts in a week, preferably four.
3. Lose 25 pounds - Yes, I found every single pound that I lost last Spring (see #1). Hopefully by doing numbers 1 and 2, this will happen.
4. Send out the Pay it Forward gifts by the end of this month that should have gone out by November (sorry). I have no excuses for not doing it yet; one gift has been finished for months and still hasn't been mailed.
5. Do a better job of keeping in touch with all my friends.
6. Clean out my spare room and make it a cozy place to sit and knit/spin/crochet.
7. Spin more.
8. Knit/crochet with more of my handspun yarn.
9. Knit/crochet for myself more often.
10. Relax a little and stress less!
Why do the weekends fly by so fast? Perhaps the fact that I took two 5-day weekends in a row has a little something to do why this 2-day weekend felt so short. I could easily get used to 5-day weekends!
Didn't do a whole heck of a lot this weekend. I slept until 9:30 on Saturday; that's like sleeping the day away for me! It did feel pretty good though. Poor little Clover didn't have a very good start to her weekend; she had her first bout of actual puking on Saturday. It was awful! Poor little thing was scared. She threw up three times (the last time was on me, but that's okay). How all that came out of such a tiny belly is a mystery to me! In between bouts, she seemed to feel fine and was even smiling. She's okay now; she wasn't sick with a bug or anything. Let's just say it isn't a good idea to feed mac & cheese to a baby on soy formula. Ooops.
Sunday was a much better day. Patti came over and we spun and knit for a while on the deck. I don't think I've mentioned that she bought a Ladybug recently and, dare I say, is enjoying spinning on her new wheel. She resisted as long as she could, but now she's come over to the dark side. Muwahaha! She's doing a great job, too. I wish I had been smart enough to get out my camera so I could show you, but alas, I'm getting old and forgetful. Next time.
I spent a couple hours in the pool after she left; sadly that's probably the end of the pool for this year. It really wasn't a great summer for the pool, I'll tell ya. 
Did I tell you that I started another sweater for Clover? I'm making the Garter Cardi by Jil Eaton (Ravelry link) using Lamb's Pride in a beautiful turquoise color.
I've completed the back and most of the left front since this picture was taken. I've knit this pattern a couple of times for my great-nieces and I love it. It's a very simple, yet pretty knit. I'm making the size 2 (the green sweater is a size 18 months and won't fit her for long). The pattern goes up to size 6 so she'll probably get one each year for a while.
Finally, a silly kitty picture for your enjoyment:
Again I'm going to use The Sheep's WNBP (Wednesday Night Bullet Post) format. I really think this should become an official bloggy thing with a button and everything; what do you think, Sheepie? I feel a bit like a theif everytime I use it, but I really like it. Okay, here goes:
Unfortunately, our New Year's Day was anything but happy. After a week of being very sick, Mr. Mugatu passed away yesterday morning.
Everyone who met Moogie fell instantly in love with him; he was so sweet and he loved everyone. He was our big purr machine.
I think I've gotten into a bit of a small project rut but I don't see anything changing until after the holidays. I thought I was pretty much done with Christmas knitting, but as it turns out, I can always find just one more gift I want to make (or two or ten)! This is okay because I'm knitting for people I really want to knit for, but I'm craving a challenge! Oh well, there'll be time after Christmas.
Until then, I'll just plug away at the small projects:
This is the sight I came home to after Chicks with Sticks last night:
I guess I should have thought of the possibility that hubby would read my blog yesterday.
I know he's read it in the past, but I kind of forgot about it until later in the afternoon. I didn't think he read it regularly, and actually, I don't really know if he does read it regularly.
What I do know is - he read it yesterday.
Pooh!
Spoiled my fun.
What makes matters worse is that Tina is now missing.
You realize what this means, don't you? She'll turn up when I least expect it and I'll jump out of my skin and probably have a heart attack.
This is not the way this was supposed to go!
I blame this on Dana; she's the one who gave me the idea. Once the idea was in my head, I had no choice; I had to do it.
I'm not sure which will freak out hubby more; the fact that Tina is hanging in his closet or the fact that I've disturbed the hangers and they are no longer EXACTLY the same distance apart ;-)
Moogie
He's got the best whiskers!
Yesterday, Chris put up then and now pictures of Mayhem and got me thinking that you might like to see then and now pictures of Marsha, Jan, and Cindy. They came to live with us July 3rd last year. It's hard to believe that it's been a year already and even harder to believe how big they've gotten.
Here they are when they first came to live with us; from L to R: Jan, Cindy, Marsha. Jan was the biggest at just over 3 pounds; Cindy was the runt at just about 2.5 pounds. Poor starving babies.
Not starving anymore: 
Jan
Cindy 
Marsha
As you can see, they are no longer poor starving babies! As a matter of fact, they could stand to lose a little weight (especially the runt, Cindy). It's kind of funny how kitties who come to us as runts, end up as fat, happy, cats.
I do have more to blog about, but no time right now. There will be knitting in the next post; promise.
Have a great day!
Mr. Mugatoo
(aka Moogie)
I'm posting my Saturday Sky picture late again this week. Saturday's weather was pretty nasty and you could barely see the sky, so I took a drive around town to find a picture that would be a bit more interesting than just a grey blob.
As you can see, Saturday was no day for the pool, but that was okay because I had other plans anyway.
I met up with my sister and some of her friends from work at Wild Willy's for lunch and then we headed up to The Ogunquit Playhouse to see Menopause The Musical. I had already seen the show with hubby in Boston a couple of years ago, but it's the kind of show you could see over and over again. If you haven't seen it and get the opportunity, you really should. It's hysterical (and pretty accurate too)!
Sunday's weather was much better! It cooperated with my plans of floating around in the newly set up pool. I worked at the gym in the morning; came home at noon, had some lunch, then spent a couple of hours napping on my float in the pool. It felt so good to just float around with the warmth of the sun on me. The nice weather didn't last,of course; it's cloudy today. But that's okay, I have to spend the day at work anyway.
I did do a little knitting and a little spinning over the weekend, but I have no pictures for you. So, I'll just distract you with a silly kitty picutre. 
Ruby with Jay. I don't know what's up with Ruby's legs; she's just strange!
Have a great day!
· Samm’s Etsy store is finally up; I've put a link in the sidebar. She’ll be updating it later this week with some more earrings, a few necklaces, bracelets, and at least one watch. I’ll keep you posted when she updates in case you’re interested J
· We had a beautiful long weekend; the weather was perfect all three days. I went to dinner with a friend in Portsmouth on Saturday night and we ate outside by the water, had a couple Margueritas, and did some shopping. It was the perfect weather for it.
· I’ve almost completed the Fisherlad Guernsey that I started way back at the end of April.
Since taking this picture, I’ve knit to the cuff on that last sleeve; just a few rows of k1 p1 ribbing to go and then seaming up the sides. I’ll finish this up tonight at Chicks with Sticks. It’s always good to bring something mindless J
· I’ve given up on my May Day socks for Sockamania. While I love the pattern and I love the yarn and the way it’s working up in this pattern, I keep making stupid ass mistakes. Also, for some stupid ass reason, I cast on for the small size (knowing full well that my size 8 ½ feet are not small). I kept telling myself that they were going to fit. Ha! Joke's on me. When I got this 
far, I decided to try them on. That was the final straw; the sock is in time out. I’ll frog it and reknit it after I do the socks for June. Not a very good start to this knitalong!
/
· I started another pair of socks yesterday while sitting in the sun.
You are not imagining things; I am knitting a sock toe-up! Mel gave me directions to the Sherman short row method and showed me how to do it a while ago when he came to Chicks with Sticks (I promised him I wouldn’t call him a dick, so the name must remain the same). This method is so easy and very, very neat – no holes! I’m going to try the heel flap for toe-up socks that Chris suggested for this pair of socks. Getting pretty adventurous, aren’t I? (I'm using Cascade Fixation on size 3 dpn's)
· I received this beauty in the mail last week
It’s the May Spunky Club yarn; Spunky Eclectic Tough Sock, Superwash Wool/Nylon blend, “Nightshade”. Pretty, yes?
· Being the big ole copy cat that I am, I ran right out to Kinko’s yesterday, after reading Auntie Ann’s post, and got my copy of this book spiral bound:
Now that it’ll stay open, maybe I’ll use it more.
The End J
When you are driving down a road and see that a cop has pulled someone over, and you know that you'll be returning on that same road in just a few minutes, be sure that on your return trip you are going the speed limit! Sheesh, I really am getting old. I went for my lunch time trip to get an iced coffee, saw a car pulled over and said to myself, "Self, make sure you are not speeding on the way back." I continued on, got my iced coffee, and promptly forgot all about the cop. Another tip: it really is helpful to admit why you were stopped when said cop asks, "Do you know why I stopped you today?" and act like you are sorry (even though the only thing you're sorry about is that you are old and forgetful). Thankfully, I only got a warning.
On a happier note, let me show you the decadent purchase I made last night while at Chicks with Sticks:
Tilli Thomas 
This is, without a doubt, the softest yarn I have ever had the pleasure of fondling and now it's mine, mine, MINE!
Oh, you want to know what I'm going to make with it, do you? I've been thinking about this pattern for a while and bought it yesterday:
It's the Simple Knitted Bodice by Stefanie Japel. Isn't it lovely? Of course I won't make the V-neck quite so low (sorry, Roger) :-) I can't wait to cast on for this, but I have forbidden myself from casting this on until after I finish the May Holiday Headstart project and my MayDay socks for the Sockamania and SAM3 KAL's and the blankie portion of the monkey doll/blanket.
I've done a little on the blankie; and I do mean A LITTLE!
Notice the arm reaching in there; Peaches is trying to claim this as hers. 
"It's mine, I tell ya; all mine!"
She also tried to nab the silk.
"What, you can fondle it, but I can't?"
I'm telling you, ever since she started knitting, I really have to fight for my own yarn!
Finally, I decided if she really wanted to help, I'd put her to good use modeling the Spare Square I made for Colleen's blanket project. 
"Can I model the silk top when you finish it?"
Dream on!
The pattern is due out anytime now, between 7am and noon today. I've got the supplies. Yarn: Scout's Soctoberfest sock yarn, Needles: Crystal Palace size 1.5 dpn's. Now, I just need the pattern and some time to knit. I'm working until 4:30 today, taking my neice to driver's ed at 5:30, and teaching a crochet class from 6 to 8. It's not looking too good for me this round. Not only am I not able to cast on until tonight, but my opponent can whip out a pair of socks in all of about 2 minutes (well, maybe not that fast, but she is FAST!).
I finished the first of the Lorna's Laces socks this morning before work.
That's Ruby wondering why a sock suddenly appeared on her pillow.
Well, that's all I have time for right now; have to go to the dentist - YUCK!
Have a great day!
Pretty, no? It was a pretty nice day out today; not real warm, but not freezing either. I think maybe Spring is going to visit us here in Maine after all.
I do have some knitting to show you, but that will have to wait until tomorrow; right now I have to get ready to go out with Hubby to see Loretta Laroche.
But first, a kitty picture: 
Marsha obviously wants to grow up to be Moogie!
I finished Betty's hat Monday morning; just in time to give it to her when I drove her to her treatment that afternoon.
That's Phoebe posing with the hat; isn't she a cute model? I put some crocheted curly-Q's on top of the hat so it wouldn't be boring. As soon as I gave it to Betty, she put it on and wore it in for her treatment. She looked so cute in it. Please keep the good thoughts and prayers coming for Betty; she really needs them right now. I've shared some of your comments with her and it really touches her heart that you all care so much.
As today's title would imply, I have more hats to show you. I made two more for the Dulaan project. April gave me this yarn (scroll down; it's the crayon yarn) and I promised to use it for Dulaan. The yarn is dk weight, so I combined it with some old gold colored dk weight wool that I had in the stash and made the hat to the left of our supermodel. I used size 9 needles over 70 stitches and did a k1p1 rib for a few rows then just simple stockinette.
For the hat on the right, I used some red Cascade dk weight with the crayon yarn for the rib and crown and used the red, gold, and crayon yarn for the body of the hat. For this hat, I used size 10 1/2 needles over 63 stitches.
I think I have enough (1 1/4 oz) to make one more hat with this yarn. I'll have to use it just for the body of the hat and use something else for the rib and possibly the crown.
This brings my Dulaan total up to four. I hope to get several more knits done for Dulaan by July.
In my post the other day about the Chicks and Manchvegas knitters, I neglected to mention the goodies I was gifted! Gina was so sweet and brought me some of her handspun yarn and hand-dyed roving in my favorite color - green.
73 yards of handspun wool blend with sparkles and 100 glass beads; color-Honey Dew
Phoebe approves: 
This is 3 oz. of hand-dyed 100% merino; color-Woodland Forest.
This beautiful roving is going to have to wait until I either win my battle with the drop spindle or have taken some spinning lessons. It's just too pretty to take a chance of ruining it.
As if that weren't enough, Heather also brought me a present. Man, am I spoiled! She made these beautiful stitch markers and I just love them! I've already put one to use with the Dulaan hats. 
I have just one more picture for you; this came in the mail the other day. 
This is the Spunky Club yarn for March. It's so bright and cheerful; just what I need right now while waiting for Spring to really arrive here in Maine. It's the Skinny Sock yarn in "Dandy Lion" colorway. I can't wait to get this on the needles. Perhaps for Sock Madness round 3?
Have a great day!
Today's crappy Saturday Sky
Here's a picture of what I woke up to this morning: 
Hubby had to force the door open to get inside to get the snow brush and ice scraper: 
Hmmm, where am I while they're all out there shovelling? 
Inside staying warm, of course.
I finally finished my Dad's birthday socks this morning. His birthday was Thursday, but he was busy then anyway so it's okay that I didn't finish until today. He loves thems (good thing considering all the grief they caused me).
Details: Yarn: Regia Bamboo color #10604
Pattern: Top down stockinette over 64 stitches on size 2 dpn's
I managed to put the right zipper in my Big Balls sweater on Thursday night. It's not perfect, but it's a good as I can do. I love this sweater!
I don't, however, love having my picture taken. What a stupid look I have on my face. Just look at the sweater, okay.
Details: Yarn: Spunky Eclectric's Chunky Big Ball Sweater Yarn in the Vineyard colorway.
Needles: size 10 addi turbos
Pattern: Chunky Everyday Cardi by Amy King
It feels really good to have two more projects off the needles! Perhaps the Faina's scarf will see the light of day again. That might be nice since I'm supposed to be doing this as part of a knit along. I think I'll work on it for a while today and maybe start a baby sweater tonight for some mindless knitting. Faina takes complete concentration so she can't go to work with me tomorrow. I'd totally screw it up if I got interrupted in the middle of a row.
I've got a couple other pictures for you:
Jay, Rico, and Samm.
Aren't they cute? Rico really does love that little t-shirt. He'll walk around all day in it. 
Cindy wants to know why she doesn't get a t-shirt (or maybe she's wondering what's wrong with Rico that he likes wear t-shirts, especially peach colored t-shirts).
There has been more practicing for the "Around the World" Banquet. Today's dinner was Coconut Chicken prepared by Samm. She asked me to buy a whole chicken so she could practice cutting it apart - she did a damn fine job. If it were me, there would have been very little that was useable when I was done with it. She only needed the breasts for the recipe, so the rest was cooked in the oven. I have just one word for tonight's practice Coconut Chicken - YUMMY!
On the knitting front - I've finished one WIP and started a new one. Not going to knock those numbers down that way, am I? That's okay; I think I have a reasonable amount of WIP's going with varying degrees of concentration needed for each. As long as I finish one before starting another, I feel comfortable with the number of projects I have going.
First up, the finished elephant:
This was to be a baby shower gift for Samm's friend. She didn't end up going to the shower and will give a gift when the baby is born, but not this. She likes it; she thinks it's cute. There is just one problem; Mr. Elephant seems to have a woody (sure it's on his face, but it's a woody just the same)! She can't bring herself to give this gift to this particular baby because she works with the parents and they are the type who will not let her live it down that she gave their baby an elephant with a woody. Not a problem, the elephant has just become my February Holiday Headstart project as I have no problem giving it to my great-neice. I'm hoping her mom won't immediately think of a woody the minute she sees it :-) Now, I just have to make another baby project in the next couple of weeks before this baby arrives. Shouldn't be a problem; baby knits are generally fast knits.
Faina's scarf has been put on hold until tomorrow night; I've been using the written directions instead of the charts and it's really hard to keep my place. I need to bring the pattern to work and enlarge the charts on the copier. I am loving the look and feel of this scarf; I'll give you a picture when there is more to see.
I started what has affectionately become known as the Big Balls Sweater (actually it's the Chunky Everyday Cardi by Amy of Spunky Eclectic, using Big Ball Sweater yarn). Gina and I are knitting this together (well at the same time). I started it Friday morning and completed most of the first sleeve Friday evening. I finished that sleeve and did most of the second sleeve at work yesterday morning. I finished the second sleeve after work today and began the body. Here's a picture of the finished sleeves (there's not enough of the body for a picture yet):
I have to say, I like that the sleeves are done; it didn't seem so bad knitting them first. I always dread the sleeves when I knit them after the body - doesn't really make much sense, but there you have it.
This morning's "at work" project was the sock I started last week at SPA. I hadn't touched it since last weekend and figured I better get moving on it before it turns into an UFO! Can't have that, since this pair of socks is slated to be a birthday gift next month. I managed to knit the heel, and get halfway down the foot. No picture; no need to bore you with another in progress sock picture. It'll be done soon and I'll take a picture then.
There has not been a single stitch knit on the leg warmers since Chicks with Sticks, Tuesday night. I should probably make this my morning before work knit. I usually knit for an hour before getting ready for work each morning. Since I can't really handle more than an hour or two doing round after round of k1p1, this would work out perfectly.
I'll leave you with another kitty picture:
Ralph - sound asleep in the sun.
He really should learn how to relax!
Are you sick of the kitty pictures yet?
I'm off to SPA today through Sunday. I am bringing the laptop, so I may post (then again, I may not).
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