DOGQUILTER

I've Moved

2009-08-07T00:16:00.001-04:00

You can find me here: http://dogquilter.wordpress.com/

2009-08-06T23:12:00.001-04:00

Currently I am trying to find a new blogspace since blogger has said i have used my quota of picture space and have to pay if i want more...argh. Where will I go and what will I do???? Guess I could always delete the older posts but I really don't want to do that either.....

Bridgette's Surprise Baby Shower aka Operation Gumball

2009-06-20T15:59:00.032-04:00

Our friend Bridgette is getting ready to have her 4th little boy. She didn't want a baby shower since it was baby #4 but she had given away all of her baby things since she didn't think she was having any more babies (like we've never heard of that happening to anyone before). But we had other plans for her *heh heh heh*

Oh, did I mention that this is her 'Disney souvenir' since her hubby had come home for leave from Iraq. He's been gone 2 years except for the Disney trip *snicker snort* so she has received more than her share of 'looks' from neighbors who didn't know he was home for 2 weeks. He is home and the baby still isn't here (I do believe he is going to be like my youngest who finally came when he got round-to-it) but thankfully her hubby has gotten back and will be here for the delivery. Maybe he will be a Fathers Day baby since her first was born on Mothers Day. :)

Best of wishes to Bridgette, John, boys & baby?

Kristine puts the final touches on the baby carriage.

Shelley & Carrie doing prep work

this is why we let Robin do games :)

waiting for Bridge

GOTCHA!!

Robin takes charge 'and let the games begin'

Evie, willing victim (uh, i mean participant)

Laura looks thrilled with that one *heh heh*

Sheryl is REALLY enjoying this game *snort*

and then the camera died which is why i have no pics of her opening up her gifts :(

and the picture that made me run out and get my hair cut because it looks so awful of me:

Penny, Leila, me, Sherl (back)
Donna, Marshea (front)

First DOT post in forever and of course it's 2 days late....

2009-06-20T15:41:00.007-04:00

I got a new camera for my birthday. The puppies are the only ones who are truly cooperative when it comes to picture taking so I got a little carried away. These are pics taken May 19th of them getting to have ice cream cake for Douglas' and my birthdays. They LOVE ice cream cake....

Okay I'm sure I've told you that although Charlotte is reddish she is a true blonde in a bad sort of way...really really cute but dumb as a post....she spends her time chasing her plate of ice cream cake all over the floor and I do mean all over the floor!!

I suppose it had just been so long since he had had cake that Wilbur completely forgot how to hold down the plate until he had it under the table...silly puppy

And finally all full of cake and ready for bed....

It Started With This

2009-06-20T15:28:00.005-04:00

This was a 0 birthday year...you know, a number followed by a 0. We will not go into which 0 year however just suffice it to say that it's a big one.

And as if that was not enough there was mischief afoot.........

isn't this just the sweetest card?

you'd think so.

however....

this is what is on the inside....

okay i laughed, it was funny i had no idea of what would be awaiting me in the mail a few days later....

and was followed by this one...Tim is now my favorite sibling since he wanted a nice card xoxoTim from your new sister kim.......

i smelt something fishy at this point so i was not surprised when......

i finally received this in the mail which offers an explanation...i knew they were in cohoots and i also know who the head hoot is too and he will suffer come august......

so here they are lined up on the tv set. Doug tried to find the same card here so he could get it and put wife on it....creep

Birthdays

2009-06-20T15:00:00.012-04:00

These pics are from last month May 19th on Douglas' birthday (his is the day after mine).
Douglas had a birthday necklace...doesn't he look thrilled to death?!?!?

and a I had a crown and a new do (much more flattering than the long hair in a clip)

Doug and Michael setting the cakes on fire...heh heh heh

Douglas had cheesecake.

I had ice cream cake

My Darling Friend Jadene

2009-06-20T14:52:00.004-04:00

My darling friend Jadene sent me these incredibly lovely flowers from Ladybug Flowers and Gifts for my birthday!! Ladybugs always puts a ladybug on their creations. I've taken pictures from each side as each was different and I want you to see all the pretties that were in it. Thank you Jadene!! I'm so blessed to have you as my friend!!! <3 you!!

Birthday Surprise from the Wonderful Women Who Quilt

2009-06-20T13:52:00.015-04:00

My birthday was on a Monday night this year so I celebrated it with the Wonderful Women Who Quilt the night division of Pieceful Hearts Quilter in North Augusta, SC. We meet at St. Bart's Episcopal Church on Martintowne Road the first Monday of the month for meetings and every Monday following for quilting bees. They are a great group of ladies and we have lots of fun helping each other and spurring each other on in our projects. Usually only a handful come to the bees but the meetings are rather large.

me (before the great haircut), Ille (the doll who brought me cake) and Betsy and Marie

me, Ille, Betsy

Jackie, Marie, me, Ille, Betsy, Kay's mom, Kay's sister Beth

The WWWQ gave me flip flops for my birthday!! They said since it wasn't a finished quilt they were going to give it to me as a quilt kit...thankfully they were kidding :)

They wouldn't tell me what was going in the middle so I suppose I will have to wait to see what it is

Sooooo.... I was invited to the quilt workday the following week after Margaret was finished working and this is what they had done before I got there

adding some flip flops

Ille pondering

Mary & Margaret pondering

Laying it out what does it need????

Margaret sewing like a fiend & Ille preparing to iron.

Ille who irons as meticulously as she quilts and pieces.

Mary working on flip flop blocks

Quilt so far...and yes Margaret I swiped the pic from your blog *heh heh heh*

Last Breakfast for the School Year :(

2009-06-20T13:42:00.003-04:00

Some of us from church get together on Fridays after the kids go to school for a moms breakfast social/accountability session. This was our last breakfast for the school year and before I got my hair cut. The pic of me is just horrendously awful. Poor Dudley had to stay outside and was sad. Bridgette still has not had baby boy #4. I believe he will be like Timothy and come when he gets round-to-it *sigh*

Mothers Day May 10th in Okeechobee

2009-05-22T18:54:00.013-04:00

We went to Timothy's Sunday School class and watched part 3 of They Sold Their Souls for Rock N' Roll which I would highly recommend after only seeing the one part. It was very informative and blew my mind completely.

They gave mothers and grandmothers a yellow rose in the church service and this was mine the next day. It smelled so good too!!

I was then surprised by Timothy telling me that he was going to be BAPTIZED!!! YAY!!! It was so exciting to see him go into the waters.

Afterwards we went to the Crossroads Diner and then came back to the Farm to hang out until it was time to go to the farm next door. They have a pond there where the guys climb up and jump off into the pond from a swing. I wasn't good yet at taking the flying shots so I didn't get one of Timothy.

May 9th in Okeechobee with Timothy

2009-05-22T18:10:00.031-04:00

We started our day with an airboat tour and saw all sorts of birds, babies, dozens of baby alligators and a hint of a couple big alligators in the water (which was fine by me don't need to see them up close and personal).

Birds and babies

We ate lunch at Lightsey's. Timothy had a burger and I had crab cake salad and we both tried the frog leg appetizers...tastes like chicken. The wait was long but we got there at prime time. The food was really good though and it gave us time to chat and Timothy to make phone calls to family. The decor was very interesting too.

The largest hill aka the dump in Okeechobee

DOT- videos of the puppehs

2009-04-30T15:34:00.003-04:00

the puppehs and i have been busy busy busy doing stuff stuff and more stuff...hope you enjoy!!

DOT video

2009-04-30T15:26:00.002-04:00

here they are again

DOT - part 1

2009-04-30T15:14:00.009-04:00

It's not like we haven't done anything in the last few weeks, I just haven't blogged any of it until now. We have had playtime, worked in the gardens and kept ourselves quite busy and mostly out of trouble...mind you I said mostly.... these are snaps taken at the same time as the videos of the puppehs playing together. Yes I know it looks like they are fighting but they are not. They are playing and cleaning each other. This is the pitbull way to play minus the running through the house like a banshee shots. And yes that is my orange flip flop in the shot which just goes to show you that nothing will stand in the way of a puppehs playtime.

DOT - part 2

2009-04-30T12:49:00.009-04:00

Gratuitous pictures of Spunky the cat showing the puppehs just who's boss around here....

we've also been gardening around here. As you can tell, Wilbur takes gardening quite seriously....he has however left my hydrangea alone (so far so good as he has eaten every other one i've ever planted). Charlotte loves the outdoors but generally refrains from digging, although with her 'georgia clay' colored coat you really wouldn't much be able to tell if she did. Wilburs stunt caused him to get a shower...yes a shower. I didn't have time to fill the tub and fool with him so I put him in the stand alone shower, shut the glass door and pummelled him with the shower wand all standing on the highest rung of step ladder. All in all he seemed to take it pretty well and I even let Charlotte go in the bathroom with him while he dried off....wet puppeh smell is Charlottes very favorite smell :) I won't however show you pics of the bathroom after they were finished cavorting in it...another mess another time.....

Nothing Much Going On

2009-04-28T12:03:00.002-04:00

It's been forevah since I've blogged. Not necessarily because I don't have anything to blog...I have a bunch of stuff for Dogs On Thursday that hasn't been blogged yet. I've finished a baby blanket for a friend which I've yet to take a pic of. I'm trying to finish the applique block for the quilt guild's next donation quilt and I'm reading a lot. I've been working in the yard and don't think I will ever finish getting the back yard back into shape....but have I taken any pics??? NOOO. I didn't work much at all last year in the back yard and am paying 'can you say dearly' for it. The weeds have gone nuts especially with all the rain we had the last few weeks. Of course that did make pulling them out easier but it's been dry for the last little bit so I'm sure the rest will be a struggle to get out of the ground.

Today was day for the A/C to get serviced. Every year since we have been here it has had to have freon added to it to work properly. Next year we will probably have to bite the bullet and get a new unit. After the really hot weekend it's nice to have it working even though the temps have lowered outside...go figure.

More Lancaster Season

2009-04-13T18:40:00.004-04:00

It was rainy outside today so I spent the day cutting fabric into piles of 2 1/2" squares for the checkered top and bottom borders.

Then I sewed the squares together into six rows of 20 which were then sewn together in 2 groups of 3 for the borders.

Once that was done, I sewed the borders to the top and bottom of the quilt. Doug was home and held the quilt so I could photograph it. I'm still loving this quilt more and more!!

Pit Bull and the Easter Eggs

2009-04-13T12:04:00.002-04:00

Slow Progress on the LS quilt

2009-04-12T23:28:00.004-04:00

I've only added the top and bottom strips on the Lancaster Season quilt. It is the same fabric as the original background for the poinsettia. I didn't have anyone to hold the quilt and still don't have a design wall so this is as good as it gets. I'm onto the 120 - 2 1/2 inch blocks that will be added to the top and bottom also. Of course I did pick out the fabrics for that and I ironed. Did I mention that I hate ironing??? yuck yuck yuck but at least it's done and all I have to do is cut and sew eensy teensy squares together...I'll be done in no time I'm sure....yeah I'll get back to you on that one.....

Happy Easter!!

2009-04-12T23:16:00.003-04:00

Kylie and Tory visit the Easter bunny. I couldn't have said it better myself so I'll leave you with my sister's words:

As for the three in the photo, what can I say, not even the Easter Bunny was paying attention...

Riverwalk and the Bees Knees

2009-04-12T22:49:00.010-04:00

Last Saturday my brother Damon and Tim came down from Charlotte to visit for the day. We went down to the Riverwalk and took pictures of the river from the Augusta, GA side looking towards North Augusta, SC and then walked along broad street checking out the shops and posing with the muscle people until the Bees Knees opened at 5. Doug met us there and we had wonderful tapas! The girls from the quilt guild go there sometimes before quilting bees and I was hoping they would like it too...and they did. It was yummy and I love getting to try different things. It was over too soon and they headed back to Charlotte but it was a fun day!!

Ohio Star Block for Lancaster Season

2009-04-10T20:04:00.008-04:00

The next round for the Lancaster Season is the Ohio Star Block.

After cutting all the pieces and sewing more flying geese the blocks were finished and layed out before sewing together.

First three blocks were sewn together and then to the sides of the center block.

Then I added the top and bottom five Ohio Stars.

I really do like this quilt even more as each installment is added.

DOT - while Doug's away.....

2009-03-25T11:26:00.007-04:00

Doug and Douglas left last Thursday to go camping for the weekend. Whenever Doug is gone, the puppies sleep in bed with their momma (me) and live it up for the time he's gone. When he's home they are not allowed on the bed at all :( This makes the momma sad and the puppies too but what are we to do?? Spunky gets to sleep on the bed whenever he's of a mind to except when Doug is gone and the puppies take over. The puppies don't mind sharing the bed with Spunky and Charlotte would love nothing better than to snuggle up and cuddle with the kitteh but Spunky will have none of it! No, he would prefer to sleep on the floor, the sofa or anywhere but on the bed with the puppehs who he deems far beneath him (he is a cat now). Here are pics of Spunky after Doug has come back home and he has once again taken over possession of the master bed.

Wilbur is just busy being his cute self and I just love the pic of his tongue...he's such a ham isn't he?

Charlotte snuggling down in the coverlette on the bed before being once again dethroned by Prince Spunky heir apparent to the throne of the bed.....

what breed of dog are you?

2009-03-20T11:31:00.001-04:00

I stopped by Criquettes place this morning and took this quiz:

You Are a Beagle

You are good natured. You enjoy spending time with people and animals.

You have a wild, independent streak. If you're left to your own devices, you get in trouble.

You love to eat and enjoy food of all kinds. If you don't get enough physical activity, you tend to have a weight problem.

You are very stubborn. You don't like authority, and you tend to do your own thing no matter what.

What Breed of Dog Are You?

DOT - enjoying outside

2009-03-19T20:01:00.009-04:00

We've had a couple of warm days lately so I ran around like a crazy person trying to get the puppies to look at the camera. Wilbur just wanted to go back inside and Charlotte just wanted me to get the bright green light out of her face. Hope everyone has a Happy DoT!!!

DOT - friends from Florida

2009-03-12T10:44:00.007-04:00

On my last stop in Florida I visisted my friend Sherri and her fiance Michael (post following shows them). They have two furbabies at their house, Smokey (aka Michaels Shadow) is a can you say Gawgeous bi-blue sheltie (a combination of light and dark greys and white that I've never seen before).

Shorty is a hand raised kitty who Sherri and her son found in their backyard at only a few days old. It's amazing how much he looks like my Spunky but their personalities are eons apart.

I'm not sure how on earth Wilbur's sleeping position could possibly be comfortable but apparently it is.

Charlotte is just thrilled to have her spot back on the couch. Happy DOT y'all!!!

off to Tampa, Florida

2009-03-12T00:04:00.011-04:00

After I left Faith Farm I headed to Tampa to see a friend from Severna Park High School. We hadn't seen each other in years but she still looks the same. I also met her son (no pic - teenager) and her fiance Michael. We had a blast and it was like picking up right where we left off. We went to Red Lobster on Monday for lunch and I headed home. I took pics along the way. There were lots and lots of baby calves but I seem mostly to have gotten pics of their mommas...go figure.

Faith Farm, Okeechobee, Florida, Sunday visit

2009-03-11T23:42:00.016-04:00

My son Timothy is at Faith Farm in Okeechobee, Florida. I went down for a weekend visit and we had a lot of fun. Saturday we went to Arnold's Wildlife Center, to Lake Okeechobee, out to lunch, checked out a miniature horse farm and took lots and lots of pictures. It was an 80 degree day and absolutely marvelous weather. Sunday I went back to the farm for Sunday School and church. The womens group from Boynton Beach Faith Farm came and performed for the service. It was wonderful and I'm so glad he's in a place with people who care about one another and learning about Jesus. I couldn't possibly ask for more for him. Sunday started out at 77 degrees at 8:30am and quickly plummetted by afternoon. It was breezy and we had a great time together. I do love my baby boy!! I can't remember how many acres they have but it's a lot. Tropicana picks juice oranges from the Okeechobee farm.

Faith Farm, Okeechobee, Florida

2009-03-11T23:35:00.005-04:00

Timothy and I at Faith Farm waiting to leave for the day on Saturday.

A picture of the dorm room where he's staying.

ARNOLD'S Wildlife Rehabilitation

2009-03-11T22:36:00.051-04:00

Timothy and I went to Arnold's Wildlife Rehabilitation & Butterfly Haven. There were all sorts of peacocks, cats, monkeys and assorted other animals there. We had a blast!! The day was 80 degrees and sunny, we couldn't have asked for a nicer day.

Lake Okeechobee, Florida

2009-03-11T22:19:00.019-04:00

We went to Lake Okeechobee on the North side. You can't see the other side of the lake it's so big. Finding nature (including an alligator) is always fun too.

more Okeechobee, Florida

2009-03-11T22:03:00.010-04:00

pictures at lunch and around the area

Miniature Horse Farm, Okeechobee, Florida

2009-03-11T16:50:00.005-04:00

and we went here:

Okeechobee, Florida

2009-03-11T16:32:00.015-04:00

Here are some of the pictures I took from my trip to Okeechobee, Florida to see Timothy. It was gorgeous on Saturday 80 degrees!! I could move there...yep I could.
Here are just a few of the pics

DOT - puppies and trash

2009-03-05T11:23:00.004-05:00

Okay, maybe one of y'all can tell me why puppies insist on getting in the garbage???

It's not like there isn't food in their bowls 24/7 because there is but that just isn't enough. Wilbur has ALWAYS had this thing for kleenex...USED kleenex of course.

Charlotte developed it after watching Wilbur but fortunately isn't as disgusting about it.

Wilbur will watch you blow your nose waiting for you to put the kleenex down so he can pounce on it...disgusting!!

DOT = Charlotte models

2009-02-26T12:31:00.005-05:00

I was working on some knitting and needed a model for the scarflet.

Wilbur was being a goof (surprise surprise) so it was left for Charlotte to do.

Of course she is always gracious when modeling for me since she views me as her hero, pal and food provider.

WoW/DOT - Valentines Day - the puppies help cook

2009-02-19T12:57:00.025-05:00

The pups and I have been busy this last week. We have 2 different cooking adventures as well as Valentines Day highlights to show you. Our first cooking adventure was making pretzel hotdogs. My daughter introduced me to Auntie Ann's pretzel dogs in Delaware when we went to the Walmart. I was having withdrawals and wanted to try and find a recipe for them to make at home. I found a recipe h ere but mine turned out no where near as fine as Auntie Ann's. However they were really really good and were finished off by lunchtime the next day. The pups as always were a big help in the kitchen....

And because it was Valentine's Day and because the pups had had no special treats in a while, they received their treats the day before. All different specialty cookies from the cookie bar at Petsmart and different flavored bones from the rawhide bar too. Charlotte takes them one at a time and hides them to eat later. She's so funny. Wilbur prefers to tempt Charlotte with them (or should I say tease) but that usually does not go well for him in the end. Charlotte has a perfect bite and his is well...overbite city so like I said she wins in the end when he decides to go down that road. Fortunately this time he quit while he was ahead and ate his own rawhide after all.

Spunky got a playtoy too which is hanging on my bathroom door knob and he plays with religiously. Although he's not good about playing with it when I have the camera out...it's as if he doesn't want proof that he likes to play. He also played stalker kitty with Charlotte...he must be going through spring fever because he even goes after Wilbur sometimes, swatting at the dogs and then running. It sounds like a herd of elephants around here when they really get going.

When Saturday rolled around the guys were all gone out to camp to work moving fences or some such a thing. The pups and I made collard cheese pinwheels with homemade not so thin filo dough. They turned out well (which means Doug ate them) but I would like them better with the thinner dough. It would have helped had I made the dough up a day ahead of time (like the directions suggested) but when I get into the mood to cook I'm into instant gratification. The dough I made would have been better for pockets or turnovers and filled with the cheesy concoction instead...it was just a little bready for me in the pinwheel form.

We also made fried rice which turned out divine and a 'wing it' spicy thai shrimp and veggie sauce to go with it.

I also made a bundt cake which came out of the pan in sections *ARGH* and a homemade buttery cream cheese icing to go overtop. It still looked a little lumpy but must have been good since I only got one slice of it before it was completely devoured.

The puppies got to lick the beaters and as you can see were very enthusiastic about it too.

Hope you all had a happy Valentines Day and have a happy Dogs on Thursday!! See you next week!!

Funny video for WOW

2009-02-17T13:05:00.000-05:00

some new family pics

2009-02-16T13:23:00.007-05:00

I swiped these pics from my daughter, Brandy's friend Tanya. They were taken New Years Eve. My baby girl is such a pretty thing isn't she!! I miss her so much up there in Delaware while I'm sitting here in the sunshine in Georgia. Although her teenage years were a bit of a struggle (aren't ALL teenage years a struggle) we have grown to be such good friends in her adult years. I look forward to my visits with her. We shop, eat, laugh, giggle and stay up all night watching chick flicks and solving the worlds problems. Gee I'm really missing her now *sniff*

2009-02-14T12:39:00.001-05:00

Send this eCard !

DOT - notes from the dogs

2009-02-12T13:36:00.003-05:00

To my DOT friends from Charlotte: There she goes with that camera with its hideously bright light taking pictures again. I mean really, just how many pictures of me laying down does she really need?? Of course if my brother hadn't taken MY spot on the couch I could be snoring and drooling like he does but on this hard floor (no I don't care that there is carpet on it) who can possibly sleep I ask you???

To my DOT friends from Wilbur: I am so sorry you had to listen to all that drivel from my baby sister. She tends to go on and on and on, blah blah blah. I have worked so hard on my knitting (see evidence in bag on floor) that I simply fell asleep here where I had been working so diligently. If Charlotte would knit she could be here right now snoring and drooling too. She's just jealous because she is all thumbs, or is fingers?? Oh well Happy DOT to all my friends!! And Happy Valentine's Day too!! I hope my mom gets me something...I think she will....she loves me the most you know...cause I was first. :)

Late Whiskers on Wednesday

2009-02-11T20:35:00.002-05:00

Here is Spunky doing what he does best! He's so sweet when he's sleeping :)

DOT - hanging out at home

2009-02-05T09:25:00.003-05:00

me and my boy, knitting and watching tv

whycome Wilbur gets to sleep in my spot of the couch next to mom...not fair...*sniff sniff*...poor Charlotte

Spunky hanging out

Whiskers on Wednesday

2009-02-04T11:58:00.003-05:00

This is my kitteh Spunky. He was born 8 days before my hubby Doug and I were married making his birthday August 20, 1998. He is officially an ole man kitteh. He is also a bit psychotic which started after we moved to Georgia and returned to Maryland for Christmas vacation. He stood at the top of the stairs and hissed and spit at my neighbor who was trying to feed him while I was away. He has never been the same since. He has been declawed so he hits now and is very strong. He also bites. After reading the Spotlight on Ace I feel much better about my boy. Spunky has had that 'habit' of taking our clothes and dragging them through the house whenever we would go somewhere (even if that somewhere was to the mailbox at the end of the driveway). My parents laughed when they came to visit because every time we returned from going out touristing we would come home to some article of mine (often unmentionables) laying in the hallway downstairs (my room is upstairs). Since we have gotten the puppies (they are 5 yrs old now) Spunky tends to limit his pining to the master bathroom. He also goes on kitteh vacation to the vets with the dogs when we go away and seems to do much better when we get back home. :)

New Blog

2009-02-03T14:50:00.002-05:00

Since I've been doing a lot of knitting and knitting is not always of interest to quilters, I've decided to start a new knitting blog DOGQUILTERKNITS. Hopefully this will start me to doing more quilting again. I've really enjoyed working on the Lancaster Season for the quilt guild and I have quite a few projects that need finishing and a pile in the queue to be made. The family, dogs and cat will probably stay here unless they are involved in the knitting project but I'm not sure yet. Maybe they will need their own blogs too. ;)

Lancaster Season

2009-02-02T13:23:00.002-05:00

I've finished the next installment of Lancaster Season for the quilt guild demo. The red frame border and the flying geese were added to the appliqued block. I'm really loving this quilt and the fact that I'm using only stashed fabrics is exciting!! So technically this quilt won't be 'costing' me anything...hee hee...wonder if Doug will buy that??? :)

2009-01-31T11:11:00.000-05:00

see more puppies

Scrapping the Swallowtail Shawl

2009-01-29T20:17:00.001-05:00

I'm scrapping the Swallowtail Shawl and will start over in a new yarn. I ordered another hank but it's no where near the same color...obviously way different dye lots. And I was really loving it too *sigh*

Snow

2009-01-26T23:03:00.003-05:00

Last Tuesday we had snow. Well such as snow is in Georgia. It was flurries and they went on for the better part of the day but didn't accumulate. It was pretty though and everyone was hopeful for some accumulation. Wilbur & Charlotte ran around in it for a few moments and then were waiting by the back door to come back inside. Wilbur is a bit of a weenie when it comes to inclement weather. Charlotte isn't that thrilled with the cold either though.

Shawl & socks & a finished scarf

2009-01-26T22:49:00.004-05:00

Wilbur is modeling the finished Worm Scarf done in Lane Cervinia Bernina. It was a quick knit that I started after having to set the Swallowtail Shawl aside. Isn't Wilbur just too cute??? Charlotte was wondering why he got to be the model when she usually gets the job. :)

After ripping out rows on the Swallowtail Shawl and redoing them I ran out of yarn and am now waiting for another skein argh!! It doesn't look nearly as pretty in the picture as it does in person and I can hardly wait to finish and block it. I love working with the Araucania Ranco yarn.

So in the meantime I have started working on the Charade socks in Opal and am really liking the pattern even though I haven't gotten very far with it.

Swallowtail Shawl

2009-01-20T13:41:00.001-05:00

I've been working on the Swallowtail Shawl...things were going great...everything was turning out fine...then rows weren't quite right but the numbers were fine....then rows were turning out right but numbers were off....now I'm ripping back...sniff sniff...and there are tears involved and a few words......

Happy DoT

2009-01-15T15:10:00.001-05:00

Wilbur & Charlotte

Finished Projects

2009-01-14T13:54:00.003-05:00

I've finally gotten around to posting the projects I finished for Christmas and a few that were done afterwards too. I've also started and finished Sock Monkey's Ruffled Neckwarmer but haven't blocked it yet. This is a pic of it started though.

I've also got the Woodland Shawl and Anne's Lacy Cuff Socks on the needles and will post pictures soon.

Leaf & Acorn Design Shawl

2009-01-14T13:40:00.004-05:00

This Leaf & Acorn Leaf Design Shawl by Shui Kuen Kozinski was made for me to wear to church. I totally don't remember which yarn I used but it is gold with metallic strands running through it.

Flora Scarfette

2009-01-14T13:35:00.002-05:00

Kate Kuckro's design Flora was made for my mom for Christmas. It was made using Reynolds Frisky in black for the scarf and Gedifra Disastro for the pink flower. It was finished off with a pink flower button that I found at JoAnn's.

Liesel Scarf

2009-01-14T13:33:00.002-05:00

Kylie models the finished Liesel Scarf for Brandy. Brandy loves all things purple as does my sister Misty. Kylie and I prefer pink :) It was made using Patons Divine yarn.

Convertible Shawl

2009-01-14T13:28:00.002-05:00

Okay, I finished Rebecca Hatcher's Convertible Shawl some time ago but just finally added the buttons to make it convertible so I thought I would show the finished pics of it. It was made using Fleece Artists Goldilocks which I bought in Tallahassee at Really Knit Stuff. I love it this way so much better than as a shawl and it's toasty warm too.

Philly Cowl

2009-01-14T13:20:00.004-05:00

This Philly Cowl was made for my sister Misty for Christmas. I used Cascade 220 wool in colorway 8891. I found the funky buttons at JoAnn's.

A Noble Cowl

2009-01-14T13:16:00.003-05:00

This is an Emily Kausalik pattern called A Noble Cowl that I finished using Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool in colorway 29 a very lovely shade of icky green.

This is the same cowl done in di.Ve' Teseo colorway 25565. It was made for my friend Jadene and is modeled by none other than Kylie. The cowl is very versatile in that you can use a pin to hold it closer to the neck as in this picture or left loose like the first pic. I hope Jadene enjoys hers as much as I've enjoyed mine.

Negative Brick Socks

2009-01-14T12:52:00.010-05:00

And then there were two: The Negative Bricks Socks by Sock bug. I used Knit Picks Memories in Yukon and since I make shorter socks only used just over one skein of yarn.

Misty's House

2009-01-12T14:51:00.022-05:00

After 6 long months of living with my parents, my sister Misty and her family, hubby Eric and girls Kylie & Tory moved into their newly renovated home December 23rd 2008.

Their home originally was a single story ranch home but now sports an upstairs the entire length of the original more than doubling the daily living space. I wished I could find a pic of the original home but for the life of me could not in the plethora of pics that I have acquired over the years...go figure.

After showing Kylie how Vanna White does it, she proceeded to give me the first class tour of her new home. She was so excited as you can see. I have mentioned before how much I adore this child haven't I????

The downstairs was completely opened up to to make the kitchen and living room one area. The former playroom and Kylies bedroom were opened up to make room for the steps to the upstairs.

Vanna aka Kylie started the tour with the purple playroom which formerly was her bedroom.

The old master bedroom will become a guest room.

Upstairs we started with Kylie and Tory's bathroom which is decorated in girly girl with none else than shoes!! I want this bathroom!!

Also a pic of Kylie in her tub (she's such a silly girl) and the window that overlooks the front of the house.

Down the hall is Kylie's room in yellow with pink circles which my sister did for her.

Tory's room is a divine lime green and she has the jungle painted furniture Misty did for Kylie. The little lump in the middle of the bed is Tory :)

Another guest room is upstairs next to the girls rooms.

The bonus room over the garage is going to be used as a craft room which I have no doubt will be well used.

Misty & Eric's room at the opposite end of the house is a really cool gold color and will go wonderfully with the renaisance them Misty has going on in there.

She once again has a room as a closet. When she was little she had the huge closet that she put her playhouse in and still had room for friends to play too.

I love the tile she used in the master bathroom and the vanity is divine!!

I'm sure they will love their new home and now when family (his is from Massachusetts) comes they can stay with them and enjoy the stew out of the darling girls.

Didn't Kylie do a wonderful job as Vanna? Of course she's much cuter than Vanna...

Motley Crew

2009-01-11T08:29:00.002-05:00

Brandy asked why the picture of me with her and Phillip, Kris & Shawn wasn't blogged...

Here are the pics per request. Guess I can no longer deny why Timothy makes faces in pictures either...nothing like being caught on camera acting like a goof. :)

DOT

2009-01-08T11:39:00.004-05:00

Charlotte doing what she does best...sleeping....check out that tongue hanging out of her mouth :)

Actually she and Wilbur both have been experiencing diahhrea since coming back from their vacation so off I go to get some meds for the sickly girl

Saturday After Christmas

2009-01-07T13:49:00.015-05:00

Damon and Tim came up from Charlotte the day after Christmas while Doug and I were at his sister Donna's. When I got up on Saturday morning this is what my mom was doing for my brother for breakfast:

Of course Damon and I give each other a hard time about who is the favorite child and of course having a blog I will make the most of publishing it so others know too. Actually my mom cooks for everyone when we come up to visit. It's really nice too. Oh and she provides orange juice :)

Eric and Misty were still getting things from Mom and Dad's to take back to their house. Eric brought the girls with him and baby girl Tory was getting really sleepy by the time they headed back home for her nap. She is so adorable with her hair up in an I Dream of Jeannie ponytail.

Mom and Daddy looking at the album Tim put together of their trip to Alaska this summer. The amount of time that he put in that must have been incredible. He even collected little hoohahs to go along with the pics. Great job Tim!!

Tim and Damon

Day After Christmas at Donna's

2009-01-07T13:49:00.014-05:00

It works out that our Christmas get togethers with my inlaws takes place the day after Christmas. Donna and Tim both work and yet she still finds the time to prepare a wonderful meal for all of us each year. This year Noah helped with the cookies and I wish I had a pic of him. Donna took several so there is proof :). He did a great job too!! Andrew's girlfriend (I wish I could remember her name) celebrated with us too. She's very quiet and quite cute too.

Noah got a pair of helicopters that he was flying (and trying to teach others to fly) in the living room entry way where Donna has high vaulted ceilings. No need to tell you that Noah was the only one with control so it was NOT safe to try to take a pic from the room!!

Walter was home from college and joined us. Walter & Mei.

Doug, Joey, Donna & Noah

Kate got a new camera (I believe she confiscated her boyfriends :)) and Noah taking a break from flying

Dad & Mei

The herd of us:Joey, Douglas, Michael, Doug, Kate & me

Noah, Tim, Donna, Andrew & girlfriend (I really stink at remembering names)

Christmas Day at Mom & Dad's

2009-01-07T02:56:00.013-05:00

Christmas Eve was the first night my sister and her entire family spent at their newly renovated home but they were at Mom & Dad's bright and early (10ish?). There are plenty of pictures of Tory and her first Christmas along with big sister Kylie (who just turned 6!!!) and daddy Eric & mommy Misty.

Sometimes Auntie Kim gets a little scared when the little ones are carrying the baby

Isn't this the most precious little face?!?!?! And have I mentioned that I get to go back to Md in a couple of weeks to be godmother to the little sweetie too - YAY for me!!

Auntie Kim (yes I'm in my pj bottoms which my nephew Louis pointed out when and his family showed up), Tory & Kylie in her fabulous sunglasses and Hannah Montana shirt (a movie star in the making???)

Kylie (not sure what happened to the hair there) and momma Misty

Uncle George & Tory

Misty said that Tory's favorite present at home was her bath poof...well now she's thrilled with the tissue stuffing...we could have all gotten off cheaply with this little one this year if only we'd known

Tory cheezing with her new riding toy

yeah she really does like that toy

3 generations of Houghton men: daddy, nephew Joseph/Joe, and brother Erik (not to be confused with brother-in-law Eric)

more chaos and mahem and small people carrying the baby again *argh*

The Houghton Clan without George who was manning the cameras and Tory who was napping:
back row: Doug, me, daddy, Joe, Mom & Holly
middle row: Eric, Misty, Erik, Louis
front row: Kylie, Jennifer, Melissa & James

Christmas Eve

2009-01-06T18:25:00.015-05:00

Brandy, Phillip, Kristopher & Shawn came to mom's from Delaware to celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. This way their family has time to relax on Christmas Day without running the roads. Joe & Kate came over too. Kylie spent the day calling Douglas 'Little Douglas' and Doug 'Big Douglas'. She was such a hoot and both were really good sports about it. :)

Cousins, Brandy & Kylie spend time together.

Michael, Doug, Douglas, Kate & Joe

Brandy , Phillip, Kristopher & Shawn

Phillip and Doug trying to keep out of the way of the camera but alas it is impossible. :D

Kristopher, Brandy and Shawn. Shawn is now wearing his glasses full time instead of just when he's reading. Mom-mom (me) knows what that's like since I got mine in the 4th grade. He's quite the handsome guy don't ya think??

Michael

Kate, Douglas and Joe

The Monday before Christmas my friend Debi Shanahan and her mom Pearl Early came to moms and spent the afternoon with us playing catch up. It had been almost 20 years since Debi and I had seen each other so it was great to see her.

Tory likes to go bye bye and when she's ready to head out she gets her coat, lays it on the ground and lays on top of it waiting for someone to zipper her in. She's so funny. Here she's preparing to go. Sweet baby.

2009-01-06T16:54:00.002-05:00

Maybe I should just change the blog name from dogquilter to procrastinator?! I've been home since the 31st, downloaded the pics to the puter and even edited some of them...but have they made it to my blog???? uh NOOOOO. I have been quite busy though. Since a large portion of my wardrobe went to Maryland/Delaware with me over the holidays I decided now was the perfect time to reorg my closet. Am I stoopid or what??? I'm tired from the holidays but there are now 3 stacks of clothes on my bed. Have I mentioned that I'm tired? I've done some shifting in the closet and rearranging and purging through clothes. This is not an especially fun job and the only upside is that I let myself get on the computer in between work stages and take quizzes, check up on blogs I follow and sit on my butt. Oh and I am doing some knitting too. I'm working on a pair of Negative Bricks socks from Sock Bug (one is finished Yay) and Ruffled Neckwarmer in the evenings while I'm watching the boob tube. :)

2009-01-06T16:38:00.000-05:00

I found this quiz on Tangled Threads & Seaweed and thought I'd give it a go:

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Bette!

You are a Bette -- "I must be strong"

Bettes are direct, self-reliant, self-confident, and protective.

How to Get Along with Me

* Stand up for yourself... and me.

* Be confident, strong, and direct.

* Don't gossip about me or betray my trust.

* Be vulnerable and share your feelings. See and acknowledge my tender, vulnerable side.

* Give me space to be alone.

* Acknowledge the contributions I make, but don't flatter me.

* I often speak in an assertive way. Don't automatically assume it's a personal attack.

* When I scream, curse, and stomp around, try to remember that's just the way I am.

What I Like About Being a Bette

* being independent and self-reliant

* being able to take charge and meet challenges head on

* being courageous, straightforward, and honest

* getting all the enjoyment I can out of life

* supporting, empowering, and protecting those close to me

* upholding just causes

What's Hard About Being a Bette

* overwhelming people with my bluntness; scaring them away when I don't intend to

* being restless and impatient with others' incompetence

* sticking my neck out for people and receiving no appreciation for it

* never forgetting injuries or injustices

* putting too much pressure on myself

* getting high blood pressure when people don't obey the rules or when things don't go right

Bettes as Children Often

* are independent; have an inner strength and a fighting spirit

* are sometimes loners

* seize control so they won't be controlled

* figure out others' weaknesses

* attack verbally or physically when provoked

* take charge in the family because they perceive themselves as the strongest, or grow up in difficult or abusive surroundings

Bettes as Parents

* are often loyal, caring, involved, and devoted

* are sometimes overprotective

* can be demanding, controlling, and rigid

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

2009-01-01T11:17:00.000-05:00

Finishing projects

2008-12-11T13:45:00.004-05:00

Today I've been blocking finished projects. Hopefully all will be dry by Sunday when I need to pack them up to cart to Maryland. One day I will have proper blocking tools but until then a sheet, the floor and pins will have to do.

The Stormy Scarf is for Dad for Christmas.

The Philly Cowl is a Ravelry pattern. I will add buttons after it's finished drying. This is the back side (yeah go figure). Hopefully Misty will like this.

The Luna Moth Shawl is actually for me. I was afraid it wasn't going to be large enough but it really stretched when wet and it will be perfect for me. Church is always a little cool and I just love the look and feel of a shawl instead of a coat.

I've pinned a quilt that now needs quilting...this is for my littlest sister Dallas and I have procrastinated way too long on this.

2008-11-29T11:44:00.001-05:00

I visited 2nd Cup of Coffees blog and found this quiz:

You Are Pumpkin Pie

Even when people are full - they make room for you.

Good or bad, your smell is most likely to arouse a man.

What Part of Thanksgiving Are You?

just for fun

2008-11-28T15:19:00.000-05:00

more animals

HAPPY DOT!!

2008-11-27T11:00:00.004-05:00

We received our DOT prize in the mail!! It was filled with quilt fabrics (doggie prints of course), snacks for mom, stickers and treats for the kids which they LOOOVVEEEE!! Thank you Paula and Elise!!

Look at that mug!

No not her...take a pic of me me me

DOT - Cookie Baking

2008-11-20T10:49:00.010-05:00

The pups and I (with supervision from one annoyed cat) made Breath Bustin' doggie cookies. It gave me some practice for Christmas cookie baking too although the dough is a little more elastic like bread. I pulled out the angel, gingerbread man and star cookie cutters and we went to work.

Here they are ready to bake.

Finished cookies cooling on the plate.

Puppies anxiously waiting for a treat.

Nom, nom, nom...

Cannot believe she's making cookies for those stoopid puppies.

Fine, I'll just lay on the table and annoy her.

The cookie jar is filled once again and all is right in the world *sigh*

Nieces

2008-11-06T12:42:00.005-05:00

My sister Misty sent me these pics of the girls. Kylie is in kindergarten this year!! I remember when she was only a couple of weeks old at Christmas and I wanted her to be my present...time flies and she is such a big girl now. Tory is 6 months old in these pictures so they were taken at the end of July. I can't believe she is already walking with toys and will probably be running by the time I get to see her next at Christmas!! It makes me want to cry to think I am missing so much of them growing up without me there to see it. Kylie does like to talk on the phone and we keep up with each other regularly. That's the advantage to the grandsons being old enough to carry on conversations too but with wee little ones it's just not the same. I'll be leaving early for Christmas and staying for a long 2 weeks so as to take advantage of as much baby time as possible.

DOT

2008-11-06T12:36:00.004-05:00

Not a whole lot going on here. Charlotte has good days and bad days with the hip but it's warmed up a bit so there have been more good days. Both pups have been helping me quilt this week. Wilbur ate his toy ball bone in half so now he thinks he has two toys (I'm thinking a boy trying to take it away from him may have been involved in the breakage but have no proof of the event). He's such a goofball. Also Charlotte continues to be camera shy where Wilbur is always at the ready for a photo opportunity.

Seaside Socks

2008-11-06T12:19:00.005-05:00

I finished the 2nd pair of seaside socks (these are for moi) by Sara Morris (aka fyberduck). I used Regia yarn and ran short on the last couple rows of the 2nd sock but grabbed some non matching blue to finish up. Oh well you wouldn't really notice unless I pointed it out and well they are for my feet so I don't really care anyway.

Lancaster Season

2008-11-06T11:23:00.009-05:00

This year our quilt guild, Pieceful Hearts Quild guild in N. Augusta, SC is doing Kim Shaefer's Lancaster Season as a block of the month (BOM). I volunteered to do the demos of the quilt as we go along.

The quilt is a great Christmassy quilt but by changing the center medallion you could adapt it to any season you like. I'm using fabrics that I already have in my stash. Since the focal point of this quilt was a pointsettia I chose a bronzy colored pointsettia print as my color inspiration and for the final border fabric. Some of the fabrics have metallic gold in them also and hopefully will add a glow to the finished quilt. I'm really excited to see how this finishes up. We are having our quilt show in October 2009 so I'm hoping those of us who are making this will have them finished in time to hang by then.

The central block is made on a 15 1/2 inch piece of fabric. The pattern uses machine applique technique so I traced the individual pieces onto freezer paper first then pressed them onto the fabric I was using. Since I didn't want a stiff appliqued piece I used Misty Fuse instead of one of the other products available. Misty Fuse is much lighter and still gives you a bendable product when you are finished and I would highly recommend it especially when layering of fabrics is involved. Cutting out individual pieces AFTER you have add the fusible web is much easier than precutting and trying to follow around the piece, it also avoids the jagged edges and leaves a much cleaner cut. Doing a preliminary layout before adhering any of the pieces is suggested just to be sure everything will fit properly then iron away! I shortened my zig zag stitch on the machine to 2.0 and .45 and stitched around each of the individual pieces in coordinating threads. Amazingly the little gold centers were not a bugger to stitch either!! I had forgotten to take a pic of the final finished block before giving it to Marie to take to the morning meeting next week...oh well I'll catch it on the next installment....

DOT

2008-10-23T11:34:00.010-04:00

Lots has been going on this week. We've been inundated with cuteness all round so there are lots of pics of my babies just being well, cute!!
Charlotte has been having trouble with her hip since the weather has changed and gotten cooler so we're back on the Rimadyl. She still wants to go with me when I walk at the library with the girls and I'm still trying to take her even though I feel guilty when she starts hobbling so we slow down for her...she has become one of 'the girls' herself.

2008-10-17T21:08:00.001-04:00

I couldn't resist this one:

see more puppies

2nd DOT and quilting

2008-10-16T17:59:00.006-04:00

After taking her nap, Charlotte came in and helped me work on the quilt top. If you look closely you can see the thread on her nose...silly puppy!

The top and bottom sashings were added and the rows were sewn together. All that's left to do is add the borders and the top will be finished!!

quilt progress

2008-10-16T15:23:00.002-04:00

Piecing the blocks together and adding the sashing to seperate each I've gotten the 3 rows sewn together and am off to pin the sashings to the top and bottom of each...I love to pin...arghhh

DOT

2008-10-16T14:16:00.000-04:00

This was in a joke that was going around and I thought it was very suitable for Dogs On Thursday...hope you and yours have a delightful DOT!!

Handle every stressful situation like a dog.

If you can't eat it or play with it,

Just pee on it and walk away.

FINISHED SOCKS!!

2008-10-10T23:32:00.003-04:00

I finally finished the Seaside Socks! They were made with Knit Picks Memories yarn in Yukon colorway. These will be a Christmas present since they are a little taller than I really like.

Quilt update

2008-10-10T23:29:00.001-04:00

I sewed the pieced for the blocks together and for the sashings between the finished blocks. Ironing is on the bill for tomorrow. ;)

DOT - Charlotte helps quilt

2008-10-09T15:02:00.006-04:00

Charlotte and Wilbur started the day off helping me pick out the fabrics for the Carolina Comfort quilt in the post below.

Then we headed off to the bathroom to take a bath...fun for all...well Wilbur loves the bathtub but Charlotte, not so much, however at least she has quit whining the entire time we are in there...maybe because Wilbur jumped in at the same time I was able to get Charlotte into the tub...BOYS!!! Anyway, the pups are clean, the towels are in a pile waiting for their turn in the washer, the bathroom has been febreezed so it now smells like ode de apple spice/wet dog...which is significantly better than the ode de stinky wet dog before spraying.

Anyway after I showered and everyone was smelling better, Charlotte and I set to cutting out the fabrics for the quilt.

It's hard work laying under the ironing board watching mom cut fabric!

2008-10-09T11:40:00.004-04:00

Todays project is the Quilter Magazine's free online project Carolina Comfort which I am doing in these colors:

The large pink rose print will be the focal fabric. The pink hearts will replace the yellow cornerstones.
The light blue swirl fabric will replace the green sashing strips, small cornerstones and for the binding.
The blue & lavendar batik will be used in place of the ribbon border.
The large blue flower print will be used for the outside border.

2008-10-07T23:05:00.001-04:00

more animals

HAVE A HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

2008-10-03T15:42:00.001-04:00

more animals

2008-10-02T21:52:00.000-04:00

DOT post

2008-10-02T21:15:00.003-04:00

Wilbur's being a sweet big brother and giving Charlotte a puppy bath. He is so good to her and keeps her very clean....

....she does not reciprocate...guess that's the advantage of being the little sister.

2008-10-02T19:25:00.002-04:00

The Perfume Finder Quiz

MY RESULT:Fun and Flirty

You love fast-paced excitement and awesome times with your friends. Summer days are your time to shine, and when it comes to scents, you need something that triggers your sunniest vibes. Citrusy scents with hints of oranges, lemons and the ocean breeze -- even coconut -- will make you feel like you're on summer vacation all the time, even in the middle of January. Splash it on all the time -- especially in your worst moods. It's guaranteed to get your attitude back on the beach where it belongs.

Take This Quiz! or Take Other Quizzes!

Cooking

2008-09-25T23:26:00.014-04:00

Wilbur who is always at the ready to help me in the kitchen.

Spunky watched from his kitty station across the kitchen...

while I fixed one of the recipes on Smitten Kitch en for roasted tomatoes and garlic and tried it out for the second time. I was going to take the pics the first time but ate them instead.

I started by placing the grape tomatoes sliced in half in a bowl along with the garlic cloves and tossed them with oil (i'm too messy to drizzle directly onto tomatoes and it came out more like dumping on my first try).

The placing them on the stone I added salt, greek spices and popped them into the oven to bake on 250 for 2 hours.

When they were done I mixed some of them with artichoke hearts, a little balsamic vinegar, little olive oil and feta cheese and put them on cheese bread I had gotten from Panera and broiled them in the oven (again the first fruits were eaten without the gratuitous picture...maybe next time).

Charlotte licking her chops for a handout.

The Magical Drawer

2008-09-25T23:18:00.007-04:00

Okay maybe the drawer isn't magical but it truly is a wonder how Spunky can get himself in the drawer when it's full of stuff. The dresser is full of envelopes, etc and I left it open much to Spunky's delight. He loves drawers. He helped himself into the drawer, turned around and hung out for awhile acting as if this was his special place and he belonged there. He can even hide in the back so no one even knows he's in there at all. Silly kitty. Where does your kitteh hang out???

Premium Dardos Award

2008-09-25T13:15:00.004-04:00

We received this award from Happy...THANK YOU THANK YOU!!

“Com o Prêmio Dardos, se reconhecem os valores que cada blogueiro mostra cada dia em seu empenho por transmitir valores culturais, éticos, literários, pessoais etc. que, em suma, demonstram sua criatividade através do pensamento vivo que permanece intacto entre suas letras e suas palavras.“Este selo implica duas regras:a primeira, linkar o blog do qual recebeu o prêmio. A segunda – escolher blogs para entregar o prêmio.

"With the Premium Dardos, recognize the values that each blogger shows each day in commitment to transmit cultural values, ethical, literary, personal etc. that, in short, demonstrate their creativity by alive thinking that remains intact from their letters and words. "

We would like to pass it on to: Mindy, Jacqui, Gnat , Channon & Firefly.

DOT LOL Post

2008-09-25T12:30:00.000-04:00

see more puppies

One Down One To Go

2008-09-16T22:39:00.005-04:00

Finished one of the Seaside socks tonight! I really enjoy working on socks in between projects or sometimes instead of other projects. They are fairly quick and small enough as a take a long project. Patterns are generally short enough repeats that you can chat and hang out with friends without messing up patterns and having to rip back mistakes (much easier for me to mess up in public on a shawl than a sock). The cuff on this one is a little higher than I prefer so this may wind up a Christmas present. :)

1/2 way point of 30 days

2008-09-15T13:25:00.002-04:00

I can't begin to tell you how much money I have saved by not buying yarn but I'm pretty sure however much it was, I spent it at the gas station gouging this weekend. Thankfully I had it to spend. Anyway, I have not bought a single skein of yarn, hank of fiber or any quilting fabric or notion for myself! I did buy 2 sets of dpn's that I needed when I was in Aiken for Aiken's Makin which was right around the corner from Barbara Sue Brodie. I needed the needles and since both of our local in Augusta shops have closed I justified the expenditure by saying I was already there in Aiken anyway and wouldn't be back anytime soon. No reason to make a special trip just for knitting needles now is there?? Besides had I waited and ordered them on the internets I would have bought yarn too just so I could justify the shipping costs. See how my mind works???

ps I did buy material for the OA division of the boy scouts but that was for costumes as a mercy mission that has to be finished by this Friday so it doesn't count either. Pictures later when I'm done.

15 Years

2008-09-13T17:16:00.003-04:00

Well my friend, Jacqui tagged me with this little task of looking back on one's life and what have you learned (well that's the way I"m going to approach it anyway) in the last 15 years.

Think back on the last 15 years of your life. What would you tell someone that you haven’t seen or talked to for 15 years? How would you sum up your life? You get 10 bullet points. A list of 10 things to summarize about you. At the end of your list, tag 5 more people and send on the love…

well here goes....
In the last 15 years I have learned that:

I am NOT as smart as I was 15 years ago and I do not know as much as I thought I did back then.
Getting divorced will not solve all my problems and make me happy. Unless you are having the snot beat out of you, keep trying and go to counseling and keep trying and suck it up because no one is going to make you be happy.
The new man/husband in your life will not necessarily be better (well hopefully he will) but he will be different and the same all at the same time. Men are men. They are not going to fulfill our dreams, be the reason for our existence or solve all of our problems. They are our partners and they are not perfect (neither are we) and we will struggle through life, challenges and daily drudgeries hopefully together. If you are not happy with yourself you won't find fulfillment in someone else. Work on you first and the rest will fall in place.
Getting a second chance at raising children and not making the same mistakes you made before is possible, however, you will make new mistakes to take the place of the previous mistakes. Count on it. It will happen. I know this for sure.
I do not love the gray hairs, wrinkles or the 'parts' that are not in the same place on my body that they were 15 years ago. However I have come to accept them and realize that I worked very hard for them. I have lived a life full of fun, excitement, love, mistakes, problems, etc. Those hairs, wrinkles and fallen parts are all part of that experience and although I sometimes think I would change them (and would if I could) I realize that they are all part of who I have become.
Parents are not your enemy. (This should probably be #1)
You are never too old to learn a new hobby. In the last 9 years since being in Georgia, I have learned to quilt, sew on a machine, and knit and I'm pretty good at it.
Anyone can change if they want to bad enough. I am one who has and it can be done.
Children are great. Life would not be the same to me without them. Children will stretch you and grow you in directions you never thought possible. They will challenge and delight you. They will make you question your sanity, frequently. They will love you without restraint (unless they are mad and then they will hate you with the same fervor).
Grandchildren are better. They are God's way of letting you laugh at your children as they deal with the same things that drove you crazy about them. You get to be the good guy this time. You can be the one who is fun and playful and has time for the little guys instead of being too busy cleaning something to deal with them. You can also send them home. God is sooo cool!!

I have no idea who to tag but if you read this and would like to participate let me know so I can see what exactly you have learned in the last 15 years....