Friday, February 20, 2015

Things are going to the dogs and more around here!

Well, everyone of us got sick here....no, it's not carbon monoxide but it does make one wonder!  Nitty (the Rottweiler), Annie the miniature dachshund, the cat and me.  If you're squeamish maybe you shouldn't read this, lol!
First,  I woke one morning and Nitty had had the runs in the night.  She has never in her 10 years ever gone in the house so I know she was sick.  She was so ashamed too even though I never yelled at her.  I was very grateful for my Spotbot little carpet shampooer!  It took me all day to get it all cleaned up and I went through almost a whole bottle of carpet shampoo.  There was a break for one day then the next day I woke up to 8 - 9 small areas of "throw-up" from Annie.  The last mess was the cat who got sick on my chair in my bedroom.  Thankfully, the Spotbot has a hose and brush attachment for upholstery too!  Whew!  Me, well I just got a headache and was very tired and finally realized I had a fever.  What a week!!!
We had a little snow too..........


and now we're expecting who knows what? Snow, sleet or freezing rain?  Or all of the above.....
So, since I'm feeling a bit better I thought I might try something "fun" for a change........(before the other shoe drops...so to speak..lol!)  
I've been wanting to make one of these bags for my sock knitting.  I bought it online from Craftsy.  I wanted to sell them on Etsy but I have to buy a "cottage license" from her which I haven't looked into yet.  I'll get some made first.
Also, my son was replacing a headlight on his sister's car during the terrible cold they're having up North and he got frostbite on the top of his one hand so I want to make him some fingerless mitts to use in situations like that.  He's always helping someone with their cars so I know this might happen again.  I found this pattern free on Ravelry.
Just what I was looking for.  I wasn't going to "cast on" any new projects but I don't want him getting frostbite so I may have to  make an exception in this case!
I hope you are all well, warm ,dry and full! 
Happy Trails!!!




Sunday, February 15, 2015

YOP Week #33


I cannot understand why, when I'm retired, my life gets busier and busier and we're not talking social or volunteering either!  It's been a great week but busy.  This will be a long post to make up for my absence but I will blog about the fiber stuff first for those of you who only want to read about that.
I also learned something.....if I just stick to 1 crochet project and 1 knitting project things not only go faster but I make less (as in zero so far) mistakes...amazing!  I may be on to something here!
It may be boring for you but progress was made.............
 November preemie hats are done (on the left)
 and 3 of the 5 December hats are done........
 Last week I had finished 27 of the 55 blocks on the blanket and this week I am just starting on block 31 of the 55.....
That's it for my YOP update but for other things...........I got some new scissors and a scissor sharpener at Wal-Mart...........
The scissors are endorsed by The Arthritis Association which a good thing in my case.........I'll let you know how they both work out.....
I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day or weekend.....an ardent admirer got me these......
and these........
Have you guessed who the ardent admirer is?  MOI!!!!   LOL! 
I also made some yummy and I think beautiful cookies that I have wanted to make for years but didn't have the right tool but now I do.........
Swedish Linzer cookies.....these are filled with red plum jam although I prefer red raspberry but I couldn't find any.  Aren't they pretty?  And they are a melt in your mouth treat too! LOVE!!!!
I found the cutout tool at Wal-Mart and it is made by Wilton...the cake decorating people.  Actually it didn't work well as designed so I removed the heart cutout and just used it by itself which was much easier.  The tool came with several different cutouts too.  This batch went to the Vet's office to thank them for letting me watch the "puppy" operation on Tuesday but I have another batch to make that is chilled in the fridge.
Yesterday when I went out to get the mail, my new neighbor came over and gave me the one and only Valentine I received..........so sweet of her!  And speaking of sweet, there were 2 dove raspberry chocolates tucked inside!  YUM!  She will be receiving some of the next batch of cookies for sure!
Yesterday it was 67 here so I was outside for sure......this morning was 17 degrees and snow and sleet are on the way!  Talk about the best of both worlds!  I love a good snowstorm!  So, yes.....this week was just about perfect!  I hope yours was too!
Happy Trails!