Cleaning like a woman possessed!

I needed to change my sheets today and I had been wanting to give my room a thorough cleaning but didn't think this was the time (I should have been wrapping Christmas presents) but I just couldn't stand it anymore!  I had those "stilts" on my bed that raise the bed up and I couldn't move it to really clean.   So today I managed to get them off and my bed has wheels so I got into corners and under the bed thoroughly and moved it to the corner.  It's much more convenient with the dresser there as the book case was just a "collector"....of dust books, magazines...you name it.  Plus, the bookcase was open in the back so things fell between it and the wall.  I would love to stop and paint and shampoo the carpet but that will have to wait.  

But for now it feels so much cleaner than it was and I only have the books I am reading on my nightstand plus with this arrangement I was able to actually plug in my phone and my tablet too.
The drawers contain linens now but they will be cleared out to hold my "projects" so Miss Peeps doesn't get into them and I can get them off my dressers where they are presently "piled" to keep them away from her! LOL! 
I've been taking things to the basement and going through things to "use it up, make it do, throw it out or buy it new" and I ran across a string of bee lights that my daughter had gifted me........they are now strung over my bathroom mirror which is just enough light to use the bathroom without having to turn on the overhead fixtures............unfortunately it was dark when I took my pictures a few minutes ago.......but you get the picture (lol!)......and who is that old woman taking the photo?  Got me!

 Here's a better picture of the cute little bees...........I love them!

My Hiya Hiya bamboo interchangeable needles arrived today but now I am waiting on the cable and the yarn to start the Project Peace cowl.  I have a set of Hiya Hiya interchangeable needles in both the small and the large in nickle but not the sharps.  I like them but thought I would try the bamboo as I have heard some people rave about them.  I'll let you know.

I got another Christmas present in the mail from me to me...lol!  It's a book I've been wanting for a very long time but it was out of print and Amazon wanted like a zillion dollars for it but I finally found a reasonable copy on Thrift Books.  I'll tell you more after Christmas.  It may not be a surprise for me but it will be for you!  But I am not even opening the front cover until Christmas.......Santa said!

I hope you are all warm and cozy and ramping up for the Big Day whatever that is to you.
Happy Trails!

I have been off of the WWW for 3 days!

I had no pc, no t.v. (because I only use Roku through the internet), so I had no weather, no news and the tablet wasn't working either so no pod casts and I couldn't read my books.  I'm so glad I print off my knitting and crochet patterns or I would have really been up a creek without a paddle!  Evidently, Microsoft did an update which did not "jive" with the wireless router my telephone company provides.  It took them 3 days to get it fixed.  I was just starting to catch up with my blogging friends and then boom!  So, here I go again trying to catch up with everyone....I will but it might take a few days.  Meanwhile, I did some cleaning and decorating for Christmas here on the homestead.  Connie, can you see your little house and tree there...it's part of my Christmas village!  Last year I won a hand carved little house and tree from Connie over at  Far Side of Fifty.

 

The Christmas presents that I ordered are rolling in (for gifting to others) and I am so glad I got them ordered before the internet went south for 3 days!  I also ordered some books which are for gifts and for my Christmas! LOL!

 This is the first book in this series and my grandson Sam was asking for it.  I'm reading it just to make sure it's appropriate and so far so good.....I'm about half way finished with it.

I started reading the 2nd book by James Herriot......All Things Bright and Beautiful.....I loved the first one!  I have 2 books in one volume.

I also ordered the 3rd book in the Harry Potter series so I will be reading that over Christmas.

I am almost finished with this book and could hardly put it down.....not because it's a "thriller" or full of suspense but because it takes me to a beautiful place in the English countryside and is just a wonderful story.  This is the first in a series about Aunt Dimity by Nancy Atherton who is British.  Several years back I read a couple of the books but our library never has the whole series and this one really requires you to read the first book to see how everything starts.  So, I finally ordered it and now I need to order MORE! LOL!  It is just a sweet tale and at my age that is what I prefer.....no violence, no swearing, no "steamy" scenes.....just a gentle and happy story with tea and crumpets and English cottages.  Oh, there are mysteries involved, don't get me wrong and they are the kind that keep the light on and keep me turning the pages! 

I've gathered my Christmas magazines and books and next week I'll blog about some of my favorites but for now I'm reading this magazine from last year.  It's a little too "fancy" for me but I'll read it and pass it on.  I fell for the cover.....it seemed pretty old fashioned to me which is what I like.  

 This is leg #1 of 4 for the giraffe but no rush now...........and it's amazing how much more I am enjoying it because of that........

I also couldn't resist starting over on the linen stitch scarf with the right hook size this time! LOL!  What a difference and it's addictive.....very good for t.v. watching too which I will be doing tonight! What a treat after 3 days of silence and my own company!

 I made a couple quiches to get me through the week so I can focus on Christmas wrapping and cleaning and decorating.   I need to ensure those grand boys get their presents on time!

I hope all is going well and smoothly for you this holiday season and don't forget to enjoy yourself!

Happy Trails!

YOP Week #23

I just realized I have not blogged since YOP Week #22!  But I do have my Christmas shopping done, doctor visits and blood work over until Spring and clean clothes and food made for the week!  I apologize that I have not been "present" in the blogging community this week...heck, I haven't even listened to a podcast!  Shopping, be it in person or online, is exhausting, both mentally and physically but it is a wonderful feeling to give to those you care about.  I also stopped trying to make all those gifts....why put that kind of pressure on myself?  I want to enjoy my Christmas too!  I could do it probably if I spent every moment until Christmas but then I wouldn't have decorated or baked cookies or gotten ready for my little Christmas, and since I spend it alone it is important that I make it special for myself.  So, let the holidays begin!
Be assured, I am still working on the presents but no pressure.....just steady progress.  For the giraffe.....I got the head done and need to sew on.....

The cross stitch is coming along especially since I recently purchased the right type and size of needle.  I'll be working on it this afternoon.......

I went to Hobby Lobby last week while I was in Mountain Home and picked up yarn for the 3rd giraffe and a few other skeins...........

Last night I was wanting to try the scarf pattern that Becki had shown a few YOP weeks ago crocheted in the linen stitch.  So, I grabbed my Lion Brand yarn that was similar to the Red Heart she used and checked the pattern for hook size and away I went!   I chained the required 400 and actually did 2 1/2 rows on it............

but it was a struggle and was not "flowing" like in relaxed crochet mode.  I had to quit as my hands were really hurting from it.  I checked the label and the pattern and realized that the yarn was worsted....not fingering weight like the pattern called for plus I was the using the size E hook (very small) that the pattern DID call for.........duh!  How long have I been doing this?  So......that's what I get for starting a project at the end of the day when I'm tired and not at the top of my game for sure! LOL!  No wonder my hands hurt!  So, I'll be starting over with the appropriate sized hook for the yarn weight and maybe I will go check out Becki's project notes that she recommended but which I did not read because....dontchaknow.....I wanted to "dive right in"!  But I did learn the stitch and with the right tools I think I will definitely enjoy it!  Sometimes I wonder how I am able to survive on my own! LOL!
As for future plans and projects.....you know how I can't seem to stick to my original list....too many bright and shiny objects that catch my eye.  Here are a few in the works...........

This was mentioned by Breathing Life last week on her YOP post and I thought it was such a wonderful idea that I took her up on it.  It started December 1st and I just ordered my yarn and needles but what the hay......it's a wonderful sentiment especially with all that is going on around the world.  I do believe thoughts carry energy and if knitting by people thinking peaceful thoughts will help, I am all for it!  I had several "run-ins" with unhappy humans this week and just the news alone is enough to make one break down in tears so this came at a very good time. We all need a little bolstering at this time of year and a reminder of what this season is all about....peace and love.  So, thank you Breathing Life and Christina Campbell and the wonderful illustrator Lisa Orgler.  This is a free pattern on Ravelry and there is a group on Ravelry also, The Healthy Knitter.  Christina is at The Healthy Knitter and Lisa can be reached at www.lisaorgler.com where she blogs about garden design.  I will be late to the party by the time my supplies arrive but I will enjoy it regardless.
There was also something that caught my eye in an email I got from Deramores and I think it is so cute!  It is a kit with pattern and yarns to make these cars ............

and this playmat..........

I think it's a hoot and it's $28.50 before shipping but look at those chubby little knitted cars!  Too cute!  It is a Deramores exclusive so that is the only place you can get it.....adorable!
There's a striped hat pattern and yarn kit I want too, for myself but the budget is getting strained and I already ordered "stuff" so maybe my birthday in January?   It is this one at Woolyn which TammyG visited last week.  I went over to the link provided and that's when I saw it and fell in love!
Isn't it darling?  I emailed them to see if they had any kits left but if they don't I will try and replicate on my own.....I love it too much to let it go!LOL!  Great idea about the yarn on those cards too.  I have a bunch of those that I use for cross stitch floss.

I have treasures coming.....I got so many ideas from you all last week!  I ordered the Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball color Feng Shui to make a scarf for my daughter for next Christmas.....from the talented crocheting from MrsMcD918....I loved hers!  I've decided I'm not late on Christmas presents...I'm just early for next year! LOL!
Happy Trails!