My Dogs on Thursday (and Every Day)

Max: Over-the-shoulder pose

Although Max is too big and strong to be coy, this pic is as close as he can get to it! He recently "celebrated" a birthday and is now 11 years old. My big, cuddly boy!

Lailah: Lookin' for trouble? Look right in my face!

Li'l Lailah is as cute and active as ever! A bundle of energy, she bounces and prances and is happy about everything. We frequently laugh her various antics as she romps, plays and, oh yes, sometimes manages to get into trouble. Love her to pieces!

I'm feeling sad that I have to board them for about a week. I'll miss them. Although I don't like to board them, sometimes there's just no choice. DH is going to have hip replacement surgery tomorrow at an out of town hospital He's scheduled to have the second hip replaced at the end of December. So, the doggies will be boarded while we are gone and for a few days after he returns home. They are always in the middle of everything and would assuredly be in the way. Max is large and immovable. There are times when he simply won't budge which is problematic for DH using crutches or a walker. So, I'll kiss the babies and send them off with the attendant at the kennel. You know, I can't even email or text them while we're gone!!

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Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again…
~ Psalm 42:11

Scarf Roll

Roll out the scarf! Consisting of three balls of Bolicene, this scarf is a long, warm neck hugger!

The true colors are shades of tan/beige/brown and powder blue. The yarn is a souvenir of our travels last June after our Delta Queen cruise. It will soon be on its merry way to Scarves from the Heart to warm a cancer patient receiving chemo. www.scarvesfromtheheart.com Maybe you'll send a scarf their way too?

A dear friend and I are getting together for a knitting afternoon today. Chat-n-knit...what a wonderful way to spend the afternoon! I'm going to start a scarf for almost-5-yr-old DGD after her request for "anunner scarf". How could I resist that particular request! I have a ball of Nashua "Sassafras" in aqua with flecks of pink and yellow. The colors are so soft and pretty, perfect for a sweet little girl.

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Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre; make music for him on the ten-stringed harp. Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy. ~ Psalm 33:2-3

She's A Monkey!

Another Christmas present is done! Yaaay! Monkey Head is now complete and waiting for DGD to love her. I had read Ravelry notes about using dry beans in the joints, feet, hands and seat. The pattern (available in a previous post) called for plastic beads. The beans sounded like a good idea, but after I popped some into a foot I realized -- maybe not! I made the monkey with cotton yarn so it can be tossed in the washing machine which wouldn't be the place for dry beans! I then decided not to purchase plastic beads and went with a different suggestion I had read on Ravelry. I didn't stuff the arms, legs, and tail so that the monkey is poseable. I do prefer its appearance to the ones with the stuffed appendages.

I've decided that I don't really care for Cascade Bollicine Revolution yarn. I bought three balls of it on sale at a LYS while DH and I were traveling in June. Although it is 90% merino and 10% polyamid, it does not have a pleasant hand. I am using it to make a One Row Scarf http://yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2006/10/12/one_row_handspun_scarf.html

Its a simple pattern for mindless knitting that yields a beautiful scarf! The FO appears much more complex that the pattern actually is!

What are YOU knitting?

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No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead ... ~ Philippians 3:13

Of Dogs and Monkey Parts

Do you ever feel like you're being watched.? Often, when I'm online--which in itself is often!--I look to my left to see Max. Watching.

Lailah peeks around the corner of the computer desk for a quick hello and "Look! I'm not in trouble!"

Feeling eyes burning in my back, I turn around to see body-less Monkey Head staring at me. Monkey Head is slightly miffed because production has slowed considerably. Between clicking the mouse and wielding a crochet hook, my right wrist is a painful owie! I am now converting to gripping the Hook as a knife rather than a pencil. It does help, along with slowing my pace a bit. Monkey Head now has a body with the beginning of a pink shirt and blue shorts and one leg. Soon, complete monkey-ness!

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Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.

~ Matthew 6:20

Monkey Head!

So...4-yr-old DGD lost her monkey that she'd had since infancy. (It was later found in Other Son's back yard having been thoroughly worked to bits by the family dog. We didn't tell DGD. She says "Daddy lost my monkey." Smile.) She'll receive its replacement for Christmas. The head turned out so cute!

See the wooden mini-crochet hook? Oh! Guess the hook isn't showing very well! It is the most useful tool for finishing! It really helps with working the yarn through the stitches for a good, smooth look. Someone sent it to me in a swap and I continue to thank her in my heart.

Monkey Head is made of 2 strands of brown Butterfly Mercerized Cotton, beige Berroco Comfort, bits of black cotton, and an F crochet hook. I already had these yarns to use with the free online monkey pattern so it fit together nicely! The pattern is available at http://quesera.ojaru.jp/

Now, to crochet the body! Onward!

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They will declare, "The Lord is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him! ~ Psalm 92:15

Able Assistants

Many times when I'm climbing around on the interweb, Max and Lailah are right beside me wanting attention. Max is now 11 years old and such a good old boy. Lailah keeps him active and often tires him. They are with me all the time---I'd be lost without the rough-housing, snorts, and big heavy paws of my doggies!

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It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. --- Deut 13: 4

Blazing Glory

The vines on our garage are exceptionally colorful this year.

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In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. ~ Psalm 4:8

The Final Package Has Arrived

Thanks to my SP12, Heather, at http://theknittycrafter.blogspot.com/ for my box of yarn and other treats! The Gedifra colors are so pretty together! Love that shade of blue!

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I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ~~Matthew 18:3

Snuggle? Cozy?

When you yawn and stretch, do you think of cuddling up to the base of a chair or a wooden cabinet? Apparently, Max and Lailah do!

Its a dog's life!
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The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. ~ Psalm 37:23

BRIGHT Scarf!

Finished this child-size scarf to add to a shoe box for Operation Christmas Child. http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/ It's about 33 inches long. Using Samoa cotton yarn from GGH in tangerine and orchid with size 5 needles, I did a K1, *yo, K2tog* pattern over about 20 stitches..or was it 24?? Something like that! The right flower in the pic appears a bit mangled, however it is a healthy double rows of petals like the other. The trim and flowers are crocheted with a size F hook. I hope this will bless a child at Christmas and long after.

Do you knit for charity?

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No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. ~ Micah 6:8

Thank you, Paul Newman

Watching a 1998 TV interview with Paul Newman tonight I was struck by his comments on retirement:

I think we retire from a facet of life to another facet. There’s lots of stuff out there waiting for me. Can’t retire from life.

Another quip that I enjoyed while reading about him was in response to all the fuss about his (sigh...) blue-blue eyes. When he was younger he said his epitaph might be…

He died a failure because his eyes turned brown.

Love his wit and intelligence, his irreverence and philanthropy, his many talents, his humanity.

May God comfort his family.

Summery Autumn Day

So, the dogs and I were on the deck today enjoying our beautiful weather. I love Colorado weather! We have seasons, which I enjoy, and over 300 sunny days per year. Glorious! This is a portion of the deck where my newest toy resides.

Armed with ideas from searching online, I drew a potting bench and DH got some redwood and built it to suit my 5-4" height--very comfortable for me!

The green plastic basin sets in a cut out space so that I can do potting in there, then dump the spilled soil back into the bag. Can we say "messy"? This bench is a real motivator! I repotted two large house plants that should have been done about three years ago! See, if I want to play at my new potting bench, I have to actually do something!

~~ Autumn Reds ~~

Tomatoes--tomahtoes. I love the smell of freshly picked tomatoes followed by devouring them! I don't want to mislead anyone into thinking I am a gardener. I am not a gardener, but I play with plants. When I was teaching, I'd tell my kids, "I'm not a singer, but I sing." or "I'm not an artist, but I draw." The same concept applies here.

Virginia Creeper on our fence

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Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.
~ Psalm 5:3

The Prince of Nantucket: A Novel

The Prince of Nantucket: A Novel by Jan Goldstein

My review rating: 3 of 5 stars

A pompous Senatorial candidate living in CA grudgingly travels to see his ailing Mother in Nantucket. A divorced ladies' man with a 13-yr-old daughter, Ted Mathieson is summoned by his older sister who has been caretaker of their mother for many years and needs to take a vacation.

Their mother is a great artist dubbed the "Queen of Nantucket" hence the book's title. Ted's hatred for his mother along with his misconceptions based on childhood impressions lead him along a tortuous path that carries the story. Through the depths of his mother's dementia and illness, challenging truths emerge for Ted. This deeply moving story addressed some of my personal challenges. Perhaps it will do the same for you.
View all my reviews.

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As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. ~2 Corinthians 6:1

Last of the Christmas Snakes!

Christmas and Snakes? Do those words really belong together?? The above snake is for 9-yr-old DGS and is made with Patons Bulky Tweed. I had fun making different styles of navy blue bands to separate the alternating colors. The pattern is in a previous post.


Finally, the Banded Stash Snake, which is the first one I knit with assorted ww stash yarns. This is the one requested by 3-yr-old DGS that started it all! Now, I'm making a simple scarf for 4-yr-old DGD.

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Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. ~~2 Corinthians 3:5

Snake Sighting!

Slithering through the bedraggled peony bush, the dreaded Banded Crayola Snake made its appearance today. Noticing that its skin is Plymouth Encore worsted weight, I used my size 8 needles to gain control of it. The snake is safely tucked away until Christmas when 6-yr-old DGS will assume ownership.
(The pattern is below.)

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So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. ~~~ Galatians 6:9

Snake Skin Knitting

Some knitting projects take hold and develop a life of their own with assorted groups of knitters. For example, it seemed that almost everyone had an insatiable desire to create a clapotis, or sock-socks-socks, possibly fingerless mitts. Such is the popularity of knitting snakes which, of course, begins with knitting snake skins. At least it is at Casa Pooch! This was precipitated by a sweet request by 4-yr-old DGD to make "anunner" scarf for her. "And please make one for my brudder too?" So, I inquired of 3-yr-old DGS, "What would you like me to make for you?" Without hesitation, he replied, "A snake!" Of course, what else could it be?? Now I had made a snake for their father, my son, and my second son when they were little boys. It was royal blue crochet with lots of embroidery. My sons played with it for many years. Sadly, I tossed it out about three years ago. How I wish I had kept it!



The Banded Stash Snake began to slither from my needles. What fun to grab colors and decide on assorted textures in stockinette, garter, and moss stitches. (Note: None of these snake skins have received their heads yet.) Noticing my merry knitting over Labor Day weekend, 6-yr-old DGS said, "Whatcha makin'?" When I told him about the snake for 3-yr-old, he smirked. His eyes sparkled. "Would you like one?" I asked. "Cool! That's SO cool!" His brother 9-yr-old DGS lurking nearby piped up with, "Can I have one too?" Now this kid is a lurker, always over-hearing this 'n' that. And I am so glad--at least this time--as I said, "Sure!" because I feel so blessed that my little grands actually want me to make things for them! These are joy-filled projects for my little ones.





Below is the Banded Crayon Snake because it reminds me of Crayolas tumbling out of the box. The pattern, "Kid's Snake", is at http://www.craftbits.com/ I'm using worsted weight yarn and size 8 needles.
Lastly, we have the Banded Tweed Snake because, well, tweed yarn! This is still on the needles.

I'm having fun with knitting different types of bands for the color changes. You know, by the time you get to the third one, a little variety helps!

Next comes the taxidermy. That's the part where I stuff them with poly fiber fill! Of course, I've got to make the heads first, then add eyes and tongues. This has become a reptilian delight!

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Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

~~Ps 90:14

American Wife: A Novel

American Wife: A Novel by Curtis Sittenfeld

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a not so fictional account of a character obviously based on Laura Bush. The many parallels to her life and marriage leads the reader to regard this as an autobiography told in an engaging, easy to read style with the fictional First Lady as the narrator. An easy read, the ending took my breath away and certainly made this a most worthwhile story .


View all my reviews.

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May you experience the love of Christ ... Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God. ~ Ephesians 3:19

Josh In Geraniums

Just when I thought these flowers couldn't get any more beautiful, sweet 6-yr-old grandson peeked through them. Makes me smile.

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I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. ~ Psalm 40:1

Knitting for Others

I just packaged some items for Warm the World (see the sidebar) and remembered that its time to think of the Red Scarf Project for college students coming from foster care. Click on the Red Scarf link in the sidebar to visit the website and learn about the growth of this project. God has truly blessed this work. Maybe you can crank out a red scarf to donate, too!

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This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. ~~~ 1 John 1:5

Reading THE BIN LADENS

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Though the narrative glides along like a novel, I soon found myself in unfamiliar territory. Essentially, I had very little prior knowledge to provide context to my reading. After a while, I realized that I had shifted to textbook reading because this biography of an enormous family in an exotic land was loaded with learning for this reader.
I searched for and printed two maps of the Middle East to help me coordinate to the settings in the book. In fact, that is a suggestion I would make to the author. Including maps might be very helpful to readers who are not knowledgeable about that part of the world. I know that maps helped me very much!
This story is absolutely fantastic in its international scope, wealth beyond imagination, political and religious intrigue, and cast of characters. The only factor that tops all of that is that it is all chillingly true. Read an excerpt here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89271287

View all my reviews.