Dogs on Thursday -- Third Dog?

Sometimes I think we have three dogs. Crazy, I know. There's Max. There's Lailah. There's Stuffy. Wait. Stuffy? Same colors. Usually with Lailah. Doesn't seem to eat much, though. Never needs to go outside. Never heard her bark. She is a St. Bernard--not a Boxer. Loves to play.

Yep, Stuffy is definitely a low maintenance dog.

........................................................

Then when you call, the Lord will answer. Yes, I am here, He will quickly reply.
~ Isaiah 58:9

Squared

Made this January mid-month square with the Yahoo Monthly Dish Cloths KAL. I am making the squares for a blanket. The group makes two cloths per month with several lines of the pattern emailed per day. Such a fun, mystery KAL! I am currently working on another square using a flower pattern from the archives for this group. My squares are made with WW yarn and a size 6 or 7 needle. Join in at Yahoo Groups!

There's a "Knit Kit" at this link that is so clever and compact to carry along anywhere! It will be available in March. Love this idea!
http://www.dreamweaveryarns.com/catalog/knit-preorder-p-2804.html

Do click into this link to see a clever presentation of an important message done in a knitterly way! http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/7738418.stm

.........................

Therefore, as it is written: Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:31

A Ghan Again

A favorite pattern is McCall’s leaflet 837-NB. It's called a Crocheted Border Afghan, but I refer to it as a "Tapestry Ghan" because that is what it looks like to me. Using worsted weight yarn and a size G hook, I've made two of these ghans and really enjoy the process. If I make another one, I'll use an H hook to loosen the stitches a bit.The yarns are carried across each strip which yields a heavy, warm blanket.

The red flowers with yellow centers are in the center strip, which is crocheted first. The next strip is crocheted on one side with a matching one on the other side.

Work continues in this way using the various charts and colors until the ghan is the desired size. I just may be up for making another one of these!

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Happy Ghan

The youngest of our seven grands wanted a fuzzy blanket, so I crocheted a "Happy Ghan" using close-out "Happy" yarn from Idena along with stash DK in grey/black. I chained with a J hook until the size was right, then mindlessly double and triple crocheted until I used all the yarn.

Since my DS is an Ohio State alum, the blanket is grey and scarlet. The trim is crocheted with Patons Chunky Tweed. I did three bars of triple crochet, chain three, and repeat with 2 triples-chain 2-2 triples in the corners. Little DGS will be four-years-old at the end of the month, so I'll send this off to him with some other happy-birthday gifts.

..................................

But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
~ Psalm 13:5

Wishful Drinking -- Sad

Having enjoyed Carrie Fisher's humor in the past, I anticipated the same refreshing experience in her most recent book. Based on her stand-up act, this book is a sardonic account of her mental illness and addictions. Her list of excruciatingly painful experiences range from her parents, her step=fathers, her movie role as Princess Leia in Star Wars, her affairs and marriages, to her self-destructive addictions and assorted recoveries. While her wit is evident, her bitterness permeates the book. When she mentions her teen daughter, I can only wonder what challenges her child faces with a mother who's an addict in and out of treatment centers, among other treacheries. For a promotional video, see
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMQIkXoMQJs

Ultimately I felt profoundly sad for this pathetic woman. I do pray for the author to find solace and peace.

.....................

Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. --Psalm 33:20

Friday Fill-In #106

1. It's January; hope is renewed.

2. Sleep is what I crave most right now.

3. Cork and wine go together like plastic and Diet Coke.

4. Faith is so nourishing.

5. Let us dare to believe.

6. I love my home.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to crocheting a blanket, tomorrow my plans include wrapping birthday presents, and Sunday, I want to read-read-read!

..................................................

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
~ Matthew 5:7

Clean Slate for the New Year

This poem is so true!! I received it in email and immediately looked around to see if someone was watching me! I mean, how did they know, for heaven's sake??! What?? I'm not the only one? There is comfort in numbers!!

Cleaning Poem

I asked the Lord to tell me

Why my house is such a mess.

He asked if I'd been 'computering',

I had to answer 'yes.'

He told me to get off my butt

And tidy up the house.

And so I started cleaning up...

The smudges off my mouse.

I wiped and shined the topside.

That really did the trick...

I was just admiring my work..
I didn't mean to 'click.'

But click I did, and oops.

I found A real absorbing site.

That I got SO way into it.

I was into it all night...Sigh

Nothing's changed except my mouse

It's very, very shiny. I

guess my house will stay a mess...

While I sit here on my hiney.

...................................................

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

Dogs on Thursday

Max wonders if he was ever as goofy as Lailah!! Actually, he wasn't!

M & L have been boarded for a while following DH's second total hip replacement. We're at the point now that they'll be returning home today or tomorrow. I'll put them outdoors or in travel kennels when DH is up and about on his walker.

They had so much fun playing with the grands over the holidays. Four little kids and two dogs was lively at times with all the giggling and wiggling!

Here is an interesting stitch pattern from Vogue knitting. I'm going to use it for a blanket block. http://www.vogueknitting.com/node/547

.......................................

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
~ Matthew 5:7

To My Anonymous DOT Swap Partner

What a nice surprise to receive your package on the day before Christmas! The stitch markers will be put to good use. Of course, I love the ornament frame with Max & Lailah's picture in it! So very thoughtful! Thank you so much and Happy New Year!!

Friday Fill-Ins #103

1. Said the night wind to the little lamb, Do you hear that, or is it just me?

2. The first Noel, the angel did say, What does Noel mean anyway?

3. Skiing, Over the hills and everywhere.

4. It came upon the midnight clear and, boy, was it cold!

5. Grit your teeth and smile! Let your heart be light.

6. And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing on key.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to reading online, tomorrow my plans include shopping and Sunday, I want to attend church!

................................

A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.
~ Proverbs 14:30

Generosity

Do you give books as gifts?
I do give books as gifts.

To everyone? Or only to select people?
Each of my seven grandchildren receive books on birthdays and at Christmas in addition to other gifts. One DGS gets 2-3 Hardy Boys books for each celebration. I give books to others when I find something that I know a particular person will enjoy. This year, my 85-year-old MIL is getting two Marie Bostwick novels, "On Wings of the Morning" and "A Single Thread". She's an avid reader who says she doesn't need more "stuff" at her age, so books are the perfect gift! She shares the books with her friends when she finishes reading them. Our older DS is getting a book of stories about Ohio State since he is an alum and enjoys that topic. I sent a book to a friend this Christmas, too. DH gets a book or two and/or audio books.

How do you feel about receiving books as gifts?
My attitude is the same about both. Receiving a book that the giver knows I will enjoy is very special. I only feel comfortable giving books if I know the recipient wants it or when I know something about that persons interests and preferences.

..................................................

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will purusue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. ~ Psalm 23:6

Blue Stocking

I may not be a Blue Stocking, but I do have one thanks to Skippymom at http://skippymom.blogspot.com/ Stuffed with goodies, this snowman stocking arrived through our Stocking Swap. Along with the tin of chocolates and the tin with the gingerbread cookie is the little, round tin with Christmas earrings shaped like a Christmas light. Thanks to my partner for all the treats!

....................................

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will purusue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. ~ Psalm 23:6

Friday Fill-In 100

http://fridayfillins.blogspot.com/2008/11/100.html

1. My stomach roils and churns with excitement.

2. Baby carrots is what I ate the most of on Thursday.

3. The yard ought to be covered with snow. Its not.

4. On a beach is where I'd rather be at any given time.

5. The smell of freshly baked Italian bread reminds me of my Nonna.

6. Energy is what I need right now!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to dinner with DH, tomorrow my plans include knitting and reading, and Sunday, I want to spend time at church in worship and fellowship!

....................

So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!
~ Psalm 31:24

Stylin' New Collars

Lailah's new BFF is this cute St. Bernard that she's been carrying around the house with her. She has not, however, learned how to share and hoards a rawhide bone in there too.Max ponders a lunge for the rawhide bone as Lailah is distracted by outside activities. Two rawhide bones and Lailah always wants to take Max's. Always.

Max and Lailah are sporting their new "muddy paws" collars from Pet Expectations www.petexpectations.com

Awwwwwwww.....blue for He and pink for She. Gotta love it!

...............................................

So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:5

How fun to get a package! Thanks to my Secret Santa at www.somereads.blogspot.com ,I have a fantastic basket of gifts. Isn't the basket liner pretty?

The basket is packed with just wonderful gifts!

The tree contains lavender bath gel along with a small botanical candle tin. Love the squishy yarn!

Isn't Snowman cute next to the peppermint tree? Snowman has a few surprises, a winder on the bottom and a top that opens!

Jolly snowman is a jolly music box with teeny snow-skaters rotating around the Christmas tree. I just love this! Thanks to my generous Secret Santa!

........................

And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.
~ Psalm 39:7

Flower Basket in the Snow

I love the change of seasons. Here's the view on our deck.

........................

The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. ~~Galatians 5:6

Washington's Lady

Washington's Lady by Nancy Moser

Amid all the anticipation and dazzle surrounding our new First Couple, reading about the first-First Couple has been especially moving. Laying the foundation for leadership was a daunting challenge for George and Martha Washington. I've read so little about Martha that I was completely enthralled by this historical fiction related in her first person voice.

The narration of daily life in mid-to-late 1700's opens a world of hard work, war, teeth-rattling travel, unchecked disease, and family relationships that speaks to us through time. Their love and devotion to one another cascades to others in caring acts of kindness and consideration. What a marvelous couple! They complemented each other and built a solid life for Martha's children from her first marriage and a soothing home for George's weary returns from battles.

The story covers Martha's grief at the loss of her first husband, her courtship and marriage to George, and their lives as people of strength and courage. I feel I have at least some notion of this incredible woman who has been lost in the mists of time for far too long.

.................................

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest. ~~Hebrews 4:9–11

Hot Damn! Afghan

So, apparently in the '90's there was a beautiful throw priced at $250-$500 in stores. A clever knitter duplicated the pattern and said "Hot damn!" upon completion--- so excited was she at her cleverness in saving $$ and creating the beautiful throw. That's the story on the free pattern available at http://www.knitting-crochet.com/hotdamn.html



After finishing the AbFab throw http://yarnknitreadlit.blogspot.com/search?q=AbFab (Don't they all have clever names?) to give to teen DGD at Christmas, I started this for DH and I. Deciding to use stash yarn, I am now knitting with size 19 needles using Skacel "Poker", Trendsetter "Pinot", and Plymouth Encore Colorspun. No, they're not setting atop yarns gone wild! That's the piled-up version of the knitted throw!

I think of the colors as strawberries and French vanilla with a hint of chocolate which will carry through a variety of stash yarns for this throw. Its especially fun to use the Pinot and Poker, souvenir yarns from our travels in Nashville, TN, last summer after our Delta Queen cruise.

......................................................................

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you. ~ Psalm 9:10

Booking Through Thursday

Five for Favorites

1. Do you have a favorite author? Ann Ripley is one among several.

2. Have you read everything he or she has written? I've read 5 of 10 titles, so I do have time to relish the remaining 5.

3. Did you LIKE everything? Yes, these are formulaic cozy mysteries, so I basically know what the form will be. I do enjoy each one for its light, relaxing reading.

4. How about a least favorite author? While I dislike particular genres, I cannot think of a particular author who is least favorite.

5. An author you wanted to like, but didn’t? David Balducci because of the violence and graphic scenes in his stories. I've heard people talk about his enormous talent, however there are aspects of the content that are outside of my comfort and enjoyment level.

6. Question: Having deeply enjoyed a book by a particular author, are you often disappointed in other titles by the same author?
........................................................................
O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.
~ Psalm 62:8

Hidden Power by Kati Marton

I could not put this book down. I started it one afternoon, finished it the next day, and wished there was more for the author to tell.

Hidden Power: Presidential Marriages That Shaped Our Recent History by Kati Marton opens with Woodrow and Edith Wilson, their abiding love, and the impact of their marriage on his presidency and on the nation. This is familiar territory that is made even more interesting by the author's narrative and deep research. The same keen eye is directed toward Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, Harry and Bess Truman, John and Jackie Kennedy, Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson, Richard and Pat Nixon, Jerry and Betty Ford, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, George H. W. and Barbara Bush, Bill and Hillary Clinton, George W. and Laura Bush. Did you notice the absence of the Eisenhowers? The author excluded them because their marriage did not strongly effect the nation. Her choice makes quite a statement in itself.

This appealing book reads like a novel and steeps the reader in history. I could not put this book down.

..............................

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. ~ Matthew 5:7