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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?
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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.

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

Stocking Stuffers

Little Boy is now finished and ready to join Li'l Girl as stocking stuffers for the two youngest grandchildren. The Little Buddies pattern allows for variation and using those small amounts of DK yarn that I just can't bear to throw away. These were done on size 3 & 5 needles.

The dolls are about 5 inches tall. The pattern is available as a download at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7314421 by Yvonne Boucher. I really had fun making these small dolls!

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Each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on each other. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block in another’s way. ~Romans 14:12–13

Been There--Done That--Have the T-shirt

Saw the following meme at http://beyondthefairway.blogspot.com/ and thought it looked like fun. If its bold, it applies to me...not that I am bold or anything. So, here goes..

I HAVE...
1. Started my own blog.
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sung a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched lightening at sea
14. Taught myself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown my own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had my portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Rode an elephant

Wow! I hadn't read the entire list before hand and am surprised at the number of items that apply to me. I wonder...what is the correlation between age and the number of experiences that apply?? Jest wundrin'.

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For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

Friday Fill In #99

1. The last band I saw live was marching down the street in front of some horses.
2. What I look forward to most on Thanksgiving is a hearty meal and watching the Macy's Parade.
3. My Christmas/holiday shopping is a year-round project, so it never ends!
4. Thoughts of lounging on a tropical beach fill my head.
5. I wish I could wear a swimming suit!
6. Bagpipes screech shrilly.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to darkness, tomorrow my plans include daylight and Sunday, I want to be in the twilight zone!

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What a shame, what folly, to give advice before listening to the facts.
~ Proverbs 18:13

Two Dogs and A Book

Isn't this a pretty picture? Love the books with tasseled book marks and thanks to Paula http://bassetknitter.blogspot.com/2008/11/books-thrusday-and-meme.html for tagging me with it!

Follow these steps:

• Open the closest book to you, not your favorite or most intellectual book, but the book closest to you at the moment.


• Turn to page 56.
  
• Write out the fifth sentence, as well as two to five sentences following there.
  
• Then pass this lovely little award on to five other people.

From The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim

They did not even know what horse was in Italian. It was contemptible to be so ignorant. In their anxiety, for the road twisted round great jutting rocks, and on their left was only a low wall to keep them out of the sea should anything happen, they too began to gesticulate, waving their hands at Beppo, pointing ahead.

Please consider yourself tagged. Do let me know about your posting so I can read it too!

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Max and Lailah frolic amid growling, barking, and snarling which, can you believe it?, is playful. There are times when it breaks into something beyond general doggie play. Usually, though, their noises sound much worse than they really are.
They do pause in their play for a quick pic, then bound off across the yard to discover new adventures.

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A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.
~ Proverbs 15:1

She's A Doll!

Little Doll will pop into a Christmas stocking for li'l DGD. She's 5" tall and a cute, fast knit. I used DK wight yarn with size 3 and 5 needles.

The pattern is "Little Buddies" available for purchase and download at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7314421 by Yvonne Boucher whom I found on Ravelry.

Little Boy is on the needles for youngest DGS. Aren't these cute stocking stuffers? They are fun to make with various colors and trims for the clothing.

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Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.
~ Proverbs 13:12

Bookie Christmas Swap

Interested in a readers' swap for Christmas? I am!! I just emailed to join this one. Nothing complicated. Simple and sweet. Last sign-up day is November 20. Get the details at
http://thingsmeanalot.blogspot.com/2008/11/book-bloggers-christmas-swap-2008.html

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Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.
~ Proverbs 13:12

#98

1. Please feel free to complain to the management.

2. When I dig in the mud I can't help sniffing it occasionally. Huh??

3. My favorite thing to cook is a microwave dinner.

4. Time in the mountains is something I can't get enough of.

5. That's the thing I love most about living in Colorado .

6. Fear mongers always makes me think to myself, what the heck?

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to swimming in the Euphrates, tomorrow my plans include climbing Mount Kilamanjaro and Sunday, I want to relax on the beach in Monte Carlo!

::yep::

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

Dogs on Deck

Love this quizzical look from Lailah. "What is that thing you're holding and why are you pointing it at me?!"

Waiting for food, Max tries to belly-up to the table.

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Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone. ~ Psalm 33:22

Cute Monster Quiz & Other News

I've discovered some Links-I-Like and have posted some in the sidebar.
For readers--
http://www.dailylit.com/
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For knit lovers--
http://www.twistcollective.com/
inspiring visual beautiful
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For anyone--
http://www.mrs-o.org/
If you're interested in Michelle Obama's clothing, this is a fab site.
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For swappers--
http://swapdex.blogspot.com/
I saw the Cute Monster Test along with some other funsies at http://kellygirlknits.blogspot.com/

What Your Cute Monster Says About You

You are a simply happy person. You still view the world with a childlike innocence. You have an easy going attitude, and you value harmony. You love freely and inspire others to love. You inner demon is frailty. You are easily beaten down by life. People think you're cute because you are optimistic. Your outlook on life is charming.

The Cute Monster Test

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I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. ~ Romans 15:13

Ab-SO-lutely Fabulous

Cooler weather means its time to work on the AbFab throw, a Colinette kit, in the Amethyst colorway. Ya gotta like PURPLE for this! And, our older DGD surely does! If the stars align, she will receive this for Christmas to add to her all purple bedroom. Did I mention that she's 14?

Enjoy the look of these luscious Colinette yarns! AbGorgeous! And, the names!

Mohair #66 Mist

Skye #89 Dark Umber

Mohair #84 Cinnamon
Zanziba #31 Heather

Wigwam #83 Lilac

Fandango #83 Lilac

Mohair #31 Heather

Zanziba #66 Mist


Did I mention luscious? This pattern is "Scallops", an easy 56-row repeat on size 11 needles. OK! I have the urge to pick it up and knit!

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A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ~~~ John 13:34

Annuner Scarf?

Per DGD's request, I made "annuner scarf" for her. This will be in her Christmas stocking along with other goodies! Using Nashua Sassafras yarn and size 9 needles, I knit garter stitch over 16 stitches for 38 inches. I added three crocheted corkscrews to each end. Quick and fun!

DH is recuperating after hip replacement surgery. Everything proceded according to plan. He has been quite comfortable throughout. The surgical techniques and pain control are nothing short of amazing! Thanks for your kind wishes!

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Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight. ~ Psalm 119:77

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