Books, Dogs, Thursday

This week’s question comes from Julie, who asks:
While acknowledging that we can’t judge books by their covers, how much does the design of a book affect your reading enjoyment? Hardcover vs. softcover? Trade paperback vs. mass market paperback? Font? Illustrations? Etc.?
The story is most important, so this question led me to realize that the formats listed above do not have a bearing on my selection. Sometimes I prefer an audiobook for my iPod so that would be a qualifier that could impact my selection.

Let sleeping dogs lie!

Max has made his away around a chair and under the desk -- big dog in a small space.

Lailah likes to lay claim to this recliner in the evenings. There are times when she is deposed in favor of a human's use of the chair. Poor baby!!

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Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:23

Wordless Wednesday -- Seen While Traveling

FO and New Yarn!

Star Ghan is the FO. Well, I'm calling it that, although I am going to add picot trim in pink or blue when the baby is born. This crochet pattern is interesting to make as well as being a quickie-crochet! Interested in the pattern, Beth's Little Star Afghan? It is a freebie at http://www.angelfire.com/va3/heartfeltangels/littlestarafghan.html I used oddments of
left-over acrylics with a size G crochet hook.


I love you, box-o-yarn! Here are my 13--count 'em, 13!--skeins of Berroco Comfort yarn from www.kaleidoscopeyarns.com which arrived with its usual speed! Yaaay! Kaleidoscope Yarns has excellent service and sends a little thank you gift with the order. See the packet of Hot Cinnamon Spice tea in the pic? Isn't it so thoughtful of them to send along an unexpected giftie? For a while, they sent a tiny plastic bag with three Werther's candies in it. It's enough to drive you right back online to buy more products!

The oatmeal-colored yarn will be used to make this gorgeous, luscious "Cream of the Crop" afghan for nephew and his bride. The pattern was originally in Winter 99/00 Family Circle Easy Knitting.

I found the pattern in this book that I purchased at Border's. My super long size 8 circs are waiting for me to cast on the 219 stitches to begin this project. Something I plan to do forthwith! Happy knitting!

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But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8

BSJ 4 WTW

Finished a Baby Surprise Jacket #2 for Warm the World. Actually, I finished #3 before #2 for no particular reason! This one is approximately a size 4 knit with Plymouth Encore chunky and size

10 needles. The pattern is in The Opinionated Knitter by Elizabeth Zimmerman. It is available from http://www.schoolhousepress.com/

Since I decided to make a single button closure this time, I used an interestingly shaped metal button to finish it off. I know this little jacket will warm a child somewhere in the world.

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And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself. John 12:32

Friday Fill-In #64

1. Life is so exciting!

2. Strawberry fields were full of Beatles!

3. This particular Cannellini Salad (http://www.redactedrecipes.com/2008/03/heart-of-the-ma.html sounds like it would taste delicious! (And I’m going to make it!)

4. Why does nature make me feel so good?!

5. The Statue of Liberty is something I've always wanted to see.

6. It's sad when I feel lonely.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing, tomorrow my plans include going to church and Sunday, I want to go out for Easter dinner with DH!

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For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28

Wordless Wednesday -- Seen Holbrook, AZ

Friday Fill-In #63

http://fridayfillins.blogspot.com/

1. Contact may cause thrills and chills!

2. The parties hereto do mutually agree to love one another eternally.

3. Disney parks cars (hee-hee).

4. Sleep sounds really good right about now!

5. I positively feel elated by nature.

6. Beauty always makes me smile :-)

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to resting and relaxing, tomorrow my plans include time at church, and Sunday, I want to enjoy being with DH, DS, and DGSs!

 

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There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:18-19

Wordless Wednesday -- Melted Snow

Unnecessary, But Appreciated

Seeing the ad from http://www.knitwitch.com/ seemingly every time I was on Ravelry, I just had to look at the site. Since I collect pottery and enjoy finding unusual pieces, I could no longer resist this piece, a yarn bowl. Truly, I have never seen one in any gallery or potter's studio, which undoubtedly meant that I had to add it to my collection...and I have! Though I don't plan to use it while knitting, it looks lovely on the credenza holding a couple of balls of yarn. Note the cleverly designed groove to hold the strand of yarn. I'm SO pleased with my purchase and appreciate the fast service.

A new star will soon be shining!! I'm finishing the last few star shaped rounds (?) on the baby blanket for my niece. Baby isn't due til June, so I'm feeling very good about my foresight! (hee-hee)
 

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We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen. The things which are seen are temporal and the things which are not seen are eternal. 1 Corinthians 4:18

Friday Fill-In

http://fridayfillins.blogspot.com/2008/02/friday-fill-ins-61.html

Friday Fill-Ins #61

1. I'm looking forward to going to Tuscon for Rockies spring training camp with DH next week.

2. I don't handle harshness very well.

3. Italian bread is something I could eat every day.

4. Warmth and sunlight will be part of the pleasure of being in Tuscon.

5. Arizona here I come!

6. I wonder about tattoo(s).

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to reading, tomorrow my plans include going to DGS's basketball game and having lunch with DS and family and Sunday, I want to start preparations for our trip.

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No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. Matthew 5:15

Book/Dogs On Thursday

"Who is your favorite female lead character? And why? (And yes, of course, you can name more than one . . . I always have trouble narrowing down these things to one name, why should I force you to?)"

A Year By The Sea: Thoughts of an Unfinished Woman by Joan Anderson

Joan is the lead character in this memoir which drew me into the story that I never wanted to end. Her year of learning about herself at a pivotal point in her life spoke to me so vividly that I wanted to know her, become friends with her, have weekly lunches, and share the marvels that she expresses so well in her book.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

Rosaleen and "the Calendar Sisters" for their spiritual strength and powerful connection with Nature. The author describes Mother Nature as looking like Eleanor Roosevelt. Love that image of strength and compassion!

Chocolat by Joanne Harris

Armande is an 80-year-old woman who remains artful, clever, and playful with a strong will and great determination about absorbing pleasure in life. Fantastic character!

Lailah: Have you ever discovered the exactly perfect, unexpected spot for an afternoon nap?
I have.

 

kkkkkkkk

 

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.2 Corinthians 4:7

Wordless Wednesday: View from the Lounge Chair

Baby Surprise Sweater

This is the Baby Surprise Jacket (BSJ or BSS) from The Opinionated Knitter by Elizabeth Zimmerman made with Mission Falls 1824 cotton and size 7 needles. I did it as a KAL mentioned in a previous post.

Having completed the knitting, I'm ready to do the oragami-like folding to transform this piece from blob to sweater. Lay it out with wrong side facing you.


Fold the left side toward the center. Note the green marker is moved from lower left toward the center.

Pull the side with the green matker toward the top of the sweater.

Then fold the two extended pieces to form a sleeve. Can you see the sweater taking shape?

Do the same placement on the right side of the sweater. There are many ways to seam the top sleeves. On this one, I decided to single crochet the seams on the right side using the red/orange to add some detail.

I did a simple single crochet around the neck line.

A crocheted picot finish on the sleeves added a sweet touch. Note that I added a band of stockinette amidst the sea of garter for some stitch contrast.

The buttons were in Mother's button jar from a red and white sundress that she wore in the '50s. Now her great grand-daughter will wear them. It has been slightly less than two years since Mother passed.

And, yes, it becomes a sweater!!

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Excel in showing respect for each other. Romans 12:10 b

Knitting Bag

An unexpected arrival came in the mail today. I had no idea what my DD would be sending me, however when I opened it I realized it is a gift for my birthday next week!

This beautifully woven straw bag is cream accented with dark red with lining to match. I love the style, pattern, design and colors! The supple bag is perfect for my knitting!! I am just thrilled and love surprises!!

1. A change of pace is the best thing about traveling.

2. I love a good hot bath when I'm cold.

3. I often use hand lotion.

4. I'm reading The Royals and the Roosevelts right now; I am fascinated by the historical details in it.

5. Finance is something I dislike talking about.

6. When I visited Italy I most looked forward to seeing the golden Tuscan hills.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to talking with my son, tomorrow my plans include reading & knitting and Sunday, I want to have a family dinner!

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You are the light of the world—like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Matthew 5:14

If Its Thursday, Its Books & Dogs!

"All other things (like price and storage space) being equal, given a choice in a perfect world, would you rather have paperbacks in your library? Or hardcovers? And why?"
Hardcover books are my preference because I enjoy the solid feel and texture of the book cover and the better quality paper. This question has led me to realize that reading is a multi-sensory experience for me as it relates to the format in itself. However, I have been purchasing books to enjoy on my iPod as well --- bringing in another sensory area.
 

How about YOU? What's your preference?

And this from Crochetoholic at http://crochetoholic.blogspot.com/

The Rules
1. Pick up the nearest book of at least 123 pages.
2.Open the book to page 123 and find the 5th sentence.
3. Post the next 3 sentences.
4. Tag 5 people

From The Roosevelts and the Royals by Will Swift, a fascinating page-turner for readers who relish the details of history, page 123:
" As the congressional members awaited the royal couple in the Capitol rotunda, Vice President Garner told inappropriate jokes and stories in an attempt to ease the tension. Spotting the king and queen, he yelled, 'The British are coming!'" Leading isolationist senator William Borah of Idaho was first in line to meet their Majesties as they stood awkwardly beneath a painting of British general Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown, which no one would even had considered removing for this event."

You are tagged!!

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And now, the dogs!Lailah -- searching for the perfect toy!

There's no better way to enjoy the perfect toy than to roll and wiggle!

Max serenely observes how youth is wasted on the young.
 

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I don’t concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me. But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD — now and always. Psalms 131:1b-3

Wordless Wednesday: It's A Jungle Out There!

Presidents Day

We honor two esteemed Presidents who heroically served our country.

Abraham Lincoln, 16th US President

George Washington, First US President

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E Pluribus Unum

FYI: EZ BSJ

I am currently needling Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Jacket in The Opinionated Knitter by EZ and the KAL notes from knitbabysurprise@yahoogroups.com What? You don't think this looks even remotely like a one piece sweater? I AM shocked!! Stay tuned, oh ye of little faith! I love making these sweaters--a surprise every time! I am using Mission Falls 1824 cotton on this one. The main color is off-white with an orange/rust shade as the second color. With my size 7 circs, I am needling an EZ BSJ.

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Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning. 2 John 1:6

Factoids

Shawnee at http://shawneett.blogspot.com/ has tagged me for seven random facts about me, so here they are!

1. Love to dance.


2. Love to be outdoors whenever possible.


3. Love water at the ocean, boating on a lake, or taking a cruise.


4. Love flowers and landscapes, but am not a gardener.


5. Am very visual and can be deeply moved by whatever is eye appealing to me.


6. Am playful--enjoy wit and humor.


7. Deeply miss teaching even after a 34-year career.

Want to play along? Check Shawnee's blog for the details!

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Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.1 Corinthians 13:7

Bookin' Through Thursday With Dogs

Happy Valentine's Day to you and those you love!

"Here’s something for Valentine’s Day. Have you ever fallen out of love with a favorite author? Was the last book you read by the author so bad, you broke up with them and haven’t read their work since? Could they ever lure you back?"

Yes, Maggie Sefton, because the quality of her writing seemed to decline in her series of books about a Colorado knitter who happens to solve crimes. The initial books are less formulaic than her more recent efforts.
Yes, I could read her again when her writing returns to its previous compelling and literary level.

How about you? Have you abandoned a formerly fave author?

Lailah and Max enjoy their Valentines from their cyber-canine friends! Thank you to the people who obeyed their doggies and sent Valentines through the "Dogs on Thursday" swap!

*******************This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. John 15:12

Heart-Heart-Heart

Thank you-thank you to Rhonda at http://rnning2wn2.blogspot.com/ for spreading the love to me with this inspiring button!! Love and blessings to you!

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Your unfailing love is better to me than life itself; how I praise you! Psalm 63:3

Wordless Wednesday: Orvieto, Italy

Twink-Twink

(Phone cam pic)

Dear Niece is expecting their second baby. Looking for something different to make, I settled on this star blanket at http://www.angelfire.com/va3/heartfeltangels/littlestarafghan.html . It's been a while since I've crocheted anything of this size, so it is the right project at the right time. With a G hook and left-over soft yarns, this is an easy and enjoyable project! I've just added a round of lavender. I plan to post a better pic when I get my cam back!

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All of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. 1 Peter 3:8 NLT