Busy Thursday

Today was a busy day. We were up very early so Marvin could participate in a conference call from India. I ran errands, picked up pet supplies, people supplies, continued with my cleaning. I tackled the master bedroom and Rachel's closet. I still have to resurrect the beanie baby wall, but needed a break from that. My body is really tired and my hands are sore and dry.

The pups were in and out all day in the yard. They are exhausted and buried on the couch.

Here's an update on a few knitting projects. Rachel wanted me to work stripes for her afghan/throw. Its coming out nicely and is an easy knit. Celia's Noro cardigan fronts are almost done. I don't mind the stripes not matching. Noro is wild, colorful and makes no sense, so I'm going with that motto. I also discovered a bunch of Dale Baby Ull to use when cleaning Rachel's room ,and other stash yarn that might work well together. I have no clue for what.

I am tired. Think I'll go knit and head to bed early.

Beanie Babies and Furbies

I decided it was time to do a deep cleaning in Rachel's room. I've dusted, vacuumed and have been busy gathering all the Beanie Babies and assorted stuffed animals so I could freshen them up in the dryer. OY...what a consuming job this has been. While doing this I was scolded by a Purple Furbie. This little thing made me jump. Zippy also freaked. I also discovered a Lopi sweater in the closet I had finished up a few years ago, but never blocked, so I did that this afternoon. Next, I have to put all the beanie babies back!! Tomorrow...

The mail also bought me a book I had ordered back in December called "Ethnic Knitting Exploration" by Donna Druchunas. I have several of her other books. Donna's website is www.sheeptoshawl.com

Here are a few photos of the day.

A Good Weekend

Is it really March 1? We are waiting for a massive snowstorm...so far nothing is happening.

The weekend was fun. Rachel spent it here at home. We had a great time on Saturday. First we went to the gym, did a little shopping for spatulas, had lunch at Pumpernicks and I was able to refrain from ordering their delicious carrot cake. Next, we splurged on pedicures and then came home to relax with Marvin and the pups. Today, Rachel went with Marvin for sushi and then drove back to Philly for a school meeting.

I love when Rachel comes home. We all have a good time and the pups are always thrilled to have her to play and cuddle with.. I really like my daughter and enjoy her company. I sometimes can't believe she is mine... I have to pinch myself.

Well, I think I'll look out the window to check for snow and then go to sleep.

Glad its Friday

I'm glad its Friday because.... Rachel is coming to spend the weekend after she finishes coaching her little munchkins at the rink. She is a fabulous coach and the little ones love her.

This week seemed hectic and I feel a bit off this week with my eating habits...not good. Need to get back on track.

Her are a couple of pics. The green felted bowl was actually something called a "cupcake hat" that no one would ever wear, so I felted it and will use it hold tchotkes. The little purple, flappy thingy I crocheted a while ago and use it to protect my spiffy, digital camera. And of course what is a blog post without a puppy pick..Zippy

The comcast serviceman is her. Verizon is so expensive, we decided to switch all our services to Comcast. They are not thrilling either. I couldn't tell you what he's doing...its all Greek to me. Once he leaves, I'm going to the gym and off to Borders for my Friday knitting group.

RP had a great day

I am so happy!! RP Doodle was a good boy at the groomer. He didn't need to be sedated and came home looking very much like a poodle!! I'll post some before and after photos.

Last night while listening to President Obama, I started knitting a cardigan for Celia in Noro Kureyon. The colorway is bold, bright and fun. The pattern called, "Seedling," is from the "Minnies" book by Jil Eaton.

This week has been hectic, but productive and unfortunately expensive...grooming fees, pet meds and supplies, cars being serviced and the second remote garage door gizmo is being replaced.

Its about time to feed the pups. Off I go.

A head without my chicken attached.

Today started at 5:30AM so I could get myself, Stan and Zip out the door for an early grooming appointment. Then, I came home, made some cement soup, did laundry, folded clothes, went to PT, picked the pups up, fed them and then we dropped my car off for service. Geeeeeshhh..too much running around. If there was a plate of mashed taters in front of me, my head would go plop. Here are a few photos of two out of three squeaky clean, trimmed and exhausted pups. RP goes on Wed am.

Taking it easy on Saturday

Today was a low key day. The weather was nice. Cool, but sunny. I went to the gym this morning, ran a few errands, played on the computer and am now updating some photos. Here are a few from today: RP wondering if Mom finally brought us a sheep. Its actually a backpack I bought Rachel many years ago at STITCHES. Stan, basking in the sun..boy does he need a bath! RP having a bad hair day. The pups are scheduled for grooming this week. Here is the start of Rachel's afghan and a crib/stroller blanket in progress for my former co-worker's baby due in April.

Simple Pleasures

The world is in an upheaval, but what matters most to me and what keeps me grounded, joyful and content are my family and my friends, near and far. No crummy economy can take that away from me. There is no dollar value that can be assessed for my happiness and I certainly do not need a bail out! I truly have all I need.

Yesterday I spent a peaceful afternoon at the kitchen tablet with Celia and her mom. We knit:) and talked. I came home and read messages and blogs from my dear friends. Simple pleasures. Its the best feeling.

I also took a look at my knitting room yesterday, which is actually the sitting room off the master bedroom. I snapped a few pictures and then it hit me that I really have ENOUGH to keep me happily occupied for about six life times. Marvin built me the yarn cabinets. My knitting library has accumulated over twenty years of marriage. Life is good.

A visit with Mom and Dad

Today my mom and dad came to visit. We picked up food from the deli for lunch and spent a few hours talking and catching up. Mom and Dad will be married 54 years on February 27. They are comical together. Here's photo of Dad listening to Mom repeat herself ..again. Of mom correcting Dad. The pups love to be near Grandma. And here is the apple swan that Rachel learned to make in her Garnishing class.

A relaxing day.

Quiet Day

Its very quiet this morning. Pups are snoozing, Rachel is still sleeping and Marvin, being a good daddy, took her car in for service. Today we hope to visit Celia, run errands at the mall and hopefully bathe the maniacs. My mom and dad will be visiting tomorrow, so the pups need to be squeaky clean. Notice they come before the house!

A few photos. My Valentine Flowers from Marvin, RP content in Rachel's arms. Stan the forever toddler and Zip loves when Rachel spins him in circles.

Finished Projects

I finished Celia's shrug and Dawn's mittens. Its such a good feeling to knit for people I love.

February update

A few pics of knitting progress. For Celia, I have in progress, a spiral knitted tube sock, and a shrug. For Dawn, retro mittens waiting for their thumbs and my TKGA Master Level 1 Swatch 1 before weaving in the ends with duplicate stitch and blocking...only 15 more swatches to go. And no post is complete without a pup photo...Zip and her ball.

February

I'm amazed its already February. Eastern PA has had some very cold temperatures but not much snow. I'm secretly hoping for a whopper storm, but only if everyone is safe, sound,warm and has plenty of food.

Winter brings my knitting mojo back. I've been focusing on baby garments and blankets, mittens, have two sweaters going and my TKGA swatches are slowly getting done. I also meet with several knitting friends on Friday mornings at the local Borders.

I'm still continuing with physical therapy twice a week, go the gym at least three other days and am continuing with my Weight Watchers plan.

Pups are fine. Rachel and Adam spent a few days here which made the three maniacs quite happy.

Marvin is busy with his consulting practice. Fortunately he isn't traveling much anymore.

Not much else, having fun with Ravelry and Facebook. Here are few photos. RP is quite content when he is with Rachel and Adam, Zip and Stan are inseparable and this a 5 hr baby sweater that took me 48 hrs to finish in Rowan All Seasons Cotton.

Jan 2009

I'm not very good at this blogging thing. I've been busy keeping up with Ravelry.com and most recently joined FaceBook. I admit I get too carried away on the computer as I learn new things.

Back in Oct I had surgery to remove a varicose vein in my leg and then promptly wacked out my sacro iliac area. My recovery was longer then I expected, frustrating and annoying. During my down time, I thought things over and decided to leave my part time retail job. I enjoyed it, miss the people, but it was not as much fun anymore. The economic downturn was affecting everyone...customers and employees. I did not want to feel all the negative energy. People just need to slow down and regain their bearings.

I've been knitting more, enrolled in the TKGA Master Knitter series, am following Weight Watchers and joined a local Gym. I admit I am being selfish, but I just want to simplify and have a less complicated life so I can focus on me and my family. My daughters are both doing well. Pups are their usual goofy selves, my husband keeps busy and I have a small, but wonderful group of friends. Its all good.