tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168227342024-03-13T13:24:36.258-04:00Just a GallimaufrySandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.comBlogger1151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-83300730351310048372015-05-27T17:34:00.003-04:002015-05-27T17:34:47.850-04:00Kitten Project:Day 10<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p0-qNpi-NJM/VWYsW7mgs3I/AAAAAAAAF3w/Coy-MyFjSDg/s640/blogger-image--1093149037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p0-qNpi-NJM/VWYsW7mgs3I/AAAAAAAAF3w/Coy-MyFjSDg/s640/blogger-image--1093149037.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
It's amazing how quickly the kitten seems to be growing. If it were a baby, I think we would be about 18 months based on the kitten's skill level. He's beginning to want to explore on his own, although he's still very timid. If he catches even the slightest movement from the corner of his eyes, he flattens and meows pitifully. But if I try to pick him up to comfort him, he scratches and paws at me until I let him down again. I tried dangling yarn for him to play with, but that was too frightening. He prefers to chase my fingers, happily pouncing on my hand to capture it and then using my finger as a teething toy. At the moment I don't mind, but I can see that this particular game will have to be stopped as soon as his teeth finish coming in and he's able to break the skin.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We accidentally started litter box training today. Kitten was playing in the shredded papers and neither of us was expecting nature's call. Kitten was so surprised that he tried to run away, trailing poop behind. If it hadn't been so funny, I would have been annoyed at having to stop work to clean up the mess he made of the plastic tub he stays in. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Although I don't know how much longer I'll be able to keep him in the plastic tub. At home I've been letting him run "free" in a large dog crate. That keeps him safe (now that he's too big to even attempt to fit between the bars) and yet gives him a sense of freedom to roam. I think I had pictures yesterday, with the hammock that he's enjoying as a bed. The crate is way too big for me to bring back and forth to work. I don't even attempt to move it from room to room at home. So at work he's been kept in the plastic tub. Today I looked up from my computer just in time to grab him as he was going over the top edge. He had managed to climb the straight, slippery, plastic sides and was perched to fall the 13" down to the floor. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Letting him loose to run around my office is not option. I did try that today, once my heartbeat slowed enough for me to let the kitten loose from my panicked grip. He's still so tiny that I worry about stepping on him, or rolling him over with my desk chair. He'll go off exploring, and gets "lost" in a corner behind a box or under my desk. It's not easy for me to get down and crawl to rescue him. It's even more difficult to maintain my dignity trying to stand back up again holding the kitten, while my boss is watching and laughing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Kitten might be getting more independent, but he's also showing more affection to me as his "momma." One of my volunteers wanted to hold him, so of course I let her. And he snuggled up to her and enjoyed the attention. Until I came near. Then he struggled and pawed until I grabbed him. As soon as I had him, he started to purr. Okay, it might have been because I had his bottle. But I like the affection explanation much better!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxjw29SPMddN9YkDbCFi1reXBNbb4tZOrcqd1HagexL-6hLH-5mTjadSqoZ0cXschAuzvO0ODLPl5o' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A quick video of Kitten playing</div>
Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-48934602961852016702015-05-26T18:24:00.001-04:002015-05-26T18:24:20.358-04:00Project Kitten: Day 9<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eQLbhDI7Bo4/VWTma19lIRI/AAAAAAAAF24/S-1aDpcbGCI/s640/blogger-image-431964481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eQLbhDI7Bo4/VWTma19lIRI/AAAAAAAAF24/S-1aDpcbGCI/s640/blogger-image-431964481.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
It's hard to believe that I've had the kitten for a week now. It doesn't seem possible that he's already 3+ weeks old. And yet, it seems like so much longer than a week!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n57mUINBgm0/VWTmeWdGjcI/AAAAAAAAF3A/YKQwP6WFSg0/s640/blogger-image-1365824133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n57mUINBgm0/VWTmeWdGjcI/AAAAAAAAF3A/YKQwP6WFSg0/s640/blogger-image-1365824133.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Today at work, he tried to escape from his plastic tub. I'm not sure what I'm going to do about that. The cage at home is much larger (too large to bring back and forth) and has a cover. I had thought that I could just keep the plastic tub at work, but that's not going to be practical if he can get out of it. But I can't leave him at home. So now I have to try to try to find another cage that I can borrow for a couple of weeks. Being a foster kitten-mom is complicated!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BbvRXxwP6m0/VWTmh-2_-WI/AAAAAAAAF3I/jCeOJWy4_SE/s640/blogger-image--487906080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BbvRXxwP6m0/VWTmh-2_-WI/AAAAAAAAF3I/jCeOJWy4_SE/s640/blogger-image--487906080.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<br />
But so very much worth it!Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-4610813655611459522015-05-25T22:17:00.000-04:002015-05-26T18:18:40.349-04:00Project Kitten: Day 8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x5DIT8A4AEE/VWTmRQOH4BI/AAAAAAAAF2o/KQ2sa_rYIWA/s640/blogger-image--725788802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x5DIT8A4AEE/VWTmRQOH4BI/AAAAAAAAF2o/KQ2sa_rYIWA/s640/blogger-image--725788802.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
I moved the kitten into the cage full time now. Before this I would put him in the big plastic tub, and then put that in the cage, when I had to leave the room. I was afraid that he would hurt himself trying to slip through the bars. But he's big enough now that it doesn't seem to be a problem. He's not happy being left alone, but I just can't carry him around with me everywhere I go. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3a_JCyBR6lM/VWTmWNwKQtI/AAAAAAAAF2w/xwjt5hdqOCU/s640/blogger-image--1548754067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3a_JCyBR6lM/VWTmWNwKQtI/AAAAAAAAF2w/xwjt5hdqOCU/s640/blogger-image--1548754067.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
And it really isn't bad, being in the cage. There's plenty of room for a kitten to do a little exploring. He's learned to climb up into the hammock, although he still needs help getting down. The litter box is a great play toy. He's figured out how to completely empty it and loves to play with the paper shreds. (I was told that shredded paper is much safer for a young kitten. The absorbent clay litter can actually make a kitten very ill.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a6xddM15IoQ/VWTmM-i30jI/AAAAAAAAF2Y/LczeEE9B4qs/s640/blogger-image-2072590016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a6xddM15IoQ/VWTmM-i30jI/AAAAAAAAF2Y/LczeEE9B4qs/s640/blogger-image-2072590016.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We did have an adventure today. I've been cleaning kitten off with Cat Wipes. (They actually make Wipes specifically for cats!) But the wipes don't do as good a job as a mama cat's rough tongue would. ?And drooled kitten formula, much like baby formula, tends to get very sticky and smelly. And like a typical little boy, the kitten manages to drool and dribble his formula everywhere! So I tried a damp washcloth but impulsively decided to cut out the middleman and put the kitten directly under the water. Don't worry, I only washed his back and kept his head clear of any water spray. Kitten protested at first, but then seemed to settle down and enjoy the water. And he feels so much cleaner now. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sUj66JHZdkY/VWTmPbyazdI/AAAAAAAAF2g/PdllXohBrk4/s640/blogger-image-1331522487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sUj66JHZdkY/VWTmPbyazdI/AAAAAAAAF2g/PdllXohBrk4/s640/blogger-image-1331522487.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Kitten has started to purr. It was actually funny the first time. He was so surprised by the sound! But now he starts to purr as soon as I pick him up to cuddle. <br />
<br />Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-48944935877832989962015-05-24T15:04:00.000-04:002015-05-26T18:04:59.258-04:00Project Kitten: Day 7 - I got to spin today!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OsbtS9bn-lg/VWTl4TBfI0I/AAAAAAAAF14/qsOP89Hoilk/s640/blogger-image-393224058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yoWqNALy5hs/VWTmCIjBgkI/AAAAAAAAF2I/1vvHpXj26BM/s640/blogger-image--800766934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yoWqNALy5hs/VWTmCIjBgkI/AAAAAAAAF2I/1vvHpXj26BM/s640/blogger-image--800766934.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
Oh joy of joys! I managed to find an hour to myself in order to spin. My goal for the year of spinning 15 minutes every day was suspended when kitten came to live with me. Heck, my goal of taking a shower, doing my hair and putting on makeup before going to work had to be suspended. It's only been a week, but seems so much longer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OsbtS9bn-lg/VWTl4TBfI0I/AAAAAAAAF14/qsOP89Hoilk/s1600/blogger-image-393224058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OsbtS9bn-lg/VWTl4TBfI0I/AAAAAAAAF14/qsOP89Hoilk/s640/blogger-image-393224058.jpg" /></a></div>
All I can say is that it's a good thing this kitten is so darn cute. (Hey, that's the same thing I used to say about my children when <i>they</i> were toddlers...)Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-50843878082521523752015-05-23T17:57:00.000-04:002015-05-26T17:58:12.575-04:00Project Kitten: Day 6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HA9d8fZkxzc/VWTh2-Ul_AI/AAAAAAAAF08/O22_MX3QFos/s640/blogger-image-1959782042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HA9d8fZkxzc/VWTh2-Ul_AI/AAAAAAAAF08/O22_MX3QFos/s640/blogger-image-1959782042.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Kitten has been with me less than a week, but he's already grown so much. I didn't think to weigh him when he first came home with me, but as of today he's 11 7/8 ounces. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a4Se8qDTItc/VWTh05oej3I/AAAAAAAAF00/IFwhJd8Vo0k/s640/blogger-image--1209177147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a4Se8qDTItc/VWTh05oej3I/AAAAAAAAF00/IFwhJd8Vo0k/s640/blogger-image--1209177147.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Developmentally he's improved as well. From his reactions to things
around us, I can tell he's seeing better than he did in the beginning of
the week. His focus is still a little off--he still batts the air when
he tries to pet my face. He's walking stronger and even starting to try
to climb. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i1Y6iaTmc8A/VWTkmF7q44I/AAAAAAAAF1g/MptOARS8JLQ/s640/blogger-image--636487618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i1Y6iaTmc8A/VWTkmF7q44I/AAAAAAAAF1g/MptOARS8JLQ/s640/blogger-image--636487618.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Missy Gray still will not have anything to do with him, however. In fact, she's progressed (regressed?) from simply ignoring the kitten's existence to actively hissing when she sees the kitten. So now I have to carefully balance my time between the kitten and my cat in order to give both equal affection. Being a foster kitten-mom just got even more complicated!Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-17913804471710531052015-05-22T23:46:00.000-04:002015-05-26T17:47:17.961-04:00Project Kitten: Day 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eSE7u5vUYJ8/VWTkfM1TCxI/AAAAAAAAF1Q/l8UBSfbNrw4/s640/blogger-image--981238165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eSE7u5vUYJ8/VWTkfM1TCxI/AAAAAAAAF1Q/l8UBSfbNrw4/s640/blogger-image--981238165.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The kitten has found a home!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VgfnuI9Zwg8/VWTkdJOlQsI/AAAAAAAAF1I/QpAQ_FCFVcY/s640/blogger-image--577732529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VgfnuI9Zwg8/VWTkdJOlQsI/AAAAAAAAF1I/QpAQ_FCFVcY/s640/blogger-image--577732529.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's the rest of the story -- I just couldn't bear to go home after work. I needed a little social time. So I talked my friend Faith into meeting me at our favorite local coffee shop where we could sit outside to knit and chat a bit. Well, it was awfully hot so I asked the barristas if I could sneak the box with the kitten inside. I know it's against the rules, but the kitten was asleep and I promised I would leave him in the box under my table where no one would ever have to know.<br />
<br />
Yeah, that didn't last long. It turns out that a kitten, even one hidden in a box under the table, is an attention magnet. Everyone was coming over to ask if I really had a tiny bottle-fed kitten (I had been seen outside with the bottle), and could they please take a peek. People offered advice on raising kittens and cats and on neutering feral ones; told stories of their own cats; and just plain cooed and awed over the sleepy kitten.<br />
<br />
One of the barristas kept coming back for "just one more peek." When she overheard me telling another customer that I would be looking for a home for the kitten as soon as he was old enough, she asked if she could have him. So kitten will be going to his new home with Mama Desiree as soon as he's weaned. He's a very lucky kitty!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-75618850643286820312015-05-21T17:15:00.000-04:002015-05-26T17:47:53.079-04:00Kitten Project: Day 4 - Things I've learned<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2_BSnkxZbK0/VV5DjbxIx2I/AAAAAAAAF0M/nhHfMtW4ATk/s640/blogger-image-1336787742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8xOpmAhnVwQ/VV5DhdVn_CI/AAAAAAAAF0E/vs79A2DaySI/s640/blogger-image-860625486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8xOpmAhnVwQ/VV5DhdVn_CI/AAAAAAAAF0E/vs79A2DaySI/s640/blogger-image-860625486.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Everyone loves baby kittens. Even people who initially say that they hate cats will "ooh" and "aah" and want to hold him once they take a look at the utter cuteness of the baby kitten. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A vast majority of the people will want to pick up, cuddle, and feed the baby kitten. The exceptions are those people who truly hate cats. They'll coo over this kitten, but draw the line at getting any closer. Note that people who hate cats because they're allergic are usually willing to risk an attack because they're so overcome by the cuteness. About two-thirds of the people who want to hold and feed the kitten indicate that they would be willing to take the kitten home with them if I get tired of caring for him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After one session of trying to bottle feed this tiny kitten, it becomes obvious that the adorable bundle of fur is really a claw-filled, shrill meowing monster. He does not like the bottle, and will not willingly settle for such an inferior substitute for his own momma. Don't let the picture fool you. Feeding the kitten is exhausting, frustrating work. As much as I hate to admit it, being a liberal-minded family-centered child-loving woman, there are times I have full sympathy for the mother who abandoned this stubborn scratching kitty.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The good thing is that the kitten is still going to sleep after almost every meal. Which means I get almost two hours to work. If I'm lucky. If I'm rushing on a deadline, he's up and wanting to play! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g0g0294JL8w/VV5Dl2LCFhI/AAAAAAAAF0U/VcODx_I8aVg/s640/blogger-image-2051712402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g0g0294JL8w/VV5Dl2LCFhI/AAAAAAAAF0U/VcODx_I8aVg/s640/blogger-image-2051712402.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vrj9eYOE5Iw/VV5Dn9c6XjI/AAAAAAAAF0c/pCuOfZH4xf0/s640/blogger-image-131688511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vrj9eYOE5Iw/VV5Dn9c6XjI/AAAAAAAAF0c/pCuOfZH4xf0/s640/blogger-image-131688511.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
At least I did get a little bit of knitting done this afternoon. It's the first I've picked up my needles since Monday! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<br />Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-55838572211236604522015-05-20T17:04:00.000-04:002015-05-20T17:04:32.639-04:00The Kitten Project: Day 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bAutD15flI0/VVzsRCA5ZaI/AAAAAAAAFzo/nuEXaf3VE1M/s640/blogger-image-961443951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bAutD15flI0/VVzsRCA5ZaI/AAAAAAAAFzo/nuEXaf3VE1M/s640/blogger-image-961443951.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
A few days ago I took on a new project. I'm fostering an abandoned kitten.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
One of the feral cats in my neighborhood was pregnant, a real pretty Siamese mix, and we've been watching her to see where she was going to have her babies. Two weeks ago, May 6th, I came home to suspicious noises under my trailer. I'm still convinced that that was the big day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
There were cat noises, and soft mews for a few days, and then silence. By the end of that week, my neighbor reported the kittens were on her porch--or as she put it, she won the kitten lottery! My guess is that the mother cat moved the kittens because of the strange animal that visits my yard at night. I'm not sure what it is -- in the past I've seen racoons but this is more the size of a dog with the look of a cat, so perhaps either the bobcat or cougar that have been reported in the area. (I only see it's shadowy figure in the dark, because it runs away before I can get the back lights plugged in, which is why I'm not sure.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Anyway, the kittens stayed on the neighbors porch for about a week, then momma cat moved them under the porch. Moved two of them, that is, leaving kitten #3 alone on the porch. We watched, and listened to kitten #3 cry, for two days before we gave up on momma rescuing it. In the heat, we were afraid we had left it almost too late. Once rescued, and a test to see if the mother cat would take it back, we (my neighbor and I) became foster parents.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I have custody because even though I work, it's still easier for me to take in the baby kitten. My neighbor has two small children of her own, four cats (I only have one), a husband who is allergic to cats (which is why he's always trying to give the four cats to me along with the cup of milk I've come over to borrow), and a doctorate study to finish submitting and final exams to grade -- so I won custody of the kitten. I tried to talk her into giving me the children and then she could keep the kitten, but that just didn't work out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The first day was overwhelming. I packed up the kitten in a box and kept it at work with me. We had a little difficulty getting the kitten to drink his kitten formula from a bottle, but eventually hunger and ingenuity won out. The kitten managed to eat, and then sleep for long enough periods that I could get my work done with minimal interruptions. If there were night feedings, I missed them. (I should feel guilty about that, but the kitten survived and my cat didn't take action against the kitten or me so since it worked out I feel no real guilt.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The second day was fun. The kitten and I figured out the bottle situation, so life was suddenly good again. Our schedule was eat, cuddle on demand, and sleep when I had work to do. I had to skip Knit Night because I didn't think a kitten (even a tiny adorable one in a box) would be welcome at Starbucks, and at home my cat was very demanding of her share of cuddle time, so I didn't manage to do any knitting or spinning for the second day in a row. But the kitten was fun, my cat was even more adorable than usual, so it was a great day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Then there is today. Yeah. The honeymoon is over. I heard the kitten during the night and there would have been guilt if I ignored it. As a result, I overslept. And of course today is a communion morning, which means I needed to be in much earlier than normal. The only way I could manage was to skip my shower, ignore my makeup (or rather, lack thereof), and go to work looking like the frazzled new mom that I apparently am. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The kitten must be getting enough to eat, because he's starting to be more active. There was much less time spent napping, and a lot more spent meowing in a loud, high-pitched voice that can literally be heard from one end of the church to the other. I know because first I tried hiding his box (with him in it) behind the altar and then I tried putting it way out in the fellowship hall in order to have a few minutes of quiet time to work. My boss was not happy. (He did refrain from complaining once I mentioned that I could call and ask his children to "kitten-sit.")</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The only thing that seems to help the kitten settle down, other than a warm bottle, is for me to sing "Senor Don Gato." It was the only song about a cat that I knew all the words. I feel somewhat ridiculous singing lullabies to a kitten, but my theory is that it translates to purring in the kitten's hearing. Ever since I started singing, the kitten has begun to purr himself.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Once he's fed and quiet and purring, it's hard not to love this adorable face!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-110wqLykjXc/VVzsSncXk_I/AAAAAAAAFzw/Cgawayzixls/s640/blogger-image--1054600900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-110wqLykjXc/VVzsSncXk_I/AAAAAAAAFzw/Cgawayzixls/s640/blogger-image--1054600900.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S66GJnAvrv4/VVzsQacRS7I/AAAAAAAAFzg/7LTtULQAtBk/s640/blogger-image-1630896071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-74990840828201899832014-08-25T21:18:00.000-04:002014-08-26T15:18:46.353-04:00It's the cat's fault!Recently, things have been disappearing on me. I'll put my glasses down on side table next to my bed, and when I wake up they won't be there. I end up frantically searching the house (not easy, when you're as near-sighted as I am), and they'll finally show up on top of the refrigerator or some other ridiculous place. I'll set my scissors on the end table next to me, and after a wild search discover that they're in my gym bag. My book walks quietly behind me, turning up wherever I've already looked.<br />
<br />
You've probably already jumped to some crazy notion like maybe I'm getting old, or distracted, or the insomnia is finally getting to me. I really don't think it's me. I'm blaming the cat. I think she's still angry that we brought the puppy into the house, and she's trying to drive me crazy in revenge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GKKzCDyptgY/U_s_YrR0M3I/AAAAAAAAFmI/ITL_Dmqzcx4/s640/blogger-image-1168683939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GKKzCDyptgY/U_s_YrR0M3I/AAAAAAAAFmI/ITL_Dmqzcx4/s320/blogger-image-1168683939.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I mean, just look at her face... </div>
Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-57985617763884155822014-08-22T16:04:00.000-04:002014-08-26T15:05:13.020-04:00Friday's Favorite - My Son!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-85irLZfhvaw/U_tIovUsLQI/AAAAAAAAFnE/HTzQucJ8I1k/s640/blogger-image-1614183170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-85irLZfhvaw/U_tIovUsLQI/AAAAAAAAFnE/HTzQucJ8I1k/s400/blogger-image-1614183170.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OCKH-oLPR9w/U_tIki6o6zI/AAAAAAAAFm8/TN6GhTgoAjo/s640/blogger-image--770961777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OCKH-oLPR9w/U_tIki6o6zI/AAAAAAAAFm8/TN6GhTgoAjo/s400/blogger-image--770961777.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<br />
Yesterday was my son's 23rd birthday. It seems like just yesterday he was my little boy, excited about having pie and ice cream, and lots of birthday presents to unwrap. Now he's all grown up, and able to buy his own toys. (He recently purchased a jet ski! Seriously, what do you get a boy who buys his own super toy? A life jacket maybe?)<br />
<br />
I'm very proud of the man he's become. Although I do wish he would call his mom once in a while!Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-51647369328054995392014-08-21T17:00:00.000-04:002014-08-26T14:58:51.230-04:00A Twist on our usual Knit Night<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ijlcN87PVR8/U_JOXGrOsvI/AAAAAAAAFlY/Zn54zrMpqFE/s640/blogger-image--1067323238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ijlcN87PVR8/U_JOXGrOsvI/AAAAAAAAFlY/Zn54zrMpqFE/s320/blogger-image--1067323238.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Last week (I'm a little late getting these pictures up), we decided we would meet a little early for knitting and spend some time spinning first. I was the only one who showed up with a wheel. Not that it bothered me. I just explained to all the curious people at Starbucks that I was trying to keep up with the demand of the knitters, who were using up their yarn stash meeting there each week!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HwAnwvsIH0c/U_JOS7cPclI/AAAAAAAAFlQ/xYL6RIHAjQE/s640/blogger-image-1304934368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HwAnwvsIH0c/U_JOS7cPclI/AAAAAAAAFlQ/xYL6RIHAjQE/s320/blogger-image-1304934368.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-60537092561417732742014-08-20T23:10:00.000-04:002014-08-26T14:50:32.756-04:00MPKC 8/20<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MWGCxyJfZ2o/U_tAi8RACqI/AAAAAAAAFmc/Qrvedr5zvn4/s640/blogger-image--1403083593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MWGCxyJfZ2o/U_tAi8RACqI/AAAAAAAAFmc/Qrvedr5zvn4/s320/blogger-image--1403083593.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Recently I've been visited by the green-eyed monster. Because I belong to so many knitting groups, there is always someone who has just visited one of our LYS (local yarn shops) or has purchased yarn online. Every week I sit through the inevitable show and tell, admiring and fondling the additions to someone else's stash. I try to be good and remember that my stash, both yarn and fiber, has probably reached SABLE proportions. (SABLE is stash acquisition beyond life expectancy.) But now some of the girls are in yarn of the month clubs, receiving wonderful surprises of yarn and/or patterns each month in the mail, and it was more fiber-fun than my jealous nature could stand.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I decided to create my own <a href="http://sandi-pics.blogspot.com/p/phd-projects-half-done-tatting-bracelet.html">Personal Yarn Club</a>, using patterns from my "I Want to Knit This Someday" queue and matching each with yarn from my stash. Each pattern and yarn was put into a ziplock bag with a tag letting me know the categories (sock, sweater, shawl, lace, easy-to-knit, gift, quick, long-term committment) and tools (needle size, stitch markers, etc) for that pattern. I ended up with over 60 projects ready to go. If I think of this as a monthly club, I have a 5 year subscription! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now that's a stash worth envying!</div>
Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-89181539939560184992014-08-13T17:39:00.001-04:002014-08-13T17:39:11.745-04:00Nupps and Beads, but not much else<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LrW3rG_bZyE/U-vXKbffVVI/AAAAAAAAFkw/VQRHfPg71V8/s640/blogger-image-768602582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LrW3rG_bZyE/U-vXKbffVVI/AAAAAAAAFkw/VQRHfPg71V8/s640/blogger-image-768602582.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I am totally obsessed with the Aeolian Shawl, and that seems to be the only progress I've made this week. Officially I'm working on the sleeves of the baby sweater, since my knitting student has started her sleeves. But all I did was put the stitches onto the needles in preparation to knit, and then I set the sweater aside while I did a few more rows of the shawl chart. And I did plan to knit a few more hearts for Yarnified Love Bomb day (today!), just as soon as I did a couple more rows of the shawl chart. I brought my Super-Secret-It's-A-Gift project to start at knitting group, but the shawl chart kept calling my name and I couldn't concentrate to count the cast-on. (<i>Okay -- I probably went too far on that last one. I mean, seriously, claiming I couldn't count the cast on yet I can add beads and bubbles while chatting?</i>) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
At least the shawl is making progress. I did have to buy a third tube of beads, which is absolutely ridiculous. Counting repeated charts, I'm on chart #18 with only 3 left to go! Depending on the nupps, I may even finish the shawl this week.</div>
Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-72931110133145449952014-08-12T23:21:00.000-04:002014-08-13T17:21:42.837-04:00Vero Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YeP40G_-XFI/U-vJI0SOaAI/AAAAAAAAFkg/oWuU9efQ8Bg/s640/blogger-image--704846982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YeP40G_-XFI/U-vJI0SOaAI/AAAAAAAAFkg/oWuU9efQ8Bg/s320/blogger-image--704846982.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I'm fortunate to have a friend with a timeshare in Vero Beach. Every year she invites me to spend some time at the Driftwood Resort with her, and every year I have an incredible time. She's a gracious hostess and the Driftwood is a beautifully unique place. This year I was only able to stay one night, but we managed to get a lot of relaxation fit into the two days I was there.During the days we alternated between the beach and the pool. In the evening, we played Mah Jongg.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
If I had the money, I would be very tempted to purchase a timeshare for myself there. My friend has owned her's since the Driftwood first offered the timeshares. Her children spent time at there at beach and pools growing up, and now their children (and even grandchildren!) are there with her this week. (<i>I, of course, had nothing to do with spoiling my friend's great grandchildren -- even though I made every attempt to do so!</i>) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iZM1NtbOTJ0/U-vJErykPBI/AAAAAAAAFkY/Tr95ziDwc04/s640/blogger-image-1104248871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iZM1NtbOTJ0/U-vJErykPBI/AAAAAAAAFkY/Tr95ziDwc04/s320/blogger-image-1104248871.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uPp4yBIDHcE/U-vJBg0qOlI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/1j8VsszsXXM/s640/blogger-image--1425071098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uPp4yBIDHcE/U-vJBg0qOlI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/1j8VsszsXXM/s320/blogger-image--1425071098.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-40011059519121143892014-08-10T19:00:00.000-04:002014-08-13T21:00:35.198-04:00I hate saying Goodbye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sflb8PaOQcU/U-vIt0l8xDI/AAAAAAAAFkA/_Qo7HsIJG3I/s640/blogger-image-317990255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sflb8PaOQcU/U-vIt0l8xDI/AAAAAAAAFkA/_Qo7HsIJG3I/s320/blogger-image-317990255.jpg" width="239"></a></div>
<br>
<div>
It's been a very stressful weekend for me. I really hate saying "goodbye" to the people I love.<br>
<br>
The first "goodbye" was not a goodbye in the regular sense. A good friend, one of my church ladies that I had gotten close to, has Alzheimer's and is now in an assisted living facility. I'm lucky enough to be included on her visitor list (which is very limited, since she is easily agitated and gets very upset -- apparently a common reaction when you know you should recognize people and places but can't). When I first arrived, she didn't know who I was. But I was able to gently remind her of some of our fun times together, and we ended up having a great time together.<br>
<br>
And it really was a great time together. We chatted about the things she remembered. We giggled over things we had done in the past. We made plans for future visits. And if some of the things that she remembered weren't quite right, if she mixed up people, or if there were moments that confused her -- we were able to find a way to accept it and laugh together about it.<br>
<br>
It wasn't until I got home, after telling her goodbye and promising to come visit her again soon, that I cried. Because even though my friend is still there, and we can still laugh and have fun together, I can see that she is quickly leaving us (both mentally and physically) and the day is coming when "goodbye" really is "goodbye." </div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-V3_r4y4TJ9U/U-vIyUczYlI/AAAAAAAAFkI/SrCzYAecp2w/s640/blogger-image-1537161567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-V3_r4y4TJ9U/U-vIyUczYlI/AAAAAAAAFkI/SrCzYAecp2w/s320/blogger-image-1537161567.jpg" width="294"></a></div>
<br>
While I was still trying to accept my friend's condition, I received a message from an old friend and ex-sister-in-law. Sharon was letting me know that our very good friend had unexpectedly passed away on Saturday. <br>
<br>
I still don't know what to say about this. It's been a while since I've talked with Pats, and even longer since I've seen her. But we had a friendship that time and distance didn't affect. I always knew she was there, and either one of us could pick up the phone and we'd start in the middle of the conversation just as if we had talked every day. I'm feeling very lost knowing that I don't have that safety net anymore.<br>
<br>
Pats was my college roommate. She was the maid of honor when I got married. She was godmother to my firstborn. She was there when my marriage fell apart, helping to put me back together when I thought the world was ending. She was there to kick my butt when I was being an idiot, and to give me high-fives when I was celebrating. She was my best friend, even if time and distance kept us apart.<br>
<br>
I hate having to say "goodbye."Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-13989612651538170512014-07-28T20:37:00.001-04:002014-07-28T20:37:13.608-04:00It could be worse.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JmjB5uidjLs/U9bqTVH9fNI/AAAAAAAAFjU/N7ZCWu8djT0/s640/blogger-image-1859394886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JmjB5uidjLs/U9bqTVH9fNI/AAAAAAAAFjU/N7ZCWu8djT0/s320/blogger-image-1859394886.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
For $400 I got an afternoon of knitting by myself, a cup of bad coffee, and the check engine light to turn off.</div>
<br />Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-34349650361112552882014-07-27T21:45:00.000-04:002014-07-28T20:37:31.278-04:00A Flower grows on YouTube<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4IgavPJDgqE/U9bpGSeb5EI/AAAAAAAAFi4/guSwvlmKmTw/s640/blogger-image--1128968546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4IgavPJDgqE/U9bpGSeb5EI/AAAAAAAAFi4/guSwvlmKmTw/s640/blogger-image--1128968546.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I picked up a grapevine wreath on sale at Michael's, and now there's one more project on my needles. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hkbtFh_QuyI/U9bpIV6praI/AAAAAAAAFjA/8AMJNU58G1k/s640/blogger-image--1185970070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hkbtFh_QuyI/U9bpIV6praI/AAAAAAAAFjA/8AMJNU58G1k/s640/blogger-image--1185970070.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Originally I had thought to add some of my crocheted hearts. I think that would have been very pretty.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: small;">But then I found a couple of videos on YouTube showing how to crochet <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlWt0n0srfA">multilayered </a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoPb5dDme1I">flowers</a>. And of course I had to try that out.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I ended up spending the afternoon making flowers. I probably could have finished the wreath as obsessed as I was. Only somebody is not house trained yet, and peed all over my yarn--which was in my lap at the time.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Jx_OpPuEN40/U9bpKWW1bpI/AAAAAAAAFjI/PpKAvHsjqvc/s640/blogger-image--1186855098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Jx_OpPuEN40/U9bpKWW1bpI/AAAAAAAAFjI/PpKAvHsjqvc/s320/blogger-image--1186855098.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Surprisingly, no animals were harmed in the making of my wreath. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-18851513682052522412014-07-26T20:32:00.000-04:002014-07-28T20:32:32.086-04:00All Fun and Games Today<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">On Saturday mornings I usually walk down the street to meet some friends at Starbucks for coffee and knitting time together. We'll spend a few hours together then go off on our separate ways. Recently we've started to expand our time together into a full ladies day. (Although we aren't excluding guys. They just haven't shown any interest in joining us.)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Sx3we6rwuN4/U9U8mzEhAhI/AAAAAAAAFic/bkMfzolJHcg/s640/blogger-image--2039262518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Sx3we6rwuN4/U9U8mzEhAhI/AAAAAAAAFic/bkMfzolJHcg/s320/blogger-image--2039262518.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
After knitting, we now head out for lunch together. Today we went to <a href="http://www.dinerongateway.com/">The Diner</a> on Gateway. It was my first visit and I was very impressed. The portions are huge and delicious. When she brought out my spinach salad I thought I had made a mistake and ordered a family portion instead the individual salad. It was so good, with lots of goat cheese and strawberries. (And I had enough left over for dinner.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M7ubgytLY5Q/U9U8lMElCaI/AAAAAAAAFiU/ORkk5GoRHaE/s640/blogger-image--1263862539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M7ubgytLY5Q/U9U8lMElCaI/AAAAAAAAFiU/ORkk5GoRHaE/s640/blogger-image--1263862539.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
After lunch a few of us continue the day with an afternoon of Mah Jongg. Sometimes we play at my apartment, but today we went to the bookstore. We should have agreed to ignore the mess at my place because the bookstore turned out to be crowded. All the large tables were taken and we had to be be a bit inventive in setting up the game. As soon as one of the big tables freed up, we snagged up and moved over.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-d3b94sVLKDc/U9U8iSYOI8I/AAAAAAAAFiM/tkaza-KhZ18/s640/blogger-image-1357952092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-d3b94sVLKDc/U9U8iSYOI8I/AAAAAAAAFiM/tkaza-KhZ18/s320/blogger-image-1357952092.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We've started playing for money. Nothing big, just a $5 limit. Last week, our first money game, I lost 50 cents after three hours of playing. Today I won the first game, making Mah Jongg myself on a 30 cent hand giving me a total of $1.20 in winnings. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YGJ72jJCT5g/U9U8ovzUCcI/AAAAAAAAFik/M596s4Gc3KA/s640/blogger-image-1574150598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YGJ72jJCT5g/U9U8ovzUCcI/AAAAAAAAFik/M596s4Gc3KA/s320/blogger-image-1574150598.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I won a second game. This was on a concealed hand, giving me the biggest win of the day : $2.40. So much excitement! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Looking back in the day, I question what kind of person I have become, to be so happy over a day if knitting, lunching, and Mah Jongg with the ladies. Then I answer myself - a very lucky one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-85256213795929303792014-07-25T15:55:00.000-04:002014-07-25T15:55:00.610-04:00Blogger Makes it Happen!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7F9v93aKX6Q/U9KuCbd7z2I/AAAAAAAAFh4/acH30Y9TtcA/s640/blogger-image-192720728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7F9v93aKX6Q/U9KuCbd7z2I/AAAAAAAAFh4/acH30Y9TtcA/s640/blogger-image-192720728.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This week's favorite thing has to be the Blogger app. Because really, it's the only reason I've been able to get back to blogging. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've had this app for a while, almost as long as I've had my iphone, thanks to one of my knitting pals. But it was too difficult to navigate to do me any good. I would get frustrated before I could finish a post that it was taking all the fun out of blogging. It was easier to just wait until I could get onto the computer at home. After a while, I forgot I had this app.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Flash forward to the present. I've had the iphone long enough that apps have become a major part of my life. I wake up to an app. I schedule my day by apps. Apps keep me entertained and informed. My banking is done with an app. Even my knitting involves apps! So when I noticed I still had Blogger, I decided to give it another chance.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I don't know why I ever thought it was complicated. It's actually one of the easiest apps on my phone. Granted, I still get annoyed when I'm trying to type a word and it gets autocorrected to something really ridiculous and I can't get it to stop autocorrecting. And I still have trouble getting the formatting to go the way I want it because my fingers are too big to move the tiny bits I'm trying to select. But I can type up my post, add the pictures, and save as a draft. Then it takes just a few minutes during lunch or after work to use the computer to format and publish the draft. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hopefully I'll be able to get a working computer at the home soon. (Although parting with my much-loved-even-if-it-is-outdated-and-slow laptop is proving difficult). In the meantime, Blogger is my favorite thing to keep me posting!</div>
Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-1723194516224248602014-07-24T16:13:00.000-04:002014-07-24T16:13:00.784-04:00Thursday's Thanks Giving<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cfpz6Lxmi2Y/U9FT2VhwtrI/AAAAAAAAFhM/Rn_JK2FcYlg/s640/blogger-image--1274229846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cfpz6Lxmi2Y/U9FT2VhwtrI/AAAAAAAAFhM/Rn_JK2FcYlg/s320/blogger-image--1274229846.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cnT__s0Zc4s/U9FT5Sis6cI/AAAAAAAAFhU/_zDalIrdCpY/s640/blogger-image-1662469833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cnT__s0Zc4s/U9FT5Sis6cI/AAAAAAAAFhU/_zDalIrdCpY/s320/blogger-image-1662469833.jpg" width="240" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I am so grateful that I have friends who are willing to share their babies with me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I don't have grandchildren yet. And I don't want grandchildren yet -- I think my kids are very smart to be waiting until they are more settled, and financially and emotionally ready for babies. I know too many people who had children too young and didn't get to enjoy them, or who have grandchildren that they are having to raise because the parents weren't really ready for the responsibility. I really enjoyed my children but I don't know that I would enjoy raising any more children at this point in my life. And yet...</div>
<br />
<br />
With my children all grown up, it is a total joy that I can cuddle and spoil my friends' babies. Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-83350298305232910102014-07-23T15:52:00.000-04:002014-07-23T15:52:00.620-04:00Wednesday's WIPs and FOs<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GRxf46TOi3o/U8-w1-Yj7WI/AAAAAAAAFgk/i6rmAnaRhGE/s640/blogger-image--1928761217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GRxf46TOi3o/U8-w1-Yj7WI/AAAAAAAAFgk/i6rmAnaRhGE/s640/blogger-image--1928761217.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My big accomplishment this week was finishing the <a href="http://ravel.me/Sandrilene/wc" target="_blank">Crochet Alone</a>. All I had left to do was the border, but I thought I would never make it to the end of those ten rows! But now that it is all done, I really love it. When I started this project, I had said that I would probably give it away. After all, I only agreed to crochet the throw because the others in my Wednesday fiber group talked me into doing this Crochet Along. (Then they all dropped out before it started, without telling me, making it into my Crochet Alone.) But it's so pretty, and goes so well on my dark brown couch that I think I'm going to be selfish and keep it.<br />
<br />
The yarn was <a href="http://www.michaels.com/loops-and-threads-impeccable-yarn/M10108918.html?dwvar_M10108918_color=Aran" target="_blank">Loops & Threads Impeccable</a> from Michael's, in the Aqua. The pattern is Red Heart's <a href="http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/checkerboard-textures-throw" target="_blank">Checkerboard Textures Throw</a>. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fPkvOXyhFPA/U8-w53FwUlI/AAAAAAAAFgs/jL_B_pvK-_c/s640/blogger-image--1472494986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fPkvOXyhFPA/U8-w53FwUlI/AAAAAAAAFgs/jL_B_pvK-_c/s640/blogger-image--1472494986.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I haven't made any real progress on the other active projects. We didn't do a knitting lesson this week, so the baby sweater is still waiting for the sleeves, and the ball still only has the one completed strip. I did do several more pattern repeats on the preemie blanket, although it's difficult to see any progress on a blanket. I just have five more pattern repeats (20 rows) and the garter stitch border (another 8 rows) and it can be bound off and given away.<br />
<br />
I just couldn't get interested in any of these projects. After doing the crocheted throw in the worsted-weight acrylic, I wanted something fun to knit. Something pretty and challenging.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CbfDPIHqC1Y/U8-w8202xNI/AAAAAAAAFg0/laVnUnh-FUU/s640/blogger-image-1876818298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CbfDPIHqC1Y/U8-w8202xNI/AAAAAAAAFg0/laVnUnh-FUU/s640/blogger-image-1876818298.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I pulled out my<a href="http://ravel.me/Sandrilene/as" target="_blank"> Aeolian Shawl</a>. I had started this back in 2010 (!) at my daughter's request that we do this pattern together. She, of course, never cast on her project. And I ended up getting distracted and putting it aside. Although I'm not sure why I would have abandoned this -- it's gorgeous. And despite using a bead every 10 stitches stitches in the pattern, it's an easy knit so far. I was actually able to take it to my knitting group and work on it while socializing. (I felt like such a hard core knitter that night!) The yarn is Knit Pick's Gloss Lace in Stirling, and the pattern is from <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring09/KSPATTaeolian.php">Knitty.com</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have two more repeats of the current chart, with all the beautiful beaded leaves, then there are still five more charts to navigate. So maybe I shouldn't get too confident. But is is an enjoyable contrast to the Crochet Alone!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-58259421250096032262014-07-22T16:43:00.000-04:002014-07-22T16:43:00.395-04:00Ten on Tuesday<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7di6UtRJW6M/U862Ie-t1tI/AAAAAAAAFgQ/CFWtCdmzGLU/s640/blogger-image--1148133962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7di6UtRJW6M/U862Ie-t1tI/AAAAAAAAFgQ/CFWtCdmzGLU/s320/blogger-image--1148133962.jpg" width="239" /></a>The <a href="http://caroleknits.net/2014/07/22/ten-on-tuesday-241/" target="_blank">Ten on Tuesday</a> topic for today is "Ten Thresholds You Cross Everyday." This could be a very thoughtful post, like the one posted on <a href="http://zeneedle.typepad.com/zeneedle_process_of_art/2014/07/caroles-tot-gave-me-pause-my-day-was-hectic-and-i-had-little-time-to-think-it-through-but-thoughts-on-thresholds-were-bounc.html" target="_blank">Zeneedle</a>. But I think I'll go the more pragmatic route, and just detail my day's (<i>sorry!</i>) route.<br />
<br />
1. The first threshold of the day is the one from the bedroom into the bathroom. It's one I cross several times in the process of starting my day, and frequently involves tripping over the cat as the cat also attempts to cross the same threshold to start its day. (The litterbox is in my bathroom.)<br />
<br />
2. The threshold from the living room onto my porch. I have several plants out on the porch, and they need a lot of water to survive the Florida heat. So watering is a daily event for the catnip, flower basket, and aloe plants. (The Christmas cactus is out there, too, but actually likes the sun and doesn't need as much water.)<br />
<br />
3. The threshold of the front door. A given.<br />
<br />
4. The threshold into the Rosser room, which is the main entrance of the church where I work. This involves juggling my bags, the mail (which I get from the mailbox on my way in), and the alarm.<br />
<br />
5. The threshold into the sanctuary. I'm still juggling all my bags, mail, and keys, plus the padlock and chain. Unfortunately we've had to start padlocking the sanctuary at night. The church leases space to other groups, and we had some damage done in the sanctuary from unsupervised children. It seems like such a shame to lock up the church this way, but it was easier to just prevent any further problems. I cross this threshold several times throughout the course of my day since my office is off the sanctuary and the fellowship hall, kitchen, restrooms, and supply closet are all on the other side of the Rosser room.<br />
<br />
6. The threshold into the Fellowship Hall is another one that I cross several times a day. The kitchen and restrooms are actually in the Fellowship Hall. <br />
<br />
And since I've already mentioned these, but I also manage to cross the thresholds of the (7) Volunteer Office, (8) kitchen, and (9) restroom in the course of my day. <br />
<br />
10. After work, I almost always end up crossing the threshold of a Starbucks. Either to meet friends for knitting, or just to grab a coffee and sit to read for a little while before going home. I try to also cross the thresholds at the gym at some point during the day.<br />
<br />Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-19631466390290047902014-07-21T23:38:00.000-04:002014-07-22T15:00:04.364-04:00I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library. (Jorge Luis Borges)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GwaufiY6jQY/U86iI2bWrGI/AAAAAAAAFgA/RfsRktLcc3o/s1600/blogger-image-938091735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GwaufiY6jQY/U86iI2bWrGI/AAAAAAAAFgA/RfsRktLcc3o/s640/blogger-image-938091735.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been hearing more and more about the Little Free Libraries that are popping up all over the country, and I was hoping to find one. A guy in Wisconsin started this movement back in 2009 when he built a small schoolhouse-shaped box in honor of his mother,filled it with books to share with his neighbors, and put it in his front yard. His neighbors loved it, and it didn't take long for the idea to spread. Community support, word of month, human-interest publicity, and eventually a <a href="http://littlefreelibrary.org/" target="_blank">website </a>(www.littlefreelibrary.org) has lead to over 15,000 Little Free Libraries across the world. <br />
<br />
It turns out that there are 100 Little Free Libraries just in Florida, and 6 are in my area. I was thrilled when I discovered that there was one in Vero Beach, where I was spending my vacation day. So naturally I went to search it out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dQfVRUeedrE/U86ZK-0h0pI/AAAAAAAAFfU/be5JCk10yWE/s1600/blogger-image--1264054471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dQfVRUeedrE/U86ZK-0h0pI/AAAAAAAAFfU/be5JCk10yWE/s640/blogger-image--1264054471.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I found it at the edge of an empty lot, in a quiet little neighborhood. The theory of the little libraries is that you take any book you like, and leave one in its place. I had wondered if there were problems with people taking the books and not leaving anything, so that the libraries ended up empty. But the typed note on this libraries door basically said to please leave ONLY one book for each book you take, so the problem seems to be that people are overly-generous in sharing their books.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I did, of course, end up picking out a book to take. And then I walked the two blocks down to the beach where I spent a very nice couple of hours reading.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-K6c3nPc0N6Q/U86ZNXRsLxI/AAAAAAAAFfc/yfzuvWjPt6M/s1600/blogger-image--1328083479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-K6c3nPc0N6Q/U86ZNXRsLxI/AAAAAAAAFfc/yfzuvWjPt6M/s640/blogger-image--1328083479.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thank you, J. J. Wilson for sharing Little Free Library #5048! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you want to find a Little Free Library in your area, check out <a href="http://littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/" target="_blank">the website's interactive map</a>.</div>
Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-53250894999473300522014-07-20T09:45:00.000-04:002014-07-22T13:52:59.528-04:00Vacation!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yUtboAVpaH0/U86eLhIdUKI/AAAAAAAAFf0/6KlxX3auNbg/s640/blogger-image--1753531206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yUtboAVpaH0/U86eLhIdUKI/AAAAAAAAFf0/6KlxX3auNbg/s640/blogger-image--1753531206.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't have time for a full post -- I'm getting ready to leave for a quick trip toVero Beach. We weren't able to work out a full vacation for me, but at least I have this 3-day weekend. I plan to enjoy every minute of it! (Saturday was pretty great, with knitting followed by lunch out with the gals and then a marathon Mah Jongg session.)<br />
<br />
Missy Gray is pouting because she knows I'm leaving. I think the overnight bag gave me away. But I'm not worried. I figure she'll take her anger out on the puppy while I'm away, and then we'll have a long cuddle session when I get back.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16822734.post-88289448155958533872014-07-19T08:23:00.000-04:002014-07-22T11:23:57.261-04:00Saturday Snapshop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ezh_d1tDfcg/U857MwXcDCI/AAAAAAAAFfE/2nq5Z6Jv47I/s640/blogger-image-189086780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ezh_d1tDfcg/U857MwXcDCI/AAAAAAAAFfE/2nq5Z6Jv47I/s640/blogger-image-189086780.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is a quick knitted project I had finished in early July. I was able to give these to a friend for her new granddaughter just about a week before the baby was born. The pattern, which is well-written and easy to do, is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bows-before-bros" target="_blank">Bows Before Bros</a> by Carrie Briggs. This pattern is going on my list of great baby gifts to make.</div>
Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08238758096611674469noreply@blogger.com0