It's a good thing.

Glad I cleaned off my desk.

Tax Trouble?

I have the solution if you are having trouble with your taxes.
(Please make sure you have sound.)

It's all about not doing my taxes.

Yeah, but does your Gnome barbecue Tofurky and look like the guy on Lost that used to be a Hobbit? I didn't think so.

In case you were wondering, mine does!

Maybe Karen can create a "what type of Gnome are you test."

And now, a message for our sponsor...

I just received the book “SweaterBabe.Com’s Fabulous and Flirty Crochet by Katherine Lee.” I love the fact that crochet is finally beginning to get the credit and validation it deserves. This book is no exception. It is spiral bound so it lays flat; it starts off with all of the obligatory crochet basics which any beginner would find an invaluable resource. From hook sizing and pattern reading to yarn weights, abbreviations and international crochet symbols (which are so useful for deciphering pattern stitch diagrams).

The projects are conveniently arranged throughout the book by level of difficulty: beginner, intermediate and advanced. The pieces are very clearly photographed on models in a section of the book separate from the patterns, which makes for a very lovely presentation. The actual patterns themselves are clearly and concisely written and are easy to follow. I only wish that the patterns included plus sizing.

The last section in the book contains a detailed stitch glossary; complete with easy to follow diagrams of all the required stitches mentioned in the book. There is also a page dedicated to the yarns used in all the projects. The yarns are photographed at their actual size so that substituting is easy.

Katherine Lee does a magnificent job with pattern creation. She truly has an eye for contemporary design elements. From the Tortoise Handled Purse, which is beautiful (I want to make it right now!) to the Shawl Collared Wrap Cardigan which is amazingly gorgeous. The book is a wonderful resource for those of us that are hungry to create more then toilet paper covers and doilies

Betcha can't guess what we did with our Sunday night.

We learned to...


Fun, fun, fun around the Ol' Davis House I tell ya!

Bobble-licious

I started the wedding present afghan. Easy pattern. Taken from the book that Tevana lent to me (Thanks Tevana!) Birthstone afghans. I actually wound up picking my birthday month afghan, not because it was my month, but because it seemed easy and I have already memorized the ultra-simple pattern repeat. For those of you that actually know me, the memorization thing may serve to impress. I chose to do it in the ever economical "Perfect Match" in espresso and I think it's turning out nicely and that yarn, particularly in the espresso, is way softer then I remember.

"Getting old ain't for sissies." ~Bette Davis

Today is Carlin's birthday. She is 14 years old. My teeny weeny baby girl (who was NEVER that teeny weeny) is growing up.

She was born on Monday, March 16, 1992 @8:49pm.

She weighed 9 pounds 4.5 ounces and was 21.5 inches long.

Her Father and Mother's life hasn't been the same since and I mean that in the most wonderful way possible.

xoxoxoxo

"Whip it good"

I think I may finally have a new crochet assignment. I haven’t felt all that inspired since the completion of holiday gifts from last year. I do much better with a purpose.
Thomas’ friend/coworker is getting married in May and I thought I would make them an afghan. At this rate I need to do what my friend Tevana does and “whip one up.” I think it may be acceptable to give newlyweds their gift up to several months after the wedding so I may not be as pressed for time as I think. Any ideas for a pretty and not so complicated afghan pattern are graciously welcomed! If I’m not careful the choosing of the pattern might take longer then the afghan itself.

I’m still working on my green bag that I want to felt. I didn’t like where it was going so I ripped it out on Sunday. All that single crochet gone in a matter of minutes. I think I was making it too big, crochet felts differently, like in not as much as knitting and that bag was just too ginormous. At the rate I was going I would’ve had to order more yarn and that would not jive with the cheapskate in me. I already have enough of the stuff. I must avoid ordering any more yarn for that particular project at all costs.

I missed the SnB on Sunday and I really wanted to go. I woke up feeling pretty crappy. This cold weather we've been having makes all normal aches and pains feel about 10 times worse.

WTF?

I love when pictures say a 1000 words so I don't have to.

Am I what?

More of Carlin's Amigurumi. So cute.

To annoy or pester; vex.

In response to Toni's comment about my last post. Yes, I am aware of what happens to teases.

"I am a tease."

What I got for Valentine's Day...

Carlin made me this Amigurumi cat for Valentine's Day. I named him Burl Ives.

I also got an amazing card from the husband which I cannot share :-)

Happy "V" Day.

A very special Valentine.
(sound is required)

Karma is a bitch.

I'm just sayin'

Arrested Development.

I love watching movies or tv that have surprise crocheting or knitting related references in them. I was watching the Arrested Development finale and saw this (thanks Tivo!) If you have ever watched the show then you already know how absolutely funny Tobias (David Cross) is... and this, this makes him that much funnier...

*******************************************************

On the almost better then sex front...

Our mail carrier brought this to my front door yesterday.

Tardy.

Rather then apologize for my lax blogging behavior that I'm not feeling all that remorseful about lets just cut to the chase.

I'm at a standstill with my projects. Nothing really new to note. I am waiting for some Wool of the Andes from Knitpicks in avocado and fern for what I hope winds up as a fabulous (possibly felted) bag.

I am VERY excited though...Carlin has started to "make" some friends! See below.

Aren't they adorable?

You may also remember that Carlin was working on projects for her dad and I for the holiday's. here is a picture of Thomas in his lovely sweater, he wears it all the time.

and one of him in his way cool ear flap hat....(I'm quite sure he is going to totally appreciate the amount of pictures he has in my blog.)

Oh, and the last thing today. I really do want Carlin to start blogging again and I though it would serve her well if we all inundated her email with nagging and berating so that she will feel the obligation. Her email is cheaplikepearls@yahoo.com . Please help me help her!

Fever Pitch.

Someone is still trying to beat that holiday deadline :-)

Fun Guy

This morning as I was out taking a walk with our dog Farkle (she is nearly 14) I saw this really cool tree fungus that I just had to include in the 'ol blog. It was about a foot in diameter and the brightest yellow. In my neck 'o the woods you definitely don't see cool stuff like this every day.

"Cool tree fungi"

Beaming with pride...and a little envious to boot.

I just had to add this to the 'ol blog. Carlin finished her Dad's Christmas sweater. Yippee!

(Luckily, he doesn't really read this blog or i'd be in trouble!)

It practically blogs itself.

Please, may I have one minute and twenty nine seconds of your time.

"hilarity ensues"