Vacation is Almost Over

I am sitting here typing this while grumpy pre-teen is looking over my shoulder. I guess he wants to be sure I don't write anything bad about him. He doesn't realize it's already too late!!

Anyway, we leave for home tomorrow and I am so ready to get back to my own bed. It's been a nice trip, but I am exhausted. I did get to visit my favorite yarn shop in Illinois- Nancy's Knitworks in Springfield. They moved to a much larger store and their inventory has increased. It's only gotten better- not that it was bad in the first place. I did pick up some lovely yarn to make DD and her cousin some scarves. I got myself some sock yarn and indigo dyed yarn that I have no idea what I am going to make with it. Another reason I can't wait to get home- my extensive pattern collection.

DD spent 2 nights with her cousin and was thrilled. Cousin still can't find her AG doll. DD was hoping that they were going to have a big sleepover dolls and all. They still had fun even though they couldn't have a dolly tea party.

DH has spent the last 2 days trying to fix BIL's computer. Apparently, there are multiple problems, like the virus program that is over 2 years old and no longer works. There are also multiple cookies that need to be blocked, too. DH can't believe BIL let the computer get that bad, but then DH is always keeping ours cleaned up and such while BIL doesn't care until it's too late.

Y'all have a great New Years. Be safe and appoint a designated driver. And, no knitting under the influence, either. It's no fun to have to try and correct those mistakes with a hangover;-)

Happy Holidays

Yeah, I know it's Christmas, but I'm Jewish, so you get the generic. We are visiting the relatives in Illinois, and it's going pretty well. DD had one minor upset with her older cousin. Seems cousin wanted to play with the much younger cousin who lives here rather than the one visiting from Texas (DD). DD is tired. We got her lay down and rest for a few minutes and she calmed down. Then both cousins left and she has the grands undivided attention.

Grumpy pre-teen has disappeared into the computer room where gramps keeps the PS2. We hardly ever see him except when he's hungry. He got some really nice gifts from the family, but is more content with the old PS2 games.

DD got her wish- the pink leopard from Build-a-Bear Workshop. The grands bought her both the big one and the little one that goes with it. Auntie bought her a Mrs. Claus BABW dress so the leopard is not naked.

And, I got the best present ever- my MIL is taking DD to see the new "Alvin and the Chipmunks" movie. I don't even have to go!! I have never liked the chipmunks, so I am relieved that MIL is taking her. I've also been knitting American Girl doll clothes and BABW sweaters for DD and her cousin. They are really cracking that whip for new clothes and sweaters!!

Have a great day, y'all!!

KANG's generous knitting spirit

I tried to post these pics yesterday, but I didn't follow the directions very well. Here are the pics of what my fellow Houston knitters donated for charity. They are truly amazing. Did I mention that we knit 41 washcloths??

Generosity of Knitters

I belong to the Knit at Night Guild (KANG) in Houston. I recently asked my fellow knitters to bring hand knit washcloths to our last meeting so I could donate them to a local woman's shelter. I received 41 knit washcloths, assorted toiletries, 7 pairs of crocheted slippers, 4 of the cutest scarves, one hat/scarf set and some other things. Makes me proud to be a knitter and crocheter.

Puberty has started

Well, it seems that puberty has hit our household. My son's hormones must have gone into overdrive in the last few days. He used the bathroom early this morning and at noon it still reeks of (almost) teenage boy. I went and bought one of those alternating scent warmer things that plugs in and set it on high. I was going to set it on low until I walked into the bathroom. His sister refuses to use that bathroom now, too. It's gonna be a fun, and stinky, couple of years.

Well, we are in the big countdown to the holidays. Thanksgiving is next week and we decided to stay home and let the grocery store do the cooking- turkey in a box. Hannukah starts Dec. 4th and I am not ready for it at all. I thought it started the 8th. Have I been finishing anything?? No, just starting whole new projects because they look fun!! My DD's cardi still sits there with the first front half done and the second waiting to be cast on . DS's sweater is still in the some assembly required stage- it hasn't even been cast on. ANd all those washcloths are still in their respective skeins, too!! Knitting ADD has reared it's ugly head, adn at the wrong time of the year, too. I thought I was going into an insomnia cycle earlier this week and I usually get tons done when I can't sleep, but it just turned out to be one night of sleeplessness due to hamstring soreness. Maybe I should get off the computer and onto the sofa and knitting!!

Happy Halloween

... and a very Happy Birthday to my sis in Atlanta. She turned 39. The scary one is next year. She, of course, had to remind me that I am, and always will be, her older sister... sigh. But on the bright side, our older half-sis will be 60 in 2 years.

Plans for Halloween- handing out candy. The ol' hamstring is still sore and I am still supposed to be on crutches, so Trick or Treating is out. DS, the master of disaster, has offered to help hand out candy as his penance for the Tostito incident that led to the torn hamstring. DH will be wandering the neighborhood with our little Cheetah girl.

Knitting-wise- I am on the second sock in Opal's Tiger sock yarn. I started wearing my handmade socks when it got cold, and fell in love. I had been hesitant- all that work and then it gets a hole or something- but, all that money spent buying the yarn, and all the time spent making them, it seems a shame to leave them hiding in a drawer.

Y'all have a safe and happy Halloween.

The Joys (?) of a Band Mom

...or, please pass the Tylenol, extra strength. As I sit here and type, my DS is sitting next to me practicing his clarinet. A series of squeals and squawks can be heard through out the house. Now I know why my parents banished me to the farthest part of the house. I may permanently deaf in my right ear by Hannukah.

I've been doing some serious knitting while waiting for the hamstring to heal. I have finished 3 Christmas stockings. Two were sitting in the UFO pile and the other I started from scratch. My DD's sweater is coming along nicely. I've finished the sleeves and the back. All I need are 2 fronts and a hood. She loved the buttons I picked out- silver flowers.

Can't say much else is going on. I'm still not able to drive, so I've been staying home and going a little stir crazy.