Dave's 'Just Because' Socks

When the temperatures go down, and the nights become cooler, Dave likes to wear his handknit socks around the house. I normally make him a pair for Christmas, but this year, I finished them, and gave them to him early. No special occasion, just because I love him. Enjoy your toasty feet, Baby. :)

Cell Phone Ignorance

I had some things to do today, so Dave wanted me to have his cell phone. I told him I didn't need a cell phone to just run to Petco, and what if someone from the station tried to call him. He still wanted me to have a phone, so he gave me his new one. Great, I though. If I see a creepy, suspicious person, I can always get my cell phone out, and ask him how to call the police on him...

Forgive Me, Father...

If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. -Psalm 130:3-5

Another Prayer Request

I just got back from a lovely visit with my sister, Glenda. She and her husband are in town today, and staying in our Church's Sunday School house overnight. Tomorrow she'll be having surgury. Please, readers, keep her in your prayers.

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for my sister. Please keep your hand on her, and give her peace for tomorrow's procedure. Keep her safe though the surgury, and please heal her completely. Jesus, please watch over her and Perry as they travel home. Please let this surgury heal all her health problems so she won't have to endure any more treatments. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Healthy Me?

It depends on my driving phobia. Last week, Dave and I attended the Crime Stoppers banquet. We enjoyed a dinner of fried catfish, and all the fixings of a yummy fish fry. They offered door prizes, and put on a trivia game show. I was chosen, and won the trivia game. My prize? A three month membership to Anytime Fitness. Now, I've never been one who likes to work out in the company of others, so I thought about giving it away. Kim, a friend I used to work with at the salon, loves to work out at the gym. I had pretty much decided to give it to her, but I reconsidered. I found out this gym is available to it's members 24 hours a day. Part of my membership includes a key, so I can go in and work out anytime it's convenient for me. Hence the name, "Anytime Fitness." I went in today to start my membership. The only drawback is that it's out of my driving comfort zone, but there are plenty of traffic lights to help me, and because it's Anytime, I can choose to go during low traffic times. I'm going to try to go regularly. I'll feel guilty if I don't, because Kim would have really enjoyed this.

A Real Pedicure

I never thought I'd say this, but I love a professional pedicure. I don't get them very often, but it sure is nice when I do. My favorite place in town is called Nu Nails. The salon is so clean and spacious, and the staff is very professional. They're fast without making you feel like you've been rushed...And most importantly (for me, anyway)...they've never made fun of my freakishly long second toe.
Earlier this month, when I was feeling so down, I decided to get myself a pedicure. I hadn't had one all year, and I just needed to feel better. When I got to my usual salon, I found them gone, and shop closed down. Oh, no! I can't go to another place. These people are already used to my toe. So I went home and painted my own toenails. I discovered later that Nu Nails hadn't shut down, but simply moved. I still hadn't gone, because they moved to an area that is waaayyy out of my driving comfort zone. Oh, well. I guess I don't really need pedicures, do I?
Did I mention that I have the best husband ever? Friday, Dave had the afternoon off. We went out to eat, then he took me to Tuesday Morning, then for a Sonic happy hour diet coke. While we were out, I mentioned that it's such a shame my favorite nail salon moved, because it would be nice to have one pedicure before it gets too cold to wear sandals. Do you know what that wonderful mad did? He took me there. While I was inside getting my pedicure, he got a nice nap in the car. Once again...Did I mention I have the best husband ever...?

I'm Brilliant

This week, I discoved ants in my bathroom. I can't imagine why they are going after Annie's food and leaving all the other food alone, but that's what is happening. I don't feel she's quite brave enough to return to the main feeding area, and I don't feel safe spaying chemicals in such a confined area. I tried spraying them with water, and wiping them up. That only takes care of the ones that are out at the time. I thought of moving the food to another area, but I know the ants will find it no matter where it is. Then it hit me. There is a product on the market called an ant mote, which protects hummingbird feeders from ants. The mote is filled with water, and hung just over the feeder. I have one, and I know it works, because ants can't cross that barrier of water.
With this thought in mind, I took a food bowl (the old fashioned, bottom heavy kind), and turned it upside down. The upside-down bowl serves as little shelf for a smaller bowl of food, while the hollow area is filled with water. You now have a water barrier the ants can't cross. After your cat eats, you may have to check for fallen kibbles on the floor, because they're still ant magnets. Ok, how do I get a patent?

Slipper Socks Finished!

Wow, this really was a fast knit. The eight row pattern repeat is so easy, I had it memorised about the middle of the first sock. I actually knitted the second sock without using the chart. At first, I was nervous about the heel. Yes, I've knitted short-row heels before, but they never turned out well. My trouble occurs when picking up the wrap to knit together with the stitch. I've always had difficulty figuring out exactly where the wrap is, and I'd end up picking up part of the stitch below. The result is a row of gaps that later have to be sewn shut. This time, it seemed to click, and I was easily able to find the wraps. The difference is amazing. In fact, now that I can do it properly, I think I actually prefer the short-row heel. No picking up gusset stitches.

A Day Of Prayer

Today was Norma's surgury day. I spent most of it as I normally would with one very important difference...Prayer. I prayed as I ate my lunch. I prayed as I knit on my sock. I prayed as I washed, dried and folded clothes. Even as I fed my cats, I prayed. I recieved a call from my other sister, Glenda, informing me that the surgury was over, and went well. Norma will spend three nights in the hospital, before heading home. Now we wait for test results and a plan of action from the doctors. Please help us pray for her complete healing.

Autumn Sage

For the first time this year, my Autumn Sage is in full bloom. I guess it was just too hot during the summer for my potted plants. They bloomed beautifully in the spring, put out the occasional bloom during the heat of the of the summer, then rebloomed with the cooler temperatures of fall. My roses, pink and yellow lantanas, and sages have provided a fresh burst of blooms. My annual pentas and marigolds have also decided to hang in there a bit longer. I feel so blessed to be able to sit on my screened porch, and enjoy the color all around me for a bit longer. If you look closely at the photo, you'll see Morty and Abby enjoying the view as well.

Baby Steps

This is just a little update on Annie's progress. She has fallen into a routine since she started her valium treatment. Around 4:30am, while Dave is getting ready for work (and about the time I've finally gotten to sleep), she comes into our room. This is a good thing, because it gives her a chance to play, and have some human company until I wake around noon. Then I pill her, make the bed, and open the door. When Max still lived here, I had to take her back into the bathroom and shut the door until she could use her litter, eat a bite, and go back into her closet without being chased. Now, I allow her to decide on her own when, or if, she wants to go back into hiding. About the middle of last week, I noticed some subtle changes. Dave and I like to eat lunch out on the back porch, and lately, Annie has been staying in our bedroom, and watching us from the window. It's very promising, because it requires her to stay out of hiding.
Last Friday, I was so proud of her. I walked to the kitchen to get a Diet Coke, and noticed she was lying on our bed instead of hiding under it. Another routine we've started happens at feeding time. Our cats' primary sourse of nutrition is try food, but in the afternoon, I like to give each cat a spoonful of canned food for a treat. I've been taking Annie's into the bathroom and shutting the door so the other cats can't chase her back into her closet, and steal it from her. That same Friday, I was getting ready to take hers into her bathroom, when she came into the kitchen. I put it down, and she ate it right there in the same room as the other cats. That was a huge step for her. Sadly, she hasn't taken anymore big steps since, but I'm still encouraged.

More Knitting

I started this pair of slipper socks using the Kumara Bed Socks pattern from last year's Christmas issue of Interweave Knits. I know I should be finishing up the Christmas projects I've put to the side, but I seem to be in sock knitting mode, and can't get out of it. I've finished the cuff portion of sock #1, and am ready to start the short-row heel. This is such a pretty design, and purple is my favorite color. After this pair of socks is complete, I promise I'll get back to my Christmas knitting. Wait...maybe I shouldn't promise...I'll try to get back to my Christmas knitting...

Roses Just Like Mama's

I feel so blessed to live in Texas. We have such a long growing season, which means I can enjoy my roses just a little longer. When I was younger, my mother's favorite rosebush grew orange roses. Since orange never was my favorite color, I'm sorry to say I didn't fully appreciated how beautiful they were. As I've grown, and hopefully matured, I've learned to love all colors, including orange. Last year (or was it the year before?), Dave and I were shopping at Atwoods. I, of course, was browsing through the gardening section, when I found this beautiful orange rosebush. It reminded me so much of my mother, I just had to have it. It didn't really bloom this year, and I was beginning to think I'd lost it, but I'm happy to say that it still lives, and has produced these beautiful, citrus scented blooms.

Illusion Of Peace

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance."-Psalm 42:5

I couldn't have asked for a more calm afternoon. After Dave left for his remote, I heated up some left-over soup, then sat on the back porch to eat it. As I sat there, I began to take notice of all the peace surrounding me. Morty was napping on the back of a porch chair, while Maybel was sleeping on the foot stool. Annie, out of hiding for a good portion of the day, watched us from the bedroom window. As I looked out at my yard, I begun to appreciate the gift of living in a state with a more moderate Fall season. I watched a bumble bee sip from what's left of my annual pentas and my autumn sage. My roses have begun to rebloom, giving me one more flush of color before going to sleep for the year. Gentle breezes rustle the trees, causing the first round of fall leaves to flutter to the ground, while outdoor cats claim the sunniest spots to bask in the warmth of the day. I really have so much to be thankful for. What I don't understand is why my heart can be so unsettled on such a perfect, peaceful day...

Getting Back To Life

Today has been a pretty normal day. Since I'm a night person, I normally lay in bed until Dave comes home for lunch. He came home a bit late, but not too much. I pilled Annie, and made the bed. After Dave left for the TV station, I heated myself up some low-fat pizza rolls, which I ate outside on the screened porch. In fact, I spent most of my afternoon out there knitting. Around 2:00, I watered the potted plants in the front yard, fed the cats, and rinsed out the coffee pot. Next, I gathered up the empty cat dishes, and put them in the sudsy water to soak, then I took the load of towels out of the dryer. Now, here I sit at my computer, a cat in my lap, waiting for Dave to come home from work. I know it's pretty routine, and makes for a boring post, but maybe that's what I need.

By Popular Request

Here are some photos of the yarn I bought last weekend. My sisters have mentioned wanting to see my new yarn, but when they visit me, I seem to keep forgetting to show it. First of all, I must apologize for the tantrum I was having when I wrote of our plans. I was still pouting at the time, so please forgive me for my smarty tone. The truth is, I had been saving my money since we planned this trip, and had $135 dollars to spend on yarn. When we got there, Dave gave me an extra $40, so I was in yarn shopper's heaven...
There is a shawl pattern from the second Mason-Dixon Knitting book, that I've had my eye on for months. It calls for Kidsilk Haze, a kid mohair and silk yarn put out by Rowan. I had planned to buy enough of this yarn to make a shawl, then enough Noro Silk Garden to make another Noro Striped Scarf. When I got there, I discovered that Woolie Ewe no longer sells Rowan yarns, but Sue helped me pick out a substitute yarn called Kid Seta, which is simply Cascade's version of the same blend. I couldn't decide if I wanted to use the green and burgandy color combo, or the chocolate brown and blue, so I got them both. Then I went over to the Noro section, and picked out enough Silk garden to make my striped scarf. Again, I was having a hard time picking from two color combos, but I managed to chose one, and headed for the check out counter. After, I made my purchases, I was told that I'd earned enough points to get $25 off my next purchase within 30 days. Since I live 100 miles away, and knew I couldn't get back within 30 days, they let me make that next purchase right then. So I got enough yarn for that second scarf after all. I know it was an extravagance, but when you consider the amount of high end yarn I was able to purchase, I really didn't do so bad.

Feeling A Little Stronger

I haven't written in the last couple of days, because my heart just hasn't been in it. Truthfully, my heart hasn't been in anything for a long time, but yesterday was a good day. We went to church that morning, and to Caleb's (my cousin) housewarming party in the afternoon. He cooked hot dogs on the grill, and we ate sitting under the trees in his backyard. We were all so happy for him about getting his first home, and everyone was in a good mood. He got so many nice gifts, including some soup bowls that belonged to my mom, some utensils that belonged to Aunt Kathryn (his grandmother), and some dishes that belonged to Ina (another cousin, also gone to Heaven). Dave and I gave him a gas heater we no longer need, and I fixed him a kitchen-themed care package. This is my third time to put together a care package, and I'm especially proud of how this one turned out. His colors are blue and brown, so I included the two ballband dishcloths I knitted a couple of months ago.

Gonna Buy Yarn

Yes, I know I had a goal to use my stashed yarn until the end of the year, but after the past couple of months, I just don't care. Dave and I didn't do anything Tuesday, so we're going to Celebrate our anniversary Saturday. We're going to Dallas to our favorite Chinese restaurant, then over to plano and The Woolie Ewe. We'll hit Costco last before heading home. Folks I need this more than you know. I need to get out of this house and out of this town, and yes, I'm going to buy yarn. Maybe even some expensive yarn...

Do It Anyway

I'm not a big Country music fan, but I can't get the words to this Chorus out of my mind. The song is called "Do It Anyway," and it is sung by Martina McBride.

God is great but sometimes life aint good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
I do it anyway

My Heart Is Broken

In the summer of 2008, a beautiful tabby kitten came into our lives. A co-worker of Dave's at the time found him wondering around the parking lot of the bank. She's highly allergic to cats, so she couldn't keep him herself, but she also couldn't just leave him there. She decided to bring him to us, and even though we had five indoor cats, we just couldn't say no. We named him Max. We loved him, nurtured him, and watched him grow into the almost 17 pound mega cat he is today. He was always happy, playful, and very affectionate. I loved to call him my gentle giant, because that's what he was.

Then, after two years, a horrible thing happened. Annie, one of my original two cats became fearful of him, after he decided he liked to chase her. At first, I didn't think much about it, because she's always been more skittish than my other cats. I never, even for a minute thought he'd actually hurt her, and I still believe if she'd just learn to stand her ground, he'd grow bored and leave her alone. She never did get past her fears. We took her to see our vet to make sure she was healthy, and she was put on valium. She has been on valium going on her third week with little progress. She has come out a few times, only to be chased back in. I really don't understand this, because Max gets along fine with the other cats.

We made an appointment for Max to get a full check up, and discuss the possiblility of drug therapy for him. I don't like the idea of pumping my cats full of drugs to make them get along, but I didn't see that I had another choice...Then a strange thing happened. I was on the phone with Norma, and during the course of the conversation, she told me that her sister-in-law had offered to take Max. She had been looking for a companion for her cat with no luck, and was willing to give him a try. I sounds like a no-brainer in hindsight, but at the time, all I could think about was how much I would miss my big lug of a cat. We took Max in for his appointment today, and after discussing everything with our vet, Dave and I decided to forgo the drugs, and give Max to Sis Jo Anne. She came and got him around noon, and I'm sitting here missing him more than I ever thought possible. Please, don't misunderstand me. I'm not worried at all about how he'll be treated. I've known Sis Jo Anne all my life, and if he had to go, I can't think of a better home for him. She'll take excellant care of him...I just miss him. I feel his absence so much it's like I can actually touch it. I know we made the right decision, but I just wish it didn't hurt so much...

Dear, Father, I need you so much right now. I'm completely broken, and can't understand why this had to happen. I know you could have healed the rift between Max and Annie, and turned things around. You chose not to do it that way. Please, don't allow me to let bitterness set in. Thank you for Sis JoAnne, and providing this new home for Max. Please, cause him to settle in quickly, love her, and befriend her cat instantly. Please, cause him to be happier than he's ever been. Please, take care of him, Lord. Father, I ask for peace and strength for the days ahead. I just gave up one of my cats, Lord. I can't believe I just gave up one of my cats. Please, Father, I beg you... Please don't let it be for nothing...

Eight Years Ago, On This Day...

I married my best friend. Dave and I met at Unique Image, the salon where I used to cut hair. We always had fun visits, and I used to smile whenever I'd see his name in my appointment book. After six years of being my faithful client, he finally asked me out. We like to joke about that first date, because I, being stupid like I am, told him I just wanted to be friends. He must have believed me, because I didn't hear from him for two weeks. What? This isn't how it's supposed to happen. In the movies, when a woman tells a man she just wants to be friends, it makes him want to see her even more. After a torturous two weeks of berating myself, I was surprised by a call from him. From that point on, things just fell into place. Six months later, at the small church we still attend to this day, we got married.
Now, after eight years, we're happier than ever. I honestly can't remember what life was like before, because it just feels like we've always been together. We've supported eachother though loss of parents, job scares, illnesses, and issues with my cats. He has never treated any of my worries like they are trivial or unimportant (even when they were unimportant). These may not have been an easy eight years, but they've been wonderful just the same.
Dave, I hope you're reading this at work. I love you. :)

An Urgent Request

I don't know how many readers I have, who believe in the power of prayer, but my family has been dealt a terrible blow, and needs you. I don't want to go into details, and tell her private business, but I do want to request urgent prayer for my sister, Norma. She has to consult with her Doctors today, and I'm praying for some hopeful news.

Dear Lord, I just ask you to keep your healing hand on my sister. Please, give her peace of mind, strength, and a complete miracle. Father, I don't have to tell you what a faithful servant she is. You already know she loves you with all her heart, and is happy to serve you. Please, give her a complete healing. I just can't ask you enough...Amen

Didn't Wanna Do It

Last week, I started knitting a washcloth, which I was going to pair with some pretty soaps I'd bought from Tuesday Morning, for a gift. I have a pretty hefty stash of Rowan Handknit Cotton I purchased during a clearance sale at The Woolie Ewe. Since the colors are so beautiful, and the cotton is softer than Lily cottons, I decided to use it. Oh, I was so proud of the way it was knitting up. About half way though, I decided to read the care instructions. According to the lable, this yarn is supposed to be either dry cleaned or handwashed in soap flakes. No soaking, no wringing. Not very practical for a washcloth, so I felt I had no choice but to frog. I must say, I don’t think frogging a project has ever broken my heart more. A word of advice to all knitters out there...Read your yarn lables before you start your project.

I Shouldn't Be Driving...

Ok, here was the plan...
Saturday was the last day of the fair. Dave and I were to go over to the fair grounds today, so I could pick up my stuff, and he could pick up the radio van. I was to follow him over to the station, where he'd leave the van, and then we'd drive to the sonic for a coke. Simple, huh?

Well, here's what actually happened...
Dave and I went over to the fair ground, picked up my stuff, then loaded it all into the car. He then jumped into the van and headed for the station. I, on the other hand, got behind the wheel of the car and headed for home. I was about half way there, when I remembered I was supposed to be headed to the station. I turned down 20th street, toward Cherry st. Because I'm not used to going to Cherry from that direction (and because they don't seem to think street signs are necessary on that side of town), I passed it. I turned down tudor and drove, seemingly forever, until I managed to find a street that would go through to Fairfax, where I doubled back, returned to 20th, found Cherry, and finally made it to the radio station. Wow, talk about the long way! I parked, got out, and told Dave he'd better drive the rest of the way, because I apparantly can't be trusted behind the wheel of a car.

Arts & Crafts Pictures

I just got back from the fair. Dave doesn't think it's good for me to stay holed up in the house too much, and he was the dj on duty tonight, so I went with him. While there, I managed to snap a few pictures to share...

These are the green socks I feverishly knitted so they'd be finished in time. It was worth it, because they won a blue ribbon.

Here is my striped Booga bag. This happened to be my first real felted project.

My crocheted afghan, and underneath it, my bigger Booga Bag. I was surprised this was the one that won the blue, because I like the striped on better.

And finally, my Kool Aid dyed wool yarn.

This has been such a fun, exciting experience. In fact, I'm already wondering what to make for next year...

Dave, The Mediator

My husband was asked, and accepted, the job of mediating a local political debate between the candidates. He came home so excited, telling me of all the compliments and "thank you's" he recieved for volunteering his time. For him this was an exhilerating experience. I'm serious, he loves being involved in these things, and does an excellant job. I, on the other hand, would do a terrible job. I would be rolling my eyes and saying "Oh, come on! Really?" every time I caught one of them in a lie. And with politicans, I'm sure there were plenty of lies...Oop! I guess I shouldn't have said that. I hope none of them read this...Yeah, right. I'm sure they stay absolutely glued to my little blog. lol