Special Dogs on Thursday

You have to go check out this weeks Dogs on Thursday as the doggie Spotlight is on Storm!

Thank you Paula for putting her up and also for your great offer! I'm lost for words on that, you just don't know what that means to me...you all see, Paula has offered us an extra glucosemeter she has, isn't that great!!! Storm & I both Thank you from the bottom of our heart!!! Wow, there are even Angels in blogland! I'm really new to DoT and already everyone is so sweet and generous! Thank you all!! I do hope to get around to everyones blogs soon, I'd love to meet all the furbabies.
Thank you Paula & Natalie for all you do on DoT! I can't wait to be part of all the fun!

Now for just a small version on "Storm"-aka Stormers, Stormie

Isn't she a wet, but cute fuzzball?

We always wondered if she grow into her ears...lol
I do wish I knew where I put her puppy pictures at, I only come up with one and I know there are more as I remember showing them to Rob not too long ago! I did scan this one in. Guess thats what I get for having the house a disaster while we tear the kitchen floor apart. :-)

Yesterday I was sitting at my desk, actually trying to clean it off some, when I turned and looked into the livingroom and saw this...

she was just laying there watching me so I spyed her back and took her pic...lol Its usually Lady laying with the pillows so this pic of Storm laying on the pillow is a first! If Lady can do it, Storm sure can too :-)
She really is such a great dog! She's mommies girl!

Defeat the Winter Doldrums Topic #2

This week's topic #2:
There are many people who ADORE receiving hand-knit or crochet items; but there are just as many who have no appreciation whatever of how much love, work, and time goes into a hand-made item. Share a story of a hand-made gift you gave to someone and how it worked out - good, bad, or ugly!

I haven't had a handmade gift that wasn't really appreciated or turned down. I was surprised with the reaction of oldest son a few years ago when I made him a Boobie Pillow as kinda of a gag for his B-day. They were just moving into their house that day and we went over to help. Took Cake and gift with us...His response was so funny and I had taken him more surprised then he did me...lol About a week afterwards he said to me, "Mom, this makes a great neck roll pillow and everyone wants mine!" Since then his dog had chewed off one of the boobs nipples so I'm gonna be putting it on my list of projects to do. I was suppose to fix it, but with working the pillow got put away and well I found it the other day and I also refound the pattern on Ravelry too..(it was one Lady had chewed up). Now have decided instead of fixing, I'm gonna redo it.. Hope to make 3 of them, one for each son this time :-)


I also had a felted bag that didn't quite come out, I was experimenting with yarns and had one I didn't know if it would felt or not. So the bag came out mostly felted, but with a center section that didn't. I thought it was doomed for the trash, but my DIL, Krista, said she'd take it, She liked way it looked. She uses it to hold her yarns and projects in around the house. (the holes in the center section wouldn't hold hooks or anything), so even something I thought was doomed, became someones gift.

OMG Can't Stop Laughin

Oh gosh, just had to share, thought maybe I would be able to continue without laughing my full head off. Its my "Blues Busting Buddy" I'm laughing at. I started putting it together last night when my husband said "Whats that, oh your making mini dildo's now?" ROTFLOL I told him after laughing about it, "No, its a leg for my buddy buster"...lol So I thought I'd share my buddy busters "leg".

I only have two made so far and need to make two more, but this is gonna be a laughing project for sure now! You tell me..a leg or mini dildo?

I do promise my buddy that there won't be any on/off switch and batteries definitely NOT included! LOL

Gonna see about trying for two more legs...lol Hope everyones day goes well! If you hear me laughing you know why!

Cocoa Swap Topic 3 & 4

Topic 3 :
What is the most 'random' memory you have from your childhood? I know it's not knitting content, but I love learning about the little quirks and interesting things about people!

What I remember most is one Christmas time when I was about 4 or 5 and I had gotten a tea set and table/chair set. I remember my daddy playing tea with me, even though it was just water.
I also remember during the thunder & lightening storms that I was always glue to the door to watch them, use to drive my mom nuts as she tried to keep us away from the doors or windows during the storms. Now a days and being out here in the desert, if theirs a storm brewing, I'm outside, don't know what it is, but love to watch the lightening and listen to the thunder!

Topic 4:
What is your most memorable vacation? Where did you go? What made it memorable?

Growing up my parents did vacation time every summer usually about end of July, beginning August. We use to go to Ohio every year to see dads side of the family. (We lived in New Jersey). One year they decided to take a trip with the Boy Scouts going to Disney in Florida!Disney World, Disney Land..always get the 2 confused..lol This was in 74, before the Epcot Center cause they were building it while we were there. We camped out the whole time and it was a bus trip down, which my Uncle was the driver. We had a blast even with the bus breaking down. I remember on the way home we broke down in one of the Carolina's. They let us camp out on their Baseball field, as it was the only place big enough for all our tents. We had to be off by a certain time in the morning as they had a game or something going on the next morning, but the town was great to us and helped out alot! It was mostly being with family, but also I was able to take a girlfriend along! We had a blast!

Now if your talking since being married I'd have to go with the year we were stationed in Chesapeake, VA and a few of us instead of going to the Wall In DC like we did every year, one year we rode to Coneac Lake, PA. That was an iron butt ride and a cold camp out..lol but hey, we got to see Willy Nelson in concert and spent the time with good friend camping out by the fire and when not walking around the amusement park, we were riding the rides! We did have our oldest son at the time with us and that's one weekend I didn't have to worry about what he was up too. You see, Harley Davidson had their new line of bikes there and you could sign one out and ride it, well, my son borrowed my helmet and gloves and spent the whole weekend riding! He test rode every bike they had there from sun up to sundown..lol
We miss that group, not a better bunch of friends to ride with. Live to Ride, Ride to eat! (no matter where we rode, it started or ending with a meal)

Make My Day & More!

The rules are as follows: “Give the award to 10 people whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel happy about blogland. Let them know by posting a comment on their blog so they can pass it on. Beware you may get the award several times.”

I was awarded by Amanda!

Thank you Amanda! I never thought my blog would be one of inspiration or one that makes people happy so this really thrills me :-) I'm usually just my goofy self..lol

It is very hard to nominate 10 people for me, every ones blog that I read already has this award or just got it awarded from Amanda..lol So if your one that reads my blog and don't have this award yet..consider yourself awarded! (and Thank you for reading)

On the projects front, I got all my January project list done! I agree with Amanda that the Year Long Gift-along is the greatest thing that has kept me on going with FO's! Thank you Marce for starting that! The last finished FO for my January list was The Fat Bottom Bag! Done in black cotton with a black thin metallic thread of some type, not sure what it is actually called. (sorry for the crappy picture, sun was not co-operating)

Now I need 1 more project for the Quarterly Challenge and I just couldn't decide between two patterns on an afghan. Silly me..all this time trying to figure it out and the answer is right there! The one you have the yarn for already :-) So I have to dig it out so I can get a pic of it and the name so I can list it, its with the yarn somewhere around this desk..lol Then I need to come up with more gifts for my February list..I find that more challenging then anything! I usually crochet just to crochet, but at least my brain is getting a work out..lol I'll be listing my February list here too along with on the Gift along blog site, be a nice reminder and then my record of it too.

Also Katie had a blogiversary (the 24) and of course there is a contest until the 31st! Go on over and tell her I sent ya!

Well I need to get back to my Buddy Buster...lol can't wait til I'm able to show this off...its an original for sure! :-) That's all I can say about it for now unfortunately..lol But when its time I'll be sure to post it!

You all have a great week ahead!!!

For My DWDDishcloth Swap Pal

So my pal is asking me ....Any special requests? Any special yarn you can't get? Any special project you would like to try?

There are alot of yarns I only get online as I haven't found them out here yet. So I would be happy with anything you'd like me to try. As far as special projects, ummmmmm I like the look of needle felting but have no clue as to what it actually involves..lol I'm always up for a bag pattern, in fact I've been trying to find the Double Breasted Bag pattern, but I think its only in a book. Also anything in crochet socks I would love too, cute buttons or pretty beads I could use for my projects, I also like candles...anything really...lol
Just to let you know, I'm not real picky and usually happy with what my pals pick out for me.
Sorry I didn't put this up sooner for you, I thought you would email too, but I know you mentioned going shopping this weekend, but brain is just not co-operating..lol Knowing me I'm a day late and a dollar short, but that usual for me :) Just have fun!!

Birthday Lady

As promised from previous post here are the last couple pic's of Lady with her Birthday Crown..lol needless to say she did not like it at all on her head..she wanted to chew it up! Rob had to hold a treat over my head, but that look...

Boy, if looks could kill...LOL Can't really see the points too much on the top of the crown but they are there, I just didn't put the last row of cording on as I didn't have any cording around.
I forgot to take a pic of the cake by itself, but here is Lady & Storm enjoying it very much..think maybe I should have given them a bigger piece! Storm finished hers first..lol

Pay no mind to the floor, we are ripping up what Lady didn't, that is her area when we are not home, noticing the gate in the background....also didn't know that we would find red lettering notes underneath...LOL


Thank you to all for Lady's Birthday wishes!!! Woof woofs back to you!!!

Happy Birthday to my Baby Girl!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LADY!!!


Well my baby girl (previous demonoid), is 2 years old today! Hard to believe!!


Even though she's been called so many different names..lol I thought I'd share some pic's of her from when we first got her

she thought outside was for napping...lol She loved this little lime green ring, but we did have to throw this away as she chewed off all the nubs and actually chewed it in more then halfs...LOL

needless to say she thought everything was hers. She like to lay in the kittie hamock :)

This is her first afhgan I made for her that made its way to the trash, she chewed it up big time!! I made that blanket a few days before we left to pick her up. She has now since taken over another afghan, and yes, it is chewed too but not as bad!

She sure has grown and Thank God, has settled down too now that I've been home! Can't call her my demonoid anymore..lol But she still gets that look sometimes when she's outside and wanting to run the place down!


I hope to get pic's of her later today in her Birthday Crown I made last night and get her Doggie Cake made! Hope this holds you over til I get them.

Hard to believe she made it this far...lol She use to eat the rocks in the backyard, any and all box's she could find, afghans, you name it!

Off I go so I can get my errands done and then combat her Crown picture taking..lol should be fun!!!

Short Dogs On Thursday

Just a short post today as tomorrow there will be a "Special" doggie post! Hopefully there will be some co-operation so that I can do what I have been planning. :-)

Anyways...

I happened to capture this shot last night, which is not too often they are this close to each other...lol

Almost reminds me of bookends! Lady was a sleep, jsut glad she didn't move when we got up to get the camera!

Happy Dogs On Thursday to everyone...more tomorrow!

Band Meme

I saw this on Bonnie's blog and looked interesting and was something different :)

Anyone seen the BAND MEME going around? Basically, you go to three sites to randomly select your band name, album title, and cover art.

1. Go here for the band name: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random No matter what the title of the article is, that's the name of your band.
2. Go here for the album title: www.quotationspage.com/random.php3The last four words from the very last quote on the page makes up the title of your band's album.
3. Go here for the cover art: www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/Whatever the third picture is, that's the cover to your band's album.

My results:

Name of my Band: Xenif

Title of my first Album: Corrupt Laws Are Broken

Cover Art:

I am Alive!

Well I think I finally kicked the "funk" I was in...Thanks to all who emailed!! It did help and got me blog surfing some. Sorry if I was short or a real downer, but didn't want to take everyone down with me. Boy I really hate getting like that and "I" usually don't, but when I do, I lay low. Think it was more worrying (something I don't usually do) than anything and Storm having a few of those spells that really had me concerned and Lady almost killing us both on the stairs when the whole thing started. Storm was definitely by my side the whole week...Then a couple days later Storm was funked out again and same day our heater decided not to work correctly (which it did finally kick in and start blowing instead of just running doing nothing) don't know what its problem was, but its working fine now..lol Murphy's Law maybe, gotta love it or in my case, try to hide from it..lol

I did gets lot of crocheting done so I do have lots of pic's to show. I'll start by saying Storm is fine! As long as I make sure she eats before she gets her shot we're okay. Guess I'm gonna wind up making doggie treats cause I've been going through lots of em to put in her food for those days she doesn't and when you have to do for both, they go quick! Stubborn kids...lol

So I finished quite a few projects, lots of it for my Gift Along List for the month of January. I finished 2 projects for that, first is the Welts,Beads & Popcorn (B4 look alike in crochet) bag

I made my first sewn in pocket so know now how to do that! Put it in before you felt! lol

Second project for the gift along: Mary Jane Slippers..

This was the second pair of Mary Janes Slippers without a strap on this one, didn't like using the Bernat Chunky on this at all..very holey and harder to work with then the Homespun,which surprised me.

Then I pattern tested this bag for Suzetta

and then made this bag out of one of my Crochet World magazines. Its called Golden Fleece but as you can see mine is not Golden...lol Its blue & gray heather in Cascade 220. Took long time to felt it and still looks alittle undone yet, but it'll work I think. Then I made a Kittie Cuddle,

which this thing was huge...lol (sorry for the glare from the dryer) I didn't do all the rows either, but both my cats could be in this and still have LOTS of room. I did bend the side in as Electra likes to lay on the sides so it was folding over on itself, think with her little afghan (big granny square) in there and she'll be lots happier. Definitely too big for my desk!

Then I made these

to restock in my Etsy Store, am trying to make some more in other colors also, (these aren't up in the store just yet, haven't gotten that far), but you all know I take requests or custom orders. I am limited to colors at the moment, but do have a dark green and a light green to make yet. I do like making these, as they work up fast and always come in handy. Make great last minute gifts too. Now if I can get some more bead work done I'll be okay. Trying to get more sock/lace size done up, plus finish my Fat Bottom Bag for the last thing on my Gift List for January. Need to make a February list also. Then I just need to figure out which afghan I'm making for the quarterly challenge...whew, how to keep the mind busy!

Dang, then the Cocoa Swap, wow...all those who put in their marsmellow creations..hard deciding there which to choose! So many talented marshmellow creations, but I've narrowed my decision down to 3 or 4...lol I would've loved to do one myself, but those are my doggies favorite things and I didn't want to tease them with working on a creation. (Just so you know why I don't have one in there). Especially Storm, she loves marshmellows!

Well for those of you that made it through this whole post, Thank you! I do hope everyone has a great week ahead!! I'm so jealous of those who got even the slightest little bit of Snow, but Thank you for posting your snow pic's! It was really nice just to look at!

Well off I go......enjoy your day!!

D the W D Dishcloth Swap Topic #1

Weekly Topic:
Dishrag. Dishcloth. Face cloth. I've seen folks get all fired up in forums when someone refers to their knit or crochet creation as a dishrag, as that's somehow offensive to them! When you're working on yours, what do you call them? Also, is there a difference between a dishrag and a dishcloth? How bout a facecloth? Are they all really the same thing?

As I work on my creation of a "dishcloth", I do call it that, though their are times I call them dishrags, but to me a dishrag is when the cloth gets wore out.
Now a facecloth I believe would be something a little softer as you would be your using it on your body and don't need the rougher texture of the fiber like you need for scrubbing on dirty dishes. All in all I guess they would be the same as they all are "cloths", but then I usually call a facecloth a washcloth...lol
I think alot depends where your from and how you were raised. I remember my Mom always saying dishrag but through the years and different places and different lingo's, I've picked up dishcloth and for the face its washcloth..lol :-) If I'm wrong, let me know. I do however think its mostly a lingo, though it could be how a person perceive them self too.

Cocoa Swap Topic #2

Now that we're in the thick of 'Winter'... has your knitting changed to match the season? Are you moving on from dishcloths, and tank tops to afghans, hats and mittens? Has your yarn changed from silk or cotton to wool, super wash or heavier cottons?


During the winter months I will work on afghans more so then in the hot months, especially out here in the desert, just too hot! Its either cold or smouldering...lol I do use any and all yarns that I'm working with no matter the season, its usually whatever strikes my fancy or what project I want to get done. I haven't the chance to work with silk so don't know much about that type of fiber. I do work more with the thread yarns during the summer months as I sit outback with the dogs and its easier to see the stitches, must be the natural lighting and more of it..lol

Dogs on Thursday

This was our household today...

Happy Birthday Michelle!

Another Birthday, but this one is a persons actual Birthday! Go on over to Michelle's and wish her a Happy Birthday! Take a guess too at a random contest she is doing! Let her know I sent ya.

Blogiversaries

Wow..can't believe that it has been a year since starting this blog thing! I sure have come along way and there are still things of blogger I can't figure out..lol

Happy Blogiversary to me!!

Happy Blogiversary to Jessi!!

I know that Jessi is having a blogiversary tomorrow (Sunday)! Hope that you'll all stop in and say hello and wish her well wishes! I think she is having a contest too!

Dogs on Thursday

Just a couple pictures to share as its been kind of lazy days around here lately, but things were looking up for one in particular dog. This is a picture I caught when Lady's attention went past me
and well we have a Kittie in with our dog days..lol Resting nicely overseeing from upstairs landing which was just over my head. You saw that Lady's attention was there and not on me...took Storm awhile, but she perked up
and she doesn't bother the cats. She was looking at me cause she has been having a hard time seeing lately, thats been a come and go thing...gotta say though, it is a good one of her as she usually has her ears down. She's been a little low key too lately, but think she was surprised by Lady's reaction, see Mom was in between her (Lady) and the get away to the stairs. :)

Defeat the Winter Doldrums Dishcloth Swap

1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both? Mostly crochet

2. What types of needles do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? my good ol aluminum crochet hooks

3. What types of cotton do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? Is there any that you've been wanting to try? I do like the softer cottons, but any work and I would LOVE to try a linen blend

4. What color(s) are your kitchen and bath decorated in (if any)? Kitchen walls are the color of this type (med lavender), bath #1 downstairs is purple/mauvey pink/light sage green, bath #2 upstairs (boys) teal and black, our bedroom bath is nothing yet..lol can't make up my mind on it.

5. What are your favorite colors for yarns? I'm more into the purples, blues, teals, some reds/burgundy, black/white, lime green or lite sage and I'm sure there are others I don't mind Least favorite? orange

6. Do you like Winter, or do you count the days until it ends? Usually out this way is pretty mild, but this winter has been strange and cooler, but I'm waiting for the warmer weather to be able to get back outside in the yard again.

7. What's your favorite way to brighten your day when you're down in the dumps? Oh when I'm down I get quiet, will usually try to work on a project or surf the net....I usually snap out of it within a few days....

8. What is your favorite treat to indulge in and when your down in the dumps? Usually hit the Oreo's or some other kind of chocolate or other junk food and go blog surfing

9. Do you drink coffee? Tea? Cocoa? Coffee, Cocoa and ice tea

10. If you could take a vacation starting tomorrow and go anywhere for one week and money were no object, where would you go and what would you do? easiest question here..would go to any east coast beach and walk by the water, if its too cold for walking barefoot in the water, then I would walk barefoot in the sand. Just being near the beach does me wonders and really straightens me out.

11. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should be aware of? nope, not that I know of

Sweater Clutch Pattern

Well I was kinda close from where the pattern came from... NOT..lol Found it on Crochet Me blog. The Sweater Clutch pattern by Julie Holetz can be found here. Now remember the actual pattern will be bigger then the one I played with, but I had fun with it and learned a new stitch too. (added note to keep trying, sometimes it errors out, but will eventualy come up if you keep trying)

Have fun, enjoy. I'm off to make this a good day...lol Hopefully a productive and creative day too!

Playing Around

Wow, what a day it been. I ran an errand to the post office, had an order to mail out and when I got home I sure was in for a surprise, though it was more like a scare. Poor Storm had to go and was not very steady on her feet and kinda disorientated some and couldn't see. She was walking into the table as Lady, not knowing whats going on was knocking the chairs over. I did get Storm outside and to the yard, assuring her the whole time, though scared to death myself. Got her back in and headed to the food bowl and water. Must've worked as she finished eating and then went again on her own to potty and started walking better. Gosh I hope this doesn't happen too often, sure was scary, but also makes me think things aren't gonna change too much and I'm gonna have to really watch her. But I'm sure glad she's doing better now.

So while both doggies were napping I was playing with a pattern. The pattern is the Sweater Clutch and I'm not sure where I found it, but its probably from Ravelry.. I had started this in a different color and saw how long (or wide) it was and ripped it out and grabbed different yarn cause I wanted to make it smaller. The yarn is just Red Heart in "Zebra" and I havent't put my magnetic clasp on yet, think I just might line it, though it said to do it first...lol I wanted a picture to show so I skipped that part :-) I think this is gonna work great for me to through my license or ID and some money in and then I can put it in my project bag so I don't have to carry 2 bags plus pull my bowling bag...good idea, huh?

Anyways I just wanted to show someone. I think its really cute and I think I want to try it in an even smaller scale, like change purse. I'll probably make the regular size from the pattern just to see also...lol Have a few idea with this one :)

Thanks for listening to me ramble... Hope you have a great evening.

Topic of the Week -Cocoa Swap Scavenger hunt

This is our topic of the week for our Cocoa Swap..anything wrote in blue color is added by me when I find the info..lol So this post will have lots of additions..Here's what we have to do:

Each week we'll be posting a 'topic' of the week for you to blog about on your blog. This week, let's take some time to get to know one another.. with this scavenger hunt...
Take your time with this... you don't have to do the whole thing at once :-) Just edit your post as you add more to it :-) Have fun getting to know the other swappers!
1. Who's favorite animal is an Otter? Anne K
2. Name someone who prefers whipped cream with their hot cocoa Angie H
3. Find 3 people who live outside of the United States Alex E., Ashley C., Sharon V.
4. Name a fan of Harry Potter Ashley R.
5. Name someone who crochets Holly W & JoAnn P (know cause I know them)
6. Name someone who DOES NOT have a healthy supply of notions Ana Sofia F.
7. Name someone who has NOT put up their questionnaire yet (just put a date with your answer in case they put it up after seeing their name listed somewhere ;-) ) Amanda D 1-7-08
8. Who likes to have Kahlua, Baileys, or Peppermint Schnapps in their cocoa? Rachel C. & AnneMarie M
9. Name someone who knits fingerless gloves as a 'quick knit' Tanya M.
10.Name someone who's looking forward to gardening this spring. Alex E
11.Who's favorite way to drink cocoa is with a gorgeous Frenchman, while overlooking the eiffel tower from a French Cafe? (I'm right there with you... well at the table next to yours!) Kris L.
12.Name someone who's favorite animal is NOT a dog or house cat Lyndsey-Jane C.
13. Name someone who's favorite treat is NOT chocolate. Bea R.
14. Who plays Candyland? Criquette
15. Name someone who DOESN'T get the winter blahs Ashley C.

Hot Cocoa Swap Questionaire

Cocoa:
1. What is your favorite way to drink cocoa? Prepared with milk? Water? from home made recipe or store bought?, In a tea cup, or big mug? Love most all hot cocoa's. Sometimes its store bought in flavors like Cherry Cordial or the dark chocolate cocoa mix. I do make homemade and usually its with milk, provided there is enough milk as it usually more than myself drinking it so have to makes lots. Definitely a BIG Mug!!

2. Marshmallows or whipped cream? Definitely marshmallows and lots of em, plus I set a small candy cane in with too for that touch of mint flavor sometimes. Sure is Yummmmmmy!

Yarn/Knitting/Crochet
1. What is your favorite type of yarn? In what colors? Not sure I have a favorite yarn, there are so many out there and most I can not get here where I live unless ordering from m online, but then I don't know all that's out there... colors would be purples, teals, black, white, tan, greys, lime green, blues -love denim and do like most, just not too hot with orange.

2. Do you knit or crochet (or both)? I mostly crochet. I did teach myself to do the knit and purl stitch, but it takes me forever and lots of stabbings..lol Hilarious to watch...lol

3. What are your favorite type of needles, would you like to try something new? I know when I try to knit a dishcloth I love the wood over the metal, wood ones I do lots better with. With my crocheting, I tend to lean more towards my old aluminum hooks but would like try others.

4. Do you have a healthy supply of notions? Not really when you say healthy, my notions are in poor health.

5. What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting habit (outside of yarn)? I love to make bags so every time I think I'm gonna buy handles or closures for the bags or any quick clip additions, I always forget. Partly because they are hard to find out here. Sometimes the selections aren't the greatest.

6. What is your favorite 'quick knit/crochet' pattern (quick gratification) Nothing is quick in knitting for me...lol Crochet would be the little dress bookmarks, cable hat I played with and the stitch markers cases I make (they only take about an hour if that).

Miscellaneous
1. What is your favorite thing to do in the Winter? Use to be bundle up and go play in the snow. always made Snow Angels, but living in the desert we don't get snow too often..lol We take pics if it does! If I'm not curled up with something to crochet and either cocoa or coffee by my side, it would be outside bundled in a blanket sipping on something hot while watching the dogs run wild.

2. What is your favorite animal? I love most animals, but my all time fav's are wolves and black panthers. Sometimes my black cat Electra reminds me of one wen she's stretch walks real slow past Lady....lol Electra's nickname is panther too.

3. Do you get the 'winter blahs'? Oh yea, more then I like to admit...I'm one of those that needs the sunshine. I love the cloudy days, they make good baking days, but too many of them in a row and that's it for me.

4. What is your favorite way to beat the blahs? Good question, guess still trying to figure that one out. Usually friends keep me busy with emails or laughs or I get busy with crochet and guess my mood just changes accordingly, but I usually will get real quiet.

5. What is the thing you are most looking forward to this spring? In all honestly, getting back into my yard projects and hopefully getting them done. I love to be outside and what Spring we do get is great to be out in before the HEAT comes.

6. What are your favorite treat? Oh now, do you really have to ask..I'm a chocoholic and I love it plain. I am a junk food junkie and love the sweets but not into the hard candies no more so I tend to stay with chocolates (Hershey bars, 3 Musketeers, M & M's, raisinettes), chocolate covered cherries, ring dings, yodels...etc, etc.... Love them tasty cakes....lol added cause I forgot my favorite Oreo cookies!

7. What is your favorite board game? Wow its been a long time since we have played a board game but it usually would be Backgammon, Monopoly or Life.

8. Do you have any children (furry or human)? Human- 3 grown boys, 2 are still home (ones that usually have hot cocoa with me, hard to make it without being seen..lol)
Furry ones- 2 dogs, Storm (Canadian Snow Wolf) & Lady (Siberian Husky) 2 cats, Electra & Dyna

9. Do you have any allergies or special considerations you partner should know about? Just that I can NOT have anything decaffeinated, on me it works the opposite and wires me up something fierce. No known allergies otherwise.

Don't be shy, bother me, ask questions, whatever, I'm easy going and don't bite....

Oh the Dog Days

Well now that a couple of the new toys are demolished and I mean tore apart and shredded, there is not much else to do other then drive our Mommy nuts. When she's not busy playing with us, this is usually what we wind up doing and it makes Mommy feel good when she can get our goofy shots....

It was a draw to see who had more sofa, after all Lady thinks that it is hers and hers only, but Rob had it first I think. Storm saw that she should join her buddy in crime and claims moms seat, after all she wasn't sitting in it. Most of the time this is how we laze around when we're not romping through the joint or helping mom with the vacuuming. This keeps us out of trouble and gets our mom back to us alittle quicker so we can play again. Could it be any better? :-)

Swap & Contest News

First up Anne & Martina are celebrating their 1st Blogiversary! Happy Blogiversary Ladies! You know with Anne theres always a contest, so click on over there so you can enter too! Pretty yarnie goodness :-)

Second up the next round of Annes dishcloth swaps is starting. Its called "Defeat the Winter Doldrum Swap". As it says on the site, we’re heading into the darkest, coldest part of winter, so your package should focus on ways to brighten your pal’s day. Sign ups start January 11th and to get things rolling, there’s a prize to be won if you enter the pre-swap contest.

I also think there is time to still sign up for the "Year Long Gift-a-Long". Pretty neat idea and already I've got 2 items completed for my January goals for gifts or for items just to have on hand. You won't find me next Christmas season crocheting up till the Eve of the Holiday! Marce is heading this up and this is what she says on the blog:
"This is my attempt to find a group of people like me that enjoy giving handmade gifts, but forget that joy when the birthday/holiday/special occasion is just hours away and there are still un-weaved ends in sight. Not This Year! Sign up to become part of a new movement, a movement away from stressful giving."
So, what are you waiting for? Go on over and check it out, prizes to be won there too!

WWCS Package, Its Here!!!

Oh my gosh, my Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap package came today and its not a bowling night! lol

I feel bad though, the mailman rang the doorbell to hand it to me as it had been beat up and sides were loose and he wanted me to know it came to them that way. This package came all the way from Germany from my pal who turned out to be Steph . My first over seas pal!

I emailed Steph right away one, to let her know it arrived and second, after seeing the box the way it was, wanted to make sure I received everything I was suppose too. There was 1 fatality though,

and I can tell it was a pretty mug at one time...Think some of the pieces fell out in its journey as it wasn't all there to even try to put back together. But the coffee and yarn was safe!! lol Thank you Steph for the spoiling, I love everything!

So here's the rest of the goodies I got....

Some sweets, 3 small zippered bags (though I thought was one until unzipping it and found 2 more...lol), bubble bath, two candles with silver Christmas themed holders (1 an angel, 1 Christmas trees), Santa key chain, 2008 date book, box of coffee and then of course the yummy yarn. Steph wrote that she hand-dyed it herself using kool-aid! All the times I make kool-aid it makes me wonder about that stuff...lol I am so excited about the yarn as I get to use my new toys again!! :-)

Thank you so much Steph, it was great being partnered with you and I enjoyed trying to figure out who you were, which I never did figure out, but I really enjoyed your emails and I hope you too have a great 2008 !!! Many Blessings to you & yours!!

Now if you'll excuse me, I hear my swift and winder calling :-)