Fred's Yarn

Just because I will never tire of this photo... the inspiration for a treasured gift, our beloved Hooey Hound, now, a yarn colorway too.

Jessi included a note explaining why she dyed as she did, including her perfect logic that tweeds and an "old man" of a dog just fit together. Indeed they do. Even the Knight was reduced to petting the yarn and smiling. The colors of Fred are definitely in there, and I can't wait to cast on for the Knight's socks, and then a shawl for me. This should be a Master Card moment, because that yarn is truly priceless. Yes folks, that's the tailgate of the Knight's truck; he insisted that was THE spot for the photo, as the garden was soaking wet from the sprinkler still doing its thing (we have three wells people - no ordinances were broken to water the flowers!).

One more shot of all of the yarn, because it's just so lovely. Oh, and it's as soft as Fred after a bath too, or those velvet ears, which remained softer than the finest velvet through the years. I will be very motivated to finish up what I'm now calling Anne's sleeping bag of a felted bag, so that I can Ravelry my way through some man sock patterns and some shawls. (It's DK weight, in case anyone has any brilliant ideas. Nothing too lacy though; Fred was a no-frills, don't mind the slobber kind of dog.) I also would be remiss if I didn't send you to Alabama Fiber Dreams at Etsy. Jessi does incredible work on her yarn and the stitch markers. I know I say that about all of my Etsy-selling friends, but it's true. I just happen to be well-connected.

Thank you, Jessi. Thank you.

The healing continues, through the kindness of great friends.

Fred's Garden

Warning - photo-rich post.

I'm glad a picture's worth a thousand words, because there's very little I can say. The Knight spent his whole weekend on this project, and I spent several hours trying to find the right flowers too. Mugsy stuck right with us, and even went to the local nursery with me on Saturday.

Yes, we know Fred's not centered. Fred and Mugsy were constant companions and "brothers" in life, and one sad day, it will become a two-dog garden. Just as Fred always hung out on the front porch until Mugsy came out with him, he's saved a forever space for Mugsy too. (Yes, our front walk was torn up for this project, but it needed to be replaced anyway.)

Would that it was a better photo, but it's a beautiful stone, with a picture many of you might recognize.

'Nuff said. Sniff...

Mums have a special place in our hearts; they were EVERYWHERE at our wedding ten years ago. We drove all over Charlottesville and Waynesboro looking for the perfect mums, and the Knight's mother was gifted four we settled for from Waynesboro Nursery. On the way home, the Knight recalled a farm-style nursery, off the beaten path just outside of Afton. I don't even know the name, but they had the most beautiful, monster mums I've ever seen. She also gave us a very generous discount. I don't know whether that came from buying in bulk, or because the Knight had on a fire department tee shirt. At any rate, if you're in the Charlottesville area and need a great spot for pumpkins or mums, leave a comment with an email address and I'll get directions from the Knight.

He selected this one. I guess my mother inlaw's love for purple rubbed off on her son, because a few of the bulbs he planted are also purple. I think there are four or five varieties of tulips, freesia, and crocus. The little grassy looking shoots are the day lilies that used to live about where the garden is, all divided up. One clump was lost in the Knight's grave-digging, so we're curious to see if it manages to push its way to the surface.

I don't know why we selected two large and two extra large plants, but that's the way it worked out.

Likewise, the Knight selected this yellow one too, but it's nice and cheerful, and I like that.

Winter pansies are another favorite, and are special because my mother and I also planted them on my paternal grandmother's grave when I was about five. I'll have to look up my flower lore meanings and see what our selections have to say...

The whole front of the house will now get a make-over, as the Knight and a couple of friends are going to add a large deck-style patio and replace the wooden front porch with some of the new, synthetic decking materials. The Knight and my uncle will be shopping for that this Saturday while my aunt and I do our thing. They just replaced the decks and porches around their home two winters ago (or was it last year?) so my uncle will be a great resource, because I know he did his homework before he made the final selection.

So, there's your tour of the garden. The squirrels and deer had better stay away.

Forever Hooey Hound

Tackhammer's Fred

May 2, 1996 - October 5, 2007

Cancer is an ugly, aggressive disease. There was a mass hiding behind his liver, more than half the size of his liver from what I could tell from the x-ray and ultrasound. The Knight held his four-legged boy and we cried and petted him, long after it was done. I remain in awe of Dr. Nancy Handley and the staff at Georgetown Vet. Their compassion and genuine affection for our dogs is remarkable.

I'd like to write more, but I just can't. Thank you all for your kind words about Mugsy's birthday and all of the support you've given us the last couple of days. Please forgive me if I don't answer each reply this time; this wound is just too raw.

Don't Feed the Basset

Well, it's not great news, but Fred has a diagnosis. He has a rather hearty infection, likely brought on by eating something he shouldn't have. It's his second episode of what Dr. Nancy calls "garbage gut" and like the first time, his inability to keep his slobbery jaws off of non-food items has landed him overnight IVs and the rapid healing only IV drugs can bring.

No, we don't have a clue what, when, or even where said toxin came from. Senior hound that he is, he doesn't roam like he once did. He hasn't been out of our sight, save working hours, and bless his clumsy heart, he leaves a trail of evidence when he does get into things that aren't his at home. But, Dr. Nancy is confident the fluid push will keep reducing the fever and will eventually motivate the gunk of undigested food to move on, and she predicts that Fredders will walk out to leave with me tomorrow afternoon.

Thanks so much again for your kind words and support. It has kept me sane. The day is coming when both of our aged dogs will need me to let go, but it seems we've bought more time for now.

Happy Fred Thoughts

There's a daily click for a Fred Basset in the UK, who seems to be our Fred's soul twin. I click in daily, and often email it to the Knight, because it just seems like the artist/writer channels our Fred.

This is going to be a multi-post day. I see it coming, but I want to thank you for your concern, prayers and general good wishes for Fred. The Knight used and abused his family/supervisory powers today, and sent his crew on without him, while he went home to get his boy. He found Fred significantly weakened, and we rushed to Dr. Nancy. I have a hard time being strong when my rock of a Knight has his 58 lb. baby in his arms, whispering away. He stayed at my desk for a speaker phone chat with Dr. Nancy, and has begrudgingly gone to the job site. (Fred was weak because of the meds from last night.)

We're awaiting blood tests now, and Fred is on IV fluids. What's interesting is that while our human docs make us wait days, weeks, or even months for test results, Dr. Nancy is calling me back in two hours. Go figure. My mother inlaw assures me it is because vets genuinely CARE about their patients. Hmmm...

I'll update you later, but I suspect Fred is at the vet's for at least 24 hours of IV therapy.

Dogs on Thursday

Fred's needing some love, so here's a shot I adore. It was taken two summers ago, at work. That's the Knight on the left, and a baby Shadow in the bottom. We were up into the wee hours of the morning, at the emergency vet. They were afraid it was bloat, but we were sure it wasn't. The good news is it wasn't bloat. The bad news is, we don't know why that lump of food is at the top of his stomach, not digesting.

He's miserable, so much so for those of you who know him, that he's not fussing. It broke my heart to leave him at home, but Shadow frets him so. Once my mother inlaw arrives from her doctor's appointment this morning, I'll go home, load up Fredders, and take him to our Dr. Nancy.

Of course, all of this is going on while Mugsy's allergies rage on.

Sadly, we're not alone. Other friends have pet and personal medical issues, and Amanda has had a very sudden, tragic loss. Sending prayers and good vibes out to all of you...

I'll keep you posted on Fred. Tomorrow's Mugsy's 12th birthday too, so I guess this blog has gone to the dogs.

He's My Brother

This photo was taken late Fall 2006. Many thanks to the always awesome Nicole for doctoring for me!

I've decided that as my dogs are both geriatric, my Dogs on Thursday posts should be about preserving memories. One routine moment that happens more than once most days, but never fails to warm my heart, is Fred's about face to follow Mugsy.

Fred goes outside first most mornings. However, rather than heading off the porch to do his duties, he simply waits right there until Mugsy comes out, and they head into the yard together. What tickles me most is when Fred has been out for a while, asks in, and then makes that predictable u-turn at the door because Mugsy is going out. It's simple and routine, but it is the essence of their bond. Like most brothers, they fight - sometimes violently, in their youth - but in the end, they seek each other out for companionship. I've had the pleasure of being around some truly wonderful dogs, but these two are at the top of the list.

Fred on Thursday

Fred is just so much more cooperative about the whole photography thing. The Knight took this one with my cell phone earlier this week. Fred could be happier, but I think the Knight or "Dadaw" as the dogs call him (yeah, we think our dogs talk - what of it?), awoke the poor ol' man for the photo op. He's just such a sweet dogums, and I feel so blessed to have him in our lives.

Happy Little Friday!

Fred and Water

Today's Fred's day. You see, he had a rather traumatic day yesterday. It started out GREAT! We loaded up and he went to work, which is generally a happy thing for him. However, less than two hours later, we were headed to the vet. That was bad enough, but then...

I left without him. It was killing me, so much so that my beloved Dr. Nancy rather firmly stated, "Leave now. Don't stop to pay. Just go!" as she towed an extremely resistant Fredders into the back, for - of all things - a bath.

You see, Fred's philosophy on water is simple. If he is thirsty, he will drink, and drink AND DRINK it, and then dribble slimed up drops all over the house. Otherwise, water is the enemy. Rain? Pee on the porch. (That's why they make that pet odor removal stuff, right?) Snow? Stay inside until it stops falling from the sky, and then go outside and play and snort in it until the humans fear you will have frostbite on your low-hanging parts.

So, since Fred is aging, sore and a great actor, the Knight - aka: Dadaw - will no longer bathe his boy, because he can't stand the horrible howls and screams Fred makes in an attempt to ward off the water. The poor folks at our vet got to do it yesterday, bless them. He looks beautiful, but Fred doesn't care about beauty.

Oh - and his back got a better report than I'd hoped. He will continue to lose mobility, but Dr. Nancy doesn't think it pains him, or bothers his dignity to drag his already rather lame left rear leg a bit until he catches some traction. So, we'll put up a ramp at the front door, and those Staples ream of paper boxes make the perfect step into my vehicle, and hope that Fred stays comfortable and happy (in his own, grumpy sort of way) for a lot longer...

Downward Facing Wick

So, there it is. The yoga sock done in Wick. (That's color #9 on the site.) You can find the pattern here. I can't say enough about the yarn. It's a bit like chenille, but it stretches, so while I might never knit with chenille again, I love this stuff and will be ordering some to make Christmas presents. No, I don't know how practical the socks are, as my toes are generally what gets cold first, but check back with me after the temperature drops, because I've slipped into my sad version of Lotus more than once, just to get my feet off of the cold even through the mat floor!

Hey, look! They aren't green. How 'bout that!? Pink and brown, and although you can't really see it, there is some sage-ish green in there too, along with the cream and some - get this, Sharon! - purple. If you're looking for non-wool fibers, give Wick a try. Yet another soy love affair happening here.

This is also a good time for a little book review. Devon sent me a copy of this for my birthday last month. Sue told me early in our swap-born friendship that Interweave published the best books, and this certainly makes a good case for that argument. Have a problem? (Like needing to cast on 22 stitches in mid-yoga sock?) Just flip to the index in the back, and viola! There it is, with pictures and gooblette-proof text. Even at 10pm, I was able to make it work, rather successfully, if I may say so myself! Now that I have a nice, roomy tote (thanks, Stacey!), this book will go wherever my knitting and I go, unless I am 100% positive there's no way I'll need it.

Of course, there are many more books to review, but Mugsy says it's time to sit together on the sofa and talk about our day, which for him, included escaping into the great room to hang out with Fred. He'd been baby-gated in our room, which is adjacent to the great room, so that they could see each other, but Mugsy couldn't bother Fred the sore grump and provoke a fight. Evidently, Mugsy knew Dr. Nancy would insist that Fred isn't as bad off as we thought... Thanks for all the kind wishes. He's mending, slowly but surely. He's still a rather old basset with a very bad back, but it seems he's going to be around a while longer.

All He Needs Is Love

I missed Dogs on Thursday yesterday, in part because we were in transit, but mostly because I was in tears. (Note: no knitting content here.) Yes, we need to vacuum, sweep and otherwise remove Fred's excessive shedding evidence, but this was snapped moments after we returned from a week out of town. Some of you know Fred's spine basically self-fused several years ago, and our incredible sitter/friend tried to tell Mark on Wednesday that Fred was worse than usual. Mark insisted that Fred has bad days, but all was okay. Wrong. There's a reason you should choose a pet sitter carefully, because Tony knows our dogs almost as well as we do, and Fred was hurting.

Indeed he is. His hind end simply doesn't work much right now. The boys had a small scuffle Sunday, and we were all focused on the tiny wound near Mugsy's eye. Ha! Big ol' Fred threw his back out (just like me!), and no one noticed. Now, we've known for years that the day might come when chronic pain was an issue for our honey hound, but I was ill-prepared to face it after a long day of riding (read: my own back pain), and after being away from my darling dogs for nearly a week.

The good news is, Dr. Nancy the Awesome has prescribed a narcotic and "bed rest" for three days. If there is no improvement, then I'll drag the old man (Fred, not Mark!) to the vet for a look-see. Otherwise, he'll see Dr. Nancy at the end of the month for his annual stuff AND a thorough exam. She's pretty sure he just twisted and/or pinched something in the fight, and that he'll be back to his rather limited, sluggish version of normal very soon. Sigh. Why can't the best dogs live forever?

There's No Place Like Home.

Let me assure you that after thinking you will have to spend the night in O'Hare with three of your best friends, while a fourth dear-heart sits on another plane on the runway for THREE HOURS, there's no place like home. Having my darling boys rush out the front door as I pulled in at nearly 7am - awake virtually 25 hours straight - was all the balm I needed to soothe this weary traveler. So, here's how my boys rest, for this week's Dogs on Thursday. Mugsy is indeed the little prince of the castle. Here, he reclines amid several pillows and a handmade throw (just beneath his belly), on the sofa.

Fred isn't inclined to perch up high. He likes his beds big and fluffy, and on the floor. (Pardon the dirt and drool; the cover is washed weekly, but that's not always enough for a true hound.) Yes, he generally is partially off the bed, despite the fact that it is indeed plenty large. That's just how he likes it, I guess.

So, since I've only had three hours of sleep in the last 35 hours, I hope this canine eye candy will do for a while. There's a wedding you need to hear about, a trip to Chicago with tear-rolling, side-splitting laughter, and so much more. There's even a box of books from Knitpicks you need to hear about, and a the beginnings of a Wick yoga sock, which enjoyed the flight into Chicago, but "slept" through the flight home, such as it was. I have a busy couple of days ahead, and then there's that book Mugsy and I will have to read Saturday and try to finish on Sunday...

Gone to the Dogs

Paula has created an institution. Fred and Mugsy are pretty excited about it. My evening was very full last night - worked all day, drove to DC and back home - so I missed my first opportunity, but humor me, okay? My boys knew I was worn out when I got home, and just smothered me with puppy love. They deserve their moment, even if it is belated!

So, some dog shots you haven't seen before:

That's Fred and Shadow II. Shadow is the second sable sheltie Mark's grandfather has owned, and so, Pop used the same name. This picture was taken two years ago, but Fred doesn't come to the shop with me much anymore, because Shadow *STILL* insists upson licking Fred *IN* the mouth. My patient old man just walks away and counts on me to make the brat stop. That's why he's my hooey hound!

This is Farmer Mugsy. (And "Dadaw" as the dogs call him, but he's not a willing subject.) Yep. He likes to ride the tractor. He won't approach a running vehicle of any sort, but if Mark cuts the tractor off and reaches down, Mugsy climbs the steps and up he goes! The black box is his collar for the invisible fence, and it comes off once Mugsy is safely in Mark's lap. They're both very content and happy, in case you can't tell.

Fred likes to be photographed, but Mugsy isn't always a willing subject. (Gets that from his father, I suppose.) I suspect you'll also see the other dogs in our lives too, as the weeks go on. We're all about dogs, kind of like Pedigree.

Crup?

I'm just checking in to let you know that I'm beginning twelve days of running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I'll be checking email except from the 15th-18th, but I don't know that blogging will happen much.




Why do I swap, and crazier still, co-host swaps? So I can meet people like Paula! I do believe that particular photo she's using as her logo is of my Fred's uncle, who was the Hush Puppy model about 10 years ago. I love it! (And why didn't I think of that? Mugsy's literally got his back to me. Guess I should have been Crup Knitter instead of KnitTea, huh?)






In sock news, I have begun Sockza sock #1! (aka: SoS pair #2!) I won't be showing photos, just in case, because I do want to surprise my pal. I can proudly announce that the yarn was wound with my birthday swift and ball winder, by - get this, Anne! - my husband! He finds it all very interesting. It appeals to his inner mechanical nerd, I guess? I then had to weigh it, so - wise man, that one - I can confirm that this yarn I've not used before will indeed make two socks for my pal. I got lucky and got a pal with little feet, so I'm sure it won't be a problem, but... he's thinking like a knitter, yes?

Now, back to that crup thing. I hear some of you asking, "What's a crup?" Well, in honor of the cinematic event, the debut of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, I'm tempted to have a contest, but as it would be a month or so before you got a prize, I won't. I'll just tell you.

Are there HP fans out there who don't know? Giggles... Don't be embarassed. Even folks on my HP forums often ask. This, my friends, is a crup:

See the forked tail? That's the only way you can tell a crup from a Muggle Jack Russell Terrier. Those of you who own crups know that sometimes, wizards dock the crups' tails short so you can't see the fork, but trust me, you *KNOW* if you own a crup.



Still unsure? Well, let me see if Mugsy - a pure-bred crup - can help. Is your JRT just, well, not as compliant as others you know? Do you brag that his disobedience is actually a sign of his superior intelligence? Does he train YOU? If so, you too probably have a crup. Please refer to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them for more information.

Yep. That's our crup, preparing to launch himself into HIS hot tub. Don't worry animal lovers; we changed chemicals three times until hubby found one that is safe for human and animal consumption; the sales rep drank a big ol' glass right from the display for him, and he was sold. That's the other test; crups won't allowed themselves to be owned by ordinary folks. They seek out those owners with just enough magical ability to appreciate them, which in Muggle talk means spoil them rotten.



PS - Cass, the photos are for you, and anyone else who loves photo-rich posts!

Healing Drool

Fred here. I'm the beautiful basset hound she mentions once in a while. Before the Harry Potter forum, which was before the knitting obsession, she had the basset hound forum. When one of the other bassets or their people had a problem, we sent healing drool. So, that's what our house is sending to Michelle, Chewy and their household - boxes and all. Please stop in and offer them support, prayers, good karma, hugs, kisses, or whatever nice thing you are into.

While I'm at it, Mommy failed to make a deadline for her little 100th contest. So, let's say you have until midnight EDT on July 1 to leave a comment, okay? Then, she can pick a winner on Monday, and I bet she won't let me drool on the prize.

And Auntie Anne? Thanks for naming the dishcloth swap after us. Ahroooo!!

Happy Father's Day!

We had a nice cookout with Mark's father's family, and then spent the afternoon watching the race. (As in Nascar.) That allowed me just enough time to finish my second sock in my second pair of socks. I really love this pattern!

The quiet time also afforded me the opportunity to ponder the great visit I had with Anne, her mom Ingrid, and all of the fun things we did throughout the week. The yarn crawl was fun, but not because of any spectacular finds. Rather, it was the company, and the fun that comes from sharing a hobby with friends. If you read Anne's blog or Amy's, you won't find that they were any more blown away by the yarn crawl than I was. Meeting Amy and Karen was a great treat! I'd heard Anne speak of her, and being a part of that first face-to-face meeting was a bonus.

So, since I took no photos except at home, here are my favorite photos, stolen from Anne and Amy. Thanks ladies! (And Anne, is there SERIOUSLY not a picture of the two of us? I swear you made me pose for at least one...)

I actually did TAKE this one, but with Anne's camera. Love those ladies in green, with the Blue Ridge Mountains behind them. (Yes Anne, those are what we in the East call mountains.)

I never like pictures of me, but there I am, in my favorite shirt, with Amy, in front of Stitch DC. I think that's the first picture of me in DC since my college days, but let's not go there!

This is my new favorite picture of Mugsy. It is the essence of Bugginess. (We call him Mug-bug or Buggy sometimes.) Anne took it Monday while I was at work.

Fred can't be left out, so here's one of my own favorite shots of him. I might have posted this one before, but it is as much the essence of the Hooey Hound as Anne's shot of Mugsy is of the Mugster. (My dogs will answer to anything. I think you could guess that.)

Thanks Anne and Ingrid, for vacationing here. It was a delight!

Happy Birthday, Hooey

If you stick around, you'll discover I call my dogs all sorts of names. Today, the dog the AKC calls Tackhammer Fred, and Amanda more fittingly named Fred Aloisius is 11 years old. This post is brought to you because the birthday boy didn't want to be put in the bed - our bed - when the humans and Mugsy went to bed. No, 1:47 am suited him better, but at 2:03, Mugsy decided the three of us needed to get up. So, Mugsy, the birthday boy and I are up. They are now ready to go back to bed, but my body isn't, so... Here we are.

Here's the finished KAL dishcloth. The color isn't so orange; it's a lush, lovely terracotta, but at 2am, I'm not editing the photo for you. I loved Lion Brand's Cotton Ease, and the stitch definition is just fine. Thanks, Rachel for great designs and my first knit along. I can't wait to do the "housework sucks" pattern!

As I always want Anne happy, here's the sock that has occupied my free time of late, and Anne's time, and Devon's time too. Heck, even Sue has a few emails invested in this sock, as does The Pro, Anne's sister. Talk about a group project.It's not a great picture, but it was taken at 2:15 am, so admire what you can and hope that this evening will bring a finished product and a better photo or two. I have a cute pose with the birthday boy in mind, but we'll see what the rest of the day brings. After all, I'm missing my beauty rest now, so who knows how the post-work hours will pan out? Do note the tiny amount of yarn left. Maybe I will need all three skeins after all. Stay tuned, because I really intend to finish this bugger tonight.

Now, I believe I'll go wake up the dogs and we'll all go back to bed, except for the sock. It lives on the coffee table. Mugsy is at my side BEGGING to return to bed. That's one smart dog.

Spoiled Rotten!

I am indeed treated well. My Knitters Treat Exchange spoiler went above and beyond! Thanks again, Barb. As a new knitter, I must confess that I've never really looked at Interweave Knits, so as soon as I finish this post, I'm going to go enjoy a cuppa' and take my time flipping through. Choosing which tea to enjoy from the assortment Barb sent will be tough! The big box in the back (orange in color, with a ball of yarn on top), is Stash ginger peach, which is a favorite of mine, but there are also several "singlets" too choose from too, some varieties unseen to my American eyes. I've hidden the Kisses with caramel, because my hubby is as big a caramel fan as I am. (Is that care-ah-mel or carmull?) On the far right are some bath gels and the sweetest little bag of stitch markers you've ever seen. As I tend to use scrap yarn or the Lion Brand stitch markers, these are a REAL treat! Then there's the yarn. THREE skeins! On the far left is the Bernat handicrafter's cotton in a fabulous varigated green, then a large, soft skein that I'm already thinking will be something sweet for my mother inlaw, and then that grand, bright varigated LaPayla ball on top of the tea. Whew! I'm glad I've already signed up for more exchanges. Nothing like a special package to chase that allergy headache away.

I must also give Wolfie a moment in the sun. I know his MommySusie gives him his due, but I am trying to shame Mugsy (see right) into being so civilized. Sue said Wolfie had to have some of the lotion I sent, as in, she had to put some on him! Hear that Mugs? Wolfie's Mommy doesn't have to reapply her lotion because he licks it off and annoys her to no end. He simply and kindly has his own lotion applied, the end. I know you're an old dog, but I keep saying how smart you are, so how about learning a new trick? Instead of trying to lick all the lotion off my legs while I'm trying to get dressed each morning, would you settle for a little pretend lotion application of your own?

So, my first exchange is complete, and it was an incredible experience. Sue likes her treats, I feel very special thanks to Barb, and I am inspired to try hard to make successful matches with my group for the Spring Felted Bag Exhange! (Sign-ups are closed, but mark the site and check in, because I think Anne is going to do another one in the fall or so.)

Just so Mr. Freddie doesn't feel left out, here's my favorite picture of the honey hound. He's much more photogenic than Mugsy, because he's much more inclined to just be still for more than a half of a second! I must also note that he doesn't lick lotion, or even bother with kisses very often, but when he does, they are sweet, surprisingly dry little blessings of love!

Lucky Me!

Friday the 13th holds no particular meaning for me. I generally dislike Fridays as they tend to be a little grumpy and chaotic at work, but then again, Friday afternoon brings the weekend! This weekend is a little too hectic to be a great break, but I'm looking forward to my trip to Boston, even if I won't get to see the outside of the hotel much at all. I'm looking forward to the shower where blankie #3 will be given too, but not the mounds of laundry I need to do to get ready to pack.

Back to my good luck. I had to go spend a small fortune and pick up Fred's prescription, so that he can remain mobile and pain-free while I'm away (assuming his human Dad remembers to follow the detailed instructions I'll leave), and pick up lunch for several of us. Well, that path took me very near one of my LYSs, so of course, my vehicle just carried me there. I found some great yarn for my KTE pal hand-dyed by a local artist, and some yummy cotton chenille for my hubby's face cloth I want to make. No pictures, as I'm at work, but perhaps after my haircut, shopping for very large baby gift bags and cards, shipping out a few treats, finishing the LAST FIVE ROWS of blankie #2, going to a Stampin' Up party, printing out our Federal Taxes and getting them in the mail, maybe I'll still have the energy to post a finished picture of #2 and at least the yummy yarn I bought. I also grabbed four balls of Sugar 'n Cream cotton last night for dishcloths for the mothers for Mothers Day, but that's not very exciting.

So yeah, I'm lucky. I got out of the office, into the sunshine. I got some great yarn, even if I didn't have time to venture past the one little spot in the floor where I stood and grabbed the yarn for my pal with my right hand, took maybe one step, and picked up the cotton (I can't call it chenille too much, because I don't like chenille!) for hubby's little "think of me while I'm gone" gift. Then, two little steps to the right, and I checked out and headed back to work.

Life is good.

Spring Felted Bag Exchange Questionnaire

I doubt I get any traffic at all, but just in case someone wanders here unfamiliar with The Bag Lady, she's having an exchange. Check it out and sign up!

http://feltedbagexchange.blogspot.com/

Before I begin answering, I must confess that I almost emailed TBL and told her she knows all the answers, so she could just fill it out for me. (Yeah, that's the kind of friend I am.) However, she's swamped at work, so I'll be a good sport, even though she did have time to come up with a very long questionnaire!

1. How long have you been knitting? How did you learn?

Well, that's hard to answer. This go 'round, I've been knitting since very late November, 2006. However, I learned to knit as a girl, some 25-30 years ago.

2. What are your favorite yarns to knit felted bags with?

The only thing I've used so far is Noro Kureyon. Liked the results, but the feel of the yarn while knitting wasn't so hot. I have two other yarns in my stash for two more bags, but they keep getting pushed aside for more and more baby blankets.

3. What are your favorite needles to knit with?

Hands down, no contest, my Knitpicks Options. Otherwise, metal is a must!

4. What are the last 3 bags you knitted (include URL for Yahoo! or flickr album or your blog if you have them!)? You can also link to patterns if you don't have pictures of your finished objects!

http://chanknits.blogspot.com I've only done the two bags; see post #2, in March.

5. Do you carry the bags that you knit, give them as gifts, or both?

So far, they're both mine, but one yarn/pattern at home is for my mother inlaw. (Mothers Day is coming. I should get to work.)

6. What is your favorite felted bag that you have knit for yourself?

The Chan bag, but I like the Booga an awful lot too.

7. What are your favorite colors? Do you like bags in these colors or choose other colors?

Pinks, reds, greens, teals. Well, the Chan is done in greens/grays/teals, and the Booga is done in pinks, so I guess that answers that question.

8. Chocolate: White, Milk, Dark, or not so much?

DARK. The darker, the better.

9. Coffee, Tea, or Milk?

All of the above, but tea and milk much moreso than coffee. I need my mug of coffee after I get to work, then I drink green tea all day, and I have a big old glass of milk at night.

10. Do you prefer sweet or salty treats? What kinds?

I'm not much on sweets except for chocolates. I'm not much on snacks, except for popcorn.

11. If you went into Bath and Body Works and could only come out with one item, what would it be and what would it smell like?

Tiare Flower anything. Otherwise, anything Gardenia.

12. Do you enjoy any other crafts or hobbies? Do you collect anything?

Scrapbooking, cardmaking, cooking, yoga, walking... I used to collect rooster (not to be confused with chicken) things for my kitchen, and long ago, I collected teddy bears. Now, I think I collect yarn and loose tea.

13. Are there any bag patterns you have not yet knit, but hope to someday?

Anything entrelac. I like totes too.

14. What is currently OTN (on the needles) for you?

Two different blue baby blankets.

15. What is your most recent finished object before that?

A pink baby blanket. In my defense, they're all different patterns, different yarns, and I have so many more to do, because it seems that a lot of my friends are expecting.

16. What's cutest: Puppies, Piggies or Pixies?

Puppies, but I am rather fond of my toes, aka: piggies, this time of year. I lurvers me sandals and a pretty pedicure. I lived on a farm, so the other piggies aren't so cute to me. Pixies aren't even on my radar.

17. Do you enjoy reading? Books, Magazines, or both?

Both.

18. Do you have any children? (kid-kind or pet-kind apply!)

I have a stepson, not living with us. I also have two four-legged boys, both getting up there in years, Mugsy the crup/Jack Russell Terrier, and Fred, the Basset Hound.

19. What are some of your favorite yarns for other projects?

I don't know. I am almost obsessed with the need to learn to knit socks, but I have THREE baby blankets that must be done in the next couple of weeks. I also have cotton to do dishclothes too, but I don't know when I'll get done with blankies, and the two bags that want to be done.

20. And for the final question, one I see debated all over: Novelty Yarn: Love it! Hate it! or It depends!

I'm not much on it, but I do have a fun fur scarf to do for my sweet mother inlaw. At least it will fly off the needles quickly.