I'm pooped...

Not much to write about tonight. It's late and I'm tired. My niece in Houston TX is having her craft show next week and I've been trying to finish up some stuff to get in the mail to her tomorrow. I'll be sending some of my purses which I've posted before along with some wooden angel pins and some folk art pillows. I'll take some pics before I send them out so you can see what I've made. Hopefully very soon I'll be putting the button to our website on my sidebar so you can take a look and if you are interested, buy some handmade items. Don't worry, I'll let you know when I put it there.
Well, that's about it for today....(yawn) Catch yunz all tomorrow when I'm hopefully a little more well rested.

An evening to remember...

It was beautiful...romantic....it was magic! We had a fabulous time on our little three hour cruise on the Gateway Clipper's Magestic.
The food was excellent, the music was romantic...and the company was.....wonderful! I'm going to share with you a few pics of our night. First was the inside of the boat.

It was actually three levels with the third being outside I believe. We didn't get the outside pic of the boat because we were too close to it actually. It was funny because the Fall Out Boy concert was going on in the same area of town and we sorta got disoriented as to where the boat docks because of the long long line of kids going to the concert (my son and his gal pal being two of them!) Anyway we did make it on time.
The food was served in the middle of the dance floor and once that cleared the entertainment began. The Frank Sinatra impersonator not only sang like him but looked like him also.
We danced as he sang some of our favorite tunes.
The boat cruised so gently I kept forgetting that we were even on a boat.
We did manage to take some pictures before the entertainment begain and it got too dark. The first pic is the beautiful fountain at the point of the three rivers.
It was a rainy evening off and on but this pic looks like there wasn't a cloud in the sky.
Next, (for Courtney) we took a pic of the Home of the SuperBowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers...the one...the only....HEINZ FIELD!
Next is the Chevrolet Amphitheatre where my son was attending the Fall Out Boy Concert.
He said that they had an great time and with all the body surfing going on in the crowd, he and his gal pal managed to maneuver their way to five rows within the stage which is where they were when the main act came on. He took a video on his camera...I was stunned he got so close.
Anyway, as the sky darkened and lights were dimmed on the boat, we took a stroll to the outside of the and watched the reflection of all of Pittsburgh in the still waters. It was beautiful.
Our evening came to end and we left with wonderful memories of our Majestic cruise.....hope you enjoyed the trip with us and you got a little taste of where we live.....
For another take on the evening, check out The Funny Peppers (sweetie man's blog)....I think you will find he enjoyed it also. Till tomorrow.....

Gettin' ready...

Can't post too much today cause I'm going on a river cruise and I have to look my best. Sweetie man is taking me on a romantic date on the Gateway Clipper Fleet. If any of you would like to know a little bit about it, just click on the words and it will take you there.

Tonight we are going to enjoy a lovely dinner/dance cruise with the sounds of Frank Sinatra.

I love that whole era of music. I'm so excited about it. It's about a three hour cruise on the river with the scenic backdrop of the city of Pittsburgh which is really magnificent. The skyline is absolutely breathtaking at the point which is where the three rivers converge...the Ohio, the Allegheny and the Monongahela. There is a big beautiful fountain at that point also. Anyway, I'll be getting all dolled-up (with my shawl from Shaylen, of course) as will my man.

So, that's about all I have to say today. Now of course you know there will be pictures tomorrow so don't forget to stop back. It's pouring rain right now and supposed to clear, but everything is inside the boat so I'm not concerned. Tonight my son is going to the Fall Out Boy concert with the gal pal less than a mile where our boat will be setting sail and about the same time. I think that is sorta funny. Anyway, check with me tomorrow and hopefully I'll have some cool pics of the cruise that may just make you want to come on over to Pittsburgh some day! Later.....

This is hilarious!!!

This was way too funny to not share with yunz guys! You may have read this before....but it's worth another read. If you choose to do any of these, you are on your own!!! (Especially "Crochet Mom" and "Candel In The Wind")

19 WAYS TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LEVEL OF INSANITY
1. At lunch time, sit in your parked car with sunglasses on and point a hair dryer at passing cars. See if they slow down.
2. Page yourself over the intercom. Don't disguise your voice.
3. Every time someone asks you to do something, ask if they want fries with that.
4. Put your garbage can on your desk and label it"IN".
5. Put decaf in the coffee maker for 3 weeks. Once everyone has gotten over their caffeine addictions, switch to espresso.
6. In the memo field of all your checks, write "for smuggling diamonds".
7. Finish all your sentences with "in accordance with the prophecy".
8. Don't use any punctuation.
9. As often as possible, skip rather than walk.
10. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat -with a serious face.
11. Specify that your drive-through order is "to go".
12. Sing along at the opera.
13. Put mosquito netting around your work area and play tropical sounds all day at work.
14. Go to a poetry recital and ask why the poems don't rhyme.
15. Five days in advance, tell your friends you can't attend their party because you're not in the mood.
16. Have your coworkers address you by your wrestling name, Rock Bottom.
17. When the money comes out the ATM, scream "I won! Iwon!"
18. When leaving the zoo, start running towards the parking lot yelling,"run for your lives, they're loose!!"
19. Tell your children over dinner "due to the economy, we are going to have to let one of you go."

Cute purses for little ones..

I've been dying to make these purses ever since I saw them on the Lion Brand site. Aren't they the cutest? I guess you are starting to realize that I tend to favor crocheting purses. Actually I enjoy sewing them and have even done small beaded ones. Ever since I can remember I've had a thing for purses. For alot of women it's shoes or jewelry...for me it's purses.
Anyway, these are made with the Lion Brand Micro-spun. I love that stuff. It's soft and silky at the same time and very very easy to work with. The first is the Tulip Purse that I did in yellow rather than the coral/pink suggested. The second is the Blossom Purse.

Another thing I found out about these purses, is that the Crochet Dude designed them for Lion. He claims they can be made in an hour....well, it took me a little longer. The tulip one possibly an hour but the flower one is a little longer. They are very easy though. They are a little smaller than I had anticipated but so so cute.
Well, that's it....just wanted to show you these. I was working outside and am a little pooped to say the least. The weather was so perfect today but they say we have some rain coming. Hey, I can still sit on my porch when it's raining, so I don't mind it.
So till tomorrow and my favorite day of the week.........nite all!

Need some feedback....

Okay, guys....we're all friends right? I need a little input from all you knitters and crocheters out there in Blogville. My talented niece is a wonderful crafter who loves to make jewelry. She currently lives and works in Houston TX with her new husband. She's done a few shows at her place of work and is starting a website where she and I can sell our goods. She does an excellent job and I think that her jewelry is very very reasonably priced (and I don't spend alot on things....I'm a Jo Ann coupon person, if you know what I mean).
Well, to get to the point here, I told her about stitch and row markers. I personally love the jeweled kind and told her what they are. She designed a few and came up with these.


I think they are awesome! I love them. I'm using them all the time on my crochet and will be using them when I knit. She wants to sell them on the site once it is up and running in the next couple of weeks (I'll have a link to it) but she asked me to ask you for some feedback. What do you think of these? Do you use them? Would you buy them if you saw them on the internet? Do you have any suggestions on how to improve them? What would you pay for a set of three?
Let me know as any input is good input!
I'm gonna close up for the night, but as a teaser, I'm going to show you how cute these look on your projects while you're working on them. We wear jewelry....why not our crochet and knitting? (hey, don't forget the great gifts they would make for friends, family, and your secret pals!!!!) Also, this pic lets me throw in a little Project Spectrum color (yellow) before the month's out....enjoy!

Another purse...

Not too much to say today. I was working on my Project Spectrum postcard swap and finishing that up. Sometimes I think too much on what I'm going to do rather than just doing it. I thought and thought about how I wanted to design the card, but instead I just pulled out all my stamps and stickers and what nots and just did it. It turned out nothing like I designed in my mind but I liked it! Can't show you a pic just yet till I'm sure my swap buddy has it in her hands...but I will show you soon so don't worry!
What I will show you tonight is a picture of another purse I knitted. My son's gal pal liked the other purse I knitted (see a few posts back) but she wanted it smaller. Actually it could only be a half sheet of paper in size...(crazy school regulations!) Anyway, this is what I came up with.

It turned out pretty cute and was very quick to knit (and you all know I'm a beginner knitter!) I used 1 skein of Caron Simply Soft Quick in Autumn Red with #15 Knitting Needles. I think I cast on about 20-25 then just knitted one side, purled the other (it's all I know how to do at this point). The yarn was very very soft also. I lined it and got the cute tortise (sp) shell handles at JoAnn's. Added a nice button and used an elastic hair tie for the loop. Not bad eh?
Well, that's about it for tonight....I'm in the mood to crochet so I'm going to head to bed, turn on Nancy Grace and work on my Shawl swap.....that is turning out really cute (can't tell you about that either yet....shhhhh!) Should be done very soon though!
Okay, gang, till tomorrow....hasta luego!

HAPPY DYNGUS DAY!!!

That's what I said....Happy Dyngus Day! If I hadn't already told you, I am of the Polish ancestry....100% pure and clear....as is my son. Now I know what you are all saying, "Blonde and Polish.....How many light bulbs does it take, blah, blah, blah!" But that's okay...I'm very proud of my Polish heritage and am used to the jokes! All of my grandparents were born in Poland and my parents, though born in the U.S., could speak fluent Polish. Unfortunately, I know very little and had little interest in learning when I was young....now I would love to learn it but I have no one to speak it to.
Anyway, back to Dyngus Day....it's a Polish Holiday (very popular in Poland) whereby after the long Lenten Holiday, there is a day of fun! (and a little romance also) It is always celebrated the Monday after Easter. On this day, the guys get to wet the ladies down by sprinkling or drenching them with water chasing them with buckets or squirt guns or whatever. The bolder men used cologne. The ladies get to hit the men with switches. (mmmm...I like this) On Tuesday, the ladies get their revenge and could throw dishes back at the boys. (ah, young love!) It has become increasingly popular though for the ladies to throw water back at the boys on Monday. Basically we're looking at a big water fight after Easter. If I remember correctly, my Mom used to say that, of course, you did this to the one you want to marry. (I also remember my Mom teasing my Dad and throwing water on him).
Okay, just a little bit of Polish history for yunz, guys! Being as I'm still recovering from a fun weekend, I'm going to end now with a few pics of Easter morning with my family before they left to go home to Michigan. We're a silly bunch so enjoy.......
MY SON AND HIS GAL PAL and my FUTURE GRANDSON (ED'S GRANDSON)

ED'S DAUGHTER AND SON-IN-LAW

AND LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST.....MY SWEETIE MAN AND ME!!!!

TILL TOMORROW.....

HAPPY EASTER!!!

HAPPY EASTER

from my family to yours!!!

Our new carpet...

Okay, before I tell you about my day, I'm going to give you a second to do me a small favor. If you haven't already noticed, I added a Frappr map to my sidebar. If you could just take a moment and let me know where you are from, that would be great. I promise I'll wait till you are done to continue (you don't have to post your pic, unless you want to) but it would be great to know where everyone came from. If you have already done so, you can take this moment to go get a cup of coffee or tea or take a well deserved break from the computer. Okay....go ahead...............(elevator music playing).........mmmmmm....mmmmmmmmm.......(more elevator music playing).....la, la, la, de-dum, de-dum.....(whistle-whistle)........(yawn)....zzzzzzzzz.......OH, OH....you're back! Okay, thanks! Now to the good stuff.
Just wanted to show you some pics of a favorite spot of mine. My front porch. Today, we had some carpet put down by my sweetie man's son-in-law and my sweetie man in the supervisory postion!
The job was done in an excellent manner!!!!! And his son-in-law never laid carpet before! We just kept him stocked in Iron City Beer and he was good to go. This next pic is me on the newly carpeted front porch. (with yarn in hand) If you are ever looking for me in the Spring and Summer, this is where you will find me.It is so relaxing. We'll be planting flowers around the porch soon and it will be so pretty. I am so happy about this cause it looked awful before with a peeling wooden floor.
Next pic is Ed's grandson (my future grandson) in one of his crazy new front teeth smiles.
I think he pretty much got pooped out for the weekend thanks to my son and his gal pal!
Last is Ed's daughter who wanted to learn to crochet. My first student...
By the end of the weekend she got down chain, single crochet, and double crochet. Unfortunately, she may have to learn the rest on her own as they will be going home on Sunday.
So that's it for the almost weekend. With all the activity it will be mighty quiet here on Easter afternoon so I'll probably pick up some yarn and crochet alot during the day. And if the weather is nice........you'll find my sweetie and me sittin' on the front porch....just swingin'! So till tomorrow............

A little quiz for yunz guys...

We all love quizzes (or most of us anyway by the number on everyone's blog) but this one I think is fairly accurate for me anyway. You may have seen it before, but take it again and let me know little about you and if you think it's accurate..ENJOY! Oh, by the way....I'm a 31


Below is Dr Phil's test. (Dr. Phil scored 55; he did this test on Oprah - she got a 38.) Some folks pay a lot of money to find this stuff out! Read on, this is very interesting! Don't be overly sensitive! The following is pretty accurate and it only takes 2 minutes. Take this test for yourself . Don't peek, but begin the test as you scroll down and answer. Answers are for who you are now...... Not who you were in the past. Have pen or pencil and paper ready. This is a real test given by the Human Relations Dept. at many of the major corporations today. It helps them get better insight concerning their employees and prospective employees. It's only 10 Simple questions, so...grab a pencil and paper, Keeping track of your letter answers to each question.

1. When do you feel your best? A) in the morning B) during the afternoon &and early evening C) late at night

2. You usually walk... A) fairly fast, with long steps B) fairly fast, with little steps C) less fast head up, looking the world in the face D) less fast, head down E) very slowly

3. When talking to people you.. A) stand with your arms folded B) have your hands clasped C) have one or both your hands on your hips D) touch or push the person to whom you are talking E) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with.. A) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side B) your legs crossed C) your legs stretched out or straight D) one leg curled under you

5. When something really amuses you, you react with.. A) big appreciated laugh B) a laugh, but not a loud one C) a quiet chuckle D) a sheepish smile

6. When you go to a party or social gathering you... A) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you B) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know C) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're interrupted...... a) welcome the break b) feel extremely irritated c) vary between these two extremes

8. Which of the following colors do you like most? a) Red or orange b) black c) yellow or light blue d) green e) dark blue or purple f) white g) brown or gray

9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep you are.. a) stretched out on your back b) stretched out face down on your stomach c) on your side, slightly curled d) with your head on one arm e) with your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are... a) falling b) fighting or struggling c) searching for something or somebody d) flying or floating e) you usually have dreamless sleep f) your dreams are always pleasant

POINTS:
1. (a) 2 (B) 4 (c) 6
2. (a) 6 (B) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1
3. (a) 4 (B) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6
4. (a) 4 (B) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1
5. (a) 6 (B) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2
6. (a) 6 (B) 4 (c) 2
7. (a) 6 (B) 2 (c) 4
8. (a) 6 (B) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (G) 1
9. (a) 7 (B) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1
10. (a) 4 (B) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1

Now add up the total number of points.
OVER 60 POINTS: Others see you as someone they should "handle with care." You're seen as vain, self-centered, and who is extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you. 51 TO 60 POINTS: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once; someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.
41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and under standing; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.
31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken.
21 TO 30 POINTS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.
UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions &who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't.

So....let me know what you are!

What I discovered...

Okay, it's not a thing I discovered in the sense of something to touch....it was an idea I discovered that makes sense. Remember a blog or so back when I was talking about the light bulbs and how if one burns out then they all start going out? Well, last night, my son came to me and said, "Mom, where are the light bulbs, mine just burned out?" I got him one and then when I went into the kitchen, another one blew out, and a couple of days ago, a night light in the hallway blew out......will this never end????? Yes, it will...because I have DISCOVERED evil forces behind this chain of crazy breaking down, blowing out events that have entered my life in the past few days. CHAIN EMAIL!!! That's right...those crazy emails you get from your so-called friends and family (because they know the secret) that tell you if you don't send this to a million friends you will have bad luck for the next hundred years!!!! Well, thinking back, I had a couple of those and they wanted me to sent them to a certain number of friends and also send it back to them. I absent mindedly counted the person who sent it to me as one of the 8 friends I was to send it too and the "EMAIL GODS" saw my cheating ways and decided to punish me!!!!
I'm sorry or great email gods and godesses....I promise that my cheating ways are over!!!!!
Needless to say, the next time I got one of those, (which was a day ago) I sent it to the number of necessary recipients PLUS one!!! Believe it or not things did improve...sorta! (personally I think they are all having a good laugh on me in the land of the might email gods/godesses)
Anyway.....one thing you didn't know.....and I have SAFELY done this one....if you have the slightest suspicion that your friend/family member sent you a Chain Email.....DO NOT READ IT IN ITS ENTIRETY......because once you read it....you are done!!!! Once you get to the part that says....."send this to a million people...or else"....you have to send it to a million people...plus one!
Now, I'm just telling you this for your own good....it's up to you whether you believe me or not....but next time three light bulbs burn out in a row, you blow out a car tire, and the air conditioning quits in your truck( and someone wants to fix it for $500).....don't come boo-hoo blogging to me!!! That's all I have to say!
With that said....enjoy your evening (it's amazing the crap I can make up when I have no pictures to post....damn, I'm good!) Till tomorrow....Tootles. (wait till I tell you my theory on losing weight and the floating calories!!!...you'll love that one!)

NOT AGAIN!!!

First I have to say that having a bad day as I did yesterday does have it's good points. Namely, I tend to take out all my frustrations on my house...meaning, after working 8 hours, I came home, cut the lawn, wash clothes, cleaned my bathroom, hung a new shower curtain, and probably would have done more had the clock not been stricking Midnight! Needless to say that gave me a good night' sleep and a fresh start in the morning.......NOT!!! Okay, not quite as bad as yesterday. The morning started out good with a free blood pressure check and blood work that was being done at my work today. Blood Pressure good (luckily it was today and not yesterday) and blood work completed. I survived. Went back home to grab a quick bite to eat before coming back to work (only live about a mile away) only to hit a curb with my vehicle on a turn then make it back to my driveway only to watch the air slowly release itself from my tire!!!
I had a half hour to figure out my plan....and eat....and get my coffee (that was a must!) Well, luckily, my town is small enough that people know people and so I called my friends at the tire/car place who said they would come up to my driveway while I was at work and take care of the problem. (heck, why shouldn't they...I'm keeping them in business!) Anyway, my son took me to work and here I sit at my son's mercy again without a car as he had school today.
But (here's where the good part comes in)....when I got to work, I read all the beautiful comments about everyone hoping I had a better day in addition to my wonderful sweetie man telling me how many good days I had versus bad (and he was most definately right!)....I just couldn't be in a bad mood today....so I'm not.
I do have to tell you something tho that my almost 19 year old did yesterday. He called me on his way home with the gal pal from a Pirates Game (Go Bucs!) telling me to listen to the radio right then and he would be on it. It seems he called in on a little contest they were holding (I'm not going into details on what exactly it was) using one of his impressions that he loves to do and he made the dj laugh, so they put him on the radio...it was quick....but it was funny. He called me back on his cell phone asking me if I heard it. I was laughing, they were laughing....and then he said something that made a Mom think she did alright in raising her child...he said, "Mom, I did that for you cause you were in a bad mood today and I wanted to make you laugh!" Wow, what more could I ask for. He cared enough to do that! (I think I'll keep him!!!)
Okay, one last thing....here is a picture of a lamp that was designed by Ed and put together by me. It's a special gift for our guests this weekend (Ed's daughter and family) whom we love dearly......

The bottle was once filled with a cider wine sorta thing from Michigan (that we drank awhile back....bring more!!!) that we filled with peanuts and shredded paper then decoupaged the shade with pics of times spent with them! I added some grapes and a jute bow. Turned out pretty nice I think.
Well, that's it for now.....thanks for all the uplifting comments from yunz guys.....now I know why I blog!!! Till tomorrow (the last day of the week for me!!!) ...tootles!

If every day is a gift.....

If every day is a gift....I'd like to know where to return TUESDAY'S!!!
Yep...even I have bad days....started out good because I wasn't as sore as I had anticipated from the dirt hauling. But it soon turned UGLY when I found out my son overdrew on his checking account.....I called the bank boo-hooing but it was of no use.....it has been decided that my son will now use religiously his handy dandy check register!!!!
Next...took another vehicle in for a slight air conditioning problem...namely...it didn't work! Okay, can't be that bad.....noooooooooooooooooooooo....."Ah, it will cost you $500 to repair a hole".....I DON'T THINK SO!!!! (and Sweetie man agreed!) I'll sooner sit on a block of ice than invest anymore money into any vehicle....I can live without the air! That's what windows are for!!!! In Pennsylvania, I can live 3 months out of the year without the air. Well, they charged it up or whatever they do, and if it's anything like last year, it will last the PA summer.
Didn't you ever notice that when one light bulb in your house goes out....they all start going out...it's like a disease...I think cars are the same way. They catch "breaking down" from each other....I'm going to have to start parking them further apart from each other.
ANYWAY....(now here's the good part!)
I came home from lunch only to find a package with my name on it which I sensed might be my shawl from the shawl swap....and I was right.

Shaylen from One Stitch At A Time crocheted this beautiful shawl for ME! I was so excited. It made me forget all the money problems of the day. I kept saying to myself...."and it's FREE!" It is so soft and warm that I think I will be wearing this beautiful creation on my dinner cruise and sorta put the black shawl I started on the back burner for now as this will look so much prettier and feminine. I'm also going to ask my son's gal pal if she would like to "borrow" it for the prom. I don't want to part with it. Rarely do people make things for me aside from my creative niece (who we may be showcasing and selling some lovely stitch and row markers she designed....watch for future posts!) so you can see why I'm so excited. I absolutely love love love handmade items! Those are by far some of the best gifts....unless you get a JoAnn gift certificate from someone!
Shaylen also send me some English Loose Tea which I'm anxious to try in my new teapot I got awhile back. (I've been brewing a cup at lunch everyday)

So this is a BIG THANK YOU to my new friend Shaylen. Please visit her blog (she is listed on my sidebar) and let her know how lovely her shawl is!
Well, now it's off to finish my shawl for the swap....shhhhh...can't tell you about it...secret!!
Don't worry you'll see pics AFTER it is safely in my swap buddies arms!!!
Check with ya all tomorrow....hope it's a cheaper day!!!

They've multiplied.....

Wouldn't ya just know it...I set two bunnies down on the chair, went to work, and came back to this!!!! GO FIGURE!!!!

I'm just kidding with ya....I made a bunch of these to see if I can sell them off at work. I showed you these cute bunnies a couple of posts back (the pattern is on my side bar). I can never remember what I make from one year to the next...I really should keep a journal. We have some new employees tho that may be interested and some new offices down the hall from us. They are so cute, I think I would make a bunch just to see the all the color combos I could come up with. I was tempted to use the multi colored yarns, but once I start making something entirely different, that is the one everyone wants. In other words, that cute fuzzy bunny in the front made with eyelash yarn will be staying home decorating my Easter basket. That one was actually very difficult to make as I had a tough time getting that yarn through the holes. I actually had to rest my hand alot. Too much work for one bunny.

Speaking of rest...remember the 1/2 ton of top soil that we unloaded into the yard yesterday...well Sweetie Man could barely move today. I sorta started bragging that I really wasn't sore and only my wrist hurt a little for some reason....UNTIL....the clock struck NOON...then it slowly started creeping through my muscles....I'm almost afraid to go to bed tonight for fear I won't be able to move tomorrow morning. The aches hit me....just a little later than Ed's did. Oh, well, I'm going to take some Tylenol (again) and get a good night's rest and see how it goes....

Well, with that, I shall leave you yet another day....it's supposted to be up in the 70's tomorrow.....that's bikini weather in Pittsburgh!!! Take care, yunz guys...Tootles!

A little garden for two...

Well, today was the first semi-warm day...lower 60's and a perfect day to get this garden started. So while I cleaned up a little in the house, Ed started his garden. Last year was the first year he had a garden at this house and it was a little thing that ended up having alot of weeds. We did get some tomatoes and peppers from it...but it was started rather late in the Spring so we got what we sowed. This year is gonna be different...
As you can see Ed was building a garden with landscaping timbers and beyond the fence (what you can't see) is 1/2 ton top soil. 1000 pounds of soil that had to go from the truck bed to the garden....and two middle aged people to do it! Oh, yeah, me and sweetie man unloaded 1/2 ton of top soil into this garden... "5 gallon bucket brigade" style!!! Took us a couple of hours and a few tea breaks in between but we done did it! Unfortunately it just barely filled the bottom. We'll probably just get a billion bags of top soil next time and finish filling it up. This is the almost finished garden minus another ton or so of dirt.

Good thing we will only have to do this once...next year we'll just need to fertilize or whatever you do to gardens to make things grow in them year after year. Seeing as we are both a little bit sore now...we figure that with a good nights sleep.......these middle aged bodies will most likely not be able to move tomorrow morning!
Okay, just so you don't think I forgot about my yarn, I must show you something I did yesterday. As I am a life long crocheter but a newby at knitting, I watch Knitty Gritty on DIY and I learned this little trick (which you life long knitters probably already know). I made my own knitting needles. I measured a dowel to a needle gauge, cut, sharpened the tip in a pencil sharpener, sanded, and put little wooden acorn ends which I stained. This is the result.

I love them. They are so light to work with. I love the feel of the wooden needle versus the metal one but the wooden ones to buy are rather pricey....so I made my own. (don't look for me to make crochet hooks tho....at least not yet) The pattern is the same as the purse I made a few days ago (see pics from a few days ago) but this time it is a bit smaller as it is for the son's gal pal. In her school, they cracked down on large purses as kids were bringing cell phones and using them to cheat on tests (don't get any funny ideas, Kaity....just kidding!)....go figure. So, now the purses can only be as big as a half sheet of paper....and yes they do measure them. She really liked my other purse but wanted a smaller one. Hey, just another excuse to buy more yarn...don't ya love it! I told her never to be afraid to tell me if she liked something and wanted it made....glad to oblige..(he-he).
Well, getting late, and my body is getting sorer by the minute so I think I need to put it in a reclining position. I have a feeling that the only thing working tomorrow will be my brain....I'll let you know....till tomorrow and another warm spring day...at least in PA!!! Tootles!

Al Hirt, here we come....

Happy Saturday...ours started out on a fun "note"...literally....Sweetie Man got a trumpet. It was rather funny cause we'd be listening to the radio and he would say, "if I had my trumpet, I could play that." And I of course said, "yeah, right!" He bought himself a used trumpet this past weekend...I would get to see if he was telling me the truth.
Well, son of a gun if he didn't prove me wrong. First he tried to wake my son up with Reveille....my son closed his door rather quickly...but he did get up! Then I accompanied him with my vocals on his rendition of "when the saints go marching in." And of course we got to hear somebody's fight song! And all around 10 am in the morning....lucky the neighbors couldn't hear...yet!
We had fun the rest of the day, shopping, getting a half ton of top soil for our new garden we will be making, and the of course, making dinner. Now, sometimes just a plain dinner won't do....we gotta be fancy. I hate to cook but love to bake. Ed is the chef. A few weeks ago he bought this....
It's called a Fiesta Station....it's like this mini buffet for tacos....($20 at Walmart if you just have to have one!) The roof of the thing holds lettuce, cheese, warm burritos while the heated section holds your taco meat and re-fried beans if you so choose. The side dishes hold your toppings. It all plugs in to keep things warm and is rather neat. Sweetie man loves gadgets and this was just one more to add to the collection (mainly cause it was decorated with peppers)....he's so cute!!!
Now if you didn't know by now, Ed is really into peppers....so I found this really cute pattern for a jalapeno pepper through google that I made in one evening with crochet cotton. (click on the words for the pattern--the pic may not show but the pattern will)
I'll probably make more as we plan on painting the kitchen in the next month with a pepper theme...I can't wait, cause I hate the color of the kitchen now...UGH! I guess there was a pepper crochet something free at Annie's Attic but I missed it but I found this one which was really easy.
So with that I will leave you with my cute sleeping kitty...Echo Deuxfoille.....He's a french cat....(if you believe that....I got a bridge in Pittsburgh I'll sell ya) Anyway, he doesn't like the light in his eyes and we finally caught him covering his eyes as he slept. Isn't he adorable?
With that....I leave you for yet another day....till tomorrow and one day closer to putting my porch furniture up. (oh, yeah!) Tootles!

I'm a 50's gal...

what decade does your personality live in?

quiz brought to you by lady interference, ltd

Okay...so I'm showing my age...but then again I think I've told most of you I'll be 50 this year!!! This a cool quiz from Sue at Good Yarns. (check out her button on side bar). I found out the other day that some folks in my office actually thought I was going to be 40 or that I was only in my 40's!!! Wow....probably cause most almost-50 year olds don't act nearly as strange and crazy as I do....and believe me, I'll be same if not worse when I'm 80...except then I can blame it on senility!

Now, I'm going to show you a picture of yet another project I'm starting. I'm not putting this on the side percentage bars cause I plan on finishing this rather quickly. (and I'm embarrassed as to how many are already on there)

The pattern is from the Lion Brand site of free patterns and it's the Triangle Shawl done with Imagine yarn. I chose to do it with TLC Amore which is actually a fitting yarn to use as I will be wearing it on a special romantic dinner cruise I will be going on with my sweetie-man in a few weeks on the beautiful Allegheny River in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. I'll try to take pics. I'm really excited about it....he booked it as a surprise for us and something he and I have always wanted to do. I will definately show you the finished shawl. I still am working on the shawl for my Shawl swap I signed up for but as you know....can't show you that one...yet.

Well, off to do a little crocheting of something.....so enjoy your evening and Happy FRIDAY!!!!!!

How cute are these??

Are these not the cutest things you have ever seen?? I fell in love with them while checking out a copy of Interweave Magazine in a Walmart. They were so different I just had to try them and they fit too.

Now, I gotta tell ya, it called for 4 ply jute (found at the hardware store...yeah right!) There is only 3 ply (and Walmart has it too). There is such a thing as 4 ply but I only found it once for something I was making and I found it at this out of the way sorta junk and tool store. So, I opted for 2 strands of the 3 ply together and it worked out fine....same gauge too. If you never crocheted with jute you're in for an experience. I actually crocheted baskets with it once and then weaved a ribbon through it...they were really adorable...small...but adorable. It's not the easiest thing to crochet with and if you have very weak hands you may have some difficulty...and crocheting with two, more so. But give it a try.
The strap I didn't use what it called for. I used a Sugar and Cream or any 4 ply worsted weight cotton yarn but I used an E hook and that gave me the correct gauge.
Interweave magazine has the pattern for the soles and two of the designs for straps with sizes in children, women, and men. Interweave online, (www.interweavecrochet.com) only has the free pattern for straps...not soles...gotta buy the magazine for that unless you can figure it out yourself...which really isn't all that difficult if your good at that. I worked these up really quickly and want to make more. They are sorta fun to walk in....I won't wear them to the office, but around the house, beach, pool, whatever...and the kids would love them. I mean think of the possiblities.....buttons, bows, whatever you want....silk flowers, ribbons....do your own thing.
Well, I was really anxious to share that with you. Let me know if you try them and definately post a pic. And if you really like them......vote for me for Top Crochet List (see sidebar). I'ld love to make it on there just once!!!!
Okay, that's it....till tomorrow remember....it's spring.....go make some sandals!!!! Tootle-Lu!

What kind of car are YOU?

I'm a Mazda Miata!

You like to soak up the sun, but your tastes are down to earth. Everyone thinks you're cute. Life is a winding road, and you like to take the curves in stride. Let other people compete in the rat race - you're just here to enjoy the ride.

Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

Haven't seen this one yet, have you? Someone sent it to me in my email and I just had to pass it along knowing how much you all love quizzes. I'm rather surprised as I was hoping I was a yellow volkswagon beetle (you know, the ones with the little flower vases in them?) . Though after being with my sweetie-man (aka significant other), I sorta am liking the power of a pickup truck! A yellow one!!

And...speaking of yellow, it's a brand new Project Spectrum month and I told Lolly who created Project Spectrum (check out my link on sidebar) that I was dedicating my entire blog colors to April which is yellow and orange. Great idea I thought! I still will post more project spectrum stuff for April don't worry....can't pass up a good yellow!

With that, I bid you a fond adieu. Oh, and don't forget to let me know what kind of car you are also...it's a really short quiz and you may just learn something about yourself! Till tomorrow...Folk-n-Fancy, signing off.