Slow Going

Somehow, it takes a whole lot longer to knit a hat in fingering weight yarn than in worsted. Funny, that...

But progress is being made. I've got about an inch of the ribbing done.

Just a few more rounds, and I'll have to decide if I want to make a patterned hat, or just a plain stockinette hat. 

Wonder of wonders, we have the day off of work tomorrow.  It's the first Saturday we've had off since before Christmas.  I don't know what I'm going to do with myself.  I want to go up to Batesville and go shopping, but I really need to clean snake tanks.  Snow and Slider need a complete substrate change, but the rest can get by with just a spot cleaning.

Then there is the cat box....

Hmmm, Batesville is looking better and better. 

Oh No She Didn't!

Oh yes, she did!

She cast on another hat--this time in sock weight yarn.

Cherry Tree Hill Supersock in Cherry Chip colorway, on size 4 Harmony needles.

I was kind of surprised at how few patterns for fingering weight adult size hats there are out there. The few I did find, I didn't really like, so guess what? I'm going to make up my own.

The first few rounds will be K2 P2 rib. I'll figure out what comes next when I get there.

It's Here! It's Here!

The second fun thing I bought with my tax money is here!  What is it, you ask?  Well, I guess I've kept you in suspense long enough.  It is

a White & Nerdy hoodie! Just like Weird Al wears in the video. Well, almost just like. The words are a bit smaller, but it's close enough.

Because I like hoodies, and I like Weird Al, 

I've wanted one of these ever since I saw the video the first time.

Now, I just need it to cool off again so I can wear it!  Bring back winter!

Just for a day, though...

Haz Yarnz!

Though most of my tax return is used for catching up on bills, I always try to buy at least a few fun things every year.  The first thing I ordered was more Cherry Tree Hill Sockittome Select yarn from the closeout page.

They don't count as stash, you know.  Plus, being on sale.  How could I resist?

So, what did I get?  I'll show you.

First up for your viewing pleasure:  Peacock, Champlain Sunset, and Spring Frost.

And in this photo we have, Birches, Caribou Creek, Northern Lights, and Serengeti.  I thought about going back and getting even more, but apparently, they are sold out -- of the closeouts, that is.  But I've got quite a pile now, and just think of all the blankie squares I can knit from the leftovers!

I also got an e-mail telling me that my second tax return purchase shipped today.  Woo Hoo!  I can't wait to get it.  I'm not going to tell you what it is.  That would spoil the surprise, but here is a hint:




By the way, Vanessa said she saw TK at the store after work yesterday, and he was wearing his hat.  I guess he really liked it. He wasn't at work today, so I'll have to tease him about it tomorrow.   Oh, and I forgot to tell you...about The Other Rod's hat.  See, his nickname is Hot Rod (and for good reason, too, but I won't get into that here...), and the name of the colorway from which I knit his hat is Hot Red.  It just seemed appropriate. 

More tax money spending to come!  I'll keep you posted.

Happy Valentine's Day

I wish we could take cameras in to work. I don't know why we can't. I mean, it's not like we have any big secrets or anything. They just don't want us taking pictures inside the plant. Still, I would have loved to have captured the expressions on TK and The Other Rod's faces when I gave them their hats.

Vanessa got there first, since she comes in at 6 with me. She gushed appropriately over her hat and cookies. I took the little bear --who has finally been bestowed with a moniker, which I'll tell you about in a minute-- also, and she thought he was so cute. I was afraid for a moment that I'd have to give him to her, but no, he came back home with me.

He caused quite a stir among the guys.  TK wanted to know who he was for.  The Other Rod wanted to know who he was from.  Marcus also wanted to know who he was from, and I just replied, "From someone who thought enough of me to get me a Valentine, which is more than I can say for you!"  To which Marcus just ducked his head and went back to work.  What more could he say?  I wish I'd thought of that when The Other Rod asked.  I'd have told him that, too.

The little feller's name is Desmond Anthony Barber II, but I call him Kenny for short.  Now you may be wondering how I got Kenny out of Desmond Anthony Barber II.  Well, I'll tell you...that's just how my mind works.

Ah, but I digress...

I gave TK his hat and little pack of cookies next, and he asked, "is this for me?"  I replied in the affirmative, and he just kind of gruffly said, "appreciate it", but he couldn't quite hide the smile that crept over his face.

Then The Other Rod came in, and true to form, he was wearing a red shirt.  I gave him his hat and said, "I made this one for you, because I know you like red."  He, like TK, just said, "appreciate it" but he couldn't hide his smile either.

I hope they really liked them, and weren't just being polite.    

Oh and for the record:

Desmond--Desmond (Dez) Bryant
Anthony-- Tony Romo (whose real name is Antonio, but I like Anthony better)
Barber--Marion Barber (how can I celebrate a day of love without mentioning him?)
II--Felix Jones II


Later, I left work early, I told The Other Rod and TK that I had a hot date, but really I was going to the dentist.  One of my FB friends told me to go back tomorrow and tell them that I got drilled. That's a great idea.  I think I'll do that.  As I was walking out the door, Brian asked me where I was going.  When I told him I had a hot date, he said, "It had better be with me!" 

Yes, Former Group Leader Rod got some cookies, too.  He asked what kind they were, and I said, "What kind do you think?"

He said, "They look like peanut butter."  I replied, "Exactly!  I know what you like."  So Former Group Leader Rod was happy, too.

Seems everyone was happy today, except me.  Some years, I do OK on Valentine's Day.  Other years, it's a very hard day for me.  This has been a difficult year.  

Oh, I put on my brave face and smiled through work.  I put on my brave face and smiled through my dentist appointment --as much as one can smile through a dentist appointment, that is. I laughed, and joked with Vanessa and the guys, but my heart wasn't in it.

Now, this agonizingly long day is finally, blessedly over.  And I'm going to bed.

To dream of love--or as is more likely, dinosaurs, zombies, terrorists, or pedicurists.  Such is my life, and my sleep.

.

All Ready

for Valentine's Day.  Except for that piddlin' little detail about not having, you know, a Valentine.

I got two hats finished.  This one is for TK.  

And this one is for The Other Rod.

I had a little trouble with his hat. See, Rod likes red. I mean he really likes red. In all the years I've known him, I don't think I've ever seen him without something red on.  I really wanted to knit him a red hat. The only thing is, I didn't have any more red yarn, and I didn't have time to run up to Southaven and buy some. So, I copped out and bought some Red Heart.  Yeah, I know, but I doubt he'd know the difference.  Besides, if I'd bought him a hat in the store, it would be acrylic anyway.  So I got some Red Heart.

It was supposed to be worsted weight, but it was soooo thick-- almost a heavy worsted or light bulky.  It was like knitting with rope.  I probably should have gone up a needle size, but by the time I realized I probably should have gone up a needle size, it was too late to turn back.  If I'd had more time, but no, I had to get it finished today, so I can take it in the morning.  Still, it got done, and has been washed and dried to soften it up a bit. 

I didn't have time to knit Vanessa a hat, so I pulled this purply one out of the gift drawer.

 

I hope she likes it. I don't recall ever seeing Vanessa wear hats, but I wanted to make her something, too, since she's been such a good friend to me.

Finally, I made cookies. 

Chocolate chip for me, Brian, and The Other Rod,

and peanut butter for Vanessa, TK, and Former Group Leader Rod.  I got cute little treat bags to put them in, but I still have plenty left over.  Sigh, I'm never going to lose weight this way. 

At least it's going to be warm enough to walk the dog this week.  That's what I've been missing.  I love our walks, it's just getting up out of the chair that's the hard part.

So, who wants to call me every afternoon at 4:00 PM and tell me to get off my ***?   (Except tomorrow.  I have to go to the dentist.)

Plans

Secret plans...

So, I mentioned yesterday how Vanessa and I are going to make Valentine's Day stuff for The Other Rod and TK-- also known as our babies.

Today, I got the brilliant idea that I would knit them all hats, Vanessa included. Of course, I didn't tell her about it. It wouldn't be a surprise if I did. I ran home and cast on a Hurricane Hat.

The question is, can I get three hats and two batches of cookies done by Monday?

I must knit....

Knit like the wind!

Did You Know

that they have football shaped Oreos?

Yep, it's true.  I have evidence.

And they really do look like footballs.

Unfortunately, the evidence is rapidly disappearing.  Good thing I took pictures.

Look who else followed me home from the store.

 

I hadn't intended to buy him.  I was looking for those little bags to put cookies and candy and stuff in.  See, Vanessa and I are going to make up Valentine's Day bags for T.K. and The Other Rod --not to be confused with Former Group Leader Rod.  I'm going to make cookies, and Vanessa is going to get some candy.   The Other Rod likes chocolate chip cookies, and TK likes peanut butter cookies, which means I'll have to make a batch of each.  Then, I'll have to make another batch of peanut butter, because Former Group Leader Rod will have a fit if I bring cookies for TK and not have enough for him.  I've never seen the like the way that man loves cookies. 

So, I was looking for the little treat bags and wandered down the Valentine's Day stuff aisle.  I hadn't intended to buy the little bear, but when I picked him up, he was just so soft and squishy that I couldn't put him down again. 

I had to reschedule my dentist appointment.  Strangely enough, I saw Dr. Moody in the store, and he told me that he could have done it, but his crew didn't make it in.  He said that one of his assistants called him and said that her husband had told her that if Dr. Moody wanted her to come to work, then he could drive out and get her.  So, we're rescheduled until Monday at 2 PM, which means I'll have to leave work early.

I ain't complainin....

Finally, a few more snow photos.

And I have a feeling this won't be the last snow we get this year, either.


I think the North moved South for the winter.

Here We Go Again

Yep, it's snowing again.

I do declare, I haven't seen this much snow since I spent the winter in Navy ET A School in Great Lakes, Illinois! And to think, I wanted to go to Antarctica! Not only did I want to go, I wanted to winter over. What was I thinking?

Of course, I was 20 years younger then. I wanted to do a lot when I was 20 years younger that I wouldn't dream of doing now. Wintering over in Antarctica is one of them.

Still, if I had the chance....

Not many people can say that they've been to Antarctica. Even fewer can say that they've wintered over. It'd would have been nice to be counted among that number.

It would have been nice if I could have taken gymnastics as a child, too, but that didn't happen either.

So, I decided I'd be smart and sweep the snow off the back steps.

Didn't make a hill of beans of difference.  An hour later, they were covered again, and the snow is still coming down.

 

We've got a half day tomorrow at work. We don't have to go in until 11:00. I'm leaving early, too, because I have a dental appointment. I lost a filling Sunday. I felt something hard in my chili, and at first I thought that whoever had processed that deer had left a bit of bone in it. But when I ate my bowl of Super Bowl ice cream, and felt the pain shoot all the way up into my eyeball, that's when I realized it wasn't a bone. So, I'm going to get it replaced tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully, the roads will be clear enough that he won't cancel my appointment.

In the meantime, I has new yarns to play with.

These are all Cherry Tree Hill Sockittome Select from their closeout page. The colorways are Quarry Hill, Winterberry, Sugar Maple, and Old Rose.  The best part is, I got my taxes back today and can go buy more! 

Well, the taxes were deposited into my account two days ago.  I guess I ought to check that e-mail more often, huh?

Squeaky says, "I got a fuzzy blankie.  Bring on the snow!"

Stay warm, friends!

Ten On Tuesday

This week's topic was a tough one for me.  It is

What are your 10 favorite Oscar winning movies?

Now, I know there are a gajillion Oscar categories, but I think the intent was to choose from among the Best Picture winners.  What is so hard about that?  Well, I'll tell you...I had to go all the way back to 2004 to find a movie I'd even seen, much less liked.  So, it's likely you will see a lot of classics in this list.

Here we go:

1.  Lord Of The Rings: The Return of The King-- 2004.  There are those who say that this award was meant to encompass all three movies of the trilogy, and since you can't watch one without watching the other two --well,  you could, but you wouldn't know what was going on-- I'd suggest that they are right.  This is by far my favorite.  Nothing else comes close. 

2.  Gladiator-- 2001.  I went to buy this movie as soon as it came out, and some fool in Wal-Mart (another customer, not an employee) kept trying to shove Major Payne into my face.  I had to leave the department and come back later, just to get my movie.  I eventually watched Major Payne, and it didn't hold a candle to Gladiator.

3.  Braveheart-- 1996   FREEDOM!!!!  What more need be said?

4.  Schindler's List-- 1994  A difficult movie to watch, but one I believe every adult should see. 

5.  Dances With Wolves--1991  A beautifully made movie about one man looking past what the politicians have told him and learning to love a people for who they truly are.  Would that more of us did that today.

6.  Driving Miss Daisy--1990  A totally fun story, with two of the most masterful actors of our day-- Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy.  My favorite line:  "Yes, I got the air condition checked.  I don't know why.  You don't ever allow me to turn it on."

7.  Out Of Africa --1986  A good show, despite having Robert Redford (whom I can't stand) and Meryl Streep (who is almost as bad).  It is Farah, and Kamante that make this movie for me.

8.  The Sound Of Music-- 1966.  I knew many of the songs before I even knew there was a movie with them in it.

9.  Ben Hur--1960  A nearly naked Charlton Heston is totally worth an Oscar.  (Oh, did I just say that out loud?)

10.  This was a tough one, since there are about 5 or 6 more that I could add to this list, but in the end, being somewhat of a history buff, I chose The Last Emperor --1988.  

So, there you have it.  My ten favorite Oscar Winning films.  But wait, you say.  There is something missing!  One glaring omission!  A movie that is supposed to be everyone's favorite!

What movie is this, you ask?  Why Gone With The Wind, of course.  No, it did not make my list, and there's a reason why.

I've never seen it.  I've tried to watch it a couple of times, but just can't seem to make it through the whole thing.  The closest I've come is Carol Burnett's version, Went With The Wind.  Now, that is a truly good movie!

C is For

You knew there was really only one thing I could go with for this letter, didn't you?  Yes, you are right.

C is for 

cat.

We always had cats when I was growing up, because my daddy didn't like dogs. One day, I'll tell you why, but not today. We had cats, and Siamese cats were our favorites. Now that I'm grown, I have dogs, but there is still a soft spot in my heart for cats.

This is Squeaky. Let me tell you how I come by having her.

I was at work one day, when James found her in my front yard. He thought she was mine, and knowing I didn't allow my cats to run loose, he caught her for me. He put her in a pet carrier with a little bowl of water until I could come get her.  She wasn't mine.  She'd apparently been dumped, and had found her way to the one person-- OK, maybe not the ONLY person, but definitely one of them-- who would take her in, no questions asked.

By the time I got home, she had meowed so much there was nothing left of her voice but a little squeak. That's how she got her name.

Honestly, she was in such poor health that I thought she was going to die. So, I decided that if she was going to die, at least she would die warm, well fed, and in a safe place.

Ten years later, she is still with us--fat, sassy, and running the house hold.

Don't believe me? Just check out the posts I've written about her.

Yeah.

She's the queen.

The Last Christmas Present.

It's finally here!

Now, those of you who can actually remember stuff may recall I'd written about how my cousins had built me a new set of back steps for my birthday/Christmas present, so I wasn't really expecting anything else from them.  However, Beverly had called me and said she'd ordered me something else, so I'd have something under the tree to open on Christmas morning.  (I've included the link for those of you with memories like mine.)

It didn't get here in time.

Turns out it had been backordered, and just arrived today.  James brought it over this evening, and I was totally surprised to open it up and find this inside:

Yes, that is what you think it is.  It is a Snuggie in Dallas Cowboys colors!  Close up shot:

 

Now, despite the somewhat disturbing commercials, the Snuggie is actually a brilliant idea.  A blanket with sleeves...it's a wonder someone didn't think of it sooner.

This one folds up into a neat little pillow   

which goes very well with my birthday present.  That is, my Dallas Cowboys comforter. 

Note:  There will be matching sheets and pillow shams at some point in the future.

Slightly funny story:  When I was in the Navy, one of my room mates got married.  She was picking out stuff for their new apartment, and had brought a catalog into our barracks room.  The ex was in there, and she showed him the bedspread she wanted to buy.  It was all pink and flowery and lacy and stuff.  She'd said her husband had told her he wouldn't sleep under something that looks like that, and she asked the ex what he thought.  Of course, the ex agreed with her hubby.  He emphatically said he wouldn't sleep under anything with flowers and junk on it.

Later, he told me that he didn't mean that.  He just had to stick up for his fellow man and Marine.  He said it didn't matter what was on the bed, as long as I was in the bed with him.  

Note to any potential future spouses out there:  any man that sleeps in the bed with me is going to have to sleep under a Dallas Cowboys comforter, on Dallas Cowboys sheets, and next to a wife wearing Dallas Cowboys pajamas.  If you have a problem with that, then just keep on walking.

Felix says, "My name is Felix, and I approve this Snuggie."

It's Cold

It's cold.  It's been cold forever, and it's still cold.  More snow is on the way.  Then still more snow is expected next week.



And it's still cold.

You've got to understand winter in the South.

Down here, winter means two days of cold, followed by two weeks of being back to shorts and t-shirts.  Then two more days of cold.  And so on, and so forth.



That's how it goes.

Not this winter.  In all my born days, I can't remember a winter in which it has stayed this cold for this long.

If this keeps up, I might just have to buy myself a coat.

.

Ten on Tuesday On Wednesday

Yeah, yeah, I know.  I'm a bit behind.  Story of my life...

This week's topic is What Is On Your Night Stand.  I was going to get all creative and take a photo, but you know what?  It's past my bedtime, and I just don't wanna.  Maybe I'll take one tomorrow and edit this post, so if you really want to see it, check back later.  OK, here goes:

1.  Dust.  Might as well just go ahead and get this one out of the way right away.  Yep, there's dust on my nightstand.

2.  A lamp.  Useful for reading and going to the bathroom in the middle of the night.  It has a little nightlight in the bottom just in case I needed to get up without disturbing anyone who might eventually one day be sleeping next to me, but you can't turn the nightlight off without turning the bright light on, so it's kind of pointless.  I don't think there's even a bulb in it any more.

3.  A phone.  A house phone, which I never answer anyway.  No one calls my house phone any more except the dentist.  Everyone else knows to call my cell phone.  And if you don't have my cell number, I probably don't want to talk to you anyway.  Or I just haven't gotten around to giving it to you.  If you really want it, let me know, and I'll PM you.

4.  The controller to my electric mattress pad.  'Nuff Said

5.  A glow in the dark Pez dispenser.  Don't ask.  Even I don't know.

6.  Three cough drops, and a Dr. Pepper bottle filled with water.  Just in case I break into fits of coughing during the night.

7.  Various lotions and hand creams.  For some reason, people seem to think I need tons of lotion, because I usually get some for Christmas every year.  If only I could remember to use it, it might actually do me some good.

8.  Three books.  They are Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, Take Your Eye Off The Ball by Pat Kirwin, and The U.S. Constitution and The Declaration of Independence.  My Bible is in the drawer. 

9.  A box of kleenex and two things of nasal spray.  Since I am allergic to everything in existence, this is pretty much a given in every room of the house.

10.  A letter written to me by a co-worker expressing his desire to become more than just friends.  It almost broke my heart to reject him, because he is the nicest, sweetest man you'd ever meet.  I just didn't share the same feelings.  Still, I can't seem to bring myself to throw the note away.  Every time I try, I remember how badly his hands were shaking when he gave it to me.  Then I just can't do it.  Sometimes, when I'm feeling down, I read it again, and it brightens my day.  Just a bit.

Well, that's what's on my nightstand.  What's on yours?

P.S.  The snake photos went over really well at work this morning.  The Other Rod, not to be confused with Former Group Leader Rod, still wants me to give him one, but it ain't happenin'.  Sorry, Rod.  Get your own snake.

I'm keeping all of mine.

Snakes

So, I was at work today, just getting back from lunch, when out of the blue, The Other Rod--not to be confused with Former Group Leader Rod-- stopped by my stand and asked me if I had a snake.

I told him, yes, I have a snake. I have seven snakes, in fact. He got very excited at this. He told me he used to have a boa constrictor, but he let a friend take it, and the friend got attached to the snake. Now, The Other Rod needs a new snake.

Moral: Never let anyone borrow your snake.

He tried to get me to sell him one of mine, but of course, I wouldn't.   I told him to go to the pet store and buy himself one.  He, TK, and Vanessa were all very fascinated that I have snakes.  They wanted me to put one in a jar and bring it to work with me.  Naturally, I refused to do that, so they then asked me to bring in pictures of all of my snakes. 

That I agreed to do, and I spent the evening finding the best photos of each one.  Except Blaze.  I don't have any good photos of him at all.  For some reason, he's hard to photograph. 

Now, for your viewing pleasure, here are the photos I have selected.  

Onyx

Sunset

Slider

Snow

Scarlett

Blaze

and Monty. 


I hope you've enjoyed this little trip through my own personal herp world.  Thank you playing. 

Come again, soon.