"Properly practiced, knitting soothes the troubled spirit, and it doesn't hurt the untroubled spirit either." ~ Elizabeth Zimmerman

10/26/16

Amazing News

Yesterday I took Zoey back to the shelter to get a shot she needed. We got her from the same shelter as Mollie. I was feeling a little bit anxious about going because I didn't want Mollie to see me, though in all honesty I wanted to see her very much. However, it wouldn't be a good idea. Chances were small this would happen, but still, being one of those worrier type people, it was on my mind.

Thankfully, when I arrived there was no sign of her outside. So I took Zoey in, introducing her to a few people who were outside as I went (socializing is important). My niece was working the front desk. I introduced her to Zoey and told her what I was there for. She handed me a form to fill out, and another gal took Zoey in the back to give her the shot. That's when my niece said "I need to tell you what happened to Mollie."

I instantly went on alert. Did something bad happen? My niece told me that 2 Saturdays ago, which is the day we adopted Zoey, Mollie's original owner showed up looking for Mollie. He was out of prison and wanted her back. My niece said the reunion was wonderful. Mollie recognized him and was so excited and happy. They both were. My niece said she actually cried it was so amazing.

I could not believe my ears. The news lifted a HUGE weight off me that I hadn't even realized was there. I started to cry myself. I've been feeling so guilty about having to take Mollie back. I felt like I failed her. I made a big mistake, and she had to suffer for it. As it turns out, taking her back ended up being the very best thing that could have happened. When Zoey and I got back out to the car, I started crying with joy. I cried all the way home. Then I danced in the garage for a bit to the happy music in my head. I'm sure Zoey thinks I've lost my mind. I bet, though, that Mollie is the happiest of the two of us.

Speaking of Zoey. Pics!

She watches tv, intently.



And snoozing in my lap while I 'tried' to crochet the edging on a baby blanket.



Live long and prosper. \\//

10/24/16

A WIP Pic

Here is an actual WIP.



I'm making a pair of bright colored socks. They will be a Christmas present for someone. The pattern is Fibonacci Socks from the Op-Art Socks book. These will be my first fully fairisle socks, and they are a challenge. I'm knitting them on 2 circular needles and having a terrible time keeping the floats loose enough when I change from one needle to the other. I'm hoping by the time I get them done, I'll have conquered the problem. As fairisle stitch patterns go, it's very simple. I've got it more or less memorized.

I'm having a very hard time getting any knitting done at home. Zoey gets into it. I sit down and boom, she's in my lap. I'm trying to teach her not to jump into my lap unless invited, but it's going to take some time.

Is it me? Or is she already bigger than last week?

I've learned a lot about having a puppy this past week. First, I have to remember, she's a baby. I keep expecting her to learn like an adult dog. That is not going to happen.

Second, because she's a baby, she can't be left alone unsupervised, just like a human baby. So I have to be vigilante at keeping my eye on her. I also have to maintain consistency and patience with her training. It's put a cramp in my style. I can't just leave the room or go outside for something when the whim hits me.

She is getting very consistent with come, and I think we've got sit just about conquered too. She's a very smart little girl. Potty training is another thing. It's gonna take awhile.

I'm crate training her so I can leave her in it when I have to go somewhere. I've been putting her in the crate at night, but she sits and whines for 10 minutes before she settles down, so now I'm having her go in for a special treat (cheese) and leaving the door open as well as closing the door and making her stay in it for an hour each day. She's willing to go in it on her own now, though she still hates it when I close the door. In time, she'll start feeling better about it.

I had a rep from one of the local fence builders out today for an estimate. We need a fence so bad for Zoey. We're looking at about 300 feet of fence. We're planning on 6 foot high chain link fencing. We'll have an estimate tomorrow.

It was a beautiful sunny day today. I let Zoey off her leash in the back yard for a bit. She raced around and around me like crazy. We played 'get the stick'. She gets the stick. Now I just have to get her to bring it to me. Right now, she gets it, then races around in circles with it, eventually dropping it then running to me.

I'm going through training treats like crazy.

Live long and prosper. \\//


10/20/16

Tiny Black Tornado

Life with a puppy is very busy. The first few days Zoey was pretty quiet and fairly easy to manage.



She slept a good part of the days.



I was even led to believe she was near potty trained because she hadn't gone in the house, and was whining at the door to go out when needed.



Ha! She had me so fooled. Yesterday was almost a nightmare. She turned into a little black tornado. It was like someone had given her a super dose of caffeine and it lasted pretty much all. day. long. I left her for a minute and came back to this.

Zoey was here!
She was into everything! And jumping on all the furniture! As soon as I could clean up one mess, she had made another. I spent most of the day one step behind. I found out she loves to rip apart magazines and books. She actually yanked a magazine I was reading right out of my hands and took off with it. She also pooped 4 times and peed 3 times in the house, despite all the times I took her outside. By the time Sweet Hubby got home I was an exhausted basket case. The whole house was pretty darn clean too.

It didn't help that I'm feeling awful. I have caught some virus going around. Probably a cold. Urg. I skipped Yarnies today, I feel that awful. Thankfully, today she was back to her peaceful self.

I have made an appointment with a fence company. Gotta get a fence built around the yard for Zoey so she can run off some of that puppy energy. Having to be on a leash outside sucks big time.

Live long and prosper. \\//


10/16/16

Puppy!

Saturday morning we went to Petco to meet the lady who fostered the puppies for the Kootenai Humane Society. She had a pen set up full of puppies. Oh my goodness, they were all so cute and precious. It was kind of hard not to take them all home. As it turned out, the lady who had first choice of the girls had changed her mind, so I got first choice. I was immediately attracted to this girl.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present Zoey Park,



She is a mutt. They think she's part Australian Shepherd, Doberman, Cattle dog, and maybe Basset Hound, though they didn't know for sure. So her coloring is amazing. She is 14 weeks old. I watched her interacting with the other puppies. It was pretty clear she's not an alpha dog. One of her sisters was alpha. Zoey was quieter, but full of energy and loves to kiss and be kissed.



When I held her the first time she put her head on my shoulder up against my neck for a minute, then started licking me. Ah, that was it for me. Instant love. Look at that face. So sweet!



I took this pic when we were trying on a harness. She was unbelievably cooperative while we did this.



She did incredibly well for her first night here. I put her in a crate that I set up in my bedroom. I put a couple blankets, a toy, and a chewy in it, then her. She whined a little bit at first, but when I turned out the light, she settled right down and went to sleep. She was quiet all night. She didn't pee in the crate either. In fact, she hasn't peed in the house at all, yet. She seems to be starting to catch on to this potty training thing fairly quickly.



Considering all she's been through in her very short life so far, she's doing very well. She's a bit scared. We're giving her time and space to get used to suddenly being without her sisters in a strange place with strange people.

The adventure has begun.

Live long and prosper. \\//

10/14/16

My Prize!

The prize I won for the photo contest arrived. Yay! It's a little pink Chanel suit. It's so cute!



I love the black trim and the vintage buttons. It also came with a cute little choker necklace and a book called The Pink Suit by Nicole Mary Kelby. It's a novel about the pink suit that Jackie Kennedy was wearing on the day her husband, President Kennedy, was assassinated. It sounds intriguing, and I've just finished a novel so I need  something new to read.



We are getting rained on this week. 3 big storms are supposed to be passing through and really dumping on us. Yesterday was the first storm. It dumped 1.5 inches of rain on us, according to our rain gauge. That is a lot of rain! Today it's been very windy. Rain will be here sometime tonight for the second wave.

The county inspector came by today to inspect the garage/shop. It did not pass. She found 4 things to complain about. They were valid complaints, though one is going to be a real pain to deal with. All the insulation is installed, and it's covered by a moisture barrier. Consequently, she couldn't see the roof purlins, She needs to see them, how they're attached to the trusses. She said pictures would work, so I showed her some I'd taken when they were building it, but she said that wasn't good enough. Not sure how this problem is going to be solved.

Tomorrow is puppy day. SQUEE!

Live long and prosper. \\//

10/12/16

Third Place

Well, the doll photography contest is over so now I can tell you about it. I won 3rd place, which is not bad. I have to admit the 1st place winner was pretty darn good.

The theme of the contest was Favorite Television Show. Well, Star Trek! What else? First, though, I needed costumes for my dolls, which you'll remember, I knitted.



Here's the pic I entered.


Here's my poem:

To boldly go, brave explorers they be.
Aboard the Enterprise NCC-1701 B.
Strange places and species they get to see.

Some aliens are dangerous and others friendly.
Spread out all over the galaxy.
Their captain, so wise and handsome is he.
With all that excitement, how can it be?
Miss Ellowyne still has her (yawn) ennui.

No one said I'm a good poet. My story was they're waiting for Scotty to beam them up after a successful mission welcoming the planet Dragonia into the Federation of Planets. They're making friends with two of the natives while they wait.

Hey. I got third place. The prize was my choice of an outfit donated by group members. I chose a Pink suit with black trim that comes with a book entitled The Pink Suit. It should be here soon.

Live long and prosper. \\//

10/8/16

Pantaloons!

I bought this incredibly cute outfit for Luna from an Ebay seller.



Isn't this hat amazing?



The outfit is big ruffled pantaloons in a darling rose print, an over skirt that is trimmed in lace and pearls, a little lace tube top, a sleeveless lace top, the hat, and arm bands. These pictures don't do it justice either. The lace outer layer top has clear sequins on it that gives it just a bit of sparkle.


 It's called Mori style, which I had to look up. It's a Japanese fashion style that started in 2007 they call Mori, or Forest Girl. The clothing is loose fitting and layered and the goal is to look natural and earthy.




I am so happy I came across this outfit. It fits Luna's personality perfectly.

Which reminds me, apparently I have not blogged about the Liz Frost doll, Ruby (in peach). I ordered Ruby, who is Luna's friend, last March.



It's been a long wait, but Ruby is coming soon. Liz emailed me that the factory has shipped them to her, so it won't be long now.

Live long and prosper. \\//

10/7/16

Big News

I have big news. These 3 puppies are in the care of Kootenai Humane Society. (I admit I stole the pics off their Facebook page)






On October 15th I get to adopt and take one of these precious little girl babies home. I will get second choice. I'm hoping for the top one, currently called Super Girl (who picks these names?!), but any one of the three will make me happy. They think they are part shepherd and something unknown. They are 13 weeks old. Will be 14 weeks on the 15th. Oh my goodness, I am so excited! I've never had a puppy of my own, nor has my husband. We are looking forward to the chewing and peeing and trouble making that is ahead of us. Also, the fun. Puppy!!!

Live long and prosper. \\//

10/6/16

Layette Set #16

Another one is done for KnitWits.



Layette Set #16 Cardigan. I went all stripes on this one.



PatternLittle Coffee Bean Cardigan by Elizabeth Smith

Yarn: Big Twist Yarns Value Solids by Joann's
Content: 100% Acrylic, Worsted Weight
Color: 5016 Medium Teal

Yarn: Knitpicks Brava Worsted
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Fairytale

Yarn: Knitpicks Brava Worsted
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Cream

Needles:  Size 6 and 8 circulars

Started: August 1, 2016
Finished: August 10, 2016

Hat



Pattern: Chibi Striped Baby Hat by Chiaki Hayashi

Yarn: Big Twist Yarns Value Solids by Joann's
Content: 100% Acrylic, Worsted Weight
Color: 5016 Medium Teal

Yarn: Knitpicks Brava Worsted
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Fairytale

Yarn: Knitpicks Brava Worsted
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Cream

Needles:  Size 7 circulars

Started: August 10, 2016
Finished: August 13, 2016

I tried a new pattern for the booties because it was easier to incorporate the stripe pattern in them. I like it and will be using it more in the future.



PatternBaby Hug Boots by Marianna Mel

Yarn: Big Twist Yarns Value Solids by Joann's
Content: 100% Acrylic, Worsted Weight
Color: 5016 Medium Teal

Yarn: Knitpicks Brava Worsted
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Fairytale

Yarn: Knitpicks Brava Worsted
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Cream

Needles:  Size 6 circulars

Started: August 14, 2016
Finished: September 18, 2016

The blanket.



Pattern: 2 rows of single crochet and 1 row of shells.

Yarn: Big Twist Yarns Value Solids by Joann's
Content: 100% Acrylic, Worsted Weight
Color: 5016 Medium Teal

Yarn: Knitpicks Brava Worsted
Content: 100% Acrylic, worsted weight
Color: Fairytale

Hook:  Size G

Started: September 24, 2016
Finished: September 27, 2016

I am well into the next set. Should have it done soon. Then I'm taking a layette break because KnitWits needs adult size mittens way more, and I need to knit something different.

The weather has turned cold and wet this week. I'm so glad I can park in our new garage now.

Live long and prosper. \\//

10/4/16

The Simple Woman's Daybook For October 4, 2016



Outside my window...
It's cold, dreary, and wet. Today starts a long line of days with rain expected.

I am thinking...
Autumn is here and winter can't be far behind. The flowering plum has lost at least half it's leaves on the ground. It's not as pretty this year as it's been in past years. Not as much of that wonderful bright red. In fact, in general, the leaves are not as colorful this year on everything.

I am thankful for...
the fact that I planted my Brecks order yesterday. I heard the weather prediction and realized I had to get them planted that day, or forget it. I planted 25 Grape Hyacinth bulbs, 8 Ice Cream Tulip bulbs, and 10 Reblooming Day Lilies.



It took my 4 hours of digging, and my back is killing me, but I got it done. This will be the first time I've grown Day Lilies. I've had Grape Hyacinth and Tulips before. I'm giving up on Dahlias. As much as I love them, I live in a spot where they don't get a long enough growing season. Day Lilies, on the other hand, are supposed to flourish in my private little growing zone.

From the kitchen...
It's a mess in there. I need to do the dishes. I hurt too much, but I will get it done before I make dinner.

I am wearing...
A short sleeved black pullover sweater and grey jeans. I was wearing a black bead knit amulet necklace too, but I've taken it off. I kind of dressed up a little bit because I had a beginning knitting class to teach this morning.

I am creating...
another layette set, as usual, in shades of blue this time. I also started reupholstering  the deck furniture. I got the seats done.



I was going to do the backs yesterday, but the bulbs became more urgent.

I am going...
to KnitWits tomorrow. I have one completed layette set to take. I will take photos in the morning for the blog before I leave.

I am reading...
Leonard: My 50 Year Friendship With A Remarkable Man by William Shatner. It's William Shatner's
story of his friendship with Leonard Nimoy. It's been very good so far. William Shatner is an excellent writer. I am enjoying the book.

I am hearing...
the television. It's playing The Equalizer starring Denzel Washington. I really wanted to watch it, but I've missed so much puttering in the house I have no idea what's going on, so now it's just background noise.

Around the house...
there is an inordinate amount of cat toys laying around. The cats are not going outside for as long each day because it's getting colder.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
KnitWits tomorrow, Yarnies on Thursday. My friend Judy is going with me to Yarnies. That will be fun. Saturday I have the first session of a Sock class to teach. I have 2 students signed up so far. I hope it fills up between now and then.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...
I can park in my new garage now. Yay!



If you want to join the Simple Woman's Daybook, click here.

Live long and prosper. \\//