Dogs Books and Yarn

Nan's Birthday

2010-06-07T23:32:00.002-04:00

Happy 10^th Birthday Nan! I love you!!

2009

2010-01-03T23:12:00.000-05:00

2009 is done. Yeah and hurray. What a sucky year.

Monday

2009-12-14T13:16:00.002-05:00

My Place & Yours: Retreat and Surrender

2009-12-12T00:34:00.001-05:00

When I need to retreat, to regain my sanity, my sanctuary is wherever my beautiful Nan is.

Kinda How My Monday Went...

2009-12-01T00:02:00.002-05:00

100+

2009-11-30T14:19:00.002-05:00

I’ve joined something! I’ve joined something! In short, I’ve got to read 100+ books in 2010!

Piece of cake…HAH!

That's Nice, that's Different, that's Unusual!

2009-11-30T14:08:00.003-05:00

My Place & Yours’ theme for this week is That's Nice, that's Different, that's Unusual! Around your house, that is. I have a couple quirky features in my house.

First. There’s my closet – which is a walk through, but you need to bend down as you walk through or you’ll hit your head on one of the walls.

Second. See this poster on the low wall? Behind this poster – Surprise – there’s no bottom wall. There used to be, but the hell if I know where it went.

Third. I live in the same house I grew up in, so until I have the ambition to paint over it, I’m stuck with teenage adolescent high school artwork (if you can call it that) on my bedroom cupboards.

Muttday Muttday

2009-11-23T10:12:00.002-05:00

Collection Agent

2009-11-22T20:13:00.005-05:00

It’s My Place & Yours time once again and it’s all about collectables – as in, what do you collect? I collect two things in mass quantity and one thing in a tiny assemblage.

Books. (Duh?)

Yarn. (Duh Duh?)

And Buddhas. (Not so Duh.)

First November Read

2009-11-13T16:12:00.001-05:00

I just love Emma Lathen’s John Putnam Thatcher mysteries. A pair of book-loving friends recommended them to me about a year ago and that’s all it took to get me started on a collection of my own. A good many of the books were written before I was even born. They’re all set in the business/Wall Street world of the 1960’s – which I have yet to understand, despite having read so many of these books. Still, I truly love to read them. Death Shall Overcome was tense and exciting – I certainly didn’t guess “Who Dunnit.” Due to its publication date – 1966 – a lot of its terminology seems drastically dated, but the overall themes still feel relevant for today. (Check out that 60 cent price tag up in the right hand corner!)

It's Late on a Thursday Evening...

2009-11-12T18:39:00.001-05:00

HAPPY DOT!

My Secret Weapons

2009-11-07T23:51:00.005-05:00

It’s My Place and Yours time again. This week’s theme is:

YOUR SECRET WEAPON.

Complicated broad that I am, I have TWO Secret Weapons. I often use them in tandem for, you know, super excellent warrior performance and stuff.

SECRET WEAPON # 1

SECRET WEAPON # 2

MEOW

2009-11-05T09:28:00.002-05:00

I'm breaking the rules...It's a beautiful cat for DOT!

October Reads

2009-11-04T14:43:00.002-05:00

My October read for TBR was quite suspenseful and exciting - David Rosenfelt’s Open and Shut. A Golden Retriever loving defense attorney named Andy Carpenter tells the story of the long ago hidden conspiracy he stumbles upon, a conspiracy that may hold the key to freedom for the man he’s defending for murder. It’s definitely procedural in nature – which I usually avoid – but it was interesting, well written, and ultimately satisfying in the end. (And of course, the Golden Retriever Tara was my favorite character!)

Super Official Blog Headquarters Look-See

2009-11-01T00:18:00.004-04:00

It’s time for a Meet Me at Mike’s My Place and Yours challenge once again!

A rare and special glance at where the magic happens.

Okay, not really.

It’s a little look-see at where I blog.

What are my inspirations, you ask?

Dogs...

Dogs ~n~ Books...

Books ~n~ Dogs...

Head Space

2009-10-28T16:56:00.003-04:00

Uninspiration

2009-10-27T15:34:00.003-04:00

I am uninspired.

I have so many UFOs.

A reversible cable scarf.

A replacement sleeve for a sweater.

The beginning of a sock.

One lone completed sock longing for its mate.

I have no desire to work on them.

What’s a knitter to do?

I also have an over abundance of pink yarns in my stash...

and I really hate pink…

The Bedside View

2009-10-25T14:32:00.003-04:00

I joined a bit of a activity – weekly photos and descriptions of randomly selected places created by :: Meet Me At Mikes.

What is it this week?

Bedsides.

First of all, I don’t have one. My bed takes up the entire width of its wall. Instead, I captured three of the wall decorations that hang to the side of my bed: a flower-bubble art piece given to me by my great-aunt, my Chat Noir switch-plate cover, and my St. Francis Font. Not really a bedside, per say, but they do reside to the side of the bed.

Bad Times

2009-10-21T14:47:00.004-04:00

Here's Hoping...

2009-10-20T08:52:00.001-04:00

If It Was Always This Easy...

2009-10-18T22:48:00.001-04:00

Today was a completely crap day, so I am trying to remember this…

Do You Feel Lucky Punk? Well, Do Ya?

2009-10-17T22:40:00.004-04:00

My dad and I decided to have a Father/Daughter Movie Night… I made him chocolate chip cookies, because I am a most thoughtful daughter. It was a definite success. An hour and a half with Clint and my dad… you can never go wrong. Next week were going to watch Magnum Force. I can’t wait!

Is It Really DOT Again? Where Did the Week Go?

2009-10-15T12:23:00.001-04:00

More Than I Knew

2009-10-14T23:39:00.003-04:00

Today I feel like no matter how bleak it seems...

It will be alright because of these two...

It's Thursday! That Means It's DOT!

2009-10-08T12:34:00.001-04:00

HAPPY DOT!

DAMN YOU iPOD! DAMN YOU!

2009-10-06T23:00:00.003-04:00

I bought myself a new iPod - one of the cheaper shuffle versions. (Cheap? It was still over 60 bucks, so NO, not really!) Then as soon as I got home with my new iPod, what happened, I ask you? That's right. I found the old one. Say it with me...

iPod! iPod! Where the Hell for Art Thou?

2009-10-05T22:58:00.002-04:00

I’m kinda freakin’ out. I can’t find my iPod and I know it’s somewhere in my house! I have all my German language lessons downloaded to it! ARRRRRRR!!!!

Toilet Cat

2009-10-01T09:43:00.003-04:00

It’s Dogs on Thursday…

But my stars, you’re right!! That is a cat!!

It’s Clem, proving why it’s really important to

put the lid down!

Earl Rules!

2009-09-28T00:05:00.002-04:00

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE FOR NAN'S EARS!!

2009-09-19T22:51:00.004-04:00

Don’t forget furfans!! Vote for Nan and her most “Ear”resistible ears right HERE – because, well, we want to win J

DOT Worship for My Tomato

2009-09-17T23:10:00.002-04:00

Caught Me Reading

2009-09-16T18:55:00.004-04:00

In keeping with my joining TBR in 2009, (better late than never…) August was all about Persuasion. I reread my favorite Austen classic slowly. I savored the vivid, scathingly funny language with all that it implied. Ann Eliot is a strong and passionate character – I always imagine her finally and deservedly putting the equivalent of a smack down on her two snobbish and annoying sisters and telling her prig of a father to, well, f*** off. I am never disappointed. How many things can you say that about?

DAMN YOU S4! DAMN YOU!

2009-09-14T16:47:00.001-04:00

I am suffering from a bad case of S4…

Severe Single Sock Syndrome.

I’m nearly done with POPPED! #1, but I am bored, people!

Sure, learning to knit 2 socks at a time would be the logical solution to the dreaded S4… But I just don’t wanna.

What to do? What to do?

Hair-Raising Results

2009-09-10T13:22:00.002-04:00

It's not too different - because it was already short - but the sides and back are significantly shorter to give it some shape. I'm quite happy, actually!

A New Plan of Hair Attack

2009-09-06T13:57:00.004-04:00

I think that I have decided to completely scrap my Hair Plan…despite the fact that I’ve achieved stages 1 & 2.

(See how much it’s grown? I have baby bangs now!)

Instead, I think I’m going to go for something in the way of these 3 below. Which one would you choose?

(Yes, I know, I am WAY too obsessed with my hair.)

She's Simply "EAR"resistible

2009-09-05T00:03:00.006-04:00

Attention All Worshippers of Nan-the-Ruler-of-Her-Human!

We have entered a Most “Ear”resistible Contest. Please vote for Nan and her “ear”resistible ears anytime between September 22^nd through 11:59pm on September 30^th at the Munchkin Memoirs blog. We sinc”ear”ely thank you.

Look at those gorgeous ears!

Vote for Nan!

Click HERE!

It's Rolling Around in My Mind

2009-09-03T00:43:00.002-04:00

I don’t want to be like this.

But who would I be if I wasn’t like this?

the Gink and I

2009-08-27T12:31:00.004-04:00

For DOT, I'm going way back to 1976.

This a photo of my very first 4-legged-best-friend Winkey (Also known as the Gink) and I.

We're sitting at the end of our dock in Kingston, Ontario, Cananda.

The Gink lived to be 15 human years and I still miss her every single day.

Why Oh Why am I Not Girly-Girl Enough?

2009-08-25T15:30:00.003-04:00

I saw Julie & Julia over the weekend. Cute, sort of. (Not enough Julia and too much Julie, at least in my opinion.) I sort of wish I hadn’t gone out and purchased the book a month ago, because I know that I’m not going to read it now… If only I could have convinced everyone to see The Hurt Locker instead.

I’m just not girly-girl enough, that’s what it is.

A Little Over 3 Things I Was Grateful for on Saturday

2009-08-22T23:53:00.003-04:00

The books that arrived in the mail.

Finishing my Dobby Hat and still being a freaky geek.

Bathing my babies and, well, just my babies.

3/15 Movement?

2009-08-15T19:17:00.003-04:00

The 3/50 movement that’s been established is simply fabulous. (Who’s with me?) The idea of keeping profits local and assuring that independent businesses remain for years to come is one of the best I’ve experienced in a very long time. However, because of the state of inveterate poverty in which I find myself, $50 is much too steep for me. I want to participate, so I’ve started my own 3/15 movement to lend my support.

Take a gander at what my $15 bought me this week!

3 balls of Artful Yarns Vaudeville, on sale at my LYS for $2 per ball.

A 7 ml. bottle of my favorite perfume oil at Parkleigh for $6.99.

...AND...

A loaf of fresh Italian bread from Leo’s for $3. (I have no picture for this because we ate it at supper last night…)

Plus tax, I went over the $15 mark!

(Pats on the back will be accepted on an on-going basis, thank you very much!)

All-Star Funk Inspiration

2009-08-15T00:15:00.003-04:00

Shucks. I’ve gone and become all inspired again.

Using yet another scarf from my varied and never-ending sets, I’ve made myself a funky little wristlet.

Visions of Coraline are dancing through my head.

Another MUTTS Funny for Friday

2009-08-14T13:48:00.001-04:00

EARL IS SO RIGHT ON! GO EARL GO!

A Mutt is Where the Heart Is...

2009-08-13T13:31:00.005-04:00

I have 2 – count ‘em – 2 dog treats to post for DOT this week!

1st, my amber-eyed Jack/Fox beauty Nan, giving her best “flirt” gaze to the camera.

2nd, a MUTTS funny! (My doG, I love that Earl!!)

Escape to Elephant House

2009-08-12T23:52:00.004-04:00

Every summer my best friend vacations in Cape Cod. (I’m so jealous!) Every summer she visits Elephant House – Edward Gorey’s former home and now, the Edward Gorey Museum. (ARRHHH! Green with jealousy!!) I seethe with white-hot envy because I have never been to the abode of my very favorite artist, but every summer, after her vacation, she manages to bring me the greatest Gorey-Gifts. Summer 2009 brought me something I have wanted for over 10 years, but have never been able to afford: Edward Gorey’s Fantod Pack! (I weep with happiness! Such a friend I am lucky to have!!)

She also brought me an actual leaf from an actual tree from the grounds of Elephant House. (It smells Gorey-like, I kid you not!)

And I’ll just bet you can’t guess what I’m knitting next!!

DUM DA DA DUM! Nat CAN sew After all!

2009-08-08T09:29:00.004-04:00

Because I suffer from the terrible affliction known as Totalis Brokis and because my great friend Tiff’s birthday had come and gone without a present, I found myself in something of a pickle – metaphorically speaking. J It was – literally speaking – time to get creative.

Solution: Use one of the scarves from the innumerable scarf and glove sets my mother buys me for Christmas each year and create a kick ass purse.

Result: Well hell, you tell me.

CLOSER.

CLOSER STILL.

DOT, But on Friday!

2009-08-07T01:23:00.004-04:00

Here is the Nanaroo with her turkey.

(You know you want a turkey like hers!

Admit it, you know you do!!)

Chaud Cachemire Encolure écharpe

2009-08-06T09:39:00.004-04:00

A très belle petite cachemire écharpe en rouge, se réchauffer ma mères encolure chaud. Très belle et douche.

In other words, my mother's cowl is finally finished! YIPPEE!!

So Cheesy.

2009-08-04T02:16:00.002-04:00

The other day, someone asked me what my 3 favorite foods were. I can’t even remember what our conversation entailed, but my answer seemed to amuse him to no end.

Just what are my 3 favorite foods, you ask? They are …

1. Cheese

2. Cheese

and – YUP! - you guessed it…

3. Cheese

So much so that my father bought THIS for me:

Aw, Dad! You really should have!

Hair Plan - Stage 1 Complete

2009-08-01T01:01:00.004-04:00

I have reached STAGE 1 of my Ultimate Hair Plan

OBSERVE 2 months along...

At a mere 3 weeks...
The terrible, horrible, no good day...
Funny...I never noticed how elfish my ears were before. Not a good look for me.

It's Thursday! That Means It's Nanaroo Time

2009-07-30T23:27:00.004-04:00

I, Nanaroo, the ultimate ruler of her human, wish my bipedal primate homo sapien minions a HAPPY DOGS on THURSDAY. Now BOW TO ME, because I have beautiful eyes.

Rant.

2009-07-27T00:39:00.002-04:00

I have a rant. It's okay if ya'll tune out....I just have to get it out there or I'm going to explode and hurt someone.

What do you do when you're so angry that you want to kill the people responsible for being such complete and total selfish assholes? Being concerned and respecting the personal property and space of someone you claim to love isn't that hard, is it?

Then why do some people treat what is not theirs like shit just because they treat their own home and what's in it that way?

I know that I'm not the easiest of people to live around - I have a never-ending supply of bat-shit-crazy attached to me and it's not easy for the people I love to deal with - but I take special care to respect what's important to others.

Why the hell can't other people do the same?

I am so angry right now, I just about destroyed what was left of the mess that was left for me!

Thank you for letting me verbally vomit. I'll be going now.

HAPPY HAPPY DOGS DOGS on THURSDAY THURSDAY!!

2009-07-23T16:28:00.002-04:00

This is Nelson. He begrudgingly wishes you all a

HAPPY DOGS ON THURSDAY!!!

Buzz Buzz...

2009-07-19T00:31:00.004-04:00

Incredibly, I have been a busy little knitting bee.

I’ve just finished a pair of short socks for my mother using Blue Sky Alpaca Hand Spun Organic Cotton. I call them Marie Antoinette’s Anklets because of their French-inspired stitch work and their lacy, almost nubby texture

I am also working on:

Socks in honor of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, using Go Crazy BrawnySock, (In Gryffindor colors, of course) .

A matching Marie Antoinette Cowl using the same stitch work and yarn.

2 projects simultaneously (Aren’t I an industrious little worker bee?)

GOD I HATE BEES!

Hairy Hopes & Dreams

2009-07-16T23:47:00.006-04:00

Way, way back at the dawn of time, (Okay, it was only 2 months ago) when I was feeling a teeny touch unhinged, (More than usual, I mean) I shaved off all of my hair (No, I don’t have any pictures). Call me crazy, (Go on! I dare ya!) but these things sometimes happen (To me, it seems).

Due to the fact that my hair has grown back at an alarming rate (YIPPEE!!), I have devised what I like to call my HAIR PLAN (I am such a nerd). If you disregard the different colors that are shown, (My hair is black and it’s going to stay that way, thank you very much!) you will see my h-a-i-r-y hopes and dreams and my 2-Year-Plan-of-Attack. (I did say I was a big giant nerd, so you’ve been warned!)

Bend It Like a Forrest

2009-07-10T00:25:00.008-04:00

My oldest niece has joined a summer soccer league. I have never liked sports ...of any kind ... but I love my niece, so I am the loudest and most obnoxious sideline cheerleader at her games. Here is the fabulous #3 bending it like a Forrest.

(... Because that's our last name ...duh?)

She is, as it happens, the tiniest member of her team - she was given the smallest shorts available and she still needed them taken in - but boy is she tough.

A Tomato Wearing a Pumpkin

2009-07-02T19:01:00.006-04:00

My soon-to-be nephew’s Twisted Pumpkin is finished, along with one matching sock.

(Yes, I do plan on knitting a mate.)

As previously promised, here’s the Tomato modeling the Pumpkin…

And...Break It Down

2009-06-28T01:45:00.004-04:00

78. The first time I flew in an airplane, I bugged out and had to be sedated.

79. I was escorted off the plane by the air marshal.

80. The airline refunded all of my money and politely asked me to please NOT fly with them again.

81. I have never flown again.

82. I still get carsick.

83. I want to pierce my nose, but I’m always blowing it, so I haven’t.

84. I am attracted to Jewish and Swedish guys more than most others.

85. Irish ones aren’t too shabby either.

86. I still get acne and it really pisses me off.

87. My favorite perfume is Kiehl’s Original Musk.

88. I am allergic to flowers and bees.

89. I have Central Heterochromia – 2 different colored irises in 1 eye. Apparently it’s a genetic anomaly.

90. I’ve never eaten a strawberry.

91. I have eaten a snail. It was gross.

92. I’ve also eaten one of my dog’s biscuits. Liver flavored. Wasn’t too bad.

93. Edward Gorey is my favorite artist.

94. My first dog’s name was Winkey.

95. My mother wanted to name me Vera.

96. My dad said “over his dead body.”

97. Thank you dad J

98. If I had a little more of #75, I’d without a doubt become a detective.

99. I love the smell of Play-Doh, Vick’s Vapor Rub, and wet dog.

100. If I had any to speak of, I’d pay cash money for a flat stomach…but then, who the hell wouldn’t?

The All-Canine Anti-Frisbee Brigade

2009-06-19T00:08:00.003-04:00

See the innocent victim.

See Nan poop and pee on the innocent victim. Go Nan Go!

Good Nan.

(I couldn't actually catch her in the act, but I swear, she did it...)

Fjölga þrír upplýsingar

2009-06-13T01:53:00.003-04:00

52. I do not have a bank account, because I do not trust banks..

53. I wish I had more friends. I really only have one to speak of. I consider her my best friend, but I know that she does not consider me hers.

54. My favorite song…EVER…is “Spirit in the Sky,” by Norman Greenbaum.

55. I cannot do push-ups. I cannot do pull-ups either and honestly, I am alright with this.

56. I fear change – in a terrifying, sickening sort of way. I really, REALLY hate this trait about myself.

57. I do not wish on falling or shooting stars.

58. I step on cracks and walk under ladders.

59. At my funeral, I want “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC to be played.

60. I want to be cremated after I die.

61. Without my contacts or glasses I am considered legally blind.

62. I’m allergic to walnuts.

63. I love ravioli.

64. When I blow my nose, I sound like a moose.

65. When I sneeze, it always comes out in 3’s.

66. I sneeze very, VERY loudly.

67. I currently have 9 tattoos, but you can only see 8 of them.

68. My ancestors are Scandinavian Vikings hailing from Iceland

69. I was born with a full head of hair.

70. My hair is very black.

71. Because my hair is very black, some people do not believe #68, but it’s true just the same.

72. I’ve always wanted to be a redhead.

73. I scored dreadfully on my SAT’s.

74. Despite #73, my I.Q. assessment was considered particularly impressive.

75. I don’t think that either #73 or #74 matter at all, because I still possess very little common sense.

76. I also possess a limited capacity for impulse control.

77. I once threw up all over the streets of San Francisco. (Well, maybe not all of them…)

EXTRA! EXTRA! She's Remembered How to Knit!

2009-06-10T02:48:00.004-04:00

I am currently in the middle of working on actual projects:

· I’m nearly finished with the very 1^st baby hat for my nephew. I decided to start with the Twisted Pumpkin in a super-soft mint green, instead of the Gooseberry Hat. The pattern really pops on this solid color yarn. Since the little Lad won’t be making his appearance until September, the Tomato has promised to model for me once again, once the hat is a true F.O. (The green will really set off his flowing red locks, don’t you think?)

· I’ve started working on squares for what I’m calling Nan & the Tomato’s Blanket Bonanza. That’s right! I’m making an enormous blanket for my dogs!! It’s going to be comprised entirely of end-of-project-remainder- yarn-that’s-been- sitting-at-the-bottom-of-my-bag. (Think of it as my contribution towards the green-movement – and I’m not usually a joiner…)

~ Here is the center patch ~

A triumphant (HURRAY!) F.O. :

· My latest favorite, Lemon Squeezy Socks, using Claudia Hand Painted Fingering yarn in Lemon Ice.

Day of the Banana

2009-06-07T23:13:00.001-04:00

Happy 9^th Birthday Baby Nan!

I Love You!!

Elixir of 25 More

2009-06-06T00:39:00.005-04:00

You Want Some More? Here, Take It.

26. Ten years ago I had a part of my body that was much too big significantly reduced.

27. I have been a vegetarian since I was 13. Poltergeist played a small part in this particular life choice.

28. I am extremely clumsy and always have been. I am still waiting to grow out of it.

29. If I couldn’t live in America, I’d like to live in England or Scotland.

30. If I couldn’t live in the city/town where I live right now, I’d like to live in New England – maybe in Cape Cod.

31. People often think I’m Irish or Asian. I am neither, but I take them both as a compliment.

32. I have never been in a relationship - serious or otherwise…and I’m not always all right with that. It makes me feel very lonely and sad.

33. I think it’s kind of nice to wait for the right person, even if it takes forever.

34. However, I am not convinced there is a right person for everyone.

35. My parents have been married for 44 years.

36. I own more than 3000 books.

37. If you let me use your pen, I probably won’t give it back.

38. I don’t want to have children of my own.

39. I love my nieces like a crazed, overprotective maniac.

40. If an animal is abused or killed in a movie, I will walk out of the theater and demand my money back.

41. I won’t eat something if it smells strange.

42. I will also not eat something if I am repulsed by its texture or consistency.

43. I’ve always wanted freckles. I drew some on with a permanent marker when I was 6 years old.

44. I have a configuration of small birthmarks and moles on my neck that form the letter V.

45. My body cannot properly store iron because I was born with a rare blood disorder that keeps me consistently anemic.

46. My mother gave it to me… but I love her anyway J

47. My hair has been turning white since I was 18 years old.

48. I don’t believe in aliens or ghosts.

49. I do believe in God… I just don’t know which one.

50. I had braces for nearly 3 years and I still hate my teeth.

51. I have, in fact, shaved all of my hair off just because it was bugging me.

Magic Elixir #25

2009-06-02T02:01:00.012-04:00

As a cure for my recent melancholy,

my best friend devised a challenge:

Compile a list of 100 minutiae about yourself.

100 all at once is an awful lot to ask for.

I’ve decided to list 25 at a time… until I reach 100.

AND AWAY WE GO...

1. I was supposed to have been born on a leap year.

2. Instead, I was born on March 1^st .

3. I am double-jointed in my fingers and my toes.

4. I have an irrational, but terrifying, fear of butterflies and moths.

5. I am very, VERY pale.

6. Because of #5, I cannot get a suntan. I have tried but my skin only blisters.

7. I have a younger brother – almost 6 years younger – but everyone thinks he looks older than I do.

8. We had an older sister, but she died when she was 4 months old.

9. My favorite food is cheese. I would eat cheese stuffed with cheese frosted with cheese and cooked in cheese if I was allowed.

10. I’m a diabetic.

11. Unfortunately, I love carbs.

12. I don’t know how to whistle. I tried to teach myself one summer, but the best I can muster is a pitiful squeak when I suck in too much air.

13. I don’t always recycle, even though I know I should.

14. My favorite band is the Ramones.

15. I met the Ramones at the House of Guitars when I was in the 10^th grade. They signed a very un-cool jean jacket that I used to wear. It doesn’t fit me anymore, but I will never throw it away.

16. I don’t believe that all babies and children are beautiful. In fact, some of them are downright ugly.

17. I am a librarian by trade.

18. I still steal library books.

19. I usually laugh when someone falls down and gets hurt.

20. Sometimes I will watch someone and start wishing they would fall down and get hurt.

21. Although I am impressed by their longevity, I don’t understand why anyone would want a turtle for a pet.

22. I think people who keep snakes or spiders or any form of reptile for a pet are crazy.

23. I drive even slower when I think another car is tailgating me.

24. I cannot stand whiny, crybaby kids…especially when they’re boys.

25. My favorite movie EVER is Big Trouble in Little China.

Today's Program is Brought to You By the # 4

2009-05-10T01:06:00.003-04:00

I am going to be an aunt again! One lone nephew – who will henceforth be known as Laddy, because like my man Mulder, I Trust No One - will join Miss America, the Beebalah, and the Thinker in September.

I really want to knit something for the little lad, because I didn’t know how to knit when Miss America and the Beebalah were born, and I was just learning when the Thinker emerged. This is scary biscuit time indeed, so I can’t bungle it.

I have two luscious skeins of Blue Sky Alpaca’s Hand Spun Organic Cotton, so I am leaning towards the Gooseberry Hat pictured below.

What do ya’ll think? Any better/cooler/funkier suggestions?

Cinco de Mayo

2009-05-05T01:03:00.008-04:00

My Dad is a Man Who:

Removed his kid’s slivers and bandaged their bruises without ever making them cry …

Pushed his daughter’s battery-dead truck, with a permanently locked emergency break for 3 blocks all by himself …

Spent 4 years in the US Army Military Police clearing the remains of massive automobile accidents on Germany’s Autobahn …

Delivered a baby in the back seat of an Army Colonel’s car without medical assistance of any kind ... ON THE AUTOBAHN …

Changed his kid’s diapers, gave them baths, dressed them, and fed them by pretending the spoon was an airplane (DURING the 1970’s when this was considered WOMAN’S WORK) …

Drove 200 miles at 2 in the morning to collect one of the previously mentioned children (OK… It was ME) when she flipped out and was only allowed 1 phone call …

Taught his daughter the best way to: Break the bones in the top of a disrespectful boy’s foot with her own heel, the most effective way to dislocate same disrespectful boy’s nose with the palm of her hand, and the standard police method for choking out a REALLY disrespectful boy without leaving any bruises ... prior to her very first date …

Composed silly poems about “A boy named Horatio who got stuck in a jar and floated afar” and recited them ad infinitum every Saturday morning while he made everyone scrambled cheesy eggs …

Married his junior high sweet heart 44 years ago and still kisses her and tells her he loves her before he leaves the house …

Is confident enough to wear his kilt the REAL SCOTTISH WAY …

Sings to his dogs when he takes them for a walk and let’s them take up all of the room on the bed …

Just so happens to be the greatest Dad that has ever existed …

HAPPY 67^thBIRTHDAY DAD! I LOVE YOU and I ALWAYS WILL!

May 1st Again

2009-05-01T02:01:00.001-04:00

I miss you Ty.

Sock It To Me

2009-04-27T18:46:00.004-04:00

Presenting Bronwynn’s Mock Cable Socks...

Modeled by the illustrious Beebalah...

Knitted using Dream in Color Classy’s Deep Seaflower.

Don't Be Such a Sock Tease

2009-04-23T19:22:00.002-04:00

Yes, dirty knitter's innuendo, but still appropriate...

In Simia Memoria

2009-04-19T00:07:00.005-04:00

DIABETES.

As anyone who lives with this devious little bastard can tell you,

IS ONE BIG GIANT SUCK-HOLE …

No matter how well you are feeling …

Or how ideal your blood glucose levels maintain …

And never mind that you’ve lost nearly half of your original body weight …

YOUR SKIN IS A LETHAL WEAPON and YOUR FEET ARE THE GUNS!

R.I.P.

Cherry Tree Hill in Sugar Maple Monkeys…

Major Tom to Ground Control

2009-04-11T01:55:00.002-04:00

WHERE THE HELL IS EVERYBODY?

MEOW.

...Because "Books" Really IS in the Title...

2009-04-05T01:37:00.001-04:00

An excellent choice for April…or anything other month for that matter.

VIVE LE LIBRIS!

2009-03-27T01:28:00.011-04:00

I was extra-especially lucky today because I received a parcel from Danielle, my spoiler for the LIBRIS Swap, through Ravelry, which contained:

* 2 skeins of Filatura Lanarota 100% Luxury Cashmere yarn in red, my favorite color

* 2 sets of DPNS – in gold and silver

* A desperately needed needle gauge

* Plaid Scottie dog buttons and a plaid Scottie dog silk scarf

* A volume of The Best New British Mysteries

* An exquisite handcrafted shawl pin and a stunning pair of dangly earrings

* An adorable blank journal that I’ve already started using

* 2 fantastic handmade pens created from bamboo and bark

* An original copy of one of the best mystery collections, Murderess Ink

* A fab sweater pattern book with so many possibilities I’m set for life

* Conan Doyle, Detective - written about one of my all-time favorite authors

Observe, drool, and please feel free to be jealous…

A Weighty Accomplishment

2009-03-24T17:18:00.001-04:00

I have lost a grand total of 107 pounds.

(I will now pat myself on my significantly smaller back)

Sock-a-Holism is a Serious Affliction People!

2009-03-21T00:21:00.008-04:00

My latest FO is…what a surprise…SOCKS.

I chose Berroco Sox yarn in a unique rainbow-like stripe to showcase...

FAWKES

* one of 3 much beloved Harry Potter-inspired sock patterns *

(Hopefully the glare from my colorless leg won’t blind anyone)

Hello.

My name is Natalie.

And I’m a sock-a-holic.

Attention! Cute Toddler Alert! Appreciation is Mandatory!

2009-03-17T00:21:00.001-04:00

The Beeb

– now 2 whole years old –

fell asleep in her big girl chair.

She didn’t even finish her cookie!

Altogether now….

AWWWWWW!

Happy Birthday to Me

2009-03-08T00:39:00.004-05:00

For my NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS Birthday, my BFF Tiff gave me 4 truly fantastic presents:

I. Dinner (Always a sure winner)

II. A genuine “All Growed-Up-Big Girl” wallet

III. An informative book that is also

NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS

IV. And the piesta resistance…YARN

Here’s What I Chose

Colinette Jitterbug in Morocco (EXPENSIVE!!)

Blue Sky Alpacas Brushed Suri in Soft Fuzzy Pink (AHHH)

Blue Sky Alpacas Hand Spun Organic Cotton (PERFECTION.)

Póg Ma Thoin...In the Nicest Way Possible

2009-03-05T02:19:00.003-05:00

I have long been thought to be what many call Black Irish.

Sadly, I do not have a drop of emerald blood running through my veins.

This doesn’t mean that I won’t kick it old school on

St. Paddy’s Day.

In honor of my Brythonic and Goidelic cousins

~ and as a kilt-wearing-bag-pipe-playing-proudly plaid daughter of Alba ~

I’d like to share a photo of another member of my tartan clan …

My Great-Gran-Dad, Jimmy Hood.

BIG IMPORTANT STUFF without words

2009-02-28T00:05:00.001-05:00

Thursday is My 1st BLOGIVERSARY

2009-02-23T01:38:00.004-05:00

Because Thursday is my 1^st Blogiversary…

Or maybe just because it’s Monday…

I will endeavor to pursue a vastly different philosophy

for the duration of my 2^nd Blog year…

And maybe for even longer...

There is no future…

There is only now.

Toilet Mouth

2009-01-29T00:21:00.007-05:00

For several months now, because the handle decided to separate from the internal organs of its tank, I’ve been forced to flush my toilet with a wire hanger. (Poverty, I abhor you!)

I am not a particularly handy human … I’ve never actually been to a hardware or home improvements store … so without a (SHH!) J-O-B, and because moths have prevailed and gained squatter’s rights within the interior of my wallet, a hanger was my only (READ LAZY) solution.

Last night I just couldn’t take it anymore. I became possessed by the spirit of an ethnically diverse, demonstrably unsophisticated, and irrevocably cracked version of the robot that is known as Martha Stewart. (DAMMIT! THE TOILET TANK TOP NEEDED TO GO BACK ON!!)

Using 2 colored paper clips and an old broken necklace chain, I attached the “handle-thingy” to the “stopper-thingy.” (ACTUAL LADY FIX-IT MACHINE TERMS, I KID YOU NOT.)

I can flush my toilet while sitting down once again. Now I’ll just wait patiently for the Nobel Prize in Toiletry Expertise to arrive in mail…

Torture…Thy Name is Sweater

2009-01-17T16:06:00.001-05:00

I refuse to elaborate. Oh, how I suffer!

What 2008 Really Meant to Me

2009-01-03T01:27:00.009-05:00

Diabetes – Happy New Year…Suck It Loser!

A 3^rd Niece – Awhhhh…

No Freakin’ Job – WTF?

75 Lost Pounds – Woo Hoo!!

Extreme Nervous Breakdown – Well, doi?

Kick Ass Legal Prescription Drugs – I can dig it.

2008 is Over… Can I Get an Amen!!

LYING LYING LIARS…BUT NOT FOR CHRISMUKAH

2008-12-24T00:42:00.006-05:00

Some scuttlebutt to my canine peeps out there…

PEDI PAWS DOES NOT WORK.

I’m doggone serious!

(I would much rather have my anal glands dis-impacted than suffer the wrath of the Pedi Paw…and that’s saying something!)

Just RUN if your DH comes up on you with it.

Oh… and by the way…

Happy Christmas to all and 8 Chanukah Good Nights!

from Nan, the Ruler of her Human

OH! The unfairness of it all!

2008-12-15T00:28:00.005-05:00

My designated human has been out of the loop for quite some time, so I thought I’d take this opportunity to fill all of the other4-legged- rulers-of-their-humans in on what’s been happening around the old doghouse lately.

One absolutely obscene and disgusting word sums it up…

GROOMING. ACK!

Look at this enchanting face and just try and tell me I’m wrong!

Bathing on a regular basis!

Brushing our teeth!

Filing our nails with a torturous device known only as Pedi Paws!

Making us take long walks when snow is still on the ground!

SWITCHING US TO ORGANIC WEIGHT CONTROL FOOD!

OH! The unfairness of it all!

Now, I know that my DH is still searching for what humans call “A JOB,” but I do not understand why she doesn’t just choose to spend her time doing something truly constructive with her time instead.

- For instance -

She could clean herself in public or sniff some old and new friends’ butts.

Maybe she could try barking ceaselessly at the next-door-neighbor’s arrogant and smelly cat… who has the nerve to lounge in our driveway dammit!

She could even sleep in the living room sunspot with me for hour’s ad-infinitum.

It works for me.

November All Over Again

2008-11-12T01:08:00.002-05:00

Do you ever feel like you have never even existed at certain points in time?

I don’t exist in pictures.

Not in pictures taken by my family.

Not in pictures taken by my friends.

I am never there.

(When friends post pictures on their blogs or websites or what-have-you, I am never in any of them.)

In fact, no one ever really asks to take a picture of me…so I guess I am destined to not exist.

(My brother got married almost 2 years ago. I wasn’t a member of the wedding party, which was slightly hurtful because I am his only living sibling and I thought I had become close to my future sister-in-law. In the end one of the bridesmaid’s dropped out and just about every female but me was asked to take her place.)

I don’t appear in any of the photographs from my brother’s wedding.

Not one.

It is as if I did not attend the wedding at all.

I imagine that I really wasn’t there, that I didn’t have to continuously explain to wedding guests that, no, in fact, I wasn’t part of the wedding party and watch as a life and experience utterly foreign to me came into being.

I take comfort in imagining that I wasn’t there at all, that I was far away, somewhere being invisible was good and right and painless.

I imagine this now, as I realize that I am always overlooked for so many things and there is always a ready excuse for why it’s happened.

I close my eyes and just try to touch all of the silence around me, take in the nothingness and forget for a little while.

It will inevitably happen again and again, because I am just me and I will never fight against it, because in the deepest parts of my soul I know I will not be rewarded for it.

I will let it go on and on and on until I can leave it all behind…no noise, no choice, no anger, no pain, nothing left at all…

Quiet and without existence.

Lack of Words

2008-10-31T01:10:00.003-04:00

I’ve been posting mostly photos lately, because they sincerely make me feel happier … and to be honest, I’m not really at a point yet where I feel that I have that much to say. It will happen, but until then, I’m going to share some more of my favorites.

I'm Down with D.O.T...in a Strictly Positive, Hip-Hop Sort of Way, of Course

2008-10-23T23:12:00.001-04:00

Yarn Therapy & Parting with Cold Hard Cash

2008-10-17T00:44:00.007-04:00

By way of a “Huzzah! You’ve cheered up a bit!” kind of present, I visited Knitpicks and spoiled myself just a little.

Imagination Hand-Painted Fingering Weight Yarn in

EVIL STEPMOTHER &

WICKED WITCH

And Multicolor Harmony Birch Wood DPN’s

We Can Fix Her…We Have the Drugs - Uh! - I Mean Technology

2008-10-11T13:29:00.011-04:00

Thank you so much, kind blogarians, for all your caring thoughts and wishes. I am improving daily and it really is because of all the support I’ve received. All you all are F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C and everything else good and special and just IT that goes along with helping a sister put on her big girl panties and pull herself together. I also decided to cut my ~~brillo pad~~ ... I mean hair... (Not always a wise impulse when a girl has been feeling blue, I know!) However, I am pleased with the results – and even though I hate having my picture taken – I wanted to share because you have all been simply wonderful.

A Bit of Trouble

2008-10-06T11:54:00.002-04:00

I've been going through a pretty bad depression lately, so I have been away from my computer. I'm working through it the best that I can, but I felt like I needed to tell the blogiverse - who knows why? I am truly hoping that it goes away SOON...so if I'm absent for awhile, now you know why. Wish me luck, because I think I'm gonna need it,

Song of the Beebalah

2008-09-27T17:11:00.004-04:00

A while back I mentioned something I called the BEEBALAH. Its intention is to be a Christmas gift for No. 2 niece, the Beeb.

I have indeed been continuing to knit what is the first of its kind ever produced – at least by me - and I am consumed with self-absorbed knitter’s pride. It is 95% finished, so I have 95% photographic evidentiary proof to present to you for inspection.

Can you guess what it is?

I'm As Mad As Hell and I'm Not Going to Take This Anymore!

2008-09-16T23:06:00.003-04:00

Remember when I thought it might be

the end of the end?

Well…I didn’t get the J.O.B. (Sigh.)

Apparently I was

“enormously over-qualified.”

All I can say is WTF?

How to Lose Friends and Alienate People

2008-09-11T01:05:00.002-04:00

I have now officially joined the Harry Potter Swap and I am a proud ROARING 1^st year.

I’ll be posting to my HP blog quite a bit for the next 2 months…

…But fear not peeps!

I will not abandon my Dogs or my Books or my Yarn.

I will simply start to multi-task.

What a concept!

The End of the End?

2008-09-09T22:49:00.004-04:00

The pay is lowLowLOW.

It provides no benefits.

But it may just be a job.

Wish me luck peeps.

Holy Knee Socks! This Show is Gosh-Darn Tootin' Amazing!!

2008-09-02T19:52:00.000-04:00

HRH Parts, Anglo-Saxon Afros and Something Called the Beebalah

2008-08-28T00:49:00.005-04:00

I have so much free time on my hands these days…

No job. No money. An Anglo-Saxon-Fro.

(See FRO yourself)

I find myself becoming poetic, or…

DARE I SAY IT rhapsodic

…about some of the little specials that make my life worthwhile.

Behold! Her Royal Highnesses parts…

I have also started No. 2 niece’s Christmas gift.

Care to contemplate what I call the Beebalah?

Can you guess??

Geeks with Spanish Olives

2008-08-23T23:14:00.001-04:00

I’ve decided that I am going to join the Harry Potter Swap. The term starts on September 4^th and - geek that I am – I’ve already had my witch name generated, started a blog to promote my alter ego, and know which house I want to be sorted into, but I’m not telling you just in case I am placed somewhere else.

Fellow geeks unite and check me out!!

Great Googa Mooga!

2008-08-19T17:36:00.007-04:00

Rosanne , my fantastic

Dogs on Thursday Summer Swap partner

spoiled me rotten!! I can’t even assemble to properly describe everything that my HUGE package contained…

So a photograph will have to do!

The Tomato went wild for the chewy rope floss and refused to give it back for the photo.

NUM.

YUM.

He also refused to share it with her Royal Highness.

We are not amused.

Where the Hell is My Human?

2008-08-14T23:53:00.005-04:00

It’s Thursday, so here I am!!

Regrettably, my designated #1 human is busy working with sticks and string again…

(I personally feel that she should spend the time she wastes doing that praising and adoring me…but what is a supreme ruler who lacks opposable thumbs to do? I need to eat, you know!)

…So she asked me to let you know that she will be back soon…

and guess what peeps?

…She may have some news you can use, so stay tuned…