A Squatter

Look who's taken over one our birdhouses. That opening was considerably smaller. He's busily gnawing away at it.

This is where you're supposed to live, little guy, in the trees!

And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life.

~Genesis 7:15 King James

Knitting, Yarn, & Feathers

Preemie Spiral Hat

I loved knitting this little hat. I used Lion Brand Microspun. I seem to have a ton of it in my stash, for some reason. The free pattern is Tracy's at Wool Windings. She has a couple of other free preemie hat patterns on her site, too. Mine looks a little wonky in the center of the band. I'm not terribly concerned, but I do wish I'd noticed it and at least turned it around a little for the picture.

Isn't this pretty yarn? I bought it when were were on vacation in Pagosa Springs, Colorado a couple of summers ago. I only bought one skein and just haven't yet been able to decide on a project for it. It is a big skein, though, at 100 grams. It's soft like buttuh!

This is a baby sparrow I rescued last summer. I've rescued several baby birds in my yard, and in my neighbor's yards over the years. I've seen a lot of bird courting going on in the neighborhood lately. It won't be long until the baby birds will abound.

Our neighborhood, with it's fair share of cats, isn't the safest place for fledgelings. Whenever possible, I'll return the babies to their nest. If that's not possible, but the mother is nearby, I rig up a 'faux nest', and have Hubby climb a ladder and place it in one of our trees, making sure Mamma Bird is nearby and watching. I've done this a few times, and it's always worked. The little bird's mom will tend to her baby in the makeshift nest. I've used small, square Priority Mail boxes (shhh...don't tell the USPS), small wicker baskets, and mushroom baskets.

My nails look hideous in this picture. I guess I was too busy playing mommy to orphaned fowls to take time for a manicure. My hands aren't as dirty as they look. I was feeding the little fella some moistened (dry) cat food that I'd soaked in water until it was spongy. If you ever find a baby bird, never pour water in it's mouth. They have little tubes coming up from their lungs (or is it a tube...?). If you pour water in the bird's mouth, you could drown it, and you don't want that!

If you find a baby bird in your yard, and the mother doesn't seem to be around, call your local park ranger and ask them if there is a certified wildlife rehabilitator in your area. If you live in or near a sizeable town or city, check the internet to see if there's a listing of rehabbers in your area. For that matter, check even if you don't live in a big city. There still might be one listed in your area.

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

~Matthew 6:25-26 King James

Browse Your Recipes!

A quick reminder to those who participate, Randi's Recipe Box Swap is this Thursday, and the theme this month is Cookies & Bars. Those with blogs are invited to participate, and those without blogs are invited to look at all the recipes and find happy new blogs to read!

Aging Dog, Old Cat, & Excuses

I feel like a bad blogger. It's been a busy week, and blogging got pushed to the bottom of a "to do" list which never got done. My daughter left alot of clothing behind when she moved. Some, I donated to our local Salvation Army, and some, I've been listing on eBay this week. I have a storage bin full of cross stitch paraphernalia I've been meaning to list for some time now, since I no longer do cross stitch. I barely scratched the surface of that pile, but I at least got started.

I love the privilege of selling no longer needed items on eBay, but it is so time consuming! I'm sure if I did it more, it would become quicker for me. Writing out the listings, taking pics and loading them, packaging and weighing the items, then calculating postage all takes so long!

Added to the eBaying, I had my mom and her husband here visiting for the last few days. That meant shopping for supplies, and cooking ALOT. All that extra cooking required all that extra cleaning. I don't cook as often when it's just Hubby and I. My mom offers to help, but she feels bad most of the time and I know it's hard on her to be on her feet for long. She had surgery on her neck and spine two years ago, and it's been a long and painful recovery for her.

Last night was their last night here. As it was a cool evening, Hubby lit up the Chiminea and we all sat outside by the fire for a couple of hours, talking about old times, old movies, old movie stars, the Lord, and whatever else came to mind. It was a nice evening.

I also managed to squeeze in a tiny bit of knitting during the last week, but I don't have any FO's to show for it. Soon...really!

This week should be easier as I have less commitments. I just finished the heel flap on each sock of the Magic Stripe pair I'm knitting. I'm nearly through with this preemie hat at Wool Windings. It's a quick knit if I had just had the time to sit down long enough to finish it.

One of my readers accused me of favoritism pointed out to me that I am always showing pics of Leyna, my Min Pin, but never mention my aging dog and old cat. So, MSM, to prove they exist and that I do love them enough to take their pictures, I present to you...

Aging Dog~aka~BooBoo

and

Old Cat~aka~Puddy

BooBoo~aka~Mommy's Iddle BooBoo (is there an 'aka' useage limit on Blogger?)

BooBoo (& now deceased Sally's hiney in left corner)

Puddy Tat (betcha wish your pets had such creative names)

Puddy in the Kitty Pi felted bed I made her, which Leyna claimed as her own.

Red Letter Day at the Mailbox!

What's this? A package with a customs label on it? I have a hunch I know who the sender is. I recently participated in a swap at the homeschooling site I frequent. This was a particularly fun swap. We were to send a bookmark and a surprise to the person who's name we drew.

I love surprises!

Since most everyone had already received their packages, including the person who's name I drew, I was beginning to suspect my gift was traveling across the pond, hence a lengthier journey for it than most.

Sure enough, I was right. The bag of goodies is from Liz, my longtime online aquaintance from the Swap. Liz once called and left a message on my answering machine. She has the most delightful sing-song veddy British accent. She's bubbly and her voice made me think of sunshine. She's a sweetheart through and through, and I'm not just saying that because she sent me a package full of neat surprises!

Liz, if you're reading this, I can't wait to shower and try out the microfiber mitt & cloth! I've hidden away the colorful stick-it notes so Hubby doesn't use them all. I LOVE the scripture bookmark and pen!!! I'll carry it with me to take sermon notes on Sundays, and will think of you each time I pull it out of my purse.

The soft and squishy computer screen cleaning doll is just adorable. I've never seen those before. Trust me, he's going to earn his keep around here. Last, but not least, your poem disguised as a packing slip did indeed bring tears to my eyes (hence the inclusion of tissues) from laughter! Thanks, Liz, you are a doll!

Fiddly Sticks (and String)

I haven't thought of myself as a 'sock knitter'. Yes, I have knit a few pairs of baby socks, but I've never knit a pair of socks for myself. I've never knit a pair of grown up socks, pair being the operative word here. I have a few single socks living a life of solitude in a drawer, never having got to meet their mate. Sad, yes?

The thing is, I don't knit a very good sock. I do okay. I follow the directions and am able to construct the sock okay. I'm not satisfied with okay. It's that blasted little gusset hole which always shows up, no matter how many tricks I've read about and tried, that keeps my socks from looking good. In fact, the one in the picture below doesn't even muster okay. When this happens, I get aggravated, feel defeated, and lose the heart to make another one to create a pair.

Granted, this is the worst case I have to show you, but I wanted to show the worst to exxagerate my point. I'm doing all the right things, according to what I've read, but this, in maybe a less exxagerated form, keeps happening with each sock I knit.

Being the discouraged perfectionist that I am (a perfectionist who lacks the energy or perserverance to do a perfect job, so they don't do the job at all), I had pretty much given up on sock knitting. That's a hard resolve to keep when every knitter in blogdom is showing their lovely, latest pair of handknit socks. I want to be one of them, the knitting blogger who can show off her lovely handknit socks!

I've decided part of my problem is that I don't see myself being a good sock knitter. I'm not talking new agey mumbo gumbo hype. I'm not talking about the Secret, at least not the one Oprah pushes (sorry, Oprah fans, but I just don't buy into that garbage).

You are snared with the words of your lips....

Proverbs 6:2 a Amplified Bible

I have decided the only thing between me and a well knit pair of socks is practice, possibly lots and lots of it. I'm going to keep trying until I get it right!

I scored the Magic Stripe yarn at our local Big Lots. Apparently, Lion Brand has discontinued that line of yarn, so I was able to buy 4 skeins of it for $1.50 per skein. For that price, I can afford to use it for sock practice. I have a few skeins of nice sock yarn on hand, but I've held off using it, not wanting to waste it until I perfect the craft.

This time, I decided to knit two socks at once; no, not the two socks on circulars method, but two separate socks on separate sets of double pointed needles being knit at the same time...well, not exactly the same time, but you know what I mean. I finished the cuff and leg part of the first sock (these are going to be shorties), then began that part on a separate sock using a separate skein of yarn. When I've finished the cuff and leg on it, I'll knit the heel on each one, and so on.

The glaring mistake I made, which you can see in the picture at the top of the post, is not starting in the same place in the color pattern of the second skein. Hence, my socks will not match. I've decided rather than frogging it (ripping it out, for my non-knitterly friends), I'll leave it, though. I think I'll like the funkiness of it.

Lastly, I'll leave you with a pic of Leyna, snuggled in her favorite blankie.

Oh, and feel free to offer suggestions for my gusset hole problem in the comment sections. I'm open to whatever you've got! :-)

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

~Col. 4:6

Tragedies of April 19th

April 19, 1995-The Alfred P. Murrah federal building of Oklahoma City, OK, was bombed. 168 people, many of whom were children, lost their lives that day.

April 19, 1993-The Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas, was destroyed by fire following a 51 day siege by the FBI. 76 people died that day, again, many children among them.

April 19, 1985 -My young husband, my children's father, died suddenly and tragically that day. Our lives were changed forever.

The Lord is my Strength and my [impenetrable] Shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him.

~Psalm 28:7 Amplified Bible

Sitting Pretty

Cedar Waxwing

I snapped this picture a week or so ago as Hubby and I were leaving to go out one evening. It was dusk, so the light was poor, though I did edit it in Picasa. This fellow was not alone. There was a flock of at least two dozen of these beautiful birds in one of our trees.

Isn't it funny how the birds you rarely see are those which excite you so? I remember a friend who lived in another state once telling me how excited she was to see a Redbird (Cardinal) at her feeder. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Redbirds, but they are commonplace in my yard year 'round. Though the appreciation is there, the thrill is gone.

I went to my weekly knitting group tonight. I've been going off and on for a couple of years now. I wish I could go every week, as it's so nice to sit and knit with others who love it like I do. Tonight, they helped me over a snag I'd hit in understanding the instructions of a pattern I wanted to knit. The ladies in this group are such neat women. I'm always a little sad when I realize it's time to go.

I guess part of the thrill of going to knitting group is the no-guilt knitting. When I'm home and knitting, there's always this nagging voice in the back of my head saying things like "don't you think you should be doing laundry?", or "the kitchen floor won't mop itself, you know". I've even heard "you lazy heifer, put those needles down and clean the toilet!". Man, I wish she'd put a sock in it!

Some of you non-knitters left comments that you'd like me to post a picture of my new stitchmarkers (from Ponyknit ) in use, to understand their function.

This close-up picture really shows off the pretty little square beads. As I'm knitting this baby hat, I need to gradually decrease the number of stitches on each round of knitting so it will get smaller as I go toward the top. My instructions tell me to make a decrease right before each stitchmarker. When I get to the last two stitches before each marker, I knit two stitches together, thus making a decrease. So, as you can see, they serve a nifty little function, plus they're plum purty!

So, are you non-knitters ready to try knitting yet? ;-)

And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands.

~Hebrews 1:10

Primitive Things

Miss Estelle

Several years ago, my mom and I got into making primitive dolls. We didn't have to buy much to get started in our little venture. My mom had previously worked in a fabric store where she'd spent her entire week's paycheck on fabric each week. We had quite a stockpile of it left at our disposal.

We more or less worked in an assembly line style. We'd prepare enough fabric for several dolls bodies at one time, tea staining muslin for the bodies, as well as whatever fabric we used for their clothing. Next, we'd cut out the bodies, arms, and legs. Though we had some patterns, we mostly drew the body part templates freehand. There was no need for perfection! After that, we'd sew them, leaving openings for stuffing, then we'd stuff them.

The assembling part was all rather dull. The work got interesting when we'd begin choosing their clothing. They really came alive when we hand stitched on their faces. Each doll seemed to take on it's own personality. Some seemed exuberantly happy. Some appeared shy. Some looked worn out and old. We never had a preconceived idea of how any doll was going to look before we began stitching it. All had a uniqueness that appealed to us.

When making primitive dolls, the idea is for the doll and her clothing to look as if she's been around for a long time, and received alot of love in that time. They conjure up images of a time when life was simpler, but much harder. Dolls didn't come off the shelf of a mass market discount store. They were crafted lovingly by a mother's hands from the scraps she could spare from her sewing basket. The little girls themselves even made their own dolls.

I liken sewing primitive dolls to felting, in knitting. You don't need great skills to do either. When you knit something and felt it, the felting hides any flaws you may have had in your knitting. By the same token, making primitive dolls doesn't require great sewing skills. That's a good thing, since I don't possess them. ;-)

We had alot of fun making those dolls, and we sold several on eBay, as well as some to friends. After awhile, my dad began to have health problems; plus I was having an awful time with carpal tunnel syndrome. Our doll making fell by the wayside. My dad has since died; and my mom has remarried and movied three hours away from here. I've since had surgery for my CTS, but dollmaking isn't the same without my mom working beside me.

Miss Estelle is the only doll I have made by myself. We'd sold the ones we made together. I decided to keep her as a token remembrance of the fun days my mom and I had, as well as the memory of my dad being there in the background, often offering to go get us a bite to eat, or scrounging us up some old rusty wire from the garage (a staple in primitives). Simple everyday moments that aren't appreciated at the time as being anything extraordinary, and yet when they are no longer within reach, save in your memory, seem grandoise.

Though I love reading stories of the life of Pioneers, I wouldn't want to go back and live in that time. I'm pretty spoiled to my modern conveniences. It is a romantic notion, though, and I do like to dream up stories of what life must have been like in the home where Miss Estelle first began her journey.

Goodies in the Mail

Aren't these pretty? For my non-knitting friends, they're stitchmarkers. You slip one over your knitting needle as a marker after a you knit a certain number of stitches, but I'm guessing you probably could figure that part out on your own.

These were handmade and sent to me by Ponyknit at if Ponies could knit. She was holding a contest to give away Malabrigo yarn. I didn't win the yarn, but I did win the stitchmarkers. Don't you love it when bloggers have runner-up prizes?

This is my very first set of stitchmarkers, other than the simple plastic o-rings I've bought inWal-Mart's craft department. Should I accidentally drop one of these on the floor, as I have a tendency to do with stitchmarkers, these will be a lot easier to see than those flimsy little plastic rings. I guess you can tell I'm proud of my prize.

Thank you, Ponyknit, you made my day! :-)

Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.

~I Corinthians 13:4 Amplified Bible

A Different View

I don't usually post videos I saw on someone else's blog, but this was so good I just had to share it here. I hope Kisses Of Sunshine won't mind. For that matter, I think she borrowed it from yet another person's blog. It's one of those you want others to see, too.

Before I go outside my house, I try and remember to ask God to give me His eyes to see; that I'll see into the hearts of those around me, rather than being distracted by their external, or by circumstances at hand.

Oh, and I guess I should warn you, as commenter Netter pointed out, the acting is cheesy. Aside from that, it's really a good video, though. ;-)


Get Service

Render Unto Ceasar

April 15th, more commonly known as Tax Day.
For some, mere mention of that date causes their heart to palpitate.
For others, it's just another day.
Some will be required to write out big, fat checks to Uncle Sam.
Some will get a big, fat check from Uncle Sam (and yes I know, it's not a gift from him).

If you're one of the checkwriters, I am sorry.
If you're one who will get money back, I hope you'll spend it wisely.
In these uncertain times of economy, it's good....no, it's imperative, to have a good savings plan.

As a whole, we are a materialistic and spoiled society here in America. We have more stuff than our ancestors from only a couple of generations ago could ever have dreamed. Items they'd have considered luxuries, are to us, necessities. Granted, in the fast-paced technilogical age in which we live, much of it is necessary...and much of it, we've only convinced ourselves is.

Think about what's really important before you run off and spend that tax refund.

Happy Tax Day to you!

For this same reason you pay taxes, for [the civil authorities] are official servants under God, devoting themselves to attending to this very service.

Render to all men their dues. [Pay] taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, and honor to whom honor is due.

~Romans 13:6-7 Amplified Bible

Pampering

I encourage you to take a look at the Simple Woman's Pampering Gift-Away. The picture of goodies she's giving away had me salivating. You can read more about it on her blog. Be sure you click onto the picture to get a better look at what she's gifting...or you can just read her list. Trust me, you will want every item on the list; and if you happen to not be a fan of chocolate, that's okay, you can send the Lindor White Chocolate bar to me. ;-)

To enter her Gift-Away, first you need a blog. If you don't have a blog, don't you think it's time you did? ;-)

Next, you need to write and publish a blog entry sharing with your readers about her "Simple Woman's Pampering Gift-Away". Afterwards, go back to her site and place your blog post link on her Mr. Linky for your chance to win.

The Gift-Away contest is being held through the 18th (sorry about the late notice), so you'll need to hurry!

I really like her blog, and think you will, too.

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

~Colossians 4:5-6 NIV

My Little Secret

I have a confession to make. It could alter the way some of you think of me, though I'm trusting (hoping, praying) none of you are that shallow.

I don't watch American Idol.

There, I've said it. Let the rotten tomato throwing commence. I realize, from many blogs I've read, along with the e-mails and phone calls I receive from family members and friends, that I am probably one of few in this country who cannot list a single person on that show, save the judges. I'm not that out of the loop. I know they have that snobby British guy who makes people cry, and there's that girl who was a pop singer in the 80's....what's her name? And I know there's another guy, who's name will surely come to me later.

I don't have anything against American Idol, it just doesn't interest me. At all. Neither does reality tv. I wish it did. I have friends who watch many of the reality tv shows. I know our relationships could be so much fuller if only I could muster up the interest to join in the reality show craze.....along with the entertainment show craze. There are so many of those now, such as Dancing with the Stars, Skating with the Stars, Going to the Bathroom with the Stars.....okay, I just threw that one in to see if I lost y'all back when I shared my little secret.

I can only hope you all still love me. If anyone wants to talk Corner Gas, I'm your gal!

Wee! Tiny Socks!

This is the Wee Tiny Sock I got from Sandykins at My Life...and no one else's. It's positively adorable; and it came to me all the way from Sweden. I love the little sheep notecard she sent with it. Thanks, Sandy! :-)

Below is the Wee Tiny Sock I knit for Barbara at Knitting Knotes. I think she's probably had time to receive it by now, so hopefully I'm not spoiling her surprise by posting a picture.

For Barbara's Wee Tiny Sock I used a 100% Superwash Merino fingering yarn from Yarn Pirate. The colorway is Earth & Ocean. The miniature sock pattern I used was a free pattern from Heart Strings.

And just because it's been awhile since I posted a pic of Leyna, I figured you could stand a cute puppy fix. She's my widdle baby. Yes, I am one of those annoying people who talks babytalk to her dog, and about her dog, but shhhh....Leyna doesn't know she is a dog. Let's keep that under our hat, shall we?

I'm just too cute for my britches!

About the Homeschooling Video & Comment

I felt a strong conviction to homeschool my youngest child and daughter a year or two before I took the plunge and did it. The reason for my delay? Fear. I didn't know anyone around me who was doing it. I wasn't a trained educator. I wasn't even sure where to start. Nevertheless, I was seeking God about it and knew He was leading me in that direction for my daughter. He did lead me to the help and resources I needed.

Though my daughter is now grown and I no longer homeschool, I still think like a homeschooler. I tend to be rather passionate in my opionions of it. In my way of thinking and expressing it, I hope I haven't offended any of you who's children attend or did attend public school.

I assure you, I don't look down on those who send their children to public school. I don't think I was right and you are wrong. I certainly do not feel superior to you, or that my child is superior to your child or children. I realize that many, many children receive exemplary educations in public schools. I know there are alot of excellent public schools out there. I personally know some wonderful public school teachers.

For us, homeschooling was the right thing to do. I still feel that, overall, the public school system is not a success. I think what does make successful students is parental involvement, lots of it. Whether it be at home through homeschooling, or being involved in a child's education through a public or private school, parental involvement is the key. I think we should no more expect the school to be totally responsible for our child's academic eduation than we should expect the church to provide our child's complete biblical and spiritual training. The majority (though not all) of successful, well balanced adults had at least one parent who was a strong source of encouragement to them throughout their childhood.

I would like to apologize if I offended anyone; whether I made you feel guilty as a parent for sending your children to public school, or whether I made you feel snubbed as if I thought my child received a superior education to your child. I can only speak from my own point of view in regards to my child, and what I know was right for her. I may think like a homeschooler, but I am not at all prejudiced against non-homeschoolers. It was not my intention to alienate anyone. I embrace the idea of all children receiving a good education by whatever means is necessary, and the support of caring parents.

Cartoon for Knitters

I won't copy the picture here as I don't want to risk infringing on copyrights, but you knitters should enjoy this April 6th Close to Home cartoon.

ONE of the reasons I homeschooled

I saw this on another blog this morning. It's not the only reason I chose to bring my daughter home from school at the end of her second grade year, but it was certainly an important one. My only regret is that I missed homeschooling her kindergarten through second grade years.

Contest Alerts!

No, not here, though I am milling around the idea of one soon.

First off, Barb, over at A Chelsea Morning, is giving away six Steven Curtis Chapman cd's. She's holding the contest through the weekend, and will announce the winners on Monday (all 6 of 'em!). Her blog is a lovely place to visit. If you've not been there before, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Of course, you'll enjoy it if you have been there before.

Go to her Wednesday, April 2 post and leave a comment. Maybe you'll win. Maybe I'll win. Maybe we'll all win.....well, 6 of us, anyway!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Secondly, for you knitters, Amanda, at Modest Purls, is giving away a $25 gift certificate to The Loopy Ewe. Just leave a comment on her contest post telling her what your favorite color combinations are. While you're there, take a look around. The thing I love about finding out about contests is that it's a great way to find new blogs. :-)


He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?


~Romans 8:32

Oddball Preemie Charity Blanket

Angel Kisses

Angel Kisses close-up

This is the charity knitting preemie blanket project I spoke of previously, which I'm also doing through Knitting Help. I used Lion Brand Microspun, a buttery soft, 100% microfiber acrylic DK weight yarn. The color is white. We were to do this blanket in pastels. The knitter, Doodleknit at KH, who began the blanket used a soft and pretty aqua. I thought the white microspun, though not technically a pastel, looked especially pretty next to it.

I decided to follow the same pattern Doodleknit used, which she thoughtfully printed and included with the blanket when she mailed it to me. It's Basketweave 2.

This blanket is named "Angel Kisses". Isn't that a sweet name for a soft blanket which will be wrapped around a tiny little infant? It's a sad fact that this blanket could even end up being wrapped around a tiny little baby with no life in it; in which case, it won't warm the baby, but hopefully it will help warm the hearts of the parents who will get to hold that dear one at least once this side of Heaven.

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble,...For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

~II Corninthians 1:4-5

Oddball Blanket #2

Oddball Blanket #2

This is the Oddball Blanket #2 for charity, right before I mailed it on to the next Knitting Help charity knitter, LadyB. I completed the very top portion in Wool-Ease. The colorway was Autumn. I really like the colors in the yarn, and will probably make some hats from it for next winter. Since I was so far behind schedule on getting it knitted due to my sick spell, I knit a simple garter stitch so I could get it done quicker.

close-up of section I knit

I still have a Knitting Help preemie blanket in my possession. I discovered it quite by accident last night. I received it at the same time (from a different knitter) as the big blanket, but it was right before I got sick with the flu. It got set aside and overlooked, then totally forgotten. Sheesh. :-( At least it won't take me long to do it since it's so small. I'll post a pic of it when it's ready to be mailed.

My mom and her husband are still here. This morning, she and I went to Tuesday Mornings and browsed a bit. I picked up the knitting book Big Needle Knitting while I was there for a mere $4.99! Cool, huh? They also had Knit Baby Head & Toes for the same price. I ordered it off half.com a few months ago. Makes me wish I'd waited, now. I love Tuesday Mornings!

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. (eternal life)

~Heb. 10:36 King James

Recipe Box Swap

With my company here, I've been too busy to read blogs and I totally forgot about Randi's Recipe Box Swap. It is the first Thursday of the month. Since it's late and my brain is fried, I'll post a simple recipe that I made tonight. No, not our dinner. That was Pioneer Woman's Chicken Spaghetti, or The Only Casserole Marlboro Man Will Eat. It was loved by all.

For dessert, I baked a simple Bisquick Impossible Buttermilk Pie. I have been baking this pie for at least 25 years or more. It's so easy, I can have it in the oven in mere minutes. It's tasty, too. Sometimes, I add a little lemon extract. For the record, I didn't use Bisquick tonight. I used an unfamiliar brand of biscuit mix that I purchased at Big Lots. Any biscuit mix will work.

Impossible Buttermilk Pie

1 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup Bisquick mix (or other biscuit mix)
1 cup buttermilk
1 stick butter (melted)
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs (mine were X-Large, so I used only 2)

Mix everything together in a blender (or use a mixer and a bowl if you prefer).
Pour into a 9" pie plate (no greasing necessary)
Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 35-40 minutes. Will be brown and crisp looking on top and inserted knife will come out relatively clean.
Store in the refrigerator.

In the summer when fresh fruit is plentiful, I like to serve this cold with a fresh fruit salad made of strawberries, bananas, and peaches. Yum!

Winning!

Well, I didn't win the Malabrigo at either blog's contests that I previously told you all about, but I did come in second place at If Ponies Could Knit. I'll be the proud owner of stitchmarkers made by her. I'll post a picture of them when they arrive. I'm happy!

I have company and I'm pooped. This is me being uncharacteristically short winded. Be blessed!

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

~Phil. 4:13 King James

I don't think I LIKE that

Remember this baby hat pattern (at left) I shared several weeks ago, that I bought at Woolie Ewe in Plano? It was a sort of impulse buy, which I'm not ordinarily inclined to make. I sat down with it the other day and read through the patterns. They're all written for flat knitting. I don't like flat knitting.

Speaking of which, have you seen that Pediasure commercial on tv with the little girl in the cart who declares her dislike of everything her mom puts in the shopping cart? In actuality, I think it sends a poor message that kids should control what we buy them and what they eat, but that aside for a minute, I think that little girl is so cute!

I can tell it's going to be one of those scattered thoughts days for me. Proclaiming "I don't like flat knitting" reminded me of the Pediasure girl's "I don't like broccoli". See what I mean? Thoughts flitting from knitting to tv commercials.

I love knitting in the round, especially on double pointed needles. I know alot of knitters like the Magic Loop method for socks, as well as knitting socks on two circular needles. Though I would love to learn both methods just to try them, it wouldn't be because I dislike knitting on dpn's.

I have heard that it's relatively simple to convert flat knitting patterns to knit in the round patterns. Of course, anything is simple if you know how to do it, which I don't. I'll have to look around on the net and see if I can find out how to do it, but that will have to wait for another day.

My mom and her husband are coming to visit for a few days. My house in not company ready, and I haven't yet grocery shopped. They arrive today. Ever since I had the flu, my get-up-and-go seems to have got-up-and-went. I need a megadose boost of energy, and I need it now! Maybe I should drink a can of Pediasure. Tv says it's good for you (well, kids anyway) and we know tv doesn't lie.

Every Word of God is pure. He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him.

~Proverbs 30:5 King James