As November ends

As November winds down to an end tonight, I realize that I have made it through several milestones and one of them I did even think about until I was reminded of it's passing/occurrence. I do not plan to linger on the subject, so just be happy that I am happy about "surviving" them with little or no pangs/twinges.

Thanksgiving was a new tradition for me. I celebrated with S.F. and her extended family. I have never felt so at home and so welcomed. The food was wonderful and the company was delightful. I am borrowing this format from my dear friend,

I am so very thankful for :

• My daughters. They are two of life's greatest joys and without them I would never have realized how special a gift it is to have been able to bring life into this world. Each of them has their own strengths and talents and have developed into wonderful adults.
  
• My family. I have two amazing parents, two brothers and a sister, plus their respective wives and husband. I have numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, and a Nephew. Each of them has their own personalities and I love each of them for the person they are. Each of them is supportive and their love is unconditional, and best of all, they accept me for the person that I am and only wish for my happiness.
• My "Big Sister". You are truly the most amazing person that I have had the privilege and honor to touch my life. Words are never enough to express all that you have shared and shown me. You keep me on the correct path but encourage me to find myself.
  
• My friends. Each of you has seen me at the lowest and the highest, as well as the best and the worst of times. You have picked me up, brushed me off, and started me on the path again with love and encouragement.
  
• My feline babies. Life is always richer when you share it with pets, and Sassy and Eraser are no exception. They are my "family" on this new journey and I love them dearly!
  
• My unstoppable desire to learn. It has been the catalyst that keeps me striving to know more, to achieve more, and to do more. I believe that is gives me the ability to work and earn my keep. I also believe that it has made it possible to share with others, because knowledge is power but is useless unless you share.
  
• My online/blog/Ravelry friends. Not a day goes by when I do not check on each of them online. I may not always comment on their journey, but I revel in their accomplishments and feel their pain when they share it. Each of them has offered me the same friendship and even though we do not know each other in person, we are indeed friends.
  
• My knitting (crafts). I am so thankful for my Aunt Pat for sharing crochet with me and for my mother for teaching me to sew. Their love for crafts spurred me on to learn so many others, including knitting. Without this love, I would not be able to create and share these gifts with my friends and family.
  

This is indeed a short list, and I have so many more things that I am thankful for. I hope that everyone else made sure to tell those people in your lives how thankful you are for their presence.

I need to wish S.F. a belated birthday. I also need to wish my cousin Jeremy a happy birthday. I also need to wish Sandy a happy birthday.

Have a great Monday!

...more beer, more beer, more beer....

A friend sent me this article and I just had to share it with the bloggy world. Who knew that beer could actually help with menopause....makes all that Guinness worth it! Turns out it helps both males and females, so belly up to the bar with the rest of the gang and drink a beer. It turns out to be just what the doctor should be ordering as well.

CHEERS!

Tuesday Temptations

Bet ya thought I wasn't going to get them in today.....nah! I had some grocery shopping I needed to do so that I can cook when I get home from work tomorrow. I am in charge of the green bean casserole (yuk) and deviled eggs.

I was thinking about some things that I want to make during the Holiday Season and Pumpkin Bread popped into my head. I have used a recipe similar to this one, so I needed to get the spices, since I have been slow to add them to the pantry. I am a huge fan of Oyster Dressing, but I haven't made it in over 11 years. If any of you have a better recipe than this one...PLEASE share, as I can't seem to find my original one. I also have craving a Sweet Potato Souffle and I found this recipe that seems to fit the bill. It is excellent with ham. I also thought about a new vegetable tradition. It seems that Brussels Sprouts fixed like this sounds perfect! And since you already know I don't really care for the "traditional" green bean casserole, I would much rather make this instead.

Knowing how much fun I have been having re-learning to cook, I saw this and thought I should have Santa get it for me so that I am ready for cooking out this spring and summer. I also decided that Santa needed to know that I have wanted an outfit like this for some time and have never gotten it, so why not this year?

I saw this and knew that Munchkin needed it for her apartment. I also saw this and this and knew she needed them for Christmas. Munchkin would also get a kick out of this as well.

That's all for this addition....enjoy and please feel free to share your Holiday Recipes.....

Weekend Wrap Up

Wow, I am so content at this moment it could be illegal. Saturday was so very wonderful. After getting the new hair color, I raced up to see Trouble. I helped her Shower planner purchase the food and then helped Trouble make deviled eggs. It was fun working with her in the kitchen again. We all changed clothes and headed to the gathering. Flicker should stream pictures of the spread, the adorable cake and the gifts I gave her.

I was pleased to meet so many people that care for both she and Jack. I also got to meet Jack's baby brother. Bob is a wonderful young man and I look forward to learning more about Trouble's new family, especially since I am the "MIL". Wow, it sounds so funny to hear grandma/Big Mama and Mother-In-Law all at the same time....

Bob is quite an interesting young man. He is a Marine and will be finished with his tour in April 2009. He has purchased a place back in town and has started gathering stuff for it. He has a Great Dane, Sampson, and a Harley....

I learned how to drink an Irish Car Bomb....

Irish Car Bomb recipe

Irish Car Bomb is one of the most popular drinks worldwide. The ingredients are simple and widely available, and beer lovers will almost certainly enjoy it. If you ask for one of these in an Irish pub you'll be greeted with either a smile, or a black eye. Enjoy!

3/4 pint Guinness® stout
1/2 shot Bailey's® Irish cream
1/2 shot Jameson® Irish whiskey

Add the Bailey's and Jameson to a shot glass, layering the Bailey's on the bottom. Pour the Guinness into a pint glass or beer mug 3/4 of the way full and let settle. Drop the shot glass into the Guinness and chug. If you don't drink it fast enough it will curdle and increasingly taste worse.

I also tasted Dead Guy Ale, and if I wasn't already on my third Guinness I might have considered drinking that for the evening. The crowd at the bar was very laid back and I even learned how to shoot pool. I even won a game or two....

I ended up spending the night with Trouble and Jack because I watched the Texas Tech game there so I didn't miss anything. I wish I hadn't watched at this point. It was a heartbreaking loss. This morning we had an old fashioned southern breakfast and after our showers we went antique shopping. Jack even came with us. I think I had more fun watching him "find" things than I did looking myself.

Off to finish a few things for work and then soak in a hot bath so that I can get a good night sleep. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and I have my Tuesday Temptations post in progress.

Friday Fill-In

1. The last band I saw live was Rodney Crowell at the Mucky Duck. It was an AWESOME show, and the company at the table was pretty stellar as well.
2. What I look forward to most on Thanksgiving is spending time with those people that I love the most and being thankful for the others that are in my live but cannot share with me in person.
3. My Christmas/holiday shopping is about mid-way done.....
4. Thoughts of website designs, knitting for Zoe Raven, and Holiday cooking fill my head.
5. I wish I could wear a size another size smaller jean than what I tried on tonight.
6. Bagpipes are amazing and I have the utmost respect for the men that can play them.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to finishing the second sweater for Zoe Raven and getting to bed earlier than I did last night, tomorrow my plans include attending the first baby shower for Trouble, Jack, and Zoe Raven and then scurrying home to catch the Texas Tech game, and Sunday, I want to finish the laundry, iron, and get some web design work done in between football games and knitting. I also want to finish some lingering WIP's so I can get to that Luxe sweater....

Have a great Saturday and I will post pictures of the second sweater and the baby shower on Sunday!

GO RED RAIDERS!

Thank goodness I know how to knit

I was pouring through a stack of mail that came this week and I found my newest Victoria's Secret catalog. As of late, I have had little or no use for the items that spill across the pages. Perhaps there is a glimmer of need on the horizon, but it is just a blip on the radar at the moment. I digress.....

I flipped to the back of the catalog, past the unmentionables, to the sweaters. Nothing really caught my attention until I saw this. Look familiar to anyone? It should. Lion Brand Yarn has chosen it as their next Knit-Along. The pattern can be downloaded free until November 27th from their website. Ravelry has this posted in the patterns as well.

I think that I may just have to pour through the stash to see if I have appropriate yarn to get this on the needles ASAP. If I focus, perhaps I can have it completed and ready to wear for a New Year's Eve party, should an invitation be extended. I have this already in my queue, and I have it on the needles even though it is not in my active projects yet....Stealth knitting...hehe. I will have to see which one I can get done first, as either would be great with a pair of slacks or dressy jeans.

Tuesday Temptations

I was standing at the receptionist's desk today when the mail came. As she was sorting the mail, she tossed a Dillard's catalog on the coffee table. Curious, I picked it up and came across these things. Not all I want or need, but they caught my fancy due to their uniqueness. So, without further adieu, here they are:

I do actually want this because I need a casual watch and I love the sentiment on the face. The ooohhh aaahhh factor on this, especially in red is drop dead gorgeous. And this one for the unique neckline gets a mention as well. Now, bear with me on these two. I don't want a man in my life but how could you resit a man in this classic look or this one? And trust me, the pictures in the catalog are far superior to the ones posted on their web site! Now,while this and this are both listed as men's items, but I would love to see S.F. in either of them! And how hot is this for a woman! And have we not seen this on Ravelry? Trust me the catalog version of this is much sexier, but I love the overall look and S.F. would look great in this too. I must admit it looks totally hot with jeans and a white shirt....OY, I'm a sucker for that look. I saw this and just had to chuckle....you'll see. Again, the catalog picture is much better, but this is lovely. I would NEVER pay for this when I can make it but isn't it lovely? I love to entertain for friends and this is beautiful. Finally, I want to get this for both Munchkin and Trouble, as all good Southern women should have a Southern Living cookbook.

Hope you all are having a good week so far!

Yes, I have finished a knitting project!

Sunday night and I am proud to say that I have finished the blocking and weaving of Zoe's first sweater. It is the cutest thing to knit up items for newborns. It should float past in the flicker stream. The pattern is a bit wonky, but I made excellent notes, as I plan on making a few of these to keep on hand for baby gifts. It supposedly takes five hours, but I think that it actually took me eight due to the flaws in the pattern.

Special thanks to all my Posse for the compliments on the new haircut. They were all a little worried because their only mental images were with the blond highlights and length. Almost all of them agree that the Sass is back! I ran two miles this morning and it was out of my way. I need to be able to run three by the end of this week, so I will be keeping my fingers crossed that we have no rain in the morning forecast.

I will be casting on for the next baby Zoe sweater tomorrow. I still have to get some more goodies, but I am so excited for the opportunity to pass on items that I know are unique and functional. Knitters have the gift of providing both a special gift and passing on a centuries old craft and tradition. I am forever grateful to my Aunt for showing me the craft and insisting that I learn.

I am also remiss in wishing a few people Happy Birthday. The following people have already celebrated theirs: Vicki, Ramey, and The Feminist Mafia. Barbara will be celebrating this week and a Happy Retirement to her as well!

Dreams can come true.....

Wow! What an action filled Friday and Saturday!

Friday Fill-Ins:

1. Please feel free to Soar!
2. When I get perfume/cologne on my skin from the one I love I can’t help sniffing occasionally.
3. My favorite thing to cook is food that people enjoy and find comfort in sharing with me.
4. Time with family and friends is something I can’t get enough of.
5. That’s the thing I love most about knitting. The freedom of creation and the joy of sharing with those that appreciate the love and the effort made on their behalf.
6. Driving home on Friday in traffic always makes me think to myself, what the heck?
7. And as for the weekend, Friday I’m looking forward to time with the Posse, Saturday my plans include a host of things that include a hair cut and going to see Quantum of Solace with Special Friend and Sunday, I want to iron, get groceries, start Zoe's second gift from Big Mama, and have Munchkin over for dinner!

What was the first thing you thought when you looked at yourself in the mirror today?

Holy Hell, what time is that haircut?

Do you have a recurring nightmare? If so, explain.

Not really. I'm mostly thankful when I can sleep the whole night without my brain waking me with thoughts for a book plot, a web site design, or a work thought.

List three foods you can’t stand:

1. Liver and Onions - YUK!
2. Butter beans, Lima Beans, and Green Peas - Double YUCK!
   
3. Green Bell Pepper - TMI if I really told you why.

I did get the new hair cut. If flickr is cooperating, then the new picture should flash by in the stream. Munchkin will be taking "professional" pictures for me and I will post them ASAP. I love it! It needs to grow out a little but the hair dresser had to cut out the old color so that we have clean slate to color upon next week.

Special Friend (S.F. from now on) had to run an errand to pick up a beautiful leather jacket (item C) at the motorcycle shop this afternoon before the movie. While we were there, this (long sleeved red version) was also purchased. I wanted one but they didn't have my size, but they will get it in soon. While S.F. was discussing other K-9 and Big Dog stuff, I took the opportunity to "cruise" the showroom.

I think I have actually found the bike for me. I have been reading a lot about various brands that are built with women riders in mind. All of the sudden this afternoon, it hit me like a bolt of lightening. Victory introduced the first bike on July 4, 1998. How much more of a clue could I need? They introduced their line on my birthday! I was wearing "appropriate" clothing, so I decided to sit on a few while no one was paying any attention to me...., or so I thought. The first one I sat on was the Kingpin Low. She was a sweet gal. From there, I climbed on the Kingpin. She was a little wider and higher. The one I sat on was exactly like the one I linked. I love the Midnight Cherry with White. She was clean and sweet to look at but I think she was a little wider than I was comfortable with. From there, I tried the Vegas Low. The showroom model was in Solid Sunset Red. She was a little taller than the Kingpin Low, but still very comfortable. The red was a little bright for me with a little too much orange in her coloring. Lucky for me that the Midnight Cherry with White is a color option if I want her. The last one I tried was the Vegas. She was by far the biggest one I tried.

After I thought I had gotten away without S.F. and the sales guy noticing, they brought me back to the Kingpin Low. The sales guy had me sit on her again and then in the ultimate test of faith, had me put my feet on the foot pegs while he held up the bike. The first foot was easy, but the second one was a real leap. I was hooked! S.F. thought that Kingpin Low was too short for me, but there is a four inch height difference in our frames and mostly in the legs (inseam). I will admit that it would be hard to have S.F. ride with me as the passenger if I get that model. The sales guy thinks that I can easily get the Vegas or the Vegas Low and be comfortable and safe on either of them. Bonus, S.F. could ride either of them with no challenges.

That degree is getting top priority come hell or high water. I will also be working to pay off the car as quickly as possible so that the payment for the bike can be the focus. I am thinking by next year this time I could easily have one. Giddy with anticipation....

The big thrill for the evening, Quantum of Solace! OMG! I still maintain that Sean Connery is the ultimate James Bond, but Daniel Craig is an excellent modern Bond! His eyes were mesmerizing and his chiseled looks were hot, even to me. The Bond Girl, Olga Kurylenko is HOT! I will not give any of it away, but I can tell you that a white wife-beater just took a whole new role as SEXY! Goodness, hot flashes just thinking about it again. If you can, I highly recommend catching this one at the cinema for the full effect. I may have to go again just to make sure I didn't miss anything....

That's all for tonight....

Thoughts on Thursday

Okay, the moon was officially full at 1:13 AM this morning. I can tell, and I think that the rest of the country was also feeling her effects today! The phones were CRAZY. Meetings were insane! Questions were just plain stupid. Needless to say, I had NO patience at all. Hard to be creative and industrious all at the same time with all the conflict....

As promised, I now will share the Tuesday Temptations that I mentioned on Tuesday....

First, I am really tempted to upgrade my current phone to this one. I need more capacity and I think I want the Internet access as well. We'll see...if I do it will most likely be in January....

I saw this a few weeks ago and it keeps calling to me. I like the description that is on the page as well.

As previous posts have indicated, I tend to not wear pajamas but do like certain lingerie from Victoria's Secret. I think that this set might be cute for lounging about in the spring. It has a certain feminine flair to it that I can't quite explain. S.W.C.B.N. and the girls' father both detest this kind of look, but I have always loved it, so I may just have to own it....

I love this necklace. Soldalite - (dark blue) soothes and heals the central nervous system.

I love this watch, this shirt, this jug, this necklace, MUST have this soon, baby Zoe will need this too, I love the quote on this, I love this, and this gown and robe could be a special set for an anniversary get away or weekend getaway.

For my final thought....I have been contemplating an image change. S.W.C.B.N. and the girls' father have an aversion to short hair on women. I, of course, love the sass and the ease of care. I saw the Governor of Michigan on TV and fell hard for her hair, with a few twists, of course. Here is one picture I like. I love the glasses on the tip of her nose in this one. I love this one too. I also love the sass in this one and this one. I am shooting for Saturday early noon....I am armed with several of these pictures and a few others I found of her across the Internets. I will post a new image picture as soon as I can. Disclaimer - the cut will take place this weekend and the color next weekend. I DO NOT want to spend half of my day in a salon this weekend, as I am going to see Quantum of Solace this Saturday, come hell or high water.

Okay gang, need sleep.....

EDIT - Disclaimer should have stated that I was getting the sassy hair cut because I wanted to and not out of rebellion.

Also, why is it that there is always a person that is compelled to comment as anonymous and leave the most negative things....if you don't like what is posted to a blog then stop lurking and stop reading, or post comments with your real name in the comment!

Tuesday, but no temptations....

"Let me esplain" (thank you Princess Bride).

I do have a Tuesday Temptation post in draft form, but it is not quite ready because I was on a date. No, I was out late on a school night? I know, I was otherwise preoccupied and this is the first time I have had to get in front of the computer. Yes, that is it. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

For those of you wondering about the Full Moon, here is the 2008 schedule. I know, we area already in to November....but better late than never. Why is this schedule important? Because, as a Cancer baby...I am totally out of control during full moons. I have cravings, urges, wants, and needs....all governed by that glowing orb in the night sky. So consider yourself lucky if you do not live near me, or if I am not romantically attached to you....I could possibly suck the life right out of you, or at least make you tired from the exercise.

2008 - Full Moon Schedule
Times are Eastern Standard Time

---

January 22 / 08:35 - Wolf Moon

February 20 / 22:30 - Snow Moon

March 21 / 14:40 - Worm Moon

April 20 / 06:25 - Rain Moon

May 19 / 22:11 - Flower Moon

June 18 / 13:30 - Strawberry Moon

July 18 / 03:59- Deer Moon

August 16 / 17:16 - Fish Moon

September 15 / 05:13 - Fruit Moon

October 14 / 16:02 - Harvest Moon

November 13 / 01:17 - Hunter's Moon

December 12 / 11:37 - Cold Moon

The last two moons are best described like this:

November ~ Beaver moon Beaver traps were once set in this month to catch enough beaver to make warm clothing for the upcoming winter. A wonderful time for setting protection and protecting yourself from those 'cold' winds that try to interfere with your personal spiritual evolution.

December ~ Cold moon The approach of cold weather in the Northern Hemisphere gives this month's full moon its name. Once again a wonderful moon for turning your attention to home, especially ritual space.

Okay, back to the main reason I was out so late on a "school night". Special Friend convinced me to go see Rodney Crowell. I will admit, Special Friend has not led me astray when it comes to listening to good music. It is one thing that we have in common that we like to share with each other. Rodney is a Houston son that has made a name for himself. The links explain him better than I can. Trust me, on that because it is late and I need sleep.

I promise that your regularly scheduled post for today will be posted tomorrow. For now, I need sleep and with the gentle rain outside and the wind chimes lightly singing....I should sleep like a baby...

Best Swap Ever!

Okay, first , before I get hate mail from all my other swaps buddies...this is the first one since I have been away from S.W.C.B.N. and I am so excited.

If you have a Revelry sign-in, click this link for details. For you non-knitters and anyone else that doesn't have a clue what Ravelry is or an account. This is what I am talking about:

Oh my, I have been a very naughty KG this year and I think most of you girls have too! So since I’ve been so bad I doubt Santa will be visiting me this year except for maybe a little KG booty. I thought we need to make sure we bad girls get something too! Why do all the good girls get all the presents? So time to show your naughty side. This is to be fun, bad, naughty and silly!

The naughty package should include

• Something naughty
• Something knit related (doesn’t have to be knitted)
• Something tasty
• And/or KG wild card or just anything you want to send.

There is a $30 limit(not including shipping). All packages should be sent out prior to December 10th. Anyone that thinks they won’t be able to make it please let one of the mods know so we can get a Naughty Swap Angel.

Sign-ups are starting today and will end in a week or so… I know I’m so great about deadlines but it all depends on the amount of girls. Once we get the names the mods will be emailing everyone their partners

So start thinking… we want you girls to have fun and remember photos will be required!!!!

So, this is going to be so much fun! My swap partner is someone that I have been an angel for in another swap, so I hand a little advantage of knowing her already. Bonus, for me, I told her that the sky was the limit and to shoot for the moon, since I have no real ideas as to what I want/need/desire on this one. This will be a true chance to spread my wings and see what some one else thinks fits the requirements as well as some other top secret questions that she has asked. All I can say, anyone that is interested in wooing me may have to consider any and all parts of this swap in their future if I like them that much.... ;-}

Shopping is already so much fun now that I know my partner and her wished/wants/desires.....I'll keep you posted as best as I can without giving anything away....But, if you have sites or ideas, by all means, share.....

Sunday, already?!

Wow, this weekend flew by! I did a lot of things this weekend, but none more important than deciding to get serious about training to run a 5K event by the end of March 2009 and a 10K even by my birthday.

Today, I researched places around town that are running clubs and have training facilities and runners resources. I found an excellent source for shoes, diet, and conditioning. The next six weeks I will be on the treadmill and the stationary bike to get my cardio training back up to snuff. I am psyched! I ran track in high school and I was quite good. I ran what was the 440 yard dash. Yes, in the old days, that was one full lap around the track at a full-bore sprint. My best time was 51 seconds. I came in fifth in the State Track Meet my senior year. So running is in my blood.

I also visited my favorite jeweler. He had a necklace that I needed to be repaired ready for me to pick up. We discussed black diamonds and black opals for Trouble. She and Jack want their wedding bands to have one or both of the the stones in them. She has sketches, naturally, that she will bring for him to look at. I also asked him about getting a pair of Amethyst earrings for baby Zoe. As the Big Mama, I can do that. And besides, I think that all women/girls deserve at least one piece of jewelry in their given birthstone.

Also, upon the advice of my counselor, I discussed some options for converting some of the pieces I have from S.W.C.B.N. into other items. I can only handle one thing at a time because of the emotions attached to some of them. The good thing about the jeweler, he is a wonderful young man that listens and takes all the time I need. He makes excellent suggestions and offers solutions that are reasonable and affordable. Evolution is truly a tricky beast at times and jewelry is the hardest part. I am a true jewelers dream and a partners nightmare. I love good pieces and that has a price at times. I will keep you posted....I will even show before and after pictures so you can see why I love my jeweler so very much.

Also, one last thing....I checked out two cookbooks last week from the library. I am in love with the Mediterranean one. So much so, that I am searching Amazon to find myself a copy to purchase. There are at least twenty recipes that I want to try and I haven't even made it to the main course chapter.....I'll keep you posted. The cooking class was postponed due to Ike, but we are trying to do it between Thanksgiving and Christmas.....I am SO excited!

Okay gang, off to bed so that I can get myself up and ready for the week....should be a doozie of a week. I have work, a dinner/music engagement, dinner with the Posse, a possible second dinner engagement, and then Friday night with the Posse at a favorite hangout. Somewhere in all that I also want to get my hair cut on the short side and colored...possibly red/reddish. AND, Quantum of Solace comes out on the 14th.....I am so excited....I LOVE Bond movies and he gets the coolest technology and of course the best sex scenes.....

Friday Fill-Ins

1. My blueprint for success includes making sure that I never forget who I am and what I want/need/deserve/desire from life. And to remember that I need to share with those that are less fortunate, and that includes the furry folks as well.
2. A peppermint disk was the last candy I ate/had.
3. The best facial moisturizer I’ve ever used is Grape Seed Moisturizer. It is made right here in Texas and is amazing!
4. Knitting and Exercise can be good therapy.
5. I’d like to tell you about Black Beauty Wine from Black Mesa Winery.
6. Passion is my strongest characteristic.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to hanging out with the Posse at Jumps, tomorrow my plans include errands to drop clothes at the dry cleaner, shoes to the repair shop, pick up jewelry that was repaired, grocery shopping, and watching the Texas Tech Red Raiders game, and Sunday I have to wash clothes, watch the Green Bay Packers games, iron, attend a birthday party for a four year old....., and knit.

Wednesday Interlude

Okay, officially, I am a very tired puppy and cannot really understand why I am still up....oh, wait....I was out enjoying myself with, well never mind, just listening to Patrice Pike music will suffice.....

I forgot to post the following to posts...saved them as drafts, so I lumped them together for a post tonight. Brought to you by Malbec....a wonderful wine......IMHO.

Friday Fill-In

1. My favorite food seasoning is fresh basil from my patio garden.
2. Trouble and Munchkin's voices (and Special Friend too) are music to my ears.
3. Lucky is having the opportunity to express myself in ways I never dreamed.
4. Child Abuse is something I take very seriously.
5. Many people have no idea who they really are because they haven't looked into the mirror and really looked at what was staring back at them.
6. Groceries and Prescriptions were the last thing I bought at the store.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to handing out candy to Trick-or-Treaters and watching Rocky Horror Picture Show for the millionth time, tomorrow my plans include finishing the first Pay-It-Forward gift (needs to be properly blocked) while watching College Football (Go Texas Tech!) and Sunday, I want to clean the apartment, cook a few meals for the upcoming week, and watch the Green Bay Packers.

Manic Monday

How many hours of TV do you watch per week? Do you feel that’s too much, not enough or just right?

Depends. On Saturday I watch college football, sometimes for the entire day while I am knitting or doing house work like ironing. Sunday, I watch at least one of the pro games. The rest of the week it just depends. Over all, Monday through Friday I would say that I watch about three hours of TV. Saturday and Sunday I would say about eleven hours. All in all, just about right for me....at least at this point in my life.

Which of the 5 senses do you feel is your strongest sense?

Hands down, it is my hearing. I can hear things that most people can't. Sometimes I can even hear the conversations of other tables when I am out at a restaurant....

What’s the wackiest belief you held as a child?

Oh wow - good question. I think it would have to be the fact that my mother said she had eyes in the back of her head. I quickly learned that she was kidding, but my kids thought the same thing for YEARS! Now they both have eyes tattooed on their neck so that they can say that they have eyes in the back of their heads.....OY....

Okay, gang...off to bed or I will never want to get up. I owe lanoue81 a text message tomorrow since I stood her up at the Houston Hurly Knitter's Java Stitch gathering. I had a "Come To Jesus" meeting that I needed to attend and she will understand when I tell her about it....that's what friends are for....

Tuesday Temptations

First, I voted! I "risked" a chance run in with S.W.C.B.N. because I have not changed my address with all the places necessary....working on it....

Second, this temptation was first "seen" on Ravelry in this forum. I loved it and immediately added it to today's post for all of my bloggy peeps. I think that many of the items will be great for those swaps we seem so fond of....

I went to the library yesterday and found some cool books. I Checked out: Flying Solo Single Women In Midlife by Carol M Anderson and Susan Stewart, Baby Knits for Beginners by Debbie Bliss, Knitting For Baby by Melanie Falick and Kristin Nicholas, Nick Stellino’s Mediterranean Flavors, and Lee Bailey’s New Orleans Good Food and Glorious Houses by Lee Bailey with Ella Brennan. A little light reading and baby knitting pattern searching….

I originally went looking for the Debbie Bliss book with the kimono pattern that Franklin suggested. Turns out I have to request it from the Main Library. Request submitted….should be at my local branch Wednesday….

My latest temptations all come from The Art Institute of Chicago catalog that I received recently. As soon as I opened the catalog I saw this, and fell instantly in love/lust. A soon as I turned the page, I was distracted by this, this, and this. A few more pages later and I was captured by this and the companion glasses. A few more pages and I saw this, this, this, this, and this. A few pages later....see a trend yet....I saw this, this, this, this, this, this, this, and this. As I skimmed through the Christmas card selection and past the snail mail order form, I found this and these in blue and red. I just love the painting they are inspired by. I so would love this as well. I think that I may totally change my signature color to red. Almost done with the catalog I found this, this, this, and these. I also need to add this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, and this.

Looks like I may need a sugar mama or a lucky lottery ticket if I keep up lusting after some of this artsy stuff....

The Bike Of My Dreams....

Okay gang...I am sitting here drinking coffee and I realized that in my stupor after talking with my mom that I completely forgot to post that I found the PERFECT bike for me. Yes, I am serious. I start back to college this spring to finish my degree. I learned from a very wise business owner, and personal friend, that you need to have your goals in a place you can see them daily to keep you focused and on track. I am still listing them out but a motorcycle has always been at the top of the list, and after the special friend took me to the rally I was even more motivated.

So, this is the one I will print and place on the goals board. I am not certain of which color speaks to me the loudest. I'm not an all black kind of gal, so I will not even entertain thoughts of that one. For some reason, I do like the Red Hot Sunglo and the Deep Turquoise with Antique White, along with the Flame Blue Pearl with Pewter Pearl.

My dad suggested that I keep my eyes open for dealer demo units. He is a wise man. That is how younger brother got his newest one. And my mother reminded me that I would be needing a haircut that is more conducive to helmets (helmet hair - UGH!). She also reminded me that my goal is not to look cute, but to look attractive while being safe.

Okay, back to coffee, pancakes, one skein knitting....and football.

All Saint's Day

Otherwise known as my mother's birthday. Happy birthday mom!

What a day! Will spare you all the details. I did receive an excellent suggestion for what to make my new granddaughter. I have decided to make this. Mr. Habit himself suggested it as an excellent item. Will go to the bookstore to see if I need to own the book...otherwise, I need to see if my local library has it so I can get going....

Talking to my mom always reminds me of how much I respect her now. She shocked me with one of her comments. She is finally going to break down and get a tattoo. She wants one that says "Made in Tennessee". All true, as she was born there just as my dad, myself, and all my siblings. She also told me that my baby brother just got himself a new bike. I think that she said it was black with suede blue trim. My parents have one like this. She is all black and mom said dad calls her Black Beauty. She also shocked me right out of my shoes when she told me that my uncle just got himself this. I have no other details. The main shocker is that he is 6'2" and should have gotten a bigger bike....but he will learn, so says my dad....

Okay, off to bed soon, as Texas Tech upset the Texas Longhorns....and I am exhausted....I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend and survived Halloween.....