Puppy Breath

Since Mommy is such a lousy blogger, we have decided to take over the blog! Meet our 2 newest buddies -- Calvin and Hobbes. . . .

They are still with their mom right now, but in a couple of weeks they will be going to live with mommy's friend. We are all very excited cuz we are pretty sure we are going to get to go visit and play, play, play. We love to play, well, all of us 'cept Woody cuz he's 13 and grumpy.

The mom lady has not been very generous with the treats lately and we are all getting grumpy like Woody. Hopefully she'll get off her butt this weekend and make us some delicious salmon fudge treats. It is the least she could do since we have spent an exhausting week sleeping, shedding and snoring. Oh and we also spent lots of time snuggling with the mom lady to keep her from her knitting. See, we totally deserve lots and lots of treats.

Well puggy and honorary puggy friends, have a great weekend and we hope your mom ladies give you lots and lots of treats. Happy Saturday.

Ho-Tei, Myoki, Woody, Bodhi and Poppy (the honorary pug)

Yeah for Fall

I love, love, love Fall and this morning, with the temp at 48, it sure feels like my favorite time of year. The pugs are happy (they hate the heat) and I am enjoying our walks and my knitting more than ever.

Today I return to work from my staycation. It will be so hard to leave the babies -- they are fabulous company. I'm sure the day will go by fast and I'll be home to them soon.

No photos this morning -- too lazy to find my phone. But I'll leave you with my new favorite thing: Peets Coffee with World Market's Mexican Drinking Chocolate. Yummmmmmmm.

Well, off to prepare for work. I think I need another of those yummy coffees before I go. Have a great Monday all!

Sunday Mornings

This is what fills my soul. Happy Sunday everyone.

Pugs Make it All Better

Isn't that a lovely sock? Yet, what is that little orange marker near the toe. Why yes, it is a dropped stitch discovered after the sock was "finished." I really hate when that happens. So, while pouting and pitching a bit of a hissy, Bodhi Boing Boing Butt did what he does best:

He made me smile.

Stop Me From Casting On - PLEASE

I don' know what's wrong with me, but I can't stop casting on new projects. Let's take a bit of inventory shall we?

On the needles:

1. Featherweight Cardigan

2. Elsewhere Cardigan

3. Amelia Cardigan (anyone seeing a pattern here?????)

4. 2nd Circle Sock

5. First Spring Forward Sock

6. Ishbel Scarf/Shawl

7. Emma's Paris Shawl

8. 2nd Sock Hop sock

9. Lavalette Shawl

10. Milkweed Shawl

and these are just the ones that are out where I can see them. Who knows how many are tucked in the many knitting bags in closets and in the basement and in the dormer and . . . .

Hi, I am a knitaholic -- whatever. . .

Ooooooooooom the new Vogue Knitting arrived in the mail and now I want to cast on a couple of amazing hats and. . . .

Yep, a little ADD going on in the knitting realm here. I've been pretty good about stash diving to start all these projects, but you know, I really should try to finish some of these. Of course, the fact that I am built for comfort and not for speed means that the cardigans are of ginormous proportions and take FOREVER to even work a row. Yes I know if I knit in pieces it would not seem so daunting but then I would have to sew those pieces together and let's just say -- not going to happen. So I knit and purl and knit and purl and . . .you get the picture. Wait until I decide I need to knit some Christmas gifts. Hehehehe. Well, I won't get that cast on bug until December so I have a few month to play with my stash and cast on more stuff.

In my defense, I am totally a process knitter. I love the stitches, the patterns, the yarn, and watching everything come together and then I see another pattern, an interesting stitch, an amazing yarn and off I go to process knit some more. When (and if) I finish something, I am always disappointed because the knitting is done. So that is why I have lots of in progress projects. It is all about the process.

On the pugger front, they are all snoring away right now. Each has a bed/pillow or pile of toys to call their own and are curled up, snoozing and looking way too cute. So cute in fact, I must go kiss each and every one of them.

Happy Saturday everyone. Keep sending Walter healing thoughts. He came through his surgery with flying colors and is now on the long road to recovery. His mom could use some web hugs as well. She has been through so much during this time, so send them both some pug love if you get a chance.

Some Knitting Goodies

Let's begin this with yarny goodness, shall we?Isn' that a lovely hank o'sock yarny goodness? I can't wait to wind it into a yarny cake and get it cast on. I am thinking I'll do Ysolda's little scarf in this yummy yarn since it is almost too beautiful to make into socks. We'll see. It will tell me what it wants to be when I wind it up. I'll keep you posted.
Also added a great book to the knitting library. Knitted gifts is fully of wonderful patterns and who knows, I might actually start my holiday knitting before December -- or maybe not. At least I'll have some great ideas.

This lovely little sockie is Spring Forward from Knitty in Malabrigo. It is such a fun pattern to knit and the yarn, oh the yarn, just a true pleasure. It has been keeping me well entertained and occupied. Got to love that in a project.

The shawl continues, but I admit I've been at it long enough that the honeymoon is over and I am getting a wee bit bored. No worries, I'll slog through. I'm almost done, I can't give up to my ADA now -- hehehehe.

It is a bit chilly and rainy here today -- my favorite kind of weather. The pugs are all around me snoring and life is good. Mom continues to improve and I am hopeful that next week will be a much better one. If not, well, I've had lots of practice getting through rough weeks, so no biggie.

Have a great Saturday, enjoy your fur babies and fondle your knitting.

Friday Finally

Amazingly, with all that has been happening recently, there has been knitting. I've been working on a shawl in Fleece Artist something or other (who knows where the ball band is) and it is coming along nicely. When finished, I will probably give this to mom, since she keeps telling me that it is her shawl. The older she gets, the more child-like.

Also on the needles are the Spring Forward Socks in Malabrigo sock, whisper cardigan in Koigu (this one will take FOREVER!). I also have a couple of single socks just begging for mates and a ginormous pile of yarn enticing me to cast on yet another project.

The pugs are cute, cute, cute. They have been sweet and loving and, of course, really silly. There is something about those smooshed faces that just make you smile.

Today mom is having surgery. They found a blood clot in her left leg and so are doing surgery to install a filter to prevent the clot from moving up to her heart or brain. The nurses at St. John's Westshore have been AMAZING and WONDERFUL. They are so sweet and patient with mom (who can be a real handful). They finally got all the blood out of her hair and she is looking less like an extra from the Texas Chainsaw massacre and more like herself.

I have also been looking at nursing homes closer to my house since I'm not sure I will keep her at her current facility. It is all up in the air right now, but they tell me that it is better if I am going to relocate her, that I do it from the hospital instead of letting her return to her current facility and then moving her out. Less confusing/disruptive. Before I make any decisions, I am going to meet with the administrator and see if I can get some of this straightened out. Good times.

Well, back to the hospital. Have a great weekend and happy knitting!

Why is it only Wednesday?

We want it to be Friday. Really. Sigh. Some weeks take forever and this is one of those weeks. One of our dearest doggie friends, Holly the standard poodle, went over the rainbow bridge last night. She lived a long and wonderful life, but we miss having her presence here on earth. Sigh.

That said, Grandma is not doing very well and mommy is sad AND Woody is declining. His old back injury has flaired up and he is having a hard time walking. Mommy is very sad about all of this and try as we might, we have not been able to cheer her up.

On happier notes, mommy stayed home yesterday and we got to play in the yard and chase each other round and round the big tree! Bodhi is very fast, but sometimes we trick him and double back on him. Hehehehehe.

There are some kitties that live behind us and they like to sit on the other side of the fence and tease us. Myoki is plotting to get through the fence so he can introduce himself properly. Mommy is always coming up with new and inventive ways to keep him from digging under the fence. It is good to keep mommy occupied so she is not so sad.

Well, I'd better sign off before mommy finds out I've been on the computer. Besides, I think I hear the treat can. Hope you all have a great Wednesday.

Snuggles and snorts, Ho-Tei

Good Thing it is Friday

Some mornings just start out bad and make you nervous about the rest of the day. Today is one of those days.

Do you see that sweet, little white honorary pug? Well, Princess Popperina was a naughty naughty girl this morning. At 5 a.m. the pack decided that they had enough sleeping and needed a potty break. Ever the loving momma, I drug my sleepy self out of the bed and took them out for some taking care of business action. Well, Ms. Poppy was, apparently, having some intestinal disturbances that resulted in a bit of loose poop. Sigh. While I was heading over to clean up her deposit, SHE ROLLED IN IT!!!! Aughhhhhhh! So at 5:20 this morning I was giving a poopy Poppy a bath. Good thing I love her. I am thinking that this was not the way I would have chosen to start the day. Sure hope the rest of the day goes cleaner.

On a happier and greener note, I picked up my CSA share last night. I love, love love City Fresh. Last night's harvest was cabbage, kale, beets, red raspberries, onions, zucchini, and yellow squash. Yum, yum, yum! There is nothing better than fresh from the farm produce.

On the knitting front, I'm still working on the Spring Forward socks in Malabrigo and plain old socks in Sock Pixie's cashmerino. I have 3 other socks that need mates -- apparently I got distracted, hehehehe. I'm also working on my Imogen, but miles of stockinette stitch is best reserved for a great tv/movie watching to keep the mind from going mad.

Well, I need more coffee and to start getting ready for work. Have a fabulous Friday all.

What happened to Monday?

Poor Myoki has a bladder infection. He is being a trooper, but here is hoping the meds kick in soon. Poor sweet, handsome angel.

I can't believe it is Tuesday already. Is it just me or is time flying by at an alarming rate? Whew, makes me tired just thinking about it. Yesterday was uneventful. Worked, walked the pups, knitted a bit and fell asleep on the couch. The excitement of it all is exhausting!

Sure hope you all have a fabulous Tuesday.

Where is June?

What happened to June? Did we have June this year? I cannot believe how fast this year is flying by and how I seem to be missing it! Slow down, damnit!!

There, I feel better now.

All the pugs and Poppy are fat, sassy and loving life. Bodhi has become one of the pack and delights in giving his older brothers hell. He lives for them to chase him. Oh, to have such energy. He is a boing boing butt for sure.

I've done some knitting, some yarn acquisition and some house cleaning. The knitting and yarn acquisition were the most fun. I also got some alpaca for spinning, but have not undertaken that project yet. The focus of this weekend has been to unearth UFOs and see if they should be finished or ripped. I've found 3 -- one is a keeper and 2 must go. It amazes me how much I dislike knitting with cotton and yet, I continue to knit with cotton. You guessed it, the 2 projects going to the frog pond are cotton. Apparently, I believe if I can find the right pattern the cotton love will come. So far, not so much.

The best part of this weekend has been hanging out with the pups, reading magazines, a little knitting and eating ice cream for dinner. Yep, I do know how to celebrate the 4th! The fur babies were great about the fireworks. They slept through the entire evening.

And now, it is time to get ready to return to the land of the employed. Hope you all had a fabulous weekend and got to spend lots of time with the ones you love.

Two Days in a Row!

Wow, blogging two days in a row.  I must be mad!  Odd thing is that I really don't have much of anything to blog about.  The knitting continues, although no finishing.  Socks are still my number one choice, but I do have a hankering to knit up this little lovely in the new Knotions.  The fact that it comes in large size makes it even harder to resist.  Bet I have some yummy yarn in my stash and of course I have needles and. . . oh dear.   See, bad knitter.  Always starting, never finishing.

I'll leave you with some Ho-Tei cuteness.  Enjoy!

Monday Monday

Another Monday -- sigh!  The house still needs to be cleaned, I need a shower, and what am I doing . . . updating my blog.  Yeah, it is going to be one of those days.

On the needles:  several socks, a kerchief for mom (she's totally into hats lately), a couple of lace shawls, a short sleeved T and a cardigan.  Those are only the ones I can find.  There are several other items scattered in knitting bags throughout Casa de Pugs.  I like to start things, play with patterns, see how yarn works up.  Finishing -- sometimes, but not that important.  I am a process knitter.  There, confessions for the week.

Yesterday I made reservations for Mothers' Day at the Metroparks.  They are having a light breakfast, a stroll in the park and just a relaxing morn with Moms at the Nature Center.  Mom had so much fun watching the birds there yesterday, I figured it was a good treat for mother's day.  I'm hoping to have her kerchief ready for wrapping before Sunday.  

On the puggers front:  all is well.  Bodhi continues to amuse and amaze.  He is such a puppy and has such a wonderful attitude.  He is giving Myoki and Hotei quite a work out and they both love him.  Woody and Poppy just tolerate all the rest so things are quite normal around here.

Well, enough dilly dallying.  Into the shower and off to work with me.  I'm going to need more coffee.

Sunday

Greetings all. Been a bit since I've posted. Life continues at Casa de Pug. Bodhi has settled in quite nicely, entertaining us all with his puppy antics and making sure he greets all visitors by jumping on their laps and giving them kisses.

I am loving having my weekends to do as I please. The house is cleaner (sort of), the dogs love the extra time with me and I am finally feeling rested and like I can function again. Not bad. The financial loss is a bit of an adjustment. I've had to be content with stash diving rather than yarn buying, but I have a lovely stash and really am enjoying discovering its hidden treasurers.

On a sad note, dear sweet Lotus, the Chi in the header picture passed away last Sunday. She went to sleep and never woke up. Peaceful yet baffling. We think it was an undiagnosed heart defect, but she is gone and we are all missing her feisty little self. I haven't worked up the courage to tell my mom yet. It won't be easy and right now I'm not feeling very brave.

So, there is good and there is sad -- that would be life. At least the weather is getting a bit warmer and I am enjoying knitting my socks and shawls, reading books and hanging out with the dogs. Instead of yearning for a simpler life, I think I'm actually going to work at having one.

Enjoy your Sunday. Happy knitting!

Puppies

Well, took a few days off work and am babysitting Berkeley.  How cute is he?  Bodhi and Berkeley are having so much fun being youngsters together.  The rest of the posse is napping -- exhausted from witnessing the puppy antics.

Knitting-wise I've been working on a couple of basic shawls and 2 pair of toe-up socks.  So far I have been able to resist the urge to cast on a sweater, but honestly, I'm not sure how much longer I can resist.  A warm, comfy cardigan to get me through the winter/spring transition -- yum!

Tomorrow is my last day at the yarn shop.  I am sad and excited -- I'll miss the folks and being surrounded by all that yarny goodness, but I am thrilled that I can have lazy weekends, gardening, hanging with the dogs, knitting, visiting the farmers' markets this year.  So many things I missed since I was working so much.  Yes, I did learn that time to relax is very, very important.  To make up for the lost cash flow, I have cancelled my Netflix account and am making myself knit from my stash.  No new yarn acquisitions until the Great Lakes Fiber Festival this Spring.  I should be able to do it if I am very stern with myself.

Well, the pups need a romp outside and I need to go see Mom for a visit.  Happy Friday all.

Bodhi

Well, Saturday brought a lovely day off, some snow and the adorable Bodhi Boing Boing Butt!  Hard to believe that folks just kept giving up on this adorable little boy.  Lucky for me his original owner still couldn't keep him so now he is mine all mine and he is in his new forever home.  Dr. Scott was able to get him in on Saturday for a complete checkup and snippage.  Bodhi came home Saturday night, snuggled in my arms and has not let me out of his sight yet.  The other dogs have accepted him as if he was always part of the pack.  It is all good.

In knitting news, I whipped up another cowl.  This one out of Blue Moon Fiber Arts bulky in the raven series.  It is a cabled cowl that makes me very happy and keeps me nice and warm.

Other than knitting, dishes and loving the dogs, I've spent way too much time watching movies and napping.  I like it!

Madeline's BIL came over to look at my garage roof.  He is going to call me with an estimate.  Isn't that just like life -- quite my part time job, house needs a repair.  Sigh!

Well, loves, I'm off to see the Momma and introduce her to Bodhi.  Have a great day!

Another Day Another Pug

First, I would like to share with you Knit for Joy's Valentine Greeting.  It says it all and it says it right.  

So let's get caught up shall we.  First, there is a very good possibility that I will be adopting yet another pug today.  Shut Up and Stop Counting My Dogs!  I have no will power when it comes to dogs, yarn (esp. Malabrigo --- purrrrrrrrrrrrr), books and handbags.  

Although on an up note, my handbag fetish seems to be diminishing and those who are interested should take note:  Ebay will soon be hosting several lovely bags from my ginormous collection.  

Knitters can look for Jordana Paige Rio in Red and Satchel in Olive Green; Namaste Laguana in Turquoise; Amy Butler Hampton in Green; Lexie Barnes Messenger in Green/Coral floral and a small Green Mountain knitting bag with both wooden handles and straps to carry the sweet thing over your arm.  

Also going on the block  some black Coach bags: 2 Large Backpacks, a black tote with turn locks on the sides and a blue satchel.  Wait there is still more (yes, I am hanging my head in shame, shame I tell you):  Prada:  Large and Small Messenger bags (1 each in black); Tano bags: 1 in raspberry and 2 in brown and 2 American West bags:  one large tote and one small.  

There will be more as I dig through my collection.  I haven't posted any of these on Ebay yet, so  should anyone have a burning desire for more info or acquisition, leave a comment with an email and I'll get back to you.  I haven't priced any of these so make an offer, it could be your bag.  WARNING:  This is a smoke-free home that is extremely dog and cat friendly.  All efforts to remove any fur will be made, but those who live in fur homes know, it is virtually impossible to promise no fur will follow.  Just sayin. . . .   Oh, and yes, I realize that this is an embarrassingly large amount of bags, but to my credit, I am culling the herd.

There has been knitting -- really!  I finished a fan and feather cowl in Malabrigo (purrrrrrr) chunky, 3 Noro striped scarves, a hat, and mittens.  On my needles at the moment are 2 shawls, one pair of toe up socks and Shannon Okey's Rivulet in Malabrigo (purrrrrrrr).    I have several projects, mostly sweaters, lined up in the queue.

Hum, my cat, Kali, has just ripped the flesh from my knuckles since apparently she despises my typing while she is trying to cuddle.  Best go clean off the blood and assess the damage.  Old, grumpy cats with claws -- not always a good time. 

Happy Heart Day.

Monday and I'm Knitting as Fast as I Can

Greetings all.  Yes, I have returned from the netherlands of blog neglect.  In my blog absence I have been knitting a bit:  hats, cowls, mittens, scarves, socks -- small, satisfying projects.  Currently on my needles are 2 shawls, both in Noro Silk Garden.  Apparently, I feel the need for color and lots of it.

The dogs are all fat and happy.  Currently they are snoozing and snoring.  I will find the camera and get some photos up for your enjoyment.  Well, off to earning a living.  Happy Monday!