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  Lovemademyhome's blog invites us to Five on Friday.  Thanks Amy!   1.  I love my new Duluth Trading company bag. I'm very hard on bags/ purses.. It needed something feminine about it, so I crocheted a flower.  I'll probably make another, this was practice.  I like the look....what do you think? 2. Time to think even more about heart health. My father has heart disease and had CABG  20 years ago.  Ah genetics, sometimes they stink. Time to up the efforts here at my house. Cholesterol levels are increasing... what's your favorite heart healthy snack? 3. I'm finishing my latest Trap scarf. OH Trap, How I love thee. 4. My little sister, Patti Ann, has begun to crochet.  I want to encourage her in every way!  I crocheted before I knit.  I'm going to send her a care package - Do you have a favorite crochet pattern to share with her?  She's a beginner.. 5.  F...

  Thursdays find me at the shelter early for spays and neuters. This was the pretty albeit snowy scene this morning, across the street from the shelter.  I am still having blast with the fish eye lens.  One of the volunteers at the shelter is a professional portrait photographer. She wanted practice with cats.  Her clients are usually dogs.   Beatles obliged.  Truth be told, alright, I'll tell the truth.. he cried all the way there in the crate. Once he got out of the crate he was an angel. He let us shoot him for about half an  hour.  I kept telling Nadine, the photographer, that cats are not this easy.  I'll have more to show you soon.  I can't wait to see the ones she took of just Beatles.  We drove home in some serious snow. Today's knit plan:  Trap trap traptasktic time!

1.    Outside my window - Water main break.  Brrrr those workers are freezing.  So we were without water for 6 hours, and it was not a big deal.  I don't have diapers to change or the like, so it was not near as big a deal for me as it is for some.   2 .   I am in awe of :     one of my favorite pictures that Zach is selling. I framed it for my Wonder Vet. 3. I am hearing: Rodrigo and Gabriela play their amazing duets on guitar.   It is my favorite music these days.  4. I am Reading: the book Quiet.  I'm fascinated.  5. I am Pondering: running for the board at the shelter.  I was asked to go to a meeting last night and to consider running.  I'm leaning towards not running. 6. I am eating: Rah-rah raisins Girl Scout Cookies. New cookie, great taste. I'm  not even a oatmeal raisin fan. 7. I am knitting:  the Knotty Cowl and I still love the 4 row repeat.  I...

  *Wanna Date? Well, sorry these are Figs.  These are Prosciutto wrapped Figs. I like when recipes are really just put togethers.  You buy some dates or figs.   You drizzle balsamic vinegar on top of them. You layer goat cheese on top of that. You sprinkle a TINY bit of Crushed red pepper on the cheese. Then you wrap it in a piece of thin prosciutto.  Broil it for a bit till the fancy bacon is crispy.  Fireman loved these. I made them for Zach who prefers dates but enjoyed the figs. I didn't even try them... We are almost 2 months into 2015 and I have kept a resolution. I gave up beef and pork.  Oh and lamb, but I don't eat lamb, or duck or pheasant or quail or venison.  My dad was/is a hunter.  I grew up being asked to try the game he shot on Sundays.  Yuck.  I know what people mean when they say something tastes gamey.   Perhaps my father...

  I continue to just fiddle around with needles and yarn without a true goal.   I used up some old felting yarn this weekend.  I made a funky yarn bowl.  It will do.   Because it won't stand well on its own, I cut some little slits around the top and put some ribbon through it to gather.  Since I cannot decide on a new project for more than a few hours, I keep going back to Trap.  I'd say I'm half way there.  The stockinette Trap will roll, so I tried to show you its width here.  Winter being what it is, I didnt lay it out perfectly for you. Trust me that it isn't wonky on the edges.   In other IE (Irisheyes) News: *Our Girl Scout Cookies arrived yesterday... *Despite the bitter cold I keep hearing Cardinals sing when I am briefly outside *I watched the Oscars: highlight according to me =  Lada GAGA.  That Lady Nailed it! *I'd like to add to my blog reads: is there anyone you'd lo...

  This is my LYS shop pattern from the summer yarn crawl.  It is called A Friendly Scowl.  It is a scarf/cowl.  I was there taking pictures at Knit night last night and someone was starting one.  She is using a Zara hand dyed yarn and I love the creams she chose.  Head over there if you want to see more of what folks were knitting: Threebagsfullcorner.blogspot.com       I've become  a huge fan of Dr. Pol. The Incredible Dr . Pol.  He is a country vet in Michigan.  There's just something wonderful about him.  I have to go out to dinner tonight...and I may have to miss a new episode....here's hoping I'm back in time.  When I'm more interested in a show than food, that's a testimonial! I was skyping with friends the other day.  Karen, my friend, set it up. Our friend who moved to Atlanta, was joining us.  Her poor dog was going mad trying to figure out...

  I've been using an eye cream.  These beauty products are very expensive, in my book of Life.  I've decided if one thing should look good the eyes have it.  Irisheyes Right?  This is Radiant by Benefit. I bought it at Macy's.  It cost almost 40 dollars. I have used some beauty products that I have found had NO effect on my face.  For instance, any dark age reducing spot product has failed me.  Big time.  We are talking Clinque.  Waste of money for me.  Burts Bees, also ineffective for me.  Oh and by the way the Burts Bees is very sticky.  I became very focused on avoiding the sun from 1990 to 2000.  My family was ashamed of me. I hid under towels and hats at our yearly Lake vacation.  Any sun was bad sun.  That probably did more good than anything else. Then I caved to the lure of the sun kissed look.  So I have sun spots.  I had a dermatologist do ...

http://zbphotog.500px.com Zachary is interested in selling a few of his photographs.   The link zbphotog.500px.com  will take you to his site.  If anything interests you please contact him at zachboyer@rocketmail.  He's new to this selling stuff.  I wonder if I get a discount?  There are 3 photos I'd like to make into notecards. Can you guess which?  This is one of my all time favorite photographs ....that I took.  I know I've shown it to you before, so forgive the indulgence.  Thanks to Karen at PumpkinSunrise blog, I started the Reversatile Cowl yesterday.  I think I'm making the drops too big, but I like it nonetheless.  I'm knitting with a bright orange yarn to contrast with the white outdoors.  It's the answer to what will I knit next?  Brutal record breaking cold here in Chicago today.  Glad Val from Wandering Cat can handle it here during her visit. I wish we had time to meet...

  I knit my Midnight Mobius in two nights. This super simple pattern is all garter on size 15s. Do a twist and sew the seams.  I have to pick soft acrylic for around my neck. This is Thick and Quick acrylic.  It is like a cloud around my neck.  Just in time for our near recording breaking cold days this week.  It was perfect Westminster watching knitting too. The Golden Retriever didn't win...again. I enjoyed the coverage and two whole nights with no channel flipping going on.  I rarely reserve the TV for myself, but I do for the Dog show!  The cats just seemed to watch a bit and I could see them thinking, "This whole thing is silly.   Don't these animals ever sit down and wrap their tail around their paws and just be admired?"   and then, "Im going back to sleep"

  Let's turn this snow business into something light and fun: a snow man.  This is the only one in my neighborhood. I actually chose to get my steps outside yesterday in 17 degree weather.  It is all about the wind.  There was little to no wind and the sun was a shining! I found this snowman to boot.  I'm thoroughly enjoying knitting this cowl with acrylic from Michael's.  It is so darn soft.  It is so darn simple. My current favorite for BEST IN SHOW is  Rocket the Shih-tzu. I know we are well into the New Year, but I finally realized my word, theme, for this year is going to be Boundaries.   This may include the Boundary Waters... but mostly it is about healthy relationships.  Boundaries.. I have to give my Aunt credit.  She told me her best advice is to establish the boundaries you are entitled to and comfortable with... and work on maintaining those boundaries. Eno...

I love to watch Westminster.  I look forward to it all year.  I know it is "fixed" and I know we have to promote mixed breeds and shelter dogs.... but I love this show. I always root for the Golden Retrievers and the  shelties and the Gordons  and the miniature schnauzers and the  Malteses and the  Otter hounds.  Some of these breeds I would never consider living along side...but I love to watch them at the SHOW.  I'm getting my knitting in order for Westminster tonight.     I am losing interest in my tiny needle projects.  I have such a short attention span. Socks and Trap can wait.  I need that new yarn high.... Who will you root for to be BEST IN SHOW?

Years ago, Fireman and I had dinner at a culinary institute.  The students were creating chocolate bowls using balloons as forms.  Fireman laughed and said, he could make those. I've been reminding him for years, about those bowls he said he could make.  This year for Valentine's Day he finally made them for me.  He did not think they came out as well as he would have liked.  I thought they were great.  He can say he finished that goal. Fireman got a call this morning on his cell phone. It was from a number we don't recognize. "This is mom, give me a call" was the voice message. Since his mom is passed and my mom has Alzheimer's I took a strange joy in hearing even the wrong mother say,  "this is MOM"  am I strange or what?  I've been thinking about asking any of you who are praying persons to say one for my mom.....would you? Today's plan: keep knitting the 500 sti...

  Happy Valentines Day!   I heart you all.  I heart the lurkers and the comment folk and the pretend folk and the already metcha folk!   I am very impatient when I start knitting anew. I've tried to knit this scarf before, and have given up.  I decided to try again.  I had to cast on 500 stitches. If I just push through the beginning I think I'll love it.  I heart progress.....   You know I heart Fireman.  He gave me a gadget for Valentine's Day.  This phone attachment changes the lens on the camera on the phone on the table.... To a fish eye lens.  or a macro lens or a wide angle lens.  It is ridiculously fun to see the world through goldfish eyes. Hey YOU? Where's Mr Rogers?  I want to eat.  I'm all silly about it.....can you tell?

The Bea and the Pie wish you a very lucky day! Pie will be two in March.  Don't let her size fool you... she rules the roost here!  If Koigu had babies.... or rather, Koigu had babies! Three Bags had this cowl knit up in the koigu mini skeins. I heard it takes many many mini's to complete.  I think all the color changes would keep my interest.  I don't plan on knitting it, I just wanted to share the baby Koigu news with you!  Be Lucky today!~ 

Such a darling bag..... I'm not a sucker for fashion so to speak, but I love bags and purses.  These needle bags are so beautiful.  However,  they are way outta the park in price range. I think they run no less than 48.00  I know they are functional and the atenti line is so pretty they look like evening bags.... but I don't carry my library of needles out of the house. Maybe I would if I had one of these!  I'm very much a VALUE and practical shopper. I  do have Knitter's Magazine 's Cake Covers patterns.  I've thought about knitting one up.  Channon, this post is written with  you in mind.  You are so stylish and a great shopper.  Anyone else love a great bag?  oh and a new post with ideas is up  at  threebagsfullcorner.blogspot.com

  Lake Michigan is interesting this winter with snowballs of sand and ice caves forming on the shores.  This shot was taken quite safely from the deck above the shore.  See how dark the sky is?  That's our sunshine in Chicago at 11 a.m. these days!  On a sunnier note, Al's top is finished.  She would not recommend the pattern or the yarn.  It was so difficult to finish that she paid to have it finished at Three Bags and I sent it to her.  I love the result.  The broomstick stitch is lovely and gives it a lace look don't you think?  However, since she rarely needs finishing help, and I'm not just bragging bout my girlie, I wouldn't want to steer you down that slippery slope.   Have a sweet Afternoon!

  In the spirit of Valentine's Day, Carole knits Ten on Tuesday prompt is I love..... *I love my go to knit pattern: Trap scarf  *I love seeing the seeds for sale a full 14 weeks before Chicago's last frost date.  * I love to look at farms.  *I Love Ina Garten's cookbooks. *I love something sweet to eat before bed. *I love my screened porch and I miss it in winter.  *I love when a long time animal gets adopted from the shelter.  *I love movie theatre popcorn with butter.  *I love hearing an owl hoot.  *I love emails from my sister Michelle, the veterinarian. 

Darn! Men With Yarn Calendar .  Have you seen this Calendar?   Do I have your attention? Happy Monday!   Have you seen the movie Fabulous Fashionistas? It is a wonderful interview with 6 amazing women who are redefining aging.   Find a copy and watch it.....it is a gem.    I played around with the Take Me With you Bag Pattern yesterday. If I really decide to knit one, I have to find a yarn equivalent.  She used cotton, and I know that will make my arm hurt.   I made my own confetti corn last night as a side dish.  I browned the corn on the stove with a bit of oil.  This took a while but brought out a nice flavor.  I then added a can of tomatoes and jalepenos.   Mmmmmm.  Twas good.  If you get a choice today,  Choose Happy!