I just have to rant for a minute here. We are in a drought people! A few weeks of rain doesn't begin to fill up Lake Lanier. Alabama and Florida are clamoring for water from that lake, and what does our governor do? Hey, it's ok to water your lawn. That is just a great use of a limited resource. Now, the watering restrictions are still in place on a local level, so luckily I think a lot of local governments still have pretty strict restrictions in place. However, check this link out. It shows current water levels at Lake Lanier. Should you really be filling your pool or watering your lawn?
If you want more scientific data, check out this chart I found.
I will admit that both of my sources are from the internet, and while I know that we can't always believe what we read, I've lived in the South my whole life. I don't need a chart to tell me we're in a drought. I can see it with my own eyes on a daily basis.
I'll write more about knitting and other fun things later. I've been working on Ravelry some, and there is now a group for Toasty by numma numma fans. More specifically, Toasty for Needle Nook.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Daily creativity
I want to direct you to Janice's blog, Knitting, With Dogs. I've linked you to her thing a day entry where she links you to what thing a day is. She's been doing this in February, and I'm so enjoying watching what she's doing. She made butter on the first day, and I've always wanted to try it. The Dekalb Farmer's Market carries a brand of dairy products that are non-homogenized, so I'll get some of their heavy cream and make my own butter. I won't be as low tech as Janice since I have a KitchenAid (thanks to the world's greatest husband.)
When Daphne and I had lunch a few weeks ago, I mentioned the prayer shawl ministry to her. She's very involved with her church's prayer group, and I remembered she wanted to knit, but she doesn't have much knitting time. She loved the idea of it, and her church is ready to get started. I'll be their knitting expert. Please take a minute to appreciate the irony of a non-observant Jew helping a church get their prayer shawl ministry going.
We have one day of sub-q left. We're getting better at it, as I knew we would. Like everything else, it needs practice. Unfortunately, I'm sure we'll get that practice since this is most likely to be a semi-regular thing.
When Daphne and I had lunch a few weeks ago, I mentioned the prayer shawl ministry to her. She's very involved with her church's prayer group, and I remembered she wanted to knit, but she doesn't have much knitting time. She loved the idea of it, and her church is ready to get started. I'll be their knitting expert. Please take a minute to appreciate the irony of a non-observant Jew helping a church get their prayer shawl ministry going.
We have one day of sub-q left. We're getting better at it, as I knew we would. Like everything else, it needs practice. Unfortunately, I'm sure we'll get that practice since this is most likely to be a semi-regular thing.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Stash organization
I've been working on my stash again today. I took photos of the sock yarn box and got some of them onto Ravelry. I have to know what I have in order to knit it up.
I have a lot more Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky than I thought. I had originally purchased it when I started knitting for things like sweaters and scarves, but I soon learned that it is much too itchy for me. It does work great for hardwearing things like mittens, and I used it to knit a lot of mitten for the holidays last year. However, I still have quite a bit of it, and I've been pondering how best to use it. I will admit that I thought about cat beds, but even my kitties prefer Malabrigo (or the high thread count sheets, preferably right above my head;)
So I've decided to use it up making some mittens to turn into Diana at the AKG, and she can take them to the Atlanta Women's Day Shelter. I can use up my yarn knitting for a local charity, and the people who receive them will hopefully be able to use them. This is the first year in the past 2 or 3 that we've had prolonged cold weather, so I think they will be welcomed.
I will admit to be totally surprised when I read Main Street Yarns and Fibers newsletter for this month. I was so happy to learn about Lucy Neatby that it was a little while before I saw the list of local Georgia knit blogs. There I was on the list! It's quite exciting to know that other people actually read my ramblings, especially since I'm not strictly a knit blog. I know, there are days when I'm definitely a cat lady blogger. Thanks Ruth, for including me!
As for cats, we successfully did the sub-q on Scooter. Since we were here at home, he was more wiggly and less cooperative. We got almost the entire amount of fluid into him when he suddenly bolted, leaving us getting squirted with saline solution by the iv. Honestly, not too bad for the very first go at it. I have a feeling that we will become much better over time, but we'll do it to keep Scooter with us. Did I mention that he was still slightly anemic, so he gets to continue having liver? For him, that is the best part of all this.
Off to get my stuff together for knitting this afternoon. Since I did 5 pairs of mittens last year, they are a very easy item for me to whip up, and I don't have to pay to terribly much attention.
I have a lot more Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky than I thought. I had originally purchased it when I started knitting for things like sweaters and scarves, but I soon learned that it is much too itchy for me. It does work great for hardwearing things like mittens, and I used it to knit a lot of mitten for the holidays last year. However, I still have quite a bit of it, and I've been pondering how best to use it. I will admit that I thought about cat beds, but even my kitties prefer Malabrigo (or the high thread count sheets, preferably right above my head;)
So I've decided to use it up making some mittens to turn into Diana at the AKG, and she can take them to the Atlanta Women's Day Shelter. I can use up my yarn knitting for a local charity, and the people who receive them will hopefully be able to use them. This is the first year in the past 2 or 3 that we've had prolonged cold weather, so I think they will be welcomed.
I will admit to be totally surprised when I read Main Street Yarns and Fibers newsletter for this month. I was so happy to learn about Lucy Neatby that it was a little while before I saw the list of local Georgia knit blogs. There I was on the list! It's quite exciting to know that other people actually read my ramblings, especially since I'm not strictly a knit blog. I know, there are days when I'm definitely a cat lady blogger. Thanks Ruth, for including me!
As for cats, we successfully did the sub-q on Scooter. Since we were here at home, he was more wiggly and less cooperative. We got almost the entire amount of fluid into him when he suddenly bolted, leaving us getting squirted with saline solution by the iv. Honestly, not too bad for the very first go at it. I have a feeling that we will become much better over time, but we'll do it to keep Scooter with us. Did I mention that he was still slightly anemic, so he gets to continue having liver? For him, that is the best part of all this.
Off to get my stuff together for knitting this afternoon. Since I did 5 pairs of mittens last year, they are a very easy item for me to whip up, and I don't have to pay to terribly much attention.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Lucy Neatby!
I can write this now as I have already paid for my spot. Lucy Neatby is going to be at Main Street Yarn & Fibers in May. Woo hoo! What does this following confession say about me? I have watched part of one of her DVD's while knitting and drinking too much wine with other knitters, and I actually learned things! Besides, who can pass up a teacher with hair like that? I can't wait. I think it will be lots of fun.
In other knit news, I would suggest if you want to try Malabrigo's Silky Merino, head over to Needle Nook soon. That yarn has been flying out of the shop. Several Ravelers from other parts of the country have been ordering it, and every time I go in, there is less and less of it. I will mention that it is so much prettier than the pictures on the Malabrigo website are. Silk just has that glow to it.
As for my beloved Scooter, Keith said that the sub-q isn't difficult at all, and he won't have any problems doing it. Thank goodness, because I'm a bit more squeamish. Scooter is definitely looking better and perkier.
In other knit news, I would suggest if you want to try Malabrigo's Silky Merino, head over to Needle Nook soon. That yarn has been flying out of the shop. Several Ravelers from other parts of the country have been ordering it, and every time I go in, there is less and less of it. I will mention that it is so much prettier than the pictures on the Malabrigo website are. Silk just has that glow to it.
As for my beloved Scooter, Keith said that the sub-q isn't difficult at all, and he won't have any problems doing it. Thank goodness, because I'm a bit more squeamish. Scooter is definitely looking better and perkier.
Sub Q thank you
Thanks for giving me the encouragement about having to do sub-q at home. Luckily Keith is getting to learn how to do it in just a little while.
It's truly amazing how much better Scooter already looks and seems to feel. He's getting a B vitamin supplement with the fluids, and I know personally how much a dose of B-12 can make you feel better. His spine doesn't feel as ridgy and pointy now either. And yes, I do think the worst of it is the feeling that I'm poking a needle into my kitty. However, I think Keith has the detachment and the more medical attitude to do it. He really is a great hubby.
He does have a very different view on things than I do. When I mentioned to him that I planned to take an afternoon just for crafting, he said "you do that every night!" For one thing, I don't knit every night. Secondly, I do it while I watch TV, and I'd still be watching TV even if I wasn't knitting, so I don't think it counts. I'm thinking about a chunk of uninterrupted time when I can get a lot done. Oops, now that I think about it, I do get Saturday nights when I watch the Britcoms. Well, I just want more time, specifically for some sewing. I'd rather take sewing time from mopping, not from knitting. (But who in their right mind enjoys mopping anyway?)
Have a great weekend. I'm still not quite sure what it holds for me. I had planned to go to a Superbowl knit party tomorrow, then decided I needed to check with the local relatives to see if Keith and I needed to help anyone out. One has said she's covered for this weekend, but I still need to make sure the other is alright. When I stopped to think about it, I realized I have 3 older relatives with Alzheimer's/dementia issues. I was telling Emily last night that I don't mind the getting older so much, but I don't want to end up feeble and confused. That's so hard to watch as they seem to fade away.
So let's end on a more cheerful note. I've been awake to watch the sunrise several times this week, and it's been just gorgeous. This morning as it rose it turned everything a very lovely, glowing rosy pink color. Now the sky just looks grey, but it was incredible and vibrant just a short while ago. Get out and watch the sunset tonight if there are some clouds to catch those rays and refract them. If the night is clear, and you're far enough away from city light, go do some stargazing.
Have a great day.
It's truly amazing how much better Scooter already looks and seems to feel. He's getting a B vitamin supplement with the fluids, and I know personally how much a dose of B-12 can make you feel better. His spine doesn't feel as ridgy and pointy now either. And yes, I do think the worst of it is the feeling that I'm poking a needle into my kitty. However, I think Keith has the detachment and the more medical attitude to do it. He really is a great hubby.
He does have a very different view on things than I do. When I mentioned to him that I planned to take an afternoon just for crafting, he said "you do that every night!" For one thing, I don't knit every night. Secondly, I do it while I watch TV, and I'd still be watching TV even if I wasn't knitting, so I don't think it counts. I'm thinking about a chunk of uninterrupted time when I can get a lot done. Oops, now that I think about it, I do get Saturday nights when I watch the Britcoms. Well, I just want more time, specifically for some sewing. I'd rather take sewing time from mopping, not from knitting. (But who in their right mind enjoys mopping anyway?)
Have a great weekend. I'm still not quite sure what it holds for me. I had planned to go to a Superbowl knit party tomorrow, then decided I needed to check with the local relatives to see if Keith and I needed to help anyone out. One has said she's covered for this weekend, but I still need to make sure the other is alright. When I stopped to think about it, I realized I have 3 older relatives with Alzheimer's/dementia issues. I was telling Emily last night that I don't mind the getting older so much, but I don't want to end up feeble and confused. That's so hard to watch as they seem to fade away.
So let's end on a more cheerful note. I've been awake to watch the sunrise several times this week, and it's been just gorgeous. This morning as it rose it turned everything a very lovely, glowing rosy pink color. Now the sky just looks grey, but it was incredible and vibrant just a short while ago. Get out and watch the sunset tonight if there are some clouds to catch those rays and refract them. If the night is clear, and you're far enough away from city light, go do some stargazing.
Have a great day.
Friday, February 1, 2008
The vet visit
Scooter and I went to the vet this morning. He serenaded me with the most pitiful meows imagineable the whole way there.
Our concerns have been, as I think I mentioned before, that he just seems to not be his old self. We don't think he feels very good, although he has a great appetite. We're pretty sure he has some arthritis (the vet agrees). I thought he might be dehydrated since he only wants to drink fresh out of the faucet water, and we're not always there to cater to him. (He is dehydrated.) He only weighs 6 1/2 pounds too. A few years ago he was around 13 pounds.
The results of his visit are that he needs subcutaneous fluids and vitamins for a few days. I was shown how to do this at home, but I'm not sure I can actually inject him. Keith is taking him back tomorrow to learn how to do this also. We wait for the results of his blood test to see if he still gets to eat the organic liver every other day. Much less baby food meat and back onto cat food since baby food isn't a balanced food for cats. He also has a cyst on his neck which he's had for years, but he's irritated it, so we've got to clean it every day until it heals. And the topper is a small spot on his gum that we have to watch. Let's face it, cats are not the most cooperative of creatures, and I'm not sure how Scoots is going to react to me trying to look in his mouth once a week. Oh, and we're starting him on an arthritis supplement to make his joints feel better.
My overriding concern with my old pets is to make sure they are comfortable and happy. Scooter has been my favorite pet for his entire life because he is an affectionate, good-natured, sweet cat. We will do whatever we can to keep him with us, but only as long as he is comfortable and enjoying himself. I just don't want to be surprised as I was with Pixel who seemed absolutely fine, then totally crashed in less than 24 hours. In the meantime, Scooter has been complaining a bit since he's been home. I'm sure the subcutaneous fluids aren't that comfortable, and no kitty likes going for a ride in the crate. Crates are ok to nap in when they stay open and stationary, but close them and put them into the car, and they become a most cruel place to be. I've turned on the heating pad so he can sleep on the bed, but he'd rather walk around and complain about how mean I've been today.
As for me, I think I'm going to block out 1/2 day off each week just to craft. No housework during that time. I think if I can have 4 uninterrupted hours each week I can make some real progress on some of these nearly finished quilts that I have. In fact, I have one that only needs the binding cut and sewn on, and all I've done is think about it in passing. I can get a lot done in 4 hours. I also have 3 curtain panels that are all finished except for sewing the linings in. I'll see how this goes and report back.
As this isn't starting this week, I'm off to toss wash into the dryer. Woohoo.
Our concerns have been, as I think I mentioned before, that he just seems to not be his old self. We don't think he feels very good, although he has a great appetite. We're pretty sure he has some arthritis (the vet agrees). I thought he might be dehydrated since he only wants to drink fresh out of the faucet water, and we're not always there to cater to him. (He is dehydrated.) He only weighs 6 1/2 pounds too. A few years ago he was around 13 pounds.
The results of his visit are that he needs subcutaneous fluids and vitamins for a few days. I was shown how to do this at home, but I'm not sure I can actually inject him. Keith is taking him back tomorrow to learn how to do this also. We wait for the results of his blood test to see if he still gets to eat the organic liver every other day. Much less baby food meat and back onto cat food since baby food isn't a balanced food for cats. He also has a cyst on his neck which he's had for years, but he's irritated it, so we've got to clean it every day until it heals. And the topper is a small spot on his gum that we have to watch. Let's face it, cats are not the most cooperative of creatures, and I'm not sure how Scoots is going to react to me trying to look in his mouth once a week. Oh, and we're starting him on an arthritis supplement to make his joints feel better.
My overriding concern with my old pets is to make sure they are comfortable and happy. Scooter has been my favorite pet for his entire life because he is an affectionate, good-natured, sweet cat. We will do whatever we can to keep him with us, but only as long as he is comfortable and enjoying himself. I just don't want to be surprised as I was with Pixel who seemed absolutely fine, then totally crashed in less than 24 hours. In the meantime, Scooter has been complaining a bit since he's been home. I'm sure the subcutaneous fluids aren't that comfortable, and no kitty likes going for a ride in the crate. Crates are ok to nap in when they stay open and stationary, but close them and put them into the car, and they become a most cruel place to be. I've turned on the heating pad so he can sleep on the bed, but he'd rather walk around and complain about how mean I've been today.
As for me, I think I'm going to block out 1/2 day off each week just to craft. No housework during that time. I think if I can have 4 uninterrupted hours each week I can make some real progress on some of these nearly finished quilts that I have. In fact, I have one that only needs the binding cut and sewn on, and all I've done is think about it in passing. I can get a lot done in 4 hours. I also have 3 curtain panels that are all finished except for sewing the linings in. I'll see how this goes and report back.
As this isn't starting this week, I'm off to toss wash into the dryer. Woohoo.
Sewing Seduction
Help, I'm being sucked back into sewing! Not that there's anything wrong with that.
First, it started here, on The Blue Blog, with Alison's knitting bags. Ok, what skull collecting knitter in her right mind could pass up that ever so fun fabric. (What, you're still here? Go look at her blog and then come right back.) Alison has been sewing from that book, Bend The Rules Sewing for several months now, and I broke down on Wednesday and bought it. This was right after I searched on Ebay and found the Knit Pirates fabric. I will say here that I did first go to the designer's website to see if any local stores here sold it. The one nearest to me did carry that particular designer, but after an extended walkthrough the store, I determined they didn't have the Knit Pirates fabric. I do support my LQS (local quilting store) before shopping online where possible.
Anyway, I'm now waiting for said book and fabric, and I caught up on some other knit blogs last night. Bad move for me. I found this on Mason Dixon Knitting. You're looking for the entry, owl right, already if it doesn't pop up immediately. Don't you just love that owl? I had to follow the links to find the pattern (written in Japanese, but with pictures that I, as a quilter, can certainly follow.) There is also the Tutowlrial by Moonstitches if you also find yourself in dire need of making an owl (or a whole flock) with all those wild bits of fabric you have hanging around.
As for knitting, I think I mentioned here that I had to rip out part of the Roses for you sock due to not paying attention to where I was in the lace chart. I worked on it for a short while last night, and I think I only have one more lace repeat to do before I do the ribbing for the cuff. It's interesting as I approach the end of this, my fourth toe-up sock, that I still have trouble estimating just how much yarn is left. I will put the sock on and make sure that I'm happy with the length too.
Anyway, let's just hope I'm the one getting the mail when my packages from Quilt Taffy and Amazon get here. I'm supposed to be de-cluttering!
TGIF! I get to meet a friend whom I haven't seen in over a year at a bar tonight that has some of the best hamburgers here in Atlanta. I may have some family running to do too before that day is over, but at least I've got something fun to look forward to tonight.
First, it started here, on The Blue Blog, with Alison's knitting bags. Ok, what skull collecting knitter in her right mind could pass up that ever so fun fabric. (What, you're still here? Go look at her blog and then come right back.) Alison has been sewing from that book, Bend The Rules Sewing for several months now, and I broke down on Wednesday and bought it. This was right after I searched on Ebay and found the Knit Pirates fabric. I will say here that I did first go to the designer's website to see if any local stores here sold it. The one nearest to me did carry that particular designer, but after an extended walkthrough the store, I determined they didn't have the Knit Pirates fabric. I do support my LQS (local quilting store) before shopping online where possible.
Anyway, I'm now waiting for said book and fabric, and I caught up on some other knit blogs last night. Bad move for me. I found this on Mason Dixon Knitting. You're looking for the entry, owl right, already if it doesn't pop up immediately. Don't you just love that owl? I had to follow the links to find the pattern (written in Japanese, but with pictures that I, as a quilter, can certainly follow.) There is also the Tutowlrial by Moonstitches if you also find yourself in dire need of making an owl (or a whole flock) with all those wild bits of fabric you have hanging around.
As for knitting, I think I mentioned here that I had to rip out part of the Roses for you sock due to not paying attention to where I was in the lace chart. I worked on it for a short while last night, and I think I only have one more lace repeat to do before I do the ribbing for the cuff. It's interesting as I approach the end of this, my fourth toe-up sock, that I still have trouble estimating just how much yarn is left. I will put the sock on and make sure that I'm happy with the length too.
Anyway, let's just hope I'm the one getting the mail when my packages from Quilt Taffy and Amazon get here. I'm supposed to be de-cluttering!
TGIF! I get to meet a friend whom I haven't seen in over a year at a bar tonight that has some of the best hamburgers here in Atlanta. I may have some family running to do too before that day is over, but at least I've got something fun to look forward to tonight.
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