Alaska comes back

to where he first called home . Long story , but a happy one for us , Max brought Alaska to stay with us . Since Stef has gone back to work they were both finding it difficult to give enough attention to the dogs . Max decided that Alaska would be happier back with us . Mike and I both missed Bingo and since Alaska came here as a pup and knows us , it has worked out well all around .

A new year , a fresh start

The last months of 2011 saw some changes in my life, hence the blog silence . Just when I  thought that life was going to settle down somewhat , I started baby sitting our little grandson , Mason , when his mom went back to work , after her maternity leave . I'd forgotten just how much energy it takes to look after a lively one year old . I'm up at 5:30 am every day to be over at Max's  before 6:30 . Stef leaves  very early for her commute to work . I'll be having him full time , 5 days a week , until sometime in June when he should have a permanent daycare spot . Even then I'll be the one bringing him to daycare , otherwise he'd have to get up super early and it would mean a very long day for him . The bonus for me and what makes it all worthwhile is his happy smile when he sees me in the morning . Priceless ! But I will say that I have now started taking a short nap when Mason goes down for his afternoon nap . I have never  , ever , been a person who naps .

Aside from that , I've also been spending Wednesday afternoons with Stella while Chantal teaches a dance class . She has got to be the easiest , happiest baby ever . I'm also trying to get some one on one time with Jessey whenever possible .I don't want him to feel left out . Needless to say , they've all kept me hopping ...

As per usual I got my annual Christmas cold right in time for the holidays , my birthday and New  Years eve . I spent the better part of that week in bed , feeling absolutely horrible . Thankfully it only lasted a week .

There hasn't been too much time for knitting lately , but all of my intended Christmas knitting was done in time .I'm hoping that I'll be able to update my ravelry page in the next week or two with the finished knits . There are two works in progress , I guess I should say slow progress . This is the first sock for 2012 , almost done . I'm going to try and keep up with the sock a month KAL . The other knit is a hat which I'd intended to be for me , but it looks like it might be a tad too small . One for the gift box !

In the last while I've contemplated discontinuing this blog . I can't say how often I'll update and how much time I'll have to read and comment on other blogs . I've missed that more than you can imagine . In the meantime I'll keep going a little longer and see how it goes ...

Have a good week !

Back to normal

All 's quiet in the house since my father left last Tuesday . It was a bittersweet departure , on the one hand I'm happy for some peace and quiet but on the other he's getting older and who knows how for much longer he'll be to come . This trip was made more special because of his three great- grandchildren . He was tickled to see the change in Jessey and to meet Mason and Stella . It was his decision to move back to Austria after my mother died but despite all of his connections there , his family is here . I think some part of him regrets that decision , but you really can't change some things , not at his age anyway . As for visiting him , trips like that are expensive and unfortunately all of us aren't in a position to go . The boys both have young families and Mike and a I are on a pension , so we make the best of it while he's here ...

I discovered the niftiest gadget ever while my Dad was here . When he's here my father always seeks out those little edibles that are particular to Canada  which they don't have in Austria . One thing he's particularly fond of are the prepackaged , god- knows -how- long- they've- been- on- the -shelf  May West dessert cakes .  One day while we were out getting the groceries he had me add a big box of 12 to my cart . No sooner did we get home , like a kid in a candy store , he had his tea and polished off four cakes at one sitting . Anyone else would have keeled over from too much sugar , but he's as healthy as can be and thoroughly enjoyed them .

Back to the gadget , the other thing my father really likes are apple pies , especially home made ones . My friend Shirley came across this handy dandy apple peeler at Walmart , bought it , tried it, and raved about it . She convinced me to buy one , easily done ,  I'm not a fan of peeling apples . I've baked more than my share of pies and apple strudels to appreciate anything that speeds up the process . I used it when I baked a bunch of pies during the  last week that he was here , it is totally amazing ! Dad , after seeing it in action , promptly went out and bought two to bring home as gifts . Apparently he gave a demonstration on how to use it when he got home and everyone is as taken with it as we were . I see a business opportunity there for Starfrit . Maybe  I should let them know  ;-)  ....

Back to knitting next time , there are some things to show , believe it or not .  In the meantime have a good day !

Hanging in ...

There's been a lot going on in my life over the last month or so , most of it good and then some not so good . My most heartfelt thanks  for all of the kind comments  that were sent after my last post about Bingo's passing . It was so very much appreciated ! The tears have lessened and I'll cherish the happy memories .


My father arrived from Austria in mid September  for a six week visit . He usually comes every year but missed last year due to health issues , not his own , but his wife's . There have been two new additions to the family since his last visit 2 years go ,  Jessey is a real little boy now , no longer the baby that my father remembers . So there has been  a lot of catching up . We've also celebrated 4 birthdays since he arrived and had more birthday cake than is good for the waistline . Not to mention Thanksgiving and turkey with all the trimmings last week . Suffice to say , I'm all tuckered out and will not be cooking or entertaining for at least a week after my Dad leaves on the 25th ...not so much as a toast , if I can help it .

Knitting wise , not much going on . I've kind of lost the mojo . I did finish the boring grey socks for Mike and have got halfway through another less boring second pair .  I 've been experimenting with crocheting a granny square blanket for a doll , intended as a Christmas gift for Stella , then making a matching blankie for her . I'm hoping that  motivation will strike once things are a little less crazy.

The rest of my Dad's stay promises to be just as crazy as the last month has been . There's just no rest for the wicked !  I shouldn't complain too much because I'll probably miss all the hustle and bustle.  Catch you later !

Bingo , a little dog

with a big heart passed away suddenly on Sunday morning . He was my buddy and constant companion . He suffered a series of  seizures and was in terrible pain . I called the emergency number at our vets office and was directed to an animal hospital that was open 24 /7 .  He was so very weak and didn't seem to know us and what was going on . The preliminary diagnosis was some kind of neurological problem , most likely a tumour . It would require a whole battery of tests , and likely with not a very good outcome when all was said and done . After a lot of tears I made the decision that the kindest thing would be to let him go . I think that given his age and how badly he was suffering, it was the right thing , but I 'm still having a difficult time dealing with it .

He was truly a great little guy. He was my one and only dog . He came to us fourteen years ago , quite by accident . He was originally supposed to be Mike's moms dog , but she physically wasn't able to take care of him . He ended up with us , the best decision I ever made ! He was  just a tiny little puppy when he came to us in November of 1997 . He quickly made friends with our cat and wound his way into our hearts with his good nature and spunky attitude . He loved his walks , but especially when it snowed . He always walked with his tail up like a flag . He was always with me , followed me everywhere  .I'm lucky to have had him for so many years but I'm heartbroken and miss him so very much....

Ready for FO Friday

Will wonders never cease , but this is the second consecutive week that I have a FO to show !  It will probably never happen again . I'm so happy with this knit . The yarn , Zara  an extra fine merino , is absolute delight to work with  .  I learned more about sweater construction and design just from the little things like how the increases in the collar gave a much better fit and more finished look to the cardigan . My mattress stitch skills are improving with practice . It is a simple , classic design which I know that I'll knit again . I've already bought more of this yarn in a gorgeous blue to knit one for my grandson Mason .

In the mean time there's a hat to go with this cardi in the works , Mike's socks and a newly cast on vest for Mason . So many projects so little time ...

PS - There's a whole lot more FO over at Tamis Amis .
Have a wonderful weekend !

What's going on ...WIP Wednesday

Wednesday already and time once again for Tami's WIP Wednesday show and tell . Wow , a week goes by quickly . Head on over to Tami's to check out what others are working on . You'll be inspired .

Eli's cardi is soooo close to being finished . I just didn't have the energy last night , this cold is wearing me out . This morning I put in a good effort , but seriously , I'm my own worst enemy when it comes to finishing . I seamed and ripped a few times before I was satisfied . One sleeve left to do . Hopefully this will be ready for it's closeup for FO Friday .

Here's the current WIP , a pair of socks for DH Mike , who's been hinting  lately  that with the cool weather coming he 'd really love to have some new hand knit socks . He even pointed out the yarn that he thought I should use . What's a knitter to do , but cast on .  I really should knit more socks for him , but  man size socks are so big and I have a short attention span . These will keep him happy for a bit  ;-) .

Till next time have a good rest of the day !