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 !

Eli's sweater & a houseguest .

It's been a busy week what with one thing and another , but then that's nothing new .You'd think I was working for heaven's sake ! Thanks to the trifecta of rainy weather , US Open tennis and a really cr***y head cold , a good deal of progress has been made on my little red cardi for Eli . The knitting was pretty much done last week and then the procrastination began for the finishing . I really , really  hate this last part , mostly because I think I suck at it , to put it not so nicely . Though I think I'm becoming better at it with more practice . Left to do here is the collar and seaming the sides and sleeves . Then another search for buttons . With a bit of determination it should be finished any time now .

Last Wednesday we received an unexpected house guest . This little poochie needed a home while his owner is recuperating from a fall that ended up with her breaking a both arms . She's a senior who lives alone , and obviously can't manage to care for herself with both arms in a cast . It was going to cost her a fortune to board him , so Mike and I offered to take him for the duration . He's a really sweet little guy who gets along really well with our Bingo . The cats , however , are still giving us the stink eye . They were not happy campers when he arrived and avoid him as much as possible . Not hard to do when you sleep most of the day ...

That's it for today , be back next time with what's new on the needles . Have a good rest of the day ...

Yipeee, finished objects !

This week I'm passing GO or WIP Wednesday and going directly to Finished Object Friday .  The first of the finished knits is the baby cardi that was in need of some buttons . Imagine  , after much second guessing I went with these truly unoriginal buttons . Better safe than sorry . It was gifted , well received , tried on , and it FITS ! Stella should be able to get a few months wear out of it this winter .

Next up is this crocheted baby hat . I needed a little something extra for Stella's christening and found this sweet little hat on ravelry . It was really quick and easy , though I did have a few issues with the flower . I 'm more of a knitter than a crocheter so it took a bit of work for me to 'get' it . All in all I'm pretty happy with it .

Last but not least.... finished socks ! These are another pair of socks for  the Warm Hands Network . The deadline for the next shipment up north is the end of September , so I could possibly get at least one more item done before I have to send everything on . Better get knitting !

For more finished objects head on over to Tami's  blog .Have a good weekend !