WoW- How we spent the 25th of December 2008

I'll let the video speak for itself.

I've now had girls Sissy and Pia 3 years which I adopted from Metro Ferals and the boys Zorro and Stanley 2 years. As you may remember the boys were born across the street around June 2006 and trapped by Alley Cat Allies around November 2006, their first winter of '06 the stayed on my patio and I provided cover. Zorro was easy to get to know and then pick up, I would feed them outside and the girls, who never go out, inside. Now everyone eats inside. The boys still go out for awhile but have found out that being inside is a better life.

WoW- A Fathers Return

Last Friday I was looking out my kitchen window and saw Stanley across the street. He has his back to me. So I went out and called for him but Stanley was in the garden. Then I knew it was Big Boy. I called to him and he ran right over. It has been a long time since Big Boy showed up for a visit. His last visit was 12/24/07. I have no idea where he hangs out between visits.

It amazing how he always pops in. This boy used to be the stud of the neighborhood but he has been caged and neutered and returned to the neighborhood. As you can see he is healthy but his face was a bit scratched up, but he turned as I took the shot. So when I hear cats fighting I have to think of him. He has been here for years! It amazes me how he has survived living out doors all year round. But I know by looking at him that there are others feeding him. The boys went up to him and they all smelled each other. Stanley was the first to greet him but was careful. I put of food for him which he ate a bit of then was on his way. I know they probably don't know he is their Father but I like to think after all these years that they do know they are family.

Please stop in to see what all my WoW friends were up too.

WoW- Sissy

Last week I showed you Sissy keeping my seat warm when I take a break from knitting. Well, this is what she does when I come back to sit.

BSJ #3 is completed. Pictures later.

Don't forget to stop in and see WoW.

WOW

This is the other view of Pia from my last WoW post. She was not falling off at all.

Here is Stanley looking down at Pia who spends a lot of time on the couch with me when I am knitting.
This was the site I came back from outside. Sissy does this all the time. This was taken the same day but hours later
Of course, Pia in her favorite spot.
Please stop by WoW

WoW....You can't get enough

toys...do you do the same? I keep buying what I think may be the next super toy for all my furry purries. When I was cleaning this weekend I unsurfaced most of these toys. They were everywhere under something. Stanley like being on the top shelf of the cat tree, Sissy loves her spinners, Pia liked the bird on the end of the stick (picked up on Saturday) and Zorro plays with none of them. I have caught him with the spinner but that is mainly to get Sissy's attention. They are good about using the scratching post by the bathroom and at the bottom of the cat tree.

I'm leaving you now to start on the increase after the 5th ridge of the BSJ. I am watching the movie Away from Her. It is a beautiful and sad story and one many that many of us have faced or will.

Be sure to go over the WoW and check out some of the other members. Robin has a cute post today. Have not had a chance to look at others yet as I have been most anxious to get to this 5th ridge. What a milestone!

Whiskers on Wednesday

Oh, to be a cat and sleep so soundly. Zorro is the spot that Pia made. BTW, I have not found Pia sleeping here anymore so I guess it is now Zorro's spot.

Last Saturday I was doing a kitty check. I could not find Zorro. Then Sissy gave him up! Sleeping at the end of my coffee table.

Stanley has a better idea. His own spot high up.

Remember to stop by WoW and check out the cats that have their own web page.

Whiskers on Wednesday

This is a short post. My camera battery went dead so the post I planned will have to wait for next week.
This is Zorro last night in Pia's spot!! After awhile I had to get him down. Pia is getting stressed. It started with the fleas and now she is loosing hair on her big, fluffy tail.
This is Sissy's new spot after dinner. This is the only window that lets the sun in and it only comes in at a angle as the sun sets. Smart girl!

Head on over the WoW! I am in the spotlight this week!! Monica you did a wonderful job.

Whiskers on Wednesday

Pia reading my pattern "see this? this is where you screwed up" Pia is always helping me knit.

"Hey, you don't need the instructions...you don't follow them too good"

Whiskers on Wednesday

I took this picture yesterday morning. A little switch out on their bowl positions as well as the other side of the room. When I got home Monday I had the dreaded invasion of ANTS. So I walk in and tear everything up, spray, but not before I try to follow their trail of entry (never did find the exact place), sweep, mop, twice. Wash everything. Meanwhile, everyone is watching and waiting in the next room wondering what the hell she is up to now. I am not a happy mama.

Every morning and evening I start with bowl #1 (the blue bowl). Every time I have 4 cats at the one bowl. I then put a handful into the next, and so forth. Pecking order, Pia, Zorro, Stanley then Sissy. Stanley is always at each bowl like he has never eaten before and won't get his share. Sissy knows the drill (girls are just smarter)

R to L: Zorro, Pia, Stanley, Sissy

Since this is my first official post for WOW (we won't count last weeks lame attempt) I am going to give you links to past posts to get to know all my furry purries. The Girls, Pia, Sissy, The Boys. A post of the boys father Big Boy

and lo and behold, their mother who I only was able to get a picture of yesterday morning while I had locked myself out of the house and the car. I left the keys on the computer keyboard and my Pela sliding doors do not need a key to lock up. Thank goodness my neighbor's husband was home. She is hoofing it to the bus stop, to the Metro to get to work in DC. A Metro ride to my work in Tysons Corner will not be ready until 2014 or later at which time I hope to be retired.

My Weekend wrap up

Yesterday I did nothing around the house. Sissy got me up around 5:30. I would have been up earlier if I had actually gotten up when she started her wake up ritual. So I watch TV and knitted up this cap. This hat is from the book 101 Designer one-skein Wonders. You can see the hat on the cover. The yarn is Moda Dea Sassy Stripes in Lucky colorway. This is the perfect yarn for a child.

I did not put the pompom as the designer did. I'm not a big fan of pompom's.

All day as I worked on it Sissy kept coming up and try to get my attention. So I would take breaks and comb her. What do I find? A flea!!!! So one if not both of the boys brought them into the house. So far I have found 4! I have checked Zorro who would be the most likely one to have passed it on but I can't find any on him. Now I have experience with fleas so I am looking for flea dirt. Nada. Stanley has been letting me give him a lot brush time too. He loves it. I also have not seen dirt on him. Both boys have white fur so you would think it would be easy. So I now need to give all 4 cats a flea bath. Pia should be easy. Zorro I think I can manage but neither Sissy or Stanley like being held. I have a plan in place and will wear several layers of long sleeved shirts. Do you think flea stuff at the neck will work without giving a bath? I don't think so. I would ask for help but I have 4 former sometimes still feral cats! They do not know other people. If you come into my house you will not see the girls. Zorro is the least fearful of people in the house but outside he keeps clear of the kids. The kids see me and tell me they see the cats and why can't they pet them. I have to tell them that they are wild and to stay away from them. They don't understand but it keeps the peace with the kids and the cats.

Does this fellow look like a flea carrier? I think so. I originally made this as a baby present but was not happy with it. So it is now the cats. Sissy got on it first but Zorro soon took it as his own.

Today I did the house work. I then went looking for something that I could put the hat on to take the pictures. I have a bag of stuffed animals and dolls but the hat was too big but while I was in my walk-in closet I pulled out some summer tops and tried them all on to see if they fit. They did but two did make it into the bag for one of the charities that picks up. So far I have three bags of cloths. I am slowly, key word here is slowly, getting things out of the house that I do not need. I have subscribed to Freecycle on Yahoo groups but so far the only thing I have posted was my Filter Queen vacuum. Two people wanted it but they did not follow through. I have two large pieces of Scan furniture that I posted on Craigs List but no takers. I have lowered the price twice. I'll probably try a third time but that will be the last time.

I had great success selling my audio books on EBay. I sold 29 books and made $400+ selling them at $8 and up including free shipping. I realize $300 after EBay & Pay Pal fees and shipping. I still have three bags of 37 books that did not sell. I'll try again later this summer.

Well, enough for now. I am going to get my next project together so I get something OTN. I am going to try Clapotis again. I want something I made to wear at work when the AC gets too cold. It is either too warm, too cold or just right. Plus, we are starting to think that the AC goes down around 3 in the afternoon. Then we have no air and it get stuffy. Our building is one of the older ones at Tysons Corner. If it isn't the AC it is the elevators.

Movies, TV & some knitting

Not much happening around here. Work & Sleep. I do get to sit in traffic for about 2 hours a day and I get to knit when I finally relax in front of the TV. Last night I watch Juno. Cute. Sunday it was Ratatouille. Again, cute movie. Can't wait for July when the cable shows start another season. Burn Notice, Law and Order Criminal Intent has started. I can watch any L&O show over and over. The Closer is also starting on 7/14.

I am now on the foot of my 9 to 5 sock. I should finish up this weekend. Then what to do? I have stacks of patterns I would like to try. I think I will get something simple on the needles and get to work on finishing up some of my felted bags. I have tried to cut my computer time down which has gotten me so behind in my blog reading. I keep track through Google reader and right now I have over 300 posts to catch up on. There are so many interesting people who blog and I have about 10 people I keep in touch with. Many I lurk, others are yarn shop blogs or how toos. Then when I read everyone has someone else that they post about and I follow that link and then get lost in reading. You all know the drill!

Our weather has been up & down. Storms come in fast then cool, then super hot. We have been very lucky and watching the floods along Iowa is just so overwhelming to see.

I leave you with a little movie. I was watching Zorro's tail and knew something was going to happen. the boy does not disappoint.

Happy Mother's Day

to all the mother's out there. Mine called me yesterday. We don't talk so it was a surprise. I will leave that subject alone.

I have completed sock 1 of graffiti and will start the heel flap today for the 2nd one.

Garden

We have had rain for three days now. It looks like today may turn out to be a nice one. Every year the rain crushes my peonies and this year is no exception. It also took one of my climbing rose bushes down. I plan on going out today and trying the rose up to the wall. I sure hope I can do it without too much damage to myself. The climbers can also get the better of me! This is the one peonie that I have braced up.

This was the 1st to bloom and was laying on the ground. Peonies are so heavy that I always cut them off and soak them head down in a bucket to get rid of the ants. I than can bring them in the house and take some to work. I did run this one under water and left it in the bud vase in the kitchen yesterday and returned later to find ants everywhere! So an hour later with every surface once again cleaned of ants, I was able to bring the flower to my computer.

This is the 2nd peonie with part of the rose bush crushing it.

My Columbine held up beautifully. When the blooms are spent and I can collect the seeds I am going to give it a try to get more of this beautiful plant.

New Neighbors

Earlier in the week, leaving for work I came across these two. We have a lot of kids so my neighborhood is not the place to start a family but I think these too will. I'll be on the lookout for the babies.

Dinner time at Casa KSee

What would be knitting without Contests

Head on over to (Not So) Cynical Knitting Gal she is having a caption contest and make sure you tell her I sent you! Deadline May 15th.

Abigail of 1870 Pearl is having a comment contest. This blog was a great find as she writes beautifully. Unlike me, I leave the pictures to do the talking. Deadline end of May. For the life of me I'm still learning how to embed links to a picture when in a post. So follow my link above.

Peaceful Knitter is looking for inspiration and ideas for using up more of my stash. Leave her a comment to help her out and you could be a winner of some Knit Picks Shimmer! Oh, I could be a winner too!!

LOL

Last night, Zorro recuperating

Pia really wanting her spot back, but since Zorro has been hurt this is his convalescing bed and she is letting him have it.Sissy taking over the heating pad because I and up. When I return to knitting, she will leave and get on the back of the couch. I get up she get down in my spot, I could do this all night, up and down. She is too funny.
now I will unwind and knit on my sock

Zorro update

Well, after looking everywhere and running the vacuum and taking a dust mop under most to the furniture, Zorro showed up. There was one corner under the entertainment unit and where Pia was facing. As that was the only place I did not look it was a good bet that he was there. I went out side and when I came back in he was looking to get out. He then backed off so I went and got a bowl of food for him. He was interested but backed up. There is something wrong with his right leg. He went back into my bedroom where I have locked him in. Last I checked he was on the bed. He let me pet him and when I touched his leg he hissed. OK, enough for now. I'll be getting a better look later on. Vet appointment tomorrow.

dum de dum Rocky Road done

OK poor attempt a the Rocky theme but I finished the 2nd Rocky Road sock yesterday morning. Knitting the magic loop on a 24" size 1 addi is perfect. I have already cast on another sock with the same needle. I am using Amanda's NH Knitting Mama Graffiti that I won in her contest.

I worked in the garden yesterday morning, still weeding out the vinca vine. It rained last night and it looks like everything grew a foot overnight.

Something is wrong with Zorro. He came home late Friday night at bedtime. I go to sleep. The next morning I get up with Sissy help, this girl just won't let me sleep in. I get to the kitchen put the food down, Stanley was out all night so he comes in. No Zorro.

Since he did not run in with the girls and it was early (CRS), I figured he was out. So I go out to call for him. No Zorro. I take my coffee to sit on the couch to read the Sunday paper and there is Zorro on the chair opposite me. I go to him and he runs off. I follow and he hides. I find him later sleeping in a up turned cat carrier, that should have been put up in the attic 3 years ago. He goes to bolt but I get him and do a body check. He is skittish but lets me love and pet on him. He purrs. I put him on my bed. I am able to check him out. No cuts or bruises. He is just wary. I brush him and she stretches out and loves it. All in limbs seem to be OK. I then I leave him to rest. He spends the day on the bed.
At 6pm I am reminded by Pia that it is pass dinner time. So I go through the feeding routine. Call for Zorro. He shows up but does not want to eat with the others so I bring his bowl to him. He eats. Good sign. He then goes back to bed. I know he has used the litter box since he is the only one that has to scratch to pad to the point of turning it over. This morning no Zorro.
99% of my furniture are hiding places. I can no longer get down on my knees and search like I once was able to. So I keep calling him and will be searching for him all day.


Fun and Interesting Sites
Apparently the make-up line E.L.F. ( Eyes, Lips, and Face) has beenbought out by Nordstrom and will be re-packaged with the Nordstrom name on it. They are getting rid of all the make-up in ELF packaging.They are selling everything for $1. yes - one dollar. You do have to pay shipping, however, even with that charge it's cheaper than buying make-up anywhere else and it is fun to try things when you don't have to worry about the cost! They have powder, mascara, brushes, nail polish, you name it .. Also, if you use the coupon code: CAROLINA you will get $7.50 off your first $15 of your purchase. Here is the site, have fun!

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You blew your shot with Saint Peter when you blew Peter Saint.
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Got enemies? Ensure they burn for all eternity: Sign them up for one-way tickets to fiery damnation at reserveaspotinhell.com. Sound like blasphemy? Heaven help us.

For my Friends that cook. Baker’s Sto ’n’ Go or Sticky Fingers

For My Tea Lover Friends

For Gardening Gifts

New site will send a polite, anonymous e-mail to incessant e-mail forwarders.Why: One more urban myth from Mom and she’s added to blocked senders.Where: Online at stopforwarding.us.

Everyone needs a little help from time to time. This is a hoot.

Stinky Feet?
Leftie: Yo, Rightie. You reek something awful.
Rightie: Stank you very much. As do you, pal.
Leftie: I feel like I am locked in a monkey’s cage against my will.
Rightie: Well, One Star over there told me about these new things called Fragrant Footings.
Leftie: Whoa, heel buddy. Talk to me.
Rightie: They’re insoles laced with essential oils that are released with every step you take.
Leftie: Dude. We need those stat.
Rightie: Fo sho. They come in lemon, mint, and jasmine scents.
Leftie: I’ll take any scent over that of toe jam. But wait, can they be worn with sandals and heels?
Rightie: Totally. They have both trim-to-fit and mini cushions, so they work with all shoes.
Leftie: How are we gonna get Twinkle Toes to foot the bill on this one?
Rightie: Now you’re overstepping the boundaries.
Available online at summersoles.com.

Good Causes
Secrets of Charm Safe Horizon Orange Cotton Scarf
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HuluWhat: Tons of movies and TV shows — for free — at the click of a mouse.Why: There goes your weekend.Where: Online at hulu.com.

Back on the needles!!

Thank goodness for DVR. Last night I was able to watch the 1st new episode of Bones while I put my stitches back on the needle. Took my nighttime pill and I hit the pillow at 10. Tonight I start the decreases again.

Friends...

Robin presented her Mom a early Mothers Day present. Isn't that shawl like beyond gorgeous!

Contests...

Head on over to The Written Word for a chance to win Comfort Food a new book from Kate Jacobs. I want to read her book, The Friday Night Knitting Club. I just ordered the Audio book.

Then check out The Craft Gossip Blog Network they are having a giveaway for Noni’s Patterns, Angelika’s Yarn Store and Lacis Museum of Lace & Textiles are supplying everything you need to complete one of these adorable “Three Confections” bags.

Leaving for work I took these two shots. Pia in the cubby of the cat tree

Sissy is the SPOT that Pia made

4/23/08- I started this yesterday morning but you all know google!

OK, I'm now back on track. I finished all the decreases while watching American Idol. We are playing at work with all departments and I gave up watching but last night they sang Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber songs, I LOVE ALL HIS WORK. Syesha knocked it out of the park. I think David Archuleta is the most talented and when you "watching" TV while knitting you tend to listen more than watch, at least I do. This kid takes any song and makes it his own. While I think he is the most talented of the group I fear David Cook will win. Jason is going tonight.

Rocky Road Sock 2 down and down

I took the day off Friday to get my PT Cruiser serviced-- oil changed, state inspection and checked out the AC. That was $235.00! Since I was only 5 miles from a LYS, I decided to FINALLY make it to Knit Happens in Old Town Alexandria. I finally found where they were but finding parking was a bitch, plus I did not have any cash on me. So I went down the street to Trader Joe's so I could 1) get some food 2) pee 3) get cash back in case I had to pay for parking in a lot. After several turns around the block I got a metered space and then only had enough change for 36 minutes! I walked up a block and had to make it a quick visit. I made the circuit around the shop and ended up in the sock room. I could not put down this skein of Misti Alpaca Sock yarn in Miriam- it is to dye for!!

When I got home I searched online and found this swatch. My skein looks just like the picture above, much lighter than the swatch.Saturday morning I worked in my garden, using a pitch fork to turn the soil to get out weeds and a vinca plant that is taking over. I left piles to dry out so I could save as much soil as I could. Sunday I would finish up. Work up Sunday to rain and it has been raining all day today and they are calling for more tomorrow.

This is my Columbine. It will have light yellow flowers. This plant seems so tender but it does not die back in the winter. Go figure.
This is a close up of my Japanese Red Maple. I brought this for $3.00 about 15 years ago. What did I have to lose? It is about 5' high and is beautiful.

I have been working on Rocky Road sock #2 all last week. I had to tink back quite a few times after I turn the heel. As I worked the decreases I would keep knitting the k2.p2 on the bottom, tink back to where I messed up. Then I couldn't remember if I had decreased the last two stitches so I tried to see if I did. Then I couldn't figure it out so I tinked back another row, then another. I spent my knitting time Saturday getting back on track. Yesterday I was finally at even stitches on each needle. Well, I showed the sock to my friend Carol this morning at work and look what I found.
This is a MF dropped stitch. No nice way to say it. This sucks big time. So I frogged that GD thing. So here I am tonight. I will try and get it back on the needles tonight. I hope, the stitches are so tiny.
I will leave you with a picture of Stanley watching me work in the garden Saturday.

Now excuse me while I go fix the damned sock!!