Scattergories - Join Me!

Anyone want to join me? Let me know and I'll come over to your blog to see!

Scattergories MEMEThe rules are: Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the questions. They must be real places, names, things ... nothing made up! If you can't think of anything, skip it. You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question. If your name happens to start with the same letter as mine, sorry, but you can't use my answers! So join in the fun...

1. My name: Melissa
2. Famous Singer: Michael Martin Murphy
3. Four letter word: Much
4. Street: Main Street
5. Color: Mauve
6.Gifts/Presents: Music Box
7. Vehicle: Mini Cooper
8. Things in a Souvenir Shop: Mugs
9. Boy's Name: Marvin
10. Girl's Name: Marianne
11. Movie Title: Miss Congeniality
12. Drink: Margarita
13. Occupation: Musician
14. Celebrity: Mickey Rooney
15. Magazine: McCall's
16. U.S. City: Monterey (ok, bonus question here...CANADIAN city?: Montreal)
17. Pro Sports: MotoCross?
18. Fruit: Melon
19. Reason for Being Late for Work: Messed up MakeUp
20. Something You Throw Away: Mushy fruit
21. Things You Shout: More!
22. Cartoon Character: Mickey Mouse

TAG! If you're reading this and want to Participate, then you're tagged! It's fun to do!

Finished Lacy WoolEase Socks!

I just finished my Lacy WoolEase socks I have been working on!!! Woohoo! I put them on to show my hubby and they are SSSSOOOOO comfortable, they aren't coming off for a while! I love them!!! They were the ones that were the KAL from the EasySocks group I am on.
They were fun AND easy, and inexpensive too. I have to admit, I am really happy with them! I'm going to show them to my Mom when I see her next month, and I am going to start knitting a pair for her now, because I think she is probably going to want some. And they would be perfect for her 85 yr old diabetic feet!

I am NOT Martha Stewart...LOL

Today I just have to share my favorite housecleaning item ... yes, I AM crazy. Y'all knew that before!!! I do not LIKE to clean...but I like my house clean and neat. (however, it is NOT always clean and definitely not neat as I am "Organizationally Challenged")
If I could afford one...I would suggest to my darling, patient DH that I should probably get to have a maid. But...the money tree doesn't grow near our house...so there's only me...the Organizationally Challenged, Attention Deficit Disordered, NON Martha Stewart personality, here. DH thinks I am insane (honestly, I have no idea WHY he thinks that?) and that I need to get a life, because I have finally found the *M*I*R*A*C*l*E cleaning helper. DH says I am obsessed...but the thing is so darn neat, that when I start using it, I start cleaning everything I can get my hands on. (that is really sick, isn't it???) And the name of the *M*I*R*A*C*L*E* cleaner that I tried and fell in love with is the Mr Clean Magic Eraser and that thing IS everything they claim it is!!!! It cleaned the soap scummy stuff off the tub that nothing else would get rid of, it cleans birdie poo off of walls, and fingerprints off of cupboards, and grease off of stoves, and dirty floors....and OMG!!!!! If you haven't tried it yet - do it because you will have more time to knit, Knit, KNIT!!!!! (I really do sound insane here, don't I??????)

Now that I have given you my version of " The Loopy-Knitter's Home-Keeping Tips for Attention-Deficit-Disorder, Organizationally-Challenged, Knit-A-Holics" - I am going to reward myself with a Diet Rite soda, a Hershey's chocolate bar, and work on knitting that second Lacy WoolEase sock. OH...and here is one other tip for you....
A DIET soda + chocolate = ZERO calories. Yes, it's true what you've heard. They really DO cancel each other out. :o))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Socks and Dishcloths...

I have been working on some "Lacy Woolease Socks" - part of a monthly KAL in the EasySocks group. This is only the second pair of socks I have knitted. The first pair I knitted were 'toe-up' and this pair isn't. I got so messed up when I got to the heel!! I frogged the first sock several times, and finally asked someone on the list for help, and they gave me a link to a great sock tutorial website with step by step pictures. That really helped!!!! So, I am proud to say...one sock is completed. I tried it on and is it ever comfy!!! I think I will be making more like this!
I have also been working on a "Lacy Round Cloth" designed by Ronda White(she is on a couple of knitting groups I am on and is a very talented lady!)... I am using Peaches and Cream yarn in a pretty colorway appropriately named Orange Sherbet. The pattern is fun and easy to work. Here's how far I have gotten on it ...

It is officially the third day of Autumn and looking very much like it outside. The tree leaves are changing their colors, (and they are such beautiful, and glorious colors!!!! God's handiwork is truly amazing!!) Many of them are already dropping their leaves...and you know what that means ....I hafta go rake them!!! LOL

Pregnancy, Estrogen and Women!!!! LOL

This has NOTHING to do with knitting - but I think it is funny...so I am posting it. I got it in an email from a friend, and I am not the author. I don't know who is - but this is awfully close to the truth!!!! So I hope you enjoy it!

Pregnancy, Estrogen and Women
Pregnancy Q &A &more!

Q: Should I have a baby after 35?
A: No,35 children is enough.

Q: I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
A: With any luck, right after he finishes college.

Q: What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?
A: Childbirth.

Q: My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she's borderline irrational.
A: So what's your question?

Q: My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right?
A: Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Q: When is the best time to get an epidural?
A: Right after you find out you're pregnant.

Q: Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?
A: Not unless the word "alimony" means anything to you.

Q: Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
A: Yes, pregnancy.

Q: Do I have to have a baby shower?
A: Not if you change the baby's diaper very quickly.

Q: Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?
A: When the kids are in college.

"ESTROGEN ISSUES"
10 WAYS TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE "ESTROGEN ISSUES"

1. Everyone around you has an attitude problem.
2. You're adding chocolate chips to your cheese omelette.
3 The dryer has shrunk every last pair of your jeans.
4. Your husband is suddenly agreeing to everything you say.
5. You're using your cellular phone to dial up every bumper sticker that says: "How's my driving-call 1- 800-".
6. Everyone's head looks like an invitation to batting practice.
7. Everyone seems to have just landed here from "outer space".
8. You’re not as nice as you used to be and you used to be a witch.
9. You're sure that everyone is scheming to drive you crazy.

10. The ibuprofen bottle is empty and you bought it yesterday.

TOP TEN THINGS ONLY WOMEN UNDERSTAND
10. Cats' facial expressions.
9. The need for the same style of shoes in different colors.
8. Why bean sprouts aren't just weeds.
7. Fat clothes.
6. Taking a car trip without trying to beat your best time.
5. The difference between beige, ecru, cream, off-white, and eggshell.
4. Cutting your hair to make it grow.
3. Eyelash curlers.
2. The inaccuracy of every bathroom scale ever made.

AND, the Number One thing only women understand:

1. OTHER WOMEN

It has been a rather quiet day today. Nothing too exciting....unless you consider a visit to Physical Therapy exciting.LOL My PT has a slight southern accent, and she told the receptionist to have me come back to the "pulleys" - and it came out sounding like "po-lice". Now that's there big joke in there when I come in she says if I get out of line they're going to call the "PO -Leece". I think they know me well now. LOL
I made a big batch of Oatmeal Cookies today. I have been thinking about them for a while...yummy!!!! I use the 'classic' Quaker Oatmeal recipe. It's the best...well, I like them.. LOL
My friend that was expecting twins had them yesterday morning by C-section. They were both healthy, and good sized for twins. Fraternal twins, girls, if I remember right, one was 6 lbs and the other was 5 lbs 12 oz. Their Mama is petite, and the last few months was ALL babies!!!!! She looked good, but very uncomfortable!
So now, I have the little crocheted toys I am making for the babies almost done. I hope to finish them tomorrow, and then get the box wrapped up with the sweaters and hats that I knit already, and some little onezies that I bought and applied sweet little iron on appliques to. I found the perfect ones for them - they were little pea pods, with "Sweet Pea" on each. My friend had a baby blog for her pregnancy, and called it "The Sweet Peas".
I'll take pictures of the gifts when I finish the toys. The little piggie and donkey toys are crocheted, and they have little crocheted flower garlands to tie securely around their necks, that are crocheted with No. 5 perle cotton and a size 6 crochet hook - yesterday I fell asleep while I was working on the little flowers, so I didn't get too far. (I had a nice nap though! :-)
But I did finish crocheting the flowers and the vine garlands tonight while we watched "City of Angels" with Nicholas Cage and Meg Ryan for the umpteenth time. It is one of my all time favorite movies!
Hopefully, if all goes as planned, I will be posting pictures of completed little baby toys tomorrow!!!!
We work at the Cup O' Joy tomorrow night. A group called "Obadiah" is going to be there. They are an 8 man gospel group from Milwaukee, with some awesome harmonies!!! I am looking forward to working with them again!
time to head for bed!
hugs!
Lissa

An Autumn Wednesday...

I got up wayyyyy too early this morning!!! But I guess that means I have more time to get "stuff" done, so I should be happy, right? S'alright.
I think Autumn is officially here. Time is going by so fast! Does that happen as one gets older? It sure seems like it flies by way too fast for me. We have had some cool, crisp nights, and the leaves are changing colors, and beginning to cover our lawn. I love going out and listening to the wind blow through the leaves this time of year. They SOUND different. It's a peaceful sound.
We watched a really good movie last night. Called "Deja Vu" with Denzel Washington. It has you on the edge of your seat all the way through it. (And I really like Denzel Washington! He is a great actor!)
I finally finished the 'final' touches on my "Felted Spring Bag" (that was the name of the pattern) that I did in Autumn colors. I wasn't overly pleased with the way it turned out. The LYS recommended a type of yarn to substitute for the one called for, and said it would felt the same. It didn't. Live and learn. But it was a fun, super easy pattern. I wanted to do the handles differently, so instead of I-cord, I made a very thick braid with the yarn, and felted that. I found some interesting fabric for the lining, and then I couldn't find any buttons I liked for the closure, so I got some wood toggle buttons and 'painted' them with some nail polish that was the perfect color. I'm putting a picture of the closure too...the LYS had this closure on some of their bags. It is simply a thick ponytail elastic sewn to one side of the bag next to the button, and then you pull the elastic loop over the button on the opposing side. It makes a good closure.




















The last bird fair we went to, we ended up not selling many birds. But we traded a few. LOL
For trades, my favorite one was to acquire a Black Wing Jardine parrot. One of my DD's named him Kermit, because she said he sounds like a frog. She's soooo funny. LOL But it seemed to fit him, so Kermit he is. He is so much fun!!! Here's a picture of Kermit helping DH with his bird food.


And here is his little friend, Izzy, who is a Cinnamon Green Cheek Conure (also another great trade) at work...he's doing his job in the Supervisory Capacity as Chief Bird Food Inspector.
He really loves his job, and helps DH every night! Izzy takes his job very seriously!


The birdies are telling me its time to let them wake up, and that I should get them their morning pasta blend, and feed the dogs...the day is "officially" starting now. One more cup of coffee, and I think it will be alright.

"Lifehouse" - Everything Skit on GodTube

No matter how many times I have watched this video, it still gives me chills, and makes me cry. It demonstrates so well the spiritual battles we all go through, and how very much Jesus loves us and the lengths He will go to so that we can be safe and with our lives, dance with Him.

Finally....

How frustrating is it when you can't remember your username or your password?? After three days of trying to figure it out, I finally remembered!!!! My mind is obviously not totally coherent! LOL

I haven't done too much knitting for a couple of weeks. I just haven't been very motivated, and haven't been able to focus. It was not helping my shoulder feel better either. But...I picked up my needles again, and am getting back on track!

While I took time off from knitting, I read "Where Willows Grow" by Kim Vogel-Sawyer. One of the ladies getting physical therapy, that is there quite often when I am, recommended the book...she said someone gave it to her, and she couldn't put it down. I requested it on inter-library loan, and she was right....I couldn't put it down either!! It was a very good book!!!

The bird fair my DH and I had a table at last weekend was disappointing. We sold two parakeets! Our lovebird prices were right around the average...but we heard a lot of people say that no one seemed to be buying birds that day. At the end of the fair, we ended up trading some baby lovebirds for some breeder canary pairs and some breeder bourke parakeets. They are quieter than the lovies, although we still have lovebirds too. I also got my first parrot!! A lady at the table right next to us had three that she had raised, and this one kept 'talking' to me all day, and at the end of the day, the lady (Pam) said she thought he liked me. LOL!!! I'm such a sucker!!!!
He is a Jardine, and was hatched in February and hand fed, and very tame. We named him Kermit, because of his beautiful green coloring. We are having fun getting used to him. Parrots are so much different than what we are used to in small birds! I am ready a book called "The Guide to the Well-Behaved Parrot"...which is very interesting and full of advice and things I had no idea about. Did you know that a parrot will 'wag' its tail when he is happy? So far Kermit seems to be very happy and I know we are with him!

Whats On My Needles right now:

Cute Baby Kimono Jacket from the Mason-Dixon Knitting Book

BallBand Dishcloth from the Mason-Dixon Knitting Book

still working on those crocheted baby toys for a gift

Fan And Feather (Old Shale) knitted purse (will be felted) - pattern from the Bag-A-Holic group at Yahoo.

Ciao!!!
Lissa