Saturday- CONTEST Day #28- You Are My Sunshine

Yeah I am not the best at homemade photo shop, aka paint... but it was a rush job as Adam was leaving to go home and I wanted him to take it home for his momma.
~
SATURDAY'S CONTEST QUESTION-
~
Did you like me having just a question each day this time around or if you were around last year did you like the different themed days I had on contest months? I am just curious because it will help me decide which way to go maybe on April Fools Day when the next contest starts. Post your answer in the comment section for your final entry in this months contest.
~
If you weren't around for any contests last year look in my archives on any month that had 31 days except December. Now maybe I will do something entirely different but you never know. heck I NEVER know.
~
Golly yesterday it was 43 degrees out and today it feels like 43 below, burrr. No wonder I keep getting sick.
~
So sad to say but I still didn't knit today. I took out the half finished first sock I started over a year ago and before I knew it I had Frogged the whole thing. I mean really, I have looked at this every day for two months now and not attempted even a stitch. I am never gonna do it. Of course I now realize that I joined that "get er done" challenge (it's in the side bar) and this was my challenge and well now it's for sure not getting done. Oh well.
~
Adam and I played games on the WII for about 3 hours today. I think he got worn out because he asked to go home. He never does that. No really his mom is pregnant again and I think he just wanted to be close. She's not due for a few months but Adam doesn't understand that. So guess I am on my own at church tomorrow.
~
Not much else to talk about today, it's been emotional for sure. A little unsettling but nothing I should be surprised at. last year my motto and direct prayer to God was to "Bring It On" so why should I be surprised that it's HERE???
~
Have a wonderful night, and sweet dreams. Tomorrow I will announce the remaining winners and then start planning the April fun.
~
AK

Friday- Contest Day #27- Frogs, Food and the Finale

Well I'll start off with what I frogged this week. I was so sick I couldn't knit but I found this long lost dishcloth I started for Christmas not even sure where in the pattern I left off so I decided to just rip-rip-rip And now I am left with a rather lumpy cone of Christmas cotton. LOL Friday's CONTEST Question-
~
Well I was visiting Monicas blog tonight and she asked a question, about buying a pattern, or a booklet of patterns or do you tend to just stick with the freebies. So I thought I'd follow her lead and ask the same question, will you buy a pattern if you like it or do you stick with the freebies? Answer the question in the comment section to secure an entry for today in the February contest, and if you go to Monica's blog and let her know as well I'll give you two entries for today. I am feeling generous since my fever broke. Make sure to leave a second comment sayinng you went to Monica's blog so you get that extra entry.
~
So yes my fever broke, I am feeling better still weak and achy and tired but better for sure. In fact I woke up hungry. I even ate twice today. I have recently had a few people ask about my eating. They seem to think that after the surgery I can only eat a tablespoon of food. Nope not true. Really solid food is limited, but slider foods (foods that digest easily) you can eat more. So I thought for fun I'd show you my food for the day today.

BREAKFAST/BRUNCH

This is 1/2 cup of low fat cottage cheese (14grams of protein) and 6oz of pineapple upside down cake yogurt (6 grams of protein) I TBS of grape nuts (1 gram of protein ) and 1/2 cup of watermelon and canteloupe chunks. No protein in those but they help when you can't have any liquids when you eat. LOL
~
DINNER

This is another 1/2 cup of melon chunks and a Lean Cuisine Frozen Dinner (24 grams of protein), one of my favorites. It's Stuffed Cabbage and a small side of mashed potatoes. As you can see I added some of the tomato base to the potatoes and cut up the cabbage pretty small, that's a MUST for me. The picture doesn't do it justice, it's DELICIOUS. It looks like a lot of food to me but I use Adams small bowls so it's deceiving. But it's plenty of food, don't you think? Not good enough according to the DR's though, I am supposed to have 60 grams of protein minimum each day, so before I go to bed tonight I'll have a protein drink for another 15 grams giving me a total of 60. That's a good day if you ask me.

~

Now for the Finale... I went to the mailbox this afternoon and there was an envelope waiting for me there. I forgot I had won a prize on the WhoDuKnit Yahoo group, I was the 555th post on the blog, and this is what I got. Now I could have chosen my own gift but as usual I procrastionated and Jane did the picking for me. Well she knows me so well.
~
I got a booklet with MANY wonderful cross stitch designs in it. I am in love with many of them already. Oh I need more time in the day. Two wonderful note cards with these plastic bottles on them, she sent me one of these card and I saved it cause I loved the bottle and I never told her, but see, she knows me. And then she made me a Book Thong... Ok I have to admit I am not sure what a book thong is. I mean really I hear thong and my mind goes in a totally different direction. Maybe I can blame that on the flu? LOL

So there you go, that is the re-cap of my day. Still no KNITTING but I intend on changing that tomorrow. Adam is still awake and wanting some of that fruit he just saw me post here, so I gotta go. Have a great night, sweet dreams and make sure to come back tomorrow, it's the last day to enter, SUNDAY... I announce the grand prize winner and the follower winner. Hope you remembered to follow.
~
AK

Thursday- Contest Day #26- And The DR Says

Well saw the surgeon today, they said everything looks good, weight loss is going well, in fact I LOVE their scale, it was three pounds lower then mine, LOL. They said I can take Tylenol for my temperature and body aches. I did today and slept ALL day.
~
The car made out worse then me. Apparently the engine bit the dust. Now we need to decide if it's worth buying a used engine to put in it or just give up and try to find an inexpensive used car somewhere. I wish Tylenol would help the car too, LOL
~
THURSDAY CONTEST QUESTION-
(thanks to Darcy because my brain wasn't thinking at all)
~
What do you have on your needles (or hook) right now? If nothing what do you wish you had? If you don't knit or crochet then what did you have for dinner, lol? Just Kidding. Post your answer in the comment section to receive todays entry in the February contest. Only a couple days left to get those entries in for the great signs made by Cass.
~
Well for me this week... this is how my needles look
And these are a couple patterns I pulled from my queue on Ravelry that I wish were on my needles. You can click on the pictures to go to the pattern pages.


I had a crochet picture to put up here too but when I went to the blog where the pattern was it said you couldn't post a picture even if you linked to it, drat. If you are curious you can go to their blog to see it. I want to make it for Adam, why because he loves the "monkey" it's Curious George.
~
I guess that's about all for me. Just really tired. I can't imagine how I can sleep anymore but I know I will. Hopefully I wake up better tomorrow as it's the day Adam weekend starts. Have a great night everyone, sweet dreams and praying none of you find this flu I did.
~
AK

Wednesdsay- Contest Day #25- Contests Abound

So I have been searching around for a new hair style for me as I lose this weight. I swear my hair weighs 10 pounds, LOL. Anyway I went to DailyMakeover.com to try it out. It's free for one picture so go ahead and visit them and have some fun. I am more interested in the cut then the color, what do you think? I may upgrade to the premium version once I have reached my goal so I can really play around it's no nore then $30. Worth it to find the perfect hair style and color for me. If you click on my picture it should take you right to their site.
~
WEDNESDAY CONTEST QUESTION-
~
Well when you are SICK do you find knitting and crafts help you feel better? And what is your fail safe get well food? Just post your answer in the comments section and receive an entry for Wednesday.
~
Why do I ask this question? Well it appears I have caught the flu. Been running a temperature of about 102 all day and body aches and chills galore. I am supposed to follow up with the surgeon tomorrow morning so hopefully he can prescribe something to help. I even missed church tonight and I HATE to do that. Also NO knitting for me, my arms and shoulders are just too sore. {{sigh}} But I am trying some chicken soup now, first real meal of the day. Maybe it will help.
~
And now for a few cool contests I found for you. First is the Yarn Dots over on Darcy's Blog... click on her button below to go there and enter.


And then there is another one... Come on now who couldn't use a $50 gift certificate from Amazon.com? She didn't have a button to grab but here is the link to her contest. Hurry up her's ends soon, times a wastin'. LOL
~
Now both these contests and their end dates are also in my side bar as well as many others. I update the side bar as I find them so try to check them out while you are here.
~
And one last one not sure of the dates yet but first you need to answer a yes or no question about prizes.
Just click on her button and you'll go right to her blog.
~
OK I guess that's about it for me. Time to roll up in the blankets and fall asleep for the 6th time today. Have a great night everyone, and sweet dreams.
~
AK

Tuesday- Contest Day #24- Pass The Marshmallow Please

Well here I am, finally.
~
TUESDAYS CONTEST QUESTION-
~
So what is the craziest thing you have ever made or the craziest thing you have ever seen online that someone else made? Post your answer in the comment section to get today's entry in the soon ending February contest. Any comment will count so don't be shy, OK?
~
So for my recent crazy project...
~
Remember this?

Well finally I can show you what it turned out to be...
This was my Marshmallow Project for the Cocoa Swap 2 this year. The sad part, these marshmallows are a year old. Why because I bought them to make a project last year for the 1st Cocoa Swap and never did. They were not as fresh and easy to work with but I made due. I think I'll start planning Cocoa Swap 3 project NOW. There was some really good competition. Check them all out here on the Cocoa Swap blog. I wonder if without looking you can pick which one WON 1st place. I'll give you a hint, it was NOT mine. LOL
~
Well it's almost Wednesday already. I have had quite a night and a day. I am pretty tired. I woke up in the early morning with a pain that I had no idea where it came from. Thought I was gonna have to go to the hospital. But thank God after an hour or two it stopped. It's also been VERY COLD here today and with the furnace not working downstairs well I am too cold to knit. It's frustrating.
~
Car updtate... we are $900 in to repairs and the car still won't turn on. {{sigh}} Hopefully they can figure it out before Thursday. I almost wish we didn't try to fix it at all and just used the money to find another car. Sure wish we were getting an income tax refund about now, but sigh again, looks like we have to pay.
~
So I am going to head off to bed, I am considering going upstairs and sleeping there tonight, the warm air rises and it's warmer up there. But there is no bathroom up there so that's why I stay downstairs. Maybe a third blanket.
~
You all have a wonderful night and may you have sweet dreams all night long.
~
Good night, AK

Monday- Contest Day #23- Make Room For The Bag Lady

It'a Monday and I thought I'd show you a couple pictures from the weekend.
Papa got Adam a sign at the Saints game the other night and he had to show it off for the camera
And this is Jim (my oldest) doesn't he look great all dressed up? He recently joined the gym and is starting to look pretty good. Now if I could only get him to smile a little.
~
MONDAY CONTEST-
~
How many project type bags do you have to carry around or store your WIP's in? Are they handmade or just grocery bags? Post your answer in the comment section for an entry for today in the February contest. This is the final week, hard to believe the month is almost over already.
~
I have oh more bags then I can count on both my hands, some small some large some filled with yarn, others with WIP's and some of them are filled with empty bags too. I have a thing for bags, around here most of my family and friends call me "The Bag lady"
~
Speaking of bags...
This is a bag I received from Patt's Creations. It's black with PINK flowers. Perfect for me and I love it. The lining inside even has a pocket, pretty nifty Patt, you did a fabulous job.
~
Underneath the bag is one of the dishcloths I made this weekend, can't show it off though until Friday as it's the KAL this week and I want to wait until I have posted the lines for all the days.
~
Not much else going on here. My car is all torn apart, the engine is OUT and we are waiting on the part to try to fix it. Maybe tomorrow, hopefully by Thursday as I have DR appts on Thursday and Friday this week. It's pretty cold and windy here today and I am wishing the furnace was working about now. The wood stove is going but I think my fingers are BLUE. I haven't knitted anything yet today but I may stay up all night and work on an afghan to warm me up. Yikes. First though I am going to go make something to eat. I skipped dinner, I think a multi grain english muffin with PB on it and afterward a cup of HOT HOT HOT Tea.
~
You all have a wonderful night and I'll catch up with you tomorrow. Sweet Dreams everyone.
~
AK

Sunday- Contest Day #22- A Deal... Some Assembly Required

Yep it's a deal huh? Any takers?
~
SUNDAY CONTEST REVIEW-
~
Can you believe it's been a month almost. Next Sunday I will reveal the grand prize winner as well as the winner from those that are followers of my blog as well. BUT this week the winner belongs to...RENNA. Regis (my random number generator)gathered all the comments from people who answered about their favorite birthday dessert... there were 17 comments and Regis chose #1. Congratulations Renna. And your prize? Well it's 2 Balls of Cotton, I'll PM you on Ravelry and we can discuss colors.
~
Today is my Dad's birthday. I know my Dad doesn't read my blog so no shout outs to him here today. I'll call him on the phone instead later tonight. He'll be home watching the Oscars, it's a NO MISS event in his world, I loved watching them with him every year, but now we live 3000 miles apart. My Dad could tell you who won every year I am sure. I got my love of movies from him.
~
I decided to blog earlier today so I guess sweet dreams won't be my closing tonight. Instead I wish you a day full of FUN and FAMILY and FRIENDS. See you Monday.
~
For Shelly Just From Me

Yeah it's DARK but we still have half the house without electricity and it was midnight when I made the video. Wish I was there to sing in person. Love ya.
~
AK

Saturday- Contest Day #21- Get Er Done

Adam is HOME. And here to greet him was a NEW puppy, named Darling. At least that's what the tag says. Doesn't Adam look older all of a sudden? Gone only a week and he grew up on me.
~
SATURDAYS CONTEST QUESTION-
~
Have you ever joined or ordered something knowing full well you might NEVER participate in what you signed up for? It doesn't have to be knitting related, it could be a gym, or a club or whatever. Post your answer in the comment section to receive today's entry in February's contest. As usual any comment will still get you an entry so don't let the question discourage you from commenting, OK?
~
I ask this question today because I received another package in the mail today from TheKnitter.com.I get a sock pattern and the yarn to make the sock every other month. This is my fourth shipment... take a guess how many of these socks I have actually made so far... go ahead I'll give you a minute or two. Need more time? I'll wait. LOL... yep you got it ZERO. I gave one of the kits away, and still have three here waiting for me to Get Er Done.
~
So that brings me to this... Another pretty COOL contest I discovered today
There is a picture of the HUGE prize on the blog, just click on the picture to go there. You have until March 16th so maybe even I can "Get Er Done" by then {{sigh}}
~
On a good note though I DID actually knit a dishcloth today and started a second. I can't show pictures until next week though since they will be a KAL on my yahoo group starting Monday, I don't want to give it away in case they are reading the blog too.
~
Adam just fell asleep. We have a pull up on tonight. He woke up dry this morning but had a bad bathroom day today and I worry in his sleep tonight it might get bad again. Better safe then sorry I guess.
~
So I guess I'll follow, we have an early day tomorrow with church and we are supposed to get snow too, OH BOY. I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend, and have a great night.
~
Sweet Dreams everyone, AK

Friday- Contest Day #20- Playing With Clay

Well first off let's get to Finishing Friday. I already posted the picture of the Maple Leaf dishcloth/hot pad so I won't bore you again. The other project I finished this week was thisIt was our Mystery KAL on the WhoDuKnit Yahoo group.
~
FRIDAYS CONTEST QUESTION-
~
How long have you gone without knitting or crocheting something? Post your answer if you can, lol, in the comment section to receive todays entry in the February contest. If you can't answer, for whatever reason, that's OK too. Any old comment will get your entered.
~
I ask this because it's been THREE days since I held yarn or needles in my hand and I am going CRAZY. But suddenly I have no time, energy or real desire to start a new project or finish a started one. I didn't even bring anything with me to the DR's today, {{sigh}} Maybe tomorrow I'll make something... but maybe not. Why you ask? You did ask didn't you? Well just looky here at what I bought todayYep I am about to step into the world of clay sculpting. Patt has inspired me and I just have to give it a try. I think Adam and I tomorrow will have a little craft lesson and see what we can come up with.
~
Yep Adam is here, he couldn't wait to come to Nana's. He is sleeping in NO pull up tonight, let's see if my bed stays dry.
~
My car is still broken, not going there today... maybe over the weekend.
~
DR appt went well too but it's late so I'll talk about my day on Saturdays post.
~
Now it's bed time for this sleepy head, Adam has already gone into dream land. Have a wonderful night and I wish you all sweet dreams as you sleep. And dry eds, LOL.
~
AK

Thursday- Contest Day #19- Feet in the Sink???

This is my niece Autumn. Yes she is sitting on the bathroom countertop with her feet in the sink. I just thought it was a great photo so I had to share it with you. She'll probably kill me, but at least I didn't show the one with her face.
~
THURSDAYS CONTEST QUESTION:
~
Not knitting or craft related... but What is your favorite Birthday dessert? Post your answer in the comment section to receive the entry for today in February's contest.
~
I ask this question because tonight we went to my nephews house for his wife's birthday. She is 29 today and isn't she BEAUTIFUL?Happy Birthday Helen Anne. By the way I did NOT eat any cake, but I still had fun.
~
And here is a picture of Robbin, my nephew, and Me taken tonight. Robbin also had WLS one month before me, and now is about 40 pounds or less from GOAL. He looks awesome. Robbin works for the American Red Cross, so I thought I'd just encourage you to donate blood, you never know the life you save might be your own.
~
Oh by the way, I weighed in today and had another loss. But tomorrow I see the Nutritionist so I want to see if the weight is the same on their scale since their scale is OFFICIAL, lol. I'll let you know tomorrow how it went.
~
Now it's time to get ready for bed, got a busy morning and Adam is back in town so he will be here sometime tomorrow I think. I sure miss him. Have a great evening, sweet dreams and make tomorrow a great day too.
~
HUGS AK

Wednesday- Contest Day #18- Wanna WIN???

Hey anyone up for some FREE yarn from WEBS??? Well then you simply MUST check out this contest. It's on Knit Purl Gurl's blog and well you can get up to 4 entries.

I snagged this picture from her blog in case you wanna see what you are gonna get. Worth a trip over don't ya think?
~
WEDNESDAY CONTEST FOCUS
~
Today's question is an easy one. Have you ever WON anything in a contest? What did you win? Post your answer in the comment section to receive your entry today for February's contest.
~
So to answer my own question I just have to show off what I won this week. A great package from Anita O. I helped pick out a name for one of her new bunnnies. The link will take you to the blog where she shows off all the heart shaped cloths she made, they are great.She sent me one of the Heart Lace dishcloths from SMarieK Knits free patterns, isn't it awesome? I've been meaning to knit this up myself but keep getting distracted. Now I have the perfect PINK cotton too to use just for this. And look at these so 60's Window Cling stickers. Won't they jazz up my car (once I have a car to drive again that is)? I might put one on the screen door window to cheer the mailman up when he delivers the mail. You just gotta be nice to the mailmen, they deliver these great goodies, right? Besides one of my best friends is a mailman, Hi Dave and Ruth. {{smile}}
~
Well look here, it's only 10pm New York time and I am blogging. Maybe I'll actually get to bed before 2am tonight. {{sigh}} Adam is supposed to fly home tomorrow so I'll be waiting to hear they made it back safely. Have a great evening and sweet dreams. See you all on Thursday.
~
AK

Tuesday- Contest Day # 17- Take One

Back side viewFront side viewAnd the complete view Yep this was the project I made yesterday. It's actually 2 dishcloths sewn together. The backside view I just made up myself, I am sure there is probably a pattern like it out there so it is NOT an original design. All I did was knit a border the same as the leaf cloth, and then made a 4 space on the sides and the bottom and top, and just garter stitch in the middle. Easy smeasy huh?
~
The Maple leaf pattern came from here. But I wanted to do the leaf part in a contrasting color so I adapted the pattern to allow me to do this. This is also the reason the cloth is double sided, too much of a mess on the back side to stand alone if you catch my drift.
~
I made another project yesterday too but I haven't posted that yet either, AND hopefully I can reveal the Mystery Knit from a few days ago soon too. You know the Pink and Green something I teased you with???
~
Tuesdays Contest Focus-
~
Some of you might remembeer I have set a goal to knit or crochet 365 items this year. Yeah, I mean to meet this goal too. So my question today is: How many ITEMS have you finished so far this year? (**Note a pair of socks counts as 2) Post your answer in the comment section for today's entry in February's contest. Don't fret if you haven't made anything yet do far... any comment qualifies you so jump right on in, OK?
~
I am happy to report I am RIGHT on TRACK so far. According to my list I have finished 48 items... that's 31 for January and 17 so far for February. Can't get any closer then that can ya?
~
Got the news on my car trouble. It looks like the fuel pump died. So I won;t have a car until at least Sunday maybe longer depending on if I can find the part for a lower price or not. it's always something but I am just thankful that it happened when it did and not when I would be stranded at the hospital alone after my follow up DR appt this week.
~
One of the DR's from the hospital took a liking to me when i was doing all the pre-surgery admitting stuff and she calls me weekly to see how I am doing, she told me there is a shuttle from the hospital to were my DR is now and the shuttle is free, so I will be able to take the bus to the hospital and then the shuttle to the DR and not have to worry about not having the car. See how good God is?
~
Oh and the fact that I can WALK to the bus stop is a HUGE testimony too, couldn't have done that 6 months ago.
~
I guess that's it for today. Tomorrow I MUST knit something to stay on schedule, so i need my beauty sleep. You get some sleep too, sweet dreams everyone.
~
AK

Monday- Contest Day #16- Happy Birthday Papa

Happy Birthday Papa

Today is my husbands birthday, so I figured I'd dedicate today's blog title to him. He unfortunatley had to work both jobs today so no celebrations. Maybe tomorrow we can have a cake or something, well he can, I can't have sweets anymore. I'll have a sugar free pudding instead.
~

Contest Focus For Monday-

~

Is there a new technique or pattern type you are planning on trying out this year? What is it? I am always curious about what people are learning. Post your answer in the comment section for another entry in this months contest. Even if you aren't planning on trying anything new a comment still gets you an entry so don't be shy.

~

I am going to really work on Fair isle or Intarsia knitting this year. I liked making that heart mug cozy for the Cocoa Swap this year and I want to learn how to make something like a hat in that manner. It's going to be tough but I hope by Christmas I have figured it out and made at least one gift in the process.

~

I worked on this a little today with a double sided dishcloth. It's for the WhoDuKnit Yahoo group it's my project from the book we read in January "Casting Spells". I was going to post the picture tonight but I didn't get it uploaded yet and it's late and I'm tired so it will have to wait until tomorrow.

~

Sorry for the fast post today, just not a lot to say I guess. I need to start blogging earlier when my brain is still working. LOL

~

Praying you all have a wonderful night and sweet dreams.

~

See you Tuesday, AK

Sunday- Contest Day #15- A Little Love

Hannah got her hair cut this weekend. It looks so good. Her friend also got her hair cut too and donated it to Locks of Love.
~
I finished the KAL from the Yahoo KnittingNASCAR group, I designed it just for them to knit for the Daytona 500 race today. I'll be adding the pattern to my pattern blog and Ravelry tomorrow, just in case you are a NASCAR fan or know one. Come on we all know at least one, right? If you like NASCAR come on over and join us, we hope to have more original KALS, some games, swaps and prizes too.

CONTEST FOCUS FOR SUNDAY-
~
Sunday is a day of rest, so nothing to do today except leave a comment that you were here and you'll have an entry.
~
I on the other hand randomly took a day from last weeks comments and those that answered the Focus of that day were recorded and a winner was chosen. I of course used REGIS (my random # generator... and for Friday the 13th I had 13 comments (ooohhh spooky huh?) that counted for the mini prize and REGIS chose #11... and that was Maria. Congratulations Maria you are the winner of the mini prize this week. A Susan Bates Knit Check Stitch Gauge.

I'll Ravelry PM you for your address and get it out in the mail to you ASAP.
~
I guess since it's almost 1am I had better get my rear to bed. I am tired, wonder why? I hope you are all already sound asleep and having sweet dreams.
~
AK

Saturday- Contest Day #14-

Well It's Valentines Day and I just wanted to let you all know that I appreciate you coming to my blog and leaving comments. It really does make my day brighter. I come to my email every morning looking forward to the notices that you have been here. I don't know why it makes my day, but it does, so Thank You all. And Happy Valentines day.
~

CONTEST FOCUS FOR SATURDAY-
~

It's basically a FREE day today. So I'll just ask you if you did anything special to celebrate the LOVE you have in your life. Post anything at all in the comment section and receive another entry in this months contest.
~
As for me... I went shopping with my Mom. Now this is something I have not been able to do for at least 4 years. Walking around stores for 4 hours is not something I could do before losing this weight. I can only imagine what we will do when I get to my goal.
~
We went to Bon Ton's because they offered free bra fitting and, well, I need a new one, the two I have are both too big now. I got my new size, but they didn't have any bras to buy, oh well. I did find a few other great deals though.
Tan colored suede clogs
Navy Blue Mary Jane type shoes
A red and black tank top
A white sweater
A magenta sweater

~

Everything was 75% off. I didn't pay more then $8.00 for any item. And all the clothing items were less then that. It was amazing, I shopped off the RACK and paid less then a zillion dollars for the clothes. That never happens. LOL.

~

My car is still sitting at the repair shop. I guess they are closed for the weekend. I wonder if they will be working on Monday?

~

Haven't heard from Adam yet. I hope that means they are having a blast in South Carolina. I think I'll try to call tomorrow just to say HI. I hope she brought her phone with her.

~

Well tomorrow is church and then the Daytona 500, my favorite TV to knit to. Tomorrow I work on those unfinished socks.

~

Well it's bed time for me. My feet are crying to be elevated after the shopping marathon. You all have a wonderful night and sweet dreams too.

~

AK

Friday- Contest Day #13- Friday, Frogged and Frustrated

I figured I'd start off with the FOGGING part of Friday.
This is a pair of socks I started, oh I don't know well over a year ago. I didn't really like the yarn color that much so I shoved them in a bag and hid them in my closet. Yeah I know...But I found them this week and thought the color isn't too bad, I think it's just not the right pattern for them, so I frogged them and I will search for another pattern and try again. The OnLine sock yarn was bought on sale so it's really good yarn for me to practice with, right?
~
CONTEST FOCUS FOR FRIDAY-
~
Being that it's Friday the Thirteenth I thought I'd just do a little survey...
Are you supersticious? Do you throw salt over your shoulder? Say White Rabbit on the first of the month? Avoid ladders and black cats? There are a ton of them? If you do tell me about it in the comment section and receive another entry in thsi months contest. Even if you aren't supersticious a comment of any kind will still get you in.
~
As for me... well I am NOT supersticious. In fact I always say since I am a child of God I a not of this world, I just live here, and if the world is afraid of Friday the 13th then it's a GOOD day for me.
~
That said though...my car died today right in the middle of one of the busiest roads in Albany, at 5PM, yeah RUSH HOUR traffic. It had to be towed, my mom has AAA but couldn't help me, I had no way to get there to pick my son up (he had borrowed the car), my sister and other son were still working... yeah it was a bad luck situation and very frustrating. Do I now believe the 13th is cursed??? What do you think?
~
And finallyMy cocoa swap package was just the best. My secret partner was Mary Lynn, already a friend of mine and I have to admit I had NO clue it was her. She was so awesome taking head to my unusual circumstances because of my recent WLS and just went above and beyond what I would have hoped to receive.
~
My goodies came in three shipments. It was tough at first I decided NOT to open them until they were all received it worked until package #2 came and I opened it before I realized. Oh well, now I had to open the first, and then a couple days ago #3 finally arrived.
~
Package #1 was YARN. Two wonderful, beautiful, much desired yarn. One was Socks that Rock in the colorway "Deck the Halls" it's pink, and purple and rusty orange and I LOVE it. The second yarn was from Cherry Blossom Fibers in the colorway "Beach House", also with PINK in it and a variety of other colors. I can not wait to use these up. They are in hanks so I'll have to be careful. Don't want any more spaghetti yarn incidents. LOL
~
Package #2 came in the tin that says Yarn Snob on it and inside are these coolest circles of stitch markers in assorted sizes. They remind me of candy, and I have never seen these before. What a find, Mary Lynn, I love them too.
~
Then the final package #3 arrived. Inside this was some sugar free hot cocoa (the only kind I can drink) some green tea and four different Tazo brand envelopes of herbal tea. I have had these before and I LOVE them. Very flavorful. Also included are some equal sugar packets, they can always come in handy. Some yarn was in this package too... it has pinks and browns and rusty colors in it as well, and she rolled these into balls for me, see Mary Lynn reads my blog and KNOWS I am hank challenged. LOL. It's 100% virgin wool and custom hand painted from Koigu Designs. I think there is enough for socks here, but if not I'll find something else to make with it. So soft. There was also an Altoid tin but inside was this great pair of scissors, they look so fancy and can I just say I lost my mini scissors a month ago, I've been using a nail clipper to cut my yarn so these were so needed. LOL. A needle row counter, a darning needle, a stitch holder and come more stitch markers. Man I am set for life here. And last the Blah Buster Buddy... it's not an animal... Mary Lynn always astute knows my real passion is BAGS. I love bags and I especially love felted bags. So instead of an animal she made me a mini felted bag. And attached to it with a small stitch holder is a mini knitted mitten. OMG it's adorable.
~
I am sure my pictures don't do all these wonderful gifts justice but I have to say I was blessed. This Cocoa Swap is my favorite swap. Thanks Michelle and Holly too for continuing this tradition and thank you Mary Lynn for being a great swap partner.
~
That said, I am calling it a night. You all have a wonderful evening and sweet dreams.
~
AK

Thursday- Contest Day #12- Ever Have A Brain Overload?

~
Yeah that's how my day felt today. Brain Overload. I had a list as long as this anteaters nose and I think I maybe crossed off two things. I cancelled my sons cell phone and went to my support group. It's midnight now and I just finished trying to catch up on all your blog posts from today.
~
Oh before I forget, let me say MEATBALL was the answer to yesterday's riddle. I used Meatball since I DID untangle the Spaghetti yarn I showed you a couple days ago, and the Meatball was my newly rolled and untangled ball.
~
THURSDAY'S CONTEST FOCUS
~
So today since it's LATE and I am tired I'll just ask a simple question... Have you ever knit anything with a Valentine Day theme? What was it? Tell us about it in the comment section and receive another entry in this months contest.
~
I did dig out my sock, you know the one I have been knitting on since, oh maybe March 2009. {{sigh}} I'd really like to at least finish the first one... is there such a thing as "first sock syndrome?" Tomorrow I hope to post pictures of the Cocoa Swap 2 package I received today. Here is a sneak peak...

And on that note I am going to go to bed. I am exhausted from doing NOTHING. Have a wonderful night and may you all have sweet dreams.
~
AK

Wednesday- Contest Day #11- Ridiculous Riddle & Cocoa Swap Topic #4

Well it's the middle of the week and here we are. Have you had a productive week so far? I think I am a little behind but I hope to catch up with the second half of the week.
~
Wednesdays Contest Focus:
~
Let's move on to a RIDDLE shall we?
~
Below you will see a riddle... post your answer to this riddle in the contest section to get another entry in this months contest. Don't worry even if you don't think you know the correct answer any old comment will still count, so don't be shy, OK?
~
Well Wednesday has always been Prince Pasta Day
Remember the commercial proclaimed it that way
So sauce and spaghetti were the dinner fare
We loved it so we didn't complain or care
Add garlic bread and we would smile ear to ear
Our excited voices were not hard to hear
But to make the Wednesday dinner matter most of all
We had to have a heaping serving with a homemade ????
~

My son hooked up the WII to my TV downstairs. So today of course we had to play some games. He also bought a NASCAR racing game, steering wheels and all, so we tried that. We played all four tracks, I did best on the Talladega track, it was just an Oval racetrack. But the other three, well let's just say if I were taking a driving test, I'd have been laughed out of Dodge. My husband has never played WII, so I taught him how to bowl tonight, I won two out of three games. I can see a re-match in our future. LOL.
~
I had a HUGE NSV (non-scale victory) today. I was able to wear the seatbelt in my car without the extender today. YES, no more extenders for me, and there was still room to spare. It's been 10 years that I have had this stupid extender. Oh happy day...
~
Cocoa SWAP Topic #4-
As we head into those doldrum parts of the Winter season (thank you very much Puxatawney Phil for seeing your shadow yet again)… It makes you dream of the seasons you love… What is your favorite season? What do you love most about that season? and… What is your favorite thing to do NOW to keep you from stressing about MORE winter to go?
~
My favorite season since I moved to New York 29 years ago was always AUTUMN. Because in NY winter, is cold, spring is wet, and summer is humid. Autumn however is fresh and crisp and the air smells clean. I love to go outside and just take deep breaths. BUT this year I am going to be able to go in my sisters above ground pool!!! I won't weigh too much to fear the ladders anymore. I am so looking forward to Summer for the first time in ovver 15 years. What keeps me from stressing out while winter continues? NOTHING... sorry to say I just have to wait it out. But I can say this swap makes it a lot more fun while I wait.
~
One last thing... I also wanted to make mention and link back to The Wont You Be Mine contest at Tangerine Dreams. You just have to check out the yarn she has there. I've never seen anything like it before. Click on the link and be amazed
~
I guess that's about all the news from a thawing Upstate NY today. I think I'll get a drink of water, brush my teeth and hit the hay. I wish you all a great night and sweet dreams.
~
AK