WARNING FOR WOMEN:

You've heard about people who have been abducted and had their kidneys removed by black-market organ thieves. Well, this kind of cruel theft is happening with other body parts as well!

My thighs were stolen from me during the night a few years ago. I went to sleep and woke up with someone else's thighs. It was just that quick. The replacements had the texture of cooked oatmeal. Whose thighs were these and what happened to mine? I spent the entire summer looking for my thighs. Finally, hurt and angry, I resigned myself to living out my life in jeans.

Then the thieves struck again. My ass was next. I knew it was the same gang, because they took pains to match my new rear end to the thighs they had stuck me with earlier. But my new ass was attached at least three inches lower than my original. I realized I'd have to give up my jeans in favor of long skirts.

Two years ago I realized my arms had been switched. One morning I was fixing my hair and was horrified to see the flesh of my upper arms swing to and fro with the motion of the hairbrush. This was really getting scary - my body was being replaced one section at a time. What could they do to me next?

When my poor neck suddenly disappeared and was replaced with a turkey neck, I decided to tell my story.

Women of the world wake up and smell the coffee! Those "plastic" surgeons are using REAL replacement body parts stolen from you and me! The next time someone you know has some thing "lifted", look again - was it lifted from you?

THIS IS NOT A HOAX.
This is happening to women everywhere every night.
WARN YOUR FRIENDS!

P.S. Last year I thought someone had stolen my breasts. I was lying in bed and they were gone! But when I jumped out of bed, I was relieved to see that they had just been hiding in my armpits as I slept. Now I keep them safely hidden in my waist band.

Irish Ghost Story

This story happened a while ago in Dublin, and even though it sounds like an Alfred Hitchcock tale, it’s true.

John Bradford, a Dublin University student, was on the side of the road hitchhiking on a very dark night and in the midst of a storm. The night was rolling on and no car went by. The storm was so strong he could hardly see a few feet ahead of him. Suddenly, he saw a car slowly coming towards him and stopped. John, desperate for shelter and without thinking about it, got into the car and closed the door. only to realize there was nobody behind the wheel and the engine wasn't on!! The car started moving slowly. John looked at the road ahead and saw a curve approaching. Scared, he started to pray, begging for his life. Then, just before the car hit the curve, a hand appeared through the window and turned the wheel. John, paralyzed with terror, watched as the hand repeatedly came through the window, but never touched or harmed him. Shortly thereafter, John saw the lights of a pub appear down the road, so, gathering strength, he jumped out of the car and ran to it.

Wet and out of breath, he rushed inside and started telling everybody about the horrible experience he had just had. A silence enveloped the pub when everybody realized he was crying and....wasn't drunk. Suddenly, the door opened, and two other people walked in from the stormy night. They, like John, were also soaked and out of breathe.

Looking around, and seeing John Bradford sobbing at the bar, one said to the other..."Look Paddy...there's that freaking idiot that got in the car while we were pushing it!!!!"

Inish Oirr Cniotáilte Stocaí

Inish Oirr Cniotáilte Stocaí (Inis Oirr Knitted Socks) are the first in a series, inspired by our family trip to Ireland. Inish Oirr is the eastern most of the Aran Islands, where we spent a delightful day this past summer. These were lovingly created and designed for my daughter, Bevin.

Obligatory Stats:

• Pattern: Inish Oirr Cniotáilte Stocaí
• Designer: Me
• Yarn: YarnAddict 100% Easy Care Merino Sock Yarn
• Colorway: November Sockamania PLUS
• Yardage: 400 yd
• Needles: Addi Turbo US 1.5
• This pattern will be available after the New Year

Lifesaver Socks

These were made for my nephew, Patrick. They are simplicity plus. They were crafted using 2 socks/2 circs, toe-up with the Turkish Cast-On, and a simple K3,P3 rib. I named them Lifesavers, because they look like a roll of Lifesaver candies.

Obligatory Stats:

• Pattern: Lifesaver Socks
• Yarn: Regia 4-ply
• Yardage: 450 yd
• Needles: Addi Turbo US 1.5

Hot off the needles:

Obligatory Stats:

• Pattern: Ripples Socks


• Designer: Anni Design for Sockamania


• Yarn: Sunshine Yarns


• Colorway: Reef


• Yardage: 400


• Needles: Addi Turbo US 1.5


• Start Date: November 16, 2007


• Finish Date: November 26, 2007


• Notes: 2 socks/ 2 circs, toe-up, and added a few rows of ribbing at top.


• This pair is for my niece, Kyle Ann

Okay, So this is how I imagine this conversation went:

Walmart Employee: 'Hello 'dis Walmarts, how can I help you?'

Customer: ' I would like to order a cake for a going away party this week.'

Walmart Employee: ?'What you want on the cake?'

Customer: 'Best Wishes Suzanne' and underneath that 'We will miss you'.

October's Elegance Socks

I just completed October's Elegance Socks from the Sockamania blog. They were designed by AnniDesign, and she offers a different sock each month, free for members of the blog. Anni is very talented and so creative. The yarn that I used was expressly dyed to complement the pattern and exclusively to the PLUS membership. It is truly luscious and spoingy, and I would highly recommend her yarns for anyone yearning to be pampered. I used a Turkish Cast-On for the first time and it has to be the best technique that I discovered this year! Simplicity at its finest!

Obligatory Stats

• Pattern: Elegance Socks
• Designer: Anni Design, for Sockamania
• Yarn: YarnAddict Yarns Sockamania PLUS Merino Sock Yarn
• Colorway: October Club
• Needles: Addi Turbo 2.5mm
• Yardage: 400 yds

I AM SPECIAL

This afternoon, I returned home from Rhinebeck. It was a long whirlwind weekend that encompassed flying up to NYC to visit with family and friends and to attend the NYS Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck for the first time. There will more on that later. Awaiting my return to PI, I found the most fabulous package from my KTS4 Pal Tammy.

There were the cutest beaded stitch markers in a wonderful Christmas and Winter theme, and an adorable tin that is perfect for holding all those loose notions that I have scattered about my knitting chair.

And the goodies... lots of Teas and Chocolates from Trader Joe's and some yummy cookies.

And the yarn! Oh my, there was some sscrumptious Hand Maiden Yarn Sea Silk in the Renaissance colorway.........and some truly fabulous Socks That Rock Lightweight in Star Sapphire colorway that is a beautiful periwinkle.

And if that wasn't enough, Tammy was thoughtful to include the "Spring Shawl" pattern from Heirloom Knitting. Since I discovered lace, Sharon Miller's designs have been on my most aspired, most drooled over, most coveted patterns.Tammy, I am in awe of your creativity and truly touched by your generosity. Thank you for making me feel so special.

Another Estonian Garden Shawl

This project is finished, just waiting to be shipped off to my ISE5 Pal. She said that she would love a lace project. I am hoping that this shawl will be everything that she had hoped for.

This coming weekend, I'll be heading to Rhinebeck. So, the package will wait until after I return. I just might find a few surprises to keep this shawl company on its journey to my ISE5 Pal.

My Pal, she has done it again..

I was just about to walk out the door for my daily errands. You know.. the bank, library, post office, dry-cleaners, etc. However, there was this package leaning up against the door. My curiosity was peaked. The darn errands would have to wait.

I opened the box to reveal two packages that were so carefully wrapped in white tissue paper. But, not for long. I ripped open the first to reveal two skeins of Louet Gems in the Indigo colorway. My first instinct, as with all yarn, was to put it up to my cheek to rub it and smell it. It is truly luscious. I have never used this yarn, but with all the socks that I have planned in the wings over the next 3 months, that yarn will not be gathering too much dust.And then, as I opened the next package, I stopped dead in my tracks. I was, and if you can believe it, still am, speechless. There was the piece d' resistance (OK, so you can tell that I took Spanish not French). There was the most truly fabulous, mouth-dropping, incredible, fantastic, awe-inspiring, and most coveted sock blockers that I have ever feasted my eyes upon. And they were mine. All mine.

Just when I didn't think that it was possible for my pal to top her last package, she did it again. I am floored, and extremely grateful for her infinite generosity and down right good taste! Thank you. thank you. thank you. thank you.

And of course, I couldn't resist modeling my most recent pair of socks. Here they are, in all their glory, looking too marvelous....

I found it!

I found the most perfect shop in the UK to spoil my pal.

Socktopus, a relative newcomer to the yarn scene, is now offering the UK, and the world, the finest, most luxurious fibers that are available.. anywhere. When it comes to retailers, Alice has raised the bar a notch. She offers exceptional products, at the best prices, and with the best customer service that you will experience in a long time. Alice, has the most exquisite taste in yarn, and being an avid sock knitter herself, she has an eye and hand for selecting just the very best. She carries Hand Maiden Casbah, a luscious blend of cashmere/wool and Fleece Artist Somoko, a luxurious blend of kid/silk/merino. I have been gifted yarns by Hand Maiden myself, and I have not stopped caressing them yet.

For the ultimate splurge, could Alice entice you with Camel Spin? It's another yarn by Handmaiden - camel down is really luxurious and exotic. This one is 30% camel down and 70% silk. Or how about another yarn by The Knittery, from Australia, which is a cashmere and merino blend (60% superwash merino, 20% cashmere, 20% nylon) - softer still than Casbah and it is truly absolute heaven! If you haven't been bitten by fiber bug yet, why not try some of the absolute gorgeous offerings of pure cashmere from Mama Llama. Oh and of course there is Buffalo Gold, from Texas. This is buffalo down which is an exotic fibre, rather dear, and rather warm.

Alice even has a Socktopus Sock Club in the planning stages. She has plans to showcase the exceptional yarns of local, as well as international hand dyers. Bookmark Socktopus. It will be the site to browse when you want the finest yarns that are available.

Another ISE

I joined the International Scarf Exchange 5. This will be my fourth round in this particular exchange. Each time, I have been blessed with the most fabulous partners, both up and downstream.

I have read the questionnaire of the pal that I am to spoil. She outlined the colors, type and style that she would love. Being the sneak that I am, my introduction to her I told her that I had only been knitting for about 6 months and I am just now learning how to purl. I told her that I love the beautiful selection of yarns that are available at my local Wal-mart. Isn't she just crazy about Lion Brand too? (Yes, I will be going straight to hell for all the lies that I tell, but heck.... I'll know everyone there!) I know that she would love a lace shawl, but with all the constraints upon my time, I really doubt if I will have the time to devote to it. I do have one already done, it's the Estonian Garden Shawl that I made using GGH Capri (a cotton/tencel blend) in a salmon color. I just don't know if it would be her first choice when it comes to the color.

The shawl is done, sitting in a drawer, all folded up and waiting to be loved and cherished. Would it be so tacky to send a shawl that I had already made?

I have heard from the person that is to spoil me. She sent an email asking a few questions, to try and get to know me more. I sent her a loooooong rendition, that just might have been a little TMI. Well, she asked for it! lol. I just hope that she uses this exchange as a change to try new and different techniques and yarns.... but most of all.... to just have fun!

A Sister's Gift

I was gifted this truly fabulous quilted jacket. Dee is so talented, and far outshines my abilities. She was making a quilt, when her son remarked that the color's were "so Aunt Dorene". And, yes, they are. If you could just imagine a Tuscan landscape with the luscious green fields, dotted with abundant sunflowers and lavender, you can picture colors that I'm drawn to. So, she decided to use some of the fabric and craft me a jacket. Isn't is just fabulous?

Look... even the lining is sheer perfection....

The colors didn't really come out as vibrant as they really are, as the flash did wash them out, just a tad. But, I hope that you can just partially imagine how truly exquisite this gift is. Boy, do I feel special!

O! M! G!

I just received a parcel from my Secret Pal. Actually, it went out west and Nick had to forward it to me here at the beach. It arrived today and when I opened it, all I could say, is OMG, over and over again. "Sock Pal" really outdid herself.

The package included a wonderful skein of Mini Maiden, the little sister of the Silk Maiden that I have been totally ga-ga over. It is a delightful blend of Silk and Wool and is in the most luxurious color called Sangria. Cocktails, anyone? I just can't seem to stop petting it. It truly is that luscious. Oh, my.
Then, there was a lavender sachet pillow from Peace Valley Lavender Farm, accompanied by a little tub of the Lavender Shea Butter. Nothing, I mean nothing, makes my yarn smell any better than lavender. A girl can never have too much lavender.
Finally, I came to a small package that was wrapped in a plain wrapper, from Knitty Noddy. Gingerly, I opened it to reveal.... "Knitting Lace Triangles", the latest book from my idol, Evelyn Clark. It is eerie, because I was seriously contemplating buying the book myself, just yesterday. I just ran out of time and never got around to order it. Talk about karma!
Well, "Sock Pal", you have put together one truly fabulous package and I am in awe. This one was definitely a "10". This is one that will hard to beat.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

More International Woes

Some people came up with some very creative ideas when shipping internationally.

Flat Rate Envelope:
The most cost effect way to ship is to use the "Flat-rate" Envelope. It costs $11.00 and has no weight limit.
Downside - it isn't too big and it is gosh awfully hard trying to cram any goodies in there.

Gift Certificates:
Read your pal's blog and try to find out what LYS she frequents. Is there any one in particular that she really likes. Email them and ask if you could purchase a gift voucher.
Downside: You email them to inquire. They will email you back and ask to you call them. So, the 10lb** voucher, at the current exchange will cost $21.00, $4.00 in postage, $4.00 for a phone call. I'm up to $29.00 for a 10lb voucher. I ask you. Doesn't 10lb sound kind of skimpy? Just how much can you buy for 10lb?
** I apologize but I can't find the symbol for the British pound.

Order Online:
Go to http://www.amazon.uk.com/ and order a book. Let's say "Victorian Lace Today"
Downside: In the UK, that book cost 21.00lb. Do the currency thing and that equates to $44.00!!!! My poor dollar is taking such a beating! I can order the same book from http://www.amazon.com/ and even with the shipping abroad, the same book will cost me $28.75.

By the end of this exchange I will have figured out all the angles. But for now, I'm still trying....

Suggestions, please....

I am participating in the Secret Pal 11. I usually like these sort of exchanges as I get to plan a surprise for another knitter. But, with my current exchange I am facing a dilemma, and perhaps, you can help.....

My first package was to have a theme - Spa indulgence. It included some luscious yarns (linen, silk, cotton), along with patterns to make some spa-like accessories (washcloths, bath mitts, sachets). Of course, it also included beautiful collection of elegant sundries (bath salts, lotions, oils), aromatherapy candles and some decadent chocolate for the ultimate indulgence. My problem is that my partner lives abroad. This package that I put together will cost over $40.00 in postage alone!!!!!! Yikes, and this is just the first of three packages that are due! Now, I don't begrudge spending money on someone. Heck, that's what this is all about. But, I do begrudge spending that sort of money just on postage. That's downright ludicrous. It's absurd!

So, I'm back to the drawing board and open for any suggestions.....

Does anyone have any lightweight, and I do mean "lightweight", suggestions for a wonderful package?

Oh, the heartache.....

The finished MS3 had been discarded, sent to a forgotten corner of the room. I avoided it. I had poured myself into this project for the last two months and I just couldn't bring myself to look at it anymore. So, there it sat, as a blob of knitting nothingness.

Today, I finally got up enough gumption to do something about it.
So, it went from this.....
to this....
...... in under 60 seconds.

Ripping back the 500+ yd of yarn, it felt like eternity. I am planning to knit another of the first half (clue 1-4) and then grafting the two pieces together. I know that I'll be so much happier with Plan B.

Mystery Stole 3

Have you ever seen any of Melanie Leesburg's designs? She has some fabulous patterns at her site Pink Lemon Twist. I particularly love Leda's Dream and Moon Dance Shawls. She is so talented that I just had to join her Mystery Stole 3 KAL. It is my first that I have ever done and it was a wonderful learning experience. I grabbed my needles and yarn, and followed along, blindly, each week as a new clue was revealed.

Clue 1 thru 4....

I loved this. It had a wonderful point, a delightful pattern and it was the first time that I had ever worked with beads.

Then, Clue 5...

The stole began an abrupt turn and a totally different pattern was emerging. I didn't think that I was going to like a shawl that was asymmetrical, but to keep with the "spirit" of the mystery, I plodded along. Heck, what did I have to lose? A little time? And, I just might like it.

Clue 5 thru 7....

I really like the pattern that she put together for the "wing". Unusual, and stunning.

The finished shawl (unblocked).....

Here it is, draped across my bed. Disappointment sets in. I paraded around, trying desperately, to imagine the beauty of it. It is gawd awful! What was the girl thinking? It looks like the Sesame Street song, "Which of the two is unlike the other? Which of the two doesn't belong?" They are both truly beautiful patterns, by themselves. But, they just do not belong together. Please, do not get the impression that this is a feeble attempt at bashing Melanie. This is my humble opinion, and only my humble opinion. I think she is a very talented designer. And as a designer, you will come up with a design that some will love, and some will hate. I believe that this is that one.

I will be frogging the "wing" and making another half consisting of clue 1 - 4 and graft the two together. Heck, I might even do yet another shawl using just the wing pattern.

Thank you Melanie. I might not have liked the finished product, but I did learn so much and really did appreciate all the time and effort that you have given, freely, to this KAL.

An aside:

Yarn: Elsebeth Lavold's Hempathy (hemp/cotton blend)

Color: White Beach

Yardage: 1,071 (7 skeins)

Needles: Size 6 Denise

WOW!I am touched that someone took the time to nominate me! This exchange has been so much more than just knitting a scarf. I have been given the opportunity to "meet" some wonderful people that have truly touched my heart.

I remember my first exchange, ISE2, when I was a new knitter. I was terrified that I wouldn't be able to knit anything worthy to give to another knitter, someone who you can't fool, and someone that would be able to find all my mistakes. These exchanges have given me the opportunity to spread my wings, stretch my limits and try new techniques. It forced me to try somethings that would have never had the nerve to attempt.

For these reasons, and so many more, I am extremely grateful for this exchange.

Thank you and all the organizers for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this exchange. Kudos for a job well done.

Thank you!

Secret Pal 11 Questionnaire

I didn't participate in the last SP exchange. I was waaaay too busy, living between my homes, work, traveling, etc. But, when I returned home from Europe, I noticed that the sign-ups were open, so I figured, what the heck. I'll give it another whirl. I really do like these. I have a tendency to go a wee bit overboard. I just love getting to "know" someone, and then figuring the best way to surprise them. Isn't that what exchanges are all about?

So, without further ado. (drum roll, please) Here is the SP 11 questionnaire and my answers.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?

My goodness, this is a hard one. I love just about all yarns. Having recently relocating to the desert, with its 100+ temperatures, I have been using a bit of cotton, silk and linen. Sea Silk and Euroflax are fabulous! What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I found that I can not tolerate to knit with mohair or angora. They make me itch.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I store them in my Lantern Moon needle case and another case that a dear friend handmade especially for me.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I have been knitting for just over 2 years. I am self-taught, having learned via the internet and wonderful forums. I consider myself to be an adventurous intermediate. I just don't know enough to have any pattern, or technique intimidate me.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

No, I don't, but I really should work on one.

5. What's your favorite scent?

Perfume? I love Mariella Bruani. But, I also love the smell when I open my stash and the whiff of lavender catches my nose. A dear friend had gifted me with a sachet that she had made from the lavender in her garden and I love it. Nothing smells better.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

I adore white chocolate. I love malted milk balls and caramel. But, to be truthful, I have never turned my nose from any candy.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I try to make just about everything. I dabble with painting, stained glass, basketry, quilting and embroidery. I know that I am missing a few. I did try my hand at spinning last winter, thinking that it would be a wonderful way to escape cabin fever in my new home. But, winter never came. So, I didn't spin as much as I wanted to. I do have plans to devote more time to it.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

My favorite artists are Jimmy Buffett, Eric Clapton, Grateful Dead, Eagles, Billy Joel, the Travelling Willbury's, etc. Yes. I am hopelessly stuck in the 70's and 80's. I recently found a new life for my iPod. I download books that I listen to while I knit.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

I love all colors, especially deep, rich, fully saturated colors - reds, blues, purples, greens. I abhor brown and shy away from pastels.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I'm married to my best friend of 29 years. Children are grown and gone. No pets.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Scarves? Yes, but only light and airy ones, more as a fashion statement than functional. Hats /Mittens? Did I say its HOT here? And Ponchos? Not since the 70's.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Lace, lace and more lace. Socks run a close 4th.

13. What are you knitting right now?

Currently, I'm working on the Estonian Garden Shawl using Euroflax, and another in Hempathy. I am also working on the Mystery Stole 3. I also have pair of socks in the works.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Oh, yes... please and thank you!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

When I first started knitting, I just loved my CPY bamboo straights. They still are my most favorite straights, but since taking up lace, I find myself using circulars more and more. My newest favorite has to be my Addi Lace, followed by my Denises.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Yes/yes.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

I don't have any. I am a tad obsessive-compulsive and I must complete a project before moving onto the next. The only reason why I have more than one item OTN now, is because of the MS3 and it's down time and my need for portable projects for travelling.

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas! I adore Christmas.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

I collect German Nutcrackers. Also, handmade baskets.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

Books? Sharon Miller's "Heirloom Lace". It is awfully pricey. I think it just might be my Christmas present to myself! Yarns? HandMaiden, Louet, Claudia Handpaint. Needles? More Addi Lace. Patterns? Any lace shawl from Heirloom Lace, especially the Princess Shawl, the Spring Shawl and the Nesting Shawl. They are fabulous! Magazine subscriptions? I currently subscribe to Interweave Knits and Rowan. I have been coveting a set of those wooden sock blockers.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

On my list of things that I would love to learn is Fair Isle and color work. I don't see these in the very near futures, as I'm still perfecting working with one strand/color.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yes. Size 10 US or 41.

23. When is your birthday?

April 25th

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?

Uh? I am so out of the loop!

Ireland

My son Nick, who is stationed in Afghanistan, was getting two weeks leave, soooooo.... the entire Delaney clan decided to meet him in Ireland. My sister and I have been planning this trip for the past several months, arranging house leasing, airfares for 16, rental cars, yadda yadda. Well, on July 5th, it all fell into place as we all descended upon JFK for our departure for Ireland, to meet with my son. The party included my Mom, along with my family, my sister's family and my brother's family.

We stayed outside Galway in the town of Athenry, in a delightful home that had enough bedrooms and bathrooms to hold our family. It was complete with a pool room, that the boys loved, and a tennis court. We couldn't find the tennis rackets, but the kids did manage to make up a new game of Irish handball that will soon be sweeping the nation.

The weather was rainy, unseasonably rainy, but it never deterred us from venturing around the Isle. We spent much time in Galway, as it was hosting its annual Arts Festival. We visited the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, Dublin, Killarney, Cork, the Blarney Castle, Sligo, Connemara and the Aran Islands.

Some of the group, enjoying an afternoon pint......At The Quay, in Galway......Nick and Bevin.....

Blarney Castle...Cliffs of Moher....Tower at Athenry.....This was my first time visiting the Aran Islands and it was truly spectacular. Most of our group travelled around Inis Mohr on bicycles, however, I, along with my sister and my mother, took the less strenuous trip in the back of a buggy.

Nick and Kirstin.....Pete and Oriana.....Emma, Oriana, KyleAnn and Bevin.....Bevin, befriending a local dog...Mom, Dee and I, travelling in style....Hubby, and sons at St. James' Gate Brewery....Nick and Pete at Durty Nelly's....

Sunday, the 15th, would have been my parent's 57th wedding anniversary. We surprised Mom by taking her to Knock, where we visited the shrine and attended mass. Our Lady of Knock was my Dad's favorite Irish song. That day had my Mom shedding a few tears, remembering my Dad but sharing this day with her children and grandchildren.....

The family at dinner, the night before Nick returned to Afghanistan....Emma and Bevin giving the "Pete" thumbs up......

We created memories that will last a lifetime. And hopefully, will keep up Nick's morale for the remainder of his tour, until he returns home next May. Please, keep him, and the other young men and women that serve our county, in your thoughts and prayers.

God Bless Louis

Last night, Charleston Fire Department lost 9 men. One of them was a very dear friend....Louis Mulkey.That's Louis, pictured above, with his best friend, Robert. He was so vibrant, full of life. I sit here devastated and mourn the loss of a friend that I will miss dearly.

God bless all the heroes. Keep Louis, the 8 other Charleston Firefighters and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Sophie: A Gazillion Thanks

I was heading out the door, when my maillady came to greet me, holding this package from Sophie, my Knitters Tea Swap 3 partner. Oh well, the beach will just have to wait......

I opened the box to reveal all these tissue paper wrapped goodies with the cutest little notes attached to each one.... I quickly removed each item from the box. Besides all the culinary goodness, there were 7, yes, that's right, 7 little packages for me to open....

WOW! I couldn't believe my eyes. Sophie included a magazine for some light beach reading. There are scrumptious crackers and cookies and chocolate. And some English Breakfast Tea from Second Cup, which is "local Canadian answer to Starbucks". And some President's Choice, another local, English Breakfast Tea. Sophie's choices were fabulous, knowing what constraints that I had placed upon her when I admitted that I abhorred flavored teas! Sophie also included a small magnet from Lettuce Knit that she obtained at a local knit-in. It is already on the fridge. And the cutest, miniature porcelain teapot. And the most intriguing box that read "Tea for Two". This is what it said on the side of the box, "Enter into a world of grace and sophistication - the delightful tradition of afternoon tea. Inside Tea for Two, you'll find a pair of miniature tea balls, a saucer, a honey dipper and a 32-page book with easy recipes and tips for tea-time etiquette." How adorable is that?

But, the best and the truly NOT the very least, there are THREE skeins of yarn. Sophie had chosen some Fleece Artist 100% Merino for socks. And yarn from Hand Maiden - Sea Silk and Silk Maiden. Oh. My. God. Have I died and went to heaven? I have heard some great things about this yarn, but it wasn't until I had it in my hands did I understand what all the fuss is about! It is truly fabulous. And the color choices are superb. Wow! and Wow! again.....

Sophie, you are a master and I bow to your good taste. Truly, I have been spoiled. Thank you.....