Charlie is such an odd cat! When he's not ripping around the house at top speed, he likes being near us - but not too near. He demands scritches (on his butt) pretty much only when one of us on the toilet. On rare occasions, he will act all cuddly, and we love those moments.

This morning, about an hour before I was due to wake up, a cat climbed up onto my chest and started kneading my upper arm (the bad one). I moved around to get into a more comfortable spot, and he stuck right with me. Finally, I gave up and got out of bed, and was accompanied (at top speed) to the bathroom, where he let me pick him up and cuddle him and scratch his head. Oh, he was in bliss. Then he went stiff, and panicked and tried to get out of my arms; it was as if he'd just woken up and found himself in a strange place.

Not quite a lemon, but close
So, it's finally Friday. Not over yet, but I'm glad it's here. My car has been in the shop all week, and is still not done, so my boss let me work from home 2 days this week.

Oy, the car. I took it in late Monday, after explaining that the car was lurching on gear changes just like it had been doing a couple of months before. The mechanic didn't listen to a word I said, found a different problem, one that may have needed fixing, but at $450, I would have preferred that it fix the problem I took it in for! I picked it up at lunch yesterday, and didn't get out of the lot before I knew he hadn't fixed the problem. Took it back, and he fixed something else. Still lurching. He's not charging us for anything past the initial $450, since it's his fault he didn't pay attention to what I said. As much as I hate this car, I would like it back.

Sold
My dad's house, which has been on the market since last summer, sold yesterday. The first 6 months hardly count, since the realtor did nothing. We got a new guy a couple of months ago, and he's had steady showings. The market sucks here so bad -- we got $1,000 less than my parents paid for it 10 years ago. This will help John and I when we go to buy a place out of this county (can't wait), but it's still a bummer that values have dropped so far. Things are bad enough that we'll be lucky to get what I owe out of this house, losing the $20k downpayment.

Greasepaint
We're going to the theatre tonight. Okay, it's a play at my niece's school, but it's Arsenic and Old Lace, which I haven't seen on a stage of any kind before. (I love the movie!) I want to get the fourth Christmas hat cast on and past the increases (it's a top-down pattern) so I can do rows of mindless stockinette.

Contest
Next week, I'm going to have another comment contest. Part of the prize will be a kitschy Christmas book. Not sure about the rest. (Christmas because I'm in the mood now. I've mentioned this before, how I have to go with the spirit whenever it hits, since I don't know if it will be here when it's more appropriate/convenient.)

MCY
The poor zombie in NM must be a little nervous now that someone from the NM Attorney General office has joined Ravelry and the group devoted to shining the spotlight on her actions.

She was probably a little elated earlier in the week, when one of the claims against her was denied with the "evidence" consisting of an unsigned, undated note stating that the co. shut down at the end of December. It didn't take long before an unofficial task force was formed, consisting of a couple of lawyers and some people just interested in helping document this. They started gathering proof that the co. was still doing business as late as February, and soliciting sales for the sick, then dead, "sister" into March. A chronicler has started this website (not a lot of content yet) to keep track of what they know and can prove.

The sock puppet hasn't been back. She's probably reading, and clicking "disagree" on every post (someone is) but she hasn't had the guts to actually post in a week.

( more about the sockpuppet )

John was sick most of the night, I guess. He woke me around 4:45 this morning, moaning (really bad stomachache). He was asleep when I left for work, so he'll be okay. Actually, other than forgetting to rinse the conditioner out of my hair, the morning has been fairly smooth. It just takes that one or two instances to make me want to go home and get back in bed.

More fun from the Knitalong book. Someone commented in Flickr that the newly-felted (and unshaved) version looked like a fuzzy olive. I've felted other things with this yarn, and have never seen fuzz like that before! Finally a use for the package of pink disposable razors that aren't allowed near my legs.

I have a pretty good idea of where this is going, but I'm not saying yet.

Details
Pattern: Felted Nest from Knitalong, by Larissa Brown.

Yarn: Lamb's Pride Bulky in Kiwi (the mohair is what makes it so fuzzy after felting, but it felts beautifully). You could probably use something like Paton's classic wool, held doubled.

Needles: Size 11 (Magic Loop -- could also be done on 16" circs and DPNs)

Mods: None (I'd like to work out a smaller version to use as a gift box)

Next up: more Christmas hat knitting. It looks like only the honorary nieces & nephews want hats. I'm working up C's without a pattern, because he wants a skater-style beanie, I'm making this hat for Connor, and for Jen's boys, I've settled on Thorpe, each with the favorite color prominently featured (I will need to get some help with the crocheted edging). For her girl, I think another pixie-style Meathead hat is in order.

I'm sure it seems weird to some that I'm thinking about Christmas now. Well, last year, I couldn't stir the creative energy to do much of anything, so I'm welcoming the urge, even if it does fall before Memorial Day. Christmas '06 was a great Christmas for me, gift-giving wise. Heck, I even had a blog for it! I still hear about those gifts, by the way: the monster T-shirts and the pillow cases. I want to have that same kind of fun again. Don't forget, too, that there are - at minimum - eleven kids on my list! There are even more I'd love to add, and may be able to, if I get a lot done early.

My paternal grandmother always gave us a paper-themed gift. Usually (especially in my case) books, but art supplies, etc. as well. After she passed away, my mom regularly included a similar type of gift. This year, I decided to continue the family tradition with my brother's kids (in addition to a "funner" gift). Luckily, they are the type that enjoy reading. K, who is 9, got the Daring Book for Girls, plus a book light. She was spotted, wrapped up in the shawl I knit for her, flipping through the book. J, 5, has always loved books, and is now starting to read on his own, so I picked out a few reading-on-my-own (level 1) books, and gave him a book light as well. The style I bought for him needed 3 not-included AAA batteries, so I tossed them into his bag.

He pulled out the light and books, and set them aside, and dug into the bag to see if there was more. "Batteries! You got me batteries!" He was SO excited. (He loves power. He loves extension cords (and wanted to get one for everyone for Christmas). He also, apparantly, loves batteries.) Once he got the light working, he wanted to use it to illuminate the nativity scene, and moved it all over (not quite needing a book light, I guess).

You have to love a kid who would just LOVE a package of batteries for Christmas.

Apologies to those who don't "get" this. It has to do with a certain Christmas gift we've gotten every year since our engagement. For obvious reasons, I can't give too many specifics.

I had a lot of fun -- too much fun? -- with John's stocking this year. I found a few things online and ordered them several weeks ago. Imagine my delight when he mentioned wanting something (2 or 3 times) that I already had in a drawer! Early last week, I found a couple of other items, and ordered them too, risking their late arrival. Later in the week, I got an email from the first place, stating that the order had shipped. I didn't hear from the second place until Thursday, so I figured the first box would arrive on time, but the second box wouldn't. When neither had arrived by Saturday, I warned him that some items might be coming later (Monday delivery was a chance, but a slim one).

Late yesterday afternoon, I opened the front door to leave for a family event, having forgotten all about the mail. Well, there were two decent-size boxes on the porch; one bearing the label of the second place. The other box was large, and new (not reused), with huge letters declaring "Fresh Seafood, KEEP FROZEN."

No! They wouldn't? Would they? My heart in my stomach, I picked up both boxes and brought them inside. We delayed our departure while I opened the larger box. Inside: A Yodeling Pickle and Horrified B Movie Victims from Archie McPhee. The "missing" first box. Once all the pieces were in place, it made sense: a gag gift company sending out orders in random boxes. They just picked the really wrong box.

Why a Yodeling Pickle? John has started making pickles. Very crunchy and sour (or very hot). I thought it was an appropriate gift.

---

Now for the fun questions: Where have I been? Am I okay? Is John okay?

The latter two are the easiest to answer. We're fine. Or, as well as can be expected. Thanksgiving was very rough for me, and I kind of shut down for awhile. I kept going to work and all, but didn't do a lot otherwise for a few weeks. Once I was out of the habit of blogging, it became tougher to start again. But it's time. I'm up and the Christmas Strata is in the oven, and I have stories to tell. Thanks to everyone for the concerned comments and emails. I plan on responding to them all. ( Read about work )

I just cast off on my first Christmas gift! It's a blue, cashmere-blend cowl (a tube you wear around your neck for warmth, and can pull up to cover your ears/mouth when it's really cold). The yarn (Lion's Brand Cashmere blend) was a gift, and I really enjoyed knitting with it. Can't say who it's for, or even hint. I'm not actually planning to knit many gifts, but I'm liking the idea of doing a few things in advance so I'm not too crazed come December.

Next up, something for myself, with the Malabrigo (sp) that SIL T got for me (probably a cowl too). It's been wound into balls and is patiently waiting. First, though, I'm going to clean out my poor tote bag and see what I can do about getting it stocked as a knitting bag again. Then I'll let myself knit.

I also have to knit a robot for nephew J for his end-of-May 5th birthday. I got part of it done ages ago (the legs), but lost it, so I need to pick out yarn and start over.

In no particular order...*

2. Realizing in advance that not everyone appreciates hand-made gifts can save your sanity.
h. Sometimes, a great idea and little money can produce a fantabulous gift. Must try to come up with more of these.
&. Theme gifts RULE.
p. Gift cards are not evil... (it depends on the giver and the receiver. John looooves gift cards. I don't mind them. But for some reason, I hate giving them unless I know the recipient is college-age or younger). 7. Christmas lists are not evil**. They are not necessary, but they aren't bad.
#. Having personalized tags to sew into finished works is one of the best things ever. I lost track of how many "Aunt Missie" tags I used! I'm completely out for the moment, but have the supplies to make more.
b. Next year, I will make fewer gifts. That's all there is to it. I almost killed myself this year. While the end result was worth it, I need to be kinder to myself.
47. Next year, I want to pick a few regular gifts and make a lot of them. Like this year, but maybe with fewer monster appliques.
Q. The sewing machine was my second favorite wedding/shower gitt (right behind the king-size bed). I hope my DB, SIL C &her parents realize how much I use it!

*Totally stealing Rabbitch's numbering system.
**Post-college, my mom started asking for Christmas lists. And never bought anything on them. Ever. But was always disappointed/upset if we deviated from her list. This frustrated me to no end, and I've struggled with the idea since. The year I refused to give her a list (because she never bought anything on it anyway) was NOT a good time in our relationship. We did patch things up, but it wasn't pretty.

Since my niece & nephew are ill, I doubted that the whole family would get together at any point, so I went ahead and gave the kids their bags. They were very well received. (Whew!)

The one I was most worried about was for the pre-teen boy. He left the room immediately, pulled on his shirt, happily posed for a picture and was still wearing it several hours later when I left. He was also thrilled with the green squooshy-spikey ball (goes to prove you really never know). The 9-year-old girl put on her shirt right away, and asked for a lesson in casting on*. The 13-year-old girl delayed putting on her shirt, although she said she loved it, and asked for a casting-on lesson as well*. She put on the shirt a little bit later and left it on.

Finally, the baby's shirt... Lesson learned: rick-rack around a neckline is not such a good idea. It affected the stretch of the opening so we couldn't get it over her head. Then, I tore the shirt trying to get the rick-rack off. Sigh. It's easily repaired, just frustrating.

*Both girls know how to knit, but hadn't learned to cast on yet. They both picked it up pretty quickly. I figured that if I was giving them needles, I'd better give them yarn, so I went through my stash and found some yarns that at least came close to matching the gauge of the needles I gave them. What prompted the giving of the bags so early in their stay was when the 9-y.o. asked me where my knitting was, and could we knit?

Addition to one of the "cousin bags." Play watch, around a ball of pink tissue, popped into a stripey cupcake liner and wrapped in a cellophane bag.

I have so much of these materials left from the crazy crayon packages that I feel compelled to package everything "cute."

I posted mine a few weeks ago, but didn't have John's finished until late last week.

I'm going to do the exact opposite of the avatar's suggestion* and sit on my butt all day long. My foot is better, but a day of not running around will be good for it. I have to return my dad's car at some point, but that's it.

Had a very busy Christmas Day, but most of it was just lovely. I'm sad that our niece and youngest two nephews are sick, but glad that the popsicle molds I got for them are already in their respective freezers to give them some comfort**. (Rocket pops! The boys especially were thrilled.) The handmade gifts were well-received by the kids - even the teens liked their pillowcases***. After the frenzy of opening was over, N's mom tried one of the monster tees on him, and he loved it - asked for "lots more" when he found out Uncle John could/would design some for him.

All of the menfolk's gifts were "boughten," and most of the women's gifts were handmade. SIL C got a needle case set, plus needles, and some cotton yarn to go with the Mason Dixon Knitting book. SIL T got her "swap enhancement kit" and loved it! That was my most inspired gift this year (there's one every year.) MIL said I couldn't have made a better makeup brush roll if she'd been in the room with me. The colors, fabric, overall design were just perfect. Whew!

Check out the Christmas Idea journal (most cuts removed now) for pictures, links, details, etc.

I was also showered with gifts: a lit purse organizer from DB & SIL C, Ott lamps from both MIL & SIL T (I am keeping both!), plus a bag of deliciousness from MIL, including some of my Philosophy favorites (Hope in a Jar, Lemonade shampoo/body wash) and some new items (candy cane lip gloss & Amazing Grace Bubble Bath) and the new Last Minute Fabric Gifts (so I can plan for next Christmas).

*Quote from a favorite TV show, Wonderfalls.

**Funny how I commented in the linked post about how they were kind of inappropriate for Christmas, but I didn't care, then 2 of the sets went to kids with sore throats.

***We're not delusional - they got gift cards as well. Of course, by the time they got to our gifts, they were kind of in shock from the bounty that Grandma delivered (iPods), and they are also just very polite and well-behaved young men. But I really think they liked them.

We did not get a white Christmas in the Detroit area this year. I am NOT complaining. I injured my foot earlier in the week, and shoes were just not possible. Yesterday morning, we opened our presents from milady1, and her children sent a pair of fuzzy and adorable flip-flops. Too perfect for my situation! I wore them all day, which would have been awkward if we'd had snow/ice/etc.

She also sent me The 1900 House on DVD, which I'll be watching this week.

I'm up to pop the strata in the oven and the corn pudding in the crock pot. (I mixed the pudding last night... will let you all know how that goes.) (Sorry about the reposted pic - it was most Christmas-y one I had on Flickr)

Christmas is a bit disorganized, since niece K & nephew J are both ill. Can't risk Dad getting sick, and since K is still quite feverish after 5 days on antibiotics, it's probably viral and contagious. John and I risked it, so we could watch the kids open their presents. They seemed to like everything, but with the being ill and all... were subdued. Except that J was way, way excited about the lighted star tree topper he got us (apparantly, he did all his Christmas shopping in the Christmas section at the dollar store). He carried it around all night, kept asking me to plug it in, etc. He seemed to like the nativity very much.

Then we visited Dad, picking up his requested dinner on the way (ribs from Chicken King), and fed him and let him open his presents. Nothing crafty for him, but shooting gloves he wanted, super-duper gun oil spray that he's wanted since John told him about it, and custard cups (for me to make more custard in).

Home for our own Christmas. Earlier in the day, we exchanged 1 "non media" gift. John got his robot and he got me the gigantic George Forman grill. Last night, we opened DVDs and CDs (it's what we do). John was surprised and happy with his Gojira and season 1 of the Godzilla cartoon, the Forbidden Planet ultimate gift set, and the cherry on the top: a documentary from the History channel that he's wanted forever (America Eats Hotdogs). He got me the Barenaked Ladies' Barenaked Christmas CD (asked for), plus a creative selection of movies: National Lampoon's Vacation, Pirates of the Caribbean, Porky's & Porky's II*, and season 1 of NCIS. I may have missed one... I'm not quite here yet this AM. When he wakes, we'll open stockings.

I'm appreciate of the fact that he's been willing to follow my family's traditional agenda (open all gifts on Christmas Eve, stockings on Christmas morning, followed by the traditional breakfast). DB & SIL don't follow it now - the kids open the presents from our family on Christmas Eve, and the ones from their parents, grandparents and Santa on Christmas morning. John and I are following the schedule from my teens and after (after Santa stopped bringing gifts).

This morning, we will take strata over to Dad's, 10-ish, and Brother & SIL will have their own breakfast with her family. Later, we will head to MIL's (where the corn pudding is headed) and at some point will head to FIL's family's gathering. (I guess - we haven't actually heard a time yet.)

Next year, we've decided, we will have a tree. Godzilla-themed (thanks to my house is cuter than yours for the inspiration of her Creature tree). Maybe even 2 trees, so I can use J's lit star. I have quite a collection of Pooh, Snoopy and quaint ornaments, including a few from my childhood. I think it's time.

*He thinks I'm one of the few women on the planet who likes these movies (I have all 3 on tape). Could be true.

Monster Tees for all the boys, including Dad. I think they liked them! (The fairy/butterfly wing T is being worn backwards for the photo.)

Used with permission, photo by J-Dub.

See my Christmas Idea LJ for a ton of finished Christmas projects. Whew!

Week #2 w/o a list. It's just been too hectic. And, I figured, who has time to start new crafts right now anyway? I'll start again after Christmas. By then, all the gifts I've discussed in the Christmas Idea Journal will be in the hands of the intended recipients*, and I'll be able to go in and take all of the cuts out that are currently hiding the discussions. Then, it will become just a "gift idea journal," where I can discuss gifts I have planned for people that might read this blog. In the meantime, I have one more entry for the idea journal that can't be shared here.

Speaking of gifts... I'm SO close to being done! My shopping (except for Christmas breakfast groceries) is done. My wrapping is done for all completed gifts. I need to sew: makeup brush roll (1 - already in the works), pillowcases (4), tote bags (4), t-shirt appliques (4.25 (1 almost done)), ice scraper mitts (2). The first 2 items need to be done tomorrow. The rest don't HAVE to be done until Tuesday or Wednesday. I also need to hand-sew 1 knitted item that's a surprise for someone.

*I didn't discuss every idea

I have good friends. I've said it before and I'm sure I'll be saying it again. What's happened in the last 2 days?

1. Coworker D, whom I consider a friend, drove me home last night. It's way out of his way. Bonus for him: although it was the third time he's done this, it was the FIRST time I wasn't puking (no migraine, just car in shop). I took him out for lunch to thank him and he ordered the cheapest thing on the menu. Silly boy.

2. fullfaun dragged her butt out of bed on her DAY OFF, drove something like 45 minutes to pick me up, then another 45 or so to get me to work. I snuck her in my building and we sat at my table for close to an hour, so she could open her Christmas present* and get a weird knitting lesson. (I had NO knitting with me! I used the ribbon from her gift, a pencil and a screwdriver. I don't know how much she got out of it.)

3. Came home to find a surprise package from tvini, which contained cuts of two adorable fabrics: sock monkeys and polka dots. Totally unexpected, and a delight to find at the end of such a long day. The latter is perfect for appliques and the former will make great patches on things like tote bags. (I'm making 4 this weekend, and one will definitely feature some sock monkeys!)

Whew. I got my car back today. milady1 says the exact same thing happened to her Saturn. The bearing in the wheel spindle went bad and tore up the axle. All better now, and, you know, NOT the transmission. The shop was very nice and I'd go back if anything happens when I'm in Warren. On the way home, I made what seemed like 100 stops to try and finish up my Christmas shopping. I didn't quite make it, but I had to quit and come home.

I have to exchange 1 Tshirt, find 1 plain 2T shirt and buy 1 more thing for John. Then my shopping is done. I have a few things to make, but everything that is done is wrapped, except for John's gifts.

My feet are killing me. I am a grateful girl.

*It was locked in my cube at work, since I took it out of my car yesterday. I didn't know when I'd have a chance to see her, and wanted to be prepared.

Not quite last-minute (yet). I haven't bought the Tshirts yet. Some of my younger cousins are coming to visit next week. Ages 15 months (grandbaby, actually), 14, 13, 11 and 9. The older boy is a Scout, the next group of 3 all knit, so there will be something knitting-related too. The I-must-be-crazy "M" is for me, so it's okay. I already have the black T.

milady1, I have a big sheet of flame fabric with fusible backing all ready to go. But your big box went out today, so I'll have to mail it separately. Hope it's okay that I snagged a bit for one of the Tshirts!

saltnlt552: This is one of the many uses for fat quarters (or scraps).

Notes for each applique in the Flickr page.

I found this pic while looking for a good one of my mom to print for nephew's special gift (prev. post).

Dec. 1996: Trixie weighed 1 pound when she arrived Thanksgiving weekend. Now she weighs somewhere in the vicinity of 25. Once upon a time, she fit in a tree.

You can also get an idea of my tree-decorating style, although I've only put up a tree once or twice in the last 9 years.

The present I think I'm most excited about giving this year cost me nothing, except the sacrifice of an heirloom. I think my Christmas-loving nephew, J, will appreciate the olive-wood nativity that his Nana bought in Israel in 1977. I'm pretty sure he's not gotten anything of hers yet - he's been too young - but this year, he and his sister will each get one of my mom's teddy bears, and he will get the nativity (niece K has already received several things).

It's small, without any small pieces to lose (they're all glued in place), and Mom wrote the year on the underside. I've made up a little map, with red dots in Michigan and Israel, to show the distance it came. I will also look for a pic of her, not necessarily from that time, and stick the two on the back or the bottom (as long as the date isn't covered). I'm getting the map laminated today.

I'm excited about other gifts as well, but this one has had a very special place in my heart since I hatched the scheme. I want to pull him aside and give it to him privately, apart from the "orgy of greed" that goes on when the other gifts are unwrapped. I wrote "This belonged to your Nana K." on the tags for the teddy bear boxes. (J's bear is, appropriately, shaped like a snowman.)

I've done this kind of gift before... as additions to my brother's Christmas gifts: a wooden ornament he painted in '73 (thank goodness Mom dated them) tied to a package one year, his half of the pair of baby A&W mugs another year. My brother is not all that nostalgic, and I'm kind of done with that, but the kids are a whole new opportunity. They never got to meet my mom - K was en route, but had 3.5 more months to "cook", and J is just 4½ - but I think they know who she was.

Finally, I remembered to take the camera, get fresh batteries, etc., for a fun day out. For the LJ readers, the pics are behind a cut. For the bloglines folks, just click below to continue.


( Read more... )

Whew! In closing... Saturday was a great day. I might have ended up with a dizzy spell, but it couldn't mar everything else. I saw the children of a young woman I used to babysit (she has four!) and children of other friends I haven't seen either in ages. The first group of kids included a little one named Ivy who at one point climbed up into my lap and put her head on my shoulder. No pics, because when Jen pulled out her cameraphone, the camera-shy little girl bolted. In one family's case, I hadn't seen the children, ever, and in another, not since they were babies. A&A's little girl is cherubic and adorable and should really model (if that kind of life was suitable for a child... and she'd sit still long enough). B&D's kids look exactly like them. You know, how in some TV shows they have the kids who played the parents in part A play the children in part B (more frequently in cartoons, where all the girls look like the mom, and all the boys look like the dad)? Well, it could be true in this family. C looks almost exactly like her mother, and J looks almost exactly like his father.

It was truly an excellent day. I believe I am in the Christmas spirit.