KnittyOtter

Break on through to the other side...

Things have been crazy busy. Or at least that's what I keep telling myself.

Lots and LOTS have been going on. Mostly good. Some confuzleing. Some sad. And some things happened so fast my head hasn't stopped spinning yet. I could try to pick through the mess of a maze that is my brain to try to explain it here. Or I could hit the highlights and not worry about getting it just so, just right in the explaining.

Here we go.

My computer, Lightening hasn't been feeling so well lately. Lightening is a Dell. Purchased several years ago. He's not totally dead yet. I think he'll be okay for a while yet. Though we did kinda sorta run out of space. First I picked up an external harddrive and moved over all my pictures and music. I may have moved the knitting patterns over as well.

*pause*

The above text was written on November 26. o.0

Needles to say things go even crazier busy and here we are on December 26.

*starting again*

Hi New Readers, Last time on the blog I posted about Walnuts and Gold...

<.<

>.>

*waves at everybody from the Winter Knitty*

Star Athena posted a pattern called Quant, an enterlac headband. She used my Entrelac Tutorial to help her learn enterlac and then went on to create that gorgeous little number. I thinks I need to make myself a Quant. *GRIN*

That's pretty awesome. I've gotten some really lovely feedback from people who used my tutorial to learn this. I know I have been super sucky at not returning emails (of any sort) lately so thank you to those who emailed me. (and I'm sorry I sucky at the email returning)

So in the last two months I've done lots of stuffs.

Briefly I shall list the happenings:

Got a new Laptop: MacBook Pro - LOVES IT MUCHLY - though I am still mainly using my good 'ol Lightening... because I haven't set up my printer to the new computer yet. Haven't even named it yet. o.0 Any ideas?

And yes I already feel vastly superior to all you Windows Freaks. :P

(Just kidding about that last bit)

Finished breaking my cell phone the rest of the way. I guess there is a limit on how many times you can drop the damn things before the crack open. Considering I had that phone since 2003 it wasn't a bad run.

The post office has lost a box that I mailed earlier this month. The box contained two knit items. A Chunky Baby Alpaca Scarf and a Two Color Fair Isle Hat. LOST FOREVER. :(

That kinda crushed my Christmas spirit. Among many other things. Feh.

If a knit blogger knits something and doesn't take a picture of it to post, did it really happen? o.0

There were other gifts lost in that box as well. But those two things really burn my butt.

I was out of town for 11 days. It was the best of times and the worst of time. Literally.

I got to spend a week with Rendogg, BUT I also had to see people who suck and deal with some really shitty stuff.

Which leads me to this next part. I hate most people. Seriously. Especially the ones who are the crazy bad xtians and god freaks. Stupid  People Suck. 

I actually had one asshole tell me that Christianity is the ONE TRUE religion because Xtians are the most persecuted of all the religions. o.0 WTF?!

I had another tell me what a horrible person I am for living in sin.

The shitty thing is even if I did get married they'd just tell me how awful I am for not procreating. And if I had kids they'd find some other way to tell me I'm not good enough so fuck them all.

Feh. SIck of stupid bad Christians. I know it's not all of them because I know some pretty decent people, who just happen to be Xtain also. So I know being a good person can be done despite that flaw. (ha ha, it's just a joke, no panty bunching please)

I'm just sick of people telling everyone else how to live when they don't have a fucking clue how to do it themselves in the first place.

A bunch of other stuff happened to, but that was a lifetime ago and maybe even a different person ago. Time and Experience have a funny way of changing who we are from moment to moment. Now I just have to figure out who I am today and go from there.

Oh yeah there were Holidays. They came and went. Thanksgiving was fine.

We are still in the middle of the Winter Holiday. I spent the last few days with my Honey and Kitty.

Winter Holiday is what happens from December 21 through January 1. It's whatever you want it to be.  I'm sick of being told what to do during this time so I will just call it  My Winter Holiday and leave it at that.

The 24th and 25th the honey and I opened some presents to celebrate the lengthening days. It's really more a celebration of being home together away from all the stupid people.

One of the cutest things to happen this Holiday Season took place Monday night after I set all the presents out around George. It all started when TKK was very interested in the presents and was rubbing all over them. Eventually she found one she liked the bestest and started opening. Thankfully the honey and I were in the room and witnessed the whole thing. *GRIN* (and I suspected the giftie was hers anyway :P)

She opened this pretty little sparkley purple box. She was a kitty on a mission. A very happy mission. She told the box how much she loved it by rubbing her cute wittle faceykins all over it until she finally got it open. Inside was a purple wooly mousey filled with CatNip from her sweet Auntie Cookie. Watching how happy she was brightened my mood up right quick.

I caught TKK snuggling with Mousy when she didn't know I had the camera out.

Here's a shot of TKK more composed with Mousy and George watching over her and the gifties.

Thank you, Cookie. She WUVS her new wittle friend and carries it around in her mouth. :D (Though she said she wasn't pinning any shawls out for you. Something about opposable thumbs. *eyeroll* They always have excuses for not helping with blocking. Good Luck with Clive Owen on that one. Maybe he can Block it for you Nekkid... if so can I come over? *grin*)

After that things picked up and I was in a MUCH better mood. That and knowing how lucky I am to have the people I love the most love me back.

So here we are today. I'm sorry for not posting for so long. That sucked ass, btw. If I'd known I would be gone for long I'd have said something. But I kept thinking any day now... time just got out of hand. Funny how that happens sometimes.

Blink and you'll miss it.

Another day, another day

I'm back from my travels to the ultra faboo OtterLand. I'll have to go through my photos and compile a post one day soon.

In the meantime here is a picture of some lovely yummy poppies that were not far from our hotel. We walked past them to get anywhere and one the last day I decided to take a photo.

Clickety Biggety:

In other news today is my birthday. That's right today. *angelic smile*

I don't feel older. Which is good. I guess age just creeps up on you slowly. It would totally suck if it hit you all at once. o.0

While I may not feel older I do feel something. Sick. I'm feverish, headachey, burny throat and icky tonsils.

Dear Tonsils,

Please fuck off and die. I understand I have ignored your plea for attention all this time, but seriously, behave and get over yourselves.

No Love,
Otter

I bet they are just jealous of the other resolutions I've actually worked on. Resolution #7 hasn't gotten any love. I suppose I should find a new doctor and go see about that. *sigh*

Other than the nap I had earlier today this has just been another day. I won't be attending the Morrissey concert later. Meh. Just too out of it or something.

Perhaps I will go knit for a bit. Get a cup of hot Herby tea with lemon and honey and knit.

Oh! and I get to go pick up my sweet little TKK tomorrow. As much as I've enjoyed sleeping without her on my head I miss her way too much to get excited over something as mundane as sleep...  even if it's actual cat head free uninterrupted sleep.  :P

I hope everyone is having a good weekend and ready to start a fresh week. 

Valentines & Pod People

I don't really have anything against Valentines Day. It's not a romantic holiday to me though. I don't feel like making a big show to my honey. I'll buy him a little something, but it's something he'd want any day of the year. No baby blue thong with elephant ears to hang off his dangle for my man. They even have one that is a cow face for the front of the man area. o.0 Who designs that shit anyway? Worse who is attracted to cows that is buying the stuff?!?!!

People are strange. Cookie made a funny point in her post today about how men start freaking out at a certain time and buy anything, anything at all to give to the person they have ignored pretty much every other day that year. I saw a PERFECT example of this when I was out today. A young man was walking down the side of the road, looking miserable, carrying a stuffed ape toy that held a red heart that said I love you on it. Think his girlfriend will feel the love? Will her heart be overflowing with love renewed by his token of devotion and commitment. Or will she wonder if he knows who the hell she is. Why he had to be a selfish prick when he went to hang out with his friends to play X-Box rather than hold her when her pet pookums passed away.

I think people don't get it. The card/candy/stuffed crap & cheap drug store jewelry people aren't helping it any either. I'd say no wonder men and woman are confused about this day, but then again just plain being nice and considerate to one another everyday shouldn't be so damn hard. Common sense, even if you have to stop and think about it sometimes isn't that hard to get.

Having said all that I'm spoiled rotten. Don't tell my honey this but he has ruined me for anyone else. Not that I want anyone else, just say'n. He is good to me everyday. He cleans without being asked. He does a lot. He mostly understands or tries to when I am down or grumpy and need to be left alone. He encourages me to go hang out with my friends. He is loving and awesome. Not perfect mind you. No one is and I don't expect him to be. He's probably nicer than I am. I'm trying to be nicer. I'm trying to put him first the way he seemingly naturally does with me. I'm trying to be understanding when he is tired or grumpy and I encourage him to explore his interests as well.  That is my gift to him everyday. To try to be as good to him as he is to me. But like I said, I am spoiled rotten.  Today when I was out I grabbed a bottle of nice Scotch for him. He is easy to gift for. I didn't get it because It's hearts and little chubby angels day. I got it because it's a simple pleasure he can enjoy... that won't take up shelf space. :P Seriously we are still organizing over here. *L*

The people I tend to think about on this day are my friends. To me it's more about general appreciation. I appreciate my honey for all his wonderfulness to me everyday. I appreciate my Cookie for her awesome gift of friendship everyday. I appreciate my wittle bundle of fur for allowing me to be her human.

I got a few gifts to show my appreciation for people, but failed to make it to the post office. That's fine though. Just cause somethings late doesn't mean it doesn't have the same intent or joy infused with it. :D

Speaking of the mail... I received a very nice package in the mail today. I'll give you a clue: PINK BABY ALPACA!

Clickety Biggety:

It's from My Best Friend if you can't tell. ;^)

I can't wait to give the pattern a try with that luscious pink baby alpaca lace weight. Mmmm Baby Alpaca. It's crazy soft. I think I'm in love, but then again I've always had a thing about Baby Alpaca. ;^)

I really need to get my brain together so I can start knitting with all this fabulous yarn I've been acquiring. *L*

In other news this morning I met up with Rachel and did the Gym thing. I walked on the flat gerbil wheel thingy 1.48 miles. On the recumbent bike thingy I did 1.05 miles. I'm invincible. Wheeeeeeee!!!

In addition to being uber proud of myself I had a great time talking with Rachel, although I'm fairly sure I'm really dorky and maybe talk and laugh too much. Let's hope she hasn't noticed what a goober I am eh. *L*

Anyhoo so at the gym the treadmill has a calorie counter that tells you how many you burned. I don't recall how many, but it was still less than you'd think. Sooooooooo much easier to add 'em on than take 'em off. Sheesh!

After I left the gym I hit one of the many Starbucks between my house and anywhere. I needed a coffee fix, not that it helped mind you. I'm still a walking zombie.  You'd think coffee that strong would jump start my brain. But maybe that's their plan, have us all be walking zombies. Have you ever seen people at Starbucks order? Something isn't right. They walk up and in a monotone voice tell the coffee person they want a Non fat half caff tripple grande light syrup extra foamy caramel macchiato. It's fucked up. o.0 I'm not even sure what the hell half of that means. I know what a caramel macchiato is and it's pretty yummy as it is.

So it occurs to me these people have their own language. Their own code speak. It's weird.

Plus there are five down here just at the south part of town alone. They reported that in the paper yesterday! o.0 I pass two everytime I go anyway. There are 3 within two miles of me. You could triangulate my location based on Starbucks. Seriously.

I think I've figured out what's going on. They are Pod People. Starbucks has drained them of their blood (and $5 per coffee drink) and replaced it with the roast of your choice. Coffee for Blood.

They are Pod People. o.0

So anyway as I was walking into one of the Starbucks I pass on my way home I thought of all those little calories I had just removed with such great care. Did I really want to drink them back on within moments? No. No I did not.

So I walked up to the Barista and ordered a Non Fat, No Whip, *2 pump Peppermint Mocha.

I guess I'm a Pod People now too. o.0

*there are normally 5 flavor syrup pumps in the peppermint mochas

The Final 2006 FO's - Hat & Scarf

Due to my previous lack of whack I had failed to post my last two completed projects of 2006.

This first one was one of my Dulaan hats knit during Knit Unto Others. I finished it on the last day and it was briefly shown on the post I made that day.  It was also made for my participation in JoFrog's Double Knit Along. I was going to make a kitty blankey, but got distracted. Now I'm rethinking the kitty blankey. This doesn't mean I don't love my wittle bundle of furry joy though. Just that she has to keep using her crochet pink blankey. ;)

Side one:

Side Two:

Pattern: No real pattern. Just started knitting in the round, then doubled my stitches and periodically switched the yarns to make stripes. Needed another needle, like a cable needle to move stuff around to do the decreases at the top.

Yarn: Lambs Pride - Worsted - 85% Wool & 15 % Mohair. Still don't care for mohair, btw. It gets in my eyes and I inhale it. The stuff floats around everywhere. Not fun. Plus it's hell on black clothes. *L* Although I do think this yarn is pretty and not as bad as most mohair. I'd use it again. The colors are Clematis (purple) and Kiwi (green)

Yardage: Not sure. I have enough of both yarns to make some matching mittens or another hat. :D

Needles: Who can remember? *L*

Notes: Started on November 9th and completed on December 2nd. It was a fun hat to knit up. The hat is SUPER warm and perfect for the dangerously cold weather over in Mongolia. It's like you're wearing two hats. *L*

This next project was the lacy Double Eyelet Rib Scarf that I made for my SIL.

Full View as it's blocking:

Close Up:

I completely forgot to take a picture of this after it was done. Plus I was rushing around. It came out really well. Love! I am so making a scarf for myself in this pattern.

Pattern: Double Eyelet Rib Scarf from The Little Box of Scarves

Yarn: Blue Sky Alpaca - Alpaca & Silk - Sport weight -  in the color Sapphire

Yardage: 290 yards or so - almost two skeins

Needles: That was last year I can't remember :P

Notes: I started this scarf on November 14th and finished it on December 7th. I washed and blocked it in a hotel room. I packed along in my checked luggage some wool wash and T-Pins to block it with. This was a fun knit and I will be making more stuff like this in the future. :D

Mods:  I added an extra pattern repeat to the scarf and I used sport weight silk & alpaca instead of the recommended worsted cotton. I like mine better than the picture on the pattern card. Heh.

My SIL seemed to really like it. She's a really great person and a pleasure to gift to. I think I only ever want to knit gifties for people who are awesome and worth my time. She fits the bill. ;^)

So that concludes my 2006 knitting. I know I only just started knitting at the end of march, but damn this is so fun and rewarding. I can't imagine my life without it now. Or you'se peoples.

*OtterHuggles*

New Years Eve Reflections

Yesterdays Saturday Sky is todays Sunday SnapShot. Clickety Biggety.

This new years eve seems a little strange so far. Yes my whack has yet to return, but I hadn't counted on it coming back until after all this holiday weirdness was over and done.

I think I'll spend next week cleaning and organizing along with normal work and stuff like that. Maybe then I'll be normal again. *L*

The last few weeks (months?) have been so busy and with all that running around like a chicken with my head cut off it's no wonder I'm all discombobulated.

To top it all off I've been listening to hair metal music the last few days or so. It all started a few weeks ago (not sure when this was actually, years ago feels like) when I went to a friends house and we played this new fangled video game called Guitar Hero. It was fun and amusing, but it also reminded me of the music of my youth (well part of my youth anyway). So I've been listening to Slaughter, Megadeth, Faith No More, Queensrÿche and I just made two odd itunes purchases of the Sleeze Beez and Dangerous Toys.

o.0

Weird I know.

Next thing you know I'll bring out the Mötley Crüe and if I'm not careful Poison and Warrant. *L* I have all of those in my itunes already so it's not that big of a leap.

Hey Dave, is this any worse that than time I got stuck on listening to Keith Carradine? :P

Music is tied to memories and how I'm feeling or felt... I wonder what this is saying about me right now. Don't answer that.

Anyway so I'm still weird. That hasn't changed. It's always just different.

I've been doing some Knitting. Got a Noro Scarf I need to finish up. It's going to the Red Scarf Charity. I've decided I hate knitting with Noro. Those people have some issues. :/ More on that when I post the FO though.

I'm designing my own Double Knit Intarsia Duckie Hat. I finish up the chart this morning. I'm in love with this. *quack quack quack*

Before I got the hair brained idea that I had to make a duckie hat I was working on the ribbing for a Fair Isle hat. Much Love. It's Teal and White. If I'm lucky I'll finish it up before spring gets here. *L*

So I've been doing that. Mostly I've been hanging out with my honey though.

We've decided not to go out amidst all the drunk people later. I'd rather have a calm evening at home. Plus I got a bottle of bubbly and have some Cream de Cassis so there will be some yummy Kir Royals later. :D

Not doing too much for dinner or anything exciting really. I think I'll make Mac n' Cheese with Ham in it. It's yummy. You cook some ham, boil the noodles. Drain and put in casserole dish together along with the cheese sauce and extra cheese and bake. It's easy and yummy and I'm feeling easy... and yummy. *L*

I don't really have any New Year Resolutions. I know everyday of the year what I have to do to be where I want to be.  Action is harder to put into play than the ideas or words though, eh.

I will make some resolutions though.

In 2007 year I resolve to:

1.) I resolve to be kinder to stupid people who annoy me... better still I resolve to ignore stupid people who annoy me. *GRIN* That way I stay sane and don't kill people.

2.) I resolve to not care what people I don't like think as they are pointless and don't really know me anyway, therefore their opinions mean less than the people who are valid in my life and actually know me anyway. Wheeee! Or if I can't not care what they think I will avoid them so as to not know what they think. Yes, this is a winning plan. *L*

3.) I resolve to wear more mascara and lipstick. Rather more often, not more when I do wear them. *L*

4.) I resolve to call and email people when I think about them, rather than putting it off for a better time. There will never be a better time than now, so why wait... cause by then I'll forget or it will be too late.

5.) I resolve to knit a sweater. I'm still waiting on the rest of the yarn before I can get started. It's for Dulaan. :D

6.) I resolve to actually go see Ann rather than just stalk her like the chicken I am. *Bok Bok*

7.) I resolve to go to a doctor regarding my tonsils. Considering they've been bothering me since before I moved to Reno I figure I should have them looked at ya know. (been bothering me solid for a few weeks now and getting worse, ick.)

8.) I resolve to buy myself that new fangled digital camera I've been lusting after this year. :D

9.) I resolve to go on a real vacation. Fo reals, man.

10.) I resolve to drink more. *L* I know sounds odd, but really I don't drink enough.

Mostly I just want to love myself more and have happy bunnies fly out of my butt though. *L* Isn't that the sort of thing most people wish for. Seems like it. :P

For a funny look at New Years & Resolutions check out this Video. (safe for work, unless you can't giggle or something weird) DAMN FUNNY. *grin*

I hope y'all have a safe and happy night. Remember that even if you are sane and driving properly that there are assholes on cell phones and having had a few too many to drink on the road with ya, so watch out.

So how are you planning on making the new year a better world for yourself? *L*

*OtterHuggles*

Zombie Holidays

Greeting from the nearly dead. Or at least the cranky, tired and bored.

I dressed up George a bit so I could put the presents around him. It was really dark all weekend long so I couldn't get a very good picture, but here it is. My Holiday Zombie.

*makes a zombie face*

*eats everyones brains*

Heh.

The last few days have been more out of whack days.

The bestest part was when my honey said that us being together was his favorite gift. Love him.

For that I didn't switch his undies to a few sizes smaller to mess with his wee monkey brain or something weird. Heh.

We stayed home and did the giftie thing, played games and watched DVD's.

I totally kicked his ass at this game we have called GOTH. I kept getting music questions asking stuff like who was so and so who died in blah blah year in this or that band. I seem to know of these dead people types. Plus it was Rock n' Roll or Punk bands that they asked about mostly. There was also a scary movie category. Sweet! I got my thirteen tombstones before my honey did. Bastard kept stealing mine by landing on the grave robber spaces. I was pouty. I'm a bad game player. I get too serious.

There may have been a song and dance after I won. *blush*

I took a photo for proof of my awesomeness. *snicker* I had the red game piece. :D

In knitting news I've been knitting myself a scarf and I started a hat for myself last night as well. More on that later this week.

I hope y'all had a happy winter holiday type thingy. ;)

Amazon Christmas and A Red & White Hat!

Julie asked for it. :P  Well it's not a song, but it's something. *L*

~ Twas An Amazon Christmas ~

Less than a month before Christmas and all through the land people were freaking out, even the cat. (The mouse was dead because the cat thinks having mice in the house is gross. I agree with the cat.)

The socks were being knitted by the knitters with care, in the hopes that everything would be complete by the time Knitty Gritty was aired. (or filmed ya know, whatever. *waves at Cookie @ Stephanie*)

And I in my triumph having avoided a fight at the malls was just settling down to wrap it all up. For an Amazon Christmas was making things bright. With a click of a mouse (not the dead ones) and the plink of the credit cards all was alright. (well it was okay. I can still be grumpy about the holidays even if I am listening to Johnny Mathis and Andy Williams non stop. I’m tricksy that way. :P)

But then what noise should I suddenly hear, the groan and moan of a Zombie coming to visit my dear. It was George the Christmas Zombie surrounded by gifts! He only had a head, arms and torso, the rest who knows where and his skin was creepy crawly like maggots doing swan lake. (nasty.)

No children were heard to scream in the beds, why one would assume they were all quite dead. The truth you see is that no children were about, because Otter doesn’t like them around anymore more than the mouse! (heh. You thought I’d be sweet or kill people and I’m just not today. Nyah Nyah!)

Next to George was the cat very full from the mouse, if she keeps eating this way she’ll be as big as the house. (not really, she's just fluffy)

The presents wrapped in festive snowman wrap were waiting to be mailed to friends and family… who would proclaim upon opening, “Oh Lookie, More Crap!”.

Yes, it’s an Amazon Christmas this year. The buying of love will never be easier. But take caution friends, and use your damn brains. (unless the zombie got to it already) Its phishing season for scammers, so never give your credit card number to weirdos in email. (people can be such assholes this time of year… hell everyday of the year)

With everything wrapped and mailed on its way it became a happy time for Otter to just knit and play. It’s an Amazon Christmas and you know what that means, a knit book or two should arrive any day. Making Christmas less painful for all who are near. (But mainly me. Woot! Charted Knitting Designs by Barbara Walker!)

So Merry Wintertime Holiday Shopping Season to All and to All a Zombie Fun Night!

This is George and TKK last Christmas. :D

Cute aren't they. :P

And now for another completed Dulaan Hat. It's my third completed hat. I love hats. Can't stop knitting hats...

Here's George looking fairly normal in the hat.

He looks startled here because of the way the hat's sticking up. *L*

Top of Hat

It's just a simple roll bring hat. Just made a big stockinette tube, in stripes and decreased when I thought it was long enough.

I finally made a pom pom. It's cuter than I thought it would be. Dave said something about my last hat needing balls (well ball) so I did it for this one. I think I'll go back and add balls to the last one too. :P

I need to get some white fleece to line it with.

I'm going to use this Dulaan Hat as my George Holiday Topper this year. I have a lot of wrapping to finish up this week. Plus packing and mailing... and the a different kind of packing. I'm not really sure when I'll have time to decorate George actually. I want to do some serious dusting first.

I'm pretty much done with my Holiday shopping. Got a few things on their way in the mail. It's good to be done early. Even if it feels late. My big holiday get together is in just a few weeks so I'm pushing it close on that. o.0 Where'd the time go.

A Tale of Two Pies

Yesterday was Thanksgiving. It was a long day. Mostly a good day. I didn't have to drive to some insane relatives house or spend it with people who make me want to kill them. I got to spend it with my honey and my kitty.

In years past, prior to moving to Reno we'd have to go to TWO Thanksgivings. This was because both our families insisted we HAD to go see them, you know guilt by family.

So that's what we did. Bitterly EVERY FUCKING YEAR.

The morning/Early Afternoon was at my side and the late afternoon/evening was at his side of the family. Two States, Two weird meals, lots of driving and little enjoyment. We'd get home and have just enough time to feed the cat and fall into bed.

Go watch Ze Frank's "Thanksgiving" video blog post to see how it pretty much was. How I guess it is for a lot of people. Pure stupid hell.

Lot's of pointless chatter to fill up the time before we could get the hell out of there. Listening to who died, which pets died. Stories of pets his sister used to have. Some assholes rantings against people who are different. My getting into it with him and being called all sorts of names for daring to think people of different origins could get along. Silly Me. I'm just a dumb girl who doesn't know any better.

And that was the easy part of the day. o.0

The next day, Friday, My Honey would go to work and I'd have the day off. So I'd make us a smaller actual yummy tasting thanksgiving meal for when he got home.

Christmas was an exact repeat of this. (well I didn't bother to make a christmas meal) Only spread over two crazy days, more time spent with each family.

We'd get home exhausted Christmas night and open the gifts we gave each other in bed. Too tired to care. Too depressed to give a damn.

All we wanted was a holiday that was quiet and peaceful. Just the two of us enjoying one another and no family drama.

So we did what any sane couple we do. We moved two thousand miles away from it all. (well there were many reasons for this, but this just rawks!)

The last few years have been really cool. Just the two of us. Doing whatever we want. We fix the stuff we like, the way we like it. We watch movies, hang out, cuddle, play games, knit, cuddle some more and make sure the kitty has plenty of attention.

The day was marred by a particularly frustrating phone call. Blah. But at least it was just a phone call!!!!!!!!!

Still while on the call that very nearly had me ripping my hair out I failed to add a few KEY ingredients to the pumpkin pie. The one made from Harvey. Bob, the last remaining pumpkin still has a chance at being a yummy treat though.

The ingredients I forgot to add you ask? SUGAR AND AN EGG. Basically the stuff that makes a pumpkin stick together/custard up and taste good.

Unsweetened pumpkin pie does NOT taste good. Also the egg helps it set so much. I cooked the pie an extra hour to get it to stop being liquidy. Ick.

I remembered the two lost ingredients as I was taking the pie out of the oven. The honey came running when he heard me say OHHHH FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!

It was heart breaking. The honey was trying to be a good sport about it. Said he'd love it anyway. Likely more since it had no sugar. (He's anti sugar for the most part... until you get chocolate near him. *L*) For years I've been making pies with raw sugar and/or honey to please him. I was going to make it with normal white sugar this year, just to try it. Alas no sugar was used at all.

After it cooled he wanted to taste it. One bite was enough to make it clear this was a truly inedible pie. He's so sweet for trying though. *L* I wouldn't even take a tiny bite. Hell no!

Here it is. The pie of the damned.

Thankfully I had all the stuff to make a Pecan Pie. So I made one of those.

Well sorta... what's better than a pecan pie? Not much, unless you have some semi sweet chocolate with which to make it a DERBY PIE! :D

So I made a yummy Derby Pie. It's basically a pecan pie with chocolate in it if you hadn't guessed yet. :P

This pie MORE than made up for the wasted death of Harvey. Plus everything else I'd made turned out super faboo. Though I was still edgy and kinda bummed out from the phone call. *sigh*

Here's the yummy Derby Pie.

Chocolate Pecan Pie aka Derby Pie

3 eggs
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

You'll need a 9" pie crust. Either homemade or store bought. I used a frozen store bought as I don't have proper counter space to roll a crust out onto. I used Marie Callenders since that has proven to bake up fine each time. It's yummy without tasting fakey. Homemade is better if you can swing it though.

Preheat Oven to 450 degrees F. Mix all ingredients and pour into unbaked pie crust. Bake 10 minutes and reduce heat to 350 degrees F and back another 35 to 40 minutes. After it's cooled off enjoy! :D

We put a spoon of cool whip on ours. If you wanna make real whipped cream that's even better. :D

Not only was the pecan pie yummy, but so was all the other stuff we made. I brined a turkey for the first time. It was good. But then again no different from any other turkey I've made. I make a good turkey. ;) There was also sausage stuffing. I call it stuffing even though I don't stuff it into anything. Mashed Potatoes & Gravy. Mainly because we still have a HUGE bag of potatoes here. A can of whole berry cranberry sauce. The honey also wanted corn bread, even though we had a bread item with the stuffing already, but he's sweet so I went ahead and made it anyway. Normally I'd make Green Bean Casserole. But the honey doesn't like green beans and I didn't feel like having 80 million leftovers. I'll make it for dinner sometime. I've mastered the one can green bean casserole. *L*

We ate salads every day this week since we didn't really have much veggie lined up for yesterday. Do potatoes still count as a vegetable? *L* Well there was a LOT of celery and onion in the stuffing. Yum just the way I like it. :D

It was carb and protein day. Heh.

Now just because the honey and I like to be alone doesn't mean there isn't room in the holidays for others. A certain someone knows she always has a place with us if she so desires. We'd be thrilled, but we also know about wanting to take it calm, so no pressure. I'd also welcome other sane friends and my brother and his wife as well. They are friends as well as family, so they don't count towards my no family on holidays policy. *L*

I didn't get much knitting done and the knitting I did will need to be frogged. Started a new hat.I messed it up somehow. I think I knit the wrong way after I got started. Dunno. Looks weird. I also knit on the red scarf some more. But mostly I just snuggled with the honey and had a calm evening.

Next year I will make the pie early like I meant to. I'll also cook the sausage in advance for the stuffing and peel the potatoes. If you stick them in water they don't brown on ya.

It was a good day all in all. Plus it's the start of a long weekend. I still have a few more uncomfortable phone calls to deal with, but hey that's why wine was invented right. *L*

I think we're going to go bowling or for a walk in the woods a little later and then just hang out, knit and read, just play around at home and have fun together. *smile* It'll be nice. For this I am thankful.

Speaking of thankful, I'm thankful for lots. Everyday. I have a good life. A wonderful honey, special kitty and an extraordinary best friend. I have people who understand me, get me and still decide to stick around. I have more than the basics, which many people don't have, roof, heating, food, clean water, power, security. Plus things that are nice extras like leisure time to enjoy life... and lots of yarn. I told my honey I was thankful for all of my yarn. Good thing he thinks I'm cute. *L*

I really appreciate all the treasures and wonderful happenings in my life. Since I started knitting the treasures I've come across and gotten to know have increased by many.

So my treasures, go have a great Friday and avoid the crazy people at the shopping centers!! ;)

Dead, Dead, Dead, someday you'll be dead

It's probably a wrong thing, the amount of South Park Christmas music, Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics I've listened to today. But that's okay, I'm a fairly sick individual so it's fitting.

I officially have the Dreidel song stuck in my head. Especially the part about Courtney Cox. I guess I was singing it while I was working today because the honey came into my office and asked who looks hot on what show. *L*

After I got off work today I spent a lot of time with my dishwasher and stove. Basically I detailed them. *L* Anytime cleaning involves a toothbrush and cotton points you know you're in for a nice relaxing afternoon.

No really.

I feel much better now. I'm still stressed and on a wire about to have my head pop off, but that was nice. I'm glad I took some time for myself to do that.

I'm a freak, but I'm a clean freak so that's okay. ;^)

Cookie said so!

Ya Bunch of Meanies need to stop laughing. :P

Hey Cookie, I have 2 bottles of Vanilla. One of them is pretty big too, so I still have more Vanilla than Almond Extract. *L*

*cough* Don't mind me.

I've been knitting unto others like a good little otter. Granted I've been knitting for others mostly for a few months now. It's amazing how time flies.

I need to finish up the decreases on the DK Hat. I'm just making it up as I go along, more on that when I post the FO though.

After a brief email with Cookie yesterday and her telling me about how she was double stranding her latest Dulaan hat I started a new hat. This hat is from the stash. See after I read Mossy Cottage Knits heartbreaking Dulaan post I dug into the stash and bagged up all the yarn I will use to knit with in the coming months. It's one of those Ziploc Xtra Large Big Bags stuffed with yarn and some felt for lining hats. It's a lot of single balls of yarn or colors I changed my mind about after the fact... as well as a few things I've discovered I don't care for but that is turning out to be really helpful in making this stuff warm. Mainly Mohair. I do not like Mohair. I inhaled so much of it last night while I was knitting that I may create a hairball if you know what I mean. o.0

Here's the hat I started last night after a long day of Holiday Shopping. I think I'm done shopping, btw. Mostly. 'Cept the honey, but he's having an Amazon Christmas. ;^)

I started with the blue wool/acrylic blend for the cuff and the added in a single strand of the mohair. The mohair really takes over the color. It's a really warm wind proof knit though, so that makes me happy. I was planning on lining this one, but dang it's so thick and warm now I don't think I will. Plus the mohair makes the inside really soft. :D

I'm not sure if I'll knit on this or the DK hat tonight.

Or I could start a scarf or something... I've got the cast on fever, baby!

This post brought to you by the makers of Krey and Zee. o.0

*falls over*

Saturday Sky and Holiday Shopping Oh My!

Today after hitting the stores for Thanksgiving stuff and Holiday shopping I took these photos.

I witnessed the funniest damn bit of stupidity while at Target today.

This man was staring into the dollar spot very intently. He looked like his head might explode. I look over and this woman is staring intently at some little plastic thing. She stands there several minutes. Meanwhile I'm grabbing some cheapie Holiday decorations with which to decorate George up all nice and fancy shmancy. *grin* I make such a mockery of these times.

*evil laugh*

Anyhoo so the lady is still standing there by the time I pick out the garland for George. The husband finally in a very exasperated voice asks her what she's looking at. She says in an equally exasperated way with a heavy side of confusion, "I don't know!!". It was very drawn out like a bad Captain Kirk (Shatner) impersonation. Only she was DEAD serious. o.0

The hubby replies, "Well then put it down and move on to the next thing".

*Bwhahahahahaha*

I take it she had been going through each item meticulously as if her life depended on it. He was at the end of his rope.

There were several people who had lost their minds at the Target today. The holidays will eat you up and spit you out if you aren't prepared.

That's why this season if you find yourself having to buy someone a gift,  just get them a big can of Bitch Slap**. Trust me, it's easier and you'll feel GREAT! *L*

I'm mostly done with the shopping stuff. Mostly. Now I just have to wrap the crap up and mail it off or whatever.

I'm having a Cape Cod though, so all is right with the world. For now at least. ;^)

**Bitch Slap, now with more STFU!