Things I Will Finish by Thanksgiving

I'm laying it all out here, folks. That way, if I fail miserably at more than half of the items on this list, I will be publicly shamed and revealed for the procrastinator and "I don't feel like it-er" that I am.

So, in no particular order:

1. Finish knitting my cousin's scarf


2. Clean the Green Room (my wanna-be crafty room) so that it's presentable enough to leave the door open and tidied so Groucho can't find harmful bits and pieces upon which to munch


3. Finish renovating the powder room—it's only taken me nearly two years


4. Give the basement a significant tidying-up


5. Find some way to exercise at least twice a week


6. Sew the lining into and finish my sis's handbag, which was last year's Christmas gift


7. Remove all Halloween-esque decorations and bowl of sorry trick-or-treat candy remainders

Fur and More Fur

I'm moving right along on Rachel's scarf, having finished one entire rotation of all four colors. If the soft, furry deliciousness of this scarf doesn't make her the envy of the middle-school set, I don't know what will. But then again, kids that age can be so mystifying, there's really no understanding them sometimes. (I speak from experience, having been a mystifier of sorts myself. Glad I got that all worked out. Right.)

And because I can, here's a gratuitous shot of Groucho the Wonderpooch. My adoration for him borders on the unhealthy. I'm sure I never knew I could be so crazy about a four-legger—especially one who is particularly demanding when he decides it's playtime. There's no ignoring the imploring eyes of this little guy when he brings around his bone and starts pawing at your hands until you finally give him and give him the tussle he's after. It's either play with him or have the epidermal layer of your hands become a fond memory.

By the way, I happily found this site last week, Lab-Tested, which reviews the chewability of dog toys, based on the experiences of one chocolate lab. Groucho may not have that big of a rack of teeth, but his chompers make short work of the Nylabones he ravages.

Part of the In Crowd Now

Yay, me. I'm now a fledgling member of the loyal readers of Interweave Knits. Thanks to my sister (that lovely lady), who bought me a subscription as a birthday gift, I may now enjoy those pleasures that only come with having those happy trips out to the mailbox and once every three months finding something utterly delicious waiting.

I dove into the winter issue today and already I see so many things that I love. I mean, just look at a few of the beautiful offerings!

How will I ever find the way to show the sis my appreciation? Maybe I'll start by finishing her Christmas gift—last year's, that is.