Pumpkin Sunrise

  Isn't Holly just the sweetest? She's been sneaking into the 'Frodo' zones undetected. She has a swing in her step because she is successful. Frodo has got to know she is there and just doesn't care. If only they could talk to us. It's raining today and that makes it a wonderful day to read and knit. Yesterday we drove to the Westmoreland Museum of American Art for the morning to see their exhibit on Gate Crashers (self-made artists). The paintings were excellent and I learned about some interesting facts on the various artists showcased. The rest of the museum was just as informative and inspiring.  After a quick lunch at a local cafe we drove to the south part of Pittsburgh to return a purchased item no longer needed and we avoided 'highways' due to a major traffic jam. Let me tell you, I saw a lot of towns that I probably never have been to in person. It was fun! I hope the museum inspires me to dust off the paints and start exploring with technique

  Good morning! How are you?  All of my knitting goals that I eagerly set have been minimal.  I am having a flare up from the autoimmune disease I have (Sjogren's syndrome) this time it's my eyes that are very dry. I saw the eye doctor yesterday and have some new meds that will take a while to work. Anyways, my knitting isn't at full speed. Okay, many of you are asking what is a cat blanket. My daughter has an elderly cat and I thought she might like a little blanket to lay on and then my daughter can just wash that instead of a whole quilt that the cat sleeps on. You and I both know that cats are surprising and maybe she won't lay on it at all. I'm definitely making two cat mat blankets or three if I'm adventurous. The bottom photo is a hat for me! Yes I did it, I chose the beeswax hat pattern to pair with this gorgeous green wool. I am in love with this project! What are you working on this week?

  You know it's been a good weekend when there are only knitting photos involved. Sure I was cleaning the house and doing the weekly laundry but doesn't everyone have those tasks? While my husband was taking care of the oak leaves in the back yard I was winding some new wool for a future hat for me.  I also started the second cat blanket for my daughter's cat!  I'm still trying to decide which hat to knit. I'm close to a decision but I'm mulling it over before I cast on sometime this week.  The weather was crazy warm, too warm for me but it was lovely to see people in shorts and flip-flops in November! Next weekend is supposed to be cold. I am so ready for regular November weather. How was your weekend?

  Right before I fell asleep last night I came up with a really good blog post title. I woke up this morning wondering what it was. I think it was 'home stretch' but I'll never know. Home stretch as in I am nearing the end of the gift knitting. I am so close to finishing knitting for the holidays. That gets me giddy! I'll be done earlier than ever before. The above photo is an extra large dishcloth that will be a ' cat mat ' or a cat blanket for my daughter's cat. Her cat loves to cuddle up and sleep in all the unusual places and I thought these little blankets (the plan is to make two) would make it extra cosy for her. I know Holly would lay on it. Frodo is now 13 years old. He is as spunky as ever but has some elevated liver enzymes that the current vet is treating, this isn't a new thing it's been there for a few years. Overall he is doing great.  Our backyard is a sea of oak leaves, one of  my most favorite trees. We had 'tree people' her

  Yesterday I finished the second Christmas sweater for my grandson. Phew!  This is the second time I've knit this pattern and the knitting was just as much fun as the first time around. I highly recommend the hyphen pattern One more holiday knitting gift completed. I am nearly done with the holiday knitting as a matter of fact. I'm dreaming of what to cast on for myself. What are you working on this week?

  This weekend was pretty chill except for the manic cross stitching that I did Saturday and Sunday. I'm pleased to report that not only did I finish the cross stitching, back stitching and personalizing the ornament with our grandson's name, I made it into an ornament as well. It feels so good to have another gift finished and ready to be wrapped up.  As usual, Holly was snooping around looking for Frodo in the family room yesterday, I love her 'innocent' look. Shortly after looking for Frodo, who she knew was outside with  my husband, she scampered back up stairs to do some buffalo stampede running back and forth in the hallway. She can sound loud if she wants!! How was your weekend?

Good morning!  This week I've been enjoying the trees and the colors that are in abundant display. It won't be long before they are all done and winter will be whispering in the winds. Sigh. Every year I find Autumn arrives quickly and is just as quick in leaving. Yesterday we drove up to visit my dad and step mom in the country. I worked on my husband's sock in the car but quickly set it aside to enjoy the countryside. Being in the country reminds me of where I used to live and the beautiful dirt road that I used to walk with Frodo. I do love my walks in my neighborhood but I miss the country (NOT the bears). I do like living here and it's so nice to be near family! My husband and I went out for a lunch at the local park on one of the warmer days so that we could eat out on their patio overlooking the pond. The views were spectacular! Frodo was recently groomed this week and he's been shivering since. Every morning I have to bundle him in a blanket. If I put a swea