Today is the FIRST day of the rest of your life!

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

A present from the sweetest gal on earth.....

For some reason I thought I had posted about this....I received a very generous gift from my BFF....and it comes in soooooooo handy!  It can actually travel with me and I find that to be a super big help as can take yarn and travel!  Don't make a big mess while I'm keeping busy....

Isn't it beautiful!  Just the right size!  Thanks Bev!!


My niece sent some snapshots of her daughter Eva CATHERINE. :o)
She is a pistol!

And her mother, my beloved Dotter, is gorgeous!
AND
Expecting again!  Yay!!!

Eva was born on our anniversary, and now the second child is expected fairly close to my birthday (and also my brother's birthday as we are only 3 days apart) - how cool that the next child might share another special day!


Happy Days!



Saturday, November 24, 2012

Cheese-Garlic Biscuits

This is a recipe from a man named Robert who attends my DSIL's church.  He says that they are similar to the biscuits that Red-Lobster serves.  I plan on trying this and if it is a success, I will make some over Christmas when visiting family!

QUICK CHEESE-GARLIC BISCUITS

2 cups Bisquick buttermilk baking mix
2/3 cup milk
1/2 to 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (to taste)
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (to taste)
1 tablespoon parsley flakes

Stir the baking mix, milk, and cheese until a soft dough is formed.  Beat the doug vigorously for 30 seconds and then drop by the spoonful onto an ungreased cookie sheet (not a cookie pan).  Back for aobut 10 minutes at 450 degrees, or until lightly brown.

Mix the butter, garlic powder, and parsley together.  Brush over warm buscuits before taking them from the cookie sheet.  Serve warm.  Makes 12 biscuits.


Note:  you can add flavorings to the biscuit mix, like cayenne pepper, parmesan cheese, dry mustard, or other savory seasonings you might like.  There are lots of recipes out there so check this out and maybe some others...you might find just the right one to suit you and your family!

SOUNDS YUMMY TO ME!  

Today has been another dreary day so I whipped up some hot potato salad!  Not the German kind, but regular that I ate right off the stove - yummy!  

Tomorrow I am going to try my hand at making some chicken soup.  Bought some super looking old fashion noodles at Costco.

No matter what, it is still hard cooking something for one person.  Doesn't seem worth it to put all that time and effort into cooking and just have a little tiny dab of food.  I hope that I can enjoy the leftovers more than once!


Monday, October 22, 2012

It's Raining, It's Pouring....

Which would be fine, except that I still have a little leak on the porch.  That makes me so frustrated...they have been out here four times trying to find it.  At least it diminishes with each visit, so perhaps the next time will be the charm.

I made a pot roast in my new slow cooker - which was tasty, but tooooooo large. Hopefully it will accommodate smaller meals.  My mom used to make tamale pie for us kids when it was cold like now.

I loved it!  I am sure that it isn't really the best meal for someone as it is "pre" prepared, using the canned tamales, but to a hungry kid they were awesome!  Her recipe is as follows:

Tamale Pie

2 cans prepared tamales (take off the wrappers before using)
1 cup of pitted ripe black olives
6 3x3 slices of american cheese
1/4 cup chopped onion.

Lightly grease (or spray) 1 1/2 to 2 qt. casserole.
Arrange 1 can tamales on bottom.  
Add half the olives and onions, cover with half the cheese.
Repeat in same order with other half.
Slice up a few olives as garnish on top of the cheese.  
Bake at 350 until bubbly - about 30 minutes.
Let it set 3 or 4 minutes before serving so it isn't goupy. :o)


I'll have to make some to post a photo...could not find one on the net!


Monday, October 15, 2012

Knitting and Crocheting in Sitka

My dear friend from  Sequim, WA sent me a link to a lovely blog....and this particular post as all about her trip to the LYS in Sitka, AK for a few hours of fun and relaxation.  It is similar, yet different, from my own shop in Payette, ID but I can tell has the same feel.  This is what I hope my shop will grow into some day...where locals come to sit, knit, crochet and enjoy each other's company.




My husband had a pharmacy in Sitka for 20 years or so.  He and his wife raised their children there.  My step-kids, although I prefer to think of them as MY children! ;o)


I did not see this shop when I visited there the last two times, but I will certainly find it the next time I get up there....hopefully with the kids and granddaughters for a mini-vacation.

Have you visited your LYS lately?  Even to sit and crochet or knit, or visit a bit? Sometimes that is all that is needed to make an owner feel that all the time and trouble to keep the shop open, makes it worthwhile!


Thursday, October 4, 2012

Shimmer!

This is a pattern I worked up in Shimmer by Red Heart.  It is the same I had used for the eldest granddaughter's last sweater.  Thought I'd make another one a little larger, but I think this one is TOO large.  I have a nifty neat PDF that gives logical measurements so am going to run it past those pages once I measure. Should have had it before I started.  

It is pretty though, and if she can't wear it now, she can wear it later....sort of like the candy...Now and Later!


I need to add buttons, or some sort of clasp system.  I love the sparkle in this yarn, as well as the drape. Unfortunately I think my added waist interest makes it look a little too "mature" - she is only six years old!

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Three Beautiful Yarns

Here are three beautiful yarns I carry at Cat's Crochet Corner….all three are acrylic.  Boy, acrylic has come a long way, baby!!!

My friend Bev has made a few beautiful items with the Universal Yarn, Uptown DK and with the Uptown Baby Sport.  The Baby Sport is a size 2, Sport Weight, and they also have a Worsted Weight which I haven't had the pleasure of buying…..YET.


I did see a baby dress in the Mosaic, and a similar  colorway as shown above.  It was in the group run by Bev and was for one of her contests.  She also had previously posted a photo of the maker's dress  (DarlaDJ) on her blog.  It is quite stunning!  See......









Tuesday, August 14, 2012

THANK YOU BEV!

Have you ever seen Lily Chin crochet?  If you have, you will understand when I saw that our Ms. Bev could give that lady a run for her title!  I thought I was fairly fast at crocheting, but when I saw Bev start making items in ernest, I was blown away! Seriously!

Should you be anywhere near Payette, ID you should stop by my store and see just what she has stashed there....it is a veritable array of fashion design!  The above little sweater she made out of Universal Baby Yarn.  It is in her own pattern...just so beautiful!!  There's more that I will be posting on my store blog, Cat's Crochet Corner.

We had a blast on her visit and are looking forward to many more such visits - back and forth. No need for me to be selfish and have her all to myself. Must share with her family!




Cheshire Cat from Margaret (Mugginsquilts)

We had a Christmas in July swap in our Vanna's Choice Fan Club group.  Mugsy was my partner....and (among other things) she sent me THIS!
The Alice in Wonderland Cheshire Cat.


Could not find a limb for him, so he is resting on the TV and watches with me.


Margaret won a contest with this cat, along with the other characters she made. So awesome!

Thanks a million, Mugsy!!! 

Friday, August 3, 2012

Well, the church removed my cookies from the bake sale.  What's the problem?  I just used a doggie bone cutter, then cut them in half and decorated them....thought they were pretty!




   

Smile!

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Cute little dress...

For the store wall...
I haven't added the buttons yet, but have some cute ones with a rabbit on them. I left the arms in the butterfly mode rather than making them longer as I made a smaller version...this is made from the Lion Brand Baby Soft I carry at the store. I love how the colors match up with the variegated so nicely...and the drape!

My friend Bev told me about this pattern for Sophies Cardigan so I just had to try my hand at it.  Here is the link to the pattern.  Her version is so much prettier than mine!
SEE!
So light and dainty.  Pattern is pretty easy, so give it a try!

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

DEMENTIA TEST

Just have to share....good for out loud belly laughs!
Our Yearly Dementia Test-- only 4 questions 
Our Yearly Dementia Test 

It's that time of year for us to take our annual senior citizen test.
Exercise of the brain is as important as exercise of the muscles. As we grow older, it's important to keep mentally alert. If you don't use it, you lose it! 
Below is a very private way to gauge how your memory compares to the last test. Some may think it is too easy but the ones with memory problems may have difficulty. 
Take the test presented here to determine if you're losing it or not. 
The spaces below are so you don't see the answers until you've made your answer. 
OK, relax, clear your mind and begin. 

1. What do you put in a toaster? 




Answer: 'bread.' If you said 'toast' give up now and do something else.. 
Try not to hurt yourself. 
If you said, bread, go to Question 2. 

2. Say 'silk' five times. Now spell 'silk.' What do cows drink? 


Answer: Cows drink water. If you said 'milk,' don't attempt the next question. Your brain is over-stressed and may even overheat. Content yourself with reading more appropriate literature such as Auto World. 
However, if you said 'water', proceed to question 3. 

3. If a red house is made from red bricks and a blue house is made from blue bricks and a pink house is made from pink bricks and a black house is made from black bricks, what is a green house made from? 



Answer: Greenhouses are made from glass. If you said 'green bricks,' why are you still reading these??? If you said 'glass,' go on to Question 4. 

4. Without using a calculator - You are driving a bus from London to 
Milford Haven in Wales . In London , 17 people get on the bus.
In Reading , 6 people get off the bus and 9people get on.
In Swindon , 2 people get off and 4 get on.
In Cardiff , 11 people get off and 16 people get on.
In Swansea , 3 people get off and 5 people get on.
In Carmathen, 6 people get off and 3 get on.
You then arrive at Milford Haven .. 

Without scrolling back to review, how old is the bus driver? 


Answer: Oh, for crying out loud! 
Don't you remember your own age? 
It was YOU driving the bus!! 

If you pass this along to your friends, pray they do better than you.

PS:  95% of people fail most of the questions!!-





Monday, July 9, 2012

Monster

I hope my friend Nancy is not looking....I am going to mail this off tomorrow.  I had a difficult few weeks here and haven't managed to do as I would say each and every time.  But, in order to make ME feel better I thought I'd post it.

This is Muno - and yet I don't know who Muno is! Must be part of a Saturday cartoon gang - I'm way past that age now, and no grandkids around. :o(


It's FREE!  I did the eye a little differently so hope it is okay.  Will make two more versions for the granddaughters.  

Hope this finds you healthy, wealthy and wise....and without mud and water in YOUR basement.  At least I get to have new carpeting.

Hugs to all!



Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Lend a helping hand!


A man and his wife were awakened at 3:00am by a loud pounding on the door. The man gets up and goes to the door where a drunken stranger,standing in the pouring rain, is asking for a push. 


"Not a chance," says the husband, "it is 3:00 in the morning!" He slams the door and returns to bed.

"Who was that?" asked his wife."Just some drunk guy asking for a push," he answers.

"Did you help him?" she asks.

"No, I did not, it is 3:00 in the morning and it is pouring rain out there!"

"Well, you have a short memory," says his wife. "Can't you remember about three months ago when we broke down, and those two guys helped us? I think you should help him, and you should be ashamed of yourself! God loves drunk people too."

The man does as he is told, gets dressed, and goes out into the pounding rain.

He calls out into the dark, "Hello, are you still there?"

"Yes," comes back the answer."

Do you still need a push?" calls out the husband.

"Yes, please!" comes the reply from the dark.

"Where are you?" asks the husband.





"Over here on the swing set," replied the drunk


........



Don't know why this gave me such a chuckle!  It does feel good to laugh, doesn't it...so thought I would share.  Have a great Hump Day tomorrow!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

From Paula...SPRING!

Yesterday afternoon a large envelope arrived which had this in it....

The first one I opened had LOTS of butterflies!


They all have their own thread so that I can hang them in a window......

And then there was a plate, and then some Lemonade and matching forks! Picnic!

But it did not stop there....Lunch! Tuna, Animal Cookies, Chocolate and a beautiful Garland!!! Long and Bright and Beautiful....oh, my!

Up close and personal....can you see the thread for the Butterflies? 

Here they are all strung out....see the toilet paper cardboard? The Butterflies lived there from New York to Idaho...they were soooooo happy to be free!
I am, OF COURSE, going to use these in the store to show people just how beautiful crochet really is, and how versatile!!
It is a CROCHET STORE after all!

Have a great week, and hopefully you will want the pattern as much as I so we will all have to go en masse to her web site and find it!
Or ask......

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Easter Doily

I only made the doily for the March swap...but it was BIG! 19" across.  Paula wanted something for her table for Easter, and as she is a Rainbow lover, I felt the Easter pastels would do the trick! 
I lucked out when I received her wonderful packages! See the plastic eggs? There are three and these were her mailing "envelopes"!!! 
This is for my Bible - I try to read Psalm 91 everyday to ask for safety for our troops, our nation, and personally (family, friends, me). Now I can mark it and not have to leave it open to the page or dig to find it! 
See the angels...a little girl for me, the cross with wings for my husband who passed away, and the round one for my own personal fur-babies, as Paula calls them. 


And, of course, my Easter Eggs (which I dubbed Christmas Eggs as wanted to hang them). These are soooo bright and beautiful and fun-loving.  Perfect for hanging in my windows....one is on the bookcase hubby made.
THANKS SO MUCH, PAULA! PERFECT IN EVERY WAY!

HAPPY EASTER TO EVERYONE. MAY YOUR BLESSINGS ABOUND.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

My New Tote...

We had a swap in the Itsy Bitsy group.  A GREEN swap in honor of March and St. Patrick's Day. Isn't this a great tote!  Look inside - pockets!
I was lucky to have Liz as my partner.  Besides this beauty.....lots of pads!
I used them for smaller meals -
Can you tell I don't cook!  Then she sent me a beautiful knit cloth
...that I like to also use for my dinners....
I eat while watching TV a lot these days....

Now the group is doing a flower swap ... I have lots of ideas for my partner, who seems to love roses more than anything! Fun!





Saturday, March 17, 2012

Grandkids - Long but so cute!

Grandkids
1. She was in the bathroom, putting on her makeup, under the watchful eyes of her young granddaughter, as she'd done many times before.  After she applied her lipstick and started to leave, the little one said, "But Grandma, you forgot to kiss the toilet paper good-bye!"  I will  probably never put lipstick on again without thinking about kissing the toilet paper good-bye....
2. My young grandson called the other day to wish me Happy Birthday.  He asked me how old I was, and I told him, 62.   My grandson was quiet for a moment, and then he asked,  "Did you start at 1?"
3. After putting her grandchildren to bed, a grandmother changed into old slacks and a droopy blouse and proceeded to wash her hair.  As she heard the children getting more and more rambunctious, her patience grew thin.  Finally, she threw a towel around her head and stormed into their room,  putting them back to bed with stern warnings.  As she left the room, she heard the three-year-old say with a trembling voice,
"Who was THAT?"
4. A grandmother was telling her little granddaughter what her own childhood was like.  "We used to skate outside on a pond.   I had a swing made from a tire; it hung from a tree in our front yard.  We rode our pony.  We picked wild raspberries in the woods."
The little girl was wide-eyed,  taking this all in.  At last she said, "I sure wish I'd gotten to know you sooner!"
5.  My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, "Grandma, do you know how you and God are alike?" I mentally polished my halo and I said, "No, how are we alike?''  "You're both old," he replied.
6. A little girl was diligently pounding away on her grandfather's word processor. She told him she was writing a story. 
"What's it about?" he asked.  
"I don't know," she replied. "I can't read."
7.  I didn't know if my granddaughter had learned her colors yet, so I decided to test her.  I would point out  something and ask what color it was.  She would tell me and was always correct.  It was fun for me, so I continued.  At last, she headed for the door, saying, "Grandma, I think you should try to figure out some of these colors  yourself!"
8. When my grandson Billy and I entered our vacation cabin,  we kept the lights off until we were inside to keep from attracting pesky insects.   Still, a few fireflies followed us in.  Noticing them before I did, Billy whispered, "It's no use Grandpa.  Now the mosquitoes are coming after us with flashlights."
9. When my grandson asked me how old I was, I teasingly replied, "I'm not sure."  "Look in your underwear, Grandpa," he advised  "Mine says I'm 4 to 6."
10. A second grader came home from school and said to her grandmother, "Grandma, guess what?  We learned how to make babies today."  The grandmother, more than a little surprised, tried to keep her cool. "That's interesting." she said.  "How do you make babies?"  
"It's simple," replied the girl. "You just change 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'."
11. Children's Logic: "Give me a sentence about a public servant," said a teacher. The small boy wrote:  "The fireman came down the ladder pregnant."   The teacher took the lad aside to correct him. "Don't you know what pregnant means?" she asked.
"Sure," said the young boy confidently. 'It means carrying a child."
12. A grandfather was delivering his grandchildren to their home one day when a fire truck zoomed past.  Sitting in the front seat of the fire truck was a Dalmatian dog.  The children started discussing the dog's duties.
"They use him to keep crowds back," said one child.
"No," said another. "He's just for good luck."
A third child brought the argument to a close."They use the dogs," she said firmly, "to find the fire hydrants."
13. A 6-year-old was asked where his grandma lived.  "Oh," he said, "she lives at the airport, and when we want her, we just go get her.  Then, when we're done having her visit, we take her back to the airport."
14. Grandpa is the smartest man on earth!  He teaches me good  things, but I don't get to see him enough to get as smart as him!
15. My Grandparents are funny, when they bend over,  you  hear gas leaks and they blame their dog.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Crocheted Top....

I keep taking photos of crocheted items on TV.  I am starting to have a collection....but have not had the gumption to try and make one! 
This one was from a dress a "doctor" wore.  I could not see it all, but think it is just accented with crochet. 

Now this one isn't even crochet! What I liked about it is the coloration...and I think it would be possible to tat something like this.  I have a DVD and book on order, plus the equipment, so that I can learn to tat.  I have a pattern for a butterfly, so think it would be so cool to do these colors, put a sheer fabric behind it, and sew it to the front of a sweatshirt where you cut out the front area. 
Well, this isn't crochet either. It is the sad face of my dog Sami.  She kept scratching at her eye making the infection worse, so had to wear a little cone for 10 days.  She just hated it, but was a good little trooper.  She has it off now and is sooooo happy!


Friday, February 24, 2012

Behind again....

Finished the sweater for the one granddaughter, BUT she didn't like it.  She wants purple....


So the elder one tried it on to please G'ma. She could actually wear it until Spring. :o)


So I missed Valentine...but did make these hot pads for my DDIL and my DSD. It is a Priscilla Hewitt pattern.



Now am working on the PURPLE sweater....more to follow.


Monday, January 9, 2012

Another Few Inches....

Oh, this is soooooo slooooooow...but at least I am not feeling pressured into getting it done. That's generally when I quit something as it becomes "funless" for sure.
Not a lot finished, but more in one day that I have finished previously. Makes me feel sunshiny inside thinking of my darling granddaughter wearing it.  That reminds me - I did do a sweater for the older one that she called her Sunshine sweater. 
I loved that I found the perfect buttons for it, even if they did catch!

I had forgotten about all the little people sweaters I have finished.  Will have to check them all out again. Each one has a different memory attached to it.

Oh - back to the sweater I am making. I did a little more after I took the top photo. Not much, but almost ready to start the sleeves! Yay!
Was sitting next to the new doggie bed - so took the opportunity to use it as a background as it is in some of the same colors.
This shows the pattern very nicely.  I'm liking it the more I crochet!



Friday, January 6, 2012

It's a beginning…..

I just started the sweater, but I think it is going to be even larger than I thought.  Might have to give it to an adult instead of my granddaughter! Hah! 

I find that using the tweedy type coloration is hard to see the stitches. I have had a slow go of it until I finally have gotten to where I recognize the stitch configuration.  I think if I do this one again I will use just a plain colored yarn, nothing with striations or variegations.

The yarn is very soft - even softer than the "normal" Vanna's Choice, so that makes me hope it will actually fit the 3 year old, and if not, then the soon to be 6 year old!



 

Thursday, January 5, 2012

New Project for 2012

While I still have an afghan that I have been working on intermittently for a dear friend (keep having to purchase birthday and Christmas gifts as have not finished it in 1 1/2 years!!!), I felt that a SMALL project would be just the ticket to stir up my creative juices.  I think it has been six months since I have put hook to yarn.

In Ravelry they are doing a CAL/KAL for a baby sweater in the Vanna's Choice Fan Club Group.  I am thinking about this hoodie to use up some of my VC.  This calls for an H hook and cotton yarn, so figure if I use an I hook and the VC it will come out about right for my three year old granddaughter.

Step one - get the yarn.  Don't want to purchase any more, so this is what I could find all in one color. Not "girlie" but will go with lots of goodies and the sweater is more like a coat any way. ;o)

So - off I go to get started - a little each day.  Cheers!





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