Ideal for hiding from her fans

Stella has taken the city by storm. Everywhere she goes admiring fans stop to ask about her. Recently Stella and I waited patiently outside Bi Rite market while Pook shopped for dinner. Although Stella never seems to get tired of the adulation and attention, I could have used a few minutes of peace. Hence, the attached product caught my eye in a recent catalogue that arrived in our mailbox. With just a bit heavier mesh in the opening, Stella could be outside for a few minutes without giving autographs to her fans. The added bonus is that Lexi could join Stella for an outing as the stroller accommodates up to 25 pounds of passenger weight. Guess that means a limit on treats if they both want to ride!

Organizing - it's contageous, in a good way

Our household has evolved with the help of Pook and the many ideas and great products she has shared. The results are comforting and practical. Even Munchy sleeps better knowing his kibble and canned food are neatly stowed beneath the counter in roll out baskets. Troy Bear no longer hunts for a plastic bag to save Munchy's food till later. The Command clip inside the cupboard door has them ready at all times. Our laundry products, light bulbs and Swiffer dusters are available whenever the urge to clean strikes.

Thanks, Pook!

They're Back!!

Spring has sprung in a big way. Munchy knows a good spot to nap, underneath the Cecil Brunner rosebush that fills one corner of the backyard fence. He's got Sterling Silver and Angel Face leaning down over him adding to the perfume in the air. Ahh. Life is sweet!

Puppy Kindergarten

Pook and Stella invited me to join them for Puppy Kindergarten on Thursday evening. Stella was the belle of the class. Her social skills are impeccable and she is fun-loving too. Here Stella is greeting Masha, a timid spaniel.

Optimal Conditions

This is my idea of the best surroundings for thinking clearly. Yes, it's my workstation and it always looks like this.

Workstations

I'm amazed at the amount of stuff that can be amassed in a workstation. This one is so densely packed it's a wonder how it functions at all.

Grandpa's Camellia

This lovely blossom is known internationally and has been named best in show many times. What a charming tribute to grandma!

More Plants

The cute little Mason jar is part of the plant propagating kit Pook gave me for Christmas. The spider plant is one she started and shared with me. Ours is a family of dedicated gardener/horticulturists. Pook's grandpa hybridized a Camellia and named it after her grandma.

Taking a Break from Knitting

Over the past few months I've endulged in impulse to knit and knit and knit. It's time to take a break and shift to another mode of expression - sewing. Munchy joins in regardless of my activity. Please note the casual sense of ownership he displays while lounging on the newest sewing project, a quilted jacket for Spring. Last night he sat on each pattern piece as I pinned it in place. The project will certainly turn out well given his expert oversight!

Sitting on the Couch

This catalogue arrived today. The puppy on the cover is cute but nowhere as cute as Stella. Very soon Stella will be at home with Pook, Pook's husband & Lexi.

Version II

The first sweater was lovely and definitely for winter. This one has shorter sleeves and will be for spring. When Munchy decides he is done sitting on it, I'll be able to sew the seams. Until then I'll have to wait...

I love it when a plan comes together...

In this case, it's a sweater. The circular needles are being put to their first real test. Seamless caps are nice, but sweaters involve multiple pieces. The pattern is a Debbie Bliss creation worked in moss stitch. My version has short sleeves for wearing over a layering tee. All five pieces are joined on the circular needle just above the initial armhole decrease. So far the pattern has been flawless and easy to adapt. It is so tempting to proceed with the yoke. However, if I don't stop now and wait for tomorrow after work, I'll be up until very late working the last round!

All Hail Blue and Gold...

The California Golden Bears team I've cheered on for decades is running up and down the field at the Emerald Bowl in uniforms that look like rejects from Project Runway or Roller Derby costumes. How can a loyal Californian relate to Lycra with contrasting slashes? Yes, the Bears of old didn't win often; however, their appearance on the field generated a catch in the throat and a glowing sense of pride. My motto was, "At least our team can read." The university sends messages in the mail asking for donations from the alumni. I'll send mine along when the team on the field looks familiar.

Cold Weather Creations

At last, winter winds are blowing and I'm knitting up a storm. The Yarn Shoppe in Elk Grove is my favorite local source for yarn and needles. This year I endulged in a set of interchangeable circular needles. While pricey, the needles are worth every penny. The points are bamboo and the cord swivels so there's no tangling or twisting.
Lamb's Pride (85% wool/15% mohair) bulky was the go-to yarn for creating these Christmas presents last weekend. Each project took a 4 oz. skein. The yarn has a beautiful sheen and soft, feathery wisps of mohair. The color is Persian Peacock.

Seasons Greetings from RDA Tailoring

The staff and I wish you and yours the merriest of holidays.

Be careful of what you wish for...

Recently, dreams of being at home with plenty of time and no tasks at hand flitted across my mind while sitting at work crunching numbers. After one day at home, albeit with a nasty cold, I'm sooo bored. Knitting a new pattern has lost its thrill and Ira Glass lost his charm after three past episodes of This American Life on streaming audio. Maybe it's the rain and cold that make it seem like this second-floor room is a prison cell.

Next time I wish for something, I'll be sure to include sunshine and good health in the scenario.

Creative Bureau Cat's Christmas Circa 1948

Jocko, the monkey cradled in my arms, is looking at me from a valance box above the window not ten feet from where I sit. Some things in life are enduring.

Yes, I'm also a copycat!!!

Call Me Old Fashioned

Munchy easily resists the crunch can of clothes destined for donation. He prefers the predictable comfort and easy access of his Wollrich bed purchased at Target. The bed is actually designed for a dog, but what he doesn't know won't hurt him. If Lexi were visiting, she would be fast asleep in the crunch can atop the clothes.

(Click on the photo to see a larger version.)

Small Investment, Big Payoff

Some months ago a pony pack of begonias took up residence in a large pot on the deck by the kitchen. Water, sunlight and a few granules of Osmocote produced this lovely bouquet that persists despite the change in seasons.

Each day...

Dance as though no one is watching you,
love as though you have never been hurt before,
sing as though no one can hear you,
live as though heaven is on earth.

Alfred Souza