Flowers and Purple Butterflies

Yesterday and today are in the 80's so good days to work outside since the rest of the week will be in the 40's and 30's and maybe snow. I decided to take some pictures before they are gone. I followed this little purple butterfly until it landed, so cute.

Half Price Books

Yesterday I stumbled upon this store while killing time with my dad until the restaurant opened where he was attending a retirement luncheon. I have to say their selection of knitting books was better than my local Barnes and Noble which is really sad. I got $75 worth of books for $20, can't beat that. The larger book Mother-Daughter Knits has a lot of good information on fitting garments better. The Creative Spinning shows how to combine color and since I want to learn to spin thought it could not hurt to have this one. Brioche Socks is all tube like socks (no heels) done in the Brioche stitch which I want to learn. The Toe-Up Techniques will give me practice in this skill which I have done a couple of times but am not comfortable with. They also have an online store with a nice selection. Check them out.

I'ts Almost May

So we are having sleet and snow today and it is almost May. I bought plants over the weekend and I brought them in for the next couple days due to below freezing temps. Hard to believe it is Spring and almost Mother's Day and we have sleet and snow. My apple and redbud tree are blooming and the Bradford Pears are gorgeous this year. What's a girl to do when it is dark and cloudy out?

Feeders

The winter birds are leaving, I miss my Pine Siskins. However they next batch of yellow birds are here, the yellow finches, I saw 4 male at the feeder yesterday. Also I see a squirrel has made himself at home on one of my feeders.

Happy Birthday Bucky

My baby is 9 today. I remember when I got her, there were 12 stray kittens on my deck belonging to 3 stray moms. I was catching them all to take them to the vet and I decided I wanted her. It took me 30 minutes of chasing her around the back yard in the mud. Finally, I caught her. She is a pistol and her name fits her perfectly.

Book Review

I got some new knitting books, yes I know I did not need them but they called my name. What was I to do? Knit Red is all about heart disease. There is a variety of patterns all done in very rich cherry red tones. There are a lot of patterns in here I will make. Knit to Flatter is about making the right sweaters for your body type. For those of you who knit sweaters you know it takes some time and a large amount of yarn, you really want to make sure you can wear it and it looks good on you. A book I will use a lot. Topsy Turvy is the latest Susan B Anderson book. It is all a two-fer. You make a figure and knit another one and you can turn them inside out. Looks like a fun book, something I have wanted to try, first project out of it will be a penguin for my niece. 60 Quick Baby Blankets are various patterns for small blankets. You could always make them larger. The pattern for the little sheep is also in the book. The patterns all look fun, some lace, some really fun like the monsters, giraffe, owl, alligator. Anyone I plan on working my way through the book and giving them to charity.

More Grocery Bags

I made two grocery bags for a birthday gift next week. She is a "cat lady."

Two Chicks from the Sticks

http://twochicksfromthesticks.com/ We have the best kitchen store in Westport called Pryde's. They have been there forever and their coffee is one of my favs, it is all I drink anymore. Today they had the two chicks from the sticks selling their new cookbook. Nothing but desserts made from scratch, is there any other way? Check out their website as they post recipes on there. I know the rhubarb and pistachio tart are calling to me. Now that I am retired I find myself baking more and more, the grocery store keeps putting butter on sale, what am I to do. I got a copy of their new cookbook and plan on baking my way through it.

One of the Best Days in my Life

I woke up this morning to find Margaret Thatcher has died. I had the pleasure and privilege of hearing her speak at Baker University that I attended. Her father was the preacher at the chapel in this utube video. A benefactor purchased the chapel and had it re-assembled on campus. She came and dedicated it for us. I had the chance to attend, so I took the day off from work and went. How could you not. You know the game where they ask who you if you had the chance of anyone in the world to have dinner with, who would it be. Why do people always say Hollywood? My answer was always Margaret Thatcher. She was a role model and a great leader. Her friendship with Ronald Reagan changed the world. RIP Margaret Thatcher, you were my hero and you will be greatly missed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zML_PMEYly8

We must have been hungry

Now that Little Bit is back the deck is his once again and to prove it he has been peeing on the storm door, yea I know boys will be boys (my neighbor boy pees on the trees, he is 3, hopefully he will outgrow this soon) but... Usually when Smudgey sees LB on the deck she goes around front, not today they were both starving so they ate bowl to bowl. She is his daughter and on the right and he is on the left. Jonquils or daffodils are starting to bloom.

Sometimes you need some fresh air

I dont let the girls out unless they are in their cage and then we are off to the vet. Hermione sometimes likes to go out on the deck and sniff and then she hears a noise and begs to be let back in. Yesterday I decided to see if she wanted to go out front and she started off down the sidewalk but when she got to the garage she kind of freaked and came back. Her little outing.