Junior & The Flatulent Monkey

If that didn't get your attention, I don't know what would! LOL!

As promised, here's a recent picture of Junior -

The monkey belongs to his cousin and it's got to be THE MOST hilarious thing I have ever seen! Aside from the fact that it looks like a completely psychotic toy, turn it on and it gets even better. The monkey starts laughing hysterically; then the next thing you know, he's letting out a ripper of a fart :o) Very contagious although Junior was a bit skeptical about the whole thing.

It came from the UK so I'm not sure if it's available in North America or not. I did find an online listing for it here :o) If you want to see him in action, he's on You Tube as well -

Now not to be outdone by that little devilish monkey, I'll leave you with another picture of Junior -

This was taken at my birthday and we had ice cream cake this time. As you can see, he didn't hold back with the mess quite as much ;o)

How Terrible A Mom Would I Be?

I'm a real sucker for children's books. Always have been and I'm not sure why. When I was in university, I took a Children's Literature course and absolutely loved it. I had hoped to someday write my own children's book but that has yet to happen. Maybe one day ;o)

DH and I were in Chapters about a month ago when I spotted this new children's book on the shelf. I had to do a double take though because I wasn't sure I read the title correctly. Upon closer inspection, I was right in what I read and couldn't help chuckle. DH and I thought it was hilarious. So how bad a parent would I be if I added this to our child's library of books -

ROFL!!!! Yes, you read the title correctly ;o) The next time you're in the bookstore, I highly recommend you seek this book out. It's definitely worth a good laugh.

Yesterday DH and I went into the Big City for our check up appointment. It turns out everything is great! The baby's heartbeat is strong and my weight is what it should be. I guess I do have to get a Rubella vaccine after the baby is born though since I'm not immune to the virus. Oh yay...

We still can't get over the fact that I don't have much of a belly. We met the owner of a second hand maternity store and she could hardly believe that I was 19 weeks. I was even wearing my maternity clothes although I didn't really need to ;o) At this rate, I won't be wearing maternity clothes for very long.

Next week is 'the' ultrasound when we (hopefully) find out the sex of the baby. Let's just hope Peanut cooperates ;o)

Fourteenth Finish For 2011

Yup, I know, I've been neglecting my Blog as of late :o( To be honest, I've been trying to catch up on my Blog reading (almost done) and my emails (getting somewhere). When you combine the tiredness from the pregnancy with my Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, it really wipes me out sometimes and I just don't feel like doing anything. But...I do have a backlog of stitching to share with you! LOL!

I despised this pattern but wanted to finish it since it had already been started last year. This is Halloween Coins by Bent Creek -

Why did I not like this pattern? I have no idea. There was just 'something' about it. I was SO relieved when I put those last stitches in. Since it was a kit, I used the recommended fabric and floss.

I apologize for the pictures. It's been so hard to get great pictures lately. The second picture probably best represents the true colors of this piece.

I'm still chugging along and yes, I'm starting to show now, although it's not a very 'attractive' tummy. I showed DH last night and he laughed. Before the pregnancy I was almost at my ideal weight but still had some rolls ;o) Well now I have one big roll at the bottom, a crater where by bellybutton is and then another small roll on top. ROFL! One of my friends asked when I was going to take a picture and I told her there was no way in Hell that was going to happen anytime soon. Hopefully that bellybutton pops soon ;o)

I've also had to dig out Boobarella (my silicone insert). After I had my breast cancer surgery, I gained a lot of weight and opted to go with one of these to go 'on top' of my reconstructed boob. Well the girls definitely DON'T match anymore! Anyone see the movie Just Go For It when the woman comes in Adams Sandler's office with the bra she handmade from two different cup sizes? If Boobarella wasn't around, that's what I would be faced with ;o) ROFLMBO!!!!

All is well though and we're anxiously waiting for the next ultrasound on November 24! Boy or girl? What do you think?

A Funny To Start The Week

Kind of makes you go hmmmm...

Yes, it does exist...I've seen it ;o) LOL!

Happy Easter!

Dear Easter Bunny,

You know that your arrival each year is my very favourite time of year. What could be better than a combination of bunnies and chocolate? Okay, well maybe peanut butter and chocolate but that's beside the point.

Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE getting chocolate at Easter but I'm thinking we need to step it up a notch and get a little more creative. As we already know, giving live bunnies at Easter is not a good thing so I've done some looking around and let me know what you think about these ideas...

I realize that chocolate is your typical Easter treat but what about a Giant Gummy Bunny -

Seven inches of gooey goodness! I just won't think about the calories ;o)

What about Rabbit Ears Salad Servers -

Unlike a lucky rabbit's foot, no bunnies were harmed in making these!

It seems that like real bunnies, dust bunnies multiply like...rabbits! I turn my head and the next thing I know, there are three or four scampering across the floor. I think it would be in everyone's interest if you gave me a Dust Bunny Duster -

I'm not saying I'll actually 'use' it but it's the thought that counts, right?

Speaking of multiplying like rabbits...it seems these Bunny Salt & Pepper Shakers really know how to shake things up -

Do the babies come out black and white or white and black?

Finally, I think that I need one of these -

What bunny lover wouldn't want this? I might have to kick DH out of the bed though and I'm not sure how well that will go over ;o)

So for next year, just keep these ideas in mind. Of course a case or two of ECEs would be nice as well :o)

What's This?

We interrupt this Blog to bring you the following news...

Today I stopped by the grocery store on the way home from my acupuncture class to pick up some paper towel. It seems that it's a little difficult to clean a house without it ;o) As I was wandering the isles, my eyes fell upon this -

Can you imagine the tiny squeal of joy that slipped out of my mouth when I spotted these? Intrigued by the new concept (plus the fact that there was a 0.50 off coupon), the box just leaped into my cart and off I went with a huge smile on my face :o)

There have been quite a few comments regarding the fact that I have not posted my annual Cadbury ECE entry. And why not since I'm an ECE fanatic and they've been out since January ;o) Hello! But as I have been saying, I've been 'trying' to be good this year. Joining an exercise class has changed me. Well, not completely. I mean, I 'am' human after all. I can't just go cold turkey!

When I told DH this his first reaction was "You're not eating 54 of those things again this year!" LOL! I know he reads my Blog ;o) But really, I am being good. If that darn fat would only settle on my ass instead of my waist, I would scarf down 54 ECEs in a minute! Alas that fat feels it's more comfortable around my mid-section >:o( Our aerobics instructor has been getting us to work on our abs and obliques and if I'm going to suffer that torture, I want a flat tummy by George!

But I did succumb to this new temptation...and it was all I could do to eat a proper lunch before diving into one ;o) Who else is going to give you a revue of them though? To be honest, they are more like a glorified filled cupcake. The Goo is more like icing than the Goo found in the actual ECEs. They're not bad though and I'd give them three and a half stars out of five.

Anyway, it's a good thing my instructor doesn't read my Blog because then the cat would be out of the bag. I wonder if McDonald's will be doing an ECE McFlurry this year...

Where Have I Been?

Oye! It's Thursday already! I have no idea where this week has gone.

Don't worry folks, I'm still among the living although I feel like crawling under the covers and dying a slow death :o( Thanks to DH (yes, I'm going to blame him), I caught the nasty cold that has been going around. Luckily it's not as bad but combine it with a visit from Aunt Flo; I'd say it's on the same level. I'm going to play it to the max anyway ;o)

Now that the holidays are over with, I'm trying to get my life back into some kind of 'normal' routine. Easier said than done! On Tuesday, I started my acupuncture again. I missed about three weeks and it wasn't hard to tell that my anxiety level was sky high. What a difference this makes in my life. Hopefully this will help me settle down so that I can get some stitching done. I should have a finish to show you soon!

Yesterday I started something new :o) Thanks to my friend K (yes, I'm going to blame her), I am now enrolled in a low impact aerobics class until the end of March!

It's only once a week (TG!) but I hope by the end of it, I'll have a little less around the middle and a little more on my backside. LOL! The instructor wanted to know what kind of exercise experience I had and this is what I explained to him -

Apparently lifting the television remote isn't considered exercise. Huh!

It is quite apparent though that I do NOT possess any form of coordination WHATSOEVER. If my legs are doing one thing, my arms can't do something else at the same time ;o) Talk about embarrassing! At least there was one other woman with the same problem so I didn't feel quite that left out.

We got hit with a snow storm last night but it didn't amount to much. Today it's like a spring day! The sun is out, the temperature is mild and what snow we got is already melting :o) Yay! I know not everyone got off as easy as we did. But as DH says...we live in the 'banana belt'. I love our little piece of paradise!

A Thursday Thought

Omigosh, I just saw this commercial today and almost died laughing!!!!

I can't believe they've allowed it to stay on television. You have to admit though...it is pretty 'brilliant' ;o)

Monday's Photographic Memories

I was hoping that I would have some great pictures for you today but the last few times I've been out, the camera has been home. Yup! It just didn't feel like going for a drive I guess...

It also doesn't help that it's SO HOT and HUMID here this week :o( WHY? Yes I know, summer is not over yet but WHY?

So in order to get through today and the rest of the week, I'm going to share the most wonderful picture I could find in my files. What I wouldn't give for this right now -

GOTCHA! ;o)

Things You Never Wanted To Know Q & A

I just got done reading Parsley's Blog and had a good laugh at her attempt at interviewing herself ;o) I thought it was a great idea and decided to play along. Those of you who have known me for some time are aware of my twisted sense of humour but this will open me up for any newcomers to my Blog I'm sure! LOL!

1. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

Hands down...a BUNNY!

I'd get to hop around all day and stretch out in the sun. Since they're herbivores (is this the correct terminology?), I'd get to eat grass and clover; not to mention raiding gardens for carrots and lettuce. The only downside that I can see is that rabbits eat their own poop...I don't think I'd be too keen on that idea ;oP

2. Which food type do you crave...salty, sweet, hearty, carby, greasy?

Sweet, definitely sweet. In fact I love the good stuff so much that I've got one sweet tooth less in my mouth ;o)

3. Someone just put a post-it note on your forehead. What does it say?

Stop passing gas!

4. Have you ever smelled your own feet? If so, describe how they smelled?

Who hasn't? LOL! Of course I have. On a good day there's no smell but on a bad day...whoa! At least mine don't smell as bad as DH's ;o)

5. If you could own any pet other than a dog or a cat, what would it be?

If we're going for normal it would be a bunny but if we're going beyond sensible it would have to be a giraffe!

I saw a show on television called Animal Autopsy and they were studying a dead giraffe from the inside out. They're pretty incredible animals considering their oddities and everyone knows what an odd duck I am ;o)

D-Dog

After reading Parsley's post and watching the video of her dogs, I thought I would have a little fun with Duncan and see what he'd do for the camera ;o) I caught him at feeding time so this is when he's the most entertaining. LOL! Enjoy!

Now That I'm Done Crapping My Pants

As of yesterday, my workshop was done! I left feeling organized, prepared and empowered; ready to search out the job of my dreams :o) I truly had my reservations about the course before I started but now that it's done, I really miss it. I miss the people that taught it and I miss the people that were in the class.

We had some guest speakers from different businesses around the areas and it was interesting to hear what they offered and what they looked for in an employee. I was completely surprised by the turkey dinner that they set up for us for lunch, topped off with fruit filled crepes! I was SO stuffed, I couldn't wait to get home and unbutton my pants ;o) The meal was catered by a favourite place of ours and as always, it was delish.

On the weekend as I was putting the final touches on my new resume, I heard through the grapevine about a company that would be looking for some new people. They're local, in town, and I was quite familiar with what they did. I had thought about applying there but never did. After the workshop yesterday, I drove over to hand deliver my resume :o)

When I walked in, this little itty bitty thing of a girl came over and I asked who I could give my resume to. She told me it would be herself so then I introduced myself and explained that I had heard they might be hiring. The next thing I know, she's asking me if I can come in for an interview the following day (which is today). I'm sure if I didn't control myself, my jaw would have landed smack on the floor!

So this morning I got up, after sleeping through the alarm clock by nine minutes, and got myself ready. I prepared some potential questions and answers to bring with me as a cheat sheet. I looked and felt professional :o) We went across the street to one of the local restaurants to talk and had a cup of tea. I was very at ease with her and she was so sweet and friendly.

Although it was an interview, we sat and chatted like we were old friends. We had some things in common so it was fun to talk 'shop' with her. All in all, I think the interview went VERY well. Basically, I sold myself. If I don't get the job, it will only be because I don't have the experience that they are looking for, although they are willing to train.

Here's my conundrum...if I don't get the job, I'm not going to feel defeated because I rocked :o) My problem is if I DO get the job! I'm almost crapping my pants again just thinking about it. LOL! Why you ask? Well, it's complicated but I'll share with you part of what is going through my head.

As you know, I have Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Mitral Valve Prolaspe and General Anxiety Disorder. I haven't worked for a number of years (some of you will remember the huge fight with the disability company, my now ex-employer and Human Rights) and I do get tired quite easily. This would be an 8:30-5pm job, with extra hours. So basically full-time. The job will be stressful. And I'm not sure if it's the right job for me. I worry that if I get the job and accept it (or try it) and fail; I'll have disappointed myself and my employer. Being that this is a small town, you don't want to burn any bridges.

DH has consistently told me that I don't have to work if I don't want to. That sounds like a dream to some of you but we are only living on one income. I love the fact that I have the time to do the things I want but I'm also isolating myself and that is not helping matters. I'm not going to know until Monday what their decision is so I have almost a week to wait. Btw, how much can a person crap out anyway? ;o)

Balancing Act

Yesterday and today I have been taking part in a workshop called 'Life Skills'. Its part of a government program to help those who are unemployed find employment. Not what I really want to do but since I don't have much of an option, I figure I'd just suck it up and be done with it.

The workshop is from 9-4 pm and is four days in total. Waking up for 7 am each morning has been a complete shock to my poor system! I guess it goes to show just how much I've taken for granted sleeping in until 9 am ;o)

On Monday morning I decided to try and cut some corners because I'm running on a tight timeline. This has got to be genetic because no given amount of time is enough for my side of the family. We always seem to be late. So, instead of shampoo and conditioner, I opted for the two in one (which I NEVER do anymore). Big mistake. HUGE! After blow drying my hair, I looked like I had visited the science centre and touched one of those static electricity balls! Even the flat iron wouldn't help.

Out of desperation, I ran downstairs and got on the computer. I Goggled 'static electricity in hair' and do you know what one of the solutions I found was? Take an unscented dryer sheet and rub it on your hair. Huh? I can certainly testify that this DOES work! Whoda thunk? Crisis averted...

In order to attend the workshop, it's required that I dress in business attire (ugh!). So yesterday, I dusted off (literally) my dress pants and picked out a cute blouse with a camie underneath. Therefore...no bra = a more comfortable me :o)

I pulled on my pants praying that they fit because it seems that a few extra ECEs have added a few 'extra' pounds. I let out a huge sigh of relief when I was able to button them up without incident. Phew! Just as I was about to set out, I took one last look in the mirror to assess myself and I was horrified! There before me, the 'Hooter Girls' looked like they were one on top of the other :oS Ack! They weren't even on the same level for Pete's Sake! I was looking at Perky and Droopy.

Luckily I remembered a strapless bra that I had bought a few years ago and it came with clear plastic (removable) straps. Another five minutes wasted trying to put this thing together! I quickly stuffed the girls in and we were ready to go :o) Mission accomplished and disaster avoided...

What I love about this workshop is that we get fed, very well :o) They provide coffee, tea, water, morning and afternoon snack plus lunch. All yummy! The only downfall...what happens when you drink glasses of water and cups of tea??? That's right, you eventually have to pee!

I'm not sure if it's the fact that I'm getting older or what but I used to be a camel when it came to holding my bladder. This came in quite handy since I have a true fear of public restrooms and will usually do 'anything' to avoid using one. But yesterday there was no way I was going to make it and I knew I'd have to give in.

Imagine my delight when I walked into the stall and there attached to the side was a box full of toilet seat covers! I could almost see a glow and hear the angels singing. Heaven couldn't be sweeter! I LOVE Best Western :o)

I Have Radish Seeds On My Ears

Last Thursday, I went for my second acupuncture treatment. For someone who absolutely HATES needles and will do just about anything to avoid them, this is quite a step for me. So why am I purposely torturing myself? Good question!

To be brutally honest here, I have what's called General Anxiety Disorder. This may be surprising to some of you who read my Blog because who in their right mind can be this uptight and still talk about snot, poop and farts so freely? ;o) Truth is, I am.

I used to thrive on stress when I was younger and did my best work in school when I was under pressure. I'd have to say that it was my experience with breast cancer that crumbled any walls that were still standing because now any little thing can make me feel anxious and I'm prone to anxiety attacks :o(

A few weeks ago I was told about an acupuncture class here in town and that maybe it was worth looking into. I've always wondered about acupuncture and since I had nothing better to do and it was free, I thought, why not!

This particular class does Auricular Acupuncture. Basically what this means is that all the needles are inserted into your ears. It's believed that each area of the ear corresponds to a different anatomical part of the body; between 200-300 sites. They say this type of acupuncture has been known to help with anxiety, depression, pain, sleeping problems and cravings. Hard to believe but I'm willing to try anything at this point.

Our class uses 1-5 needles in each ear. In the first session, I practically jumped out of my seat when the first few needles went in! Once in, you sit back and relax to soothing music for 30 minutes. They tell me it takes 8-9 sessions for results to start showing. Tomorrow will be my third treatment. Before leaving, they attach a radish seed to the back of your ear, on one of the pressure points. If at any time you're feeling anxious or you're having trouble sleeping, you can rub the area and it's supposed to help.

I've had my seeds on for a week now. They've been in a warm place and watered so my concern is...when will they start to sprout? ;o)

To The Rescue!

Today started like any other day. DH woke me up and said he'd treat me to breakfast. In other words, he was taking me to the greasy spoon motel restaurant right up the road ;o) Don't get me wrong, it's a great place if you want to get things flowing. LOL!

We were just about finished when we overheard the owner of the hotel and the waitress talking about this injured bird. At first I thought she was talking about a pet but as we listened a bit more, we realized it was a Herring Gull (also known as a Seagull or Shit Hawk) out in the parking lot. Apparently it had a broken foot/leg and couldn't move :o(

The owner was anxiously trying to contact someone by phone to come and get the poor thing but wasn't having any luck. After a bit of pushing, I got DH to introduce himself and tell her who he was. We talked a bit of strategy and finally decided to capture the bird and remove him from harm's way. DH raced home and grabbed our small portable kennel and a towel.

Lickidy split, the bird was in the kennel! We decided it was best to drop him at an estuary where he would be away from predators and also be able to find food. I joked about the bird getting car sick but the joke was on me! The bread he had just eaten before we captured him came back up :oP What a mess...

We arrived at our destination and DH grabbed the bird and threw him up into the air. He immediately took flight so his wings were okay, which was a good sign. He flew across the water and landed in the middle of the estuary. As we watched him, he floated along, cleaning himself and playing in the water. Whether he will make it or not remains to be seen but it was a good feeling seeing him much happier :o)

Believe it or not, Gull rescuing is second nature to me ;o) When I was a kid, I brought one back to our cottage one day, all wrapped up in my sweatshirt. Just imagine the looks on my parents' faces. LOL! I had been along the shore playing with friends of mine when I spotted the bird. He was all caught up in fishing line and couldn't fly. Dad ended up having to cut a fishing hook right out of the bird's foot. Once he was free and untangled, away he went. Again, a great feeling.

Pumpkin...Rescuer of Shit Hawks! How's that for a title? ;o)

Breast Best Before Date?

Any woman knows that when it really comes down to it, men are all about the tits and ass. The bigger, the better. Now, DH and I have come to the conclusion that I have no butt whatsoever! I'm not joking! If you look at my behind, it's just not there. Nothing! I'm seriously thinking about buying a weeks' worth of GOGA Pants from Old Navy. Apparently, they are supposed to give you some bou-te. It would definitely be cheaper and less painful than butt implants ;o)

As most of you know, I had breast cancer almost ten years ago. I went with a radical mastectomy on my right side and got a saline implant put in. The girls aren't 'twins' anymore but they're pretty close. One's more firm than the other and missing a nipple. No matter how hard my plastic surgeon tried, one was not going to be put on ;o) LOL!

So almost ten years ago when I had this done, my plastic surgeon told me that I would probably get about ten years out of the implant. At the time, I didn't relish the idea of having to have it replaced someday down the road but eventually that thought left my mind. That was until just lately...

To ease my worry, I brought the subject up with my new doctor, Dr. G. He's awesome and must think I'm a total nut. I tend to come in and ask weird questions. Apparently he's used to this so maybe my ability to shock him will never work. Anyway, I explained my situation and asked him what he thought. I guess implants don't have an expiry date! Huh. As long as things are feeling good and it doesn't all of a sudden become deflated, I'm fine :o) Whew!

When I told him I was not looking forward to another operation, he said that he sat in on a few of these and they are one of the more painful operations to have. Uh-huh! I completely agreed with him there. I said I have no idea WHY women want to purposely insert these sacs into themselves just to make their boobs bigger. He agreed. But that's what some women (and men) want.

I still shake my head at young girls who want to have this done. You're putting a foreign object into your body and behind skin that was not meant to stretch overnight to accommodate its new neighbour ;o) After ten years, mine still hurts. You try having one of these squished in a mammogram machine! Love what you have. Your girls are your girls.

I really am worried that I will spring a leak someday. LOL! I guess I had better start paying attention where I put my embroidery needles...

Infomercial

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Yup, Alvin is only four inches tall and can be placed in your purse, on your desk or in the bathroom. Tap him on his head and instantly get that feeling of gratification that someone is noticing you :o)

Where can you get one you ask? Just drive to your local McDonald's and ask for a Happy Meal! For only $5.19 CDN (less in the US), you can be the proud owner of an Alvin.

Now tell me, what woman wouldn't want to hear this being said to them every day ;o)

PB And...

"I was momentarily speechless. That wasn't the evening I had planned out in my mind. I was going to stand in a scalding hot shower until I was wrinkly. Then I was going to make myself a peanut butter and Marshmallow Fluff sandwich. I like peanut butter and Fluff because it combines the main course with the desert and it doesn't involve pots." ~ From Visions Of Sugar Plums by Janet Evanovich.

When I think of comfort food, a peanut butter and Fluff sandwich is one thing that immediately comes to mind. I loved eating that as a kid and I still do today :o) For those of you who aren't familiar with Fluff, it's basically a liquefied marshmallow spread. Yum! I'm not sure whoever came up with this combination, but it's almost as brilliant as PB and chocolate.

Yes, who doesn't love Reese's Peanut Butter Cups; the hard chocolate exterior with the creamy peanut butter interior. Drool :oP And have you seen the oversized version of them that they have out now? Oh boy! That's almost a meal in itself but hey...you won't hear me complain. LOL!

Normally when you think of peanut butter, Kraft or Skippy usually come to mind. DH and I ate Kraft for years. I hate to tell you this...but it's really not that good for you :o( Since we changed our eating habits years back, we did a major switch on the PB front as well and went to the real thing. No hydrogenated oils and less sugar = better for you. We find that if we have to settle for Kraft in certain situations, it's much too sweet. Funny how your taste buds can change.

If you want to go for the typical classic, that would have to be peanut butter and jam. But PB doesn't deserve just any jam though! If it's PB & J in this house, it's got to be a jar of Mom's homemade raspberry or strawberry freezer jam. DH seems to be stingy with the jam but I load it right on there until it drips down the sides of the bread.

There is a dark side to peanut butter combinations though and I never knew this until I met DH. His quirk? PB and bacon on toast! Bleck! Definitely not a combination I would consider but apparently it is quite popular. Who would have thunk? But since learning of this unusual pairing, I've been introduced to other not-so-appealing combinations... How about PB and olives? Ewwww! PB and pickles? Yuck! PB and hot dogs? Hurl!

So what's your deep dark peanut butter favourite? Are you a traditional PB and honey person or are you a PB and onion freak? Share your special combinations. Come on, don't be shy ;o)

Hocus Pocus

Do you want to see a trick? Well say "Yes!" because I know deep down you really want to ;o)

Okay, here's 'The Magic Box' -

Looks pretty innocent right? Now watch as The Great Pumpkin waves her magic wand and...TA-DA...it's a snowman -

Isn't he just THE most adorable thing you've ever seen? I love, love, love him :o) This was the snowman I was talking about in my November 27 post. But...when I went back this past Wednesday, they didn't have any and I kicked myself all the way home for not buying him when I had the chance. So when I got in the door, I immediately called their other store and she had three left. Whew! DH even sweet talked the saleslady and got a $2 discount :oP

Yesterday I placed my Snowman In A Box on our front porch and I think that got DH in the Christmas mood because the next thing I knew, he was getting out the lights and then took off to get some boughs. We placed the boughs along the railing going up the stairs and wrapped the lights around them to hold them in place. Then we continued with the lights and wound them around the posts and up along the top of the porch. We added more boughs to cover up the wires along the top and then placed a wreath in the peak of the porch roof. Finally, DH made some pine boughs to hang on the ends of the railings and I supplied the bows :o) We're not completely done so I don't have any pictures yet. I promise I'll post some later on.

Thank you SO much for all the wonderful comments on my Mini Me pumpkin :o) I really appreciate them. Needle-felting isn't really that hard. It's like sculpting but with wool. The only hazard is the 'really' sharp needle.

My Lady's Quaker is online again but you'll have to wait for another progress picture ;o) Thankfully the thread dye lots matched!

Before I end this post, I'm putting up this picture for Irene -

She wanted to see Duncan on (one of) his new beds so there he is. Surprisingly, he was quite happy to have his picture taken. LOL!

The Tank Is Almost Empty

How's that for a title? LOL! I want to thank everyone for their helpful hints but after two more Ex-Lax pills and a bucket of KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken), we had movement :o) Feeling more relieved although the problem has not gone away entirely. Don't worry, I don't believe there is anything seriously wrong other than stress and probably the fact that I'm getting up there in age ;o) I'm going to town today so I might look into a few of your suggestions.

For those of you who are new to my Blog, please don't feel that I am being crude; I'm just blessed with a twisted sense of humour ;o) I don't mind putting myself out there and feel free to laugh at these situations because that's what they are, humorous. I tend to go over the edge when I'm stressed out and poop is usually the best subject to bring comical relief. You may see yourself in these situations and feel that you would never talk about them in public. That's okay because you can live them through me! LOL! I have quite a history of embarrassing myself :oP

I'm still plugging away on My Lady's Quaker and here is my latest progress picture -

I'd say this is probably the best picture I've gotten as far as true colors are concerned. It's hard to capture this time of year. I love the richness of them although I am still loathing the threads themselves. Jenna asked where I got them and I bought mine through Anita's Little Stitches. She is wonderful to deal with and her prices are great. You can get an idea of colors through her website or through the Valdani website. Like I said before, the colors are incredible but the threads are horrible! I have found a bit of a solution though...it seems if you determine the correct grain of the thread, you tend to have less fraying and knotting. I know, technically, this should be done with all threads but the only time I've ever done it was for Hardanger. It makes sense though.

Notice something a little different -

On the original pattern, Nathalie had placed a Quaker motif and then she made an alternate chart to incorporate a cat. Since the Gentleman Quaker has a dog and we don't have a cat, I thought a little bunny wabbit would fit just nicely :o) I have to come up with a few small motifs to put on either side of him now. Once that's done, I'm off to the right hand side and then the alphabet on the bottom. Not much more to go!

Looking for some new stash? Check out Erynne's Blogoversary giveaway! Can you imagine $75 of free cross stitch stuff? What could be better :o)