Phantom Limb

So, I upgraded my operating software (OS) on my Blackberry (BB) Curve 8530 as directed by the BB gods when I got the info on my Blackberry Messenger (BBM).

Unfortunately, when I got the new and groovy OS after a 45 minute download, it blew out my BBM so that I couldn't access it any longer. *GASP* I use the BBM more than I talk on the phone and I can talk a blue streak most days.

Now the BB is at the store I purchased it from last year, so that the "data tech" can downgrade the OS to what I had prior the fiasco of an upgrade.

Bloody hell. It's like I have a limb missing. I was at the grocery store to pick a few marrow bone bribes treats for the Tank, and PANICKED! when I thought it odd I hadn't heard from someone I had sent a SMS text to...couldn't find the phone. I'm sure I looked like a maniac giving myself the equivalent of the TSA pat-down in the middle of the Health Market section. I was about to do a sweep of the store when I remembered I had dropped it off.

First it's having to use Burt Bee's Foot Creme first thing in the morning and just before bed to keep your skin from cracking like an old orange, then it's your memory that goes; so sad when you get old like this and I'm only 44 yrs old next spring.

So in my frustration last night of being cut off from the BBM, I started a pair of fingerless mitts inspired by the ones a friend made me a few years ago. A number of persons had asked for the pattern it was made from, it's the Festivus Mittens pattern without the tree pattern:





JW used Encore chunky and carried a strand of kid mohair with it to give a soft halo. I'm still using these mitts.


The ones I'm making are out of Malabrigo Twist, in Tuareg, size 8 Bryspun DPNs. I'm almost done with the first mitt, I should be done with the second one tomorrow.

Who the hell you calling "Frosty?"

One of the members of the gifted SnB group created a "flurry of snowmen" for the holiday season. Of course, I wanted one in blue and with a bit of attitude, so I ordered one from her...


















Someone was not happy that I had closed the blinds and forgotten to reopen them after photographing the snowman. This had cut off the sunshine to her sunning spot.





Ahem...


Soames is now residing in his spot for the rest of the season, next to my collection of witches balls:




as well as my wee Buddha, and the felted basset hound a friend sent me:





If you would like to order a snowman, drop me a line or post a comment and I'll hook you up with the creator of Green Button Girl Creations!

Ensemble Complete

Last night we had more snow, so Tank was able to test out the boots. First, we had to get dressed...




Oh holy hell, they're back!



I almost didn't get any photos because I was laughing so hard: Tank would take two steps and do this kind of up-in-the-air jig with her back paws. I can only say that it resembled someone doing bicycle legs while jumping at the same time.

She finally settled down after a few attempts to fling the back boots off and with an application of organic turkey jerky treats, I got this pic:




You will not believe the mess I'm gonna leave in your bed later...


And I had to carry her down the stairs to the entry way, the boots put off her touch so much that she would have broken something trying to navigate them. Once we were outside in a few inches of snow, she was sort of okay with the fact her paws weren't freezing. In fact, between her warm coat and the booties, she frolicked in the snow for 10 minutes before demanding to go inside!

Of course, I had to remove the booties in the entry way, so she could climb the stairs safely. However, they slip off easily enough - and I was very happy with the way they worked on the Tank out in the snow!





This is about 30 minutes and one marrow bone later:

She's gonna chew my face off while I sleep...

The doggy coat is still "in transit" WTF that's supposed to mean by USPS standards. It could be vacationing in Miami for all I know.

However, I'm happy the booties arrived for upcoming deeper snows and January weather.




These are size medium for Tank's paws. While I'm *very* satisfied with the way they slide on her paws, she was less than thrilled.



Wha... There's something on my foot!





What did I step in?






OMG now they're on *all* my paws!





I really need a drink, I hope there's doggy gin in here.





What fresh hell *is* this?






Once these are off, I'm gonna go throw up in your bed.






You're kidding, me, right? A stupid biscuit for that torture? Where are the marrow bones of contrition and apology at?!

The Sweater Is Dead, Long Live The Dog Blanket Coat

This weather is ridiculous. We're experiencing cold temps that we normally don't see until January. Poor Tank is suffering and this sweater pattern is (yet again) not turning out row vs stitches.

Tank will now be be stuffed under this dog coat and since she starts limping and whimpering after a few minutes in the snow and on the ice, she's going to have her toes put into these dog boots.

Oh Rats

Finally! Some progress...at this rate, M will get this bugger in time for next year's bday (it was supposed to be only a few weeks/months late).






And there's the Tank in her usual sofa position while I'm *not* knitting. When I knit, she's trying to become one with my lap.




And here's the Tub O' Projects Yet To See The Light O' Day:






I hope to make decent progress on the scarf, I've carved out significant "leave me the hell alone" time this weekend.

Ready for her new home in Canuckland!

I hope Rose finds this wee pug as charming as I do - especially since I'm the worst person to sew anything up!









* * * *
The down and dirty details:

Yarn(s): 1 skein Bernat Roving (cork colorway) and 1/3 skein Bernat Roving (bark colorway) for pug; 1/2 skein Plymouth Galway Worsted (pink) and 1/3 skein taupe acrylic worsted.

Purchased: Mary Maxim online

Needles: size 9 circs

Time: for me 40 hours; for most knitters, 12 hours

NOTES: If I were to knit more of these pugs, I'd skip using a chunky weight yarn and drop down to aran weight and use wool. The Bernat Roving pulled apart too easy while knitting and split like a gold-digger who's main squeeze got nailed by a hostile takeover.

Birthday Loot

I completely forgot about posting my birthday loot from Serendipity Yarn Shoppe on my birthday earlier in the month.

Happy Birthday To Me

Tomorrow is the big day. I've got no new knitting progress to show because I had to pull a group paper out of my arse when one of our members turned in the paper that was so FUBAR, it started a small riot of discontent. I offered to create a new document, and there went my knitting and swilling wine time.

All I have to show you is this gift from a rather generous person:



Go ahead, click the pic for more info. They're so sweet...they should be here tomorrow.

Then Saturday? I'm going to Galena with some of the fierce women of the SnB for a belated birthday trip!

Bassegator!

Tank with her new toy from Canuck Auntie Rose - hockey beaver:




The Bassegator on the hunt:




Nabs an unsuspecting hockey beaver:




Whips the unsuspecting hockey beaver around to stun it:




Oh no! The unsuspecting hockey beaver fights back and escapes!




Worn out Bassegator naps, dreaming of more prey:





PS the Fetching mitts are going much better!

Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre