Crazy Cat people

Rob says when you have more cats than people in the house, you're crazy cat people. With 3 cats, and only 2 humans now that the kids have left home, I guess we qualify. Truth is, we'd have more cats if Rob would let me bring home more. We've tried to be dog people too, and we actually both really like dogs, we just don't want the extra effort required to take care of them. With a cat you can leave it food, water & a clean litter box and take off for a weekend. A dog either has to go with you or be kenneled.

Each of our cats has their own personality, and as I looked around the living room today while all three of them snoozed the afternoon away, I imagined what they would have to say about themselves, each other, and us…..

I wish the mama person would sit still. She keeps shifting on the couch, and every time she does, she moves her feet, which I'm sleeping on. She is kind enough to stop her reading and pet me occasionally, but never for long enough, she just won't leave her hand there so I can lick it. I like to lick. The daddy person's head is fun to lick whenever he'll let me, but he doesn't seem to like it much, I wonder why? At least that nasty male orange cat isn't trying to get in my space. Neko, what kind of name is that?, and he thinks he's such a badass since he still has his front claws. Hah! I'm the queen of this castle buster, and don't you forget it. Good, the mama person has stopped moving again, I can go back to sleep.

Aaaahhh, this is a nice comfy pillow. The people were so nice to leave it laying flat on the couch for me, especially since the daddy person has that ugly silver thing in his lap where I'M supposed to be. I can see that big old fat Gicho over there next to the mama person. Suck up. She thinks she's the cat's meow, but she's not all that, laying around on the floor all the time with her belly up and her legs spread. It's not too bad here. I've only been here about 10 months, but the people here have taken care of me since my last person had to go away, and they appreciate my purring, as long as I keep my claws out of the furniture. Even if that scaredy cat Sable won't let me in the closet where the litter boxes are, I don't care, the people gave me my own litter box and it even cleans itself! *yawn* I can barely keep my eyes open.

This is the kind of day I like. The people are here, so I can get some attention when I want it. I really like to follow the mama person into that room with the big white bowl full of water. If I bat at her enough while she's sitting on it, she'll usually pet me. And when she's done I like to watch the water swirl and swirl around. Sometimes I like to play in it too, but I don't always want to get my paws wet. I'm glad the people didn't invite any other people to our house today. Other people scare me, and I have to go hide in my people's bedroom until they leave. I can see Gicho and that cocky Neko over there on the couch near the mama person, but I like to keep my distance unless I'm in the mood for petting. So tired…..

Snow Days

The weather here has been less than stellar the past couple of days.

I was home Monday because at 6:30am it was already snowing here in Sanford, and they were saying it was going to start in Raleigh around lunchtime, so I figured if I went to work and then left early I would be driving from bad to worse. I have a rear-wheel drive car, which is not the best for bad weather driving. It ended up not being all that bad, and in hindsight I could have gotten to work and home fine if I'd just left work a little early. Everything did freeze over Monday night, so yesterday I did go in late & leave early, and I really only did that because Rob didn't have to go to work, so I was able to take his car, which has all-wheel drive. I drove my car this morning, but went in a little later just to be safe, but by the time I came home tonight the roads were pretty dry, so hopefully there won't be any ice in the morning.

Having an unexpected day at home is nice when it happens. When you can't go out, it just feels good to cozy up in the house in your sweats and do some reading and knitting. I got most of a hat knitted for Rob on Monday, and would have finished it, except I got half way through and realized it was going to be too small, so I had to rip it all out and start over. I made beef stew for dinner with sourdough bread and all in all it was a nice day just hanging out with Rob.

These days are mixed blessings though. The downside of Monday is that I wasn't prepared to be away from work, and now I have just as much work to do, but less time to do it. The class I was supposed to teach Monday morning had to be rescheduled, and several other things I had planned to do Monday and Tuesday now have to be crammed into the rest of the week. I left on time tonight since they were still calling for some refreezing, but I'm probably going to have to work a little later tomorrow and Friday, and most likely I'll go into the office one day this weekend.

On a different note. I've got several blog posts in the works, on varying subjects that have popped into my head, but nothing quite ready yet. Hopefully soon!

Obliviots

You know who I mean. Those oblivious idiots who believe the world revolves around them and don't care that anything they do might affect someone else. You see them most often out in retail establishments, standing in the middle of the aisle with their cart angled across the aisle blocking the entire aisle, coming to a dead stop in the middle of the doorway into or out of the store, rearranging their entire pocket book at the register, etc.

They often travel in packs of obliviots and raise obliviot kids to boot. We were in Target last weekend and just as I started to walk down one of the main, 10 foot wide, aisles a group of about 3-4 adults and 3-4 kids came out of one of the side aisles and spread themselves completely across the wide aisle, all of them stopping and circling and looking around. What they were looking for I have no idea, as half of them were looking at the ceiling, but what they were not looking for was whether there was anyone else around them that might like to, oh, you know, walk down the aisle?

And if you say something, even something polite, they usually have the gall to suggest, either in words or mannerisms, that you are the one being rude. I was in the grocery store a week before Christmas with my daughter and mother-in-law. As we were attempting to leave the store, two women in front of us decided they had to stop dead in the doorway to adjust their hats and scarves before going outside. Meanwhile, there were people accumulating behind us and others trying to get into the store, all being blocked by these two people who must have had some seriously complicated hats and scarves. Finally, I politely, but firmly, said "Excuse us please". I probably said it a little loudly as well, because well they're obliviots, if I didn't say it loud enough they wouldn't have realized I was talking to them now would they? It still took a minute to register that I was in fact talking to them, and then the evil looks and muttering started as they oh so slowly made their way out the door, glaring back at me at least twice in the process. 

I really try to be patient when I'm in public, really I do, and for the most part I usually succeed. Sure I look for the shortest checkout line, but once I've chosen one I stick with it & don't line hop. I wait patiently for my turn so long as progress is being made, even slow progress. I may grind my teeth at people who don't think things like 15 items or less apply to them, but unless their 15 is really 50 I keep my mouth shut. But there are times my patience is tried and the mouth just won't stay shut. I've never gone off on anyone…yet, but I've been known to make a comment or two, either directly to the person or to whomever might be with me at the time.

It does no good though. There will always be obliviots in this world, I just hope you're not one of them.

My Year in Knitting 2010

Milkweed Shawl

Multnomah Shawl

Traveling Woman Shawl

My first try at double knitting, a scarf for Carey.

Tibetan Clouds Stole - One of my top favorite knits of all time so far!

And the masterpiece of the year, which took me 8 months to knit…….

Ingrid's Bridal Knot Christening Shawl - made for my newest niece. It's over 4,000 yards of lace weight yarn and is about 60 inches in diameter, in other words, it's huge!

There's an 11 Shawls in 2011 group this year too, so guess I'll have to join!

 

 

One last post recapping 2010. This time I'm showing off some of my knitting projects from the year. Not all of them by any means, but a few of my favorites. I joined a 10 Shawls in 2010 group this year on Ravelry, so these are a few of the shawls I made.

2011 Reading List

Books I've read in 2011 (174 Total)

I tend to find an author I like and then read everything they've written that I can get through the library, so you will frequently see strings of books by the same author.

January 2011 (23)
A Day of Small Things by Vicki Lane
One Grave Less by Beverly Connor
Room for Murder by Tim Myers
The Woods by Harlan Coben
One Shot by Lee Child
Buttons and Bones by Monica Ferris
Innkeeping with Murder by Tim Myers
Reservations for Murder by Tim Myers
Murder Checks Inn by Tim Myers
Booked for Murder by Tim Myers
Convenient Disposal by Steven Havill
Snuffed Out by Tim Myers
Death Waxed Over by Tim Myers
A Flicker of Doubt by Tim Myers
Dead Men Don't Lye by Tim Myers
A Mold for Murder by Tim Myers
Gone for Good by Harlan Coben
Trial by Fire by J.A. Jance
Scavengers by Steven F. Havill
A Discount for Death by Steven F. Havill
Statute of Limitations by Steven F. Havill
Final Payment by Steven F. Havill
The Fourth Time is Murder by Steven F. Havill

February 2011 (14)
Red, Green, or Murder by Steven F. Havill
Out of Season by Steven F. Havill
Marrying Daisy Bellamy by Susan Wiggs
No Second Chance by Harlan Coben
Tell No One by Harlan Coben
Just One Look by Harlan Coben
Caught by Harlan Coben
Hold Tight by Harlan Coben
The Innocent by Harlan Coben
An Engagement in Seattle by Debbie Macomber
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Promise Canyon by Robyn Carr
Wild Man Creek by Robyn Carr
Harvest Moon by Robyn Carr

March 2011 (31)
A Creed in Stone Creek by Linda Lael Miller
The McKettrick Legend by Linda Lael Miller
The God of the Hive by Laurie R. King
Hand of Evil by J.A. Jance
Web of Evil by J.A. Jance
Cruel Intent by J.A. Jance
Fire and Ice by J.A. Jance
Queen of the Night by J.A. Jance
Desert Heat by J.A. Jance
Tombstone Courage by J.A. Jance
Shoot Don't Shoot by J.A. Jance
Dead to Rights by J.A. Jance
Hour of the Hunter by J.A. Jance
Skeleton Canyon by J.A. Jance
Rattlesnake Crossing by J.A. Jance
Outlaw Mountain by J.A. Jance
Devil's Claw by J.A. Jance
Paradise Lost by J.A. Jance
Partner in Crime by J.A. Jance
Exit Wounds by J.A. Jance
Dead Wrong by J.A. Jance
Damage Control by J.A. Jance
Until Proven Guilty by J.A. Jance
Injustice for All by J.A. Jance
Trial by Fury by J.A. Jance
Taking the Fifth by J.A. Jance
Improbable Cause by J.A. Jance
A More Perfect Union by J.A. Jance
Dismissed With Prejudice by J.A. Jance
Minor in Possession by J.A. Jance
Payment in Kind by J.A. Jance
Failure to Appear by J.A. Jance

April 2011 (21)
Lying in Wait by J.A. Jance
Name Withheld by J.A. Jance
Orchard Valley Brides by Debbie Macomber
Breach of Duty by J.A. Jance
Double Prey by Steven F. Havill
Fatal Error by J.A. Jance
Without Due Process by J.A. Jance
Birds of Prey by J.A. Jance
Long Time Gone by J.A. Jance
Justice Denied by J.A. Jance
Knitting Diaries by Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery, Christina Skye
Driftwood Cottage by Sherryl Woods
Almost Home by Mariah Stewart
Angel's Rest by Emily March
Hummingbird Lake by Emily March
Moonlight Cove by Sherryl Woods
The Search by Nora Roberts
A Light at Winter's End by Julia London
More than Words: Stories of Strength by Carla Neggers, Susan Mallery, Karen Harper
Coming Home by Mariah Stewart
Almost Perfect by Susan Mallery

May 2011 (12)
Sleeping with Patty Hearst by Mary Lambeth Moore
Chasing Perfect by Susan Mallery
The President's Daughter by Mariah Stewart
Heartache Falls by Emily March
Home Again by Mariah Stewart
Miss Liz's Passion/Home on the Ranch by Sherryl Woods/Allison Leigh
Lip Service by Susan Mallery
Hot on Her Heels by Susan Mallery
The Nosy Neighbor by Fern Michaels
Almost Home by Debbie Macomber, Cathy Lamb, Judy Duarte, Mary Carter
Bloodroot by Amy Greene
Creed's Honor by Linda Lael Miller

June 2011(9) 
The Wedding Shawl by Sally Goldenbaum
The Scoop by Fern Michaels
Exclusive by Fern Michaels
The Bone Yard by Jefferson Bass
Beach Lane by Sherryl Woods
Ape House by Sara Gruen
Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin
Unraveled by Maggie Sefton
 Me & Emma by Elizabeth Flock

July 2011 (10)
The Creed Legacy by Linda Lael Miller
The Union Quilters by Jennifer Chiaverini
The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton
Deep in the Valley by Robyn Carr
Three Junes by Julia Glass
Irish Hearts by Nora Roberts
Rocky Mountain Man by Jillian Hart
Down by the River by Robyn Carr
The Goodbye Quilt by Susan Wiggs
Lakeside Cottage by Susan Wiggs

August 2011 (15)
Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand
Only Mine by Susan Mallery
A Turn in the Road by Debbie Macomber
Night Road by Kristin Hannah
Stolen by Vivian Vande Velde
Just Over the Mountain by Robyn Carr
In Search of the Rose Notes by Emily Arsenault
One Summer by Joann Ross
Chin Up, Honey by Curtiss Ann Matlock
1105 Yakima Street by Debbie Macomber
One True Thing by Anna Quindlen
The Homecoming by Joann Ross
Testimony by Anita Shreve
'Tis the Season by Carole Mortimer, Alison Roberts and Natalie Anderson

September 2011 (12)
Room by Emma Donoghue
No Regrets by Joann Ross
Far Harbor by Joan Ross
Shoedog by George Pelecanos
Sunset Bridge by Emilie Richards
The Merlot Murders by Ellen Crosby
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Out of the Rain by Debbie Macomber
The Most Dangerous Thing by Laura Lippman
Flash and Bones by Kathy Reichs
Indulgence in Death by J.D. Robb

October 2011 (6)
Betrayal of Trust by J.A. Jance
Escape by Barbara Delinsky
I Totally Meant to Do That by Jane Borden
Pirate King by Laurie R. King
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
A Lawman's Christmas by Linda Lael Miller

November 2011 (11)
1225 Christmas Tree Lane by Debbie Macomber
Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas
Holiday in Stone Creek by Linda Lael Miller
Bring Me Home For Christmas by Robyn Carr
Touched By Angels by Debbie Macomber
Three Day Town by Margaret Maron
Christmas at Timberwoods by Fern Michaels
The Charm School by Susan Wiggs
Hometown Girl by Mariah Stewart
Only Yours by Susan Mallery
Only His by Susan Mallery

December (10)
Tea and Destiny/Light the Stars by Sherryl Woods/Raeanne Thayne
Serendipity by Fern Michaels
Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts
At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks
The Four Seasons by Mary Alice Monroe
Learning to Love by Debbie Macomber
Holly Lane by Toni Blake
I'll Be Home for Christmas by Linda Lael Miller/Catherine Mulvaney/Julie Leto/Roxane St. Clair
Making Spirits Bright by Fern Michaels
Hidden Summit by Robyn Carr

Happy New Year!

As I'm writing the rough draft of this post, it is 10:40 p.m. on New Year's Day. We've been spending the weekend with friends out of town, and after a late New Year's Eve that involved copious amounts of alcohol, we headed to bed early tonight. But as I was laying in bed getting ready to go to sleep, I realized that on the first day of the new year, I was about to blow my goal of writing at least 30 minutes every day. So I grabbed the little notebook I keep in my purse and decided to start writing this post.

We've had a fun weekend with friends that we don't get to see very often. They live 3 hours away and between our busy lives and theirs, it's often hard to make time to get together. But they're the best kind of friends. Although it sometimes may be 2 years between visits, it's always comfortable and fun to be together. We keep up mostly through e-mail and Facebook these days, but there are always things that happen in each of our lives that don't get relayed through those methods which seem to finally get shared when we have a weekend together.

So now it's Sunday, and we're back home, and back to work tomorrow. Although I worked a couple of days last week, the holidays are officially over and it's back to full work weeks again. Time to start really kicking my brain into gear, as the craziness begins January 26th!

And no, this post didn't take 30 minutes to write, it's just part of what I wrote during those 30 minutes.