Wow!

It's been a long time since I've posted. Too long, in fact. 
Not even certain where to begin. So much has happened and yet? Either I can't recall most of it or else it's no longer significant. Anyhow, I'm still knitting/sewing/scrapping and living life in general. 

I'm on an academic school year schedule. Due to snow and cold the school year was extended to the end of June. It begins again tomorrow. Short summer. The days are getting shorter and it feels like fall. I noticed the clouds look "puffy", they're fall clouds.

It's canning season so I'm in full canning mode: peaches, corn, green beans and tomatoes...lots and lots of tomatoes. Three bushels of tomatoes. We have canned whole tomatoes, diced tomatoes, salsa, pasta sauce and tomato sauce. Next up will be pickles and applesauce and the canning kitchen will be closed for another year. 

I can't believe it's only been a few weeks since we opened the pool, did a little planting and now we're gearing up to winterize. For now, we're going to enjoy the warmth (although it's been a bit too warm) and anticipate crisp air, sweater weather, pumpkin everything and the beauty fall.

Open letter to felines

Dear cats, we need to have a chat about the rules of mouse war. 

When mouse enters the house, it is YOUR duty to kill or otherwise murder said mouse. I know it sounds drastic and a bit messy but it MUST be done!
You see? Your caretaker does not like mice. I know of a few mice who have made a fortune and are rather cute however, the live mice models are not as cute or funny and they are not welcome.

Aurora, I know you are a pedigree white persian. You knew Calico and Pumpkin so you should know they never played with their opponents. When they went for the kill, they nailed it! Please think before you act.

Scamper, you were found out doors, orphaned. You should know mice are a food source therefore there should be no playing.

Here are a few rules of mouse war engagement:
Thou shall not play or bat mouse around the living room.
Thou shall not chase mouse into yarn bags. While yarn is great fun for you this is especially distressing for your human caretaker.
Thou shall not be distracted by the school bus stopping at the top of the driveway distracting you from said mouse. THAT is not your concern, that concern belongs to Mr. Bettis. Please keep in mind, you are not a dog.
Thou shall not take a bath while said mouse plays dead. While you are concerned about your fluffy coat, no one cares and mouse skitters under the couch. Not good.
Thou shall not engage in mouse war for longer than 5 minutes (1 hour is too long)
When said human caretaker must take the snow shovel and broom to (ahem) take care of mouse removal, this upsets your care taker and remember, she's the one who fills the food dishes.

I know you're tired after an hour of doing? Well? Pretty much nothing, the human caretaker is stressed from sitting on the kitchen table shouting, screaming, screeching and otherwise trying to get you to do your job.
Coming to me for pets is not going to happen right now. You have lost the war this time. There are no rewards.

I expect you to adhere to the rules.

Respectfully,
your caretaker who tolerates (and ignores) your incessant meowing for more food when the dish is 3/4 full

It's been a long, long time

Just like the song, It's been a long, long time (Harry James, Kitty Kallen) since I wrote a post. I recall the song as a youngster way back when.
We made through a very cold and bitter winter here and spring is taking it's good ole time arriving. I don't mind as I'm a winter person and spring brings a lot of grief to this house: very large muddy footprints from a certain someone (Mr. B), pollen resulting in severe allergies and migraines, just to name a few. Don't get me wrong, green trees and pretty flowers (as long as they're not the bulb variety) are very nice but I'm just not a warm weather fan. Although I must admit I do enjoy a climate with all four seasons :D

Sad news here. Our local yarn shop is closing. It has been in business 14 years and the owner is going through some major life changes. So I wish her the best and hope she enjoys her new home and life. That said there's a fantastic sale going on. I haven't had the opportunity to frequent the shop in the past 3 years due to life changes in this house but I managed to snag some deals during a few quick trips to the shop.

Patterns are reduced to $1.33 and the yarn is 40% off. I snagged this oh-so-colorful skein. If there's anything to know about me, not only do I like yarn but I love color.
April 5 is the last day so I'm hoping to make another trip in before the door closes forever. I must add to my stash. Knitting is my passion....ok...addiction (and I just discovered Webs is preparing for their annual spring sale....I could be in big trouble here).

A little daffy

The intention was to post a nice Thanksgiving holiday message but clearly that didn't happen. I was busier than a "one armed bandit" as hubby so eloquently states.
Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. I cooked a massive dinner and enjoyed family time. Unfortunately everyone in the family seems to be "dropping like flies" with either a respiratory or stomach virus and the respiratory found it necessary to reside here. I'm losing my voice as in, it's almost non-existent at this point. I've done every home remedy possible and it's inevitable. Been there, done that. I've lost my voice every holiday season for 20 yrs. SMH 

Moving along...we attended an event over the weekend. requiring casual clothing, not jeans and flannel shirt (hubby). I had no idea hubby paid attention to what others wear but apparently he does (if not for anything to prove a point). Sure enough, he spotted a man in jeans and a plaid flannel shirt. But that's not all he noticed. Husband in charge of a lot of locked doors at both jobs so he carries a massive amount of keys on a key ring which hangs ever so jangly off his belt loop. All of a sudden my knight in shining armor says, "WOW! he has more keys than I do AND he has a lock!"
I almost dropped to the floor in laughter.
I'm guessing a key lock is now on his Christmas wish list....lol