Yay! I'm not abandoned after all!!

Whew! I was starting to think you guys didn't love me anymore!! Don't worry, I still love all of ya even if you haven't been leaving me a "Hi Marla, how are ya" comment!

Deneen, Dot... no need to be ashamed! I haven't frequented your blogs as much lately and I miss them... been busy trying to get this rats nest.. er that is... house in some kind of order. Believe me, it ain't easy.

In the meantime I've been working on some Christmas presents (YES already)... among the few I can post here, britches dishcloths, regular dishcloths of the smaller variety, and a few I can't post here since there are snooping eyes :oP

I also have a scrap comfortghan in the works. You may have noticed I ask that you not throw away ANY UFO's or scrap yarn you don't want to fool with- I have been using some UFO's and "scraps" (many of which are full or half skeins) people have been about to throw away but sent me instead for charity projects. I do baby, animal and adult charities and also comfort items depending on the yarn I get. My budget is too tight right now for charity yarn (even bargain charity yarn which I haven't found any bargains lately) so this is where most of my charity projects come from.

Here's a picture of what I am working on at the time



That's the Scrap Comfortghan made with UFO's and a couple of unwanted skeins someone sent me! Pretty huh? And just think those UFO's were about to be thrown away. Unfortunately that's all the pics I can post... too many prying eyes on here to post other pics of stuff I'm working on.

OK back to the ever present task of laundry... men are so messy! But I love him anyway!

Help! I'm a blog orphan!!

I've been abandoned all of a sudden!! Where are all my readers? I know just a few of you all usually leave comments but... has everyone been scared off by hurricanes or what?

If you drop in for a visit, please leave me a comment. At least once in a while :o) About the only ones that have commented lately have been Sharon and Sara. Where are some of the rest of my readers? Deneen? Dot? Lulu? And anyone else?

On the upside, I've been trying desperately to work some on the house and not making much headway. So much to do... on top of that I finally found my thank you note material and have some left I need to write from the wedding and things sent just before the wedding.

Special thanks to Mom and Sharon for cleaning off my kitchen table.... Now Earnhardt has a place to take a nap!!!



No he isn't usually allowed on the table but this time he was so cute he got away with it! Oh well tablecloth has to be washed anyway where my child, er husband drips food when he eats.

Back to trying to organize things here which should take me til about Christmas! And Please, if you stop by leave a comment. I leave comments on everyone else's blogs even if it's only to say Hi.

Project Hope needs

I got an email back from Pat, my contact at Project Hope and here was her reply about what is going on at the shelter and how anyone can help:

Dear Marla,
Thanks so much for your concern. We have an outbreak of feline pneumonitis at the shelter. Its an upper respiratory infection that is easily passed by coughing/sneezing etc.
The prescribed antibiotic (Clavimox) will run about $15-20 per cat and at present there are 36 cats.
We are a 501-c3 organization and will be happy to send reciepts to any and all. Donations may be earmarked specifically for medication/vet care or any other item or service a person may wish to contribute to and it will be used specifically for that purpose. It may be designated specifically for one particular animal if the person so desires. Sort of an "adoption" with the animal remaining at the shelter under our care but having money donated to provide his medication.
We can always use cleaning supplies. Especially bleach, paper towels, laundry detergent. Rubber gloves, shoe covers, hand sanitizer, anything for infection control.
We could use manpower. someone to watch the front, answer the phone etc. Anyone wanting to volunteer at the shelter should contact our shelter manager to see what help is needed. We most certainlly wouldn't want anyone to carry the pneumonitis home to their own kitties. Perhaps a cat owner could help with the dogs and dog owner with the cats.
We can use soft blankets, towels etc for the sick kitties need frequent changes. Thus producing more laundry.
Computer skills to set up a shelter program we have would be beneficial, someone to deal with the public and answer the phone.
Marjorie Smith is the shelter manager and she can be reached at the shelter at (618) 524-8939.

The shelter will be closed for 30 days to get a handle on this outbreak. We won't be accepting any animals or adopting any out during that time.

Again thanks for your care and concern, any help will be greatly appreciated. Hug Angel, Smokey and Earnhardt for me. I'm so glad they are in a wonderful forever home.

Sincerely, for the animals
Pat.


Looks like they can use snuggles (crocheted or knitted), monetary donations for cleanup costs and the cats' medicine, cleaning supplies, surgical gowns and footies if you happen to have access to any of those, plastic gloves, hand sanitizer to say the least. For more information please contact Project Hope at the link or phone number above or mail checks to:

Project Hope Humane Society
P.O. Box 125
1698 W. 10th
Metropolis IL 62960
Phone: 618-524-8939
Email: szque_525@hotmail.com

Project Hope in danger of closing

While at my parents' tonight, I happened to catch a glimpse of the Paducah Sun; Seems there has been an outbreak of conjunctivitis and some other respiratory infections at Project Hope in Metropolis, IL causing them a major crisis right now. As soon as all the money is spent on antibiotics for the cats and kittens there, and cleaning up the shelter, lack of funds could cause the shelter to close.

Project Hope is the No-Kill animal shelter from which all three of my kitties have come. Animals are never put to sleep for lack of a home. Please stay tuned; I am gathering information as this is being written on what can be done. I can't help the shelter financially right now myself but I'm sure there are people out there that would love to do so. I'd hate to see this shelter close.. they rescue a lot of abandoned and abused, neglected etc. animals.

We just adopted Earnhardt from there about 10 days ago but he wasn't at the shelter when the outbreak started according to his records and my contact at Project Hope. We got him from PetSmart which keeps kitties for adoption from local animal shelters.

Here's my three kitties that have come from Project Hope:

Angel

Smokey

Earnhardt


I do know they are needing some other supplies as well. Will update as soon as I find out what and how they can be supported. I do know according to the paper each dose of medicine for each cat costs $14.xx, and cleanup is a major expense right now as all cats will have to be treated and the shelter decontaminated. They need surgical gowns, etc. as well right now.

*Singing* A Froggin I will go....

No not my work but some UFO's someone sent me. Got some nice balls of baby yarn to work with- at least suitable for some preemie items if not more.

And SHARON, since I know you'll ask... a UFO is an unfinished object that someone doesn't want anymore. Hence the name UFO. Also called an Orphan or "orphaned project". And Froggin... you should have heard that one. Frogging is what you do when you rip out your work.... since you rip-it rip-it rip-it, it is called Frogging.

Anyway here's my yield from some ufo's someone sent me. They also sent me a 1.2oz ball of chenille I have no use for. Will probably barter it.

Baby Yarn:


Chenille:


OK back to checking posts and more sorting of crochet stuff!

Spoiled rotten

He's Rotten.. just rotten. Take a look at the proof:
Helping Mom Crochet.... or laying on my pattern is more like it...




See how pretty I can pose for the camera?







Meanwhile the other two cats are enjoying him.... however Angel is savoring all the lap time she can by herself. She doesn't mind the other two being around but she wants all the time she can get with "her" Marla. Was gonna put some pics of Angel up here playing with Earnhardt but couldn't get her still long enough. Who needs kids? Like Lisa said, I've already got 4.... a husband who's 38 going on 5 and 3 with fur.

Lucky I can manage any crochet time around here....

YAY!! BLOGGER IMAGES BACK UP!!!

Guess they finally got their act together!! Now I don't have to post from the web anymore!!! All was posting and loading except the DONE page, and it wouldn't load without that!

What a relief!

Gift package patterns

Finally!!

I got around to writing down and typing up the hanger cover patterns and washcloth pattern I made up for a wedding gift. Made a couple of things to go with it but they weren't my pattern so I can only post the four that were.

Here they are in the posts below: 3 padded hanger covers and a washcloth! The blogger images feature has been a pain last few days. These patterns will also be posted to my website for future reference.

Hope you enjoy!!

Padded Hanger Cover W/Flower

Padded Hanger Cover W/Flower





F Hook
2oz WW Yarn in main color, small amount flower color
1 15"(approx) padded clothes hanger

Hanger cover:

Ch 4
Row 1: 11 dc in 4th ch from hook, join w/sl st.

Row 2: Ch 2, DC in same Space, *Skip next st, 2dc in next st, repeat from * around. Join with sl st. (12 dc, 6 ch-1 spaces made)

Row 3: Ch 2, CD in each st. and ch-1 sp around. Join w/ sl st. (18 dc made)

Note: Somewhere around 6 or 7 rows, slip your hanger cover on hanger and begin working around hanger.

Row 4-36: Ch 2, dc in each st. around, join w/sl st. (18 dc)

Row 37: ch 2, hdc in next st, *dc next 2 st. together. Repeat from * around. (6 dctog clusters)

Row 38: Ch2, dc in each st. around (12dc), join with sl. st.

Fasten off and weave in tail well.

Optional Hook Cover:

Ch 28

Row 1-5: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Ch 1, turn.

At end of row 5, join both sides to form a tube as follows: Slip st. through booth thicknesses, pulling yarn through both loops of one side and only one loop of the other. Slip over hook and join with a slip stitch in 2 or more places to hanger cover.


Flower:

With Flower Color, ch 8 and join to first ch to form a ring.

(Ch 4, 2 triple crochet, ch 4, sl st) 5 times in ring. Join with a slip st. to base of first ch 4. Fasten off. Slip gently over hook cover.

V Stitch Padded Hanger Cover

V Stitch Padded Hanger Cover





F Hook
1oz WW Yarn

Row 1: Ch 4, 7 dc in 4th ch from hook, join w/sl st.

Row 2-41: Ch 4, dc in same st.,* skip next st, (dc, ch2, dc) in next st. Repeat from * around. Join w/ sl st to beginning ch 2.

Row 42: Ch2, hdc in same ch-2 sp. (dc 2 together in each ch-2 sp) around. Join to beginning ch 2 and pull tight to close end.

Peek a boo Hanger Cover

Peek a Boo Padded Hanger Cover



F hook
1oz WW Yarn

Row 1: Ch 4, 11 dc in 4th ch from hook, join w/sl st. to 3rd ch of beginning ch-3.

Row 2-37: Ch 2, dc in next st., ch 1 *dc in next 2 st, ch1. Repeat from * around. Join w/ sl st to beginning ch 2.

Row 38: ch 2, hdc in next st, (dc next 2 dc together, skip ch1 sp) around. Join to first st. and pull end tight. Fasten off. Weave in tail well.

Washcloth pattern

Ladies' Washcloth



F hook
1oz WW yarn

Shell=5dc in same stitch

Ch 45

Row 1:DC in 4th ch from hook, (Shell in next ch. Sk next 2 ch, DC in next ch, Sk next 2 ch) across to last 7 chains. Skip next 2 chains, Shell in next ch, sk next 2 ch, DC in next to last ch and again in last ch. Ch 2, turn.

Row 2-18: Shell in each ch and dc in 3rd dc of each shell across. Dc in last dc. Ch 2 and turn at end of each row except last one.

Fasten off and weave in tail well.

Tag, you're it

That's Angel and Earnhardt's latest game thru the house. One smacks the other, then the chase thru the house is on. Now that I have 3 cats, I can truly say I have a 3 ring circus in the house. As if the house wasn't enough of a mess... I'd post pictures but how do you catch a picture of two cats playing tag.

Earnhardt's decided to get awfully brave- this little scrawny 2lb, 3mo old kitten runs and jumps with all four feet at full speed onto 20lb Smokey's back. Poor Smokey, all he does is whine and jump like "get this thing off of me". He does a little chasing himself but not as much... he's more fat and lazy.

Little Mr. Tough Stuff better watch who he's picking on... Smokey hasn't decided to clobber him yet but when he does... Smokey's about 5 or 6 times Earnhardt's size.

Like I said, I have a 3 ring circus in my own living room....

Earnhardt- Our New Baby

Everyone please welcome Earnhardt to the family! He was adopted this afternoon from Project Hope. He's 12 weeks old and very loveable! Actually the Earnhardt name was my idea, I figured Scott'd like it.




Guess who's already scattered kitty litter all over the floor (clean) from his box?? Good thing we keep a couple of vacuums handy! At least he IS litter trained! Good kitty!!

The other cats aren't much on him yet but they'll come around. Smokey hasn't come too close yet, and Angel got as far as nose to nose then meowed at me like "What is this thing in your lap?"

No picture....

You may have noticed that there's no picture of the baby blanket as I had promised.... That's because the blogger images refuses to cooperate right now- not because I forgot to put it in.

If you want to see the pic of the baby blanket scroll down several entries - there is a pic of it from a few days ago I can't seem to get on here.

Mission: Clean and Crochet

Well maybe not in that order as such.

I've finished the baby blanket for the shower Sunday several days ago.. now I'm working on a wedding gift for another shower NEXT Sunday. Money is a little tight right now so just about everyone who's getting married or having a baby is getting crocheted gifts since I have 10 tons of yarn to organize/use up/get rid of. Most of it is getting used for something or put in the closet. YES I have a yarn closet and NO the yarn isn't in there at the moment (and you don't want to see my yarn/craft/computer room either!!!).

Which brings me to cleaning.... something has to be done about the boxes etc. in the living room, hallway and the piles of yarn and sacks and you name it in here. So that will pretty much keep me busy today except for a probably trip down to Paducah later- gotta pick up my DVD players I had fixed if nothing else. We also may run by PetSmart... my SIL said Project Hope had some kittens there. May see if there's anything we like but will be a young kitten(s) if we get anything since the adoption fee is higher for older kittens and cats. Very young kittens are about $20 just for their first vet checks etc. then you have to pay to have them spayed/neutered etc. later.

So with that I leave you with a pic of baby blanket, a round ripple from New crochet Basics... will post pics of covered hangers and sachet when done and also made up a covered hanger pattern that I will post here and on my website when I get it done.

Fried Chicken Sunday

By now I should be sick of Fried Chicken... But I'm not. After church, lunch was truck stop's buffet... you guessed it- Fried Chicken is on it every Sunday along with 2-3 other meats and various vegetables, soup, salad bar etc.

I had been promising dinner to my MIL and SIL for a while since they've done the same for us several times. Well, about the only thing I had in the freezer that needed to be fixed was a bag of chicken quarters..... ROFL The rest is self explanatory. Nice except I forgot the can of jellied cranberry sauce in the fridge. Oh well will use it later.

Scott has gone to the depot to pick up some food... typical- I can't keep him away from that place when I want him home, and when I want time to myself I can't get it. So I'm messing around on the puter til he gets back. I got my after dinner nap interrupted for this too- hmmph!! The nerve of the man- wakes me up saying he wants to go to the depot for a few minutes.... just because I am asleep in his lap! I shoulda told him tough and went back to sleep.

Now to work on a small wedding gift before my child *oops I mean husband* returns!!

In Memoriam and correction

When I put the tribute up to John Fielder who was Disney's voice for Piglet and several others, I made a mistake; I listed him as the voice for Tigger as well. I didn't think that sounded quite right.

It seems another prominent Disney voice has recently passed away as well: Paul Winchell who did quite a bit of animated voices including Tigger in Disney's Winnie the Pooh. Disney fans are mourning the loss of 2 of Disney's most famous voices.

Another Reba Recipe

Thanks to Lisa I now have the link to Reba McEntire's Broccoli Casserole up, and will post a couple of other recipes soon as I have time to get them up.

Click on the Reba's Family Recipes link to the right, the Broccoli Casserole has been added there and links to the other 2 I have will be put there as well.

Mission Reinstall

That's right- everything on my puter literally got reinstalled tonight. You name it- Windows and everything. It's been throwing fits lately at certain things so it got a whole workover.

Must have worked- fixed all my problems except for the color/video problems I've been having with web sites and blogs. That's right- can't see the backgrounds on websites and blogs. The rest of the graphics show up fine, just not the backgrounds or fonts. My blog is in black and white. WAHHHHHHH!

I thought it was blogger at first- I emailed Sara and said hey what's up with Blogger. She told me it must be me to restart my puter. I thought SHE was nuts til I went to my website.... there was no background image there either. So I went down to my dad's and pulled everything up on his. What the heck's wrong with my puter??? AOL and other techs and I have checked all Windows and AOL settings... a tech even told me it could be my video card damaged. I seriously doubt that but we'll see. Gonna do some checking around before I take it somewhere to be looked at. I'd hate to spend a bunch of money if it was an error or setting I could fix myself. Even a system restore didn't work. So something's up. Not a major deal, just a major annoyance.

Anyone out there a puter junkie and know how to fix this?