Okay, seriously, you knitters out there must be insane.

I used to knit, and I don’t remember it being this hard. But I’m trying to knit a baby blanket for my sister’s friend, because I wanted to use a particular pattern that’s only do-able in knit. Now, I’ve cast on four times, ripped out four times, my fingers are numb and my seed stitch looks crooked as hell.

Ack! I hate knitting! I’m off to brainstorm some way of making this pattern in crochet.

Those of you who know me have probably heard me rail against what I call, “yippy dogs.” As an example, I have always hated chihuahuas, yorkies, poodles, etc. All those little tiny, ankle-nipping, ear-piercing balls of obnoxious energy have been the bane of my existence over the years. Having grown up with Great Danes and Newfoundlands, and even the moderately-sized shelties, I have always considered such tiny little things to be a waste of space and a detriment to the species.

However, hallelujah I’ve been converted, and I have seen the light. My mother-in-law got a yippy dog a few months ago, and I’ve been dreading our visit to TN because of it. But once I met Holly 2 (named after their last dog, a decrepit yorkie-poo named Holly), she stole my heart immediately. Contrary to my earlier misconceptions, she is NOT yippy at all, and in fact she hardly makes any noise whatsoever. Not once during our week-long visit did she go after any ankles, and she was very good with the kids, too. Plus, just look at her:

Who wouldn’t love that face? She’s a chihuahua/yorkie mix, which means that in her case she has the body of a chihuahua (and the 5lb size to go with it) with yorkie fur. She is full of kisses for anyone who comes near her, and she’s as sweet as can be.

Since the last dog my mother-in-law owned hated me with a vengeance (the feeling was largely mutual), I was very pleasantly surprised by how sweet this one is. I almost smuggled her home in my luggage, but I didn’t think that would be good for in-law relations. Plus, the breeder said she’s not a good dog for little kids, because when Holly was first in their home she was very fragile and had to be consistently monitored and medicated. But in a few years, when good ol’ Pete goes on to doggie heaven, I’m telling you that a dog like this will be mine …. mine!!!

Mike and I are in Lynchburg, VA taking a graduate course for our doctoral program. While we’re torturing ourselves for 8 hours a day in class, the kids are busy having fun at Grammy and Papaw’s house. They’re having fun in the pool …

Jilly Bean is dressing up to her heart’s content …

and Will has been enjoying his time with Papaw, playing video games and making up stories.

Mike and I have missed our babies terribly, and we can’t wait to see them tomorrow. But we feel better knowing how much fun they’re having!

My friend and colleague, John, is tired of being left out of the shower game. He has gracefully attended many a baby and bridal shower for his female coworkers and friends, and feels that it is unfair that no one throws man-showers. So, when he recently brought home a new puppy, Madison, we threw him a puppy shower. Here is the blankie I made (in JMU colors, in honor of Madison) for John’s new baby:

I used a washable acrylic yarn and a shell-stitch pattern, with a solid sc border. Very cute. I also included some pig snouts with my gift; every canine baby’s favorite gift, of course.

So, I had two wonderful students who helped me out a lot this year in my Spanish I class (one of them) and in my GP Lit class as well (the other one). They were the best aides any teacher could ask for, believe me! So, I made them these cute little coin purses:

Here’s the pink one:

And here’s the green one:

So, after I made them I put Target gift cards in them and sent the girls on their way to college. I’m gonna miss those girls, but I’m way excited about my new coin purses. Look for them to appear in my Etsy Shop soon!