I can’t really explain it, but for the 2nd time in 2 years, I find myself with shingles. Painful. I have 2 in my belly button! Those ones are the worst. The worst part of shingles is the exhaustion. You feel like your body has shut down and there is nothing you can do about it.

What brings on shingles you might ask. Stress. One little word. So much trouble.  Funny, STRESS is an anagram for RESTS. It’s also funny that I have shingles and my roof does not. There is irony all about….yesterday, the TTC was on strike, which gave me a day at home. Isn’t it funny how things all work out?

Knitting Notions: Emma’s Sundress

 

Zoinks! Family Circle Easy Knitting magazine is no more, my knitting and crochet friends. I’m a little sad. It’s too bad that we’re losing another crafting mag. :( Well, I’ll just have to pour myself in KnitSimple :) I think that it’s supposed to replace FCEK.

I’m not posting much these days because I’m madly in love with my dog and I spend my time with him. I hate leaving him to go to work and think about him all afternoon! I can’t wait to get home and be with him again. I’m also working on finishing up my school work. I can’t wait to get back to doing some knitting. My pattern books and the rest of my yarn arrived from New Zealand and I am eager to get working on some new projects!

It’s raining and Bandit and I prefer the rain for our walks. There is something more zen about about walking in the rain and the smell of the wet earth. The rain freshens the world up and we love it!

Be crafty! Be well!

– love, Her and Bandit xo

 

The lovely Dawn and Bandit. Dawn was feeling a little sad to see Bandit go. It felt much worse than taking candy from a baby! Luckily, Dawn has her own doggy, Tequila at home. Phew! You can view Bandit’s photo album by clicking on the photo. It’s also in the list of Topics on the left sidebar.

I’m sure this area will be overflowing in the coming months.

Bandit does need a little obedience training and I’ll be looking for a good trainer in the coming weeks. (Actually, he’s trained. It’s me that needs the training. I need to learn how to be a good dog owner!)

I’ve found some great links.

Toronto Dogs

Deena Speaks Dog

Dog Training that Works

 

We are a happy family! Bandit came home with us last night after a brief visit with the Raders in Pontypool. He is well-loved by the family and we look forward to introducing him to more family! I'll of course be posting shameless proud dogowner photos soon.

His first night home, he was just pooped and we all went right to bed. It was also around 2 am! Bandit slept in our room - so cute. In the morning, we let him up on the bed with us. He's not obnoxious in the morning either. He chose to sleep in with Ross while I got up and got ready for work!

It's a completely new life for us. I embrace it full-heartedly! (expect some knit and crocheted dog items.... lol)

Amber made me a beautiful dream journal, which I am trying to use. I’ll admit I didn’t write in the past couple of nights’ entries and I have dreamt, but I am trying to be as diligent as I can. On May the 3rd, I dreamt about a dog. In fact, Bandit was the dog in my dream. I didn’t hear about Bandit until about May 8th. In my dream, Bandit was in the house. I had my hand on his head, talking to him. I was asking him something. He was in our bedroom. He lead me into the closet, looked up at me –  which was right when I awoke.

I can’t wait to meet  him! Oh yeah, we meet him tomorrow afternoon to see if we're a good match

I’m currently dog campaigning. I believe our house needs a dog’s loving and protection. My sister has a dog that needs a home.

His name is Bandit. He’s 4 years old.

He’s house-broken and knows some tricks. He does the biscuit-on-the-nose trick. He shakes-a-paw. He retrieves beer caps from the ground.

He comes when he’s called.

He’s good with kids. He’s currently living with my 3 year old & infant nieces and another dog.

He was raised with cats.

He has a gentle temperament like that of a Golden Retriever.

His mom was a Golden and his dad was a German  Sheppard mix.

He’s calm in the house but when you get him outside and play, he loves that!

He’s crate-trained and goes in there at night when you tell him it’s time for bed.

He doesn’t jump on the furniture. 

He LOVES car rides.

He needs a fenced in yard (which we have), but is smart and could be trained to stay on the property.

And he’s cuddly!

Apparently he would love to run with Ross when he goes out and would easily keep pace.

Isn’t he cute?

Well, I never would have thought of crocheting myself a pair of shoes out of grocery bags. But I guess if you can make wallets out of duct tape and paint chips, why not? Not quite as funky as my Jute Espadrilles, mind you. Marlos Crochet Corner also sports a plastic bag tote pattern. Remind me of these ideas later when I start to make items for our family Christmas theme this year which is “Green” (meaning -enviro-friendly Christmas).

Then check out CrochetMegs. She has translated a cat, a puppy and an elephant! All very sweet, terrific gifts :) What a terrific idea.

Knitting Pattern Depot (squirrel dishcloth, bunny dishcloth and more)

Crochet Patterns Only (I love the Flower for Spring Dishcloth)

 

the AntiCraft Issue 3: The Changing Garden of Mr. Bell for Beltane 2006. I Am Doll Parts gives me an idea! When we were little, Amy and I watched Carrie on TV. The end where the hand comes out of the ground scared the pants off of both of us. We screamed in terror! I think a lovely plant in a lovely pot with a doll part arm reaching out is a great idea in honour of such a scary movie. ha ha ha ha I wish I’d had this idea sooner. I’d have done it for her birthday in April.

A Maiden’s Glory is something I’d like to make and great for any spring birthdays you might have coming up. You could make a bracelet in the same fashion as the necklace or put these may flowers on purse straps or to jazzy up jeans, socks, jackets, hats, eyeglass cases, etc. Be creative.

I love Life and Death. It’s a fabulous twist on the Duct Tape Purse. Make yourself a Duct Tape Wallet to put inside. Check out Duck-Tivities for some more great crafty items to make with man’s best friend. And then I found this: some paint chip wallets! Paint chips and duct tape. What more could a man want?

Ok off to the new MagKnits. Bears, sweaters, wraps, baby socks, illusion scarf and more. Enjoy :)

Now, where did I put that duct tape??