still alive...

Once again, I'm sorry I haven't posted much recently. My dad spent the last week in the hospital, going in the day after we got back from camping. He was in for a couple of days before the trip as well. So, I've spent most of my time at work, comping, or at the hospital for the last 2 weeks. Not nearly as fun as it sounds...

Speaking of fun, camping was not very much fun. I really do not like spending that much time with my brother and SIL. I love the kids, but I don't feel that it is my responsibility to keep them in line when their parents are around. I also do not like to clean up after anyone other than myself (and occasionally Greg). And my brother's family is lazy. Plus, it stormed on the last night we were there. So, the next day we wasted no time in packing up and getting out. I felt kind of bad, because my brother was hoping to spend more quality time with us, but my dad was sick, and everything was wet, so we wanted to get out of there.

I didn't get to do any real hiking. I'm not sure I would have been able to manage anyway. I tried taking my dad's dog on one short trail, but she doesn't do stairs. Then I tried to take my niece and oldest nephew, but my niece had to pee after we made it down the 40 or so steps and insisted that we had to go back to the campsite. I didn't bother trying any more. My knees were starting to hurt anyway.

I did get some lovely pictures, though.



This is a view from trail 7 at about 6 am on Midsummer morning. Pretty place, no?




These are some strange mushrooms found on the same trail, about 5 minutes before Krystal decided that she didn't like stairs.



And this is a snail found while taking Krystal for another walk.

I think nature photography is going to be my new hobby. I REALLY love my new camera!

Finally, here is the whole group of us at the end of the trip:


From left to right (for those who don't know the people involved):
Top: Greg, my brother James, my dad, baby Brendan (the youngest nephew), and my SIL Jen.
Bottom: Me, my niece Korrine (aka Lupa), and my nephew Alexzander.

Krystal was sleeping in the car.

In crocheting news... not a whole lot going on. Working on a lap blanket. Got some organic cotton yarn for dishcloths, bath supplies, etc. I'm also jazzing up some flip flops for friends and family. Once I have something interesting to post, I will take some pics of everything.

Not much else to post right now. I have a ton of housework to do. I'm thinking of skipping it and mowing the lawn, though. It is a gorgeous day outside, and I want to have an excuse for being out there that doesn't make me look like a slacker. TTFN!

I knew I had forgotten something...

Actually, I hadn't forgotten about this blog, I've just been busy, and my internet has been acting up. But, I have a new camera, and I finally got around to installing the software, so..... NEW PICS! Yippee!

First, I got my gifts from my secret pal. I still haven't had a chance to go to her blog and check her out more, but I was very happy! I got some Maggie's Linen that I have coveted for about a year or so. I have no idea what I want to make with it, I just love the stuff. It's soft and texture-y and absolutely scrumptious. See for yourself:



And she also made me this awesome doily:


I love the colors. It's like some mod, paisley, hippy doily. It is SOOOO me.

She also sent some awesome sandalwood soap. I luvs sandalwood. AND... a tub of Cosmic Catnip, my kitties favorite. I was wondering why they were crowding around me when I was opening the package. I gave them all some, watched them roll around in it, then I placed the tub (with the lid on) on the couch while I went to get something. I came back to find Zorro carrying the tub in his mouth (by the lip of the lid), trying to figure out how to open it. Happy kitties everywhere!

I am late sending my pal's package out. I was supposed to send it out last week, but I didn't get the chance. I am sending her this lacy shawl pattern, enough of this yarn to finish it (I hope!):


And I also sent some of this fluffiness:

The colors don't show up that well. They are muted pastels. My brain isn't functioning properly, or I would be able to tell you what it's made of. It's soft and fluffy. Mohair? Angora? I can't remember. I know it's a blend, and it has the dreaded acrylic in it, but it was so touchable and soft, I had to get it.

A number of things have been taking up my time lately. My mother's birthday was at the beginning of the month. I bought her a red hat and took her out to lunch and then we went to a swap meet. Here she is in her hat:

And here is my dad in her hat:

We have been working on the house, bit by bit. Put in a closet organizer in the master bedroom and we bought some new bedroom furniture. KING-SIZED BED! WOOT! The new furniture takes up most the room, but it is so worth it. I will try to get some photos soon.

And speaking of the house, last week we had this little guy:

pecking at our windows. Every morning for nearly a week. It drove the cats crazy. And he would peck even more if he saw the cats in the windows. Must have a nest nearby and felt he was protecting it.

OK. I need some sleep. We are leaving for our first camping trip of the year on Wednesday, and I have a gazillion things to do tomorrow. We want to be able to leave as soon as we get off work Tuesday morning, so the van needs to be packed tomorrow. And I have my book club (and I need to finish the book!), so it's going to be a long, long day!

TTFN!