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!