SIXTEEN TONS

Today is my birthday. Yesterday would have been my father's. We used to have cake together. When I thought of him today, this song, by Tennessee Ernie Ford came to mind. Now, Roger could carry a tune and this is the song I remember him singing most. I don't know if he sang this particular song because it has a catchy tune or if because that's how he felt - probably both. If you have a moment, listen.

Today, I am taking knitting time for myself, but please don't tell anyone. If they find out, there will be raised eyebrows. You see, there are quite a number of other things I should be doing instead. But this knitting time is much needed and well deserved. I have finally started a scarf I posted about many moons ago (you can see it here) and so far it is "easy peasy". We'll see what happens after I finish the 24 points required for the border. I will say that the yarn is luxurious! I have to find out if it is available in pink. You know who loves pink. And sparkles.

Oh Yeah! (Inside Joke)

WHIP IT, WHIP IT GOOD

Sometimes simple is good. Really good.

Nothing fancy. Just plain old deep, dark chocolate cake and buttercream.

Or maybe you prefer yellow with chocolate.

The kind you find under one of those big metal cake domes.

With blue check cloth napkins.

And a big glass of milk. No straw.

S.W.A.K.

P.S. - Love this song! It has a great beat and it's easy to dance to.

WILD CHERRY

Here are two hats I've recently completed. One is for a newborn and the other is for her older sister. The pattern is from Sweet City Knits and it works up very quickly on circular or double pointed needles. The hat is knitted in one piece, including the frosting ruffle and cherry on top.

Of course, everything is better with sprinkles!

Hey - two posts in two days! That's a record lately.

S.W.A.K.

C IS FOR COOKIE

When I went to bed last night, this plate was piled high with felt cookies, but somehow they disappeared while I was getting ready this morning. They had been tucked into Valentines and sealed with heart stickers, so there was no way they would be photographed. This is all that was left - a linzer heart, a black & white, and a not quite finished mini chocolate frosted doughnut with sprinkles. You don't get to see the sugar cookies with pink frosting and pink sprinkles, the sugar cookies with white frosting and red & white sprinkles, the hearts with chocolate ganache and pink bead trim, and so on.

Sadly, the children at Frannie's school will not be devouring any of these:

You see, a year ago, the superintendent banned all treats and snacks of any kind at the elementary level. That means no Halloween candy, no Christmas goodies, no Valentine sweets, and most upsetting of all, no birthday cupcakes to celebrate their special day. We were told that it was to promote a healthier student, to fight obesity and increase productivity. Well, dear, "sweet" superintendent, it has been a year since this ruling was put into effect, and personally, I have not seen one leaner, meaner learning machine walk down your halls because of cupcake prohibition. If students learn more and weigh less, it's because of the parents, teachers and physical eduction. The only thing you succeeded in was producing the sad face on a child when you have to explain why they can't bring in a cupcake for their birthday. Why don't you take away the chocolate milk and sugared cereal from the cafeteria instead.

Happy Valentine's Day

S.W.A.K.

WOOLY BULLY

So where does the time go? Anyhow, a while back, a good while back, I won a contest. The Woolie Ewe had asked contestants to name their little lamb, and I won. I suggested her name be "Woolamina". Get it? Wool-amina. Not only did a I win a $100 gift certificate to their store, they also sent me a Woolie Ewe mug and travel mug. I love them both and they get used everyday. Now, it took me a while to cash in on this gift certificate, not because their online shop didn't have a nice selection - au contraire, they have the most wonderful online selection you every did see! And that was my dilemma - I couldn't decide what to get. As you can see, I finally made some choices and this is what I received. The most yummy, scrumptiously delicious yarn you ever did sink your hands into. The Woolie Ewe has a brick and mortar store in Plano, TX, in case you're in the area, and if not, you can view their on-line selection here. Their staff is extremely pleasant and knowledgeable. Tell them Woolamina sent you.

S.W.A.K.

P.S. - I think they're having a big sale right now.