Knitting, Snow, and Doggies

I can strike a couple of things off of the UFO list I included in my previous post... Including Harper's new black knit hat with a red stripe. He was a wiggly worm while modeling it, so the shot to the right was the best (which is quite blurry as you can see). I'm happy with how it came out, and ready to go onto the next knitting project! See, I get too excited to finish the UFOs that I should work on instead of something new. Oh well, I just can't help myself!

In other news, it snowed yesterday. Snow is still a bit foreign to me, though I'm sure I will become accustomed to it after a few more winters in Utah. It inevitably melted, so it will be fun once it starts sticking with some sort of permanence. I can't wait to take Harper out to play in it for the first time (last year hardly counts since he was so small).

I also LOVE playing with Dexter in the snow. He goes into some sort of puppy-mode when he plays; he loves to jump to catch snowballs in his mouth. It warms my heart. Poor buddy had a rough time during his racing career - he was overworked, obviously physically abused, and mistreated overall. I love seeing him so happy. It's hard to believe that my big buddy is considered a senior.

Just for fun, below are some pictures from some of our walks to the nearby park. I'll miss these long walks when it will be too snowy and cold to take them regularly. Note that I do not take both of the hounds at once. They are just too big (Dexter is about 100 lbs, and Dottie is usually between 55-60 lbs depending if she is currently on a snobby hunger strike), and I am only talented enough for one hound and one stroller!

Dexter unsure of why we've stopped (for me to take a photo). He's so pleasant to walk. He doesn't stop to sniff, and pays no attention to the other dogs - even if they bark or whine at him. He does, however lose focus and run into the stroller once in awhile. Greyhounds tend to bump into each other when the walk or run together, so maybe that is why he runs into the stroller. I take him out a bit more than Dottie mostly because he's the only chubby greyhound I've ever known.. but I love him dearly.

Our "Skinnie Minnie" Dottie who (unlike her brother) always insists on stopping to sniff EVERYTHING and whimper at every dog we pass. Regardless, I love her SO SO SO much.

Our little dude, laughing (as always) at Dottie. It was an unseasonably warm day - in the mid-70's. And of course, I LOVE LOVE LOVE him! How cute is that face?!

The Crafter's Lament: UFO's

The Crafter's Lament: UFO's. No, I don't mean shiny saucers in the sky that are piloted by little green men. I'm referring to UnFinished Objects. I have a big problem here. I am quite compulsive when it comes to starting new projects. Overwhelmed by excitement, I can't help but start something new once my creativity takes hold. Call it "crafting A.D.D." if you like. My, oh, my... below is my current list of UFO's - all of which are in stages of completion that vary from materials sitting in a Joann bag to ready for the finishing touches.

1 knit hat
1 knit blanket
1 crochet washcloth - my first attempt at crochet... thanks to my MIL! :)
2 pillows (I finished the 4 I intended on, but have 2 extra pillow forms)
1 crafted gift (I can't say what in case that person reads this!)
1 kindle cover for someone else
1 iPhone case
1 handbag
3 scrapbooks
3 quilts
countless greeting cards

I must thank my mom for putting the final stitches into a fabric Snoopy book that I made for Harper. I just couldn't bring myself to complete it for some reason (ok, that reason is that I am awful at hand stitches). Thanks, Mama.

I kept this list short by not including other things that I have floating around in my head. We won't even go there. And in truth, the list should be doubly longer this since I am leaving out many of the projects that were abandoned too long ago to think about. And don't even get me started on unfinished oil paintings. I am on painting hiatus until we have the space for it again. Although, I do have a cute idea for something involving Harper's hand and foot prints and canvas. Hmmm.....

Jeff says I should focus on being happy with the projects that I do finish. Although, it seems that these days the to-do pile grows larger than the complete file. I'm sure many of you can relate. So, in the spirit of celebrating FINISHED objects, the first picture at the beginning of this post is of the four pillows (each 16x16). I'll sew new covers as the seasons/holidays change. Oh, and who can resist Harper and his first pumpkin? It will be fun to carve it together!

Sleepless in... Salt Lake City

Dear Sleep,

I know we've had a rocky relationship over the last 29 years, but I must confess that I love you with every exhausted subatomic particle in my body. I know it may seem that I've left you for another (my son), but believe me when I say that I miss you dearly. Please come back, Sleep. And while you're at it, I implore you to pay a visit to Harper. Our estrangement will persist until you make amends with him.

Sincerely,
Shauna (aka Sleepless in SLC)

Autumn Begins

The dramatic drop in temperature tells me that Autumn is finally here. Is it pretentious to say "Autumn" instead of "Fall"? If so, I don't really care :) I love Autumn. The chill in the air makes me want to knit a hat for Harper, make a comforting cup of tea, and cozy up to Jeff while we're bundled up enjoying the evening air. The hat is in progress, I'll put the tea on later tonight, and Jeff and I enjoyed the crisp Autumn air the other night while taking the dogs out. This is definitely my favorite season of the four - which probably helps explain why I love the weather in Seattle so much.

Speaking of Seattle weather, we had a steady, gentle drizzle yesterday in Utah that reminded me so much of the Pacific Northwest. Sometimes I miss it there (and the SF Bay Area) so much. However, the old saying that "Home is where the heart is" couldn't be any more true. For now, my heart - my two men - are in Utah... so my home is here.

Halloween is right around the corner, which is one of my favorite Holidays. I love the costumes, the playfulness, loads of goodies, and spooky silly fun. We're planning to go up to Logan to trick or treat with Harper's cousins. Below is a sneak peek of his costume. I can't wait!