Happy Birthday To A "Foolish" Cat

Yes, Arnold was born on April Fool's and he's seven today:

I haven't talked about the animals for awhile so I couldn't resist a gratuitous pic. ::grin::: We had good news about Emma last week: When we took her in for her shots, the vet said she'd lost 8 pounds in the past year. Another 8 and she'll be right about where she should be for a Corgi of her size. We were thrilled because obviously we'll have her with us much longer when she's at her optimum weight.

It's also looking like I won't be called back for a closer look following my mammogram on Monday. That makes me very happy indeed. :) After it happening two years in a row, I guess the 3rd time's the charm!

We found the absolute perfect house for us yesterday. Well, Doug did & then took us all to see. It's SO perfect that I'm afraid to talk about it for fear I jinx everything. Obviously, we weren't planning on finding something like this so soon - we're about 3 months ahead of schedule - but we'll go forward cautiously, just to see. (It's so wonderful I just KNOW a sale is pending or else they have 4 different offers...or something equally atrocious.)

It...is...SERIOUSLY....wonderful.....4 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths, tri-level 70s style in a very exclusive area around the golf course, huge driveway, room for RV, lovely landscaping, fountain out front, big deck off the back AND off the master bedroom in front, over-sized two car garage with large shop, THREE storage sheds.....

Oh dear...and I said I wouldn't talk about it. Sigh. If anyone wants to float a good thought out into the universe for us and that house, I would be forever grateful. :) But....you know....as long as none of us are talking about it.....

I'm trying to ignore the little voice in my head saying it's way too good to be true.....

So in order to distract myself, I'm looking at new projects. :)

Thanks to a wonderful, wonderful reader named Gina (Hi, Gina!) I am now the proud owner of the English directions to this Bergere De France beauty:

Yes, I had the French directions but the translating thereof was far down on my list of things to do. Now there's actually a chance I'll make this for next fall! Gina did all the legwork, tracking down the instructions & letting me know her progress. Did I already tell you all how great she was? ::Grin::: I also have the directions for these:

And this:

Among others. Oh - the possibilities!

I purchased the magazine from Angel Yarns in Britain and my, my - what wonderful things they have! The shipping was quick and I was informed of my order's progress the whole time. I'm very, very pleased with the service & the product. :)

I also received this yesterday:

Which I purchased for these:

Could my knitting mojo be coming back? Hmmmmm......

I just have 5 more inches to go on the back of Cable Tank:

(I can't wait to get to the fun front!) And I got a bit of stash enhancement in the mail from "De-Stash:"

6 and a smidge skeins of Knit Picks Main Line in Dusty Lavender. I have 10 skeins of the same dye lot on my stash shelf so I couldn't resist adding these. Now I have enough for a long-sleeved something or other...details to be decided at a later date. :::grin:::

OK - I'll shut up now. ::wink::: Yesterday was crazy (my car died in the driveway, right after we went & looked at the house! We have to have it towed to the mechanic tomorrow....Grrrrr!) so today I'll be hanging out here & getting ready for school tomorrow. Yes, I really will finish sewing that top - I swear I'll have pics asap. :)

Comments

[jillian]

Fingers crossed!

Great pattern book stash enhance,ent! I had no idea Bergere was even available in english. Thanks for the link!

[Kristen]

I've always admired Bergere de France patterns and am happy they are publishing them in English. I just bought that Tahki booklet too, especially for the final lavender pattern. Arnold is a cutie, now in his prime of kitty life! Crossing my fingers for the house!

[Carmela]

Wow, thanks so much for sharing the link on the Bergere pattern English translation. I have been lusting after that sweater and even wrote to Vogue about it! I had given up!! Thanks to Gina and you for finding it and sharing it. I've ordered it this morning. I enjoy your blog and all your beautiful work. Happy Birthday Arnold!

[Gina]

LOL!!! Aw shucks! You're welcome, Bron :) I have been drooling over that sweater for a loooong time, and doggone it, I was bound and determined to get that pattern in English. I think I must've willed it into existence what with all that wishing and hoping, lol. Thanks for helping with the title and pattern number, couldn't have found it without you! :)

I'm now looking for some yarn to start it with. I'm allergic to wool too, so we'll have to compare notes. :)

[Gina]

Oooh, and I forgot to tell Arnold "Happy Birthday!" :) What a handsome boy he is!

[jan]

I love all the Tahki patterns but especially the white, long-sleeved one with the cables at the front.

I'm so happy you found a house you love. Best of love that it will become yours.

My cat Morgan's birthday is today as well but he is 8 today. Happy Birthday Arnold :)

[jan]

sheesh..not best of love...best of luck :) I know you know what I meant ;)

[deneen]

Good luck with the house.

How weird about the same dye lot and Knit Picks, but I will say, I had an orphan skein of something from them for a year and ordered another skein of the same yarn (sock yarn) and darn if they weren't the same dye lot (LOL).

[Jan in PA]

Get the house. I'll bring my golf clubs and stay with you for a long, long time.

[Kimberly]

Yay for the English version! I'm about 1/4th of the way done with the doll sweater that I am working on from the most recent publication from them - kitting in french is interesting to say the least! Should I ever get the nerve up to try a full sized sweater pattern, I know what I am ordering!

Bonne chance avec la maison!