The Rogue Hook

Shawl, Socks and Such...

2010-03-03T07:40:00.000-08:00

I finished a shawl/scarf. It's too big/wide to be just a scarf. A little too short, in length, to be a shawl, but it's made from some alpaca yarn I got at Stitches a couple of years ago. I'm pleased. Got one sock done...working on the other. Don't really care much for the color, but they are turning out well. Rob's socks were saved! Hurray! I was telling friends that when he was in the trauma unit, they cut up/off everything, but his handmade socks. Because he is homebound, he wears mostly the socks that I made for him. They are warm and soft and slightly oversized so he can slip them on easily. He's doing better these days. Still in neck and leg brace, but feeling better. He probably won't be able drive for a couple of months.

{sigh} The Life of Job

2010-02-22T10:28:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling like I'm living the life of Job in the Bible. Rob being hit by a car and recovery will be 6 to 12 weeks. Even then...how far will he recover? All the way? In the meantime, I finished the Pi shawl. Forget about EZ's border. I'm finding out that very few people do the border suggested for the Pi shawl in the Knitting Almanac. It's confusing and missing something in the translation. Much of EZ's work is leaving the assumption that the reader understands. I don't. Clarese showed me a simple crocheted chain border that works just fine and I was able to finish it off in about an hour and a half. It still needs to be blocked out, but where? I don't have the floor space. It will probably have to be our bed. I'm anxious to see it blocked. I still have my socks I can work on and a couple of sweaters out on needles. There's a pretty dropped stitch shawl also that needs to be finished. I still have enough to do. Time. I'm back to work now and there's no time at home to do everything. Rob's home being bored. Poor fellow. He wants to work, but has no attention span to sit in front of a laptop all day. 2009 was a lousy year. I was really hoping 2010 would be better.

Confession

2010-01-26T10:40:00.000-08:00

They say confession is good for the soul. Well, I ripped out the entire Pi Shawl and started over. THIS TIME...I used my lifeline and tied them off! Already, I had to rip back 20 rows because of a mistake. This time a lifeline saved me. The Pi shawl sure doesn't look like much while making it. It's kind of a blue blob of lace yarn. I'm somewhere on row 73. Patience...patience...patience.

Saved without a Life Line

2009-12-10T07:37:00.001-08:00

My life lines came undone. (Note: Tie them next time!) Athena managed to get me back on track. I'm going to double check it and put in another life line. Guess all this sounds strange unless you knew I was talking about the Pi Shawl. (Hee Hee)

Disaster...Pi Shawl

2009-12-08T11:10:00.000-08:00

I made some horrible mistake on the Pi Shawl. It started with Pattern III somewhere. My count is completely off by several rows. I feel terrible. Hope to ask a friend to help straighten me out. It's so hard to see the patterning on the shawl. It's bunched up like an Octopus' head. To keep me out of further trouble, I've put the Pi Shawl to the side and I've begun another side-to-side cardigan. I'm doing this with a friend who has never done a side-to-side garment. They are fun and easy to assemble. Still need to finish the necklace for my friend. Almost done. (Will post pictures then.)

Rite of Passage

2009-11-30T07:53:00.000-08:00

I've put all other projects aside to work on Zimmerman's Pi shawl. Life-lines every few rows without exception. I really want to finish this. I know I can do it.

Green Shawl...Almost done!

2009-11-17T08:44:00.000-08:00

I'm almost done with this shawl. Would like to finish it to wear to a Bridal shower this weekend. It doesn't look like much while I work on it, but comes out beautiful when fully blocked. It's a soft, green color. 100% wool. This is the 3rd one I've made. Really like the pattern. It's very, very easy.

Weeding Through

2009-11-09T15:39:00.000-08:00

I'm slowly weeding through the stash, making things along the way. Trying not to buy anymore yarn. As it is, I returned the yarn I didn't use from my dad's afghan. Also, I've got to try to stop starting new projects -- it just makes more WIPs. Then, I get frustrated.... One thing at a time. One project at a time. Trying go finish the green shawl, which is coming out beautifully. I will then finish up the shell top and see what's next?????

Finished an Afghan

2009-11-04T12:57:00.000-08:00

My dad wanted an afghan to keep himself warm. I finished one in record time; about 3 weeks.

It's the size for a twin bed, and hopefully, big enough. Done in Earthtone colors with lots of texture. I normally don't like doing afghans, but this one wasn't too bad.

The border is done in V-stitch and a shell V-stitch.

Beautiful Doilies

2009-08-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

Just finished some doilies. These larger ones came out beautiful. Gosh, they are really something when they are blocked.

I think this one is my favorite, but the blue and cream is also pretty too.

What to do with all that stash??!??

2009-08-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

One of the best ways I use up my stash of yarn is to pull it out in the open. I have many skeins of yarn that I have frequently said to myself, "What was I thinking when I purchased this???" Ugly colors. Hard to work with. Acrylic?!? Yuck! However, once it stands by itself, it begins to speak to me. Little scraps of yarn become a small, quick, rewarding project. An ugly brown, becomes a sweeping shawl with beautiful drape. Even the acrylic says, "Finish that floral afghan you started." Alas, there are some balls of yarn that just say, "Pass me along to someone else." Garage Sale Time!

A Merge: Lily has joined my blog

2009-08-04T14:15:00.000-07:00

Lily (=^-^=) needed some new reading material. She hasn't been posting to her blog lately, so she has come to join mine. In many of her older posts (2005), you'll see her adventures with the coyote and the snake. (Yikes). She may post occasionally, but will always sign it with her paw. She comes and goes from our house like she owns it (??). Looks like she might be moving soon though, when her owner (my son) finds a new place soon. Veksha (http://veksha.blogspot.com/) and Lily have decided on a truce. Thank goodness, because I was tired of cleaning up Veksha's bloody noses. Lily is a back-alley street cat. Tough as nails and knows how to defend herself (and what she considers her turf). S

Doilies, Hook and Squares...Oh My!

2009-08-04T07:25:00.000-07:00

I'm back into doilies lately. Making lots of them. Mini-doilies and a couple of regular-sized doilies. I'm mostly using up "partial" balls of thread and finding interesting ways of mixing and matching the colors. This is a mini-doily -- blue center, purple, then cream thread.

While I was at the San Diego Fair (2009), I went to the wood working show and a man made me a crochet hook (I made a donation afterwords). It's about 4 inches long and just right for traveling. I have no idea what hook size it is...does it matter? I think it's artistic and just adorable.

Oh yeah, I won! The squares contest. I thought for sure that the shadow knitted square with musical notes wouldn't win, but it got 3rd Place.

I really wanted my granny square to win (first prize, please...), but it it got 3rd place instead. Gosh, the competition is tough!

I'm Glad You're In My Dash

2009-07-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

(I don't know who wrote this, but it's appropriate. - sc) I'm Glad You're In My Dash I read of a man who stood to speak At the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on her tombstone, From the beginning...to the end. He noted that first came her date of birth And spoke the following date with tears, But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years. (1933 - 2009) For that dash represents all the time That she spent alive on earth... And now only those who loved her, Know what that little line is worth. For it matters not, how much we own; The cars...the house...the cash, What matters is how we live and love And how we spend our dash. So think about this long and hard... Are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left, That can still be rearranged. If we could just slow down enough To consider what's true and real, And always try to understand The way other people feel And be less quick to anger, And show appreciation more And love the people in our lives Like we've never loved before. If we treat each other with respect, And more often wear a smile.. Remembering that this special dash Might only last a little while. So, when your eulogy's being read With your life's actions to rehash... Would you be proud of the things they say About how you spent your dash? - - - - - - - - - - - - Laugh long, live long, Yesterday is history Tomorrow is a mystery Today is a GIFT . . . That is why they call it the present.

My Mother is at Rest

2009-07-21T07:24:00.001-07:00

I wanted to share a note on some happenings. The day she died, earlier in the day, I had a vision. I was sitting in a chair. An urn of her ashes was nearby. She appeared. Glowing in a summer dress from the 50's era. I was crying. Later that night, June 12th, Jerry called with the news. Between June 12th and July 16 (day of her burial), my mother spoke to me. She wanted me to be comforted, not sad; she was at peace. I was making the DVD and the music CD for her memorial services. Over my shoulder she was telling me the pictures she liked and didn't like. The music she approved of and didn't like. It was almost distracting hearing her voice. She told me of her disappointment in being cremated, but her joy of being buried with her mom and dad. Overall, she is pleased and liberated from her decaying mind. She tells me she heard the poems I read and how special they were to her. I cried, and cried. During her memorial service, there was a tremendous thunder/lightening storm. It shook the walls and ceiling of the chapel. There were about 20 people there. I spoke and Jerry spoke. During the whole time, the thunder rolled through the room. My mother was going to have the last word. (Hurray, Mom!) The graveside service given by the Reverand Miller from the Methodist Church was beautiful. He took what I wrote and added some passages from my mother's Bible. He truly made it extra special (considering he never met her). God Bless him for his special efforts. After most everyone had left the gravesite, I read a poem over her grave, Granny's Pride Flowers. I broke down. Originally, it was written for Mimi, but Mother, it is now your poem. I'm trying to pull together some of the pics and CDs for family. Gotta do the wedding pics for the Sultans too. At this point, I welcome the distractions of doing some of this busy work. My mother's voice is now silent. She now resides in my memories. Thank you, Mother -- for the good times and the bad. They made me the person I am today. You were a good mom and did the best you could. I love you! You are home with God and family.

Get 'er Done

2009-07-06T15:04:00.000-07:00

I plod through things lately. Finished up my prayer shawl. It turned ok, but nothing pretty. I straightened up my yarn room. I'm trying to finish up one sock; just to start another. I made phone calls to Paducah to tie up loose ends regarding my mother's funeral plans. I'm exhausted, but can't sleep. I have a serious case of insomnia. I don't feel rested. Work is dragging me down too. I'm a little concerned about the finances. We weren't expecting to go to Kentucky at this time and it's draining us for about $1500. Rob will be doing the windows to the house when we get back. Although it will cut the heat into the house, it's expensive. On a good note: I had a pretty good 4th of July weekend.

Officially...a CRAPPY Year!

2009-06-20T14:06:00.000-07:00

My mom

This is the first time I'm up to writing to my blog. It's official: It's a crappy year. First, Sam Kreitenberg (Sandy's father-in-law), Second, Sam Sultan (The Sultan family patriarch), Third, Joe Cohen (Rob's Uncle), Fourth, Ernie Cohen (Rob's Dad), Fifth, Vera McDonald, (my Mom)...

So many, so soon, in one year. {sigh}

To console myself, I've begun knitting a prayer shawl; a simple one...garter stitch only. I feel lost, cry some. Feel a little sorry for myself. Try to laugh. It's all hard. Next month, I go back to KY to bury her with her mom and dad. {sigh}

I still get distracted. Working on wash cloths, hot pads and such. I will bring doilies and socks to KY to work on. Nothing big. Gosh what am I thinking? It's the trivial things that seem to occupy my mind. Suddenly, the smallest detail will become the most important. It's hard to focus -- work, friends, people, everyone and everything.

I just want the hurt to go away.

Deformed sock

2009-06-08T14:49:00.000-07:00

Got myself into a mess of trouble with the "zeros" sock. I'm just knittin' along, having a good time, get to the gusset -- yeah, sure, no prob'...get to the heel -- yeah, I can do this...Then, one of my knitting friends noticed the heel was sideways; oh wait, the toes are sideways. OOPS! Rip IT, rip IT, rip IT, Rip IT -- I hate to frog...

Kippah -- Final attempt...success!

2009-06-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

Ok...the trick is to keep it flat until the end. Gosh, that's so easy to say, but I didn't get that from any of the sites I visited. Basically, it's flat until it reaches about 4 inches. Then STOP increasing and let it go for about an inch.

I used a 2mm hook and No. 5 thread.

I pleased with the shape and size. It should probably be blocked.

Time to jump in the deep end

2009-05-27T14:14:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm going to do it! I'm going to knit with zeros. My next pair of socks (Kroy) will be on zeros. I've not decided whether it will be on 2 circulars or double points. I may wimp out and just do it on dp's, but either way, I'm doing it! I just want small projects right now. Nothing big, not even a shawl. The kippah and the pair of socks are just about my speed. I'd like to go through my stash and put some yarn up for trade or sell on Ravelry. Time, always...it takes time.

Lazy Dog, I mean, Cat Daze of Summer Coming

2009-05-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

It's beginning to get warm. Although I love to go outside, it's cooler indoors. Thank goodness the nice lady has remembered my spot at the top of the stairs. There...there is my bed just waiting for me to take a nap. Not even the dogs bother me here. Come to think of it, they haven't bothered me much at all. I guess it's all that good training I did earlier. Meow for Now! Lily =^-^=

Socks...In the Beginning

2009-05-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

After four false starts, I finally found my way through making socks from the toe up! Using my magic number of "48" and my needle size of 4, I basically re-wrote the toe up pattern to fit me. The author of Socks from the Toe Up, believes in No. 0 needles. No. 0 needles are very small and difficult for me to work with. All her numbers are based on this size needle and it's difficult to convert to a larger needle size. Even No. 1 or No. 2 would be easier than zero. Overall, having finished one sock and working on the other, it is not that difficult. I thought the gusset and heel would be difficult, but it wasn't. The toe is a little tight, but the "suffering" doesn't last long. As soon as the sock expands and gets big enough, it's easy. I'm thinking I might have to "fuss" with it a little. Adjust needle size or number of sts, but overall, I'm pleased with the results.

Suspicious...

2009-05-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

Ah, I love to be outdoors. I've been a bit of a bad cat lately and haven't been coming in after dark. The lady calls me and calls me. I hear her, I'm just not ready. Then when Alan comes home (much later, of course, I stroll slowly up the slope. He then chases me inside. It's all a game. I've not warmed up to the other cat. She's trying to make friends. I'm just not willing. She's in my territory. I was here first! There's strange talk and shuffling. Could I be moving again? Where to? What is this place called Georgia? Lily =^-^=

Whew, that went fast!

2009-05-20T10:17:00.000-07:00

I finished the first shell. It's blue/white, cotton/acrylic yarn. A little on the chunky side. It went really fast! I finished it. The neckline is great, but the sleeves are a little tight. I might be able to block it out and it should work.

Summer Shells!

2009-05-15T11:37:00.000-07:00

No, not by the seashore...Shell tops! I've rediscoverd some cotton/acrylic yarn that is working into a nice shell (sleeveless) top. I have some linen yarn in the wings for another pattern with a lacey front. The hoody turned out great, but it's getting a little too warm to wear it. Got to fold it up in a drawer for now. I'll be restarting socks again soon; just waiting for some needles to come in. I'm anxious to try a new technique -- maybe two circulars or magic loop! The Tuesday Knit group wants to meet at my house again for the summer. I look forward to it. We try to keep it very simple. Just a snack and maybe a beverage. Knit till we all get too tired or can't see our knitting. Will post some pictures of my shell top(s) later.

On to other things

2009-05-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

Well, the kippah is now officially a WIP. I've put that aside. I'm working on finishing a Wallaby (hoody) sweater. Had to dig up yarn from all over the country to have enough. I'm up to the neckline. There's a goof in the pattern, but the designer has a work-around. I'm pleased with the result so far.

I'm working on the hood and it's easy going. Tied up all the loose ends last week; took me an hour. The yarn is thick and had to be split into four yarns instead of two to weave in.

I look forward to wearing it in the cooler weather this fall.

Frustration!

2009-05-06T15:07:00.000-07:00

Can't seem to get the shape right to the kippah. I think there's a pattern in Carol Ventura's Book, More Tapestry Crochet. I'm going to try to get it (Costs about $30) and hope that will help

Heh, heh, heh

2009-04-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

Ok. So the other cat is not ready to leave. She's a 'scardy' cat anyway. Well, I might as well have a little fun.

She was snaking around the dining room table chairs. Little did she know I was on one of them. Bop! I got her on the head. Boy was it funny when she ran!

Lily

=^-^=

I'm going Krazy!

2009-04-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

I've been all over the web. I can't seem to find a straight forward crocheted kippah pattern. They start out with 6 sts, double that, increase, and then straight (to bowl). All the instructions are just about that general.

Forgive me, but I want a pattern. I don't care if it's repeated for 12 rows with one number difference. I'm going to set out to come up with a pattern -- maybe a couple of variations.

Simple and Fun...Spring Shawl

2009-03-31T13:17:00.001-07:00

I'm working on a light, spring/summer shawl. It's really nothing more than garter stitch and a drop row. I'm using Silky Wool, 4-5 hanks. It has a beautiful drape and I can wear it year around.

I'm BACK!

2009-03-30T10:47:00.000-07:00

I love it! I love it! I love it! I'm back at the big house where I can come and go -- OUTSIDE! Dirt baths, chasing crickets, staring down hummingbirds. What FUN! I was getting tired of retirement. Ooops, a small problem. No, not the dogs. Another feline. Grrrrrrr-ow. OW-GRRRRRRR. Just letting her know I was here first (I think...) Paws, and reflect, Lily =^-^=

Too many WIPs!

2009-02-16T14:46:00.000-08:00

Went through my craft room this last weekend. Apparently, I have a lot more WIPs than I thought. I like to think of myself as an organized person and don't want too many WIPs -- though it is inevitable that a few will creep up. Well...I lined them all up with the yarn and pattern. I'm going to try to get through 2 or 3 of them. In a couple of weeks I'll be traveling to Virginia on vacation. I'll bring along some socks and maybe the EZ Pi shawl (one of the WIPs) that I'm working on.

I got a cat!

2009-01-25T10:48:00.000-08:00

This is Veksha. She's a Siberian cat. Very beautiful. When she let's me hold her, it's like wrestling a tiger. She's all muscle and no fat. Lean (and a bit mean) cat! I'm trying very hard to have patience with her and she is slowly coming around.

I'm wearing my favorite (side-to-side) sweater with the lace along the bottom edge and front.

Comfort and Sorrow

2009-01-15T12:55:00.001-08:00

I'm working on a pair of socks for Rob. I've begun the second one. K2, P2, K2, P2...I'm working on the ankle. Socks have been a focus for me in the past few weeks and as I work my way through them and each of their stages...ankle, heel, gusset, instep, foot, toe...I'm continually amazed at the science, the beauty, the thought that went into designing the humble sock. It fits. It conforms to our foot, keeping it warm and protected. It has possibly saved lives and others from near death at their wear. We hear of stories that they have found a mummified body preserved in the bog WITH SOCKS ON! Even in death, the concern to be wearing socks must be have been taken under consideration so long ago. I don't know what sex -- male or female -- that invented the lowly apparel, but God bless them. Today we heard the news that our dear Uncle Joe had passed away at 3 am this morning. God bless socks. God bless Uncle Joe. We remember you most fondly!

Note abut Lily

2008-12-07T13:12:00.000-08:00

Lily has retired from doing her blog. Although this has kept her amused for awhile, she no longer has access to a computer. Her owner, my son, has locked her out with a password. She remains in a happy retirement with her owner in a 2-bedroom apartment.

Lily

=^-^=

Punkin' Hat Pattern

2008-12-02T13:50:00.001-08:00

Punkin’ Hat By Shari Cohen Materials: Orange ww yarn Green ww yarn I-Hook G-Hook Stitch Marker Hat: With I-hook, ch 35. Row 1: Hdc into the 3rd ch and in each ch across. Ch 2 and turn (34 sts) Row 2: Hdc in back loop only across. Ch 2 and turn. Repeat row 2 until piece goes around the head of the wearer. Cut yarn, leaving a very long tail. Starting at the bottom of the hat, sew the sides together. When you reach the top of the hat, sew in the sides – slowly cinching hat inward – keep going around until top of hat is enclosed. Finish off loose ends. Green Stem: With G-hook, ch 6 and sl st to join 1st ch. (Use stitch marker as needed here.) Round 1-8: Sc in each st. Round 9: 2 sc in each st. Round 10: *Sc in 1st st, 2 sc in next st. Repeat * around. Round 11: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st. Repeat * around. Round 12: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st. Repeat * around. Round 13: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st. Repeat * around. Round 14: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st. Repeat * around. Round 15: Sc around. Round 16: (Sc in next 5 sc, ch 5) 7 times. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail and sew stem to top of hat. Finish off loose ends.

Side-to-Side Cardigan

2008-12-02T13:37:00.001-08:00

I'm VERY pleased with the Side-to-Side Cardigan. I made a small and it didn't come around all the way in the front. It was also short -- stopping at the top of the hips. Sooooo, I got out my Nicky Epstein book on Knitting borders, found the Victorian Lace border and knitted down the front, around the bottom and back up the front. Gave the collar about 4 rows of single crochet. Voila! I Love it!

I've been playing with fingerless gloves lately. Found a nice pattern with mock cables. Hole for a thumb, but no gusset. Fast and Easy!

'Nother Cardigan

2008-11-10T13:03:00.000-08:00

I'm working on the final sleeve to a varigated, sleeve-to-sleeve cardigan. I'm very excited about the way this one is turning out.

Moving onward

2008-10-21T11:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I pulled in the collar on the r/w/b pullover. It's not perfect but it's better. I've since finished a purple crocheted cardigan. I'm very pleased with the results. I'm a much better crocheter than a knitter.

Red-White-Blue Problem

2008-09-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

The neckline turned out all wrong. It puckers -- badly. I've been told I need to rip it out and do it over -- this time gathering about 8 additional stitches around. I did the pattern correctly. Size seems to fit ok, but I think the pattern was wrong for the number of stitches to bind off around the neckline.

I'm going to try to post my Punkin' hat on this blog for free.

Cats and Cookies

2007-03-08T08:19:00.000-08:00

1... Look in cookbook for cookie recipe.
2.... Get cup of coffee.
3... Get cat off of cookbook.
4... Find that special recipe.
5... Get cat's nose out of coffee mug.
6... Go to fridge and get eggs.
7... Get dry ingredients from cupboard.
8... Break eggs in small bowl.
9... Sift dry ingredients into a large bowl.
10.. Answer the phone.
11.. Cat ate eggs; get more from fridge.
12.. Get cat out of flour bowl and dust cat off.
13.. Get Band-Aids for scratches on hands.
14.. Throw flour out and get more.
15.. Preheat oven for cookies.
16.. Glare at cat with desire to bake cat now.
17.. Watch cat run for cover into bathroom.
18.. Flour the counter to roll out cookie dough.
19.. Run to bathroom to investigate loud crashing sound.
20.. Cat has toilet paper all over floor and your personal bathroom things have been knocked over on top of the counter.
21.. Yell at cat. Cat falls in toilet bowl.
22.. Take cat out of toilet to dry cat off.
23.. Get bandages to cover more scratches on arms and legs.
24.. Clean up bathroom.
25.. Run to kitchen to see what cat is doing now.
26.. Get cat off floured counter in kitchen.
27.. Try to pick cat hairs out of flour.
28.. Step on cat's tail and get bitten in ankle.
29.. Get coat, car keys, cat, and drive to store to buy cookies.
30.. Squeeze cat through partially open window into a stranger's car at the store parking lot.
31.. Eat most of the cookies on the way home.
32.. Give the last cookie to the cat waiting at the front door as the cat has beaten you home.

Freedom (and Revenge)

2005-09-13T15:47:00.000-07:00

I'm FREE! Released from my bondage, I can now roam again. The very first thing I wanted was to go outside...meow...meow. (I know if I keep doing this, someone will let me out!) Meow! At last, the portal opens! A quick move on my part, and...I'm out! Must check to see that nothing has changed. Run to the fence... Climb... Freedom! It feels so good to smell the airs and scents all around me. Back down again and I walk casually towards the house. (I must never appear anxious.) I sit for awhile. (Got to make them feel guilty about not letting me in.) Finally, one of the stupid dogs wants out. I act somewhat amused. Must never let on that I missed them. Min trys to lick me again. Yuck! If she only new how disguesting that is to a cat! I tolerate it only because of the debt I owe. She's actually not that bad, it's just her enthusiasm that gets to me. I stroll (not too fast) into the house. Jump on the counter and survey my domain. Ah, to rule the humans is always such a treat. Meow to Now... Lily =^-^=

Alone...and Caged!

2005-09-04T03:25:00.000-07:00

I was crammed in the little box again. Thought I was going to get my nails trimmed again. Hate that, but I tolerate it for a short period of time.

But no, I arrive in a different place. Different sounds and smells. The box is opened. The nice lady takes me out. She is saying something to me and begins to cry. I comfort her by putting my head on her and rubbing. Why is she saying, I'll be back for you? Then, another lady takes me...she is taking me away from the nice lady. Why? Meow...why?

Cage! Don't like cages. Confinement reminds of when I was in the shelter before the nice man...Alan rescued me. I'm alone. Scared. Where's the nice lady? I meow. The lady that brought me in is saying something to me. I don't understand. Meow.

Wait! They are giving me my catnip and my cardboard toy. The nice lady brought it with her. This provides me some comfort.

There are other cats here too. Meow, Mow, Meeeeow, Grrrrr. Owwwww. Different "cat" languages and dialects. The Siamese is the most difficult to understand, but there's a Maine Coon Cat that has a very strange dialect. This keeps me amused. For awhile.

Still, it's lonely. Where's the nice lady? Will she come back?

The lights have dimmed now. More chatter from the other cats, but this leaves me depressed. I want my family back. I even miss the dogs.

Lonely and scared,
Lily (meow)

Lily vs. the Coyote

2005-07-15T21:06:00.000-07:00

FINALLY! The let me outside. Ahh, my favorite spot, under the avocado tree. Roll, roll, ahh, got that itch...finally. Cool, with a breeze. Close my eyes and enjoy!

Jingle, jingle. Oh no, here come the canines from the house.

Wait! What was that? It was just suddenly there! I can't believe I didn't hear it. Eyes, looking at me. Can't help it...my hair is standing up. These golden eyes! It's a canine, much larger on the other side of the fence. Looking at me. I'm suddenly the prey! Freeze. Frozen with fear!

Arf, arf, arf... arf, arf.

It's Min! The little one that's always wants to be my friend. All this time, I've tried to push her away. Never acknowledge her.

Arf, arf, arf. It seems to be attracting the human's attention. The nice man comes out first. This large canine...what did they call it? This, C.o.y.o.t.e, runs away.

Min comes over to check me out. Still, I'm frozen with fear. My limbs don't want to move.

I'm shuttled, thankful, this time, into the house. Yeow! I mean Meow! I'm so badly shaken. How could I be be prey?

(Note to self: Be nicer to Min.)

Meow for now,
Lily

Curious about my Libations

2005-06-15T15:49:00.000-07:00

I don't really drink...well, not really. I just have this unusual habit of drinking from the faucet. I always ask for it to be turned on, "Meow". The nice lady understands me the best. Then I lap the fresh water...it tastes the best that way. I sometimes forget to ask her to turn it off. We have a person coming in to lay down tile in certain places around the house. This has provided me unending entertainment. His dowel goes in half circles all around...half circles all around...again and again. I watch every movement with such expectation and interest. The man accused me of being the "Inspector". Not me! I'm just his audience! Lily =^-^=

Lily vs. the Snake

2005-06-09T09:26:00.000-07:00

Hah, to be outside... the smells, the dirt...roll in the dirt...then lie there...Ah...

WAIT! What was that movement? This requires additional investigation on my part. Not a toy. PREY! I will toy with it for a while. Pat..Pat..Jump BACK! It is hissing at me! Hair up on my spine...Swat, Pat, Swat. Hiss... the snake turns to make a get away.

It slithers into the wire fence and stops. It's half through and stuck! Pat...pat...the tail. The head of the snake on the other side hisses and stands up. Pat...pat...the tail. This is fun and interesting. Is it going to do anything else?

The tail goes limp. I bite it. Pat...pat...it's not doing anything. (playing dead). Is it going to do anything else?

The nice lady is calling my name. She wants me to come in. "NOT NOW! I'm busy!" The nice man comes out twice. He wants me to come in. "Can't! I'm occupied!" After 3 attempts to get me in, he suddenly realizes the focus of my attention. DARN! That's it. Game over. I'm inside.

I make several attempt to gain access again outside, but am not successful. I see the nice people running around -- in and out -- with wire cutters attempting to free my prey! NO! leave it there! I'll get back to it...It may do something else! I'll miss it. DARN! They take away the only good fun I've had all week. (Last week it was a lizard.)

Signing off for "meow"

Lily (aka the "Huntress")

Enjoying Comfort

2005-05-18T11:42:00.000-07:00

I've become much more comfortable with the household. I take special advantage of when the dogs are out (doing their business). This morning I jumped on the nice lady's lap and played with a shiney, sparkly thing. Purrrring away. Then the dogs came. Ears down. Gotta go. The chase continues on. Back to my homebase -- the kitchen countertop.

Things sometimes move on the countertop that I jump up on. This morning I jumped up and knocked down a basket of writing sticks (pens and pencils) all over the floor. I still try to help them with their phone problems. The ringing. Listening to voice mail. The humans don't seem to appreciate it and push me out from in front of the phone. Meow. I'm only trying to help. Can I push a button (or two)?

Caught being stoned (on catnip)...

Meow,
Lily

Answer the phone!

2005-05-04T08:55:00.000-07:00

I've been given the empowerment of the telephone in the house. On the occasion when it rings, I place my paw on the phone and look at the people that dwell in my house. By the second ring, I meow...they must not have heard the first ring. This usually brings a response. The other day, I could have sworn I heard my early master's voice...Alan, they call him. I began meowing. Don't they understand I want to speak to him? Where is he? Why isn't he here? It has come to my attention that I have people reading my blog. Should they want to ask any questions (that I haven't already answered...), I would be happy to respond. Maow, Lily =^-^=

&*(#&$ Hummingbird!

2005-04-28T07:09:00.000-07:00

As I look out on my domain...outside the windows of the sink area, it would appear that I must share the "ruling" with a hummingbird that has been taunting me. Everyday, several times a day, it hovers in front of the window, looking at me. Teasing me! I've pawed it and threatened it many times, but to no avail. It still comes and it still taunts me. One of these days, if I ever get outside, that hummingbird will know my wrath! Grrr ow. Meow!

Lily

Rude awakening

2005-04-12T15:20:00.000-07:00

Zzzzzzz Ball, playing with ball Zzzzzzz Chase ball, catch ball Zzzzzzzz, rumble Rumble RUMBLE BAM! Wha'! Fur up! Tail up! What was that? Mow, Meow! (Earthquake!) Lily =^-^=

My world in a bubble

2005-04-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

With the tissue box incident behind me, I can now relax I do my favorite past time. Oh, the nice lady made a big hole in the box so I won't get my head stuck again.Whew! I do miss my ball, though. It bounced off the counter and disappeared. I keep asking the nice lady for it, but she mutters to me that she can't find it. But, but, but...I want my ball! My FAVORITE place is in front of the sink with the two big windows into the back yard. From there, the world is my conquest! I can lay in my bed or sit and watch out the window. The wind blows and I can smell all the interesting scents through the cracks. A bird flew by...the squirral sat on the rock and chirpped. Best of all I enjoy when the dogs go outside. I can let my hair down and jump off the counter for a short while. Sometimes I watch them. They watch me. They always want to be aware of where I am. This is where my "stealth" comes in...I can actually walk without the bell around my neck jingling. The dogs don't know where I am. (hee hee hee) The only time I really don't want to be disturbed by the dogs is when I have business to attend to in my cat litter box. NOBODY BOTHER ME -- OR ELSE! Mao Meow Mao The lady thinks I've got Siamese in me -- Who knows -- I'm a cat desendent from the lions of Africa! Lily =^-^=

Embarassing moment

2005-04-05T11:05:00.000-07:00

The nice lady has give me my toys to play with near where I rest. She put a jangle ball in an empty tissue box. I can put my paw in and play. Yesterday, I had a little too much cat nip and I got curious how I could get the ball out. I put my head in the tissue box. Upon realizing my mistake, I tried to pull my head out. It was dark inside and I couldn't get my head out of the box! Outside of the box I could hear the dogs laughing at me. Meanwhile the ball kept jangling inside the box. This time it was the nice man who came to my rescue. He removed the box from my head. Time to find that secret place where nobody knows where I am -- Time to paws and reflect! Meow,

Lily =^-^=

A safe place

2005-03-30T11:54:00.000-08:00

The nice lady has been trying to find places around the house for me to stay during the day that are safe from the canines. The basket that was in one of my favorite spots -- the bathroom -- has been moved to another location. I don't like change. So far, I have about 4 locations that I can be away from the dogs. Some are secret. My favorite is a shelf along the stairs. I can see and hear most everything in the house. Humans are more likely to pet me if I'm there. I wait for their worship. I have a new toy -- a mylar, shiney ball. It's lightweight and I can bat at it. Has an interesting crunch sound too. Meow, Lily =^-^=

Red-White-Blue Shell

2005-03-24T13:52:00.000-08:00

I'm currently working on a red, white, and blue shell top with a bottom border.

Staying ahead

2005-03-24T13:39:00.000-08:00

This weekend, the humans decided to paint. Being of no assistance to them, I decided to grant my presence. I entered the room being painted and was run out several times. I persisted and managed to crawl under their paint darp. A warm and dark place. Hmmmmm. I felt something kick me and yelling. The human forcefully removed me from the favored position, much to my protest and dislike (they will pay for this!) I returned to provide a hand -- ummm, a paw -- to their painting situation. Cautiously I approached. When I was close enough, I placed my paw in the paint container. Shreaks and yelling from the human. Doesn't she know I was trying to help! Come to think of it, I DON'T LIKE PAINT ON MY PAW! Must run fast! Around the room...out the door. The human made the long awaited error of leaving the patio door open. I managed my escape, however, it was very short lived. The terrorizing barks from the dogs! Must look scarey! I puffed myself up and looked twice my size. To no avail! Quick! Run into the house. Hounds hot on my tail! Quick! Run up the stairs...they are closer. Humans are yelling now too! Quick! Into the large bedroom and under the bed. They've almost caught me. Much barking and yelling! I defend myself with my firm claws and terrorizing hiss. The humans pull the dogs from the room. Now if I can just get my fur to go down again back to normal size! Lily =^-^=

I rule the night!

2005-03-18T13:00:00.000-08:00

My comfort level has increased around the dogs. Although I have no use for the puppies that have entered the household. The adult dogs seem to share my feelings on this. When I walk around the house and a dog wishes to get playful, a simple hiss seems to deliver the message. I walk freely in the household now and have explored many more rooms. Min still wishes to be my friend. She still attempts to sleep with me. -- Unsure about this arrangement.

The other day I found myself high on a ledge. It was quite pleasureable to look down upon my domain. The two humans were downright silly in their attempts to rescue me. When the man human grabbed me, it was quite scary -- I found myself extending my claws to grab onto anything secure.

The humans are kind to me and I repay their kindness by allowing them in my domain.

Lately, I walk the night throughout the house, exploring rooms where the doors are open to me. The bathtub is a cool and enclosed place -- enjoy it emencely!

Meow,
Lily

Progress

2005-03-07T13:47:00.000-08:00

I now have the small one they call Min, completely under my rule. In return for not barking at me, I allow her to sleep on the bed with me. All the while, I do have an eye open on her. She seems desperate in her quest to call me friend. We are NOT friends just yet. The white one, they call Panda, continues to try to communicate with me. Dumb canine! I refuse to speak "Canine". I have no idea what she is saying, but I don't trust her. The large one, Bamboo, continues to torment me. His bark scares me the most. The humans have come to accept me and I have accepted them. Occasionally, I will come out of the room and roam (carefully) in other places of the house. Always watching. Always aware of where the dogs might be. One of my new favorite spots is on a chair that is pressed under the table. This gives me a guarded place and good vantage point to watch the dogs. Lily =^-^=

Torment

2005-03-01T14:49:00.000-08:00

The canines continue to torment me; however, Panda (the white one) is more sympathetic and doesn't bark at me like the other two, Min and Bamboo. So far, I've been able to hold them off. Not sure what will happen if contact is made. I continue to sit on the bed waiting for my human. Last night he did not return. I attempted to get in the bed of the nice lady and was successful for a short period of time until the canines returned. Again, Panda, does not seem to bother me -- I will remain cautious. Lily =^-^=

Change

2005-02-28T08:36:00.000-08:00

Lots of noise and movement yesterday. Strange smells from cleaning. I don't like. The lady seems nice to me...made me a toy. Then, everything's gone. Boxes, people, me! We have moved back with the canines. Must show them my rules. I can report that the small one, they call Min, is completely under my rule and control. The white one, they call Panda, still must learn -- I don't want to be friends! The large black and white, they call Bamboo, I must be cautious of. He represents a threat to me that I must avoid. I'm plotting my take over of this motly crue. (meow) Found a fellow feline down on her luck...must wash windows to get a meal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHhzk0JhnG8

Lily

=^-^=

He left me

2005-02-23T12:06:00.000-08:00

Strange feeling as I watched him go out the portal (he refers to as the door). Is he coming back? He seems to be going for a long time. Checked food. All is good. I don't like being alone. Ball amuses me; sometimes the bag fortress, but I miss him when he's not with me. More items in boxes surround me. Next time, I'll try to make my escape through the portal to freedom. Lily =^-^=

Alone again

2005-02-14T16:09:00.000-08:00

Ball...Ball...must catch ball... Oh yes. Must tell you. My human is leaving me alone again and again. Miss him. Don't know where he goes or when he will return. He never tells me. Still seeing him pack things into boxes. Must protect my ball from being packed! Lily =^-^=

Something's up

2005-02-08T16:13:00.000-08:00

My human seems to be packing. We just unpacked. I suspect a plot is brewing. Might I have to endure the lowly canines again? Will note other odd occurances in the future. Lily =^-^=