Pay it Forward

I know that my blog doesn't have the highest traffic - but hopefully this idea will appear to someone among the few folks who visit. Lately I have been feeling very lucky - still have a job in this crappy DubYa economy, still have a husband who puts up with me, and still have a roof over my head. Not to mention two of the most perfectest kitties in the whole world.

Time to give back.
Lora had a great idea. Here are the details, from the lervely Lora's blog:

Pay It Forward.

Yes, I'm doing it.
I'm Paying it Forward.

Random Act of Kindness (you just have to be one of the first three to comment!)The first three people who comment on my blog will receive something handmade from me, if they in turn will do the same thing...See the rules below:

Pay It Forward rules

1. I will send a handmade gift to the first three people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange (and email me their mailing address), and who make the same pledge on their own blogs.
2. I don't know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise!
3. The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward meaning you will do the same for three people who comment on your blog. Chances are very good you will receive the gift within a few weeks :)

Ah, SPA 2008

You know how you build up the idea of something that you are really looking forward to in your head, and it gets bigger and better and more funner and you just can't wait to go and you are counting down the minutes and it just won't get here and is it time to go yet and you really want to be there?

And then you get there and it was all you expected it to be and more?

That was NETA Spa this year, in Freeport, ME.

I guess the secret to making Spa a success is your expectations. Is Spa the place for wild drunken hedonistic experiences that rock your world and empty your wallet? Well, maybe for some. Is it a time to just FREAKING RELAX and allow events to unfold, to meet new people only if you feel like it, and maybe, just maybe, to get some knitting done?

That's what I expected.

That's what I wanted.

That's what I got.

Lisa and I make this a three night trip, so we headed up to Freeport on Thursday, getting there before dinner. The Hilton could not have been more welcoming, comfortable, and perfect for this event. I wanted to stuff my bed in my luggage - but it wouldn't have fit in the elevator. And OHMYGOSH - there was a refrigerator AND a microwave in our room! How freaking brilliant is THAT?!?!

We settled in, started right in on projects - Lisa finally gave in to the idea that she could knit something else besides a Booga bag or a scarf. She actually FINISHED a hat in pretty Rowan Big Wool, burgundy. To do this, she had to use - GASP - DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES!!!! Argh!!!

(Of course, she worked that circular until she couldn't do any more with the decreased stitches - that sucker was stretched TAUT!!!)

It snowed - more than expected - on Friday. But who cares? We didn't have to be anywhere, to drive anywhere - the hotel has a very good restaurant, and even Dominos delivers! Let it snow. Heck, we wished a real blizzard would keep us there longer!

I worked on Izzer's Einstein Coat, and Gina's socks, and read a lot. And believe it or not, I got my fat arse down to the workout room to sweat a little. Great machines. I could really go for a home gym. Especially if there were a heated pool right through the next door, like at the Hilton!

My wallet didn't take much of a hit, considering we were in Freeport, an outlet paradise. On Saturday, we hiked over to LL Bean, and other shops on Route 1.

Hung out with Heather and Mary and Gina and Chris-n'-Ericka and Julie and Patty and lots of (hundreds of) other women I didn't know. Didn't do all the activities, because that would have been too much like work. And had no intention of doing anything I didn't want to do!

Again, set reasonable expectations, meet expectations. It's that easy.

Bought some goodies at SPA from Amy at Spunky Eclectic - as soon as I retrieve them from my knitting bag in the other room, will post the details, but here they are:

Some More Toes...

These just make me giggle...

Don't Want to Rush into Anything...

Socks for Gina. Started them last September, when I got this gorgeous yarn from Heather for my birthday. One is done. The other is almost done - I am on the decreases at the toe.

Better Late Than NEVER!!!

Dun dun dun dun dun.... OMG OMG OMG!!!

Keith's Berfday - a Peep Show

My brother-in-law Keith has his 40-somethingth berfday in February. I won't say exactly how old he is because he is still trying to get cute young things to ride on his Harley (and yes, I do mean a real motorcycle...). So anyway, last Saturday, Mark and I had a pizza party for him, with Chet and Anita.

A really cute picture has been floating around in email lately of a stripper show made from Peep bunnies and chicks. Keith LOVES Peeps - especially when they are left out to get all hard and crunchy. Ew. But what better subject for his berfday cake, huh?

Mark was very creative. I spent most of the day making pizza dough from scratch and prepping all the toppings. We had:

• Polish Pizza (the pizza of their people): mashed potatoes, sauteed cabbage, and kielbasa, with cheddar cheese


• Baked Stuffed Tater Pizza: mashed potatoes, cheddar, crumbled bacon, and scallions



• BBQ Chicken Pizza: grilled chicken, carmelized onions, BBQ sauce, and cheddar


• Pizza Marguerita: sauce, fresh soft mozzarella, and basil leaves


• Veggie: peppers, onions, mushrooms

As you can tell from the pictures, a great time and a full belly was had by all!

Did you HEAR that putz?

I don't normally blurt out my politics. Not unless provoked. And DAMN, I am provoked.
Did you hear the press conference in which a reported asked Sparky what he thought of gas going to over 4$ a gallon?

Did you hear his response?

"uh.... I hadn't heard dat."

If it weren't his total ignorance of what is happening in this country it would be his less than complete grasp of English that really cheeses my shorts.

OK, off my soap box.

Damn, I Love Jack!!!