KNITTING WITHOUT DOG HAIR IS NOT AN OPTION

Y'all - it's really fun to turn 40. My boss told me on Tuesday (the actual b-day - before he left for Germany) - "Welcome to one of many clubs!" And yes, that is exactly how I feel. I never had a better time in my life. I met so many wonderful people last year - mostly knitters, I have to say tho'. It's just always amazing to me how you can bond with people who share the same hobby. And then I got this knitting blog going - and people from all over the place seem to read it. I even get b-day wishes from California. La - I like you lots, too :-) and I hope you can shake that stupid jury duty thing and join us for SAFF in October.

And this brings me to some of the awesome gifts I got this week. HEY - sorry if I make you seriously jealous. At least I had a cause to get gifts. Not like some people, who get gifts because other people move. But, she so deserves it. I am not jealous at all, REALLY. I am just very happy that I met her last year and that she is now a dear friend. When are we going to ruin your house with a dye party, Ms. Jen???

SO, here are some of the treats I received this week - don't want to hold out on you any longer.

Pixie sent me a gift certificate from kpixie. And I ordered sock yarn - Gems Pearl in Sandalwood - to knit Cookie A's Twisted Flower.

Phyllis gave me salty licorice - somebody really reads my blog. ;-) Yummy stuff - I am trying to be good and not eat all of it in one sitting...

Jacquie gave me one of the Be Sweet Needle Cases that are made in South Africa by artisans who work in job creation programs. The job creation programs give them the confidence and financial means necessary to support themselves and raise their families in an otherwise economically depressed region of the country. Gorgeous bag - actually way too nice for just holding needles...

Hubby's sister sent some goodies from Vermont - animal shaped crackers, a cute sheep picture and Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Story.

In this refreshingly original detective story from debut German author Swann, a flock of sheep investigates the murder of their beloved shepherd, George Glenn. Leading the effort is Miss Maple, considered the cleverest sheep in the Irish seaside village of Glennkill. She slyly "pretends" to graze while eavesdropping on suspects who come to search George's caravan for something he may have died for. When a long-lost ram recounts an incident that occurred upon his departure years earlier, Miss Maple uncovers the catalyst for George's death. The wooly troupe reveals the crime's solution in a near-Shakespearean mime at the annual "Smartest Sheep in Glennkill" contest. The author's sheep's-eye view and the animals' literal translation of the strange words and deeds of the human species not only create laugh-out-loud humor but also allow the animals occasional flashes of accidental brilliance.

I am looking forward to reading this book. :-) Miss Maple, the cleverest sheep... hahaha...

This is one of hubby's gifts. I just love him - he comes up with the coolest things for me. He kinda focused on 1967 and gave me several coin sets that were issued back then. The sets are from Russia, the US, New Zealand, Canada and Israel. He also gave me a bunch of cool belt buckles and a DVD set with all Cirque Du Soleil shows. And some other stuff. ;-)

And one last cool thing tho’ - hubby went to the 1967 World's Fair in Montreal, Canada, with his mom and his sister right around the time I was born. Y'all know that he is 14 years older than I am, don't you? So, he found on eBay a china plate from that world fair and the booklet that was issued by the German pavilion at that World Fair. The booklet is in mint condition and actually had the parking ticket of the person who went there as a bookmark in it. SO COOL!!!

THANKS EVERYONE FOR THINIKING OF THE OLD LADY!!! I FEEL VERY LOVED!!!

And before I let you go and get ready for Friday, the 13th, here is some knitting content.

I have been knitting boy preemie hats and a blanket for the Stitch N' Pitch outing on Sunday:

Also in the works is a blanket for a little girl. And I want to make a matching hat. Hopefully I can get the blanket done tonight. The pattern for the blanket is from Knitting for Peace. It is the Project Linus Security Blanket. I just downsized it from 144 stitches to 67 stitches:

And I finished clue no. 2 for the Mystery Stole 3 KAL Wednesday evening:

You surely heard of the Summer Book Sale at Knitpicks. I figured, 40% off all books while I am celebrating my 40th b-day is a very good reason to completely pig out and buy the following books:

The Natural Knitter
Knitting Around
Arctic Lace
Stitchionary Vol. 3: Color Knitting
Knitting Beyond the Edge
Favorite Socks
Stephanie Pearl McPhee Casts Off
Knitting Color
Domiknitrix: Whip Your Knitting into Shape
Morehouse Farm Merino Knits
Dream Toys
The Best of Vogue Knitting
Knitting Never Felt Better
Knits from a Painter's Palette

So there... ;-)

Hope y'all have a terrific - not terrifying!!! - Friday the 13th and a fabulous weekend. Maybe you'll see me waving my pointy stix at the ball game on Sunday. Since the Braves are playing the Pirates - I will be wearing my YARRRN T-Shirt which can be bought at Jinx.