Rachael Ray is desperate

Okay, not her personally, but her magazine. Desperate for good help, subscribers.... I subscribed back in the fall. Got one issue. The next failed to arrive. I called the company and the guy who answered informed me that the magazine wasn't published that month. Um..yes, it's November, I saw it on the newstand....just not in my mailbox. Since then, every issue has come with a plea for me to renew my subscription. Hello - it doesn't expire until October! It ranks right up there with the Coooking Light offer that I got once that offered me 0 issues for the amazingly low price of $0. Now that was an offer I couldn't refuse!

Hmm...

Not much new going on. The boys are both now playing indoor soccer. I went outside for the first time this spring without wearing a coat. I was just running to the building across the street, but no bundling up was required. My allergies are kicking in. I guess all of this combined means spring is on the way!

A bit of an update

Since I'm joining the "Favorite Color 3" swap, I thought I'd better start updating my blog...or maybe even just keeping once since all I've posted on this so far is the Christmas swap questionaire.

WIPs: Another "Woody" (Debbie Bliss) pattern for C. His is a olive green. I finished one sock (my first!) - now I need to find the other ball of yarn to do the other one. I'm also knitting a black scarf for myself. It's my first lace pattern. I've had a few problems, but figure they just add to the charm of the project! I've made quite a bit of progress on it since I've been home with Chicken Pox Boy all week. He plays Wii, I knit. Life is good.

Christmas around the world swap questionairre

1. Are you religious? Somewhat.
2. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider yourself a Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced? I've been knitting for about a year and a half. I'd call myself an advanced beginner.
   
3. Do you have any other hobbies besides knitting? I love to cook, read, and bike.
   
4. Favorite color(s)? I like jewel tones and earth tones - just not pastels!
   
5. Do you collect anything? Do dust bunnies count?
   
6. Are you allergic to any fibers or animals? Mohair makes me itch.
   
7. Do you have any pets? Her royal highness the Princess Allie Cat, Miss Magdaline Meow, her lady in waiting, and Sasha, the big yellow dog.
   
8. Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate? Coffee - the darker, the better
   
9. Cookies or Sweets? Do I have to choose? As long as it has chocolate, I'm happy.
   
10. Do you knit socks? I've never tried.
    
11. If not socks then what? (tell us about your favorite knits) Dishcloths, scarves, ponchos and I'm currently working on a sweater for my 5 year old and a little cape for my mom's dog.
    
12. Do you put up a Christmas tree? If not then what do you do? We actually have two!
    
13. Favorite holiday treats? Cookies, chocolates, desserts...I love 'em all.
    
14. Favorite holiday smells? Cookies baking, spices, pine.
    
15. Do you celebrate Christmas in a traditional or unconventional way? Please elaborate. We're very traditional. Church on Christmas Eve, we track Santa on NORAD, put out some reindeer food and then it's off to bed for the kids. We open presents on Christmas morning and have a feast.
    
16. What are your favorite holiday traditions? Baking cookies with my kids, decorating, going to see A Christmas Carol at the local theater.
    
17. Finish the sentence: “For me Christmas is all about....” The magic of Santa.
    
18. If you were a Christmas ornament you would be…….? Something made from glass - I love old fashioned European style glass ornaments.
    
19. What was your favorite gift you've ever received? Or given? Received - anything my kids make for me. Given - hmm....
    
20. When do you start your Christmas? The day after Thanksgiving!
    
21. Do you send Christmas cards? Do you make them or buy them? Yes - usually they are picture cards of the boys.
    
22. What is your favorite Christmas dish? Not really a dish, but gingerbread cookies.
    
23. Carolers are at your door. What do you do? Sing a long and then give them cookies.
    
24. When do you open presents? Christmas eve or Christmas morning? Christmas morning.
    
25. Do you celebrate with family or friends or both? Mostly just family.