I think the local squirrels enjoy antagonizing the dog. Or it was trying to get attention because the feeder was empty. Still, the squirrel has some brass.
Bold squirrel
Thank you notes
Here is an idea for hand made cards: printing a large “thank you” outline, and drawing within the words. It is a fun artistic exercise to come up with different ways to fill in the blanks. And the kids actually finished their thank you notes!
Two birds, one nål
I have had a little trouble getting back into walking. I’ve been taking walks with my dog Griffin for over seven years, but our newest dog, Missy, is scared of people on walks, and I don’t want to push her to a point of aggression, and she can’t be left alone. So that leaves me walking with no dog (and no people, because pandemic). When walking I have to hear my surroundings, so that nixes listening to music or audio recordings. Walking the neighborhood under these conditions is boring. What to do?
Nålbinding to the rescue! I have found that I can nålbind and walk at the same time. Now, it is with a stitch I am comfortable with (fun fact, there are 4,000 or so ways to loop yarn into a continuous fabric, and naming can be tricky and a bone of contention in nålbinding circles), I am working on small pieces (that will eventually be sewn together into something larger), and the road is fairly even. I have read that people can walk and spin, or even walk and knit, so compared to those nålbinding and walking is an achievable task. I do start my spirals before I venture out, because that is the trickiest bit, but once I’m in the steady rhythm of the pattern, I’m good to go. I think I may even be able to crochet and walk, if I had my yarn in a bag (I can make beanie hats from memory). Knitting and walking? I drop stitches sitting down, so that is probably out. Spinning and walking? Ooo, now there is an exciting goal!
Black and white study
We had snow! Proper drifting flakes and accumulation! Snowball fights, catching snowflakes on tongues, and tiny snowmen. I was surprised how much the dogs liked it. They rip teared around the yard, tried to eat snowballs, and wrestled in the snow. A good time for all, and no icy roads. Bliss.
Water bottle chain
Here is a quick life hack if your or your kid’s water bottle won’t stay in the backpack side pocket: a bottle chain. I used a split ring (like those used for keys), a bit of aluminum chain (from my stash, but you can find light chain at the hardware store or hobby store), and an S clip (a carabiner would work too). Connect the metal bits together, then attach the split ring to the top of the mesh pocket (the reinforced part). The clip then holds on to the water bottle loop. The clip is easy to undo to access the water, but provides enough security that the bottle doesn’t slid out if the backpack tips over. I used to sew a bit of velcro on the backpacks for this function, but this metal chain is easier and can switch to a new backpack!
