I took a couple of days off from work last week for vacation and boy were they nice! Other than the usual holidays, I haven't had a break from work. Oh yes, plus it was my birthday.

Jp took me to the yarn store for a shopping spree and we went out for breakfast and dinner that day as well. He gave me flowers and 4 knitting books too. Oh and the Coraline DVD which I have been dying to get. We went out and played mini golf and air hockey too. I received lots of phone calls of well wishes and even received several cards in the mail! I was so pleased that so many people are so thoughtful - so very nice. And wonderful and thoughtful gifts as well. I'll post photos later once I catch up on some more work.

And if you live in Canada, I'm sure you haven't escaped the 'weather conversation'. What's going on out there - flooding in Ontario, extreme heat in BC, thunderstorms in Alberta? It's just crazy.

Yesterday it was a warm and muggy 28 degrees. Humidity was 88%. When I had to leave the house to go outside, the mugginess would hit me. You know what it was like? Walking into a tropical fish store, or the Amazon Gallery at the Vancouver Aquarium! Blah. I don't like that kind of heat!

Welcome Spring!

My garden at 6am today - a couple of crocus and some
sad primula that have taken a beating over the winter

And I know, don't say it; there are probably 30 million bloggers who have a title similar to that on their blog today, right?

Maybe this will redeem myself, here's a little spring poem for you:

No more heaters
No more coats
No more eating rolled oats
Time for gardens
Time for sun
Time for having lots of fun!

Did that help?

Okay, since I've been away for a little while, I thought I'd share some recent thrifty finds, first a beautiful spring apron - the lower area is all embroidered and smocked, it's very pretty actually.

And a bag full of old, wooden spools of thread. As I was going through the bag, Jp asked what the little animal was, and I said brightly, "that's the thread bear" Threadbare - get it? Okay, well we laughed anyway. This week I've been a busy girl (just like the everyone else).

After work Monday we went to Vancouver as Jp wanted to pick up a book he had ordered before Christmas-but sadly it wasn't there. I guess he was a little bit too late. As we were walking away, I spotted this awesome Coraline book, which was 20% off, plus we had an $8 credit, so I was very happy with it's price! On Wednesday, we wandered around Costco and then had to pick something up at a co-workers, and then went to the mall - where I got the best dang feather pillow! Oh it's so nice and comfy, but it's just encouraging me to sleep in! Jp has to talk me into buying these things, but I'm so happy with them after.

And yesterday, I did 2 hours of ironing. I know!

--- and that's how time flies!

And do you want to know what I've discovered about myself? I'm not a morning person! For the past 10+ years I'd listen empathetically as others would tell me about having difficulty getting up, or other sleeping in stories, but for me I just hopped out of bed at 6:00am in the winter and at 5:15 in the summer. Easy peasy. Except in the past three weeks. And now I realize that I wasn't the morning person, it was my dog! Without a dog wanting a walk, or food, or attention it's really easy to stay in bed until just before it's time to get ready for work, especially with a new feather pillow! All this time I thought it was me.

However, if you live in my area, then you might just be awakened by the street sweeper at 7:30 this morning! (Which is a good thing because all the gritty sand from the snow will be gone) Or by the numb-nuts next door that always backs up his work truck for 2 minutes with the backup beeper going the whole time. (Which doesn't bother me because I'm already up, but I know some neighbours aren't happy)

Maybe the early spring sun will help me go back to getting up early, what do you think?

But wait, there's more!

Okay, here are a bunch of photos showing things I've acquired in the past week (I know, I'm very fortunate). So pull up a chair and warm your hands with a hot mugga, you might be here for a while.

1. Coraline
My sweet husband has been busy on the internets buying Coraline items for me. Yesterday three dolls arrived:
...and today, the metal button key! Ah yes, the coveted button key. There's only 1 and it's very important to know where it is.
And then I received an email from the very sweet and wonderful Jo-Ann who spent the time rounding up the following links. Here's her message(posted with permission):

I know how much you loved Coraline, so when I found these this
morning I immediately wondered if you'd seen them.....this website talks about
Coraline's gloves........ http://www.limenviolet.com/blog/?p=5846
and then links here for the pattern.....
http://theyellowjournalist.blogspot.com/2009/02/coraline-gloves.html
and from there, there's a link for tiny, tiny knitting (I think I might go cross-eyed) ....... http://www.bugknits.com/.
There's a video of this miniature knitter on the Coraline website, which is a really cool website.
Have you seen it? ..... http://www.coraline.com/
There's even a pattern on the website for Coraline's sweater (I attached it)

The BugKnits link is particularly fascinating.
And let's hear a round of applause for Jo-Ann - isn't she the best?!

2. Shopping
From Tuesday's Bellingham trip - I don't normally mention prices, but really these are just too amazing to keep to myself; even after paying duty and the exchange they're still great deals.

Gloves: long knit black glove, long knit brown glove, long knit ruched wine gloves, black lace wrist warmers, black leather shorty zip gloves ($4.60 - $6.00 for the knit gloves, $16 for the leather)

Scarf: long knitted two tone green scarf with cables ($7 - who can resist)


Socks: I had to try the yoga socks. Have you every worn toe socks? It's kind of a weird feeling at first but then I got used to them. I found the socks don't slip on the floor, but my feet still slip inside the socks - so I'm not sold yet. But for keeping my toesy warm - I'll give it a thumbs up.
Shoes: one pair red gingham peep-toe wedges and one pair black gingham. They were $15 and I thought that was a good price, but I was even happier when they rang in at $5 each. FIVE BUCKS? You can't even buy a pack of smokes for that. I don't smoke but you know what I mean - I'll get more outta my $5 than most other things it could buy.

Hello spring and summer!
Purse/tote: green fabric with tattoo styled image, so fun for spring and summer don't you think?

3. Gifts
Not only have a been receiving Coraline items this week, I've also received some early Valentines presents. Here are two t-shirts JP bought for me. So cute aren't they?
(the purple one has pieces of toast with the words "we be jammin", and the blue one has a piece of macaroni next to a piece of cheese and it says "soul mates")


4. Knitting
I have seen the lighted knitting needles for some time but just wasn't going to shell out the money for them. Some people like them for knitting in the theatre or late night subway knitting and others have mentioned they are good for lace, especially black. But at $80+ for a set of 4, I just wasn't going to do it. However, when they were on sale for $17 for 4 sets of knitting needles plus extra batteries well then I just couldn't resist

And last, something I didn't acquire this week, but still wanted to share with you. I know it's too late for Valentines, but ladies for the men in your life - they may like to know about this product: http://www.saxxapparel.com/.

And if you've traveled east on Highway 1 towards Chilliwack recently, you may have noticed the billboard - did you? Apparently it's stirred some debate because of the word "balls". I wish I had a photo of it, but it's a little dangerous to stop on a highway like that for a photo, well it is for me anyway.

Well, phew! I think that about sums it up. Wishing you a lucky Friday the 13th, a Happy Valentines Day and a great weekend!

This weekend I...

- went to see the movie - Coraline - loved it! and want to see it again
- went out for Chinese food
- was served by the most zombie like waitress I have ever seen
- had drinks with a friend
- made apple strudel
- made 2 double batches of Maple and Brown Sugar Malt-O-Meal
- broke an antique plate
- found out what made my dog sick
- started knitting a new pair of socks
- haven't done any cross stitching yet
- went grocery shopping at 6:30am - love that - how easy is it to shop in an empty store when the cashier is waiting for me!
- listened to my favourite song a bunch of times (crappy sound quality on this one)

I'm looking forward to...

the movie Coraline. This really looks like a good movie - it's all filmed in stop action and it's so crafty I think I'll be as mesmerized by the sets and filming as I will be the story line.

Yay, something in February to look forward to - besides longer days!