My Ramblings

Snotty Cootie Nose.

If anyone knows me from MSN Messenger, they would notice that that's my "handle".  A few years ago, my daughter Natalie sent me an e-mail about getting a new fun name.  The e-mail contained 3 lists and the idea was to use the third letter of your first name and use the word corresponding to that letter as your new first name.  In that e-mail it then went on to say that you use the second letter of your surname to get the second name from the second list, and the fourth letter to give you the third name from the third list.  These lists come from the children's book Captain Underpants and the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants.
According to the method of name choosing from the e-mail, my new name was Snotty Cootie Nose.  In the book (which I bought today) it tells you to use the FIRST letter of your first name for your new first name, the FIRST letter of your surname for the second list and the LAST letter or your surname for the third name.  Using that method, I would be Snotty Waffle Nose (my surname is only 4 letters long).  I prefer the first method, but you have a look at the lists and choose which method you think gives you the better name.  I'm guessing that whoever sent out the e-mail originally didn't like the result from the method in the book, so changed it to give him/her a better name.
Here are the lists.

List 1.
A = Stinky      B = Lumpy     C = Buttercup    

D = Gidget       E = Crusty       F = Greasy 

G = Fluffy      H = Cheeseball    I = Chim-Chim      

J = Poopsie       K = Flunky      L = Booger

M = Pinky      N = Zippy     O = Goober      

P = Doofus    Q = Slimy     R = Loopy      

S = Snotty   T = Falafal     U = Dorky   

V = Squeezit     W = Oprah    X = Skipper   

Y = Dinky    Z = Zsa-Zsa

List 2.
A = Diaper    B = Toilet     C = Giggle   

D = Bubble   E = Girdle   F = Barf   

G = Lizard    H = Waffle   I = Cootie   

J = Monkey    K = Potty    L = Liver   

M = Banana    N = Rhino     O = Burger   

P = Hamster   Q = Toad    R = Gizzard   

S = Pizza    T = Gerbil     U = Chicken 

V = Pickle   W = Chuckle   X = Tofu   

Y = Gorilla    Z = Stinker

List 3.
A = Head    B = Mouth    C = Face   

D = Nose    E = Tush   F = Breath   

G = Pants    H = Shorts    I = Lips   

J = Honker   K = Butt    L = Brain   

M = Tushie    N = Chunks   O = Hiney   

P = Biscuits   Q = Toes    R = Buns   

S = Fanny    T = Sniffer   U = Sprinkles   

V = Kisser    W = Squirt       X = Humperdink   

Y = Brains    Z = Juice.

Using either method ( or both if you choose), what is your  new name?

For knitting content:  Looking at the sock I am knitting, I have decided the colours are a bit too feminine for my dad, so once again I get a pair of socks.  I have bought some pure wool sock yarn  on E-bay in grey's and burgundy which will  knit up into stripes.  I think my Dad will really like these
colours.   I tried to take a photo of the half finished sock, but my camera went flat, so You'll have to wait till I get some new batteries.

Happy knitting everyone.

 

I finished the first of the pair of socks for my MOTH, and cast on for the second on Wednesday night.  I dropped a stitch on the cuff, and as the yarn was navy blue, and the light in my living room is pretty lousy to see by at night, I wasn't able to see enough to pick it up, so the knitting was put away for the night.  Next morning, first thing I did was pick up my dropped stitch.  Later that day I got on with the sock and finished it on Friday evening.  The MOTH has much nicer shaped feet than me, so here is a
photo of the socks on his feet.  Luckily this pair fit him nicely.  He wore them to work today, so I'm waiting for him to get home to give me the verdict; hopefully it will be positive.  The colours in these socks are navy, royal blue, maroon, fawn, cream, which
knit up into 1 row stripes.
I have now cast on for the first sock for my Dad.   The yarn for these is also Regia, but a much lighter colourway.  It seems to be knitting up into little squares of colour block instead of stripes, so I'm looking forward to getting into the body of the sock to really see how the colours meld.
Finally, I started a scarf for KOGO, (Knit One Give One) a charity based in Melbourne.  I am just working on this as I go along, but think at the moment I might frog it as the second colour isn't following the line of eyelets.  I know what I need to do to fix that, but am trying to decide whether it actually needs that or if it's ok as is.  I'll think about it over night, and see how I feel tomorrow.
This afternoon I met a fellow knitter from a yahoo group I belong to.  I organised an S'n'B for my area, and sadly only Jacquie and I turned up.  Hopefully we can grow the group over a period of time.  Jacquie and I had a great yarn though, and not only about knitting.  We had lots of experiences that we could share with one another, and we could really appreciate each others triumphs and tribulations.  No knitting got done at this meeting as we were far too busy chatting and getting to know each other, but that's fine.  Jacquie needs to have a short break from knitting at this stage as she has been busy knitting a throw, and the weight of it has caused her pain in her hands and wrists.  (Hope they improve very soon Jacquie).  We talked about various yarn shops around Melbourne, none of which I have actually been to, but which Jacquie has visited, so it was good to get a word of mouth endorsement of these stores.  I will be visiting The Wool Baa very soon, and the other one in Camberwell that I can't remember the name of as I sit here. lol  No doubt I will remember it as soon as I sign off; isn't that usually the way?
Well, that's it for now.  I'm going to go and watch Grey's Anatomy and do some more on Dad's sock.
Happy knitting.

Spring into Summer Contests 2.

Channon is my hostess for this swap, and on the Spring into Summer blog I found she had a contest going........and we all LOVE contests, right?  This is Chan's contest.

Now, a contest. I live near a college town, so this is a time of transition in so many ways. Still, it's hard not to feel the energy and hope shining off all of the graduates, and the students heading off on their summer adventures. So, what gives you hope? How do you recharge and get energized when you're feeling drained? And what is your favorite summer adventure, whether it's a memory or an item on your agenda for this year or both? I'll be checking blogs NEXT weekend. I'm not even sure how often I'll be online next week, so if you email me, please be patient.

What gives me hope?  The innocence of children and looking at the world through their eyes.  Their laughter at the silliest things can really brighten my day.
How do I recharge?  A long hot bath (keep topping up the hot water if necessary) a glass of good wine, and a good book...............ah! Nothing like it.
What is my favourite summer adventure?  I love the water, and have had many great trips on a boat of some sort.  Where ever we go, I like to take a trip on a boat, be it a sight seeing trip on the local river or lake, a trip on an old style sailing ship out into the bay, or a trip out to a local island (Rot Nest Island off Perth) or the Great Barrier Reef on a fast moving catamaran.  I'd really love to try, possibly next summer, either a Jet Boat or white water rafting........or both.

As we are just moving into winter, and we are still having higher than average temperatures, hopefully summer will be a long time coming so that we can get out much needed winter rain.  Melbourne's rainfall usually mainly occurs in winter, but we do get a few summer storms.  Unfortunately we haven't had much of either over the last 10 years, so pray for us to get a good supply this winter please.  Melbourne's water supply has now fallen to only 29.6% (2 days ago) so we are in desperation now.  Some areas are out of water and have to have it shipped in from other areas, and that is expensive.  The far north of Australia has plenty of water, but I certainly don't think it has enough to keep all of the country going if we all start importing water from them, which I think our government is thinking of doing.  There is now a plan to build a desalination plant here in Victoria........after our state government totally dismissed the idea several years ago, when it could have saved us all these problems now.  They claimed it was too expensive and totally unnesessary, and now they have egg on their faces.  Our federal government, who have also never really addressed the problem of water shortages around the country, are now saying that water management of the whole country should be in their hands, not those of the individual state governments.  It's just so typical that they decide to shut the gate AFTER the bloody horse has bolted.

Oh, dear! Here I go again, venting about our governments, but honestly, what the hell do we pay them hundreds of thousands of dollars salary for?  They never seem to do anything worthwhile until their backs are against a wall.  All they want to do is go on overseas trip, argue, kiss babies, go on overseas trips, argue and maybe an overseas trip or two..........and THEN, when they retire, they get more per year in pension than I could ever get working 7 nights a week.  Totally unfair.  If they did a great job while on the job, I'd be less inclined to be pissed off about the salary and pensions they get, but just like every politician in every country, they are only in it for themselves, not for what they can really do to make things better for the average Joe.  Q) How can you tell when a politician is lying? A) His/her lips are moving.

Ok, that's enough polly bashing for now.  Take care everyone, and happy knitting.   

I was tagged........

by Sue and have to write 7 random facts about myself and then tag another 7 people.  Having read quite a few blogs, it seems that many people have already been tagged, including my lovely daughter, so I'll have to think on that as I write my facts......
1)  I can still remember being a fair little "shite" when my parents took me to a holiday resort when I was two.  One day they decided they'd like to go dancing in the afternoon, so put me in the creche.  I wasn't having any of that and made life so difficult for the poor babysitter that she desperately called my parents to come and get me.  I can remember thinking, in my two year old way, that crying and refusing to be calmed would get my mummy and daddy back........it did.   Moral of the story?  It didn't work on me, my kids could carry on all they liked.

2)  I've been up in an aerobatic plane.  My MOTH was a by-laws officer for our local government office and the office had had complaints from home owners that aircraft going to and from the local airfield were coming in and leaving on the wrong flight path, thereby causing a nuisance. (I'd just like to say, these people got their land much cheaper due to the fact the airfield was there).  He took me and the kids with him when he went to check it out, and we all went up in a plane to see the flight route etc.  When we got back I was invited to go up in a Pitt's Special and of course couldn't refuse.  45 minutes of exhileration followed, and I don't think my MOTH has forgiven me, some 21 years later.......he missed out.

3) I have a couple of phobia (doesn't everybody?)  I hate anything that crawls, creeps or has more that 4 legs.  I have been so bad with spiders that I have been rendered incapable of movement or speech when confronted by a particularly nasty one.  I am also afraid of heights, and don't like to stand too close to a window if we are several floors up.......yet I love aeroplanes and flying; go figure.

4)  I am not afraid of rodents or reptiles, and actually quite like them.  I have had pet mice and rats, two son's have pet lizards and my youngest now has a pet snake which he got from his big sister who wasn't able to take it interstate with her.

5)  I have a very nasty temper.  Yes, sweet, little, old (emphasis on the latter) me.  My temper is very slow to burn, and usually burns for injuries, insults or injusticies to my friends or family etc rather than myself, but when it burns; watch out.  When I'm angry I can be the queen of put downs, and my tongue is definitely my best (or worst) weapon.

6)  I love theme parks, especially the rides.  One of the things on my wish list is to go to Disneyland (or Disneyworld) etc in the US.  I have been to all the theme parks on Australia's Gold Coast, and fully intend to go again.  There is a saying, "growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional".

7)  This one sort of relates back to fact 3.  I would love to go up in a hot air balloon, but know I wouldn't cope well.  Years ago (before the excess weight and arthritic joints set in), I would have loved to try bunjee jumping, but again, the thought of getting up to the sort of height needed for that made me nauseous. 

OK, so now who do I tag?  Gina, Debi, Katie, Kate, Margaret, Katt, and Penni.  You are all tagged.   

I've just got home from working a night duty and thought I'd check my e-mails before going for a much needed sleep.  I was great to hear from Debi that she had received the parcel I sent her for the ISE4 swap.  It's also great to know that she really likes the scarf that I chose to knit for her and one of the treats I sent her was one she'd been wanting to try for quite a while.  It's always lovely to get positive feedback.  She was quite happy to find that it was me who was her pal, as not only did I leave the occasional anonymous comment on her blog, but I also left comments as myself.  She had admired my knitting and was thinking that maybe it would be me who was her pal, but probably not.........well, she was right.   Good guess Debi.

Thursday evening, as I watched TV, I started a sock for my poor MOTH.  I say poor because the last pair (and the first for him) I knitted for him were too small and I ended up having them.  I'm making sure this time that they will fit.  I got quite a bit done, and yesterday (Friday) morning I turned the heel.  The yarn
is Regia, the first time I've knitted with this yarn, and I have to say, I really like it.  I have some more in a lighter colourway, and think I'll knit a pair for my Dad for his birthday in July.

Here is me, "trying" to knit my "secret" piece with Cupcake and Cinnamon in their favourite place.  At least at this time they are asleep so I can knit in peace.  If Cupcake was awake I'd be fighting her for the knitting. lol.

And the two cuties curled up together.

OK folk, goodnight................er well! it's 0830, but it's night for me.  Take care, and happy knitting.

I managed to get a bit of knitting done on Tuesday and Wednesday.  I finished Ethyn's socks, made a couple of dishcloths and got halfway through a "secret" item..............photo of THAT when it's been received.
For now......
I didn't start the second one till Ethyn had tried on the first one at the weekend.  He went home on Sunday evening, and I started the second sock that night.  He says he really likes how they feel, which is great to know.  They are ready for next time he comes.

Two more dishcloths to add to the collection or give as gifts/swaps etc.  The one still on the needle was actually finished that night, but I took the photo then as the light was going and I wanted to get the photo so that I could come in and put it on the blog. Ha!! Well laid plans etc.  #1 son was on the computer till the MOTH got home.  Then the MOTH grabbed the computer so I didn't get anywhere near it.  I could have waited till the next day to get a photo of the completed item.  Ah well, these things are sent to try us.
And my much anticipated package arrived from Bendigo Woollen Mills arrived.  The ball on the left is 8 ply Alpaca, 200 grams, and is part of the "prize" for the lovely Gina.  (The rest of your goodies are still to arrive my friend).  The ball on the right is 100% wool, 5 ply, also 200 grams, and is for moi.
As I sit and knit, the two smallest kittens are always close by.  Cupcake, by far the more energetic (and cheeky) is usually up under my chin, and constantly trying to play with the knitting or the yarn.  I have tapped her on the nose a couple of times, but she just looks at me as if to say "now that's not nice" and continues playing.  Cinnamon, much quieter and gentler, just sits and naps.  Occasionally Cupcake can get Cinnamon to play and they chase each other around the room like whirlwinds.  Sometimes Donut will join in, but then Cinnamon usually gives up and comes back to the safety of my knee while Cupcake and Donut battle it out.  Of course, there's no play without Latte joining in too.  I'll have to try and get a photo of some of the shenanigans.  All the cats are now putting on good weight, filling out nicely.  Trouble is, they won't use the kitty litter, so I have to keep picking them up, putting them in the litter or outside.  I guess they'll get the idea eventually.  It's always said that cats are clean animals.

Well, that was just a short post today, but better than nothing I guess.

Take care, and happy knitting.

Weekend Knitting.

I didn't do a lot, but here are the photo's of what I did do........
3....                  
and a bit dishcloths, 

and I've cast on for the second of the socks for Ethyn.

Ethyn also saw the dishcloths and has asked for one for his mum.  Once I have done a few, I will give him his choice of a couple to take home to her. 
The rest of the weekend was a bit of a laze.  Didn't do very much at all except catch up on a few video's, cook meals, wash clothes etc.  My chance to catch up with Corrie was derailed as her sister had her itinerary pretty solidly booked on Saturday, so we made arrangements to meet on Sunday.  However, poor little Keira came down with hand, foot and mouth disease, so Corrie spend a fair bit of her time at a local medical clinic with her.  She is hoping to come back to Melbourne soon for a week, so hopefully we'll be able to catch up then.  She says she and her husband really like Melbourne (and who wouldn't?) so she's looking forward to coming back.  I say make it soon Corrie.

To Latte and her "babies", I managed to get a photo of her feeding both of the new kittens.

The grey and white back is Cupcake and the white head is Cinnamon.  Both of them spend a lot of time on me now, Cupcake usually up on my chest playing with my knitting or trying to eat my food, get into my drinks etc. and Cinnamon mainly on my knee.  She doesn't seem to be as playful as Cupcake.  Last night I rolled up a bit of waste yarn and tied it, leaving a long tail.  I dangled that in front of Cupcake and she pounced on it.  She spent ages playing with it, growling all the time, especially if Cinnamon even looked in her direction.  It was very amusing to watch.  Didn't manage to get a photo of that though unfortunately.

There are no plans this week, just work and knitting.  Hopefully I'll not be as lazy with the latter as I have been for the past couple of weeks, so that I'll have more pics to show you of my progress.

Happy knitting everyone.

                                             IN MEMORIAM

Clark Stuart Dawson Gillet, 7th May 1967 - 31st May 1987.

Dear Click-Clack, today would have been your 40th birthday, so happy birthday my gorgeous baby brother.  You are deeply loved and sorely missed yesterday, today and always.

Your loving sister, Yuyan.

Rain, glorious rain.

I had to come back for the third time today to show you these............
                        
taken about 5 minutes after the bucket was put out, (note the "dancing" water and cascades over bucket side.

and these................
put out at 3:30 PM, this photo taken at 3:38.......

and this one at 3:42.  This container holds approximately 250 litres.

It is so wonderful to see rain like this, I had almost forgotten just how heavy rain could fall.  The blue bin that these containers are sitting on (we have 2) are also full, so we have lots of water for the gardes etc now.  We love it, but Latte doesn't.  She hates to get her feet wet. he he.

Plus, I managed to get a photo of cupcake's sibling.
Cupcake is white with grey splotches.  This one has grey and sandy splotches.  I'm hoping that we can domesticate her too, and think I'll call her cinnamon.  This us the MOTH's favourite, and she is very pretty.

An Interview,

Reading Dee's  blog recently I noticed an interview she took part in.  At the end of the interview there were instructions on how to participate so I decided I would.  Here goes.

The Interview.

Because I love to watch American Idol and one of my all time favorite bands was on last night--- Bon Jovi question number one will deal with music.

 

1)  What is your all time favorite band?  The band that's music gets you jumping and in a great mood. 
     I've never really had an ongoing favourite, but at the moment I really like The Fray.

 

2)  What is your favorite movie (or book if you aren't a movie buff) and why?
     Old movies; Brigadoon.   Recent movies; I love The Wedding Singer and 50 First Dates.

 

3)  If you could have your dream vacation (and money was no object) what would it be?
     This one is so easy.  First to Egypt to visit the Pyramids, Valley of Kings and Valley of Queens, then to
     The Holy Land to visit the Mount of Olives, Garden of Gesthemane, Dead Sea etc. And finally to
     Dubai to stay in the luxurious 7 star hotel, the Birge.

 

4)  What is your favorite food, something you just couldn't live without?
     Is chocolate a food?  OK, really no particular favourite, I love most foods and styles of cooking.

 

5)  Share a memory that really makes you feel good about yourself.
     I have so many great memories but when I have overheard my sons telling their friens what an
     awesome mum I am, that has to be about the greatest.

 

Want to play? Here's the scoop:

1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me." (and
give me your email address if you can to make this
easier on me!)
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I
get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the
questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to
interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you
will ask them five questions.

Crisis Averted.

I was fortunate when I rang the (A) phone company and(B) internet provider.  They understood my problem and agreed to (A) restore my phone service till next week when I will be able to pay the bill, and (B)hold off disconnecting the internet until tomorrow so that I could pay the bill today.......which I have now done, so I back in communication with the world again.  My mobile (cell) phone is also working again, so I'm a very happy girl right now.
Another thing that makes me happy?  RAIN.  We've had a couple of rainy days over the past week, and during the night I awoke to the sound of fairly heavy rain, and it was still (or again) raining this morning.  Good soaking rain that will do our gardens the world of good.  Hopefully it will also be raining where the farmers are, and in our catchment areas.  With luck, our dams will start to fill up, the farmers will get bumper crops and WE won't have to pay triple or quadruple for our fruit and veges in the coming months; though I'm sure our government will find a way so that THEY can increase THEIR revenue.
On the knitting front, I have finished one sock for my grandson, and not much else at the moment. 

And look at our newest arrival,

(sorry this one is so dark)

and yes, this one is friendly.  She has a sibling which is absolutely gorgeous, (haven't been able to get a photo) and this one has also come into the house, and even sat on my knee, but runs if I look at it (I didn't think I was THAT ugly he he).  The mother keeps having these kittens but stops feeding them well before she should.  The mother is feral, so we can't get near her to have her fixed or put into the animal shelter or whatever.  She has had 4 litters that I know of, but I don't know what happens to the kittens, they just seem to disappear.........probably dying if she isn't feeding them.  The last litter she had 4, one of which came inside and was adopted by latte.  This time she has 5, my little friendly mate and it's sibling have both come into the house and therefore been fed, but I haven't seen the other 3 for a while.  I don't know what to do about the mother.  I don't want to be cruel, but I have to get rid of her somehow. As for this little one, I've named it cupcake and yes, Latte is feeding it.  The older one I named donut, all to go with Latte don't you know. lol  Donut is more friendly now, likes to sit on the couch beside me, or on my bed, but still doesn't like to be picked up.  He will occasionally sit on my knee if I don't touch him.  Very aloof.  Cupcake HAS to sit ON me, and likes to be petted.  It remains to be seen how the other little one turns out........but, 3 cats?  My, that's going to be expensive to feed.  I'm not one who can get rid of them though, so I'll just have to have them "fixed", and that's expensive too.  Ah well, that's life.

Happy knitting.