As the saying goes....

While the cat's away, the mice will play? My cat, aka husband, had to leave a couple of days ago to go look at a job for the railroad. I've mentioned before that he retired from the railroad, wow, almost three years ago now, and became a consultant for some particular machines they have. While we miss each other terribly, the homecomings are the best ever!!! Anyway, after he left this time, I decided to do something we have been talking about for at least a year now. Actually, I'm taking on several projects, and each time I'm surprising him with them. The carpet in our bedrooms are nearly ten years old now, and we're pretty sure the previous owner cheaped out on them. They aren't the best of quality, nor is the padding. So, on Monday, I walked into our local Home Depot, upon the advice of my sister, and told the woman I wanted to purchase the best carpet and pad they sell. My sister has been very happy with the carpet she got there. The woman I'm working with is awesome...she explained everything honestly to me, and was extremely knowledgeable. I wrote out the check they require to get the ball rolling, and tomorrow the guy to measure the rooms will be here to do what he has to do. I can hardly wait to get this project finished, and for my "cat" to see it, but it is going to have to be done in between his coming and going if I'm to surprise him. After the carpet, I'm going to buy us a new bedroom set, and redecorate.

Next on the list is to have a tree in our backyard taken out. It's a liquid amber, and while they are gorgeous in the fall with all their brilliant colors, they are also a mess. They drop round balls with spikes on them by the dozens, which are a nuisance. Also, where this tree sits, we want to put a nice shed and do some landscaping in the spring.

At the same time, I'm going shopping for a gas fireplace insert. I'm thinking my cat may have to go with me on this one. I don't want to make the decision by myself on which stove to purchase. He's the one that will do the plumbing for the gas, and install, so he knows and understands which stove will better suit our needs/wants. This is a project that has been waiting in the wings for about five years now. Time to get on it!
Lots to do, but it will all be worth it in the long run. Life's too short to not enjoy what you've worked hard for!

During those few moments when you don't really have enough time to pull out a big project, but you want to knit....well, that is precisely why I keep a pair of socks on needles at all times. They are so portable and you can get by with knitting on them for a couple of minutes at a time, such as at doctor appointments, when I take my dogs to the park and let them run, during pedicures, while waiting for grandkids to get out of school...and the list goes on. The latter of those reasons is how I finally got my rip cord in on one of the socks I'm knitting. I do the afterthought heel socks, and while you can't really see my rip cord (lifeline?), it's there. I made the mistake of using a yarn too close to the same color in the stripe I was on, but it will be fine when it comes time to go back and take it out. I am loving these stripey stripe socks and get so excited when I look in my stash and see that I've got three more colorways I can knit up for more socks. Don't these look fun!?!?

Lots to get done today before meeting up with my knitting group this evening. I love those ladies!!!

 Have a beautiful 'fall' day!