Saturday, December 14, 2013

5 row scarf and a tree








Okay so this scarf has more than 5 rows but it's all about the method I used to finish it.  This is the one-skein chevron scarf I made first in pink, back here, and is free on Ravelry.  I used Madelinetosh Pashmina in Olivia this time, which looks like a pukey green color in all of these pictures, but is incredibly soft against the skin. Since "the puppy" is my new full time job, I kept this project within easy reach, and would sit (or stand), and try to bust out 5 rows at a time.  It would go something like this:
Crochet row 1
Get up and remove the couch from puppies mouth
crochet row 2-3
take puppy out to pee, walk around back yard for-ev-er
15 minutes later, crochet row 4
get up to answer phone, and run back to the couch in time to save $30 skein of Pashmina yarn from puppy teeth (no harm done)
crochet row 5
And so it went.
Our 11 year old Lab (nicest dog ever) is just not that into the new addition to the family.  Maybe it's because the puppy relentlessly launches herself at any of his loose, sagging skin folds, latches on, and swings like Tarzan. For now we are keeping them segregated, and trying to give him some special one on one time.
 Like the rest of you, I've been busy decorating and wrapping and shopping.  I'm also eating a ton of Satsuma tangerines, which I absolutely love (almost as much as the See's candy I usually consume this time of year, but I have vowed to change my evil sugary ways.)  I really should plant a tree.  A tangerine tree, not a See's candy tree. 
I already started another scarf (In green again.  I don't know what that's all about. I don't like green that much), this time in Malabrigo.  More on that later.)

Right now, my daughter and I are watching White Christmas, and drinking Brandy Alexanders (here's the recipe I used).  I'm waiting for the husband to come back from the hardware store with tree stand #2.  Our tree is currently leaning half way out of the crap tree stand, despite the addition of bricks, plastic wire, and an assortment of oddities gleaned from the corners of the garage.  Every Christmas there always has to be a tree of epic proportions, which usually requires a hole filled with quick dry cement and guide wires.  Meanwhile the boy ducked out to play football with his buddies, the puppy is howling for her food, and the pizza is being delivered.  For some reason, putting up the Christmas tree requires a certain amount of drama around here, and this year is no exception. Hence the Brandy Alexanders.
From my nut house to yours, I wish you a very Merry Christmas.
Lynne

10 comments:

  1. Ok I laughed out loud at your puppy. I remember all too well. Your poor old dog. What a treasure. Enjoy your tree decorating. Hope it looks good in the morning --after all the Brandy LOL

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  2. I am laughing out loud at this post!!! Having a new puppy is like having a baby, only way more destructive to your house!! I hope she gets all potty trained and grows out of her chewing soon!
    Love the scarf!!! So pretty!
    I hope you got your tree all straightened out! The Brandy Alexander sounded goooood!!
    xo Kris

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  3. Lynne, you made me laugh this morning. Our house always has drama when it comes to the tree, and also the outside lights. Of course a cute little puppy throws a bunch of fun into the mix. She sure is adorable. Good for you getting the scarf done, I love the five row story.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  4. Laughing! Thanks! After shoveling 10 inches of snow off my never ending driveway by myself(everyone else is at work) I'm whipped and needed that chuckle! Love the puppy story! The scarf looks pretty! Christmas trees never go up with out some kind of drama! I had to carve the sides of the trunk on ours this year because it was too fat to get into the canister that fits into my tree stand!!! :)

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  5. This is the laugh I needed today after spending 6+ hours these past 2 days by myself, shoveling snow the old fashion way with the shovel. The clincher was it was still snowing and I wasn't getting much accomplished. So much for resting on a Sunday. Your scarf is very pretty, and for some reason I am loving that color you chose. That pup, so into everything and I'm sure you aren't finding a moments peace keeping her out of trouble. The tree use to be drama around here too, it was the lights that were the culprit. I can remember my hubby getting all the lights on the tree, me asking him if he tested them before hand and him commenting on how I "think I know it all" only for him to plug them in and not one light was burning. He started using a few choice words at that moment and I recall our girls sitting on the couch telling their dad how he was ruining Christmas by his behavior, lol. That was when I stepped in, told him to go out to the garage and find something to do and I would handle the tree. I think he was relieved to be out of the house and away from all the fuss. he never touched the trees again, we always offered to do the job and I know he was more than glad to go do his own thing. He is gone now, I miss him. This is the first Christmas without him. Cherish those memories.
    (((HUGS))) Susanne :)

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  6. I'm so jealous that you used Madelintosh. I still haven't bought or used any and I've been dying to! Your scarf is so pretty made with it. Puppies are such hard work, but just remember how totally worth it those few months are when they are full-grown and full of manners. Ha.

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  7. Love the resigned look on your 11 year old lab's face - he's clearly not at all impressed with the situation! Sounds like you are having a super time with the tree, we always look forward to decorating the tree but end up getting very stressed about it all. A glass of alcohol inevitably works wonders! Hope you have the most amazing Christmas and New Year. Love the scarf BTW. xxx

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  8. Haha, this post made me grin, big time. Love the citrus alternative to the the See's candies. See's has always been a favorite of mine too...not this year.

    You really got my attention with a five row scarf...that's doable this time of year. :-) I have one more Christmas gift scarf to finish for our daughter but she has requested chevron, but I am lucky that I do not have a puppy to attend to...probably next year I will. ;-)

    I do not know of this Brandy delight that you speak of...but I am off to find out.

    Happy Holidays Lynne!

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  9. I love the scarf, I love the brandy, and I LOVE the puppy. What a good old man your big dog is, putting up with the new kid. I can totally hear his deeply resigned sighing. Good luck with your tree! :)

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  10. Wait - there are See's candy trees? I must get one. Preferably a Molasses Chip tree, or failing that a Bordeaux tree.

    Saw you on Astri's sidebar and had to find out about the 5-row scarf. I'm glad it survived the puppy teeth. 11-year-old Lab looks very resigned. :)

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You guys are awesome! Thank you for the comments!