After many months of this being on my hook (almost a whole year!) I have completed Haley, the spiral doily of love. I had made it to the last spiral round when I discovered a tragic error, and had to frog the entire round. I was distraught, so I set it aside for a very long while until I could muster the courage to tackle the spirals again. I recently became motivated to finish up the last rounds. Haley measures 15 inches in diameter and is made with Opera size 20 thread in Antique Violet.

Mr. Doo, armed with a brand-new credit card, located a questionably reputable low-cost plastic surgeon to have his eyes done. He now joins the ranks of other aging celebrities who seek out cosmetic improvements all in the name of fashion and trend-setting.

You Bet Your Ass Ming Does Chicken Right!

In the quest to improve statues or likeness of famous people, Ming now graces the eerie fiberglass, characterized likeness of Colonel Sanders, fried chicken maven.

Ming has powers that far exceed The Colonel. She recently stopped a tornado from touching down in Wilson, and directed it instead to nearby Goldsboro. Ming is a Force of Nature, whereas Col. Sanders is merely a man in a white suit with a string tie.

Ming knows the secret 11 herbs and spices to the famous KFC recipe because she is omniscient, and she attended the C.I.A. (aka Culinary Institute of America).

Before clicking away from this page, take a moment to truly stare at the new and improved Colonel Sanders Ming to fully appreciate the out reaching arms that are frozen in air. Is Ming trying to lure you in for a hug, only to chomp down on your neck, killing you instantly? Or is Ming luring you in so she can Kentucky fry you?

Abe vs. Ming

Out in the middle of almost nowhere in Laramie, Wyoming, is a giant head of Abe Lincoln. It's kind of spooky, creepy, and just a little disconcerting to come upon this giant Abe amidst the trees.

I wonder how it might look to replace the giant Abe head with a giant Ming head. Some advantages to the giant Ming head would be:

• Eyes that glow in the dark when light shines upon them. I'm sure that would cause many a car to swerve off the road at night!
• Warning sounds in the form of Ming's various meows. The statue is located on a mountain, so when snowy, icy, or other poor conditions apply, just flip a switch and Ming will give you ample warning.
• Ming is equipped to purr, thus you know when she is happy and content. I'd hate to think of what sound Abe makes when he's happy and content!
• Abe has dull, omnivore teeth whereas Ming comes fully armed with sharp, pointy fangs! Ming is related to the ancient saber tooth tigers. Need more be said?
• Ming has silky soft fur. Abe's beard looks coarse and scratchy.
• Large, triangular ears to hear distant sounds, plus a better range of hearing. I betcha dollars to donuts that Abe was pretty much stone deaf, even though he had pretty big ears!

Silver "Sassy McKat", official Shrone Spokescritter, passed away yesterday. She lived a full, sassy life of 16 years, and was a fine companion to my sister and brother-in-law. Whenever I'd visit them, Silver would make an appearance, slinking her way into the room, and then would give one of her trademark sassy vocalizations. Silver had the most softest fur I've ever felt. It was like petting silver. She was a wise Shrone. I know she has gone home to the Mother Ship.

On March 10, 2006, she was inducted into The Hall of Shrones. Her salient characteristics and entry into Shronedom are remembered:

Silver Sassy McKat is the Uknowable Shrone cat of Elle Marz. Silver has kitten fur though she is about 14 human years old. Her photo was artificially created because there is no way anyone could put a turban on her.

• She has three phases like the moon: blue="love me, pet me, make me drool"; pink="SASSY!"; yellow="rawlf on your shoe". She has a rare purple phase which indicates contact with the "mother ship".
• She doesn't meow...she sasses: "neeerrrr"
• She is gray..what more be said
• She drools
• She had gone out cruising for penis prior to her spaying.
• She is unknowable.
• She walks around the bed widdershins to ward us from harm
• She shoots through the cat-door at near light-speeds after using litter box.
• She's one groovy cat and I think she's super cool!
• She hasn't killed her inner kitten and she freely allows it out to play.

She is survived by her feline companions, Stormy and Butter, and well as her human companions, Elle and B.

Self-Imposed PK Doily Challenge Progress

My 44th doily now is completed from my self-imposed PK Challenge! I've completed my first pattern book of doilies with Glorious from Wonderful Doilies. I decided to "color" this doily by making the pineapples in a contrasting/complimentary solid shade. I used three colors from Valdani size 12: S86, P10 and JP3. There are two different variegated colors and the one solid color. I am estimating that this doily measures at least 16" in diameter.

This doily is going to my Doily Swap partner. I selected this doily pattern for her along with the colors.

I've decided to finish up the two doilies that have been WIPs for far too long before starting any new patterns. I hope to get at least one of them finished before we go on our road trip on April 4th.

Here is my 2nd doily completed for the year from my Self-Imposed PK Doily Challenge! It is from her newest book Exquisite Doilies. The pattern's name is Michele. She measures 15" in diameter. I made her from two solid colors of Valdani size 12 thread: S86 and S79.

I don't yet know who her new family will be as I will have to find a forever home for her. I'm sure I'll find her new home shortly.

Secret Goodies Arrive!

I received my first package of goodies from my marvelous secret pal! She and I have a lot in common, and we have wonderfully chatty e-mail letters. The bonus is she lives in North Carolina! I think she's on the opposite side of the state from where I'll settle. But there is always meeting half-way if she'd be up for it! (Hint, hint)

She loves to thread crochet and tells me she'd been inspired to dig through her stash of patterns. Her even stitches and perfectly formed double crochets just have me hypnotized! I've looked at her work over and over in a state of awe. I am truly a threadie nerd because I get a tingle and thrill just seeing excellent stitch work like that!

The nifty thing she made and sent was a beautiful tape measure crocheted in a lovely antique rose thread! It's so pretty! I had to give it special attention.

She knows I'm a tea lover, so she included some Scottish tea that she is fond of and wanted my opinion on taste. It's very flavorful and a hearty tea! I think it would make an excellent iced tea. It's a morning tea because of how strong it brews, and I love a strong, morning tea.