A Playful Swap

I listen to A Playful Day podcast and the podcast's group on Ravelry recently had a swap.

Look! It's from across the pond!!


But looks like it's from NASA. (Isn't this cool bubble wrap?)


The excitement heightens!


Ta-da!



The yarn is a lovely Louisa Harding yarn and the goodies are nearly consumed (and, of course, the salt and vinegar crisps were the first to go). My keychain had just broke - and look, a brand new one - with a sheep on it! I've been wearing the fingerless mitts nearly everyday since I got the package.



Wow, is it ever hard to take a picture of your own hand, especially when you're trying to show off the cable detail!

Many, many thanks to my swap pal, Claire!

It's Up

The new Twist Collective issue is available.


Dear Santa,

I would like one of everything, including the yarns featured in the ads.

I've tried to be good all year and I think I'm on your Nice List. If I'm on the other list, I'd prefer lumps of coal over eyelash novelty yarn.

Love, Stashhaus

P.S. Hello to Rudolph and all the other reindeer. We'll leave them some treats right next to your milk and cookies.

Chili Cook-Off

So the folks in the building where I work decided to have a Chili contest. Each department picked a day and provides chili and the fixings. Everyone else gets to eat and vote.

Last week it was my office's turn so me and my 2 colleagues pulled out the stops. We weren't just going for the points for the chili, but for the whole meal and overall presentation. We had real plates, silverware, glasses, pitchers, serving dishes, etc. The only disposable item used was the napkins.













We had three types of chili - aptly named.









It was...

Put The Sweater On. Take the Sweater Off. Put The Sweater On. Take The Sweater Off...

It's been a very schizophrenic fall/early winter. The weather can't seem to make up it's mind.

It rains.



It's mild and sunny.



It snows.



Today it's back to mild and sunny and not a trace of snow left on the ground.

Smallville 911

First 911 call. Some months ago.

Officer: 911.

Me. Hi, this is [Stashhaus]. I'm westbound on highway xx, just west of address #####. There's cattle outside of a fence.

Officer: OK, we'll send an officer out.

Second 911 call. A couple of months ago.

Officer: 911.

Me: Hi, this is [Stashhaus]. I'm westbound on highway XX. Just west of address #####, there's cattle outside the fence on the north side of the road.

Officer: Ok, we'll send someone out. Hey, are you on your way here for court?

Me: Yes, and I"m running late because I had to turn around to get the nearest address to let you know where the cattle are. I'm coming for the mental commitment case. Are you guys the ones transporting Mr. Client from the mental institution to court?

Officer: Yeah, in fact, he just arrived.

Me: Can you let the court know I'm running 10 minutes behind schedule?

Officer: Don't worry. Mr. Client didn't have breakfast and he's hungry. We'll feed Mr. Client some lunch, then he'll be ready for court about the time you get here.

Me: Thanks.


Third 911 call. Yesterday.

Officer: 911.

Me: Hi, this is [Stashhaus]. I'm heading east on highway XX. Just east of address #####, there's cattle out between the fence and the highway on the south side of the road.

Officer: Are you on your way to work?

Me: Yeah.

Officer: Our courthouse is closed for Veteran's Day. Is the XX county courthouse open?

Me: Yes, it is. I've got a hearing this morning.

Officer: Why aren't they closed for Veteran's Day, too?

Me: I don't know.