Not Applicable?

This week one of my daughters had a follow appointment at the pediatrician. They asked me to fill out one of those forms that doctors tend to have us fill out to update their information.

So I'm looking at the form, and I fill out the name and address section, and then I see they are asking about medical history. Which of the following things did your parents or close relatives have? This went on for a page and a half.

I sat there looking at it for about 5 minutes. I wasn't confused. I knew I couldn't write anything because we don't know. My daughters were born and adopted in another country. But what struck me is how many times my children will have to look at this form in their lifetimes. And how many other people have to look at this form -- and they don't know! Yet there was no "not applicable" box or anything. No "nod" to the segment of the population (which I know to be more than my two children) who have no idea about their biological medical history. (BTW, Medical Community, N/A might be an important answer. Better than my not checking anything and just handing it in.)

So I had to write a big fat N/A across the section. Then I handed it to the nurse and said, "I couldn't really answer this." She looked at it, laughed nervously, and said, "well, that's ok."

??

Sweaters galore

I've been working on two different sweaters for Christmas gifts. The first was a santa-style sweater which I gave to a friend...did I mention it was for her dogs? She admired it at a show, and it just seemed silly to have her pay for one. I made something similar (not identical) which was more easily adjusted for her dogs (who aren't all the same exact size.)

Now I'm working on a cardigan for my niece. She's only a few months old, and the cardigan is for a 12 month old, but it's light weight, and she should get some good use out of it. I figure too big is better than too small when it comes to children!

I also am still working on that throw. It's taking forEVer. I've got about 4 feet done, but it really needs to be about a foot longer. Thankfully I am making good progress, and I still have time!

I also want to make 3 more washcloths for the kids. They really need something for washing their faces and I thought they'd be more excited if they had their very own washcloth, made just for them. The washcloths are fast, though. I can do them each in a day.

More knitting photos to come!

Cool Contest

If you haven't been over to Fine Martial Fiber, go check it out. She's having a cool Contest for some yarn and needles. You just have to recognize some famous smiles. Go check it out!

My favorite!

As this is not very calorie friendly, I only make this at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'm working on a healthier version for the rest of the year (it's really delicious, and cranberries are very good for you.)

Cranberry-Apple Casserole

3 C peeled chopped apples (make them about the size of cranberries)
2 C cranberries (fresh)
2 T flour
3 Pkg instant oatmeal (cinnamon spice flavor)
3/4 C chopped pecans
1/2 C flour
1/2 C brown sugar
1/2 C butter, melted

Combine apples, cranberries, 2 T flour, tossing to coat fruit. Add 1 C sugar, mixing well. Place in 2 qt casserole.

Combine oatmeal, nuts, 1/2 C flour, and brown sugar. Add butter and stir well. Spoon over fruit mixture.

Bake uncovered at 350F for 45 minutes.

You can make this a day or two ahead of time and bake just before serving. You can garnish this with extra cranberries and pecans -- make Holly shapes at Christmas!

We serve this with the meal, but it would also be wonderful for dessert with vanilla ice cream. Yum!

Christmas is coming

I am working on two Christmas projects, and the one is killing me. I'm making a throw for my mom. It's easy. Very pretty, but very easy. And thus, boring as hell. But it's super soft and plush, and I know she'll love it, so I try to do 12 rows a day (which takes awhile since it's almost 4 feet wide), and eventually, it will be finished.

The pattern is Scallops and Squares from the BHG book, "Knitted Gifts." The yarn is Knit Picks Shine Worsted in "blush."

Garterlac Washcloth

The engineer wanted me to make something for her that was pink, and she picked out this pink varigated cotton. So I tried a few different patterns, and then I found this washcloth pattern over on Criminy Jickets. When he says cast on really loosely, he ain't foolin. But despite my less loose cast-on (next time, Dave), I think it came out pretty well.

All Done!

I finished the scarf for ISE5. I need to do a little touch up blocking, but I think it came out pretty good!

What do you think? I know it is a little shiny in the photo due to the silk. It's not shiny at all in real life.