My weekly exercise in gratitude – three things that are making me smile – feel free to steal this idea with wild abandon and fill your blog [or Twitter account or Facebook page or diary or life in general] with happiness.
First, secret stitching gifts. I mentioned before that, despite my usual rejection of all things Christmas, I decided to participate in Sewchet’s festive gift exchange. It’s nice to have an excuse to put together some yarny things that I know will be appreciated… and also to pass on some of my surplus. I made a start this week with my making, creating this little work basket; after all, you can never have too many receptacles for all those “works in progress”:
work basket from Berber carpet wool
Making it was tough on the fingers because the thick carpet wool is quite rough, but it holds its shape well and it should be very robust. In fact this probably counts as a double smile, because I’ve had that particular wool sitting in my collection for several years, so it’s been good to find an appropriate use for it.
Second, food with friends. Some friends came round for dinner on Tuesday evening – I cooked roast pork and heaps of vegetables, followed by apple pie and cream. The food wasn’t fancy, but it was delicious… all the more for sharing it with dear friends. We probably don’t do this often enough.
Third, sleepy dogs. I’m always amused how tired the dogs are after we’ve had people visiting. I smiled a lot at Sam being so crashed out yesterday; she was even too tired for a walk. Oh and for those of you who have asked – Max is still hanging in there . He’s rather frail, but he’s enjoying his low fat, high carb food and a tiny walk on dry days… not a bad life for an old dog.
Sam in recovery yesterday
So, that’s some of what’s making me happy this week. How about you?
-oOo-
Emily of Nerd in the Brain originally created Three Things Thursday, but it’s now being hosted by Natalie of There She Goes.
The Snail of Happiness 
coppicelearner
/ November 16, 2017I made a similar work basket from some thick wool left over from another project (but not carpet wool so easier on the fingers). It is so useful to be able to thread spare needles like a cable needle through the side to keep it safe and I have a couple of safety pins pinned to it to secure dropped stitches whilst I unpick back to them. Uses a basket basket or bag cannot do.
Orchid and Roo send woofs and wags to Max and Sam. Glad to hear Max is enjoying life still.
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KerryCan
/ November 16, 2017Sleepy dogs (and cats) always make me happy–they relax so well and easily, I envy them! And I love your work basket!
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katechiconi
/ November 16, 2017I love that basket, so useful and so much more attractive for being handmade. I’m grateful for my new embroidery project, for a nice piece of pork in the fridge to make pulled pork (again!), and for a tree full of mangos which will hopefully ripen if the birds leave us any!
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nanacathy2
/ November 16, 2017I am almost drooling like a dog at the thought of roast posk and crackling and stuffing and apple sauce.
I am grateful for figuring out how to do my ancestry dna test, not easy for a Nana of little brain, for the nice chaps who help at the recylcing centre, and the car got an MOT.
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Ann Pole
/ November 16, 2017I’m glad Max is still with you.
We met baby turtle the other day, mum & dad were delighted with turtle toy, though little one was more interested in milk at the time! Big thank you from them both. And from us. 🙂
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sewchet
/ November 16, 2017Ooh, what a fabulous basket – SO useful and sturdy, too. I can only admire that you persevered using such unforgiving yarn. I am also thankful that my little Fifi is still with us.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ November 16, 2017I hope the recipient likes it… and now I have the fun of filling it with goodies…
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thecontentedcrafter
/ November 16, 2017That basket is a winner! I have a pattern for one but have never quite gotten around to making it up – such a good idea for your Secret Santa gift! Glad to hear Max continues on happily. I’m pleased I got another post up after only a one month absence 🙂
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The Snail of Happiness
/ November 16, 2017I just made up the pattern for the basket, but it worked out how I wanted it to. I was glad to see a post from you – especially to hear about Siddy’s good work and see those lovely plants in your garden.
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wybrow1966
/ November 16, 2017Love the basket and sleepy dogs always make me smile as they look so cute!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ November 16, 2017I really should crochet a blankie for the dogs to snuggle in!
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Laurie Graves
/ November 16, 2017Nothing better than food with friends and sleepy dogs. And that basket is pretty darned fantastic, too.
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arlingwoman
/ November 17, 2017I love the work basket and it’s handles!! My first thought was “I hope that’s in her shop,” but reading your description, I can realize you might not be in for making numbers of them! And hooray for having friends for dinner! The dogs are just tired after entertaining guests…
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insearchofitall
/ November 18, 2017Lots to be grateful for here. I love the work basket! Food with friends is always good. I have such a large list to be grateful for but right now the son is here for a visit and to help take care of a few things I can’t do alone. Have a wonderfilled weekend.
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