Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Beyond the surface


Leo's slave master is down for the count after some kind of viral invasion force took over his body. After waiting all day yesterday for a walk, Leo resigned himself to the fact that he wasn't going anywhere. With a big sigh, he curled into a ball and tried to sleep. Feeling really sorry for him, I bundled up and jangled his leash. The beast went bonkers. Surprisingly, he was really good on our walk, didn't jerk the leash or wrench my back and only tore into one neighbor's trash bag (came up with a mouthful of paper towel). He did try to attack one ornamental deer. People in our neighborhood should feel safer when Leo is out and about, or at least be assured that the holiday decor will not gather and plan a revolt. That dog can carry on at the same inanimate objects until he's certain they're not alive and then the very next day, he acts the same toward the same exact objects. Other than that, I think he's really smart. Either he has a short term memory issue or he's perpetually hopeful that one day he'll corner the real McCoy.

It's remarkable how many people do laundry at midnight and the array of dryer fabric softener scents is fairly amazing. The neighborhood, though quiet on the outside, was apparently very industrious indoors. Block after block smelled like a giant floral bouquet and if I didn't know better, I'd think I lived in a garden spot--not somewhere a few miles north of Detroit.

Having been led astray by a good book, I'm not much further along on those mittens and still have a bit of embroidery to fill out the bottom part of the mitten. Can you identify what's on the mitten from what I did get done? I swear, I've looked at this pattern for days now and was so charmed and focused by the hearts on the thumbs that I couldn't see what was knit and embellished on the top of the hand.


On the pattern, it looked like a blob of white with nothing really remarkable.


This is why I love color knitting. Things aren't always what they seem at first, are they?

12 comments:

Celia said...

Hope you feel better! Your project is looking wonderful. Can't wait to see it completed.

Unknown said...

love the mittens.......one day I will attempt to make some....lol
Hugs from South Texas...Birgit

Stephanie V said...

Nothing like a midnight walk to shake your sillies out. Oh, wait. you haven't told Leo about that yet, I guess.

That dryer sheet scent would be murder on asthmatics around here. Even wood smoke from fireplaces/stoves is kind of a no-no.

The mittens are all my favorite colors now. Gorgeous!

SkippyMom said...

I love that smell Rudee from the dryer sheets at night when we walk the dogs - it is neat. Although we don't walk them at midnight when it is cold. I know what you mean about how depressed they get when they know they aren't getting their walk b/c I can't go alone and Dad went to bed early.

I was going to guess a church, but once you put in the blues and yellows I think it looks sort of like an angel. Or a bridesmaid. ;D

And Leo can come and attack any of my decorations at anytime. I feel your pain. hee

Rudee said...

Skippy, it could be an angel. It's definitely a woman in a floral skirt.

Gail said...

Maybe Leo has a vision problem...

The mittens are beautiful but I can't guess the pattern, looks like flowers to me.

Stay warm.

Unknown said...

Hi Rudee. I thought maybe you had an Indian symbol, but I believe it is a lady. Very complicated looking to me though. Like those on the previous post. You are getting super at the mittens. blessings
QMM

Lisa L said...

leo = adorableness. we have just recently(within the last 3 days) had 2 dogs and 2 cats move in next door. i know. my 2 dogs are going apeshit. because our new neighbors? let their dogs out to do their thing, and they have wandered into our yard to introduce themselves to 'cody' and 'bean-elizabeth' and to organize cocktails. the barking is going to be really, really challenging. especially to the neighbors who live on the other side of us.

Brenda said...

Leo needs his own blog. He leads an exciting life. The mittens look really fun to make.

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

how in the world? my goodness, how fun!!!! good for you. and leo is just tits!

smiles, bee
xoxoxoxoxoox

lovestitch said...

Hi Rudee,
Beautiful mittens!
I would like to nominate you for a Stylish Blogger Award! Please drop by my blog to take it, you are very welcome!
Happy New Year!!!

Anonymous said...

The neighbors really should be thankful for Leo, and his Guard Dog instincts. If you haven't seen on the news, your neighborhood has had a few garage break ins. I dare the thieves to step one foot onto Leo's block. All snow blowers, yard tools, and lawn ornaments can sleep good knowing Leo is on guard.