Surprises

We went to New Jersey to go apple picking with my cousin and her family. We got two half bushels of apples, two pumpkins....and two munchkins! These guys are members of the Lollipop Guild, if I'm not mistaken. The farm we went to also had interesting yellow eggplants:


While we were in the Garden State, I finished the Vogue diamond scarf (modeled by sideways Bert):



Good thing, too, because Aida (she's on the right in the top picture) so generously gifted me with these:



As you can see, I've started a ruffle scarf, though I haven't decided what to do with the ribbon. Any thoughts?

It was my brother's birthday on Monday. I gave him a scarf (shocker, huh?) and an apple birthday cake (expedient and delicious!). I knit the scarf a long time ago (yes, I am capable of planning ahead) but I forgot to take a picture of it. Doh! Oh well...anyway, it's basically this from Knitty, except in light brown, not pink.

Going back to work on Tuesday was pretty painful after such a nice long weekend. I woke up late, and very grumpy, there was a pile of crap waiting on my desk (figuratively speaking of course; everyone at the office is housebroken), and to top it off, I forgot to bring my violin music with me for my lesson. I did remember my violin, so it wasn't a total loss. So what could redeem such a lack-luster day? Bethieee to the rescue! My SP5 spoilee plots a wicked bit of vengeance and sends me a splendid package:


Yay, fun toys! There are Wizard of Oz magnets - the packaging suggests "recreating favorite scenes" :) - orange Play-Doh with a My Little Pony figurine, and an adorable bouncing bunny keychain. Then there are some more relaxing luxuries: a rosey yellow journal, hand-cut lavender soap, a beautiful green candle, plus, for my knitting pleasure, Blue Moon sock yarn and pretty purple and gold stitch markers. Thank you, Beth! What sweet and thoughtful gifts!!