Played With Fire

I finally finished reading "The Girl Who Played with Fire," by Stieg Larsson, tonight.

I thought it was very good. It was a much easier read than "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," but only because all of the Swedish stuff is becoming a little bit more familiar. I can't wait to get started on the next book in the series.

Look What I Won

So, in yesterday's post, I mentioned that there was a raffle. We bought tickets and dropped them in little baskets in front of the items that we were interested in winning. I didn't expect to, looking at how many people were there for the benefit, but I won something - the movie basket!

What is just too cool, is that not a week ago, Tom said we really need to pick up the movie, "Fools Gold." Well, guess what one of the two movies in the basket were? You guessed it. The other movie is "P.S. I Love You."

Holly's Benefit

Thanks to everyone who's been praying for Holly. She's doing a little better, and can now eat mashed potatoes and applesauce. Tonight, we had a fundraiser for her at the restaurant. In addition to donations made by people at the bar and some proceeds from every drink purchased being donated, we had a raffle and silent auction (Mel and I set up the room).

We had donations from people and businesses from all around town - it was great to see the community pull together to help out a friend in need. It was a crush, and hugely successful.

Mini Fabric Collage Swap

Well, today I finally finished my collage for Jessica, in the Mini Fabric Collage Swap, and received the collage she sent me. I tried to tailor what I made for her with what I learned she liked on her blog.

The background fabric has pink polka-dots (she likes polka dots), the pocket in front is pink (one of her favorite colors), she seems to really love buttons, and she likes owls (hence the addition of the owl charm). I had hoped to make a Tiny Book to put in the pocket, but the supplies didn't come in time, so I inserted some more buttons instead.
This is what I got from Jessica. It's wonderful, not quite what I would have expected for myself, but I love it.

Dragon Tattoo

I finished reading "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," by Stieg Larsson, tonight. The book turned out to be very good, despite my initial misgivings. I feel like it took forever to get through the first chapter, but only because I couldn't tell why it was so important to focus that much on a seemingly unrelated subject. After that, it all got much easier and enjoyable to read. And do the Swedes really drink that much coffee?

Happy Valentine's Day

Sent Scarves

Well, I sent my scarves today. I feel good about it, and am glad that I sent them out a day ahead of time. I had slowed down my pace, but hopefully I'll get a few more done, just to finish up the yarn that I have. There are more states that have deadlines later than Maryland's, so if you knit or crochet, feel free to contribute your time and skills. Visit the Special Olympics Scarf Project website for more details.

Fifth Scarf

I finally finished my fifth scarf!

I think this will be the last one I make for Maryland - I've slowed down, and don't have enough time to make another one. I'm proud of what I have completed so far.

SuperBowl XLV

How conflicted am I? SuperBowl XLV did not go as planned. Pittsburgh lost, and I am truly saddened by this fact. If only there hadn't been the injuries for the Steelers. But, I did win one quarter in my football pool. I ended up making a grand total of $50. I would have gladly lost that quarter if it meant the Steelers would have won.

Fourth Scarf

Here's the fourth scarf I completed for Scarves for Special Olympics.

I'm slowing down - I don't think I've ever put this much effort into crocheting anything in a really long time. This pattern is the third from Red Heart, designated as Special Olympics patterns.