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Drive-by Blogging

Hiho dearies, we're still in high gear here, but we're starting to get used to the pace. How's your week been? Here are some updates from ours:

First, we have no new dachshunds. We have hope for more dachshunds, but it's still a wait and see thing with the ambivalent owners.

Second, we've been checking into Austin's homeless population. It's true that nearly every other one you meet is a veteran. I've been doing research on this and will let those of you who've asked know what's what. I have to tell you about the Homeless Task Force people that I spoke with yesterday—I asked the administrator to give it to me straight...would a cash donation be better than something handknit? Her reply moved me to tears and will move me to tears again if I repeat it here! So let me just say that anyone who knits something warm and useful for the homeless in Austin can rest assured that socks, mittens, hats, or scarves are appreciated in ways you can't even imagine. In ways I hope we never have to imagine. I'm still collating data and responses, but I'm going to shift my knitting rotation to allow for some small woolen needful things. Local readers? Send me an email if you can supply some tender mercies.

Third, we've been doing quite a bit of fancy knitting but for one of my blog readers, so I can't show you just yet.

Fourth, oh dear! I've forgotten! I'll update later when I remember :-)

Fifth, if you've had a tough week, feel better here. I like you!

Here's my beautiful nephew giving Mikey what everybody needs more of: backrubs and kind words. Isn't he a great kid? Are we lucky or what?

We wish you a happy Friday and a lovely weekend—ciao, babies!

Fly-By

Hiho all, just checking in. It will be a day or two still before I can concentrate on knitting. When I can, I'm working a round or two on the Flared Lace Smoke Ring that Cassie has inspired me to covet and envy. Mine is even pink, like hers! So look for progress and photos in a day or two...another excellent reason to use an aggregator like bloglines. (See the Bloglines button in the sidebar.)

Troops

Since I've moved to Austin I've been troubled by the large number of homeless people, mostly men, who panhandle politely on every corner at every intersection. After making thoughtless comments on Nanette's blog regarding donations, I decided to check around and try to discover who these panhandlers are. In Austin, 40% of them are veterans: Vietnam predominantly, but Gulf War veterans are beginning to join the ranks in increasing numbers. I'm researching ways to humanely address this; local knitters, let me know if you'd like the information I gather.

Meanwhile, in some email correspondence with Jean, who has a husband in the military and a son in Iraq, she offered some suggestions for things to do for troops who are engaged in Iraq now. (You'll also see some beautiful lace there.)

Further, with the holidays upon us, it seems natural to mention to you that (according to Calivoter), the number one request of wounded and injured soldiers being cared for at Walter Reed Hospital is for phone cards. Last month they used 55,000 minutes. Many of the soldiers will be in the hospital through Christmas, a particularly lonely time to be away from family. Here's an address if you find that you need one: Medical Family Assistance Center, Walter Reed Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Building 2, Third Floor, Room 3E01, Washington, DC 20307-5001.

Pups

The pups were busy over the weekend; we had expected to meet those two dachshunds, but scheduling conflicts pushed that meeting back bark bark. Instead, the pups had company in the shape of the brilliant and beautiful Susan.

Yes! This is a poor-quality photo. But this house is dark and it was a dreary rainy day, brightened only by Susan's visit (she brought cookies, too!). Luckily for us, a day brightened by Susan is a day that stays bright. We wish you could all meet her :-)

Back to my deadline; have a lovely Monday!