Zeus Update

Excuse the drive-by post.... even though it's only Tuesday, we've already had a busy week!  Zeus had the low dose dexamethasone suppression test yesterday.  We had to drive back and forth to the v-e-t- 3 times and boy was he happier than a pig in poop with all the car rides!  It was a beautiful day too, so we had the windows wide open and his ears were flying all around.  This pic was taken at home after the second blood draw... does he look like a dog who'd been stuck with needles all day?

The lab got his blood work processed rather quickly and I've already spoken with the vet today.  It's official... we have ruled out Cushing's Disease.  I guess that's good and bad news, as we still don't know what is causing my baby's liver levels to rise.  Our next step will be an ultrasound in the coming weeks.  The specialist will be able to look closely at his liver and other organs to see if there are any visible signs of the elevated levels (i.e. tumors).  Keep those paws crossed and please continue to send good vibes... we really appreciate it!

In other news, little Sake is still here.  We can not believe that no one has adopted her yet and neither can she!

She truly is a ball full of energy and is going to make someone a great companion!  She loves to wrestle and romp, and sure is keeping all of the Lapdogs on their toes.  She's constantly trying to get them all to play with her, whether by pulling on Sophie's ears or running Daytona 500-like circles around Zeus.  (Have I mentioned how tolerant my pack is of fosters?)  Sake loves her cuddle times with both the Lapdogs and humans as well.  She is a beautiful little girl, full of love and ready for her very own forever home!

REVIEW: Knits For Nerds

Knits For Nerds
30 Projects: Science Fiction, Comic Books, Fantasy
by Joan of Dark aka Toni Carr
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Andrew McMeel Publishing (February 21, 2012)

 

Knitting meets Comic Con in Knits for Nerds: 30 Projects: Science Fiction, Comic Books, Fantasy.  Joan of Dark (aka Toni Carr) has created an extensive collection of dorky patterns for clothing and accessories inspired by cult classics such as Star Trek, Star Wars, Firefly and Harry Potter. 

The patterns in Knits for Nerds have been organized into four categories: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Comics and Manga, and Other Stuff for Nerds.  Whether you're looking to knit a pair of Hobbit Feet Slippers or a Baby Elf Beanie, there's sure to be something for everyone to get their geek on!  Perhaps you've been longing for Padme's Battle Cape to wear to the grocery store... but be careful, your sweetie just might put in an order for his very own Next Generation Sweater.  If you've got some spare time on your hands, perhaps it's time to cast on the Time Traveler Scarf... it's 20 feet long!

I'll admit... I don't recognize many of the themes in Knitting For Nerds and I'm wondering why my very own geeky sci-fi favorite, Fringe, wasn't included.   I'm thinking a Walter lab coat or a Fauxlivia scarf would be fitting.  However, I am excited that The Big Bang Theory was included via the Big Bang Guy's Sweater Vest and Big Bang Girl's Sweater Vest.  The gal's version is actually based on Penny's work uniform - love it! 

There are a few patterns for those of us "not quite as geeky."  One of the more universal knits in the book is the Book Wizard, a carry-all for your e-reader.  However, I must say I'm a little disappointed to see the pattern written in only 2 techy sizes - iPad and Kindle.  What about those of us who love a little Nooky?

The photography through out Knits for Nerds is quirky and colorful.  Instructions are clearly written and the techniques section is adequate for both beginners and experienced knitters who need a refresher.

Verdict?  It's not a personal favorite of mine, but that's only because I'm not nerdy enough! If you're ever dreamed of going to Comic Can, Knits for Nerds is for you!

About the Author: Joan of Dark (aka Toni Carr) is an avid lover of all things knit and crocheted. She has been featured on Uncommon Threads and Knitty Gritty and her patterns have been published on KnitPicks.com and in Vampire Knits.  With a science fiction writer for a mother, and a father who made sure that her comic book collection was always stocked, she had no choice but to grow up a geek!

Erin Go Bark!

from the Lapdog household to yours...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Got Green Beer?

Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers—
Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours—
Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too,
And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through!

Sláinte!

A Little Taste of Sake

Happy Friday!  It's been quite a busy week here.  Sake arrived on Saturday and has been keeping us on our toes!  We had a tiny bit of snow the morning she arrived and boy did she love it... but it melted just a couple hours later.

Sake is an almost 14 pound, 13 week old fluff-ball of energy!  She is black lab-something mix (we figure the "something" will start to show as she ages) who was dumped with her siblings in a cat carrier by a river in Alabama.  Amazingly, nothing can get her spirit down... she's extremely outgoing and a bundle of love!  She loved walking around the yard on a "big girl" leash and tried to help Matt work on the Legends car on Sunday...

I'll get some more photos downloaded off of the camera next week to share, but isn't she adorable?  She's looking for her perfect forever home if you know anyone interested!

In other pooch news, we're asking that everyone please send good vibes for Zeus.  When we discovered his liver levels were elevated during his annual check up in early February, our vet put him on an antibiotic (for 2 weeks) and a liver supplement (twice daily).  He had follow up blood work this week and the liver levels are still rising, so the next step will be testing for Cushing's Disease.  I'm hoping that's where we'll get our results (especially since some of you have already said Cushing's is very treat/manageable) and we won't have to continue to take a stab in the dark about what's going on. 

In the meantime, Sake is keeping Zeus and the rest the kids on their toes, but they're just trying to sneak in some afternoon naps...

Happy Fiber Art's Friday!  I haven't had a chance to cast on either project I mentioned last week, but do plan to do so soon (plan being the key word).  I'm still searching for the right project for the Irish purple yarn however.  Today I'm heading up to my hometown to meet my Mom and will finally get to check out another LYS that I've been meaning to visit since they opened.  There's actually a big Yarn Crawl going on, but Mom & I will only be crawling to Coveted Yarn (after all, I'm on a strict yarn diet budget).  

I've received a few new knitting books for review this week, so stay tuned!  If you missed Knit Your Own Cat earlier this week, be sure to check it out!  Of course, I'm partial to Knit Your Own Dog, but this is one cute book as well!

GIVEAWAY WINNER! Calico Dragon Bags

Thank you to everyone who entered to win the Calico Dragon Bags gift certificate! The winner has been selected by random number generator...

Here are your random numbers: 2

Congratulations to Chan! We can't wait to see what you pick out... will it be the Ocean tote?

Stay tuned for more reviews and giveaways coming soon!

A Long Winter's Nap

Happy Wordless Wednesday!  May you find yourself a warm, sunny spot and curl up for a long an end to winter's nap today...

REVIEW: Knit Your Own Cat

Knit Your Own Cat
Easy-to-Follow Patterns for 16 Frisky Felines
by Sally Muir & Joanna Osborne
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers (February 7, 2012)

 

After great success in 2011 with Knit Your Own Dog, Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne have teamed up once again to satisfy cat loving knitters worldwide with Knit Your Own Cat: Easy-to-Follow Patterns for 16 Frisky Felines.  After all, everyone knows cats and knitters are perfect companions (almost as perfect as dogs and knitters)!

Knit Your Own Cat offers step-by-step knitting patterns for 16 breeds, which have been organized into four main categories; long-haired, short-haired, exotic and street.  The clearly written instructions will have both new and veteran knitters creating adorable little kitties in no time at all.  Each pattern is extremely detailed, yet you'll find you can knit a new companion in just a few evenings while watch TV.  The cats can be even be knit into several positions, including standing, sitting, crouching and curled up napping.

The photographs throughout Knit Your Own Cat are colorful and really capture the details of each pattern.  An accompanying hints chapter covers yarn selection, modifying patterns, stuffing your new creations and adding personalized details (think collars, bells and bows).

Whether you're a cat lover or not, you'll be pleased to know these felines are guaranteed not to shed (unless you use fuzzy yarn, of course) or scratch your furniture... and they don't need to be fed or brought to the vet!  Better yet, they won't cause any allergies!

Knit Your Own Cat is the purr-fect book for knitting cat lovers.  Add a copy to your knitting library today - even if you aren't a cat person, I bet you have many friends who are and just think of all the custom cat creations you can surprise them with!

About the Authors: Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne run their own knitwear business, Muir and Osborne.  They have an upscale shop in London and export their knitwear to stores worldwide, including Barneys, Saks and The Cross.  Several pieces of their knitwear are in the permanent collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.