Romans 5 vs 8

XOXO

♥

Happy October!

It's finally Fall!

The weather has cooled down…  Summer is gone and
Autumn is slowly creeping into place.

October is one of my very most favorite months, probably because the coolness is always so welcome after such hot summers.

Today was 64 degrees, 

and I planted some pansies in our mailbox planters.

I really enjoy working outside in the flowerbeds, just not when it’s so hot.  If only it could be in the 60’s more often!  Unfortunately it seems like I have to cram all my weeding, deadheading and garden stuff into October and April every year.  I would enjoy being outside all summer if it could’ve felt like it did today!

I also enjoy the instant gratification of yard/garden work.  And being the type who likes things neat and tidy, I really like getting back outside (after looking at the chaos all summer) and finally getting to put things back in order.

The prep was the hardest part, because the volunteer (read: weedy) trumpet vine has really taken over this year.  I heard that this year’s weather was perfect for vines to go crazy, so I guess I am not alone dealing with this aggressive volunteer.

Don’t get me wrong, in the right location, I love trumpet vines.  We had some at our previous house, and it was dense and lush up against a fence and it bloomed all summer long.  It was gorgeous.

Unfortunately at our current home, it's in a shady flowerbed, so there are no pretty orange blooms.  Only vines and greenery.  (which I am usually thankful for, but they really took over this year, along with the Virginia Creeper!)

Anyway, to close, and hopefully to bring a smile to your face, here is a photo of some turkeys that visited us last week!  They are always so awkwardly funny and fun to watch.

Happy October!

XOXO,

Lucky Dog

♥

Friday Funny

TGIF, y'all!

XOXO,

Lucky Dog

♥

An Experiment with Essential Oils

http://www.stopthestomachflu.com/do-essential-oils-like-thieves-really-kill-germs

Click here for the experiment.

This gal has a Ph.D. in biochemistry

and

decided to test how effective essential oils were against germs.

She doesn't sell oils.
She isn't affiliated with any company.

She doesn't even use essential oils.

It's a bit of a read,
so feel free to skim...

But the bottom line is:

yes, they actually work!

And she even tested 5 different brands:

one of which is the popular

Young Living's "Thieves"

and another is the very affordable brand

Plant Therapy, and its "Germ Fighter" blend.

I'm thrilled to find such a scientific study
using essential oils.

(I love unbiased opinions!)

Just thought I'd pass it along!
Happy Fall!

XOXO,

Lucky Dog
♥

p.s.  I may have to put some 3% hydrogen peroxide
in a spray bottle and use it for cleaning after reading all this!

Pink Lace Swatch

Here is another in my series of knitted lace swatches.

This stitch is called
"Curving Lattice Lace",

and was knitted with Rowan Kidsilk Haze yarn.

The color is called Hibiscus,

and I used Chiaogoo Red Lace needles, 

size US 7.

The stitch is from the book:

The Knitter's Handbook

by Eleanor Van Zandt, published by Hamlin,

page 91.

XOXO,

Lucky Dog

♥

My Knitted Lace Swatch

Hot off the blocking boards,
here is my latest knitted lace swatch.

Pattern:  Orchid.
Yarn:  Shibui Silk Cloud.

Color:  Velvet.
Needles:  ChiaoGoo Red Lace US 7.

Size:  8x8 inches.

You know how much I love to knit swatches!

They are like a bite-sized lace project,
and for lace,
that's saying a lot.

I have been wanting to take them a step further,
and I had my "eureka" moment today
on how to do it.

Now I just need to try it out.

It'll take a bit of work and $$, though.

<oy>
Doesn't everything?

Stay tuned...

XOXO,

Lucky Dog
♥

Contentment

I saw this today and wanted to share it,

but...

I believe the real secret to Contentment is

being thankful.

XOXO,

Lucky Dog

♥