I have a sweater for my lovely daughter "on the needles" right now. I am blissfully ignoring the fact that once the part done on circulars is done I will have to run to the store, since I bought two pairs of straight needles instead of two sets of DPNs in those sizes. It is a free Red Hart pattern on a label, and of course I bought the needles based on the outside details. What was inside was more direct about the DPNs so now I have two sets of needles I don't need. I swear the ball band was laughing. I finished a shoulder shrug for my mom's b-day, it just needs a tassle or two. I have it out so I can admire it while I work on other things LOL. I have 20 balls of sock yarn on the table mocking me. Some will be socks for DD (which she will wear and refuse to remove) and some will be socks for me (which I will wear for a minute, admire, get overheated and rip them off and fling them across the room). I might knit a pair for my sister if she ever lets me close enough to her feet to measure them. Now that I am learning to knit and getting a bit more confident, I can see I will be very very very busy.

I love scarves for dressing up an outfit. I wore them a lot in Europe as they are an extra layer...over the shoulders for the cathedral, over the head for a drizzle, around the neck if it's chilly, around the purse if it's hot... Below is a nice video for ideas about how to tie a scarf. However, I too am in the camp of no more turtlenecks...when I have a hot flash, it feels like strangulation. Scarves I can take off, but turtlenecks, I'm stuck. Such a shame as I have a zillion of them...I lived in them all winter when I was working...they look so great under a jacket, with or without a scarf, necklace or lapel pin... I have a couple of white shirts, but I have trouble finding them opaque enough, I never have them ironed so when I'm rushing to get dressed, I by pass them for something that doesn't need ironing, and with my coloring, the white is a washout on me so I have to add color besides. I also have to worry about length as I'm short...tunic shapes just cut me off. Then there's the boobage issue...button fronts can gape on me which also isn't fun. (I remember giving a talk one time, and the fellow in the front row was staring at my belly. I realized my shirt had gaped and he was seeing skin. At least it wasn't in the boob arena. Last time I did that! After that it was pullovers, button in the back, long scarves in front or camis underneath!) So for me, it's not a go to item, though I can see how it could be for someone else. Also, these days, I'm so into comfort that knits are by far my favorites...they move and stretch with me. When I wear wovens without any lycra in them, I feel like I'm fighting my clothes. I didn't try them, but was tempted....I was in walmart and see that Lee is making a super comfortable jean now out of very stretchy, very soft denim with almost a flannel like feel...a real cross between a legging and a jean...but they also had them boot cut. Next time I'm at the VF outlet, I'll have to take a look. Here is a link that might be useful: how to tie a scarf

This is what I am doing...on the 3rd row (IF I remember right!) turning is the problem. I don't understand how I did it already and NOW can't get it! GRRRRRR Part of the problem was DH came in from work and started yapping at me and I was trying to concentrate. I ripped it out so many times the yarn was starting to get all stretched out. I will try later, too much going on this morning. Thanks Minnie. Here is the "simple" dishcloth pattern: Starting chain: chain 36. Note: At the end of each row, you will chain 1, then turn the work around to start the next row. Row 1: Single crochet in the second chain from the hook, single crochet in each chain across. (35 single crochet) Row 2: Single crochet in each single crochet across. (35 single crochet) Rows 3 - 38: Repeat row 2. End off, leaving a length of about 6 inches to weave in. Weave in the ends, using a large-eye yarn needle.

Wow, this thread took wings again! Let's see if I can answer. missymoo - we wonder, too, about the discomfort of being still. But as I said upthread, she stops the pacing when we're not paying attention to her. She was never a particularly active dog, so other than maybe being bored, I'm not sure it's discomfort. Yesterday DH was gone and I was puttering around the house. She landed in one of her favorite spots and was there the entire afternoon. tibbrix - We live in NC, so the water is really cold right now. I just don't think I could do that. I wouldn't want someone tossing me in a cold lake in February. And she hates water unless DH is in there with her. I don't think he'll go for that. :) mimi - the vet has done a bunch of range of motion and that type of testing. There haven't been any tests with machines or anything. She doesn't think the dementia is really an issue because of the dog's attentiveness, being in-the-moment when she's there, etc. She said there is still a lot going on upstairs, and there are no other symptoms of dementia. We have her on pain management drugs, which are limited because she is also on Prednisone, which means she can't take NSAIDS. She's also on a supplement and fish oil for arthritis. I will look into the PAWS, that might help some. starsplitter - we have not used glucosamine/chondroitin for this dog, although we gave to another dog years ago. I'd have to ask and research it, it might not work with the Prednisone. The Pred is for a chronic liver ailment, and is keeping that well controlled. She only get 5mg every other day, so super low dosage, but long term. Thanks to everyone for all of the suggestions and words of advice. We've never had a dog live this long, so we're in new territory.