DAR Swap

I'm participating in a swap on the Discussions About Religion board over at Ravelry. The "theme" of this swap was Low-to-No-cost, meaning we all are picking stuff from our stashes, gift closets, etc. My package came this week!
Isn't it great? I got 4 skeins of a lovely red bamboo yarn, oodles of dpns (my partner knew that I like to knit socks and mittens), a little candle, and a book on home preservation, from the LDS church. I have wanted one of these pamphlets for a while, since I'm all into preserving and gardens and stuff like that. It's going to be fun to read and from a quick skim I can see it'll help me organize and inventory my 'pantry' in the basement. So, I want to say a big Thank You to MaggielSelah!

This swap was set up as a round robin swap, so my package I'm putting together is going to someone else. I hope to get it out next week.

Randall

I'd like you to meet Randall:
We adopted him yesterday from the Humane Society; he's a Pomeranian and tiny (4.25 pounds!). He was one of the dogs from the Haven Puppy Mill, and is 1.5 years old. Apparently he was used as a stud. He's not used to people, though he's been exploring the house, and isn't scared of us, just a bit shy. He adores other dogs, however, so once he settles in, we'll probably start looking for a second dog.

I never thought we'd get a foo-foo dog, but this is why we ended up with one. David wanted a lap dog that can sit on him while he plays his video games, and Randall certainly fits the bill. Calvin enjoyed letting Randall snooze on his lap while he watched some TV last night, and he's sitting on my lap right now as I type. OMG, I'm probably going to end up with a little carrier and he can come with us to gymnastics practice (Calvin's coach brings his little dog to the gym every day -- they can play!).

Apple Season

We went to pick apples today, at a local farm. We had a great time, and only got rained on a little bit.
The trees were laden with fruit. Caleb's friend James came with us (he's the one jumping to get an apple).

The boys said all the apples were good, though the Spartan ones were a favorite. We picked Red Delicious, Jonathans, Spartans, and Cortlands. We also got some of my favorite pears, Starks.

I wore my Notre Dame De Grace sweater, since I thought it was a bit chilly (though Caleb insisted on wearing his shorts). I love the sweater, though I think I could have made it a size smaller yet. Even though I took 2.5" off the sleeve length, I could've taken another inch. Connor had a blast running through the orchard.

A day picking apples means apple pie for dessert in the evening. Yummy! I plan to make applesauce in the crock pot tomorrow.

A Thing Of Beauty

What does it say about me that I am thrilled to have a new oven? Am I all grown up now?
It came yesterday. I had to leave to take Calvin to gymnastics practice while it was getting installed, so I didn't get to see it in all its glory until about 7:45 last night. It's beautiful and I <3 it.

We had lemon poppyseed muffins for breakfast this morning. I plan to make cookies later. I can start making bagels again, half of my dinner plans won't be thwarted for lack of an oven, AND I have 3 oven racks (when previously I only had 1).