Am I First?? Have a good weeked CAP! Lurve u!

Laurie, You make me laugh everyday. I wish you knew how much I enjoy reading your blog.

Thanks Laurie! That was fun. Please do this again sometime. BTW, I paint very "colorfully" too. Abstract is the way to go. That way you could say it was anything!

Thank you Sheila! And hi Cristina and ...really can ya'll believe there are only 142 days until Christmas? I mean really.

Have a fabulous weekend cleaning-don't forget to wear gloves-the mani, you know!

Noo! Not a Christmas countdown?! Gaaah!

See, you are not the only one who is "maybe crazy."

LOVE the Boys of 98 degrees. Heck, if I'd known they were that hot, I would have tried to listen to their music! But yes, you are a dork (1) for having that up on your wall and (b) for letting us see it!!!

Awww, baby fuzzy pix. LOVE THEM!!!

Monkey, in my defense, that was ... what? four, five years ago? Five years! Agh! My kittens are not lil' babies anymore.

BTW, I hear you're going to that new group in Glendale?!

"fur tumbleweeds" ... HAHAHAHAHA! Yeah, got me some of those myself. And what with the movers showing up at o'dark hundred hours tomorrow morning to move me... and me maybe not quite packed yet (what?)... I may not have time to hide the fact that perhaps I an "AROUND the furniture" vacuumer. Dagnabit. I blame the cats.

OMG, baby Bob! baby Frankie! So cute! So wee!

Can I add an extra answer to the question about what it means that the guy said she reminded him of his ex-wife?

It could simply mean you've lucked out - that the guy is really not someone whom you would have wanted, and his ex-wife might be a completely normal wonderful person, and thats why you remind him of her...

Well - might not be true, but its as likely as any of the possibilities - and its much more positive...

Monkey, no. That is an unfounded rumor. I am also not dating Elvis, or made of rice krispies. I do not know how these rumors get started!

;)

Aria, well done. I added that in. I am THE WORST person to ask relationship advice from right now. I'm more in a "Uh, meh..." phase these days LOL

Dear God.. is Christmas that close already?? Can I borrow your stapler? My mom is here for a visit (one week she leaves tommorow THANKFULLY) and I came home from work today and found she had moved and re-aranged some of my stuff based on a joking comment my dh made to her. UMMM.. hello? Pass the wine.

Baby Bob and Frankie look like MK and Ashley Olsen with their little bodies and big heads! Tooo cute.

I will also be cleaning this weekend as my MOM and DAD might be visiting from GA. YEA! But OH NO . . . must clean EVERYTHING! My mom is like Martha Stewart. I am like Martha's evil, non-cleaning twin.

Thanks sooooo much for reminding me that I have to do Christmas shopping. Ugh.

142 days?? Snakes on a plane! Must make socks.

Awwww, baby kitty pics, fried food, and talk of Christmas all in one post! It's like I've died and gone to heaven.

If it makes you feel any better about your weekend plans, I have to come into the office all weekend long to finish preparing for a trial and go to a one-year-old's birthday party on Saturday evening. Woo hoo! How does one get as lucky as that? I am the apex of social dorkiness.

Laurie! I want to hear about Frog #3! Pulleeaze? I love your bitter love ramblings- they make me snort.

You have seen this right???

http://www.snakesonaplane.com/

I have NEVER heard that comment, and I read your column...and that night, albeit drinking a beer on the couch ......I almost fell OFF when I saw this commercial for the movie !!!! :)

Hey!!!!

I gotta joke!!

How do you catch a rabbit like no other?

You 'neak up on it!!!

(say it out loud)

I got a deer one, too, but it doesn't involve 'neaking.......

Hey, I'm going to have to try Toots in Murfreesboro, since that's only down the road from me, really. The best pickles of any kind that I've ever had were at Elvis Presley's Memphis (restaurant), which no longer exists. They were sweet and served very cold, but had been soaked in some sort of fiery juice -- so they had to call them "Fire & Ice". Yum yum!

OMG! Those are some seriously cute kitties! Love your blog!

Cute baby furball pictures.
I have fur tumbleweeds bigger than that rolling around my kitchen somedays. Ah, who am I kidding. Most days.

Sounds like a wild and crazy weekend around there.

Laurie,
Your 'never been to Michigan' comment should be the beginning of..your next Vacation! We have Great Lakes, great big bridge (Golden Gate? big whoop). Your book should be a 'survival' guide complete with travel, recipes, knitting (your instructions are the best explained I've seen) and the "D" word..which you've done in style, btw. Think Field of Dreams "if you write it..." Your comment to mine the other day made my day (okay it was a crappy day, no other way to go BUT up) Thanks for the chuckles, laughs and moments of sobering thought. p.s. the stapler on a Bungee cord means you get it back after you chuck it :)

You will have to check your mail as I may have sent you something that could possibly help in the vacation department.

And adorable kitties, and I will be working this weekend, like every weekend. I think I would rather clean my house.

laurie, you are such a good sport.

your babies are DARLING! snurfflebellies!

have a great weekend everyone

Yet nothing on the book comments? Hrm! I have a friendly wager (queso) on weather or not you were being sarcastic. Do tell. Thank ya kindly.

Awww, I remember when my little Pearl kitty was that tiny. Now she's gigantic; almost cat-sized. OK, fine, she's full-grown, but she'll always be a kitten to me.

I have an excellent heat-beating suggestion for you, Ms. Laurie, whilst you drive in that poor oven of a Jeep. Water. Preferably very cold or frozen. I know you have glorious blown-dry blonde hair, so you probably won't use my crazy hubby's suggestion (thoroughly wet your hat & wear it like that to beat the heat, or preferably, freeze said soaked hat, etc.), but you COULD pull your hair back & wear a nice soaked hand towel around your neck (or a frozen one! Boy, I am a genius) while you drive around. I also keep a tiny spray bottle full of tap water and a simple folding fan in my handbag during the summer. When you're stuck in traffic, spritz away with the mister bottle (we call it Mr. Bottle), fan like crazy, and you'll feel a good 10 degrees cooler. Plus it's good for your skin!

Gotta find a recipe for those fried pickles now. . .

Helen

Southern fried goddess, thy name is Crazy Aunt Purl! Bless you!

Hey, I just realized -- by us writing these questions, we're basically writing your blog posts for you! Is the heat making you so lazy?

142 days!

That's the meanest thing anyone has said to me since I got ma'amed at Target. :p

i think i have Frakies twin in my house.. her name is Jezabel!!

and even though thisi my first comment i totally enjoy your blog.. and i have started using the snakes on a plane phrase.. thanks !! my friends all think i am insane(r) .. its such fun

Cleaning....maybe with enough wine that could be fun. Stay out of the heat this weekend and relax! :)

Oooooh gallie! I went to MTSU and had many a fried pickle at Toot's, that is the best best best thing I could have heard at this exact moment, when I am sitting at my desk dying for the weekend...and then there you were with FRIED PICKLES FROM TOOT'S! And it's ALL BETTER.

Yeah!!! Happy Friday!

Oh man... what if the new Mrs. X did start knitting and she tried to come to YOUR S'n'B! You would get to make the decision to
A.) Snub her
B.) be-friend her and get all the insider info
C.) sabotage their marriage. Bwa ha ha ha

Laurie, you asked how many scarves one person can really have...I have nine. And three in progress. And three more for which I possess 1) appropriate yarn and 2) a wild desire to knit, though I'm making myself finish the three in progress first. (I'll let you know how THAT goes. Ha!) I maybe love scarves. In cooler weather than this (remember cooler weather than this?) I never leave my house without a scarf. I'm waiting, autumn!

I've made your fried chicken, and I love it. Also: 142 days?! That's just not right! Help me Oprah Winfrey! (Somebody better help me; I'm quoting Ricky Bobby! Woooo!)

you like me? you really like me?

Awww. I love me some Bob. Baby Bob (and Baby Frankie) are even cuter.

I needed some kitty chear because I'm about to go staple the Post Office person who delivered my yarn order to the wrong place. The people who received it have so far failed to come forward and return it to me.

Hello, you can not just bring up the world's best cornbread dressing like that and not provide a recipe! My tummy is growling in anticipation.

My son-in-law won't believe me about snakes on a plane. What can I do to convince him?

P.S. I already told him that I heard it from a reliable source, which I've refused to name because I'm not sure he'll believe you either.

OMG the Patsy Cline place you referenced made me laugh out loud. My best friend was the same way - when she got divorced and I would come home and hear her listening to Patsy Cline I knew it was time for an intervention.

I scratched the baby kitties under their furry chins with the mouse cursor. Love 'em!

P.S. I told my husband there were 142 days 'til Christmas... he said, "Who cares? It's only 2 days 'til the birth of our lord and savior." His birthday is Sunday.

I second Gwen! Please, please, please let us behold the cornbread dressing recipe.

neil -- yes, I am lazy

maryse! yes, I adore you :)

brandee-- I didn't think the book stuff was really a question, because I already answered it in my last Q&A post yesterday. Although I am right flattered and my huge ego will have to ride shotgun on the way home LOL

Dear No One, you must immediately go to the store and pick up last week's entertainment weekly, Snakes on a plane is on the cover!

I don't think my dad has an actual recipe written down, but I will ask him :)

Ummmmmm fried pickles and wine (please tell me I'm not pregnant). Oh and 6 days until back to school. Yippee the real vacation starts.

i love you too laurie

oh please, 98Degrees? Girl, you got good taste. I'm repping the Hometown Team for TEAM LACHEY! awesome!

No one has bought the house nextdoor because they have seen Francisco's handiwork and they are afraid. What if it is some sort of disease that will spread to their yard?

Also LOVE the baby kitty photos. I tried to call Natasha over to take a look but she wasn't having it.

Question! Question! If as you say Sobakowa controls the weather, and if as Pat Robertson says gay beings control the weather, are you telling us that Sobakowa is gay? Also, is it true that the remote control is holding its breath and playing dead, since The Sobakowa is clearly about to kill it?

Great baby pics. Master Bob clearly had bat-ears (I love those on cats) even as a toddler.

PS glad to see Cheetos have made it into the blog. They deserve worship. Also, they are now available in an organic recipe, which makes them good for the planet and good for US.

hi laurie! i love your blog!

since you say you are maybe not so hot at love advice... i will ask for kitty advice. i have one cat in a tiny studio apartment and want to adopt a kitten. i am told this will cause me to be classified as a crazy cat lady and is probably unsanitary. what would CAP do? (or any other cat loving commentators!!!)

I don't believe you are not having an affair with Francisco. There is no other way you would allow him to "whack your bush" that closely. ; )

OMG you have a Hello Kitty TV????

mj, you can never have too many cats. Once you get started with your first cat, you are immediately a crazy cat lady anyway, so you might as well live it up.

Helen

I am MTSU grad and I was one of the original TOOT's girls in the late 80's. I ate the fried dill pickles every week and still I get a craving for them 17 years later! Nobody does them better. You are so great-I laugh out loud every time I read you!

eleni - The Sobakowa is all things to all people!!! (or some bullhockey like that) ;) LOL

MJ ... I have four cats in a house the saze of an SUV. I have to vacuum a lot. I am maybe not the person to ask advice on this subject either LOL

Caroline, I do indeed have a little Hello Kitty TV, it's in my office at home. I've had it for five years or more and it still works great! And also, there is no controlling the Francisco. I asked him not to trim those hedges a month ago, he just waited until I was gone and attacked 'em. That's just how he rolls.

Hey - remember that little wristlet purse you made? I see people reference it all the time - why have you never added a button for it with your scarf and hat patterns?

Laurie, tell me that you're going with Drew to his taping next week........you should totally be a knitster!

Oh, and if you want to get Drew back for his inappropriate questions yesterday I have an idea: give him a haircut in his sleep. Just one side, of course. A new 'doo for television???

Have a great weekend and don't work too hard, okay?

love the q and a.... and you were right.... 100% less boobs that t and a.... hmm... interesting thought for a friday afternoon.

thanks for the laughs! it's almost time to go home.

have a great weekend!

I'm sooo happy to see that I'm not the only grown woman with that exact Bubbles doll. And by exact, I'm assuming it's the one that talks when you squeeze her belly? She has like 3 different phrases. I love your blog!!

Laurie, I know folks who can take care of this Francisco problem. Just say the word...

Oh, and is it OK to have a cocktail before you go to work? (No, I have not left for work yet.)

Auntie Purl, you're the best! Wontcha come live in Canada? It's so nice and cool.

Those are some seriously cute kitties...damn.

Maybe if you tell Francisco to just cut down ALL the hedges, he would stop? Could he understand that no hedges = no job?

Fun, fun, fun. Thanks for the comment. I'm not sure, but I think you may be my husband's true soul mate. Anyone who will watch Gilligan DVDs all day is his kinda gal. Pulu sie magumba (free the Howells for you who do not speak made up headhunter language).

Ohhhhhh baby Bob 'n' Frankie! Cuteness attack! Must...go...lie...down.

OMG - Toot's in Murfreesboro? Really? That is so close to me!

I had some amazing fried dill pickles last Friday at the Commodore in Nashville.

If it weren't raining, I would consider heading to Toot's....I may anyway.

Love ya CAP!

I had no question yesterday... and therefore no answers today...

BUT-
I wanted to comment to the person looking for good red wine suggestions.
As Laurie said, go to Trader Joe's. BUT - instead of asking for advice from the maybe-they-don't-like-wine-anyway workers, check for which brands have the LEAST bottles left.
Yeah -- the brands where you have to reach WAY back to the back of the shelf to pull out the last bottle.
See... this means its POPULAR and maybe, also, YUMMY. Give it a shot... it's worked for me so far!
(warning - does not apply to items on SALE because you know that people will buy almost ANYTHING if it's on sale!)

Also -- I like Bear's Lair cabernet at TJ's ;-)

"Sobakowa!"
It sounds like a battle cry.

URGENT ADDITION TO YOUR TO DO LIST: Go to http://snakesonaplane.varitalk.com/ and make Samuel L. Jackson leave you a personalized phone message to go see Snakes on a Plane! Send it to all your friends! Technology is insane! This is the highlight of my day! Day? I mean year!

There's nothing uncool about 98 Degrees! hot hot HOT!! I'd kick the Mister out for Nick Lachey anyday. You'll be sorry one day Jessica and it'll be too late!!

Being the photoshop goddess that you are, photoshop your vacation photos.
The Fransisco, I don't know about him. O the hedges. Hmmm or let him 'crop' your photos. We know he can be ruthless, lets see if he can be xless too.
Boy howdy those kitties were just the cutest things.
Am I misrembering things or were the cheetos once available in white cheese? I thought that was great in the non staining category.

My boss just left the office and is headed to Hawaii to get married for the fourth time (very slow learner). He also left a full bowl of Snickers Minis on his desk. What a fool, can you believe he left the Snickers out?

Baby Bob and Bubbles, that's so freakin' cute!

Bob and Frankie are adorable! Love them!

As someone who rarely drinks wine, when I find one I love I want to know what other people think. Have you ever had Gruet Pinot Noir, and if so, your opinion?

oh, what cute baby kitty pics!!

will we be getting a hush puppy recipie anytime soon???

I quit smoking 3 years ago with the help of Wellbutrin/Zyban, but the thing that got me through the "what do I do with my hands" part was blowing bubbles. I would blow bubbles until I got lightheaded and forgot about smoking. It helped with the need to exhale that certain way, too. My cat (only one cat back then) was mesmerized by the bubbles too, but she was even more fascinated when I taught her to look UP at them. Apparently, she thought they were just materializing on the floor until I stood on a chair to get her to look up at me.

Laurie - as I've just commented on my blog... I don't think I'm particularly qualified for relationship advice (no steady boyfriend in 8 years! 8 years! I was a little ol sophmore in HIGHSCHOOL the last time I had a boyfriend!) I am content that being single is better than a bad relationship - so maybe my contentedness qualifies me, but... I don't think so... (and my mother doesn't think so either - she wants me to find a hubby and give her grandbabies as soon as possible I think!)

I used to live in Murfreesboro!!! Well, it was... oh... about 1990 and I was in jr. high at the time (yes, i'm a young'un) but I absolutely Looooved it there!

Laurie - Please, please, please have your Dad make up a recipe for the cornbread stuffing! Stuffing is my favorite! (all kinds!) Oh wait, you might call it dressing. Either way - it's a must see, in my opinion!

Laurie - Please, please, please have your Dad make up a recipe for the cornbread stuffing! Stuffing is my favorite! (all kinds!) Oh wait, you might call it dressing. Either way - it's a must see, in my opinion!

Sorry about the double post. Trigger finger I guess...

I just spent the last seven months living with my best friend and her husband (and no, nothing "extracurricular" about it. i was recovering from a brain hemorrhage.)

anyway, part of why it worked and there was no chemistry between me and the hubby was because we BOTH reminded each other of our ex-spouses. we each had friendly divorces but i don't want kids and neither did his wife. (friend 'n hubby got pregnant a week before the wedding.)

there is probably 100% nothing wrong with the woman who wrote about that guy's comment, it is just likely that there is enough about her that reminds him of the ex--probably not the stuff that made them get a divorce. my friend's hubby has many of the same interests and hobbies as my ex, which is sort of weird. we both even look like the ex'es, even weirder. but we both like our ex'es. just won't go there again.

oh - and I've got a question to... is it possible to become a "Crazy Dog Lady?"

oh and a retorical question - "why is Aria the only librarian who is not a Cat person?" (other than the fact that my mother is deathly allergic to cats...)

With the scarf OCD? Same here. Kids begged for them. I made them. Ad nauseam. Kids realized something was wrong, then begged me to hide the scarves in the closet or give them away (the scarves, not the kids themselves). We are in New England, so there's no reason not to use scarves. They are just frightened by the sheer number of choices. Scarves on a plane.

BTW--t'ain't fair--many of you seem to have wine at your TJ's (Trader Jose's). The one by where I used to live in Pasadena was awesome. But here in CT, we have only just acquired a tiny dumb TJ's and no wine. Hardly any herbs or spices, either. Great haricots verts and bread, though. And Mediterranean yogurt.

I can't really look at a bunch of pics of me and Mr. X without going to the Patsy Cline place where I am eating cheetos off my chest.

Okay.. You are my young goddess-girlie...

.

You sooooo .... get it....

...One of the five who live in yer 'hood..

~ J

Ok. So here... it is 7:39 in the am, and I am heating up the oven for tater tots. All because of you. (Well, also, better to cook them now, before it gets to be 80 degrees -or higher- in the house.) I'm gonna have to ask my parents if we ever ate at Toot's. The name does sound familiar.

Okay, ready for another question? This is a question for your professional expertise. I need someone to come up with a snazzy little logo for me and my business card. Nothin' too fancy. What's the best way to find a graphic designer for a quickie little job like that?

I have a spare battery operated stapler. You want it? It's kinda pink, and I have no real need for it.
I've just started using your budget sheet. I'm thrilled with it (and somewhat horrified at the state of the immutable monthly outgoings). I feel all grown up, surrounded by pieces of paper.
And now I must drink coffee and unblock the sink (any hints? Every time the washing machine or the dishwasher runs, the sink regurgitates).
~x~

No comments so far that CAP is quoted in the new issue of Interweave Knits? (P33 upper right)That would certainly make me less grumpy!

DUDE! You've been to the 'boro??? And eaten at Toots??? WE'RE OLD HOME FOLKS! How exciting! I'm an MTSU alum and when I saw your reference to the most happenin' place in the 'boro, I had to immediately stop reading and shoot you an email. Comment. Whatever.

Now I have a question for you (which someone may have asked already, and I have missed, in my excitement that you know of Toot's): how did you come up with the names for the cats?

Your mentioning " 'neaking up" on the cats for a photo shoot reminded me of one of my grandfather's favorite jokes to tell us when we were little...

Maybe, being Southern you know it.

How do you catch a unique rabbit?
- You 'neak (or unique) up on it.

So silly, but we loved it as kids. Thanks for the memory.

Laurie, I got the Interweaves Knits issue last night!!! Congrats on the little featurette of our favorite "crazy aunt purl"! Annie seems pretty cool too!! The cats must be so proud!

Laurie, Laurie, LAURIE!!!! I am reading Interweave Knits and there is a quote by you in the article on Annie Modesitt! I had to put down the magazine and tell you even though you already know because I am excited and also a little insane...maybe why I am addicted to your website.

NO BOOBS??? (boobsboobsboobs)
What kinda blog is this anyway???
gnomesgnomesgnomesgnomesgnomes

FYI- I googled gerund and your name came up...funny

If someone already pointed this out... sorry. Laurie, 100% less boobs, but no mention of a lack of rears... hmmmm.... I think you are covertly callings us butts. *grin*

Can I still ask questions?
Are you really an aunt to someone?
...
am plotting some cat-kidnappings across the seas.

PS When will you change your blog blurb (yes I'm nasty and nitpicking that way)

Ok, I scrolled all the way up (yes, all 4 miles) and found out that your blurb on the blog is up-to-date, but the blurb I get on my Bloglines is still the old one...is it within your power to do something about that?

Hey, watch what you're doing with that stapler!!!

Very funny post as usual. I think you should write a book. My question: Is it hard having such a popular blog?
Mia

There is nothing wrong with previously lusting after 98 degrees. What's not to lust after on Nick Lachey? I'd like to marry him and have his babies.

Laurie, you rock and I wish I could write half as well as you do.

*squeal* Oh, a kitten Frankie!!!!

Psssst...have you seen this:http://snakesonaplane.varitalk.com/ ?

I thought of you and your "Snakes On A Plane Y'all!"

LOVE your blog! Have never tried fried pickles...but have had a deep fried oreo at the Wisconson State Fair (I live in the northern suburbs of Chicago and Milwaukee is closer than Sprinfield). I so want the cornbread stuffing recipe if your dad will write it out--but I know how it is w/recipes that you just kind of make--my mom is best Korean cook I know but she doesn't write out recipes--she says stuff like, add stuff til it tastes right!

btw--I am not a crazy cat lady, but my boyfriend has 4 cats (he loves his daughter that much!). I don't have to get any cats b/c he has so many, but after seeing those cute kittens, I may have to visit the local shelter.

Also, no matter how much I clean, my mother always starts cleaning up when she visits me. It drives me crazy! Snakes on a plane!

#105 - wow!
Miss Laurie - thanks for making me feel all important by taking the time to explain what(how) you love to write...now I'm intrigued and inspired to try it.
Speaking of intrigued and inspired - socks girl, socks... I'm on my first one still, had to frog the whole thing and re-start (and the tiny needles sorta make me feel enormous and clumsy) - but!
I still have the urge/need/desire to conquer them... and the portability is unsurpassed! My sock accompanies the make-up and keys and all sorts of other crap in my purse like scarves and hats never do - and you know this maaan.

If you do decide to do some stalkin in Boston please come by the Boston Knit Out in September. You would be a great addition to the blogger table.

:)

CAP, i lurve you. you make the first half of my work day go by almost without pain.

but i have to say that it's hard to explain a to a non knitter the big deal about knitting blogs, even when the knitting blogs dont really talk about knitting all that much lately, (its ok, i know its 120 degrees out there)

and one side question, do you read Yarn Harlot?

Snakes on a plane, girl! I thought you might appreciate this:

Send someone you love a riotously funny and personalizd voice mail message from Samuel L. Jackson, encouraging them to go see "Snakes on a Plane" - free.

http://snakesonaplane.varitalk.com/

Holly -- I guess I don't think of this as a knitting blog, or anything, it's just my online diary and sometimes I knit. You know?

MrsFife-- I'm sorry I don't really understand all the bloglines stuff so I don't know how to answer that. me = not real smart with technology. And yup! I really am an aunt to someone, my two nephews Brett & Andrew.

Oh! And I explained somewhere back on this site the cat names, i think? I;ll try to find it :)

Baby Bob and Baby Frankie are very cute!