Fiber enthusiasts will recognize this right away. They'll cringe and shudder. Heart palpitations will commence immediately as they scan their memory, trying to recall the last time they inspected their own wool stash for such unwanted house guests. They'll sigh, and say aloud with a frown, "awwww." Then they'll think to themselves, "better you than me sister."

If you, dear reader, are not a fiber enthusiast, this is what you call "Carla's Stupidity" or in layman's terms, "Moth Damage". This incident, is my own damn fault. I've let these awesome mittens, which Liz made for me last year, sit out in the open, near my knitting basket for far too long. I know, I was just asking for it. In all honesty, I don't think moths are the offending creature here, but rather carpet beetles, which are just as destructive in my opinion. I have yet to see a moth in this house, or evidence of the flighty disgusting, bad-for-my-stash varmints. But I have seen at least 3 carpet beetles since we moved into this home 20 months ago. We have hardwood floors, and no carpet.. go figure.

Since finding the remains of their gluttonous meal, I've inspected the stash. All of it. And I've found no other evidence of snacking. Somehow though, I'm not feeling any less assaulted.

In a few days, on Sunday to be exact, I will celebrate my first annual 39th birthday. This is a big milestone, no? Well, maybe it isn't since I plan to celebrate the same birthday every year from here on out.

So I'd like to entertain a little reversal here, and have a little contest. No answering questions, no donations to charities, just leave a comment telling me about a favorite birthday present you've received. I'll pick one at random on Sunday, November 4th and put together a little surprise package for the winner. See, as much as I love receiving surprises.. I adore putting together surprises for others. If the winner is a knitter or spinner, perhaps you'll get a nice fibery surprise in the mail. If you're not, maybe an Amazon or iTunes gift certificate... I have lots of ideas!

And here, I'll get you started. What is my favorite birthday present? Cassidy! She was born just a few months shy of my 30th birthday, and I had always wanted a baby before I turned 30 (weird.. I know!) But besides all of that, Richard and I were both surprised, since we had always thought our path to parenthood would be a difficult one. We were looking at facing lengthy and heartbreaking fertility cycles.. then there it was.. a positive pregnancy test, all on our own. And after a rocky first trimester, when we were expecting the worst to happen every day, despite bed rest and progesterone supplements, we were truly blessed... just in time to fulfill my 30th birthday wish.

Now, go, and tell me all about your favorite birthday present! As you can tell, it doesn't have to be a "thing", it can be "the perfect day", a great meal... anything.

P.S. Scorpios Rule!

I know. Four posts in one day. Its feast or famine around here lately, huh?

But anyway.. the point.

I've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new electric/gas bill to see if replacing Goldie the monster side by side with an energy star model would reduce the bill. I am happy, no, delighted to report that two weeks from installation to meter reading and we already have a savings of slightly over twenty dollars. Twenty dollars in two weeks. Which is right about what I thought Goldie was costing us to run per month.. yowza!

Next month's bill will be the real test.. but I'm already pleased.

Blogging mojo. Where did mine go, and how do I find it again?

Between feeling pretty ill lately, adjusting to Connor's speech and occupational therapy schedule, and implementing something called the Wilbarger protocol, (which is time consuming while we get used to it,) I've sort of fallen off the blogging wagon - at least in an organized fashion. I've also found myself without things to talk about (or unwilling to write about.) Even my crafty side has taken a hit. But that may be because what is taking up most of my time right now, are projects I can't really show off and blog about, like the contract project, and my spinning guild holiday gift. But my mind spins with baby gifts that need to be finished - the urge to knit another cotton bathmat - finishing those socks - you know, activity which requires more time than I have, and less sleep than my body requires.

I still want need to paint the kitchen (I hoped to get this done over the summer.. warm months came and went)

I still need to swap out summer clothes for winter (I hate doing this)

I still need to hang a large storage shelf in the laundry room (ok, thats not just me.. we, meaning Richard and I need to tackle this one)

I still need to develop the winterizing plan for this year, and buy supplies (man am I running late!)

I still need to get Halloween costumes squared away - (2 of 4 still have no idea what they want to be)

Lastly, address the hot spot also known as the sun room, where many items which need carting to the attic and basement currently reside. Never mind the yard tools currently without a real home to call their own. We thought we'd get a small shed this year, think small steel buildings variety. But we also thought we'd get the deck on the front of the house too. So much for that.

Oh, and the list goes on.. I'm whining - I'll stop.