It’s been a long time since I did a “hmmm” post so I think it’s high time I write one. Here goes.

~I saw this thing on Oprah last week about treating dry and cracked heels. When you go to bed you rub your heel with a Stridex Medicated Pad, slather it with Vaseline, and then put on a pair of socks. Supposedly the salicylic acid in the Stridex pad helps remove the dead skin and then the Vaseline moisturizes it. They said if you do this every night for a week you’ll have the heels of a baby. I’m day 4 into this and I think it’s working.

~I haven’t turned on our furnace yet this fall. Now before you get all excited, please remember that we have a wood stove, so it’s not like we’re freezing to death here. I do usually cave before now, though, since the wood stove is in the living room and the kitchen and bedrooms really benefit from the supplemental heat from the radiators. I’ve resisted so far but I was mighty tempted yesterday when the kitchen was 55°.

~Paula is asking for help with her survey on starting a fiber processing business. You can fill it out here.

~While you’re clicking around the internets did you know that Sonny & Shear is holding a contest right now? They are giving away 8 skeins of Yarntini if you make a donation to Pennies for Bella. It’s a great cause and an absolutely fabulous prize.

~I know some of you live in Massachusetts and I wanted to give you guys a heads up on the brand new Massachusetts Library License Plate program. Proceeds will benefit public, academic, special and school libraries across the state and you can read all about this and how to sign up for a plate right here.

~Thanksgiving is one week from today. Have you started cooking yet? Don’t forget that you can make your pie crust in advance. Might be time to re-read my blog post on making pie crust.

And that’s all for today. Hmmm.

There’s something I haven’t told you. I’m sick. I’ve been sick for two weeks, in fact. I thought it was just a cold that wouldn’t go away but it turns out I’ve got bronchitis and sinusitis. I’ve about had it with hanging out on the couch but now that the antibiotics have kicked in and I have some energy again, the knitting time rocks. So, in the interest of not taxing my brain by trying to write paragraphs, I present a list.

~Dancing With The Stars. What to say? I love Marie but I thought the doll routine Monday night was really lame and I think her attitude about it hurt her. Mel was great but I don’t think she quite captured the hearts of the viewers the way Helio did. All in all, I’m pleased with the finals. How about you?

~There are only 3 days left for this year’s Knit Unto Others. However, Gale is looking for some handknits for a Tree of Warmth project. She’d love your help if you’re still inspired to do some charity knitting.

~My Christmas shopping is shaping up. As usual, I’ve done a fair amount of this online. I avoid the stores whenever possible.

~I have lost the quilted tablecloth that goes on my kitchen table. I put it away when I brought out the fall quilted table runner and now I can’t find it. My house is not that big and yet I have no idea where this could be. I’m pissed.

~You’ve seen Pay It Forward by now, right? I chased it around the internets a bit but finally got in on the deal over at Michelle’s.
The rules: I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on this blog post requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don’t know what that gift will be yet, and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.
I hope there are 3 of you left that haven’t already signed up to do this!

That’s all I’ve got. Time for some more tea and knitting on the couch.

With apologies to The Bangles, it’s Just Another Manic Random Monday.

~Have you seen Air Set? It’s a very cool online calendar and my family started using it last week. It’s really helpful for keeping track of everyone’s busy schedules.

~I can’t believe I never posted a photo of my wonderful Special Swap package from Kat. The theme was a picnic but Kat decided to just send great yarn-y type things and that was just absolutely fine with me. I’m really excited to try that Tofootsies!

~October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I’ve had my annual screening, how about you?

~I’ve been doing a fair amount of spinning lately, trying to “spin down” the stash in preparation for Rhinebeck purchases.

~And speaking of Rhinebeck, 4 more sleeps. Squeee! Who will be there?