At last!  I think I finally have my new computer all set up with my programs, files, etc.  Today I installed Windows XP using Bootcamp and it works like a champ!  Now I can run my Bernina embroidery software and my Electric Quilt on my laptop.  That makes me happy.  I don't expect to use Windows a lot, but I do love those two programs and unfortunately they do not have a Mac-based application.  I also got Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 installed, but no thanks to Adobe!  Oblige me with a little computer tech support rant.  I kept getting an error message when I was trying to install.  I checked out the troubleshooting section on Adobe's site, but nothing addressed the problem.  So I called tech support.  After almost an hour on the phone we were getting nowhere.  The tech had never heard of this problem and had no idea what to do.  Finally he said he had to hang up because it was time to go home.  Excuse me???  I still have the problem.  I pointed out to him that Adobe's website said they were open until 8:00 p.m. PST and it was only 5:30 p.m.  His attitude was "Too bad!"  He said I would have to call back at another time.  I spent another day trying on my own and then got the bright idea to just google the error message.  The very first hit was a tech note ON ADOBE'S OWN WEBSITE!  Within two minutes I had the problem solved.  Sheesh!

Ok, enough of that and on to more fun subjects.  I started a new project for Christmas, but I think everyone will understand.  I took Izzy's and Ivy's Christmas sweaters in to work and one of our newest assistants was oohing and aahhing over them.  This young lady lost her mother at a very young age and her father several years ago.  Her older brother took in all of the kids so they wouldn't go into foster care.  After a rocky start with an abusive relationship she is now the single mother of a little girl who will turn a year old two days before Christmas.  It hit me like a ton of bricks that she has no one to "do" for her little girl.  So sweet little Keara will be getting a Christmas sweater too:

The color is a little washed out – it's really a bright Christmas red.  If time permits, I'll make her a matching hat.  The yarn is Encore DK, the pattern is an old standby from Topdown for Toddlers.

I've also found two new projects that are really calling my name.  I blame Lynne for the first one:

This is Sylvi by Mari Muionen from the The Twist Collective.  Isn't it just the most gorgeous thing?  The downside (at least for me) is that it's 3 stitches to the inch on size 10 needles.  Hmmm – this is the knitter that thinks anything larger than a size 5 needle is a stretch.  However, I still downloaded the pattern and will let the idea simmer for a while.

And . . . . speaking of thick yarn on large needles, how about this:

From Interweave Knits new issue, Pfeiffer Falls Hooded Scarf by Anne Kuo Lukito.  Don't you think that's just the ticket for walking Maggie this winter?  A hood to keep my head warm, a scarf to wrap around my neck and little pockets for doggie treats.  I just think this may jump on my needles after Christmas.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I'll be cooking at my house and am looking forward to it!  The only thing that would make it better would be having Ben, Abby, Isobel and Ivy with us, but we can hope for next year.  As it is, we have so much to be thankful for!  A warm, comfy house – a strong supportive marriage – two sons who have become successful, each in their own way – a loving sister – parents who are still active and healthy – a fantastic daughter-in-law – and two of the cutest granddaughters on the face of the planet.  Thank you God!