Still Life with Yarn and Fauna

For the last couple of days I've been trying to decide on a color palette for each of the stitch dictionary segments in my book.  I keep spreading out the yarn on top of the bed (the only actual clear surface in my home at the moment).
 

I'm smitten with the way the yarn looks on top of the whitework quilt.  As is MacTarnahan, though you have to look closely to register his enthusiasm:

But of course, people keep needing to get IN the bed, messing up my swell arrangement.  So every night I've relocated the color wheel to the top of the low bookcase that lives at the end of the bed.  This morning Phillip had a root canal, necessitating an unscheduled bed occupation, and further delay in reassembling the yarn wheel.  Bother.  I turned around after getting dressed, and was greeted by:

Bailey, who has clearly found his place in the color progression, Paisley, still thinking it over, and Mac, who remains categorically unconcerned.  That's Phillip, writhing in agony under the pile of pets.  Don't worry - the pain meds knocked him out right after this.

Just another day in Paradise.

Oh, and speaking of Paradise, for those who asked; the picture of the galley slaves rowing in Monday's post is from "Ben Hur", starring Charleton Heston.  Thanks for noticing.

My Staycation

While my family retreated from the Dog Days of summer to the cool relaxation of the lake, I took a little trip to "House-All-To-Myself Town". 

The accommodations were, of course, First Class:

Among its many charming diversions, this luxury destination afforded A delightful view:
 

And if that weren't enough, my world-class resort also offered a relaxing Day Spa:

And A friendly, if somewhat bossy, staff:
 

And although the maid service was somewhat lacking, all the basics were covered:

So while I am happy to welcome my family back home again, I won't deny that my short break from them was restorative and productive. 

I might even visit that little vacation spot again one day.

Bon Voyage, Y'all

My Family are headed to Devil's Lake today:

Our dear friends invite us to their vacation house every summer, where we paddle in boats, lounge in the hammock, play golf, read books, eat, drink and generally make lazy slobs of ourselves.

This year I'm missing it.

I elected to be good and stay home to work.  I am not feeling smug and self-satisfied with my decision, though I'm hoping that will come.  In fact, I'm feeling good and sorry for myself, even thought I know I shouldn't.

Getting to do the work of a knitting author was one of my fondest dreams, and now that it's come true, I don't want complain about it.  I just wish the timing were of my current project were different. 

So even though I'll be working all weekend, I'm going to pretend I'm on a vacation, too.  The closeness of my fam this summer has been a challenge for me:  I like a bit of space to myself, especially when I'm working, which flatly has not been an option for the last 90 days.  Having them scram (especially when I know they'll be having a good time) is a change of pace for me that I'm sure will be good.  And measurable gains on my book will definitely make me happy. 

Oh, and it's not like I'll be without proper supervision:  Paisley and Bailey are staying here too, to keep an eye on things.  No telling what we three might get up to...