I've got agate hunting on the brain!

It's that time of year again. We're just starting to go stir crazy, but the snow IS slowly melting. I believe this is the last of it. Until the next snowfall, which I will then believe is the last one. Really. I can hardly wait to see what new gems are to be uncovered in the spring. All new rocks on the shore of Lake Superior, and hopefully some new ones uncovered at my favorite secret rock quarry. I wanted to share a photo of one of my beauties. I have many, and many favorites. In fact, my profile photo is me staring at and examining some of my finds :) I'm going stir crazy and can hardly wait for my bulbs to come up. Not long now, right?

Looks like Buddha approves of my baby blanket!

I took a break to have another cup of coffee this morning, only to come back and find Buddha all cuddled up with my project. I didn't want to disturb him, so I figured I'd post it here!
Also, we started reading "Cesar's Way," by Cesar Milan (The Dog Whisperer), this week. It's taught me a few things about how a dog reflects your own behavior, mood, energy, etc.. Very interesting. I also took note about something as (seemingly) simple as how to walk your dog, which is covered in one of the chapters. Basically we had an excellent walk yesterday, and after I corrected Buddha once or twice, he ceased pulling and actually seemed to trot like a show dog. He is so funny!

Here's Bruce looking stoic about the new hat I crocheted this week. Isn't he just adorable? I think I need a new model.

My Very First "V" Stitch!

Since I just found out that my sister is having a GIRL, I'm using this Lion Brand Pattern to create a baby blanket for her. I didn't want to use a pastel pink or purple yarn. I thought this seafoam-ish color would be perfect! It's Bernat's 'Roving' yarn, and the color is Rice Paper. It's chunky weight and I'm using a size k hook, which for some reason is my favorite hook to use.
Also, you have to join on the Lion Brand website to look at some of the patterns, but it only takes a second and you don't have to enter tons of information, and there are A LOT of really cute patterns to use.

Crocheted flowers

This was actually an accident, when I started out making a rose, but then I aborted the pattern and finished it freehand. I liked the way it turned out.

I just learned how to make these adorable crochet flowers! They were so easy. This video will help you learn too, How to crochet flowers. This is from Little Birdie Secrets, which is one of my favorite craft blogs. I've made a bunch of different styles of flowers in the past few days. I found a few more free patterns here, which I thought were really easy and cute.