Gauge ruler

The Black Squirrel has the best notions and such. Even if I don't buy yarn when I go in, I almost always get some little accessories. This one's a wooden gauge ruler, which makes it much easier to make sure to count how many stitches and rows you're creating per inch/cm. If you're creating more or less than the pattern calls for, your garment will end up larger or smaller than intended!

Snapdragons and hollyhocks

I like to plant snapdragons in memory of a previous dog, Cinnamon Snapdragon. These are looking beautiful.

Hollyhocks are among my favorite flowers. They're showy, come in many colors, and, like me, thrive in lots of sunshine. This is the "nigra" variety - such a dark reddish purple that they're almost black.

Broiler chicks update

They are about six weeks old now. They have progressed from the metal tub, to a small enclosed pen, and now to the larger pen surrounding it. They were quick to explore as soon as I propped the door open and are already working on consuming the weeds.

Six weeks to go!