Gromit Knits!: Running Behind

Being late was something I was trained not to do as a child. My parents viewed being prompt as a key element of social responsibility. Being fashionably late was disreputable.

I've fallen from the high road into something like compulsive tardiness. I feel guilty about this, truly I do. I'm afraid it is a result of wanting to do too much in too few waking hours. Once again I'm late. I meant to get this post up last night, but by the time I had a free moment I had no energy left.

Now I have energy, but as soon as I finish this I'm off to Stitches and I'm under a deadline -- I need to get some shopping in today. I've been resisting yarn urges all week. I haven't been to a yarn store at all this month. Serious therapy is required.

Now, onto the real point of this post. Long overdue thank yous. I've said them a million times in my head and now I have five minutes to put them into words.

Thank you Elisabeth for a being a spectacular Secret Pal. When I came home last week to find your latest package, I couldn't retain my glee. GWTW is one of my favorite movies of all time. It has loomed large in my life since I first saw it at the age of nine, and had been looking forward to sharing it with the girls.

It took a bit of coaxing, but now they are into it. I'm discovering it's a great vehicle for discussing how people differ in their strengths. They're grappling with their dislike of Scarlett, but I'm pushing them to see her tenacity and drive as virtues. She serves her family and her friends well, though she doesn't fit their mold. Yes, she is the most selfish woman alive, and one willing to do bad things to achieve good aims. Yes, she doesn't know her own heart, at least until the end, but she is interesting because she is complex, and she changes. A good introduction to real people.

We haven't finished the movie yet, but they are also asking good questions about the history portrayed. All around a great idea for a SP gift!

I also came home from my business trip to a package from Minou, my favorite puppy. She got her mommy to put together a welcome to the family package for the kitties, with some extra goodies for me and for Paco. Paco's cookies had already been sent over to him at Liz's other house, so they're not pictured.

The evil kitties love their toys. And I love my keychain and lip gloss. I also enjoyed your letter. You write really well for person, much less a puppy. The girls are "oohing" over your little pictures -- they can't get enough of you. You are their puppy hero.

AND, yesterday I came home to another package from Minou! I WON A PRIZE IN HER DRAWING! I NEVER WIN ANYTHING!

We got more homemade puppy cookies (shaped like bones). These are already with Paco. Two luscious skeins of Noro Korchoran that will have to become something neat to wear this winter and a puppy picture frame and a signed Minou photo.

Thank you everyone. I've loved having all these packages to come home to. I may not get pictures up before I head out to Atlantic City, but if not, I'll do it on Sunday when I get back.

To anyone in the path of Rita, stay safe and dry and keep your family, friends and pets close.