Puppy news and some knitting progress

It has been so ferally hot here the last few days that I have made the leap and called the air con guy to come and quote to replace the main living area air con, which is woefully underpowered for the area it tries to cover and ancient to boot. That will be a cool change, let me tell you!

It was so hot yesterday afternoon that I could not knit. Instead I went over to the craft table to play with pretty paper and finally finished a Christmas paper globe that I have been working on for at least a week. Things sure do move slowly 'round these parts at times!
I still need to attach a cord and do the finishing, but for the most part, it is done. I can see lots more of these in my future! :o)

Knitting? Why yes, there has been some knitting also:

This is Orleans, a Berocco pattern. It is fairly whizzing along!

And the sock is not to be forgotten:

The afterthought heel will be placed about halfway through the wide dark grey band. This is the first sock, and the second one will not be made to match - these will be fraternal socks.

I am enjoying the simpler (I wont say more quiet) pace of life at home at the moment - with one week until school goes back, it is time to gear up for the year ahead, and start covering school books and  the like.

But do you want to see how much the puppy has grown? 'Course you do! Sunny is proving to be very smart - he has learned how to push open the unlatched door with his paw to go outside; and now provides clear clues that he needs to go outside for his business. I must be attentive or else Disaster ensues! My attention, and therefore success in toilet training, is patchy. But its all okay. I taught him not to nip and bite me when I scratch his belly in about 10 minutes, although sometimes he likes to pretend that I did not teach him at all. I am trying to use only praise for good deeds and stopping good things for bad deeds. So the tickling stops and I gently say "no". And there is lots of playing with balls and dog toys. We have errands to run most days, so he is left to his own devices outside for part of the day. So when I go back to work in a couple of weeks he should manage okay (I'm hoping).

Can you tell that we've never had a pup before?

This afternoon we will be going to see "Alvin and the Chipmunks 2", with only the sock to save my sanity. Wish me luck!

Comments

[2paw]

Orleans is a lovely top, is it cotton??? Nice socks and the Afterthought heel is so clever of you!!
Oh Sunny is gorgeously handsome!! He's such a smiler and a good poser for the camera too. Labradors are so clever and they love to please their human companions. Too clever for their own good sometimes!!
They do love having their bellies rubbed!! Pats for Sunny.
I like to smell puppies' heads: Harki smelled like Milk Arrowroot biscuits when she was a baby!!
Enjoy the last quiet days before it all begins again.

[madknitter Nat]

Thanks Cindy and pooches
The pattern is written for a linen blend (Naturlin)but I am using Rowan Calmer - the photo shows about one and a half balls knitted up. Sunny got my knitting this afternoon and had a chew, not sure of any damage. (not brave enough to look)

I woke up this morning to my 4 yo trying to get one of my knitted cardis (Twist) off the dog, so it looked like a tug-o-war. So you could say I got out on the wrong side of the bed. But a trip to the gym and dinner and I am a happy camper once more. Sunny is going to get T-bone bones at bedtime tonight to keep him occupied.

I am getting better at reading his cues, but this puppy raising business is a learning experience - thanks for all your wonderful advice. I will be heading to the shop for some plain white vinegar tomorrow! Sunny sometimes asks to go out, but mostly doesnt ask to go to the toot; but I do think that sometimes he is holding on and waiting for an opportunity to go out

[Robbyn]

The thing with puppies - and especially Labs - is to be consistent. If something is forbidden (nipping, going after your knitting, helping himself to the roast...) it must be forbidden *every* time. In many respects, puppies are just like children; they will test you every time they get the chance and you have to be firm about things.

On the other hand, there isn't a much better dog than a Lab, they are friendly, intelligent and generally happy animals, great companions and playmates. I envy you. I love my cats, but I grew up with dogs and I miss having one.

Sorry to hear about your dreadful heat down there. Even in the summer here it doesn't get quite that bad. You just take it slow and easy - well, as easy as you can given Alvin and the Chipmunks! LOL!

[Lynne]

Knitting looks lovely, the Christmas ornament is great and the dog, cute!