Book ~ "Good Dog, Bad Cop" (2023) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ The K Team enjoys investigating cold cases for the Paterson Police Department. Corey Douglas, his K-9 partner Simon Garfunkel, Laurie Collins, and Marcus Clark even get to choose which cases they’d like to pursue. When Corey sees the latest list of possibilities, there’s no question which one to look into next.

Corey’s former mentor, Jimmy Dietrich, had his whole identity wrapped up in being a cop. When Jimmy retired three years ago, his marriage quickly deteriorated and he tried - and failed - to get back on the force. Jimmy was left to try to adjust to life as a civilian.

Not long after, two bodies were pulled from the Passaic River. A local woman, Susan Avery, and Jimmy Dietrich. With no true evidence available, the deaths went unsolved and the case declared cold. This didn’t stop the whispers: an affair gone wrong ... a murder-suicide committed by Jimmy.

Corey never believed it. With this case, the K Team has the opportunity to find the real murderer and clear Jimmy’s name.

Corey Douglas is a retired police officer as is Simon Garfunkel, a his former K-9 partner.  They team up with Laurie and Marcus to form an investigation firm called The K Team.  Laurie is married to Andy, a retired criminal defense lawyer, and she and Marcus do investigative work for Andy.  Laurie is also a former police officer and Marcus has "persuasive" reasoning skills and provides protection when it's most needed.  Sam is Andy's accountant who is also a computer hack.  Corey, as a retired police office, used to have an issue with how Sam gets his information but he has changed his mind now that he seems how much faster Sam can access it.

There have been some budget cuts in the Paterson Police Department but they still have money to hire consultants.  Preferring to use it rather than lose it, the K Team are hired to investigate cold cases. They choose one that is near and dear to them ... the death of a police officer. Danny Avery had been on a stakeout when he was shot in the head. His widow, Susan, and his cop friend, Jimmy, are found dead the next year ... were they murdered or was it a murder-suicide? Corey and Laurie don't know if the deaths are connected but assume they are so they start from scratch with basically nothing and see where it takes them.

There have been 26 books so far in the Andy Carpenter series and I've read them all ... this is the fourth in the K Team spin-off series.  Though it is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone as there is enough background provided.

I liked this book.  I like the writing style of this author as it was funny, sarcastic and amusing.  It was written mostly in first person perspective in Corey's voice but is sometimes in third person perspective when the focus is on others. I found there were a lot of characters in this book so it was hard to keep them straight at times.

Knitted dog sweater

I just finished knitting a hot pink (I love the colour!) doggy sweater. 

I originally knitted it to donate to ElderDog but Sister Sarah saw it and asked for it for her dog, Frankie. He has black fur so it will pop on him! 

It’s considered a medium-sized sweater (14 inches long and the chest is 15 inches). The yarn was thin so I doubled the strands.

I found the pattern at Yarnspirations.

Knitted dog sweater

I just finished knitting a medium dog sweater I'll be donating to ElderDog Canada, which will be sold in their online shop, used directly as needed in ElderDog activities or included in special ElderDog fundraising.

I found the pattern at Yarnspirations.

The Good Son, Toronto, ON

Gord and I had supper this evening at The Good Son (Queen Street W/Dovercourt Road). 

Knitted dog sweater

I finished knitting a medium dog sweater I'll be donating to ElderDog Canada, which will be sold in their online shop, used directly as needed in ElderDog activities or included in special ElderDog fundraising.

I found the pattern at Yarnspirations and used a Caron Big Cake (Grape Jelly).

Book ~ "Ziggy" (2011) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ The Petersons have become experts at fostering puppies until they can find them a perfect forever home. 

Charles brings home Ziggy, an adorable short-haired black-and-tan dachshund, from an overwhelmed owner at a local dog show. Ziggy is an active, curious little guy, who loves to explore. 

But when Ziggy manages to dig a hole under the backyard fence, his curiosity leads him into trouble. The Petersons have never lost a dog that they were fostering before! How will they find Ziggy? Where did he go?

Charles and his older sister, Lizzie, are in elementary school. The Peterson family have a puppy named Buddy plus they foster dogs and help them find homes.

When Charles is at a dog show with his aunt, he meets Rosie who breeds and shows dachshunds. She has a cute puppy named Ziggy but because he has an overbite, she can't show or breed him so she must find a home for him because she has many dogs. Despite being really attached to him, she allows the Petersons to foster him and find him a home. But the curious puppy digs a hole and escapes under the fence and the search is on for him.

Though this book is a quick read and directed at elementary-aged children, I found it entertaining. There is a learning experience and a puppy tip at the end. It is written in third person perspective and first person from Ziggy's point of view. It is the twenty-first in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 66 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

Book ~ "The Housekeeper" (2022) Joy Fielding

From Goodreads ~ Jodi Bishop knows success. She's the breadwinner, a top-notch real estate agent. Her husband, Harrison ... not so much. Once he had big dreams. But now he's a middling writer who resents his wife's success.

Jodi's father, Vic, now in his late seventies and retired, is a very controlling man. His wife, Audrey, was herself no shrinking violet. But things changed when Audrey developed Parkinson's ten years ago and Vic retired to devote himself to her care. But while still reasonably spry and rakishly handsome, Vic is worn down by his wife's deteriorating condition.

Exhausted from trying to balance her career, her family, and her parents’ needs, Jodi starts interviewing housekeepers to help care for Audrey and Vic. She settles on Elyse Woodley, an energetic and attractive widow in her early sixties, who seems perfect for the job. While Vic is initially resistant, he soon warms to Elyse’s sunny personality and engaging ways.

And Jodi is pleased to have an ally, someone she can talk to and occasionally even confide in. Until ...

She shuts Jodi out. And Audrey's condition worsens - rapidly. Who is this woman suddenly wearing her mother’s jewelry? What is she after? And how far will she go to get it?

Jodi is the married mother of two young children. As a real estate agent, she is the main support of her family. Her husband is a novelist who had success with his first book 10 years and and has been working on his second one since. Her parents are elderly ... her mother is bedridden and her father is her caregiver. As busy as Jodi is, her husband still seems to expect her to carry more of the load at home and is resentful when she cares for her parents. Somethings got to give so Jodi hires a housekeeper named Elyse, who seems perfect and it takes some pressure off Jodi. But things start taking a turn ... Elyse is controlling her parents' household, restricting access to them and wearing Jodi's mother's clothing and jewellery and there's nothing Jodi can do about it.

It was an intriguing story of how Elyse was able to take control of everything ... a bit farfetched but I went with it. I liked the writing style. It was written in first person perspective in Jodi's voice. As a head's up, there is swearing. 

I didn't find there were any likeable characters. Everyone, including her parents, husband and older sister, treated Jodi like crap. Despite her age (she's in her late 30s/early 40s) and having a successful career, she's a doormat and kept on taking everything so I had a hard time feeling sorry for her. Her family would insult her and she wouldn't say anything because that's the way they always spoke to her (they made no secret that her older freeloading sister was the favourite). When her husband treated her like crap, she took it because she didn't want to cause friction like she saw between her parents.

Northern Maverick Brewing Co., Toronto, ON

After our boxing class, Yvette and I went to Northern Maverick Brewing Co. (Bathurst Street, just north of King Street W) for an early supper.

We discovered they have "hoppy hour" specials from 3pm to 6pm on Mondays to Friday. Whoohoo!

Gotta love $5 hoppy hour beer!

I've been craving pizza lately so ordered a Housemade Roman Style Bacon Pizza for $21 (House Cured and Smoked Bacon, Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato Sauce) ... it was okay.

Yvette had hoppy hour $5 specials of Vegan Curry (Chickpeas, Lentils, Spices, Papadum - vegan) and Vegan Pakoras (Zucchinis, Chickpea Flour, Onions, Mango HabaneroSauce, Potatoes). She really liked them.

Hardknocks Boxing Club, Toronto, ON

Almost 20 years ago, I was introduced to boxing by Yvette, who was my trainer and became my friend.  She started boxing classes and I checked them out and loved them. I did them for a few years until she paused them to directed her career and attention elsewhere.

She organized a class for today and put the word out inviting "alumni" from her classes over the years. Of course, I signed up! She held it at Hardknock Boxing Club on Bathurst Street, just south of Queen Street W.

 

It was fun to run into Billy there. He is the head coach there and was Yvette's trainer many years ago when she a professional boxer. Billy taught our classes years ago too and I hadn't seen him in a long time.

Here's Yvette and Yvette and I before the class started.

The class was a lot of fun ... it felt great to pound the bag again! She's thinking about doing a class once a month and I hope she does!

Basic Beanie

I finished knitting an adult basic beanie using Caron Big Cakes (Toffee Brickle). I found the pattern here.

 Sizes: Prem [0-3, 6-9, 12-18, Child, Adult, XL] 

To fit head: 30 [35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 61]cm 

Yarn: 4ply weight yarn

Needles: 5mm circular needles or double pointed needles to work in the round and for crown shaping 

Using circular needles, cast on 60 [70, 76, 90, 96, 104, 116] sts, join for working in the round, making sure the work isn't twisted, and place the stitch marker to mark the beginning.

Knit one row; purl one row. Repeat until cuff measures 2 [2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4, 5]cm from cast on or desired length.

Sizes 6-9, 12-18 and XL: kfb, knit to end. 1 stitch increased. (- [-, 77, 91, -, -, 117]sts)

Now knit every round until hat measures either 5 [6.5, 8, 9.5, 12, 13, 16]cm from cast on edge (straight cuff), or 7 [9, 11, 13, 16, 17, 20]cm from cast on (folded cuff), or desired length.

Crown Shaping

Decrease round: (k8 [8, 9, 11, 10, 11, 11], k2tog), to end. 6 [7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9] sts decreased.

Next round: knit to end.

Repeat these two rounds, working 1 less stitch before the k2tog in each new repeat, and still decreasing the same number of stitches each time, until you have 18 [21, 21, 21, 24, 24, 27]sts.

Next round: (k1, k2tog) to end. (12 [14, 14, 14, 16, 16, 18]sts.)

Next round: k2tog to end. (6 [7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9]sts.)

Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Thread this tail through the remaining live stitches using your yarn needle, taking the knitting needles out as you go, and pull to close. Fasten off, and weave in both ends.

ElderDog Canada Inc.

I mailed my knitted donations to ElderDog Canada today.

There were 10 dog sweaters which may be sold in their online shop, used in ElderDog activities or included in special ElderDog fundraising events. I also sent 4 adult beanies and 3 scarves for volunteer dog walkers.

Basic Beanie

I finished knitting an adult basic beanie using Caron Big Cakes (Toffee Brickle). I found the pattern here.

Sizes: Prem [0-3, 6-9, 12-18, Child, Adult, XL] 

To fit head: 30 [35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 61]cm 

Yarn: 4ply weight yarn

Needles: 5mm circular needles or double pointed needles to work in the round and for crown shaping 

Using circular needles, cast on 60 [70, 76, 90, 96, 104, 116] sts, join for working in the round, making sure the work isn't twisted, and place the stitch marker to mark the beginning.

Ribbing: (k1, p1) to end.

Repeat until cuff measures 2 [2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4, 5]cm from cast on (straight cuff), or 4 [5, 6, 7, 8, 8, 10]cm from cast on (folded cuff), or desired length.

Sizes 6-9, 12-18 and XL: kfb, knit to end. 1 stitch increased. (- [-, 77, 91, -, -, 117]sts)

Now knit every round until hat measures either 5 [6.5, 8, 9.5, 12, 13, 16]cm from cast on edge (straight cuff), or 7 [9, 11, 13, 16, 17, 20]cm from cast on (folded cuff), or desired length.

Crown Shaping

Decrease round: (k8 [8, 9, 11, 10, 11, 11], k2tog), to end. 6 [7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9] sts decreased.

Next round: knit to end.

Repeat these two rounds, working 1 less stitch before the k2tog in each new repeat, and still decreasing the same number of stitches each time, until you have 18 [21, 21, 21, 24, 24, 27]sts.

Next round: (k1, k2tog) to end. (12 [14, 14, 14, 16, 16, 18]sts.)

Next round: k2tog to end. (6 [7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9]sts.)

Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Thread this tail through the remaining live stitches using your yarn needle, taking the knitting needles out as you go, and pull to close. Fasten off, and weave in both ends.

Chocolate Painting Meditation workshop, QUEST XO Chocolate, Toronto, ON

Gord and I attended a Chocolate Painting Meditation workshop at QUEST XO Chocolate (Liberty Street/Atlantic Avenue) this afternoon. 

Quest is the owner and she is soooooooooooo nice! She started with a short meditation to clear away our day so we could focus. 

We were going to paint on a 5 x 5 square of chocolate with a "love" moment. My head went to when Gord was being wheeled away for his liver transplant and if I'd ever see him again (hence the green heart ... green is the ribbon colour for liver cancer). His head went to a New Years Eve a couple years ago in Mont Tremblant. First we put a "LOVE" label on the piece of chocolate and then painted a white "base". Then we let our paint brushes guide us. 

Basic Beanie

I just finished knitting an adult basic beanie using Caron Big Cakes (Toffee Brickle). I found the pattern here.

Sizes: Prem [0-3, 6-9, 12-18, Child, Adult, XL] 

To fit head: 30 [35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 61]cm 

Yarn: 4ply weight yarn

Needles: 5mm circular needles or double pointed needles to work in the round and for crown shaping 

Using circular needles, cast on 60 [70, 76, 90, 96, 104, 116] sts, join for working in the round, making sure the work isn't twisted, and place the stitch marker to mark the beginning.

Ribbing: (k1, p1) to end.

Repeat until cuff measures 2 [2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4, 5]cm from cast on (straight cuff), or 4 [5, 6, 7, 8, 8, 10]cm from cast on (folded cuff), or desired length.

Sizes 6-9, 12-18 and XL: kfb, knit to end. 1 stitch increased. (- [-, 77, 91, -, -, 117]sts)

Now knit every round until hat measures either 5 [6.5, 8, 9.5, 12, 13, 16]cm from cast on edge (straight cuff), or 7 [9, 11, 13, 16, 17, 20]cm from cast on (folded cuff), or desired length.

Crown Shaping

Decrease round: (k8 [8, 9, 11, 10, 11, 11], k2tog), to end. 6 [7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9] sts decreased.

Next round: knit to end.

Repeat these two rounds, working 1 less stitch before the k2tog in each new repeat, and still decreasing the same number of stitches each time, until you have 18 [21, 21, 21, 24, 24, 27]sts.

Next round: (k1, k2tog) to end. (12 [14, 14, 14, 16, 16, 18]sts.)

Next round: k2tog to end. (6 [7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9]sts.)

Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Thread this tail through the remaining live stitches using your yarn needle, taking the knitting needles out as you go, and pull to close. Fasten off, and weave in both ends.

Book ~ "Rocky" (2012) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ When Lizzie sees an ad in the paper for a dog in need of a new home, she is immediately concerned. Why is this person so anxious to get rid of their puppy? 

Rocky is a cuddly, couch potato of a Bulldog. He was originally brought in as a guard dog but he would rather nap than protect a store. While fostering Rocky, Lizzie learns that the puppy is very stubborn and not open to changing his lazy ways. 

But every pet owner has a different need and Lizzie is able to find an older couple in need of a companion who are more than happy to accommodate the sleepy puppy's lifestyle.

Lizzie and her younger brother, Charles, are in elementary school. The Peterson family have a puppy named Buddy plus they foster dogs and help them find homes.

Lizzie sees an ad in the newspaper that someone is looking to rehome Rocky, a puppy bulldog. Concerned that the dog might be given to just anyone, her family fosters Rocky and try to find a home for him. He had been original bought as a guard dog but he's actually a goofy lazy lovable boy.

Though this book is a quick read and directed at elementary-aged children, I found it entertaining. There is a learning experience and a puppy tip at the end. It is written in third person perspective and first person from Rocky's point of view. It is the twenty-six in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 66 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

Coconut Candle Company - Valentine 2023

My Valentine Coconut Candle Company subscription box (full size) arrived today.

Our subscription box is the best way to experience our hand poured coconut wax candles. Each themed box has a surprise selection of unique candles that we've never released before.

We have two different boxes available, the full size subscription box with over $100 worth of candles and the mini subscription box with over $80 worth of candles. The full size box also contains a gift from another local business.

Shipping is included in the price of the boxes.

Treat yourself or a loved one to an aromatic journey throughout the year!.

It's always a fun box to receive!

La Boite à Bonbons C’est Bon Bon
Valentine’s Day gummies

SOAK rose petal bath bomb

Book ~ "Bandit" (2012) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ Bandit is an adorable black and white Shih Tzu with a mask-like marking over his eyes. Lizzie discovers him at a highway rest stop restaurant. He was abandoned by his owers because he needs an operation and they couldn't afford it.

Lizzie and her family take Bandit in and begin fundraising for the expensive procedure. Maria and her Uncle Teo are also a big help. Maria and Lizzie establish competing dog-walking businesses to raise funds. Everyone who meets Bandit falls instantly in love - except for Uncle Teo, who thinks he's a little too small and fluffy. In the end, Bandit's operation is a success. Uncle Teo is won over by the resilient puppy and agrees to adopt him.

Lizzie and her younger brother, Charles, are in elementary school. The Peterson family have a puppy named Buddy plus they foster dogs and help them find homes.

Lizzie is heading with her friend, Maria, to their cottage when they stop for pancakes at a truck stop restaurant. As they are paying, the cashier is holding a Shih Tzu puppy named Bandit and tells them that he was abandoned behind the restaurant because he needs a heart operation and his owners can't afford it. The Petersons agree to foster him and their vet arranges for his surgery. Lizzie and Maria started walking dogs to raise money to pay for the surgery while they work on finding him his furever home. But they are concerned that he may not make it through his operation.

Though this book is a quick read and directed at elementary-aged children, I found it entertaining. There is a learning experience and a puppy tip at the end. It is written in third person perspective and first person from Bandit's point of view. It is the twenty-fourth in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 66 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

Basic Beanie

I just finished knitting an adult basic beanie using Caron Big Cakes (Toffee Brickle). I found the pattern here.

Sizes: Prem [0-3, 6-9, 12-18, Child, Adult, XL] 

To fit head: 30 [35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 61]cm 

Yarn: 4ply weight yarn

Needles: 5mm circular needles or double pointed needles to work in the round and for crown shaping 

Using circular needles, cast on 60 [70, 76, 90, 96, 104, 116] sts, join for working in the round, making sure the work isn't twisted, and place the stitch marker to mark the beginning.

Ribbing: (k1, p1) to end.

Repeat until cuff measures 2 [2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4, 5]cm from cast on (straight cuff), or 4 [5, 6, 7, 8, 8, 10]cm from cast on (folded cuff), or desired length.

Sizes 6-9, 12-18 and XL: kfb, knit to end. 1 stitch increased. (- [-, 77, 91, -, -, 117]sts)

Now knit every round until hat measures either 5 [6.5, 8, 9.5, 12, 13, 16]cm from cast on edge (straight cuff), or 7 [9, 11, 13, 16, 17, 20]cm from cast on (folded cuff), or desired length.

Crown Shaping

Decrease round: (k8 [8, 9, 11, 10, 11, 11], k2tog), to end. 6 [7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9] sts decreased.

Next round: knit to end.

Repeat these two rounds, working 1 less stitch before the k2tog in each new repeat, and still decreasing the same number of stitches each time, until you have 18 [21, 21, 21, 24, 24, 27]sts.

Next round: (k1, k2tog) to end. (12 [14, 14, 14, 16, 16, 18]sts.)

Next round: k2tog to end. (6 [7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9]sts.)

Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Thread this tail through the remaining live stitches using your yarn needle, taking the knitting needles out as you go, and pull to close. Fasten off, and weave in both ends.