Basic knitted slippers

I finished knitting a pair of bright red slippers that I'll be donating to Be a Santa For a Senior Gift Drive.  

I used Soft Classic Solid Yarn by Loops & Threads and 5mm needles. I used this pattern and adapted it a bit since I was using a thinner and so I'd have less seams to sew up afterwards. They are quick and easy.

Sizes:
To fit lady’s shoe size 5/6 (7/8 - 9/10).

Finished Foot length
Small 5/6 - 9" (23 cm)
Medium 7/8 - 9½" (24 cm)
Large 9/10 - 10½" (26.5 cm)

Abbreviations:
Beg = Beginning
Inc = Increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of next stitch
K = Knit
K2tog = Knit next 2 stitches together
Rep = Repeat
Rem = Remaining
RS = Right side
St(s) = Stitch(es)
WS = Wrong side

Instructions:
Note: The instructions are written for smallest size. If changes are necessary for larger sizes the instructions will be written thus ( ).

• Beg at back, cast on 2 sts.
• 1st row: (RS). Knit.
• 2nd row: Inc 1 st in first st. K1.
• 3rd and 4th rows: Knit.
• 5th row: Inc 1 st in first st. Knit to end of row.
• Rep 3rd to 5th rows 8 times more. 12 sts.
• Next 2 rows: Cast on 14 sts. Knit to end of row. 40 sts after 2nd row. 

Work in garter st (knit every row) until work from marked row, measures 4½" [11.5 cm].

Put on double pointed needles.  Continue in stocking stitch for a further 3 (3½ - 4)" [7.5 (9 -10) cm].

Shape toe:

• 1st row: K3. *K2tog. K3. Rep from * to end of row.
• 2nd, 4th and 6th rows: Knit.
• 3rd row: K3. *K2tog. K3. Rep from * to end of row.
• 5th row: K3. *K2tog. K3. Rep from * to end of row.
• 7th row: *K2tog. K1. Rep from * to end of row.
• 8th row: (K2tog) 6 times. 6 sts.
• Break yarn, leaving a long end. Thread end through rem sts and draw up firmly. Fasten securely. 
• Sew edges of back triangle to cast on sts of sides to form heel.
• Sew a pompom to each slipper if desired.

Albert's Real Jamaican Foods, Toronto, ON

I stopped in at  Albert's Real Jamaican Foods (St. Clair Avenue/Vaughan Road) this evening … it’s been a while since I’ve been there. 

I picked up a jerk chicken dinner for my supper. It was sooooo good (spicy but not too spicy) and I have left over chicken for my lunch tomorrow.

Book ~ "Louie" (2018) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ Charles and Lizzie Peterson love puppies. Their family fosters these young dogs, giving them love and proper care, until they can find the perfect forever home. 

At Loon Lake Park, Charles and his Cub Scout friends are told that a dog has been abandoned in the parking lot. Louie, a not-so-small Newfoundland puppy, is quickly taken in and cared for by the group. 

Can Charles and his friends find Louie a perfect, and roomy, forever home?

Charles is in elementary school. His family, the Petersons, have a puppy named Buddy plus they foster dogs and help them find homes.

Charles and his Cub Scout friends are cleaning up a local park before the summer season starts. They find a Newfoundland puppy abandoned in a crate. Charles gets attached to him and names him Louie. Since the Petersons foster and find homes for dogs, they take him home and Charles and his friends start training Louie. They eventually find out why Louie was abandoned and find a good home 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 Louie's point of view. It is the 51st in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 66 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

Book ~ "Confessions of a Forty-Something F##k Up" (2020) Alexandra Potter

From Goodreads ~ Meet Nell. Her life is a mess.

When her business goes bust and her fiancé with it, Nell's happy ever after in California falls apart and she moves back to London to start over. But a lot has changed since she’s been gone. All her single friends are now married with children, a sky-high real estate market forces her to rent a room in a stranger’s house, and everyone has seemingly perfect Instagram-ready lives. Starting from scratch she feels like a f##k up ... a forty-something f##k up.

Landing a job writing obituaries, Nell meets the fabulous Cricket, an 80-something widow with challenges of her own. Together they begin to help each other heal their aching hearts, cope with the loss of the lives they had planned, and push each other into new adventures and joy. With Cricket’s help, Nell is determined to turn her life around. First, though, she has a confession.

Nell is 40-something. She had thought by now her life would have been settled. Instead, she has moved back home to live with her parents in England after spending five years living in California, eventually becoming engaged and then breaking up with Ethan and losing everything when their restaurant closed.

Nell is starting over, surviving thanks to a loan from her father and a freelance job writing obituaries. She is renting a room from Edward, a 40-something family man who goes to his country home on the weekends and expects Nell to take care of Arthur, his big hairy dog, when he's not there (in exchange for lower rent). All her friends have moved on and are married with children. She meets 80-something Cricket when she wrote her late husband's obituary and they become friends.

As an creative outlet, Nell starts a podcast that she assumes no one will listen to and is surprised when it starts gaining in popularity. Plus she daily keeps track of things she is grateful for.

I thought this was a cute book and liked it. It's written in first person perspective in Nell's voice. It takes place in London, England, so there were references to things I wasn't familiar with and sometimes Googled them. I liked Nell and Cricket and thought they were fun together. Given her age and circumstance, I liked Cricket's spirit. As a head's up, there is swearing.

Basic knitted slippers

I finished knitting a pair of bright red slippers that I'll be donating to Be a Santa For a Senior Gift Drive.  

I used Soft Classic Solid Yarn by Loops & Threads and 5mm needles. I used this pattern and adapted it a bit since I was using a thinner and so I'd have less seams to sew up afterwards. They are quick and easy.

Sizes:
To fit lady’s shoe size 5/6 (7/8 - 9/10).

Finished Foot length
Small 5/6 - 9" (23 cm)
Medium 7/8 - 9½" (24 cm)
Large 9/10 - 10½" (26.5 cm)

Abbreviations:
Beg = Beginning
Inc = Increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of next stitch
K = Knit
K2tog = Knit next 2 stitches together
Rep = Repeat
Rem = Remaining
RS = Right side
St(s) = Stitch(es)
WS = Wrong side

Instructions:
Note: The instructions are written for smallest size. If changes are necessary for larger sizes the instructions will be written thus ( ).

• Beg at back, cast on 2 sts.
• 1st row: (RS). Knit.
• 2nd row: Inc 1 st in first st. K1.
• 3rd and 4th rows: Knit.
• 5th row: Inc 1 st in first st. Knit to end of row.
• Rep 3rd to 5th rows 8 times more. 12 sts.
• Next 2 rows: Cast on 14 sts. Knit to end of row. 40 sts after 2nd row. 

Work in garter st (knit every row) until work from marked row, measures 4½" [11.5 cm].

Put on double pointed needles.  Continue in stocking stitch for a further 3 (3½ - 4)" [7.5 (9 -10) cm].

Shape toe:

• 1st row: K3. *K2tog. K3. Rep from * to end of row.
• 2nd, 4th and 6th rows: Knit.
• 3rd row: K3. *K2tog. K3. Rep from * to end of row.
• 5th row: K3. *K2tog. K3. Rep from * to end of row.
• 7th row: *K2tog. K1. Rep from * to end of row.
• 8th row: (K2tog) 6 times. 6 sts.
• Break yarn, leaving a long end. Thread end through rem sts and draw up firmly. Fasten securely. 
• Sew edges of back triangle to cast on sts of sides to form heel.
• Sew a pompom to each slipper if desired.

Book ~ "Bitsy" (2017) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ This itsy Morkie (maltese-yorkie mix) may be the tiniest dog Charles has ever seen. But she thinks she's a big girl and she's full of sassy attitude. 

Can the Peterson's find her a perfect forever home?

Charles is in elementary school. His family, the Petersons, have a puppy named Buddy plus they foster dogs and help them find homes.

Charles and his mom are in the grocery store where he sees a flyer on the bulletin board about Bitsy, a puppy who needs to be rehomed. Charles is drawn to the Bitsy's picture and since the Petersons find homes for dogs, he wants to help. Charles' mom contacts the owner and they take Bitsy home. Bitsy is a cutie and Charles and Buddy have a lot of fun playing with her.

In the meantime, Charles and his mom have joined a local choral group and Charles begins taking piano lessons from a visiting teacher. When Charles discovers Bitsy loves music, he starts sneaking her in when he is practicing and she is loved by everyone.

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 Bitsy's point of view. It is the 48th in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 66 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

Cavalcade of Lights, Toronto, ON

I volunteered this afternoon and evening with the City of Toronto for the opening of Cavalcade of Lights, which goes until January 7. Hard to believe but I've never been to this festival. It was a fun time and I'd volunteer again.

Experience the magic of the holiday season with the much-loved Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square. Inspired by international lantern, fire and light festivals and winter solstice celebrations, Cavalcade of Lights is a free event that transforms City Hall and its surrounds into a dazzling wonderland.

Enjoy the glittering tree, participate in public skating and bask in the glow of thousands of energy-efficient bulbs as they adorn the heart of downtown Toronto. Bring your own skates or rent them on site.

I got there a bit early for my shift so walked around a bit.

I checked in and connected with my team.

Cat Shelter Building Workshop, Toronto Street Cats, Toronto, ON

I spent this morning volunteering with Toronto Street Cats building cat shelters which are sold to the public. The workshops are held throughout the fall and winter season at the Toronto Humane Society.  I've been volunteering with them since 2018 ... it's so nice helping the kitties in Toronto keep warm and dry during the cold winter.

In addition to selling the shelters for $15 or three for $30, Toronto Street Cats also provides free straw to replenish existing shelters.

My pal, Darlene, and I

Prudence and Katherine

Katherine, me and Prudence

Today we focused on building the inserts and made 53.

Souvlaki Hut Greek Taverna, Toronto, ON

Today was our last line dancing class until January and I had lunch with my line dancing buddies, Cheryl and Donna, at Souvlaki Hut Greek Taverna (at Royal York/Bloor W). 

We all ordered a small chicken souvlaki dinner. I got mine with no salad so received extra potatoes. They are huge yummy meals and we all left with boxes of leftovers. 

Ladi, our server, was friendly and took good care of us and treated us to some dessert to share … thanks, Ladi!

"To Kill a Mockingbird", Ed Mirvish Theatre, Toronto, ON

I saw To Kill a Mockingbird tonight at the Ed Mirvish Theatre on Yonge Street with my pal, Franca. 

It was quite good. It was almost 3 hours long but didn’t seem long.

Fran's Restaurant, Toronto, ON (Victoria Street)

Franca and I had supper this evening at Fran’s Restaurant at Victoria Street/Shuter Street. 

Franca had fish and chips and said it was good. It was a big meal.

I had lasagna ... the lasagna tasted like someone actually made it. Yum! 

Craig was our server and he was friendly and took good care of us … thanks, Craig!

Book ~ "Would You Ask My Husband That?" (2023) Kathleen Whyman

From Goodreads ~ When Sarah's husband, Will, is unexpectedly fired, her first reaction is shock. Then she gets a call offering her his old job.

On principal, she should turn it down. But their young family needs the money and Sarah can't help feeling like her career has taken a backseat all these years. Now it is her turn to shine.

Overnight, Sarah and Will trade places.

She's now the departmental director commuting into the city five days a week and answering client calls on the weekend. He's doing the school run and the laundry. Or at least trying to.

They've always said they are equal partners so this should be simple right?

Wrong.

This change was supposed to be the making of them as a family but as Sarah fights for her chance to have it all, she might end up losing everything.

Sarah and Will worked for the same company. Will was a director and, though she had been there longer and would like to be a director, Sarah was a senior manager ... she had taken time off to have children so lost some ground plus carries most of the responsibilities of running their home. When Will was fired, Sarah was offered his job. This is an opportunity she didn't want to say no to. With his termination package, Will agreed not to work for the next six months so Sarah accepted the job, figuring Will will take over the household and children responsibilities.

What Sarah discovered was that not only did she now have a more stressful and demanding job, she was still carrying most of the load at home. She didn't want to be a nag but she had enough. Will thought he was doing more than was expected. Needless to say, they had many clashes.

This was the first book I've read by this author and I thought it was okay. I disliked Will and found his character to be over the top. Could he be that selfish and clueless when he was working that he never realized all Sarah did keeping their household going and working? Six months later, with all the time off he had, he thought he was doing an adequate job even though she was still doing everything at home. He was in his mid-40s so it was unbelievable in today's world that he assumed as the man, he should be the breadwinner. And he didn't realize his thinking that he was more deserving than Sarah was wrong ... he had to be told by a friend. Sarah was being treated badly at work by her new employees but never pushed to see why which at her level she should have.

The story takes place in and around London so there were lots of reference that I wasn't familiar with. It's written in first person perspective, alternating in Sarah and Will's voices (the chapters are labeled). I wonder about the relevance of the title of the book since no one ever asked Sarah anything out of the ordinary and made her wonder whether they would have asked Will that. The constant reference to Sarah’s glasses was annoying. As a head's up, there is swearing.

Basic knitted slippers

I finished knitting a pair of mint slippers that I'll be donating to Be a Santa For a Senior Gift Drive.  

I used Soft Classic Solid Yarn by Loops & Threads and 5mm needles. I used this pattern and adapted it a bit since I was using a thinner and so I'd have less seams to sew up afterwards. They are quick and easy.

Sizes:
To fit lady’s shoe size 5/6 (7/8 - 9/10).

Finished Foot length
Small 5/6 - 9" (23 cm)
Medium 7/8 - 9½" (24 cm)
Large 9/10 - 10½" (26.5 cm)

Abbreviations:
Beg = Beginning
Inc = Increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of next stitch
K = Knit
K2tog = Knit next 2 stitches together
Rep = Repeat
Rem = Remaining
RS = Right side
St(s) = Stitch(es)
WS = Wrong side

Instructions:
Note: The instructions are written for smallest size. If changes are necessary for larger sizes the instructions will be written thus ( ).

• Beg at back, cast on 2 sts.
• 1st row: (RS). Knit.
• 2nd row: Inc 1 st in first st. K1.
• 3rd and 4th rows: Knit.
• 5th row: Inc 1 st in first st. Knit to end of row.
• Rep 3rd to 5th rows 8 times more. 12 sts.
• Next 2 rows: Cast on 14 sts. Knit to end of row. 40 sts after 2nd row. 

Work in garter st (knit every row) until work from marked row, measures 4½" [11.5 cm].

Put on double pointed needles.  Continue in stocking stitch for a further 3 (3½ - 4)" [7.5 (9 -10) cm].

Shape toe:

• 1st row: K3. *K2tog. K3. Rep from * to end of row.
• 2nd, 4th and 6th rows: Knit.
• 3rd row: K3. *K2tog. K3. Rep from * to end of row.
• 5th row: K3. *K2tog. K3. Rep from * to end of row.
• 7th row: *K2tog. K1. Rep from * to end of row.
• 8th row: (K2tog) 6 times. 6 sts.
• Break yarn, leaving a long end. Thread end through rem sts and draw up firmly. Fasten securely. 
• Sew edges of back triangle to cast on sts of sides to form heel.
• Sew a pompom to each slipper if desired.

Book ~ "Jake" (2017) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ Charles and Lizzie Peterson love puppies. Their family fosters these young dogs, giving them love and proper care, until they can find the perfect forever home. 

Lizzie goes to horse camp with her best friend Maria. While there, Lizzie meets a charismatic German shorthair pointer named Jake. The puppy is very curious about the farm and especially likes to spend time with the horses. Can Lizzie help find Jake a perfect home?

Lizzie is in elementary school. Her family, the Petersons, have a puppy named Buddy plus they foster dogs and help them find homes.

Lizzie and her best friend, Maria, are spending a few days at a horse camp. Maria loves horses while Lizzie is a newbie around them. What Lizzie love love loves is dogs. When Lizzie and Maria arrive at the horse farm, there is a homeless dog named Jake hanging around. Lizzie assumes she will be taking him home and finding him a home ... until she discovers that Jake's best friend is a horse named Smokey.

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 Jake's point of view. It is the 47th in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 66 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

Swiss Chalet Rotisserie & Grill, Toronto, ON (Keele Street)

Gord and I had supper this evening at Swiss Chalet (on Keele Street and St. Clair Avenue W).

Gord ordered a chicken stir fry and said it was good.

I ordered a half chicken dinner and took the leg home for lunch tomorrow. It was really good. Lots of chicken and fries.

I couldn't resist a piece of coconut cream pie ... yum!

Mariel was friendly and took good care of us.