Cookies and Congrats

I'm at a crossroads with knitting right now, with nothing really at all to show at the moment, so until that changes (which will be soon, don't worry), I've got a couple of other things to share.

During my visit back home, I was pleased to attend a cookie swap that Lisa hosted at her house. Fun! I mean, check out this spread! I contributed a big bowl of spiced nuts. I felt a little guilty for not bringing actual cookies, however, the nuts were specifically requested by the hostess, and so I happily obliged. Lisa's sister, Dee, brought snickerdoodles. This was perfect, since when I think of snickerdoodles, I think of Dee. I don't think she minds this association. She also brought a few vegan pumpkin cookies (which I really did like, Dee, seriously)! :)

table o' cookies (clockwise from top left): almond, cocoa krispie,
sweet lemon-thyme,chocolate-kahlua, boring spiced nuts,
ranger, breakfast, shortbread, and snickerdoodles

I'd like to mention that I grew up with Lisa and Dee. Like, since birth. Our moms had been best friends since high school, so we've been pals since the diaper days. Growing up we played together, had sleepovers together, and yes, even dressed up their little brother in girl's clothes together (hehe- good times)! We went to high school together, traveled to Japan together, and well frankly, amassed countless (too many to mention) special memories together. I love that our moms brought us together as babies, and am grateful that I have lifelong friends (family) as a result, not to mention fabulous nieces and nephews in Lisa and Dee's kids who I adore to death. I treasure the time I get to spend with them all when I go back home. The fact that cookies were involved this time, is pure icing on the cake...or powdered sugar on the cookie, as the case may be. ;)

And while I'm on the subject of dear friends, I want to publicly congratulate two others, who are each starting exciting new chapters in their lives. Mary-Heather has landed her dream job (thereby becoming the envy of us all), and is now working with Jess and Casey (and Bob) at Ravelry. I'm so stoked for all parties involved. For Jess and Casey, for growing everyone's favorite site to a point where they are able to expand (and for having the good sense to chose MH to fill this role); and for MH for having this amazing opportunity. Just when I thought I couldn't love Ravelry any more...*sigh* We can all look forward to even more great things from this team, I just know it! Yay! And on a different note, heartfelt congrats to Julia and Moxie, who are expecting their first child this fall. I'm bursting at the seams! And this time it's not just 'cause I haven't been working out...it's because I'm so super happy! Hoolia's going to be a mommy! Woo-hoo! I see more cupcake baking in my future! ;)

Yay for good friends...and baked goods! :)