On Tactile Pleasures, a Plethora of Plaid, and Souvenir Socks

One year ago, my darling little niece was born. Any time I see this cutie is a good day. Happy Birthday baby!

February was mostly a miss for me. The Year of the Cat started the month off on a bad note and ended badly with the loss of my parents' beloved chihuahua, Penny. In between was a lot of hibernation as I retreated to bed with my flannel to escape winter and busy myself quilting again. Let's hope spring's warm weather gives me a more cheerful outlook.

Penny

My parents' other chihuahua, Penny, passed away today. She was almost 15 years old. :(

When I was home last November she was still mourning the loss of her brother, Sebastien, last August. She cried herself to sleep each night. It was the saddest sound in the world.

I'm not much of a pet person, but Penny and Sebastien were the sweetest little dogs anyone could ask for.

On Superbowl Parties and Pop Rocks

After my afternoon tea at Tres by Jose Andres (SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills) - Los Angeles, I checked in with lil' sis since she was in town that weekend. She said she was headed over to cousin Q's older brother's place for his Superbowl party. Hey! How come I wasn't invited? :(

There were enough chocolate Pop Rocks left over that I wanted to feed them to my cousin's baby just to see his expression. OMG! Sooo cute!


I gave him a tiny piece first so it wouldn't alarm him. He had this bemused look on his face while the Pop Rocks crackled in his mouth. Then, his face lit up with pleasure and he simultaneously asked for more and gave the sign by brushing his hands together.

I asked him to say, "Please." Which he then obliging repeated, except it came out more like "pwease" and gave the sign by tapping his chest.

Such a clever boy!

He called me auntie too!