By now, probably everyone has seen the amazing parakeet who can cross stitch. Bert even left the link in a comment here, some time ago. If you haven't seen it, go have a look!

Well, I had to admit to Bert and to a few others that Gilbert, our ring-necked parakeet, has never shown the slightest inclination to share my hobby with me. That's not to say he isn't good company when Niek's out and I'm stitching in the living room. He dive bombs me from time to time to check on my progress and squawks loudly when I watch TV for too long.

We've recently discovered that Gilbert's talents lie elsewhere. Apparently the fact that no one in our family goes too long without a book in his (or her) hand has not escaped Gilbert's notice. But you better watch out if you try to pick up a book that he's not finished with yet!!



And, as I mentioned, Gilbert monitors my TV watching. Fortunately, we like most of the same programs! Niek, however, has absolutely terrible taste in TV, as do so many men (Sorry, gentlemen! No offense meant!), and occassionally, Gil has to take things into his own hands ... er, beak.



On the stitching front, I elected to make a very time-consuming dinner and bake a cake instead of stitching, so I will have to make my evening hours really count as I continue with Max's March Hare. I may have been a bit over-ambitious, planning tote bags for all three kids, but I can always switch to smaller designs for Nicky & Rowen. Though I have my heart set on doing Mrs. McGregor's Garden by The Sampler Girl. If only I could give up sleep!

For reading, I just finished Shadow of the Giant, by Orson Scott Card. These books are just amazing. He's an amazing author. Even if sci-fi is not your thing, his writing transcends the genre. I raced through this one - couldn't help myself! I'm also still reading Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, by Susanna Clarke. It's a slower-paced book, but I'm really enjoying it.

And for those who've asked about Annemarie, she was doing great the last time I spoke to her. She's stitching up a storm, and has several wonderful projects going at once. She'll have a lot of "Show & Tell" to entertain us with once she's able to purchase her new computer! I'll pass along greetings to her when I call her again.