Surgery and a Blanket

I will be having surgery in a little less than two weeks, so I decided that it was time to start working on a blanket project since I will be laid up soon and will be captive to my crochet hook. I am using a wave pattern in three colors. Here is a photo of the inspiration blanket for my project:

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Coquena, The Llama

I think we need this little llama to go in our llama barn house. I just can't get over how cute she is. Something tells me that she is cuter in the photo than she would be if I made her. I don't think I am there yet, but I have purchased the pattern for later after I have more practice.

Crochet the Day Away

I have recently learned to crochet and have made a few things. I started out learning stitches and then making granny squares.

Next I made a crochet hook case, and while the red piece inside is crooked, I just didn't care by the time I realized that was the case.

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Today is "Sugar Shock Friday" at work. The university I work for has a United Way campaign every fall and departments can compete against each other for highest participation percentage and for highest dollar amount raised. Our first fundraiser this year involves food. Food is the way to people's participation (and wallets) in our department without a doubt.

This year I brought my almost-famous pumpkin cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese frosting. I even put them in cute little jack-o-lantern cupcake wrappers. Within about 15 minutes of my arrival at work and putting out my little treats I had a couple requests for the recipe.

The recipe is written at the bottom of this post if you prefer a concise version. I will walk you though the steps first, though, for anyone who wants more details.