New Recruit

98.Recruit a new lister to 101 ...COMPLETED
My new fellow 101 lister is an online friend and New Zealand resident David Paterson. We have kept in touch via email for over a year now after I read of his ambition to walk from London to Ediburgh to raise money and awareness for the British Heart Foundation. David is a 66yr old native Scot who a few years back underwent a heart bypass and has since been trying to make his 'Walk of Hope' plans come true. Please take the time to look over David's blog.

Another online aquaintance is fellow knitter Andy B. He intially expressed some enthusiasm in making his own 101 list. I hope he still goes on to do so as his blog is beautifully written with warm words and often comical observations of his new homeland Amsterdam.

All I Do Is Talk To My Pillow..

35.Make DVD database..COMPLETED
I decided to compile an online DVD database mainly because when I am online shopping and see something that interests me I often can't remember whether I've already got it or not. Laziness is a factor in this as it saves me trudging through rooms and checking my DVD shelves. I especially enjoy Doris Day movies such as 'Pillow Talk' or 'Send Me No Flowers' and often people ask what ones I have/ don't have at Christmas and birthdays..now I can just refer them to my database. That's a hint folks..it's my birthday in..let me see..83 days, haha.
You can view my database at littlelou's dvd database or start your own at dvdspot

With This Ring..

39.Buy Gavin engagement ring...COMPLETED
Gavin and I have been engaged for 3 and a half years, at least that's how long ago he bought me my lovely white gold and diamond ring. I have always meant to get him a ring too but finding out his size without him knowing was a bit tricky. I initially purchased a ring in 3 various sizes to present him at Christmas but none of them proved suitable. So, to cut a long story slightly shorter..we went to the jewellers, got his correct ring size and bought a lovely white gold band with a brushed gold finish across the centre.

87.Knit 20 easter chicks...IN PROGRESS
I have started knitting my Easter chicks. There is no real plan but I'm hoping they will be egg cosies to give them to friends at Easter with a yummy cream egg. I'm making the pattern up as I go along but well, it's not rocket science is it?

I'm ready for my close up, Mr.DeMille

28.Watch Sunset Boulevard ...COMPLETED
I watched my DVD of Billy Wilder's 1950 picture 'Sunset Boulevard' on Sunday afternoon. It stars Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond, an ageing former silent film queen and William Holden as the struggling writer who is held in thrall by her madness. No special effects or gratuitous nudity is needed to make this black and white Hollywood blockbuster watchable..the only gimmick being the sensational dramatic acting and the tragic destiny of the unfolding tale. Recipient of 3 Oscar awards, it's most definitely a winner with me.

More Progress

13.Learn Signalong, sign language
My mum phoned me tonight to tell me she had me some Signalong notes for me, so looking forward to beginning this task soon. One of the reasons I'm interested in learning this form of sign language is that I'm a volunteer at my local hospital on the children's ward. Some children who come in may have learning difficulties, impaired hearing or speech problems and Signalong is beginning to catch on as a method of communication.

30.Fill at least 10 boxes for Shoebox Appeal...IN PROGRESS
My other half and I became aware of the Shoebox Appeal a couple of years ago and contributed by filling a wrapped shoebox with toiletries and small gift items which was sent to an orphan or person devastated by disaster in Eastern Europe. This year we are hoping to fill at least 10 such boxes for Blythwood Care who will then distribute them. We have been putting extra items in with our weekly shopping. With Asda toothbrushes at 15p and toothpaste at 21p it doesn't have to cost a fortune to help people who may have nothing.

Wooly Tale

91.Organise all knitting stuff in one place..COMPLETED

When compiling my list I actually imagined this to be one of the last items I'd get round to doing..I'd previously been avoiding it for months. It just goes to prove this list is working and is motivating me as planned. I had wool, needles, patterns and knitting works in progress...EVERYWHERE! There was some in bags, under the bed in tubs, in drawers and crammed in cupboards..but no longer is there such chaos. I have been Little Miss Organised and arranged drawers and tubs all labelled and tidy. Lets hope it stays this way at least for a while eh?

I also had to post a picture of my glamourous assistant Patch who can be seen sporting a Louise Original knitted scarf.

Book Worm

20.Read & list 50 books...IN PROGRESS 3/50

I have read two of the books I received as Christmas presents. The first is a biography of former female impersonator now teatime chat show host Paul O'Grady. I had always admired the over the top baudy manner of his alter-ego 'Lily Savage' and minus the make-up Paul himself is only a slightly toned down version. This book penned by Neil Simpson didn't quite live up to expectations however. A good enough read chronicalling events through O'Grady's life was marred somewhat by all the quoted anecdotes from 'friends', 'collegues' and 'fans' of the star. I look forward to a self-penned version which Paul O'Grady himself has announced is in the pipeline.

The second book entitled 'Too Many Mothers' by Roberta Taylor has been on my 'must read' list since last Christmas. It was worth the wait. This book is an autobiography by former Eastenders actress Taylor (presently in ITV police series The Bill) and describes intricately the story of her own East End family background. The title of the book reflects the strong female characters of her maternal Grandmother, 3 very different Aunts and her mother Win. It is not a cosy sweetness and light version of events but a gritty, gutsy, tragic yet endearing book. Beautifully crafted with the ability to make you smile and weep on the same page I was loathe to finish this read as it truely was a joy.