Sunday, December 28, 2014

week-end musings

In case you're wondering, I made it through Christmas.  The Christmas eve service at church was really nice, the music being the highlight for me.  Christmas day got to talk to my Mom which was a nice gift.  Spent most the day in my PJs.  Went to see the Hobbit at the movie theater.  Had a couple meltdowns.  It was very quiet and I did miss having family around.  But, I survived.  

I worked half days Friday and Saturday so the boys, George and I just chilled out in the afternoons.  I knit and listened to podcasts or books on CD.  Rocky got a new toy for Christmas and it's his new favorite.  He has been attacking it, carrying it everywhere, and then snuggling it on the couch.  

 Joey can be found napping anywhere, anytime.
 And then there's George.  She is sort of pesky this feline of mine.  She has to be right in the middle of whatever I'm doing.  She will even lay on top of my hand on the mouse!  I guess that means she loves me :)
 So, remember the giraffe pattern I told you about?  Here's what I've got so far:
It's pretty cute even without a nose or mouth yet.  I gave him blue eyes.  I have one leg finished as far as appendages go.

As I'm sure everyone is this time of year, I've been mulling about resolutions.  Not sure if I'm going to make any true resolutions since I don't really keep them anyway!  I definitely want to knit more socks.  And try to make a sweater.  I have a couple quilt tops that I need to finish and then quilt.  Yes, and lose weight.  Uggg fat is my nemesis.

So, I just edited this post to add some fabric pics!  Because the other thing going on around here is laundry.  I just took this load out of the dryer, isn't it lovely?  I am definitely a pre-washer for fabric.   














Anyhow, as I was folding this bunch of lovely, I was thinking about my resolutions that I wrote about above.  And the quilt tops I need to finish up.  and bam! just like that as I was folding this yellow bee fabric it hit me that this would be perfect in my rainy day quilt!  And the gray little piggy fat quarter might too.  I love when that happens.  Just going about normal life stuff and ideas happen :)  Next weekend, it might be all about sewing and quilting!

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Merry Christmas

I started a new knitting project last night.  I've been wanting to start this for awhile but was looking for the right yarn.  I settled on this Encore Colorspun which is an acrylic and wool blend in nice baby colors.  One of the ladies at work is pregnant and due in January.  I missed her baby shower so I thought I'd knit this cute giraffe as a gift!  It's funny because I don't think anyone expects me to hand-make gifts, but I put that pressure on myself.  For two ladies in the office I had made quilts so in my head I thought I should do that.  But, I don't know her that well.....and I've wanted to make this pattern......so two birds one stone, yes?
She already knows she's having a boy, and I really wanted a self striping yarn and dang is that hard to find!  The pattern calls for worsted weight, most baby yarns are DK or fingering.  And the cute ones were mostly the girl colorways.  But this is a nice sherbetty color.  I don't think you can see too well right now but it is making kinda blobby stripes, which I like.

So it's Christmas eve - Merry Christmas!  It is, of course, very quiet here.  I had high hopes for snow but so far it's just been rain.  This afternoon though the temp has drastically dropped, so maybe?  

This morning as I was getting ready for work I got a text from Karla that there was a gift on my porch!!!!  What a sweet surprise!  It is a basket stuffed with lots of goodies!  She's such a little elf.  And when I got home from work there was a card from a lady at church.  

Welp, I'm off to knit some more, just wanted to pop on here and wish everyone a Merry Christmas!  

Saturday, December 20, 2014

O Christmas tree....

Well, I changed my mind rather suddenly today and bought a Christmas tree.  I was not even thinking about it.  I was going to the grocery store and somehow found myself at Michael's craft store and then looking for a tree.  They only had 3 left in the store that were all 7 feet and I didn't want that big of one yet.  So, on autopilot I drove across the street to Joann's and asked where the trees are and the girl said she thought they were all gone.  She said earlier they were down to two.  So, I thought that's that.  But tucked in a corner with label hidden I found the very last tree!!!!  It's small, just 4 feet so it fits on a table top nicely.  It is pre-lit with white lights but I like the colorful ones so I just strung up lights I already have. 
And then went looking for my ornaments.  Our ornaments.  

I had sort of forgotten what I would find in the ornament box.  I have quite a few Hallmark ornaments that are dated and special.  Lots of little ballerinas, mini snowflake ballerinas.  Fishing ornaments, a flying duck, a truck for Scott.  And, towards the bottom were the personalized ones.  Oh.  I can't explain how thankful I have these!  Yes, I cried.  And then was thankful and happy to have the memories.
This cute reindeer one is dated 1999 which would have been while Scott was in Korea and I was waiting for him in Tennessee.  His mom, Sue, for a few years sent us personalized ornaments.  And with a name like mine, I loved them extra special because I have never found my name on anything personalized in a store!  Bahahaha!

This little cutie says "Our first Christmas together" and funny thing is that it's dated 1997 which was technically our second Christmas together!  This was the Christmas right before we got married.  I also found the glass pickle ornament that I bought in Gatlinburg, TN.  So many memories.  

And, I have to say I really like the way it looks all decorated and lit up.  It's rather cheery.

mousy

This little Christmas mouse is watching the rain fall this morning.  I think he's hoping for snow :)

Friday, December 19, 2014

it's the piggies fault

I visited my Mom last weekend in Chico.  And she gave me gift cards to the quilt fabric store and yarn store.  And, I may have spent well over the gift card amounts both places and at a few others as well!!!!  Tee. hee.  But it was great fun!  Wanna see?

So, it doesn't look like much in the bag but it is stuffed full of 1/2 yard cuts. And yarn.

The quilt store was super fun, especially with Mom who was happy to share the fun with me!  So, I took a slow lap around the store seeing what collections they had before I started grabbing bolts.  There was a display table next to the cutting table and there was a fat quarter bundle of this Heather Ross print of piggies!  Oh those piggies just crack me up!  There are 3 colorways of pigs and then  coordinating prints.

And once I decided I had to have the piggies it was like I want this and this and this and and and.......
I've seen almost all of these prints online and have admired them on other people's blogs and in quilts. Which I know I should not covet but we don't have a quilt shop here that stocks anything close to such cute stuff.  The gal in the store was also fun, I'd pick something up and she'd be like "oh I didn't see that, that's cute.  Is there another one?"  I can tell I would not be able to work there unless I just worked for fabric!
After that we drove over to Heartstrings which is a cute little yarn shop.  They have a great selection of yarn and needles.  Since I had kind of gone way overboard at the fabric store I was quite restrained at the yarn shop.  I went in planning to buy circular needles so that I can attempt to do two at a time socks.  I also found some nice sock yarns to try.  The middle yarn was actually in the gift bag from my Mom that she found at a thrift store!  It's Opal yarn which I've been wanting to try as I've heard it's nice and holds up well.  I really like the colorway.
One of the places I love to go shopping at in Chico is the library!  The library has a book sale on Saturday mornings in the conference room.  The entire room is full of long tables covered in boxes FULL of books.  I used to go specifically to look for books on tape for Scott.  He had a love of books on tape or cd so I'd go there and scoop up some great deals!  It became something I liked as well so now I just like to go check it out.  I came away with a shopping bag full of books and one book on cd, which I think is a success.

Saturday night I met my best friend Jeannette to watch a Christmas music light show, which was really nice, fun and free!  

I have to say it was a really nice trip.  I grew up in Chico but have never wanted to move back "home".  Mostly because it never felt like home to me.  Usually when I visit I'm annoyed at the people and the traffic and the weather and and and.  This time though it was just nice to see Mom, we had fun shopping, and see Jeannette.  It was nice to get home to my puppy dogs who were sooooo happy for me to pick them up from the vet's office where I board them.

So Christmas is right around the corner!  I didn't end up putting up a tree.  I guess at this late in the game I won't.  Maybe I'll knit and sew up some ornaments and shoot for next year.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Happy mail!  Two sparkly glittery cards and herdy stitch markers from across the pond :)


Thursday, December 11, 2014

I made it through my birthday

Just want to give a small update.  I made it through my birthday with no meltdowns!  The layer of sadness was there but I kept it together.  My Mom and Brother called to check on me, which was sweet.  I also had messages from Scott's family which I think I will always be surprised by - in a good way!  I am thankful that they still consider me part of their family.

And, Jan brought me a balloon!  I love balloons.  Flowers, yes, I love too.  Cake, eh.  But balloons?  Oh yeah!

I also wrote a bit in my journal which I haven't done for reals in months.  It felt good.  So begins my new year.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

time just passes

My husband was 11 months and 26 days older than me.  Our birthdays are 5 days apart.  So, I'd have my birthday, and for 5 days we'd be the same age and then he'd have his and be a year older again.  He died when he was 37 and I 36.  The day after his angelversary, 4-5-14, I became officially older and the time has kept going.  And tomorrow I will be noticeably older than him by the number of years.  I will be 38.  

I have surpassed his amount of years.  I don't know how to put into words how odd and sad this makes me.  Unless you've experienced this I don't think you can understand.  I know that everyone just wants me to be thankful for what I had and grateful for what I do have.  And I am, I AM.  But, I have also always been a thinker, an overthinker mostly.  

And the other thing is that he brought magic to my life.  He was the adventure and fun.  There were so many things I didn't notice or care about before he came along and then for 17 years I had fun and magic and him.  Then suddenly I didn't.  I am exceedingly thankful that he introduced me to the things he did.  But, the contrast of what I have now is stark.  It would be like living in an environment of overgrown jungle and warmth and then being dropped into a cold desert.  Can you picture the difference?  

So, yes, I am thankful to be alive.  Tomorrow begins my personal new year.  God willing, I will wake up 38 years old.  I just will always wish he was still alive.  I will always check voicemail for his yearly birthday song singing message.  I will crave his touch and dream of his laughter.  I will be thankful that I knew those things so dearly.

As I've said previously, December is hard for me.  Monday will be his birthday and I will wish somehow to wake up and he will still be here.  My mind mostly knows he's gone but part of it and all of my heart still hope it's just the worst dream.  The best gift is that I knew him for 17 years.  I had his love and it still warms me.  

Sunday, December 7, 2014

a little rusty with the crochet skills

I have a FO (finished object) to share and it's actually crochet!  First off, let me just say that I tried a new coffee blend today!  It's Starbuck's holiday blend for 2014.  I'm so used to drinking french roast by now that I'm not sure if I like it?  But, you know, add enough sugar cookie creamer and it tastes just fine!
So, I don't remember how long ago - not long though - like 2-3 weeks ago, Jan asked if I would make a pair of boot cuffs for her to give to her daughter for Christmas.  I think at the time I was still working on the grey Jul hat, so I said it would have to wait but I would start at the beginning of December to make sure I'd get them done in time.  And dang if December didn't just sneak right up! ha.  Yesterday I realized I'd better get busy if I was going to be serious about this project.  I snooped around Ravelry for free patterns and found a couple.  

Now, me being me I would want something with a little frill or ruffle.  I came across this pattern called Scalloped Boot Cuff and I thought it was cute!  It is a crochet pattern, very easy and quick!  So, I'm not the fastest crocheter ever so I had read other projects that people had made and they were like "finished in an hour!" "two cuffs made during a movie!" and that sort of thing.  Yeah.  Let's see, I watched a 2+ hour podcast and then 2 movies last night and 2 podcasts this morning and finished.   To be fair, I did have to rip back a couple times because my stitch count would either diminish or multiply in spots.  Teee Heee.  Knitting makes more sense to me than crochet, what can I say?

But!  the finished product is cute!  So, I stuck one of them on my paper towel roll so you could see it in "action".  I plan on making a pair in off white/cream, this is my test knit - but I think these would look cute peeking out the top of some boots.   I also bought a cream color yarn that has a bit of sparkle that I might make for myself :)

Update on other knitting projects: I am about to start the heel on my Dumbledore Hermione socks.  I was getting nervous that I might be developing second sock syndrome, but this week felt the urge to pick them back up!  After that is done I am feeling like I want to knit another little animal - maybe a Bakery Bear or Gelatto Giraffe, which are both patterns by Kay Jones who is one half of the Bakery Bears podcast, which I love.  Before I start that though, I feel I should finish up the sweater I started for my little fox - it is winter after all I don't want him to get cold!

Ummm.  So, that's pretty much it here.  It's 48 degrees out and foggy and gloomy so I will no doubt spend the rest of the day either knitting or maybe sewing?  What are you up to???

Monday, December 1, 2014

December snow dust

It is December 1st and I woke up to snow this morning!  As you can see, it's not very much, just a frosting really.  But what does it mean???  Will it be a white Christmas?

Sunday, November 30, 2014

pom love

So yesterday I bought this pom pom maker and I'm ridiculously glad I did.  I've always made them using a piece of cardboard and wrap the yarn around, then shimmy if off and tie yarn to hold it all together.  Or wrapped yarn around my fingers for the same effect.  So, really, I didn't neeeeed a pom pom maker.  This is nice because there are sizes to choose from.  There was also a set of smaller poms which I think I'll go back and get.  The smaller ones will be perfect for knitted bunny tails :)

Here is my first pom.  Getting just this one picture this morning was kind of a task because George feels like she has to be in the middle of everything!  This is a thin yarn, I just grabbed what was close to try it out.  I can imagine how poufy the poms will be with thicker yarn!  Love.


Saturday, November 29, 2014

Christmas decorations

I started putting up Christmas decorations.  I felt like I just had to even though I'm feeling crummy.  But, here's the thing - I needed to vacuum so I thought I should dust first, which meant I was moving things around anyway, so why not just trade things out?  Right.  

This is the little table right by the front door that I set my keys on.  Jan gave me that linen table top thing with the elves dancing, it had been in her Grandma's Christmas things and she had thought I might like it.  She was right!  
I have been collecting nutcrackers for many years.  I put a few on this little table, a couple in the kitchen and the rest are around the tv.

I love my light up Christmas village!  Last year I left it up so long!  I forgot the snow last year though I think.  Eh.  Usually those pictures are on top of the bookcase, but while I was dusting I was setting them one by one on the top shelf there and I kind of like how it looks.  


Here are the rest of the nutcrackers.  Not a very cute or exciting picture - such is life right?  I kid.  So, I bought the little owl wax warmer this morning at Joann's and I am digging it.  So, Scentsy is a big thing right now and it's one of those companies you order from someone you know type thing.  The scented wax isn't too pricey but the warmers are spendy!  So, Joann's had 70% warmers today which made this bird like less than $7.  And, Glade and all kinds of brands are making the scented wax squares now so, score!
And here's Miss George, napping as usual.  The corner behind this chair is where I might put a Christmas tree.  I am thinking a small one?  I would put that end table in the corner so Joey can't stand on it.  He likes to stand on that table which is why there isn't anything on it except the computer wifi thing.

I'm going to warn you all now that December is coming and December is a verrrry hard month for me.  As is April.  But, just so you know I may be sad, sparse or who even knows this month.  Last year were all the firsts without him and this year I just don't know how it will be.  I'm already feeling a heaviness, a deep sadness that life has gone on without him.  I'm just addressing this now because I've noticed from my blog reader thing that maybe people are actually reading my blog (besides my Mom!) and may not know me - but this is my life, I am a widow and it's been 20 months.  It's not like I share everything here but it is my space to be me and get out what I need to.  I'm sure it won't be all sad because I still have to keep going, keep knitting, keep sewing, keep my head up.

Monday, November 24, 2014

weekend finishes

I know I sound like a broken record but this was a loooooong hard week!  I worked this Saturday morning so it felt extra long.  We're still shorthanded so work feels like it's swallowing me up.  But.  I know this is temporary, this stressful overwhelming time.  So this weekend I felt like I needed to really get some stuff done that I've been wanting to and make the most of my time.  Saturday Jan and I did our nails and then it snowed!  
 I found a new show that I've been watching.  I hadn't heard of it before - it's Call the Midwife.  It's a BBC show (surprise, surprise!) and has sucked me in!  So, the library had season 2 and I borrowed it and have been watching and knitting.  I finished up the hat that I was working on.
It turned out really well I think.  Here it is on a jar so it looks super long.  I just love the little texture pattern.  The top picture is the decreases on the crown which I think looks kind of fun.  And then me, modeling it.....first thing in the morning bahaha.


Sunday being my "real" day off this week I just relaxed in the morning, then decided I neeeeeeeeded to be sewing!  I had bought some new Christmas fabric last weekend and I dove right in and made up these holiday zipper bags.  The gnome one is not out of the fabric that I bought but I felt it was sort of holidayish?  idk but I do know that I love it!  

I also played around with zipper pulls.  I've seen other people doing little jingle bells and I would never have thought of that on my own but thought it would be perfect!  One of the podcasts that I watch, A Homespun House, who is Molly, likes to put cute brooches on her project bags.  Another thing I wouldn't have thought but decided to give it a go.  In my beading stuff I actually found a little baggie full of odd and ends that I'm sure I picked up at a thrift store or yard sale or something similar.  Anyways, there was a cute little Christmas mouse holding a little bell! Perfect.


I think this one is my favorite.  And I think I can use it after Christmas as my winter knitting project bag.  I just love the little houses.  I like to imagine what each house's story is.  Like, does that tall house have a big family living in it?  Is their Christmas morning crazy, do they wait up for Santa?  And that smaller house next door I feel likes to bake.  Their Christmas morning is filled with the smell of baking and hot chocolate. :) Does anyone else do that?
So, I feel like I got a good amount of stitching done and that makes me happy.  I'm going to let a couple of friends pick a bag if they'd like one, I have enough of all the fabrics to make more.  And, I think I'm going to make a couple more and set them aside.  I'm going to start of box of items to maybe do a craft fair next year.



Saturday, November 22, 2014

turkey nails

Jan and I did our nails today.  She painted me little turkeys on my ring fingers!  Bah!  They are so cute.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

oh fabric

Okay fine.  I bought some fabric yesterday!  I kind of had to if you know what I mean.  I really just went in to Joann's because I happened to be in the neighborhood and thought I'd browse around.  And, right when you walk in is the Christmas fabric!!!!! BAH!  And then it went a little something like this: thinking about the project bags that just sold out from A Homespun House, which is one of the podcasts I watch and she just had the cutest ever Christmas project bags but I didn't want to spend $40 on one since I know I can make my own - but it's the fabric! that I wanted. So here I was in front of the Christmas fabric and I thought I'll just see if there's anything close to what she used because I don't just want any old Christmas fabric!  And I really wanted the little peppermint candy fabric that she used.  There wasn't any of that so I thought I was safe.

I was until I came across some clearance fabric that I thought said Downton Abbey on it.  It didn't.  It said Westminster Abbey.  But!  Cute little British landmarks!  Really though, how could I resist?  Well, we all know I couldn't and that's how it's sitting on my kitchen table.
And then it was like, well I don't want to go to the cutting counter for just one thing.  I did see a cute elf fabric after all.  And I don't need much fabric for a project bag.  Then I spotted some peppermint candy fabric and I was done!!!!  
And then I realized that I am out of interfacing.  Interfacing is one of those things that's just not fun to buy but you've gotta have it.  So, I didn't go overboard and I have some super cute fabric to make a couple project bags.  Because apparently December 1st I will need to put my knitting in Christmas themed bags!  Oh man.

Yesterday was quite a full day by my standards.  I worked in the morning.  At one I met Karla to watch her oldest son's first "biddy ball" game, which is basketball for 4 year olds.  Oh man that was funny!  These kids have no idea what's going on and there are adults down there shooing and wrangling and directing them around.  So funny!  And then randomly one of the kids might melt down or slide with the ball or swing around one of the hoop poles.  Baha!  

We went to coffee after that to chat and catch up since we don't see each other every day any more.  It was nice, we went to Starbuck's which happened to be having buy one get one free on their holiday flavors.  So we both tried chestnut praline lattes.  Then, I trolled over to Joann's (see above).  At 6:30 I went to a lights out zumba fundraiser for a 4 year old little girl who is a cancer survivor.  It was really fun!  Jan had gotten us glow in the dark bracelets and rings and it was just fun to dance/workout with friends.  And Aly, the little girl, got up on the stage towards the end and was just soaking up the spotlight and dancing, dancing, dancing!  

Today being my only full day off this week, I am chilllllllling out!  I might make those holiday project bags.  Or I might knit and watch movies the rest of the day.  I don't know yet.  Do you want to see what I've been knitting?  Cuz I'm gunna show you anyway :)
I started this hat Tuesday at knit night at my LYS.  The picture above it how much I had done by Wednesday!  It's been a really quick knit.  It is the Jul hat by Wiksten.  I had seen it knit up on another blog that I follow and thought it was super cute.  I'm not much of a hat person myself but I really like the subtle texture and it's sort of slouchy.  I filed it away as a possible gift idea.  And now that I'm thinking Christmas is right around the corner I started to knit it up with a special lady in mind.  I asked her if she wears hats and she said she has trouble finding hats that fit well because she has a small head.  Humpf.  

So, I did cast on the recommended amount of stitches but I knit tightly so I think it will be okay.  And I didn't go up a needle size after the ribbing.  And I had Jan try it on and she said it may be too small.  But, I'm not going to fret because the ribbing is stretchy and yarn tends to stretch as well with wearing.

Look how far I've gotten since Tuesday! 
I have one more set of 8 rounds for the texture stitches and then I start to decrease.  I'm very pleased with how it's turning out.  The yarn is beautiful, it's the Berocco Ultra Alpaca that I bought in Mendocino with my Mom.  It's 50% alpaca and 50% wool and is super soft and squishy.

I almost forgot that I received my Ipsy bag yesterday too!  I'm not sure that I really love the cosmetics but the little zipper pouch is silver sparkly!  I've decided that it needs to be a notions pouch.  I already have one but I have two of a lot of my knitting items and that way I can have one for home and one to take to go!

oh, p.s. we did have our first snow this week, which melted off before 10am!  It has been super cold, right now it's 28 and we're supposed to have a high of 41!  I am so thankful for my heater! and my job to pay the bill :)

Thursday, November 13, 2014

first snow


This morning I woke up after having a lovely dream.  Scott and I were eating pralines and cream ice cream and laughing together.  That feeling, laughing together, was so good!  And I woke up wishing I could have somehow stayed in the dream awhile longer.  I got up to let the dogs out and we had our first snow!  Just a little dusting, enough to make it look like frosted flakes.  I had a little laugh thinking I had just been dreaming of ice cream and woke up to snow.  Not the same, I know, but kinda funny.

This is the view just stepping onto my front porch and snapping a picture.

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Mr. Fox and quilt top


I've got lots of pictures to share!  Yesterday I knitted and visited with a couple friends.  It was nice while I was still feeling under the weather to just take it easy.  I got a lot done on Mr. Fox.  This morning I was determined to finish him up.  George was determined to be right in the way!

 I had just finished sewing the tail on and about to start the face and she was right up in the middle of everything, as usual!

And there she goes, sticking her curious face into my notions bag!




 And so I finally got this guy finished.  I don't really think he looks like a fox, do you?  Not sure what he looks like really but very cute.  I am planning to make him a little sweater and possibly trousers.


Tail view: 
I tried to get him to stand on his own, so here he is in some "wildlife" by the plant.

To finish the face on Mr Fox I had to go out the craft house and root around for some black yarn.  Doing so I got distracted by my modern maples quilt top that I had about 1/2 sewn together!  So, I pressed play on the book on cd I'm currently listening to and pulled up my chair to the sewing machine.  I'm listening to Inheritance by Christopher Paolini, it's the 4th book of that series.   The top is now sewn together and measures about 72 x 72.  I'm considering adding a bit of a border but not sure.

So, this is my attempt at an artsy quilt photo!  LOL  I look at other blogs and they take their finished quilt tops to fun locations or pretty places and get pictures in interesting ways.  And so I was like, hmmmmm I'm still in pjs so not going anywhere anyone can see me - what can I do with what I have?  I also have not raked my fallen leaves, quilt is maple leaves, ding dong!  I'll take a picture of my leaf quilt amongst fall leaves!  bahahahhaahhahahaaaaa haha hah ha.  So, I'm not a fancy photographer!  And I'm just fine with that.




Here's an artsy fartsy fall leaf picture for you.  I think my grass thinks it's spring because it has started growing like crazy and super green.

Anyway.  I've mentioned that I've been watching knitting podcasts.  This weekend I have been enjoying newest episodes (releases?) from my favorites.  The Dancing Geek (James) who is just lovely.  The Bakery Bears which are Dan and Kay Jones, and they had some really great news to share! Dan has gotten the all clear from an illness.  Today I got caught up on the Brant and Sherry podcast which is on itunes.  I was about to move onto something else but noticed that my google alert bell was on and the newest Come Knit With Us was released!  So I'm listening/watching that as I type.  Those girls are a hoot!  So silly.  Love them all.  I thought since I've mentioned that I started watching I'd share links so you can join too if you'd like.  I looked a bit today to see if I could find any quilting podcasts but only found audio podcasts, not video.  And they didn't seem quite as silly as these so I didn't keep listening - but if you know of any I'd love to check them out!