Dreaming of Germany

HELLO!!! I AM IN PHOENIX!!!!

2011-02-02T13:27:00.002-05:00

not the south pole. People - 34 degrees with 25-30mph winds (feels like 26 degrees) is NOT, may I repeat, NOT Phoenix weather. I had to break out a heating pad to create a bed for the little Anza girl, and even give Misty extra blankets. The good thing is, it is sunny. So now that I finished my outside chores down at L's house with the goats and such it is time to focus inside. I am thinking I will work on unpacking and storing my Christmas stuff. Afterall it feels like Christmas weather. :)

We are truly getting settled in, bit by bit. I never imagined it would be such a slow process, but I am trying to be patient with myself. I must say though I have finally gotten my Treadmill mojo back and am trying to be very consistent with it. I really want to get back in shape, so my blood pressure and breathing/asthma are not hassling me so much.

It really has been quite busy with multiple trips back east since buying the house, but now we have actually been settled in for 3 consecutive weeks - I have this month yet, and then the visitors will start arriving. Looking forward to Mom & Dad coming out, Dad will definitely feel like he is back on the farm. There is more fencing to be done, and reworking of some doors and tables. By then there may even be some grass to mow.

Sorry I have been so off the grid lately, but hopefully I will soon be back into some sort of a routine that will help keep me doing what I like. Been also doing a lot of research on my future dye business and have started the process of gathering plants, ordering yarn, and experimenting with some small dye batches. We shall see.

Hope everyone is doing well and staying safe and warm during this crazy, crazy weather.

And so it is Solstice

2010-12-21T09:24:00.004-05:00

First let me wish all those who celebrate the Solstice and Yule a Blessed Holiday and hoping the start of the longer days brings you much joy and wonderful times with family and friends.

I must say this is probably the first time I have watched the sunrise on the shortest of days and have plans to watch the sun set as well. It really was quite a spectacular. I find I am enjoying getting into the rythm of life right now. I just take a break and walk out to the pasture and stand there with Fox and Spice and just pet them, and talk to them and marvel at them. I spend time just wandering around and looking at the sky and the mountains outside my kitchen window. I really enjoy learning about the goats, and the coyotes (although I must admit the latter still makes me quite nervous and jumpy when I hear them during the night).

I guess when it really comes down to it I am a country girl at heart, and while I always said that, I still found that being in the city was OK. After just a short time here on our big 2 acres, I just don't think city life can compare. I am sure I will continue to love to visit and marvel at all there is in the cities, but the rythm out here fits me so well.

Now, if I could just get the rythm going to get all these boxes unpacked and put away. Made the mistake of having 'unpackers' here for a couple hours the day after the household goods arrived. Eeeeekkkk!!! There are things unpacked that I would not have touched for at least a few weeks. Oh Well, it is done, and now I have to figure out how to deal with it.

Well, I just figured out that Rick downloaded all my pics onto his computer... hafrumphf!!! Once I get my pics I will post them and you can see my sunrise and sunset pics.

Blessings to you all and may you make the most of the shortest day of the year and be comforted to know that they will all be getting longer from here on out.

It feels so good

2010-12-03T10:36:00.002-05:00

to know that the kitchen floor is clean enough to run in socks on (although too cold right now). See our tiles are pretty much the same color as the dust and dirt here in AZ - which if you think about it, is a good thing. It will be tougher to tell how dirty the floor is, unless of course you decide to go barefoot, or in socks. My goal is: Thursdays will be clean the kit floor, hallway, laundry room, and main bathroom, floors day.

I think this morning they may be some oatmeal cookies going in the oven... we shall see.

Change of subject, this morning I sat on the window seat of what will eventually be our Master Bedroom and watched to most beautiful sunrise. For me this is pretty impressive, as sunrise tends not to be my time of the day. Now I just have to figure out how I can set up the room to stay in bed where it is nice and comfy cozy and still watch the sunrise. Hmmmmm

I shall take the camera with me the next time I venture over to that part of the house for a sunrise. This house is definitely even more than we imagined it to be. Continuing to find out all kinds of neat little things about it...some good, some... well a bit more challenging. :)

We have internet - it must be official

2010-12-02T14:42:00.002-05:00

So, not only did we make it to AZ, we now own our forever home in AZ AND have internet and phone service. What more could one ask for. Last night was officially our first night staying in the house (well the guest house anyway).

Bit by bit we are getting things done. I have been baking and doing laundry today, and will soon make a run to the grocery store. I have yet to thoroughly clean the kitchen floor so I think that is today's chore. Since it is the size of a one car garage, and there are multiple layers of dirt it will definitely be a process.

So I am off to vacuum, swiffer, wet swiffer, and then enviro steam.... what fun this afternoon will be. :) Pictures will come soon I assure you all!!

We Made It!!

2010-10-23T10:10:00.002-04:00

Here we are in Sunny Phoenix, AZ!!! Only problem was, as we drove into Phoenix, it was raining! Although the folks here really don't mind the rain, since they don't get much of it. I personally think Rich brought it with him when we picked him up from the airport in Albuquerque to make the rest of the road trip with us.

There are definitely some challenges moving from a 2500sq ft house into a 1 bedroom hotel suite for temp housing. There are a number of things I did not take into consideration. Live and learn!

We are in escrow for the house here in AZ, but are still in limbo. We are suppose to have a closing date on or before Nov 19th, but we just have to wait and see about that one. I am hoping for 'before'.

Lots to do, but hoping to keep up on the blog for the next while at least.

I am sure there will be lots of pics as we make our way into the house and get it ready for us. There will also be lots of knitting pics, I have made some really good progress on my holiday knitting. Amazing how much progress you can make when riding cross country.

Knitting Pictures.... Finally!!

2010-10-16T11:08:00.003-04:00

So here they are folks, my long awaited knitting pictures. I am making great progress on my 15 Stitch Blanket. I really enjoy working on it, especially when I am brain dead, watching TV, or want to be doing something while talking to other folks (even non-knitterly type folks).

The socks are a gift for my Mom for Christmas. No worries here, as she is a non-computer person, and will never see them before the big day. The funny thing is, she is on this road trip with us, but because I have been spending all my time either in the truck with Rick or by myself in the hotel room, I can work on them without her even suspecting.

The Concert Scarf is for Brittany (Josh's Girlfriend). I really hope she will like it. I think she will though, as she has mentioned that she likes working with fiber as an art medium. It will be fun to give hand made gifts this year.

I have a few other projects in mind to complete before the holidays, and with the remainder of this road trip, plus 2 other flights back east (one for T-giving and one for Christmas), I should be able to get all my project done in plenty of time.
Now if I could just get rid of the cold, I would be in prime knit mode.

Oh and we are officially going into Escrow on the house in AZ. Infact our realtor told us, the bank and owner are pushing for a closing date on or before Nov 19th. Woo Hooo!!! That means we would move in the weekend before the Tues we leave for PA for T-giving. Never a dull moment with us, that is for sure.

So Begins the Great New Adventure

2010-10-13T15:27:00.002-04:00

I promise soon there will be pics. First I need to recover a bit from all the stress and insanity of getting us out of the VA house and on to the road for our trek cross country. It went relatively smoothly with some hiccups, but once we really got started things settled into a routine. Right now we are camped (in a Staybridge Suite) in Columbia, MO. Rick is doing some research for his historical biography that he has been working on for years. Mom has already done the laundry routine, and Dad is being really great about walking Misty. Me, well, the stress seems to have gotten the better of me, and what I thought was allergies from all the dirt and dust we kicked up while cleaning the house... now seems to have turned into a sinus cold. I am really hopping that with a couple good nights of sleep, and just a bit of relaxing I can kick it to the curb before we get back on the road. I have managed to do a fair amount of knitting already. Made some good progress on the Scarf for Brittany, started Mom's Christmas Socks, and even did a bit of the 15 Stitch Blanket.

Will post pics as soon as I am able, but for now it is off to bed for an afternoon nap. Sleep.... it does a body good (especially one that doesn't feel well).

Not Much Knitting

2010-10-03T17:50:00.003-04:00

...but lots of packing, purging, and being crazy. The count down is on and there are only 7 days left until we pull out of the Tidewater area and head for the Valley of the Sun.
Life in house Griset, is busy most all of every day either working here in the house or attending to all the many things that must be done to enable our departure. Some of those include visiting with friends and such. We will most definitely miss all our wonderful friends here in VAB and the surrounding areas, and are hopeful that they will all manage at some point in the future to come visit us in Phoenix. So far we have visitors set for March, April, maybe May, and then next Oct (Taos Fiber Festival), so if you are planning a trip let us know we will gladly welcome you.

As of right now, we are still in the waiting process to see if the bank will accept our bid and the house we hope to call home soon. We now have a Realtor for the house here in VAB and he is eager to help us get the house on the market (and even thinks he may have a possible buyer - wouldn't that be lovely?), plus we are dealing with the selling of the house Rick's in OK.

Honestly, I will be very glad when we actually hit the road next weekend. By that point everything that has to be done will be, and if it hasn't been done - it is just too late by that point.

Hardest part will be saying Goodbye to the boys. While Rich, will be meeting us in Albuquerque to finish the trip with us and spend some time in Phoenix - we won't see Matt or Josh until Christmas. It will be strange, but by the same token, we can keep so much closer in touch now than if this had been even 5yrs ago. Gotta love Skype and so on.

Don't be surprised if you don't see or hear from me until somewhere around the 13th of Oct., as that is when we will pull into Columbia, MO for Rick to spend a few days in the archives and historical societies doing research for his book. Me I will be decompressing and just hanging out for some of that time and tooling about with Mom and Dad.

Will try to do at least one more post with knitting pics in the next day or so.

Catch you ALL on the flip side.

I am so Touched and Honored

2010-09-29T23:35:00.004-04:00

Tonight the crew of Ladies from Yarn for Breakfast threw me a send off that was just wonderful. This group has grown and morphed over the past 4yrs to such a phenomenal group of people. We have had lots of folks join us and move on, and quite a few who joined us and then just stayed, and then there have even been a few that joined, moved away and then returned to the area to rejoin us. There have been babies added, spinners became quite the force to be reckoned with, and dyers are squeezing their way in as well - along with, of course the core crocheters and knitters. I am so honored to have been able to help this group become what it is. A FABULOUS fiber community in the Tidewater area.

A HUGE Thank You for all of your very thoughtful contributions to the Pattern book (free ones of course). I LOVED the Yarn Bowl of cupcakes and especially the "ball bands" they are priceless.

I think that, were it not for the access to email, facebook, meetup, and the like - I would have been just a pile of tears tonight. I will miss you all, and yet we will still be able to stay in touch over the ethers as if I were still around. I truly hope to see you at some time out in the Valley of the Sun - when you have had enough of the winter doldrums, or maybe a bit too much humidity in the early summer - then just let me know and I will help book you a cheap seat to a vacation in the desert.

If I am lucky, maybe by the time you all start visiting, there will be critters on the property and yarn being dyed in the stalls... we shall see.

From the bottom of my heart and with the utmost sincerity... I thank you ALL!

Sorry No Pics...

2010-09-24T05:47:00.002-04:00

I know, I said I would have Rick take pictures, but life has been crazy - as it is wont to be when there is a major impending move. Today is a mini Yard Sale in preparation for tomorrow's regular yard sale. Today I shall put out the main furniture bits and work on pricing stuff for tomorrow. It feels good to know that we are going to try to sell some of this stuff. Plus whatever doesn't sell tomorrow goes to Habitat for Humanity or the Salvation Army. Along with that there are a whole bunch of clothes to be donated - and Rick hasn't even gone through his closet yet.

I must admit, my stress is definitely getting the better of me. I have not slept well for several nights, and last night my asthma decided to put in an appearance. Can't tell if it is just the stress or Allergies (since I have been stirring up all kinds of long settled dust and such), or both.

Anyway, I am definitely looking forward to getting rid of some of this stuff - we really do have too much stuff around here. I want to be able to live more simply, I just seem to lack the willpower and the where-with-all to make it happen. Which is probably why stuff just seems to accumulate with us. One good thing has been ALL the stuff we have found in the garage from previous attempted home projects that is now making its way back to Lowe's and Home Depot, is definitely adding up to nice store credit gift cards. So when we start purchasing stuff to work on the new hause it has already been paid for. Both stores are really quite good about scanning stuff and either noting that it is theirs or not and then doing store credit. This is especially helpful since I live with a man who likes to go and buy at least 1 if not 2 of all the items he "thinks" he might need for a job.

So I am off to start price marking and sorting some more stuff. Wish me luck. :}

Needing Everyone's Mojo -

2010-09-22T10:32:00.005-04:00

It is official as of this morning, we have the bid submitted to the bank for approval (since it is a short sale house you have to get the bid approved before doing ANYTHING else) of the house we hope to call HOME some day soon. I figured I would give you just a few teaser pics.

This first one is the view standing either at our front door, at the sink in the kitchen, or from the table in the dinning room.

Next we have a view of the covered patio area which then enters to the pool, and further off in the distance is the coral/pasture area. This area can be seen if you walk from the front door directly straight through an odd sort of room (don't yet know what it will be), and out a set of french doors.

Finally we have a view of my new kitchen. Yes, it really is as big as a garage (since we think it was at one point a one car garage on the original house). Totally looking forward to making lots of great food and fun in that kitchen.

So, for now, that is all the pictures. When Rick gets home later today I will try to remember to have him take a picture of me with the sweater (with its ruffle) on. I will also go take pics of the socks I finished and will post both of them a bit later on. Might even take a picture of the scarf I am also working on, and maybe even my scrap blanket.

But, for now, it is off to go do some more purging and getting ready for yard sale this weekend. It may not be a spectacular one, but if someone else can get use out of some of this stuff then all the better for it.

So - the Birthday Swirl Sweater became...

2010-09-20T16:48:00.005-04:00

...the Birthday Spoke sweater. After frogging it a second (or was it a third) time, it finally settled in that it was not meant to be the previously noted pattern. Luckily Jessica found this wonderful pattern and said "THIS IS IT" this is what that yarn needs to be.
So without further ado.... The Birthday Spoke Sweater in all its spendor:

I will do my best to follow this with a better picture, since I also added a small ruffle edging to help give it some length and weight at the bottom and really show off the overlap.
Plus I have also finished other socks and scarves and such, and will try to get them on here as I can.

For now, though, it is back to purging, organizing, and cleaning in preparation for moving.

I Am Back and On The Move

2010-09-17T08:05:00.002-04:00

Yes, it has been a year since my last post, and thank goodness the blog is even still here. It has been a crazy busy year with lots of changes and things going on.

Here is the fast version: Still knitting as much as possible. Never did get the Dialysis job (long story - not pretty). Rich graduated from VCU and is now in a nice apartment with a friend, and writing for a couple Richmond magazines and part of the Theater Critics Circle and doing well. Josh is now a Sr at GMU and spent a summer semester in Paris (now like the idea of living abroad even more). Matt is graduated from HS and is now a freshman at JMU and hopefully figuring things out.

Rick has acquired the long waited for Luke AFB position in Phoenix!!!!! Yay for us!!!! We are now moving to Phoenix and will be leaving the Tidewater area on the 10th of Oct. Eeeeeekkkk. Bummed to be leaving my friends, but so very excited to finally be returning to the Valley of the Sun. We have a house we are working on but nothing is final yet. :( Putting as much good energy out there as we can, and planning that we will get what we are meant to have.

Going to try to do some regular blogging now, and hopefully help myself stay focused. Posts will probably be somewhat picture slim, but will do my best to add some nice knitting pictures and some road trip pics when the time comes.

It is Done and Re-Begun

2009-09-20T19:16:00.003-04:00

I have frogged the Birthday Swirl Pullover, and even now have managed to restart is and am about 1/2 way through the swirl. I feel better doing it this time. The pattern is not so foreign to me, and I know where I had issues before. I am as convinced as ever that this was the right thing to do. Now, I have some good car knitting time coming up over the next several days, and plan to make some very good progress.

So Li, I say.... Go For It, make that cardigan into something you will either wear, or keep warm with. :)

Hopefully soon there will be pics. Sorry I am so bad about that kind of thing. Just so you don't think I am a total goob... here is a pic of Rick's 1st of 2 Beach Rib Socks. He likes them, and thinks I have found the perfect sock recipe for him. It is just that it is miles and miles of k3p1 rib - aaaaarrrrgggghhhh. But alas, the yarn is not a solid color and that was the deal.

A Bit of Peace

2009-09-14T18:48:00.002-04:00

Have you ever noticed, the peace you feel, when you finally come to a decision about something that has been nagging at you for a while?? Well, I have come to that peace.

Both, the shawl - Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend, AND The Swirl Pullover are being frogged.

There I said it in public. On Saturday at Yarn for Breakfast I was still hemming and hawwwing about it. Then, just before we all started packing up Jessica helped me with starting the frogging process on the shawl. See, she handed over her absolutely adorable little 2 month old to G-ma Vickie (who proceeded to put him to sleep) and held the shawl and unraveled while I wound the yarn onto the swift. That way I didn't have to watch all the stitches being undone. That also meant that when I got it home, It was already being frogged, and I had no idea where it was on the pattern, so finishing the job was not painful at all.

Next there is the Swirl Pullover.... that one is going to be tougher. Again, talking to Jessica and a number of the other knitters, and seeing what you all said here, I decided that no amount of blocking was going to make that sweater fit the way I would feel comfortable in it. So ..... I shall frog it also, and drop from a 4.5mm needle to a 4.0 needle and make the next size up. I really am quite set on this yarn for this project. It was proven to me over and over when I would look at the nearly finished sweater, and then try to convince myself that it would stretch.

I have not yet started that frogging project, as it was disheartening enough doing the first one. I figure I will give myself a couple days and then start that one. In the mean time I am trying to finish Rick's sock, to help keep my mind off things. :)

I am quite OK with it all now, since I know that I will eventually have the sweater I have been dreaming of, and a fabulous shawl as well. Plus, I will be that much better at following the directions for both of them, having already been there once now.

Made It Home

2009-09-06T22:59:00.002-04:00

We are back in the Tidewater. Luckily off tomorrow, so hoping to take it easy on my back. All the many, many, many, hours of sitting, took its toll, and it (my back) went into spasm for 3days. Oh Joy. I did get a fair amount of knitting in... finished the left sleeve of my Swirl Pullover -

QUESTION TO MY KNITTING FRIENDS... is it ok to attach the sleeves and then block... or should the oddly shaped body be blocked - sew the shoulder seams and then attach the sleeves (since I would really like to attach them via 3needle bind off). I am not always good about following directions, but with this one I am not sure. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Worked on Rick's sock to the point where he needs to try it on, so I can see how soon to start the toe.

Worked on Diamond's Are A Girl's Best Friend lace shawl by Renee Leverington. Slight issue there - you see it was the first lace project I tried, and it has lanquished being worked on sporadically for at least 2, if not 3yrs - there are many glaring errors, and the most recent of which - (since now I really know what I am doing) is a bunch of missing stitches. I fear there is a very large Frog Pond in my future - much deeper than "nee deep" (as my DH would say). I am having difficulty bringing myself to frog it (I am on pattern 4 of 6), but at the same time the mistakes are so glaring.... Maybe this week. Then I will restart it, and it will go much more smoothly, and quickly.

Pictures to follow and tales of vacation adventures (in our world there are always 'adventures')

Off for Vacation

2009-08-29T09:52:00.002-04:00

Today is pack out day, and tomorrow morning we leave for parts northward.

First to Indianna PA, to take a look at IUP for Matt - from there we go east to the other side of the state to Mom and Dad's on Monday. Tues brings a new floor installation in their kitchen, followed by Westminster Choir College on Wed (another 3hr to and from drive). Thurs = a 3hr drive north to lovely Ithaca College in NY. Friday - we "rest" while getting ready for Saturday's Clam Bake with the big family gang coming in.

Believe it or not I am old enough to have my 25yr HS class reunion, and that too is on Sat. So Rick and I will split time with the clam bake, and then off to a picnic-y type class reunion.

That brings us to Sunday and a lovely ride back into the humid zone.

Hope you all have a great Holiday Weekend next weekend, and we will catch you soon.

I Have Been Reminded....

2009-08-27T16:23:00.002-04:00

recently, in fact that I have not been blogging. I guess it is time remedy that situation.

So, to bring you up to date on what has been happening in the DoG household.... After Misty's surgery, and a brief few days away for Rick and I, we have been spending time working (as usual), and trying to get things done around the house. We helped Matt acquire his first car (Taurus station wagon). Pretty good deal for what he paid, and it will certainly help tote around all his stuff. Being a musician, he will probably also have friends with lots of stuff (music, instruments, amps, instruments...and so on).

Rick has been working like a fiend, but the upshot is, following his recent IG inspection, there 24 superior acheivers chosen out of 'a couple hundred' (not sure exactly)... and YEP he was one of them. As well he should have been, since the final week before the inspection he was making his way into the office even with a concusion.

A concusion he recieve while riding in the passenger seat of the Passat (while I was driving) and his Mom was in the back seat, and being rear-ended at a stop light by a hit and run driver. Yep!! We really know how to keep the summer interesting.

This of course has meant that I have been out of work due to neck, back, and blood pressure issues as a result of the accident. Luckily Rick's Mom faired the best of us, but she is currently having physical therapy for shoulder issues.

My beloved Passage had its rear end made concave, and some frame issues. So far the word is, she is not totaled. YAY!!! don't want that for my girl. She went into the shop yesterday and will probably come out by the time we come home from vacation.

Yep, we have a vac coming. We leave Sunday to take Matt on a college exploration expidition. Frist Indiana University of PA, then Westminster Choir College, and finally Ithaca Universtiy. I'm hoping for Ithaca as one of the top finishers. Anyway, then we will help Mom and Dad replace the floor in the kitchen, have a family clam bake, and Rick and I will attend my 25th high school reunion. Haven't seen most of these folks since the day we graduated. Should be interesting.

Yes, as now, I am still employed at CWC, but not sure how that will do with my current physical situation. Will find out after vacation. Rick has been told he must now keep his work week to 40hrs, and some days he comes home at 2:30pm and other days he doesn't go in until 9am. Woo Hoo. We have been looking at property in AZ, in hopes of taking advantage of some really low prices on land, so we can build our forever home. We shall see.

Don't worry there are still dreams of 3yrs in Germany in our future. Just not sure which part of our future yet. :)

Will do my best to keep up with blogging, and even post some cool knitting pics soon.

Been Surprisingly Busy

2009-07-15T09:36:00.002-04:00

While hours at the store have decreased significantly, and I am still only working 1 night shift/wk, I have managed to be quite busy over the last 2wks.

Helping Rachael whenever I am able (especially when not so great movers were testing her patience and sanity), and dealing with Misty, who we originally thought had contact dermatitis and a UTI. After a week of intensive medication treatment, it was noted that she was not getting any better. So my wonderful holistic/chiropractic vet set "get her into the other office and lets get an xray". My nursing background kicks into instant radar gear... puts some major pieces of the puzzle together and figures we have two options. Kidney/Bladder stones (those of you who have had either one know they are not even remotely fun to deal with) OR TCC (transitional cell carcinoma). As it turns out they mimic each other almost identically with the exception of the age of the dog. Since my dog is only5.5/6yr old and the TCC 'usually' occurs around 10-14....I was definitely hoping for the stones.

So yesterday morning, off we go to get our x-ray... Dr R comes back in chuckling... puts the film up on the box and my eyes are immediately drawn to this rather large white circle in her bladder area. "Yep, that is the stone". This thing, according to xray, is probably about the size of a golf ball!!! Hence why we have been having all the troubles we have been having. Because it is so large, it cannot be dissolved with meds and diet... it must be surgically removed.

Off to surgery she goes... and home last evening, a bit loopy, a bit drugged, but home none the less. Fairly good night, and then this morning has been interesting. Now that her pain medicine has kicked in, though, she is much more content. Which should mean I can now get some things accomplished.

The challenge is to keep a normally ver active dog, 'quiet' for 7 days... wish me luck.

Rick and I are off for a couple days starting later tomorrow, and then when we return his Mother will arrive for 3wks. Who knows when I will get to post again, but hopefully soon. Maybe there will be some serious Swirl Pullover progress, as well as a sock finish. I am, if nothing else, ever hopeful of good knitting time. :)

Where Have Been and What Have I Been Doing

2009-07-07T10:49:00.004-04:00

Holy Cow!!! (or should I say Sheep). 2 months since my last blog... bad blogger bad. I must admit though, I have been quite busy, not just sitting around eating bon bons you know. I have been knitting:

...and I have been working. THANK GOODNESS THE OPEN REMODEL IS COMPLETE. So now that it is all done, hours are being cut back significantly both due to economy stuff, and having over spent the payroll to deal with all the insanity associated with the remodel.

Oh, and let us not forget I have been busy both keeping up with the girls' vet issues and cleaning up after them in numerous ways. The only ones that are pic appropriate would be these:

Needless to say, I was most unhappy about this, although they did not eat or destroy any yarn or knitted items during this masacre. Of course I came home last night only to find that they again went through the same bag, took out most of the same stuff, except this time they got into my lip stick and lip plumper (I could not tell who had the more plump lips by the time I got home) and a tube of Delica Beads that - oh by the way- were seed beads!!!

Anyway, I am recovered at this point - I think.

I have also spent some of my time away from the blog being hostess to my good friend Rachael and her husband Michael as they work their way through the process of moving from Germany here to Virginia Beach. It has been fun, and I now have contact with beach time. Been a long time since Rick and I have spent any time out at the beach, but we are enjoying it.

Oh, and on the knitting front, I am working on my Swirl Pullover with the yarn I got from MDSW (of my last post). I think the sweater is going to be quite stunning color wise. I definitely like Tess' Designer Yarns. Well worth a look see at her stuff.

I am off to finish laundry, and prepping some cabinets for painting... yes the kitchen remodel is still a work in progress. I must say though, with the drop in hours at the store, I am trying to catch up on stuff here at home that has been neglected.

I went to MSWF

2009-05-05T17:33:00.003-04:00

Yes, it was a surprise....
Yes, I totally enjoyed it....
Yes, I met Susie and Erin from MVFF and HVFF - that was totally cool!!
Yes, it rained, but that didn't matter...much
Yes, I spent $, but some of it was on Rick :)
Yes, I have 2 sweaters to knit with some BEAUTIFUL fiber
YES, I WANT TO GO AGAIN NEXT YEAR!!!!

Did I mention, YES, I want my own sheep :)

So, here are some photos from MSWF:

I think both Rick and I fell in love with these guys. I may end up with sheep one day after all. :)

Oh, and btw, making progress on some undiscloseable knitting, and, minimal progress on my Bamboo socks, but hopefully soon the undiscloseable knitting will be done and I can move on.

Yep, it's been a month

2009-04-27T17:45:00.004-04:00

I admit it, this whole -staying on top of the blogging thing- has not gone well for me. When it really comes down to it, when life gets really crazy, it is one of the first things to go. It is also really tough for me to be good about limiting my time on the computer... I am one who once I am on board, I get sucked in... and then poof!! 2hrs down the tube.

So, in lieu of too much blog time, and wanting to finish up a few more knit projects (quickly, I might add) - Today is picture day:

Flirty Tank:
Cross Over Scarf:OH, btw, on a very happy note... the bsj that I made for my Great Niece last Fall... the one I took home to my parent's house to try on her at Thanksgiving to make sure it fit even though it still had no buttons... yeah, that one.

Guess What?? Not only has it been found, - apparently it was never lost - at least not to her. Her Dad, when gathering up all their belongings, knew that the sweater had been tried on and was meant for her, so it go gathered up as well. Needless to say, she has been happily wearing said sweater since Thanksgiving - sans buttons :) My nephew showed me pics of her in it when they were here visiting last week, she really looks cute in it. I am hoping to get one of the pics to post on my Ravely project page for the sweater.

Hopfully I will have another couple finishes real soon, but some of my current knitting is surprise gift knitting, so I can't show pics right away. I am so glad to have finished 2 projects, I am itchin' to finsh now, my Bamboo Monkey sock #2, and my surprise knitting, and then hopefully it is on to multiple new projects.... socks, tops, sweater, a shrug, maybe a shawl or two... I love dreaming...

Back to the Grindstone

2009-03-30T08:51:00.002-04:00

Thank You ALL for your thoughts and prayers and wishes. It is comforting to know that there are those out there for us. It has been a long week, and very exhausting (fast turn around flight from VA to CA and lots of work done while there). Now Rick's Mom is back in their house and the challenges in many ways, are just beginning for her.

For us, we arrived back home in time to pick up M and spend some time with him (had not seen him in a month), and attend an absolutely fantastic concert that he worked very hard toward. He is part of the Virginia Youth Symphony Orchestra (VYSO), and what a great job the whole orchestra did.

Today it is time to get back on the treadmill, back to the laundry room, and back to work - not necessarily in that order. Knitting has been coming along, and soon there will be some pics to show progress. Hoping to get back into the swing of blogging, and knitting, and so on.

See Ya'll Soon.

I am at an odd spot

2009-03-22T20:09:00.002-04:00

I guess this is probably the best place to come to be when you are at an odd spot.

We just found out last evening that my FIL passed away. While he has in many ways not really been with us for awhile (dimentia/alzheimer-ish type syndrome), it still is leaving an empty spot inside right now. You see I was lucky enough to have him be really sweet on me. My Beloved's former wife and he could not have been on more opposite ends of anything. Neither one liked the other...period - dot . But he and I really hit it off from the very beginning and it only got better from there. We were able to create for him something that he decided he held very dear - a sense of FAMILY. He let us know each year from the very first one that we were married, that he was so happy to come and spend time with his son and his grandsons, and me and also my parents. I would let him sample all the cookies when they came fresh out of the oven... he was the official tester for several years. When his health failed to the point where they were no longer able to travel to us for the holidays I felt like a bit of something was missing. Don't get me wrong - having your MIL & FIL arrive on Dec 17th and depart on Jan 7th, was not always a picnic. Yes, they stayed here in our house, and did not have a car or the security to borrow ours... so there were definitely challenges. I did not always agree with the way they handled things with the boys, or the things they felt were perfectly acceptable (which were totally not to me).... but for him there was always a soft spot - an extra hug, a smile, a thank you.

Over the last few years he has gradually slipped away, and I have watched my Beloved shed tears over missing his Pop even though he was still here in body, and sometimes spirit... but I guess now is my turn... The Bear, The Man, Pop.... that is what he was to his children - often stern, hard, and down right cantankerous, over bearing, and short.... but to me, for the most part, he was Dick, more like a Teddy Bear, polite, appreciative, helpful, and grateful. I guess in some ways I am the lucky one. I knew a side of The Man, not many others got to see. For that I am grateful, I am glad he crossed my path, and that of his son (my Beloved), and his grandsons. I think they all learned alot of good lessons from him. I hope they will hold those lessons close to their hearts for many years to come - especially when and if the boys have their own children.

Thank You for raising a son who means the world to me, and who I could not imagine life without. I wish you grace, and rest, and peace.....

Please don't ever let me....

2009-03-05T15:40:00.005-05:00

....pick up another skein of super bulky baby yarn. This stuff was just a brute to deal with. The best part is IT IS DONE!!!!!!Just for a bit of reference, this is Megan's Blanket: both are kind of late, but in the Griset clan that is the norm (thank goodness).
The good thing is, these two are getting packed into Rick's suitcase and will be winging their way to their new owners tomorrow afternoon. I, on the other hand, will be having a nice, relatively quiet weekend on my own....woooo hoooo.

I am thinking knit, finish watching the movie The Fountain, knit, maybe park in front of Hulu and knit while watching some Highlander episodes, oh, and I guess I will feed the dogs, and work my scheduled shifts as well. :)

Soon there will be pics of my Flirty Tank that I have cast on. I hope it goes quickly as I really want to have something to wear in the warm weather that I have made. Plus I need to make the 2nd Bamboo Monkey, and maybe even try to work on my Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend (lace shawl started years ago).

OH and yes!!! We did have "snow" and it did stay for 2 days. I was in my glory. At this point I will take what I can get... beggars can't be choosers. :)

Just a Teaser....

2009-02-24T08:44:00.000-05:00

I will be posting on Ravelry my stash aquisition soon, from the Great Yarn Give away. Lots of things I never quite imagined myself going for, but the ideas that came from Robin, helped me expand my vision. I am actually quite excited. To the point that I wish I could take some time off of work, and just do some experimenting, but .... alas that shall not be.

The TSJ is 'almost done' and I am hoping to show results within the next day or so. The Cross Over Scarf has not gone very far at all lately (been working on TSJ) and also in the process of taking out the bottom of my top down sweater that I Bound Off too tightly, and too soon. I am hoping to add some length and a better bind off.

oh my,,,, Oh My..... OH MY

2009-02-20T23:57:00.003-05:00

So here I am way past the point of even being able to type coherantly (thank goodness for spell check), and I am all a flutter....

First tomorrow is another Yarn For Breakfast event, sure to be quite the gaggle of fiber fanatic, coffee connoisseurs, and all round GREAT People. Already we are scheduled for 27 or so, although we not all be there at the same time, as there is a fantastic member of our group who has opened her designer stash to us for 4hrs. Wants us all to have the opportunity to use fibers we wouldn't normally get our little paws on.

Then I am reading the Harlot's post tonight and the whole Sock thing just jumped out at me, as in this would be soooooooooooooooooooooo cool to attend. In fact my SP from SP10 is one of the desingers. I wonder if she still wears the Monkey Socks I knit for her.

Any way all of a sudden I have realized I am totally jazzed, but am now going to get less than my minimum hrs of required sleep. So I am off.

I promise updates on my BSJ, the Cross Over Scarf, Valentines Gifties from my Beloved, and the Meet Up events and so on. As I noted on my Facebook, it is the "so on" that gets me every time.

Tootles.

I really did finish them

2009-02-10T14:59:00.004-05:00

Believe it or not, I really did finally finish Rick's socks, and Matt's clogs. Infact the clogs have been felted, and Rick's socks... well, I have been having trouble keeping them clean long enough to get pics of them. so here they are.

Then there is the Cross Over Scarf, which is really quite an easy knit, once you wrap your brain around it. I am torn as to whether or not I will block this out. I love the feel and look of the yarn currently (Lang Mille Colori), but I can't help but wonder how it may look with a swish and some blocking. We shall see.

As for the BSJ, it is coming along. Each time I hold what will be the sleeves together I can't help but wonder if it isn't going to just swallow up a the 3yr old it is meant for. Then again, I would rather knit something she can grow into that something she has already grown out of.

Before Rick left of Korea (literally right before like at 0430 waiting to leave for the airport) we were discussing the concept of moving to the southwest - where we would like our forever home to be- before going to Germany. There is really only one reason I would consider this, since it would postpone my long desired move to Germany, and that reason is, if we go to Germany first from his current position - he would have to return here to VA for at least a year before taking a position out in the southwest. While I love my friends here dearly, that is one of the only things I like about this area. So the thought of having to come back here after having to leave Germany which will be hard enough as it is, is very, shall we say, unimpressive - depressing even. I know, I really just need to see what the universe has in store for us, but I am not the most patient of individuals. It is one of my lessons during this lifetime - patience - (not patients - which I have already worked through and will continue to move away from bit by bit). I want it all laid out in a nice neat plan..... NOW. OK, time to move on.

My wonderful friends over at Twinset awarded me a blogging award. That was really sweet. Now all I have to do, in my limited technology knowledge, is figure out how to do all the steps I am suppose to do to accept and pass on that award. I will figure it out in the next day or so.

OH and for those of you who knew I had scored a killer deal on a ticket to Hawaii - yeah, well, the big bubbas there decided they were just too busy to talk to Rick right now and and at the last minute suggested he not come until .... oh, say August AFTER the change of command. So needless to say part of the killer deal got sucked up into itinerary change fees. Phoooooeeeeyyyy I have thus decided I will create a bit of the tropics here for Rick and I and then we will spend a ver special Valentines weekend incommunicado from the rest of the world. So if you don't see a post over the weekend, or hear from me, it is OK, I will be back among the world again on Tues.

Have a wonderful week, if I don't pop in before that. :)

Believe it... or not??

2009-02-04T16:01:00.005-05:00

I actually have pics to post of knitting progress. Although, Rick has gone and worn his waffle socks again (like almost as soon as I washed them) so those pics have to wait until laundry day next week.

We have here, the BSJ that was started in Dec as gift for my niece, to accompany the blanket for her sister. Needless to say, it got put down and has been languishing inside the foot stool/box. Now it is back out, and seems to be going fairly well (please don't slight me down for that confession Oh Great and Wonderful Goddess of Knitting...). My hope is that it will get finished before I leave for HI at the end of next week. (A girl can dream, can't she??).

This is the Cross Over Scarf, that I have decided I really like, in yarn that I also have decided that I really like. I like how it feels and how it looks, and the jewel tones are very jewel-ish. To see more details check out my Ravelry projects page.
As of right now, the scarf is considerably longer, but I will wait until I am finished for further pics. Just imagine this same patter over and over and over.

I just couldn't help myself

2009-01-29T07:31:00.002-05:00

Last night at Yarn for Supper (which was totally awesome because we had the coffee shop just for us as a private party - more about that later) I did a swatch for a Cross Over Scarf using Lang Mille Colori color 0066 (I think). Yeah, you heard me, "I" actually did a swatch and yes, it was for a Scarf. Go Figure!!! One of these days I might even do a real one for an item of clothing.

Anyway, then while I was at my private duty night shift I cast on said scarf (3 times). Now I think it is working. It certainly is quite fiddly. I am sure once I really get into the swing of it, it will go much more easily. I love the colors they are perfect. No, I did not do the soles for Matt's felted clogs. I just wasn't in that spot. Maybe tonight.

As soon as I have something worth taking a picture of, I will and you can all see my Cross Over Scarf.

Oh, as for felted clogs, I think I realize now why the soles didn't come out like I thought they should... I forgot to put the running stitch down the middle to help hold the 2 soles together during felting. I was impatient... to those of you who know me well, this comes as no surprise to you. Otherwise, I think the felting also was not quite what I thought it should be, because (let's hear the refrain...) I was impatient. There is definitely a theme here. Next time should be much better. I have vowed I will be patient (fat chance - as my DH would say)

Finally Finished

2009-01-28T10:04:00.003-05:00

Yep, I finally finished Rick's socks. Yaaaayy. It only took me 10months. Of course there were other projects in there as well. Christmas projects, socks for me, socks that ended up being for Mom, and of course "the lost BSJ".

Unfortunately the pics I took last night did not turn out well, and Rick wore the socks to work this morning. So I guess the pics will have to come after I wash them.

Now I need to finish Matt's felted clogs, and then I can make at least one of the Cross Over Scarves that I plan to do. Then I think it will be on to a Flirty Tank for Me for the summer, and also to finish my other Bamboo Monkey sock.

Other wise, I am finally finished with my cold. I am keeping up on my 50mpm commitment. Two weeks so far. I have been working more at the store than I thought I would, but I will take it while it is there. You never know when it is going to change.

Will post pics when i get them.

I am trying... really I am

2009-01-20T15:45:00.002-05:00

I know, I said I was going to try to blog more, and here we are 10days gone by. It is amazing what 1 well placed head cold can do to a body. In my case it started out calmly enough, a bit of a sore throat, some hoarseness, and a bit of the nose stuff.
Fast forward to leaving for vacation with Mom & Dad at their time share in Myrtle Beach... totally painful sinus', so hoarse couldn't hardly talk, and then - THE COUGH. You see for me, once it degrades to the the cough, I am toast. I am one of those people who on a good day, an odd cough or sneeze sounds like I have the worst case of croup. So if you take that to the angle of already have a cold, sinus stuff and so on... yeah, you get the picture, no one wants to be around me - including me!!
So I woke up the last two days thinking I felt like a human being again, and poof, by about 2pm I am back to feeling like poop. Hence I decided it was today or never, so here I am.

I have knitted, but nothing to really show for it. It is just Rick's #2 Blueberry waffle sock.

Need to sew the soles onto Mom & Dad's felted clogs. They both love them and are looking forward to taking them home to PA where they can 'really' appreciate their ability to keep out the cold. I am not as happy with the felting this time around. There seems to be more spots of unfeltedness.

I am hoping to finish the BSJ I started in baby boucle (silly girl), and also my other bamboo monkey sock before starting anything new, but who knows. Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and start something to help yourself feel better.

Oh and the other thing I have commited to is something I read recently in an article. I am going to try to walk 50 miles per month. It is a fitness goal I think I can acheive. Oh, and that is 50 miles at 3.5mph on the treadmill. Along with any other walking or swimming that I may do. Any good thoughts send my way will greatly be appreciated and at the end of each month I will post my progress.

What a GREAT time

2009-01-11T16:00:00.002-05:00

The 2nd Birthday of Yarn for Breakfast was a total hit. There was much fun, food, caffeine, knitting, laughter, and lots of talking. We had about 27 attendees, all ranges of knitters. Some were really really beginners - that would be Fiona (she's 3) - some knitting beginners - that would be Nicole and Jessica (learned right then and there) - certainly our more advanced folks as well. There were socks being worked on everywhere, a couple sweaters, some hats, and honestly I am not sure what all else.

We all managed to fit in the Daily Grind, with a bit of 'shoe horn' work with the chairs. Speaking of chairs - thank goodness we have folks with some folding chairs, and that I called my Mom and asked her to bring theirs down on their way through to Myrtle Beach. Perfect timing on that one.

Peg's cake was just scumptious - I hope to have pics from Queue and Peg soon.

I was also quite thrilled that Jenny (our original group organizer) was able to come as well at the last minute. Infact she is going to try to start and extension up on the north side. She realized how much she missed her Sat morn knitting break.

The only down side is I have managed to catch a cold... of course just in time to go away for a week to spend time with Mom & Dad at Myrtle Beach. I am currently doing my Ecchinacea, my Tea with honey, and my Homeopathics, and I think it is beginning to settle. Let's hope so. I am hoping for some really good knitting time this week.

Oh, and on the knitting front. I finished felting Mom & Dad's clogs Friday and they are currently drying. Since my DH has filled the camera with his research photos, I need to wait (at least until tomorrow) to get pics. Then all I have to do is finish Matt's clogs, and Rick's 2nd sock and I shall be back to baby jackets (in boucle - not my best choice, but it looks cute), and maybe even some lace work. I think then I shall cast on a top for me, and maybe a pair of bright colored socks for me also.

Have a great week everyone!! :)

Dooooonnnn't Panic!!!

2009-01-08T15:45:00.002-05:00

OK, so I am starting to panic a bit. Just a wee bit.... well maybe a bit more than a wee bit.

Why you may ask, well the wonderful Yarn for Breakfast group that I am the Organizer for, is celebrating its 2nd Birthday (Yay for us!!). We have been so successful at getting Fiber Folk together over the past 2yrs, and the coffee shop - The Daily Grind (in Olde Towne Portsmouth) has been soooo totally awesome in putting up with us, and even spoiling us...... that we have probably about 30 people (at least) attending our gathering on Saturday morning. I really want it to be great, I am just worried that we will a) maybe not have enough chairs, b) drive the poor coffee house employees absolutely bonkers with our boisterousness, and c) I worry about their other patrons as well.

OK, I feel a bit better at having gotten that all out. I am totally excited, and really quite in awe of the fact that we are two years old and have upwards of 60-some active members. See not everyone comes to every meet. Some only come to the evening meets, and some only to the Sat morning meet, so it works. I love that we are growing, but afraid that we may outgrow the coffee shop. We all love it there soooooooooooo much.

I know, stop worrying, and just enjoy.... will do. Just needed to get some of the panic bugs out in the open.

breathe in....... breathe out...... breathe in...... go knit!!!!

So, I made it to the New Year...

2009-01-05T15:56:00.003-05:00

Yep, I survived the New Year's start... a bit more epsom salts, some massage, and I now just feel the after effects (you know, the ones that include feeling like you've been kicked - HARD)

My Beloved is on the road again, this time to CA. I ended up with an unexpected day off due to H2O damage at the store, and the house is totally quiet... shhhhhhh

While I totally love music, and having it on while I am here, I also totally love the silence. Just listening to the house, and the sounds from outside that creep in. I guess it is that whole concept of just being in the here and now.

So once I finish enjoying my silence each day I then move onto my Buffy-thon. Tonight I will be watching the muscial and at least 2 discs from season 6... gotta love it!!

Now, we have Josh's finished scarf: pattern is My So Called Scarf done in Farmhouse Yarns Silk Blend dk wt: it is Silk,Wool, and Cotton - matches his knucks from last year.We have next the blanket or Megan... which should have been accompanied by a BSJ by now, but alas... not yet.Although I can at least say that I haven't LOST that BSJ. Yep, you read that right folks... I lost the completed (except for the buttons) BSJ that I made for my great-niece. I now have the buttons and cannot for the life of me find the jacket. eeeerrrrrrgggghhhh aaarrrrgggghhh!!

Lastly we have my single Monkey sock of Regia Bamboo. Hopefully soon to have a sibling.I won't be able to show updates of the felted clog menagerie yet, since Rick has the camera with him. Once he gets home I will try to take quick shots before they all go to their prospective owners.

And last but not least, I go from here to the treadmill for 30min. No knitting this time, just need to get my treadmill legs back. See ya all soon.

Believe it or not....

2008-12-31T23:03:00.002-05:00

I figured I should sign in and blog one last post for 2008.

Life has been more than hectic, frenetic, and definitely enjoyable but with some challenges. As I write this less than an hour from the new year I am nursing a serious back spasm. It hit today, and between, rest, epsom salt bath, arnica, and cold packs, I am able to be sitting upright for awhile.

I have done lots of knitting, and am proud of that. I went back to working in the stockroom of Coldwater Creek and love that!! My knitting group Yarn for Breakfast is continuing to grow by leaps and bounds. What a great crew of fiber folks we have. We really enjoy our time together.

My stepsons are all doing very well, and Rick is really enjoying his work and travel as well. Hoping maybe to make it to Hawaii in the new year... we shall see.

I promise to do more posting as my life returns to some semblence of routing in the coming couple weeks.

I wish All of you a joyous and healthy new year. I look forward to keeping up on all your wonderful blogs, and ravelry posts.

Cheryl

Voting = 12 rows of sock knitting

2008-11-04T15:12:00.002-05:00

Yep!! I VOTED!! not only did I help elect a president, but I got 12rows knitted on Rick's socks as I stood in line. It took me approximately 1.25hrs from arrival to departure. Luckily I had a lovely lady in line behind me, and we chatted while I knit - which brings me to the fact that Ricks sock have a funky all knit band around them, because I got distracted. Oh, well, they shall be called... the "Election Socks" from hence forth.

I then went and had my acupuncture treatment, went to Bed, Bath, & Beyond for a spice shelf for the new cabinets, and picked up my free S-bucks plain old cup of decaf. Now I need to do some phone calling about some fund raising stuff I am involved in for the Virginia Youth Symphony Orchestra. What a great organization they are, and with a phenomenal conductor who really brings the best out of each and every kid in the group.

I should also be finishing the first part of Dad's 2nd slipper tonight or tomorrow night (depends on the kind of night my patient has). Then I can start Mom's - just to give me a change of color from brown.

Pictures soon, I promise.

Can You Believe It??

2008-10-31T17:54:00.004-04:00

I am making some serious progress. Although, I guess I need to maintain some humility or the Knitting Goddess will think I am being boastful and smite down in my tracks. Then where will I be.

I have manged to finish the first of Dad's slippers, and plan to do the second one this weekend. We shall see, best laid plans of mice and men... it is after all a 'Matt' weekend, which means we are usually quite busy with running about and lording over homework issues. I shall do my best.

I must admit that once you have made one pair of these the next ones seem sooooooo much easier. The pattern just flows like melted Nutella on a crepe (mmmmmmmmm)

Anyway, I have also made some progress in the kitchen re-do: I am very pleased with the colors (just ignore the messy parts of the picture)

Yes, I still have quite a bit to do, but don't they just look so pretty. Now there is the rest of the kitchen worth of cabinetry and all the doors except 2. Oh Boy!!!!!

Wow, have I ever been remiss...

2008-10-27T14:16:00.003-04:00

Yep, that would be me... so to make up for my remiss-ness I shall post some lovely pics of things that are going on in my world.

So, first we have said Treadmill socks. I definitely like them, and they fit fairly well, even though with the exact same weight of yarn, one sock is decidedly larger than the other. Apparently I knit more loosely while walking. Go figure...
Next we have - Taaaaaa Daaaaahhhhh - Yep, you got it!! The Dashing Diamond Pullover!!!! It only took me 7 months to finish this off. I must admit that I am fairly pleased with the outcome. I have worn it multiple times, and gotten numerous compliments on it. It is a very comfortable and flattering sweater. In fact it looks much better on than when it comes off. Once I take it off it looks like it is wider than 2 of me put together. Unfortunately the sleeves seem to want to keep growing, so I am contemplating a small hidden bit of elastic either across the back of the neck and shoulders or under the arms to help keep them where they are suppose to be.
Last but not least is my Baby Surprise Jacket done as KAL with the Yarn for Breakfast group. Go figure, a KAL that I completed in a timely manner.... the mind boggles. I really like this one, and LOVE the fiber. It is Plymouth DreamBaby. It is a micro fiber and nylon blend. Very soft and squishy and drapey. Now all I need is some buttons and this will be off in the mail to it's almost 1yr old recipient. :)
That is all for now, I am in the process of getting pics of the blanket for my niece (who will be 9mos by the end of the year) and some socks I am working on, and also maybe even an update of the Shawl I am working on.
Then it shall be holiday knitting and there will be no pics of that... wait, most of that is for my family who don't have a clue about blogging (my Mom & Dad). I am going to make felted slippers for them as they live up in the colder area of the country.

Hope everyone is well and knitting up a storm in order to keep those thermostats down at a reasonable temp. Oh, speaking of thermostats - My DH and I are in Furnace Wars this year - we are competing against each other.... chances are pretty sure that I will win this one. Does any one know, do little tiny space heaters count as losing???

Stay warm and knit happy

Fiber CSA in the running

2008-10-07T20:29:00.002-04:00

Hi All,
I need some help with a friend’s farm and fiber CSA. I know how well Ravelers can band together and vote for something. So, I’m asking you to help vote on a company’s web site for Martha’s Vineyard Fiber Farm to win a $5000 technology upgrade. MVFF is the first community supported agriculture model that deals with fiber in the country. Part of it’s success is due to all of you on Ravelry! Thank you! Well now they’re up for this grant and they need 400+ votes before midnight tomorrow so I’m asking you to help me and take a minute and vote. You don’t have to register or anything - just click! The Farm’s ravelry group is MVFF Groupies and to vote just go HERE. Thank you so very much!

Thanks in advance for all your time and typing!

This is such a great opportunity for The First Fiber CSA in America. Susan is great, and you can check out the blog anytime even if you are not a shareholder. She really is doing a great job!! Being able to have web cams in the birthing barn and such will be totally awesome.

Just a Quickie

2008-09-29T11:49:00.000-04:00

OK, so here's the deal...
Yes, I am still among the living (at times over the past 2wks just barely)
No, I did not finish the sweater in time for Colorado Springs, but it was waaaaaay too warm to wear it (heck I didn't even feel like working on it, it was that warm).
Yes, I have made more progress on the Bamboo Monkeys
No, I have not worked on the baby blanket at all
Only minimal success on the Treadmill socks (which tell you .... minimal success on the treadmill)

My current plan....
Get back on track with getting my house cleaned up (been languishing way too long)
Get back on track with the treadmill (hence also the treadmill socks)
Get back on track with painting in the kitchen. I am so thrilled with the one wall that I have been just oooogling that one wall and ignoring the rest.

I figure I should quit with 3 "Get back on track"s That is a good starting point. Now all I have to do is get of the dag gumm computer and get crackin'!!! :)

Here I goooooooooooo

You Asked For Them....

2008-09-11T14:24:00.002-04:00

Here are the pictures of my most recent accomplishments thus far:
First we have Dashing Diamond Pullover. I just have to seam the shoulders and add the sleeves (which #1 is currently on the needles). I have to do a bit of adjusting, as my body is large enough for a large, but my arms are too short for a large. I am still hoping to have this done to take to Colorado next week. I am taking on the Harlot's mentality that anything is possible if you are determined enough.

On to: The Treadmill socks. Technically they should already be done... what does that tell us??? Yep, you got it, Cheryl has not been doing her treadmill time.... we will just leave it at that.
These two projects were cast ons that jumped the line. The Bamboo Monkeys are just because I felt like a color change and a pair of Monkeys just for me. The baby blanket... well that due a few months ago. Her sister's blanket also arrived several months behind schedule too.

I have also started working on my Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend (DAAGBF) lace shawl from Goddess Knits. I was truly surprised at how much easier it seemed to work on. Then again I have finished another lace shawl of Renee's and multiple other projects since putting that project into hibernation. Hopefully there will be some nicely updated progress after my trip next week.

Catch you all soon

All Things are Relative

2008-09-01T17:20:00.003-04:00

So, here you have the woman who can walk 3.1mph on the treadmill and knit socks simultaneously, but early this summer, could not walk across a parking lot without stumbling and falling and ending up totally brush burned to the point of being unable to work or knit for almost a week. Then today I manage to re-prove the fact that just plain walking is beyond me... yep - I went walking across the yard (ok loping) trying to avoid the sprinkler and stepped in a hole in the yard and twisted my ankle!! I really think someone is just going to have to take me out back and shoot me soon. :(

Must admit though on the knitting front I am making great progress on my Dashing Diamond Pullover. I may very well be able to wear it before Thanksgiving this year.

I have spent quite a bit of time ooohhhing and aaaahhhing over lace shawl patterns that can be accomplished with 1 skein of Wollmeise sock weight yarn. I have 3 skeins and at least one of them I would like to be someting other than socks. We shall see.

Well I am off to spend some more time with my Beloved on this our 8th Anniversary. Can hardly believe it has been - 8yrs already or only I am not sure which. It is just really great to have him home with me (to take care of me when I am klutzy).

Hope you are all enjoying this final weekend of "summer"

OK, maybe I should be afraid...

2008-08-25T21:35:00.003-04:00

I have mentioned previously that I knit dishcloths while walking on the treadmill at 3.2mph. Well, today I tried something new, I was knitting on my Peaks n Valleys socks while walking 3.1mph. Granted I was knitting on the gusset and it is just a plain old knitted foot (on 2.5mm needles), but I felt pretty good about not dropping any needles and still keeping my stride.

So far I have been maintaining most every day on the treadmill. I am now up to 45min and 35min of that is spent at my 'fat burning heart rate'. Although, I must admit, I find that when I am consistent with walking, the scale tends to go up instead of down. I am not sure I understand that, but I am hoping it will soon start going the other way.

I guess that means I need to CO Rick's other Blueberry Waffle Sock, and I also need to start working on my Diamond Sweater. I can honestly say that making the clogs during the Olympics really helped boost my determination to finish these other projects. It also told me that I am quite capable of casting on and completing a project in a reasonable amount of time. Then again I did have some car time.

Future projects for travel to include finishing my Lace Shawl, and making clogs for each of my parents, and possibly even re-working the cable cardigan for Rick. I am just not happy with it, and I am feeling more brave about starting over and making some of my own adjustments.

Life as a travel widow (he is currently in Korea then onto Hawaii) is settling into a routine of knitting, ceiling preparation for painting, and working extra shifts to hopefully get a bit ahead in the $ department. While I Love Him dearly, I must admit that I do enjoy being here in the house on my own (well sort of on my own, I do have the girls to keep me company). Since I am the only one in the house these days they seem to follow my EVERY move.

Hope everyone is well, and....
Ellen - I love the look of the Bohus
Rachael - I am off to watch some Buffy
Jessica - When are you coming over to visit my stash?

btw- not only did the clogs change feet after felting but the ankles got bigger with felting and they also got closer to the camera - not sure how that happened.

Just a quick pic update

2008-08-22T12:39:00.004-04:00

Hey all!! I have heard from some of you that the pics are not visible in my last post... they are clear as day here on my computer, but now that Rick is back home (for 63hrs) I have absconded with the camera for a quick edit to my blog pics of the clogs.
Here they are in comparison to the pre knitted size as well:

OK, so Blogger is being a total goober and won't let me put these just where I want them, and in the order I want them, so here they are and I have no more patience..... ha-frumph!!!

Oh BTW I am still working on my other Peaks n Valleys sock, but last night I had to frog a reasonable amount in that I realized I had only knit 1/2 of the heel flap and then proceeded to turn the heel and do the gussets. The sock just didn't look right and I couldn't figure out why. Suffice it to say, that I really should not be doing anything that requires counting while at Yarn for Supper :)

PS Having just posted this blog, blogger decided to post my pics right where I wanted them... go figure!

...and the Gold Medal Goes to,....

2008-08-20T22:23:00.002-04:00

KNITSTX!!!!!! yeahhhhh!!!!! Yes folks Knitstx has managed to not only commit to this event, but she has also followed through beautifully.... the knitting, the felting, the shaping.... the medal is hers until the slippers wear out.
She never could have done it without the faith, and prodding from her Gold Medal Companion JANEKNITTER!!!!! Way to go JaneKnitter!!! Although the photo finish needs a bit of updating as there is a better shot of JaneKnitter's Clogs.
So - how does it feel??? It feels great to have made it through and to have a great project completed - now all I need is for the weather to cool down and my feet to get cold and I will be set.
Seriously though, I think I will be making at least 2 more pairs of these for my Mom & Dad. Since I have already been told they are planning to keep their house up in Northeast PA colder this year due to heating oil prices. That and we keep inviting them here to "house sit and watch the girls for us". It is a sneaky way to get them to come south where it isn't quite so cold.

Now I am working on my sock #2 of the Peaks n Valleys Cuff sock. I am going to try to finish that before the end of the Olympics as well. No one will be able to stand me if I complete that one as well. :)

My Olympic Clogs - Round 1

2008-08-17T13:30:00.004-04:00

So, here they are.... my Ravlympic Felted Clogs... BEFORE felting.

I have great faith in the felting process and am totally looking forward to felting these up really soon.

Although I did run out of the solid color yarn, mainly because I had to hold 3 strands together to get the proper gauge. So I subbed in a color that was really close, and after all, it will be on the very bottom, and not many folks will get to see that part.

Also here are the completed Clessidras - sans the changes to one of them from the heel flap down. I hope to do that soon, but not yet. If any of you are wondering, yes, that is me doing my best imitation of 5th Position in basic ballet. These 'old' joints no longer seem to want to do the turn out like they used to. I also think the fullness of my calf distorts the back panel and so you can't see the mock "laced look" in the photos. In real life it is much easier to see.

So Ellen when will you start yours??? :)

The Olympics have begun

2008-08-08T13:13:00.002-04:00

Yep, I did cast on my Ravlympic project. They will be felted house clogs. Using Paton's purple and a multicolor that I cannot think of the name of at the moment. I am currently on holiday at my parents house in PA and will keep trying to work on my project as I can.

It is lovely here in PA, nice and cool, with continuous breezes.... I really miss this kind of weather, and being able to eat out on the back deck, and not just sweat simply because I am outside. One of these days I will be back in this type of weather... Germany perhaps.

As soon as I can get photos loaded onto the computer I will post progress of my project.

OH and BTW... Clessidra #2 is completed. Although I made some changes and will be frogging the toe to the bottom of the heel flap of #1, but not right now.

Yes, Mari, when it is all done we will have to have another Meet Up at my house. Then again when I complete the dinning room. :)

Taaaaa Daaaaaa

2008-07-24T21:01:00.004-04:00

So, here it is so far.... my kitchen.

I am thrilled. Now if I could just get back into prepping the cabinets. I am thinking maybe tomorrow or over the weekend, there will be more going on in that department. I have my paint blocks, and just need a sunny day to actually see what the real colors look like in the room.

Need to post some Clessidra pics, but haven't gotten as much done as I thought I would. I am almost at the heel. Since you all have seen the pics of Clessidra #1, there isn't much point in showing you #2. As soon as they are a pair then there will be a pic.... I PROMISE!!!!!

Loving the fact that my home is filled with music everyday these days ... love having Matt here with us. He is a good influence on me. I am getting more and more accomplished every day. :)

We will be able to 'see' in our Kitchen

2008-07-17T16:30:00.002-04:00

Hi All!! Yes, I did go knitting and YES it was wonderful to get out and see everyone, and laugh, and and have a lovely salad for dinner, and the itching didn't start until the end of the event. As of today I have been told I am "officially severely allergic to poison ivy". Went back to the Doc, and since the rash, and itching and red hotness are returning, he decided that I am going to have to wait this one out, because the oral steroids are not working for me. They worked for 2-3days and then the minute the dose was decreased, poof - there went the effects (except for the extra 5-6lbs they have left me with) :( So, the next time (which could be NEVER - as far as I am concerned!!) I get poison ivy, I have to tell them to give me a cortisone shot. Oh Boy.

But on to better things. The electrician was here today and on Sunday he is going to come and re-wire and install all new lighting for our kitchen, and because DH is willing to work with him and do some of the work as well he is charging us a reduced hourly rate. YIPEE SKIPEE!!! I envisioned a week of electrical work and a bill to match - hence double what I am trying to keep this renovation to. Alas Karma is coming in our favor. The island is all in place and we are already liking it. Once I am totally back on my feet (or using my hands and arms- as the case may be) the cabinets will be finished being prepped, and the painting will begin.

As for knitting, have not made as much progress as I would like. The stopping to itch, and just "not feeling like it" has slowed that down quite a bit as well. Tonight I go back to work, so maybe there will be some progress then.

Until then...Knit Well, Be Happy, and STAY OUT OF THE POISON IVY!!!!

I am going out Knitting Tonight!!!

2008-07-15T16:47:00.002-04:00

I know you all think I am a bit nutters at the moment, but can I tell you I am thrilled to be going out to join the world again. I am being brave enough to take my funky looking self out in public, and KNIT!! I am not sure how long I will last, but I am doing it. Don't get me wrong - I absolutely LOVE my family to death, but am ready for some new faces. DH has be very patient and very tolerant over the past weeks. My sweet Matt acts as if my nasty arm and such doesn't even phase him - Bless his soul.

With that said, tomorrow there should be some updated knitting photos. I even got back on the treadmill - mostly to help process out all these nasty antibiotics and steroids that I am hurling at my system - and after finishing a lovely book called Twenty Wishes by Debbie MacComber I actually started knitting on a dishcloth for my second bout on the treadmill this afternoon.

Catch you all later....after knitting :)

Cheryl Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events...

2008-07-13T18:20:00.005-04:00

Yep, we went from being a 42yr old klutz falling off my feet to covered in poison ivy all up the arm that was already not quite healed from the last event. Of course the poison ivy spread to the other arm and neck (but only a little bit). The next event was the poison ivy caused a cellulitis of my arm...
As far as I am concerned I am done now with my "Unfortunate Events"!!! Enough is enough. I have a kitchen that I am in charge of remodeling. Oh, btw - I am right handed, and where were my klutz wounds?? Right arm and hand.... and where has the poison ivy taken up residence??? My right arm - wrist to 1/2 way up my upper arm. Do you see where I am going with this? My time on the kitchen has been pretty nil.

Bless Rick's heart soul and knees!!!! With only a little somewhat able bodied assistance from me, the kitchen floor is now complete. He did an absolutley FANTASTIC JOB!!!!! In all fairness my wonderful young son, Matt, (who staying with us for a fairly good portion of the next 5-6wks) also helped his Dad with some of this event. In fact you will see both he and his trumpet in some of the following pictures.

First we have the floor as we have known it for 8yrs:

Then we have what all the floors have been for the past 40yrs:

Finally we have the finished product - of the floors that is.

The paint and cabinetry work will come soon. But alas we have to wait on some of it due to needing an electrician to come and evaluate and then rearrange some of our electrical stuff - you know, more than 4 outlets, and better lighting placement and so on.

Last but not least, here is the rest of said Wonderful Young Son...and his trumpet. He was supposed to be practicing.
May be once the swelling goes down a bit more on my arm there will be more knitting to be done. I can only do about 3 rounds on Clessidra before I have to stop.

On to the wall paper fun...

2008-07-03T09:54:00.006-04:00

Hey Everyone, just thought I would brighten your day with some interestingly historical pics of what my kitchen once was.... or at least how it has been wallpapered over the years. Have I mentioned that I believe whoever invented wall paper should be shot?? Oh to have to remove that stuff...
So here we have the lovely 'chicken and duck country thing going on the border that was above the chair rail and around the entire soffit above the cabinets. The little pink heart stuff was below the chair rail and covering the soffit under the border.

The off white small flower motiff Contact Paper! was under the pink heart paper on the soffit, and under the chair rail section behind the fridge.

Need I say? THERE WILL BE NO MORE WALL PAPER IN THIS HOUSE... at least while I am still Queen.

It is all gone now, (until I move into the dinning room)

...and finally we have the historical paper that is behind the soffit above the cabinets:

I did say historical (or was that hysterical), anyway it was a timely find, Liberty Bells, Colonial Drums, Oil Lamps, and Tea Kettles. It all looks very 'Birth of our Nation-y'

As for the knitting front. Not getting as much done as I would like, but still making nice progress on Clessidra #2. Will try to make some major progress today and tonight, as I am a bit stalled in the kitchen.

DH is doing his part and getting the floor in place. I try to stay out of his way unless he needs my "able bodied" assistance. Speaking of 'able body', mine is healing fairly well from my spectacular concrete event. The palms are still painful, but most of the arm is fairly well on its way to be just lots of new pink skin. I am truly amazed that I did not actually end up breaking or seriously injuring my wrists. The only thing I can figure is that because I was holding things in my hands, and was going forward as well as downward - the force caused me to continue skidding forward and therefore I did not jam my hands directly down onto the ground but more of an angle. Rick said, but you said you wanted some time off... my response was that I still wanted to be able to knit comfortably, and if I had ended up in wrist casts, I don't think that would have been possible.

Have a GREAT holiday weekend everyone.

OH and btw, I am now the proud owner (or partial owner of a share of yarn from Martha's Vineyard Fiber Farm). Rachael has said she would like to share in it with me, and if anyone else is interested I will gladly accept any offers of partial ownership.

Can I just say.... OUCH!!!!!

2008-06-26T10:43:00.015-04:00

Well, here I am, 42 yrs old, and just haven't had enough excitement in my life lately (NOT!!).
So, yesterday, while I was waiting for Rick at work, (I spent the day there at the base doing some stuff that needed to be done - as well as enjoying a lovely summer day parked in the shade under a tree knitting to my little heart's content), I decided to go check out the base Library. On my way back from said place, I was almost at the car, when all of a sudden I performed a fairly perfect swan dive onto the concrete. Wallet went skittering, so did the car key, and the cell phone. I did one of those, twist your ankle, try to catch yourself on the other foot, except it landed in a bit of a hole, and then kept the momentum going very forward onto the asphalt. The result..... this:

Yeah, road rash, like I haven't seen the likes of in many a year. Except I don't remember my whole body hurting like this when I was a kid. Granted, I have a bit more mass pushing that forward/downward momentum now than I did then, but still....
I originally thought, "Wow, I got off pretty easy, 2 spots on the outside of my palms and the back/underside of my right forearm - no skinned knees, to skinned chin or nose - this should be fairly OK. I can tell you now, this morning, 16hrs later, I didn't get off so easy. I am right handed, very right handed, hence typing is working just fine, as long as I don't have to rest my hand on the mouse, or rest my arm anywhere except in midair. Although I can rest my arm straight up on my elbow, as the brush burn did not "turn the heel" of my elbow.
Oh, and by the way, the Library was not worth all of this, why, they didn't even have any knitting books!!!!!

Now, I must go onto say a huge debt of THANKS to my Knitting Crew at Yarn for Supper, which was last night. I got so much sympathy, and all the best kind, Good Friends, Moms of both young and grown children, it was very much appreciated. The marble pound cake helped too :)
I am so glad I got to go, because it kept my mind off it, more or less, kind of sort of, and I got some knitting done before things really started to stiffen up.

NOW ONTO BIGGER AND BETTER THINGS: The kitchen remodel. Here are some pics of what it looks like now in preparation for the laying of the floor.

This process is to start this weekend, with the installation of another layer of subflooring to help insulate and improve the stability of the current floor. It will be nice not to hear everything shake, jingle, and otherwise rattle as one walks across the floor.

The middle picture shows the linoleum tiles that will then be installed through the whole kitchen & pantries.
This is the 'historic' part of the post. Can you say "Retro"? These are the 3 layers of flooring that were previously in my kitchen:
We went from the most recent Pink & Light Blue late 80's early 90's country decor...

...down to the late 70's/early 80's Burnt Orange & Harvest Gold (which I might add had a coordinating deep ripe banana gold/yellow paint on the walls).
Then finally the orginal flooring (circa 1970) thick linoleum tile with a coordinating petite floral wall paper that was actually contact paper.

In my next post I will show the many "seasons" of wall paper that I have come across. For now, my numerous aches and sorenesses are starting to harass me again, so it time to try to find a comfortable way to maybe do some knitting.

Semi-Self-Imposed Sabbatical

2008-06-19T09:00:00.004-04:00

So here is the deal, my private duty case that I was working on Tues & Wed has dried up for the summer (main caretaker is a teacher), that leaves me with my Thurs Night Shift case. I actually have had several job offers, but have decided that I need at least a 2week sabbatical. Yes, it definitely puts a bite in the family finances, BUT I am using said time to do some extrememly time sucking things here at the house.

While I am not working so much that I am getting paid, I am working like a fiend to save money. I am doing the prep work, and the demo work for some much needed, mostly cosmetic updates to the house. The current project is removing the butt-ugly early 1980's country style, pink and blue, chickens and duck wallpaper and border in the kitchen (of which, I forgot to take a picture of before removing and trashing). The bummer is there is also some sort of really old contact paper underneath it.

When that is completed I will move onto the dinning room and remove the pink and blue little flower motif walpaper and prepare to paint that room as well.
I must tell you, while I seem to have come up with a system that really works, boy is it rough on the joints. Especially when you are working over head for long periods of time.

On a better note, the weather here is gorgeous. Our temps have dropped into the 80's with lower humidity, and a breeze. Last night Rick and I actually sat out on the newly arranged front porch with Adult Beverages, and enjoyed a lovely happy hour while dinner marinaded. I could actually tolerate VA if the weather was like this more. Infact I turned off the AC and should have done that on Monday if I had been thinking more clearly, except for that really wicked storm that hit fast and hard. Everything would have been soaked fast by the time we woke up in the middle of the night.

Just because I can, here is an updated picture of the girls. They are not the best at remaining in place for photos. Actually, Naya does just fine, it is Misty that keeps doing the commando crawl to get closer to the camera.
Hope everyone is well, and soon I should have some more knitting updates. I have to knit to give my arms a break from working overhead, so I am getting some stuff done (as long as I turn the computer off now as soon as I am done here - otherwise I don't knit, I just come here and surf for a while)

Here She Is...

2008-06-14T19:15:00.003-04:00

The one, and currently the only.....

CLESSIDRA
As usual, please ignore all the dots and spots on the carpet - that darn carpet fairy has still not visited my house.... hafrumpf!!
I must admit there are a few things I will change, if I decide to make another pair, but I guess I will post those musings on Ravelry.
On to #2, but I think I shall take a very short break and work on my sweater for a bit again. That way, I can maybe have it completed in time to wear it this fall/winter.

It's Getting Closer

2008-06-13T06:43:00.002-04:00

I am almost finished with Clessidra #1...woooo hooooo. I should be able to finish it after I wake up later today. I have only the toe decreases to do, and I TOTALLY LOVE IT. I am actually eager to make the '2nd Sock'.

If I lived somewhere cold during part of the year, I would seriously consider multiple pairs of these in beautiful fall and wintery colors. Now all I need is another pair of black Svens to wear them with. I wore out my old ones.

Will post a pic later today, I promise! :)

I have seen this one too often to not accept it

2008-06-05T09:47:00.002-04:00

Ellen just tagged me on this one, so here are my answers to the current meme:

The Rules - Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5-6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.
Since I don't do this very often, here goes:

1. What I was doing 10 years ago:
I was living in Phoenix and loving it. I worked Night Shift as a Critical Care RN and had a fairly solid Massage Therapy Clientele. I used to come to their homes and could easily put 50-100miles on in one day just driving around the city. I was also getting ready send my very best friend off to Virginia Beach so he could regain an oh, so, important relationship with his 3 incredible boys. Any guesses as to who that best friend might be????

2. What 5 things are on on my to-do list for today (not in any particular order):
Feed the girls (who are being very patient); work on getting the house ready for the Winding/Spinning Gathering occuring here on Sat morn.; work on my Clessidra; rest - as I have aquired some sort of sinus-y throat monster thing (AGAIN!); eat some sort of healthy breakfast/brunch

3. Snacks I enjoy:
Suzi's Multiseed Flatbreads; Mr Krispys Rice Crisps; Trail Mix; Ritter Sport Dunkel-Voll Nuss; Fresh Baked Bread (mmmm time to fire up the bread machine)

4. Things I would do if I was a billionaire:
Design and build our 'dream home' in AZ, have a permanent home in Germany as well; start up a 'No Kill' Shelter for dogs; and Open and maintain PACAAZ Fiber Farm & Studio

5. Places I have lived:
OH Boy this could take awhile. Conyngham, PA; Stroudsburg PA; Danville PA; White Plains, NJ; Philadelphia, PA; Tannersville, PA; Bristol, CT; Morristown, NJ; Newport News, VA; Phoenix, AZ; Goodyear, AZ; Virginia Beach, VA.

So, let's see, who shall I tag??
1. Janey
2. Jen
3. Romelda
4. Viv
5. Queue

That should pretty well do it. I am off to let these folks know they have been tagged and then onto my list of things to do.

Clessidra Progress

2008-06-02T19:49:00.004-04:00

I told you I was planning to make progress and I did!!! I am very pleased with the way they are coming out, except for the assorted errors and dropped stitches... but since I am not a perfectionist, this is OK with me.

So without further adieu.... My Clessidras thus far:

You might need to click on the images to see the detail of the stitches. But please don't pay attention to the carpet. I am really hoping the carpet fairy will pay a visit to the Griset household one of these days. :)

One more repeat of the 12 row pattern and I will start the heel, and next thing you know I will be on the foot, and voila, I will be done with Clessidra #1.

#2 Will not get started until the opening of the Olympics. That will be my Olympic trials project. Considering how long it has taken me to complete this one... I think 17 days would be pretty impressive for casting on and finishing #2.

Catch you all later.

Just for Ellen....

2008-05-31T09:53:00.002-04:00

I will put down my sweater for this weekend... should not be a problem as all of a sudden it has turned to summer in the Tidewater area, which = heat + humidity. Being the green girl that I try to be, I am determined to try to go as long as possible without turning on the AC. With that said, the 100% wool carried with Kid Mohair sweater that is now large enought to have to lay on my lap whilst working it, is not the best option for knitting this weekend.

So, alas I shall commit to spending the weekend working on my Clessidras. That way I should have some serious progress to show Ellen (of Twin Set) by sometime late Monday. Especially since I have a 4-5hr car repair block of time that I will be stranded (cute pun, but no I am not doing stranded knitting) at, and "Oh My Goodness, guess I will have to knit"... at. Actually this will be good practice for the upcoming Olympic Time Trials coming in August. Since I have decided that I will attempt to knit and entire Clessidra sock in 17 days.

My knitting time is generally not consistently intent, so knitting an involved knee sock in 17 days actually will be quite a challenge for me. Especially since by that time I will have started a new job that probably will not allow for as much knitting as my current night shift job does.

Anyway, I am off to spend some time with family and my Clessidra.
Have a GREAT WEEKEND everyone!!

Here are some Finishes and updates

2008-05-25T14:08:00.006-04:00

First we have Rick's Blueberry Waffle Sock (Jawoll Navy Blue). A long BWS I might add. I am soon ready to start .... "The SECOND Sock". I finally figured out a system that works for me. Since I tend to get bored with the sock after finishing the 1st one, I now knit one sock of the pair and then do another pattern, and then a third one. By the time I am done with the 3rd of the 1st socks, I am ready to start the 2nd sock of the 1st pair. Are you all totally confused yet??

So now the next one is my Peaks N Valley's Cuff Sock for me. Again this is the 1st sock of the pair. These are made of Fortissima Cotton, and I love the feel of them and the fit so far.
Next there are the ever growing Clessidras, the first view is of the Back and the second view is of the front. Once I can actually model it, then you can see the decrease bit on the side. Last but not least is the Dashing Diamond Pullover. I am totally hoping this is going to fit. If not, well I will be looking for some lucky recipient. It was getting easier, until today, since I am now at the main 'diamond-y' area, so we shall see.
I hope everyone is having a great weekend, and hopefully I will have more to up date soon. So far we have grilled salmon last night, and the plan is do steak either tonight or tomorrow, not sure yet.

Happy Knitting!!

So, have I mentioned lately....

2008-05-22T12:51:00.004-04:00

.... how absolutely fabulous my Beloved is? If not let me reiterate - RICK IS JUST AMAZING!!!!
Why? you ask. Let me tell you why.
You see Tueday the 20th was my Birthday (42nd to be exact - I'm not shy). My parents were here, I had to work, and then there was Yarn for Supper - 2 (certainly couldn't miss that - even with the wicked rain storms).... but I digress.

About 3wks ago Rick told me to ask off for the both my day shift and my night shift on Wed the 21st. It is to be your birthday surprise. OK, I am fine with not celebrating exactly on the day. So I did not think anything more of it.

Then he told me I needed to get dressed up, not facy schmancy dressed up, but fun dressed up. OK, I am good with that. So yesterday arrives and he comes home early from work (12:45 in the afternoon early). He has apparently already warned my parents that they will not see us until this morning just before they leave to go back home. So off we go....

We get on the freeway (I am thinking Newport News), we get off at NN to put more gas in the tank, and get back on the freeway. So now I am thinking Richmond (the oldest lives there and thought we might be meeting up before going to the symphony or some sort of concert).

We pass Richmond, but don't head toward Washington DC (that is actually a relief since that is a 4+ hr drive), but we head toward Charlottesville (which, oh btw, is a 3hr drive). We pretty much get to C-ville and turn off the freeway, get something to drink and head out into the country. Not only into the country but down a dirt and gravel road. Finally we get to this place and the sign at the bottom of the drive says "Fiber Farm". So I am totally speechless. We get out, and I see sheep, and start heading toward them, and then this lovely woman comes out and asks if we are here for the shop, to which my DH says yes. She tells us she will open it for us. OMG - I was in heaven, she spins, weaves, does felting (wet and needle), the rovings that are in this place are just beautiful (pics to follow), and she has spinning wheels everywhere, and even some small teaching looms. Plus one really large loom that she is weaving linen on for curtains.

So after many questions, stories, and oooo-ing and aaaahhhh-ing she then explains the process of wet felting to me - I am officially hooked. The whole spinning thing has taken on a new allure for me. (be afraid - be very afraid!)
My booty from this stop is as follows:

SO... after the fiber farm... we go into C-ville and find this wonderful little Thai place that serves the best Pad Thai I have had in years!!!! ymmmmmm

We go wandering about in the walking platz area, and then head back to the car. I pretty much know there is something more, but not sure exactly what. We then head into the college (UVA) area. There are scads of folks walking toward something. I then realize they are walking toward the Arena. So as we are trying to park, I see the sign......

WE ARE GOING TO THE EAGLES CONCERT!!!!!!! How totally way cool is that??? I absolutely love the Eagles, a fact that all three of my boys can attest to, as there is almost always an Eagles CD in my car. I have been listening to them since my brother introduced me to them when I was a pre-teen many eons ago.

Can I tell you it was an awesome show. Even though they are all showing their age (aren't we all?), the sound just great. They are one of those bands that sounds the same whether they are in the studio or live on stage, the musicianship was incredible, and the best part, it was SMOKE FREE!!! Anyway, I am still coming down from that. Of course the getting home at 3:30 this morning was pretty painful since the oldest is coming to visit this evening and I have to go to work my night shift.... ouch.

Now not to play favorites, but I must also mention that the boys got my Knitting in the Old Way for my Birthday and my parents got me some lovely plants for the back yard (Mom has a great eye).

That is all for now, as I really need to get a few things done, now that I have caught myself up on Ravelry, and everyone's blogs after having a house full for the last week. There are definitely things that have been let slide. Alas, the fun, excitement, strawberries, jam making, cake making, and overall joy of it, is definitely worth it. I promise to post update pics of knitting soon.

I Have Been Remiss...

2008-04-28T16:54:00.003-04:00

Much to my dismay, I just realized that I did not give proper on-line THANKS and Boy Am I Lucky to Have Friends Like This Greetings to Viv and Rachael.

Both of these most marvelous individuals took the time to make me socks. Yes, this is a case of knitters knitting for knitters, but in the big picture, who better to appreciate the time effort and love that goes into knitting socks.

So first we have in a very most scrumptious rich color of Compari and Orange from Wollmeise are the Nutkin socks that Viv knit for me. I must admit, it was in return for getting her some Chewy Spaghetti Yarn from the Loopy Ewe, but I digress....

Then we have my Lovely Purple Lace Cuff Socks from Rachael. Infact these are the inspiration for my current Peaks and Valley Cuff Sock that I am working on. I might add that I think I may be able to start doing my toe decreases tonight and maybe even finish the first sock... wooo hoooo!!!

Thank You so very much my Most Wonderful Knitterly Friends!!! I promise one day I shall get caught up enough to return the favor. :D

Here Are the Pics to Prove It

2008-04-26T14:46:00.004-04:00

Here we have Clessidra. I was quite intimidated by this pattern, and was a year with the yarn before I finally cast on. Now that I am working it, it really is an enjoyable pattern to work. I had to make some needle adjustments as my calves are a bit larger than the pattern calls for. Since I am not one to mess with changing stitch counts and such, I chose to simply start on a larger than called for needle, and will change in the middle of the calf decreases to the called for needle size.

Feel free to click on any of the photos to see better detail.

Next we have the Diamond Pullover, the jury is still out on this one. Not sure I won't end up sending it to the frog pond for a restart. There are several lessons learned thus far on this one. Particularly about using stitch markers for cables that are simply diagonal lines and have to continue being diagonal lines.

Here we have my Peaks and Valley Cuff cotton sock. I really like how these have turned out. Plus they are super easy and all in all a bit mindless. This is a very good thing in my world these days.

Last but not least is Rick's Blueberry Waffle Sock. Yes, it is on an extra large sock blocker, and No, you can't see the top of the sock blocker because he wanted said socks to be long.
So, see, I really have been knitting. I have also been organizing my yarn (boy do I have ALOT of socks to knit), and contemplating a baking business, and trying to plan the projects I want to do around the house - in hopes of having more home time.

I will try to stay a bit more on the ball, but no promises. In my world of strange shift hours, and odd bits of kid time, and so on, one never knows how much time I will take to update. Trust me though I do come and check you all out almost every day.

I Have Been Knitting - really I have...

2008-04-24T14:29:00.002-04:00

I just have not been spending as much time on the computer. I am trying to get my computer time under control, so as to have more time to knit. I must admit though, I am still not at the place I really want to be. I never stop being amazed at how much time the computer can suck up. It really is like it calls to you, and "...resistance is futile" (if I remember the quote correctly).

I know that I could get so much more done, if every time I have a ? or a thought I did say to myself "... I could just check that quick on the computer" and then lo and behold, an hour later I realize I have once again been sucked in.

I guess like any good plan I need to create goals, write them down, make them do-able, and be accountable. I must admit this may take a bit of thought and work. So I guess that will be my next post. Along with pics of my current WIPs. Since as of right now there is one sock that isn't even on my progress bars, and I have made significant progress on Rick's sock and my sweater, which believe it or not I am contemplating frogging for the simple fact there are too many mistakes thus far, and I am still not far enough along to for it to be too ugly.

I hope everyone is well, and please feel free to drop a note when you get the chance. After all, email reads are totally legal in the world of time spent on the computer.....

BTW - does anyone out there do baking as a small business?? If so, could you drop me a comment, I have some questions (yes, there is a potential plan brewing) :)

I'mmmmm Baaaaaacccckkkk!!

2008-04-03T08:17:00.002-04:00

Hi All. Yep, I did manage to make it through these past 3wks and live to tell about it.

I have just returned from my trip to see Rachael, Viv, and Susan in Germany. Many, many adventures there.... (oh boy were there - those stories to follow after I have dug out from under the house, laundry and yarn)

Yep, I bought yarn. You know, even with an absolutely obscene exchange rate, I can still get a heck of alot more yarn in Europe for the equivalent of $100 than I can here in the States. That is as long as we are not talking Red Heart, or No Name yarn. Yes, I am a bit of a snob. I know what I don't like, and so most (not all) of the really cheap stuff, does not really excite me.

Anyway, I am looking forward to regaling you with tales and photos, but first I must sleep. Since I arrived back in the country at 6:30 last evening, and was back working by 11:00pm. So now I am really messed up and need to sleep.

Catch you all soon, and hope Everyone is well, and knitting like fiends. :)

So Much for 2 8hr car rides...

2008-03-20T12:45:00.002-04:00

I know ,"best laid plans of mice and men", by now I should be well aware that if I figure I am going to have oodles of knitting time, it will go splat in my face.

We did make the trip to PA just fine, and are so glad we could be there to help my Mom & Dad through this time. Unfortunately, Friday night I started getting hit with the Sinus/Throat Monster that has been attacking unsuspecting individuals. Hence, my ride to PA was miserable with clogged sinus, and blocked ears, and being totally unable to sleep (even though I was up most the night on Friday night). Upon waking on Saturday morning (we did go back to sleep from 4am until 8:30am) there was a phone call from my Mom - Nana had passed during the night (actually about the time I was awakend with the inability to breath, and significant ear blockage).
It has been a blessing for all concerned that Nana finally passed, as she had been in failing health for quite some time, and seriously so for the last 3+wks. She is now at peace and so is are my Parents. It will take some time for them to adjust to not making her part of their daily routine (visiting, feeding, doctoring and such); but I am assured they will be fine.

So now I just have to finish getting well so I can get on the plane on Sunday to go visit Rachael and Viv and Susan. Wish me well. I have to get rid of all this "not feeling well stuff" right quick. I don't do sick well, and I really have no desire to fly with this in tow.

As, for knitting, I got a bit further on Rick's Blueberry Waffle socks. I must admit they are nice mindless knitting. It may end up being his main pattern of socks at the rate I am going. Although all in all it is a fairly monotonous pattern R1&2 Knit around R3&4 K2, P2. That is it.
The Clessidras aren't nearly as difficult as I imagined them to be, just a bit fiddlely with the cables and such. If I am lucky, I will finish both pairs of socks and be a good bit done with my sweater by the time I return. Who knows, maybe I will even start another pair of socks. Something bright and cheery...spring like. Yeah, yeah, that's it... spring like.

Until then everyone take care and STAY WELL, if the sinus/throat monster knocks on your door, do not, under any circumstances open the door. He is a sneaky thing, and will get you quick and then stay for awhile.

Aufweidersehn!!

I Did Promise...

2008-03-14T20:49:00.003-04:00

I did promise pics of the new starts, and so I will take a few moments now to post them. While I did finish Rick's sweater, I wore it to work the other day, and since it was almost 70degrees when I left, I ended up forgetting it. So I will have to pick it up when I return. The buttons Rick made are really lovely, and I think will really complement the sweater nicely.
The first ones are my Clessidra Stockings. They are coming along well. Although the Wildfoote is very splitty, and with the cables it can be a bit annoying. The second one, the Jawoll socks are Rick's 2nd pair of socks called Blueberry Waffle socks. They are a pretty mindless knit.

On a more somber note, Rick and I will be leaving tomorrow morning for Pennsylvania, as my Grandmother (who is 96) is soon to pass from this life. Unfortunately it has been long, and slow, and very lingering - my Mother is exhausted, and needs some comforting. So we will go and stay with them for the next few days and that way I can help out when the time arrives. It will be a blessing for her when she goes and this has been a long time coming.

By the time I return, I will have had 2 8hr car rides and much time in between, so there should be some real progress to see on my socks and my Diamond Pullover.

Keep us in your thoughts through the coming few days. I am sure it will be quite exhausting.

Yes, yes, I know...

2008-03-07T17:20:00.002-05:00

I have been terribly bad about blogging again. I seem to go through these phases of lots of blogging and then almost none. I have been knitting. I have been seaming. I have even started reading again (the final Harry Potter, finally). I am trying to start walking again, and also even trying to start having a regular routine to most of my life.

We shall see. My time away way lovely and relaxing. Not quite as 'do nothing' as I thought it might be, but certainly a good time. We even went to a Renaisance Festival and my Beloved caught the bug... yep, he outfitted me in a really nice version of what a wench would be. Now all of those who know me well, know that is a term used to refer to a not so nice individual in my world, and so we have dubbed me the "Good Wench". After all my outfit is cream, and deep royal purple, with black accent. When I get brave again I may post a picture of me in it... not sure if I am that brave.

I have also just secured my free ticket to go visit my Dear Friend Rachael, and two other friends who live in Germany. This will probably be one of my last trips there for a while, (unless Rick's job sends him and my schedule and our finances allow for me to accompany him) because.... Rachael is most likely, pretty darn probably, and as far as I am concerned, most definitely moving to Virginia Beach!!!!!!
So with that said, I will again be leaving town for about 10days and tootling around Deutschland from Mar 23rd through Apr 2nd. Planning to visit Viv in Hamburg for a day or so, and also spend time with Susan near Kaiserslautern for a day or so. I will have multiple train rides this time, and so I must take much knitting... or should I just take patterns and buy the yarn there....??

Anyway, I am hoping to get some pictures of the newest cast ons when I have good light, which will be sometime after Yarn for Breakfast tomorrow.

"On the road again...."

2008-02-13T18:54:00.002-05:00

Yep, that is me. "...on the road again", or should I say "in the air again"?

Tomorrow Rick and I are off to spend a week with some friends. A much needed escape for both of us. Mom & Dad are here in VA to watch the Girlz while we are gone, and soak up some more reasonable temps than they can get in Northeast PA.

No real progress on the knitting front that is picture worthy. I am working on Rick's sleeves, and then only the little bit that remains of the Right front. Then there will be the other "I Did It" sock. I will also take some yarn for another pair of socks Rick, and maybe even another pair for me. That should keep me plenty busy.

Take Care Everyone, and we will catch you when we get back.

Yeah, another FO; Booo another Frog

2008-02-07T08:10:00.000-05:00

Since I don't have the camera back yet, imagine the mirror image of the glove pic below......

Are you imagining????

Well that would be the pair of "plain black gloves" for Rich. They are currently completing their dry time on the dinning room table. Then hopefully later this afternoon, they will get packaged up and sent to Richmond - you know, where they might have slightly colder temps than, say, 80 degrees on the 6th of FEB!!!! Come on people, it is winter, it is at least suppose to be chilly. But, no, I had the windows open yesterday, and the heat has not cycled on for almost 3 days.

Hafrumpf!!!!

Now, onto the Frog...
I was working on the sleeves to Ricks cardigan last night at work (where I managed to realize that I can knit both in the dark and with my eyes closed - as long as both the needles and the yarn are big enough for me to feel the difference in the stitches), and while working on it, I realized that I have put it down, and picked it up numerous times, and each time I have changed the way I handled the selvege/edge stitch (ie, that which will need to be seamed).
So, needless to say, once the power came back on, and I could REALLY see the edges - I most definitely heard the faint sound of "rip-it; rip-it and then it steadily grew louder: RIP-IT RIP-IT", so I followed what the sound said, and I frogged. The plus side of this, is, I have also decided that I am going to knit both sleeves at the same time on the same circ needle. I think this time I shall write down how I am handling the selvege stitch (what a concept - yes, Rachael, I hear you)

More soon.

A TOTAL SCORE!!!!!

2008-02-04T09:35:00.000-05:00

Yep, you read that right, I 'totally' scored yesterday on the Bay of Evil - I was desperate and a bit whiney (this was before going out to do the Super Bowl Sale Crawl). I wanted a pair of 'see through' shoes to show off my hand made socks! and I wanted them NOW!

So off I went to the E-vil Bay site and went looking and this is what I found:
CLEAR TENNIS SHOES
I am so totally excited, because not only did I find them, but there was only 4hrs left on the auction and NO ONE had bid on them. So, I placed my bid, went off LYS crawling, and came home to find that I WON THEM!!!!! The best part is, I paid less than I typically would for a regular pair of shoes.
Now, while I am totally a 'clog' person, I have yet to find clear clogs that I like, and that seem like they would be even remotely comfy for extended periods. So I figure this is the next best thing.

The Sound of 1 Black Glove Clapping

2008-02-03T15:43:00.000-05:00

Yep, here it is....Rich's Glove

here it is in all it's 'plain black stockinette stitch glory'. Yes, #2 is on its way. If I am lucky it will be done in the next few hours. That is unless I get tired of the 'fiddliness' of knitting the fingers.

I must then move on to Rick's sweater. A)I really want to have it done for him, and B) Having just returned from a "Super Bowl Sunday LYS crawl" with my Dear Friend Romelda... well, let's just say, this was my first and unless I make some serious progress over the coming months it may be until next year's Super Bowl until I can do it again.

I scored some really great Stash Enhancement, which, considering I am supposedly on a 'yarn diet' might not be as great as it seemed. I got some wonderful yarn for making some felted house clogs (which Romelda and I are going to both make), and the yarn for a sweater I found in a magazine from 2004 - this I can justify because DH said he like both the sweater and the color - so, I got the same color that is in the picture. It is OK, since he said he liked both (well justified?? Right?). Then I got some Regia Bamboo that was just asking to be purchased, and one skein of really pretty Cascade Yarns Jewel Hand Dyed. This will become mittens for Me.

Unfortunately because the camera left with DH at 0645 this morning, I cannot post pics of any of my scores. At least not now. I did warn DH that since he was leaving on Super Bowl Sunday that there was no one home to prevent me from hitting the Sales. He said I should have mentioned this 'before' he arranged his tickets for this trip. :) Ooops my bad...

I think the rest of the day will be quiet knitting and knitting while watching some Buffy - at least until the Game is over and I can watch a brand new episode of House.

Some Update Pics

2008-02-02T13:50:00.000-05:00

Guess What?? I knit a little something other than a glove... of course I started it back at the end of Nov. I finished it on our recent expedition to CA to check out colleges for my youngest (he's finishing his sophmore yr in hs... I can't hardly believe it!!).

Anyway... here my completed 'I Did It' sock using Regia Kaffe Fassett. I will be very interested to see how the yarn feels after being washed. It has an unusual feel to it right now.

As soon as I finish weaving in all my ends I will post Rich's glove. It is so exciting, plain black knitted glove... oh boy, don't know if I can handle the excitement.

I am hoping to get a bunch of knitting accomplished in the next few days, as I will be a bachelorette from 6:45 tomorrow morning until 5:30 Thurs evening. Who knows, maybe I will have Rick's sweater completed for when he returns.

I Think I Am In A Rut

2008-01-24T18:47:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am fairly sure I am in a rut. The nice thing about the rut I am in, is that it is a rut of fairly quick, and frequent FO's. I am officially in a Glove Rut... through no 'real' fault of my own. Other than I made the first pair of fingertip-less gloves for Matt for Christmas. Then Rick, mentioned that they would be really nice for him, as where his computer is situated in his office (the cold office that I am knitting him a wool cardigan for), is right where the cool air comes shooting out of the ceiling vent down onto his hands. So OK, I can see his point and will start him a pair of fingertip-less gloves to prevent any further stiffening of joints he insists is part of the aging process. So for Christmas for Rich I started a pair of regular full finger gloves, as his hands are always cold in the winter, and he lives further north than we do. I told him they should be done by the time he needed to return to school. As it turns out, the gloves were W A Y too big for any male hand in my immediate household, but alas Dad come to visit for the holidays fit in them wonderfully, so they became his. So Rich then says, I would really like a hat. Quick as a wink I knit up said hat, and at that Josh wants to know if I am going to knit him something. When I ask what, he says, "I think I would really like a pair of those fingertip-less gloves or knucks (as they are sometimes called)".

As the story goes... I am almost finished with Josh's first knuck, when we stop to visit Rich, and I explain that I have forgotten to bring his hat, but will sent it... he exclaims (as he is already wearing a crocheted hat) "...a hat, no, no, I need gloves!!" What is a knitting Mom to do?

Moral of the story is, Men are no different than women, once they see something that one guy has, they want something the same or at least remotely similar - they too are slaves to the lemming mentality. Since Matt got something hand knit from Cheryl, obviously she needs to knit something of equal or greater value/size for me, and oh by the way, I should be next on the list. It really only becomes a problem when they all want the same sort of thing in a plain no nonsense pattern and knit in either BLACK OR GREY!!!!!

Without further ado... Josh's Knucks Rich's plain black gloves are on the needles as I write, and will be followed by Rick's. Then, maybe just then, I can finish Rick's Cardigan (before it gets too warm again), and THEN FOR SURE... I can start knitting for me again... :) won't that be a happy day?

Bless my friends who take pity on me and knit socks for me. They are truly good friends. BTW, anyone else who would be so inclined to knit a pair of women's med/euro size 39 socks in any yarn will be included in that dear friend list too. Yes, I want more hand knit socks, I just seemed to have planted myself into a family of men who like hand knit items - and - I do LOVE MY MEN!!! :)

First FO's of 2008

2008-01-17T07:32:00.000-05:00

Here they are folks, the first official Finishes of 2008!!!

First there is Rich's Hat/Cap. This was the hat that was originally suppose to be one of those caps with the skull and cross bones (my big chance to try 2 color knitting), until he changed his mind. I might add here, that change came "after" having spent all kinds of time at the LYS trying to find yarn that would wash and wear well, and be warm and came in the color that he originally asked for (navy blue). So back to the LYS I went and poof, the cost of the yarn miraculously increased by $15 since I upgraded him to Sublime extra fine merino DK... a mother's love.

So I took the pattern for the Skull cap and changed it to 2x2 rib and still included the inside ear band (I now know how to do a 3needle bind off without binding off), I also adjusted how the decreases were done, and voi la!!!
Next we have Dad's gloves (which were suppose to be Rich's except they turned out way to big for any hands in my immediate household), so they are going to Pa.
He had just the right size hands for these, and promised that he would wear them. Which is particularly good, since he has Raynaud's Disease, which means his finger tips get very cold, very quickly. Oh, and by the way, he lives in Northeastern PA.

That is all for now. More later, must go to bed now, so I can get up at a reasonable hour to go to dinner at a friend's house. She is so very graciously going to watch the Girls when Rick and I go to CA with Matt at the end of the month. :)

Santa Collection (in part)

2008-01-13T15:04:00.001-05:00

So, as promised, here are some pics of my Santa Collection. I have been collecting for about 20yrs now. I have not included pics of all the ornaments that are Santas, as this year they did not make it out.
Since it took me so long to get everything out and about, I will be very slow to put it all away.
Enjoy

Hope you enjoyed this little stroll through my collection.

Surfacing Again....

2008-01-09T13:33:00.000-05:00

Yes, yes, I know - it has been forever and a day. The promised pics didn't show up, the updates didn't arrive, and I have been among the Missing In Action.
Alas, I think I am back - kind of, sort of, more or less. It has been a long couple months for me, but I am hoping I have broken the surface and plan to stay on the surface.
So, without much further ado - here are some long waited for update and finish off pics:

First with many apologies to Leslie - my absolutely awesome SP11 here is the pic of my reveal package. A really awesome "della Q" zipper bag (perfect for the storage of my Addi Turbo Circs); Some incredible shell stitch markers (the brown items in the little zip bag near the top); a bottle each of Eucalan and Soak; the coolest little zip mesh pouch (perfect for DPN storage) and a couple really pretty green glass bead stitch markers.She was a real sweetheart, and has wonderful taste. She took this all on in the midst of a move and did just fine. Her life seems as hectic as mine, and I hope to continue to keep in touch.

Next we have Rachael's Wabenschal - I really like the pattern, and the baby alpaca was great to work with. There are some changes I will make next time I try this one - and yes, there will be a next time.

Next in the gift category we have Nessa's Mini Monkey Socks made of Lorna's Laces (1 skein I might add). I even had some left over. At least now I know it is possible,and am looking forward to the day when I can start buying yarn again. Yep I have voluntarily put myself on a "use from stash only" regime - unless of course it is a specific color request for which I have NONE of.

...and last, but certainly not least.... taaaahhhh daaahhhh..... Matt's German Flag Fingerless (or should I say fingertipless) Gloves. I think he liked them, since he recieved them on Christmas evening and by the time he left on the afternoon of the 1st they were looking well worn and loved. Not bad for a hand made gift for a 15yr old boy.

Stay tuned for my next post that will show pics of my current Santa Collection. It is one of those things I am quite proud of, and thoroughly enjoy adding to it, or having it added to. This year saw 3 new additions.

I promise I will try to post much more regularly. I am trying also to limit my computer time, so as to have more knitting time. We shall see.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All

2007-12-25T14:50:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to take a few moments (before the insanity arrives), to wish all my wonderful online, inperson, and around the corner friends the very happiest of Holiday Seasons.

I have been a bit behind this year, and though I did get my cards (complete with family update letter) out by the 22nd, I am right now taking a short sit down break before I try to finish the dinning room decorating.

I do hope everyone gets what they hope for and spends a few moments appreciating all that they have.... family, friends, health, wealth, and the ability to be a part of a really big community called Knitters!!

All my best wishes, and take some to sit back and knit something just for you.
Catch you all soon with updates and pics of gift knitting and such.

Not Much Knitting....

2007-12-14T19:52:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone,
Well, the last few days have not produced much knitting at all. Infact they haven't produced much of anything (period-dot). Unless you count the copious amounts of tissues in the trash can. YEP!! I got me an all out true and bonified HEAD COLD!!

It hit me Tues afternoon and today is the first that I have actually been able to do much of anything except sniff, sneeze, and blow my nose. My poor widdle nosey is sooooo red :(

Alas, though, today I fit in 2 batches of cookies (choc chip and oatmeal raisin), painted the bottom section of the little bathroom downstairs (of which I am bound and determined to have completed before the holiday), cleaned up the kitchen, and vacuumed the downstairs.

Tomorrow is Yarn for Breakfast - and there was no way I was going to miss that - uh uh - no way, no how!!! Maybe I will even get a little bit of knitting done this evening, as I am ready to sit my butt down and chill for a bit.

Hopefully soon I will be able to post a picture of the gifty I sent Rachael - but from what I can tell she has not recieved it yet. In my cleaning of piles of papers and such over the last day or so, I came across some knitting patterns my Mom passed to me that were my Grandmother's, they are from 1945, I am dying to CO at least 2 of them - but I will behave until I have all my other stuff done. Like Christmas Cards, a Christmas Tree, and Gifts Wrapped. Impressively enough, we actually have all of our shopping done at this point except for 3 items - and there are still 10 days to go.... maybe this means we will have snow :)

An Update and Some Pics

2007-12-10T08:10:00.000-05:00

I must say this past weekend, was certainly not one of rest for me. I really was on the move, and did not leave the house too very much.

Saturday morning I got up, and proceeded to start baking cookies for the two college boys who are entering finals week this week. By 3pm I had baked, packed and shipped two boxes of sweeties to my boys. Rich gets Ginger Snaps, Heath Bark, and Oatmeal (no raisins) Cookies. Josh got Choc Chip, Heath Bark, and Oatmeal (no raisins) Cookies. I figure these ought to help them through the study hours.

What I was quite impressed with myself over, was that all of the above were made strictly from hand, down to the fact that I had NO MIXER!! Then I realized once Rick came home with a new hand mixer for me, I was so proud of myself for being able to cream the butter and sugars and mix the entire batch by hand - I did not want to use the mixer for the next batch of cookies.

Rachael, you will be so proud of me... I took a recipe for peanut butter blossoms (ie p-butter cookies with hershey's kisses on top), and by changing amounts and done strictly by weight, created a Nutella Cookie recipe. I tried this concept last year and it failed miserably. This time it worked. Anyway, yea for me for doing something other than the exact recipe.

Now, onto some pics: First we have Matt's German Flag Fingerless Gloves. He has been complaining that we keep the house too cold (but I am loving the heating bill), and so his hands are very cold when trying to play the piano. So voila - Christmas present in progress.

Then we have 2 pieces of Rick's Cardigan. As of right now, the word is it should fit following blocking. If not, well then he will just have to lose weight to get to the correct size. I am currently working on the Right Front, that picture is not too exciting.

I have 2 nights off from work this week, as we have Holiday events to attend, so maybe I will get some more of my holiday stuff done. It is kind of weird this year, I still don't have my tree up. This is very odd for me, but I am OK with it. Talk to me once the panic begins to set in.

Well it is off to bed with me - worked last night and need some sleep today so I can get some stuff done later.

Hope everyone is well, and enjoying the prepatory phase of the Holidays.

Here are the pics I can post

2007-11-29T15:11:00.000-05:00

Since some of my manic Finishing episodes lately are also gifts, I have to make sure not to post pics since a bunch of those folks check on my blogs sometimes.

So, here are the Lacey Mock Cable Socks that I made of the just wonderful Blue Faced Leicester hand dyed by CJ (my spoiler in SP10). Oh and by the way you can go visit her blog and her store via the link on the sidebar for The Jolly Ewe. I just love this yarn. It was really nice to work with and then after I washed them and blocked them yesterday they are even softer and I am so hoping that the large cake of yarn I have left is enough to make me another pair.

Then there are the Gentleman's Socks for Rick. While the pattern is a very Gentlemanly pattern, it is fidgety (especially if you have to pick up and put down all the time). These were done with Meilenweit Mega Boots Stretch, which I must say also softened up quite a bit after washing. I was a bit afraid they were going to be to rough and scratchy, but alas they feel nice. I definitely need a better pattern for Rick if I am actually going to get socks to not only fit the way he wants them to, but also work fairly quickly for the EEE width feet of his. Which is why I might add that these socks make me think of a fork stuck in a potato.
...and for those of you who are ravelry-ers - I did update my projects with the completed pics. Although I still have one or two that I can't even update there due to gifting issues.

Still waiting on any suggestions about Ricks Cardigan... I guess that means I am free to work on the pair of socks that I cast on in lieu of do nothing. (drat the bad luck...:)

Thanks Viv, I just couldn't resist this one....

2007-11-28T08:39:00.001-05:00

Lets101 Quizzes - Blog Quizzes

Pics to follow...

2007-11-27T19:05:00.000-05:00

Hi all!! Hope you all had lovely holidays with family, or very quietly enjoying your time. I spent a good portion of mine on the road, and knitting. My parents - especially my Mom was quite tolerant of my desire to finish my socks while on vacation.

So, I am thrilled to say that I finished my BFL Lacey Mock Cable socks - that, obtw ar for ME - while in PA. I also finished Rick's socks on the way home from PA. I am feeling quite good about the whole finishing thing.

Now the only thing I have left to finish from 2007 that was started in 2007 is Rick's Cardi. I am very edgy about this whole thing... as it just keeps looking small, but I am knitting to gauge, and the yarn is the correct type of yarn, and the measurements are all correct, BUT... I just have this feeling that it is looking too small. I have completed the back, and just started the left side today, and I am still wondering if I should just frog it and make the next larger size.

I will give it a day or two and then the decision will have to be made. I already feel like I have gone too far, in the that the back is completed, but not blocked. I am so afraid of it being too big, but by the same token having it be too small would be very bad also.

I am knitting this in Lopi 100% icelandic wool on size 8mm and 10mm needles (so it is a fairly loose knit). Can anyone tell me how much give there might be with this yarn after blocking??

I will try to post pics as soon as I have a few free moments which should come Thursday afternooon-ish or Friday.

Any and all help will be considered.
Thanks

Yep there is another FO

2007-11-14T08:33:00.000-05:00

I finally finished my 2nd sock in the Mini Monkey experiment. I love the way they came out, and they proved to me that I can make a pair of socks for me with just ONE skein of Lorna's Laces.

The only problem is, I made this pair about 6 rows too short for me. Granted if I had had my trusty little notebook with all my notes about making socks that fit ME, I would have made them the correct size for ME, but alas... someone is my circle of friends will have a lovely pair of mini monkey socks as a gift. So until I decide who, when, and once they have recieved them... there will be no picture.

Next I have Rachael's Wabenschal to complete and yes,,, Rick's sock #2. Although I am in quite the FO mode, so it should not be too difficult. After I wake up today I must go and get more reinforcing yarn for his socks. Then it will be on to his cardigan, and possibly fingerless gloves for him and for Matt.

There is a theme here... my Men seem to feel that I keep the house a titch to cold and so they need mitts to keep their fingers warm while computing or playing the piano. We shall see. I think the house is just fine, and if you are cold, put on a sweater and socks and life will be just fine.

It's really, REALLY DONE!!!

2007-11-06T17:01:00.000-05:00

Here it is folks... The ever present Emerald Isle. One of my few FO's. I am rather impressed that I really finished it, and have it blocked and everything. I must take it to Yarn for Breakfast for the folks to see, and there are one or two others who need to see it before I send it off to it's intended new owner. It is only 4months late as a Birthday present.

Call me a proud Mama, but I wanted to give you all multiple views

I am so happy with this Finish, now I really wish I could work on Diamond's Are A Girl's Best Friend.... but I have other projects that really need to be completed. Maybe this will get me motivated to finish them a bit quicker.

More Soon

She's Going on the Wires

2007-11-05T12:35:00.000-05:00

Emerald Isle is in the towel as I type this, and as soon as I am done here, She is going on the Blocking Wires.

This will be the first time for using my blocking wires, I really am quite excited. I must admit, now that she has gotten her bath, I wish she were already dry so I could see her final product..... I know, patience.....

Back soon with an update.

Squeeeeeeee!!!!! It is DONE!!!

2007-11-02T19:56:00.000-04:00

I am so excited. Emerald Isle is completed and off the Needles!!!!

WHOOOOPEEEEEE!!!!!!

OK, I shall calm down just a bit now (but not too much). There is but one small glitch. I found 3 dangling loops .... I was afraid, very afraid.... so I instantly put them on an open end stitch marker. I fear I will have to cheat and take a piece of yarn and just tie them where they are meant to be. As I said to Jessica this evening - " Luckily the person to whom this is going, is of the opinion that no matter what little mistake there is, that just means it is all that more original" (boy am I lucky!)

So here she is pre-blocking. I am hoping for blocking to occur this weekend, and then there will be another pic before putting it off in the post. I had to include all these pics, just so you could get a good feel for her pre-blocked glory. OK - yes, I am showing off just a titch :)

Misty is glad I am done too, she thinks now I will spend more time with her... little does she know.... there is much more knitting to be done.

I tried the blue background in order to show the patterning better, but I guess that will have to wait until she is blocked.

Next up - finish all the 2nd socks in my meager stash (Mini Monkeys; BFL Neopolitan; and Rick's Gentleman's socks)

I am really getting close....

2007-10-30T09:24:00.000-04:00

I am getting so close to being done with the Emerald Isle shawl. Truly!!!! only 10 more rows (5 of those being purled). I am so wanting to be done, and yet here I am on the computer... checking my friend's blogs, checking into Ravelry (like I need MORE ideas of stuff I want to do), and while doing this I am neither knitting nor doing any of the things around the house that are screaming to be done.

I am thinking that the computer is the very reason so many more people are getting back into the Gentle Arts. We have a collective desire to be more tactile and results focused. Think of all the people who, while they are willing to buy yarn off the internet, chances are they have already been somewhere that they were able to touch and feel and yes, in some cases 'smell' the yarn and decided that this is now their most favorite yarn. I love the fact that we want to be tactile. It is good for the soul and for our health. How many articles have you seen lateley about the health issues related to --- too much TV for kids and elders, not enough activity in our lives due to commuting and office jobs, and computers, - how dealing with living things helps us feel better?

I guess in a way, I think of the Gentle Arts (fiber work, cooking, baking, crafting) as dealing with living things. Most of these things either come from living things, or become living or life giving things.

Maybe going back to the "old" ways would not be so very bad. Our health would improve, our brains might not get mushy so early, and we would go back to being a production oriented people. Yes, our conviences are wonderful, but I often think that given the chance to take a vacation in one of those "Frontier House" experiments would not be ALL bad. Think of the activity, the need to be creative, and use you brain to make up for the things that you have to adjust to. No it would not be easy, and I am sure there would be days of sheer misery, but by the same token it might be life changing for the positive.

I shall get down quietly from my soap box, and go answer the incessant beeping of my washing machine that is done, and then empty the dishwasher, and then, just maybe sit my butt down and do some knitting today.

Color Me Embarassed...

2007-10-28T13:17:00.000-04:00

OK, I admit it.... my bad. My really great SP sent me an absolutely fantastic box, which I sent her a personal thank you, opened with the greatest of care and slowness, to savor all that was enclosed, and then.....

Well, life stepped in, and away we went. Now as I was looking over my blog (which yes, I wrote several days ago) I realized I had not publicly thanked my Wonderful SP!

I am so very sorry SP. I truly did not mean to neglect that part of my blogging. But I have some time right now, as I just got my company on their way, and finished taking a wallpaper border off the downstairs bathroom, and am just waiting for my Beloved to finish his work in the bathroom (replacing water faucets - all the way back to the wall).

Soooooooo with out further ado, here is my most wonderful package in all it's glory, and might I say THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH to my SP.

I must say I LOVE her concept of packaging - simple but elegant...
...the box was quite large, but everything was scattered throughout the packing peanuts...
...and the goodies are given in the Spirit of Knitting. Things that make you feel good and happy.

Pomegranite Green Tea, and a georgeous mug to have it in; Candied Ginger (which DH already has some culinary plans for); Peach, Apricot preserves made with Sautern wine; Herbal bath soaks; Dark Chocolate (in the large size); and a lovely Green Fig Soy candle; and last but not least a lovely notebook/journal (which I can see becoming a record book of sorts for my projects).

Again... I thank you for all your thoughtfulness and creativity and time. I hope your upstream is taking as good of care of you :)

She Lives, She Lives.....

2007-10-19T12:11:00.001-04:00

Yes, I really am still among the world of the living. As is often the case, there are many days that I wonder at this miraculous feat.

Yes, I went again to DC for several days to help out at the CWC store in Fair Oaks mall and when I left there were getting their stock room on track. This is a very good thing for them. As a result of my time there, and on the advice of some management type people I decided to retract my resignation at my current store, so that I might further my intentions of a broader job situation with the company. Apparently in big business you get heard a little bit more when you are still on the payroll, than if you come to them cold. So I will continue to persue my aspirations of being a district/regional 'go to' person for stockroom issues. We shall see.

Meanwhile, Rachael came to visit for a week. What a week it was. We knitted publicly ALOT, we ran about and did some shopping, and had Starbucks most days (eek my caffeine content is on overload), and generally kept quite busy. Busy enough that we were in bed by about 9-10pm every night. Except Saturday when we really did kick back and spent the day doing a Buffy the Vampire Slayer marathon of season 6. If we didn't have to get up early Sunday to head up to DC, we might have finished out the season. Rachael has decided that Buffy is definitely better in English than in German dubbing.

Sunday we went to DC and picked up Josh and his new Girlfriend Becka and went tooling about DC, mainly The Holocost Museum (which is very intense, but very well done), and the WWII memeorial, and I think we did something else before heading off to a Lebanese Restaurant in Adam's Morgan area of DC. It was really good and I would definitely go for Lebanese food again. Then again, I am a garlic lover.

Monday we spent the day at Mount Vernon, and yes, I saw one of the sets of George Washington's teeth. Alas, though, they are not wood, they are ivory. Poor guy, started having dental issues in his early 20's, even with owning no less than 12 toothbrushes.

Then it was off to the airport to see Rachael off. Boo Hoo. Wish she could have stayed longer.

And now.......

Knitting pics. I have finally taken pics, and even have a finish (sock #1 - #2 is on the needles) and an almost finish, - this is the left half of Emeral Isle. The right half is all bunched up due to length of my needle cord.
This is just so you can see the detail better. Only 16 more rows to go (which = 16-18hrs)
and a sweater in progress, This is the Beloved's cardigan. I took it in the same place I took the others, but it bleached out on the photos. This is the back

and an alpaca shawl/scarf in progress. I really like this pattern and LOVE the yarn. It came from my SP11. Although Rachael fell in love with it, and hence I guess this will be hers. But thanks to some LYS trolling (I have 5 in the area in which I live), I came across this very yarn and will be able to make one for myself one of these days.
....and that my blogging friends is then end of this day's post. Hope you all enjoyed and come back and visit real soon. I hope to get back on track now with my blogging and my knitting.
Take Care

Yes, I have been very remiss...

2007-10-03T15:21:00.000-04:00

...I have not been blogging as I would hope to be. Although I can say I have been knitting.

I have been making solid progress on my Emeral Isle Shawl, and hope (if the Knitting Goddess is in a good mood) to have it done within the next week or so.

That being said, I will again be on the road to Washington DC early tomorrow morning (o'dark hundred early :( -not my favorite) to work in the Coldwater Creek store in Fairfax. Truly there is a method to my madness. This too is part of the reason for my lack of blogging, as I have been in research mode. I am moving into an area that I have no experience in, and I want them to think I know what I am talking about. Job Descriptions and Proposals are a totally new venue for me, therefore it is taking significant amounts of brain space and energy to make it happen.

I will tell you all that I am totally looking forward to the visit of my Dear Friend Rachael next week. Since her boys are both on school trips for the week, and her husband continues to be deployed in the Congo.... she is coming here for a long awaited visit. I look forward to our time of just chilling out and doing whatever we darn well please for a week. Hence I am thinking I shall get a fair amount of knitting done, as well as some yarn shop crawling.

If I get the chance I will try to post some update pics as soon as possible. So sorry this is one of those boring non-pictorial blogs... but alas we all have to start reading "chapter books" sometime.

Take Care everyone :)

I will be gone for a couple days

2007-09-22T22:32:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick post to let you all know that while I will still be among the living, I may not be among the blogging, or emailing for a few days. I have been chosen to go to one of the other stores in my district to help them out a bit. So that means I may not have much opportunity to blog and email and such. Mainly because I just checked what the hotel I have been assigned to has to offer in that way, and well, they charge you, so not sure how much time I will be on line.

Hope everyone will be doing well, and I plan to get plenty of knitting done in my off time. If I am not totally exhaused at the end of some pretty hectic days.

Will catch you all up when I get back.

Tootles

While I was sitting Knitting....

2007-09-18T18:19:00.000-04:00

The girls alerted me to the fact that George (otherwise known as the UPS man) had arrived. Although I must admit, since my SP told me I was due to recieve my box today, I have been patiently waiting, sitting knitting, no music, no tv, just keeping my ears out for the sound of any truck that might pull up in front of the house. Actually I really should be in bed, as I have to work tonight, but I just couldn't resist.

So here is the deal.... THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH SP!!!!!! You are the bomb!!! I absolutely love my package. Infact I was totally taken with the wrapping, and was quite content for a few moments to just enjoy the sight of the wrappings and the smell that came from my box.

Can you all understand why??? Just look at this.

It is raw paper with the very delicate leaves intact. I am already trying to decide what I am going to do with it. :)

OK, so what is wrapped in said incredible paper you might ask???? Hmmmmm how about some exquisit Baby Alpaca Melange squishy, and some great looking Rio Del la Plata Kettle Dyed yarn from Uraguay (I can already see some awesome just plain knitted socks in that skein), then there is some Stash Peach Black Tea (mmmmmm yep tea season is just around the corner), and last but not least some lovely all natural Rose Petal Soap (I think I shall just keep it so I can inhale it all during the winter months) It smells soooooooooo good.

Since I couldn't decide which picture showed of the lovely colors of everything best, I am posting both. Although I must admit, I really wanted to show off the paper too.

Now I must run off and try to take a nap. I shall dream of what I might do with that Blue Sky Baby Alpaca....... oh if you could just feel it.

Again Thank You so very much to my very wonderful SP, who I might add is still in the process of trying to get settled having just finished moving into a new home. I kind of figured boxes might not be an issue for her. Thank You for taking the time to make up such a lovely box.

I Promised...

2007-09-17T18:30:00.000-04:00

I did mention that I would try to publish a picture of Rick's Cardigan. Yes, he finally decided on one that would be acceptable and have all the details that he thinks he requires in a sweater. I tell you.... if I didn't absolutely LOVE the guy so much, I think I might have had to hurt him. After many patterns, and possibilities, and possible alterations, and so on and so on, we finally came to the said pattern.

What pattern you ask, well, leave it up to my Beloved to decide that a classic sweater from a Mary Maxim pattern book of mens sweaters from, get this, 1965 - is the one he wants. The crazy thing is, he looked at this pattern before and turned it down. Once things started getting ugly about making all the alterations he wanted on the other pattern - I re-introduced him to this pattern and 'lo and behold' he says "I think that one will do just fine - I like it".

So here is the picture of the current progress - this is the back of the sweater. I still have to figure out how to get a good pic of the finished project..... wait I have an idea.....

....Ha sometimes I actually scare myself.... I took a picture of the picture in the pattern book...DUH!
Just ignore how out of proportion the guy's head and hand are. I was trying not to get the flash reflection. - yes it took a couple trys. Oh and if I could figure out how to crop the pic I would so you would only be looking at the detail of the sweater.

So there it is kids, my Beloved's Cardigan. Now all I have to do is get it done in an extremely timely manner and all will be good. Of course I am still working on Emerald Isle for Annie, and then there are my socks, and Rick's socks, and any number of projects I want to start.

Well, that is all for now, since Rick just came home and we need to visit a bit.

Take Care

Wooooo Hoooooo!!!!!

2007-09-09T18:42:00.000-04:00

First wooo hoooo is that I have a cell phone again - granted it is my very old little dinosaur - but that little phone has stood by me through thick and thin. Now she has the chance to come out of retirement and do it again. I know, I know, I was suppose to turn her in to be recycled months ago, but..... it is that procrastinating thing. Now see!!! Being a procrastinator is not all bad. So DH and I stopped at the Sprint store and I told my sad tale of woe (oh woe, oh woe, and oh woe again), and the politel young man just kept chuckling at me. He then did a bit a research and found that my account is not eligible for 'any' upgrades until next March, but he did offer to try to put my number back on my little old phone. It took awhile, and a couple phone calls but we had success!!! It is just that I need to put my Bluetooth in time out for awhile, and go back to using an ear piece. See this phone pre-dates that kind of technology. At least I have a phone again!! Yippeeeeeeee

Second woooo hooooo is that I was nominated as a Rocking Girl Blogger!!! My secret Pal, who doesn't even really know who I am yet (except that I am from the US) nominated me, because I made her day with some little notes and such right when it counted most. I really am enjoying SP, and have even managed to put my widgets here on my blog. I just needed a bit of a refresher from Queue this weekend at knitting.

Let's see, yesterday was our Yarn For Breakfast Meetup, and what fun we had. We pretty much had the coffee shop staked out (in fact we had the whole store front window). Lots of chatting and getting to know some new faces, and checking in with some of our group who had been off and about over the summer. I think they all got a lot more knitting done than I did, but that is just fine.

Last night I again casted on a wool sweater cardi for my DH. Although he has finally agreed to a pattern that has pretty much all that he wants (even if the shoulder is slightly dropped), he figured he better agree soon or there could be some serious trouble. So while he and my youngest step son Matt were watching the end of the Alton Brown 'Feasting on Asphalt' marathon, I was busily casting on, and frogging, and re-casting on the back of his sweater from a vintage pattern book I got this summer. As soon as there is anything worth showing (other than a K1, P1 band) I will put up some pics.
I think I may soon be done with my first mini - monkey sock. Now all I need is some time to knit. Although this week, I am only working at the store 3 days (+my one night shift), so I may really make some serious progress.

On that note, I am going to sit and knit for a bit (if my headache would just release a bit)

Hope you all have a wonderful week.

Like Carly....I'm Procrastinating

2007-09-05T13:46:00.000-04:00

So I decided to do this meme. . .

Green=where I live
Blue=where I've lived in the past
Red=states I've visited OR at least driven through in my current lifetime
Black=haven't been there....yet!

Alabama / Alaska / Arizona / Arkansas / California / Colorado / Connecticut / Delaware / Florida / Georgia / Hawaii/ Idaho / Illinois / Indiana / Iowa / Kansas / Kentucky / Louisiana / Maine / Maryland / Massachusetts / Michigan / Minnesota / Mississippi / Missouri / Montana / Nebraska / Nevada / New Hampshire / New Jersey / New Mexico / New York / North Carolina / North Dakota / Ohio / Oklahoma / Oregon / Pennsylvania / Rhode Island / South Carolina / South Dakota / Tennessee / Texas / Utah / Vermont / Virginia / Washington / West Virginia / Wisconsin / Wyoming / Washington D.C /

Guess I really should just bite the bullet and go ahead and visit those few that I have missed thus far.

Now that I am awake (worked last night), I am going to try to finish fixing my teeny tiny error on my Emerald Isle and get a row or two done. I have past the 'longest point' and am now heading int the territory of decreases... wooo hoooo

Oh btw.... I have this terrible sinking feeling (almost a vague memory) that I threw away my cell phone. You see I do remember having gathered the garbage bits from my car that evening and coming in and putting them in the bin. Alas Friday morning is garbage pick up morning and DH dutifully collected all the garbage and put it out to the curb and it was picked up just before I left for work (which is when I figured out that I was cell phone-less). I am going to give it a few more days of hard wishing and hoping to see it peek out from it's hiding spot before I give up and plunk down the $$ for another. (no.... I did not have the foo foo insurance for the phone, as in all the years I have had one (since 1994) - I have never lost nor broken one) Oh well....

Where Oh Where has it Gone...????

2007-09-03T11:33:00.000-04:00

Where, Oh where, has my little phone gone??
Oh, where, oh where can it be???
With it's sleek black shell, and it wrist loop long,
Oh where, oh where can it beeeeee??

Yes, folks, I have managed to, for the very first time, LOSE MY CELL PHONE!

The painful, frustrating, irritating part is, I had it Thurs night (while talking to DH in the car) arrived home, came in the house, went to bed, got up Fri morn - went to work and LO and BEHOLD....poof!! no cell phone!!

I have found things in my house that I haven't seen in months, but no cell phone!!

Now, honestly, I am not what one would call a cell phone junkie, but I do like the security of having it there, and the free nights and weekend long distance calling that it provides. I like the fact that I can call DH and it doesn't count against my minutes, I can just call when I forget things, or when I am lost in the car.....

So if anyone has any patron saints of lost cell phones, return cell phones to their owner spells, any chants, dances, or gauranteed 'we find it' ways things that work for them.... I will be most thankful of any and all information or options.

Needless to say, this incesent "looking" for my phone the last few days has really cut into my knitting time. :(

First We Have Knitting Pics....

2007-08-29T16:53:00.000-04:00

First we have my completed first sock done with the BFL hand dyed that my SP gave me from SP10. Really CJ, I promise there will be a 2nd sock! :) Next we have my oooohhh so diligent work on the Emeral Isle shawl. I am truly loving the way this is turning out, and am delighted that I am currently at row 167 of 213. In another 4 rows I will begin the decreasing process that will bring this lovely piece of lace to a point.
I really was going to thread a life line and take it off the needles so I could get a better pic, but alas I am too much of a chicken, and fear offending the knitting godess who might strike me down for my impatience. Hence I moved it to the very ends of my Addi Turbo Lace Needles and put it over a big throw pillow. Soon I hope, very soon, I will have the FO pic for every one to see.

Here we have my Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend (DAAGBF) Lace Shawl, which was my first attempt at lace knitting, and has been in time-out for quite awhile now. Although, last night I got curious to see just how badly I had done with it, and found, that now that I am more adept at reading the pattern of this particular designer, and know how to fix my errors, and read the knitting itself. It really is not in that bad of shape. So I guess as soon as I finish EI, I will bring DAAGBF back into the fold and she will again get worked on.
Last but by no means least, my Mini Monkey's. the socks I am bound and determined to make out of 1 skein of Lorna's Laces. If it works and I really like them, I may then be able to justify the cost of said yarn for socks. Otherwise, I will just drool over it and pass it by. This was an orphan skein at my LYS when she was re-opening the shop and so it was my opportunity to try it.
So there you have it kids, my current knitting status. Complete in pics. I must say though that there is also the Gentleman's Sock for DH in the process but I have not worked on that for quite a bit, and then there is the concept of the sweater that said DH wants. Boy that one might just do me in.

Hope everyone is well and Keep on Knitting.

....and then Vacation Pics

2007-08-29T16:41:00.000-04:00

This would be Sedona, land of the Red Rocks, and Blue Skies, and just so incredibly beautiful!!!
That would also explain why it is the place where Rick and I had our
formal wedding. The informal (1st wedding) was in my parents back yard at a Clam Bake, and was a total surprise to everyone.

This would be the exact place that we exchanged our vows (for the 2nd time) 6yrs ago on the 1st of September. We were blessed to have had the same weather for our trip this time, that we had for our wedding then. One of these days, I need to scan it some of our wedding photos so your can see the beauty of it all. It was so wonderful to go back there. Rick had not been back since our wedding in 01'

Click on any of the pics and you will get a better view of the scenery.

Can't wait to go back again soon.