I need a vacation.......

Yes, Yes, I know, I just got back from vacation. Somehow or another I seem to forget that after being gone for 2wks - the amount of work, mess, and catch-up required is exponential.

I don't have any pics yet, as I don't know where my Beloved put the camera. When I find it I will post them. We have some of Sedona, and me with my friends, and then there will also be some knitting pics.

Sedona was absolutely beautiful. Much like the year we got married there, it has been a relatively wet summer (as wet as it gets in the high desert), but the greens were wonderfully green, and the red rocks had been washed clean and were incredibly brilliant the day we were there. It is just so peaceful. It was nice for us to just get away and be with friends and tool around on our own to some of our old haunts from when we lived in Phoenix.

On the knitting front, I did make quite a bit of progress on the shawl for my friend Annie, but not enough to finish it. So I will keep plugging away at it. Although there are two new knitters in the world. My friend Jan had already started teaching herself to knit and was open to trying continental knitting on for size. Not sure if she will stick with it or not, but at least she is knitting. She really liked the dishcloths I took to her. Annie on the other hand was a brand newbie to knitting, so I started her out with continental. She really started to pick it up fairly quickly. Plus we found a yarn shop in Mesa that really impressed me with all that they have available. They teach and sell spinning (beautiful wheels), and they also do loom weaving. It looks as though they have 6 small floor looms and have classes going on them. Plus quite a selection of yarn. Interestingly enough the yarn was mostly "clothing" yarn as opposed to sock yarn. This surprised me, as wearing knitted clothing in the Phoenix area has a fairly short wearing season. Even for those who are acclimated.

Anyway, I hope everyone is well and by the way a big HELLO to my SP. I got a note from here and am looking forward to catching up more with her. My Spoilee is very close to my same situation and age, but she lives across the pond. That should be fun for spoiling.

Hope everyone has a great weekend, and hopefully there will pics soon.

On Vacation

Hey All, sorry I have been so remiss, but life before and now during vacation has kept me hopping. The week before leaving was quite busy, and then on teh 9th we were off to PA. Mom & Dad's 50th Anniversary Gathering went wonderfully. They were so very happy to see their friends and family. A very good time was had by all.

We returned late Monday afternoon and in less than 24hrs were back out the door and in the air to Phoenix, AZ (which is where we are now). Loving the sunshine and big blue skies. Yep, it is definitely hot, but the humidity is very bearable for Rick and I. We have been tooling about in some of our old neighborhoods and visiting with friends. We will be heading out to Sedona shortly to revisit the incredible setting of our formal wedding 6yrs ago. DH has not been back since the wedding (I have when out visiting friends before).

Will try to have pics to post after vacation. Looking forward to seeing everyone soon

Wheeeeeeeee!!!!!

Yep!! I got my invite to Ravelry and I am very excited, a bit over-whelmed, and definitely almost bummed.
The first two comments I am sure any of you who have made your way on to the site can identify with... the third comment is related to the fact that I have worked all weekend, will work Mon, Tues, Wed, and then my Private Duty Job Wed Night (10p-7a) and then we leave for vaction to PA as soon as I get home Thurs morning until Monday evening. Then upon returning to VA Beach with the boys and dogs in tow, we do a quick turn around and Rick and I will be leaving for Phoenix on Tues. It was originally suppose to be related to a court date but that has now been settled out of court and so it will now be a vacation for us to visit friends and places we have not been to in a while.

So, needless to say, I won't have much time to really play at Ravelry until after vacation... :( but alas, all things for a reason.

I am making good progress on my Lace Shawl and will try to post one more set of pics before I go. I finished one BFL sock, and am just about to start the heel flap on my Mini Monkey's.

Hope everyone is doing well and I look forward posting after vacation.
Tootles

SP 11 Questionaire

Although it has not yet been called for I figured I would get a jump on things -

1.What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
-So far I cannot say I have a 'favorite' yarn so I guess any and all are good for me. I have found that I am not really into the ribbon yarn type fibers and the foo foo yarns. I love hand dyed sock yarns.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
-A Burt's Bees Demo Bag (sock needles), and original packaging, tucked in a zippable plastic bag, for all others
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
-I learned to knit Christmas of 05' and was taught by my dear friend in Germany (so yes I am a picker or continental style knitter) and I would consider myself intermediate. I have taught myself lace knitting, and enjoy doing all kinds of socks. Have not yet tackled cables.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
-I think I have an Amazon wish list and you can find it under my name.
5. What's your favorite scent?
-Fresh Lavender and Vanilla, I also like very earthy scents.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
-OH BOY do I!!! My favorite candy is European Dark Chocolate especially Ritter Sport Halb-bitter and Dunkel Voll-Nuss. In a pinch Dove Dark Chocolate is a good stand in.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
-I do counted cross stitch but not cutesy things usually more involved projects.
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
-I like New Age type music, Classical, Country, and Celtic. My computer can play CD's but not sure about MP3s.
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
-I like blues, purples, colors of Sedona Red Rocks, and mauves - the can't stands would have to be neons, primarys, and especially orange and green.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
-I am married to my Beloved and we have 3 sons that live with their mom (actually 2 are now in college). We have two 4-legged daughters Misty and Naya.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
-I do like scarves, but more accessory type than warmth type (due to where I live) not so much mitten, and no hats. Ponchos if they are light in weight might be nice. 12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
-Socks and Shawls (right now), but am finding I like the challenge of sweaters and tops as well.
13. What are you knitting right now?
-I have 2 pairs of socks on needles and a lace shawl, and am planning a cardigan for my DH.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
-Oh yes, as I know the love and care that goes into them.
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
-I like both straight and circular needles and both bamboo and aluminum but not plastic.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
-Yes to both and am very willing to share its use with anyone.
17. How old is your oldest UFO?
-I would say the one shawl that I started last year and is currently in time out on the needles.
18. What is your favorite holiday?
-Christmas as I am a Santa collector - anything neat or unusual
19. Is there anything that you collect?
-Santa's and unique ornaments, and of course sock yarn
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
-No subscriptions, (trying to keep the clutter at bay), books - any of the Yarn Harlot's would be lovely (except her most recent as I have that one), and Alton Brown's I am just here for more food.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
-I would like to be able to get better at what I am doing and learn cabling.
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
-Yes to being a sock knitter and my measurements Leg Length 3.5-5inches; Heel to toe 7inches; Toe length 2.25inches; Heel flap length 2.25inches; Foot circumference 9inches. I wear a size 8-8.5 shoe (US) or a 39 (European)
23. When is your birthday?
-May 20th - by the way Emerald Green is the only color green I like, but only in small quantitites.
24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
-Yes, I just recently made it onto Ravelry my ID is knitstx

I believe that should cover it all.

Progress Pics....Finally

Yes, it took me forever to finally do these, but here they are.

First we have the completed, yes I said completed baby sweater for my great nephew Nicholas. My dear friend Romelda helped me figure out what to do for the fastenings, and I love the way it turned out.

Next in line we have the aformentioned Lace project. No, it really is not a circular shawl, but it is currently at a spot where both needles are involved, and since it takes approx 20min to knit a row I decided to just go ahead and take the pic. I must admit I am happy with the way it is turning out and am looking forward to finishing it. Good thing I have some travel time coming up in the near future.
Here we have the previously pictured BFL (in colorway Neopolitan) socks. I have not made much progress, since I have been spending lots of time on the above project. I think these are going to be some pretty neat socks and am looking forward to keeping them for myself.
....and finally - last but certainly not least The Monkey KAL socks. This the pair I decided to try to knit from one skein of Lorna's Laces. The plan is they will be, as Hope called them, Mini Monkey's done my way.
I do hope all is well with everyone, and that the summer knitting is going great. Life has been quite busy and will continue as such until we get the older 2 off to college, and settle in to our Fall routine. At that point the next Big Project will get under-way...Rick's Cardigan. Oh Boy!

Catch you all soon

I've Made Nice w/ My Lace Knitting

So after one last attempt (and no further Nutella bread, I might add), I did get that one row to work, and was able to do 2 more rows, before I needed to stop and do laundry, get on the treadmill, and make luch.

Here is EI, (plus Misty's head) thus far:
Here is the pic of the sock I am knitting from the Blue Face Leicester yarn my Wonderful SP - CJ hand dyed and sent me during SP 10.

She has her own Etsy shop as well. Which can be found by checking out her blog in my side bar called "The Jolly Ewe".

Silly me, I was trying to save paper and only copied what I needed of the free pattern that I decided to use, EXCEPT - I forgot to get the NAME of the pattern. Will work on that soon, but not today. Hope you like how the pattern looks, it took a bit of fussing to find just the right pattern for this yarn, but I think I nailed it on the head.

So I am off to go continue to make nice with my Lace Shawl, the laundry, and what ever other little bits still need to be done on this lovely Sunday afternoon.

P.S. CJ, you made SP10 so nice for me, I have decided to try it again with SP11. I hope all is well with you guys out there, sorry we couldn't put it together to meet during my short stay in CA. Maybe next time.

oooooooooo Lace Knitting

OK I really love how my lace knitting looks when it works. But at this particular moment in time I am ready to tink it all and start over. Problem is, I am hoping to have this piece done by the time I go to AZ on the 14th of Aug.
I have just spent the last hour knitting and tinking, and knitting and tinking the SAME FLIPPING ROW. Arrrrrrrggggghhhhh
Breathe once
Breath twice

Now, maybe I can go back and out of sheer tenacity redo it ONE MORE TIME WITH FEELING, and have it come out correct.

Commen sense says pick up a pair of socks and work on them for a while, but I am Taurus through and through, so therefore stubborn as the day is long. But my Gemini side must be showing through else I would not have put it down and moved to the computer (after said hour plus of frustration).

I think too, I shall go have another slice of Nutella bread.

See you all soon and hope u are having a great weekend.

No Pics, but at least some updates -

Sorry Everyone, no pics, as my DH has not cleared the camera of his research photos, and therefore I cannot take pics of my WIPs, but I can update you on what all has been happening.

My trip to CA was lovely, and relaxing, and I got a fair about of knitting done, lots of laughing with my girl-friend, and some enlightening time with my DH. Rick took us through the neighborhoods of his childhood (up through age 9), he showed us the houses he lived in and the areas he rode his bike in, and even where he went to school. It was really neat. Leave it to a Historian to have an exact memory of all of these details even after having not been there for 40yrs.

If ever you want a real get-a-way, go to Jackson, CA. It is in the middle of NOWHERE, but there is this Awesome B&B run by a Massage Therapist who cooks all organic breakfast and finds the most wonderful fruits and will go to most any length to accomodate you and your needs to the best of her ability.

By the way ther is a Rockin' Yarn/Bead/Notions store in Jackson. This woman stocks Louette Gems yarn by the shelf full. BUT I will warn you most everything is only open Thurs thru Sun for eating and Wed thru Sun for everything else. Except of course the Indian Tribe Casino, which thank goodness is open all the time and has their own back up generator - as the power went out all over town, and they were the only place to get dinner.

I got lots of work done on my shawl, in fact finished chart 3 and moved onto chart 4. I will take a pic as soon as Rick clears the camera, and I also cast on the socks that I am making with my SP10's hand dyed Blue Faced Leicester yarn. I know she will want to see these, but again, must wait for DH to do his thing. I really think he is contemplating getting me my own little camera just for taking pics of my knitting and such. (not such a bad idea methinks) :)

I have just joined in with my Meetup Groups KAL. We are doing Monkey Socks. I am sure it will be quite fun. I also realized that I must finish making I-cord for my little sweater as that needs to be given to it's recipient in a few weeks when I go to PA to visit family. Maybe it is a good thing that I have not yet gotten my invite to Ravelry. I have too much that needs to be completed. Guess I best get to it.

Anyway, I do hope you are all well, and knitting like crazy.

Just a couple of things before I go....

So here's the deal - I get to go visit my dear friend from Germany..... in California. Are you confused yet? Rachael is visiting her family for the summer in CA - I am "accompanying my DH on a business trip" (it is just that I won't see him very much). We are flying on different flights, staying in different places, but will have dinner together on Sunday and then spend the night together on Thurs in preparation for our separate flights back to VA Beach on Friday. The really good part is I get to visit with Rachael and have some girl time, as well as down time (I am sure that will translate into lots of Knitting Time).

BUT... before I go here are the long ago promised pics of the finished Monkey socks. I love them, and am looking forward to making a pair for myself. The reason for the close up of the toe is to show how I decreased the pattern to the middle top of the foot before starting the toe decrease. Plus I changed the heel to an Eye of Partridge heel (I just like them best). I do have a bit a creativity running around, just not a whole lot. I really hope my SP likes her new personalized Monkey Socks.



Well, I am off to CA until next weekend, but will return in time for my monthly Saturday Knitting Meetup. I should have some great pics when I return, I hope.
Take Care All

While the camera is recharging....

....Let me share with you a couple pics I was able to get off the camera before it said "no more"

First there is graduation (yes finally here are the promised pics from a few weeks ago).

First we have Josh and his brothers Rich (right) and Matt (left). Rich is currently on an archeological dig near Jerusalem - at last email he had been swimming in the Dead Sea, and still thoroughly enjoying digging every day. Matt is currently enrolled in the summer intensive arts program through Woodside HS (where they have all gone to hs).

Next we have Josh and Rick and I

Finally we have Josh and my parents - who came down from PA to see him graduate just 2 days after their other grandson graduated. They now officially have 5 grandchildren in college (with only 3 more to go)

It has been a tough year for Josh, but now he is finally on his way. The next step is off to George Mason University in the fall to major in International Government / Global Affairs.

I promise as soon as the camera recharges its battery I will post pics of the Monkey socks I sent to my SP, and even a pic of the newly started Lace Shawl.

I know, I am a bad blogger -

I am not sure where this week has gone to, but I cannot believe it is already Friday. I know I promised pic, and they will make it here. I am hoping over this weekend. Although with the boys here, and supposedly my laundry room floor being redone by my DH (and possibly one son), it could be a bit hectic.

Anyway, at this point I have finished the Monkey socks (my modified version there of), and am making fairly good progress on my Emeral Isle shawl (which is for a very dear friend who may see this blog, so unfortunately there will be no pics at this time), and Rick's 2nd sock is actually starting to take shape.

I have readied and will drop off my final SP package at the post office today (yeah, I am a bit behind but life happens). I have very much enjoyed both being and having an SP. Heck, I may even get to meet my Spoiler in person since next weekend I leave to go to her neck of the woods in CA. We shall see. Schedules may not allow, but it is a nice thought.

I am off to hit the treadmill and do some treadmill knitting (or should I say fitness knitting) and then it is off to a whirlwind day of errands, work, more errands and then home to the DH and it is a boys weekend as well.

Take Care All

What a weekend!!

So let's see, that is now 2 graduated and 1 to go. We have a few years yet though on #3. It really was a great weekend. Mom & Dad arrived on Thurs, the boys arrived on Friday and we went out for the traditional 'graduation dinner'. Saturday was then graduation and celebration here at the house. It was a small family affair, but that is what Josh wanted, and that is just fine with us.
Then came Sunday... Mom & Dad left around 0800, and we were all out the door by 1100 on our way to Washington DC area. 1st we stopped and dropped Josh off at his mom's house so they could drive to George Mason Univ together (family orientation). Then we took Rich to Dulles International to catch his flight to Tel Aviv. Yep, he is currently on location near Jerusalem and (eek) Gaza. What an experience that was... we arrived more than 2hrs before his flight, and the airport was an absolute zoo - a thriving mass of humanity. After the better part of an hour at the Air France ticketing line, he cruised right on through security - which when we arrive there the line was easily 1 - 1 1/2hr long.
Then we found our hotel near GMU and kicked back for the rest of the evening and then Monday morning it was off to family orientation. I think Josh is going to do just fine. I was amazed at how wiggy a good number of the parents were at the thought of their 'little one' going off to college. Obviously I was raised differently in that I am thrilled that he has gotten this far and now feels that he has the wings to start flying on his own. It is what we as parents work toward.

Anyway, as for my KNITTING....let's see -
Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend has been put in 'time out' until I decide if I can find either the error in the pattern or the error in the knitted piece. I am still thinking I may unravel her, and put the pattern aside for another time. After all she is my first real lace project and she is rated for intermediat to experienced knitters.
There fore I have started a new lace project that seems to be flowing along quite nicely from the same designer (Goddess Knits) called Emerald Isle. The yarn is Jager spun Zephyr - I think.
My 2nd Monkey sock is finishe just past the gussett, and I have yet to cast on Rick's sock #2, but I do have some travel time coming my way, and socks are really quite good for airport and airplane knitting.

I am really enjoying my Lantern Moon blondewood needles from my SP, I may have to save my pennies and get another set. I am trying to be quite good since really blowing the budget while my LYS was doing her 'going out of business' sale. The bad part is, I really feel that I want to support the new owner who is doing her Grand Re-Opening this Saturday.... what is a girl to do???
As soon as I get the chance to load some pics I will show what all has been going on. Until then I hope everyone is well and happy

Still Here and Still Knitting

Well, the good news is, we have finally acheived some satisfactory closure in our dealings with DH's ex. Things have gone our way (finally), and the healing can begin. It will still be a long road for the next 12 - 18months financially, but we are on our way to being back in control of our finances. This is a huge weight from my soul. It was really getting to the breaking point, but now we are only focusing on the positive.

I have been working on my 2nd Monkey sock, and am almost down to the heel at this point. I must say by the look of the yarn cake I am working from, someone else will probably also benefit from this wonderful yarn in the way of socks. Not sure who yet...maybe my wonderful SP, but will have to wait for the reveal and then check about foot size.

I have also been finally making some serious FORWARD progress on my lace shawl. I am really getting into it. I have figured out that this pattern can truly only be done with silence or classical music, and I cannot be tired. I came this ______ close to taking the whole thing apart and putting it to the side until I have a bit more experience, but alas... things started coming together. The tough part is, every line of the pattern is different, but with repeats within the line. I think it will be quite lovely once it is finished. I am hoping my upcoming travel plans will allow for some lace knitting time. Plus I am going to enlarge the pattern to make it easier to follow.

Anyway, this coming weekend is graduation weekend for Josh, and my parents arrive tomorrow to celebrate and attend graduation. Then Sunday we all leave in different directions - Mom & Dad to home in PA, DH-Josh-Matt & I to George Mason Univ for family orientation - and Rich (the oldest) to Israel on an archeological dig near Jerusalem for 5 weeks. When we scatter we really scatter.

Hope all is well with everyone, and I will try to post graduation pics next week.

Has it really been this long???

Wow, I am amazed how long it has been since I have posted. I guess things have just gotten away from me.



As usual life has been busy, and I have simply been trying to keep up. Must admit I do a have a few pics to post.



This past weekend was prom weekend for my middle son- I am just in awe of how much he has grown in the time I have know him. I have known him for 11yrs and Rick & I have been married for almost 7 - Wow!!! The little boy, who was quite the rough and tumble, always getting into trouble and eating everything in sight has become quite the young man. Why in less than 3 months he will be heading off to college....anyway here he is in all his glory.

Let's see now, onto knitty things....

I have CO Monkey Sock #2 for me, and have been making some good headway with my Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend Shawl (except that it does not seem to be getting bigger - could it be because I have to keep ripping back to reknit the YOs that I forget) Hopefully will work to fix my latest error after I get off the puter.

I still need to CO Rick's #2 sock. I think I will have some knitting while in the air and airport time coming up, so socks are great for that kind of thing.

I am hoping to cast on a sweater or a shrug or a shawl of sorts soon as well. I just have to prioritize (what's that you ask...) and decide what can be finished reasonably quickly, and something that I want to be working on. Choices Choices Choices - so many patterns so littl time.

More posts to follow - sooner than this one

Oh, BTW

I meant to note this on my previous post in the sections about my Monkey socks;

My most wonderful SP sent my a set of 5" Lantern Moon DPNs of Blondewood with my first package. I was quite new to the concept of 5" needles and have always been quite fond of 6" needles. Also the first time I used Bamboo needles to do socks I was not so very impressed and have stayed with my INOX needles since then.

With that said, I decided I should broaden my horizons and try the lovely needls my SP sent me. I must say that for 64 stich socks that are mostly Knit/Purl with a few YO and K2tog these needles were quite the dream to work with. I will most definitely be using them in the future. It has helped me to learn that there are definitely reasons for using certain tools for certain jobs.

Thank You so much for introducing me to something so wonderful and different CJ!! :)

So Here is the Knitting Part

First we have Nicholas' Cardi - Yes, it is for my great-Nephew (I think). You see I have been getting differing opinions on whether or not these are appropriate "boy" colors. He would be wearing it this fall as a less than one year old. Any further opinions are greatly appreciated.

Next we have my Monkey Sock from Knitty (free pattern) that I absolutely loved knitting. It is one of the fastest patterns I have ever knit up. The yarn is from e-bay and I think it is a Merino type yarn. It definitely has a bit of 'sproing' to it, and so, while the sock looks kind of small and stubby:
... it fits like a dream(US size 8/8.5 EU size39). I prefer my socks a bit snuggy and this is great. I did change the heel to an Eye of Partridge and the toe decrease I extended a bit. Now all I have to do is finish Rick's first sock so I can knit MY second sock. I am an equal opportunity knitter (giggle)

Speaking of Rick's sock, here it is thus far. It is the Gentleman's Sock, by Designedly Kristi. It has a twisted rib leg pattern and an Eye of Partridge heel (reinforced I might add). It is just that an 80stitch sock takes alot longer to go around than a 64stitch sock (my sock above). So far he is liking his sock.

Hope you have enjoyed your little stroll down knitting lane. See You All again soon.

Yes, Life has been in my way -

Hi everyone!!
First sorry I have been away from my blogging...I tell you when life gets on a roll, it really takes off. There has been so much going on, yard sales, parents visiting, boys here, birthdays to celebrate, and much more. Alas, today (even though I have to go to work in a couple hours) I shall try to up date my blog. I think I may do it in multiple installments. That way if you get bored you can move on to the next one.

First - I finally blocked the beautiful lace shawl that my Dear Friend Viv knitted for me at least a year ago if not longer. It is called the Edwardian Lace Shawl from Heirloom Knitting.

This is the shawl before blocking on the left (it takes up the space of approximately 1 1/2 seating spaces) at the dinning room table and I was able to stand next to the table to take the pic.












Here is the shawl (to the right) after blocking but still on the blocking blocks and me standing on a chair looking down. The picture below is the shawl just after removing the pins (yes, I did it with pins) but more about that later.

I must say though, that since my Birthday on Sunday I am now the proud owner of a set of blocking wires from Knit Picks. My Beloved took my instructions to heart (as well as saw the box of pins that I was working from) and ordered them for the Boys to give me.

Now, as for the pins I was working with - I made a small error in judgement and was using Applique pins that are approximately this__ long (think from the 't' to the end of the underscore line). Yep!! it was a learning lesson for me.

I may even try to reblock this with the wires so that it is more even and then use the pins to block out the scallops.

THANK YOU VIV!!!! for such a georgeous work of knitting talent. One day I may even try one of the Heirloom Patterns.

Now for another very important Thank You - to my Secret Pal - She is most awesome. Arranged it so my package arrived within 24hrs of my Birthday (not bad since B-day was on a Sunday this year) and what a package it was.

The sock yarn she dyed herself and I Love the colors (still trying to decide what sock pattern will best show it off) ; The Chocolate and card are just full of Nursing Humor (which I can totally appreciate); The sheep ornie is just too cute, and the Lavender Body Butter is just heavenly. The hand made cloth is the most luscious color of purple/lavender/periwinkle - and all the Mary Englebrecht bits are really cute. Thank You again my Fellow Nurse & SP

Must take a short break to go feed the girls finish the laundry and then I will be back with more pics and news bits.

I am still knitting...

Hi everyone, yes, I am still here, and yes still knitting. Life has been crazy (which is nothing new for me), but I have fit some knitting time in here and there.

I have hit a block with the baby cardigan - for some reason, I just don't seem to want to work on it. I am so close to being done... Although I must admit, it could be because I am having so much fun working on my Falling Leaves/Monkey socks. The yarn is great and the pattern is quick.

As for Rick's socks, I have made it to the heel, but alas, again I am having more fun doing my socks and so his have gone to the bottom of the bag again.

My oldest came last night for a visit, he is now back at home at his mom's house, but it was really great to have him come here for a night. I am ever amazed at how long I have know these boys and how far they have come. But before I get too remeniscent, I must get on my way to my Accupuncture appt. I think it may be working. More later

So Here are my 5 ?s from Viv

1.)If you could choose anywhere in the world, where would you live? Why?

This is really tough, because, as, my blog title indicates I am always Dreaming of Germany…but I also have a place for the Desert of the Southwest – particularly the Phoenix area. So truly if I had my choice and $$ was not an issue I would live in both places.
Germany because I love how clean and neat and uncluttered it is. The western/central areas remind me very much of where I grew up in Pennsylvania only better. I like the lifestyle and the pace of life in Germany. It is much more laid back than here in the US. When it all comes down to it there is just something about arriving on German soil that makes me take a breath and think “OK all is well I am here and life is good” I have so many fond memories and some truly wonderful German friends that make it such a draw for me to live there.
As for Phoenix, it draws me for many of the same reasons as German but with more sunshine and different landscape. The fact that you can live in Phoenix, and in the winter time, drive 2.5hrs and go cross country skiing and then return home to 65 degree weather and take a dip in the hot tub if you like. Everything there is very casual (except the traffic congestion). The fact that I married my Beloved in Sedona (Red Rock country) holds a very special appeal for me to live there as well. Sedona is a magical place and with such good energy you cannot help but feel good just by driving into the area.

2.) You like Germany a lot - what's the thing you like most about it?

Well, other than the things I stated above, I would have to say the superior Beer, Wine, and Chocolate as well as the CLEAN food. What I mean is the purity of the food, unlike here the only way to get clean food is to buy expensive organic foods, because of all the chemicals and drugs used by the suppliers here. Oh and also the openness to alternative and complementary medical treatments.
I guess that is more than a “thing”, but ah well….

3.) If you could keep any kind of "exotic" animal as a pet (thinkwallabies, platypuses, wombats etc.) what would be your choice? Why?

Wow, an exotic… I am stumped on this one and will have to come back to it.

4.) I'm turning 4-0 this year, hence the question - do you think this isa milestone age in a woman's life?

Since I seem to be someone who is not particularly conscious of ‘age’ (my friends are both younger and older than I, my Beloved is 12yrs older than I) I am not sure I would consider this a Milestone Age for a woman. I must admit I certainly did some looking back, some evaluating of where I am and where I thought I would be at this point in my life. I also spent some time trying to figure out where I want to go in life. I would have to say I think it is more of a contemplative age in a woman’s life than a milestone. If you were to ask me about this at 60, I would probably say that is more of a milestone. By that point we have made it through some pretty incredible changes and processes in our life and have much knowledge and wisdom to share, as well as accomplishments to be proud of. I actually find myself looking forward to that time of my life more so than I was looking forward to 40.

5.) If some unknown rich person (whom we all dream of meeting) gave youa huge amount of money to spend on knitting or stitching stash, whatwould you buy?

What ever yarns my little heart desires, without thought of “would I really pay that much for a sweater or socks, or whatever?”. I think more so than buying stash, I would by “time” to knit and stitch. Right now my life is so busy that I often feel like I would like for some one to pay me to just enjoy myself doing what ‘I’ want to do. That way I don’t have to feel guilty about not contributing to the household, and there aren’t a ton of things that I need to do because I will have time to intersperse them with my knitting/stitching time.
The more I think about this the more I wish we could win even a reasonable size lottery (I am not geedy –$500 to 750,000 would be more than plenty.

If anyone should like me to pose 5 ?s to them to answer (I believe this is called a meme) I would be most happy to put some thought to it and oblige.

As for my knitting these days, the Baby Cardi is coming along well, I am currently working on one of the sleeves. I am amazed at how quickly you cover ground with these miniature clothes.

Rick's socks are coming along slowly - I am over the 'manly - man' color of both his and Dad's socks, so they are not moving as quickly as he might hope for.

I have started a pair of socks for ME from some yarn that I bought from e-bay last year. Since it was a hand-dye and not labeled I am REALLY hoping it will be fine for socks, but from the way it feels I think it will be just fine. The pattern I am doing is the Falling Leaves pattern from Knitty. Rachael made a pair and I saw them somewhere else and decided to try it. I love how quickly they are knitting up. Plus, wait until you see the color. The more I knit with it the more I love it. Pictures will follow in the next day or so.

Must run off to work... oh where is that person who is going to give me stash $$ or the Lottery win????

Spring in FULL bloom

I just could not help myself. Our Azaleas are looking so lovely I just had to take some pics and here they are. Don't they just scream SPRING TIME???

In fact I took the first picture and made it my desktop image. It is really cool.

Oh and here is the promised picture of Dad's Socks. I must admit, my paranoia of running out of yarn created one sock that is smaller than the other. The good thing is Dad has one foot a whole size bigger than the other, the bad news is, that means the socks will wear out soon from not rotating them. I shall keep the tiny bit of yarn left over to do mending when the time comes.



Here is the Baby sweater in progress. Yes, I did take a DPN and weave it through the hood to creat a 'seam', and then add a ball lace yarn as a "head", but all in all it is looking pretty cute.













No, Viv, I did not forget about my 5?s I "promise" I will get them up here very soon. Honest!!

Have a great one everyone!!!