Knitting Knut

Just Saying....

2011-10-28T11:06:00.002-04:00

So, here it is the weekend of Halloween and last night it snowed. I don't like to turn the heat on before November 1 but twice this week we have had to turn it on. It is going to be an expensive winter with oil costs. I will have to check the oil level and plan for a delivery soon. Just saying....I am tired of working and then having to spend the money. The house does not have a fireplace or I would be burning the wood pike that sits waiting to go into a dumpster. If I had a fireplace I would chop up the old shed and burn it. Just saying.....

Ready for more Reading???

2011-10-25T16:35:00.009-04:00

So we have to replace the fence around the yard perimeter..there is a lot and we are getting started with the side front that Irene blew down. Even that is quite a bit and I had hopes it would be done before the winter. It SHOULD be, but we shall see. Anyways, they old fence is quite crooked as you can tell from new posts we have placed which are perfectly plumb...

There will be a ten foot wide gate for entry into the backyard for vehicles and the tractor.
While DH was digging I was leaf peeping into my own yard.

DS2 and GF carved these lovely pumpkins. Unfortunately they have already rotten and were tossed. I want to get the fake pumpkins so they can carve them again and keep them...the one on the left is from The Nightmare Before Christmas, the one on the right took me a few looks to figure out but it is Tigger I first though a witch on her broom flying in front of the moon.
I was scheduled to take a class at WEBS, I am persuing my knitting certification and this would have been an elective class, Double Knitting. Something I am interested in and signed up right away for. There were not enough people signed up so a few days before they called to say it was cancelled. I had placed a yarn order to be picked up when I attended the class so once they called I called DH and within 15 minutes were on the way to Northampton. I tried to get some pictures of the foliage but had only my phone.

Just so you know I was really there, lol

DH was quite intrigued by this yarn, at 66 dollars a skein for little yardage I cannot imagine the need. I had actually considered this when making DDIL shrug for wedding but opted for something else. Glad I did as she did not wear it...the color did not work..white..
These are the most wonderful needles ever. I just got the one circular and then a circular that is not square. I need, truly need more. It is marvelous and beautiful to look at
It came with this warning on the back of the package.....

"The contents of this pack(needle or any other item) have to be used carefully and for needlework only. These should be used with all due care as these may cause injury if used improperly by and untrained/unfamiliar person. Always restrain children's access to these tools and store these securely" I am so very glad I am a trained professional...

The back room is where the bargains are for the most part. It is where they gather your yarn to fill orders as much of that was going on. there are 6-8 aisles like this
The front room is much newer in appearance, lots of yarn, lots of books, buttons, needles
DH did buy me this beauty as it reminded him of the foliage on the way out.

This is an ID badge holder made from the caps of medicine bottles. We were collecting them for a nurse and this is what she made. I didn't get one, but I thought it was pretty clever.

The cowl mentioned in the last post. GYRE, I am making at least three to be gifted

This TAKOMA sweater is in the latest KNITTY...I love this style sweater. I am making it from Ecological Wool, most I had in my stash ,however it is not for me.

Last year a coworker asked if I would make a similar hat. I was very busy with the wedding and this year, of course, one showed up on Ravelry and I will having him pick yarn from my stash

This is also a KNITPICKS pattern that was the yarn order from WEBS.. So that is it for now. Be back in a few days with knitting updates. I have a few stealth things OTN...cannot post them til they are no longer stealth.

Hi Mom...

Here We Are

2011-10-22T21:14:00.035-04:00

Few randoms as I update the others, little Nickolas 23 months old in this picture. In two days he will be two years old! He is a beautiful boy.
Our poor Oliver post op after some surgery for another play injury. They all play so hard sometimes one or the other gets caught on a tooth of the other and the result is wound requiring surgery. This is the second time for Oliver.

My Princess Annabel. She is such a girly girl. When she comes on the deck, this is where she sits. They go out once or twice a week for a few minutes, always monitored.

Ok, TONS of pictures, trying to arrange this post chronologically, but not successful. Pretty close...anyways.

She-knits has designed so many beautiful things. I signed up for the "She-knitsMystery Shawl 8- GWEN". I was so busy over the summer, I did not finish it will absolutely will. It used beads and turned out to be the most interesting shaped little shawl with beaded flowers on it. Most of the participants used light summery colors, but I chose to go dark and mysterious..not really, :), but I did want more fallish colors. Isn't she a pretty little thing?

This year during the Tour de France I also took on the challenge of knitting a project during the three weeks of the Tour. I chose Natalie Servant's Sunflower Fields. I used Bugga yarn for this. I adore this yarn and of course added beads into several places in the pattern. I cast on July 2 and finished July 20. I love this shawl ETA oops this was showcased in the last post, sorry.

I showed the sleigh that we were building for our "Christmas in July" barbecue. But now we have pictures. My DDIL made this Holiday Jello cake. I was raised with it being more cake than Jello, she was raised on more Jello than cake, lol. Either way it was quite tasty.

DS2GF was on decorating detail and she did a wonderful job. The gazebo on the deck was adorned with Christmas balls aplenty....
DH and she put up and decorated our 9 foot Christmas tree...very nice..this is a prelit tree but I don't believe we plugged it in :)
A few folks sat in the sleigh for Christmas pictures...these are two of my friends from work. Actually J is a fellow CT tech and is engaged to B who I worked with at a perdiem job. She is an ER nurse. They are a lovely couple and I am thrilled they are getting hitched.
I made very very cute melted snowmen cookies. I have a better picture somewhere and will add it in when I locate it. I am not sure why these would be Christmas cookies as he would not melt. SO I thought PERFECT for Christmas in July....(first picture is the added in one)

Ahhhh....DS2 and the aforementioned GF. She came to our family in January and will be staying :) They are a great couple and once again as with the newly married , we are blessed with this great pairing...
Two more of my friends, from work. They were good sports climbing in and posing for pictures. both J and G are fellow techs. They make the work experience so much easier...
Guess I couldn't decide which picture was cuter....

So backtracking, when the sleigh was being finished up DS2 thought it looked like a great place for lounging. We need to reattach the appliques as it rained and they fell off and then weathercoat the whole thing. We will be putting it out the lawn in about a month's time....

Wanted a picture of the red pleather upholstered seat
I love the back, DH designed this change to the original instructions to make it fancier
Don't know why but I just like this shot
The wood appliques after being spray painted gold

This was during the Tour and these looked like a bunch of helmeted riders. I loved that these bolts ended up looking like studs when in place
Ahhhhh, the seat
The runners, looked like Santa made a quick landing and got stuck

We decided to take the dogs to the beach on day, unfortunately still to early to let them wander off leash but we will go back...They had a great time.

It was a grand surprise that Phineas went into the water. This is a puppy we would get run over by a vehicle rather than step in a puddle. He was barking at the ocean and daring the waves to come back. He will be the main reason we take another ocean field trip before it gets too much colder.

Puppies running not quite full force but close. Oliver , far right, isn't even touching ground
This a jetty which we normally walk the full length but at a point there is ocean on both sides and it would have been a great temptation for the puppies...
The boys, DH looks great in that color...

Years ago, so many years ago, I made several yoked sweaters for different children in the family. Those children are now having their own children. I had been quite busy in the months leading up to the wedding and now am trying to get caught up on knitted gifts. I have 6 toddler sets to make and here is the first. My nephew and his wife are both Marines. A year ago they had their first child , a beautiful tow head little boy, A,. I basically knew the name of the sweater designs but in this wonderful WWW world, I searched and found a source for the Ginger Original patterns. I scooped up quite a few which means soon I will find my old copies :) But anyways, A got this red and blue truck version. The hat has always been one of my favorite and I adore the pompom.

The next set is for my niece's daughter, G. I have foregone the ribbing and done a picot edge. I believe there will be pictures in a few days

Sheri, owner of The Loopy Ewe had a most fantastic idea. This summer she held Camp Loopy, from June15-Jul15, July15-August 15,August 15-Sept 15 there were assigned projects...the first was the Sedna shawl showcased in last post. The next project was to be cables,for feet, head or hands......the third was a project, any project using 800 yards minimum of a yarn. If all projects were complected in the time allotted the prize was a skein of Wollmeise and a pattern and this is what I received....

I came a cross a cowl pattern I fell in love with, GYRES and this is yarn for three which will be gifted. I love this yarn and the pattern and will link to both after I review how...
http://http//www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gyre

I love WEBS and I love KNITPICKS almost as much. I spied this kit and had to grab it.Knitpicks Mittens Kit It contains the instructions and yarn for all six pair!!! That would keep one busy for a bit...

Hurricane Irene hit the NE maybe two months ago and we were mildly involved. The area was heavily involved but this very old farmhouse and lot of land fared pretty well. We lost a few trees in the woods and many branches and parts of the fence and our power, lol but we fared so much better than most.
This tree would bend waaaaaay over than straighten again. Next time we have a storm the top 15 feet or so are coming down :(

These trees also were bending much more than I would have thought possible but I couldn't catch it..

Yep, we are jumping around a bit but trying to get this posted. here is my Project 2. The pattern is not well written but the mittens are worth the pain.

I cast on July 25, ten days late and finished by August 15. They are Mondaro Cable mittens by Marit Saettern in Sweet Paprika Minuet. I fiddled with the top decreases leaving out many rows as they would have been a few inches too long. But they cover quite a bit of the arm as well and will be wonderful this winter.

Project three I decided on a cardigan. one month to utilize at least 800 yards is a feat, especially since I am not a monogamour knitter. CHloe and Spud FINGERING weight yarn, hmm, 1300 or so yads, I added in beads to the design and figured out I added in 880 beads!! I loved the pattern, I loved the beads and am silly enough to think I will knit this again.

The colorway is Shitake, a perfectly wonderful neutral. I adore this and will wear it often.

DS1 and his wife had decided to get a second kitty. DDIL came into the family with a very large, polydactyl slightly cantankerous cat, Morris. Morris, a beautiful orange tabby had some problems his entire life and shortly after the wedding needed surgery to remove part of his tail. It was learned at that time he likely had this tail issue his entire life(which they believed to be somewhere around 12) and it was want made him cranky. True enough for a short time he seemed to be enjoying his peeps and life. Enter new rescued kitty. Alexander Hamilton, who I just met, seems to have quite a bit of Coon in him. His mother was fostered, as best as one can foster a feral, during her pregnancy and gave birth to three kittens. The kind person taking care of her tried to get the kittens but an animal stole one, :( and she managed to get the other two. Wanting to rescue Mom also, she tried but Mom escaped and unfortunately was killed by a car. The two kitties were fostered and a surrogate Mom took them on. Enter DS1 and wife. They fell in love with this little boy and even Morris was starting to show the most minimal interest in his little brother. I wanted Hamilton to have his own place so knit this cat bed, extra large, figuring Morris would day join him in it. I knit a beret for Morris, not wanting him to feel left out. Before I could gift the kitties, Morris suddenly became ill and had to be allowed to go to the Rainbow Bridge. The vet determined his age was more likely 18-20 years old. Of course DS and DDIL were devastated and this little black cat took on the responsibility of trying to help with the hurt. Morris is gone only 10 days and Hamilton is accomplishing his goal with great success. He is playful and cuddly and knows who his peeps are and appreciates a good game of catch. Hopefully soon, he will feel comfortable in the bed and sleep many hours there.

I doubled worsted wool to make it heavy. Prefulling it was 34 inches or so across and 11 and a half inches tall. I choose colors DDIL likes and that would coordinate with their livingroom. The rusty color I chose as it was the color of Morris and I wanted to see a picture of him in the bed n the future. That won't happen, but someday I will tell DDIL why the orange color is there.
After fulling, the height is 6.5 and the diameter is 21.5 DS2 wondered what was going on with the Shrine to the Ice Tea...
Annabel and Artemus both loved it so I will have to make another. Their scent is part of what is keeping Hamilton from claiming it as his own
7 month old Alexander Hamilton

RIP Morris the Cat
So that is it for now....I will try to be more chronological in the next post. Hoping for once or twice a week.

Keep warm, tell your family how important they are...

Hi Mom

Give me a minute

2011-10-22T21:05:00.000-04:00

I am redesigning the page then an update...I will get it organized at work tonight and then add pictures Sunday night. Lots happening. LOTS of knitting getting done. SOME home improvements....you'll see, there will be lots to read...

Shawls and Sleighs, must be Snow Soon

2011-07-12T23:06:00.009-04:00

This was Project One for Camp Loopy. Project Two can be cast on this Friday and must be gloves or mittens with a cable. I have chosen Rococo. I cannot for the life of me remeber how to do links so will study that later tonight and correct this issue, :). But that said, isn't she lovely?? She is Sedna

DH and I love to go to

Jordan's Furniture

and walk around their clearance room which is the size of a football field. We oftentimes find great things. This mirror is the top piece to a hallway bench and mirror set sans the bench. There is a tiny scratch in it, It is 3.5 feet or so by 4.5 feet high...or so. We plan to hang it in the entrance hallway and add a few coat hooks. (We didn't even know it is what it was,lol)

We went online and looked for some hooks and found this silly man. I love him!! He has two coat hooks and a hat hook. We got two to see how they will fit and all and make sure the coats hanging from them will not overburden the mirror. I would love to put two more but time will tell. But he just makes me smile.

Last December, we had to cancel our Christmas Open House due to inclement weather so being a New ENglander and always trying to outsmart the weather, we are having a Christmas in July Barbecue in a few weeks. I have always wanted a sleigh on my lawn and what better time to build one then in 90 degree heat? LOL...it is called a GIGANTIC SLEIGH
, likely because the reindeer meant to go with it are NINE FEET tall, lol. The sleigh will be 8 feet by 6 feet by 4 feet. We are making it extra sturdy so two people can sit in it for a picture. I ordered red pleather to upholster the seat. The plan will be to put it on the front lawn come holiday time and I wanted the upholstery to hold up. It was fun cutting it out, not so much sanding it and noqw I get to prime it. The exterior will be a deep red, interior a deep green and I think I have decided to make the runners black. DH keeps saying gold but I am thinking black.

it took a little time to get this first set of patterns taped to the board as it came in two piese, but once done and traced it was easy.

This was the first runner being cut.

The second all traced to be cut.

For scale, the sleigh sides took up nearly the entire sheet of plywood 8' x 4'.

There will be pictures of this process of building a sleigh. Strange things I do 'eh?

Hi Mom..

I Have Been Busy

2011-07-09T13:16:00.006-04:00

Sometimes I wonder where all the time goes to. I don't spend a lot of it sleeping, should spend more of it at the gym, work a fair amount of it....then I post here and see my pictures of home, animals, family, WIPs and FOs and think ,"AH HA!! THAT is where it has all gone,"
My Sedna Shawl has been done for 10 days and I am just blocking her. Not ever being a shawl wearer, I am not sure what will become of the lovelies. I am determined to learn to wear them!! ANOTHER PROJECT,lol... Anyways, she is sport weight yarn which made some of the beading a little tough, but has bead along the top edge as well as the angled sides and throughout the crocheted edging. I like her very much.
Having three colors of one row a piece striping was a bit tangled at times, but it all worked out

She is still resting outside, I will bring her in shortly and let her nap on the guest bed til tomorrow.

Our Christmas Open House was cancelled due to weather this past December and I decided we would beat the snow and have a Christmas in July, much decorating and projects in the works. However, it seems much of my family has plans that weekend, :(, oh well, there will be quite a few folks, still, but I still have family members who have not seen my home. Another time...

But I had been holding off replanting the flower boxes til now. The rain knocked off a lot of the white blooms last night but they will be back. I wanted Christmas colors and think I achieved that quite nicely.

Here is the update on the Sunflower Shawl. the smaller version would stop here with three repeats of the center leaf panel but I am forging ahead for another if not two more repeats. The sunflower part is done so the sides are stockinette now and it will go quickly until the border. I love it though, the petals have amber beads and the leaves have green. The pattern does not call for beading but I am in a groove. DH thinks the beads going up the center leaf panel look like the riders in the peloton, lo.

OK just a quick update as it is a work night and I have laundry and cleaning to do yet. Oh I am also 65% done with my February 21 Lady and 95% done with Aestlight shawl, hoping both will done before the month's end. Just didn't want you all top think I have been slacking since the wedding. Off to trace patterns onto 4 x 8 foot sheets of plywood for the sleigh I will build for the next Gala..see you soon

Hi Mom, wish you could come, maybe we can figure it out.

Happy July 4th!!!

2011-07-04T18:44:00.006-04:00

Happy July 4th!! A day, celebrated in the USA marking our Independence from the Mother land,lol. Yet, where do DH and I want to live , England or Ireland! Go figure, guess we return to our roots. This is the safe way to be this close to fireworks. Growing up in a firefighter family, we were not encouraged to attend firework displays. Too dangerous...but as an adult I have attended a few, but always looking out for the potential mishap. This year DH and I were home with the puppies and kitties. DS1 is married and spent the day with his wife and friends, DS2 is involved and spent the evening with friends and her family. Quiet time around here.

When we were purchasing the house in Dec 2007, the inspector had mentioned the fragility of the stairs leading to the cellar, yes I said cellar, there are certain spots I can stand upright but poor DH has to walk like a troll. A few weeks back GF of DS2 was vacuuming his room and came to tell me she broke the power. The circuit breaker for that area had flipped and no worries, I will go reset it. I almost went through one of the stairs. We have been nursing the whole stairway for some time and finally it is time to replace it and get the cellar cleaned up. While we did build new stairs that will be here long after any of us, the cleanup is still to happen, but I am confident August will be the time.

Here is the beginnings, three new stringers and the risers going up. DH does the figuring and cutting and I generally do the putting together after the stringers.

All risers in place, I thought I broke the screwgun, but it was actually a power driver, very loud but quite effective, lol

The skeletal system, apparently under the old staircase this is where the coal was stored to be put into the stove, we found lots of small pieces after ripping out the old structure.

Nickolas giving the new stairs a try, lol It is a field stone foundation home, primarily and is quite cool in the cellar so the dogs visited quite often.

Nickolas is getting quite big, he is within pounds of Oliver but not as tall. He is one solid little guy though. This is 3y 7m Oliver on left at 77 pounds and 1y 9m Nickolas on right at 74 pounds. They are still so cute, and Phineas is every one's favorite. Everyone has said they will steal him from us, lol. Right just try!!

There is lots of knitting going on. I finally joined a group to knit a project during the course of the Tour de France. I never watched this until becoming involved with DH who is a big cycling enthusiast though he has not been in the saddle for some time ....This is Sunflower Fields shawl(I will provide link later) by a Canadian designer. She is doing a series of TdF inspired shawls and I want to make them all. I am hoping to test knit one in the future. Her name is Natalie Servant, do look her up Ravelry. I am using Sanguine Gryphon Bugga in Smaller Yellow Ant and am adding green and amber beads. When I knot I am constantly looking for places to add bling. Might be my age, might be I am easily distracted by shiny things..

This is Sedna's Shawl, my first project for Camp Loopy. Sheri thought it would be fun to run a three month camp. Premise being, one month to complete and post a picture of three projects, meeting certain criteria, and then at the end be rewarded with a special kit containing Wollmeise yarn. How can you not participate. Note, the presence of beads again. LOL...
DS2 GF celebrated her 22nd birthday on June 18 so we had a little party for her. Never has anyone requested vanilla cake with vanilla icing in this house before!! I actually made a scratch vanilla cake with raspberry filling and vanilla frosting with raspberry frosting for the little flowery parts. The gigantic sprinkles were too funny to not use, after removing the orange and yellow ones as DS2 is allergic to the dye.

The very cute couple. Note she has put the ribbons into her hair. DS2 is colorblind, completely, yet managed to wrap her gift in her favorite color, yellow...awwww

So, another house project ticked , knitting getting done, until next time..

Hi Mom!!!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T10:00:00.009-04:00

Me and Dad and oldest brother Steven

My Dad has been gone 6 years now. The time has gone so quickly and I am sometimes saddened by the things he missed. The additions to his already large brood of grandchildren and subsequently the newer additions of great grandchildren. The blossoming of my sons into fine men. The wonderful women they have chosen to be partnered with and most recently married to. He would refer to them both as "cute little numbers". My Dad passed before we bought our home. I believe he would have loved the fact we have a three story barn, 1.5 acres of land and animals. We did not have pets growing up, there were many of us,lol. He would think it was wonderful I climb the ladders and paint the house and tile the bathroom we ripped out. He would have enjoyed the deck we built and loved that I cut the boards at 45 degree angles and predrilled the holes for the screws in each one.
Mark,Steven, Me, Donna and DA being held by Dad (first 5 of 11)

He would have beamed with pride when DS1 got first his Bachelor's and then his Masters degrees and clapped the loudest as his now wife followed with hers.

Mom,DS1 Ben and Dad (ben's Jr High Grad, 12years old)

He would think it an honor DS2 picked as an emblem on his High school ring the firefighter insignia for his Pa. He would be there next January when DS2 walks the stage and receives his bachelor degree.

Dad and DS2 Shamus 2 years old

And he would have come for every Christmas Open House and event we have held.
I comfort myself knowing he likely attended all those events, watching from above, taking time out from his pool game to say ,"That's my family"...

I have many fathers in my life, husband, ex husband, father in law, brothers, nephews, brothers in law and I wish them all a beautiful day. Happy Father's Day.

Hi Mom..

It Is Mania and Mini

2011-06-13T00:34:00.009-04:00

So, the vicious cycle of destashing and then ordering yarn has happened...but in my defense the yarn acquired is for long standing projects so no guilt. Still have less yarn in the house than a month ago. The February Lady is moving along, every so often I make a mistake and have to remove a row or two but it is an easy knit.
I will wind my yarn for the Camp Loopy Project 1 assignment tomorrow and bring the yarn to work in hopes of starting it after midnight.

I will post pictures in the next post.
So since I have been gone I thought I would post some pictures of house things that have happened.
We found an area of softness in the main bathroom floor last April and had to investigate,April 2010. We ended up gutting the entire bathroom right down to the 111 year old framing, replacing plumbing, wall studs and putting in a new bathroom. The cast iro n tub was removed and replaced with a walk in shower. i agreed to this, suggested it, with the caveat that we have a master bathroom downstairs.The master bedroom has a nursery sized walk in closet on the other side of the bathroom/laundry room and we will break through the wall and have a large master bathlaundry room in time. I am hoping we start this fall as it has been 14 months since I have had a tub and I am a soaker...
We went through three layers of flooring and many wall and found this wallpaper which would appear to be one of the originals in the room. It was quite Victorian and I was almost sad to rip the walls down and end it's existence in the house.

We put up beadboard on the walls and vinyl/laminate "wood" floor.

The new fixtures are a color called cashmere and the walls are green. The tiles are multicolor beiges/greys with green accents. It was a project doing the tiling as the grout dried quickly and it took a long time for us to remove as much as we humanly could. I am pleased with the results but the glass shower doors are impossible to clean. I cannot get through the soap residue on them. I have tried EVERYTHING so if you have a suggestion I would love to hear. :)

This bathroom is in the center of the house and has no windows so hung pictures I took while in Ireland.
DS2 took over the huge room that was DS1 when he moved. DS1 wanted a blue room which he got and DS2 never asks for anything so when he went away for a weekend I commandeered his room and gave him a wall of argyle. he loves plaids and argyles...I still have to finish painting the trim in the room which is soon to happen. Much painting to finish now that the gala has happened.

This is the gingerbread going up on the porch. it is tedious work and I am hoping it is done this year so another project can be marked done.Not sure why the font has changed, lol. (Imay have fixed it)Still have dentil to paint and hang, lots actually.
The porch ceiling(the font has changed back)is blue. As is and was the norm.DDIL told us actually that it is to trick the bees into thinking it is the sky and they will not gather.
Hmm, the gingerbread picture has disappeared...

Just realized I have not gone into Artemus' issues, I shall next ppost as the kitties have an appointment this week and maybe there will be updates.
But I love these pictures of the pups.
New coats for all this winter, Nickolas will need another, larger this winter but the other two are set.

This is actually the property belonging with the mansion where DS1 had some wedding pictures done. Dh and I took the dogs out last fall to romp and here they are being "good boys" waiting for a treat. They will sit on command but I taught them,"what do good dogs do?" and then they sit. It is funny to see people's reactions.
It is late, I am tired, long busy day tomorrow, Silly font has gone awry again. Gym, food shopping, haircut(now that 24inches are gone I have to have upkeep, lordy) Wind yarn and work. I am hoping DH will get out in yard and cut some tall grass to cut down on the ticks...
Our beloved yellow Beetle died, it needs a new engine and since it is a turbo it is not cost effective. She still sits in the driveway but doesn't run. So we purchased another little bit of a car. It is a 2008 Mini Cooper S, so silly, smaller inside than the Beetle, but still fun. And it matched my new Dr. Martens so we had to buy it.

So til next time, thanks for stopping by. I welcome comments so I know I am not talking to myself :)
Hy Mom...

Getting Back on Track

2011-06-06T10:31:00.008-04:00

So there was little to no knitting info on the last post so here we go. I have realized I have TOO MUCH yarn, I am slowly and gently destashing and deciding what I can actually knit and what will always be in the wings. Reality sets in when you spread it out and calculate time to knit, etc. SO..I am hopefully going to gain some space i n closets during the rest of this year. I will post links here from here out when I have added to destash list.

I am working on an Aestlight Shawlette for DDIL, I was knitting bags for her attendants and just ran out of time to complete the 6 I had hoped for. So I will finish a small yellow and a large green and present to DDIL to do what she likes with and with the rest of yarn have almost completed the Aestlight. Interesting knit, I will likely make another. I am at the edging which is somewhat tedious, 28 repeats of a 16 row pattern. Both of the young women my sons have coupled with are scarf wearers and they do it well. The yarns I chose are cotton/bamboo blends so great for summer and the colors are the colors of the wedding. I will add pictures this afternoon.

I have also started another February Lady, which I have retitled February 21 Lady as it is for my DM and that is her birthday. She is not a wearer of wool and cotton is not always easy care so I found Berroco Remix. It is an amazing delightful yarn and I am trying hard to fight the urge to add to stash and acquire all the colors. Lovely to knit with, a wonderful hand and an interesting texture. DM recently said she no longer shows her arms but doesn't like long sleeves so the 3/4 will be great!!. I have just completed the oh so uninspiring garter yoke, lol and am looking forward to the lace. So these will be he first two CO of the summer.

The Loopy Ewe has started Camp Loopy and it is such a neat concept I will be joining in and finishing three things during the summer time. The first assignment is a two color something to keep us warm at the camp fire. I have decided to do Sedna but in three colors.

I have chosen these, the blue is Louet and the other two Lorna, they are sport weight.

If you order the yarn from Sheri there is a 20% discount and if the project is completed with a picture posted within the allotted time there is a reward. It is all quite fun...I will post a picture of the yarns when they arrive.

I am still hopeful of completing old UFOs this year also as I have many wonderful projects lined. So for now I will get these three things done, hopefully by July 4 and then move on to the next three. I am figuring one old and two new each time over a two month period should put me in great shape.

Speaking of shape I have lost 51 pounds and have been a regular at the gym. I should be there now but am typing, lol. I have downloaded music to my Iphone and nearly kill myself as I get carried away and start dancing on the elliptical machine. I have another 30 to go and some more toning up but I am hopeful. November is my 10th wedding anniversary and we are going to Washington DC for a short trip. We both adore DC and it will be fun. We have not travelled since acquiring the house and dogs so it has been a while.

DOGS!! After a long time Oliver and Nickolas were caught relaxing together. Oliver has developed a true Alpha attitude and Nickolas is frequently leary of him. But Nick was napping, having a puppy dream and squealing a bit, so Oliver, ever the protector, came over and made sure he was fine then hopped up beside Nick and there they napped. It was great!! Oliver is now 3 1/2 (YIKES) and Nickolas is 20 months.

Oliver and Nickolas
Sir Phineas is happy for the warm weather but does not like the heat. He always digs several little resting areas under the deck where he loves to sit and keep an eye on the yard. Luckily the deck is hug and on the high end of the land so he has a perfect view. Unfortunately he gets more ticks this way, but we check them all several times a day so we find them.
Phineas is now just three years old. It is funny as we got each of the pups when they were 10-12 weeks old. I would love more but it is not feasible as they require attention and it is difficult to walk them all at once. Kitty update in next post.

Work also continues on the house. I had been on hold for a bit because time was given to other wonderful things but this summer, painting will be completed and the barn painting will be started, the dentil will continue to be hung and the ginger bread has been ordered, in small amounts due to costs. The destash monies will likely go to home projects and stash enhancement. Last year we replaced the entire upstairs bath room and the master b ath downstairs will start slowly hopefully in the fall...not a time critical thing so less stressful, I am hoping for a 6 month window for that. I will add pictures this afternoon/evening of the progress.
All the animals are sleeping so I will finish this up and knit for an hour. then food shopping, gym,some postal errands, an hour of closet cleaning and then it will be evening and time for more knitting. I may sneak in an hour of painting in DS2s room as hat was started last July and has been on hold. We have been here three years and have done so much so it should be winding down. DH and I have to replace he stairs leading to the basement in the next few weeks and will start replacing the fence surrounding the yard.

Thought I would include some pictures of the Blob that became my wedding jacket. It was lovely to knit with the silk lace fiber from Hedgehog Yarn. There are several hundred beads knitted in so I would sparkle. I must have received 20 compliments on the jacket, the dress at the wedding. I will wear the jacket again, but not sure about the dress as it is definitely wedding attire.

Had to add one kitty picture. Annabel is on the left and Artemus is on the right, they have recently turned 2 and are so sweet. unfortunately Artemus is sick and we so not know how long we will have him. More in next post.

Thanks for stopping by and tell your children you love them.

Hi MOM!!!

June of 2011

2011-06-04T20:55:00.007-04:00

WOW, I have so often thought of my little blog but have not stopped in. Life has been busy. My DS1 was married two weeks ago to his soulmate. She has been part of the family for over 6 years and now she is my daughter-in-law. I could not have selected a sweeter, kinder, more genuine person to join my son as he continues on in life. The planning and tasks leading p to the wedding were fun and many and joyful. The day itself, coming in a two week rain continuum was bright and sunny from the morning until they departed the reception. DS2 was a groomsmen and looked as handsome as his older brother. DS2 has met a wonderful young lady who wove right into the cloth of the family. Everyone seemed to have fun and it was evident how much the new couple was loved and how thrilled everyone was to share in their celebration. I will make this come back post brief, as work awaits in two hours,but will share a few pictures. And yes those are sneakers you see, even I wore them after pictures...

This was the rehearsel and we were all tearing up, the love is so evident. The bride to be wore the shrug I had knit for wedding, but it just didn't work in the long run. I had a 9 foot silk chiffon wrap made for her and I beaded the ends but it unfortunately did not make it to the wedding with the bride. She was stunningly beautiful and my DS just beamed with pride as she approached.
That is DH, DS2,DS1-the Groom and my DSs DF , yes even the Dads wore sneakers. My ex and I and my DH get along wonderfully so it was great to have everyone be part of everything.
The Groom and his Groomsmen
SO incredibly handsome and grown up....
Me and DS1 I lost 50 pounds and cut 23 inches of hair off, lol. My DS lost 100 pounds the past year. He was never really heavy but now he is trim and athletic. So proud of him. I made the dress and knitted the jacket. DDIL and I made clay flowers for the centerpieces and I made a lot of things for the Bridal shower. I will post pictures in future posts. Those were my dress shoes quite silly ones and then I changed into sneakers.
The newly marrieds. She looks beautiful and he is quite dashing in his Calvin Klein tux and Converse sneakers. He wore socks I knit. They are ARRRRGH Gyles..he loves argyles and wrestling and the skull reminded me of one his favorite wrestlers. They are a stretchy cotton. Such fun to make I made his Christening gown, Communion suit, Halloween costumes and countless clothing through out his life and no way was this day going by without something made by me for him.

The love just oozes out of him....sigh
I had an antique silver spoon bracelet made for the Bride, it was engraved with their monogram and wedding date.
DS2 and his lovely GF danced the night away.
I did not wear the sequined ones but I did wear the other two :)
My dress and jacket waiting for me.

Off they go..the Bride wore green and yellow striped toe socks with her sneakers under her designer dress...fun!!!

I will be back soon. I am hoping weekly. So much to share. Thanks for looking.

Hi MOM!!

Back to Work

2010-03-23T09:08:00.003-04:00

OK, not as much done as I wanted, but isn't that always the way. The vacation started with rain and now it is raining again. Hopefully all this rain will make the grass grow tall and green...Yep I said tall. We are now the proud owners of a ride-on tractor/mower...It will zip through the acreage and I am planning on purchasing a spreader to attach that will drop grass seed as it mows.....neat huh? Best part? It has a cup holder.....haha

All this rain is making the pups stir crazy....I did take them out for a walk yesterday in the drizzle and they were so happy but I worry about walking Phineas in the dampness with his bad joints, he also hates puddles and walks way out of his way to avoid them...easy if it is just him but since he is usually tangled up with the two other pups...

I had an aha moment. I am making the wedding shrug and decided I would make another in the wedding colors for FDIL to wear any old time so why not make a sleeve from each at the same time...just like two socks on two circs I am doing two sleeves on two circs....I love both......

I believe I have decided what color I shall wear for the wedding. I think blue, deep blue, navy or sapphireish...

Be back after feeding the kittens...they are meowing to beat the band and are overdue for breakfaast. Later.........

It's All Over

2010-03-20T22:14:00.003-04:00

Tonight officially ends my vacation, when it is over :( We spent quite a bit of time today researching ride on tractor/mowers. DH wanted a Husqvarna and I was not happy to spend the bucks so every time I typed Husqvarna into Home Depot it came up Arien which is apparently the USA of Husqvarna. SO we got a great mower for a few dollars less because it was made in USA....go figure...we took the three dogs with us and they were so great in the truck. They all had to get out to do their thing at one point but they were so good.
I am tired....wanted so much to have the guest room done this week but I am only human. I will post pics tomorrow night of what is done though.

That is it for today...the first day of spring!!! Surely now it will snow since we have a new ride-on....

A shout out to Mom!!

Thursday and Friday....where did the week go?

2010-03-18T09:43:00.006-04:00

The Dizzy Deal on Thursday was Berroco Vintage, I adored using it for the striped baby set and got some for the next baby set....it was a terrific price and was meant to be as the colors I wanted were still available.
I don't seem to have posted a pic of the Shimmer shrug being made for FDIL, here it is

The Bride to be was shown the first completed sleeve and it was a hit! We went out last night in search of a fabric. She fell in love with a particular brocade to be used for attendants stoles and it was elusive in our search to get more. At long last we were able to obtain enough yardage for the intended garments and figure out the logistics. It will be a beautiful spring wedding. I so hope the weather cooperates and they are able to get married outdoors. So I will wear either dark kelly green or maybe a bronzey color. Haven't decided yet. Either would go well with the party colors. Have to continue with the weight loss and getting fit. Have only lost 5 pounds but it is a start...perhaps I should put one of those tickers across the the top of blog page for accountability.
My engagement ring lost an accent diamond a few weeks back and DH took it to the jeweler's for repair. They are replacing two diamonds, shining u the aquamarine and replating the white gold. Due to the tension setting the white gold was apparently plated in rhodium. I found this info on rhodium to explain why some rings are plated in it
"Rhodium is a metal ten times as costly as gold. It is not a feasible material to make solid jewelry from because it is too stressed and brittle, but rhodium is fabulous as a plating for jewelry because it is glitteringly, dazzlingly, white and mirror-like. It makes diamonds look bigger and better because it's so bright that it's almost hard to see where the stones end and the metal begins. Nothing sets off diamonds like rhodium plating does, but it is only a plating and therefore it will wear off and require replating."
So I will have my ring back Monday and am quite excited to see it after its spa treatment. I have had it 9 years and will have to remember to have it replated every 5 years or so for now on.
I do have some better pics of the Oak Timberworm Bugga from Sanguine Gryphon

I interspersed the skeins , some are green/rust the others are more gray /maroon...but I will figure it out, there may actually be 4 more skeins somewhere.
I have obscene amounts of these yarns from Elann
26 skeins of this dark denim yarn (it fades ike denim when it is washed)
42 of the light denim
and 50 of this Aran yarn. It is for a stealth project that I will show in dribs and drabs from time to time but cannot unveil for about a year. ;)
Elann is an interesting place. if you can wait for a new yarn to calm down in popularity it will usually show up there. And at a greatly discounted price, the Aran was 1.98 USD a skein!!! Such a bargain. It is thrilling to know these 128 skeins will be made into three objects.

That is it for now. Except here are some pics of Nickolas and Phineas. Nickolas is not 5 months old and ready to lose his puppy face. Phineas adores DH as is evident....

Hi Mom...I think spring is here......

Happy St Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T17:52:00.003-04:00

Day 3...hmmmm........not sure what was accomplished or remains to be accomplished. The fella came by inquiring as to what color gutter we wanted for the barn. DH though silver to go with the tin roof which will be quite silver after it is repainted, I said brown to go with the barn trim after it is painted, turns out white or an added cost so why come by then? Confusing.......
St Patrick's Day...the day I miss my Dad the most. He used to talk in a Irish accent(I was told by someone from Dublin, that to say brough is an insult, a brough is a shoe and it translates to meaning you are talking with a shoe in my mouth), dye our food green and be silly. It was not the norm for Dad to be silly but somehow it was allowed on this day. Happy St Patty's , Dad.
Ireland, the Emerald Isle, such a beautiful place. I have been fortunate enough to be there twice in the past 4 years and would so love to go again. DH keeps mentioning it but it is so hard to travel with the animals....we would like to live there but putting the pups in quarantine for 6 months is so unappealing....they would love it. Ireland not the quarantine.
I am running out for wedding errand and will be back later to finish this.

OK I am back and no luck. I did pick up the new Vogue knitting though, lol. Puppies were walked, poor Ollie's eye is yucky from the ointment. Annabel had a bath and was not pleased. I completed the first sleeve of the shrug and cast on for the second. Dropcloths are bought and going down and primer has been purchased. I see much guest room work happening tomorrow. Hoping to get up to go to the gym again...

Sorry, somewhat boring post, I will try harder tomorrow.

Oh I did receive some green yarn for a stealth project :)

Happy St Pat's Mom.

Day 2

2010-03-16T07:39:00.007-04:00

DS2 was up bright and early to go too the gym, the puppies were restless so I will go later. I don't sleep very well, especially when DH is at work(he also works overnight)...as I am always half asleep listening for the animals. I admire DS for actually getting up so early on his own.

Today's goals are gathering up all the SG Bugga and getting into a container, spend an hour in the office sorting yarn(the kitties have been in there and destroyed organization), get the guest room floor drop clothes and taped off, maybe spray the walls to get some of the paper stripped. I should go food shopping and maybe get into the yard and scoop some poop. We have a carpenter coming to work on the barn soffet, supposedly today which doesn't make me happy to have him come when DH is not here but.

OK I will return to this later and document what actually got done. Right now I want coffee....

So most of my plans were curtailed. Most but not all. I took all three pups out for a walk, it had been a few days due to the weather. The three of them outweigh me and I carry all three leads in my left hand. 1.5 years ago when I fell with a ladder and hurt my right shoulder, I really lost some strength in my right hand and just grew accustomed to holding two leads at the time in my left. We always pass so many homes with dogs and they all bark frantically as if saying aloud "Why do THEY get to go out for a walk while I am tied to this tree?". My answer? Obviously I love my dogs more, heehee. So today being the first nice day the pups were outside a lot and it was nice to see (Oops I was gone for a moment, Nickolas needed to go out.)Phineas enjoying the sun.

I had noticed yesterday Oliver's eye was a little swollen and the conjunctiva protruded a bit(the fleshy pink part)...both guys in the house couldn't see it so I waited. Today it was positively swollen and protruding sporadically. So that is why my plans got curtailed. I called the vet and they wanted him in right away. So off we went. They tested for abrasions, dry eye, glaucoma and foreign bodies. All were fine, his teeth were good, a bit tarter(and I brush them), his ears were good, his temp normal and his lymph nodes fine. So we are treating with a steroid ointment and rechecking in two days. I take care of the animals, I take REALLY good care and on the paper she marks, without saying anything, nails need trimming, teeth need brushing and his skin has issues. ??????? I trimmed all nails last week and again this morning and brushed his teeth right before going. They are done 2-3 times a week. I don't get it....I KNOW not everyone takes care of their animals the way I do.....yet I get silently scolded.....I don't care for this vet , she is a cat person and the dogs always seem to be a bother. There are three vets and since he was seen urgently....ah well.....
I received some interesting mail today

They are so cute...the dogs hate boxes.

This is a view of the side of the barn from my beautiful deck.

This spring/summer it will be painted the appropriate barn red with brown trim. The far right corner is what needs repairing.

The old truck was on the side front lawn since DS2 totalled it. MANY people have inquired after it. One man, came to the door, rather than leaving notes in the mailbox or under the boots on the porch. He is a contractor and wanted the truck. So he and DH bartered and we are having the soffet redone and a new 40 foot gutter made for the length of the side for a discounted rate plus the truck. Such a deal. However the truck is gone and I am shocked DH never got anything in writing. But the reason he is not concerned is A) the rain has been bad and B) we have his ladders here being held hostage, haahahaha Actually he is coming tomorrow.

Speaking of trucks, this is the replacement truck. Seats 5-6 adults, plenty of room, so it is great for the pups, The back seat folds down and they all have room to walk around.

Til tomorrow. Don't forget to wear green tomorrow.

Hi Mom.

Toto we're not in Kansas anymore.....

2010-03-15T14:43:00.012-04:00

I have started my week vacation with plans of grandeur. I think I may share it with you on a daily basis. So, dear reader, be forewarned.

It has been a rainy three days here and while at work on Saturday overnight DS2 called at an odd hour to say he heard a large crack and then boom and went outside to find one of our front trees had given up one of its branches.
It landed precariously in the driveway and extended into the road so he went out in the monsoon and moved it only to hear another crack and be felled by a second branch.
He is claiming to be fine but does have some swelling where his shoulder and the branch made contact. He called to let me know what had happened and to make the proclamation that "This is like living in Oz with the mean trees"

SO my parental advice was to not pick any apples....

Mt initial plans were to visit the gym each day of vacation but day has come and gone and it has not happened but there is tomorrow. Today has been filled with cleaning and will end with painting and wall paper stripping and picture taking of yarn and animals and WIPs.

So thus far laundry has been done, the bed has clean linens, a bit of cleaning in the master bedroom,dining room, and living room. Some knitting has happened as well.

I had offered to knit a shrug for my future DIL for the upcoming wedding and had gone through a half dozen combinations of yarn and beads to finally settle on this yarn from Elann

It is 55%viscose and 45%cotton and has the right drape and shimmer along with some triangular glass beads.
One of the issues was this is a DK weight yarn and the hooks to get the bead onto the stitch were shredding the yarn. So after breaking several steel hooks it was more cost effective to invest in this lovely item....
A size 9 hook fits quite lovely through the beads...

I like the effect very much. FDIL is not seen in bling but I think she should look like a princess on her wedding day. Especially appropriate since DS1 proposed at Disney World and they celebrated that evening by dining in Cinderella's Castle. It is all very exciting and as mother of the groom I am so grateful I am being included in everything.

Lake Louise will be knit on for a few hours each day so she can near completion and I can check her off my list.

I finished and gifted this baby set to my newest SIL who is due in a few weeks. There is a pale yellow in there that is not showing well.
There was meant to be a blanket and booties but time ran out.
For Lorrainehere is a picture of the first baby set gifted to my eldest niece who is due at the same
time.
She also received the ABC blanket that each baby will be gifted with.
I have been lucky enough to add to both my Sanguine Gryphon stash and my WOllmeise stash. Both yarns are gorgeous and have unique qualities. I had been on a Wollmeise frenzy last spring and then realized I have so much more than I can use, then Claudia produced new colors, EVERY WEEK!!!!! It is so hard to resist but I have for weeks and then bought these for my birthday month.

I was lusting after her pink so had to grab some. I had been lucky enough to acquire some Oak Timberwork Bugga last year and needed a few more skeins to make it sweater quantity (plus,lol) and these are the new.

They are different than last year's but such is the lot of hand dyed yarn.

Today is 2 years since we got our first dog, Oliver.
He has been a joy and is the sole reason we now have two other dogs and two kittens. I have to say it is one of the wisest decisions I have ever made. He loves us unconditionally, tolerates the cats, roams shoulder to shoulder about the property with Phineas and is a playmate and mentor to Nickolas. It makes me sad to think of a time when he will not be here, and I try not to dwell. We don't travel much now and always have to be home in a certain number of hours to let the dogs out but it is a sacrifice well worth it.

Speaking of Prince Nickolas, here he is...he was about 15 pounds when we got him Jan 9 and ow is 34 pounds. That may be half his adult weight already!!! he is a great puppy....he does have a love for my shoes though and generally they end up in one of the dog beds...
He has had to learn tolerance as the kittens frequently decide his crate is THE place to nap....

While Artemus snoozes in the crate Annabel frequently snoozes with Phineas...
Or the kittens end up together in a dog bed. They will be a year old at the end of the month. Annabel has taken to claiming me to be a cat. I will be napping and she jumps up to observe me, loudly purring and then reaches out and taps me. Once I let her know I am awake she proceeds to rub her face all over my face. Apparently quite a high form of respect, love and trust. Personally I wish she would love me just a little less.
Nickolas finds them interesting and tries to play with them but hasn't figured out they are not puppies so they run from the rough housing.
I think that is enough for day one of vacation. Tomorrow there will be pics of home improvements and talk of Olympic sweaters.

Til tomorrow

Hi Mom....

No More Knitting

2010-03-07T23:38:00.003-05:00

Caught your attention didn't I? Not for a few weeks, I have been spending so much time knitting and working things around the house are neglected. We are planning to rip out the upstairs bath and need to do it this month. I am hoping it is only a two week project but ....

So as usual I am typing this from my per diem job. I will insert pics tomorrow unless I can retrieve them from here.
The second baby set has been gifted. It is for a boy so not the beautiful Peace set I knit for the girl baby. This set was planned to have pants and booties as well, but time eluded me, the yarn for the blanket was back ordered and came too late to complete that as well. But complete it I will. I love the colors of brown, yellow and blue together and apparently my SIL did as well when she opened the gift at her baby shower. That is a good thing.

My Olympic sweaters are still very nearby...and will be completed next. I have Louise with me here at work and will do a few rows as time allows. Lillehammer, ahhh, I want to sit and just knit on that til it is completed but am trying to be more productive than impulsive.

the loverlies in the Knit A Norwegian group on Ravelry made so many beautiful sweaters. very impressive. I have also obtained the yarn for melbu and the yarn for Gjende is back ordered but will arrive soon.

My puppies and kitties are cuter than ever and steal my time away. The girlie kitty has taken to napping with me. She gets right up to my face nose to nose and purrs so loudly I have to laugh and then she knows I am not sleeping and the cuddling starts. We go round and round til finally I have to cover my face so she cannot see me laughing and finally I get 5 minutes out of an hour nap. Nickolas is quite the handsome young pup and so good. Unfortunately he has started trying to eat the kittens. I his attempt to replicate the play between himself and the big dogs he tries to play with the kittens and ends up with their head in his mouth..the kittens protect them selves when not amused but I am on a constant watch for this lion tamer act of his and hope he outgrows it soon.

Spring is in the air which means finishing the house painting will start. I lost so much time last spring with my knee injury...more gingerbread trim is on the way, a carpenter/roofer has been procured to repair the missing soffet of the barn and perhaps paint the tin roof, ride on lawn mowers are being viewed and the guest room revamp will get under way. I am tired thinking about it all....

I will leave you with that, add pics in the morning and wish you all a wonderful spring.

Hi Mom.

Happy Birthday to Me!!!!!

2010-02-16T20:22:00.003-05:00

Birthdays, mine, as a whole, are not very important to me. But, it seems the older I get the more important they do become. I have always tried to make the boys' birthdays special, celebrate on their day, do and eat what they want. I think I pretty much succeeded in that right. Today is my birthday, my sons are grown and live away and work. DS1 and his fiancee came down last night and along with DS2 and DH celebrated. Cupcakes and cake, gifts of knitting books, reading books and dog books along with jewelry were gifted and gratefully accepted. DS2 had to leave for work, DS1 and fiancee and I ate Thai food and talked while DH went to bed as he needed to return to work. All in all a grand celebration. I am always thrilled to spend time with my gang. Thanks guys.
Today is my birthday and the intention was to be in Vancouver at the Olympics, I would have watched the curling in person and attended the skating exhibitions. But it was not meant to be. SO I am at home, having taken the night off from work, and DS2 and his fiancee worked, but they called and emailed wishes of birthday greetings and DS1 had class and is at work but has Happy Birthdayed several times. DH came home from work and watched some curling with me and now is asleep having worked last night.
Sometimes .life just gets in the way of a birthday.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T23:41:00.007-05:00

There you have it. I LOVE Valentine's Day. The heart and the peace symbol are my two favorite shapes. Right now I am wearing earrings that incooperate the two. I don't know what it is..I guess I am a closet romantic. DH and I worked and I am at work again at my per diem job. There were years we did it up right, went away, were silly and goofy romantic. I am told we may have that again next year. We shall see. At any rate, dear reader ( I am not sure there is more than one of you) I hope you spent the day with someone you love and got some chocolate(no calories on VDay) and maybe a smooch or two. My smooching was even limited as I have quite the cold and germs must be contained. SO DH for you

Knitting
The ABC Blanket for my neice's first baby as well as the cute Peace Baby Set are adorable. Unfortunately I was not well enough or germ free enough to attend her baby shower. I was so disappointed but will send the gifts along to her this week. The next baby set is due by March 6. My brother and his wife are having their first child, a son and there is a shower. All this explains to some degree why Louise was not done for Opening Ceremonies.

Hmm....

2010-02-06T19:10:00.007-05:00

OK I KNOW there was another post, where did it go?

Anywho....
We have just finished week 5 of the Knit A Norwegian KAL...my Lake Louise is lovely, but tedious.

I made it to the placket and opening ceremonies are this Friday, of course I am working.. :( I had my heart set on attending this Olympics, oh well....

The knitters on Ravelry in this particular group are all quite accomplished knitters, designers and it is an honor to "be in their company". I am finishing up some baby things and working on Louise, but she will not not be done for opening ceremonies, there is always closing, lol...

My next Dale sweater will likely be Lillehammer...I have wanted this for so very long and like most knitters , when first I bought the book, I felt it was a bit above me, which is surprising as I don't feel that way about a lot of things...but I am researching new yarn colors and what I have in stash and will firm up a decision this week.

Tomorrow, I am going to the 5th Anniversary Mass for my father...five years, so long yet truly just a blink of an eye. I think about how much my life has changed and the things I would have liked him to know about. I went to Katrina with the Red Cross Disaster Team, I rode a hundred mile bike benefit, DS1 received his under grad degree at 20 and first Masters at 22, he also met , became friends with, fell in love and is now engaged to a lovely young lady. He is prospering in his career and true to his word to my father he does not work Saturdays. DS2 has had a few surgeries which he came through swimmingly, graduated high school and pursuing his undergrad degree. He will graduate at 21 and who knows what life has in store for him. He drove a pickup and works in a home improvement store, my father was a carpenter by trade. He has formed many wonderful relationships with some really special young women and I am hoping soon he too will find his mate. My DH and I bought our first home, have renovated most of it and many times when I am high up on a ladder painting the house or cleaning gutters I see my father laughing or holding the ladder so I won't slip. I wish he were here to ask opinions about some of the things we do. We have added three dogs and two kitties to our family. Dad would have got a kick out of watching them run around land we have acquired. I am still on hold waiting to see if I will travel to Haiti in the relief efforts there on the team my hospital has sent, he would like that. But tomorrow we honor his memory at Church, his Church, a Church he loved and helped to keep in existence. Most, if not all of he and my mother's 11 children, their spouses, children and grandchildren will be there. Dad never got to see his great child and the fact that this year three more will be born and one more grandchild is a bittersweet joy.Oh well....

Nickolas is a wonderful little puppy...he has settled in nicely with his brothers and sister.

He is trying to do all the right things and learn and he loves me.
He can be running around and barking and playing and I will pick him up and cuddle him and he is gone. He was 15pounds when we picked him up 4 weeks ago, he lost a pound as he was a little sick from stress and now is 19 pounds. He adores Phineas, who is more than thrilled to have another being to herd. Oliver tolerates him but finds him a formidable playmate.

the kittens are still out on their decision.

I have not made many yarn acquisitions for some time...I have so much and am trying to use some of the stash in each project. This is my birthday month though and I am planning some pink Wollmeise as a gift to me....

OK, I will add pics and post this...for now

Hi Mom...Happy Birthday month to you also.

So Far So Good

2010-01-24T06:00:00.003-05:00

OK we have had the lovely Prince Nickolas for two weeks...what a treasure he is. Oliver, our first dog, my and my sons very first dog, was a new and exciting venture for us. The poor pup was sick shortly after we got him and I used to wait for him to yawn to throw the pills into his mouth. It terrified me to pick him up and his teeth, well, I wanted a glove like falconers wear. Then came Phineas, first rescued pet, little guy with some obvious issues. rescued the very day he and is brothers were to be put down, not even 10 weeks old when we got him, already neutered, last pup to be adopted...much different looking with his coat of many colors and black rimmed devil eyes. He quickly stole our hearts and became Oliver's shadow. Then, for some reason known only to higher powers we rescued not one but two kitties. Brother and sister Artemus and Annabel, smaller than small, 6 weeks old....what the heck do you do with a kitten? Why do I have two pets I can now hold in one hand? Why are they so fast and what is with all the scratching? Well...Artemus, the little talker of the two, walks beside me and gabs and gabs filling me in on all the goings on of the house and pretty girlie Annabel watches the boys of the house and rolls her eyes. She is not averse to being held and when I ask her dance the paw is presented and we dance around the kitchen. They have been an experience, a time consuming, costly, funny, exasperating experience. I wish I had known animals all my life and am grateful for the patience and love they give so freely. Hmmm....4 animals, that should be enough for a house of three people. NOPE....I wanted another dog for about a year. I would bring it up and be shut down...finally I said I am getting another puppy and for Christmas I want support and puppy things. The family certainly came through. Two weeks before Christmas I found a litter of lab pups that were rescued. Actually their Mom was rescued, pregnant, the day she was going to be put down. Thank goodness there are places that rescue animals. A Lab Rescue organization scooped her up and she was placed in a foster home to give birth and to have the opportunity to mother her babies til they were old enough to leave. They all lived there, the foster home. They were luckier still that the home fostering them was full of labs, the family raised and trained labs so little ones were nothing unusual. What a great start to a life that was never intended to happen. Nickolas came to us well loved and cared for and a bit sad for having left his family but now after two weeks he knows he is home. He knows his crate and puts himself in there when wanting some solitude. He adores his animal siblings and freely kisses their noses, especially when he thinks they may be getting bored with him or angry at him. He shadows the big dogs and proudly accompanies them on their daily walks, determined and successful at keeping up. He has to be stopped and reminded he is only a baby. They have decided he is ok and have taken to looking out for him. Even the kittens have figured out he is staying and have come more close to him to observe him and his antics. He is the smallest of the dogs we have had. I am so glad I got to know him as a baby as every day it is evident he is growing quickly. Soon he will be giving the big dogs a run for their money. I hope some day to return the favor and foster some dogs til they can be placed in their forever homes...they will be welcome and loved and missed when given to their families. But, we have been on the receiving end and would like to repay the kindness.

This eating vegetarian was going swell til two days ago, I have been hankering for fish so may indulge. I am hoping to get to the gym Tuesday and Thursday this week...

Knitting...

Off and Running

2010-01-03T23:14:00.004-05:00

OK so Sunday night or Monday morning will be the optimal times for me to blog. Just talking to myself and typing so you all got that info as well, lol.

Life

So many changes in 2009....my DS1 and his GF travelled to DIsney World in September. Now DS has been there dozens of times, always with family, me in particular :) so this was his first trip without his mother. So what does a young man do in Disney without his mother....GET ENGAGED!!!! I am thrilled...his GF is a doll, has always been a true member of our family and we couldn't be more excited. There are plans in progress for a May 2011 wedding, some knitting will be involved, and lots of fun to be had by all.

We hosted an engagement party for the couple in November and it was a lovely time. The deck is done at last and at one point seemed to have a million people on it, lol.

DS2 is starting his last semester as a college junior, wow does time ever fly. He turned 20 in December, a fine young man. He was able to find a job after months of applications and searching and is seeming to enjoy being a tax payer. Sadly he was in an accident last month, in the truck, and it was totalled. He could have been so badly hurt but the air bag deployed and used great wisdom bringing the truck to a stop. Lots of aches and pains, but he is fine now. We all know we were very lucky. We now have another truck, a usable cab that will seat 5-6 adults and accomodates the anmals nicely. It has 4 wheel drive, which with this nasty last few weeks of snow has been a blessing. I like trucks. People are always surprised to hear it is my vehicle of choice. The new truck and an addition of a brand new snow blower makes all this whit stuff easier to deal with.

DH has been on a weight loss program and is doing so wonderfully. It is nice to have his company walking the dogs and there is even talk of possible skiing this year. Not the optimal choice with my knee still needing surgery, but I am of the mindset that I know it needs fixing so until I have it fixed it is not going to impair my life. My skis will need tuning and all the gear will need to be located in the great barn of things, but I told DH if we spend the month of January at the gym getting back into good shape then sometime in February skiing is a lilkhood. I am actually quite excited about the possibility. It will need to be carefully planned with DS2 now working and the addition of a third puppy requiring sitting, lol.

Nickolas is coming Saturday, we need to drive a bit to pick him up from the transporter coming from Texas, but we are all so excited. DS2 will be in Florida for the week, so he will not get to meet him til next week, and DS1 is coming home to sit the other animals. We have had a surrogate Nickolas, a stuffed black lab which was gifted to me by DH, in the crate and the animals have taken turns sitting and keeping watch over him. It will be an intersting experience having them all meet for sure. I think we will have hit our max for animals for a bit, though. But we sure do enjoy the ones we have.

I must have 50 WIPs...it is sad, I go full force and then get distracted by some new more interesting project and there are emoty needles about so....I am committed to finishing ten of the unloved this year. If more become FO so much the better, but right now 10 would be admirable.

I am currently working on a Dale being knit in honor of the Winter Olympics.http://sheriffofknittingham.blogspot.com/Lorraine has spearheaded a Knit a Norwegian. Four years ago this group knit Dales in honor of the winter Olympics, my Foxie, 90% done has been located in the GBOT,(great barn of things) and stands an excellent chance of being completed as well. I am working on Lake">http://www.allegroyarns.com/dale/dale8501-1.html>Lake Louise 2001 in Dale Falk in grey, aubergine and cyclamen. The aubergine is from my stash which is also a plan for 2010, new COs must use some stash yarn, not all but at least some. I will post weekly updates here and am hoping for completion before the ending ceremonies.

There is much crocheting going on with so many new babies due in 2010, I personally know of 7..wow...so many little things are in the works as well. I will post finished pics only.

I have begun my venture into becoming a vegetarina, not a vegan, but a vegetarian. I have purchased some wonderful cookbooks and think this is doable. I am giving myself the month of January to ease into it but the first three days have gone well...updates on that as well.

So there you have it for this week anyways. Happy New Year to us all....here's hoping for health and happiness for all.

Have a great week, Mom.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-01-01T16:59:00.002-05:00

Where have I been? No idea....we all have life that gets in the way and Ravelry stole so much of my time, but it was worth it. It is a new year. I have a new puppy coming. Yes a third..what can I say? I am smitten and my family is kind enough to indulge me. I am also casting on for a new Dale...in honor of the Winter Olympics. THE Olympics I planned to attend, THE Olympics I tracked for 4 years, THE Olympics I could not get enough tickets in venues close together in time to justify spending tens of thousands of dollars for the trip. I am so disappointed, this was likely the only Olympics I would ever get to....life, sometimes not a kind thing. BUT I am getting another puppy in a week.

2010
GOALS
Knitting
Finish 10 WIPS, not necessarily before CO new, just finish some of the old as well
Finish organizing knitting supplies as every time I want to find a needle I cannot, perhaps they live in WIPs?

Health
Get back into a good healthy lifestyle. I am going to try to be a better vegetarian, dday one has been successful,lol. I don't enjoy meat very much and love tofu and vegetables so it will be an easy transition. I have some new cookbooks to help in the endeavor.
Get back to the gym 2-3 times a week.

Blog
Weekly

There are others, but not feeling the need to publicly announce, lol.

MANY many family updates but let's start small ..lol

For now I wish everyone a Happy Healthy New Year...a new day a new start

Happy New Year, Mom

Welcome Back Me!!!

2009-06-01T22:42:00.008-04:00

Long time, eh?
I have been laid up for two weeks so far with an injured knee. Oliver, now known as Crippler, clipped my left knee in his excitement to be groomed. The knee shifted one way and then back and it was never meant to shift either way. So an ER visit, Orthopedic visit and MRI have led to an Orthopedic appointment tomorrow also. I am hoping to get back to work next week or week after at the latest. But this has curtailed my house painting and dog walking and general getting about.
Anywho..
DM came for a visit in April. We all had a great time, shopping and visiting and dog walking. The pups tried to get DM at one point as they each went round her and their leashes being held by me also went round. Fortunately they are trained enough so she was not injured. Phineas took quite a liking to DM as she is a little lady and he likes to herd little things, LOL.
We have additions to the family. On Mother's Day we adopted two kittens. Our intent was to get one male and we saw him two weeks before we could get him, so cute. A few days before picking him we were asked to consider taking his sister who's adoption had fallen through. It was a wise decision as we could never entertain Artemus enough without Annabel's help. Annabel is a fawn colored full tiger tabby
and Artemus is grayish fawn tiger with white mittens.

They currently weigh 2.5 and 2.3 pounds respectively. The dogs are getting used to them and no longer are surprised when this"toy" comes to life.

Here is Annabel trying her very hardest to look menacing...I just laugh at her.
The kittens were tube and bottle fed and lived in a foster home with a dog so are mostly ok with the puppies. they are very interesting to watch all together. Fun fun.

DH has excavated the area of the yard where the deck will go as the land slopes away from the house. He and DS2 seemed to have fun with the oversized Tonka truck!! This week holes, inspection, cement pouring and then we can start. Of course the knee is not allowing me much involvement :( We did replace the fence that is between the barn and the house. The older worn was falling down and no longer dog proof. The new composite one is 6 feet tall and we placed the pickets so the dogs could see through just fine. I love it. We built it ourselves, got the individual pickets rather than a prefab fence so we could make it to our liking.

Much much Wollmeise has been added to stash, very lucky. This is a picture of most of the stash.

These lovelies are not in the big picture.

The WM group is having a Summer of Wollmeise trying to work down our stashes and then replenish in the fall. Hmmm..that means not adding WM over the summer, maybe not adding more than 10 skeins..heehee
Woolgirl has offered a Wizard of Oz Sock Club and I was lucky enough to get in on some and a Peanuts Sock Club. the first Oz shipment came today called "Over the Rainbow" Can you believe this package?
Lovely. Wizard of OZ is my most favorite movie followed very closely by Willy Wonka. A Wonka Sock CLub would be grand!!! Hmmm......

My Catriona Knee Socks by Wendy in Pillars of Fire are coming along nicely, but I need something with two colors soon. I want to finish this first sock and cast on the second before starting something else though. And I finally succumbed and have cast on a Clapotis in Saami Wollmeise.

I am going to post this and will update links and pics...I am out of work this week and at least two more....

Hi Mom

Congratulations to my nephew Greg, he married Crystal this past week, they are both Marines, very brave young people.

And my niece Cassy, is getting married this Saturday. I was planning on attending but this knee will not allow me to sit in a car for the length of time the drive will take :( I am hoping to see many pictures.

DS2 has a job he is thoroughly enjoying and finished his second year of college. Wow next year a Junior already....and DS1 and GF moved out, yes that is right. Gone....they are living in a lovely home and have gained back a lot of their life that was spent commuting. I think it is a very wise decision to want your free time to be your free time.

Wonderful Wollmeise

2009-03-30T16:37:00.007-04:00

I was lucky enought to hit an update or two a few weeks back, as well as make a few trades and have almost all of my WM that is meant to live with me lately...so these are the groups of packages..

Most of the Gummy Bears that get sent along with each package, I ate one(hey I needed the energy to open the packages)
And the very beautiful Wollmeise....I present
4-Terra di Siena medium intensity 100% Superwash 2-Honigtopfchen 100%SW
Serpentin Laceweight 4-Serpentin 100%SW
4-Der letzte Versuch-Medium-100%SW (1 to someone else)2-Poison Nr 5-Medium- 80/20 Twin 2-Der letze Versuch-Dark-80/20T (1 to someone else)
7-Ebenholz SW (4 are going to others)
3-Schwarz 100%SW(1 traded) 1-Versuchskaninchen 2 100%SW(NEW FAVORITE!!!) 4-Admiral 80/20 t(1 traded)
1-Campari Orange laceweight-Dark 1-Miss May Laceweight-dark(traded)
4-Herzblut-100%SW 3-Indisch Rot-medium-80/20T
2-Tiefer See Wild Thing 80/20 Fluffy-medium 2-Amazonas Wild Thing -medium-80/20T 2-Pfefferminz Prinz-medium-80/20T 2-Farn(from trade) 2-Barist"O" laceweight-medium(Iwould get a better pic but both have gone to new owners in trade)But what a beautiful color... VergiB(purchase from Ravelry) and my first yarnissima Kit Spina de Pesce(?sp)
Ok, I must go and pet my yarn...another update regarding knitting tomorrow.

Hi Mom, all this yarn comes from Germany. pretty neat eh?

Warmer weather, Wollmeise and Weary Wednesday

2009-03-25T09:25:00.005-04:00

I have started three updates in the past two weeks and never finished them. I have been stalking WOllmeise, yes yarn. Not just any yarn, Wollmeise, wondrous, wildly colored, wool Wollmeise. If one were to peruse my stash they would take note I have some, much compared to some stashes. I am not so much into sock knitting at this time and want quantities to make sweaters and shawls. I stalked for 8 months before actually hitting an update three weeks ago and two weeks ago I hit two(with the help of DH). At times, it is very convenient to have a DH working the same schedule as you especially when an update happens in the very wee hours of the morning. I obtained a bit, a bit more with DH help after having hit an early afternoon update. I am still waiting for the delivery of all the yarn and some has been promised to others in repayment for trades or just because they were looking and had looked for me. That is how it works. I am actually stalking as I type and hope not to miss another update even with all the yarn coming,lol. Truth be told if i miss it is ok, there are a few people I would love to grab a skein or two though. But there will be other updates and Claudia will make more yarn. I was lucky enough to get in on the first round of her sock club. quarterly we receive two exclusives colorways and a pattern. The shipments have always been gorgeous and we all went in with the very common sock club understanding of maintaining the exclusivity of the yarn until the club was over. Sadly there has been controversy as someone sold the current shipment on EBAY for more than $300!! Economic hardtimes were stated as the reason but the controversy that arose and the subsequent listing of sock club shipment has caused a sad feeling. It is only yarn but people agreed to behave a certain way and then add in the factor of hardtimes and wow!! Hopefully this will not sour the possibility of another club.
Here is this month's shipment the colors are glorious and I hate to use them as they will be offered down the road and I would like more,lol.
As you see the colors are very Oriental, rich and candlelit colored. The little pouch holds a stitch marker. I love these colors and can see them combined with more solid colors.
This is also Wollmeise, Schwarz-an almost solid black
and Herzblut-a red red
I obtained in a trade these two wondrous skeins...I have wanted to see them live for some time and they do not disappoint
Sultan

and Iris
I am hoping some of the other packages start coming in today.
Also, as always, the Loopy Ewe Sock CLub in all its magnificence

Yes indeed that IS Handmaiden Casbah...pretty awesome, eh? Sheri always tops the previous shipment, not sure how but she does. See the extras. a needle gauge and a tape measure with a built in pen on a caribiner...how ingenious. Love the color!
And we have the latest in the Chameleon Colorworks Sock Club, lordy this is too cute. I was looking at the yarn and the pattern and thinking great how exact the placement must have to be to get the yarn just right to come up in pattern...nah!! The skein is two half skeins, each being one of the two colors needed. These may get cast on immediately
and it is the BAMBINO, love bamboo, love Bambino..love Chameleon Colorworks.
This is the reverse side of the mittens for No More Humdrum Mittens Swap 4. I love these but will happily send them along as my pal is a cat person

Madli, poor poor Madli, she got frogged due to this

Too dang difficult to pick up with all the yo's so restarting, this time with beads. Hopefully a picture worth posting by Monday since I got a daylight lamp and hope to be able to see at night to knit.
Moving on to infinite coolness
The Zauberball, it looks huge doesn't it, naw about the size of a softball but alledges to have very long color sequences...here is another view

That came from the Loopy Ewe along with this limited edition Nyoni from Fiesta

Very limited run , very good yardage, very inexpensive($20)
While stalking for Wollmeise with the crazies over on Ravelry I was turned on to two new yarns, this being one,Squoosh Fiberarts the colors are Tangelo, Blackberry(both merinos sock) and Fissure(fat sock) very fast shipping, very "squooshy"yarn.

The WM Crazies also have me convinced I must learn to spin, drop spindle first. I received this from Vampy in the UK made for me as I "talked"with her online. Is it not gorgeous?
Can you see the sparkle in it? It is a batt that will I will spin into yarn...what am I thinking?
Another lovely from the Loopy Ewe

I love SheepPaints yarn, then I discovered it is also a German or European yarn which I seem to have a hankering for lately
OK one of the pups in their new beds, I ordered them thinking they were sherpa free but as you can see...almost sent them back but the pups do seem to like them

A big hullo to Mom, we went to a family bridal shower this past weekend, very lovely.

LINKS will be added over the next few days

Sunny Springy Sunday

2009-03-08T05:14:00.014-04:00

Hmmmm...wonder if that is why it is called SUNday? OK let's see...well the cardigan is finished and as cute as the buttons upon it...
The pattern is a Ravelry download(pay) and is called "A Cardigan for Merry" It has the most delightful reversible cable border on it. It is a child version of the Arwen sweater. I loved making it. I used Lionbrand Microspun, a sportweight washable oh-so-soft yarn. the pattern asks for toggle buttons but seeing as I really couldn't find any I liked and the Mom of the the little girl I made it for loves butterflies....

A little tip from me to you: Since I put on a flat button I sewed a shirt button between the butterfly and the sweater for added height so the loop would sit correctly around the button.

These are the cat mittens I am making for my pal in the No More Humdrum Mittens Swap 4. I love this swap a lot. Deb does such a good job keeping us all the straight and narrow. Deb has started designing socks as of late. Do take a moment and check out her patterns. I am using Louet gem fingering weight. I initially planned a Lorna's Laces pinky yarn for the background but it was swallowing up the design so redid it in blue and black and am quite happy with the results.

Have you seen this magazine? Yes it does say Debbie Bliss. I, and others have had some problems with her yarn, splitty, knotty, broken, etc. but I do so love her yarn and patterns. Long long ago in a galaxy far away..oh wait...long ago when DS2 was born, actually even a short time before that when I didn't know he would be DS2, I made a jumpsuity outfit from a DB pattern, just the cutest...I have recently come across that pic and must scan it into the computer.

I have gone off the wagon...eleven weeks of no yarn purchases for self and I broke...yep...I finally, FINALLY caught a Wollmeise update, woot!!! I can't wait for the new navy yarn from Claudia. Lordy what fun that was to be in on the rolling update. it was a search and destroy mission. But I got some that I wanted so I am a happy camper. Unfortunately while waiting and stalking the other WMers turned me on to two other sites and I bought some of their yarn as well. OK fingers start knitting....

I found this yarn at Joann's...it is Merino superwash if I remember and under 5 dollars a ball!!! I love the colors and can't wait to see how it stripes up!

This was a birthday gift from my good friend, Michelle. It is rayon and has a metallic thread running through that is copper!!! COPPER FPS!!! I love it and will make a beautiful shawl from it!!

This is the yarn from my latest Chameleon Colorworks Foot Club...it is the bambino blend which is incredibly soft!

I am expecting the third installment of the Wollmeise sock club and the first of the third round of the Loopy Ewe sock club. WOW, what a great week this will be!!!!

ETA: This is the Sock Club shipment from the Loopy Ewe , what wonderful goodies Sheri always includes. Look at the carabiner with needle gauge and tape measure/pen! So cute and useful!!
I am also casting on for this shawl, Madli. Dear Bev asked if wanted to join her and Helen(both mermaiders)in an impromptu KAL...the date was March 1 but I have been to busy and am ready to go now.

I have loved this jacket since first seeing it a year or so ago at Kpixie ...today I got an email it was 40% off, another savings code and nearly 50% off!! I got it in the black colorway...it doesn't say if I need buttons or they come with but either way!!
Funny thing, Kpixie is in the same town as me but no storefront,however it means very quick shipping!!

We closed on our refinance of the house and did quite well so have started the projects going again. Soon it will be warm enough to finish painting the house, then the porch, the barn(but first install a new garage door and a new window in place of the hayloft door). Also the plans are drawn up for the deck and once we check into permits that will be a go. it will be a rather large deck, possibly as large as 22' x 24'. We have purchased a screened gazebo to set upon it at one corner and some Victorian looking resin wicker furniture. We thought about the standard table and chairs but will get much more use out of the sitting arrangement. Of course the dogs will have outside beds.

Ahh the dogs...so darn cute. Poor Phineas has come to need a diet, he is 5-10 pounds overweight and has been definitely diagnosed with lameness. I knew it from day one. SO he is on a lower calorie food and we are trying to get him an extra walk or three a week. He seems to already have slimmed down a bit. I will take him in for xrays in a few weeks and see how bad things are. Luckily for him, this is what I and DH do, radiology, so we will look at the images and not be talked into something we don't feel is necessary. Of course we do love his vets so...but he has been taking glucosamine and his food has some in it. He seems springier than before and has managed a few jumps onto the bed. Great yes, but not good for his hips so we almost have to discourage the jumping. Poor little guy. I heard dome whimpering a week ago and tracked it down to the kitchen. there sat my little guy with his paw on his bowl and his head on his paw whimpering for food. Saddest thing I ever saw. Yes I did give him something. he is a puppy...and he has me wrapped around his finger...and he is a puppy... They both got hoodies today, LOL. I have to reorder as they are a tiny bit small. But this is the boys modelling them. Phineas looks striking in his brown and green seems to be Oliver's color!!

The pups also got some new stuffed rabbits. What fun they are having! The rabbits seem to land on their feet when tossed around, most of the time. It is well worth the money spent on them for the entertainment factor alone.

We have a new 52" HDTV...lordy...the people on the screen have larger heads than mine, it is freaky. The boys are enjoying it for video games and I am sure I will like it for exercising once I get used to it. We have a new tv stand coming which is very period appropriate for the house.

My DM, Hi Mom! was to come for a visit this past week but we got hit with another storm and the visit had to be postponed. I love the winter, love the snow, love the gloom and darkness but enough is enough. I want to paint and plant some around the house and ride my bike. Enough!

ETA: As I writing this(Monday) it hs started to snow yet again!!! Perhaps 6-8" is the latest guesstimate.

In January I was fortunate enough to get the Zuma bag from Namaste in eggplant. Sheri has them at the Loopy Ewe. This is the Buddy that goes with it to hold notions. The inside cover is magnetic to keep your needles in place. It is a worthwhile purchase!!

I was given this yesterday as a somewhat belated birthday gift from DH...can you see what it is? I am sure it will get some use very soon.

OK I think that is enough for you all to digest for the moment. If the sock club shipments are here in the next day or two will add pics.

I will add links and more pics later tonight (Monday)

Take good care and tell your children how special they are.

Happy Birthday Mom!

2009-02-21T20:24:00.002-05:00

So today is my Mother's birthday, we will not mention how many although I believe she would not mind. My Mother and I share a birth month, love of sparkly things, handcraftiness, interior design and Victoriana, among other things. I was the first girl after two sons and my room was appropriately girly. Apparantly I spent most of my young life in frilly dresses,LOL. I am sure this is where my love of purple stems from. So today Happy Birthday, Mom and thanks for your part in making me who I am.
I will depart from knitting a bit more to say Happy Birthday also to my SIL,Linda(also today) my sister,Dorene(tomorrow) and my newest SIL, Kim ( a bit later in the month). Hmmm...there may be one BIL in there as well somewhere. Happy February birthday to us all. May they be filled with sparkly amethysts.
OK tomorrow this will return to a knitting update, lol.

CABLES

2009-02-11T08:49:00.004-05:00

I guess you love them or hate them...I, for one am in love. Always have been. Many many moons ago I made Aran knit sweaters for Mom and Dad and children from acrylic. Lordy.....Mom gave me back Dad's sweater after he passed and I treasure it. It is acrylic and it is old, but I made it with love. Now I make most things from wool, bamboo,alpaca or some combination of...However, today's fiber folks have done wondrous things with acrylics. The "Cardigan for Merry" I am making for Ana is a microfiber, it is so soft and perfect for a baby. It has the cables from the Arwen Cardigan. They are magnificent reversible cables and I want to put them on everything. They are sturdy and tactile and this is the kind of cable I want on a sweater I will design. It works grandly when there is a hood where both sides of the cable band are visible. The same knits and purls you use for everything moved around a little produce these wondrous things we call cables. I have always loved them braids, gum wrapper braids, all of it. Look at what I am gushing over...

I finally have a picture of where the mittens have stopped as well.....
Just a brief interruptioon...I fully anticipate the sweater being done by Monday night and then back to the mittens. It will be good to have some things finished. Next week also will show progress pictures of the swap mittens....
OK just a quickie post, getting ready for work and will post again Sunday night.

Hi Mom, right now 90 percent of our snow is gone, I will not be fooled though I know there is more coming. But when the snow melted we had a sudden blossoming of dog toys. I picked up 20 so far that were buried so they are currently in the dishwasher.

Hot Dawgs!!!

2009-02-04T12:32:00.009-05:00

will add pics Friday morning....promise...please check back

I don't mean my puppies all snuggled under a blanket, I mean real hot dogs!!

I am watching the travel channel and they are on Coney Island eating N*th*n's hot dogs....is it me? I LOVE HOT DOGS!!! I love them boiled with a soft bun, onions,mustard, relish...grilled with a toasted bun and onions and cheese,sliced up into spaghetti and a small amount of sauce....but the very best way to eat a hot dog is raw...peel it like a banana and eat it, it is like a very little roll of bologna. And yes I do love bologna...the best is on two slices of lightly frozen white bread with a slathering of yellow mustard. I have not had raw hot dogs or bologna in years! You get to be a grown up and the medical community says these are bad things...I have had hot dogs on a plate no bun, or IK*A hot dogs, c'mon they are like 2/$1.00 or something like that....Perhaps my birthday meal of choice this year will be hot dogs or bologna sandwiches or fried eggs and fried bologna or spaghetti and hot dogs or....

Knitting is moving along, I wish I could report the mittens were done, but I cannot but I do have this much done...

They are warm and beautiful...

They were not done as we spent a lot of time getting ready for the appraisal and then I worked. I have been knitting a lot the past two days as I am making a sweater for a friend's very young daughter (This sweater is the pattern, not my sweater,lol)
...I had aspirations of finishing this by Saturday, we shall see...I just cast on Monday and am through the back and 1/3 of the way through both sleeves. I am saving the cabled parts for last but don't anticipate much trouble. I am just not sure I have adequate time for finishing but I will try very very hard. You never know what people are willing to put on their children or have much time they have to devote to care so I am using a microfiber acrylic yarn. It is very soft and drapey and splity, but it is a small sweater so I will deal.

I have received my Wollmeise from my anniversary gift order, look...yes that is Poison Nr 5
and Barista
...gorgeous eh? AND In hopes of doing some color work I procured two skeins of Schwartz.
Claudia is doing some solids and I keep missing her updates but my stash is telling me not to complain so...I have held off other yarn purchases, have made it through one month so far, 5 to go.(except Wollmeise, DH says it doesn't count, LOL).

I am again in the No More Humdrum Mitten Swap and have decided on these mittens
with these yarns(from stash)
I will use the top yarn in the Lorna's the pinks.
I have been observing others mittens and they seem rather short to me so I will be adding length and hope for the best.

SO let's see, working on sweater, mittens and then finishing Love Song which I have added another skein to...yea!!! I cannot wait to get to the saddles at the shoulder. I also got the new Vogue Knitting and really want to make Jared's new gloves.....have you seen them?
I ordered a 000 circular needle once I discovered this scarf
in this magazine
is made from yarn in my stash....I think it makes a very lovely male scarf and will make one for DS1.

We have been buried again in snow, yesterday we were hit hard again. DS2 slid over a small median and we had to tow him off, he was fine, thank goodness and his car was fine. When he was taking driver's education his dad enrolled him in a class that takes place in the winter. It teaches driver's how to react in winter situations, they have them speed up and slam on the brakes to spin, etc...it is very weather dictated as they want similar conditions . Such a unique and worthwhile class to take. DS1 and DSGF both slid in the exact same place DS2 had gone over the median but they managed to stay off it. Again, thank you. This is a snowman DS2 and I made after a long day. We splashed some of the red food coloring accidentally on his chest which then became intentional and murderous.
OK my latest stash entry is up to 615, not skeins just entries, FPS...that is a lot of yarn!!! I will add the individual skeins and post a total as soon as I know it...prepare yourself.

I have two incredibly sweet puppies hoping for a walk even though in is in the 20s so I will end here. I had them weighed last week and Oliver, 13 months is back up to 87 pounds, and Phineas, 7months yesterday, is 71 pounds. That is a lot of dog to walk when I hold them in one hand, LOL. But here we go.....
That is not a picture of Oliver, it is on a pet magazine and is frighteningly similar to Oliver. The closest I have ever seen....

This sugar syrup
Whips up into this fluffy sweetness
Which becomes these chocolate dipped marshmallows, decadent.....

Hello Mom, hope you are all dug out, do they make snowmen on the golf course? they should..

A little sidebar, I am so disappointed they suspended Michael Phelps. I realize what he did was wrong, I am so against drugs, but there are so many more important things to focus attention on. He was a young man giving his all in a sport that is suddenly in the forefront. he brought much honor to his country. You cannot overwhelm someone so quickly with fame and attention and not expect to find a flaw. We spy on and harrass our superstars to the degree that no mere mortal person could ever measure up to. It had nothing to do with the anti doping standards. Yes, it was a mistake, but especially in a country where the laws regarding marijuana are loosening ... It is a shame he had to be made an example of. I wonder if he would have been had this been prior to all the gold he won? Just my opinion on my blog. I am confident he will come back from the three months stronger than ever before, and also a little wiser.

Surprise Readers

2009-01-26T08:35:00.003-05:00

Well, it is bitter cold here and I never thought I would say it but I am ready for the warm, not hot, maybe 40's. When your thermostats seldom sees 62 40 is quite warm, lol. It is hard on the dogs and as I walk them at the same time, which is interesting enough, but on the ice this 150 pounds of dogs pull me like I am riding the Iditerod(?sp) They have to investigate every puddle and have saved me from an attcking snowdrift(Oliver was quite suspicious of it so climbed it and beat it down until it succumbed and I could safely pass) and the attack of a patio table unmbrella(Phineas barked and barked and as we walked and it disappeared from our view he was quite confident he had scared it away). Snowmen are a group of marauders we have not yet ended the war with.

So I would like at least the ice to go away.

OK, back to the title....I was perusing my email and had a lovely email from my DM(Dear Mother) who had read my blog!! I didn't know that so let me extend a cordial and hearty Hello to my Mom. Mom met my Dad when they were quite young, I would like to say she was 14 or 15 and Dad 4 years the elder. A strikingly handsome couple they courted, wed and raised a family of 11 children. If I do say so myself we haven't turned out half bad :) It is an amazing thing to stay home and run a household and raise children and be the supporter of your husband's endeavors. Dad was a carpenter, cabinet maker, entrepenauer and firefighter eventually retireing as a Fire Chief. He was a good hard working Irish Catholic who loved his wife, his children and God before all else. Yes I say was....we lost Dad 4 years ago in January. He passed as he lived, surrounded by his bride, all his children, many spouses and grandchildren. I regret he did not see DS1 graduate from undergrad or grad school, or DS2 from high school. In honor of his Pa, DS2 had a firefighter emblem placed on his high school ring and has a fire fighter decal on his truck and his laptop. I would also like that he could know DS1 does not work Saturdays. When DS1 was very young my parents were caring for him and seeing as both boys are brilliant and spontaneous readers before 2 years of age, you could have adult conversations with them quite early on. They both were reading high school and college level way before elementary school. SO on one day when DF and DS1 were having a discussion about finances and what DS1 would do in his future he replied he had no idea but he knew he would not work on Saturday. Dad always found that quite inciteful and quite humorous.

Dad and DS2 at Christmas in a very typical bear hug.

Dad, DS1 and Mom on the night of one of DS1's semi formals

DS1,DS2,Mom and Dad at the Crayola Factory in ?PA.

So this will be the first of all the future blog entries where I say hello to my Mom.

A New Day

2009-01-21T11:51:00.011-05:00

So I spent the better part of the day yesterday watching the inauguration of our 44th President. There are one or two things I really insist on watching from start to end and this is one of them. It was a magical ,hope filled event and I was glad to have the opportunity to witness it. I have decided, regardless of who wins our next election, I will be in Washington to be part of the inaugural celebration.

During the event watching, I worked on stash, and knitted a bit. I finished the Big Ivy Scarf previously and here is a pic. I used Berroco Ultra Alpaca so it is very warm. A good dog walking scarf.
I have not blocked or weaved in ends yet but that is a good work project. Seeing that I had some leftover yarn I started these yesterday...they are the Bird in Hand Mitten. I think they compliment the scarf nicely.
I am going to finish the mittens and then this sweater...I love this sweater Amhra'n'Gra(Love Song) and like that it uses so much yarn, it feels like I accomplish something every time another skein disappears. I showed DH and he seemed appropriately impressed...it is a terrific pattern by Bev ...you should go and see her other patterns as well. Then I will cast on for and finish the Delphine sweater by Lorraine . I did not make any knitting goals for myself this year except to complete three of Lorraine's designs. This will be my very first and I am excited. As I am trying to work from stash I will use the Knitpicks Palette initially planned for the sweater in these colors....I really like them and am looking forward to melting into the knitting of this beautiful sweater. I was lucky enough to get a spot in the second Loopy Ewe Spring Fling but let it go as one of my very good friends was not able to attend. I think we will both try again next year and hopefully have another opportunity to partake in the festivities. I also was so lucky to get a lottery spot in the Loopy Ewe Sock Club...terrific patterns, yarns and extras put together by Sheri. They are always a treat and it feels like Christmas every time a package arrives.

I purchased these books in the past few weeks, there are a few sweaters in each o my to do list.
This is what the pups looked like mostly when they were stuck with me when DS2 was away for a week. DS1 and GF did their very best to entertain and spoil the little guys and they were quite successful. Still, these are the faces I was left with during the day
Then, the boy came home.
I will add links later. I just walked the pups, cleaned their eyes, ears and gave baths and they have been dried and are napping. I am now soaked and wish I had a person to take care of me.....

I also want to wish my friend Hariamrit a speedy recovery. GoatLady was the extra special souvenir from SF 1...I have mentioned her often and think of her always. Heal quick friend.UPDATE..Dear Hari is on the mend but please continue to send her great thoughts.

Another New England Winter

2009-01-11T23:33:00.003-05:00

I will add pics to the next entry which should be today, Monday ,Jan 19

It seems to be, that the snow storms of the past few years have coincided with my work schedule, always. Snowed Saturday(worked) will snow Thursday(workday). I am not sure why this phenomenon exists, but it is getting frustrating. I don't get the opportunity to sit and watch the snow fall or listen to the gentle sounds of the snow falling, but I do get to travel for more than an hour on the bad roads, then work(caring for those who have been injured due to the storm) and then travel in the aftermath home where what awaits is dirty snow. I am fortunate in that DS1,DS2 and DS1GF generally have shovelled the usable part of the driveway and have cleared the walkway, but I didn't get to make the initial foot prints in the snow and there is a certain smugness in being the very first one to leave your mark. It is a competition now, having two dogs and them needing to leave their mark rather than merely wanting to, but they generally head out back. I heard tell of a woman, family friend, who forbade anyone to walk across her front yard once it snowed, to preserve that pristine covering for a while. I am beginning to think it isn't such a bad thought. I am a New Englander, born during a blizzard. I LIKE the snow, mess and all. I am not angry with the snow gods for dropping ten inches on me nor do I moan out loud that there will be more coming. This is New England FPS....

Work continues on getting the stash recorded on Ravelry. It seems as though most of it is one place, which makes this a bit easier. I need to bite the bullet and devote one day to it and finish it up. Record what will be kept, box up what will be donated. I am hoping to use more of what I have this than purchase new. It is an amazing thing, the knitter and yarn, we need to possess it, the more the better. I am surprised at what I have as I go through it, some of it is like an old friend who I recall but not what they do, some of it I would swear never having seen before. I am hoping over the winter at least to finish some of the WIPs that have lingered and seriously consider frogging those that have lingered into a life support state. I have my first FO of the new year. The Big Ivy Scarf in Berroco Ultra Alpaca. It seems I want to make it longer, I have already added one full lace section more than the pattern calls for. According to my entry into Ravelry about the scarf, I should two more skeins of the main color and then could increase the length even more. But, instead, I chose to finish it out at it's current state/ I like it a lot, and would hope to male another in the future. It is a quick knit if you can practice project monogamy.

The next WIP that will receive attention is the secret Christmas knitting/ I am making a design by Bev, a frequently typed name in this blog. It is a lovely Aran sweater called, I had planned to give it to DH for Christmas and was on track for finishing it, but we agreed to knot exchange gifts this year and it sat quietly while I tended to house renovations. Now it is demanding some time, so time it will get. DH is a large man so Bev and I have been adjusting the pattern accordingly as I go along. I am using Cascade in a Celtic Green color. I showed DH the sweater in its current state and he seemed to like it/ I have finished the gussets and have divided for the front and back. I will knit on this for a bit and then add in another project.

The puppies are somewhat sad this week. DS2 is in FLA for a vacation with his father. The puppies are looking for him everywhere. They can be soothed by DS1 and GF for a bit but then they work and the poor puppies are left with me. DS2 will be back Saturday morning so it will be a long week for those not in Florida.

As I am on a self imposed no yarn purchases for me(DH thinks that should not extend to Wollmeise) for 6 months or so, I was wondering what I might like for my birthday next month. I have emailed the family and suggested a wooly board. They have fascinated me for some time, especially when I see the lovely sweaters of Marina displayed on one. I asked, if it were purchased, that it be the only gift, as I don't really need anything, but I was told that was emotional blackmail and my family should not be dissuaded from bestowing me with gifts to celebrate me. Who knew?? heehee

So I will post this, work on the stash, take puppies to vet for weighing an heart pill procurement, perhaps a walk, food shop, put away Christmas decorations and knit.

No More Humdrum Mittens Swap Round 4

2009-01-01T14:23:00.002-05:00

My answers will be pretty much the same as last time around, I believe. Thanks to Deb for doing this again.

Questionnaire
Please post this questionnaire with your answers on your blog no later than January 15th
How long have you been knitting & how did you learn?
At this point I hate to admit about 42 years! I was very young. My aunt and Nana both knit and every year Aunt H would give me one of those octagonal cardboard knitting kits with the plastic needles(they had seams if I remember correctly) and barely enough yarn to cast one, LOL. I saved a few and one day cast on. Nana was there to fine tune but essentially self taught.
Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I definitely consider my skills advanced....I say that with some humbleness as I have "met" so many wonderful knitters who also design(THAT is pure advanced) I am beginning to feel I may want to delve into the world of design. Maybe in the next year or two.
What are your favorite colors?Any you dislike?
I love jewel colors, deep, rich as well as bright colors, not so much with pastels unless paired with black or navy or...
Do you like Latvian type patterns? If so, what are your favorite patterns?
Latvian,fair isle , Norwegian,yes, my favorite types would be those with multiple color ranges, I do love a simple mitten, though as well as a two color only mitten. That didn't help did it?
Do you desire mittens for yourself, your "special someone else" or your child?
I think I shall say me again. First round I got for me(which I wear dog walking as they have a lovely grippy pattern on the palm) second for DS1GF(beautiful original design with bottom off tops,great for her commuting) last time me (I received gorgeous thrummed mittens, match my new coat exactly and were very toasty shovelling the big snows of new year Eve) So I think I shall say me again. Never can have too many mittens.
What is the measurement from your wrist to the tip of your longest finger?What is the circumference of your hand at it's widest point?
What other things do you enjoy knitting?
I enjoy everything, aran, fair isle the most. All items, I went through the sock craze like everyone and slowed that a bit. I am beginning to be enthralled with lace.
What sort of needles do you enjoy working with? (straights vs circs, bamboo vs aluminum)
Love the KnitPicks Harmony circulars, both Options set, love the Hiya Hiya circs, made mittens on two circulars this past time. Hoping to do two on two this time.
What’s one project you’ve not yet tried but are dying to make?
Hmmm...maybe designing a sweater or a nice lace shawl
What’s one yarn you’ve not yet tried but are dying to work with?
I have Casbah but haven't yet used it...anything actually.
What other hobbies do you have? Do you spin? Sew? Garden? Cook?
I will be trying spinning this year. I do everything else, sew, quilt, crochet, anything you can think of.
Besides yarn, do you collect anything?
Eiffel Towers, Mr. Potato Heads, antique glass
What kind of goodies do you enjoy? Sweets? Salty?Anything you hate or are allergic to?
New year, new diet attempt, no snacks please
Do you have any kids?Pets?
Two sons 19 and 24. Also a one year old pure lab and a 7 month old rescue dog, Australian Shepard/lib mix and we don't know what else he has in him.
What is your favorite part of Winter?
All parts, I was born in a blizzard
What is your least favorite part of Winter?
Dirty snow, slippery streets

Awwwww!!

2008-12-30T09:48:00.001-05:00

I forgot to put this picture in. We had a big snowstorm a week or so ago and the puppies had a ball!! Phineas was past his belly but they managed.

Happy New Year

2008-12-29T10:02:00.008-05:00

Hope everyone's Christmas was spent with people you love and everyone remained safe. I return to work New Year's Eve, should have been Jan 2 at the first minute of the day, however I offered to come in earlier.

Our Christmas was spent in our new home.

The children are older now and the puppies need tending to, so it worked out all around.

I received some knitterly things.

This beautiful lace knitting bag and markers from my good friend, Hariamrit(aka Goatlady).
I met Hari through the LoopyEwe Spring Fling 08. Hari was the best thing about the entire experience. She is a treasured friend. The kind that you could talk with every day or once a month and there is never hard feelings or a loss of things to talk about. It is a very non awkward friendship, very rare. She is a very interesting lady and solely responsible for my knitting socks on two circular needles. that has been extended to mittens as well. I could, momentarily, knit two on two but have lost the knack. However I did receive from Ds1GF

Pretty neat right? ....yes I will soon be venturing into the world of spinning.

DS2 picked this up all on his own, and as with her other books, I am enjoying reading it.

Not knitterly, but DS1 gave me this requested book. I am not going vegan but so many of the recipes seem healthier and I am going to incorporate at least some of the theories into my lifestyle.
My friend, Michelle, (NeedelD1) accompanied me on the trip to WEBS year end blowout sale. Michelle gave me this beautiful coin purse/notions purse.
So sparkly..love it! Speaking of WEBS, we crossed the threshold shortly before 10am and were both convinced including the 2.5 hour commute, we would be home earl afternoon. Checking out in line someone said it was shortly after 2pm!! We literally had to stop ourselves from another trip up and down the aisles in the back room. This is what I got to add to my stash.
The yarn is for this sweater,
the corally color for DS1GF and the other for me. Sock yarn(which I held and thought it was as nice as the Cascade sock and the label on the bag actually said Cascade yarns.
Relabelled for WEBS or similiar I am not sure). I love the Cascade fixation and couldn't resist this colorway.
I had wanted this book for some time and it was 25% off so who could resist?
We tried to take Christmas photos of the puppies in their holiday finery. They were a bit confused at first.

We are not sure what prompted this pose but .......

I am trying to decide what I want to accomplish in knitting in 2009.....will think on it the next few days.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and is planning a safe and joyous New Year Celebration.

Happy Birthday, Oliver!!!

2008-12-28T15:31:00.005-05:00

Today our very first dog, our precious black lab, Oliver, turns one year old!!! I had always promised the boys when we owned a house we could get a dog. So, last December 18, when we passed papers on our first home the question ineveitably came up. Then it was pointed out we have a house, a large barn and land so...yes the decision was made that we eventually will end up with at least 4 dogs. March 15 we picked up our dear sweet Oliver. he was so much larger than we anticipated and he still frightened me(scared of most dogs).

His first night he was awake all night sick with kennel cough and when we called the kennel the next day they offered to take him back. DS2 stated he was his dog and we would not be returning him. So we all nursed this frightened little 22 pound puppy back to health.

Oliver and I reached an understanding the first night when we learned he couldn't maneuver stairs and I had to carry him up and down, shaking all the way. He also was quite tolerant when I was the only human around to give his pills as I waited for a yawn from him to throw the pill in his mouth.

We have come along way and he steals our hearts everyday. he is a wonderful dog, all lab, cute and loving and curious and protective and so happy to you return even if you were gone only a few minutes.

Oliver generously welcomed our second dog, Phineas, into the family in August. Poor Phineas was a very frightened little guy having been rescued from a kill shelter(what an oxymoron) and Oliver immediately became playmate, protector, mentor, big brother.

Our lives are all enriched with the daily unconditional love this dog gives us. He is a joy.

Happy Birthday, Oliver!!!

Amazing

2008-12-18T13:20:00.003-05:00

I just have to do a plug for Zappos . I ordered yesterday at 6pm, by 650pm the items was shipped and is scheduled to be here today less than 24 hours later...wow.....The only other online merchant who can compete is Sheri from

The Loopy ewe

ALSO, it is the one year anniversary of the purchase of our home. We had signed and were just putting the key in the door right now last year. What a year it has been.

Long Time Coming

2008-12-17T14:15:00.024-05:00

No excuses, we all have them and mine are probably not any different, so let's just have at it.

There will be many many pics and lots of updates, probably won't cover them all, not intentionally though. Knitting, dogs, house. Links that are missing, will be placed by the weekend.

Knitting:
I have been lucky enough to get into the Wollmeise Sock Club and have thus far received 4 beautiful skeins of Wollmeise exclusive until after the conclusion of the sock club. Claudia always outdoes herself and this yarn has been no exception. I will attempt to get all my Wollmeise acquisitions together and display them after the holidays.

Side bar, November 24 was our 7th wedding anniversary and the themes are copper and wool. DH presented me with two yarns from Loopy Ewe in the theme colorways, a copper shawl pin and a substantial gift certificate to Wollmeise. I have hopes of procuring enough Wollmeise for a sweater.

I was working on a stealth Christmas project designed by dear friend Bev of Emma's Daughter designs and worked very diligently in secrecy, still shall not reveal the project pics as DH reads blog. But it will not be presented on Christmas as we have agreed to not exchange gifts this year. Bev's designs are amazing as are dear friend Lorraine's of Twisted Traditions. I am waiting on delivery of KP Palette yarn to make Delphine . I am so excited as the designs are old and traditional and modern and romantic all at the same time. There is talk we will all actually meet up at Rhinebeck next year. It will be like meeting rock stars!!

I did attend Rhinebeck in October for a day with another dear friend, Michelle, NeedleD1 on Ravelry. We had such fun we have already decided it will be the entire weekend next year. the only question remaining to be answered is whether or not DHs will also come along. I did very little spending as I was very aware of stash and WIPs. I have so much to put into stash on Ravelry. DH cleaned the office where the yarn has been living and it seems a doable project for January. Perhaps there will even be some destashing.

I finished and have mailed mittens for the third round of No More Humdrum Mittens. Deb does a terrific job organizing and keeping us all in line. these were the Peace Gloves by Nanette Blanchard which I modified into mittens. I love them. They are long and soft and warm, made from KP Palette yarn which is quickly becoming one of my favorite yarns for stranded work.

There has been yarn purchases and project planning but I cannot photo it all in time for this update.

The house has seen major improvements. the living room is done, wallpapered and tin ceiling painted.
New lighting ,the hand embroidered piece on the wall was made for us by my DM. She did one for each of her daughters(6) in the colors of their living room.

and taffeta drapes.
here is the room before and after.

The ceiling is brown leather color, with a border of metallic copper and a mo;ding of dark blue with an overwash of copper.
We didn't put our regular gaggle of ornaments on as we weren't sure how the dogs would react so these are felt. But they are fine and we could have put our more than 200 ornaments, primarily glass, on. I may add a few more but next year we will go all out.
DS1GF helped with the drapes working into the wee hours of the morning to have it done for our family Open House.
Nice to have my own personal elf.

The outside of the house is not completed, I did what I could every day, but the weather now has me beat. It will be finished in the spring. There is still dentil to paint and hang,

a gable insert to procure and paint and hang, gingerbread trim to be carved and painted.
But the front and 1.5 sides did manage to get done up.

The holidays lights are also up and looking oh so pretty.

People drove by and frequently would yell out how they liked my color combination so I imagine I will be seeing it around some. The new porch light was hung(ceiling and deck not painted yet), the lamppost had to wait til the spring(something about getting the concrete foundation in before the first freeze). the new steel door and storm door look marvelous, custom like. The steel door involved actually making the opening large and reframing. The houseis old with horsehair and lathe plaster so it was a tedious tenuous job. I am very pleased. The inside foyer and stairs will be the winter projects, then come spring, finish the house, paint the barn(install a very tall arched window first where the loft door is) and build a deck. All this work took so much time from my knitting. DH helped a few days when we had a boom to do the high spots, he doesn't like ladders, I didn't like the boom.

These are reindeer gingerbread cookies minus eyes made for the Open House,
And a Snowman cake centerpiece, he has a real carrot nose.
Speaking of gingerbread, when I was growing up an aunt always made THE gingergread boy cookies. THE boy RUNNING, after all he ran and ran as fast as he could, right? I never understood the standing boy cookies and lusted after the running cutter. After many many years said aunt gave to me the treasured red plastic running gingerbread boy cookie cutter. Before its first use disaster struck and sister number 5(I have 5 brothers and 5 sisters) accidentally threw the cutter out. I have never found another. Same sister came to our Open House and brought along this
a new, larger running gingerbread boy cookie cutter. "I will run and jump as fast as I can, you can't catch me I am the gingerbread man" Oh so cool!!
This most beautiful poinsettia was gifted from my DHs DA and DGM

Brother number 2 and his wife were at an antique fair and thought of me when they saw this engraving. It is from the 1870s and is titled the "The Skein Winder" by Jean Louis HamonAppropriate, eh? There is also an explanation about the engraving and I am looking for the very perfect frames for both pieces. It already has the perfect feel for the house. DS1GF Mom came by and gifted us with this beautiful kissing ball. I wanted 7 but they are expectedly expensive. So this year we have two. perhaps if I save my pennies for next year.
DB number 3 and his wife came strolling in with this magnificent Christmas cactus. I had had one for 16 years and one day the cold got it. I had planted several plants from the original, each as beautiful as the other. Now I can once again start my family of Christmas cactuses.

DS2 turned 19 Dec 3 and was presented with an iPhone. he had wanted one but would never ask as he is very unselfish. he needed a new ipod so why not just combine a phone upgrade with a music device upgrade? Needless to say he was thrilled. It is quite an interesting little machine, enough so that I am intrigued. He is a wonderful young man and we are very proud of him,
Yes it does say cake by Oliver. You don't think I did such a messy job do you? DS1GF turned 24 on October 1 and had a fun filled birthday celebration before the cake and as you can see with the singing. I have said before we are so lucky she has become part of our family. l>r in picture, DS2, DS1 and DS1GF lsighing hysterically at the antics

The pooches are cute as ever, Oliver will be 1 at the end of the month and Phineas is 7 moths old.

DS1 seems to be particularly partial to Phineas and
Oliver is obviously DS2 dog. Look at the crazy way he relaxes on him.

They love the new storm door

and spend many a morning lazing in the sun in front of it. They were both mystified by our first snow and ate much of it.

As I speak they are herding DH into kitchen to procure some of the roast beef that just came out of the oven. So much fun they are!!

I am thinking that is it for now. I am going to try and post at least weekly in the future.

Happy Holidays to all, be safe, be happy and hug your loved ones.

Always Remember

2008-09-11T09:12:00.002-04:00

Our country has changed much since September 11, 2001. I am not sure it is all for the better, however, it is to try and keep us safe. Always remember.

Why??

2008-09-11T09:04:00.004-04:00

I think I have my projects all lined up like ducks in a row and then the new Knitty comes out. I HAVE TO make these.
Isn't the cap wonderful? And the skirt and bag? And......you get the picture....

Think I am Doing This Correctly

2008-09-10T09:27:00.005-04:00

OK so Lorraine,the Sheriff of Knittingham , has nominated me and several others for an award. I am quoting directly from her blog and hope she doesn't mind.

The rules are 1: Post the award on your blog.
2: Add a link to the person who award you.
3: Nominate at least 4 others.
4: Leave a comment on their blog so they can pass it on."

I must tell you it is an honer to be listed among the knitters she has nominated. I have collected Lorraine's patterns, which are amazingly beautiful and have plans to make them all. Please do stop by and see her glorious artistry.
Lorraine and those mentioned in her list have inspired me in so many ways. I was a lover of traditional fair isle knitting before but they inspire me to seek out more challenges. I have so many projects lined up thanks to seeing their finished objects. So, without further delay my nominees are...

Rebecca of Socks for Mum . Dear sweet Rebecca hosts sock swaps and knits some lovely things.With each entry her knitted items become more and more beautiful. I adore the love that comes through her blog for not only her craft but for her family and friends. Rebecca shares her travels, all which are awesome and make you want to travel.
Sheri of the the Loopy Ewe . I tried to think of a way to not put her name here but alas(ETA-Sheri is very busy and I am concerned she may now be slammed with memes and tags,etc.,but she truly belongs here) Sheri is a very busy lady running the Loopy Ewe but her blog is a must read. Sheri started her business in a small corner of her basement, moved to a store outside the house and now has expanded. I don't think it will be room enough still. Sheri shares her knitting and her family on the blog. She takes great pride in both and garners such pleasure you can't help but smile. I was lucky enough to meet Sheri and her family and her friend Janice at the Spring Fling and saw the interaction there. It was a good thing to see.....
Adrienne who I also met at the Spring Fling. Annie is a lovely lady. She turned me on to spinning, which I have yet to try but with good reason. Watching Annie spin was such an almost religious experience I am afraid I could never replicate it. Watching her, sitting, barefoot with the wheel so silently turning and the look of sheer peace on her face, it was a joy to watch. She has a lovely blog where she shares her knitting and spinning experiences. In her latest blog entry I have learned she plays the bagpipes...how cool!
Monica of rubysnpurls. Lovely Monica was my swap partner a long time ago. She put such caring into the bag she knitted and needle rolls she sewed for me. She also makes the most beautiful stitch markers. SHe has such a strong faith, it shines through in her blog entries. It is a lovely blog to read.

There are so many more ladies,blogless Hariamrit and blogless Michelle, Claudia, Janice, blogless Kristi, blogless Susan,(two more SF ladies) All these women inspire me and cause me to stand back and take notice of their lives and their knitting.

Thanks Lorraine.

How's YOUR Weather?

2008-09-09T14:08:00.002-04:00

"Awwww c'mon Ma...we are SO bored!!!!"

"You go out, no you go out....c'mon I will race you."
"This is good, rain is good....do you think she'll catch us?Just wipe your paws , she hates muddy paw prints"

Happy Fall

2008-09-08T12:05:00.013-04:00

So the leaves are dropping from my maples already and there is a crispness to air that lets me know fall is coming.. Woot!

We spent Sunday finally finishing the fence repair. The fence in the way back was missing three segments we had brought forward to repair the front fence which went down by the fall of the tree. The pups would seek out that space of the missing segments and on more than one occasion escaped. Very frightening. Then they would take off into the woods, who can blame them? They are dogs and the woods have wonderful smells. So we all replaced the 24 feet of wood fence and put up nearly 150 feet of a plastic barrier fence at the tree line. When we were done and let the dogs loose they went right for the old spots which now did not exist. They were quite happy to be running and not getting scolded.
We have quite a lot of varied vegetation around the place and came across a very spooky mystical grove formed by grapevines.
There are grapes and many many ink berries. Poisonous but used for ink so you can only imagine the numerous reminders of do not step on them. They are so pretty though and even the stalks are colorful.

So here is the barn(right) and the house from the treeline.
We have 60 or so feet into the woods as well. It is a long walk and the puppies are loving the freedom to run. However Oliver and I were at the tree line and couldn't find Phineas...hmm...he always hides in the lilac grove or here by the trees,where could he be......... there he is sitting back at the house...go figure.
We are planning to paint the house our self and need to have it power washed first, Then we will scrape and assess the clapboards(may are original)put up gingerbread and paint. I am hoping it is done before Thanksgiving. I have to paint the high spots as DH has a fear of heights like that. I think the colors we have finally settled on are dove grey for the house and posts and navy and burgundy for the gingerbread and trim, charcoal for the porch deck and navy for the ceiling. It will be a spookyish Victorian painted lady. I want to plant some lavender and burgundy flowers around. We have picked out a Victorian lamppost and porch light as well. The door will be replaced with a burgundy steel door. It should be grand and will look so lovely for Christmas.

The barn should have a cupola and as luck would have it our neighbor has one he procured from a local barn and cannot use. We are negotiating getting it from him.

This is the parlor tin ceiling, It will be leather brown with a bronze or silver molding...... the step, mottled part will be blue matching the woodwork. This is the wallpaper. Of course we will then need to think about a new living room set. We need to put wall lights as there is no overhead lighting, the wires are there but sealed off and very old. Maybe down the road we will rewire but not right now.

The squash growing in the fire pit is actually a pumpkin!!! Look! Seems although the blossoms are many the pumpkin is singular. DH says it takes a lot of energy to grow the pumpkin so the plants mange only a few. The fire pit will be gone when we put the deck up but I think I want a pumpkin patch next year. How cool would that be?
I purchased a skein of Wollmeise from a Ravelryer. Isn't it lovely? I also received Zenzi from Claudia and will add a pic later. The Sock Club has shipped and I am so excited as the first two skeins are gorgeous!!!! I will post when I receive them.

I was fortunate enough to get a skein of CTH Limited Colorway for September, from the Loopy Ewe . It is Burnished Berries, isn't it so fall? I also received the September Sock Club shipment from LE. Lordy!!! EVERYTHING is ta die for. The yarn is Sknitches, the pattern is Cookie A. and that most adorable little book is post its!!!

I am making the Big Ivy Scarf from Knitscene
...I fell in love with it and wanted it so badly, most of the yarn is from my stash. Berocco Ultra Alpaca, it should be toasty warm. I received my partners for both No More Humdrum Mittens Swap 3 and Punk Rock Gift Exchange. I already know the mittens I will make and have most of the items accumulated to ship out for the first box for the PRGE. I have done both swaps several times before and love them.

OK ,so that is it for now...just wanted to end on an AWWWWWWWW so cute note..

So Soon

2008-08-27T19:18:00.010-04:00

I didn't add all the pics to the previous post so thought why not just do another? It has been a whirlwind week as usual. The Loopy Ewe had three Wollmeise updates this week. I managed to get one skein and missed the other two updates by minutes. Poor Sheri had her hands full with this round of updates. The yarn is gorgeous, deep, dark, intense,much like Claudia herself :) and I love it. I have been lucky enough to score some from Claudia's shop updates and not so lucky with LE's. BUT, I am always so happy for both ladies that they have continued success. I did managed a spot in the lottery and am in the FIRST EVER WOLLMEISE SOCK CLUB!!!!! Yes indeedy!! That just makes me smile!! A lot!! SO while there are a few colors I still want, I am sure within the next 6 months I will have them. Some folks get so intense about it all though. Some people are very lucky and score as many as 14 skeins at one time, others have 2 and put one back so others might have a chance. It is an interesting phenomenon. It is just yarn. Those that are lucky get such terrible acknowledgement from a few that get little or none and then the whole update process goes into critiquing. It is just yarn. OK enough said. I still say it was my good fortune to meet both of these wonderfully classy, kind ladies at the Spring Fling in April and feel badly that there kindness brings out such hostility in some.

DS2 returns to classes next week and I will miss him. DS1 is gone everyday for work,I am still not used to the amount of time I do not see him, even as I write this he has been out since 7am and it is nearing midnight. He is all grown up, sigh, and DS2 is in his 2nd year at college. He has opted to live at home since we are now so close to campus, yet the puppies and I will feel his absence. I laugh because earlier he just stepped out to his truck for 30 seconds and they greet him at the door as though he has been gone a week. The puppies are entertaining and steal much of my time. Oliver's eyes are better and he is 8 months old tomorrow, Phineas, who has been here for three weeks(came to us under 20 pounds)is now 32. Checking back Oliver was 32 at 4 months and Phineas still has a week til his 4 month birthday. That boy is definitely going to be a big guy, not as big as Oliver but the lab in him is showing.

We had a Thanksgiving dinner last night. I was feeling thankful and we are always so busy at Thanksgiving as I work it. We grilled the turkey and I made 4 extra turkey tenderloins because for some reason I did not believe a 12 pound turkey was enough.(Iam one of 11 children and just could never learn to cook small). I made a blueberry pie and an apple pie. DS1GF brought vanilla ice cream from the dairy where she works. There was sweet potato, mashed potato, rolls, green beans, corn and stuffing. All in all a very nice meal.
Nicer still, I enacted a rule a while back that those who cook do not have to clean, so off I went as the kitchen was tidied and the pies warmed for dessert during America's Got Talent. Very nice. We don't really have time together unless on vacation so it was very cozy.

Missing pics from last week:
2nd Anniversary Kit from the Loopy Ewe
Wollmeise added to stash recently Baby sweater and booties needing blocking and buttons. I did get buttons but I think they are too rough for a baby sweater.
Yarn being used for secret test knitting, a pattern I am enjoying a lot and will be glad to show when allowed as it it purty. AND I am doing two socks on two circs again!!

I have a hectic work schedule through Monday and then it is fall. I love fall, we got married in the fall. November will be 7 years. Somewhere I have pics stored and will find them and add one, if not now surely for the anniversary. I love the fall, We had leaves on our cake and on my gown. I made my gown and hand beaded the many many leaves on it. DH beaded one and asked that it be the one appliqued right over my heart. awwww.....I also made his kilt hose, I think they were my second pair of socks ever and he is a big guy.

So that is it for now. Happy Labor Day, be safe, hug your family.

The Sands of Time

2008-08-19T02:42:00.007-04:00

I will add pics over the weekend.

I wish I could make the sands stop flowing through the hourglass so quickly. I thought I was busy last summer with working so much and travelling, but this summer...gee...

I have no time for knitting it seems. I spend most of my time watching the pups, yes, watching. It is an amazing dynamic and I am so intrigued by it. Poor Oliver (the magnificent lab) has conjunctivitis. I have dealt with eye issues for 24 years as the boys have had oh so many surgeries and bouts of conjunctivitis. I know all about the ointment and application. But, this is a dog, an animal with impressive shark like teeth folks! I love him dearly and will do what needs to be done. Well, Oliver, magnificent dog he is, has made this all so easy. When the tube of medicine appears, he paces a little then plops down beside me. He has tucked his head under my arm and laid his head in my lap with the eye facing up trying so hard to stay open. I put the ointment in, he paces and reappears to plop on the other side. I am not kidding!!! I don't think this is usual behavior for a dog but this is what my sweet boy does. And then he kisses me when it is over as though I were the one going through it all!! I have spent quite a bit of time crying after this procedure as I am at a loss how to let him know what a wonderful pup he is. The poor sad brown eye staring up at me trying to stay open on its own is so heart wrenching. He is Oliver, wonder dog. He stole my heart when we met and made me (who was afraid of all dogs)want to have more. It is because of Oliver we have Phineas in our family now. I have become a dog person through and through. I hope he knows he is loved and held in awe. In my heart I believe he does and this is why he makes things so easy. He trusts us and knows we would never hurt him. I am amazed......

DS2 wanted this very large vinyl ball for the pups to play with, we had it 2.5 weeks and then (of course 2.5 weeks minus 15 minutes it was in the car)

Phineas, silly Phineas, was 10 pounds the end of July, he is now 28 pounds!! He has already had to have his collar loosened and crate made larger. He has finally realized we are keeping him, he is not going to another house. He is our pup, Oliver's little brother.

They are still having daily who is the boss playing but they are playing. Phineas leaves Oliver alone after the medicine goes in and whimpers a bit for him. Phineas has gained enough height that Oliver cannot just walk over him and hold him in his leg cage. Right now we believe Phinny to be 14 weeks, Ollie is 30 weeks, they will be teens together and I hope good friends. They already seem to more at ease with one another. Phineas is such a loving little fellow I am always saddened to think he and his brothers were going to be put down. I never understood child abuse and now cannot understand puppy mills and animal abuse. These poor little individuals never asked to be born....but once they are they should be loved and protected.

I am pretty sure that my next career will involve taking care of animals. I blame Oliver :)

I lucked out and have hit a few of the Wollmeise's updates on her website. I adore the way Claudia packages things. I adore the colors and the names and just everything about her and the yarn. I met Claudia at the Spring Fling, a delight I hope to experience again one day. She is so humble and in wonderment as to the overwhelming popularity of her yarn. It just keeps getting more so, I do not know how she manages to keep up with the demand.

I did get the 2nd Anniversary Sock Kit from the Loopy Ewe. WOW! talk about a success story. Sheri is expanding her store to accommodate the ever increasing inventory she carries. The big addition will be Cascade, yippee!!! I have a few Noni patterns waiting to be knit up but I will wait til Sheri stocks the Cascade 220. I have been trying to be good and not purchase too much yarn as my stash is so very large I forget all the beautiful yarn is right there. Hopefully in a few weeks DH and I can get into the office and clear and straighten so I can finish logging stash on Ravelry and starting knitting some of it up.

I am finally done with the baby sweater I started beginning of summer. The yarn is very nice but split terribly if not constantly watched so that took some of the fun away from it.

I didn't have it in me to make the hat so I made these instead...two socks on two circs, eh?
My lace knitting for the Revolmpics should be done in time if I can just remember where I put it!
I am going to be doing some test knitting for a very nice lady I met at the Spring Fling. We attended a class given by Cookie A which challenged us to design our own patterns. Well Susan took the challenge to heart and has come up with some beauties. That is all I can at this time as test knitters are sworn to secrecy. I hope you will all keep your eyes peeled for the release of her patterns.

No travelling this summer..next year for sure. Trying to decide where we will go but have narrowed it down to a few places within driving distance so we can bring the dogs.

I am actually at work at my second job and have OT at my real job this week so perhaps I do not have as much knitting time as I think.

I have watched the Olympics when I can and must say as the mother of two young men I was tickled to see Michael Phelps win the gold medals. His mother always looked so proud and he always acknowledged her presence. I read several places when asked how he felt immediately after winning the 8th he said in essence, it was surreal and all he really wanted to do was see his Mom. That is a good son.

I, am also the mother of good sons. I do not believe they will ever know how proud of them I am. They have amazed me from the day they were born. They were spontaneous readers before they were 2 years old and could outread me shortly thereafter. They have morals and standards and kind hearts. They are giving and helpful and respectful. DS1 has an amazing GF who we already consider a DD and I am sure DS2 will soon find his mate in this life. They are my finest accomplishment in my life and I feel I have done little to shape them.

OK, I am done. I think...

Have you seen the fall Vogue Knitting?

Jared of Brooklyntweed has a pair of mittens on the cover!!! They are gorgeous and I am so thrilled for him! His is a blog I read weekly and enjoy the passion he displays for knitting. Congrats Jared!! There are actually quite a few lovely mitten patterns in this edition which times perfectly with the No More Humdrum Mitten Swap 3. I enjoy this swap. Deb does a terrific job with it. I feel like knitting mittens again, LOL.

We are hoping to paint the house this fall, DH and I. Yes a bit of work I know, but doing it ourselves will save a bit of money. I will be starting work on the living room next week, starting with painting the tin ceiling and then the woodwork, then at last the wallpaper. I will give myself til the end of September to complete this and then hopefully the master bedroom before Christmas. I am anxious for the fall so I can rip out what foliage and plant life I know I don't want to reappear next year. Starting with the lilac grove,
I didn't mind the flowers, though they were short lived, but all the stuff that came after and the animals it attracted. Here is a funny thing. We have a fire ring in the yard and look what came sprouting up recently. Squash! I haven't seen any squash just the flowers which is too bad as I do like squash :)

A few months back we cut the wisteria down to a stick with a leaf, not the both plants are holding hands and trying to keep us out of the yard, they have wound themselves around the gate, yes they too will se some major pruning!!

If Only Sleeping Dogs WOULD Lie

2008-08-04T15:34:00.003-04:00

There was an initial meeting of I am the big dog and an agreement yes you are. A tiff over establishing Oliver's food space was not an open buffet. But after much running and sniffing and frolicking I give you(please ignore the woodwork as this is the next room to be redone)

Quickie

2008-08-01T12:41:00.004-04:00

No not that kind... :)

We are off, DH and I, on our way to our annual charity bike weekend. This is my 9th year and his 13th. The Pan Mass Challenge . It is very intense weekend with several bike rides accomodating 5500 riders. DH is mechanical and I medical in our road crew van. I rode one of the days two years ago. The two day ride is nearly 200 miles. The largest sport charity weekend event in the world. I believe this year's goal is 34 million. We usually surpass the goal.

Updates Monday but I had to show off these guys.

Here is Oliver, just a week past his 7th month birthday, so gloriously handsome and a wonderful dog.

And our newest love, Phineas. We will finalize his adoption Monday. He is believed to be about 3 months old . Aussie shepard/lab mix. He was rescued with his 10 brothers from a kill shelter in another state. He looks like a little Oliver in a costume. He is said to have a wonderful personality and we are all looking forward to adding him to the gang. He is currently much smaller than Oliver when we picked him up at 10 weeks old.

One year ago I did not own a home let alone a farm, LOL, had no use for animals though the boys had been promised A dog when did get a house, and would no more have let an animal with such sharp teeth near my face. I blame the eclipses.....

Have a safe wonderful weekend. Monday night, knitting updates, weekend updates, and many puppy pics, oh house updates also....

MITTEN SWAP 3!!!!!!Questionnaire

2008-07-25T06:12:00.004-04:00

OK I am in for the third round of themitten swap. Deb does a great job running this and it is a lot of fun

How long have you been knitting & how did you learn?
At this point 41 years and I was basically self taught
Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
Advanced
What are your favorite colors? Any you dislike?
Not fond of pastels unless teamed with black or navy, everything else is fine
Do you like Latvian type patterns? If so, what are your favorite patterns?
I love them, but I have no favorites
Do you desire mittens for yourself, your "special someone else" or your child?
Pour moi
What is the measurement from your wrist to the tip of your longest finger?
7inches
What is the circumference of your hand at it's widest point?
hmmm..again 7 inches
What other things do you enjoy knitting?
all things, love fair isle, socks, am into lace
What sort of needles do you enjoy working with? (straights vs circs, bamboo vs aluminum)
harmony circulars, I have recently been doing doing two socks on two circs
What’s one project you’ve not yet tried but are dying to make?
hmmm..will have to think
What’s one yarn you’ve not yet tried but are dying to work with?
Again have to think, perhaps one of the Socks That Rock yarns
What other hobbies do you have? Do you spin? Sew? Garden? Cook?
Bicycling, skiing, all crafts except spinning, weaving
Besides yarn, do you collect anything?
Eiffel towers, Mr Potato Heads, Antique glass
What kind of goodies do you enjoy? Sweets? Salty? Anything you hate or are allergic to?
Yes sweet salty
Do you have any kids? Pets?
Two sons 24,18 Almost two dogs(8-5-8 will be two) Oliver Back lab and Phineas Sheprador
What is your favorite part of Winter?
Snow, snow, snuggling
What is your least favorite part of Winter?
Dirty snow and shoveling

Making Progress

2008-07-10T11:13:00.007-04:00

I am on vacation. generally we take a very involved summer vacation but with the acquisition of the house this year we are home. So I have given myself over to the house. The diningroom is almost done as you will see below and the bedroom is next to be unpacked. MANY boxes, probably 18-25 have been unpacked and the packing trash sits in a dozen bags waiting a ride to the dump.

The house continues to give us floral surprises

and the wisteria we cut back to a stump is determined to make a resurgence.

We seem to have a grassy covering most places but on closer inspection we actually have shamrocks!! I guess in this house full of predominantly Irish folk it is appropriate.
The diningroom has a built in shelf area. Not big enough for anything but clutter...UNLESS...you have a collection of Fenton Burmese glassware. Then it all comes together doesn't it?

When we married it was in a Church built by DH's grandfather. For our first anniversary he had a Fenton artist paint this lamp for me. The shade was pulled from the archives, no longer made, the image is of the Church.

The china cabinet is displaying a minimum of what I have. I collect china, glass, etc...and have tried to show everything which leads to a cabinet asunder. I have decided to display minimum. No Belleek,Wedgewood,Mikasa,Fitz and Floyd, Pfatzlgraff,Peach Lustre, etc. They are safely packed in an area easy to access when I want to use them. What we have is a shelf of my Green vaseline glass, a shelf of our Royal Doulton china and a shelf of tea services. Interspersed is some of the Galway crystal and a few Swedish glass pieces(DH is Swedish and Scottish, I think Irish).

That is some fenton that will need to wait til the parlor is done and then can be displayed. We have gone to Fenton twice...we have bought much online and a few pieces on our honeymoon.

I will post more later when the sun goes down and the sun stops reflecting off everything.
AND I recived my first shipment from Claudia of Wollmeise reknown. Holy Moley!!!!! It is very grand.

(THE SUN IS DOWN AND FEW PICTURES ARE ADDED) I opened the package and it was as though I had come from the store. I LOVE the bag, one side has German/English knitting terms. Look at those colors!!! I want more!! I have two more coming and will continue to seek out more. I bought the Poison sight unseen!! I knew I would not be disappointed!!
And I believe I have learned why Oliver has grown so quickly. I believe he is devouring DS2, Shamus, his owner.

Here are afew pics in the dark with the flash only. The darker of the two shows a bit of the carpet which I could take another pic of but I am tired. DH says I have done too much to the room. SO much it looks as though nothing were done. ????? OK he further explains saying it appears as though the house were just built(1900) and that is how the room has looked since day one. Such a nice compliment!

And what have the others been doing? DS1 is out having fun. Tomorrow is the last day of his first job. He has not been happy in it since day one and has found another job which starts Monday, the day after his 24th birthday! The new place seems to realize his potential as they have offered him much much more money. Ben is thrilled which of course makes me happy.

DH has been replacing the fence which came down in February when the tree came down, remember? He has taken parts from way way down the fence and moved them uo, It was the most cost effective means for a bit. Oliver has run out the yard and into the street a few times and we need the security of the fence.

And Shamus and Oliver have been dancing!!!

Happy and Safe Fourth to One and All

2008-07-04T14:10:00.022-04:00

OK knitting updates, first I guess the way to start would be to post all my yarn acquisitions since my last big post. You can see several Dream in Colors there, Malabrigo, Noro, Cascade Ecological Wool ,Chameleon Colorworks, NummaNumma,Trekking Hand Arts,Rio de la Plata,Kraemer Sterling Silk and Fanny's Fingering.

Some of these, A LOT of these, were purchased from Loopy Ewe A few from swaps and the very lovely Sterling and Black yarn was a gift fromNeedleD1who purchased it at Patternworks Michelle is a great young knitter, newlywed, terrific knitter with already very high end taste in yarns. She is the next generation and it makes me happy to know she is part of it. I have also acquired quite a few patterns, again mostly from Loopy Ewe

I will be making one of the Bee Patterns from DIC Baby,

as Sheri from the Loopy Ewe is having another DIC KAL, this one using Baby. I am still working on Rogue, hopefully as you can see from the above post, I have been busy. There are a few more patterns not pictured from Harmiarit,GoatLady, which will make it into this post by it's end. Dear GL discovered she had some duplicates and sent them along to me. Have I mentioned what a terrific interesting lady she is. She turned me on to two socks at once on two circs. Now this came in hand as I made TWO pairs of Monkey socks. I was in Monkey Sock Swap 4 and the first package I sent to my pal Melanie got lost in the mail. I had liked the colorway so much I had purchased two skeins and when the first set was done started a set for me. Worked out well and I can only hope somewhere someone is enjoying hand knit socks with knitting loot. Rebecca has been running the MSS since it's origin. Another terrific lady. Very beautiful blog to read. I received a very terrific package from my spoiler.

I, yes me, I managed on TWO occasions recently to be online when Claudia, dear sweet Claudia of Wollmeise posted new stock in her store. I, yes me, I ordered SIX skeins total...WOOT!!!! Now rumor has it Sheri will be getting some this month and I do have a credit on my account and if I happen to be online when the Wollmeise goes up, yes I will still try and obtain at least one skein. Then I will be at peace.

This is my ATENTI bag from Loopy Ewe, I love it and do imagine purchasing three more in the future.

Speaking of swaps, I was also in the LoopyEwe 2 Swap on Ravelry . I had the good fortune of being gifted by Meghan, first time lace knitter. WOW, the scarf is the GUST pattern and the yarn is Dream in Color Baby in Nightwatch. It is quite glorious. It took me some time to be comfortable with people knitting me socks, to have someone knit lace for you is lump in your throat time. Meg also sent along a skein of Rio de la PLata, the same skein I had one of and lamented I didn't have another as I want to make a shawl. The colorway is sold out. I was amazed again at the intuition of knitters. Meg picked the exact colorway I needed!!! Also beautiful handcut stationary, sour cherry candies and cherry napkins as she lives in the cherry capitol of the world. She is Mom to two very young people and I so appreciate the time she took to spoil me.

I got to spoil, Janice, Jarlady, Sheri's very good friend. What a card! Janice is preparing to run a marathon to raise research money for lymphoma. Please do stop by her blog and contribute to such a worthy cause. I knit Eleanor Clark's Shetland triangle forJanice, from Shibui...what a terrific pattern.

I am planning on doing another from the emerald malbrigo lace yarn.

I have to stop here and get dressed for a wedding. I will add links and pictures and correct errors later this evening.

Please be safe.

I am also knitting up a baby sweater and hat from a Garnstudio pattern. A gentleman I work with and who has admired my knitting for some time, just welcomed his second daughter. I thought, OK NOW I will knit for you, LOL. The yarn is Gramercy from Lily Chin which I bought on sale at WEBS It is a lovely yarn to work with although the sweater is eating the yarn and I am hopeful there is enough.

OK still updating but must patch a hole in the wall, the LAST wall in the dining room to be papered. the woodwork has already had two coats of paint. Will hopefully finish tomorrow.

I also made this beaded purse, pattern and kit from Halcyon Yarns,, but I didn't use the yarn or beads. It comes with a wool yarn which was more off white, I used a micro spun by Lion and glass beads. I actually strung the beaded handles. It was for the bride whose wedding I attended but alas I did not see the purse. It was met with some confusion, when gifted, as to the purpose.

House and Puppy Updates

2008-07-03T09:36:00.011-04:00

Hello Friends....apologies for the lack of posting and emailing. No excuses...just apologies,

Hello dear Harmiarit, I have your emails and will reply from work tonight.

Our home has been in bloom in waves of varying colors since April.

The lilac grove was spectacular and now it is a very dense green haven for a family of bunnies who are hiding from the fox. First we feared the fox was a coyote but further investigation revealed it was indeed a gray fox. I am taken back to dear Bev's trials with her fox and livestock ....since we have only Oliver, for now the fox can roam at night.

The yard and the way back yard have both grassed in nicely and as luck would have it DS2 enjoys mowing them.

We have a new mower, actually we have never owned a mower before and with the land there is next year will bring a ride on for sure. He does a great job and it keeps him busy while he waits to hear about a job. The youth of today just can't find jobs, apply and wait and then never hear. It is sad. I won't go into my political views as the blog would get shut down. I did email our VP though, and received a form reply. Then a few weeks later a more personal reply from the correspondence secretary which means to me I am being monitored and tracked. Feel free, I am one of the few not getting a tax stimulus check, apparently I make enough money to share with the rest of the country. You're welcome.

We have been working on the dining room, here are some befores...

I am not sure why sponging was the way to go, or why there is a hole and large amounts of wax on the wall

or why when we took the old light down

to hang the new chandelier

we found another tin ceiling(4 inside) that has been covered with plaster.

The old light left quite a stain which is why we added the ceiling medallion. The light was centered to the room, we wanted the chandelier centered to the table, so it has been swagged. I like the medallion. It goes with the feeling of the house.

The wallpaper is browns and pineapples and I love it, the woodwork is caramelized onion and is a perfect match.

We are trying to bring most of the downstairs back to its Victorian farmhouse origins...so far I think we are doing a great job. The wallpaper for the dining with the newly painted woodwork( I would prefer not to paint but there is years of paint on the wood and the Victorian flair was to do painted wood to match the walls)certainly contributes to that feeling.. The back splash in the kitchen is at long last finished as well.

The dining room will be done next week and then the planning for the living room.

Oliver turned 6 months on June 28. We brought him home on March 15 at 20 pounds, he is now 70. We have been feeling very melancholy about him. We researched and thought we did well before buying him from the kennel we chose, seemed to have great rep. Ollie was scared and had kennel cough when we got him home, but we already had health insurance for him and had fallen in love with him so nursed him back to good health. He sleeps on a cooling mattress o n top of an orthopedic mattress in a very comfortable crate but has had free roam of the house for a few months now. Turns out the kennel is being petitioned to close and is being labelled a puppy mill. Makes me sick. We had planned to get three more dogs from them but will not. DS1 dog will come from a private local breeder and the others from rescue. Oliver has a great life now but is afraid of boxes...we think it has something to do with his beginnings. Oh well, we love him and he loves us and here he is in all his 6 months glory.

So there you have it. Tonight or tomorrow I will add a knitting update. TWO Monkey sock mailings, a Shetland Triangle shawl mailing, much yarn, an Atenti bag, a wedding bag(there is a family wedding tomorrow, the 4th of July, enough said on that subject),a baby sweater, progress on Rogue...so many plans....I am back.

OK I must make molten chocolate cupcakes for work tonight, then wedding tomorrow, work Saturday and then I am on vacation until July 17....woot!!

Inspiration

2008-05-17T02:00:00.002-04:00

I was perusing through the archives over at Sheriff of Knittingham's Blog looking for some bead info I thought sweet Lorraine had posted. I can't tell you if the info is there but I can tell you she has inspired me. It seems Lorraine practices somewhat of a project monogamy theory, oh not totally but I don't think she has 75 WIPs. I worked on the Monkey Socks for the wonderful Monkey Sock Swap 4 and I liked getting or finishing them in a somewhat timely manner. Plus I knit the two socks at once on two circulars. This was a challenge put forth by Hariamrit (aka Goat Lady) at the Spring Fling. I am happy to say I met the challenge. I am now working on my Rogue for the Dream in Color KAL hosted by Sheri at the Loopy Ewe . I am not sure Rogue will be done by the end of the month but I am going to give it my all. Then I want to finish two more pairs of socks.
Lorraine, the aforementioned Sheriff, made the most wonderful Hap Shawl ....I knew I loved it when I first saw it but now even more. I have it in my mind I will make the shawl for wearing at Rhinebeck .
Also, I had truly planned to leave my profession(after 30 years) in April. Well we bought our beautiful house and you know how that goes. So my hours have gone crazy and I will stay for three more years til DS2 has finished his undergrad studies. THEN, shhhh...I really want to get into something in the fiber field, store, online, brick and mortar, design, books, patterns...I just don't know what. Any and all suggestions would be welcome. I am now in my 31st year at the same hospital in the fields of radiology. I have always worked nights and weekends and I am so very tired. I have liked my job, I have always liked the artistic nature of it with just enough blood and guts thrown in. The hours have served me well raising my two boys and the pay has been fairly decent. I will never earn what I am now earning, but I have reached the point I am tired of always trying to earn a little more...so....the countdown is on again. Maybe I should do a ticker thing at the top counting down the days til I am free, LOL. OK ...
I will do a real knitting post later....I am at work and that is the only reason I had the leisure time to browse dear Lorraine's blog and start this thought process.
Of course, I don't want you to think I don't work, several patients have come and gone in the three hours this took to write.
Later
Thanks Lorraine for the inspiration.

Tagged

2008-05-10T04:19:00.005-04:00

I was tagged by the Lovely Lorraine to play in a meme...here it is.

The rules: Are posted at the beginning. At the end of the post, the player then tags 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves 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. Play nice, children.

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
Just about what I am doing now, working, although the boys were 13 and 8 at the time, no Masters degree yet, no first year of undergrad done.

2. What are 5 things on my to-do list today- not in any particular order?
Laundry, knit,cook something(anything),vacuum, sleep before going back to work.

3. Snacks I enjoy.
Jelly beans, nachos,cheese, pretzels with cheese melted over, green apples with salt.

4. Places I've lived- Massachusetts

5. Things I would do if I were a billionare: New cars for family,pay the mortgage of two and buy sons each a house,donate money in Dad's name. Open a business yarn related.

6. 6 Peeps I want to know more about:

Rebecca

Janice
Stacy
Karen
and

Laurie