Are we there yet? -or- Spinning My Wheel(s) in Paradise

20 years...... wow

2009-10-12T15:56:00.002-04:00

Time flies when you're having fun!

It's that time of year again....

2009-09-23T19:27:00.006-04:00

It's the third week in September...so it must be the FLORIDA FIBER IN!!!!

People sharing their talents and skills with others.....

VENDORS!!!

Demos!

People having a REALLY good time with fiber!

Learning new things....

Old friends reconnecting, and having fun!

And practicing new skills...

This year was the sixth annual FFI. This is my fifth year, and I am already looking forward to next year! (as is the case every year after the event ends...) This year it was right here in my area, Sarasota Florida. In past years it has been in St Augustine, Orlando, and Cocoa Beach.

You should join us next year!

Never Forget.....

2009-09-11T20:56:00.004-04:00

Always remember.

NEVER FORGET.....

Summertime.....

2009-08-24T18:58:00.008-04:00

Before I forget - AGAIN! - the pineapple was awesome! Super sweet and delicious! My daughter does not usually care for fresh pineapple - it's not sweet enough for her, just the canned. Well, I managed to get one piece, and she saved one for my husband; other than that, she ate the whole thing herself! (it was only about 5 or 6 inches tall - so she pointed out)

DH had 2 weeks off between the end of his summer term and the start of Fall term. We spent the one day at the Sarasota Jungle Gardens and, surprisingly, only one day at the beach. I enjoy the beach, but I have to spend my day mostly under an umbrella, so I don't fry to a crisp! (see the large round shadow?)

But I manage to find ways to keep myself entertained and happy.... I enjoy doing my knitting on the beach and taking pictures...

and I go out a few times into the sun to find shells, interesting rocks and SHARKS TEETH!!!

Luckily for DH, he has weekends off and we can do the beach for at least 2 more months!

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

2009-08-21T20:15:00.005-04:00

This place is so cool! They have a "Reptile Encounter","Birds of Prey" show, and a "Parrot Show" - with this guy and some of his friends. I love Parrots. They are beautiful birds. But I could never own one - they are so obnoxiously loud!

I took a picture of my husband, taking a picture of our daughter......

The last time we went to Sarasota Jungle Garden's, my daughter was 3 1/2 years old! We were in Sarasota camping with DH's parents before we left for Italy in the summer of '04, and we took a little side trip here just the three of us. It was pretty cool to go back. DD only remembered seeing the VHS tape of the day, but was thrilled when she recognized the "stage" that the parrots perform on. So this was a day that brought back some memories.

These two "ladies" are from the "Reptile Encounter". The top one is a two year old gator, the bottom one is a few years older - they called her "Attitude".

We had such a GREAT day! I think next time we won't wait 14 years between visits!

Donna's reached 100!

2009-08-07T17:19:00.007-04:00

My friend Donna is having a giveaway!

She has reached the 100 posts MILESTONE on her blog, and is hosting a great giveaway (with 3 different fabulous prizes!). Go by and check out the Brynwood Needleworks site. You'll be glad you did. :)

Harvest Day

2009-08-04T23:06:00.006-04:00

I picked my pineapple today!

It didn't get much larger than the last time I posted a picture (June 19th), but turned a bright golden yellow color (which is what I read online that it should be). I plan to cut into it tomorrow, and will let you know how it tastes! Hopefully, super fantastically sweet! I'm really jazzed!

1 scarf down, 2 to go

2009-07-29T22:33:00.006-04:00

And many thanks to Helen, for modeling it for me!

I am working with my Tuesday B.A.M. ladies to make scarves and hats for our Appalachian project for kids, in conjunction with a Fort Lauderdale group (did you see the 20/20 show?). Anyhow, my personal goal is for three scarves and three hats by September (in between Christmas knitting and finishing a few personal projects). This is my first finished scarf. I finished it yesterday and sewed in my ends at our Tuesday night meeting. I got Helen to model it for me so I could take a picture.

So, ONE DOWN - TWO TO GO! Will update as I finish more. :)

VBS was awesome!

2009-07-28T15:22:00.004-04:00

Welcome to Crocodile Dock! We had a good time down on the bayou this year!

Thanks to a bigger church down the road, we had some great decorations, like this fishing shack and dock. ;)

Our volunteers were truly outstanding this year. Here is our new Pastoral Intern, John Scott, with "Skeeter". Skeeter is looking sad, because the kids couldn't seem to remember their Bible points that morning.

Our teen/young adult volunteers went above and beyond our expectations also. I was so proud of them all!

By Friday, we all looked a lot like this though....

Crazy Busy!

2009-07-17T17:03:00.003-04:00

Vacation Bible School is happening at my church this coming week! Are we ready? I sure hope so! I am in charge, and from what I can tell, we have it all together. Here's hoping!

I have been crazy busy trying to get it all together, and woefully neglecting my blog. So I thought I would add a picture that I love. It's a plaque on my bedroom wall. And yes, there is a story....

My DH has an obsession with flamingos. For years he has threatened to fill the front yard with those tacky plastic flamingos as soon as we moved to Florida. Soon after we moved here, he waited until I was out of town, and bought a small (1ft) resin one (on the phone he just said "Yep, bought a plastic flamingo for the front yard, you'll like it") that sat by the door for awhile - until it succumbed to the heat. DD bought him a singing and dancing one that was 2 ft high at Spencer's for Christmas in '07, but it gave up the ghost too (plastic doesn't last as long as it used too!). This one we picked up at Sea World in Orlando, (or was it Busch Garden's in Tampa? anyhow...) it is suppose to be the three of us! We have very interesting family portraits!

2009-07-08T19:35:00.003-04:00

I haven't posted recent FO information lately, so I thought I had better pull something out of my hat to put on here. Just so y'all could be sure I am still knitting. ;)

Here is a "Market Bag" that I finished a few weeks ago - free pattern from Knitting Daily. I lucked out and got two skeins of the Euroflax linen at a "going out of business sale" last year. It's almost the exact same color as my text here. :)

DD Modeled for me, with some groceries from the cupboard. Lighting not so good, but you can still see the bag.

2009-07-06T14:21:00.002-04:00

We enjoyed our local firework display Saturday night. I put my camera on nighttime and took about 100 pictures. Came home with some good ones! (Especially that last one!)

But, I decided this year that I am getting too old for this. (Or sick of the hassle, or...whatever) Drive downtown, find a place to park, set up lawn chairs, sit in the parking lot, spray down for bugs, sweat for a few hours to OOOOH and AAHHHHH for 1/2 hour, then get back in the car and fight with 400 others to get out and on the road to get home.

Maybe I will feel different when we have grandchildren someday, but next year... I say we stay at the in-laws, have a barbecue, play in the pool, and listen to the firecrackers the neighbors set off!

Nellie's last Chat 'N Sew meeting

2009-06-29T23:07:00.004-04:00

Nellie's last meeting was this past Monday(June 22). I wanted to add a picture from that meeting.

One of the other ladies, Rita, made this thoughtful gift for Nellie. She let her unwrap it, and examine it for awhile before offering up this info on it:

It is of the softest fake fur. Rita made a robe out of it for her son, 35 years ago! (So it is well aged.) And no, it isn't a strange looking hat like was Nellie's first guess. It is a mitt for her ICE SCRAPER. "Because, honey - you are gonna need one of those up there!" You just slip your ice scraper handle through that hole, and your hand will stay dry and warm this winter! Modeled after ones she has seen in catalogs. ;)

To which Nellie informed us all, she has already requested NO SNOW in Connecticut this winter! Let's see how well that works! ;)

Goodbye Nellie

2009-06-24T18:59:00.004-04:00

These are a few of the ladies that I have been crafting/knitting with since soon after we moved here, almost 5 years ago. During "season" (Oct./Nov. - Apr./May) we have 20 something ladies attending (now at a church), but summers drop to anywhere between 3-10 of us.

When we got settled into our rental in late 2004, I found a listing under the community section in the local paper for a group called "Chat N Sew", in a nearby town called Englewood. The phone number listed was for Nellie, one of the original members of the group from 20 some odd years ago. She gave me directions to the library where they met every Monday, and made me feel like I was really welcome to come. I thought the 15 mile drive to Englewood would keep us from going every Monday, maybe every other week. But the lovely ladies at "Chat N Sew" took us in as part of their family, and Amber and I have been there almost every Monday since. (DD got a roomful of instant "Grandma's).

Well, after having a heart attack last year, Nellie decided to move back to Connecticut this year to be closer to her kids. This was her "going away party" last month. We met at her condo's club house for our regular Monday meeting, then a potluck lunch, plus we were invited to bring our suits and go swimming after. We all got a big kick out of Nellie's swim suit cover up.

She is a very interesting lady, with a lot of stories to tell, and a great personality, and she will be missed - dearly.

This is so cool, I have got to make one!

2009-06-22T17:42:00.004-04:00

DD and I spotted this a few weeks ago, and I love it!

I have been talking with DH about re-doing the counters in our pop up camper in a similar manner, only minus the pictures. But I think I like the black and white pictures and the newspaper clippings they put in this too.

It's a plywood base with sand spread over it all. Small shells, flat shells (like sand dollars and star fish) and some cut conch shells. All scattered between black and white photo's and newspaper clippings. Then Lacquer is poured on about 1/4 - 1/2 inch thick. Those are napkins to the left, sort of a 3D effect.

The blue is the border around the table, and the lacquer is even across the whole table with it.

Don't you just love it?!?!

2009-06-19T22:26:00.002-04:00

Woo-Hoo! My Pineapple is getting big!

It's about 6 inches now! I bought the plant in the back with fruit on it, but soon after I planted it (last year) one of our resident critters took a huge bite out of the fruit and left it. Don't think he liked it as much as he thought he would. We picked it up and planted it next to the original plant, and that its the one that is fruiting now. Hopefully they leave it alone this time, and I get to eat it! :) Keeping my fingers crossed!

2009-06-18T21:34:00.006-04:00

These are two of the ladies, my new friends, from my Tuesday night crafting at B.A.M. group (Forward Tinkers), Helen and Donna. Helen and Donna also go to another weekly group, The Linus Project (blankets for kids). Donna has a little issue. She has a hole in her lip. Almost every time we meet, she spills something on her shirt. (Often enough that she bought me replacements for my TIDE stick) She has often said that she needed to make herself a bib.

Well, last week Helen made Donna a gift. It's a bib with PEANUTS (get it? Linus?) material. Isn't it just too cute! I got Donna to model it for me during our meeting. We have a lot of laughs at our meetings. :)

2009-06-18T10:28:00.002-04:00

Whew! Done!

So glad to finish moving those old blog posts over here from Yahoo 360*. :p

I didn't want to lose them in cyberspace, they represent a big portion of my life the last few years (and it was my first attempt at blogging). But I didn't want to continue with Yahoo's new plan to replace 360*.

So... thanks to my old friends from 360* for bearing with the "repeat blog posts" that they've seen before, and to new readers: "Don't expect me to post that many times in the next year, let alone 1 month!" (JK) ;)

2009-06-17T22:40:00.002-04:00

Entry for June 17, 2009

Goodbye 360*!

I am sad that they couldn't find a way for it to continue, as the same 360 we have grown to love. But . . . . such is life.
I hope my 360* friends will stay connected to me at my other addy:
http://knitwithtammy.blogspot.com/
I spent the last month transfering all my old posts over there, and I am now on to new things. For those of you who don't connect with me over there, I will miss hearing from you.
360* has been a big part of my life the past 4 years ( being my first blog), and so have all of you. I've enjoyed "getting to know" all of you.
Take Care!
Tammy/pazzagatto

2009-06-17T22:03:00.001-04:00

Entry for March 08, 2009

Been working on a couple of things, this afghan for my niece for one. A shawl for myself is another, will try to get a pic of that up soon.

The afghan is close to being finished (this is an older picture), just a couple more stripes to finish and then have to crochet and attach the stars.

It's going to be awesome, if I do say so myself.

2009-06-17T21:59:00.001-04:00

October 16, 2008

Update on Study Group

One of the ladies blended and spun up all her dyed roving to make her color wheel, including the shading and toning with the white and black blended in.

I think this is so cool! What a clever idea! She said she used EZ's Pi Are Squared pattern.

2009-06-17T21:56:00.002-04:00

August 6, 2008

My part of a study group on color

Some of the members from my Spinning Guild decided to pursue a Master Spinning Certificate. The number of participants grew, and it changed to just completing the requirements but not pursuing the certificate. (Don't ask me why, I'm still confused on that point)

Anyhow, we purchased three pounds of roving apiece, and proceeded to start dying- leaving one pound plain. Each person taking on one of three primary colors (mine was red). Then the idea is to split the colors between the 7 members, so each of us can blend with cards to get our own color wheel. (seventh member dyes black for tones - to be blended later)

This is a picture from my dye day with my friend Laura, we decided to dye together - more fun that way. Have pics of the dividing day too, but only know how to add one at a time on 360. Will do a blog and add a few pics on blogger later.

2009-06-17T21:41:00.002-04:00

July 30, 2008

Vacation Souveniers :)

Some people bring home knick - nacks, some post cards. I usually get a shot glass, and FIBER!

I don't have a picture of the shot glass, but I do have one of the fiber love. Rovings to spin ,cottons for washcloths and sock yarns to knit .

What more could a girl want?

2009-06-17T21:28:00.001-04:00

July 29, 2008

Matching Tattoos

Little sister and I got matching tattoos while I was back home this time. Lotus flowers, with the chinese symbol for sisters underneath.

She has a friend that does tats, and he did them for us for free.

2009-06-17T21:25:00.001-04:00

May 27, 2008

Memorial Day BBQ

Hope you all had a great Memorial Day weekend.

It was a beautiful weekend here; no rain, lots of sunshine and low humidity.

We had a BBQ with DD's boyfriend's family yesterday. It was a great day! Good food, good company and a nice view. (we spent the day at DH's parents new house - they just purchased it last month, but haven't moved down from Michigan yet. So we fish in the canal off their pier, and play in their pool - to help keep the bacteria down ofcourse! )

We chose to wait until next weekend to go camping, because all the state parks in this area were fully booked already. (and I didn't want to spend twice as much at an RV park) We haven't been since November, so it should be fun.

hhhmmmmmmmm . . . . what knitting to bring? (Besides the carousel sock, Bobbi)

2009-06-17T21:20:00.001-04:00

May 13, 2008

Spiffin' up the back yard . . .

We put up a gazebo (from Home Depot) yesterday. When we got it finished we knew it was time to landscape the back yard - who wants to sit around in a gazebo and stare at an ugly yard? We landscaped the front over the last two years, now it was time to get to the back.

We picked up 4 Areca Palms for shade; four more Hibiscus, two of one kind - one hot pink and one peach, plus two of a different kind that haven't bloomed yet - mystery flowers! - (we have eight others put in by the builder - four with red flowers and variegated leaves in the front yard, and four with solid green leaves on the side of the house around the water softener - think they were orange flowers); Portulaca in red, orange and yellow to add some color under the palms; and a Meyers lemon tree for a pot on my porch, it's all of 1 foot tall right now. I am going to get three more desert roses (have one in the front yard) to put between the hibiscus.

I am pretty happy with it all.

We already had three rose bushes (in the back corner, around the well); and four oak trees. But that was the extent of our backyard landscaping.

We are going to add small rocks or crushed sea shells in front of the slab to put the lounge chairs on.

2009-06-17T21:16:00.002-04:00

May 7, 2008

My Discount Store Haul . . . .

After reading (on Ravelry) of someone's great find at Big Lots a few weeks ago, I decided to give our local BL a looksee.

Well, this is what I came home with - all for $1 or $1.50 a skein! Good thing I controlled myself! Some Lionbrand yarns, and some never heard of brands.

I came home with:

7 skeins of LB Chenille Thick n Quick

2 skeins of LB Boucle

2 skeins of LB Fancy Fur

2 skeins of LB Suede

2 skeins of a turquoise eyelash

6 skeins of a blue acrylic

12 skeins of varigated wool - 6 each of two colorways

The blue acrylic and the Thick n Quick are both for the Comfort Shawl Ministry at my church. The others are for personal stash enhancement.

Woo Hoo - quite a haul!

2009-06-16T17:37:00.001-04:00

Entry for April 02, 2008

I have an issue I could use your help with. DH and I are considering opening a yarn/fiber shop in our area. I am having a hard time coming up with a catchy name. Any suggestions?

We live in SW Florida, if that helps with any ideas.

Any help would be appreciated. Contact me however you want, comment or send a PM. I will add a poll at the bottom with the (few) ideas I've had - but please send me more ideas! And if you mark the "other" box, please leave a suggestion - or two!

Thanks!

Need a catchy name for a yarn shop - what do you think of these?
Y Not Knit - with Tammy? (my classes at Michael's were called "Knit with Tammy") Forward Tinkers
Florida Fiber Folks
Spinning My Wheels in Paradise
Other

2009-06-16T17:34:00.001-04:00

Entry for March 23, 2008

This is from the Altu Han, Mayan ruins in Belize. It was a really cool place.

We were told by our guide that the really awesome ruins were about 40 miles farther west, closer to Guatemala. Maybe one day we will go back and spend a few days in Belize for a closer look.

The hard part of a cruise is only having a few hours on shore to see things before you have to get back on-board and sail away again. When you hear about this cool place to check out, you probably don't have the time to find it. But then, you have the opportunity to get a taste of four places in four days.

It was quite the experience.

2009-06-16T17:29:00.002-04:00

March 19, 2008

Happy Easter Everybody!

Bobbi mentioned in a chat that my shawl yarn looked turquoise to her. So, I wanted to add a picture of it up close - so you could maybe see all the colors in it, the blues, turquoises, and the greens. I hope it shows up well. It's so pretty.

2009-06-16T17:27:00.002-04:00

March 17, 2008

First of all . . . .Happy St. Patty's Day!

Here is my "cruise" shawl as of the other day. Like I said, I didn't get too far. But that's ok, there is no rush for it. It is still fun and I enjoyed all the stuff I did onboard instead.

2009-06-16T17:15:00.002-04:00

March 14, 2008

We had a fantastic time!

We had a really good time on our cruise! DD started feeling better by the second day, and spent a lot of the time running all over the ship with new found friends. I only got the head cold part from her (knew I would, I always get it) and was able to still do most of what I wanted. (had to bow out for the midnight comedy show the first night - no way I could make it to that and be up for the shore excursion the next morning)

We enjoyed the ship part and the shore part , and would love to do it again some day. But we have some great pictures and fantastic memories from this trip - not to mention lots of souvenirs!

There was always something to do, and I had to take a couple of naps along the way - I was sick! - so I really didn't get very far with my shawl. I will post a picture of it soon.

PS: sorry it took so long to post, we have all been sick since returning! I am almost over it and ready to blog, blog, blog!

2009-06-14T21:11:00.003-04:00

February 22, 2008

I found my cruise knitting!

Well, I finally decided. (No, I haven't finished packing yet - but I DO have my knitting picked out!)

I purchased this yarn just after Christmas, after searching RAVELRY for what yarn others had used for a certain pattern (the Making Tracks Shawl). I did this shawl for my DD 5 or 6 years ago with Lion Brand Jiffy, and thought I would like to make one for myself in a nicer yarn.

When I saw one in this yarn, I was hooked! It was perfect! I am usually really good at thinking through my knitting purchases - especially with nicer more expensive yarns (but I have been known to go crazy in Michael's or JoAnn's when yarns are on sale! ) - but this one had me in a frenzy. I googled for it immediately and found it on sale! It was meant to be! I purchased it right there and then. Then spent the next couple of weeks (while waiting for the yarn to show up) wondering what happened . But when it finally showed up, I was glad I did it. It's Blue Heron Beaded Rayon in Deep Blue Sea.

I also picked up a couple of goodies at a LYS a few days ago. A stitch marker that I thought was too cute - yes that is a scrabble piece! And a measuring tape I have been thinking about for around 2 years ( I told you I contemplate my knitting purchases!)

Now, everything will be GREAT! IF . . . I finish the laundry, finish the dishes, finish cleaning the house, finish packing AND if DD gets over the flu which she just came down with yesterday!!! All in the next day and a half!

AAAAHHHHHHH!!!!

Wish me luck!

2009-06-14T21:07:00.001-04:00

February 13, 2008

Another bummer . . .

Isn't this cool?! A friend in San Diego made a pair of these for me, as a going away present. (Hi Colleen!)

I have worn them to every one of my knitting classes at Michael's, and every knitting guild and group get together I have been to during this time also (in the last 2 1/2 years). As a matter of fact, I was recognized by them at the guild and I was just thinking it was time to give them a hand wash.

Then . . . IT happened. AAARRRGGGHHH!! I lost one at work two weeks ago! Of all the sucky luck! It hasn't turned up, and I don't know if someone found it and liked it or if was lost in the parking lot and washed away. AAAAHHHHHHH!!

2009-06-14T21:04:00.002-04:00

February 12, 2008

Very Sad . . .

Sorry to be a big downer today - geez, I have a lot of whinny posts lately!

But, I am totally bummed today because we had to have our dog put down. She was almost 14, and having a lot of troubles. So it was a hard decision, but the one that needed to be made. She had a poor quality of life the last few months, and I couldn't put her through that for my/our sake.

She was like my other kid. She came into our life when I was still trying to have a second child, and having no results. So she became my second child. Through the years, she has been my baby, my buddy, my protector and my friend. I will miss her dearly.

I LOVE YOU JASMINE!

2009-06-14T20:59:00.002-04:00

January 24, 2008

Pay it Forward

With recovering from the holidays, this last month has gotten away from me and I forgot to post my Pay it Forward exchange offer. I signed up for Riley's around mid December, and forgot to re-post the offer here. So . . . here it is :

I will send a handmade gift along with a couple of "surprises" to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don’t know what that gift(s) will be yet and you will not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise!

The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

Want to participate? Be one of the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post and make the same promise on your own blog. Be sure to comment on a later blog who your first three people are to sign up.

Not So Random Acts of Kindness. And 365 days to do it in!!! I like this idea a lot!

2009-06-14T20:49:00.001-04:00

January 22, 2008

The SAGA of the gloves

Here is my tale of woe . . . .

We draw names at Thanksgiving with Dh's cousins (whom we do all the holidays with) for Christmas gift giving. I picked his cousin Phil.

Phil works for a company that sends him to NY every other month for 2 weeks. Since he has lived in SW Florida for many years now, I guessed that he probably doesn't have winter dressing stuff : hat, gloves, and scarf.

I had DH ask his sisters what color his winter coat was. Then I picked out some luscious alpaca, in a very handsome green color, and searched on-line for a nice glove pattern. Found a good looking pair, and then came across a magazine with a hat pattern that went well. (Must have been meant to be - it was published at just the right time and was in the bookstore the week after picking out the glove pattern to find it!)

Started on the gloves, then received an email from Phil. (We send our "picker" a list of things we are in need or desire of, so they have an idea where to start.) Well, his email said gift card to Penney's, gift card to Home Depot, gift card to . . . you get the idea. He did say that he probably needed a hat and gloves (DH asked him about these things, so I could be sure he didn't have them already) but that "These are such 'personal taste' items" that he couldn't see anyone picking them out for him. (big sigh)

His older sister (whom I knit with occasionally, and share projects with every time we are together) told me (the next time we got together) that she and one younger sister had been agonizing how to tell me that Phil is SUPER picky and they hadn't bought him any clothing items since he was a teen for just this reason. She said she would never even think of knitting him anything!ARRGGHH!!

DH saw how disappointed I was, and tried to make me feel better by saying he had a business trip to Dallas, coming up in January, and that he was sure he would need gloves. But then the following day his business trip got postponed until March.

Well, I managed to get a few rows farther than this picture, but am planning a trip to the frog pond with these for good!

2009-06-14T20:12:00.003-04:00

January 4th, 2008

Goin' on a Cruise!

Woo Hoo!

We've been planning this for a few months, but now it's less than 2 months away, and I am sooo excited! This is the first cruise I have been on. We don't usually do what some would call "real" vacations. When hubby takes a week off of work, we usually:

1.) camp somewhere near by OR

2.) hit a local theme park for a day or two OR

3.) more often than not, sit at home and work on the house or take care of stuff that has been put off for too long.

We don't go to vacation spots and do vacation things . . . so this will be cool in many ways. Hubby has been on many cruises (having been in the Navy for 20 years), but none as much fun or relaxing as this.

There is a couple from our church who arrange this every 2 years. They get a good group rate from their travel agent, and arrange to have a bus pick everyone up at their house. And this year, we decided to go along.

We are going to stop at four spots : Belize, Cozumel, Isla Roaton, and Grand Cayman. I am getting so jazzed! We are taking DD (many have asked, so I thought I would add this), and we will be going on my birthday! How cool is that?!

Now, what knitting to bring . . . .

(FYI: the beach picture here is of DD, Godson, bestie and I last Thanksgiving, when they came to visit us in Florida. It has nothing to do with this cruise - it's just a good sunset beach pic! )

2009-06-14T20:08:00.002-04:00

Entry for December 30, 2007

Happy New Year Everyone!

I tried to leave everyone a Merry Christmas message on here last week, but Yahoo didn't think I should. So . . . I am hoping this will work.

This is a picture of my Amaryllis that I just found out wasn't an amaryllis. It's a Hippeastrum. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippeastrum ) It's is a 3rd generation plant. DH's grandfather gave a bulb to MIL, and she gave us a few from her plant (well . . . 4 or 5 actually) at the end of this summer.

Anyhow, one of them flowered already. Didn't expect any flowers from this planting until next year. I was happily surprised.

2009-06-14T20:07:00.000-04:00

Entry for December 07, 2007

No picture yet, but I am working on gloves and a hat for one of DH's cousins.

http://www.freevintageknitting.com/mittens/617-gloves-pattern.html

and the hat pattern I think I'll use is in the Holiday 2007 'knitsimple' (a few other nice patterns in this issue too!)

We do a gift exchange every Christmas, that we draw names for on Thanksgiving. Well, I got the cousin who has been working a couple of weeks every other month in NY state. So what better gift for a Florida boy working part of his time in cold NY?

The yarn I got is Inca Alpaca in a heathered green color - gorgeous, and yummy soft! Online the color number says it's Juniper Berry Heather - blue, it's listed as a blue! It doesn't look like any shade of blue, it's more a spruce or forrest green!

Anyhow, hopefully I will have a picture to show soon with much progress.

2009-06-14T19:41:00.003-04:00

November 29, 2007

Memorial

I wanted to show off the memorial tattoo that I just got on my ankle.

My younger sister has one that she got a few years back for our mom, and I wanted to get one similar. I have been thinking about it for around three years and decided after dad passed that it was time.

Yesterday was the day. I changed it a bit, got a yellow rose instead of blue (she had wanted yellow - since it was mom's favorite color of rose - but the guy who did hers said it would fade to a nasty color in a few years. My guy said that was ridiculous - take care of it as it heals and it will stay bright for many years), for some reason her guy colored her teardrop red instead of blue - so mine is blue, I added an extra star for our dad and some stardust so they would resemble shooting stars (after dad passed and while we were back at his place hanging out for awhile my daughter saw two shooting stars. She immediately felt at peace, as this was a sign for her that "Grandma Tina" was leading "Pappa Pete" to heaven.) and my heart is a little brighter and "happier" - if that makes sense.

I am very happy with it.

2009-06-12T23:04:00.003-04:00

Entry for November 14, 2007

Thank you to everyone who sent thoughts and prayers for my dad and my family.

Dad passed quietly on Tuesday morning at 12:12 am, just after DD and I left for the airport. My sister was the only one of us kids left (he insisted he didn't want us there, but gave in to youngest sister staying to help his wife) and she called me right after. DD and I turned around and went back for a couple of hours (we didn't have to fly out till almost 8, and only had a 1 1/2 hour drive) to comfort my little sister.

He got a chance to see all the kids, and grand kids one last time. That made his time easier.

It is a very sad time for us, but he is no longer in pain. He has had a lot of trouble since his heart attack 3 years ago. Plus, he is now with my mom - where he has wanted to be since her passing from cancer almost 17 years ago.

2009-06-12T23:03:00.000-04:00

Entry for November 08, 2007

Hi my friends.

DD anad I are visiting my dad in Arizona who is in acute kidney failure. They don't give him more thn 4 weeks, so we flew out in a hurry. I will be back on at the end of next week.

Be safe and tell someone you love them, before it's too late.

2009-06-12T22:59:00.001-04:00

Entry for November 02, 2007

Wow! Has it really been two weeks? Boy, time just gets away from me sometimes . . . . but I have been reading other blogs and commenting, just haven't written anything in my own.

Today I'm sharing with you . . . the lovely flowers I recieved while in the hospital.

I have been feeling a little better and trying to pull the house together a bit more. (I didn't realize just how bad I felt the past two years, until I started feeling better)

Also, my in-laws are in town for a bit - looking for land to build on for their retirement move down this way (from Michigan) in the spring. So we have spent a few nights with them - and went camping with them in our "new to us" pop up. (well, semi camping. . . . we stayed in an RV park next to them. )

Plus, church meetings and schooling has taken a lot of time lately.

But I miss blogging regularly.

Like many of you, I am getting worried about the future of my yahoo 360 blog. But have seen many of the blog sites out there, and chose not to start a blog until I saw 360.. I will probably break down and join multiply just to have a back up plan. Because even though DD talked me into getting a myspace, it's not really my "thing". I will post an update here.

2009-06-12T22:57:00.000-04:00

October 19, 2007
Small rant . . .

I don't believe a restaurant should call itself "Maine's Best Seafood and Steak" if they don't serve MAINE LOBSTER!

That's where we went for our anniversary dinner - my choice - and I never dreamed they would only have rock lobster. Our steaks were not bad, but I'm not a big fan of rock lobster (it's OK, but doesn't really compare to the Maine lobster) so I didn't order them. We should have left when I read the menu. harrumph!

and that's my opinion!

2009-06-12T22:55:00.000-04:00

Entry for October 17, 2007

These yarns are so neat.

The cream (looks white here) and purple yarns are soft and fluffy and have clear seed beads throughout. The black yarn is eyelash, and has the beads too. The red in the back, and the multi colored ones (second from the left and last one in the line) are ribbon yarns.

(The bamboo dp's are only 5", and I haven't seen any that length except in yarn stores and catalogs.)

The latest Vogue Knitting has a pattern for a knitted Christmas ornament (pg.10) using a foam ball and sock yarn. Well, I am going to give it a try with the ribbon yarn. Maybe use the cream colored fluffy stuff and some ribbon on one.

The purple and black are for DD's scarf. I was thinking something simple like holding the two together, garter stitch on 15's. Or, maybe just add the black to the last six inches on both ends. Hhhhmmmmmm. ?????????????????

How about a poll? Never done one. Let's give it a whirl!

How should I use the purple and black yarns for DD's scarf?
Hold both yarns together throughout? Use the black alone, or with the purple - just for the last 6" on each end? OTHER - if you answer this one, you HAVE to give ideas to go with it!

2009-06-12T22:25:00.002-04:00

October 16, 2007
I couldn't control myself!

I went with my friend to a new Weaving and Spinning Guild meeting today. We live in a fairly small area, and the two big cities to the North and South of us have guilds - where as our area doesn't. We have both been members of the guild to the North for a couple of years, and wanted to check out the guild to the south.

Well, it was very nice.The members who where present were all very nice - and their spinners meet every Tuesday! That is a big plus right there.

Now, this could be a plus or a minus - depending on how you look at it! (like killing my budget!) THERE IS A SUPER JOANN'S BETWEEN THERE AND HOME! Now this is a BIG thing, since our nearest Joann's is very lame.

We stopped by on our way home and I got all these goodies - on sale! The yarn was only $1.57 a ball! I picked up some for a scarf for DD, two Christmas ornaments, and that pretty coral is probably a sweater. I got some black and white FIMO at 50% off, lighted needles in size 6 for dishcloths (just for fun! at $6) A set of bamboo dp's for socks in size 1, head pins for more stitch markers, and foam balls for the Christmas ornaments - my only full priced purchases. (and actually the only things I went in for in the first place)

I had a ball! Now I need to figure out how many days we may need to eat PB&J to make up for it . . . .

2009-06-12T22:23:00.001-04:00

October 11, 2007

18 years later . . .

DH came home with a gigantic card and a dozen roses last night. Then we went out for dinner and a movie, and I had DD take a few pictures of us before we left.

We had a decent steak at a local place - the rest of dinner was so-so to sucky, and then saw The Heartbreak Kid:

http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809769000/video/2885498/20070531/150/2885498-1000-qtv-s.37679128-,2885498-700-wmv-s.37678819-,2885498-100-wmv-s.37678810-,2885498-300-wmv-s.37678813-,2885498-1000-wmv-s.37678821-,2885498-700-qtv-s.37679123-,2885498-300-flash-s.37678830-,2885498-100-qtv-s.37679115-,2885498-700-flash-s.37678831-,2885498-100-flash-s.37678824-,2885498-1000-flash-s.37678832-,2885498-300-qtv-s.37679118-,2885499-10300-qtv-s.37678844-,2885499-2700-qtv-s.37678838-,2885499-6800-qtv-s.37678839-

It was funny. Kind of crazy, but funny. It was good to laugh like that. We had a good time.

2009-06-12T22:19:00.001-04:00

October 10, 1989 . . .

Can it really be 18 years ago?

Wow! It really doesn't seem that long ago (well, most of the time. then there are those times when it seems like longer)

One of my older sister's was my MOH, and one of his Great uncles was his best man. We were married in Michigan, with his family there (mom, dad, sister, and grandma) had a dinner at their house; spent the night at the Hampton Inn; then headed for Oregon to have a reception with my family and friends.

That trip convinced me we could make it through almost anything together:

We drove cross country in a little Ford Ranger (custom purple paint job, with hot pink and turquoise swoops on both sides - it was SWEET!) The bed filled with some furniture and boxes of stuff his parents had stored.

We were young and broke, and couldn't afford motels. So we slept in the cab, heads in opposite directions (and feet in each others faces half of the time!) at rest stops along the way. Then we would wash up in the COLD water there before we start off again. (I remember wetting down my head in a sink going over the Rockies- boy was that cold! There was a sign posted about NOT washing your hair in the sink - due to a hypothermia risk!) It's OK, I was young and invincible!

We spent a week at my folks house, most of it packing up my stuff to tote back to Florida (where we were living at the time), and had a reception at the local VFW. The trip back was the about the same- only we had an '81 4 door Datsun 310 towed behind the truck- and the rest of the bed of the truck packed sky high with my boxes and the back of the Datsun was filled too. The front seat had my two cats and their litter box!

Anyhow. . . by the time we finished this trip, 3 days each way, I knew we would be together for a LLLLOOONNNGGGGGG time. If we could make it through that, we could make it through just about ANYTHING!

2009-06-12T22:16:00.002-04:00

October 9, 2007

My latest crafty endevor

I've been wanting to make some of these stitch markers for a long time but don't use the fancy ones myself really, so I have been putting it off. Then it occurred to me that I could make a set and give them to someone - duh!

So I made a set for my "cousin-in-law" Laura, who drove us to Cocoa Beach for the Fiber In. My sister in LA taught me how to wire wrap a few years ago - she teaches it at the local Adult Ed's in her area.

I enjoyed this and will probably make more. Maybe sell them at a craft fair.

2009-06-12T22:13:00.001-04:00

Octobr 9, 2007

"One more" Fiber In post . . .

I forgot to mention the group knitting project from the Fiber In. Three at a time, working on circular needles, with a dk cotton yarn. End project is to be a circular shawl. Pretty neat, huh?

2009-06-10T13:43:00.003-04:00

October 4, 2007

My "Yard Sale" purchase from the Fiber In

Sorry, been a little busy and haven't made it back to post. Here's my last Fiber In post (maybe) :

At the end of the Fiber In they have a "yard sale". Where any of the participants can bring some stash, bagged, tagged and ready to sell.

I paid $10 for this lovely bag of: 60% acrylic,25% wool, 10% mohair, & 5% cotton - approx 955 yards. 5.5 st per inch. The color is Velvet Teal, with multi colored flecks. YUMMY!

Not sure what I'll make with it yet, but I love it!

2009-06-10T13:38:00.001-04:00

Entry for September 25, 2007

Well, I received a few questions about the needles so I thought I would make an extra post with some answers.

Well I am not good at estimating weights and measurements, but I'll try. I'm thinking under 100 grams. Because when I hold a pair of the needles in one hand, and either of these skeins in the other - the needles are slightly lighter.

The way we made them was interesting too. First we conditioned small pieces of polymer (1/2 inch by 1/2 inch is what I used, except I used twice as much of the white) in different colors, (DD used 3 colors, I used 4) flattened them into little pancakes and stacked them. Then twisted them quite a few times. Shaped them into little cubes, then cut thin slices.

Second, we took chopsticks and sanded the ends into points and lightly sanded the rest of them. Then lightly covered them with liquid polymer, to help the clay adhere. Then connected the slices to the sticks, smoothing as much as possible. DD added balls of the same mix to the tops, I used two slices each and made more cylinder type tops - We ran out of time so they don't match as well as I'd like, but they'll do. Then they were baked for 20 minutes while we had dinner.

Our demo instructor said to sand them with a super fine grit, under water. She said that makes for a smoother finish.

I haven't sanded mine yet, so I'll post when I do.

2009-06-10T13:31:00.002-04:00

September 23, 2007

We did a polymer clay demo . . .

Do you like our knitting needles?

They were a lot of fun to make. Can you guess which are DD's, and which are mine?

They need to be water sanded still. I'm interested in how they will work/feel when they are done.

2009-06-10T13:18:00.001-04:00

September 23, 2007

This was my spinning purchase

The pinkish one on the left is for me, and the blueish one is for DD. Sorry the pic is kinds dark. The middle thing is an orifice hook that was free with my purchase - very pretty.

She was looking for the perfect fiber to learn to spin with, and this is what she chose. I believe it was a merino and mohair blend. Mine is a merino and silk blend - and it is luscious!

I looked for a nice spindle too, I thought that would fill in for not being able to use my wheel right now (still not ready to use those stomach muscles), but didn't find one I liked.

2009-06-10T13:15:00.001-04:00

September 21, 2007

This is my "SPECIAL" purchase

I have been ogling this shawl pattern for a few years now, and keep talking myself into waiting. I mean, I already have the Pacific Northwest Shawl waiting to be cast on http://www.fibertrends.com/viewer/patterns/S2000.html , in a gorgeous teal green lace merino.

But it was right there, on a table, screaming - oops! I mean "calling" out to me, so I caved. Then, the next day a new vendor came in - who wasn't there on the first night - and she had the yarn! The JaggerSpun Zephyr Wool-Silk, just like in the pattern. (I have heard so many wonderful coments about this yarn, and wanted to try it sometime.) I picked the color JADE, but it reminds me of an AQUA, a nice sea green shade. So it must have been meant to be.

I can't wait to start this, but have sworn to complete a couple of projects already OTN first.

2009-06-08T21:36:00.007-04:00

~NEW POST ALERT~

Hey everyone, check out this blog contest:

Knitting Garden

2009-06-08T18:20:00.002-04:00

September 20, 2007

Ofcourse I got sock yarn!

Bobbi asked "What, no sock yarn?" And THIS is my answer.

DD bought the Hot Pink sock yarn. It's called "The Sock - creatively dyed just for you" - and this color is SOOOO her!

I saw someone using the yarn I purchased just before the vendors opened, and fell in love! I'm not sure if the socks will be for DD (like she hopes) or me! But it is Colinette Yarns JitterBug, colourway Popsicle. It is so bright, and lively, and so soft! (always wanted to use some of their yarns, but it's sooo expensive! Like their 'Absolutely Fabulous Throw' Kit - at ONLY $195)

I also got a Port a Pocket from Circular Solutions to carry my SIP. (She comes to the Fiber In each year, and always has lots of neat stuff)

I will post more pics in the next few days of other goodies I picked up this weekend.

2009-06-08T18:17:00.002-04:00

Entry for September 19, 2007

I was asked if I found anything unique at the Fiber In, and thought of this cool "cell phone fob" (for those of us not up on the lingo -DD had to tell me what it was- it's a charm for your cell phone)

Anyhow, this one has a yarn ball with needles on the bottom and an I "heart" 2 knit at the top. Made with Polymer clay. cool huh?

DD and I both bought one.

2009-06-08T18:15:00.002-04:00

September 18, 2007

Florida Fiber In Fun

We had a really good time this past weekend. The event was held in Cocoa Beach this year and it was really nice. Unfortunately, I wasn't up for walking the beach. But my "cousin-in-law" (one of DH's cousins - and my fiber buddy) said it was awesome. She said the sand was sort of a cocoa brown color. (Must be where they got the name from!)

This is a few of us hanging out in the lounge area, between demos we were interested in. Knitting, crocheting, spinning - it was great!

We had demos on Bobbin Lace, Hairpin Lace, Kumihimo Braiding on a card, Getting Published (getting patterns into mags and books), Card Weaving and making Polymer Clay Knitting Needles. A LOT of talented ladies sharing knowledge - it was pretty awesome!

I did a bit of shopping with the vendors too. I will post a picture of my goodies later.

All in all, it was a good weekend. I did over do it a bit, and came home completely exhausted. But . . . it was worth it!

PS. I forgot to mention that I taught DD to spin this weekend too! That's her at my wheel.

2009-06-08T18:12:00.002-04:00

September 11, 2007

Going to the Florida Fiber In!

Getting ready for the Fiber In this weekend! (www.floridafiberin.org) This is the third year for DD and I, and I love it. It's a blast! The last two years it was in Orlando, and this year it's in Cocoa Beach. Luckily for me, DH's cousin is going along again this year (she came with us last year and had a great time too) - but this year, she's driving! We made the reservations before my surgery, but I warned her I didn't think I'd be up for driving. Not sure if I'll be bringing my spinning wheel along this time or not tho.

I have been a bit rough this last week. I developed a bad chest congestion, I'm not sure if it was a virus or left over effects from the surgery. The coughing has been awful. I went to my family doctor and got an xray plus antibiotics, prescription cough syrup, and some asthma meds - an inhaler and singulair. I am feeling much better now, but still have a bit of a wheeze and a cough. Hopefully it's all gone before the weekend!

It's wearing me out. I've been too tired to even knit!

2009-06-08T18:09:00.002-04:00

Entry for August 29, 2007

Hi everybody, I'm back! Actually got home on Saturday afternoon, but haven't been real interested in sitting at my desk and posting - the recliner is a more comfy position right now.

Thank you everyone for the well wishes and prayers, they help carry me through.

I used DD's laptop to read all your blogs the last couple a days, and make a comment here and there. But am feeling a little better this morning, so thought I would write a little before my nap. Please keep in mind that I am on drugs, so if I ramble on a bit . . . . or make no sense, I have an excuse of sorts. (not sure what my excuse is the rest of the times, but hey!)

I feel a little better every day, but still feel like a truck hit me. Everyone swears I will feel soo much better (better than now AND better than the stuff that sent me in to have the surgery) after about a month - I am holding on to that thought. tightly.

This is one of my favorite pictures of our Jasmine. I think it's the second year while we were in Italy, so she is about 1 1/2 years old. The people who sponsored us (showed us around and helped to get settled) turned out to be great friends, and we would trade off doing dinners and barbecues at each others places. Well, Dean (the DH of the group) LOVED Jazzy, and as you can probably see, the feeling was pretty much mutual.

In general, she was a pretty hyper dog. I used to wonder how I ended up with a kid AND a dog with ADHD! But I digress, the point was she would run laps around the house when she was excited - and people coming over to see her excited her very much! (It's still that way, a little slower now. But still running laps! And she is convinced that EVERYONE who comes to the house is there to see her)

When Dean and Lorna would come she'd get extra excited, Dean would encourage that, and her laps started to include a bounce off the couch too. If he didn't catch her on that bounce he would then get her to jump up on his lap to play, and many times she ended up around his neck. I was glad we managed to get a picture of it one time. (that's my handsome DH on the left)

Wanted to share a smile with ya'll.

Peace - Tammy

2009-06-08T17:24:00.001-04:00

Entry for August 21, 2007

My surgery is tomorrow so I will be away from my blog for a little while. I will get back on as soon as I am feeling "froggy" - no pun intended.

Take care everyone!

Pic is of my favorite Kitty - Spooky.

She was 1/2 Siamese and 1/2 calico Manx. She was a very cool cat, and that was her favorite place to sleep during the summer. (and the flash reflected in her eyes so you can't tell she had beautiful crystal blue eyes)

2009-06-08T17:22:00.001-04:00

Entry for August 15, 2007

This is my OTHER baby, Jasmine. Sort of a dark picture, but I can't find the one I wanted to post.

She is a Keeshound/ German Shepherd mix. Over 13 years old, and many days still a puppy at heart - even with the arthritis and poor eye site.

We got her on the fourth of July, in 1994. Just before we went to Italy. She was suppose to be the family dog, but mainly for DD - who was 3 at the time (I need to find one of those pics! the two of them were SO cute!)

It's an interesting story on how we got her. . . When we started the puppy search, we had barely agreed on a size but had no idea about a breed. See, DH had grown up with a Saint Bernard and wanted one of those. I had grown up with lots of different dogs; black labs, a boxer, a great Dane, a Pomeranian mix when I first went out on my own. But my favorite dog was my first - CHICO, a little Mexican Chihuahua mix, so I wanted one of those. Well, we compromised on a knee-high dog. We went to the local shelter, and the only knee high dog that interested us both was a blond cocker spaniel. We were ready to adopt right away, but we were turned down when they learned we had a small child at home. I guess cocker's have a reputation for biting/being aggressive with little ones.

So we took this as a sign that we needed to research our prospective new dog's breed a little closer. We checked out some books from the library and started reading, we settled on a Keeshound. They were said to be good with kids, and great family dogs. We wanted to find a dog that would be protective of DD and I, while DH was out to sea. But not so protective of either of us that when DH came home after months out to sea that the dog would try to attack him, when he started his usual tickle attacks! We decided to get a Keeshound.

A little background info here; we had only been married for about 5 years, and DH was still early in his military career. So needless to say we didn't have a lot of extra money (IE: we could barely pay the bills AND pay for food at the same time) SO, when we went to the pet store and found a Keeshound puppy, and then saw the (at that time) $500! price tag, we about died! Needless to say, we could NOT afford that. That was one full month's lot rent AND one whole month's groceries! We were heart broken.

Well, that following weekend I was looking through the Sunday paper pet section (maybe hoping to find a Keeshound for free?) and came across an add for "Puppies - $25". That was all the info they gave. I had a very hard time trying to convince DH that we should at least call and check them out. But we finally did.

AND . . . the mom was a pure bred Keeshound! Daddy was the German Shepherd that lived next store, and they were charging $25 in hope of finding better homes than if they had just said "free puppies". They were planning to breed her with another pure bred Keeshound, but she had other ideas! She liked the "boy next door"! So that is how we got our Jasmine.

And if you are interested in the naming . . . We told our DD to name her. She was just over 3 yo. Her favorite movie in the whole world was Disney's Alladin. It went something like this:

DD: What's the doggies name? Us: She doesn't have a name yet. Why don't you give her one? DD: OK, but what's her name? After this went on for awhile we got the point across. Then it went, US: Well, what do you want to call her? DD: Alladin! US: But Alladin is a boy. Our puppy is a girl. So, what should we call her? DD: Alladin! After this went on for awhile more, we shamelessly coached her. "Alladin is a boy, our puppy is a girl. So what if we named her . . . Jasmine?!" DD: YEAH! Jasmine!

And there you go!

2009-06-08T17:19:00.003-04:00

Entry for August 10, 2007

This is one of my babies.

Once I resigned myself to the fact that I would probably never have more than one child, I decided that one kid, one dog, and one cat were the three children I had always planned to have.

This is my youngest. Pazza. (It sounds like Pizza - except with an "ah") DH got her for my from the shelter when we returned from Italy. Hence the Italian name. When we put her down the first time she ran around the house at 90 mph, and up a few walls along the way. The first thing that came to mind was "PAZZA!" (Italian for CRAZY - female tense) So, Pazza Gatto stuck. (Crazy Cat)

I had to put my first baby to sleep just before we left for Italy, and DH new how rough that was on me. She was over 18 years old, and going into kidney failure. The vet said it would be cruel to put her through that flight, and he really didn't think she would survive it. That was hard, I had Spooky from the time I was about 10. I used to tell BF's who were not being nice to her to "watch their step! Because I had her longer than them and if I had to choose - she was staying!" DH may have heard that a time or two also! I'll try to find a pic of her to post sometime. She was a COOL cat!

2009-06-08T17:16:00.002-04:00

Entry for August 08, 2007

We went to see the new baby the weekend of the 28th, and this is a picture of me holding her and tickling her chin - trying to get her to smile. It worked a couple of times, but DD couldn't snap the picture quick enough! She is so cute!

Her Daddy mentioned that the little hats she got from the hospital are way to big for her little head (I think that was a hint!), so I of course went home and knocked one out for her. I am going to finish 2 or 3 more before I get back to her blankie. ( I figure she got 2 hand knit blankies already, so she can wait a little while for mine - after all, it is summer in SW Florida! But with the a/c running, she could use a couple of hats that fit proper! )

Have had a few weeks of pretty intense pain, and haven't felt much like blogging. But today is a good day, so here I am!

Hope you are all well.

2009-06-08T17:09:00.000-04:00

Entry for July 27, 2007

Argh! Well, I haven't finished the blanket - and the baby came early!

I was tryin'!

Lil' Miss Olivia was born last Sunday morning, almost 3 weeks early!

What a doll!

Guess she'll get the blanket for her one month birthday!

Additional info: I don't think I've mentioned (lately or maybe at all?) - Olivia is the first baby for DH's cousin and her hubby.

2009-06-07T22:24:00.001-04:00

Entry for July 21, 2007

I am so tired! We went and got our copy of Harry Potter, and then headed home for bed.

There were a group of teenage boys that were putting papers on cars with possible spoilers. Then they came into the store screaming the stuff out loud! :

"So and so dies on page__. " "These people get married" Blah- blah- blah. The customers were threatening bodily harm if they didn't go away, and the store finally called the police to keep them away. It's sad that a group of teenage kids has nothing more interesting in their lives than to try to ruin something special for another group of people.

Hope everyone interested gets their copies in a non confrontational manner. "And don't kill yourselves staying up to read it all night!"

In case you can't see, that is a Harry Potter shirt. It was DD's favorite piece of clothing for a year or so while in Southern Cal. - about 5 1/2 years ago. (Well, that and the jean jacket with HP on the back!)

2009-06-07T22:22:00.001-04:00

July 12, 2007

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! I broke a needle!

I broke a needle! And of course it's not a new one that I could get replaced. It's one of my plastic ones from a Thrift Shop, that the don't make any longer! WWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've been carrying them in my purse, in a zip lock for months. For some reason, I guess I have been rough on my contents lately, because I have gone to work on a sock twice in the last week or so, and found stitches had slipped off the needle in two different socks. And now this! ARGH!!

On a happier note . . . I wanted to say a great big THANK YOU to all my blog buddies who have sent good wishes, and shared their surgery stories. It's nice to feel all that cyber love. Thanks again!

2009-06-07T22:17:00.002-04:00

July 10, 2007
update

I've been distracted with doctors appointments lately, but have been trying to read blog posts even though I haven't been writing. I've been in a lot of pain the last year, and seeing one doctor after the other to try and determine what 's happening. I have had female problems forever, and was diagnosed with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) about 6 years ago - after twenty some odd years of unexplained pains. Well, this pain is different and I have seen a gastro doc, a urologist and back to my GYN within this last year- with a few stops at my family doc in between each. The latest diagnosis is fibroids. Looks like I'm in line for a hysterectomy next month. YAY. ("Big Sigh")

Anyhow . . . I have made a lot of progress on the baby blanket, but the shower is this Saturday, and I'm not sure I'll be done before then. I kept thinking I had LOTS of time - the baby isn't due until the end of August. I forgot about a baby shower. I may be getting her a separate gift for the shower, and give her the blanket after the baby comes. I'll see how far I get in the next few days.

The second meeting of my "new" knitting group is tonight, I hope we have a better turnout. Cross your fingers! I'll let y'all know.

2009-06-07T22:14:00.001-04:00

June 24, 2007

I would like to try to make a couple of these fellas before next Christmas

One of DH's cousins had these on display last Christmas, and they looked like they would be fairly easy to make. Their bodies are balls of Styrofoam with yarn wrapped around them and their heads, legs and arms are covered with felt. I just thought they were too cute.

I forgot to mention before, we took DD and a friend to see "Nancy Drew" last weekend. It was cute, and little Emma Roberts is a doll. But DH and I were disappointed in the basic premise of the movie. Instead of taking Nancy and making here a twenty first century teenager, they made her a freak of sorts - dressing very old-fashioned and being a social outcast at school. When we were kids, Nancy Drew was cool. It was awesome that she was so smart. She wasn't the cheerleader crowd, but she wasn't an outcast. But other than that, it was a good movie.

2009-06-07T22:10:00.001-04:00

June 22, 2007

It was a long week, but fun!

Well, the week didn't go quite as planned - but, when do they ever?

It was a REALLY good thing I kept DD home from camp this week, because as it turned out, three of the "crew leaders" (teenage volunteers) "forgot" or overslept and were no shows to help out with Vacation Bible School. So they ended up snagging DD as a crew leader - instead of her helping me!

But, one of the tweens helped me on the first day and the other lady (who had gotten a new job) showed up all the other days - for at least half the day.

The kids had fun, we had fun, and it was definitely a learning experience. Boy, some of these kids can wear you down quickly!

2009-06-07T21:27:00.002-04:00

June 16, 2007

Is it already Saturday?!

Well, the knitting meeting was fun. But only one person, besides DD and I, showed up. There were three others that said they'd be there, but they didn't show for one reason or another. The person who did show was a very nice lady named Beth Ann, who knew a good deal about knitting and related books and such. We talked up a storm! I hope we have a better turn out next month!

I need to get it advertised better for next month! Hopefully "Word of Mouth" will do us some good, and the paper should let me put an announcement in the community section for free.

I decided to keep DD home from camp one more week. She came home for the weekend with the direction not to return if she wasn't over her cold on Sunday - to wait another week. But Vacation Bible School is this week at our church, and they were having trouble getting enough volunteers so I offered to help with the snacks. Well, two different ladies who were suppose to do the snacks had things come up - so now it's just me! I told DD that I needed her more than the camp did this week, so she could go back next week instead and help Dear Old Mom this week. Which was cool with her 'cause she was already bummed about missing VBS this year - she loves working with the kids!

This is the sock she has been working on (her first from start to finish - she has worked a few rows on mine before, and made many wrist cuffs from the K2P2 rib pattern) and she just turned her first heel! I'M SO PROUD!!

2009-06-07T21:19:00.003-04:00

June 11, 2007

Well, it didn't quite go as planned . . . .

DD came home Thursday night instead of Saturday morning - because the girls were "SO GOOD" that they finished their training quickly. (I think they ran out of things for them to do!)

Unfortunately she came home with a cold. Camp director said "Stay home until you are well! " So she had to miss this week of camp and is taking NyQuil and counting down the days! She seems much better today. Poor thing. She should be back at it next week.

At least she gets to be here for the first meeting of the new knitting group this way! It's tomorrow night, and I am excited! I hope the signs I had put up at a couple of the local libraries will draw some people. I am planning to put an add in the local papers' community sections before the next meeting (next month), and maybe that will draw a few more too. I'll try to blog about it Wednesday. Wish me luck!!

2009-06-07T21:10:00.002-04:00

June 3, 2007

Has it really been over 16 years?

Well, DD is leaving for Girl Scout Camp tomorrow. She is doing orientation this week, Monday through Saturday. Then she goes back on Sunday to start her 8 weeks of being a CIT. She will be coming home on Friday nights, and going back on Sunday afternoons. She has all these great plans of seeing friends, and going to the movies, etc. etc. But I'm pretty sure she will be sleeping most of the ONE day she is home. (While I am doing her laundry!)

She is so excited about it! She decided she wanted to be a camp counselor her first week at GS Camp in 2001! Then last year she was planning to be a CIT (counselor in training) but, evidently, they changed the age from 15 to 16. She was crushed! So this year she started asking about it before the summer camp brochures even came out! And she has been talking about it non-stop ever since. A little irritating at times . . .

Don't get me wrong though, I am very proud of her. There were only twelve 16-18 year old girls picked, out of all that applied. (not sure of the total number, but it was in 4 or 5 counties) And she totally amazed the camp director, when asked which week she wanted to do her completion training. (the girls are required to do the week of orientation, then 1 week after to complete their CIT training. Then, if they choose to specialize in a particular area - like crafts, sports, water play . . . they do an additional week) When asked which additional week she wanted to do she said "I'd actually like to do them all if I can." The director had to pause and regain, "UH . . . GREAT!" You could tell it surprised her.

I have to admit. I'm going to miss her. She is a big part of my days, with the home schooling and such. But, withing a day or two, I will figure out what to do with all my "spare" time. I still have some unpacking and painting to do, and hope to get it all done during that "free" time. So I won't have a lot of time to miss her.

What will I do with all that knitting and spinning time!?!?

2009-06-07T21:05:00.002-04:00

May 31, 2007

Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End

Pirates 3 was loads of fun! My DD and I laughed so much we had to make a potty break in the middle, and DH had to duck out in the last 1/2 hour! (the medium size sodas might have added to that need also!) Keith Richards as Jack's dad was great! I am hoping that they make a Pirates 4, it ended with the possibility of another. . .

I forgot to mention that when we were at the Museum of Science and Industry on Saturday we watched an IMAX movie. Well . . . actually we watched a regular movie on the IMAX screen. It was Night at the Museum, and wasn't made for IMAX so it was kinda weird most of the time. I found myself focusing on a cut on Ben Stiller's lip or a mole on his face, throughout a lot of the movie. It was neat to see the dinosaur bones in larger than life though. We need to see it again on our home screen, to catch all that we missed.

Then last night we FINALLY got to watch ERAGON! I say finally because we were going to see it in theaters, but my DD hadn't finished the book until the night before last! She started it after the previews for the movie came out - even though I told her for a year she should check it out. It looked like the type of book that she would be interested in, and it was also written by a teenage home schooled boy - more reason for her to check it out. But she was stubborn, and kept insisting that it didn't interest her. But once the previews came out, she was all over it. Unfortunately, so was every other library patron. So she kept getting put on a list, waiting, then get it for a week - high demand book- and turn it in after a few chapters. Someone finally loaned it to her, and she slacked off reading it soon after. She got the DVD for Christmas or her birthday, and we have been waiting on her to finish the book ever since. (By that time, I insisted that she finish the book first!)

Can you tell my DD is a bit stubborn? We went through this same type of head butting over the movies GREASE and SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND. "She wasn't interested, it didn't look that good, she didn't really want to, blah- blah- blah." Then, with both movies, after I said "Forget it, I'm going to watch this and you can watch it with me or you can just sit there and read or go to your room and find something to occupy yourself". Guess what her two FAVORITE movies are? YEP.

2009-06-07T21:01:00.001-04:00

May28, 2007

Happy Memorial Day Everyone!

My weekend was very nice.

We went with a couple of DH's cousins to the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa. That was way cool.

Before the museum we went to a /the local Knit Shop "Knit 'n' Knibble" , I have heard a lot about the place and wanted to check it out. Luckily the cousin we rode with (it's a 2 hour drive to Tampa from home) is a knitter too! DH came in and checked out the different yarns, and decided he wanted a pair of socks next. So he picked out the Regia Silk Color pictured above. It's a combo of black tan and brown. I picked out a ball of TOFUtsies in a combo of magenta, burgundy, light pink and off white. Ought to be interesting. Picked up a set of INOX dp's, size 0 too. I'm happy. Yarn shopping makes for a great day!

Then we went to another cousins yesterday to help sand and texturize walls and ceilings in prep for painting. Then we barbequed burgers and dogs, and I brought homemade mac n' cheese and brownies. Yumm-o!

And today . . . we are going to go see Pirates 3! Woo hoo!

2009-06-04T22:25:00.001-04:00

Entry for May 23, 2007

Well, I guess I should pay closer attention. I just realized I got tagged a few days ago by Michelle.

Soooooo, here we go. . . .
Here are the rules and my answers.

Getting To Know You!

The rules:
~ List 7 random things about yourself
~ Tag 7 others
~ Direct them to your site to get the rules.

7 random things about me that you don’t already know, unless you are related to me or spent more than an hour with me yappin' in your ear!

1.) I am married to a US Navy man. He spent 20 years serving our country and I did 16 of those with him.

2.) During those 16 years, I spent 9 of them being an Ombudsman for the various commands we served (a liaison between the families and the big wigs) and one year as the president of the Enlisted Spouse Club.

3.) I was president of the ESC while we were in Gaeta Italy! What a BEAUTIFUL place! We even talked of retiring there when he got out. We chose Florida instead, because my mother in law gave us a HUGE guilt trip. "BIG SIGH". Oh, well. (something about taking her 1st grandchild 6000 miles away, yada yada)

4.) 4.) While in Italy, I was asked out for coffee by a gorgeous Italian who looked EXACTLY like George Clooney! "BIG SIGH" Didn't go. How come stuff like that didn't happen when I was single!

5.) 5.) I went to cosmetology school in 1992; at Mr. David's School of Cosmetology in Flint, Michigan. I've always loved doing hair and makeup, since I was a kid. I want to renew my license one of these days.

6.) 6.) DH and I plan to one day own our own business. Haven't made up our minds if it will be a yarn shop or a Salon yet though.

7.) 7.) I lost my best friend, my mom, to lung cancer 16 years ago today. Two months to the day after my DD was born. Rough year. Many rough years since then. Especially in May (mom's birthday, mother's day, then the anniversary of her death) "VERY BIG SIGH"

I have tagged : Cheryl J, Amber M, Colleen, Stephanie, Dilys S, Rachelf, and Tambro

2009-06-04T22:17:00.002-04:00

May 21, 2007

Knitting is boring?!?!

What?!

The person who is my immediate supervisor at Michael's (she's called the class coordinator) was talking to me a couple of weeks ago about my classes. She wants to help me advertise and promote my classes, so they don't die off during the summer.

Well . . . she said "Explain to me how knitting can be exciting. Because to someone like me, who isn't that interested, knitting seems kind of . . . . boring." What?! I grabbed my heart and fained an attack! "Edie! How can you say that!" She said, "I'm sorry. But . . . like that dish cloth, how can we make that seem exciting?" Pointing to my sample board, with some fuzzy scarves a sock and a dish/face cloth. I explained to her that they aren't just for dishes.. I have a standing request for FACE cloths from my friend in NC every Christmas. Her son and her will ONLY use my wash cloths to bathe. They are a natural material (cotton) and they are great for exfoliating. She said maybe I could put a bar of soap or small bottle of body wash with a cloth to express that idea to people looking at my board. We discussed the relaxing traits that go with knitting, and how it has become one of the new de-stressers for the 21st century. - .

That's when it occurred to me that Edie needed a hand made face cloth! I made one for her the next day, and gave it to her at my next class. When I saw her last week, she was a convert! She may not be excited enough to try knitting herself yet, but she most definitely loves the knitted cloths! She put in an "order" for a few more!

2009-06-04T22:04:00.003-04:00

May 17, 2007

a bit slowly, but I am getting there

Well, here is where I am at with the 'shades of violet' socks. I haven't worked on them a lot. They have been my purse knitting, and I have been trying to focus on the neverending sweater when I have time to knit - which for some reason doesn't seem to be alot lately.

But, I have been busy in a good way.I have been trying to build my knitting classes a bit, so I don't go on hiatus this summer - as I did last summer. I am also starting a knitting group in the evenings! Yep, trying to get a little more yarn time in with the locals. I have had a few people tell me they don't need to take classes, they just want to have people to knit with. So I spoke with the local library where I have been teaching once a month for the homeschool group we're members of, and have set up a once a month knitting in the evening thing. (I am thinking of maybe expanding it to a spinning group too - we'll see how it goes.) I am just working on a little advertising for it. I'll let you know how it goes, we start next month.

and just maybe . . . . it can help with my classes at Michael's too.

2009-06-04T21:51:00.002-04:00

Entry for May 10, 2007

OK, feeling better now.

Thought I would throw in this pic of a couple of friends and I with Jay Leno. (I'm on the right) We were invited for the "Military families show" while our DH's (all on the same ship out of San Diego) were over in . . . it was in '02 or '03.

Not sure why my alligator picture won't show to some . . . that was the only pic I had available that expressed the way I felt, GRRRRRR - SNAP! Even when I bring up my 360, the last entry that shows before I hit the "blog" button is the desert rose picture.

Anyhoo . . . that whole little rant was about the lady who took over as our home school group's president half way through the year, when we had gone without thus far. She is slowly driving me insane. In general, she is a nice enough lady. But she has this need to be in control of everything.

My husband was "asked" (it's usually called begged and pleaded, I believe) if he would put together the yearbooks this year (after he made an off the hip comment at DD's swimming lesson about last year's books - "I could do the whole thing on my color printer at home for half the price they paid to get them done at Staples in black & white". Ta-Da! Instant "volunteer"). Anyhow, when he was "asked" it was a desperation thing, no one had signed up to do it and the year was half over. So he was told, anything you want to do, go with it! Well, Ann was voted in as president at the same meeting.

Evidently she doesn't believe ink jet printers are very good, and if anyone were to spill anything on the book (why?) it would be a runny mess. She mentioned this at a leadership meeting and everyone freaked out and said they wanted B&W for the book (because he has a B&W laser printer, but only an ink jet for color), with color only for the cover, senior pics and family pages; what individual kids and their families have done during the year, that people pay extra for. And these were to be either sent out to a color laser printer (for way too much $) or we were to purchase laminating paper for the ink jet pages. So this PO ed my husband - just a bit. Then Madame President keeps asking for proofs, and other such things that make total sense for the business owner that she is . . . but doesn't fly well with volunteers that are real hard to come-by in groups like these (everyone wants to input, but no one seems to want to get in there to help get the things done).

Anyhow. This is one of those instances when something could be delegated and left until it's done. I can see her asking if it's coming along, but asking for proofs and wanting certain parts by certain dates. My DH has said more than once, "If she wanted to do this her way, why didn't she just do it herself in the first place?"

I am NOT her employee. But she really doesn't seem to know how to work with people. You are either a friend/associate, or an employee. Not in her vocab to be a CO WORKER - an equal. And I just don't get paid enough as a VOLUNTEER (read $0) to do the subordinate thing. SORRY.

But our school year is almost "officially" over - we personally do year round school, but the group takes off the summer. So I won't have to deal with her much longer, for awhile. I agreed to return to my position as "Hospitality Coordinator" next year, so that is another page to this saga I am sure!

2009-06-04T21:46:00.001-04:00

Entry for May 08, 2007

I am trying to have happy thoughts - I think I need to just go knit for awhile!

People who have their Type A in over-drive get on my last nerve sometimes! Especially when they think they need to oversee everyone and everything in their way!

Well, I don't do micro management well at all - especially in a VOLUNTEER situation!If you want to controll everything, you do it yourself next time!

I'll explain more later . . .

2009-06-04T20:57:00.001-04:00

Entry for April 22, 2007

We worked on the landscaping yesterday, and are taking today off to just hang out.

I am planning to knit and blog; DD is doing school work; and all hubby wants to do is lay out in the sun. Unfortunately DD gets the raw end, but she wants to be a Councelor In Training (CIT) for Girl Scouts this summer, and she needs to get ahead on her school work to take the summer off (we homeschool, and do a year round schedule) - so that means doubling up on her current rate of attack.

Here is one of the many "desert" plants that we have in our yard. It's called a desert rose, and it is blooming like crazy. (I know, not so good a shot. I took it straight down at the plant instead of from the side. This was also prior to the re mulching yesterday) I was surprised to learn that a lot of cacti, and other desert plants (like the centuries) do quite well here in Florida. I thought that they would get way too much water and then root rot. But, I guess because of our sandy soil, they actually do beautifully. Our prickly pear seems to grow another piece every other day!

2009-06-04T20:53:00.001-04:00

April 20, 2007

Working on the landscaping lately . . .

This is one of the plants we brought back with us from my dad's place in Arizona. It's a century, like in the picture I posted of his land after we returned. We have 7 babies, and I'm hoping they grow up nicely. They were real pretty.

Also brought back: a couple of aloe veras - they're struggling; a couple of (going by what Dad called them here) "drop barrel" cacti, because they grow in little balls that drop off and grow from there - not much happening with those that I can see; and a couple of "desert bird of paradise" - those are all but dead, look like dried twigs .

My biggest hope lies with the centuries.

We just picked up some bark mulch tonight to put around them, maybe retaining some moisture will help.

Wish me luck!

2009-06-04T20:48:00.001-04:00

April 15, 2007

Finally Spinning Again!

I FINALLY made it to the spinning guild meeting again yesterday. Between work and "new house" obligations it has been a few months since I have made it to the meetings, and some months that's the only time I seem to get to my wheels!

I put away my purple/mix merino (the stuff I have been working on primarily for awhile now) and pulled out this stuff it's a burgandy merino with silk noil. I tried spinning a bit of it when I first got it, but it was kinda dificult - so I put it away to deal with at another time. I like to spin merino a bit fine, but the noil makes that hard to do. YUMMO! I fell in love with it the minute I saw it, but have held onto it for. . . going on 3 years now (wowe! hard to believe it's been that long!)

It is slow going right now, but turning out pretty nice. I may get some solid burgandy merino to ply it with - doubled the noil is a bit over powering. but it was so nice to be at my wheel again!

2009-06-04T20:44:00.002-04:00

April 12, 2007

Wanted to share

While visiting my dad in Arizona, my sister came from LA with her daughter and grand-kids.

While we lived in San Diego we saw them about every month or two, so the kids spent a fair amount of time with us - but my great niece was only 4 when we moved to Florida, and we've only seen them for a couple of days since. So they didn't remember us much.

During the last year we were there, when we were visiting and I would pull out my knitting my great niece, Angelina, would come over and ask if she could "Help me knit". I was working on a few baby blankets during that time, one right after the other ( had a couple of friends procreate in '03-'04 and one of them had twins!) on big needles (15's) with 2-3 strands of yarn. Angelina would stand in front of me, I would insert the needle, and she would wrap the yarn for me and I would complete the stitch. It was soooo sweet! I got the biggest kick out of it!

Anyhow . . . I sat down on the porch to work on DH's 'Never Ending Sweater', and Angelina came over to watch what I was doing. She said "Can I help you? I used to do that with my friend". WOW! I couldn't believe that she remembered that! I told her, "You used to do this with me, when we would come to visit when you lived at Ya Yas. I was the friend who you used to do this with". She was tickled by that.

She spent about a half an hour with me after that, throwing the yarn while I worked, and even tried to do a few stitches by herself - not ready for that yet, but I will get her there yet!

* I forgot to mention, Angelina is now 6.

2009-06-04T20:37:00.002-04:00

April 8, 2007

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter Everyone!

Hope you have/had a fantastic day!

-T :)

2009-06-03T14:24:00.002-04:00

April 2, 2007

Almost Forgot! . . . .

My Favorite sister in law asked what I would REALLY like for my birthday while she was here visiting in February. (DH's sister) She had something in mind, but then saw the KnitPicks catalog on my end table with a lot of stuff circled. So she said if that's what I'd really like, to send her an email with about 10 items and when she got home she would mix and match and order a few.

Well, the day before we left for Arizona my box arrived! Woo Hoo!! Thanks Andrea!

The black thing on the left is a chart keeper; then a WPI tool (to determine how many wraps per inch to a yarn - helpful if you've lost the wrapper and don't know the gauge of a yarn. Or, if you spin your own yarn and want to determine what size your homespun is - which is the main reason I wanted it); a book I've been eying since before it came out - Spin to Knit; and two skeins of the dye it yourself sock yarn. Woo Hoo!

I was real good and and resisted the urge to dye the sock yarn and continue packing too!

I have been busy since we returned, and haven't yet had the time. But it is most definitely on my mind everyday! Trying to decide if I want to do go the Kool Aid route or the Easter egg dye route, with my first skein. The other I want to use Wilton Icing dye on - not sure which color though. I've been told that using the black dye is awesome, all the different colors that go into it separate and leave a multi colored yarn. HhhhhhMMMMmmmmmmm. Sounds very interesting.

2009-06-03T14:21:00.002-04:00

March 30, 2007

"Spring" Sock

Here is the Opal sock I finished up on the trip out west. DD loves it. Should be starting the mate real soon. "I promise"

As for the "other socks", I am going to listen to the majority and keep going with my 2's for a bit and see what I think. If I don't like the fabric of the body of the foot, I'll only rip back to the end of the lace and use the 1's, leaving the lacy part done on the 2's. (I forgot to mention before that this is 8 stitches more than I usually cast on, 80 instead of 72, to accommodate the 16 stitch pattern repeat. Another reason I was worried about the "big" cuff) But I will keep pluggin' along for now.

Joansie - the yarn I am using is from Elann.com and is their Colori, "Sock it to me!" Collection - color #33. For the body of the sock I am going to use Lang Jawoll in a 'brite' pink/fuchsia #568/06. I'm loving the combo. (There is a pic in my album)

2009-06-03T13:12:00.002-04:00

March 29, 2007

My airplane knitting

This is the cuff for the Old Shale Socks that Bobbi has been trying to get me to knit for almost 2 years! (Well, minus one pattern repeat) I finally had the inclination along with the time to concentrate, and it is turning out lovely - but looks too loose to me.

Here is a link to the pattern:

http://stitchesofviolet.blogspot.com/2004/12/old-shale-two-yarn-sock-pattern....

Those are my green plastic needles that are "security safe" and they are size 2. The pattern calls for 1's, but I use 2's a lot and find I like the fabric. Not sure about this time. (oh, and I added one 16 stitch repeat to the pattern for my 'more ample' legs).

Maybe I will continue on for awhile and see. It might look tighter when I get to the solid knitting. If not, I could switch to 1's then. DECISIONS. (big sigh) I just didn't want to take the chance of them confiscating my needles and my pony pearls were in another sock, all the rest of my 1's are metal. But, it was good practice if I do frog. I am quiet comfortable with the pattern row now.

I will add a pic of that other sock I finished though. DD is thrilled, and wants to wear the ONE sock around the house. That kid is great for the ego! Even though I feel the toe is too pointy - I kept decreasing every OTHER round for a lot longer than the usual 3-4 times Oops.

I should go work on DH's sweater and choose later.

2009-06-03T12:53:00.002-04:00

March 28, 2007

OK , I lied . . .

I don't remember if I put it directly on my blog, or in a response to Lizzy - but I said that Dad lived halfway between Phoenix and Tuscon. In the car on the way from the Phoenix airport DH corrected me when I wondered why we were taking the 10 West instead of East. Dad lives 2 hours west of Phoenix. I had that mixed up in my head with the place we went camping at a few years back - Picachu. OOPS! It was still the middle of nowhere though!

We had a great time! Got back late last night (early this am) and we're whooped, but had a real nice time. Will upload more pictures later.

Managed to finish a sock for DD, and get a few rows done on "DH's endless sweater" and started a new sock on the plane - used my plastic dp's which are 2's and really should have used 1's. Soooooooooooo, it's probably heading for the frog pond soon.

Need to go get ready for work, I scheduled an afternoon class today.

Ciao!

2009-06-03T12:51:00.002-04:00

March 13, 2007

What to pack?

We are flying out to AZ for a visit with my dad and his wife next week.

I am not sure what all to bring. Let's see . . . DH's sweater sleeves, the baby blanket, a sock or two, does that seem like enough? I need to check and see if our airline is gonna be a pain about the needles - don't want to take a chance of losing my Addie's! That would not make me a happy camper! Oh! I suppose I should bring some clothes too! Closed toed shoes and socks to cover our ankles (DD and I do flip flops a lot) to ward of scorpions and snakes. A couple-a sets of shorts and tees should be plenty for daytime, jeans and a sweatshirt may still be in the plan for night time. Need to do a weather check a few days before I suppose.Just to be sure.

I am looking forward to it, we haven't been to see them as a family since a few months before we left CA in 2004. DD and I flew out in '05 when Dad had a heart attack and triple bypass, but that isn't anywhere near the same as a vacation - for anyone involved!

One of my older sisters is coming (from LA) for the weekend while we are there, and that will be real nice. My lil' sister was suppose to come out (from Central Oregon - where I grew up) with her family (DH, DStepS, and three DD's - all teens!) but had a last minute financial crisis and has to skip the trip this year.

I understand the reason, but am EXTREMELY disappointed. I was soooo looking forward to seeing her - and DD REALLY wanted to see her cousins too! Oh well, next time.

2009-06-03T12:36:00.001-04:00

Entry for February 27, 2007

This is my newest project (still adding a row to "Hubby's Never ending Sweater" first though).

One of DH's cousins and her hubby are expecting their first child this summer, so we (DH,DD and I) picked this pattern out of one of my pattern books. It was done with a solid in the book, but DD was adamant about using a variegated yarn - so it isn't as easy to see the 'cables and shells' as it should be.

I'm using Bernat cotton tots and really like the feel of it.

2009-06-03T12:33:00.001-04:00

It finally happened . . .

They got me!

Just kidding. I was "recruited" for the MDA LOCK UP this year. They said I was "accused of having a big heart", and they came to "arrest" me on Wednesday. They did call me ahead of time and give me a chance to "raise my bail" though, that was helpful.

It has held at a local restaurant who sponsors it every year. I raised $365 for muscular dystrophy and they gave me a free lunch, this charming picture and a ride home in a Limo - good trade.

2009-06-03T12:31:00.001-04:00

Thought this was cool . . .

visited 37 states (72%)

Found this on a blog buddy's site and thought it was pretty cool, check it out and create your own "Visited States" map:

http://douweosinga.com/projects/visitedstates

2009-06-03T12:30:00.000-04:00

Entry for February 05, 2007

To those of you concerned, we are fine.

The tornadoes that touched down in our state were around three hours north of us.

I have received a few calls, and emails wondering if we were OK, so I wanted to let people know we are well.

Thanks for your prayers and good wishes.

2009-06-03T12:27:00.002-04:00

Entry for January 30, 2007

DD wanted me to share the "other pics" of the crocheted rug.

This is from when I layed out the squares to determine position, before I sewed them together. Evidently, my cat decided she liked the color or texture or whatever, but she most definitely decided it was HERS. When I would grab up a couple of squares to sew them together, I would get swatted at and berated for messing with HER blanket/rug.

I know for many of you this is probably nothing new, but for us it is a big thing. Pazza (pronounced similar to pizza) doesn't pay much attention to our knitting. She likes to play with the end of a straight knitting needle, if it is in her way on the lap she chooses to grace. But other than that, she is very disinterested.

2009-06-03T12:23:00.002-04:00

January 24, 2007

Todd's never ending sweater : update
Some of you may remeber my drama with the never ending "sweater" (understatement!), here is where I am at with the sleeves.

I was doing real good and made sure to knit atleast one row on this before picking up anything else. Then IT happened. I realized I had made a mistake in the pattern . . . I was suppose to increase one stitch on each side every six rows 8 times, then every eighth row 20 times. To keep track of this, I have a post it note attached to the pattern, and came up with this "brilliant" little notation using: "I" (for increase) being my first row, followed by five tick marks, with the fifth crossing the four singles. (I'm sure you all know what I mean, but it's hard to explain in words - wow!) Anyhow, when I got to the every eighth row increases, for some reason I teflon brained it. Yep, instead of: "I" followed by seven tick marks, I did "I" followed by eight tick marks! Ofcourse I was into mid row 13 before it even occured to me!

It could have been worse, but it was enough to frustrate the crap outta me, and get the sweater put into time-out again, for a couple of months.

It is back out and I am working on it once again. I just can't believe I did that. I looked it over, had hubby help me with the math (I really don't like math!) and we determined Increasing every nineth row for 12 repeats would not harm the outcome of the sleeves. So I am continuing on from there, NO FROGGING!

I will be sooooooo glad when this blasted/beautiful thing is done!

2009-06-03T12:21:00.002-04:00

I almost forgot . . .
Looking at the 360* of another knitbuddy, I realized I had never posted any pics of the handmade knitting needles I made.

Please ignore the wrinkled backdrop.

I took a few different colors of polymer clay, made little snakes of each, rolled them together, then twisted and rolled again, and then cut chunks for the tops. Pushed the dowls into them, then pulled them back off to bake. After baking I used craft glue to attach them.

The needles are two different size dowls, cut to 12 inches each, points are made with a pencil sharpener, and the whole thing is sanded smooth. The larger ones are about 10 1/2 and the smaller are 8's. I oiled them after sanding (the larger with a stain in the oil) and then rubbed them with a piece of wax paper, after the glue dried from attaching the tops.

It was fun! There is a close up of the tops in my knitting album.

2009-06-03T12:17:00.001-04:00

Somedays . . .