Yarn Collectors Anonymous

Friday Fill Ins, Duncan and Knitting!!!

2011-02-11T07:45:00.008-06:00

Friday Fill Ins -

And...here we go!

1. Family is the BEST....they will always love you no matter what!!

2. Sometimes, life has wayyyyy too many ups and downs.

3. Trust in God...he will see you through!!

4. Sometimes getting alone...all by yourself is for the best.

5. Parents really DID know what they were talking about when we were growing up!!

6. I love being in a group and listening to what was said.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to eating Chinese food (yea! NO COOKING)..... tomorrow my plans include getting a long overdue manicure, then cleaning house (woo hoo)...and Sunday, I want to sit in my p.j.'s and knit all day.....but I'll be getting dressed and heading out to knit...so it's still good!!!!!!

Duncan is now 7 lb!!! He is such a sweetie!! Can't wait till we get his first groom so he will look like a little schnauzer man!!

Car knitting....stuck in traffic knitting.....any way you look at it.....knitting is a great way to pass the time!!

Tired On Tuesday

2011-01-25T19:49:00.005-06:00

This is EXACTLY how I feel!!!! Tired, and it's only Tuesday.....doesn't bode well for the rest of the week! (I won't even mention the fact that I was in bed by 8:10 last night).

Friday Fill In Finally!!!

2011-01-21T08:13:00.004-06:00

And Here We GO.....

First Fill In On Friday 2011...(For Me)

1. So Many of us....... look at what is on the outside and not what is inside.

2. Remember to pray....... even in hardship!

3. Those who are accepting of .......me.......HELP!!!! :)

4. Bella........ is waiting quietly. (for me to bring her highness her food)

5. Light is in both the .....fridge and the freezer!!

6. I'm a fan ......of all that is ordinary.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to eating a bowl of homemade soup and cornbread, tomorrow my plans include a bit of shopping, and Sunday, I want to call a pajama day and R.E.L.A.X.!!!!

FREE Gift With Purchase!!

2011-01-16T21:35:00.008-06:00

For a limited time!!

Place an order for the tea of your choice.

And receive.....at absolutely NO additional charge.....

A L.A.R.G.E. spider (variety may vary depending on your neck of the woods).

EEEK.....I opened the pkg., removed all the lovely teas, removed the paper lining the box and there....in the center of the box....spread eagle....displaying all his/her lovely legs was this spider!!! Thankfully my DH swooped in and saved the day. WHEW....no more spider!! :) :)

Whiskers On Wednesdays and SNOW Days!!

2011-01-12T19:15:00.010-06:00

Now....this may not be much snow in the scheme of things....but this is ALABAMA!! We just don't get snow like this here!!! That's FIVE AND A HALF INCHES......of SNOW.....in ALABAMA!!

Home for 2 days!! Ahhhhhh.......a bit of time to sit and do nothing but watch the snow fall!! Kind of makes me wish it would snow more often! Sometimes a forced "time out" is a good thing!!

And.....Whiskers on Wednesday.l

Whiskers On Wednesday.....is rather "whisker-less".

Every since Duncan came on the scene....the kitties have been on high alert, or hiding like Heidi is in the basket. (That darn pesky puppy will NEVER find me here)!!

WOW.....I'm Still Here!!

2011-01-09T17:33:00.009-06:00

Tonight is one of those odd sort of nights....so I thought I would use the opportunity to pick up my friend "blog".....who I have missed dearly these last few months!!

We have a winter warning in effect....now, keep in mind this is Alabama....where Winter and Warning are seldom two words used together. There is that anticipation in the air that school/work may be cancelled tomorrow, a "free" day....all the possibilities....unless of course we lose power due to icing....which is being forecast. But...I have a huge pot of soup, a gas cooktop, gas hotwater heater....so worse case scenario....we can eat hot food, have hot drinks and take a hot shower all while freezing from no heat and no wood for the fireplace....and I can KNIT!!!!!

Not that there is anyone left following my blog.....7 months without a post....don't blame you for dropping me!! I dropped myself!! LOL!!

BUT.......the last few months have been busy, busy, BUSY....lot's of changes along the way. Some of them sad......but a lot of them have been good!

So...in a nutshell.....

There has been the loss of family members, both on my husband's side as well as mine. Just no words. No matter the reason or the time, it is never an easy thing to lose those we love!!

We also lost our beloved little Max to complications from Diabetes. We sacrified a lot to keep him healthy and with us as long as we did....and we would do it all again in a heartbeat!!

We miss him every single day!!

I went back to work (part time) for a friend of mine!! Very lucky to have such a wonderful opportunity!!

I taught a beginning knitting class at a local university for six weeks and met 7 AWESOME ladies!! I am going to start another class this month...SOOO much fun!!!

Not a lot of knitting going on....almost non-existent, but that is about to change whether I want it to or not......we need socks!!

I finally stopped counting all the socks I have had to "darn" due to moths!! I haven't SEEN a moth, but when half a drawer of socks come up with holes in them, not to mention other various woolen items.....oh well.....at least now I'll be able to make a dent in some of the sock yarn I have stashed!! But how in the world do I prevent this from happening again...I am using huge ziplock bags for all my socks, washing in lavendary scented Soak!!! I must set a moth trap......shouldn't be too hard....I have plenty of wool to bait it with!! LOL!!

Another "issue" we have had with sock holes is THIS!!!

The black blur of hole making....quicker than lightning....holes appear in socks!!!

Christmas came a day early and we got Duncan.......a 7 week old Miniature Schnauzer and more energy than the Energizer Bunny himself!!

.....chewing......whining....potty training.....chewing......consoling the kitties......chewing......and did I mention chewing???

He is the sweetest little puppy and just what we both needed!!!

Sooo......I'm back. Hopefully posting some knitting soon!!

I joined the Rockin Sock Club again........this year is going to be the year of color!! Woo Hoo!!! I N.E.E.D.S. me some color!!

Until next time........

I leave you with Duncan....blissfully sleeping away with the total abandonment that only a puppy can!!

Life Is GOOOOD!!!!

2010-05-15T16:23:00.007-05:00

First thing this morning, a bunch of my best knitting buds met at Starbucks for some energizing beverages.....then it was off to Heaven.....or as the owners call it:

Yarns Downtown!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FINALLY.......Trussville has a GREAT yarn shop!!!!

Yarns Downtown is the perfect name for this shop....it is upscale, friendly, open, and absolutely BEAUTIFUL......and I haven't even started on the yarn!!! The full inventory should be in sometime in June, but oh my.....to know there is a dreamy shop just a few minutes from my home makes me downright giddy....and slightly afraid!! LOL!!!! I fear I shall have to get a job to support my Uptown Yarn habit!!!!

The owner and employees were genuinely friendly and always close by to answer questions or assist in any way needed.......just can't say enough about the experience, one I plan to repeat on a VERY regular basis!!!!

L to R:

Rebecca, Paige, Suzanne, Moi, Cindy, Jessie. (Not shown, Carol).

Not a better group of women around...and oh the trouble I fear we will be getting into!!!

Friday Fill Ins and Late Whiskers on Wednesday

2010-04-30T14:21:00.008-05:00

I missed Whiskers On Wednesdays........

Bella's version of helping with the laundry.

And...here we go!

1. I was MEANT TO BE THIN AND BEAUTIFUL!!!

2. I _________ and I left my book _________. (Couldn't think of a fill in for this one.

3. Why DOESN'T MONEY GROW ON TREES???

4. NEW YARN was in my thoughts today.

5. One of my father's favorite sayings was WAKE UP...TIME TO GO TO THE LAKE ...oh wait....I think that was MY favorite thing to hear my Dad say!! LOL!!

6. CRAZY PEOPLE--I know that feeling!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to RESTING, tomorrow my plans include CLEANING HOUSE (UGH) and Sunday, I want to REST!

Back To Friday Fill Ins

2010-04-23T07:14:00.006-05:00

And...here we go!

1. Where are my MAGIC POWERS DARN IT???

2. If wishes were horses I WOULD HAVE A HERD.

3. I'd like to see LESS OF ME.

4. When I was a teen, I thought I WOULD N.E.V.E.R. GROW UP AND LOOK LIKE ALL THE "OLD" PEOPLE!! (Wow...and here I am)!! LOL!!

5. One of my mother's favorite sayings was .....hmmm....I don't recall a favorite saying....other than "Get off the phone" and "Clean your room"! LOL!!

6. I'd have a hard time doing without my COOKIES!!! (I'm dieting).

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to RELAXING AND KNITTING, tomorrow my plans include LAUNDRY and Sunday, I want to KNIT!

Whiskers On Wednesday & DANGER!!!

2010-04-21T10:51:00.005-05:00

Heidi enjoys relaxing with a good adventure flick!!

DANGER!!! Prior to this photo......despite throwing out about 6 or 7 pairs of socks due to HOLES.....(and one of my husbands wool suits).....we had not seen any signs of moths in the house.

I have NOOOOO idea where this fella came from, I was at the kitchen counter pouring a cup of coffee when out of nowhere he is hovering. Maybe he just needed a jolt of caffeine after all the wool munching that has been going on. All I know is that he is now a DEAD moth....whacked on the head and dragged across the counter top for good measure!! (enlarge photo for gory details).

Pruning and What Else....SOCKS!!

2010-04-18T08:45:00.008-05:00

11 years ago this June we moved into our house. At the time, we were "into" yard work, wanting the "glory" to be ours.....yeah. well....not so much now. LOL!! Ohhh.....to have someone come in and overhaul our yard!!

What we originally planted was junipers to fill in underneath the Crepe Myrtles, to soften the retaining wall with tiny bits hanging over.

What we GOT was 4 truck loads and numerous trips I made, pulling branches to the edge of the woods for future burning.

Can't tell by the picture, but some of the branches are thick as my arm!! Obviously, the junipers were mislabeled!! We will finish cleaning the bed, pull up the stumps (too large to dig up)....and go with Plan B....as soon as we come up with Plan B.

In the meantime......off the needles:

Hubby Socks.....after bringing it to my attention that the ratio of HIS socks to MY socks was WAYYY less, I decided to knit him a pair!! One down, one well on its way

Fortissima Colori Socka Color by Schoeller Stahl. Color #8

Knitting Tells A Story

2010-04-14T14:42:00.011-05:00

Does your knitting tell a story?

I have quite a few pieces I have knit that I remember: a specific project I was knitting for, something in particular that was happening at the time I was knitting, who I was knitting for, where I was when I was knitting, etc.

I have "busy" hands....I can't sit idle without something to do, so most of my knitting is just the day to day kind of ordinary knitting we all do. The kind that you don't give much thought to.....like "T.V. Knitting"...or waiting for an appointment kind of knitting. I always have socks on the needles for just such times.

These socks have a story:

(stay tuned for future update on the brown spikes)

I started these socks awhile back....I think I started 6 or 7 pairs of socks one week and this was one of those. I occasionally would dig them out and take to knit night when I knew I was going to be helping someone or just in the mood to cut up and have a good time, just in case I decided to knit a stitch or two, something I didn't need to concentrate on, no serious knitting. Nothing special, just my version of the vanilla sock: K3, P1. Never making much progress.

Somewhere in the mix, these socks turned into a different kind of knitting. Knitting that was hastily thrown in a bag as I was heading out the door...so while I waited I wouldn't have to sit with idle hands....then they turned into socks that were knit when things were beyond my control and I was feeling helpless to do anything....so I knit...because that is something I CAN control....you can control what stitches you make, in what order you knit them and you KNOW the outcome of what you are knitting.

I started these "mindless" socks a long time ago, never thinking about what kind of socks they would become. I had so many hours of knitting I got SICK of knitting..... I put them down, picked up a book or three, read them straight through. I haven't done that in years!!! Not since learning to knit!!

But......eventually I felt the need to complete the process, so I pulled them out, finished them up, and have decided to keep them. I wasn't going to....I thought about who to give them to, but they weren't mindless knitting, not happy knitting so I decideded to keep them....... If for no other reason than to remind myself that life isn't always fair, bad things happen, and that no matter what goes on, no matter the circumstances.......every single day of life is precious!! There ARE no bad days!!

And as a reminder in the Fall, when I pull out all my lovely socks, I'll run across this particular pair and they will be a reminder of where I was when I was knitting them, and who I was with when I knit them and that she is no longer here. AND.......that it is time for my yearly mammogram, to STOP and make an appointment before time gets away!!!!!!

If you don't get mammograms or are late getting yours (like I am)........get one and encourage everyone you love to get one!! Don't let the fear of the unknown stop you!!!!

Whiskers On Wednesday and Throwing Down The Gauntlets

2010-03-10T11:05:00.004-06:00

If you were this gorgeous

you would look at yourself

too!!!!

Would you like your gauntlets with or without a thumb????

Darning Day

2010-03-08T13:20:00.002-06:00

Well.....I have been putting it off
but have finally decided, today is the day to darn some socks!!

OH DARN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Throwing In The Towel & March Selection

2010-03-04T13:11:00.004-06:00

I'm throwing in the towel on the 365/day project. Just call me a quitter!!

It sounded good at the time....take a picture a day, post, no biggy. But...seems like there have been as many days that I was NOT able to post as I have actually posted...so I'm quitting...There!!

(Whew....I feel better)!!

Now...on to today's post and update:

Family is all well.
Dog is hopefully about to turn the corner and get better.

March 1st was my 24th Wedding Anniversary...MAN....would somebody PLEASE slow down time???

Once again, my husband didn't believe me when I tried to tell him that yarn and fiber are on the official "Anniversary Gift List"....oh well....maybe next year!! LOL!!

Now, for the March selection for Sock of The Month!! Pattern is yet to be determined, will update when selection is made.

60/365

2010-03-01T10:45:00.005-06:00

Sorry for the laspse in posts.....things have been crazy around here for a bit. Max had another "near death experience" and it has taken several days of having him home from the vet to get his routine back.

Also spent time with family while my husands stepfather was in the hospital for surgery. A scary time, but all turned out well!!

I am nursing a sore thumb...silly sounding I know. BUT.....when you start knitting at 7:00 a.m. and knit straight through without stopping (dumb I know).....until 4:30, you end up with a thumb and wrist that is not happy!! (Hospital knitting)

But .....I have the peanut butter gods smiling upon me today so I know all will be well.

Found this when I opened the pantry door!!

I love PB...and looks like PB loves me too!! LOL!!

It's good to be back!!!!!

48/365

2010-02-18T14:56:00.003-06:00

I forgot yesterday was Whiskers On Wednesday........just pretend.

Her Highness loves to sit and contemplate....or ignore you, however you choose to interpret! LOL!!

47/365

2010-02-17T19:02:00.001-06:00

Love the heel on this sock!!

44,45,46/365 Flowers, Snow & Knitting

2010-02-15T11:08:00.008-06:00

Once again I am playing catch up.

We had some snow!!!!

Valentine's Flowers!

And Knitting: Alice's Mitts

Manos yarn.

Ravelympics Update: After a false start, I am on my way with a pair of socks for Team Ravelpaws!! Knitting will continue tonight and will post an update with pic tomorrow.

41,42,43/365 And SNOW!!

2010-02-12T11:09:00.010-06:00

Oops......need to catch up!!

First UP: A sweet friend of mine and her too cute for words little boy came for a visit on Wednesday and brought me not one...but TWO surprises!!!

We both share a love of pottery, Jerry Brown pottery in particular and she brought me an apple baker!!!! NOTHING any better than an apple baked this way!!

AND........during one of her travels found a sock form at an antique store!!! (She knows how much I love sock knitting)

I am trying to come up with a good way to display the form...it is so pretty and I love how the wood looks at the top!!

Completed: One Soybean Sock...and Apple Baker!!

To use the apple baker, you core an apple and place on the spike. Place a little pat of butter in the top, sugar, cinnamon, place in the microwave for just a few minutes to desired doneness and enjoy!! All the juices wil be caught up in the bowl and once you remove the apple you can drizzle all those juices back over the top of the apple. Just too darn yummy!!!!!

I took this pic about 30 minutes after it started snowing. It is coming down like crazy...will post more later today. We just don't get snow enough down her in the South to ever get tired of it!!

Tonight: It is the opening ceremony for Ravelympics...or for all you non-knitters....the Olympics!!! Go Team Ravelpaws!!!!

40/365

2010-02-09T20:03:00.001-06:00

Homemade Pizza!!!

39/365 Dishcloths

2010-02-08T20:25:00.006-06:00

5 dishcloths for my SIL......completed and will go in the mail tomorrow!! Now....back to the February socks.

38/365 February Sock Update

2010-02-07T17:07:00.002-06:00

February sock is coming along....isn't it crazy how the yarn pools and with one change of a stitch it will start a self striping pattern??

These socks were originally going to be the Eleanor pattern, but I cast on 64, knit the ribbing and then discovered Eleanor is a 60 cast on!! Oh well...I'll knit them another time.

STR: Algae colorway

Soybean Sock Pattern

37/365 Birthday Yarn

2010-02-06T19:29:00.002-06:00

My sister requested Alpaca socks for her birthday this year.

I made her a pair out of the Drops Alpaca yarn 2 years ago and she loved them!! The LYS no longer carries Drops yarn, but I did find this Berroco Alpaca Light, with a touch of nylon and to the touch feels just as soft as the Drops yarn.

Requested but not able to find today was a very light pink colorway. I got online as soon as I got home, found a distributor for Drops yarns and the pink is on its way!! I had NO idea Drops 100% Alpaca came in SO many colors!!!!

36/365 Socks and Heidi

2010-02-05T20:07:00.003-06:00

A few rounds on my February Socks are completed.

Sometimes it just isn't worth the fight to get the bed made completely. Heidi can make a 2 minute job into a 10 minute frustration!!

35/365

2010-02-04T13:09:00.002-06:00

I'm very, VERY blessed to be ABLE to pay bills......but sure don't enjoy paying bills!!

Knitting starts back tonight!! Woo Hoo!!!!! This will be our first night back for 2010!! There will be knitting going on tonight!!!!

34/365 Hearts For Hospice

2010-02-03T19:41:00.005-06:00

Pardon the orange.....it's really red.

I spent the day working on these fleece heart pillows.

They really don't take too long to make, once cut, all you have to do is double tie each strand, stuff with fiberfill (which will be done in a few days) double tie the opening and you have a nice, soft, heart pillow to be given to out to local Hospice patients.

33/365 Cupcakes and Knitting Progress

2010-02-02T11:46:00.007-06:00

Ohhhhh......175 possibilities...look out hips!! LOL!! I do love me some cupcakes!!

2.5 dishcloths down, 2.5 to go!!

I have the Algae yarn wound and ready to cast on as soon as I finish the dishcloths. I have chosen the Eleanor sock pattern by Monkey Toes.

32/365 February Sock Selection

2010-02-01T08:05:00.005-06:00

I let Heidi choose which bag to grab for my February Knit From Your Stash selection......

Excellent choice Heidi!!

31/365

2010-01-31T11:24:00.002-06:00

One of my favorite things.

30/365 Warshrags

2010-01-30T16:21:00.004-06:00

One down, three to go.

My SIL asked if I would knit her some washcloths and I chose this SUPER fast pattern. I am not a Nascar fan but I love the way I can "race" through this pattern!!

29/365

2010-01-29T13:24:00.004-06:00

Yes.....I realize this isn't a picture I snapped today, but I just had to share this.

I was listening to episode 55 of Manic Purl Podcast last night, sort of listening distractedly while feeding the dog and heard SpringValley Yarns...I thought that sounded familiar so I turned the volume up and was so VERY TICKLED to hear THE most wonderful review of Jessi's Etsy Shop, SpringValley Yarns....and all the wonderful yarns she has available!!!

If you haven't already checked her shop....if you haven't purchased yarn...and heck....even if you have, head back over. She really does a GREAT job of dying yarn, the yarn bases are good quality and her colors are really pretty!!!! I have never been dissapointed with any of my purchases...and in fact, the first purchase I ever made through Etsy was from Jessi, several years ago....long before I knew her!

I was so tickled I had to share with everyone!!

28/365 Another FO!!

2010-01-28T18:15:00.002-06:00

Hot off the needles!!! Burning Rings of Fire

STR Watermelon Tourmaline

Gift knitting.

27/365

2010-01-27T15:56:00.002-06:00

Sometimes you just need a nap!!

26/365

2010-01-26T21:09:00.002-06:00

Hmmm.....don't remember picking this up at Publix!

25/365 Off The Needles!

2010-01-25T15:32:00.002-06:00

January socks off the needles!! Woo HOO!!

AND.....3rd season of The Tudors arrived today!!!!

24/365

2010-01-24T18:03:00.001-06:00

It's been just that kinda day!!

23/365

2010-01-23T16:00:00.007-06:00

CLICK TO ENLARGE

This big guy sat on the branch for the longest time.

I guess he and the "missus" had a slight disagreement....she was far enough away we could hear her...but couldn't see her. We have several nests in the area....so not sure if she was out "visiting" and he was stuck with the "kids" or what....but there sure was a lot of squawking going on between them!!

22/365

2010-01-22T17:34:00.003-06:00

CHOCOLATE Cheerios??? AND.....it helps lower my cholesterol???

I'm IN!!!

21/365 We Have A Sock!!

2010-01-21T14:43:00.001-06:00

One down and one to go.....

20/365 January Socks

2010-01-20T16:31:00.002-06:00

January Sock for the Stash Sock Club

Pattern: Dash

Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Rare Gems

I love this pattern....goes quick too!! Good thing as it is almost February

and I am barely half way on my first sock!!

19/365 Actual Knitting

2010-01-19T13:57:00.002-06:00

Off The Needles

L: The Guy Next Door Cowl, Lorna's Laces Worsted

R: Seawead Cowl, Lorna's Laces Worsted, Navy

18/365

2010-01-18T13:33:00.003-06:00

It's Monday....

One load down, 7 more to go and I'll be through....until this time next week!

17/365

2010-01-17T07:40:00.002-06:00

I didn't participate in the last Ravelympics.....when

I saw this team.....well....resistance was futile!!

16/365

2010-01-16T12:37:00.002-06:00

January's sock yarn choice for Stash Sock Yarn.

BMFA Rare Gems!! GORGEOUS color!!!

15/365

2010-01-15T15:33:00.003-06:00

I know this is a Christmas ornament.....but too darn cute to put away until next year!! This little fella is going to hang out with me for awhile!!

14/365

2010-01-14T13:23:00.005-06:00

I can't help it.....these always put a smile on my face and make my feet VERY happy!!

Boiled wool from the Haflinger company...VERY warm!!

13/365 And Whiskers On Wednesday

2010-01-13T17:14:00.004-06:00

EXTREEEEEEEEME Kitty Close Up!!!

Heidi has the nose for nosiness!!

12/365

2010-01-12T12:30:00.004-06:00

Not the prettiest of pictures, but this is my version of a sock club.

I joined the Stash Sock Club on Ravelry....and following the lead of several others, have created my own knit from your stash sock club.

I had my husband to pull yarn for me and place in each bag. My surprise will be when I pull a bag each month to see what is inside!!

My January selection was already made and I hope to get them cast on tonight.

11/365

2010-01-11T14:07:00.003-06:00

What IS it about a cat and wet wool!!!!

This is my second Just Enough Ruffles Scarf. Both knit with Lornas Laces Worsted, first one was gifted at Christmas, this one is a belated Christmas gift.

10/365

2010-01-10T11:05:00.003-06:00

First FO of 2010

Seaweed Cowl by Elizabeth Blake!!!
Lorna's Laces Worsted, Navy (left over from Just Enough Ruffles scarf that was gifted at Christmas without me remembering to make a picture)!!

I was searching Ravelry for a cowl to knit for my husbands nephew...found this pattern and was so tickled to see that it was written by my friend Elizabeth!! Elizabeth is a PHENOMENAL knitter and spinner!! I am very envious of her sweater knitting skills!!

9/365

2010-01-09T11:20:00.004-06:00

My nephew went to Jamaica to escape the cold over Christmas break.......oh.....and to GET MARRIED!!!!

They both attend George Washington University, slated to graduate in a few months, nephew will be starting graduate school, she will be starting Law School.

The logistics of school and trying to plan a wedding out of state that everyone could attend was just too much, so they decided to elope. Less stress, no worries of who could or couldn't attent......all in all.....a good choice for them.

What a GREAT way to start the New Year!!! We can't WAIT to meet her!!!!!!

Box Update: There was a bowl and a bag of potpourri in the damaged box that I posted about yesterday. The seller was very nice, offered to replace.....but as THIS was a replacement from....yes...you got it.....the EXACT same thing that happened earlier....I opted for a full refund, and got to keep the popourri as a parting gift.

8/365

2010-01-08T12:49:00.002-06:00

UPS BS.....can you BELIEVE he was going to just leave this on my doorstep like this???

7/365

2010-01-07T14:55:00.004-06:00

FRESH Oranges....my cousin picked these early the morning they left Florida to drive to Alabama for a post holiday visit!! They taste AWESOME!!!

I can't IMAGINE walking out my back door and having orange and grapefruit trees as they do!!

6/365 And Whiskers On Wednesday

2010-01-06T09:04:00.005-06:00

6/365 Knitting Mishap

Whiskers On Wednesday

Heidi was quite pleased with what Santa brought her!!
(Not to mention a little stoned on catnip)!! LOL!!

5/365 and Ten On Tuesday

2010-01-05T17:44:00.007-06:00

Pew With A View

Ten On Tuesday

Ten Things You Are Looking Forward To In 2010

1. Starting to blog again

2. Losing weight (again)

3. Better economy

4. Some bills paid off

5. Not hearing "aut" again when referring to the year

6. Weeding out some of the stuff in the basement.

7. Working on knitting better

8. Keeping up with a budget better

9. Better organized when it comes to meal planning so there are no last minute "throw togethers".

10. Knitting from my stash

I Can See Clearly Now.......

2010-01-04T11:03:00.006-06:00

Now that I have GLASSES that is!!!!

I'm not a vain person by any stretch of the imagination (just look at the pudgy face and hair...WAYYY past due on my trip to see Miss Clairol)!!!! BUT....I must admit I have struggled with getting glasses 4-EVER!! I love the way glasses look on others, but for some reason when I see me in them I think "Maw-Maw". BUT...I finally got sick and tired of having 20 pair of drugstore glasses, strewn about the hous and car, yet NEVER having a pair when I needed them.

Enough on that....

I had planned on starting the New Year with a resolve for regular posts...and here it is the 4th and I am just posting. I sort of lost my enthusiasm to post knitting.....all I knit are socks, and once you hit the 60+ pair it sort of seems redundant to post about it.

SOOO......I think I'll try something a bit different this year.

Despite the fact I am late, I am going to join the project 365, posting a picture daily, which will include knitting pics!! But don't despair....there will be knitting as well!!!

To bring me up to date: Here are photos 2, 3 and 4!!

One of my favorite ornaments.

And another favorite!

A new puppy (for my neighbor)!!

Isn't that just THE sweetest face?!

O.K. I'm caught up.....see ya tomorrow!!

It's Beginning To Look A Tiny Bit Like Christmas!!

2009-12-16T18:53:00.022-06:00

WOW....where has the time gone and what do I have to show for it since my last post?

First there was Thanksgiving......pies to bake. Princess Cupcake spent some of her time from school with me. We started the tradition of baking Thanksgiving pies many years ago. I remember when she was so little she had to stand on a stool to reach the countertop....don't even like to think about how long ago...makes me sad she isn't a little girl anymore.

This was only 5 years ago...

And Today.

She just turned 14...sniff...
sniff.

No more baby dolls to buy, now it's

Facebook, Texting and....BOYS!!!!
(note cell phone on counter)

There has been some knitting...and not all has been socks...SHOCKING I know!!!

We got some snow here in Alabama...and it isn't even March!!

Well over 40 dozen (yes, FORTY DOZ.) cookies have been baked.

A sampling of Holiday decorations......

A few good men!

One down, personalize, add a hanger block, repeat for second stocking...today is Wednesday, due to be sent off for delivery on Saturday.

Ahhh....I love knitting pressure!! LOL!!

Ten On Tuesday and Other Things

2009-10-20T10:51:00.007-05:00

Ten On Tuesday's Post Today is "Guilty Pleasures"

Hmm.....only ten?

1. Pajama Day
2. REAL hot chocolate made with whole milk and shaved chocolate
3. Knitting all day....and letting the housework go
4. Reading all day....and letting the housework go
5. Going to a movie in the middle of a week day.
6. Taking a long, hot bath.....usually accompanied by a good book.
7. Manicure and Pedicure
8. Eating good chocolate.
9. Wasting time on the internet
10. Shopping for yarn

FINALLY......cooler weather....Frost Warning a couple of nights ago...and it is just October...and this is ALABAMA!!!

When I saw the weather

report I rushed to the sock

drawer and pulled out a pair

of socks....

The green wad of yarn is my

Sugar Maple Shawl. Probably finish with the lace

portion tonight and start the ruffle tomorrow night.

My sister and I wait breathlessly each Fall on who will find the first Peppermint Mocha Coffee Creamer....

I won this year...
picking up 8 bottles (on sale).....only to be VERY dissapointed!! Despite a phone call to the manufacturer, stating that there have been no formula changes from previous years....there is a most DEFINITE change in the taste and smell. As in you can no longer smell the peppermint once added to your cup of coffee...and there is only the faintest hint of peppermint taste.

There may have been a tear or two shed............we do love...or loved this stuff!! Sniff, Sniff!!

Whiskers On Wednesday

2009-10-14T15:24:00.004-05:00

This is Heidi's first

cube.....she has spent

countless hours running

across the floor and

dive bombing in through

a hole and rolling from

room to room!

She has been on the attack

several times.

Playing until she passes

out without

an ounce of modesty.

Best $3.77 I have ever spent!

It's Been Awhile

2009-10-13T10:29:00.008-05:00

It's been awhile since I have regularly posted....lot's going on for the past few months.

A big thank you to all my wonderful friends that have contacted me over the past few months. It's nice to know I was missed...not that my blog posts are very exciting!! LOL!!

I had planned to attend SAFF this year, had a room reserved but due to a family illness, was afraid I wouldn't be able to make it so I cancelled my reservation. Family is wayyyyy more important...and there is always next year!!!

Where to start:

I made a last second decision to join the dishrag tag this year and glad I did!!! I received a lovely pkg!!

In between times, there has been some knitting:

Fleece Artist Yarn

K3, P1 pattern

Finally got yarn ordered to finish this cardigan/shrug

Claudia's Handpainted

Watermellon

Vanilla sock

I have completed two other pairs of socks, will have to get them photographed.

Many, many thanks once again for everyone's thoughts and prayers during my Father-In-Law's illness and subsequent death. It is nice to know there are so many that care and I have truly appreciated all the EM!!

Ten On Tuesday

2009-09-15T07:12:00.002-05:00

10 Things You Think Are Cool (in no particular order)

1. Friends.....coolest by far!!

2. Iphone......seriously, this is your own personal assistant right at your fingertips!!

3. Ravelry: How cool is it to be able to log onto a site and see every variation of a particular pattern you want to knit...not to mention all the wonderful FREE patterns that people share.

4. The Internet...good GRIEF.....whodathunkit?

5. Computers.....see above.

6. Digital cameras

7. Ipod

8. Health...not only cool, but a true blessing.

9. Family, good/bad,warts and all...having family is pretty darn cool.

10. Being able to help others.

What You See is NOT What You Will Be!!

2009-09-10T11:19:00.004-05:00

Soooo......I did my gauge swatch.....(which I hate doing)

I made many stops along the way and measured....

What I FAILED to do was stop and try on along the way.......and while my measurements are right on target, it is simply too short for me!! I am only 5' 2"!!

In retrospect.....in looking at the picture on the pattern the model is definitely smaller in the bust than I am, BUT....the length is most definitely longer than the length called for in the pattern and I can't fathom that my bust size would shorten the overall length of the sweater

THAT much!!

SOOOO.........it's off to the frog pond, glad I was excited to try on prior to wasting time with the sleeves.

I do like the basic cut of the sweater and will reknit but when it gets to the point where I am to bind off I'll try on and continue knitting till it at LEAST hits my waist rather than barely underneath the bust.

Oh well......Saturday plans include finishing season one of Tudors....so this will be perfect knitting for that!! I'll also be casting on with some BEAUTIFUL denim blue sock yarn that someone oh so special gifted me....along with YUM..........POUND CAKE.......YUM!!!!!!!!!

Ten On Tuesday Post and Knitting In Review

2009-09-08T09:46:00.004-05:00

10 Bad Habits You Can't Break

1. Going to bed with makeup on....EWWWW......I know!!

2. Drinking large quantities of Coke Zero

3. Buying yarn when I have more than I can knit in one lifetime.

4. Staying up too late

5. Eating Junk Food

6. Saving/Collecting Recipes

7. Buying too many magazines

8. Procrastination.....regarding Oh So Many Things!!

9. Dieting.....a new one every Monday

10. Collecting Knitting Patterns

Weekend Knitting In Review:

Two socks off the needles, mates to be cast on this week.

The summery cardigan shruggish type thingy is 3/4 way finished. I will finish the edging tonight and be well on my way with the sleeves. Hope to have a blocked pic by the end of the week!! WOO HOO......

Wee Tiny Baking And A Whole Lotta Knittin Goin On!!

2009-09-04T09:37:00.007-05:00

First you take a few Wee Tiny baking tools and a wee tiny cake plate.

Mix a together a few ingredients...

Pop in the oven and POOF.....a few minutes later you have your very own, adult, Easy Bake cake!

This cake was so utterly decadent and rich that it took 3 adults two days to eat it!!! This is a 4" cake folks!! Double chocolate, sour cream frosting.....to DIE for!!!

And....since this IS after all a knitting blog here are a few things I have been working on lately....in no particular order.

Future shruggish style summer cardigan garment.

Socks.....

AND.....MORE Socks!!!!

I also received a shipment of Berrocco Vintage Wool. I had received an EM about this yarn, took a chance and ordered enough for the Sugarmaple shawl and a summer cardigan.

WOW......this yarn is very soft but strong enough to hold good stitch definition and be hard pressed to know this is a blend of wool and nylon.

I plan on keeping the shawl over the back of my chair to pull around my shoulders on chilly nights...and considering how the cats love to sleep on anything I knit...I will be able to throw in the wash when needed and not have to worry about felting. I'm glad I hadn't already started this project with the Auracania yarn I had planned on using!!

Hmmm.......It seems I fell down on the Webs site too..... :) :) :)

But more on that when the Box-O-Bliss arrives.

I hope everyone has a WONDERFUL Labor Day Weekend!!

FINALLY...a post

2009-08-31T20:06:00.005-05:00

Sorry for the delay in posting......computer.....love it/hate it...that's all I'm saying.

In a nutshell:

Finished some vanilla socks.

Started a sweater.....not photo worthy at this point...hopefully have a pic up by the end of the week.

Lot's of kitty naps taking place!!

I have now read every single book about Julia Child.

Spent 16 hours watching every episode to present of True Blood.

Gathered supplies to wash the fleece I recently received.

Dusting off the spinning wheel and about to get busy spinning.

NOT enough hours in the day to craft all that I want!!! UGH!!

Monday's Simple Woman Post

2009-08-10T12:18:00.004-05:00

Outside my window I see...GREEN!!
I am thinking...about my dog...spending the day at the Vet for blood work.
I am thankful for...my family!!
From the kitchen...I am baking cookies for the Vet Tech that cares for Max.
I am wearing...my usual...shorts and a t-shirt.
I am creating...some dishcloths.
I am going...to clean house today.
I am reading...A Julia Child book.
I am hoping...we can get Max's diabetes under control.
I am hearing...Geek Loves Nerd podcast.
Around the house...it is quiet today.
One of my favorite things...is knitting and baking
A few plans for the rest of the week: Exercise (UGH)....

Friday Foto

2009-08-07T09:50:00.004-05:00

After the rain....a cobweb takes on a totally different look!

(Enlarge and check out the delicate cobweb)!

Whiskers On Wednesday

2009-08-05T08:40:00.008-05:00

Today's post is all about Heidi......and her many naps! She DOES enjoy a good nap!!!

And can't leave out Bella!! Who finds the entire photo process rather irritating.....so today's shot is a mear shadow of Her Highness!!

Ten On Tuesday Post

2009-08-04T14:39:00.002-05:00

Ten Favorite Characters From Television

1. Lucille Ball

2. Grace (Will and Grace)

3. Christine (New Adventures of Old Christine)

4. Allison Dubois (Medium)

5. Bree (Desperate Housewives)

6. Nora Walker (Brothers & Sisters)

7. Ann Marie (That Girl)....yes...I am THAT old!! LOL!!

8. Hawkeye (Mash)

9. Charlie (Two And A Half Men)

10. Samantha (Bewitched)

Ten On Tuesday Post

2009-07-28T08:50:00.004-05:00

I am going to give the Ten On Tuesday posts a try for awhile so here goes: Each week participants are sent a subject and you are to post ten things.

Today's Ten On Tuesday Subject is 10 Favorite Sounds, so in no particular order:

1. Rain
2. Thunder
3. Train Whistle
4. Ocean waves crashing on the beach
5. Wind blowing
6. Anything played on an acoustic guitar
7. Piano music
8. Saxaphone music
9. Laughter
10. The stillness that comes with standing outside listening to snow fall.

Monday Post

2009-07-27T09:15:00.005-05:00

I ran across the Simple Woman Blog

and thought I would try the Monday post for awhile. All you do is cut and paste the questions onto your blog each Monday and fill in the blanks!

NO knitting this weekend......I have been totally immersed in a book this weekend!! (see below).

FOR TODAY July 27th

Outside my window...I see lot's of weeds!

I am thinking...I have a lot to do today and don't want to do anything.

I am thankful for...my family!!

From the kitchen...I am going to create a new recipe for dinner tonight.

I am wearing...my usual...shorts and a t-shirt.

I am creating...some knitted socks.

I am going...to run some errands today.

I am reading...The autobiography of Julia Child.

I am hoping...to be able to start this week out on a diet and stay motivated for the ENTIRE week, not just the first 5 days.

I am hearing...my dog whine.

Around the house...is where I enjoy being.

One of my favorite things...is knitting.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Exercise (UGH)....knitting, visiting a friend and her sweet little boys.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

NO...it's not a fungi of some kind........

It's a bowl of blueberries, pulled from the freezer and thawing for breakfast!!

Happy Monday!!!!

Whiskers On Wednesday!!

2009-07-22T14:29:00.004-05:00

Whiskers On Wednesday!!

Pretty boring week so far.....a whole lot of napping taking place!!

I guess they are resting up for the weekend!!

Friday Fill Ins & A New Post!!

2009-07-17T09:19:00.009-05:00

Graphic courtesy of Tonya!

And...here we go!

1. Grilled burgers (because the hubby is in charge of the grill) and salad make a quick and easy dinner.

2. Dark Tort by Diane Mott Davidson is the book I'm reading right now.

3. July brings back memories of being a kid and swimming at the pool and playing with cousins, in town for the summer.

4. The crash of Jon & Kate was obvious.

5. They say if you tell your dreams you will be jinxed.

6. It is ALWAYS best to think it over.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Farming on Facebook, knitting, tomorrow my plans include baking my Dad a German Chocolate cake for his birthday, shopping for a birthday gift, washing the MOUNDS of laundry and Sunday, I want to call a Pajama Day, but will be traveling out of town to spend the day with my Dad for his Birthday!

I recently ran across the Better In Bulk blog and have decided to start following and posting my own......

I have had a love of photography that dates back to my teenage years when I got my first 35mm camera. While in college, I took photography classes and fell in love with the dark room....watching pictures magically come to life on paper was AWESOME!! (All you digital age photographers have missed out!)

Over the years I carted my camera (totally manual) with me everywhere I went.....including all the props of white boards for reflection, tripod, etc. All in hopes of catching that perfect shot. But then life got busy, my camera ended up in a yard sale and I have always, ALWAYS regretted letting it go!!!! I would love to dig out my books for a refresher course and get back to totally manual photography.

BUT.....until then......I'll be posting a weekly "Give Me Your Best Shot" digital picture....and here is this week's best shot.

My husband's great niece, age two, who had decided she'd had quite enough of the wedding festivities, crawled under the table at the reception and proceeded to remove her dress.....when asked what she was doing she just put her little hands up and said she was "nekkid".....as if I were too dumb to understand!! LOL!!

It's hard to see on this shot, but if you go here, although a bit grainy, you will see a perfect little lipstick kiss on her left cheek.

Shot with just your basic point and shoot digital camera.

A Wonderful Movie and What Else...Socks Of Course!!

2009-07-16T11:23:00.003-05:00

Boeuf (pronounced boof) Bourguignon.....I find myself overcome with the desire to cook Boeuf Bourguignon.......all this from someone who can mess up just opening a can of peas!! Not to mention, the closest I have EVER come to wanting to cook french was French Fries!!! LOL!!

BUT......I went to see the Preview of Julie, Julia by Nora Nephron last night and OH MY!!!!

First of all....what a GREAT, FUN movie!!

If you are like me, you remember when Julia Child was on Public T.V.....back in the ....well....if you remember when she was on PBS, then you are most likely my age or close! LOL!! The movie is featured around a girl that decides to blog for a year, (hoping someone will see her blog and purchase the rights for a book).....all while cooking her way through Julia Child's Mastering The Art Of French Cooking Cookbook, interspersed with scenes from the life of Julia Child, the early years in France and her evolution into a Chef (both story lines are true).

Meryl Streep did an AWESOME portrayal of Julia Child and it was very interesting to discover some of the humerous and downright bawdy nuances of Julia Child!!! A lot of the details of Julia's life was documented by letters mailed from both Julia and her husband Paul to family members who had saved everything!!

SO....if you are looking for a good movie to see.....opens August 7th...GREAT movie!!!

I'll let you know when I get up the nerve to make the Boof Bornine!!! LOL!!

You gotta see this movie!!

Woo Hoo......WATERMELON SEASON!!!!!

Can't wait to cast on for some watermelon socks!!!!!

Whiskers On Wednesday And ANNOUNCEMENT!!

2009-07-15T11:08:00.005-05:00

Bella Says: Happy Whiskers On Wednesday.....now....GO AWAY!!!!

Heidi Says: I'm bored....want to come play with me???

Now For The Announcement Portion Of The Blog:

DISH RAG TAG 2009 sign ups will start SOON!! Go to Emily's website for all the details.

Over the past few years I have enjoyed the DRT as well as the Wee Tiny Sock Swap!! I know it takes a lot of work to pull these off and in a show of support want to encourage everyone to head over and check out the AWESOME patterns Emily has written and has available for sale.

Once prizes are purchased for the DRT, all proceeds from the sock pattern will be donated to the Humane Society.

Over the years, Emily has and continues to intervene in the care and placement of what otherwise would be a sad predicament for a lot of different animals. Oh...and all this while caring for a toddler!!!

I am all about supporting my fellow knitters as well as such a worthy cause and I hope you will too!! The bowling ball and pin are too cute!!!

If you aren't a sock knitter or have a little one to knit for....it is still for a worthy cause.

If you prefer to check it out on Ravelry.

Knitting, This & That

2009-07-14T08:07:00.005-05:00

First: Off The Needles!!

Secret Knitting!! I was asked to test knit a pair of socks and was flattered to say the least!!!

The pattern writer is someone that I admire VERY much!!

I believe the details will be available tomorrow......so please check back for an update. Hopefully tomorrow the pattern will be posted on Ravelry!!

My test knitting was done with Colinette Jitterbug Yarn...of course I have no idea the color name/number as the BALLBAND.....is missing!! Hee, Hee!!!

This weekend I attended the wedding festivities for a most precious couple......which I have the good luck of being related to the groom as he is my husband's nephew!

The wedding was simply lovely, about 300 in attendance yet it was not an overwhelming affair!!

Both are graduates of Auburn University!! The bride just graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in mathematics education and the groom graduated 2008 Cum Laude and is currently a Sophomore at the Auburn University School of Veterinary Science..(his older sister is about to graduate from Vet School)...Woo Hoo...two vets in the family!!

The happy couple left the church via the tractor so lovingly delivered and decorated (in lieu of their car)....by all the Groomsmen. TOO CUTE!!!!

After a week in Colorado it will be back to school for Brian and Kelli will be starting her first year teaching Math!!

Sweetest couple EVER!!!

AND......the color red!!!!

Thanks my friend.....red makes me VERY happy!!!

Friday Fill Ins & Some Knitting!!

2009-07-10T10:51:00.004-05:00

And...here we go!

1. The last thing I ate was oatmeal and fresh blueberries.

2. Yarn is something I recently bought.

3. When it rains, it makes me feel very mellow...LOVE the sound of rain!!

4. My Hubby was the first person I talked to today.

5. Hugs are the BEST.

6. We can all use some extra comfort.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to attending a pre-wedding dinner, tomorrow my plans include attending my nephew's wedding and Sunday, I want to KNIT (of course)...but will be visiting with family from out of state.

Off The Needles:

Dash socks. Koigu yarn....LOVE this super fast pattern!!

Happy 4th of July!!!!

2009-07-04T11:32:00.004-05:00

I hope that everyone has a WONDERFUL 4th of July and keep in our hearts and prayers all our soldiers and their families, especially today!!

Friday Fill Ins!!

2009-07-03T08:03:00.006-05:00

And...here we go!

1. When I heard Ginger's description of a potential funeral for Michael Jackson I about fell out of my chair.

2. Love and laughter truly is the best medicine.

3. It's late, but NEVER too late to do the right thing in any situation.

4. I try to do the right thing always. (note...I said TRY).

5. My eyes have seen a lot that I wish I had never had to see.

6. I believe in God strongly.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to knitting and watching a movie, tomorrow my plans include hopefully not much and Sunday, I want to do my usual, knit and do some baking!

Summer Knitting

2009-06-30T13:14:00.009-05:00

It is hot here......really, REALLY hot!!! Heat index is in the triple digit, humidity is 1% shy of rain....yet the sun shines!!

In other words.....it is like a sauna..truly!!

We went from Spring to Summer overnight!! UGH!! Needless to say, the AC is working overtime. I do NOT like to sweat...so the air is down to "ice cube" temps!!

I M.A.Y. have turned it a bit too low......poor Heidi....I found her wrapped in her favorite towel playing with her toy! If you look close....I believe she is sticking her tongue out at me...or perhaps licking the ice off her nose! LOL!!

Knitting:

I have competed the first Dash sock, knit with Koigu yarn and well underway on the second one.

I stopped the pattern at the beginning of the foot portion as I was afraid it would be too thick to wear with my shoes...but will definitely make a second pair in a lighter gauge yarn and continue the pattern to the toe.

Sock for the Hubby...who was complaining that I had knit myself WAYYY more socks than I had for him.

Wah, wah, wah!!

Last but not least: I made a quick peak at the nest in the fern and was surprised to see very active baby birds!! The pic is a bit fuzzy....didn't take time to adjust the shutter speed, just snapped.

What a vision of sweet uglies!! LOL!!

I am still driving to the Post Office daily to pick up my mail as the wrens are still in residence in the mailbox.

Friday Fill Ins!!

2009-06-19T08:51:00.003-05:00

And...here we go!

1. All children alarm their parents, if only because you are forever expecting (I don't have kids so I can't answer).

2. Show me a good loser and I will show you a good actor.

3. Finding a GREAT yarn sale is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs at one time.

4. Too bad that all the people who know how to run the country are not politicians and have no clout in Washington!!

5. I have yet to hear a man ask for advice on how to combine cooking and keeping the house clean!!

6. It is impossible to think of any good meal, no matter how plain or elegant, without butter or cheese in it.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spending an evening with my DH, tomorrow my plans include a bit of coffee drinking and knitting and Sunday, I want to finish Ophelia!

Weekend In Review

2009-06-16T10:55:00.014-05:00

There was a Birthday Celebration!!

My Mother turned 76...can you BELIEVE it?? I am SO lucky to have a wonderful mother!!!!!

AND she he has NO wrinkles!! (click the pic to enlarge....you'll see I am NOT joking)!! Sure hope I received that gene...guess time will tell!! We all went out for lunch then home for Birthday cake and a great visit!!

I finished a pair of socks for the Sock A Month KAL

Trekking XXL in the Twin Rib Pattern

AND.......after a conversation with my friend Laura ...(who needs to update her blog with all her fabulous socks and updated pics of Master Coal)...but I digress..........during the course of our conversation we naturally came around to the subject of knitting.

In a nutshell, Laura feels that knitting needles are lonely when not in the presence of yarn....and feels that it is better to have lot's of UFO's/projects on the needles/new cast ons than to have needles languishing away. (Me thinks she doth justify too much).........

So I cast on 7 pairs of socks!!!!!!!!! (A pitifully inadequate number considering there are SOME with socks in various states in the DOUBLE DIGITS).......but anything to help out a friend to feel better!! LOL!!

L to R: JoJo Land, Mystery yarn, Supersocke 100, Koigu

L to R: Colinette Jitterbug, Fleece Artist, Fortissima

I may need to order more needles!!!! LOL!!!!!!

Friday Fill Ins!!

2009-06-12T08:25:00.003-05:00

And...here we go!

1. I grew up thinking that life would just evolve...I didn't "contemplate" my future much.

2. MSN was the last website I was at before coming here.

3. Why don't you pick up after yourself?

4. Knitting helps me relax.

5. Thanks for the many, many, many friends that I have!!!

6. People that aren't comfortable with themselves and feel they must try to make themselves better than others is very off-putting.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to knittingtomorrow my plans include taking my Mom to lunch and celebrate her birthday and Sunday, I want to do NOTHING....but I am helping give a bridal tea!

Whiskers On Wednesday, Feathers and Socks!!

2009-06-10T09:13:00.009-05:00

Now that the hot weather is here....the kitties are doing a lot of sleeping interspersed with a lot of terrorizing each other.

Here are a few of Heidi's napping places and positions.

Her go to place......love of her life.....sheep rug!!

Dead to the world.....bird watching is VERY tiring!!

Holding Max's bed hostage!

Now.....I know this has got to be a birds nest....but does that look like a bird to you????

Sort of looks

like a Chipmunk...

Trekking XXL socks....hope to finish tonight!!

Bird News

2009-06-09T09:37:00.006-05:00

Nest-O-Birds, ready to leave......

By 6:00 a.m. this morning there were two.

By 6:05.....all gone. The cats are really ticked too....they were thoroughly enjoying the constant "show"....by 8:00 they were completely bored and taken to stalking each other for entertainment.

Other Bird News: Yesterday afternoon I spotted a wren in the mailbox....of course once I got back to the mailbox with camera in hand, she was gone. BUT.....we have EGGS!!!

I called the post office......I put my mail delivery on hold until further notice.

Ahhh......the joys of a fertile Spring......now if I could only get a money tree to grow in the yard!!!

Knitting News: started on the foot of the second Trekking XXL sock, will post pics and once completed I will deal with Ophelia.

Weekend In Review

2009-06-08T09:07:00.008-05:00

Bird Update:

No eggs in the mailbox nest....if there aren't any by this afternoon, I'll probably clean out the mailbox and have the mail delivery started back.

The Baby birds by the back porch are just about to leave the nest....I am guessing they will be gone one day this week.

I thought to check my Boston Fern prior to watering....and sure enough.....

The new beginnings of another nest........ we are nothing if not fertile ground for birthing birds around here!! LOL!!'

KNITTING:

Despite my intentions to finish Ophelia, I didn't knit a stitch on it. I did finish up a Prayer Shawl for donation to a local Hospice.

I kitchnered the toe on a pair of socks......that I don't like. (I can't believe I'm even saying that)!

I have never.....EVER wanted to throw a project in the trash....I H.A.T.E. this yarn!!! Noro sock yarn.....this yarn was so thin in places, just pulling from the ball would break the yarn!!! I am a HUGE fan of Noro yarns and understand completely single ply yarn, don't have a problem with vegie matter, etc. But this yarn was just aweful. I tried several times to chunk the whole project....but the "thrifty" part of me just couldn't let myself throw away yarn.

I have a skein of Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn and I sure hope it won't be the nightmare this was!!

So they are completed and will now be shoved to the bottom of the sock drawer.

I also finished the cuff on a pair of Trekking XXL socks........

Soooo.........that was my weekend!

2009-06-05T08:19:00.003-05:00

And...here we go!

1. There TRULY is no place like home.

2. My favorite thing for dinner lately has been anything quick and easy and gets me out of the kitchen quickly!!

3. Max says bark! bark! bark! but not like he used to!!

4. A nice long walk is good time to talk to God.

5. Our family could use some good news.

6. When all is said and done, it isn't about what you had or where you went, but rather how many people you loved along the way

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to chillin with my DH, tomorrow my plans include catching up on some housework, get to work hand carding some rolags to spin, and Sunday, I want to hopefully finish Ophelia and get that off my list!

Whiskers On Wednesday!!!

2009-06-03T15:11:00.004-05:00

Does this table make my butt look big???

Poor Heidi, she obviously thinks she is about two sizes smaller than her actual size....she is forever going places that are simply too small to accommodate her....girth.

Birds, Birds, Birds

2009-06-01T13:10:00.005-05:00

It has been quite a busy time around here!!

We are on the SECOND set of baby birds.....different mother, different species, same nest oddly enough!! If you clicked the link and look R.E.A.L.L.Y. close you will see some fuzzy white at the top of the nest...that would be roving that I placed on the tree branches several weeks ago.

We did a bit of yard work this weekend and despite digging deep into the bushes to be sure there were no birds nesting we found this nest AFTER cutting the bush down.....no eggs, thankfully!!

When I rounded the corner to the mailbox this morning I saw the door was open and the mail was half out of the box!! I have a VERY sweet mail lady and I know she wouldn't just throw my mail in the box like that unless there was a reason......imagining a snake I was surprised to see this:

Which interestingly, was NOT there on Saturday when I got the mail!!! This has been one busy bird!!! I guess I'll head down to the post office to have them hold my mail......not sure what kind of bird is making this nest.....guess word is out....baby birds welcome!!

2009-05-29T09:08:00.004-05:00

And...here we go!

1. It's cold and wait, this is Alabama and it is May....so it is HOT and HUMID!!

2. I love the smell of tomatoes, right as they are pulled from the vine.

3. My favorite health and beauty product is Philosophy Supernatural tinted foundation primer. LOVE all the Philosophy products!!

4. I enjoy getting away for a nice long ride. (Primo knitting time)

5. Well, first of all, I shouldn't have worried!!

6. Me and someone I didn't recognize, those were the cast of characters in a recent dream and it was GOOD!!!!!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing, watching the final Tonight Show with Jay, tomorrow my plans include hopefully a bit of yard work and Sunday, I want to knit (of course) and bake cookies.

Socks.......AGAIN!!

2009-05-26T15:07:00.012-05:00

I just can't stop with the socks.....I am totally hooked on socks. I think about other knitting....quite frequently...but just keep coming back to socks.

Here are My Top Ten Reasons for knitting socks.

10. They always fit!! (Compliments of Laura)

9. Shopping for sock yarn is stress free....you typically buy one skein, no calculating yardage, weight, etc.

8. Portable, you can shove in your purse and take ANYWHERE.

7. There are unlimited sock yarns available.

6. There are unlimited sock patterns available.

5. Shopping for a new sock project is WAY cheaper than shopping for a new sweater project. (Edited 5-27-09, Emily brought up an EXCELLENT point......MORE opportunities to wear socks in Alabama than sweaters)!! SO TRUE :) :)

4. Socks save energy.....wearing woolen socks keeps your feet warm and warm feet = warm body = lower thermostat setting!

3. The money you save on your power bill allows for extra sock yarn purchases!

2. Knitting socks in public creates quite a stir.....especially when knitting with DPN's.

1. And the NUMBER ONE reason I like knitting socks........it makes me happy!!!!!.

Nutkins knit with Frances Patrick sock yarn, Deepest Forest color.

Bubblewrap socks by Sock Bug!! What a FUN knit!! Knit with The Unique Sheep sock yarn, Geranium color.

Friday Fill Ins!!

2009-05-22T09:20:00.005-05:00

And...here we go!

1. Moving on/forward is the best direction to go.

2. I wish yarn were free.

3. My best quality is ...hmmm....do I have any??? LOL!!

4. It is all in the details.

5. In nearly 10 years, I have lost and gained the same 20 lb. MANY times!!.

6. Winning the lottery is what I need right now!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having a nice dinner at home , tomorrow my plans include coffee and knitting with some buds and Sunday, I want to knit or SPIN if my fleece arrives in time!!

Whiskers On Wednesday AND FO!!

2009-05-20T08:42:00.004-05:00

A Whiskers On Wednesday post.......by me.......shocking I know.

Seems as though the cats haven't done anything (or sat still long enough) to get any pics for this post in awhile.

This picture just seems to describe these two to a "T".

Heidi being...well Heidi, just a big old duffus cat....doesn't care what she does or how she looks doing it....Bella (aka QUEEN Bella)...on the other hand is FAR too superior to be caught...ahem.....grooming any of the "unmentionable" areas....you might occasionally catch her delicately licking one of her dainty paws...but that is it. She is WAYYY too regal to indulge in anything so mundane as bathing in public....EGADS!!

Bella prefers to bask by herself in the sun, although Heidi frequently bashes her quiet time with such vulgar, public displays as below!! LOL!!

(Click on pic to enlarge for full effect)

AND.....there's a new Baby Mama in the hood!! Shortly after the baby birds left a NEW Mama bird staked her claim to the abandoned nest. She did a bit of housecleaning, brought in a bit of her own nesting material and has been on the nest ever since. Considering how high in the nest she is now sitting, I'm betting the eggs have hatched!!

Off my needles: The Nutkins socks.......still slowly, ever so slowly working on the Ophelia....but I am just not enjoying this knit!!

I'll post pics later.

An Unsolicited Plug For Woolgirl.Com

2009-05-18T11:55:00.005-05:00

Indulge me.....because sometimes a girl has just got to share!!

First of all......If you haven't heard of Woolgirl.com...Bless Your Heart and get over there ASAP!!!

I am not sure if I found Jennifer's blog first or her shop ,Woolgirl.com, but both are so wonderfully entertwined I guess it doesn't matter which came first!!

I have shopped a lot.... a LOT..... I meant to say a LOT of yarn shops in the past few years.....and just felt like I would be remiss if I didn't take a minute or two to share what a wonderful experience it is to shop with Jennifer!!

Jennifer's blog is a joy to read, her pictures are always very enticing, her photographic skills show yarn, knittng projects as well as non knitting related subjects all to their best advantage!! Not to mention, as a Schnauzer owner ....I am always tickled to see pictures of Abby, Jennifer's schnauzer!!

Don't get me wrong, when the mailman throws a box of yarn on the front porch and rings the bell.....my heart always picks up....YARN.....at my DOOR...Woo Hoo!!! BUT......when you order from Woolgirl you are always in for a treat!!

Despite knowing what I have ordered, it is so much fun to open the box!! Everything is individually and carefully wrapped in colorful tissue paper, enveloped in a clear plastic sheath and tied with ribbon....like a colorful, shiny, classy gift, waiting to be peeled open, layer by layer!!

The joy I get from "opening" a package from Woolgirl just can't be beat!! There is always a hand written note and a special "treat" included with the order....it might be wonderful chocolates, a beautiful stitch marker, but ALWAYS something yummy and/or useful!!

Despite the state of the economy, I am blessed enough to be able to indulge my desire to buy yarn from time to time....(albeit not like I have in the past)...but you can rest assured that when I buy....Woolgirl.com is my first choice to shop!!! The obvious care and time that goes into each package I have received is GREATLY appreciated and should be duly noted that this is one business that truly cares about their customers!!

Today I received a surprise package from Woolgirl.com!!!

The Woolgirl Club!!!!! You won't believe the page long list of "perks" of being a club member!!

A really GREAT bag!!! (And what knitter doesn't love a bag??)....tape measure, sticky pad (great for holding your place in a pattern)....highlighter/ink pen, note cards, stitch marker, AND.......Unique Sheep sock yarn with pattern!!! OH MY.....the yarn is the most BEAUTIFUL shade of periwinkle which just happens to be my most favorite color!!!!!!

Now.....GO.....SHOP!!!!!!!!!!! Do your part to stimulate the economy!!

Friday Fill Ins!!

2009-05-15T08:51:00.005-05:00

It has been a week........not a lot of knitting, thank goodness for Friday Fill Ins!! LOL!!

And...here we go!

1. If we had no winter, how could we possibly appreciate the miracle of Spring?

.

2. PEOPLE are a perpetual astonishment.

3. If I had my life to live over I would have taken better care of myself!!

4. A lot can be accomplished inside of four and twenty hours...(if one isn't interupted).

5. If you've never been thrilled.....then what is the point???

6. To be interested in the changing seasons is exciting...I love the anticipation of all that comes with each season...the holidays, the weather itself. I love it all!!!!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to knitting on a vest that I am not interested in knitting, I want the vest, but tired of knitting it , tomorrow my plans include working on the abyss we call a basement and Sunday, I want to veg out, and try to knock out a large portion of the vest I am so not enjoying knitting!!!

Weekend In Review

2009-05-11T08:00:00.009-05:00

Or maybe this should read.....Socks in Review:

One Nutkin down, one to go.

One Twin Rib sock, knit with Trekking XXL, been marinating in my stash for at least a couple of years!!

Garter Rib Sock, knit with Noro sock yarn...which I H.A.T.E., but for whatever reason, will not allow my self to get rid of!!

Bubble Wrap Sock Pattern, knit with Unique Sheep sock yarn, Geranium color.

IF it will ever stop raining I will take some pictures outside as opposed to being forced to make pics in the kitchen, with the awful under counter flourescent lighting!!

Ophelia: She is still in the basket....I just do NOT like knitting garments. I guess I am going to have to force myself to knit one row a night...FIRST thing before allowing myself to pick up the socks!!

My sweet sister told me the Kitties and Max
enlisted her help in getting me a Mother's
Day Gift!!

Apparently my "furbabies" have good taste as my
sister said they told her I needed another Vera Bradley
knitting bag....something "Sunny" they said!!

What a sweetie to help out the pets this way!!!! MWAH!!!

I LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Thank you VERY much....totally NOT necessary....but VERY much appreciated)!!!!

Whiskers On Wednesday!!

2009-05-06T11:49:00.005-05:00

Well.........it's no Pile-O-Kitties, but it is the closest these two have been for more than just a second or two. (Not that this heart warming scene lasted very long). Bella didn't immediately realize that Heidi had assumed the "superior" position ....but didn't take long!! Bella IS the Queen after all!!

Heidi LOVES my light cube!!!

I HATE that Heidi loves my light cube!!

I generously gave up some of my knit time to acknowledge

Cinco de Mayo!! Ahhhhh......I do love the Holidays!!! LOL!!

Weekend In Review

2009-05-04T08:29:00.005-05:00

It was a funny (not in a ha ha kind of funny).....sort of weekend. Like being here....but not really....just a strange feeling.

We attended a wake for a friend we had not seen in several years, on the very day he would have turned 55.

Dodged some very bad weather on Sunday.....with a bit of knitting thrown into the mix.

Nutkins Socks: Knit with Frances Patrick sock yarn in Deepest Forest (HA....bet you thought I had already lost the ballband)!

And NEVER underestimate the amount of time it takes for an old, arthritic, BLIND, dog to sniff out the bag of trash and COMPLETELY destroy it!!!!

Thank goodness for floor steamers!!!

Friday Fill Ins!!

2009-05-01T08:39:00.002-05:00

And...here we go!

1. The first rule of working in an office and getting along is knowing who to give the cookies to.

2. I have never eaten fresh clams.

3. When I think of carnivals I think of how excited I was when the County Fair came to town.....the thrill of seeing the lights glowing in the sky long after driving away.....how many poor goldfish I "won" by throwing a ping pong ball into a bowl of water and how I don't think a single fish ever lived beyond a day....cotton candy.....corn dogs....corn on the cob!!

4. Jonquils (as my grandmother called them) are my favorite spring flower.

5. Things on my desk include, glasses (reading), zillion patterns scattered about, stapler, bills...uhmmm this could get long if I include everything on my desk.

6. People that waste their entire lives never able to look past themselves to see how truly blessed they are makes me wanna cry.....especially when they had a good life ....and then they die young.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spending some down time with my hubby, tomorrow my plans include chilling, cooking some comfort food and Sunday, I want to spend the day knitting!