Chillin in the New Year

College Girl collects snowmen and loves to bake – so here is Frosty – just chillin! She made three of these for various holiday festivities…one for practice, one for my book club dinner and one for the first night the family was all here. He had to reside in the fridge between creation and tasting – otherwise he fell apart at the seams!

Christmas was lots of fun – but definitely package and mess overload! Oh my gosh there were a lot of packages. Included was a beautiful yarn swift (yea!!!) and some delicious Alpaca sock yarn. The colors in the yarn really match the new jacket the kids got me – so instead of socks it will become mittens for me! My yarn – my mittens. Darn - I'll have to knit a new scarf too! Pictures soon.

Having 7 extra people living here was challenging – am now just getting things put back together. The tree comes down tomorrow and the rest of the Christmas stuff gets packed away before college girl goes back to school next Sunday. I need help putting the boxes up on the high shelves. I hate to see it go – especially the tree. It smells so nice.

The kids had a lot of fun together – we are so lucky the cousins are all such good friends. They compared college adventures, played games, shopped and had a good time. I enjoyed being with my siblings – nice to have brother here to put in my new microwave – saw it on sale so cheap I had to get it for myself with my bonus from work. It matches the stove and helps to update the tired kitchen.

Started back to work full-time right after Christmas – now that was a challenge. Having to get up early and actually be ready to face the day….having almost 6 months off from going to a regularly scheduled day was a gift – but now back to the real world as I keep telling the kids!

I do have some pretty specific New Year’s resolutions – I will stick to them too! – 1) Continue to work at Weight Watchers – I’ve been successful (After Christmas clothes shopping was very satisfying – I needed work outfits!) so no reason not to keep going; 2) get more exercise – I really want to ride my bike. I ran into an old friend the other day – she had just finished a ride. I told her I’d join her when the weather got a little warmer – it was only 14 this morning so don’t think it’s an immediate thing. 3) Become a more detailed knitter – be more careful and rip out my mistakes if necessary. Learn to finish more professionally. Obviously I like the hand knit look – but not the messy hand knit part! My knitting looks nice to others – but I always find flaws that are just sloppy work – you know – you’re almost finished and you hurry through the last steps. Well no more of that for me! I also will pay more attention to the pattern and to fitting with EPS. I’ve done it before and it worked out perfectly. I just need to remind myself of that! And 4) GET OUT THERE!! Really, I need more of a life with friends, so will work at that too.

Am looking forward to having a great year, enjoying my family (I’m so glad middle daughter is living close by and comes by often to hang out! And Son is remembering to call his mom more often – love it!), enjoying my job (I do!) and staying in touch with my blogging buddies! Happy New Year to all!

Just have a moment to remind the world that I'm still alive...just been really busy. Had a flurry of work related activities that kept me flying for a few weeks. Now the big wait is on. But will be working full time again right after Christmas - for at least a few months. I'd better explain...I've worked part-time for the last five years (usually in addition to a regular full time job) for a developer. Really work as his personal assistant on projects outside the development..including managing his photo library and working on research on a book he is writing. I also fill in on occasion for his full time office manager when she is gone on vacation - which in the past has been up to a month at a time. Well she's off again for two-three months and I'm going to fill in. The other development project is in a slump again while we wait for the State of Oregon to decide how to handle stupid laws that uninformed voters voted for. But by the time the two-three month gig is up - the other should be back in full swing...so looks like I'll be busy -
Whoo Hoo!

Have been working on the Christmas decorations - all the family will be here this year - and tomorrow is the tree day. College girl is home for the holidays so we can finally get that done.

I've done almost all my shopping (remember my vow not to knit gifts this year....lied, but forgot to take a picture of the hat I knit, but you can check it out here)

I've wrapped everything and sent stuff away to my Dad in California - I sent his girl friend the Autumn Canopy Shawl and him one of those digital picture frames..wow is it cool. I loaded it with family pictures that I collected from my brother and sister and all the kids. It was really fun and I know that he'll like it.

I've got the master grocery shopping list completed for the Christmas Eve dinner (our big family meal), Christmas day breakfast and all the leftover feasting...I'm organized!

Next week is Christmas shopping with College girl, haircuts, doctor appointments, work meetings and getting ready for the onslaught to begin next Sunday when there will be 10 people living in my house for a few days!!! College girl has prepared me for the changes - her stuff is of course everywhere - piles of laundry, scattered shoes in hallways and stuff all over the kitchen counter...Oh I love it!!!

I have been knitting (got the hat finished) a little in the evenings - working on the Norgi sweater - I'm on the second sleeve. Have decided that I want to do the Central Park Hoodie for College girl - I may have to make a stop at the LYS for her to pick out the color!

So I anticipate that this will be the last post til after the New Year. I will be thinking about all of you....Annie I am wondering if you got hit with the snow and ice? Rhonda - so sorry about the Gloucester fire....Roxie - oh those hot tropical nights! and Pat - wish I could motivate myself to walk as often as you do, my WW efforts would be more successful I'm sure, but I'm down 15 pounds - 5 short of my Christmas goal, but I'll get there!

I do hope that everyone has the best Christmas ever and that you all enjoy your families and that Santa brings you all fiberly wonderfulness!!

Withdrawals

I haven't knit a stitch in days! But today is it - back to the routine. Have been working very long days - up to midnight the last few days! But am now finished...for a few days anyway. But I have had a wonderful assistant...

And the atmosphere is inviting....I've had Christmas music on the iPod - scared the dog when I started singing outloud! An enjoyable time!

In the midst of all that I've been car shopping for daughter....of course she is tied up at work and can't do it. She hit a deer last week and the insurance company totalled her car - but we found a better replacement which we pick up tomorrow. She is 'stoked' as she says! I'm totally jealous - it's a red 4-Runner - I used to have one before the kids got to big for the back seat and we had to up-size. Then when they started moving out I down sized again. But I love my car, but hers is awfully pretty!

I obviously haven't been knitting much - although I did start a fun dishcloth - will finish this afternoon. Then back to the same old wips - But I think once I finish Norgi I'm going to start a vest for me - I've always wanted one and this is a good time. It will be fast I hope. Oh I forgot - I started a hat for a Christmas gift - more on that later. We had snow last night - yea! But of course it's almost gone now, but they say more is on the way. I love it - it could snow all winter and I'd be happy!

So here's to snowflakes and knitting time!

Happy Thanksgiving

Just a quick note to wish everyone Happy Turkey Day! I'm so thankful for all my knitting projects and my knitting friends - because of you I've kept my sanity! All is well!
Although I am looking forward to Thanksgiving with family - there will be no time for knitting - leaving home at zero dark thirty to head over the hills to sisters house and back again on Friday! Quick trip - am not looking forward to the drive - we have had freezing fog all day today and I understand tomorrow will be more of the same...but it shouldn't last over the pass - thank goodness! But I'll have two great companions for the drive - the big kids. College girl is already at my sisters and we will all be together for the day - hurray!
Hope you and yours have the best!

Finally - Blogger let me upload my photos!! Hurray - this is the Autumn Forest Canopy Shawl. And this is my WW socks. STR medium weight Metamorphic - this is a super fast knit - I'm loving it. Did this in one evening, a definite record for me.

Had a wonderful day - at home working. Had a nice fire glowing in the fireplace, music on my computer and worked away. Got a ton done and then late this afternoon was ready to sit down and work on Norgi - then a call to come into the office, so off I went! Worked there for a few hours and now ready to sit, knit and watch the tube!

Sister and family are coming for the weekend so tomorrow will be prep day and maybe a little knitting - hope so!

Enjoy the weekend - the last one before the frenzy begins! Ho Ho Ho (or as my Mom used to say Oh Oh Oh!)

Another one down!

Yea! I finished the Autumn Forest Canopy Shawl – I love knitting this pattern. It is so satisfying to watch it grow. I’m not sure what I’ll do with this – depends on whose name I draw for the family Christmas! Maybe mine! (Sorry - Blogger will not let me post the photo.)
Since I finished this – it means I can start something else…which of course I did. STR socks for a traveling project – not going anywhere – just needed something to carry in my bag. Perfect for Weight Watchers – I finally passed the 10 pound mark – went up again and then back down. This is frustrating – but the best part was I bought a pair of pants yesterday that fit perfect and they are a size that I haven’t worn for 20 years or more!! How cool is that. I have to admit that this brand runs big – but still it was an accomplishment.
Spent the weekend with the kids….College girl home with a friend and we joined the others for a nice Saturday lunch before shopping! Spent yesterday afternoon helping son move and buy new items for his house. We have a great used furniture store here where I found a perfect hall table that he loved…yea Mom. Also got lots of good Christmas ideas! Middle daughter came home with me and we had a girls TV night. She is dealing with continued medical/emotional issues so not being alone was important.
Today we are in the middle of the big wind – it’s not so bad here other than an occasional gust – but I understand that other parts of Oregon have lost power – even short circuited the Tsunami warning over at the coast – how scary would that be!
I expect a busy week – so there won’t be much knitting – oh yes – I ripped the Norgi sweater yoke out again – just didn’t like it. This time I am NOT weaving in….it just pulled no matter what I did. The only thing I’m concerned about are the long floats - 10-12 stitches sometimes - getting caught in baby fingers. I’m not sure how much the Baby Ull will felt to itself since it is machine washable. We’ll just have to see. I definitely can’t rip it out again – there isn’t enough time.
Hope all is well with everyone – I’ve been watching all your Christmas knit progress – I am so glad I didn’t go there. Next year I’m starting in June – remind me!!

Musical Beds – they’ve been moving around here a lot!

Last spring I bought a used queen bed for the guest room and put the two twin beds into one daughters old room. Then I painted the guest room and fell in love with the color. Since this room is at the front of the house – I decided to move into it to help consolidate the living area since I’d be the only one here most of the time. Daughter decided to move home again – with her own bed – so took my old full size bed and donated it to a deserving young man who needed it. Twins went into my old room, Molly’s bed into her old room and I tried out the used queen. Hated it – very uncomfortable. Sold used queen for same price I bought it for – no loss. So bought a new good bed for me – I deserved it! Pillow top – comfy to lie on – but way too soft for sleeping. Luckily it had a 100 night guarantee. In the mean time Molly moved out – taking her bed, leaving an empty room again. Got my bed exchanged – so far so good. Now again I’m having to find a good bargain on a used bed. I need some extra beds for family gatherings and since they will all be here for Christmas – I decided this was cheaper than two nights in a hotel – well almost! By the time I get all the extra stuff for another queen size bed – mattress cover, skirt, sheets, blanket….omg what did I get myself into! But at least everyone will have a bed – I’ll be on the futon – but it works!
Good thing as College Girl is bringing 3 friends home next weekend – two of them guys – good thing I kept the twin beds! Local High School football is headed for the State Championships and her boyfriend is playing – and her friends from college are interested in a home cooked meal – that I can do!! It will be fun to have some activity around here that not work related! I have been busy working and getting lots of compliments on the presentations I’ve created. Yea me! Went out to the site last week – they are starting the roads – it was a shock to see how big the property looked now that you can see where the lots will be going. It was a beautiful fall day and wonderful to be outside.
I have had a lot of knitting time too – I ripped out lots of the Baby Norgi – I didn’t like the tension carrying the yarn – looks much better now. I’ve decided that I am NOT NOT NOT going to start anything else until I have at least two of my projects (Celtic Cardigan, Forest Canopy Shawl, Baby Norgi, Clapotis) finished. I realized that I have not been very productive this year (even though I consider myself a process knitter). I think I get so distracted by all these projects sitting around that I don’t finish things and then I don’t have them to enjoy – so I’m done! I am also not knitting any Christmas gifts – I just started thinking about it too late this year. Naturally I found a few things I’d like to do in the latest Interweave Knits – a sweater for College Girl, a felted bag for me (I’ve got to do this!), a vest for Molly….plus I’ve got way too much sock yarn stash of course.
Please remind me of this when I write about my next project – My eyes are bigger than my needles it seems!

One Down!

I actually finished a project!! Of the 5 (Celtic Cardigan, Baby Norgi, Clapotis, Forest Canopy and these Monkey socks) I finally got something off the needles. Yea me. This is what happens when you don't have a life! I am going to start and finish another quick project - these are just too fun - for a silly gift for my sister. Then it's back to the Norgi Sweater. We'll see....


Sorta like Pumpkin - Don't bug me!
Blogger is being bad about adding pictures - darn - I moved my bird feeders so I could watch from my chair - and in minutes it was mobbed. Juncos, Chickadees, Towhees, Nuthatch, White Crowned Sparrows and a fat Jay!! Fun to watch.
Enjoy the wonder that is fall!

And this is Fall?

It was 84 yesterday and I still have flowers blooming! This is some kind of record I'm sure. Spent the day outside - duh!


But most things are turning color on time.


I love the leaves and the colors of fall - they suit me well!

I'm still here....

Yep – I’m here but nobody else is! These have been a busy few weeks since I last posted.
On the job front – I went for an interview for a great position that I thought would suit me very well. When I came out of the interview there were 4 voice messages – my other project is a go!!! The development is proceeding at a very rapid pace. Because of Oregon’s screwy land-use laws we have to have a huge amount of work completed before the law changes in December – so we are on the ground and moving forward. So it looks like I’m gainfully employed again. Was only slightly reluctant to turn down the other job – but I’ve got so much time and effort invested in the development I just had to go that way. We have a good team and I am proud of what our end product will be!
On the home front – I expected to have the last four days to myself here at home. Molly went out of town to visit some friends for the weekend – but then got a call about an apartment she had applied for – she got it! So she returned home the next morning to pack. Marianne was of course at school – but was bored and so she also came home….so I had a full house. Spent the weekend working, packing and moving. Most of her stuff is at the new apartment – just the unorganized junk is left for mom to deal with! It’s such a great place – a few blocks from her job and a few blocks from downtown. She is in the best spot. Old 1920’s house that has been converted to apartments. Hardwood floors, high ceilings, lots of charm. Now I’ve got our house to myself – strange to say the least. I don’t think I’ve lived by myself for over 30 years! This will take some getting used to. But my kitchen will always be clean and the laundry won’t pile up! Joy!
On the knitting front – I have startitis – I started another project. I had some bright Interlacements in my stash and seeing that Clapotis is again being blogged about – I started one. It is an easy project to pick up for a quick minute. It will be for a gift I’m sure.
Also still am working on the Norgi baby sweater – Oh my gosh it is so cute. I’m almost finished with the body – pictures when the pattern part is complete.
The Forest Canopy Shawl is still in progress as are my modified Monkey Socks. (These are my Weight Watchers project – 10 pounds! – Now that I’m kidless I can do better) Also the Celtic Cardigan is sitting by my chair begging to be finished.
Before blogging I would have never had more than one project on the needles nor would I have had a stash. You all have enabled me towards bad habits! Thanks a lot!
We are supposed to have beautiful weather the next few days – 70’s. So will hopefully be outside raking leaves and general cleanup projects! Enjoy it while it lasts because there was snow on the ground over the weekend!
I promise to have photos of WIP next post – until then hope all is well with you!

The other day Joan had a picture of her grandmother’s thread holder. As I have one just like it – it got me thinking about the treasures I have. There is this….
The thread holder. It's just like hers! It is intact with all the wires that hold the spools in place. I used it when I sewed a lot. Not so much anymore! But her Rattan basket does hold my sewing stuff today.
I also have this wonderful blanket on my wall. It was made in 1910 by Oregon City Woolen Mill. My father remembers it being on the end of his grandmothers bed. It is a featured blanket in a book called Legend of the Robe. I can’t believe I actually have this….my mother was cleaning closets out giving stuff to Goodwill and found it and gave it to my husband as a gift (She had no idea of its value as an historical piece) – so when we got divorced I demanded the blanket – he agreed as long as I promised to pass it down to our oldest. Duh!
This summer I have been working on restoring her wicker rocking chair. I had originally wanted to have it done to use it outside on the patio – but it was just finished this week. (Since it is raining now and the National Weather Service has issued a snow advisory - I doubt I'll be spending much time rocking on the patio!)I actually did very little of the work – there is a woman locally who does this and I worked with her a few times. But she did most of the work by far…what an intricate process to reweave the wicker. It’s now been primed and repainted and will be put away til next summer…can’t wait!
I have a few things that belonged to my Grandmother – her China and some silver pieces and a beautiful pin that I only wear at Christmas. They aren’t things I use everyday – but am very glad to have them when I need something special.

I do have all my mother’s knitting needles! Although I barely remember her knitting (She did do tons of needlepoint) she had quite a collection of knitting notions. I don’t use her straight needles very often – but she luckily had lots of circulars and dpns. My favorite sock needles were hers. I also have her wooden darning egg. She used it often darning dad’s socks. It sat in her sewing basket which is still beside her chair (although completely hidden by the piles of junk my Dad and his girl friend can’t seem to pick up!). Next time I go up there I’m going to rescue it.
The legacy these women passed to future generations is so special – they remind us of different times and different circumstances. Although my grandparents were wealthy for their times – they for the most part lived like they were still in the depression – everything had a function and purpose. They luckily passed that down to their children and hopefully I’ve still got that attitude! Wish there was some of the financial wealth left – but I’ve got the best of what they had to give! Great love for my family and a strong appreciation for what I have.

Empty House

Not much going on here - this is so weird for me - an empty house! It's become very apparent that I can never retire! The combo of no one to feed, clean-up after, launder,etc and not enough paid and productive work is really a boring situation! Don't have a feeling for the latest job interview - It would be good challenging and interesting work. They will let me know later this week. Have submitted a few other applications - one for at-home work (Perfect) and another for within walking distance (great!). So we shall see.

I have been trying to do a few of those put-off chores. Am very pleased with this result.

I hung a new towel rack in the laundry room - just for my socks!! I've stopped putting them in the dryer (they seem to last longer and look nicer) and this will work really well.

I've been working at restoring my Great Grandmothers wicker rocker. I found a professional restorer and have been assisting (very little actually) her and tomorrow I will begin the repainting process. Pictures when complete.

Naturally now with all this time on my hands I could be putting the garden to bed. But as usual the weather changed over-night. It's blustery and cold today. Plus I discovered that the dog has been helping clean up the garden - she's been digging up the carrots! Loves 'em! I swear this tree was green yesterday!. We even have fresh snow on the mountains!

Of course I have been knitting! Started the baby sweater - Baby Norgi - I'm loving it of course. The colors aren't quite as mutted as this picture. It's really cute.

Also am making progress on the latest Forest Canopy Shawl. I really love the pattern - interesting enough to keep you thinking, but easy to memorize. I'm still not sure this is the best colorway - it is so 60's. But as Roxie suggested there may be additional embelishments that would help- beaded fringe maybe? We'll have to see I guess.

Hope everyone is enjoying the change in season, it really is a beautiful time of the year!

I was good!

Well...not exactly good - but maybe wise. I didn't spend my allocation! But actually that's because Woodland didn't have the Baby Ull I needed for my chosen project. So tomorrow I'll have to order it. It was definitly worth the drive to Carlton and then on to McMinnville to have a great lunch with my daughter. It isn't often that my sister and I get to spend a leisurely day together. The drive was beautiful through Oregon's lovely Willamette Valley.

But OFFF was great.....Met up with the PDXKnitbloggers and finally actually met in person Judy, karen, and Bobby. Roxie was there too - you should have seen her hat - adorned with a skein of lovely pink wool!

There was lots of interesting things to see, feel, pet....

As Roxie said - Blue Moon was a madhouse - so much so that I only snatched one thing. They were pretty low on stuff - even by 10:00 am and the booth was so crowded. I saw one fiend with at least 15 skeins in her arms!! OMG what a haul!

I must have been inspired by the Autumn - my color choices were definitely fall! STR for Socks. The Angora/Merino blend I'm thinking a scarf and fingerless gloves or maybe shawl - I have more. The "Brick" colorway from Pat Fly. I've sought her out before and she has great sock yarn....but this is for a Autumn Forest Canopy Shawl. I've got it started and am thinking it's a little 1950's grandma looking - but will get a little further before I decide. I also got a book of Christmas Stocking patterns - future reference!

All in all it was lots of fun, it was sort of overwhelming there were so many people. But it was a beautiful day! I drove home a different route rather than get on the freeway - it was beautiful. It was fun checking out little farming communities I've never been through. It's amazing you live in a place for over 50 years and haven't begun to see it all!

I had a great three day break - now tomorrow is a new job interview - I hate this stage!! But will go with confidence! Wish me luck!

Nothing to Show!

I have been trying to work out Backyard Leaves from Scarf Style - I am finally comfortable with reading and knitting the chart - i should be, as I've started it at least 10 times. Oh not with the same yarn mind you - that seems to be my problem. I bought something last winter -Jaeger Extra Fine Merino in a very pale pink - hated it - the yarn had no drape. So then I bought something else - KnitPicks Andean Silk in Lettuce. Love the yarn to knit with, drapes really well, super soft- but the pattern gets lost - not enough definition.....I give up. i did try different size needles - nothing satisfied me. Now I have to find something to do with these yarns. I investigated my stash recently and was appauled - I'm going to have to become a scarf diva - there are way too many choices. Not to mention sock yarn!

I did this on purpose (investigated) as you may remember I'm headed for the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival this weekend, as well as visits to some other yarn stores. Luckily I have a very short list - A)Baby Ull for baby gift sweater, B)Something for another Forest Canopy Shawl and if some great sock yarn finds its way into my bag - so be it!

Tomorrow is Molly's birthday (OMG!) and it is also National Talk Like a Pirate Day. AARGG...so she is having a Pirate Birthday party - mind you she is 23 years old. Her costume from Good Will is so perfect - a real wench! So mom will be leaving home so as not to inhibit the festivites. (this is my excuse to cruise for yarn stores!) I actually don't even want to be here. Luckily most participants are spending the night - way safer that way.

I guess I do have something to show - I picked as many as I could - am afraid of frost while I'm gone. But there are still many left to rippen - if they don't freeze while I'm gone I'll bring them in to get red in the window sills. Home grown tomatoes! (I actually am getting tired of them - can you imagine?)

I've been eating Eggplant, Zucchini, Corn, Green and Red peppers. The lettuce is mostly gone and I haven't dug the potatoes yet. I'm loving my garden. My Weight Watchers adventures loves it too - 1 1/2 pounds this week - not much but it's something. This next week being away from home will up the challenge...

Hope everyone is well!

Random Thought Thursday

There has been much knitting and cruising for patterns here - I haven't chosen a baby gift pattern yet - there are way too many choices. But am loving a few of the Dale of Norway outfits here. I've always wanted to do a Dale of Norway - so this is a good way to start. I spent Tuesday cruising our LYS's -Gossamer and Juniper Fiberworks. Picked up a few things, including Knitting Workshop. Even though I had already ordered the pattern for the Baby Surprise Jacket from Schoolhouse Press - I was too anxious to get started....as usual! So I started and ripped and started. I finally figured it out - but then saw Margene's comment on her post about matching decreases - makes perfect sense to me. So am considering ripping again and doing matching decreases - like for a raglan sleeve? I've got tons of stash to try this with so it's no big deal.

I also finished these socks while being discouraged at WW. I gained a friggin pound!!! I have not cheated, I have been below my points almost every day - have never used all of my bonus points...but am not drinking enough water and I struggle getting enough dairy and veggies every day....I just don't eat that much!! (But then why am I on this new regime?) But I will keep on trying. At the meeting there were three other knitters - cool!

Since I finished my WW socks - I'm back working on these...they are really wild. I seem to have a problem choosing a stitch pattern that is appropriate for the yarn....this is pretty busy. I just can't do plain jane socks. So in the future I'm going to only pick yarn that I have the correct pattern in mind.

Next week I'm trying to plan a mini yarn tour through the Willamette Valley. I've always wanted to go to Woodland Woolworks. It is only a few miles from where DD2 is going to school - so the plan was to go there first and then stop and take DD2 and roomie out to dinner and then head up to Portland. Do a few LYS's in Portland - including the latest - Twisted. I will stay with my Sister for a few days and attend a fund raising function for the Boys and Girls Aid organization that my mom was very involved in. Then on Saturday will be the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival. I'm definitely meeting up with Roxie and hopefully Judy and any other knitbloggers I can find. I'm really looking forward to this trip - because it will be my last opportunity for awhile because.......DRUM ROLL

It looks like my long awaited job is going to happen. We received a change of opinion from the county legal department, a positive opinion from the judge in our suit against the State of Oregon and best off all - unanimous approval by the county! Of course we still have a two week appeal process - but it seems doubtful that anyone will appeal at this point - we have too strong a plan and a beautiful development that will be a huge asset to the community!! I'm tickled to say the least. I'm still going for an interview for another opportunity when I get back. You never know and I don't want to burn my bridges! But it looks like things are looking up and I am so glad - I am getting bored. I 've learned that I will have to really work at some kind of productive projects if I ever retire. You can't just knit all day!!

Hey Pat - did you see the Today show this morning? It was all about your favorite place!! My favorite place was second! OK - you win this one!

Oh Baby....Help!

Well it finally happened...there is a grandchild on the way in my group of friends (NO NOT MINE!) This is a pretty momentous event. Grandma and Grandpa (oh my gosh!) have been a great friends for years and her eldest daughter is expecting in February - so I have lots of time. But as is my way - I have spent the last 4 hours searching for the perfect baby sweater pattern...of course I've got Baby Surprise on its way. But am thinking something more heirloom like. Maybe in some Mission Falls colors with a Log Cabin Blanket from Mason Dixon Knitting to match? Don't know if it's a Boy or Girl - but don't want the traditional white, pink or blue - something more earthy I'm thinking. Babies like color!

I know I saw something in the last few months on someones blog that I really liked...colorful, interesting....and now I can't find if for the life of me. I'm also liking the Cardians for Clark and Lily from AlterKNITS

But this isn't quite baby enough. There are all those cute Dale of Norway patterns too.....I'm going to make a trip to the LYS and check patterns out - are they open on Sunday? Already went to the library - but someone else had beat me to all the knitting for baby books except for Knitting for Baby!

The trouble with today is I "Looked" at all my knitting books and magazines and the hundreds of pages I've printed off the net (You know - in case I forget where I saw it - there is just not enough time in my lifetime to knit all the things I liked- I had no idea I had so many sock patterns....what's going to happen when more Grandchildren come my way. Instead of looking a drooling I better get started knitting!

Harvest Time

Yum...a little rain in the High Desert does wonders! Veggies are so in for Weight Watchers!

Strolling through

These lovely gentlemen have been hanging out at the neighbors off and on the past few days. Neighbors came home one afternoon and didn't even notice them snoozing in their front yard. The bucks don't seem to be wary of much - they stayed put while cars were unloaded etc. Neighborhood pets?

Since finishing my Forest Canopy Shawl (Which I'm still in love with) have also finished one sock...am liking these too. I'm really liking the TOFUtsies sock yarn - it is really soft. As I think I mentioned before - the pattern is just like the now famous Monkey Socks - but I found it in my Barbara Walker book - wierd huh?

I also picked up the long lost Celtic Cardigan - I looked at the cuff of the sleeves and decided they are way too big - I'm going to next temporarily attach the sweater parts and try it on for size...it's felt big for awhile. The thought of frogging the whole thing is sad - but I'd not wear it, so better deal with it now!

The best news of the week - Five Pounds Lost- yea for me! Luckily at this time of the year eating lots of veggies is pretty simple - walk outside and pick. For some reason this year I have a bumper crop of Tomatoes - oh too bad! They are so good! Lots of salad fixings, beans, cucs, corn, eggplant, onions, carrots, zucchini, its fun.

Hope everyone is enjoying the wonderful fall weather - not too hot, but still warm and comfortable!!

Knit Peace

Hold on to your sticks

Can you believe it - I have a finished object!! The Forest Canopy Shawl. There are three things I really loved about this project - The pattern itself - and I thought I couldn't do lace. This was an easy 8 row repeat. I wish I'd done more repeats, I certainly had more yarn. I think I used about 450 yards of Blue Moon Seduction for 17 repeats. The pattern is written for sport weight and had 9 repeats, so I figured 17 was plenty with this weight yarn.

I also loved my addi Turbo Lace needles - they are wonderful. I will be getting more of these in the future for sure!

I'd been reading about blocking boards and the suggestion to use exercise mats - what a perfect idea. $15 at Target did the trick. These are wonderful wonderful wonderful!

I will definitly do this again - luckily I'm going to the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival later this month so will hunt for the perfect yarn. I'm sure I'll have trouble choosing!

Since summer is now officially over, this will be a week of job hunting, Weight Watchers management (Yea I'm doing good - I can feel it!) and I don't know what else.......Summer may be over but we are still in fire season and Redmond is totally smoked in from a small 3,200 acre lightening caused fire in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. Black Butte Ranch (beautiful destination resort) is not far from Camp Sherman where I used to work, is only a mile from the fire - so they are under pre-evacuation. What a way to tie up the highway for the hordes of travelers trying to get back to the west side! Such is life in paradise - just glad I'm not driving, although daughter has to join the traffic to get back to school today.

Today

This all happened this afternoon - after Roxie left - she probably had a prettier view of the beginning of the storm - the thunder was just starting when she left this afternoon! The first picture is after the first cell went through - on my way home from a very short 1/2 hour of work. The next few are my drowned patio - that is actually under cover!! And the last is out the front door. I was afraid that the patio would get so deep it would come in the house - but it passed just in time. We had to move all the boxes stored in the carport - including a mattress that is now resting on top of my car! A little excitement to make your day! My poor vegtable garden looks like elephants walked through it!

Roxie and I had a great time looking at our old yearbooks - I was feeling pretty old. I'm glad we've gotten together. Although we were not best friends in High School - with only 26 girls in our class we have a lot of shared memories and it was really fun to revisit them! We're going to meet up in September at Oregon Flock and Fiber - should be fun. Can you believe she finished the Baby Surprise jacket so fast - she'd hardly started when she was here on Monday!

The storm is now east of me and still lighting up the sky - but I think it will be quieter so it's off to reading and bed.

Can you believe it - two posts in a week!
It has been an exciting time around this house.

Roxie came to visit! I don't know if you remember - But Roxie and I are high school classmates who rediscovered each other through our Blogs! What a small world. I now live in her old home town and she lives in mine! She is here visiting her family and came over to my house to use the 'internet cafe'. I haven't seen here since graduation - almost 40 years ago! She hasn't changed a bit! It was fun to visit and knit with an old friend. Wish I had taken a picture!

I have been reading tons this summer...ALL the Harry Potter books, about 4 other good ones, but am now reading my favorite. If you are interested in Natural History type things this is wonderful - Margene are you listening - Hawk's Rest - A Season in the Remote Heart of Yellowstone. A hike from Red Lodge Montana to Yellowstones Thorofare - which although on 28 miles from a highway is considered the most remote spot in the lower 48. The book is wonderful. A quote from one of the hikers..."Out in mature you've got 4.6 billion years of sucess-the best of everything, the finest the world has come up with, all around you, night and day. Go for a stroll in the woods and you walk amoung champions." That says it all!

Today on the "Today" show they are highlighting the most beautiful places in American - Tom Brokow presented Yellowstone....I just happened to have it on to check the latest weather and got to watch...made me cry.

Central Oregon got a bit of lightening last night - of course centered over Redmond - so it was quite loud here and sparkely! Smells smoky this morning and we are under a Red Flag for the rest of today. Kinda scary because it is so very dry this summer. I'm sure the tankers will be flying this afternoon.

I have been plugging away on my Forest Canopy Shawl - turns out my Sockapalooza pal is working on one too - again a small world. Again I really like the pattern - it's easy to remember and looks great.

Hope everyone enjoys the last summer long weekend. College daughter is coming home - 3 days why not! It will be good to have a full house for a while!

Knit Peace

Remember me?

I actually am still here – just been very busy. So in chronological order….

1. Went to Portland to see Body Worlds 3. It was fascinating and beautiful and weird. Had a short visit with a high school buddy (didn’t have time to meet up with Roxie- but more on that later). Had the big “What if” talk with my father. Had a great visit with the family – fun to watch two of the cousins compare what they think will happen in the coming weeks as they go off to college!

2. I did not go yarn shopping while in Portland – can you believe it!

3. Started the Forest Canopy Shawl in Blue Moon Seduction color Footzey Foo… I know lots more repeats. I have two skeins so can make it plenty big. I’m liking it! I also am loving my addi Turbo Lace needles. I got some for socks and am now hooked on them.
4. Still working on socks mentioned in previous post – like them too! I finally figured out that although I had picked the stitch pattern out of Barbara Walker’s A Treasury of Knitting Patterns – it’s basically the same as the popular Monkey Socks! Who would have thunk!

5. Got youngest daughter settled in school – Oh my gosh it took two car loads to get it all there. (My sister and I have been laughing about this – when we went away to college we had two suitcases and a plane ticket! – Her daughter is off the Southern California and she too is driving her down.) Marianne is on the third floor of her dorm (a HUGE room – how did she luck out) so there was lots of stair climbing – but the college planned ahead – buff fraternity boys unloaded both cars way too quickly! She is now settled in and I know all about “How to be a good college parent” Parents are sent home early and students have a few more days of orientation before classes start on Wednesday. Of course today I’m going to the Post office to mail off a few important items that she must have!

6. I did discover a Yarn Store in McMinnville – I already knew that Woodland Woolworks was nearby – but am saving that till I come over for Family Weekend in October. Very nice store and I will be back.

7. Yesterday I splurged big time….I have never had a coordinated bed – it was always the on sale stuff, try to get it to match, hand me downs – you know.

Well a few weeks ago I bought a new bed (not just new to me but a new bed – this is a big deal) and needed new linens for it-so found the perfect combination. I had been searching on the net for just the right duvet cover and hadn’t found anything….but at the local Bed Bath & Beyond I found it. With great silk down pillows from Ross (OMG they were so inexpensive but look so great) – I now have a comfy, inviting cocoon. Deep chocolate duvet that has a terracotta stitch pattern in it with taupe pillows and a terracotta pillow to match the walls. It’s wonderful and slept great last night.

8. Today while trying to get caught up on my blog reading – I discovered that Roxie is here visiting her mom – so called a likely suspect listing in the phone book – first try I got her!! We are getting together! Since I have WiFi she may come over to my house so she can post her latest!

9. Tomorrow I’m attending my first Weight Watchers meeting. Molly and I are going to lose some very extra pounds. By Christmas I’m going to be another size smaller. Was making steady progress last spring – but summer has not been good to my figure – so am at it again.
10. This week I’m also starting the job hunt again – Oh I hate this. But will not settle for second best this time – but only a fun stable position!

So I’ve been busy and will be keeping busy, although without Marianne here it will be different for sure. Just gives me more time to knit doesn’t it?
Knit Peace

The Coolest Heel

Check this out - this is the coolest heel - my sockapalooza pal did these - Oriel from Sensational Knitted Socks...I've got to check it out!

Sockapalooza WOW

Look what I found in the mail today - Beautiful socks and a Pirate Bag! This is the best!!

Thanks Sheryl - I love them and they are so me!