A Wonderful Weekend

I had a great weekend!

Friday morning got to work and discovered the power was out - had been out the day before so I had left early Thursday also. Camp Sherman is slightly remote and things like electricity are occasionally sacrificed! So instead of starting the drive to Eugene at 3:00 - I left at 9:00 am - cool














- more hours to enjoy my adventure. The drive over along the McKenzie is my favorite. I have a favorite stop - it's like a little fairly land. Had a great afternoon with Molly - her apartment is typical college student hip and of course not quite 'picked up'...but great. She like her Birthday presents - pillows and a throw for her new found couch. Went to lunch at a little Thai diner that was wonderful. Did a little shopping and hung out at her place and then we had a nice dinner out at a Greek-Indian resturarant - interesting combo - choices from both countries. Delicious both! Saturday morning went and walked the Farmer's Market/Craft fair - lot's of 'hippy' stuff and a few cool felted knit purses. Almost got some hemp yarn to do a 'market bag' for Molly - but didn't know how much I'd need.

Headed up the freeway towards Portland about noon. Beautiful warm fall day - the Willamette Valley was starting to turn fall colors - really pleasant.

I suddenly realized that this might be the weekend of the Oregon Flock and Fiber Show. Stopped at rest stop and called an 800 number I found for Clackamas County and what do you know - it was this weekend. Canby is just right off the freeway - an easy stop. I'd never actually been to Canby - what a cute little town - all the houses were so neat and tidy - big farming area - so lots of fresh produce stands, pumpkin patches etc. Charming.

The Show was great - here's Blue Moon - of course the very first booth in the door and packed. I steered clear....it was just too tempting. I also found this - Cashmere in a zillion colors - steered clear of this also.














I was really good - did no stash enhancement - I was really proud of myself. But then - I remembered that Pat Fly from Angora Valley Fibers sometimes comes to these shows. So after consulting the map - I went looking and I found her. We had never met in person, but I've used her Monarch sock yarn many times and just love the colors. She has a picture on her Web page of a scarf I did a few years ago. Naturally I had to buy something and found the perfect yarn to do socks for my boss for Christmas - Woodland - this picture doesn't do it justice - it's just right! Thanks so much Pat!!

WIP and WW

I have been knitting - really!!
I've got a few Works In Progress to show.
First is THE sweater - I hope you can see the detail on the back yoke - it really is pretty. I'm only working on this when I can really concentrate - I've ripped out a few times and that is a pain! I doubt this will be finished anytime soon - Christmas is approaching (OMG - there's decorations in all the stores - what are they thinking!)

Then there are the scarves. Pat's Littlelace is languishing - I just don't see progress very fast and I get tired of the repetition. No instant gratification - but gratification non the less.
Using up the Manos is also languishing - I'm afraid I'll run out - so it's not a priority.
But this.....I'm liking this a lot. I have tons of the plain purple - so will do a ribbed neck or something to make sure I have enough of the pink and blue to finish. I love this. But it's probably a gift.

I've been doing the "Cloth" thing too - face out of Cotton chenille and dish out of Peaches and Cream - it is so cheap!! I did the Garterlac (no Pic - it's wet!)- will do another hopefully neater this time. Once I got the hang of the pattern it sure went fast. I can crank these out for 'little gifts'.

I'm not going to get much knitting in for a few days. Am headed over the mountains on Friday to have a belated birthday dinner with Molly (today's her day!) and then on the Portland the next day to see my Dad before he heads south for the winter. I am not really looking forward to being in his house. My sister says it is trashed - my mom would be horrified - and I can't believe that my Dad is letting this happen. I really like his girl friend - but she is not a housekeeper - and my Dad had my mom picking up after him for too long to change now. How do I politely say "Clean up this mess" without offending? As soon as he leaves I'll have to go back and put the house to bed for the winter and guess who will be cleaning then....my sister and I probably - mostly my sister because she's there and I'm not. I think we will remove some of the special family things just to protect them - what a pickle!

Fall is really here - cold, cloudy and fresh snow on the Mountains! Time to nest and knit!

I love Tomatoes

Fortunately so does my sister - who grew this lovely beauty - mine are still mostly green!

Need I say more?

Quiet times in Central Oregon these days. M3 is back in school and busy with all that Senior stuff, SAT, ACT, applications and football games. Oh yes - lots of homework. M2 has a birthday coming up, so am going to visit the end of next week for a bday dinner. She is doing very well! A friend told her that her apartment looked like it belonged in "Friends"!Then on to Portland to visit with my Dad before he goes South for the winter. I can't believe the summer went so fast. I've only seen him twice. So much for the thought of spending some quality time with him!
The Summer did go to fast - I never went camping or any adventure with all the kids...I hardly ever see M1 (how do you get boys to call thier mothers!!) - I miss the days when they were all home and together (sort of).

Have been knitting washcloths - will photograph when I have a bunch more complete - have a colorful batch of 4 so far. Also started another scarf for the Christmas pile. Didn't I pledge not to start any new projects until some others were complete? Oh - Gifts don't count!

The Fight the Frump campaign is progressing. Love my new cut and color! Since I haven't weighed myself - can't report any progress yet on that front. But am confident that it's working. It has been challenging making the points each day - I always seem to be way under - which I know isn't good. Just have to find the right combo!

Where is The Traveling Stash - I've been patiently waiting - I need that excitement!
Knit on!

One project finished!

Trekking finished - can't remember the color - but my Trek with Me project is complete. Didn't Trek much - but did knit!! I think these will be a gift - so again - one more down for Christmas.

The scarf is coming along also - but wonder if I'll have enough - It may end up being a table runner!! I may do another wash cloth today - then I will have completed two things - joy!

I'm tackeling some major cleaning this weekend - you know behind the bed, the bottom of the drawers - that kind of thing. It will be nice to have an extra day to get some of it finished. Wish I had bought some paint for my front door - this would have been the perfect time....but my local paint store isn't open on Sunday and I need a particular color - oh well - not as though I can't do it later.

I did get a nice picture for Sandy last night - forest fires create wonderful sunsets so I've been keeping my eyes open!! The tankers are flying again today and Marion Forks was under pre-evac orders yesterday - dry lightening predicted for this afternoon - oh fun in Central Oregon!

Hope everyone enjoys the long weekend. School start here on Tuesday - the last year - how did that happen so fast!

Tomorrow is the Day!!

I'll explain that later - but first what I've been up to....
M2 Daughter is moved and settled in Eugene. Occassionaly bored and lonley - but surviving on her own. Calls me at least twice a day just to say good morning and good night (at least I know where she is!). It will take some adjustment on her part - but she's doin good and I'm so glad for her and proud of her steps in the right direction.
M3 Daughter just got her senior pictures taken - what a deal we got. We spent about 2 hours one morning last week doing 'the shoot' and now I have a disk with over 200 shots. I can pick which ones I like (we've narrowed it down to 40 favorites) and print what we need. My Canon printer does a great job. I've paid less than half of what the other kids costs. Their pictures were great too, but limited choices. These are two of my favorites.

I've also been organizing - now that there is an empty room....really just rearranging things and spent some time looking at my small stash and wondering what am I going to knit. I never seem to have a problem there - there just isn't enough time to knit everything I want - as you all know. I bought a few new baskets to keep things sorted out - I actually just wanted to see my stash better - so now some of it is in a new basket behind my chair - very colorful and it keeps me motivated.
I got a smaller basket which is now beside my chair which holds my smaller WIP - I wish I could figure out how to have to color come out better in my photos. On the right is a scarf out of the left over Manos from my sisters sweater - I'm edging it with black - really is striking. On the left is my first wash cloth - Cotton Chenile - did while Marianne was having her pictures taken. I got 5 other colors. So the Christmas frenzy is on.
The trekking socks are laungishing (sp?) in my knitting bag - they're for waiting in line time - which I don't have much of. The Celtic cardigan is coming along - wish I could take a photo of the stitch pattern - it really is cool and I'm liking it. Doubt it will be wearable very soon.
Remember the Interlacements I bought at the
Black Sheep Gathering - well check out Wendy's Blog for the Fir Cone Wrap - delicious and I think I could do this. Of course Pat - I'm still working on your scarf - but it is slow going.
I really think the problem is I have too many things on the needles at once. So I'll not be starting anything new until I have two more finished pieces....right. But in my effort to get organized I'm sticking to it.
OK - tomorrow is the day - I'm starting Weight Watchers - can't go the meetings - I rather spend the time knitting and the money on yarn - but I do have the latest point book and am familar with the program - so am starting. I have no idea what my actual weight is - don't really care - but do care how I look. The above photographer took a few pictures of Marianne and I togther and I had to delete them I was so embarrassed. Not only over weight - but my gosh I looked like an old frump in need of a hair cut and make over. Where did those wrinkles come from? Anyone tried any of those anti wrinkle creams - Olay stuff? I've used regular Olay for always, but none of the more targeted applications. Marianne surprised me with a paid for appointment for a cut and color and I committed to work on the weight and frump clothes. You know who cares what you look like when you sit home and knit all the time!! LOL. I actually look much younger than I am - I'm told often - thanks for that Mom! - but this woke me right up - time to take care of myself for a change. So friends -wish me success. I'll keep you posted.

OK – I’ve been a bad blogger again – forgive me this once! Life has been very busy and stressful…what happened to having a fun summer? Oh it’s nothing terrible just a lot going on. M2Daughter is moving to go back to school (for the third time)….and there’s all the packing to do – where did she get so much stuff! Trying to figure out and plan for the change in finances – everything cost more than either of us anticipated, she will truly be a ‘starving college student’!! But it is time for her to go and I am so proud of her – this is a huge step – especially since she will be living alone! Of course I’m a bit nervous but also looking forward to having time to spend with my youngest daughter.

She is a senior this year and has tons going on. It seems I’ve hardly seen her this summer! Tonight the photographer is coming over to visit about her senior pictures – oh my gosh time has gone by so fast!! We had planned to have all the college apps completed and to begin the scholarship applications before school started – we haven’t even started. Luckily she knows exactly where she wants to go and what she wants to do….Linfield College nursing program. She has always wanted to be a Labor and Delivery nurse. Last week she job shadowed at our local hospital and got to be right there during a cesarean – that cinched the deal – she’s in!

I actually have been knitting a little every night…mostly the Celtic Cardigan. It takes a lot of concentration now that I’m on the yoke in the back. It’s definitely not mindless knitting – I’ve ripped my share of rows believe me. But am enjoying it and know that it will be beautiful when I am finished.

I’ve got to start on Christmas Presents – I think I’ll do a pair of washcloths for each of the girls – any suggestions about yarn? I’d like to do a couple pair of cotton socks too and of course I’ve stash for scarves since last year – unfortunately they aren’t quick and dirty ones either. The cardigan may be taking a back seat pretty soon!

We are still living under smoke filled skies – makes for great sunsets! The Lake George Fire is just a few miles from the last one I wrote about. It’s actually closer to where I am every day. They lit a big back fire yesterday – the column of smoke was huge – it’s own weather. But they say it did the trick! I hope it clears out pretty soon – I miss seeing the Cascades!

Hope everyone is knitting well and enjoying these last days of summer! School starts here in three weeks - where did the summer go!!

Spots not Socks

Aren't they wonderful....Summer in Camp Sherman. I am so lucky!!
Evacuees are all home now - the smoke remains thick in the mornings on the way to work. Most of the cute structural fireman have gone home - at least the ones from surrounding communities...(why is it that fireman are usually so cute...)

Summer in Central Oregon

This is what is going on here at home - the Air Tankers take off here in Redmond and make a quick run to Sisters - working on the 9,000 acre Black Crater fire. 1500 people have been evacuated and they say there is a 50% chance the little town of Sisters will be evacuated tonight - but the good news is the humidty is up and the temps down - it's downright cool this afternoon! The smoke is drifting and we are socked in here in Redmond.

This is life in Central Oregon during the summer and we have only started! It will be interesting going to work in the morning as I travel right through Sisters. The air tanker picture is courtesy of the Nugget News
and I took the other on Wednesday before they evacuated the first neighborhood. When I came through on Wednesday all the fire engines from surrounding communities where lined up to provide support for structures fires (which there haven't been any yet thank heavens) - wish I'd gotten a picture of that - looked pretty impressive!

Haven't been knitting much - but worked in the garden today - the weather was cooperating so thought I should get to it.

Yesterday did the garage sale trip looking for apartment furnishings for Molly. I scored at the Goodwill - got a wonderful table for $8!!!! Its perfect and in great shape. I spent a total of $20 and got silverware for 4 with a little chrome holder, 4 glasses, a great soup mug, two soup mugs that match my dishes and two other small glasses and the table. Still have a lot more to come up - particularly chairs - both dinning and living room, but think that will have to be when we are in Eugene - don't want to have to haul everything over there. Molly and I are going over on Thursday to take a load and sign the rental agreements on her apartment - orange shag carpet and pink refrigerator and all!! Remember those days!!
Hope everyone has a great week!

Moira Littlelace has a cousin

Pat - Moira has a cousin in far off Oregon!! Thanks so much for sharing with us!! This is laceweight - a wonderful copper color - a gift for Christmas - don't know who yet! I'm liking the pattern - easy to remember so easy to pick up. I plan to do a really long maybe beaded fringe. I do wish I had made it wider - but just didn't want to start over.

It has been so so hot here and tonight all the conditions are really bad for wildfire - low humidity, winds and high temp. We've got three good ones going within view. One at beautiful Elk Lake - they are evacuating the west side of the lake as we speak - it would be a real loss! So we are surrounded by copper colored skies and since Redmond is the home of the US Forest Service Air Center - the tankers are flying overhead. (We often go and watch them refill the retardent and then take off - cheap thrills!) Wildfire is a fact of life here - Bend has had quite a few devestating neighborhood fires that started as wildfires - Awbrey Hall which burned 22 homes and Skeleton come to mind. Also the huge B&B Complex fire three years ago burned 93,000 acres very near Camp Sherman where I now work. Needless to say - with the thunderstorms night before last - all these are now popping up - we can see the column from the Crater fire from the office and we've had the scanner on to be prepared if a fire is in the area - so far we've been lucky - but fire season is just getting started and with this super hot weather it could be scary this year. My boss and family had to evacuate during the B&B fire - they were weeks out of thier house!! But all was safe and Camp Sherman was OK - but that doesn't mean it will always be that way.
This is life during the summer in Central Oregon!!

They've got Socks

I wasn't allowed to take the socks with me (Oh mom!) to The Central Oregon Draft Horse Show - but found some there anyway.


It was hot and sunny and the horses were so impressive - not to mention the drivers!!












Knitting is progressing very slowly - but am turning the heel on my Trekking socks. It's just too hot in the evenings. It's not even cooling down at night which is making sleep difficult. I have A/C but can't stand to have it running at night!
My garden is almost bloomed out - I hate that - a big splash and then it's just green. Central Oregon for you!!
M2 daughter has decided at the last minute to go back to UofO in the fall - so she's busy looking for a place to live, getting transfered to the Eugene REI, figuring out all the details. I'm proud of her but will miss having her around. They gotta grow up sometime I guess!
M3 daughter has new second job - working 48 hours this week!!! Busy girl.
Busy Family - having fun most of the time!!
Good Summer to all! Enjoy the heat - it's coming!!
Edited to add: I've got tons of raspberries coming on - they are sooooo good!!!

Trek to Book Club

Yes, we do have a life on occasion and Book Club is about it these days...but we did make it out. Of course didn't read the book...it just wasn't working as an audio book for my Ipod test. But we picked a fun summer easy chick book this time - In Her Shoes - luckily I haven't seen the movie so will look forward to the book.
As said in my last post - knitting is lacking these days - just too lazy. But the sock is progressing slowly and I actually have been working on the Celtic sweater - one of these days I will finish. (I get really depressed reading everyone elses accomplishments - you have way more time than I do!)
My girls and I are really ships passing in the night - but this weekend I get one day with each - they'll probably be sleeping most of the time!! My Goal is comfortable shoes that aren't hot and don't make my feet hurt at the end of the day - yea right. Old age is the pits!! Oh yes the closet - in the middle of night I hear this big bang - I yell out to the girls "are you all right?" No answer so thought I must have been dreaming. I wake up to see MY closet rod had fallen down! Does Fred Meyer have the part to fix it after work? No - so the pile remains until I can get to a hardware store. I don't have that much stuff hanging - I only Iron to wear - never ahead anyway!
Oh yes - the Lavendar - I bought four new Lavendar plants last weekend. My sister the gardener was here and we completely rearranged my garden - on paper anyway - guess who gets to to all the digging up and replanting...but it will be worth it. I may get started if it's not too hot.
Getting late - news is on - later and best to all

Too Busy to Knit Much.....

M2 Daughter took these pictures - just thought I'd do a quick share. Have been busy and it's too hot to knit. Garden is even suffering - but growing. I'll update more this weekend I promise!! Hope all is well with everyone!!!

A busy bee

I have accomplished a lot this weekend...not as much as I had hoped - but progress was made. The lawns got mowed and fertilized, flowers planted and deadheaded. My veggie garden is a bust at this point - it looks so sick I'm embarressed. It'll take a few weeks before it is ready for pictures.












I did manage to knit a little - did a new Ipod carrier - used the Sock Candy that I got at Black Sheep - if I'd gotten another skein I could have done socks - but this was fun a quick.

I also worked on my Trekking socks - although we didn't Trek any further than the hammock. Will finish one tonight and hopefully get a good start on the second.


In anticipation of The Traveling Stash visiting my house, I did look at my Private Reserve - I almost started something else - but decided that two things on the needles at a time is enough for me. So little time - so much I want to knit!!

But I did sort things out, found some new ideas and decided what I could sacrifice.
Is the Sisterhood really coming to visit me?

A beautiful evening on the High Desert

What more can I say.....

I had a great time!!

I really had fun on my Trek over the meadows and through the woods. First stop was The Black Sheep Gathering.......where all these just hopped in my knitting bag. It was really fun and wish I'd had more time. But I got what I went for - STR and Sock Candy. Hand Jive was there also and I got some Plum Merino - but might use this for trade stash as I figured out when I got home that it isn't superwash - but the color is great. The Sock Candy is on the needles for flip flop socks - they had a free pattern so I thought what the heck - they'll be cool this summer.

Plus I found this wonderful Interlacements - a pretty shawl or two scarves or something. And I found some very small but pretty stitch markers. All in all it was worth the extra 70 miles to go out of my way to Eugene. The drive down the McKenzie River is one of my favorites and I had Phantom of the Opera blarring so it was a good adventure!

I think next year I may take a class or two - just a way to visit with other knitters. There where a lot of them wandering about. There is another fiber show this fall that may be fun also - but don't know how many participants there are - but another good excuse to go on a road trip!

When I got to Portland everyone was ready for dinner - so we picked up my Dad and Bev and went out for Chinese - it was wonderful. Dads first outing. I spent most of Saturday visiting with Dad - he's looking better everyday - just the usual post surgery complaints - the incision itches, he has no appetite etc....but he actually got up and rode his stationery bike for 1.2 miles he reminds me!! Saturday night my sister had friends for dinner and we sat out on the patio til late and enjoyed the evening and the wine. Left Portland this morning to avoid the heat - it is expected to be 100 there - it's about 95 here so not much difference. Am glad to be home and now I can admire my new stash....speaking of which I get to do some trading - I'm in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Stash - Oh I can't wait. I promise to add something great. What fun it has been to watch where it's gone!

I was talking to my family about this knitting blogging thing and they just don't get it!! They think I am a total weirdo (true). I just want all of you to know I have really enjoyed being part of this community! Am looking forward to sharing more adventures!!

My only knitting accomplishment this week - something little for my little Nano - but I did teach myself how to knit small circumference with one long circular needle - a little cumbersome at first - but I figured it out.... now how to do sock gussets - more challenging I'm sure.

I've downloaded "American Pastoral" by Philip Roth and have been listening while knitting this. I'm not sure this is the best book to start with - it requires thinking! It is hard to concentrate on two things at once.

Summer seems like it has finally arrived - last week we had rain rain and more rain - with golf ball size hail thrown in - it flattened my peonies - they smelled so wonderful! Yesterday I managed to get the lawn mowed and one tomatoe planted - will get the rest today. My veggie garden is pretty sad - more weeds than veggies. With all the rain and lack of sun a lot of things didn't come up so will have to replant somethings. Luckily I never use an entire seed packet.

I have a full day to myself today - M1 daughter is at work and M2 daughter drove to Portland yesterday to stay with her cousins and see a long time favorite boy pal - just pal but an awesome kid - they met at summer camp maybe 6 years ago and have connected many times over the years. This was her first long drive alone - freeway and all - spent three hours worrying about her but she made it fine. First steps are scary for moms!

My Dad seems to being fine - sounds much better everyday - more like himself, not so confused. What a relief. I'm going to Portland next weekend to be the designated visitor. Looking forward to spending time with him.

Happy Father's Day to all the great dads out there - I'm lucky - I've got the greatest!!

My buddies from Wyoming (who I made the mittens for) were here overnight on Friday - a too short visit but I sure love seeing them. They are planning to move back to Oregon sometime next year - it will be nice to have them around.

There is an article in this months Sunset magazine about Wyoming & Montana - reading it made me cry - we're not going on that adventure this year - no vacations planned. The kids and I both are just working too much - we need to unfortunately. But I hope to go in October for a wedding - but it won't be the same without the kids. See my previous post about the impact these trips have had on my family. There just aren't words to express what a huge event these trips were for us.

Well I'm off the figure out how to attach an I-Cord strap to my Nano cover - I think I've got directions for something like that somewhere. Hope everyone has a great week.

Happy Birthday!

How cool is this - today is my Birthday - and it's The Yarn Harlots, and it's Sheryl's and it was my mom's and her mom's and it is Flag Day!!! Sheryl - my mom and I thought it was great that they designated Flag Day as our birthday too! The streets of Redmond are lined with Flags today - wish I'd had my camera because it is quite a site. They are about every 15 feet - hundreds of them and they are big ones - not the little guys but full size!

Happy Birthday to all of us!!!

Tonight after book club - at my house - I will be downloading an Audible book to go with the Nano two of my wonderful kids gave me and starting my socks that my other wonderful kid gave me - reading and knitting - The Best Birthday Ever!!!

And my Dad is coming home from the Hospital today!!! Wow - you go Dad!!

Book Club

I need an idea for a Book Club Book - it needs to be available on Audible also - since I just got a new Nano for my Birthday!!!! Book Club is tomorrow night so I need ideas fast. We just read The Mermaid Chair - which I loved.
Send me ideas!!
Also what Knitting Podcast should I try out - any ideas would be appreciated!!
I've got all the yarn in balls for my next sock project - will keep you posted - but have to finish Trekking first. Can't have too many things going at once!
ttfn - knit on!

This turned out so well I had to share it - Rose from my sisters garden!!
We are home now - back in Redmond. Dad seemed better this morning but I hated to leave him-he seemed so vulnerable....not quite my big tough Dad anymore. But I'm hopeful that in a few months he will be better. I am so glad that the whole family could be there together - I'm really glad all my kids were there with us!
We did manage to make it to a few yarn shops and my daughter got me an early birthday present - more sock stuff - what else. Have always wanted this book and wanted to do socks with stranded color - so this is perfect.
Will be busy here for the next few days - catching up at work - heard my computer crashed and new hard drive is on the way - hope the backup worked!! Plus Wednesday is book club and it's at my house. We just read The Mermaid Chair - Luckily my brother had been fishing and brought home fresh Halibut!! Yum.
Hope everyone has a great week.
Knit on!

My Dad had his surgery on Thursday - Five bypasses!! He is still in the Cardiac Recovery Unit but seems to be doing well - a little disoriented but am sure that will pass. Am very glad I am here!
Today is the Portland Rose Festival but as the weather is typical Portland we are not going to the parade - too bad because it is so much fun - next year! There might be a little yarn shopping today?
Back home tomorrow. Thank you all for your wonderful messages - they really do make a difference!

Going on a Trek

My socks are going to Portland with me in the morning. My Dad is having triple bypass tomorrow sometime....so will have lots of waiting and knitting time. Hope I can get there before he goes to surgery - but can't leave tonight - too many other obligations. He won't miss me - but I'll miss him - no it isn't as it sounds - it's just one more person in the mix of family and friends won't matter that much. But will be there when he wakes up for sure!
If I'd planned this trip in advance it would have included Yarn Store hoping - but can't go without budgeted cash - so next time I guess.
All WILL BE WELL!!!!

My Dad (Who wears hand knitted socks by guess who) is in the hospital today - he evidently had a small Heart Attack (what's small). He is having an angiogram as this afternoon......so keep him in your thoughts. I am NOT ready for this!!

Heaven Can Wait - the walk was great - both Molly and I got tears thinking that Breast Cancer has touched everyone at the race and there were over 2000 participants!! It was very moving walking with all these people dedicated to make a difference. Grannie Annie would have been proud of us!
I didn't bring my "Trek with Me" Project - I should have because I could have knit while waiting for the REI pictures to be taken. Aren't they great! All the female employees at REI participated.















It was a little blustery and rain was threatening - but we lucked out!! I made it in good spirits and enjoyed the walk - came in in the middle of the pack - not too bad for an old lady who is really out of shape!

After the Race we did the Costco run - I was so good - Mason Dixon Knitting was there and I didn't get it!! Wish I had!! Now it's relax time - have had my nap! Girls have gone to dinner with thier Dad so it's quite time for Mom - hurray!
Went out and checked the garden - I think we've had so much rain this week that everything has rotted!! No Lie - it looks pretty bad - but I'll give it a while before I start over. Luckily I still have things I haven't planted - Tomatoes, Peppers - gosh I just realized I forgot the onions too - oh well they'll still have time! We have a very short growing season here - it could freeze any day of the year and often does!
Busy week but hope to get some picture worthy progress on the Trekking socks.
Knit on!

Clematis Socks

Abigail asked about the socks in my last post. The pattern is from the Sole Solution 2003/2004 Design Collection - which I can't find on the net anymore for the life of me....but the pattern is "Clematis" - I really enjoyed it - simple 4 row repeat. Easy to memorize.

The yarn is from Pat Fly at Angora Valley Fibers - I LOVE her yarn!!! It is a dream to knit with and wears really well. I did a scarf in her Hott colorway - and love it. This link goes to her page with a picture of my scarf.

I'm hoping that Pat will be at The Blacksheep Gathering next month. I'm hoping I can still get away to go - I need a break!!

The garden is trying to grow - but my lemon cucs and the squash that wasn't in the 'walls of water' look a little stressed - hopefully they will come back. I got the tomatoes today - so they will go in over the weekend.

Molly and I are doing the Breast Cancer walk on Sunday - went out for a practice stroll last night - wish I'd started earlier!! Oh well - there will be lots of other old ladies. I'm going to try to take my "Trekking socks" so I can post a picture - but will be embarassing my daughter in the process! Oh well! An interesting note - ALL the female employees of REI are participating in the walk - only men are working on Sunday - will they survive? Walk on!

Good Worker

I did good - I mowed, I wacked the weeds, I sprayed the weeds, I planted the garden, I watched while my neighbors but up a fence between our yards and then I planted beans to climb the fence and I finished my socks!! Quite a bit considering that for two days the weather was cold, windy and raining!!

This picture is a planted garden - later - weeks from now I post a growing garden.

I tried to post a picture of the socks - but blogger is doing it's bad thing and not cooperating!!
Hope everyone had a good weekend! Fixed!!

Bad blogger

I have not been a very good blogger this week - just a ton going on outside of the knitting world.
On the knitting front - I've ripped out my socks for the last time. For some reason on the second sock I did the heel different then the first. Luckily I hadn't finished the first because I wanted to make sure I had enough yardage to complete the length on the second - I do. But I ended up ripping out both heels and starting over.

Did a little on the brown sweater while waiting for new brakes last weekend - always a good knitting time - sitting in the tire store while you'd rather be outside doing something constructive.

Which is what I have to do this weekend - and of course it's wet and raining with thunder storms predicted! Swell - so fun to mow the lawn, til the garden, plant the veggies, spray the Roundup and weedwack in the rain - but it has got to be done or I won't have veggies!!!

Marianne had her 17th Birthday yesterday. I ordered her a digital camera from an online retailer that I've ordered from before. The day it was to be delivered I got an e-mail saying the manufacturer is no longer stocking them (But when I called them on the phone to place the order - "no problem, it's in stock and we'll get it to you in 5 days" . The E-mail came 6 days later - so had to find something else when I had no time left - and pay for another camera while I waited for the refund for the first - I thought they couldn't charge you until it was shipped! All worked out but the stress level was high. She had a great birthday of course.

Yesterday I had oral surgery - fun - but got to knit while I was recooping at home. Luckily it wasn't very painful and I don't look like a chipmunk and I could go to work today.

Work is working out great. I think I've even found a place to stay during the week so I wouldn't always have to drive back and forth. This time of year it's fine - I enjoy the drive - but come winter in the dark and on the snow it might not be so much fun. So this will let me stay a night or two a week. The girls are so busy they can take care of themselves - they'll think it's cool to have a night or two on their own. I'm really liking the job - it's getting more and more interesting and I hope I'm making a difference. I've already promised Kevin I'd make him a pair of custom socks - he wants them over the knee so his riding boots don't rub - any suggestions from anyone?

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend - enjoy the extra day. I'm going to catch up on my blog reading too and I know I'll be knitting to get out of the rain!
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No, I have the Best Kids

So you all know I love to go camping right? So now I can sit on my patio and enjoy the camp fire and still sleep in my own bed....and it's been so hot during the day - 90's - that all the windows are open so it's like sleeping outside - the frogs are sooooo loud!!
So those wonderful kids gave me the fire pit and new lights for the patio - aren't they great - all I wanted was some hand lotion! (They told me that the big box was hand lotion from Costco!) I am one lucky mom. Actually the very best part was just sitting around reminiscing. They really are funny and entertaining - I cherish these moments.
On the knitting front - finished one sock and started the next - thought I'd get the foot finished during Grey's Anatomy last night - but it was too intense. Am working longer days this week so doubt I'll have a lot accomplished. But did join the Trek with Me KAL, which will be fun and good for us! Need motivation to walk more so this is perfect!

Happy Mothers Day

Since I'm 3 hours away from the cemetary - add these to Lisa's bouquet - from all of us!
I love ya!!

!@#%!!!!!

What a way to start a great weekend - halfway through mowing the lawn - the mower tire came off the wheel - how does that happen and how does a mechanically challenged woman fix it? Call the neighbor.....but still - as though I don't have enough to worry about.
Plus all the light bulbs in the kitchen burned out - all at once?
Plus I ripped the lace - I just don't like it and can't make it look like the pattern - even stretched - it's just too lacy and doesn't show the pattern. So it's gone to rest for awhile. Which is a good thing because I was overwhelmed by UFO's - I think I'm a one project at a time person - too many choices overwhelm me.
Luckily this weekend's weather is making all my choices for me - yard work. It is suppossed to be 90 degrees tomorrow - OMG it's still May!! My budget didn't include flowers this week so all my pots will have to wait til next week, but naturally there is still tons of weeding and prep work to deal with.
Marianne just called - the train from San Francisco is 3 1/2 hours late - so she won't be home til late this afternoon, then she'll have to be at work this evening - one tired puppy. Molly is working both today and tomorrow, but everyone will be here for dinner tomorrow. Mom's bliss!!

Happy Mothers Day to everyone!!! This is the best job I've ever had - I wouldn't trade for anything!! I am so fortunate to participate in the lives of these three incredible children. Sometimes I have to pinch myself - how did I do this?

Wow Sockapalooooza Wow

They came - they came and I am so lucky!!!
The socks where hand knit for me - how do I know? The colors have my name all over them!! They are so perfect. I also smell like Plumeria (My all time fav) and am now munching on Chocolate - oh my gosh, I am a spoiled spoiled lady - and I deserve it!!
Thank you Abigail!!! (I even found her here) - I figured it out after the package arrived.

I have been dilegently working on my lace project - pictures will be a long time off. I'm doing better with the Crystal Palace needles - thanks for everyones suggestions. (BTW - I have a ton of stitch markers - but no cool beaded ones - hint hint daughters!) Both girls are gone for a few days - Marianne off the San Francisco on a school trip (totally paid for-how cool is that!) and Molly is in Eugene visiting the Magnificent 7!! So I get to eat salad and knit - now that is cool.

Lace Help Help Help

OK - I'm a pretty good knitter - but I'm stumped now - The yarn and pattern I ordered from Allegro Yarn came today (I ordered it on Friday!) The yarn is a beautiful copper and very soft - but after a few tries I'm having problems - anyone have suggestions about what kind of needle to use knitting lace - this pattern calls for lace weight yarn, knit on 7 needles. I don't have anything pointy enough! And I've got to use markers - missing those YO!!!
I can do this, I can do this, I can do this......
Help!!!

Finally

OK - here is my Celtic Cardigan from Oak Couture - I wish the color of the Wool of the Andes came out better!! I'm following the pattern for a change - didn't convert to 'in the round' or anything...amazing. This is my long term project for now.

I do need some advice - since shawls are all the thing and I have a special someone to knit for (my mom's best friend and my second mother!) I thought that since she is such a classy lady that a hand-knit shawl in bright red would be just the thing. I've never done lace so am looking for a beginners pattern that will look wonderful! Any ideas would be appreciated!!

Oh I wish I'd joined the "Sisterhood of the Traveling Stash" KAL - what fun to see where it's been!!

This will definitely be a spring weekend - time to change all the bedding to cotton sheets and duvet cover - I love this process....first off comes the extra blanket - a few weeks ago. (But kept nearby just in case) Now off comes the flannel sheets and flannel duvet, to be exchanged for the cotton. I Love my cotton duvet cover - it has embroidered feathers in pastels - why didn't I buy the whole set?? The Down comforter stays for awhile longer - when it's warmer it too gets exchanged for a Nikken Kenko comforter - this really is my favorite. Don't know what it is about this "Ionic Comfort Technology" but it works and is wonderful!!! I just love the process - in reverse too!!
Also it is more gardening time - looks like I'm not working this weekend so will have plenty of time and no more excuses - get those weeds pulled!! I actually like pulling weeds - it's very theraputic!! So tonight I'll be get the sprinklers going so the flower beds are soft for pulling! The girls will be busy so guess I'll have to do it myself. Poor Marianne - she is a walking zombie - today was the AP History Exams (Might qualify as college credit if she passes - more than 1/2 the kids who take it don't pass and she doesn't think she will - it's History! She's a straight A student but AP History has been a challenge for her) and then tomorrow is the SAT's. Plus she works tonight and tomorrow night, plus she has been up late for ages studying. She be one tired girl and will be found in bed all day Sunday!
Molly is working too - so mom will be gathering blisters alone - oh well!
Hope you all have a glorious weekend and enjoy the spring!!
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Sockapaloooza!!

Oh My Gosh - my pal recieved her socks already - I sent them on Fri to Germany and they arrived on Tuesday!! How fast is that - faster than if I'd sent them to the east coast I bet - even sent from the tiny community Post Office here in Camp Sherman.
She loved them and I loved making them - all is well!!!
I will take pics of my Celtic Cardigan soon - am progressing up the back. Slow going because I don't have much time. Socks I started are in limbo for awhile. Am not liking the toe up concept - don't like the gusset as well this way....but will continue!!
Beautiful sunny warm day here - enjoy!!!