Second Post of the Day...

I'm just whipping out these WIP's - only two more projects left on the needles. It's the sweater next - more about that later. But here's the Stitch and B*tch socks - the yarn was a wonderful gift from my knitting group....OK - I'll come next week - I've been really busy with kids home etc.

Part 2

OK - this is the next stage. It will be awhile before I get the finished product. Leather straps are next!

Finally

This has been the longest project - started June 2008. Now it is in the finishing process. This is before felting...you'll have to wait for the after. I finally figured out how to make my washer use all hot water - switch the hoses and tell the washer to use cold - fooled it - it's all hot. (Thanks Paul) So now the felting is in process and it's actually working. I'll have more pictures later. I think I'm going to have leather straps put on it - take it to a saddle maker (there are many around here). I'm glad to have this off the WIP list.

I had a great Christmas - lots of heart felt gifts that were really appreciated. My best partner in crime at work (a man no less) even gave me some new yarn - alpaca silk lace weight - Oh I can't wait to get started on a shawl. My boss got me a great Audubon print of a Great Blue Heron (which we have on the Ranch) - it is framed in a wonderful old frame that sets it off perfectly. Both these presents took time and effort - I was really surprised and really honored by their efforts.

Being with the kids was lots of fun. REI Girls roommate was with us too - what a silly girl - she fit right in! I am a very lucky mom! We did things a little different this year. Traditionally we have our big Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve - but we all worked that day. So instead I made homemade clam chowder. On Christmas day we cooked the big meal together. I've always thought cooking on Christmas day was too stressful - too much going on - but this worked out fine since it was just us.

The drama at work is almost over....decisions are being made. I do know that I'm in for at least three more months - then things may change - but I bet it works out for me anyway! So am really looking forward to a positive New Year. Cleaning up my WIP list and starting a new shawl - maybe this one - Ene's Scarf - I think it's more shawl like...we'll have to see when I get at least one more WIP out of the basket!

Hope everyone's Holiday was merry and best wishes for the best New Year!!

I lied...or changed my mind

OK - I decided to do one more gift. I had the yarn, the pattern and luckily it turns out the time! Now everything is finished and everything is even all wrapped. I rock! Details in my Ravelry projects. Eight gift items finished since Thanksgiving. All from stash but one!

Am looking forward to the holiday - I sent an invite to the kids to bring their favorite jammies and their ugliest Christmas sweater (I'm the only one who has those). All the food is ready to be prepared, the house is clean and Christmas is two days away. Again I rock!

Check this out

Merry Christmas to all!!

Done

Actually finished - (isn't it cakes that are done?) But I can't talk about them...so you'll have to check out my Project Notebook on Ravelry...skip the WIP's (I am now working on them) and just go to the next 6 items. Whew - it was a race but I did it! All started just after Thanksgiving - see what you can do when you don't have a life?

All my gifts are made or bought - nothings wrapped - tomorrow. I've even done some of the grocery shopping. We are doing things a little different this year. Usually we have our big Christmas dinner on Christmas eve...but since most of us are working that day (and need to work..) there just isn't time. So we're making a big pot of homemade clam chowder for Christmas Eve and will do the full on Turkey dinner on Christmas Day. It will just be me and the kids and I thought it was time they learned how to cook this meal - they do know the family tradition parts - homemade cranberry sauce and Satin Sauce for the pies. It will be a fun day of old movies and good smells from the kitchen. It will be good to have all three of them here.

REI Girl moved into her new place last weekend. She has a great roommate and a darling little house. She can walk to work and to school. She is in heaven. It is quiet around here but I'm enjoying it. Will enjoy it more when the Nurse comes home next week. It will be nice to have her around for 6 weeks!! I doubt she'll be able to stand the quietness of life here so will probably run up to Portland a few times to see her friends (including a new beau!). But I am looking forward to having her around.

Here's to a wonderful Holiday and a much better new year!! Knit on!!

Help!

Christmas mittens - but a litle too big. I only have part of the ball band, but it says 83% wool, 10% mohair and 7% Acrylic - so do you think it might felt a little if I threw it in the washing machine? I won't start the second one until I decide - don't really want to frog it all!!

Life is as always interesting. The drama at work continues, but might be over soon. Hopefully because I'm really tired of it!

Family is good. REI Girl is moving into her own place - hopefully Saturday - but snow is in the forecast and I don't want to pull the trailer in those conditions.

The Nurse was home last weekend and will finish up the term in a few more weeks. Her Christmas break is 6 weeks...it will be nice to have her around.

The Geek continues to hang in there and keep his job - good thing.

I have been knitting of course - but can't show my progress - Santa knows.

The relationship? I don't know what to say - but I think it went by the wayside. There hasn't been any communication in a few weeks - I feel pretty foolish - but what can I say, I trust everyone! Especially someone I've known for 30 years. Men are such cowards.

Christmas tree is up, no packages wrapped - or purchased for that matter! Lot's to do.

Happy Holidays to all

Beware - Knitting Content

See - I told you I have pictures next time...I didn't promise good pictures! Socks with cables. Not very exciting, but between these and the sweater, knitting is producing results! I've decided I really like cables - they're fun to do and keeps you busy.

As usual life is always interesting. My weekend with Dad was good - he was good most of the time. Alzheimer's is so interesting - it seems there are certain things that get stuck in his brain - he's had this particular notion about an investment - he never stops talking about it. He's been bringing it up for over a year now. He's so sure it's going to make him rich...but he's never invested and couldn't anyway...I'm sure it's really confusing to him and that's sad to watch. He still is so good natured and optimistic about life. He does pretty well by himself and I am very grateful for my sister who takes him out often and looks in on him almost every day.

The Relationship is interesting also - there was lot's of big talk and plans for the future - but little in the way of real communication. I don't know where this is leading or if it's really leading any where - time will tell. There are so many issues and baggage involved. I do hope it works out. I'm not sure if the Don't knit a sweater for a BF shouldn't be amended to Don't knit for a BF...but he did like the socks I think.

Work is still the Drama Center of the World - it's really wearing me down. I'm not as Pollyanna as I used to be. The actors keep changing every week, as well as the plan. Luckily the objective to keep working is still part of the deal. But it is getting tiring and I'm bored with all the drama!

But also wonder if that's a side effect of some meds I'm taking. When I started taking Tamoxafin (for the Breast Cancer) I had terrible (and I mean terrible) hotflashes - vertigo, etc. The first time I thought I was having a stroke - it was really scary. This was no ordinary hotflash. So I'm taking an antidepressent that also controls the hotflashes. It seems to be working for that. But it also uped my blood pressure and made me a really happy camper - (maybe that was The Relationship), but that seems to have calmed down - thank goodness I felt like a coiled spring. Now I'm getting tremors in my hands - when I'm knitting - which makes socks challenging because everything is more precise! Recently I've been wishing I had my old life back - pre cancer, pre job drama, pre Relationship - I was doing fine then. Now everything presents it's own challenges.

Like I had two flat tires yesterday - put my winter studs on because my old tires were so bald I was almost skating, and the next day both front tires were flat - how does that happen? Went to mow up the last of the leaves and my riding lawn mower was dead - now even if I get it fixed - it's too wet to pick them up! It never ends!

But I've got plenty of yarn! What else do I need - a vacation!!

Famous

Oh I'm famous! Check this out. The author is in my Stitch and B*tch Group...she's obviously slightly biased!

Knitting content to follow another day!

In the works

Hah - I even have pictures this time!! I'm on my way to the big city (Which Dad informed me had been moved) to look after Dad for the weekend. In between house cleaning and organizing I hope to start some more socks - don't have a pattern - but maybe something with a cable up the sides? We'll see what develops! This yarn was a gift from my Stitch and B*tch group - they are such great ladies!The other photo is the sweater I've been working on. After figuring out the stitch pattern errors it's going pretty well. Hopefully I'll finish it this winter sometime so I can use it! Socks and little things keep getting in the way!!

Will also get to visit with The Nurse this weekend - I'm bringing her dog with me - I'm not liking this puppyhood. She's really sweet - but is taking a long time to learn to behave! Her latest adventure destroyed every hose in my yard...and I had a bunch! Luckily I'm not watering anymore this year. Wish I could leave her in Portland for a week! Maybe a change of scenery will calm her down - doubtful!
Happy Halloween!!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I thought it was time to update you on my health. I AM CANCER FREE! Yahoo! Although I still have some residual aches, for the most part I’m as good as new. I’m healthy, happy and wiser.

The wiser part is the other reason for my post today. Please tell every woman in your life to get their mammograms. Caught early (as in my case) cancer is curable. Because I had my mammogram they found the cancer early, I had a full mastectomy (both breasts – good choice – they found cancer in the other breast), and I did not have to have chemotherapy or radiation. It was a scary ordeal, but manageable and I am now dancing with NED (No Evidence of Disease) as they say!

You honored me by your generous support – for which I will be forever grateful - now please honor the other women in your lives and encourage them to get their mammograms.

Once again, thank you for your good wishes. It made all the difference in the world and I appreciate what you all did for me.

And yes - I have been knitting - Man Socks - hope he likes them!! I can't find the ball band - but I think it's Cascade Heritage.....I know I saved that band!

Hope everyone is enjoying these last few nice days!!

First Snow

First Snow - carry tire chains recommended over the pass - last Sunday it was 80!! Only in Central Oregon!

I apologize for not updating sooner. Life has been so delicious and busy that I've barely had the energy to function - much less knit and blog! The girls are doing great - REI Girl is enjoying again the busy life of a college student and The College Girl (Now known as The Nurse) is in Portland in the Nursing school - loving it!!! I am so proud of both of them. It was kinda bitter sweet when The Nurse returned to school - the girls have really enjoyed each others company this summer and really kept me entertained! The Geek is having some work challenges - he's the only employee left - but I think this is a long term relationship.

My life has been interesting to say the least. Work is embattled at times - we are definitley affected by the housing markets and other things beyond our control. I really don't know who long I'll have a job - another month maybe? I actually believe it will all work out!

Naturally I have been knitting a bit - had some real problems with my latest sweater - an Amy McElwain design from Ravelry. Turns out the chart legend and the written stitch instructions were wrong. It took me awhile to figure it out - and Amy has corrected the pattern. I'm now back on track. Pictures soon!

I have to find the perfect "guy" sock - as I think I have a new BF! Actually it's a 30 year friendship that has new dimensions. Totally unexpected (isn't that the way?). I'm giddy with that first blush. A whole new knitting opportunity - I know - don't knit him a sweater! This is all so new to me - this relationship deal - new but delicious. I am enjoying every bit!

Hopefully I'll keep my blog more up to date...glad to be back!

Road Trip

Fifty years ago - with Dad

Today

Life is good!!

Happy 4th!

This is the first weekend in ages I've had two days off....so I did nothing but sit and read two great books since last night!! Pumpkin hogged the hammock!

I'm knitting another sweater like the last one - will have to back finished tonight (Since I'm out of books for the moment). Am home looking after Miss Kennedy - don't want to scare her with the fireworks! Girls are off on their own adventures. We had a great Road Trip last Sunday...the wildflowers are in full bloom in the Ochocos - incredibly beautiful. Kennedy was a good passenger.

Hope everyone's 4th is Grand!!!

Assistant

Kennedy is my new photo assistant - turns out she loves socks!! We seem to missing them from the laundry!! Thanks Roxie for the wonderful yarn - I really like the way they turned out - such a little bit of work and such great results!!!

For the record, summer is NOT here today.
ttfn

Time to update

I know it's been way too long.

First welcome to the newest member of the family – meet Kennedy. We had to put our old lab down and the girls just had to have a dog. They just bugged me 24/7 and 6 days later Kennedy joined us. So far they’ve done a great job taking care of her. She’s lab/hound mix from the pound…hopefully won’t be too big. Sure is cute and happy.

College Girl is home for the summer – working at the caterer and hanging out with REI Girl and I. Having another person in the house has made me wonder – when all the kids were home where did we put everything. Where did all this stuff come from? Every nook and cranny is filled with stuff!!

We did the Heaven Can Wait walk for Breast Cancer a few weekends ago. Over 3600 walkers – it was pretty impressive to see all the supporters and survivors.

I finished College Girls sweater – check it out here. I have a request to do another one. Good thing I enjoyed knitting it. It’s been awhile since I knit an adult sweater and now I’m motivated to knit something for me. Almost finished with the Ocean Socks too.

Work has been extremely stressful. Everyday has been challenging, but it looks like things will work out and I will keep my job. Good thing since unemployment would have meant losing my house. I’ve still got a long road ahead of me to catch up, but I will.

Central Oregon has been plagued by violent late afternoon thunderstorms the last week or so…my gosh has it rained. My garden likes it – but all the veggies need some sunshine or all those seeds will rot. It is predicted that summer will be returning soon. For Mother’s Day the girls arranged for some landscaper friends to clean up my front yard. I have huge Spruce trees and they make a real mess – there was probably 2 feet deep of needles under them – they hauled it all away and trimmed the trees, laid new landscaping rock and generally cleaned up. We now call it the Park. I can’t believe I live here. I even have a new planting bed. Another gardener friend has been sharing her rearranging garden with me…so by next summer I’ll have a new garden spot. Swell – something else to weed!

Haven’t been to Stitch and B*tch recently. Sorry ladies. Monday is one of the nights when the girls are both home – and we’re having too much fun together. So might be taking a summer break I guess.

So here’s to summer, a great garden and having kids and new puppies around!

Road Trip

REI Girl and I took a long one-tank road trip on Sunday. Drove north to Maupin and had yummy cinnamon roles at an old haunt from my younger years - The Oasis Cafe - was the place to go after rafting the Deschutes...the best milkshakes in town - which isn't saying much because Maupin isn't much. A pretty place in a deep canyon, not much more than a wide spot in the road. But really hot in the summer - so milkshakes were very appreciated. The town mostly survives on the fly fishing and rafting trade, so it's pretty quiet most of the year.

Then we headed to the Columbia Gorge and Hood River. The Gorge is one of my favorite spots in Oregon - it's just so majestic with the huge cliffs and the Mighty Columbia! Lunch and a little shopping in Hood River (Knot another Hat) and then we headed over the back side of Mt. Hood. The Mountain looks so big from there! (Which it is!)I was hoping the apple blossoms would still be around, but I think we were too late. Back to the high desert and we were home. A nice relaxing drive, good companionship..what else could I ask for!

First go round with the Physical Therapist was good, but was sore for a few days. She thinks she can really help me, so am going back tomorrow. We're going to try a Cold Laser Knife....whatever that means! I'll let you know.I started this sweater for Marianne - she actually picked out something for me to knit for her! Finally! Ultra Alpaca in a soft grey. I think she might actually wear it!

Spring or more likely summer is actually here again. Hopefully will get the garden planted this weekend. I'm hoping the hard frost we had on Monday is the last one! I'm going to assign REI Girl the Veggie Project - she has time and she's bored. Pulling weeds is good for everyone! Can't wait!

Hope everyone enjoys the weekend!

Rambling

Spring came and went - but they say summer will be here this weekend! Last Saturday the girls showered me with flowers for my garden - which we planted - some of which froze last night - so goes the weather in Central Oregon! You just never know what to expect. The Geek was on a big hiking adventure - so not here - but he also sent flowers - what a nice boy. All in all Mother's day was about flowers and enjoying the company of my family! The next day my sister was here on her way home from picking up one of her college girls in California - it snowed over the pass when they left here!

I have been knitting (it's not warm enough to really get into my usual summer reading program yet - but I am stocked up in anticipation). This great yarn was gifted me by Roxie - and I made up the pattern as I went along....like them!
Weekend before last was Mom's Weekend at Linfield - I went over to see College Girl. (Once again the weather did not cooperate - imagine rain, wind, cold - watching a powder puff football game between the Sororities) We still had a lot of fun - went to the LYS and picked out a sweater for me to knit for her. Next year is her big year - starts Nursing School - she is super excited. The campus is at Good Samaritan Hospital - located in the hipest neighborhood in Portland - The Pearl. She will have a blast - but will be working very hard - it's a tough program.

REI Girl and I are going on a road trip this Sunday - haven't figured out where yet - Weatherman says it will be in the 80's....we might need a water site! Am looking forward to getting away for the day. The past weeks at work have been like a bumper car - I don't know what's going to happen from one minute to the next. So far I'm employeed until the end of May - after that - who knows! I'm optimistic as usual.

Recovery is of course progressing but not as I'd like. Reached for something without thinking today - ouch! So decided to get with a Physical Therapist next week to see if I can progress faster. Weight Watchers isn't progressing fast enough either - slow but steady will get me there I guess. Need to walk more (it's a weather thing).

Here's to the possibility of Spring coming, soon?

Too Long

Sorry friends - just haven't had much to comment on! It's pretty normal around here in Central Oregon. Spring came - it was glorious for a few days - but now it's gone again. I did have few wardrobe concerns - knit T-shirts just don't work for me anymore! Of course everything else requires ironing...just one more thing to worry about. But the short spring was great - got outside and worked in the yard a bit. I'd gone to Portland the weekend before to do yard work at my Dad's - had a nice visit with my brother and sister. My brother had just caught a big salmon, so dinner was extra yummy. He was leaving the next day for a real adventure. Lucky duck! He bought the trip at a Ducks Unlimited Auction - paid next to nothing for it!

College girl came up to visit while I was there - oh she is a busy girl. She got her acceptance to the Linfield Nursing School - we knew she would - but now she's really excited. I'm going over to see her this weekend for Mom's weekend - looking forward to a nice drive and some one on one time. Plus there are two good yarn shops in McMinnville - so a little browsing might be in order!
The economy has put a real dent in my buying abilities - but stash is still healthy thank you!

The economy has wrecked havoc on everyone around here. REI Girl is only working half time, plus she has had a lot of health issues - particularly bad headaches - so she has missed alot of work. She is particularly frustrated and bored! The Geek too is facing challenges, lost one of his roommates, so his expenses have gone up. Me too - it seems that even though I've been working 6 days a week - I can't keep up. When College Girl comes home it will be more difficult. But like many - we've been here before. My job is tenuous but I'm just thankful we all have some work! We just have to all rise to the challenge.
I did finally finish these socks. It seemed they took a long time, I just haven't been knitting as much. Maybe I'm a seasonal knitter? I seem to read more in the warmer weather. I haven't got any new project picked out - will probably try to find a sweater or vest to work on. The vest I just finished is getting a lot of use - vests work for me!

Recovery is still progressing - I never imagined that I would still be experiencing pain three months out - it is better on some parts - and changes everyday on others. REI Girl has been going to a Physical Therapist that she really likes - I might try that route. I just want to sleep comfortably!! Had my last appointment with the Oncologist - don't have to see him for 6 months! Ya Hoo!! So life may be challenging - but it's good and there is nothing wrong with good!

TWO, Two, 2 - Finished!

I know - I've done nothing buy complain about winter this year - but above is the proof that this too shall pass. Spring is here today - it's 65 out and I'm loving it!

loving it so much - the photo shoot could take place outside!
The vest - should have made it a size smaller - but I'm going to still wear it and like it. Four Seasons "Man's" Vest - I'd do this again!
The Eyelet Yoke Baby Cardigan - will be another do it again. Had the Cashmerino in stash - so it will be a great gift for a new member of the Ranch family. It was super easy and super quick. The color is more red than pink - so cute!

Life continues to throw us all curves - today (Sunday mind you) I discovered that my water heater has been leaking - ruining the dry wall, growing that awful mold, needs to be replaced! I don't have the time or cash to deal with it - so my newly paid of credit card will be put back into action - not that I can pay it...but it's a start.

With regard to what the girls are now calling "The Booby Memoirs" - the healing continues. Still hurts, still can't sleep well, now getting cramped muscles - boring and frustrating. It will get better. Thinking about a "scar revision" - Doc says it would help alot....and how am I going to pay for that? This is ridiculous, I'm tired of being hit by things beyond my control!

REI Girl and I are embarking on a self improvement project - otherwise known as a diet...I have all my old Weight Watchers materials - so today we made a list,checked it for points and did a weeks worth of shopping. We are walking this afternoon. This will be more challenging for her as she is home most of the time - REI has cut everyone to 2-3 days a week - so she is getting bored! Once again it's not as though there are jobs available to fill in. She's thinking about going back to school (yea!) next fall, but also wants to go back to Africa. To have such choices!

Busy week ahead....new knitting projects to discover....warm weather to enjoy, what could be better!

Long time

I actually have been knitting - this is my "Man's Vest" left front. The back is finished. As you can see this is going to take a lot of effort in the blocking - the edges roll! Hopefully it will all come together correctly....I need this vest!

My available clothing options are dwindling as the weather improves. So far winter has worked for me because I've always got a sweater on - great camouflage. But the sun is shinning more often (hurray-the winter was too long this year) and sweaters are too hot. I can't wear knit t-shirts - too many weird looking features still remain. I'm not comfortable enough yet to go prosthesis shopping - plus it's just too expensive right now. But my surgeon wants a 'redo' to clean things up - but once again I just can't afford to miss work and have more bills. This is the pits!! I am feeling better than a few weeks ago - but still hurt everyday and am physically aware that I'm not comfortable. Once again, I admit it - my expectations were too high.

I have noticed in the user forums on the Breast Cancer sites (Komen and BreastCancer.org) that not much is said about the physical aftermath of recovery. Naturally most of the discussions are centered on the cure and treatment. I think we are all so concentrated on getting through treatment (and very admittedly my treatment was nothing compared to many) we don't think about what comes next. I read a story the other night about a 40 something woman - a triathlete who had the same surgery as I did - 15 months later she is still having pain and discomfort. Oh my gosh - this women is at least 10 years younger than me and she was an athelete....I am not going to be in this place in 15 months -I WILL be done before then! I have always been labeled as a Polyanna - but this has really thrown me for a loop. It's interesting how many things you never thought of before and how much you depend on your well being for everything else in your life! I am going to be done with this someday soon!

College Girl is coming home next week for Spring Break - looking forward to having the girls both here. We will have at least one family gathering - Hopefully I can get The Geek to come too! Good food usually does the trick. Concequently today is grocery shopping - I dread this - REI Girl and I have have been very frugal these past few months - now the budget will get blown. Oh well - it's definitely worth it. The girls like to bake together so there will be lots of goodies around to look forward to.

I've sadly just finished a great book - My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult. I've read a few others by this author - Vanishing Act and Nineteen Minutes. I love the way she writes and weaves her characters. There is always a paragraph or two that just stands out for me that seems to capture some memory that doesn't seem important until you see it written about. This time it was about a childs secret language of WhatIfs - What if that car stopped in the middle of the road, what if the sun stopped shinning and then the grocery store closed, what if my teacher is silly, what if you married someone else, what if I didn't have red hair - my kids always asked so many "what ifs" I'd forgotten how entertaining and sometimes insightful their questions were. Now the most asked question is "Mom can I have some help (meaning money of course)." Gotta love em!

Redmond Stitch and B*itch - I will be back - Monday nights have just been busy recently and I've been working on Sundays too. After Spring Break - I'll see ya then!