Did I paint? Nope - paint was rock hard and the paint store wasn't open today...stupid to not check the supply first.

But - I did cook - this great receipe for Lasagna from Sunset Magazine. It was a long time stirring - but really good. I think I'd add a quarter more ingrediants to the Ragu sauce - but it was really good for a cold day!.

Knitting? Well yes - I'm back to my STR socks..wish the colors came out better in this photo because they are really cool - I can't remember but I think they are Highland....

Pumpkin had a rough day too - sun seeking.

I actually worked today too - I'm scanning pictures to make a design book to present to the land owners of a new development. These are ideas for what the Clubhouse will look like - pictures come from here (all three) and here. My boss is designing it - but will have furnishing like these in the books. Really great for this area. It's fun looking at all the great places. Here I am copying pictures from Old Faithful Lodge in Yellowstone - and I get a call from my buddy in Montana - asking about if she can knit mittens from the sock yarn I gave her for Christmas - and guess where she is....here. I am so jealous. It is such a spectacular building...and the location isn't bad either - what fun.

Remember this....

Well now it's this...

I just wasn't liking the first one - so out it went. I've learned a big lesson with this one - never knit stranded unless you are knitting in the round - I just can't do a nice edge (nice enough for sewing seams) going back and forth....they don't look bad - but they don't look good either - too messy. How do you turn and not have too much yarn that your were carrying? I did do the sleeves in the round - wish I'd done the whole thing that way - better to do raglan sleeves too - so much easier. The sleeve seams do look good. I had a ton of ends to deal with too and I was afraid I was going to run out of yarn - but had just enough. Sweater is more toddler than baby size - but it will be great for next fall-winter. Speaking of which - winter was over here...we had a few great days. I was planning on a good walk on Thursday but put it off because I had work for my second job. Then Friday we had freezing fog - it's still here - go away...I was really enjoying the sunshine. And really looking forward to a good walk with the dog on the Deschutes, we have a favorite spot that is a short but perfect walk.

Since it looks like I'm not walking tomorrow either, I'm getting the paint brush out. The finish carpenter was here on Friday - cleaning up the mess the tile guy left in November. He laid a nice oak strip between the new tile and the old carpet - looks great. And he did a project that involved building a new wall to cover up the raw heating duct that had been gracing the entry way for the last 10 years. So tomorrow I get to repaint. Then my little remodel will be finished. I ran out of money before the new refrigerator found it's way to my kitchen - but I still am pleased with the results.

Since painting will not take up the entire day - I also hope to reorganize my knitting storage corner - I've got too much stuff just lying around. You know - patterns open, books open, yarn boxes open - etc. While I'm there I'll look for another stash busting project...I've got a niece who could use a IPod cover for her upcoming birthday - or maybe a pirate hat if I can find the right colors.

Oh yes - I've still got two scarves, a sweater and a pair of socks for me on the needles. Maybe I'll get to one of them too - you just never know what Sunday may bring. I actually have paid work to do also - darn I forgot about that!

Oh look what the mail man brought me.....from Julia.....I am so appreciative!! It is a beautiful book full of inspiring sweaters. I'll have to do some pattern adjustments as these may be a little snug for my advanced age figure!! (What happened to Weight Watchers you ask...don't). But I'd sure like to try one of these. Will add to my wish list.

Warmer here today - might get past 30!! But haven't done much knitting - but tonight is good TV so will get working on the sleeves for the Toddler sweater.

Have the day off and I accomplished a ton - FASFA forms and taxes all completed....I will get a smaller refund - (Darn those daughters for getting older)...maybe it will have to go to stash enhancement - imagine that!

The Gems of the Cascades - The Three Sisters and Broken Top
Cabin in Camp Sherman today - where I used to spend my summers
View across the Metolius River

Yep it's cold but we do know how to get around. I'm sure you've all seen the news clips of the car sliding into numerous others in Portland yesterday. The driver is a friend of my fathers and my neices happened to be there and witnessed the whole progression and called 911 - while the other Adults were busy calling thier insurance companies! Driver is OK - has huge gash on his head I hear. The girls comments were "The EMT's were so HOT!"

Portland panics in the snow. But here we are used to it.

The pictures above were all taken today - the mountains are my morning view while driving to work - too bad!!

Yes - I do knit....will have pictures soon. Am working on my STR socks FOR ME! And on a bright blue baby sweater - which is turning out toddler size - OK with me!

All is well!

Cold Cold and more cold

Last Friday morning - Minus 12 degrees - full sun and beautiful

Friday afternoon - going over the pass - icy and challenging
Today - coming home. Mt. Washington. Beautiful drive

Spent the weekend with daughter in Eugene - gosh it was cold there too - usually the Willamette Valley is a banana belt - not now - there is snow on the ground and it is coooold! Here at home on the east side of the Cascades my thermometer in the shade now says minus 5!!! It can't be that cold, but that's what is says. Edited: If I'd learn to tell the difference between C and F it would be better - try 20 degrees - it's cold but not that cold.

I hear the midwest is really suffering - Ann - am thinking about you! Power? Trees? Have been through lots of freezing rain like that growing up in Portland - I remember listening to the trees cracking under the weight of the ice - scary!

Did a little yarn browsing while in Eugene - visited a new shop - but didn't purchase anything - do I get a gold star? Didn't even knit while there. Had a great visit and did lots of other shopping. I so enjoy spending time with my kids!

Middle daughter had some wonderful news while I was gone - she got her financial award offer from Linfield - extremely generous - she can go and not have to have a full-time job and borrow money too.....I am so proud of her - most of the award is based on academic achievement - which she so deserves. I am a lucky mom to have three successful and productive kids....I have to pinch myself sometimes. I am doin the happy dance!

Who needs more socks?

This was just too good to pass up!

Camp Sherman Journey

The famous Camp Sherman bridge - HUGE fish that love bread wait for treats
My office - upstairs
View from the window - sorry for the flash
Camp Sherman Community Hall
The Woods.

Lots of snow today - everywhere - very icey here at home - and I'm going over the pass on Friday? We'll see!

Forgot the camera

No snow pictures - forgot the camera. But we're under a winter snow warning for tonight - so maybe tomorrow.
Instead - The Family....My Kids Christmas Eve above and all the Kids Christmas morning below. They've grown up way to fast!

Winter is here again - yesterday it poured - more rain than the High Desert usually receives in any month - then last night it froze and it snowed. The drive to Camp Sherman this morning was very snowy and it snowed out there all day. It was so beautiful - must remember my camera. Again - I thought I was finished with driving on snowy roads. But the slow time gives me a chance to plan and reflect -

So in 2006 I completed:
6 pairs of socks
3 scarves
1 hat
2 pairs of gloves
4 iPod covers
18 wash-dish cloths
1 bag

I started but didn't complete:
I pair Nordic mittens
Celtic Sweater
Little Lace scarf
Wave scarf
STR Socks

All of which I plan on finishing ASAP......
Mittens are 2/3rds done
Celtic Sweater back finished and fronts started - both together on single needle
Little Lace scarf - long way to go
Wave Scarf - 1/4 finished?
STR Socks - 2nd sock on the needles (I started these to have a Christmas traveling project)

I also have to knit a baby sweater this month (baby came early) -all is OK
and another iPod cover - with a Pirate design - fun.

I'd like to do a sweater for both daughters and of course get socks started for next Christmas.....see Abigail's plan.

Looking at all the other accomplishments - mine is pale in comparison! Everyone does so much! I just plod along and get done what I can. I do need to start and complete some 'big' projects - like those sweaters. I will, I will! And I want to do socks with some complicated stuff....I've got lots of patterns stashed so that shouldn't be too difficult. The projects I haven't finished are for me - so of course they get put by the wayside pretty easily - but it's now my turn!

By the way - The Sisterhood of the Traveling Stash has left Oregon and headed east....which could be anywhere!! I won't tell! Enjoy.

If I remember my camera I'll get some snow pictures tomorrow - it is so pretty.
ttfn and knit on!

Let’s first establish that I do have my priorities straight! I arrived home, after a wonderful Christmas Holiday with my family, late afternoon on Wednesday. My neighbor who had taken care of the animals had kindly brought a big box into the house for me --- Yea the Traveling Stash had arrived!! I opened it as soon as the car was empty – before laundry, food, thank you notes, almost before heat…..what a stash. So many interesting things…I loved looking at all the patterns and took two sock patterns for upcoming projects.

I put in enough Lopi for a child sweater, a couple of Happy Trails, two Knit Picks Essential, a Lorna’s Laces, some Hot Sox, two Kid n Ewe, some really old green something that’s been sitting around way to long and a beaded row counter – this is my ‘must have’ tool – it is wonderful for circular knitting.

I took out the red Wildfoote, two green Some Assembly Required, the STR and an Anne.

I’m ready for next Christmas knitting! The box is full – actually stuffed – with lots of interesting stuff – enjoy!

Christmas was grand – I really enjoyed being with all the family. My favorite cousins and their families joined us for Christmas Eve, so there were 21 of us for dinner. A big crowd to all sit down – but what fun. We ranted and cried about our Dads (brothers) who weren’t present, laughed over memories of childhood Christmases together and toasted our Moms who did way more than we do!!! Christmas Day was spent with my sibling’s families – we had a great time – enjoying the children, playing National Park Monopoly, telling stories, watching movies and eating all day. Good Times! Because there are three teenage girls – we had to go shopping the next day. Wasn’t as hectic as I remember.

We came home on Wednesday – a long snowy drive with lots of traffic over Mt. Hood – lots of blowing snow – it was not fun. I’m off this week so have lots of chores to do. Time for taxes, the FAFSA for both girls (Oh yea – M3 got accepted to Linfield – go Wildcats!!), all the year end chores – like organize my knitting stuff.

I’m going to inventory my completed projects and really work on those WIP that are sitting around. Of course I had to start a new pair of socks since I received my new Celtic Swan DP’s just before Christmas – had to take a project with me!! Duh!! I love them!! I did get a gift card for the LYS but am going to wait a while before I cash it in. The Traveling Stash has filled my need for more at the moment!

Hope everyone enjoys the New Year's Celebrations!

Too Cool

This is Wrapping Paper - how cool is that!!














Socks with my label - cool too.

But the best cool is my Celtic Swan needles that came yesterday from The Loopy Ewe. They are amazing and the best knitting gift I've ever given myself - I deserve it!

It's coming.....

It's on it's way
Hurray

The Loot

The Final Count -
11 Washcloths - 2 more to go
3 pairs of socks
2 scarves
1 hat - still on needles

Purchased gifts - finished
Wrapping - haven't even started!
Tree and decorations - up.
Packages in the mail - gone!
Weather - frightful (no wind damage at my house - but big tree down across the street)

7 days before departure and I'm on track. We are going to my sisters in Portland for the Holidays.

My good thoughts are with the Mt. Hood climbers - what a storm they got last night - maybe there will be a Christmas Miracle.

I'll probably be off the face of blog world for a while (as though I've really been here much recently) - but want to wish all my friends and Knit Sisters the very best holiday - I hope you all enjoy the company of your families. May your favorite gift be their warm embrace!

My assistant....

Pumpkin and Manos -
Since I really finished my Christmas Knitting today - I tried some felting to use up some left overs - tried doing some felted bowls for little gifts. My felting just doesn't work well - the washer just doesn't get hot enough.

The red bowl is two strands of Manos, the black is one strand of Brown Sheep and the box is one of Manos - they just didn't get stiff enough. I ran them through the washer in hot water twice with a pair of old jeans and a towel or two.

Also the bottom of the bowls is kinda pointy - although I'm drying them with a heavy class inside. It was fun experimenting!! Any hints would be appreciated. I like the small bowl idea - maybe if I made the sides shorter I'd have better luck. Will keep trying till I run out of left overs!!

Busy week coming up I guess so hope all is well with everyone. Knit on!

I Promised

OK - Here they are...Christmas and Birthday socks - off in the mail today. Stayed up to late last night finishing the Birthday pair. The blue pair is the Austermann sock yarn with the Aleo Vera and Jojoba Oil - for pampered feet! I'd like to try a pair of these for me - my feet need pampering - heck I need pampering!

Only have a few knitting projects now to finish. But haven't even started the real Christmas shopping yet - but that will be started on-line today. I think I've got everyone figured out - it's just doing it!!The tree might even magically appear tomorrow - we'll see!

Hope everyone is getting into the spirit - I Love Christmas - I've got the carols blarring right now!

Book Club

Oh My Gosh - I just realized that Book Club is coming for dinner tomorrow - So any ideas for a great book.......something light for the Holidays? Light doesn't mean cheap romances either. I need a good book to suggest.
Almost finished with the second gift socks - yeh - as they must be UPS'd by Monday - preferably on Friday but doubt I'll get that far. Bosses pair are complete and I love them - lucky me has another skein just like it. But it will have to wait till later. Will post pictures later I promise.
Off to get organized for a great dinner with the book ladies!!
TTFN

Turkied Out

I am still stuffed - but we had a great time! Certain items might have been a little tastier if the cook had stayed in the kitchen and watched the pots - but I was having too much fun visiting with my siblings and family. Lucky for me it all made it to the table and the gravey survived!! No one even fell asleep in the mashed potatoes. We toasted mom and dad - saying we were right were they'd want us to be - together and having a good time. Dad wasn't here - in California for the winter and Molly had to work - but she made it home on Friday for the turkey sandwiches and left over pie! So we were all together part of the time. And as tradition rules - we watched The Grinch last night....the kids never grow up!
Now the house is quiet again - everyone went home today to avoid the tangled mess that will be the pass tomorrow - it's been snowing for days up there. I'm doing the mounds of laundry generated by 7 extra bodies in the house - plus of the course someone brought thier laundry home for mom to do - duh!
We drew names for Christmas and lucky me drew the new knitter in the family - oh this is going to be fun! Books and tools. I taught her how to knit in the round - I'm sure I've created a monster because she took right to it - socks are probably next!!
I have been working on my gift knits and of course thought of a few more things with everyone here - but don't know if I'll get to it all - luckily we only draw one name!
I'm going to do a little work today here at home to make up for not going in on Wednesday and then sit down and power knit for awhile - can't wait.
Hope everyone enjoyed Turkey Day as much as we did!

Home today – no work on Thur and Fri anymore – bummer. So I’m waiting for the tile installer, the electrician, firewood delivery etc. So it all works out I guess. But without work it’s hard to pay for all these new projects! Funny how that works.

I do plan to do some maintenance repair projects with my time. Paint a few rooms, clean out closets, get rid of junk and oh yes Knit! I’ve taken a pair of socks that I started last week out so many times the yarn is frayed…but am going well now. Pictures when I get one finished. It’s just production knitting now as gift time is approaching way to fast. Am of course now the girls are saying – I want a new pair of socks, I need a warm scarf. I’m going to need some good movies to watch in the next few weeks to get this all done! It’s comforting to know all my fellow knitters are doing the same thing each evening!

I hope to get all the kitchen remodel – new floors and appliances – completed before the holiday – don’t know what the rush is since we won’t be here anyway, but it will be nice to get it completed. I was going to put off the appliance part – way more expense than I anticipated – but I found the perfect, used but in perfect condition, stove and micro – at about 10% of the cost of new – belonged to my boss who is getting a new gas stove for Christmas. What a deal. Now to find the right refrigerator to match. The stove and micro are black, I switched the panels on the dishwasher to black – so can I do a stainless refrigerator or do I do black. I think that black is too stark – since it’s the first thing you see when you walk in my front door – it’s a very open house. So am thinking a cabinet depth stainless refrig – what do you think. I’m standing at the front door in this picture – looks pretty cluttered doesn’t it? Just imagine new tile floor – carmel colored – to complete the “NEW” look.

We had the big wind and rain event last night – wasn’t nearly as bad as predicted. Luckily! I was bracing for the big one – had the candles and camping lantern ready, wood split, etc. Lots of rain and now my burn pile is just too wet – today would have been perfect to get that chore out of the way.

I think I’m going to get a surprise in the mail next week – finally – since I’m the only person who hasn’t received the Traveling Stash yet. I’ve got things to put in that I’ve had set aside for months. I love surprises. I need good surprises these days.

Hope all is well with everyone and your Turkey day prep is underway – my family is all coming here and I haven’t even started the list yet!!

Knit on!

OK – I’ve been a really bad blogger

– no posts for a long long time. Sorry life has got in the way.

Kids are great – although M2 daughter has had a blip and spent an afternoon in the hospital. Not a good day but she bounces back with incredible speed and resolve. BiPolar is so unpredictable. She had been home to visit for a few days and seemed fine – then back at school all fell apart and she reacted poorly. But I guess each experience teachers her more. I’d do anything for her good health.

M3 daughter is so ‘senior stressed’ Lots going on with school work and activities and trying to get her early admission application completed. Has to be in the mail before next Wednesday – only little pieces missing now, but still work to accomplish. Will be so glad when this is finished. Then the wait begins. I’m relatively sure she will get in – it’s just a matter of how much money will they give her. I know that small schools give more so I’m hopeful.

Had dinner with all three kids – gosh that is nice having them all together. They have become fine young adults – I couldn’t be prouder.

I am struggling with the thought of having an empty nest – just what am I going to do with myself! Yea I know – KNIT – but unfortunately that isn’t enough. I need to find a knitting group or something!

Since I will have this big empty house – I am considering the big move. Sell my house and find a new community, start a new life. Have no clue where. Camp Sherman would be perfect – but it’s out of my price range. So one of the projects I am working on is fixing up my house. I figure I have a year to 18 months before I’d put it up for sale. There are a lot of little things I can do to improve the value. Today the tile guy is coming to give me an estimate for a new kitchen and entry floor. I’d love to replace all the flooring – but the logistics of that are just too overwhelming – so kitchen and entry it is. I’ve also hired a contractor to do a few things and will be doing some interior painting over the next few months.

I have lots of time since my work has been cut back to maybe three days a week – the pits but I don’t expect it to last long. I have been working at home some, which is nice too – don’t have the long drive everyday.

Yes I’ve been knitting – but since the projects are gift items I can’t go into it here. Suffice to say – I’ve begun a project with wonderful Alpaca – oh my gosh is it soft. My fingers are loving it. My completed gifts basket is getting fuller – good thing as I still have much to do – and I thought I started early. That never works does it. I went to a yarn store in Eugene when I was over there on Tuesday – overload! I found this Prism Yarn – it is truly Cool Stuff – but not in my price bracket so it stayed on the shelf for a dream later project. There were way too many temptations. Soft Horizons is the shop – beautiful stuff, Did finally picked up Knitting Rules – read it in one night – what fun. Stephanie nails it every time. I did a little stash enhancement for a future baby sweater project – just a pretty blue acrylic – I know but the future recipient doesn’t have time to hand wash anything. Luckily it’s an after Christmas project, but now it’s ready to get started then.

The weather has been very knitterly – record rain over on the west side, but surprisingly warm – the Pineapple Express they call it. In the sixties and over 2 inches of rain in a day! Weird – but that’s Oregon for you. The drive over to Eugene was interesting – rivers full to almost flood stage. The rain stopped long enough the next day to get home safe – the fall colors where gorgeous – sorry I didn’t take my camera.

Hope everyone is pleased with the elections – It will mean changes and adjustments for which I am thankful. Interesting times ahead for sure.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and my family will all be coming here – so have to get hustling getting organized. So much to do! I haven’t even thought about it until now – better get started.

Hope all is well with all of you and that you are all getting those Christmas projects started – ho ho ho!

Gifts

I picked up the new Interweave Knits last night at the grocery store - fun, quick gifts! Also was an article about Charity Knitting. I have another suggestion for those who have received too many knitted gifts......Check out Heifer International. A wonderful alternative gift. Molly gave Chickens in honor of her Grandfather last year! This is a great organization that promotes economic independence and self reliance. They are offering a Knitting Basket gift - a gift of Llamas and Sheep - this is such a great idea.

Identity

OK – the word is out – those pictures from the last post are Roxie and me – taken 30 very plus years ago when we were seniors at THE SAME High School! We have reconnected through our blogs. I figured out who she was by the review of her latest book that was in the Sisters Nugget. My goodness but what a small world these blogs make! I am so impressed that she is a Master Knitter – I would never remotely have thought that knitting would be an interest of hers back in high school. Oh how we change. Am hoping we can connect in person one of these days. This whole process is so astounding to me – the blogs and the community it has created. I am so honored to be a part of it.

On the knitterly front – have been working on gift socks – frogged them when I got to the toe, all the way back before the heel – just didn’t like the shape…so started again. I’ll post a picture soon – the yarn is yummy.

I joined the Lonesome Skein KAL – hope to get some good ideas for gifts from the stash. Speaking of – I never got The Traveling Stash – wonder where it died. The Soxy Lady had it last according to the blog – but she has just opened a new shop – hope it didn’t get buried in all the new stock for the store!! But once she finds it - that could potentially be really fun for the next recipient! (Me? Me? Me?)

Winter has definitely arrived on the High Desert. There was snow on Black Butte this morning and traffic snarls on Santiam Pass due to snow. Had big plans to get all the leaves picked up on Saturday – but had major equipment failure – so knit instead. Great trade – but now I have wet leaves all over! Spring will be here soon enough.

Hope everyone has a great week – am off on Friday to take M3 for the college visit then on to Portland for the rest of the weekend. But no yarn shopping for me!!! Will be helping my sister clean up the mess dad left in his house when he departed for sunny California this morning…..aren’t families fun!

Just guess

These two lovely ladies met again after 38 years - can you guess how and who they are and what happened 38 years ago? It is indeed a very small world.

Today is for books

I heard a really interesting story on NPR the other day – I Wish I’d Been There is a new book out. It poised the question to historians - if you could be a ‘fly on the wall’ at any event in American history – what would it be. They were asked to write a short (150 word) essay about their choice.
I also poised the question to 4 people – 2 bosses (one is an historian) and my two daughters. The men had things like Lincoln’s Gettysburg address, his second inaugural address, Pearl Harbor, the battle for Trenton, Signing of the Declaration of Independence, D-day, Lewis and Clark. Molly choose The March on Washington and Martin Luther Kings speech. Marianne choose the first flight of the space shuttle but wondered why no one choose some ‘social’ issue. I choose Lewis and Clark – either the journey across the prairies, the meeting with the Shoshone or the trip down the Columbia. The girls and I also wondered why the men choose battles. One boss said because they involved moments of great leadership – “follow me and die for me”
The book editor tried to anticipate the event with the most votes. They were totally wrong. The event with the most votes was Lewis and Clark! And by far! I find that fascinating – not only because it was my choice but they said this survey was done before the current 200 year anniversary celebration of the journey and before the book Undaunted Courage. I do think it was a pivotal event in more ways than one – but am just surprised that so many historians would have liked to have been there. I’m going to have to read the essays now to learn more.

I also just finished reading Water for Elephants by Sara Greun. What a great story! A real peek into life with a traveling circus during The Depression. Beautifully written, funny, poignant, entertaining. The ending is so wonderful and just perfect. A great read.

Back to knitting next time!

It's over

Fall is here - after a glorious weekend. Pleasant days and cool nights. Yard work during the day and knit at night. What more could I ask for (lots).
This little friend joined me for the lawn clean up..... I think it's a female Ruby Crowned Kinglet. Was definitly not feeling well - not inclined to fly so swooshed her into a flowerbed where she could hide from Pumpkin the Terrible!

I picked the last of the Cosmos just to bring the last bit of summer inside. Plus I've got tomatos stashed all over the house rippening. Today is much cooler and cloudy...see ya next year!

On the knitting front - I did knit- but not much. I got two more Garterlac dishcloths finished - what fun they are - instant gratification as Joan says. My Christmas stash is growing. I also worked a little on my Chocolate sweater - gosh it's taking forever...but am almost done with the back. I have to concentrate on every row on the yoke - it is not mindless knitting. I think I'll do both fronts on the same needles at the same time - should go faster and for sure will match! Same with the sleeves.

Didn't join Socktoberfest - not sure I have any socks... (Yea right - I probably can't help myself) - hum I think I better go check it out.

Did you see the Grey's Anatomy KAL? What fun! I'm a huge fan so will be watching what they are up to.

Family is thriving - I am so blessed!

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!