I am overwhelmed!!

Oh my gosh - today the mailman brought all kinds of goodies.....

Beans for Preemies and special things for me - you all just don't know how much it meant to me - it's been a very difficult week and this is just what I needed.

Beanies for Preemies.....

These are from Teri Oh they are so cute! Look at that tiny blue one on the right!

These are from Kim - so very soft! I love the Debbie Bliss yarn!

These are from Pat - with extra treasures for me (How did you know I've been looking for a calendar for my desk at work and I LOVE National Parks?) Everyone can use more refrigerator magnets too - (I got two today!)

Ladies - I just don't know what to say - I wish I had some more STR to send to each of you - but will draw early next week in case there are any stragglers. I am so appreciative of your generosity!

Then the postman also brought me this from Mary. I sort of guessed the location of her vacation and she was going to send me a refrigerator magnet - instead I got the magnet and all these other goodies - to knit more Beanies - which I will!!! She bought the yarn in France and it is so very soft - just right for those tiny heads!!! I really need the note cards - so this was perfect! Thank you so very much!

It had been a particulary difficult week - M2 daughter is having a tough go of life and I went to spend a few days with her. Missed two days of work which I can't afford - there wasn't enough to keep me busy anyway - but still. Daughter is doing much better now - as they say 'sometimes life just comes at you hard!'

Then I get all these goodies in the mail today - I just can't thank you all enough for your kindness!

I'm off to finish the painting and maybe just sit and knit for awhile!

Knit Peace

Poor Dove

I've been painting the spare bedroom today - about half done - but am soon to run out of paint - Murphy's law.

While painting I had the window open to air out the room and listened to the many birds in my yard. I've got lots of English Sparrows that bother everyone else and thier song is obnoxious. Then there are the Chickadees that I love. Both are a little put out (pun intended) - I covered up thier access to my attic! Was tired of hearing the pitter patter of little feet before I was ready to get up in the morning. And of course the Robins are busy talking to each other. I've also got a covey of Quail (Dan and Marilyn's family) that Pumpkin tries in vain to capture. The calling sentinel (Dan I assume) is pretty viligent so Pumpkin doesn't stand a chance.

Then there is the Dove - poor thing - he doesn't have the melody down at all - he sounds like a barking dog! I've seen the girls visit him - but they leave as soon as they hear him. He needs some singing lessons!

I'm sure spring is just around the corner (It's snowing on the pass today) because in the evenings the frogs are making music. I had one on the back patio the other day that had the dog cowering in her kennel - what a dork.

In Camp Sherman I listen to the Canada Geese all day - they're searching for the best nesting sites now. There is an old tree house out my office window - all that's left is the platform. Everyday the geese check it out - it would be perfect but I think they'd have a hard time getting into it - it's pretty protected by big limbs.

My favorite bird to hear (and a great one to watch dance!) is the Sandhill Crane - I don't hear it here very often - but once in awhile. They nest east of here quite a ways - but I've seen and heard them while camping on high Cascade lakes and sometimes I catch a flock flying on thier way to nesting areas. (Did you see Planet Earth on the Discovery Channel last night - I've always wanted to go to the Artic when the snow geese arrive!)

I have been knitting - finished one sock! But have vowed to finish something else before I start a new project - there are just too many half complete projects.

1) Wave scarf -

2) Celtic Cardigan

3) Interlacements Shawl

4) Another Scarf....

But I have some new treasure - wonderful Blue Moon Seduction in a very pretty green - Footzey-Foo. I want a scarf - haven't picked a pattern yet. Have to work on other things first.

So I'm off to rest my weary body. (Oh yea - worked outside a lot yesterday - between rain showers) I'll be knitting and trying not to fall asleep in my chair. Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!

The STR Prize has arrived!

Socks That Rock - Fairgrounds.......for the Beanies for Preemies drawing! Above picture is really too dark. It knits up like below - I'm lovin it - especially for Easter weekend!
Enjoy the weekend - it's going to be beautiful here - I'll be in an office working so no knitting in the sunshine for me, but I'll still enjoy it!
Happy Easter to all - hope your eggs are all chocolate!!

I can't believe it has been so long since my last post - busy girl! It took a long while to get over the crud - many sleepless nights. Have been working a ton - which is very very good - new job in the works and I am tickled pink (or green)!

Took a quick trip to Portland to visit with my family and to get M3 a prom dress - Red satin, backless for the 007 Prom!! It's amazing how little choice there is. We shopped maybe a dozen places in a big city - I bet if I tried I could come up with half the cost and twice the selection on eBay....oh well this is the last one I have to buy - sad but yea!!!

Had a wonderful dinner with the family - my brother had just returned the night before from a three week adventure to New Orleans - he lived there 25 years ago - went to visit some old friends and meet up with his Oregon fishing buddies who towed their boat down. They fished a place called "The Dome"? he got a 125 pound yellow fin Tuna - he was in fish heaven! He brought home some smaller Black Fin Tuna which we ate for dinner along with 15 pounds of fresh Louisiana Jumbo Shrimp - glad I don't clean shrimp for a living - it was wonderful!! 15 people for dinner including 6 teenage girls and one boyfriend - he had a great time! As did we all.

This has been a busy week as well - lots of interesting work again - more set up process for new client. M2 daughter and a friend were here for a few nights this week - gosh it is nice to have the house full of young people. We watched Babel - interesting movie - a little raw for me - not really entertaining - but definitely thought provoking.

Spent all day Friday working in my yard - I could hardly move by mid day - but got a lot done - spring is coming and I might be ready for a change. I'd better be because everyone will be here in June for the Graduation!

Have really not done a lot of knitting - funny thing - I keep falling asleep in my chair. But am working on some socks and finally started a shawl in the Interlacements I bought last summer. Haven't made enough photo progress yet.

Those of you that are working on the Beanies for Preemies - please get them to me by April 15th. I've had a lot of fun with this project. Hope you all have too.

KO'd

I think I have finally rejoined the living - M3 daughter was sick last weekend - still is but she too is much better - and I came down with it Monday afternoon - oh my gosh I don't think I have ever been this sick - really! In a matter of hours I hurt everywhere, my head was pounding, disoriented - the works. Spent the next 24 hours flat. It isn't the same flu I got my shot for that's for sure. You know I was sick if I didn't pick up the needles for two days. But by this afternoon I am feeling much better. Went to work for a few hours yesterday and most of today. I must be recovering because look at these....

I am really having fun with these. The blue and white snowflake hat was really fun - did a braided edging from Folk Socks - hard to manipulate but great results. This is the best way to learn new things and use up all those left over sock yarn.

Today it was 74 degrees out!!! We get a nice weekend and I've got work to make up tomorrow - but on Sunday it's time to hit the garden again. While I was trying desperately to sleep the other day I could hear my neighbors tiller working...a little early for me as it still is freezing at night, but definitely something to get ready for. I've unfortunately got a huge pile of rubbish to burn that's sitting in the middle of the vegetable garden. Maybe the weather will hold and let me do that on Sunday. I plan on enjoying the sun while it lasts! I doubt winter is over yet.

I'd like to take a moment to be thankful. Yesterday I was watching Oprah - which was about Mothers around the World. I complain because I can't afford to cover all my kids college education, I can't buy the prom dress they want or a thousand other minor things. I live in a modest but wonderful home, I have a job that allows me to more than adequately provide for my childrens health and safety, they have incredible education opportunities, they are never hungry, they sleep in warm and safe beds - the list goes on. I don't mean I'm not appreciative - I just think we don't stop and think enough about mothers in other places that don't have any of the opportunities that make our lives content. Every moment is a struggle for so many. I will stop and think more often. Imagine how much we spend on yarn a year - "Congolese mother M'Sevumba, was widowed twice and left with 10 children to raise—ranging from 2 to 17 years old. In Congo, the deceased husband's brother is supposed to help the family after his death, but M'Sevumba was left on her own. To support her children, M'Sevumba works as a porter, hired to carry items such as mattresses up and down hills and long distances. In order to carry the weighty loads, M'Sevumba relies on balance, strength and endurance. For all her effort, a morning's work earns her just 25 cents."

I will stop and think more often.

Dream Knit Peace

Hats Hats Hats

Oh my gosh are these cute or what...I'm glad I don't have babies to knit for - it would be too hard to decide what to do! The socks and hat on the left are for a gift and the other three hats are for Beanies for Preemies. I used two balls of Cascade Fixation for the yellow and tourquoise - four hats (the other is in last weeks post) and a pair of socks. The pink hat is left over STR from M3's socks and there is at least enough for another hat. I think I forgot how tiny babies are! What fun they were. I'll be continuing my stash search for enough left over combos for more Beanies for Preemies.
We had incredible weather yesterday and today seems the same - it was 74!! Unreal for March. So I pulled weeds and cleaned up flower beds - still have a long ways to go. I think I'm just going to hire a couple of teenagers with a pickup to spend a day with me to get all the stuff hauled off, there is just too much to burn. I realized I had to have the yard and flowers all ship shape earlier this year as my family will all be here for M3's high school graduation. I'm having a difficult time wrapping around the fact that this is the last one - what on earth am I going to do with myself. There has been a child in my house for the last 24 years!
This weekend was the sick child routine. M3 has a fever, extreme sore throat, achy etc....she was really miserable. I even broke down and took her to the doctor - all the blood tests were fine, I always worry about mono or anemia with her (she is skin and bones). She went to school this morning - it's finals week - just to take a test and will be back soon. She also had to finish a few scholarship applications that are due this week. Not a fun time for her.
On Friday I made the big search for new shoes - I hate buying shoes. I love them in the store - they fit great and then after a few hours of wearing them they hurt my feet. I went into our local running shoe store where they take time to watch you walk and really fit you. Little did I know that it was the annual 'big sale'! Lucky for me they still had a few pairs left and I spent time trying on and walking. I've worn them for two days and my feet feel great - a huge accomplishment - at 20% off even!
I also had a wonderful lunch with M1 - what a nice young man he has become - actually he always was a nice kid! (I know you're reading this! - What kid subscribes to his mom's knitting blog?)
So all in all I've had a great weekend! Will be doing more hats this week and will post pictures of my progress. I've still got other WIP - remember the Celtic Cardigan - I've got to finish that!!
Enjoy your week. Knit Peace

Quick question of the day....

Can I knit a infant size sweater with 350 yards of STR Heavyweight - 6 stitches to an inch?
Want to do a little stash enhancement as I order yarn for the Beanie for Preemie project.....I'll post pictures of my work tomorrow - they are soooo cute.
Gardening weather today - so I'm out there!!
ttfn

Not the greatest button - but a button! So far I've only got two participants - come on knitters - this only takes an evening of left over yarn.

I'm working on a great little hat - am thinking this is more the right size....will have pictures soon - but it's less than 10" around.

Here is a start for patterns - there are others out there I'm sure.

Remember - this is what you might get - plus the statisfaction of helping all those tiny babies!

Knit Peace!

Beanies for Preemies

The Redmond High School students nominate 10 senior boys to compete in the Mr. RHS pageant. The boy's mission is to raise money for the St. Charles Hospital NICU (Last year they raised $10,000!). They put on this great evening event in May - like a beauty pageant - the boys do "Talent", modeling, answer questions, walk with thier mom's - the works and it is so fun to see these guys strutting thier stuff!

While I was knitting these socks I said the yarn would be so cute for a baby - one thing led to another and I'm knitting Beanies for Preemies for the Mr. RHS project. (Just finished the socks so don't have a hat in this yarn to show).

Some of the girls in the leadership class that also works on this project, are crocheters and a few knitters ....and M3 daughter volunteered that I knit too - so here I am. The girls are going to create hats for the babies and I am also. M3 daughter also mentioned that I have blogging friends - so this is where you come in.

I will send a STR in the colorway Fairgrounds to the name I draw for every preemie hat sent to me by April 15th. I would really like to send a lot of hats - The above I knit in an evening. The NICU is such an important service that our local hospital provides. My oldest spent a week there - he was 7 weeks early - a healthy young man now. I was so appreciative of the facility - and this is a little way I can say thanks.

This is a good way to use small bits of left over washable yarn - sock yarn works - hat should be about 12-13" around or so. I cast on 90 stitches of Cascade Fixation - 1/2" of ribbing for a total of 4 1/2" before the decreases. Simple and quick and I know it will be appreciated. I used way less than a full ball - I have another so I'm thinking two balls of this will make at least three hats. I'm also doing one with the leftover STR from the above socks - aren't they cute! Will post picture soon (Although there is trial and error going on with this one - you'll see the results soon). I'll post some links for patterns also.

Thanks to all the potential Beanies for Preemies participants. This is a good cause for our littlest wonders!

Cycling Web Ring

I joined a new Web Ring today - Cycling Knitter- I know but....
I bought a Touring bike 2 years ago with the intention of getting on the road so to speak. I used to ride frequently - but with kids and knitting etc - it just fell by the way side. So I took my tax return and bought a Trek Touring bike. That spring and summer I took a few rides in the neighborhood and surrounding area - just to get my bearings and to see how it felt. Well I loved it, but found it lonely - I needed a partner. I really needed more practice to feel safe too. Summer wound down and it got too cold to ride. I told myself that once spring came I would start riding to work everyday. I actually hated the thought of that because I'd have to ride in auto traffic and cross the highway at one point - I had big dreams. If you recall - I changed jobs last spring. There is no way I'm going to ride 45 miles to work everyday - and back!
So I've joined this ring to get myself motivated. I really want to ride. I want to get comfortable enough to ride with the local group during the summer. I want to be healthy. I want to do a real bike tour. I need a lot of practice before I get there. Am hoping this will help. The weather is not cooperating now (it's a whiteout outside) - but will soon I hope.
Wish me well!

AA Knitting

I've got to get more of this yarn - I think it's STR Fairgrounds - but it is so so cute - it would make the best baby sweater! It's from the Traveling Stash. I'm making short socks for M2 now and am sure there will be enough left over for me too. Watching the Academy Awards was fun - I've got to see The Queen!

Thanks for all the painting ideas. Ann - I've used that technique before and it works. In this case the green doesn't work - so am looking at carmel or muted gold or I don't know. It'll take me weeks to figure it out - and lots of test spots. The other main room in the house is a Golden Ecru - which I love - but want to be a little brighter in here. Then of course there is the hall - and it's 6 doors - Oh I dread the doors! When I moved in here 12 years ago we painted almost everything - but not the doors in the hallway - so there's no escaping it this time. I have two more bedrooms to paint too - The joys of homeownership!!

Remix

These are the remix of my folk socks - added another pattern before the toe - to make them longer and then redid the first sock to match - so now I have new socks for me - hurray!! I think I have enough yarn left from these and some other left overs to do a fun pair of stripped socks - wild but fun.

Other remixes were completed today also - M3 daughter rearranged her room and we moved some furniture around - also made a big pile for the thrift store. Washed her canopy and curtians in my office - oh my gosh they look crisp and wonderful. Also slapped a test paint color on the window trim while the curtains were down - I was trying for a sage green - but don't like it. It's too washed out and dreary looking. I'm having trouble coming up with the correct color - will keep trying things out. The room needs a repaint - want something colorful that will still be light - there are big windows in here - I love the natural light. Maybe a carmel color? I hate picking colors!!!

Tonight is new sock night - just a pair of short socks for M2 - a good project while watching the Academy Awards.

Hope everyone has a great week - they keep saying it's going to snow here - and although we've had flashes of rain and hail for really short moments - I doubt we'll get much. Have tomorrow off so it doesn't matter!

Dream Knit Peace

Had to share

I had to share this story - although I'm sure most of you will be in tears.
Middle daughter is part of a Sparrow Club - where they adopt a local child in need. This young man was the schools Sparrow last year. In the past few days his family was told he only will live another few weeks. His wish has always been to graduate from High School - so tonight they are holding a special graduation ceremony for him - community leaders, family, classmates - the works.
I can't imagine the agony that he and his family are going through. But what a wonderful thing the High School is doing. Knowing this community, the auditorium will be packed. My heart goes out to them all.

These pictures are a little washed out - sorry. I spent the afternoon repairing. The top sock - Cherry Tree Hill yarn now has new toes. I was just going to darn it (pun intended) but decided to re-knit both toes. Notice how crisp the new stitches are and how fuzzy the rest of the foot is? The bottom sock my newest -STR - only washed a few times and it is fuzzy too. (No repair on this one) They both lost their stitch definition - the dryer I think is the culprit....any ideas? The color seems to lose it's brilliance too. I think we're going to skip the dryer from now on.

Also fixed heel blow out on two other pairs - so now I have a drawer full of socks again. So far my Trekking XXL has held up the best - no fuz, no holes. Also my very first wearable socks - Opal - are in great shape and they are at least 4 years old. No fuzz there either.

I'd be interested to hear from all of you what your experience has been with durability...let me know.

Beautiful evening here - the last for awhile I'm afraid - we're going to get the big snow this week I hear - we'll see.

Life has been pretty boring and ordinary around here the last two weeks. Last weekend I planned all this cleaning - but then put it off because I expected to work - but didn't - so knit on this instead. From Folk Socks. Molly gave me this last summer and finally I had some concentrated time. I wanted to do some stranded color work before tackling a big sweater. The knitting was fine - although I did add the cuff - they would have been way too short otherwise....wish I had added another series of something to the foot - they are a little short for me. When I am finished with the second sock we'll see what colors I have left and maybe I'll take out the first one. I'm not thrilled with the heel - afterthought - I think it's a little messy. Had to cinch up the corner holes when I wove in all those ends. I practiced hiding the jog - need more practice (I didn't show you that side) but it will work for socks. I find Nanette's blog so helpful and inspiring.

This has been an interesting week - eldest daughter decided to withdraw from college - just feels it is too stressful and she panics and in turn doesn't get her work done. I feel bad because I doubt she'll go back. A lost investment. She plans to work hard this spring and possibly move to Colorado this summer. She has a friend there and there is plenty of employment opportunities. It is time for mom to let her be herself I guess - I tend to enable her I think - I'm always sending her a few dollars more. That's the deal - in school I'll help all I can -otherwise don't expect it - she is doing really well and definitely has been very happy the last 4 months or so - I have been so excited for her. It has been like having a new daughter. So hopefully this will be a good path for her.

Spent all day yesterday shampooing the carpets - it was back breaking and gross work - I had no idea they were so bad. I'm going to do it again in a few months - I was still pulling out dirty water. But it sure looks better - I was amazed. Exhausted afterwards - afraid I wouldn't stay awake for Gray's Anatomy - I can't believe Meredith would really die - can't eliminate the main character can you?

The weather is predicted to be nice tomorrow - so maybe a walk is in the day - but am having a new hair day in the morning so we'll see. There will be plenty of time for knitting - oh have been working a lot on the Celtic Sweater again - really need to get it off my plate.

Hope everyone is surviving the cold east coast - we've been there done that and I'm sure we all will again.

Knit Peace

65 and a Warm Breeze!

Alpaca - wanting to go for a walk with us Can you guess what the above is?

Sunday Sky along the Deschutes
Yes, it was 65 degrees out - a warm breeze and just beautiful - in February no less! In Central Oregon. Molly and I went for a good walk - the dog is now totally exhausted - I was a little concerned because she kept trying to go for a good swim - luckily she is pretty smart and realized the current was really swift so didn't venture very far out. I doubt she'll move much more this afternoon.

A good time was had by all - (Marianne was too exhausted from Dancing the night away!) Now that dinner dessert brownies are baking and the Super Bowl is on - its time to put in a movie and knit!

Knit Peace
(So how do I get SOME of this text to be centered and the rest to be not - I tried highlighting just the bottom part and left justifying it - but then the whole thing is that way....gurrr)

STR and Beautiful Young Women

Oh my gosh - how fast they grow up!!

I like em!

Blogger....

I'm not liking this Google-blogger stuff - I never know what name to use as my sign on - Old blogger or New Google. I hate using my email address to sign on places - I'm getting lots more junk mail! I've thought about getting a gmail account - but then what happens to my hotmail account used to sign into everything.....When I try to comment on another blog I have to sign in again - blogger or google?
What I really wish Blogger would fix is this tiny edit window for posts - How can I make something look good if I can't see it - doesn't matter if you switch to Preview - you still can't see where the pictures are. Sorry I'm just ranting.
Very Very cold freezing fog today - my feet are ice. Since I'm working at home tonight - here at the desk - my feet are really going to freeze - I think the coldest place in the house is under my desk - OK enough complaining.
Later I can knit and finish my socks. I was thinking that STR is so wonderful - could I knit a sweater? It would drape, be comfortable and take forever. But it's something I'm going the investigate...know any patterns for such? OK I know there are still UFO on my plate - I'm getting there. Finish the socks and back to the sweater and one scarf for quick work....what a plan.
Knit Peace! (This is my new slogan - it says so much, to me anyway!)

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!