You can only handle so much

When it rains it pours I guess. A mother's lament!

The Geek and his family have to move out of their house - been there 6 years. Up for sale but out of their price range. Trying to find something else in this market is almost impossible - there just aren't any rentals to be had - especially ones that have  the amenities they've had in the past...big house, great safe neighborhood, adjacent park, quiet cult de sac with playmates and good neighbors. The search is on and might require relocation. Silver lining is  relocation might be closer to me!!

Geek's family car was in an accident - will be borrowing The Nomad's for a well deserved vacation already planned and paid for. Timing is way off but what do you do!

The Nomad has been sick and seems it has developed into staph infection in a tender spot. Going in for mammogram just in case. That's stressful all by itself considering the family history. She doesn't handle stress well.

Written later - funny how things turn out. The Geek has more time than I thought. Can make a better move. Car will be repaired in time for vacation!

Nomad has cysts - not the big scare at all. Issue in our family - Me, my Sister and my Mom - so we have to be diligent. I don't care what the doc says - get a mammogram every year!

New challenge for the day - beautiful weather! So did some yard clean up and was going to finish by picking up all the remaining leaves with the riding lawnmower - not! Seems a belt is broken. Oh well I enjoyed the day outside so not all is lost.

Now I can knit....I'm working on a blanket! Didn't I say earlier that I was going to have only two projects going at the same time and one had to be mindless for Knit Night? Well that's not going to happen.

I finished Edin! It was a fast knit for me - usually I get bored with sweaters, but this went fast and I love it. I made it a little longer in length, added a few short rows along the back so it hangs better, but it turns out that the sleeves are a little too long - looks sloppy. So I'm going to take them out, tighten them up, made the ribbing a little longer and shorten the overall length. I think it's destined to become my favorite for warmth!!

I've had a fun week - a long time friend is here to visit. We've had a wonderful time reminiscing about old times and new adventures. It's good to keep those memories and gather new ones! The weather has been picture perfect - so friend and her traveling buddy have enjoyed great skiing and hiking. Lucky them - I'm working! (Actually lucky me.)

The weather has been glorious here in Central Oregon - 60s no less. We need the snow so bad but doesn't look like we're going to get any. Wish Boston could share some with us. The Nurse is struggling to commute over icy roads at zero dark thirty in the morning - I worry about her. Even though she grew up driving in dicy conditions, because of a bad accident a few years ago she is very uncomfortable in snow and ice. At least at 5:00 am there isn't much traffic!

Her Boy has just been promoted to Captain, so I'm going to call him "The Captain" from now on. Unfortunately I haven't met him yet - but this seems to be a pretty solid and serious relationship. He is being deployed soon (not in harms way) so it doesn't look like they will come for a visit together soon. They spent Christmas with his family - I'm a little jealous! But she is living the dream and I'm very proud of them both!

The Nomad has recently made a proposal at her work that has garnered great possibilities! It will result in expanded student services on campus and seems to have great potential for success.  The "higher ups" think her proposal is the perfect solution to a long time issue. It is a great idea!

I've got new projects on the needles and too many in the queue! Pictures later.

Life is good! - Gracie and Wally think so too!

Memory Lane

There seems to be a time in everyone's life when all the pieces fall into place. Today I was reminded of that time. I had brunch with a group of incredible women with whom I worked at The High Desert Museum. There was a special magic at the Museum then - we were all there because we believed in the mission. The Museum was growing to become a showcase of the Great Basin culture and natural history. It truly was an honor to be part of that team.

Our lives were mostly in a good place then. My children were young (The Nurse was born while I worked there) and life was hectic, fun, full of new things. My co-workers were an incredible group - professional, dedicated, fun - a very supportive family of friends. I miss them and that time in my life. The Founder of the Museum recently passed away and we will all gather soon to remember his legacy. I will again see lots of old friends and remember with great fondness a wonderful time.

Today we celebrated a wedding and a birthday! We always found excuses to celebrate, today was special. One is enjoying another trip around the sun and another is embarking on a totally new life - good for her! The brunch was hosted by a woman who I will never be able to explain what a wonderful influence she had on my life - and she brought me back to knitting almost 30 years ago!! Her humor, grace, compassion, honesty and love for us all was an honor to be part of.

I had a great time today!

Redo, Recycle, Reuse

I started Woodbine in December 2013. Ripped it out once because it was way too big, went down a size and it was still too big. Put it away for other projects including the marathon Christmas knitting. Picked it up again and got to the sleeves and finally decided it wasn't going to work for me. Bummer.

Out comes my favorite and most appreciated knitting tool - my swift and ball winder. Wound onto the swift directly from the uncompleted sweater.

Tried to feel for the joins - missed one huge one so ended up with 3 regular skeins and one huge one!!

Soaked well in warm water and hung to dry with a weight to pull out the kinks.

Worked great!! Now I have beautiful yarn already again for the next project - Edin. After a few stupid errors in getting the back neck piece correct - I'm on a roll.

Still need to figure out where to put some extra length in the back using short rows. My sweaters all seem to ride up in the back. One tutorial said to put them before the end of the yoke - starting just before the front raglan - more investigation is needed. 

Happy Super Bowl Sunday - Go Hawks! 

Christmas recap

I started my Christmas Knitting in August last year - decided I was going to do something for all the lady (at least) family and friends. 27 completed objects - all done on time! Wow I won’t try that again. 

6 Cowl/scarf/Shawl

3 Fingerless mitts

1 Toy

6 Spa Cloths

5 Felted Bowls

1 Socks

3 Hats

2 Ornaments.

Just a few examples:

Next year - lots more ornaments - they were really fun and a great way to use up leftovers. All the girls will get one. These will be great fill-in instant gratification projects for all year long. Plus if I start earlier the stress will be less! 

Backward steps

Well today didn’t turn out as planned - I’m waiting for the plumber! He was here on Tuesday and thought he fixed the drain. Not! So a plumbing step backward. Missing work is also a back step - double back actually, less income due to plumbing expense.

So of course I am knitting. I finished this last night. Downtown in Malabrigo Arroyo. Fast, easy and I like it. If I were to do it again - I’d cast on twice as much to make it longer. But it’s working for me now. 

I started the Woodbine sweater over a year ago. Its one of those projects I put down for quick knits or this year for Christmas knitting. So now its time to pick it up again. Luckily I wrote down the needle size I was using when I borrowed it for some Christmas project. Progressing along nicely now. But I know I won’t finish it next - I’m waiting for new needles to restart the Pendleton Cowl. I started it with #2s (it calls for #3s) but have decided 1#s are best for me. So I asked Knitting friends what they liked - since my favorites (KnitPicks interchangables) don't come in #1s and researched online for the best price. In-Stock, good price and free shipping - score! Then the disappointing e-mail - backordered. Bummer. 

So today there are a few backward steps - but still moving forward one step at a time! Of course Gracie always moves forward - when she's not resting!

It's a New Year and I WANT to write more!

As you can see - I haven’t written for a very long time! But have been thinking I’d like to start writing again. As usual I will probably concentrate on my knitting world, but with occasional musing about my awesome family and what I think is my well-lived life. 

Since family is always first I’ll start with that. An update on the other three “M’s” (I’m Mom). Today is the Geek’s birthday! Makes me feel really old! He and his “soon to be Mrs. (she is another “M” so fits in great) are planning their marriage - sometime in the near future! I’ll be an instant Grandmother as she has children. The Geek is really enjoying his role as Step Dad to be. They are making a great life for themselves and I approve unconditionally! Whew - I’m going to be a Mother-in-Law! More knitting opportunities!

The Nomad is settled here at home with me - yea! I like the company and companionship. She is managing the local branch of the college bookstore. Stressfully busy at times and stressfully boring at others and gets constant kudos for her excellent customer service! It’s a great job for her, part-time with lots of interaction with students and staff. 

The Nurse is living her dream - still in Oklahoma. She is a Traveling Nurse now, taking 13 week contracts delivering babies in hospitals in Kansas and Oklahoma. Loving every minute. Serious boyfriend - looks like this is THE one. I hope I can visit this spring.

Then of course there are the dogs - Wally and Gracie. A handful for sure, but always entertaining. They are both 2 now - so am hoping they settle down a bit, but not too much! Gracie is a great knitting helper!

I had a busy knitting season, completed 27 projects for Christmas presents - whew!! Now doing a few things for myself. Will comment on them later.

Life is good, busy, fulfilling and peaceful. What more could I ask for. Hoping it is the same for you!

Good Bye 2013

2014 is going to be great year!!

I will find financial stability again
I will not have any more car trouble
I will stay healthy
I will walk twice a week
I will read more books
I will start Christmas Knitting in July
I will get out for more than Knitting night and book club
I will take a Road Trip

These are all very doable goals - nothing unreasonable. I will reclaim my fortunate life!!

Happy New Year to one and all - celebrate!

Rotten Apples

Sometimes life just tries and tries to get you....

Decided to sell car to generate savings for house payments - working part-time just doesn’t get it. 

I sold my Ruby Suby - $500 less than what I expected.

Bought a new used car - advertised as having 115,000 miles, told by seller it had 115,000 miles - told to me, my daughter and a friend who called him about car initially. Unfortunately he took the Craigs list off as soon as I paid cash for it! (Shift indicator and odometer light was out). Purchased car after much assurances by seller that all was good, he had all records from day one, his mechanic checked it out recently - all was well. Took car to dealer to get display for shift indicator and odometer fixed - cost a fortune as they had to replace the entire components for the dashboard display - found out car actually had 215,000 miles!! Car also had numerous other expensive problems. Am taking seller to small claims court for lying about mileage (his receipts for work he had done, actually say mileage was 214,500 miles - so he knew the actual mileage. Plus he had a Kelly Blue Book print out on the car - noting 200,000 miles - which he printed about the time he bought it.  Need things repaired that are related to excessive mileage. 

Computer died - really died. 

Tried to fix drain in bathroom sink - pipe disintegrated in my hand. 

Purchased a cord of wood - split. Only split in half - huge pieces still too big for me to split - hate getting older.

One of my jobs is not working out - no hours...love job, good pay - but doesn’t matter if there is nothing to do!

But sometimes things eventually work out....

Love car. My mechanic has fixed a few things at much savings over dealer quote! Says that car has been taken care of - but high miles means it will nickel and dime me, but we can handle it!

Bought new computer - MacBook Air - love it although takes a little getting used to as I’ve always had a PC. Nice to have everything synced - phone, computer.

Drain not fixed...will call plumber next week.

Wood - maybe ex-husband and the Geek will come split for me - wishful thinking? 

My other job has more hours available - anything I can get helps!

The Nomad is house sitting - home alone for me - what a change! Am working on Christmas knitting and enjoying the quiet and lack of mess! I’m sure the novelty will wear off in a few days. 

Weather is fantastic - beautiful, warm days. Snow is in forecast for Monday so will get out today and finish the fall clean up. 

Both Beavers and Ducks play tonight - so knitting and football. Never was a football fan before - but great to see Oregon teams rock! Good excuse to knit (as if I ever needed one)!

Life is good!

Edited to add:
Bad thing - Printer scanner/copy function no longer works - something else to either fix or buy new.

Very Best Good Thing - Now I am completely cancer free and as important to me - drug free. No more Tomoxifen (yea it worked!!!) and no more Effexor (The MOST Evil Drug ever invented!!)

Gracie is happy no matter what happens!

Gone

What was I thinking? Actually I am thinking well. I just deleted about 60 patterns from my Ravelry queue - It was getting much too big - and truly there were (and I suppose are) many things on the list I would never knit. But you never know! Just time to clean up. Feels good. Don't feel as pressured to knit all the things I want!!

Winter is here for sure - sorry no photo but there is lots of snow on the Mountains!! Time to get the firewood in!! Then it's knitting by the fire!

Enjoy!

Road Trip!!

Ravelry has the greatest new feature called Road Trip - it's under the Yarn tab. If you enter your starting point and destination - it will tell you all the Local Yarn Shops along the way!!! This is totally cool. Many times I have planned a trip and spent time figuing out which Yarn Stores are nearby...just want to browse of course.

Finished the Stripes, Checks and Curlicues Vest - finally. The shoulders were way to wide - so cut them down and re did the border. All is perfect. Hand sewed the zipper in - worked great. The Wanderer loves it.

Started the Shalom vest yesterday - had to redo the numbers as I'm making this out of Colinette Cadenza - worsted instead of bulky. There is tons of posts on Ravelry - which are very helpful. Christmas knitting is in full swing. Of course I think I can get so much done - we'll have to see.

Getting the yard ready for winter - why I don't know - it's going to be 90 today! Actually the puppies have done a great job of trimming plants. What are you going to do!!

Knit Peace

I Steek.....

Yes I steek - but a little differently. Instead of making a one color stripe up the center steek stitch (you can't do that when your using variegated yarn) I put a purl stitch on either side of the center stitch. This makes and easy visual to follow when you machine sew the lines on either side and then a very easy visual to cut by! Works Great!

Pick up the stitches for the ribbing

 And then it gets blocked!!

Still have to do the zipper - but I'm going to use a blocking wire to hold the knitted fabric straight while I sew it in. Then I'm finished. Yippee!! This is for the Nomad. She picked the pattern and the yarn. Turned out great.

Now on to Christmas knitting - long ways to knit!

Look whats in my garden!!

Not very impressed!

I just received the latest issue of Interweave Knits - and didn't find anything I had to knit! But that's not quite true - I did love the ad for KnitScene 2013 Accessories - the perfect gift for someone I know was featured in the ad - so I did order that.

I enjoyed the article about the "Knitter's Review." What a great job she invented for herself. I also liked the article on the last page - "The Greatest Knitting Generation." I can relate to the perfect stitches. I too have been knitting long enough that I should have perfect stitches, but it isn't going to happen. I have a friend (check out her blog) who entered her sweater in the local county fair and the judge called her and asked if it was "Machine Knit!!" She one first place of course. Now she has perfect stitches!!! My theory is handknits aren't perfect.

Puppies are wonderful - and very silly at times.

Knit Peace!

The Beach, The Beach!!

This was Plan "C" - 

Went to the Oregon Coast with The Nomad for four days this past weekend. What an adventure!! We got the use of a 5th Wheel RV parked on Netarts Bay. What a great place - quiet, right on the bay, beautiful views, wonderful. We drove up the Coast one day to Cannon Beach - way too crowded, but I did by some sock yarn at Coastal Yarns. We had a pretty drive visiting a lighthouse on the way. Had fresh seafood for lunch, and a great dinner at The Schooner - Oysters Rockefeller to die for

 Great walks on the beach. The dogs had the time of their lives running on the beach - the look on their faces was pure rapture! They were running so much I couldn't take a photo! They were great campers. 

My brother is the ultimate fisherman - we met him on Sunday and loaded up with fresh crab, fresh tuna and fresh halibut!!!! What a haul.

A good time was had by all - can't wait to go back again. Didn't knit a stitch - too nice outside.

Road trip!!

The Nomad and I are going on a road trip. We will head north east on Friday and travel through John Day, Sumpter, LaGrande, Joseph (where I'm told there is a LYS) and Enterprise, back on Monday. The puppies first camping trip!

I am so looking forward to this. We were originally planning to go south along the Umpqua River area - but I think that it is too smokey from numerous big fires. We are expecting "abundant" lightening here tomorrow, so we may not be going anywhere!! Local authorities are really preparing for possible big fires - it is so very dry. There are 6 retardant planes sitting in wait on the tarmac at Redmond Airport, and all the local firefighters are on alert. Could be a busy time around here.

Twisted Stitchers tonight was fun as usual. We have a group of wonderful ladies. The County Fair starts tomorrow and some of our group has things entered. One knitter got a call from the Judge today - she wanted to know if her entry was machine knit!!! Can't you tell - you're a Judge! The knitters work is incredible - check out her blog and her online store - amazing Nordic patterns and beautiful work. I was going to enter a few things - but it is such a bother to get stuff over there etc. The Fiber Arts department sounds like they are really promoting things this year. If I weren't going camping I'd go over and knit with them on their exhibit day. Would be fun. Check out their Facebook page.

Here's to good weather ahead and adventuresome roads to explore! I'll report on the yarn shop when I return!!

Just in case you forgot - I do knit.

This is what I have accomplished so far this year.

All is well!!

OK – it’s been waayyy to long. I have had a good year, lots of changes. Most radical is that The Man is now That Man!! Bittersweet but for the best. High hopes and expectations don’t always get you what you need.

Family is wonderful. The Geek is still that – starting his own company and so far so good. A lovely girlfriend to boot! He deserves it!

The Wanderer has settled for the time being at home with me and working a job that seems just right for her. Lots of hiking in her future.  We are looking forward to eating lots of veggies (That Man didn’t eat green), although we didn’t plant a garden this summer – we have puppies instead! 

The nurse is still in Oklahoma – living her dream! Lots of babies to be brought into the world and a nice group of co-workers. Not so much The Boyfriend – he departed rather quickly after getting settled in Oklahoma….too bad – his loss! Fort Sill is nearby and she seems to be taking advantage of the dating opportunities!

The puppies – The Wanderer’s Chocolate Lab – Wally (8 months) and my English Springer Spaniel – Gracie (6 months). They are so much fun and entertaining – but like all puppies they are trouble makers. I assumed two at a time would keep then each out of trouble – no such luck. They are obviously great friends and play very well together…at least they are tired at night! Their personalities are totally different. Wally is so laid back for a lab – just quiet, calm and snuggly (difficult for a big boy). Gracie on the other hand is completely opposite, very excited, happy and springy!!! Never ending energy!

Of course I have been knitting. Working on a hooded vest  for the Wanderer.

Looks spectacular- only uses two different colorways of yarn – makes it real easy!! Did some modification for the neckline instead of cutting to shape. Working out well and can’t wait to finish. Ready to move on to next project – either a shawl or sweater for me. I should start on Christmas! Luckily I have some things all planned out – just need to start! 

I am, as always, really enjoying my knitting group – The Twisted Stitchers. We have some very accomplished knitters that meet weekly at our new LYS Great store – am glad it’s in our town!

Life is good. I will try to catch up more often now that I have one less person to look after!!

OK OK

I’ve been remiss… I’m sorry but life is just so sweet that I haven’t made time to keep up this blog. I have been knitting of course, check out my Ravelry page – it’s full of finished projects. And one I’m still working on.

Family is great!! The Nerd still is and still enjoying his life and friends – maybe a little too much. The Nurse and boyfriend (also a Nurse) have relocated to Oklahoma!! I never imagined I ‘d say my daughter lives in Oklahoma. They both have good Nursing jobs – her in Labor and Delivery – oh is she happy. I am so very proud of both of them. 

The Wanderer is finally working again – at a “major bank.” Surprisingly she loves it and is happy. She is living here at home with us, trying to get back on her feet. The Man is just that – THE MAN – he is so incredibly good to me (and me to him of course). We’re having a great time together and are planning adventures as he just purchased an older motor home. It’s funky and retro – but will work for us just great. I even get my very own cabinet for my knitting stuff! 

The real purpose of this post is to ask a favor – a couple of years ago you all knitted preemie baby hats for our local hospital. The Nurse’s hospital is in real need of the same thing, but mostly for those little ones who don’t make it  – I’m told they used the last one this week! So if you’re so inclined, spend an evening with some leftover yarn and knit up a tiny hat. Let me know if you are doing this and I’ll send you The Nurse’s address.

This beautiful Great Horned Owl spent the day outside my office last week....wasn't even worried about the people coming and going or the dogs - how cool is that!

 I'll try to keep posting more often. Life is good!