Summer in Central Oregon

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

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

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

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

Moira Littlelace has a cousin

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

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

They've got Socks

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


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












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

Trek to Book Club

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

Too Busy to Knit Much.....

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

A busy bee

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












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

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


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

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

A beautiful evening on the High Desert

What more can I say.....

I had a great time!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Birthday!

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

Happy Birthday to all of us!!!

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

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

Book Club

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

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

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

Going on a Trek

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

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

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















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

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

Clematis Socks

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

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

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

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

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

Good Worker

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

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

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

Bad blogger

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend - enjoy the extra day. I'm going to catch up on my blog reading too and I know I'll be knitting to get out of the rain!
ttfn

No, I have the Best Kids

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