Where did it go?

It’s over – not only in the traditional - it’s Labor Day (must be the end of summer) but weatherwise too! We actually are under a freeze warning for tonight….I haven’t even seen a red tomato on my vines yet! This is some kind of a joke I’m sure.

I took College Girl over to school last Thursday – actually she took herself…I followed behind with a second full load of “dorm essentials.” You’d think she was never coming home again! Her room is much smaller than last year’s so much of it will return to storage. But she’s there and totally happy to be back.

Me? Well last year’s novelty of having an empty (read: clean, uncluttered, no shoes to trip over, no water dripping in the bathroom, quiet, no “There’s nothing to eat” etc) home has now faded dramatically! I’m sure I’ll get over it – but it’s pretty quiet and empty around here now!

I spent a few days at the Sisters – which was good for her because she too is now facing the empty house after getting her youngest daughter settled at college. She has a DH so it’s a little easier for her. I was spoiled by tomatoes out of her garden – tasted like sweetened summer. Her DH is a great cook and naturally spoiled us!

I did get to spend some time with the cousins. Some parts were great – others not so much. Ruthie and Sarah continue to make amazing progress. Both are out of the ICU and as of Thursday we think both have had their last surgeries. Sarah may go home in a few weeks – she had her last surgery on Thursday. Ruthie will probably be transferred to a rehab facility closer to home in a month or so. Hopefully home for Christmas. Christopher is back to being a pretty normal 12 year old boy. It was great to actually see and visit with them. Once again, we are all so grateful for the amazing amount of support. Wednesday before I got there, a fund raising run was held for their benefit – my Sister said there were over 300 people there! Everyone has commented about how many lives this accident has touched. It is so tragic, yet it has really renewed everyone’s faith in others.

I did figure out what to knit – both Ruth and Sarah will be wearing compression gloves for 12-18 months – and will have trouble regulating their temperatures – so fingerless mits seem perfect. Fun and practical! I’m not sure about socks - but will keep that in mind too. For now the mits will be great.

I also spent an afternoon with my Dad – trying to get his affairs in order and make some decisions about his future care. He is fading fast – the dementia worsens every day it seems. But he has a wonderful lady friend who is willing to stick by his side for the time being. She is physically limited in her abilities – but sharp as a tack. I am so thankful she is part of his life. Her companionship has made him so happy. We should all be as lucky.

I am going back over weekend after next for the Knit and Crochet show – and take the Fine Finishing Class from Nancy Wiseman – I can’t wait. This is my vacation for the year – well worth it!

Hope you all enjoy the end of summer, now that the cold is here, there will be more knitting appropriate blogging to come!!

We are so grateful!

First - thank you all my knitting friends for your caring concern. My family is dealing with unimaginable tragedy - but we move forward each day because of the support from our friends.

Good news - little Christopher has gone home - He is a tough kid and our hero! His mom Ruthie and little sister Sarah are doing better - but still in critical condition. Baby steps are still steps forward.

I still haven't found any yarn that is just right...it's got to be super soft and not to fibery - longer fibers? I haven't really had much time to do some heavy searching yet either - when I take College Girl back to school in two weeks there are about 6 yarn stores on my route to Portland. I think maybe I'll call ahead....

Once again, thank you all for your support. Families aren't just composed of blood relatives - luckily many families are knitted together!

The strength of family:

This past week my family experienced a horrific tragedy. Our lives will never be the same, these children will never be forgotten, the pain will never go away. But because of the incredible strength and support of our family – the survivors will survive; will have productive and worthwhile lives. While at a family service to celebrate the lives of the little ones lost, I realized that the strength that surrounded us comes from the cement of our families; our Parents, the Aunts and Uncles, the Grandparents, our Siblings(my sister is the family rock!), our Children. We have always been close, celebrating together the joys of our lives, supporting each other in our sorrows. Although children's lives have been taken from us in the past, nothing could have prepared us for the magnitude of this tragedy. But we were all there sharing in the grief, moving toward healing, hoping for recovery and health to come. I am so honored to be part of this family – to witness the strength and courage, and be wrapped in the blanket of familial support.

Now I need your help. The my dear cousin and her children will spend many months recovering in the Burn Center and will need super soft socks and hats. I think that wool is out – too fibery…but maybe bamboo? Does anyone have experience knitting for Burn patients? I need your help.

I know it’s a cliché – but hug your kids and live each day.

My basket is full....

I obviously have a case of can't get anything finished....There are socks there I started last spring (one finished, one in my purse-but who has time to knit while working?); my Forest Canopy Shawl (it's so close); my bag (lots, lots more to do); and the childs sweater for REI Girl's Big Adventure.....Pumpkin does care that they aren't finished. I was doing the Saturday clean up thing this morning and chanced on my yarn stash - what was I thinking - that slowed my cleaning progress down considerably as I fondled and planned of what to do next. Come on - it's summer and I've got books to read and garden to tend.

But today the garden is tended (actually the entire endeavor is kind of a joke this year), I'm re-reading a book (still wonderful), College Girl is working (I'm not for a change) - so I really have no excuse but to knit. It's been a stressful busy week - so I know as soon as I sit down in my chair to knit - it will be lights out!!

College Girl finally found a car - after two weeks, driving probably 15 cars and choosing four cars to be inspected by my wonderful mechanic - we found a perfect classic. It's 12 years old, incredibly low miles (like 8000 a year!!!) and looks almost new. Someone really took care of this. Lucky us - we were at the right place (first in line) at the right time (it had JUST been traded in).
This weekend all of my father's side of the family is getting together in Portland....I assumed I would be working, and I knew that the kids couldn't go either (the big kids are camping - cousins only) and Marianne is working, plus it's just expensive for the drive - so I decided not to go....but lucky me...one cousin come over to Central Oregon for a short visit and Marianne and I had dinner with them last night. What a very nice family. They live in Boston but come home to Oregon for an extended visit every summer - I always look forward to seeing them - they have three totally cute boys. I learned this time that Kate is a knitter too! (Kate: have you checked out Ravelry yet? I apologize in advance - it's totally addicting - I'm "JL2KNIT" )

OK - I'm off to knit - or should I get the oil changed in the car or shampoo the carpet first.....yea right!!
Knit Peace!

Laid Back

REI Girl and I went for a drive (I know but we needed therapy!) down to Camp Sherman and the Metolius - the water is just so spectacular at Wizard Falls. The Wildflowers were blooming, the day was cool and lovely.

Later in the week - this young lady and her sister came to visit my yard.....I live in a neighborhood for heavens sake - it's the middle of summer - you should be up in the mountains!!

At least you didn't find these little gems! Pumpkin was guarding them from our morning coffee spot (I don't know why blogger thinks this is a link - it's not.) I've started a sweater for the Tanzania project - pictures to follow soon when there is something worth showing....

I've been reading....

What little time I seem to have (worked 13 days straight) I've spent reading - see my book bar on the right. Summer seems to be my reading time, and winter is for knitting. Although I have been knitting on my bag and occasionally going to my knitting group.
I also have been working on my third Forest Canopy Shawl...I was hoping I could finish it to wear at my High School reunion (Roxie, are you coming?) but don't know if I'll make it...I'm not trying that hard. I'm really looking forward to the reunion - my best friend from High School who now lives in Southern California is coming up with her husband to stay with me. I'm excited to have them here and have a great visit.
Family life has been hectic as usual. College girl is wanting to by a new car (Since she is making good money at new catering job) so have been cruising the used car lots - one has this HUGE HUGE flag - the picture doesn't do it justice I'm afraid. She hasn't found the right car yet - the reality of how much they cost is setting in! But I have no doubt she'll find what she needs.
REI girl is gearing up for Tanzania - if anyone wants to knit children's sweaters - she is taking donations ...she plans on three extra bags on the flight over!! The Geek and REI girl are doing a couple of fun adventures this summer - camping with the cousins and a backpack trip into the Sawthooths in Idaho (College girl can't get the time off ): ).
My garden is suffering this year - I swear it's a month behind schedule. And the three new roses I planted last summer died - started to bloom and then just died. I am so disappointed! The very hot weather we've had isn't helping - although I've been diligent about watering...oh well there is always next year. Oh I did have a few raspberries last night - they seem to have thrived in this heat!!
Work is going well - I am so glad to be there - but this time of year is really hectic - we are into our selling season which today presents additional challenges considering the economic situation. We keep thinking we're not affected, our product is so high end - but the market is affecting everyone.
Well back to reading and staying cool. Best to all!!

No Photos - Just Hello!

Oh my gosh - after complaining for weeks about the terrible weather - summer is here and it is way too hot - be careful what you wish for! We've had a Red Flag fire alert because of lightening expected this afternoon - it's thundering now! It will be a good exciting evening to stay in an air conditioned house - it's just too hot outside - 97 now I think!
Have not been knitting much - but some on my bag. It is growing...pictures to come.
My sister and family were here this weekend and we hung out at the lake trying to stay cool. I'd run out of books so dashed to the local (small box) book store and picked up the Friday Night Knitting Group.....finished this afternoon. Cute story and so true about how friendships knit us together....I am going to knitting group this week!
College Girl has a new job - working for the busiest caterer in town - loving it! (Yea!!) Making good money (Double Yea) and they seem to be thrilled with her too. This is the job that will get her through college - she can work occasional weekends when they have big jobs, work during Christmas break and have a job next summer etc. We are all thrilled.
REI Girl is busy getting stuff ready for Africa - only four more months. She will be more than ready for a break. She is having a frustrating time at work dealing with too much work and unhappy customers because there isn't enough staff. But she's doing a good job of sticking it out. REI staff has been wonderful to her - donating items to take to the Orphanage, supporting all her efforts. It's a great place to work - but they need more staff!
The Geek is looking into buying a motorcycle - I've just added another item to worry about. I know he'll be extra careful - it's the other driver I worry about.
Me - working lots and still happy as a clam - if I can just stay cool!
I promise pictures of my bag soon.
Knit Peace

Dead Heading

Around mid-summer I always say - nope, ever again. No more flowers that I have to constantly dead head....but alas they get me every year. The lovely bright colors of the petunias, the huge overflowing baskets. I'm a sucker. Luckily my kids know this...and now I'm graced with beautiful hanging baskets...There aren't too many petunias in the second basket - so I think I might be safe! And the first one - all white and pink and Victorian looking doesn't have a single one! But all the other pots of flowers on the patio are only petunias....my own fault.
Last night while driving home from Book Club (we're going to read "Big Russ and Me") I was treated to a beautiful sight - on my left was Tumalo (Small farming community) in it's finest hour - acres of green pastures and hay fields with the incredible Cascade mountains looking down - the mountains were black but just rimmed with the highlight of the setting sun. They stand out like sentinels. The light was magic. It was spectacular. And then - at the same time - on my right was a HUGE pumpkin moon rising. I was surrounded by what makes Central Oregon the BEST! I am so fortunate to live here!

WW Knit in Public

What a great way to spend a birthday! Sitting in the park knitting with friends! I can't believe we actually have sunshine that Central Oregon is known for...it was gorgeous! Drake Park is Bend's signature park - on all the visitor brochures you see. It really is lovely. Today filled with people out enjoying the lovely day. We got a big kick out of the man who asked us who was the best knitter....we figured it had something to do with the biggest needles....We decided next time to all point to each other! I've really enjoyed getting to know these ladies, I've been so busy these past years getting to know my kids - now it's my time and I'm thrilled to be part of this group!

Since the knitting group has been doing an Entralec together there were a lot of those being worked on - some even finished. They are beautiful. Mine is coming along slowly (I've been reading a lot recently). I'm hoping I have enough yarn to make it the size I want - I got 11 skeins...we'll just have to see.

Well I'm off to work in the garden - hurray! Happy Birthday to the Yarn Harlot - it's her day too!!

A mess

Well College Girl is home and settled in – oh my gosh what a mess one extra person can make!! How on earth did she get all this stuff into her dorm room? And where are we going to put it here…there is already half empty boxes belonging to REI Girl still stacked in the garage and extra bedroom. And she is moving too – from her own little apartment into a house with other girls that already have couches and dishes and stuff. What we moms put up with!!

On the knitting front I’ve got a mess too. My knitting group is doing an Entrelac bag knit–a-long – This is their progress...but naturally I choose a different pattern (wanted my bag much bigger) and since I don’t go to the meetings often (too much gas these days) I started on my own. After fiddling with the math and the pattern to ensure a bigger bag – off I went. So far so good – except it seems when I go around and pick up the stitches down the side of the first triangles – there aren’t enough unless I force a new stitch into the last stitch of the previous square – and they aren’t square – more rectangular. I’m counting on the fact that felting will forgive all my sins, and that maybe the next round of squares will bring everything into line. We’ll see. This is my progress.

Tomorrow marks the last round of graduations – the last of the cousins. Two great girls – two different locations across the state! Along with the family parties for each (different sides of the family too). So there will be lots of driving while the kids (Oh I guess they’re not that anymore) sleep both ways!

The usual spring garden activities have ground to a total halt…..it’s more like fall around here. Even fresh snow on the mountains this morning – I think summer forgot us this year. This is crazy. But they always say – “if you don’t like the weather in Central Oregon – wait 5 minutes!!

Knit Peace

Bad Blogger - again!

Sorry it's been so long....but I've been super busy. You know, the usual stuff of life. Work has been good but exhausting and I've come home to nap every evening it seems. I'm still having a blast and loving every minute of it! Yahoo!
Consequently I haven't been knitting much - just slowly working on the Forest Canopy Shawl. Only a few more repeats and into the gift stash it will go. Since I haven't been to knitting group in a few weeks (Gas is just to expensive) I haven't worked on the plain jane pink socks either. But am planning on going this week.
The gas budget is shot this week anyway. (I made two weeks on a tank of gas!) I've got to drive over to the Valley to haul home the possessions of the College Girl. It's finals week coming up and then she's done - hurray! One year down. She got her financial aid package for next year - 100%. I am soooo thankful! She is home this weekend for her birthday, a doctors appointment and to start work on her summer job. So it's hectic around here. The next weekend is the high school graduations of two of my nieces - different families - different sides of Oregon - luckily different days. So there will be more driving - very early in the morning to get there in time. But these are the last ones - so we'll have a break for a few years! Oh my - they grew up too fast!
Last weekend we had record breaking high temps - it was in the 90's - so got lots of gardening done. Planted a few veggies - good thing I didn't do more because now winter is back. It's rained and been cold since last Monday. Short summer we had! The weather has been so weird everywhere.
I've started my summer reading blitz - finished The Namesake and if you lived here. Both wonderful - good book club reads! Tonight I've got nothing to read - so I think it might be a movie and knitting! Sounds good to me...as tomorrow I cook the Birthday feast for the family! It's the Ex's birthday too and he's coming with his lady friend - so have to put out the best. Truly I'm not trying to impress her -but it's College Girls big day!
Enjoy the long weekend with your families and remember those loved ones who aren't with us!

The End

Actually - Finishing!! I've decided that I'm not going to the Black Sheep Gathering or the Oregon Flock and Fiber - I'm going to The Knitting Guild of American Fall show instead and I'm taking a "Finishing" class from Nancy Wiseman!!! I am so excited to do this - finishing is the thing I need to do better - really better - and this will be the perfect class for me. The show will be fun because all the usual vendors will be there (but I don't see Blue Moon listed yet). So instead of saving my fiber dollars for stash enhancement - it's going to technique enhancement - a good investment I figure. Since each of these Fiber extravaganzas is a $75 drive - only one is reasonable!!

I actually have 'finished' something - the hat to this set. Into the gift stash it goes - actually I'm planning on giving to my niece who will be going to college in Minnesota next fall. Her birthday is the first day of classes - so this is perfect!!

Mother's Day with kids was wonderful (of course!), job is great, weather is improving (90 this weekend), garden will be planted! Life is good.

This is the famous climbing area Smith Rocks - featuring Monkey Face. My office is right across the river and the climbers provide lots of interesting watching opportunities.
I've been too busy this week to be very entertained...hardly any knitting even.

But I did have a wonderful evening last night. My Mom's longest friend - they met in Kindergarden and remained close always; actually there were 9 friends (The Snotty Nine they called themselves) - Ann came through Central Oregon on her way from Northern California to Montana and stopped to have dinner with us. She is amazing - OMG she's 83 and incredible: just returned from a 34 day trip to South America - by herself!! She had a blast! Now she's driving by herself to a family event in Montana. Sharp as can be - if I didn't know how old she was I would have guessed 20 years younger! I should be so lucky. We had a great visit and laughed a lot and shared stories about my mom - sort of fitting considering Mother's Day is this weekend. I am so honored that she called and stopped for a visit.

I really didn't do much knitting this week. Only working on a hat to match the mitts, trying to use up the rest of the yarn and have a matched gift set for an cold weather bound college student. Her birthday is in August - the day school starts....so it's a perfect bday present.

College girl is home (again!) this weekend so it will be enjoyable. The weatherman says a "warm-up is on the way" - so guess that means I can work in the garden. Sounds good to me!!

The View

Work-Job is great - especially since I get to look at this most of the day - whoo hoo!!

Finished these this weekend - I think I've got enough left to do a semi matching hat.

Bird update: The little visitor (Think it's a Swallow) left when The Geek told him he only had peanuts for food....good choice!

Bird in the Geek's House

Put back together.

I actually finished last night - Doesn't it look cozy! i just love the color. I've just realized that my house is full of various shades of red-orange-terra cotta....luckily they all seem to fit!!
First day back on the job was great - over and over I heard how appreciated I was - oh that feels so good!!

Not much time for knitting now - College girl is coming home tomorrow and I've got to plan meals, go to the grocery store, do laundry, etc., etc.....Oh - act like a mom for a change? But I will have time for knitting tonight - Grey's Anatomy is back on tonight - bliss!
TTFN!!

A BIG DAY!

I got up early this morning and decided to paint my office - which means moving all this....

I didn't even get dressed first - painting in my PJs! I couldn't finish because I have to move my heavy L-shaped desk away from the wall....so because I couldn't find the right color combo or weight out of this mess....
I decided to go into town for my knitting group a little early to break the rules. "Do not knit wrist warmers if you have to buy yarn." I did manage to start these the night before without breaking the rules.....
But then I got the call! THE JOB IS MINE!!!! The job I've patiently waited for for 5 years, the job I worked at earlier this winter while the previous person was on vacation....it all worked out - she retired! I cannot tell you how excited I am - this will be my last job - I will work here til I can't work anymore...I'm SOOOOO looking forward to peace of mind, work that I enjoy, work that makes a difference, work that is appreciated (and pays pretty good too), work that I've waited a long time for. WHOO HOO!! I start tomorrow.

So before knitting group I did go stash enhancing - just a few colors of Lambs Pride for mitten and hat gifts. I totally deserve it and didn't feel guilty one little bit. OMG I can go the Black Sheep Gathering now!!! Amazing how your whole attitude changes when you have an income that you can count on!

Knitting group was fun as always - there is such an impressive array of knitting going on. It is fun to have a new knitter share her first finished pair of socks and enthusiastically start another. We had a little refreshment and sustenance too of course.
And showed off socks too - I'm in the middle with my Sockapalooza socks - everyone admired the totally cool heel.

Now I'm waiting for the paint to dry to I can do the final coat (A neighbor graciously moved the desk for me) I've got to get this finished because there won't be time this weekend - College Girl is coming home and it will be too busy around here to paint etc.

Knit Peace!!

Is this some kind of joke?

It's April! You've got to be kidding! No gardening for me today - darn I'll have to knit!

Re-creation

Well that was an interesting adventure....Somehow when I was trying to add the new link for the Fiber Arts Ring to my sidebar - I erased my entire blog template - down to the insertion point. Away went all my favorite places, buttons, the works - all gone from my custom blog template. This required that I recreate - using the latest Blogger updates etc....supposed to be easier to customize now. We will see. It has some advantages - but if I really want it like the old one I still have to tweak the html code and I'm not sure I remember how to do all that.

I'm sure I'm missing some important links on my "Inspiration" list - I'll keep adding as I remember where I've been (I tried looking in my history but it I think I emptied it last week - of course)!

I had planned to finish these today - sitting in front of the TV with a good fire going as it was snowing outside...it's April! I am tired of this for sure. I did get them finished and they will go into the future gift stash.

Please bare (or is it Bear) with Me

I was updating my blog - inserting new control for the Fiber Arts Ring - and lost it all.....all my links, buttons, lists, etc.....so am spending my Sunday trying to recreate - this sucks!!!