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!

A Bit of Frost - but a lot of heat!!

OK - I apologize for being so absent...but with The Man here at last, life is much more interesting and wonderful - what can I say! We've had a great time together - road trips up to some Cascade lakes, checking out pontoon boats and kayaks, and fishing-camping spots, cooking amazing meals together, enjoying the reconfigured patio (including TV for summer baseball games). The weather has been perfect (smokey from local wildfires - one at 100,000 acres!). We've been busy combining our households and finding room for everything. Already house improvement projects have begun - things I've not been able to do are now getting accomplished.  My life is much improved, I'm being spoiled every day and I'm loving every minute of it.

The Garden is growing - despite the frosty night early this week. Luckily it didn't touch the tomatoes - I even ate one standing in the garden the other night - yum. I've had lots of the little grape ones! We've been eating out of it nightly. Beans and corn or coming on next.

I have actually been knitting a little. Doing a lot of planning for Christmas knitting - it's just around the corner and I've got a long ways to go. Trying to find projects that don't require me to think much - it's hard to count when with the knitting ladies on Monday nights...too much conversation! 

We are planning a big 10 day adventure in Montana at the end of the month... fishing and camping and two nights of luxury at Big Sky. Oh I am liking this new life!

Summer time and the livin is easy!

Still a blog slacker....

A knit slacker too by the way. But my garden does grow!!

Been reading a lot too - hanging out on the patio enjoying a little summer. Luckily I was gone this weekend when it poured rain - but my oh my my garden sure liked it. I good rain seems to be much more beneficial than my daily watering. Everything grew noticeably in the two days I was gone. Went to Portland to celebrate Niece Ameila's graduation - fun as always to have the whole family together. The kids did a Tree-to-Tree adventure and my sister and I got very soothing pedicures - thanks sis it was wonderful!

Have been very busy moving things around making room for The Man's stuff, his house is sold and he's moving here...OMG what a new adventure for me. I can hardly wait! After all these years to have this new life before me - pretty incredible!

I haven't been knitting much - too nice outside - but have been slowly working on socks - needed something small to take to Knitting Group. Remember when we all said we'd start Christmas knitting early - right that's not happening. I think about it and that's about all! But really must get started.

Hope everyone is enjoying the summer - send some of the heat our way!

Blog slacker

OK I've been really busy...my veggie garden is planted, I've completely dug up and redone a major flower bed, my lawn patches have been re-seeded, I replaced the inners of my toilet, I've fertilized the lawn, moved tons of plants around and knitted a little and read a little.

I had to take a break from my Dakota Dreams sweater - so I did this....Undergrowth from Knitty. Fast knit with KnitPicks. To the gift basket.
I have started the sleeves for Dakota Dreams - but it's not something I can take to Knitting Group - takes too much concentration, so thinking I'll do some new socks for me....get a head start on the winter. I'm also considering a shawl from Folk Shawls - oh they are so pretty, but maybe not so good for knitting night either. I'll think of something.

She did it!!!

The Nurse

I want to announce to the world how extremely proud I am of my youngest daughter Marianne a.k.a. The Nurse. Next Sunday she will Graduate from the Linfield College-Good Samaritan School of Nursing with her BS in Nursing. (I will post a photo later). She did this -- she got the scholarships, she worked hard, she pulled the all nighters, she worked the 12 hour shifts in her Labor and Delivery Practicum, she had the determination and focus. She had a lot of support from her family - but when it comes right down to it - she did it. She will be a compassionate, respectful and knowledgeable Nurse. She will be the Nurse we all want to have take care of us. I couldn't be more proud! I am blessed with awesome children and now we celebrate The Nurse!

Consequently as I write this I am enjoying an adult beverage and showing off my latest finished object -I used this pattern and the elephant pattern from Kathleen Taylor's Tam It all worked out great!! Just finished it tonight at Stitch n' Bi*ch - a great group.

Have planted my vegetable garden - don't know why because the weather is way below average and it's cold and raining - will the sun shine in Central Oregon again? But I made mini greenhouses out of tires and plastic. Now that's recycling!

I'm a happy camper!

P.S. - after watching SNL the other night (it was one of the best) - I'm hooked on Lady Gaga's "The Edge of Glory" - what happened to me? Am I 16 again - yep that's it!

Oops....

Isn't this the cutest thing.....Elephants on Parade....gleaned from Dakota Dreams Elephant Tam. Baby sweater for a friend of the Nomads (OMG are they old enough to be having babies?) Only problem is I ran out of yarn - KnitPicks Stroll in Blue Topaz.

This is all that's left and I have another sleeve and the raglan to do. How could I be so stupid? So I've sent the 911 to everyone on Ravelry who has it listed in their stash. Oh this is because KnitPicks is out until August. This will not do!

So am back to this sweater - love it.

Have been trying to get my yard in shape - its a little difficult when we are having "Thunder Snow" seriously I don't think spring is coming to the High Desert. But between the snow, sleet, rain and cold, I've got my yard pretty much cleaned up. Wednesday they say it will be decent - so in goes the veggie garden. The Man requested (!!!!!!) Zucchini, so of course I had to oblige. I'm trying a new approach this year - we discussed raised beds but there isn't time, so I'm going to use the old tires that I've never gotten to the recycle place. Hopefully this will temper the effects of the cooler weather. I got everything tilled so planting is next. Also am totally redoing the front beds - bring on the bark dust. Nothing grows well there anyway so I moved what was left to the back yard where they will get better care.

I've been busy! Tomorrow I'm starting the adventure with Weight Watchers again. I tried the quit smoking business - but the meds just flipped me out, can't take them. So lose some of this extra weight and then try again. Wish me luck. I'm trying to be good to myself! Maybe I should just go buy more yarn??

Better than perfect

This is the cover for my nook. It just came today - I got it here...Ginny did an exceptional job. I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!

Once again, the more I play with this the more I'm loving it. I often chart out color work in Excel Spreadsheets..saved it as a PDF, loaded onto the Nook, zoomed and put it landscape mode. Now I just scroll up or down to the next row...how cool is this. Also if I take a break and read a book (Novel idea) then come back to my chart - it's just where I left it. I'll keep you posted on more cool tricks as I find them...Oh yea - it's SpringPad not Springit I mentioned in last post. I'm going to put all my needles in there - I wrote it all out the other day, it's sad what a long list there was!

So are you staying up tonight?

If I'd only known

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new NookColor!!! Not only for reading - but since it can view PDF files - think Patterns, scanned charts etc....it is a great knitting tool. PDF files can be viewed in Landscape and you can zoom in on them. This is really handy. So now I have a book shelf on the Nook just for Knitting.

The NookCOlor runs on the Android platform and a limited number of apps are available - one called Springit which organizes lists and saved web pages etc. I'm using it for recipes that I can download from the Web into this app....then when I'm at the store I've got my list. It really is a super charged organizer for any kind of lists you keep or stuff you want to remember. I can't wait for more apps to be available.

Of course the best part is reading books. Last night was book club and we choose to read, River Town. I got home and downloaded it right away. How convenient is that - plus it is less expensive than the paperback!

This is a win win tool for me.

On the knitting front - I've put the Dakota Dreams sweater aside for a few days to work on a Baby sweater for a friend. I'm using KnitPicks Stroll sock yarn - OMG I didn't know it was so soft. Pictures when I get further along. One of my Book Club pals had the Cheryl Oberle Folk Shawls book - I'm afraid I need this, there are some really beautiful patterns.

Spring is here today - but the weatherman insists it will be leaving tonight and may return this weekend. They were predicting a foot of new snow at the mountain - come on it's the end of April! I shouldn't complain - we don't have tornadoes!

Hope all is well!

Knitting Interrupted

No pictures today. My Dakota Dreams is still WIP - but was interrupted by the purchase of a NookColor...now I've got books in my stash! Just one more thing I really need.

Since the weather has definitely not been cooperating with any outdoor opportunities (in other words all it's done is rain and blow) I have been reading and knitting when I'd rather be weeding and raking. What a life!

A friend posted this on her Facebook page and I just had to share with all!

Normal boobs ( . )( . ), Silicone boobs ( + )( + ), Perfect boobs. (o)(o). Some boobs are cold. (^)(^), and some boobs belong to grandmothers \./\./ And let’s not forget the very large boobs (o Y o), and very small boobs (.)(.), and lastly the asymmetrical boobs. (•)(.). We love them all!. Post this message on your wall and say ┌П┐(◉_◉)┌П┐ to breast cancer. Save the ta tas, find a cure!

New Fun!

There are over 30 Circular needles of various - but organized - sizes in this little 8x8 package. I love this! I got the one without the numbers printed on the tabs because I don't have any 11's or bigger - so wanted to do my own numbering. I have enough 2's and 3's to fill two pockets each. Once I've had it around for awhile I'll do the numbering. This is exactly what I was needing. See more options for Della Q here. I'd love to get another one just for DPN's - but my Mason Jar works just fine!

The good ol' days

We were such fashionistas!!

Dakota Dreams - lovin' it

New toys

Oh I can't wait to get this. I've done some investigating and this is exactly what I want. Not only is it better than the one I've seen in stores - but it was on sale. So even with shipping I got a deal. I'm just tired of trying to find the correct circular needle size...measuring the length, what size is the needle? Now I can have them all organized in their little labeled pockets!!

I've started the Dakota Dreams sweater - it's coming along nicely. When I get a little further I photograph.

Spent the weekend in Portland - a little mom time for The Nurse. We had a great time visiting with the family and of course shopping...after all it is the big city and there are real stores there, like Nordstroms! Danger! The daffodils were blooming - and it rained and rained - duh - it's Portland.

I'm told the weather is going to get positively spring like by the end of the week. Does that mean I get to work in my yard. I hope so because it looks pretty bad right now. Lots of downed branches, cones and junk. Lots of raking ahead for me.

hope all is well with your world!
ttfn

Baby Mitts and the last of the big mitts!

No more Mitts for me - I've made enough pair! Hopefully my order of Palette will come tomorrow and I can start the Dakota Dreams sweater - I can't wait. I'll be doing the hat of the same pattern - someone I know wants one! Once again how did I luck out to find a best friend who loves knitted things. Pinch me!!

Just in case I'm the only one, let me say I am sick of this weather - I know, I love the snow. But I hate the wind when its cold too. Spring - hurry up, I've got a yard to clean up.

Road trip was shortened due to icy highway - but it was a great weekend. Did the above baby mitts for The Nurses suite mates little sis. So I was productive despite distractions.

Big News - The Nurse got her perfect senior practicum - Labor and Delivery at the hospital that does all the high risk deliveries and babies......her last term will be the best!! Her sister (The Nomad) says she will be a perfect L&D Nurse! We're going up to see her next weekend - can't wait!
TTFN