Chicks with Sharp Sticks

2010-08-16T13:15:00.005-05:00

OK, here we go.

The chicks went up to the island and much knitting and laughing was done. The hardest part was coming home. Wish we could spend all summer up there without a worry in the world. While up at the island I worked on my felted purse and a baby sweater. Baby sweater done but still needs buttons, am also doing a blanket for the baby out of the same yarn. need to get it done and in the mail before the sweater will not fit! I did finish my felted purse here are some photos of it before and after felting. I did make the buttons also. was a fun project to do and will make more since no 2 look alike.

2010-01-11T14:47:00.003-06:00

Well I will be the first to post this year and will let everyone know that I did finish a project! I know it is shocking but I did it. They really are the same size just don't look like in the photo. I do like to do the mittens but the thumbs are a pain. Hopefully the other chicks will update more often this year.

Can not wait for the annual yarn festival trip and the trip to the Island!

Bad Blogger!

2009-06-16T10:44:00.004-05:00

I know . . and I have tons of photos and projects finished. Bad news is that some of them were on RRB's camera and he deleted them. I finished about twelve hats, one sweater, three pairs of socks, many mittens & scarves. A Lucy Bag that is waiting to be felted.

But next week we will be here . . . I promise to catch up then!

Guild Violation?

2009-06-11T17:33:00.002-05:00

Ok, so is this a Guild Violation or not? Inquiring minds want to know. MMT got her wisdom teeth out yesterday. I, of course, being a good knitter put the materials for a baby sweater in a sweet plastic shopping bag from Amazing Threads (in addition to great yarn, they have great bags). I cast on a cute little sweater and worked on it while the oral surgeon removed MMT's teeth. She came through surgery just fine and right around 10am, we headed home. I has asked the nurse to call her meds to the pharmacy so I could just stop and pick them up. I left MMT in the car while I ran into the pharmacy. I came back out (sans meds--it's a long story) and she was complaining of nausea. I thought ok, then I noticed in her drugged state, she had dumped my knitting on the floor of the car and was about to THROW UP in my knitting bag. I tried to hurry home as fast as I could, hoping to get her to a bathroom, rather than my car. I made it to the driveway, where all h^*& broke loose. The sweet bag from Amazing Threads is now in the dumpster and the only reason MMT is still alive is the fact that in her drugged haze she did manage to dump out the yarn.

Guild violation or not??? You decide.

Playing Catch Up

2009-06-01T17:02:00.003-05:00

June 1st! I checked the blog today to check the "countdown to the Island" and it was not there! It seems that we have really slacked off on this whole blog thing. Well, let's see if I can remedy that.
Knitters gone wild weekend to Duluth in April. We spent a lovely Saturday/Sunday retreat at the Canal Park lodge in Duluth the last weekend in April. We discovered a great yarn store in Gordon on our way to Duluth, a real hidden treasure! While in Duluth (when not trying to avoid the 6 zillion kids there for a church retreat) we ate, went yarn shopping, ate, took a lovely walk along the canal, ate and knit while eating. We went to Yarn Harbor on Sunday morning. This is a great yarn store, they have a whole wall of Cascade 220. We all got yarn for several projects, including the pattern for the February Lady sweater, which we all plan to make on the Island this year.
Lake Elmo Fiber Fest on Mother's Day weekend. I missed it again this year, drat, drat double drat!! I had a family obligation at the U of M, but it is my understanding that much alpaca yarn was purchased. I am very jealous.
Next adventure? The Island, we leave on Father's day for a glorious week of knitting on the shores of Lake Superior. This year the trip will be very different. First off, NK can't come, she will be on the church mission trip to Georgia. And the guys are coming!! The men plan to drive up later in the week to spend the 2nd weekend with us. How strange will that be? They better not expect us to spend time with them, knitting comes first on the Island.
I know I have been knitting a lot this spring, I have completed several small projects. A silky scarf for Dora (foreign exchange daughter from Brazil), 2 felted handbags (that NK jazzed up with needle felting!) that I donated to a silent auction. Each bag sold for $30! Heavy wool socks for the boy, to keep his feet warm in his new "student rental". Currently, another felted handbag for my sister-in-law. I have also ripped 2 sweaters, one that was more then 1/2 done. I think I am turning into AJ.
I have been too lazy to photograph my knitting, so a picture less post, but oh well, so goes life.
Knit on!

Long Time

2009-04-07T13:44:00.003-05:00

It has been a long time since anyone has posted. Here goes. Everyone still knitting and we are still getting together which is the best thing ever!
Can't wait for the trip to Duluth! And that means NEW yarn stores with more yarn to touch and drop on the floor. I will promise to try my best to be on my best behavior and not laugh so hard to drop anything on the floor. But ya never know.
Happy Easter to everyone!

Jamaica Bound

2009-03-11T16:36:00.002-05:00

Well, it is finally here, tomorrow we leave for Jamaica. We have been fund raising and planning for this trip for 2 years and now it is here. We have packed, repacked and packed for a 3rd time trying to get everything into the bag.
Enjoy Spring Break guild girls, I will think of you while I am gone, however, I don't think I will make any attempts to find a yarn store in Kingston. I know this is a violation of a guild rule, but oh well, whatchagonnado? Besides, since our recent trip to the Ukraine, I have plenty of "imported" yarn.

Great Friends

2009-02-17T13:49:00.002-06:00

I have the best friends ever!!! After a call from my husband saying his parents would be stoppping by in 45 minutes and my house was a big mess. Mind you I live with teenagers who do not pick up after themselves or help out usually. My wonderful friends who were over for an afternoon of knitting and talking heard about it and into action they went. Helping me clean the living room and kitchen. We got it done as they walked in the door. Dusting ,loading of the dishwasher and everything! Can not ask for better friends. I do like the saying "No knitter left behind"!!!!! Love the Guild Girls! Thanks again hugs and kisses to ya.

Silent Auction Uptdate

2009-01-18T14:00:00.003-06:00

Well, it is over. And I totally forgot my camera today to take pictures! Drat!! The silent auction to raise money for Mission Jamaica is over for 2009. I had 18 knit items for the auction. Many thanks to the Guild for their help in getting my projects done. NK for felting, CB for the scarves and NK again for help with MMT's bag.
My felted handbags went for $10, $14 and $15, since all 3 were knit with "scraps" I am ok with that. The bag MMT knit and NK helped me to jazz up went for $12. The 2 pair of fair isle mittens went for $15 and $25 (both knit with scraps). The clogs went for $15 each. The 2 multi-directional scarves went for $7 and $10. The fingerless mittens and headband a steal at $3, but the little girl loved them and looked too cute! The baby sweater (scraps from clogs and mittens) $10, the child size hat and mittens $5 (cheap--but scraps so ok) So I think I did ok with the help of the guild. The spirit scarves that CB knit and donated for MMT and I went for between $5 and $10. I was sort of sick about the one that went for $5, but what can you do??? The only projects I bought yarn for were the clogs and multi-directional scarves. From the clog yarn I got several projects, so I think my money was well invested. Now to see how much MMT and I earned for our trip to Jamaica.
On other knitting fronts. I finished my blueish green hooded tunic. This was the second time I have knit that sweater. This time I paid attention to gauge and tried it on several times. Thanks to the 2 "cold days" I finished it, blocked it and wore it to a party at AJ's last night.
I am currently between projects, but that will change this afternoon.
On other fronts, GBT has been back at school for a week, and other than the terrible snow, cold and car trouble, she is doing great. The husband is in Stevens Point right now moving ZT back in for 2nd semester. So our house will be much quieter!
Thanks again for all the help for the Auction. I could not have done it without you.

CAN YOU SAY COLD????

2009-01-15T13:38:00.002-06:00

Ok,
We all should be home knitting. instead some of are working and the rest of us got to stay home with the fun and warm yarn to knit. Oh if only we could stay home everyday to knit. Maybe someday soon.......
Stay warm and wear mittens!!!!!

Phase Six!

2008-12-24T09:25:00.004-06:00

Birthday day celebration for CT did involve Phase 6 “Shots!” How lovely. We journeyed to Color Crossings. Had a tiara for the girl as well as a surprise B-Day gift (a gift certificate for said Color Crossings.” Made her call her husband and tell him he was on his own dude. We had kidnaped her! After the yarn store, we went to Twisted Sisters purse shop. I bought a wallet and the zipper fell off in my hand once I was home. Then out to eat at San Pedro’s in Hudson. Yummy. Definitely going there again. The food was outstanding, and the dessert was divine. The Birthday Girl and I shared egg nog creme brulee with a homemade gingerbread cookie and a sugar plum shot. Yippee. I am liking Phase 6.

I have finished much knitting. Still working on Dad’s Christmas socks. And they will not be done. But then I am not going there for Christmas, so it is okay! Knitting grey tube socks on silver needles is not as much fun and variegated sock yarn. Oh well. I did finish a sweater for my sister and gave it to her (no photo). Mom’s socks are wrapped. Have knit a lot of baby sweaters too. Oh my. Some scarves for gifts, and I finished my alpaca top down! Yeah for me. Love it. It is especially snuggly and warm. I am thinking with this cold trend, I will be wearing it on a regular basis.

Merry Christmas Eve!

Delivery

2008-12-01T17:30:00.002-06:00

I finished up the alpaca sweater for GBT, blocked it and gave it to her this weekend. She wore it to church on Sunday. In my personal opinion, it looked great and fit her great. But I am biased.
I did not photograph her in the sweater, so you will have to trust me on this one.
I have decided (after consulting with NK) that I have enough items for the Jamaica Silent Auction. I have 13 items (12 from me, one from MMT). I still have scraps left that could be made into one more baby sweater and a pair of bulky mittens, but for right now, I am taking a break. To celebrate I cast on a hooded pull over for myself.

Knitting Blues

2008-11-16T21:35:00.002-06:00

I said it out loud in the car on Saturday on the way to our little yarn adventure to Roberts, but yep, I have it, the knitting blues. (or in my case the knitting greens, since I seem to buy a lot of green yarn, also lucky for me NK did not kick me out of the car) While I have finished several projects:

2 baby sweaters
2 multi directional scarves
2 pairs of clogs to be felted
2 bags to be felted
1 pair of ballet slippers to felt
1 pair of fair isle mittens
1 alpaca sweater (for GBT)

This knitting has almost all been for the silent auction to raised money for MMT and I go to on Mission Jamaica. I feel like it is a task, a job, a chore. I need to be done with this and knit something for pleasure. I do feel somewhat proud of myself, I have knit almost everything for the auction from scraps, so I don't feel like I am spending a lot on yarn for the auction. I have a hat left to finish for the auction and then I am pretty much out of scraps and can move on to another more fulfilling project. I did buy yarn on Saturday for a sweater, perhaps I can get that started over Thanksgiving break. The auction is not until February, so I think I can take a break for a little while.
Great outing to Roberts on Saturday! I have had a couple of flashbacks of "chatty" girl, but the time with the guild, the stop at the DQ and the laughter definitely out weigh the negative effects of chatty girl.

Where is the camera?

2008-10-21T17:50:00.003-05:00

Yes it has been a very long time. And I have all kinds of knitting to show you and I can't take any photos! Argh!

One jacket needs to be blocked

One top down alpaca sweater needs to be blocked

Two top down baby sweaters, needs buttons and to be blocked

Three Spirit Scarves COMPLETE

One pair of socks

Heaven help me, I am going to look for the camera

Who knew?

2008-10-11T15:40:00.003-05:00

It all started at 1 am on Friday morning, MMT woke me up with a bad stomach ache. I told her take 2 ibuprofen and some Tums and it would be fine. At 3am the husband and I both awoke to the terrible sounds of MMT being violently ill. We got the situation contained and went back to bed, only to go through it all again 20 minutes later. This continued on and on and on and on. It was awful. At 4:30 am MMT went downstairs (how she had the strength I don't know) to check WEB MD, convinced she had appendicitis. She continued in her miserable state downstairs from that point on, at 5:30am she was a wreck, I was a wreck and the situation was deteriorating rapidly. At 6am I called her swim team carpool to them the that MMT had the flu and would not be needing a ride to swim practice that morning. She stopped throwing up around 10 am and was finally able to take a short nap. She was unable to eat even a cracker or much more than a sip of water. The day progressed, she did not throw up, but spiked a low grade fever and her pain was increasing, at 5:30 I checked WebMD for appendicitis. She had all the classic symptoms. I said "let's wait for dad" . Dad came home at 6:30pm with a pizza for dinner. At that time I caved and called Urgent Care, the nurse, said, "go to the ER, that sounds like appendicitis". So after I had a couple of pieces of pizza (don't want to be hungry and crabby at the ER) we headed to Luther. By 8pm, after the doctor exam, she started drinking the dye for her CAT scan. 9pm off to CAT scan. 9:30 back to room 9 (of the newly built Menard ER at Luther--oh baby, very nice!). As we passed the ER doc, she says to me "her white count is through the roof, I think it is her appendix. 9:35 CAT scan results are uploaded, guess what?!?! Appendicitis. By 10 pm we had met with the surgeon (it was his 2nd appendix of the night) . By 10:30 she was in surgery.
The doctor spoke with us about midnight and said for some one whose attack started less that 24 hours earlier, her appendix was in bad shape. Dad stayed in the room with MMT I came home to catch a few hours of sleep with the dogs. Driving down Water Street at bar time is a real experience!
She was released from Luther about 2pm today, and is now resting comfortably in the recliner.

Who knew???? MMT knew!!!

Back to living in the real world

2008-09-22T16:01:00.003-05:00

There has to be a better way. There has to be. You work all day, and when you get home from work there is either something to do, or you are too darn tired. Either way, the job takes away quality time and energy from what is truly important, knitting. The only good thing, is the job provides money for yarn, but I would still rather spend my time knitting.
Since returning from our glorious week on the Island, and my subsequent return to school, I have finished 2 projects. TWO. A pair of felted clogs (lavender and black) and a pair of fair isle mittens (made from the clog left overs---thus my 2nd Indian knitting name: Shewhoknitswithscraps). How lame-O is that? Don't answer that. I did not even think they were worthy enough for a picture to accompany the post.
I am continuing to work on the brown alpaca sweater for GBT, but fine yarn on a size 6 is going to be the death of me, dead from boredom, around and around and around on the brown yarn. I am on the bottom ribbing, however there are 9 inches of ribbing, I still have a long way to go. Knit 2 purl 2 round and round and round.
Otherwise, all goes well, I am loving this warm fall weather! I could live like this year around, who needs snow? The boy seems to be enjoying college and life in the dorms, GBT seems happy to be back at MI Tech and in the full swing of being a college kid again. MMT is finally better after fighting off a virus for over 2 weeks. She swam a 1:16 in her 100 fly at the meet on Saturday, she was very excited! (This will only mean something AJ or other swimmers-sorry)
Let's see, walk the dogs or knit for few minutes???? duh!

Compliments

2008-09-17T16:05:00.003-05:00

Well.... I did finish my 1/2 sweater on the island trip and am now wearing it at work and have received many compliments about it and so now everytime I hear I like your sweater I say "thanks I made it". I am very proud that I have FINALLY finished something. I did buy yarn on the island to make another 1/2 sweater and am looking forward to getting it started as soon as I get some of my other project done like my other 2 sweaters and about 3 pairs of socks and many pairs of mittens. Sometime I will take photos of them and get here. If only we lived on the island and could knit all day long, if only.

It's about time . . .

2008-09-08T12:03:00.011-05:00

It seems like AGES, AGES ago! But I am finally blogging the chick week at the island! We didn’t all get to go together (bummer) but we all made it there eventually.

CT and I made our obligatory Starbucks stop and headed North. We stopped in Bayfield and ate at Maggies (such good food, such long lines). They off to the island! On Monday we successfully erected the gazebo (usually a four person job), hauled the chairs down to the beach, and set up shop so to speak. We knit in the sun, read in the sun, and swam in the lake! The weather was gorgeous and was the water.

On Tuesday the Birthday Girl arrived! We had her banner and birthday tiara ready to go!. I watched from the beach so we could see her vehicle coming, So we were on the road waiting, waving and jumping! A spectacular sight I am sure. Tuesday was a bit cloudy in NK’s honor, because she was hoping for not-so-nice weather, because it’s better knitting weather!

On Wednesday we were up early and in the water getting ready for our trip back to Bayfield! AJ would be arriving around supper time. She would leave her vehicle in Bayfield for the remainder of the week. So we went over to help her with her luggage and to eat at Maggies AGAIN. Just as good this time, lines not as long!

Thursday and Friday were comprised of sunbathing and knitting. Oh, and a naked lady. Poor CT went for a walk. I passed, and opted to just read on the beach. NK and AJ hadn’t made it down to the beach as of yet. Off she trooped, only to be back way quick. It seems that at 2:00 in the afternoon, a less than young woman decided to take a bath in the lake. As she turned around CT got an eyeful, and managed to compose her self enough to get her self back to our beach!

On Saturday we went to Fly Away Fleece Farms. So here is the deal, if you ever go to Madeline Island, call Fly Away Fleece Farms! Make an appointment to go see Cynthia, her sheep, her looms, her yarn, and her HOME. It is nothing short of amazing. BTW, you can purchase the yarn directly from her on your visit, or there are a couple of shops on the island that carry her yarn. Cynthia and her husband are restoring the farm, and it is beautiful. After we came home after the trip, I was discussing the farm with my mother-in-law. I found out that my husbands family stayed their at the farm when they were building our cabin. My husband was so young, he didn’t remember it! Cynthia has a degree in design if I remember correctly and you can certainly tell it as you walk thru her home. Please note that the bottom part of the bathroom sink washed up on their shore. She would not let her husband burn it!

It was a lovely little vacation for the guild girls. A the serenity and quiet. Except for the occasional gale of laughter! Oh, and a new game. There is a great A.M. radio station out of Ashland, 1400. The game goes as follows, name the artisit, name the song, and dead or alive!

Since we have been back. Well it’s been busy. Three out of the four graduating seniors have been packed off for college! AJ really has an empty nest! School has started for the remaining children in town.

By the way. This last photo. That is all the yarn we brought to the island. Heaven forbid you should run out of yarn whilst on an island!

P.S. We finished many, many projects, and started many, many new ones!

P.S.S. Habib the camel belong to another farm on the island, no Cynthias! In addition to Habib, they have Hudson (an Imu), and a lama, goats.

It was wonderful

2008-08-21T12:17:00.002-05:00

1/2 present at island

2008-08-11T08:00:00.002-05:00

The other 1/2 of us will be at the island shortly. Just need to get AJ's husband settled after surgery and celebrate my birthday at the express game tonight and then hopefully we will be off to the island tomorrow am. I do still need to pack all of my items but should not be to hard to do. can not forget the swimsuit this year. Can not wait to join the rest of the chicks on the island and give them the gifts that I have made them!

Off!

2008-08-10T07:06:00.002-05:00

Home from Outlaw

2008-08-03T17:16:00.002-05:00

Well AJ and I have arrived safely home from Outlaw Ranch. There was a woman there who was working in the kitchen with one of the best cooks around, and she had her own sheep. alpaca, and lammas. She brought yarn to camp for us the last day and we got to touch it and then even purchase some. What a fun end to a wonderful week. I did start another sweater so will bring it along to the island to finish along with some other projects that just need to be completed. Glad to be back but am not looking forward to all the work that will be waiting for me at the office tomorrow.

Every Day, Sometimes More Than Once

2008-07-30T11:58:00.004-05:00

I check this website, every single day, like I said sometimes (all the time) more than once. Checking the water temperature at the lake. Different sites give me slightly different temps. I like this one, because it gave me the warmest temp out of all of the sites I look at (http://coastwatch.glerl.noaa.gov/index.html). So the temp is in the 70's and it will probably only go up for the next week (here's hoping). So when the chicks arrive enmasse, we can float if so desired. One week, women only (women who knit), no children, husbands or dogs. Books, yarn, sun, sand (don't mix with the yarn).

My projects, socks, a sweater I started in June, dish cloths (for when I have a beverage). I never knit anything while drinking, bad things have happened. So to be on the safe side I am taking dish rag yarn. Only ten days . . . can't wait.

By the way, NK and AJ are in South Dakota with out us . . . leaving us to our own devices is never a good thing. That will teach them!

Bonjour!

2008-07-19T12:30:00.003-05:00

I am back from my whirlwind tour of Europe. 11 days, 5 countries, can you say "coach liner bus"? We arrived home to Eau Claire about 1am Saturday morning after 26 hours of travel.

As for the trip, it truly was a whirlwind, get ready----landed in Frankfurt Germany off to: Rothenberg, Munich (Dachau too) Innsbruck (Austria), Venice and Verona (Italy), Lucerne (Switzerland), Heidelberg (back to Germany) and Paris (France) and home again via Dallas.

We saw lots of stuff on the days we were not trapped on the bus, highlights included: Dachau, Munich Hitler walk (can you tell I am a history teacher) gondola ride in Venice, Mt. Pilates in Lucerne, beer in Lucerne (with British men!!!), several castles in Germany and the Eiffel Tour and the plane home.

The trip was complicated by several factors, our group was huge, (we were promised to be alone) so that was hard, our additional students were middle schoolers, which sucked.(We are a high school group). We had a kid get stung by a sea urchin in Venice, one develop seizures in Venice that were so bad in Lucerne the paramedics were called by (wouldn't you love to get that bill) they got worse as the trip went on, my foot swelled up like a balloon(started in Munich day 3 and did not get better until Paris) and I developed a nasty rash on my legs. (25 Euro from the Italian pharmacy and I was good to go).

I did see a yarn store in Heidelberg, but did not have a chance to go in to shop, but Guild girls I was thinking of you! Next trip to Europe will be with adults and at my own pace, no more of this sprinting through the Alps.

Next adventure?? The Island!

TWO weeks went by TOO fast

2008-07-16T07:19:00.013-05:00

I'm back! Kind of dreading work today, I must admit . . . oh well. Thirty some days and I will back on the island with the chicks!

It was a lovely vacation, (any vacation is lovely), two glorious weeks away from computers, publications, etc. Only two days of rain, the water however was very, very cold (brrrr), I didn't go snorkeling once. RRB (husband), who spent his summers on the island growing up (all summer long, we feel bad for him NOT) even said it was cold (not "refreshing"). Fishing was successful, RRB (son) caught a lovely brown trout (22 inches, 4 lbs) so he was very happy. The second week not much fishing. It was incredibly wavy, way too wavy to fish. MWB had his usual allergy issues whilst at the lake, but all in all did well and had a good time in spite of the sneezing. MSB also had a great time shopping, tanning, etc. (although she did have good days and bad days). AJ . . . she did have ice cream, and several smoothies, you would have been proud!

I did knit on the cloudy days; I finished a scarf for my niece, and knit several dish rags. I also taught my niece to knit. We shall see . . . I am not sure she will continue, but she did buy a knitting book on the island and was perusing patterns and marking them. My parents made a surprise trip up with my niece from South Carolina (she is nine), she ended up spending the rest of the week with us. She also wants to learn how to knit.

While I was gone SSK watered for me. My baskets are beautiful! My garden, although well watered took a varmint hit while I was gone. No bean plants, only bean sticks. I am still not sure what has been eating them, but they certainly went after them quite voraciously. Buggers. They also managed to destroy some perennials. My peas however are fine. Go figure. It is usually my pea plants that are gone . . . they have never eaten the bean plants and the tic seed. We did have the addition of five baby blue birds!

I also did some knitting reconnaissance while there. Fly Away Fleece Farm on the island which produces its own yarn, fleece, etc., has a brochure. I picked it up. We can make an appointment; go see the animals and shop. Sheep, goats & lamas! Mad Island Weaver is now on the mainland. I say we just poke our heads in the door and check it out. There are some other places on the mainland that sell yarn downtown. And AJ . . . there is a new ice cream shop downtown (at least I think it is new), "Sweet Sailing." So we will have to pace ourselves where ice cream is concerned!

We actually came home a little early (Saturday night), which I will be honest. It was nice to have Sunday and Monday, to do laundry, unpack, etc. But our ride on the ferry. Oh baby. In the twenty some years that RRB and I have been together, I have never had a ferry ride like it. Did well roll . . . MSB had taken her bonine before we left (car sick) she still had her head between her legs. MWB was not too thrilled with the ride either, RRB (son) was taking photos and having a great time, RRB (husband and old Navy Man), was unaffected by it all. I actually got out onto the deck (after we past the worst of it).

Well I guess I better post this and get to work. AJ, hope SJ's Dr. appointment goes well! NK, tell SK I will come over with a check this week, sorry I couldn't talk to her last night. I was on the phone with Mom, Dad is having surgery the end of this month. I needed to get the details from her while she was in a talkative mood!

(Published a day late, I was having photo problems!)

It's a Yarn Store . . . You really should go

2008-06-25T15:33:00.004-05:00

Just go there if you get a chance. Here is the web page http://www.christasyarn.com/
But set ground rules 1) go in pairs; 2) be realistic, there are some places in here you just can't get to; 3) no credit cards or cash or check; 4) don't take in your purse or anything else for that matter, because if you put it down you will never find it again.

Three out of the four chicks are going on Friday (it's me, I am going on vacation with my family, sorry NK). But I have been there. CT has not been there, how I would love to see her face when she goes in for the first time.

That said, her prices are amazing. And if by chance you do go, please let us know how it went!

P.S. Go to Whitehall (very close by) for lunch at a place called "Alternative Grounds." The food and the ice tea are amazing. http://www.alternativeground.net/

Pretty In Pink

2008-06-20T11:58:00.002-05:00

Or at least I hope the baby will look cute in the sweater. It is my 3rd top down baby sweater and I think Iam done for awhile!

Since I missed the trip to Ettrick, I am hoping NK will sneak me down there some Friday when she is off. As for my own yarn stash, I have my Island project yarn left and that is all (ok , so I could knit one sweater out of some Katmandu I have since I ripped out the 1/2 sweater). But still, you can hardly call that a stash!!! One project---lame!

ZT still has one more week in Germany, MMT is in the grips of the travel soccer season and I am very tired of soccer. (bad mom!)

Still . . .

2008-06-13T15:52:00.001-05:00

Our deepest sympathy to ASJ & family upon the death of her mother-in-law.

Stress Knitting

2008-06-09T08:56:00.007-05:00

Or should I say stressed out knitting? Thanks to CB the blog has been maintained during the period of flux the entire Guild has been caught up in.

For me the flux started May 9th. My beloved FIL had a massive stroke and we spent the next 2 1/2 weeks making difficult decisions and saying good bye to him. While caught up in this emotional situation, I had lots of time to knit. Some of my knitting was better than others. Since I am not as skilled as CB, my pictures are not in the correct order.

When we first got to Duluth, I was still in the "use up the nasty blue yarn phase". My third and I hope final project with the blue yarn was a youth size top down vest. I decided to seed stitch it in an attempt to use up more yarn. It still needs the neck ribbing done, I hope to finish it this week.Then it is going in the Silent Auction box and lord I hope someone buys it.

I also worked on the Chocolate cover cherry sock. I have vowed that this is my very last pair of socks ever. (I did yarn inventory and I still have enough sock yarn for 3 pairs of socks---how did that happen?). I finished the first sock and got the second one past the heel flap. For those of us who are sock knitters, that is a LOT of knitting. I have not touched them since getting home from Hayward.
Once we got Fritz to hospice in Hayward I had access to Pine Needles (a delightful yarn store). My SIL and I made 2 trips out there. The first time we picked up the yarn for a felted tote. As the situation grew more stressful with my FIL I knit faster and faster. Good thing it was a simple project. My SIL did a nice job picking out colors for the bag and with NK's help, I got it felted.

Finally, while at Pine Needles, I got yarn for yet another baby sweater. My SIL helped me pick out a nice green variegated yarn, that I trimmed with the left over lime green from her hand bag. Looks really sweet. I have the button bands to put on today and weave in the ends. While at Pine Needles I bought yarn for a bulky baby sweater (Cascade 109 tweed--pink) and my Island project. I guess buying yarn helped me deal with the situation with my FIL. Better than alcohol? (oh, yeah I had plenty of that to take the edge off too).

School is out, my stress has transferred to ASJ (I am so sorry for that). I am happy to be done with school. ZT is in Germany and GBT in Green Bay for the summer. So all I have to do is trek MMT to her travel soccer games and knit. I can do that.

Thanks Guild girls for all your support last month, I would not have survived with out you.

NK: the baking with GBT

CB: the patio, thank you, I was avoiding that.

ASJ: all the phone calls just when I need to hear the voice of reason.

Postphoned

2008-06-06T11:31:00.001-05:00

New countdown has begun!

Flux: a continuous moving on or passing by

2008-06-05T14:32:00.004-05:00

Yes, well we are in a state of “flux.” Some good, bad, sad, necessary, unnecessary, you name, we have it.

Our sympathy to CT’s family. Her father-in-law did pass away Memorial Day weekend, after suffering a massive stroke. They had a funeral on Wednesday (out of town), and ZT’s graduation party on Saturday. GT came home, and with a steady hand, directed family & friends. The house was cleaned, bars were baked, yard mulched, plants planted, etc. The girl is management material, and we love her dearly! She also has some bad boo boo’s on her feet . . . we are sending her kisses to make it better (it will work much better if taken with liberal amounts of alcohol). Don’t tell your mother.

Now our dear ASJ “fluxing.” Her mother in law’s c ancer has taken it’s toll, and she is not expected to survive thru the weekend. She also had MJ’s graduation party on Sunday, and her husband has scheduled his back surgery for next week! The dear man has been in pain for a long time. He needs to get it done ASAP (urgent does not even begin to cover it).

We did have an emergency guild meeting last night and in all probability we will be delaying our trip to the island. But fear not. But not to fear. If we delay, it has already been decided that 1). we ditch the men; 2). we plan on going for a full week. “There is more than one way to skin a cat” as they say. The lake will be warmer, we will be there for longer, we have choices of sitting on the beach knitting and tanning, or sitting in the porch where it will be cooler (and closer to the beverages).

So the guild carries on and cares for each other, all with knitting needles and yarn in our hands!

Fini & Congratulations All The Way Around!

2008-06-02T09:20:00.003-05:00

Well they are done. All four have graduated from high school. YEAH!!!!!!! It was an absolutely beautiful day . . . . warm and sunny. Congratulations Ryan, Zachary, Maari & Krista. We are all very proud of you.
P.S. Two grad parties left to go . . . Pray for sunny skies!

Wow!

2008-05-23T15:34:00.003-05:00

Ummm . . . Yes we did go. And yes we do have photos. But I am waiting for the camera cable from NK! We did have an awesome time at the Festival. I picked up some alpaca (600 yards for $24 x4) for a sweater. Alpaca, be still my heart. Three huge buildings filled with homespun and commercial yarn. We will definitely go again. It is a wonderful event!

CT was not able to attend. Her father in law had a massive stroke. It is an incredibly sad and stressful situation. Say a prayer for our friend and her family. Graduation, end of the school year all are looming on the horizon also.

Then we have ASJ, whose mother in law fell and broke not one but two hips! So ASJ is her tremendous patient advocate! ASJ’s husband needs to have back surgery soon, and her daughter fell and broke her tail bone. Again Graduation is looming.

My BIL was admitted to United on Friday, with blood pressure of 53 over 0 (I did not know that was possible), and kidney failure, he is 48. So I spent the weekend with my sister. Whew! Then there was a blood clot thrown in for good measure. They are both doing well. However I got nothing done at home. I am sure it will all be fine. Again Graduation is looming.

NK is the only one who did not have an immediate family member in the hospital. Thank God!. Graduation looming.

Graduation Party One is on Monday evening, Graduation Party Two is a week from Saturday. Graduation is on June 1. Graduation Parties Three and Four will be the following weekend, Saturday and Sunday respectfully. Yeah, we thought it was cool we all had seniors . . .

Oh yeah, and the cabin trip is on the horizon.

Mother's Day Weekend Trip

2008-05-07T07:39:00.003-05:00

Shepherd's Harvest Sheep & Wool Festival! ASJ has wanted to go for some time now. Looks like she will get her wish! DETOUR. We were planning on Color Crossing, Yarn Garage & Borealis. But I proposed that we stop there first! Steven will be there, so that's a plus. There will be home spun and commercial yarn available, fuzzy yarn bearing animals, books & patterns, plus much, much more. So why would we not go, when we are travelling in that direction anyway?

I am looking for some yarn for my Island Project. Both ASJ & NK have there projects ready to go. CT and myself . . . not so much. I think I know what I will be knitting. But I have to pick up some yarn. Plus I will of course be taking sock yarn. My sock yarn stash needs to be bulked up bit. I am looking for some simple brown yarn for a cable sock pattern. Then for the heels and toes I have some very pretty variegated brown/pink/white yarn. Cables just look so much better to me when they are knit on a single color. Other wise it's gets too busy for me (Call me Plain Jane).

Project #2

2008-05-06T16:00:00.003-05:00

I have finished my second project out of the dreaded blue sweater yarn. I think it turned out really cute. I knit it on larger needles and I made the biggest size, complete with the hood to try to use us as much yarn as possible. Look how much I still have left. I think I have enough for one more sweater. Yikes, I bought a lot of blue yarn.

I am really excited for our pre Mother's Day yarn adventure. What a great gift to ourselves. Time together as the Guild and yarn shopping, what a perfect day!

Give peace a chance

2008-04-27T12:10:00.004-05:00

So this whole story started on The Island, our second trip to be exact. It was my first attempt at knitting a sweater. I began my first top down pull over on the Island, I knit and I knit and I knit. I got the sweater body finished and took it off the needles for a look. To my shock, the sweater was big enough to fit a size 2XL man. I was disappointed, but not defeated. I ripped the sweater and balled up the yarn and took it to Family Camp for some serious knitting sessions. I knit and I knit and I knit. I got the body of the sweater done and took it off the needles only to find that it was big enough to fit an XL man. At this point AJ, NK and the husband ran for cover as I threw the yarn, needles and sweater to the ground. To save his life, the husband quietly wound the yarn in to big balls and tied it in a bag, where it has stayed for nearly 2 years.

I took yarn inventory a week or so ago and discovered that I don't have as much yarn as a good knitter should. While taking inventory I discovered the dreaded blue sweater yarn bag. At this point I made my peace with the yarn. Since this disaster I have knit 4 top down sweaters, a top down vest and 2 top down baby sweaters. I have conquered the project, now it was time to use up the yarn. Knowing what I now know about yarn, the project was doomed from the start. The yarn was not the right weight (even though I was knitting 2 strands together) but enough about that.

I pulled out yarn and found a pattern for a baby afghan. I knit the World Ministries wavy baby afghan. It turned out really cute. I have lots of co-workers who are having babies, so an afghan is always good to give as a gift. Provided the baby is a boy! The problem is look at how much yarn I still have after the afghan. This is a lot of blue yarn. I think I will make a top down baby sweater out of part of it and MMT suggested I learn to make booties to go with the blankets. If not booties I think the yarn is fine enough that I could make socks for an adult.

I am counting down the days until:1) yarn shopping on the 10th of May 2) graduation (if they have one more senior skip day I am going to pop a vein. 3) the end of school and 4) THE ISLAND!!!

Health update: I did have to get an antibiotic for the brochitis, and I think I will be healthy soon.

Rip it! Rip it good!

2008-04-12T17:04:00.003-05:00

Ok so I thought I would be posting a picture of my two halves of my half sweater. As it turns out I was a little over confident. Post hospital stay NK was nice enough to give me a tutoring session in the half sweater. I knit all week on the 2nd half of the half sweater. I cast it off Thursday night and laid the halves on the floor. Excellent, I had a right and a left. But they did not match. I took Friday to contemplate how to correct the situation. The only solution was rip it back 30 rows (which is like a gojillion stitches). Last night after school I ripped it out and put it back on the needle. I made myself knit 2 rows last night, just to get it over with. I have knit on and off today, slow but sure I will get it done the second time. I know ASJ loves to rip and re-knit, but I have to tell you, it is not working for me. Also, I do firmly believe that once I get the two halves done, I will not be able to put the 2 halves together, so I will forever have 2 halves of a sweater.

I had a baby shower today, I am not very good at this events (so I made GBT come with me). It was completely stressful. The gifts were all piled in the corner and they were bloody huge gifts. And here I am with one little box, containing a top down hooded baby sweater. As luck would have it, my gift was opened LAST. So I had over a half hour to sit and squirm while the mom to be opened, strollers, pack and plays, bouncers and all sorts of large expensive gifts. It did work out in my favor, when she opened the tiny little box containing one hand knit sweater, the other guests were chatting and ready to move on to the lunch phase of the afternoon. A couple of quick, "did you make that?" and off to the food we went.
Note to self: drop off gift and dash next time!!!

4-15-08: The 1/2 sweater is no more, it is now several balls of yarn in a ziplock bag.

Yarn, Yarn everywhere Yarn

2008-04-01T09:19:00.005-05:00

Well here is my post finally about the big field trip to the cities. Here is a photo of the yarn that I purchased on the trip. I just love all of the yarn I purchased. Even purchased some for KK1 so that she may make some fingerless gloves. I have already made one sweater out of the pink and purple yarn. Made a weekend cardigan. and am now starting a weekend pullover with the orange and reddish color yarn. As I was saying over and over again last night. I just love to knit with the wonderful feeling yarn. I do have a request for bulky mittens out of the orange yarn also. Some of the yarn just spoke to me and said take me home with you, I will look very nice mixed in with all of the other yarn that you have.

I have also been busy making stitch markers, since I am working on size 15 and 17 needles hard to find marker to fit the big needles. So I thought to myself that I could make those fancy looking markers that they sell in all the yarn stores. So I did figure out how to do it and am going to make some more since I like them and they do make my knitting look extra pretty.

2008-03-30T19:28:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday AJ!! March is an important month for the guild, 2 birthdays (CB and AJ) so 2 reasons to get together, knit and have a great treat. AJ's birthday treat was over the top today, CB will have to post that recipe for all to have.

So I finished the flip mittens, (as modeled by GBT-while home for Easter) and decided to go back to an old project. Watching AJ knit on Kathmandu make me decide to finish my half sweater, so I will no longer be Princess 1/2 sweater. It took a while to get my brain back in gear to start the second half of the half sweater, but I got it started. I had forgotten how much I enjoy working on Kathmandu.

We are in the final quarter of the school year, pray for the guild children. We all have seniors! I personally think the boys need more prayers than the girls as they are boys, need I say more???

With grad parties to plan, and 18 year olds to keep track of we will be busy and the time will fly by. Before you know it we will be on the Island enjoying the knitting, eating, and the ISLAND!! This is my favorite time, the pre Island time, the excitement of the Island trip is all I need to get me through these last few weeks of school.

Spring Break Knitting

2008-03-20T17:39:00.005-05:00

Even though it is officially spring, the weather man is predicting snow, I have no interest in snow, I only have interest in spring and sunshine. Every day I check to see how much grass is showing and how fast the snow is melting. Enough already with winter!
I finished the baby top down. I had to knit the hood twice, I misread the pattern and kept increasing on the hood, when I cast it off I realize what I had done. No one would want a hooded baby sweater for the hunchback of Notre Dame. So I ripped and re knit. I was watching March Madness, so I could justify the extra knitting time. I am still toying with adding several rows to the bottom, it looks short. However, I only have a few yards of yarn left, so I don't know if it would to much good.

GBT is coming home tomorrow for the holiday weekend. She has not been home since moving to Green Bay, it will be nice to have all the kids home, even if it is only for a short weekend.

Have a great Easter guild girls. ASJ---glad you are back, we missed you.

2008-03-20T17:34:00.004-05:00

The felted tote is done. It was a guild project. While under the influence of all the yarn at the Yarn Garage I found Lamb's Pride bulky. CB helped me pick out the colors, NK developed the striping and I knit. NK felted it last night and I put it together today. I knew Lamb's Pride would felt nice and boy did it!

2008-03-20T17:28:00.003-05:00

Cabin Fever!

2008-03-15T19:11:00.008-05:00

Who has “Cabin Fever?” I do. I have two kinds of “Cabin Fever.” First the one I always have. The snow needs to melt, the air warm, the ice needs to be gone. I want to go to the cabin! As you can see by the countdown on the right. The chicks are now under 100 days to our annual cabin trip. For some reason they (me too) feel compelled to travel to the cabin every year. Sans, husbands, children and dogs. Just us. We knit, we eat, we shop for yarn, and what ever else we can find.

“Cabin Fever” two, was a birthday gift from my dear knitting friends. Sock yarn, Claudia Handpaints (for moi) and the colorway is “Cabin Fever.” Can you tell I am enthralled with this yarn. The purple hues in the yarn remind me of the lupines on the island (which by the way are always in full bloom when the chicks are there). So thank you my friends, truly it is the perfect gift!

Today I went to the local LYS with the “Yarn Teacher.” I used to work with the YT (she left for greener pastures). She taught all four of the chicks to knit (we were all in the same class). We had lunch and at the LYS we did this! I think I was number 427. So he has a way to go. I also heard that some of the knitters from the cities were going to be there. I heard Bead Slut’s name mentioned but I did not see her anywhere.

Here is my new toy. I had some gift certificates, with instructions to purchase something I normally would not. Well this is it. I must admit I have looked at them, but never felt I actually had to have one (depsite the fact my children have them). Maybe mom should have one for her walks with the dog? Why not? But what a lot of work. I apparently have way to many cd’s. Then once you get them on, you then organize play lists, then I had issues with every cd that was entitled “Greatest Hits” they all wanted to be together in one album. I am still missing my “Journey’s Greatest Hits.” Can’t find it anywhere. And I do have one episode (the pilot) of “Big Bang Theory.” My daughter loves the show, and I do too! And now that the writers strike is over, we will finally get a new episode this coming week.

No guild this week, NK is skiing with the family, ASJ is on a mission trip with her daughter. Only CT and I are left in town. I believe that CT is going to see GT in Green Bay this week. It will be lovely not wake children in the morning. I will have the whole house to myself as they sleep. No rushing, no searching for shoes, jackets, papers, etc. So I am considering it down time for myself also.

I Love Polka Dots!!!

2008-03-05T16:30:00.003-06:00

They're here!!! NK and I were naughty and called Steve at the Yarn Garage on Saturday to ask when our bags would be in. He said he was expecting them on Monday, well they arrived on my door step today. Talk about service!!! Included in the package, a lovely thank you note from Steve.

Hey chicks, did you notice??? We are under 100 days until the Island!!!

So how do you ladies feel about polka dots?

2008-02-29T09:07:00.010-06:00

What follows is photos of my booty from the field trip to the cities. We did make it to a couple of new shops and a couple of favorite shops!

New shops were Needle Work Unlimited Outlet store, Linden Hills Yarn Shop, Knitting from the Heart and the Yarn Garage. Plus we had lunch at a new (to us) place, Cafe 28. Cafe 28 was great. One of the best burgers I have ever had. I would definitely eat there again. The owner of Linden Hills is quite sweet and recommened Cafe 28.

But as far as yarn goes. I can’t wait to get back to the Yarn Garage! WOW! Floor to ceiling yarn, seriously. I kid you not. If you have never been there, get yourself there quick. We are already planning a trip back. I never even made it back to the sock yarn. So I really must return. I think we all agree we need to get back there for sure before our knitting retreat. A day trip!

I was a good girl, I only bought one skein of sock yarn. Some Cherry Tree Hill in lovely blues and greens. Then I added some Nashua Equinox Stripe Yarn colorway "Storm." Which shall become the Knitting Pure & Simple Weekend Jacket. I picked up this book "Fitted Knits." Plus another Knitting Pure & Simple pattern, a cable scarf pattern, and some needles to knit the aforementioned jacket.

So the polka dots. Owner Steve (we love Steve) of the Yarn Garage asks "so ladies how do you feel about polka dots." Knitting bags, lined with polka dots no less. CT asked about us getting matching knitting bags. I mentioned that we already had nice knitting bags in the vehicle. She took exactly three steps and then quickly turned around and said "but we used gift certificates for those bags. We didn’t actually purchase them." Well who can argue with that logic! ASJ/Green, CB/Brown., CT/Royal Blue, NK/Royal Blue. But they really are lovely totes.

Twice now I have tried to post this. First the computer didn’t want to go to the post page, second time I was interrupted by having to leave. Let’s hope I can finally get this uploaded. And as long as I have a little time I will post a little more!

The hotel messed with our reservation. The poor desk clerk was dreading our arrival all day. But they ended up giving us two very nice separate mini suites (instead of the mammoth suite we reserved) so we could sit and knit together. And a huge discount. So we go there again!

I did manage to finish another EZ Baby Surprise. But surprise . . . I ran out of yarn. Grrrr. I had one skein of orange Cascade 220, plus my Schaefer Little Miss Priss leftovers. Three rows to go and I stopped. I rummaged thru my stash and found some leftover red Cascade 220. Managed the last three rows, plus I went around the neck. Then wala . . . no red! Too close for comfort.

She who knits with scraps

2008-02-25T19:17:00.002-06:00

Need I say more? Or is the picture worth a thousand stitches.

Guild Rule: Never knit with scraps.

The Winter Blues

2008-02-22T07:27:00.003-06:00

I admit it, I am sick and tired and cranky. While there are bright spots, (knock on wood) I have not been sick, repeat not been sick. Although I will admit I feel like I have been fighting off something for the last couple of weeks. It is only the anticipation of this weekend's Yarn Field Trip that has been fighting off what ever has been trying to bring me down (yeah for me, let the trend continue).

We leave tomorrow early . . .Hallelujah. We have a list of places to go such as Needlework Unlimited Outlet & store, Borealis Yarns, Yarn Garage, Coldwater Collaborative, Knit from the Heart, there is another one too, but it escapes me right now. I wish I could remember it!

I have started packing my bag (clothes and projects). I can't wait!!!!

P.S. No we are not travelling in the knit mobile. We are travelling in NK's Ford Escape Hybrid! The money she saves on gas she can spend on yarn.

A Little too close for comfort

2008-02-10T20:52:00.001-06:00

I got this great idea to make a pair of mittens out of the Cascade Quatro that I had left over ( I used it for the mittens for the boy's English teacher). I bought some winter white Lion Brand wool for contrast. Check out the tiny ball of yarn next to the mittens, I think I was cutting it a bit too close! But the good news, you can get 2 pairs of mittens from Cascade Quatro and 220, which makes the mittens fairly inexpensive to knit as gifts!

Fini!

2008-02-06T12:21:00.000-06:00

The Baby Surprise Class is done! Here is the proof! Unfortunately with that snow day cancellation we had a LOT of students who couldn’t make it for the re-scheduled last session (15). We also took a knitting poll, trying to find out what kind of classes people want. Going over those surveys will be fun. And there is interest in starting from scratch again with Knitting 101.

In the mean time I have been working on socks, knit a hat for Ronbo (leftover Cascade 220), fingerless mittens (leftover Hauk) for The Girl and some dishcloths, etc. I will be looking for some yarn for a bigger project while in the cities. I do have many, many patterns, trying to decide what I should knit may be a process of elimination. I am thinking something light weight, for spring and fall, maybe cotton, maybe not. I really have not knit anything large from cotton. I kind of hesitate on that front. Cotton has no stretch, and can be heavy. Who knows.

Snow Day!

2008-01-29T17:27:00.000-06:00

People were talking about a possible ice day at school on Monday, but I really did not believe them. When I got up this morning I thought, yeah right, they were wrong again. I turned on the news and there it was---school closed. Yippee!! After I got the husband off to work, I did what I promised God I would do if it were a snow day, clean my closet! I found clothes I forgot I had. I had that little task taken care of before 9am.

MMT and I spent the rest of the day puttering about the house doing small things, but mostly I have been knitting. I finished my mitten and started the left mitten. I am through the thumb on this pair. I think I may have over knit today, my shoulder feels like I am on the Island!

My baby surprise is essentially done, I have to put the buttons on it and have JO teach me how to put the cuffs on it. I think it turned out ok. I have to be honest, I did not think I would finish it. I have baseball theme buttons for it, which are very cute.

Back in the saddle

2008-01-28T12:09:00.000-06:00

I am back to my old self again. Sorry to say I have ripped out my baby surprise sweater. It was a surprise as to what it was looking like. I have started again and am all the way to row 2!!!! Needless to say I will not be done by tomorrow night unless I have some magical power in knitting in my sleep and while at work......
Am excited about the trip and planning it for everyone with a few surprises thrown in! Off to lunch and then back to work. ( which is really a bad 4 letter word)
I did finish one pair of mittens while in the hospital. will take photos and post them later. Have started on second pair but will work on baby surprise first.....

Surprise in Deed!

2008-01-24T14:39:00.000-06:00

Surprised that the class is so successful. Really who knew. Thank God for ASJ and JO. But I can’t wait for our last class, I want to see all of those cute little jackets. I plan on taking lot’s of photos of all those Baby Surprise Sweaters! Thanks also goes to my friends NK & CT for signing up for the class. I was thinking it would be a class of two, with three teachers! What a shock that we ended up with 28 students. Good thing there were three of us.

I am thrilled with my little sweater. It’s from Schaefer Yarn, Miss Priss colorway. I bought the yarn about four years ago in Duluth at Yarn Harbor. I had no real plan for it. It was one of those, "I have to have that yarn," purchases. I would have been perfectly happy just to stroke it forever, but I thought this would be a good fit.

The buttons are not what I was looking for (I couldn't find what I was looking for) but these really look quite lovely. The Girl helped pick them out, although she seemed much more interested in the fleece that was on sale, then helping pick out buttons.

And then there are socks. Man I love socks. So I have been knitting, and knitting socks. And now that I am done with the EZ’s Baby Surprise Sweater I can concentrate on socks! The light green with brown accents are Koigu (photo would not upload *&^% blogger) , the muted colors teal, apricot, darkish red are Cherry Tree Hill, and finally the greens are Fleece Artist. The Koigu and Fleece Artist colors are really encouraging my Spring Fever. I am so ready for April and really I am so sick of the cold (and February has not even started)!

I am thinking big projects again. Contemplating something with cables. I keep looking and looking for the perfect cable cardigan, I just have not found the pattern. I am looking for simple cables (by that I mean not too busy), maybe body only, ribbed sleeves, something subtle and chic. Oh well I will just keep looking.

By the way. I stumbled across this site http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/ and I found this recpie http://www.thepioneerwomancooks.com/2007/06/marlboro_mans_f.html for steak sandwhiches. The family LOVED THEM . . . thanks Ree! I can't remember how I ever got to that page. I didn't use as much of the W juice as recommended (my family is not a real big fan of it) but I used enough to give it a sassy taste. They have all requested that I make them again real soon. Could be a lake item for Knitting Camp!

Yarn trip in February, yarn, food and fun. I can’t wait.

A surprise indeed

2008-01-19T10:00:00.000-06:00

Baby Surprise all right, it will be a total surprise if I finish this project and it actually turns out to be a baby sweater. It all started when I bought my yarn and did not have it swifted at the store. MMT and I tried to wind one skein of it into a ball. Huge mistake, 2 1/2 hrs later we have a ball of yarn. Next I cast on the sweater so I could knit all the way to Rochester. (The boy was swimming). I got in the car, picked up my knitting only to discover that the needles I had cast the sweater onto, had been chewed by Dax (why didn't I toss those needles is the question and or why do we still have this dog?). My husband who is driving scared out of his wits because now I have 2 hours that I could knit, but can't knit, promised he would find a store to buy new needles. Like that is going to happen, Durand? Plainview? Yeah right. So when we arrived at the swim meet, he got out his knife and began to whittle down my needle and repair it so I could knit. What a good husband (or scared husband). I knit and knit and knit on the sweater until Tuesdays class trying to catch up. Only to get to class and find out I had made an error way back on something like row 4. So I ripped the whole thing out. I re cast on the sweater on Thursday night and started over again. I am back to about row 17 or 18, and so far so good. But like I said, I will be surprised if this thing is a baby sweater when and if I finish.

Oh my . . .

2008-01-16T12:03:00.000-06:00

It's been interesting, that's for sure. Let's see.

NK has been in the hospital twice since the beginning of the year, for heart related issues. This is not good and a deep concern for us all.

ASJ & myself (and our intrepid friend JO) are teaching a knitting class (baby surprise sweater). Please note the JO is doing most of the instructing. ASJ and I assist as needed.

CT has had to move a child to Green Bay, and transport MT hither and yon for soccer, and travel hither and yon for ZT's swim meets (he's a senior). I will let her post about the fact she was on her way to a meet and discovered the dog had been teething on her needles.

Holidays, holiday knitting, relatives, approaching the end of semester in high school, college application, college financial aid forms.

We need a collective nap (yes, I am whiny). We are however, looking forward to our February trip. We changed it to the cities. Closer, faster, more stores, etc. There are some stores we have not made it to as of yet "Depth of Field," "Yarn Garage," "Knitin from the Heart." And some stores that we want to stop by again. Borealis is one, and we have not been to Cold Water Collaborative for a long time (only once actually, during the first hop).

World's Fastest Mitten Knitter

2008-01-06T19:50:00.000-06:00

Over Christmas, ZT asked me to knit a pair of mittens for his English teacher (hers were stolen off her desk at school). So I used the red cascade 220 I bought at YD and knit her a pair of red and black snowflake mittens over break. She was so thankful for the mittens she wore them through the office at school telling everyone she saw. Needless to say I got several "will you make me mittens?" from my colleagues. GBT came on Wednesday to have lunch with me, the receptionist make such a big deal over the mittens it was embarrassing. GBT says, oh they take no time at all, I will knit you a pair before I move. (remember this is Wednesday). GBT promptly went home, cast on mittens and began to knit them. She used the purple flecked cascade 220 I got at Color Crossing. She finished the purple and white snowflake mittens Friday night after dinner. 2 days to knit a pair of mittens. I think that is a record! Certainly should be one if it isn't.
GBT is now in Green Bay, we drove her over on Saturday and got her all moved in with my old friend from college. We unpacked her, had a couple of beverages, had dinner at a way cool restaurant called Ho Hut (pronounced who hot). We drove home today in that nasty fog and have started the box to send to GBT of all the stuff she forgot.
I am working on another pair of the black and blue mittens for the coach of the ECA Stars. Knitting mittens in the car is not as much fun as you might think.

5,940 Stitches Wasted

2007-12-30T15:26:00.000-06:00

No that I was counting or anything! Really. Denial is a powerful thing, so is stupidity. I started my second sock on Friday night. I finished the first one at MJ's Knit Fest. An annual tradition, where I won a gift card to the local LYS (so did the other two chicks in attendance). So I cast on the second sock on Friday. On Saturday I picked it up intending to make great progress. It wasn't striping like the previous sock. "It will catch on," yeah right. Last night in a fit of anger I ripped 5,940 stitches and started over this morning. Grrr. However, now with only two more sets of 10 to go, it is striping correctly. Back to my knitting!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.....

2007-12-26T10:00:00.001-06:00

Well it appears to be over, (the holiday, not the snow) and I think I survived. The last 4 days have been sort of blur. On Saturday (the 22nd) we brought our traditional pizza to the swim team after the 12 days of Christmas practice, then we came back home to wrap, bake, clean and do laundry while waiting and worrying about GBT on the road coming home from Houghton. She arrived about 6pm after 6+ hours on the road in the fog and freezing rain. To celebrate, we took her to our fav restaurant, Cancun. (Thanks guild girls we really enjoyed dinner!). Sunday (the 23rd) despite the nasty snow and forecast for more snow, we loaded the 'burban, put it in 4 wheel drive and off to Hayward we went. Kids, dogs and presents in tow. It took us 2 hours 15 minutes, which is only 15 minutes longer than normal, which is not bad considering we stopped in Rice Lake for gas and a diet coke for me. We spent a snow filled day watching the Packers (grrr-can't believe we lost to the Bears twice!) and the Vikings (yeah-one more loss and no plays offs for them--he he he). Christmas eve was spent eating, watching TV, eating and knitting. I am almost done with the blue and black mittens for an ECA stars player. They are really pretty, I hope she likes them. Yesterday we raced home and made Christmas dinner for the MIL. By 6pm last night I was shot. Ready for the holiday to be over.
So here we are back to reality today. I just sent the boy off to swim practice, the girls are lying on the couch watching TV and I am, of course, cleaning up the house, doing laundry and trying to find time today to knit.

Going Green?

2007-12-20T15:20:00.000-06:00

Explain to me why I decided that small gifts to non knitters could be wrapped in newly knit dishcloths . . . . F.O.R P.E.T.E.S. S.A.K.E.!!!!!!!

Christmas Knitting

2007-12-18T08:12:00.000-06:00

No time to blog, shop, knit, bake, knit, clean, knit. You get the picture!

Ask ASJ how many pairs of Norwegian mittens she knit for Christmas. I am in awe . . . I would be sick of knitting them too if I were her.

A little ASJ in all of us

2007-12-09T15:52:00.000-06:00

Rather than work on my socks for the KAL that were supposed to done in October or work on my 1/2 sweater I decided to cast on some fair isle mittens (a little comfort knitting). I thought to myself, let's try ASJ's method of knitting the mittens on a circular needle. Teaching an old dog new tricks can be difficult, but I set out on my mission. After I completed the twisted German purl cast on I thought-- I can do this. It took me a few rows (ok, through the cuff and into the mitten) to hit my stride, but I eventually got it. I finished a lovely magenta and grey snowflake mitten today during the Packer game (it should be noted though that knitting during the Packer game is not a good idea). The ASJ method makes a better mitten, there is not that line or seam where the needles meet. I think it will take me through the 2nd mitten to really feel comfortable with the new process, but I am optimistic.
Yesterday, ASJ and I (with MMT in tow) made a quick trip to Color Crossing in Roberts for yarn (it was a guild sponsored event even though only ASJ and I went, we had orders from NK and CB). They recognized us as part of the "chicks" when we walked through the door (I think that is a good thing right). The place was hopping with knitters, weavers and other crafty people checking out the holiday craft fair they were hosting. We bought our yarn, (ASJ bought some Kathmandu, I was well behaved) some home made soap, stopped at the Baldwin DQ and were home by 3:30. A great way to spend the afternoon.

Brrrr. . . . Baby it’s cold outside!

2007-12-06T12:24:00.000-06:00

Igloo sweater today man. Gotta keep warm. Each chick has knit one of these babies and let me tell you they are wonderful in this frigid weather!

Christmas knitting! Oy, I don’t know how it happened but I think I am behind. I am currently whittling away on a cabled sock for my sister. I turned the heel last night, and I still have one sock to go. However, I have a really, really bad feeling about this sock. Two stitches have mysteriously disappeared. I don’t know where they went. I have searched and searched for dropped stitches but I can’t find any. I thought maybe the dropped stitched were hiding in the cable. Nope . . . where did these two stinking stitches go? How on earth did I manage to lose them? So I knit on. Hopefully the Bad Knitting Fairy does not come up from behind and smack me one. Only the socks have me worried. I have been laying in stores of slippers, scarves, dish cloths, etc for non knitters on my gift list.

The Christmas Knitting means I had to put down and stop knitting on my EZ baby surprise sweater. ASJ and I will teaching this class with a friend who is a knitting master (who we will lean on heavily). So I figured I had better whip one out quickly before the class starts in January. So I will have to knit fast post-Christmas to get it done. Maybe I can finish it in a weekend.

If you check the right hand side of the blog you will see we have determined we are going eastward to Green Bay for our knitting trip in February. If you know of any great yarn shops or restaurants along the way or in Green Bay let us know so we can plan accordingly!

Wrap yourself in wool and stay warm!

Village Knitter or Village idiot?

2007-11-26T15:48:00.000-06:00

So first I had the yucky yarn hat and mittens, 2 sets no less, now Aunt D gave me a hat her friend had knit her that was too big, she ripped it out and wants me to knit it again for her. What am I some sort of knitting machine? At least this project is easy and the yarn is quality natural fibers. But why couldn't she bring it back to said knitter friend? Sheesh!
So the big holiday/hunting season is over. I saw a picture of CB's buck (yep our little CB is a hunter). I guess she is such a crack shot, she shot one of the prongs off the antler. Who knew? We will have the last of the turkey leftovers for dinner on tonight and then Thanksgiving 2007 will be officially over. Then on to the next big holiday----yikes!

Yucky yarn v. natural fibers

2007-11-18T21:36:00.000-06:00

I realize I have not posted in several weeks, it seems a few things got away from me. First there was the knitting of the hat and mittens on the yucky yarn, then there was the knitting of the second set of hat and mittens on the same yucky yarn.(notice there were no pictures taken of either set of hat and mittens) Then there was the death virus revisited, combined with the football banquet, egg roll sale and end of quarter. That was a bad week. Then there was this week, it was a better week, MMT turned 15, the boy started swim and GBT came home for the week for Thanksgiving. I have put that all the bad knitting memories of the yucky yarn behind me. Onward to bigger and better knitting projects--projects on natural fibers.

A friend of MMT's ask me to knit her a scarf to match these funky flip mittens she bought. While on the yarn hop earlier this month, CB used her yarn shopping abilities to help me find Cascade 220 to match (as best we could) the scarf. It took all 3 stores we visited to find 4 skeins of Cascade 220 for the project. I matched the pattern in mittens and knit the scarf, I had so much yarn left, I knit her a hat too. (modeled by GBT)

So now that I have knit for everyone on the planet, I can get back to my half sweater and second sock for the sock knit a long that ended Oct. 31. I think I will cast on some mittens, a little comfort knitting for me after the yucky yarn mittens.

Preparation is the KEY!

2007-11-14T10:17:00.000-06:00

Yes, bad blogger, I know. I will say that on my list of blog’s to check (only eight) only three lately have been regular in their blogging. I think it’s catching. Visit Cursing Mama! She is very regular blogger her postings will make you laugh. The Harlot, naturally. And finally Knitorious (this woman works and goes to school.) Oy. We are shameful. Speaking of Knitorious . . . I received a package from her last week, I won her contest! Hmmmm. . . . Cherry Tree Hill sock yarn and a lovely little sachet. Thank you Vicki!

We stopped in Roberts on the way to the cities to visit Color Crossings. (Okay, let me inject here that as we went from yarn shop to yarn shop we were followed by other knitters that we knew from EC!) A hidden gem, truly it is! Did you know they have handpainted Cascade 220?? Beautiful!

Detour to Stillwater after listening to NK rave about "The Fun Sisters" store. Purses, sure we like purses. We had the time, why not make it a quick detour. So we did. CT practiced restraint and bought nothing (she did mention that her husband would not believe the fact she went into this store and bought nothing).

The trip to The Yarnery was wonderful as usual. Thank you Sarah, sorry we missed you. I stocked up on sock yarn. As usual. Heaven forbid I should break of my bubble. Koigu, Fleece Artist and Claudia sock yarns for me. ASJ picked up a cute little circular needle storage thingy. And CT (the one who is not knitting any more socks) picked up some Cherry Cordial Claudia sock yarn. Very pretty! Hopefully I will finish my socks again this month for Socks in the Cities! Nothing like incentive to make you knit FASTER!

Then off to Borelais. Okay, here is the big question. Why is this store not on the Yarn Hop? I love this store. They have walls of sock yarn! Walls people, whole walls of sock yarn! I digress . . . check out this store. They carry yarns I have not seen anywhere else. There is also a coffee shop attached. Take a right whilst in the store and WALA, you are in a coffee shop. Pick up a latte and go back to fondle more yarn. NK purchased some lovely knitting totes . . . you need to check out this store!

The trip was awesome. As Knitting Activities Director however, I think I dropped ball somewhat. Really where is this mysterious yarn shop in Woodbury? ASJ mentioned while we were at lunch. So we thought on our way home. Let’s swing by it. Really, how hard can it be to find, even though we don’t have an address, a name, nothing, we got nothing. Still we drove around, in the end we gave up and went to the Dairy Queen.

I am planning the trip for February 2008, an overnighter. I still have not decided what direction we should go. New territory??? North . . .South to Mad Town? Or shall we go West where there are more shops than we can hit in a two day period. What’s a chick to do? Thoughts, suggestions, comments are welcome! Have a shop to recommend, leave us a comment.

Power Knitting Shoppers...or is it Knitting Power Shoppers?

2007-11-13T09:36:00.001-06:00

The trip to the various yarn stores in the cities was a success. Especially if you count a great lunch at Cafe Latte' and a stop at a (new-to-me) Dairy Queen! Was I thrilled to find that, or what!?! Four crazy women (one of whom pulled the silent-laughing trick at least twice), maneuvered their way through three yarn stores (tried to find a 4th store, but found a DQ instead) and a purse store, and we were even home for supper.....now that's power shopping at its finest. CB bought a new purse at the designer purse knock-off store, so she's sporting a new bag and looking quite stunning, I must say. I'm totally loving my new circular needle holder, and I'm inspired to finish my fair isle mittens, so I can start on some more. I've kind of ditched the scarf theme for the time being, and am back on mittens. I figured it would happen sooner or later, but I did get bored with my scarves, and now they're just there to be picked up for mindless knitting. Still working (no, laboring) on my socks.......and I did NOT buy any more sock yarn! Tempted as I was, I didn't get sucked in, even at the 15% off price. We got all the yarn swifted, so I can't wait for the next trip!

Princess Half-done

2007-10-29T18:19:00.000-05:00

I think I need a new Indian knitting name. Princess half-done. My half sweater is half done (or does that really mean 1/4 done?) My socks for the KAL are half done. Perhaps someone with one arm and one leg will enjoy them?? My papers that need to be graded are half done. My laundry is half done (only because I had to go back and re wash what I had already washed-so should count for all done) But, the porch is DONE! Done I say, trim and all! I foresee many Guild events in the porch next summer. Guild meetings, ribs and porn nights, mojito knitting sessions, oh the possibilities are endless.
As for the trip to Chippewa Falls on Saturday, it was a great little yarn shop, of course they had my favorite Kathmandu! I really wanted to by some bulky alpaca (ASJ and I want Alpacas for Christmas--hint hint). Lunch at Lucy's Deli was very tasty, I am thinking a few short yarn hops for the Guild this winter.

I am really excited for Saturday, yarn shopping and lunching with my favorite buddies. I can hardly wait. Starbucks (by Shopko) 8am for coffee and on the road by 8:30? Roberts, Yarnery, Borialis Knits and 3 Kittens? Lunch, we can't forget lunch (NK and I have already decided to share again)! Call me if you want Guild pick up service.

Four Highschool Seniors does not lend it self to Blogging or Knitting

2007-10-24T15:30:00.000-05:00

Or "this is our excuse for dropping the blogging ball." We have all be negligent. But each of has a senior, three of the four were involved in fall sports. Then CT and I were the co chairs for the Pasta Football Feeds (there were eight), and thank God they are over. There has been little time for knitting or blogging. I have finished my socks for the KAL. I have not posted their photo as of yet, but they are complete!

November 3 we boogie to the cities for the day for some much needed "guild" time, yarn shopping and our favorite restaurant. Not coming soon enough. Actually considering I just spent a small fortune on The Boy’s photo’s (he is totally gorgeous), I am shocked I have any money at all for yarn.

I haven’t really started any BIG projects, mostly small, socks, mittens, scarves. Although I do have the Interweave pattern for that totally cool shawl (I am contemplating it). CT had to knit with really bad yarn (ask her about it) and now that same person wants her knit to knit more with the really bad yarn. NK is almost done with her sweater (Chief Half Sweater). And if you read ASJ's entry, she is up to her eyeballs in scarves!

Tomorrow evening we have "Purly Gates" ASJ and I have taken that group on with the support of CT and NK (NK even volunteered to bring the treats). Thank you! It was one of those groups at our church that would have fallen by the wayside with the resignation of our "Yarn Teacher" Pastor. And the ladies in the group did not want to disband, so we did the honorable thing, took a step forward, and said sure. We can do this. Sit and knit. No problem.

Socks,Scarves, and more Scarves

2007-10-14T01:49:00.000-05:00

So, as I participate in the sock knit-along, I realize that I'm just not a huge fan of knitting socks. It's tough to not like knitting socks. I love sock yarn, I realize the portability factor of the sock-in-progress, but I have to admit, I haven't found CB's passion for socks. Not even a partial passion. Mittens are ok, I dig the felted stuff, but I haven't completely found my knitting niche.........or is that knitting kniche? Until now. At this moment in time, I'm a scarf knitter. One of the reasons I like scarves is that one size fits all (or most, anyway), so I'm not relegated to the infernal knit-and-rip for which I'm so famous. Also, it seems to go well with my a.d.d. knitting style. So, this past week, I spent all my knitting time making scarves. I have now completed 6 scarves since August, and I have 3 more cast on, just waiting for the right moment (I have to be in a scarf mood) for me complete them. The scarves are being knit for the "Scarf Project", a community event which calls on people to knit scarves which are distributed to the Cancer Centers in town. The scarves are then given to people undergoing cancer treatment. The nurses bring the container of scarves into the chemotheraphy rooms, so that patients can select their own scarves. My mother-in-law received a scarf last year, and she told me that it warmed much more than her neck - it warmed her soul. Previously, I didn't much enjoy knitting scarves, since I found them to be a little, well, boring. Plus, I'm not a huge fan of the fritzy (that's a technical term) yarns. In my "adventures with knitting", after I graduated from scarves into other, more interesting knitting patterns, I haven't truly enjoyed knitting scarves, until now. Now, with each scarf I knit, I pay tribute to my special friend who died of cancer last February. Just like with prayer shawls, I feel like I am knitting a piece of her spirit into each stitch, as I pray that these scarves will bring some comfort and joy into the lives of the cancer patient who receives the scarf. Things do change, don't they? I'm sure I'll be sick of scarf knitting soon, but it's good therapy for me now. Knitting warms the knitter as well as the "knittee" (that's another technical term).

Princess GBT

2007-10-07T19:46:00.000-05:00

Again another trip to Houghton. I swore off that drive in August when I moved her up to da UP. But, MMT and I went up for MTU Homecoming and our Princess Picksnclicks is still our little princess. The day was cold, rainy, foggy and down right nasty. I felt sorry for her out there in the dress and heels for the coronation. The beauty of being the princess (they actually said her name as princess, although she has always been a princess to me), she got to leave right after half time, the King and Queen had to stay. Excellent planning on her part.

MMT and I survived the trip, I did have to stop on the way home for ice cream, she could not take the car another minute. We did not get to the little yarn store yesterday, so my knitting fix had to come from working on my sock in the hotel last night and this morning.

I Did it Again!

2007-10-03T09:50:00.000-05:00

Yes, I did it again! I knit 2 Right hand mittens! Can you believe it! One would think a person could learn from previous mistakes, but apparently, there is no extra room for growth in this sad and sorry brain. For a brief moment, I thought of ripping out the second rh mitten, but I am so trying to get a new knitting name.........not being very successful am I? So, now I have 2 right hand fair isle mittens, and no left hand mittens, and I have run out of white Cascade 220, with lys having none in stock. Anyone up for a quick trip to Roberts? I do like the Cascade 220 for the fair isle mittens, as it knits a more substantial mitten, and is a bit larger. But, being a proficient right hand mitten knitter (or knitten mitter), does have its challenges, namely that I now need to find friends who have only right hands.

A good weekend for ducks and knitters

2007-09-30T15:26:00.000-05:00

Can you say rain, rain and more rain. All we had to do today was to say the word "boat" and the sun went away, the clouds came and then the rain. Our German student must think Wisconsin is the wettest state in the union.
As for me, I knit. I knit on the ^#* mittens yesterday while watching the Badgers squeak one out. I finished them up today, they are as ugly as we thought they would be. I still have to knit the ^#* hat from the ^#* yarn. Pray for me, please. Today during the Packer game I worked on the teddy bear (or half) sweater. I am through phase one, ready to enter "a new set of rounds" according to the pattern. I now know why it took NK so long to knit this sweater. It is easy enough, but lots and lots of stitches.
I have my sock yarn, pattern, needles all set to go for tomorrow....the "Socks in the City" knit a long. I can't wait. Good thing I did not listen to myself when I said the pair of socks I just finished was my last pair ever. Ready set knit!

No time . . .

2007-09-30T12:32:00.000-05:00

to knit. Helping the boy finish up his college application forms. Ack! I have a headache!

Sock Knit A Long!

2007-09-28T08:39:00.000-05:00

Check out The Yarnery Website. They are having a Knit a Long called "Socks in The Cities."

Check out their web page to register. CT and I are in! When you register they will send you a coupon for 15% off a skein of sock yarn and an e-mail invite so that you can post your progress and completed sock on their Socks in the Cities blog.

I LOVE sock yarn!

Miss Blue

2007-09-27T12:04:00.000-05:00

This is for Bead Slut. Because she posts photos of Odin for me and I don't want her thinking I am a dog stalker (but his paws are huge!).

Please meet "Miss Sadie Blue Beck." She is attracted to wound yarn that resemble balls. Is also attracted to wooden knitting needles that resemble sticks. I have been fortunate, she has only chewed up (beyond recognition) one size three needle. And truthfully the only yarn she totally messed up on me was some white cotton I had bought for a class. She is a good girl (albeit a bit protective). Part blue tick and part beagle. Does not like small furry creatures that dare to cross our lawn. Does not like unknown people (any strangers at all) encroaching on her people's lawn or driveway (ie don't walk by, she will bark at you like a banshee). Otherwise is most good natured and very loving. The Girl has Miss Blue sleep with her . . . she knows Sadie will let no harm come to her. Awww.

He's here!

2007-09-24T16:11:00.001-05:00

Yep, he is here, our German student is here for the next 2 weeks. We are 1 day in and so far so good. I had a whole basement full of kids yesterday watching the Packers and hanging out. Today was their first day at school and it seemed to go ok for all 26 of them. After school ZT, the German and a couple of other boys went to the park (pre downpour) to toss a Frisbee around. It seems Frisbees are an American thing. Who knew? Last night dinner was a bit of an issue, I made ribs. They seem to perplex the poor boy. He seemed totally confused by the whole nature of the meal. Picking up hunks of meat and bone with his fingers did not really appeal to him. Oops! So tonight I am frantically trying to figure out what to make for dinner as not to repeat the disaster of last night. I hope I get it figured out, otherwise this young man may be traumatized by the whole experience of our family. And the real kicker, this is the same family ZT will stay with when he goes to Germany in June. Or perhaps the real kicker is that the husband dashed off to somewhere in Illinois for 4 days leaving me home with 3 teenagers!!! (Why do his store visits always come at the worst possible time?)

No word from GBT yet on the potential Houghton adventure. We should know sometime this week. I will keep you posted, if she becomes Michigan Tech Homecoming royalty I will let you know asap.
Update:
I made tacos for dinner and it seemed to have been ok, he ate 5 or 6 tacos, MMT and I lost count. Yeah me!

Happy Dogs are Here Again

2007-09-22T12:57:00.000-05:00

It's high time I contributed a little to this blog, or I will soon get the big boot. I have spent this past week knitting fair isle mittens..... with my dogs happily by my side. They love it when I knit, and stay in one location. They happily chew on their bones, sleep, play, chew some more, and then sleep some more. Of course they know that they must be supportive of knitting, because little dog, Joey, is responsible for eating the thumb off of one of mar-j's mittens. I nearly cried, and then almost killed the dog, but we're ok now that the replacement is completed. I tried fixing the one he partially ate, but it ended up with a big tumor-like lump on it, which was unacceptable to the wearer. So, the dogs have learned not to eat anything yarn-related, and to be quite supportive of all yarn ventures. They are almost as supportive of knitting as the K dogs. But the K dogs like to have a little snack now and again, and mine know better.

“Viral or Bacterial” . . . or “Enough is Enough”

2007-09-17T12:24:00.000-05:00

That’s it I am done. No more. I want a Healing Service at my home before all the company arrives this Friday. In the last seven days, all three of my children have succumbed to various illness. Enough already.

The Girl: Sunday, September 9, 2:00 a.m., fever & vomiting. Her fever climbed to 104.2, however she was coherent. She missed school on Monday.
The Boy V2: Came home at noon on Thursday, September 14. Urgent Care on Friday a.m.(home sick) Strep test came back negative, however the Dr. said he for sure has something bacterial and treated him with a prescription for Amoxicillin.

The Boy V1: Sunday, September 16, 4:00 a.m., high fever and intense headache. Treated fever with THREE IBUPROFEN, did not go down, went up! Went to Emergency Room at 5:30 a.m. They treated the fever first, pumped him with fluids, decided to start with a Strep test (instead of the spinal tap). Positive for Strep. Penicillin prescription, home today.

My husband just called me at work . . . he is home sick. God help me, I think I need to knit five of these!

I won't even discuss, the electrical outage and the flat tire . . .

What a beautiful day!

2007-09-16T16:52:00.001-05:00

The Packers won, the sun is shining, what a beautiful day. It is too bad it is a Sunday, which means back to work and the craziness on Monday. Homecoming week, should be even crazier than usual.
Despite all the running around last week, I did find time to finish the purple and white mittens for MMT's carpool driver. The swim team has this great system of upperclassmen giving underclassmen rides. I never have to worry or wait for a phone call. A very nice senior picks her up and drops her off every time there is anything to do with swim. In addition to the gas money I have given this nice girl, I decided to make her some mittens. Just this week, coach said all swimmers must wear close toed shoes, hat and mittens if the temp is below 50 degrees. As I was finishing the mittens it made me try to think of how many pairs of fair isle mittens I have made.... I think it is 14 pairs. (I did finally make a pair for myself this summer, but forgot to photograph them, also I did not photograph the ones I just gave away--oops). I guess that makes me a mitten knitter.
Have a great week guild girls.

Needle Felting 101

2007-09-13T10:45:00.001-05:00

Yes, yes, I know, I finished it in June. I am finally taking the photo and posting it. Remember, during the summer things slow down and we spend much time at the lake, in the garden, etc. It belongs to The Girl. And she is actually quite pleased with it. I love the colors and I believe for the first attempt it is not bad at all. For Christmas The Girl has requested "Fuzzy Feet" for her two best friends and then she will embellish as she see fit. Works for me. I will dig thru my stash of worsted and come up with slippers of many colors. That is if I can force myself to put down my socks. This is my new deal with myself. Once I finish one sock I can cast on a totally new different color sock. That way I can totally justify having all these socks on needles sitting next to my chair. Yep, because sock knitting is my thing. Although I am feeling the pull of cables. Simple cables . . . nothing that will make me nuts.

Too tired to knit? I think so

2007-09-11T17:00:00.001-05:00

CB asked the question, how tired do you have to be to skip going out after the football game? (a great tradition if I do say so myself--next to the ribs and porn parties) I have a better question--how tired do you have to be to fall asleep while knitting? I was excited this afternoon, first, I am home alone in the peace and quiet for 3 hours after school and second, I don't have ANYWHERE to go tonight. I sat down on the couch to knit for a bit and woke up when the phone rang. I fell asleep while knitting. Yikes that is scary, I could have snapped a needle!
This week will be another fun filled week,
Monday: Back to school night
Wednesday: church
Thursday: pasta feed and swim meet
Friday: football game
With all this activity, when is a girl going to find time to knit? I have to finish the thumbs on the mittens, I am to the heel of the sock and row 4 of the teddy bear sweater (that one will take a while I think). So much to knit, so little time.
Again I ask, how many days until the Island?

Too little time to knit . . .

2007-09-10T08:26:00.000-05:00

Before I go on my little whine-a-thon. There were bright spots this week . . . most noteworthy was winning a contest over at Knitorious' blog! Seriously, the woman can cable like no other!

So how tired to you have to be NOT to go out after a football game? Pretty damn tired. After last week it was all I could do NOT to lay down on the street and take a nap. But the first week of school is done, and one more pasta feed done (only six more to go)!

It was the first week of school, confirmation registration (Wednesday Night), pasta feed, Akaloo meeting, Purly Gates meeting (all Thursday evening, two of them at 6:30). Plus work, Friday night football, company coming on Friday and chaos at work. Yuck. My company did leave on Saturday, followed closely by grocery shopping and a wedding. Saturday afternoon The Girl and I made home made meatball and spaghetti for supper, apple crisp for dessert, and a salad with all ingredients from the garden (yummy). Sunday 2:00 a.m. The Girl came down with the stomach flu, a very bad version of the stomach flu. Hubby and The Boy V1 left at 6:00 a.m. for the Packer Game (the WON). I went to church to organize a reception for Pastor Mary (who taught the four of us to knit). When I came home I found my daughter on the bathroom room floor sleeping. Not good. Her temp managed to rise to 104.2 in the afternoon. I finally got some Ibuprofen to stay down and she slept on the couch off and on while I knit this, and watched the game. When her temp finally started to come down, she did manage to keep down some jell-O, and we watched "Phantom of the Opera" on the big screen. I did however miss the guild meeting.
Whew . . . all in favor of a much quieter week say AYE. Motion carried.

In the meantime CT’s son ZT seems to be recovering nicely, as long as stupid high school students don’t smack him in the shoulder (the bad one) and ask him what happened to his shoulder. NK’s dog, Santana seems to be getting better also. NK however is still having issues. ASJ needs volunteer work and I plan on keep her busy.

I did manage however, to finish The Girl’s socks. But I still need to weave in the ends. Knitting time . . . not much. Can we have a Guild Meeting next Sunday???

2nd First Day

2007-09-05T16:18:00.000-05:00

So today was the 2nd first day of school. For EC schools only grades 6,7,8 and 9 actually had to go to school yesterday. For the Guild members who had 9th graders it was an exciting day. I was able to touch base with all 3 and they seemed to be off to a good start. Today was the actual first day for the rest of the clan(all but one guild child is at Memorial). I saw MJ in the lunch room,I have lunch duty this year :( , she was looking for her friends. She did find them, so all was not as bad as it seemed. KK2 came to visit me, how sweet is that? MB and MMT seemed fine at lunch all tucked into their groups of friends--eating and chatting. So as far as lunch and the social aspects go, all seems to being going well. ZT stopped by 3 times, other than getting whacked in the shoulder first thing this morning, he had a good day.
As for me, I am exhausted. This working thing is hard work. My 9th grade classes are 30 each and my civics classes are 25 each, so very manageable. It is just my schedule. I don't get a break until my lunch at 12:20, by that time today I was a wreck.
If I get up the energy tonight I will continue on my purple and white mittens, so they are almost done for Purly Gates tomorrow night, it will be so sad to say good bye to Pastor Mary. She taught me to knit and here I am in the Guild and obsessed with knitting.
How many days until the Island?

Labor Day weekend

2007-08-31T08:15:00.000-05:00

Labor Day weekend! The traditional end to the summer, and what a great summer it was. The Island (tornado and all) Toad Lake,Mojito guild meetings, yarn runs to Roberts, but now back to school. This school year is already off to a rocky start. First there was the injury to the boy. In the blink of an eye his whole senior year of high school changed. My heart aches for him. His surgery went great on Tuesday, he opted not to have the nerve block, but seemed to bear the extra pain well. We had one rough night, but since then things have been on the mend. We had his post op appointment on Thursday, we got to see pictures of the surgery (this made me light headed and woozie). The dr again stressed how the boy had made the right choice to have the surgery now and not risk further injury. But the road through rehab will be long, he does not even start PT until October!
With the surgery and mom duties, I missed 1 1/2 days of our 3 days of in-service. I did go in early to do all sorts of stuff, but there is always more to do than I remember. I struggled with getting my first 2 weeks of lessons organized yesterday. I pulled out last years lesson plan book, to find my second day lesson plan for civics said "group activity" What does that mean? Two hours later I had my files out, organized, brain engaged and I am about 25% certain I can do this( I go through this every year--crazy I know). I had to call a colleague last night in a panic over which staff shirt we needed to wear which day. So much for the "first day of school" outfit I bought a couple of weeks ago. But soon (way too soon) I will be back in the grips of working full time. (How do non teachers do it? I know I should not whine, but I am a whiner, what can I say?)

While the boy was in surgery I knit. I worked on the sock off and on, but sometimes the light was not so good in the pre op room and hallway, but I muddled through. In the family waiting room (which at Luther is a misnomer---big old public waiting room in a high traffic area) I worked on the purple/white mitten for MMT's carpool buddy. Several older ladies commented on my knitting and that is was beautiful as they picked up their crochet hooks and started a baby afghan! (ok, that was mean). I have been having trouble with my right thumb, wrist, elbow and shoulder while I have been knitting lately, I have 2 theories, 1--golf. The husband and I went golfing over the weekend (NK I know I should not do that) and 2 sympathy pains for the boy. Either way, I have had to pace myself in the knitting this week. One mitten is done and the other a few rows into the cuff, I could not knit last night after the pasta feed, I opted for beer (technically beers---I had more that one). But I will get back after it.

Finally, thank you, thank you, thank you to the guild for all your kindness this week. Your prayers for the boy were very much appreciated, your yummy food has been a godsend and just knowing you are there is comforting. What in the world did I do before the guild? How did I survive?
Have a good weekend girls, guild meeting at Culver's next time---- my treat!

Back to Blogging

2007-08-26T10:49:00.000-05:00

Sadly we have left CT blogging on her own. We have been delinquent. Sorry. Here look at the pictures of my pretty socks! See how the match the impatiens! Simple socks for The Girl. She loves the color and I love them too. If I knit diligently today, I will finish them. But no hurry, it really is not sock weather and she just left to spend a week at her Aunt's. I have been knitting, just not blogging.

I do have favor to ask though. CT's senior son is having surgery on Tuesday. So we need all the good thoughts and prayers you can send for her boy and the family. ZT dislocated his shoulder at the football scrimmage. Not only did he dislocate it, but he damaged his ligaments and tendons, and tore all of the cartilage. No more football for ZT his senior year. Which is too sad for words. He also swims, so let's pray that his recovery is speedy and that he can get in a little swim time. PLEASE. This really sucks big time for his senior year, so we will take all the prayers we can. Here look at my pretty morning glories and think good thoughts and say a quick prayer. Ready, set go! Thank you . . . from your lips to God's ears.

Okay, remember the dreaded pink cardigan. Jane this photo is for you. The Girl in her bohemian type cardigan. Actually, it looks very nice on her, and she loves it. So that is a plus. Unfortunately, she is a bit rough on it and I found a snag I need to fix already. (It appeared at the photo shoot). I am not sure but I think she dug it out of the bottom of her closet before I took the photo. She is a teenager whose clothes most of the time are on her bedroom floor. I would have included a photo of the felted pouch with needle felting but she took it with her when she left. An hour or so ago.

I have another photo (many photos today). My jacket I finished last year. I am in a quandary and am in the need of advice. Simply put, it is too big. Now I have a couple of choices. One I could rip it all out and start over, two I could felt it a bit and pray. Any thoughts or comments are very welcome here. I absolutely love this yarn. Classic Elite Waterspun (discontinued) and a beautiful Schaefer yarn with tans, greens and browns. Really, I don't know what to do. I seamed it all, but I never blended in then ends because I was unsure.

What's on my needles, just socks and my Norwegian mittens. I love my socks though, check these out. Claudia hand painted yarns. I love these colors. Oh and I did finish my cable socks with the Claudia yarns also. See . . . I have been knitting. We have also been knocking back a few of those Bacardi Silver Mojitos. If you have not tried them, you really should they are quite excellent. Also three of the four seniors have had their senior photos takes and they have all turned out beautifully . . . ASJ needs to get her girl in soon, now that her hair has grown out enough from her last unfortunate haircut (her words not mine). Back to school in a week. Oh my did this summer fly by fast.

Long sad week

2007-08-24T13:29:00.000-05:00

When last I posted to the blog it was sunny and I was headed off to the football scrimmage, well let me tell you it was quite a scrimmage and it has been quite a week. I was excited for the scrimmage, the boy is a senior and finally has secured his spot on the O line. CB, Ronbo and I watched the scrimmage and chatted. During the final round of the scrimmage they did D first and O second. I almost left the scrimmage to go home and get dinner organized for the guild dinner, but then I thought, oh I will stay in case they run the O again, I can watch the boy. As it turned out, 3 plays from the end of the scrimmage there was a player down on the field. Ronbo (ever the observant fan) said "CT, I think that is the boy down there" CB and I stopped gabbing to check it out. Yes, no, yes, no. Finally the player got up and was helped to the sidelines. Yep, it was the boy. He had dislocated his shoulder. Great. The trainer, said she thought he would be out 2 to4 weeks, but we needed to see the Sports Medicine doctors. So we took the boy on Saturday. The examined him, x rayed him and did an MRI. From there we made an appointment with another Sports Medicine doctor for Monday. The news on Saturday was not good, but depending on the MRI results, it could be ok. On Monday, the MRI results were not good. The season was over and surgery loomed in the very near future. We let the boy decide if how to proceed. Try to re-hab and maybe play a little at the end of the season, try to re-hap and just get ready for swim, or have surgery now and be done with it and re-hab for swim. The football coaches (as did the doctor) felt surgery now was the best option. Waiting to see how the re-hab went in the hopes of playing a little at the end of the season was just extending the amount of time in a sling, also the physical nature of football could (would probably) mean re injury. So on Tuesday the boy is having the repair surgery. He is doing better than mom and dad at this point. Most of the team is treating him great, but there are a few on the team that need to grow up a bit. (That is a mom opinion there).
While the boy and the husband were at the clinic on Saturday I occupied my time with knitting my sock (and laundry). There is one little spot where I lost my mind while knitting and purling, but it adds texture, that is my story. NK gave me the pattern for the teddy bear half sweater and ASJ went with me to get more Kathmandu ( I know I do not need more Kathmandu, but it always seems I do). So I am all set for surgery on Tuesday, I can work on my socks, mittens for MMT's swim pal or the newest sweater project. That should keep my mind occupied so I don't worry too much (CB has helped me through the depression and anger phases of this whole ordeal). However, the injury has over shadowed the real issue----I have to go back to work on Tuesday, 3 days of in-service and then the kids arrive on the 4th. Yikes, my knitting time will be severely affected! But the notion of going back to work is taking a back seat to getting the boy through surgery and rehab. What a way for him to start out his senior year!

I must think I am on the Island

2007-08-17T15:31:00.000-05:00

Truly, I must be living in la-la land. For the past 3 days I have "taken the afternoon off" and knit. I hurry to get my mom stuff done in the morning, so I can sit on the sun porch and knit all afternoon. I have concentrated on the green and tan mittens I started and ripped out on the Island. They are now down, thumbs and all (man do I hate thumbs). So now I will have warm hands this winter and they will look great with my tan coat. I plan to work on my sock until I get my next project started, the teddy bear sweater that NK made.

MMT is at her very first high school swim meet in Stevens Point. It is a relay meet and not worth the drive to Stevens Point to spend 5 or 6 hours to watch her swim a leg in a relay. They have a big relay meet here next Saturday, that is good enough. We are off to Carson park for the football scrimmage, what a great afternoon for football. My ribs are done, salad is waiting to be put together, corn ready, so everything is all set for the post scrimmage guild dinner.

BTW, GBT has called every day since she moved, she used the gift card from NK for a desk for her room. She is happy to be back in Houghton.

So What do you think?

2007-08-15T09:32:00.000-05:00

Sorry this took so long, I felted the bag over a week ago, but getting it done took some time. First there was football, we had the scrimmage on Saturday despite the crazy weather. I came home from the scrimmage and attacked the purse. First I cut the edging off the inside of the purse (under the flap). I re finished it with a whip stitch edge, then I attacked the bottom of the bag. MMT did not like the bowl nature of the bag, so I took some of the bulk out. I stitched the bottom flat. I attached the handle and the button loop. So here it is the final finished product. It looks ok. Not fab, just ok. Needless to say I don't think I will ever try another one of these, it will be a one of a kind.

I took GBT back to Michigan Tech on Monday and Tuesday. I had 10 minutes of happiness while dropping her off, I found that Houghton has a cute little yarn shop. Now I have even more incentive to make the 5 hour drive! I can see GBT and buy yarn. While I was there I bought a pattern "for the good of the guild". It is a fair isle pull over sweater. It may be the 2008 Island project!

Nightmare on Sharon Drive

2007-08-07T10:23:00.000-05:00

It all started about a week ago. ASJ, MMT and I went on our mini yarn hop. While I was snooping through yarn stores touching the yarn and dreaming of projects for The Island, MMT found a display project, complete with the pattern. She said, "mom, do you think you can make this?" I said, "sure, no problem." "Really mom, don't try to knit it if it will make you crazy" she said. I like a fool said "I am sure I can do this." Yeah right.

So we proceeded to buy the necessary materials to get started. That night I bragged on the blog how I was going to start a 3rd project, even though I had 2 started already. So off I went, into the unknown. I don't even know where to begin....

I cast on the bottom and followed the instructions and so far so good. The bottom of the handbag was getting bigger and the process made sense. Then came the tricky part, adding the first row of diamonds. I survived that too, although the knitting light was starting to click on, the directions made very little sense and it seemed the number of stitches were off. But some how I muddled through.

Now the fun begins. The first row of diamonds, this is where everything went sour. The directions made no sense (not even to my mechanical engineering student daughter). I tried to knit the diamond as per the instructions, it was lopsided and looked more like something from a Dr. Seuss book. I tried drinking and knitting a diamond (remember the mojito guild meeting??) That did not work any better. Finally on the way to visit UWS, I fudged the math and made a diamond that seemed to work. So I was all set, to finish the body of the purse.

Unfortunately, this thing has a flap, again the directions made little or no sense, except to say it would be floppy and ugly when it was done. You got that right. So I worked on it, until it appears that I have completed the bag, flap, edging and all. The pattern called for an I cord strap, but MMT and I decided to make a mini multi-directional scarf for the handle, lets hope it looks good when felted. So here is the handbag pre-felting, we are off to NK's to felt tomorrow, so stay tuned to see how this episode ends.

PS: MMT had a friend over and she thought it looked more like an over-sized hat, thus the picture.

Aunt Mary

2007-07-30T08:15:00.000-05:00

My Aunt Mary lived to be 100 years old. She was a sturdy woman, tall and shy in a bold sort of way. Aunt Mary never had any kids (she said she married too late), but she was a great aunt. We used to visit her and she would let me eat watermelon pickles, she even taught me to make them. The last 20+ years of her life she lived in a senior apartment complex in Frederic, her husband Eric died in the late 1970's and she expected to follow him in just a few years, she lived almost 25 years in her tiny apartment. She lived in her own until she was 99 1/2, when she fell and couldn't get up. We moved her into the care center in Frederic and upon her arrival she took over the spot as "oldest resident". Once she achieved her goal of living to be 100, she waited a respectable 6 months and then quietly joined her beloved Eric. Aunt Mary lives on in our family, not because the husband and I became her chosen caretakers during her later years, but because she was cool. She was a saver, such as she had every napkin from every wedding, funeral and graduation in a drawer (with the lunch menu jotted on the back). She had all sorts of treasures crammed into her little apartment. The reason I bring up Aunt Mary, is that I learned to knit so I could make mittens like my grandmother and Aunt Mary. My grandmother made sure none of us ever had store bought mittens (oh how I wanted those pretty, but not warm store bought mittens). Grandma made us new mittens every year without a pattern (she would just say, here hold up your hand). She used size 1 needles and Red Heart yarn that she bought on sale at the Ben Franklin. I had a flair for losing my mittens, so I got an idiot string. She let me cut the idiot string when I went to college, the mittens dragged in the food in the cafeteria line ( a bit of an issue for both myself and the person behind me in line). I still have 2 pairs of my grandma's mittens. They have become precious mementos of my childhood. But Aunt Mary, she could knit these pretty 2 color mittens with beautiful designs. My grandmother never even attempted them. I always wished Aunt Mary would knit me a pair, but as she aged her eyesight failed and she had to give up all her needlework and knitting. When we moved her out of her apartment, I found these beautiful mittens. I doubt Aunt Mary used a pattern for these, aren't they beautiful? I tucked them away in my "Aunt Mary" box. (I did not know how to knit when she gave them to me.) This weekend was basement cleaning (need I even say YUCK?) But I pulled out my Aunt Mary boxes and look what I found. I have learned to knit and I love to knit mittens (perhaps it is genetic?). I doubt mine will ever be as perfect and beautiful as Aunt Mary's, so I will keep trying.

Wednesday afternoon yarn hop

2007-07-25T18:26:00.000-05:00

ASJ and I had the best yarn adventure today. ASJ has pulled a CT and is running out of yarn on her current project. So I felt I should go with her, since she helped me this spring while I was in crisis. We left shortly after noon for Borealis Yarns in St. Paul, as an added treat MMT decided to join us. ( I am such a proud mom, her first yarn adventure!). I did not know until we go on the road that we had to (or should I say got to) stop at the Yarnery for CB. (yippee, they have Koigu). $65.00 later (I bought yarn for 2 pairs of socks, this from the woman who was only going to knit one more pair of socks, 2 pairs ago). We moved on to Borealis Yarns to find the yarn AJ needed, they only sort of had what she needed, so they sent us to 3 Kittens. (this is becoming a yarn hop) 3 Kittens did have something that will work, not perfectly, but with a little ASJ creativity it will work in a pinch. Off to Color Crossing in Roberts! They were able to help ASJ even more, so the entire trip was a total success!!! How fun for a 1/2 day adventure? We even stopped at the Baldwin DQ, and filled up on less expensive MN gas ($2.83 a gallon---and I think that is reasonable compared to $3.14 here) and made our yarn delivery to CB by 6pm. What an afternoon.
Now I am going to start a new project (NK are you proud of me--I have 2 projects going and going to start a 3rd). MMT had me buy a pattern and yarn for a felted bag.

PS: We checked and the hop is on for this fall--probably the first weekend in Oct. Mark you calendars now girls.

Bon Jovi!!!

2007-07-21T23:27:00.000-05:00

It is 11:30pm on Saturday night and I just got home from BON JOVI!!! My dear Guild friend CB gave me a ticket to see Bon Jovi. GBT and I had a wonderful time and I will be forever in her debt for such kindness.
PS: Since we had to get there so early to get decent seating, I had time to knit on my socks. I bet I was the only person there knitting!

Fashion Show

2007-07-21T12:20:00.000-05:00

I finally got someone to take pictures of my finished projects. The 2nd top down cardigan. I used a worsted weight variegated yarn I got at Threade Bear during the closing sale.

The KPS hooded vest. I used Cascade 109 I got at Pine Needles in Cable Wisconsin.

Finally the Koigu socks, my first pair of Koigu socks. The Harlot is right, if you are going to knit socks, Koigu is the best.

Send Me Back!

2007-07-20T11:08:00.000-05:00

I arrived home on Sunday after two weeks at the lake (whimper). I want to go back. I am still trying to acclimate to working. UGH!

Two weeks was lovely, the weather was not the best at times (another tree fell after sustained winds of 40 to 50 miles per hours), the water was not the warmest (cold north east wind). But it was vacation. I was not at work. I am tan (fading fast unfortunately) and stressed.

Not much knitting at the lake. Yarn and sand (not so much). I did knit on my socks (both pair), read extensively, (Gregory Maguire, "Mirror Mirror" and "Lost"). Don't bother with "Lost." Bad book, very, very bad book. Mirror Mirror was only slightly better. "The Navigator" by Clive Cussler, "The Boleyn Inheritance" by Philippa Gregory.

I did miss my friends/guilders immensely! We really need a night out on the town soon. Before school starts as soon as we all get back in the same city! How about August 27 we go out to eat and such . . .

GOOD NEWS . . . the furniture arrived after five long months! So far so good. I love it. I did go out and buy some new drapes (clearance) and a new drapery rod. Sadie Blue got a new bed (to keep her off the new furniture) and she likes it. Of course that might have something to do with the fact we all keep tossing treats on it willy nilly (CT hope the pups are feeling better).

Back to laundry. . . we still have many, many loads to go!

Dumb Knitter

2007-07-18T22:14:00.000-05:00

Good thing there wasn't an IQ requirement for the Guild. I would never have made the cut. Even if the bar were set real low, I'm sure my IQ is lower. So, here's the problem: I have run out of yarn, with only 1 cuff and neck finishing left on my top-down V-neck sweater made out of the pretty pink varigated yarn. The one that I've knit and re-knit several times? Yeah that's the one. And that's only part of the problem. The other part is this: I have no idea what kind of yarn it is, as I can't find the label anywhere, nor do I even remember where I purchased this yarn. (I'm sure it was on one of our yarn adventures, but we adventured into many yarn shops) So, I figure my best option is to cut off my right hand. Oh wait, then I can't knit. Perhaps I could tear out several inches from the bottom of the sweater, making it into a very short sweater like the teenage girls wear, and that would look darn good on me. Well, I have time to ponder this problem as I've taken a little vacay from knitting, since I have poison ivy on my knitting hand and it's driving me nuts. Dumb AND crazy. Quite the combo.

Good days and bad days

2007-07-17T18:06:00.000-05:00

That what you get, good days and bad days, today I had both wrapped up into one. Let's start with the good. At 10am I met 3 of my teacher friends at Borders, I taught all 3 of these women to knit this year, and what good students they are. They are already felting and knitting top down sweaters. I did not even attempt my first top down sweater until this year! Sheesh. Anyway, today they all wanted to learn 2 color mittens (fair isle knitting). Now a couple of years ago when NK came up with this hair brained idea, I was the chick who kept saying "I can't to this, I can't do this", but actually I can and I enjoy it. They all decided to knit the January mitten. They all caught on to the purl cast on and the 2 rows of braided purling in the cuff. When we ended out session all 3 were 5 or 6 rows in to the cuff and really doing quite well. We are meeting again on Aug. 1 to share our projects.

Now on to the bad part of the day. It actually started yesterday. Even though I told the boy no, he took the dogs to Lowes Creek to play. The 3 of them played and had fun all afternoon, except Reggie came home limping. So I did the reasonable thing and gave him baby aspirin and put him on the heat pad. When he was no better this morning the husband and I agreed he needed to see the vet. I could hear the little credit card machine in my brain before we even got there, cha ching. It turns out Reggie has blown his ACL. Yes, my dog has a sports injury. Go figure?!?! The sort of good news is he is under 30 pounds, so surgery is not the first course of treatment. Rest and limited activity is the treatment for now. (Didn't I have one on bed rest just a couple of weeks ago???). If in 6 weeks, he is not 100% then surgery is the treatment plan ($1400.00 surgery!!). So far in July I have spent $ 625.00 at the vet. That is a whole lot of yarn money spent on the furry members of the family. I wonder if I can flex this? It is a health care expense---right?

857 miles

2007-07-15T17:12:00.000-05:00

857, that is how many miles I put on GBT'S Honda CRV this weekend.
Friday I left for Toad Lake (just shy of 300 miles). I stayed Friday night with Uncle Gene and Aunt Ernie, we had a lovely happy hour on the shores of Toad Lake, took a walk, watched the Twins game and visited (even though I had just seen them). Saturday Aunt Ernie and I played, we canoed, took the boat out for an hour and a half and took a long walk. Then I left Toad Lake for Fargo (80 miles) to meet up with my cousin MaryKay. We then headed off to Jamestown ND (100 miles) to watch her son in law ride broncos in a rodeo. We got home about 11pm. MMT and I got up this morning, drove from Fargo to Grand Forks, collected the boy from UND Aerospace camp and proceeded to drive home.
Friday: 5 hours in car
Saturday 5 hours in the car (1. 5 driving 3.5 passenger)
Sunday: 8 hours in the car (7 driving 1 passenger)
The poor little CRV!

NK: Have fun at Family camp, we will miss you and look forward to seeing you at church next Sunday.
CB: Welcome home from The Island, I yelled at the girl as we drove past your house, I hope I did not scare her!
ASJ: We need to get together to compare vests and to discuss the merits of UND (not!).

Aslo, were we in some sort of violation of Guild bylaws? Can we legally go so long between meetings and doesn't our bylaws state that a majority of the membership needs to be in the same state at all times? We have been pretty spread out the last few weeks!

A little bit of heaven

2007-07-12T08:18:00.000-05:00

I am back again! I drove to Green Bay for a quick 24 hour visit with my friend. She was in my wedding all those years ago and we have stayed in touch. We crammed as much as we could into a short visit. The best part was lunch at Curly's Pub (sans a cold beverage) in Lambeau Field. Even though I did not enjoy the drive there and back, it was fun to see her.

Since I lack motivation to do anything around my house, I finished the Koigu socks. I will post a picture of them soon. Back to the top-down-hooded-vest.

Toad Lake and beyond......

2007-07-09T07:42:00.000-05:00

We are back, but when I say we I mean only the husband and I. We left 2 of our children in North Dakota. Our vacation to Toad Lake, MN was wonderful. I can't remember the last time that we had such nice weather. Day after day of 80+ degree weather. Perfect for floating. And we spent a lot of time floating. My uncle's birthday was once again very fun. 7 of his 9 children were there to share it with him. On the 3rd and the 4th we had over 30 people for dinner, that is probably the best part. (Although if I can whine a bit, it seems to be the same 2 to 3 people cook and clean up for all the people---but I digress.) GBT arrived late on the 4th, which was great. Over all, the food, weather, fireworks and floating were wonderful. There were only a couple of glitches....there are not words to describe my cousin's new bf Chuck, lets just say that he and his tattoos defies description. My icky cousin from 'Vegas showed up on Friday afternoon and the husband and I got into an argument as to who got to throw up first, that is how bad she, her husband and 2 nasty children are. But it was the last day at Toad Lake, we stayed numb (if you get my drift) and got through it.
We left Toad Lake yesterday morning to head for Grand Forks ND. We dropped the boy off at UND for his week at aerospace camp. We got him settled in the dorm and hit the road for WI. 7 hours later we finally arrived. We hit that weekend traffic just outside of St. Cloud. UGH! It took us over 2 hours to get from St. Cloud to the 694/494 split. The pay back game as we hit the other side of I94 and saw the traffic coming from WI. It was backed up to Baldwin! But we are home now and I get the pleasure of doing a weeks worth of vacation laundry. But I am home alone and what could be better than that after a week of people everywhere.
So much time was spent floating, playing cards and consuming cold beverages, that I did not knit much, very little in fact. I turned the heel on the second sock, but that was all. 9 hours in the car yesterday and not a stitch knit. I was too spent from the vacation.
Here is the best part----I get to make the same trip this weekend. I have to go back to pick up MMT from the horse farm and the boy from UND. Someone pray for me!

Only one in town

2007-07-02T11:54:00.000-05:00

I am the only Chick in town. It is very empty without my fellow chicks around. I do not even feel like knitting, but I shall for the sake of the guild. I do not want to let them down. I also have had an expensive weekend. New brakes on one car and a new radiator on the big buffalo van. There goes my yarn money...... Hopefully the guild will be back together and knitting in my back yard jiffy quick!

It is always something

2007-06-29T18:14:00.001-05:00

With any luck I will wake up in Toad Lake MN tomorrow. It is not the end of the earth, but you can see it from there. But you know how it goes, it is always something. Today it was the dog, Dax. When I left for soccer last night (btw they won 6-1) Dax just seemed to be in a cuddly mood. When I got home at 10:30 the husband and GBT were very concerned about his health. He was apparently in quite a bit of pain. So first thing this morning I called the vet. After a 2 hour $375.00 visit, we brought Dax back home. He has a form of Lymes disease that causes an inflammation in the joints, it has settled in Dax's lower back. Between 3 of his discs he has calcification and that is bad. He is on 3 different meds, no stairs or jumping for 2 weeks. Try telling a shitztsu that he can't jump. This back issue is something he will have the rest of his life and could cause him major problems. I feel sorry for the little guy as he lays in his bed in a drug induced haze (probably thinking of light blue sweaters and shiny credit cards---oh wait that was me)

Despite that little complication and expense we are about 80% packed and ready to leave for Toad Lake. See you Guild girls after the 4th.