The Yarn Whisperer

Hawaii-Day 1

2009-10-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

10/1/09

The drive into Seattle was horrible on the 5. Raining, dark, black asphalt, poor lighting, narrow lanes, big trucks, speeding, crowding. ME....driving slower, white knuckled, leaning over the steering wheel till my back ached. Directions to the hotel incorrect....wait....here is something I recognize....almost there...whew. So glad we decided to go the night before. Reservations for the shuttle made...at recommendation of the hotel clerk, leaving at 7:30 would be plenty of time. Up at 6:30. Come up to the room to do web check-in, and although the flight doesn't leave till 9:20, boarding at 8:25 Back down to the lobby to reset the shuttle time to 6:30, wake up at 5:30. No need to be stressed to get through security, etc....after all...this is vacation.

Argosy Scarf

2007-09-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

I have about 7 repeats left on section 2 before I start section 3. I am really disappointed with the Noro Silk Garden Lite yarn. When it came time to add the new skein, I had to take out about 20 feet of the yarn and splice before I ended up with the yarn in the right place to continue with the pattern of the stripes. This is something I might expect with cheaper yarn. I have thought of knitting something big with this yarn, like a sweater, but may need to reconsider. Also the yarn is not very soft considering it is 45% silk.

Argosy Scarf

2007-09-10T22:10:00.001-07:00

Here is the progress of my Argosy scarf. At this point, I have done about 8 repeats of the second section. I don't really like how much dark yarn there is, but we will see how it flows with the rest of the scarf. I also hope the yarn softens up some. I am knitting this with Noro Silk Garden Lite, in color #2017.

BSJ #1 Complete

2007-09-10T21:50:00.001-07:00

I finally got the 2nd shoulder seamed and the buttons put on. See how the buttons match the yarn? Just like they were made for the yarn :)

I Am Now Gainfully Employed!!

2007-08-06T07:12:00.000-07:00

After a disappointing couple weeks in the job hunt, I finally am back at work :) I finally went in to the local employment agency, to finish the process I had started with them, some 4 months ago. I had my appointment on July 24th and had a call from them on the 1st. They had a position at the local Cable TV company (Wave Broadband) and I started the next day!!! I am really enjoying the job. It seems to have enough variety to keep it interesting. The gals in the office are great as well. Imagine being able to be at work, listen to music (country music, yeah!) and listen to movies. And I get paid to do this!!! Can you see me doing the "Happy Dance"? It is a full-time, M-F job, so knitting will take a hit. Hopefully, I can at least get the 2nd BSJ finished so I can get them out in the mail this week. I don't have much to do.....seam one shoulder, knit the collar and attach the buttons.

BSJ #2 Complete

2007-08-06T07:04:00.000-07:00

I finally got the shoulders seamed up, the collar put on and the buttons attached. Not bad for my very first sweater. Can't wait to make one for myself!!

Baby Surprise Jacket #2

2007-07-31T10:08:00.000-07:00

I added the cuffed sleeve to this, so it makes it look even odder that before. The cuffs are at the top left and right of the photo. Now I need to sew it up, add the collar and then the buttons.

Updates

2007-07-31T09:39:00.000-07:00

I can't really be two weeks since my last post.....can it??

My step dad Bob, returned home from the hospital after a three day stay. They found that his kidney's weren't working well. After many tests, they found that, although he is 76, one would never know it by his tests!! He has a 20% loss of one of the kidney's and was also put on Plavix. The next day, he was out riding the lawn mower and mowing our grass!! Mower had been down for over three weeks, and he felt bad, so came out and helped. Sheesh, Bob, take a break!!!!

They are still "watching" the area of the fire from a couple weeks ago. Amazing that after so much time, a fire could still restart. It is calming, knowing that they are keeping a watchful eye over us.

On the job front. I did hear about the job at the paper. Went to someone "in house". Still looking. I did go to an employment agency last week. Still waiting to hear about something there. Did some more online testing. Apparently something coming up the end of this week.

2nd....Stepdad Rushed to the Hospital

2007-07-18T10:51:00.001-07:00

Not 12 hours later, I was getting a call from my mom telling me that Bob had had a stroke. I rushed to the hospital, and by the time I had gotten there, Bob was doing 1000 times better than when he arrived. Thank God. They said he actually had a TIA, apparently a pre-cursor to a stroke. He didn't permanently loose any functions. They did keep him overnight, and possibly for a couple days, to run some other tests. A blood test at the hospital indicated that there is something wrong with his kidney. I wasn't allowed to see him and later they told my mom to go ahead and go home, as they had to find a room for him. I took mom home, and went to my interview. Went back late afternoon to make sure mom was taking care of herself. So had dinner with the two of them. Am on my way back to the hospital. Updates to follow.

First.....A Fire in the Woods

2007-07-18T10:40:00.000-07:00

The last couple days have been strenuous in other areas as well. I received a phone call from my mom (she lives right up the road from us) at 11 p.m. Monday evening. There was a fire not too far away. We live in a heavily forested area , so of course this was frightening. I watched the skies for about 1 1/2 hours and finally went to bed. Around 2 a.m. I awoke and thought I smelled smoke in the house. I wandered around in my half-awake state, saw nothing, and went back to bed. I think my subconscious was playing tricks on me. They were still watching smoldering stumps late into the afternoon on Tuesday. Phew....we avoided evacuation.

Still Waiting.....

2007-07-18T10:21:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, I am still waiting to hear from the paper. I had hoped to hear something yesterday. Needless to say, I am now feeling down. I thought the interview went so well. Since I have been out of the work force for some time now, I guess I read signals the wrong way. I had so hoped that I would be offered one of the positions.....Oh well, enough dwelling.

On a more positive note, I did go on another interview yesterday afternoon. The job is for a Payroll and A/P person. Although I am not sure this would be as good of a fit as the position at the paper, it is still a prospect. However, they are relocating to a nearby town, probably in January. It would be a 30 minute commute each way. Possibly car pooling would be an option? The other thing that I was uncertain about, that although it is a full-time position, budget problems might necessitate cutting back hours occasionally. Not sure how I feel about the stability of the company. We shall see. I can decide more if I am called back for a 2nd interview.

A Long 4 Days

2007-07-15T23:39:00.000-07:00

I interviewed for a job at the local newspaper on Thursday. I emailed my resume and withing 45 minutes I had a call to set up an interview. The job I applied for is for a Front Desk/Receptionist. After talking for a bit, Bonnie noticed my background in bookkeeping and she thought I might be happier in the position as her Assistant. I am absolutely thrilled :) We had a great talk about the two positions....and now I wait to hear from her. She said by Tuesday.....so I hope I hear tomorrow. It is all I have been able to think about most of the weekend. It is a great opportunity. The benefits are great as well. The receptionist job is 40 hrs/wk and the assistant job is 30, but at a higher wage. I would be thrilled to be offered either one.

If you can, please send some positive thoughts my way!!! Will post more when I hear.

Thought of the Day

2007-07-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

I found this very interesting:

Study your non-material assets

We are not often asked to have a list of assets and liabilities non-materially~~Sark

Assets (what you have)

compassion
dreams
dependable
funny

Liabilities (what you owe)

compassion
guidance
companionship
assistance

What are yours?

Thought of the Day

2007-07-05T10:15:00.000-07:00

Believing in Goodness

"The light at the end of the tunnel is a freight train....but God is driving!"

"It is easy to believe in goodness when good things are happening. When there is pain, horror, neglect or evil, it is profoundly more difficult." ~~Sark

Things have been difficult around me lately, but I also know that if I remember to look, good things are right around the corner. I start my day, knowing that I can bring happiness to some one, with a gentle touch, a kind word, a sincere smile. This in turn brings me happiness. Look for the Goodness. It is all around :)

I got lost in my life........

2007-07-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

It seems once again, that life has gotten the better of me. For the last 4 months, since I went back to work, time has just flown by. Adjusting to working outside the home, strange schedules, being on my feet all day and being gone from the house and family so much, has taken its toll. I have been exhausted, chores have gone undone and I haven't been around for the family. So after 3 months of working at WalMart, I quit. I am now working in the kitchen of Park View Villas, which is a retirement community, where some of the residents are on assisted living. I took the job because I was promised full-time hours, working a shift that would allow me to be home for family dinners and weekends. Unfortunately, so far, that is not what has happened. The company is in a small turmoil right now, and I have been promised that a "shake up" is coming next week. They are impressed with my work, and promise me that I am one of the ones they want to make happy. I will get the hours I want. I also have hopes of taking the Activities Director job when it becomes available in a couple months. I do enjoy being around the elderly.....listening to their stories.....giving them some personal time. Yes, the work is hard, but very rewarding :)

Baby Surprise Jacket #2

2007-07-05T09:44:00.000-07:00

This is another Baby Surprise Jacket. The yarn is also from Universal Handknitting Yarns, and is white with speckles of blue, pink and yellow, called Showers. I am using a solid pink yarn by the same company, for the stripes.

Baby Surprise Jacket #1

2007-07-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

I finished knitting this some time ago.....where does the time go?? Well, actually I still need to add the cuffs and a collar and it still needs to be sewn up, but that happens after I do the cuffs. It is hard to tell from the picture, but the buttons have the same colors throughout. I couldn't have found better buttons, thanks to my daughter :) This sweater is for my BF's new granddaughter. I plan to make a larger one for her "Big Sister" The yarn is by Universal Handknitting Yarns called Playtime. It is variegated with blue, pink, purple, mint green and white.

Thought of the Day

2007-03-21T22:20:00.000-07:00

Begin whatever calls to you

"If you get quiet, and turn your thought inward and listen closely you can hear a small voice calling you. Follow that voice. I am often in the clutches of my "inner critic", which tells me what I should do, and leaves very little or no room for serendipity, or a new beginning. So, I practice listening for that voice of new beginnings.

Begin a new way of living ....."~~Sark

My new way of living is finding a job, networking with real people, forming new friendships. Laughing more, criticizing less, live more.

Thought of the Day

2007-03-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

Beginnings need variety

"Beginnings can be treacherous. Sometimes I agonize so completely over ever beginning, that I collapse under the covers and say "I give up." Often after this, I get up as if in a trance and sit down with the work. Some kind of shape floats into consciousness, and I focus intently on it, until I recognize how to describe it. If i begin something in one location, and it isn't working, often a movement in any direction will bring in fresh energy. So, I move around a lot.

Begin again...and again...and again."~~Sark

There are so many things that I need to "begin" again. Begin again to organize my life, my home, my personal achievements, my well-being. I have neglected so much of myself, so much of my surroundings. I have wallowed in self woe. I have to "begin" to redefine myself.

Thought of the Day

2007-03-19T13:34:00.000-07:00

I have decided to try posting a thought a day, to give me something to post/talk about. I bought this wonderful book called "Living Juicy Daily Morsels for Your Creative Soul" a few months ago. It is written by Sark.
http://tinyurl.com/2sj5w2

Todays quote:

Beginnings Are:

That first paragraph, a
single step, a solo note,
the touch of a gas pedal,
a blank envelope, a brush
stroke, that first phone call.

Begin now
Begin where you are
Begin It

Sometimes I begin something 100 times before
it takes hold and develops its own momentum.

... All my beginnings are important ~~Sark

My new beginnings ... to find something that inspires me today ....

Spring blossoms. The rain has stopped. The sun is shining. The dark cloud over my family is beginning to float away. My daughter is home from the hospital :)

Kristen is Home

2007-03-19T13:30:00.000-07:00

Kristen was released from the hospital yesterday. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. She is still really tired, but soooo glad to be able to sleep in her own bed.

Monkey Socks

2007-03-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

My newest pair of socks, for me, are called Monkey socks :) The pattern is from http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTmonkey.html

I am using my TOFUtsies yarn on 2 size 2 circulars. Cast on 64 stitches. The top of the cuff is knitted with a twisted stitch, (through the back loop) First time I have done this. It was difficult at first to do, but is getting easier with each round :)

Felted Laptop Bag

2007-03-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

I am trying my hand at felting again. This time, I have made sure the yarn is 100% wool and not a super wash wool!! The yarn is by Universal Yarn, Inc called Blue Passion. The yarn looks more like a purple to me. It has purple, turquoise and pink running together. I am knitting on circulars size 15, with 130 stitches. It is hard to tell in the photo, but the flap tapers down to a triangle.

A Touch of Pretty :)

2007-03-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

These beautiful branches came from two of our fruit trees. A cherry plum tree and a cherry tree. Thing is, he trimmed these branches off some three weeks ago. While driving home the other day, I saw them on the ground.....blooming. How bizarre. I thought they would look great in a tall vase. So there you go!!!!

And Then.....

2007-03-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

I get a call from Kyle, from school, asking me to pick him up because he broke his finger playing basketball. Sheesh....when does this black cloud hanging over me go away? So, we spent almost 4 hours at the ER. Had x-rays and waited and waited and waited. Then a code blue was called to the ER. Prayers being said. Wait, wait, wait. Finally, we get called back. Computers are down. X-ray can't be read. Wait, wait, wait. They can't read the x-ray as they are all digital now and need the computer to read them. They decide to go ahead and splint, since the treatment is the same whether broken or sprained. Five hours later Kyle is complaining that he wants to take splint off. No, is the response. Why, the debate begins. It needs to stay on to heal, the response. The debate, we don't know it is broken or not. Response, it stays on, go to bed.

It goes from bad to worse

2007-03-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

I just talked to Kristen at the hospital tonight. She has E-coli in her bloodstream, her hemoglobin's are dropping and her liver is not functioning right. This is especially bad for her because of her low immune system. I am waiting for a call from her dad to let me know how bad it really is. I should be there with her. I am 1200 miles away and my trip to see here isn't till next month. May have to see if I can change my travel plans.

Just when you think things are going great

2007-03-15T13:30:00.000-07:00

The sky opens up and things come crashing down. All in a matter of a couple weeks. My oldest son, Corey (21), who moved up here to go to college, just quit his job. Just when we were finally not paying his way, it begins again. Gas money, insurance, cell phone, walking around money. Hubby's raise wasn't what he expected, promised. He is actually insulted. Younger son in trouble at school, not doing schoolwork, horsing around, 3 day suspension. My oldest daughter, Kristen is back in the hospital. She has an UTI, which moved into her blood-stream. Her doctor called her yesterday with the lab work results and told her to go to hospital. She has bacteria in her blood and is dehydrated. Since she had the bone marrow transplant, her immune system still is not at 100%, so little things can get serious for her. We owe taxes. The first time ever, having to pay. We had taken some money out of David's IRA to live. Paid taxes on that, but the government imposes a 10% penalty as well. This most of all, just &#$%%# me off. It is his money. He did pay taxes on it when he took it out. Why does the government think they deserve any more of it? Because of that, we lost the EIC. David's salary is about 1/3 of what it was in California. Cost of living is less here in Washington, but not 1/3 less. So, we did what we had to do to keep a roof over our head and food on the table. Now we get penalized big time for it. If we had gotten the EIC and no penalty, we would've had a refund of about $3500, now we owe almost $5000. The penalty wasn't that much. It is all because we lost the EIC. I am at a loss as to how we are going to handle this. We live less than paycheck to paycheck. I have already cut the monthly expenses a lot. There is just no more places to take from. I feel like I am in quicksand. Disappearing fast. No rope to grab.

I know we are told God doesn't give us more than we can handle. But, come on, my folder is really, really full.

Despite the fact that it is in the low 40's....

2007-03-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

Spring is springing!! To the left are my tulips budding. The photo on the right is our cherry plum tree blooming. I love this time of year, just wish it was warmer. Soon the bougainvillea's will be popping up. The roses have new growth. I just love my roses. Need more, but, that takes time :)

Finished Corey's Thuja Socks

2007-03-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally finished the socks for Corey :) Although a inch and a half doesn't seem like much (over the size I usually make), when knitting with such small needles, it seems like a foot!!! Get it! LOL :) Anyway, I am glad that they are finally done. Hubby saw them and now wants a pair. That will come, as I don't have suitable yarn for guy socks, and I am on a yarn diet.

It's Snowing Outside :)

2007-02-28T18:26:00.000-08:00

Well, it is finally sticking!!! It has been trying for the past couple days, but only does it for a few minutes, never sticking. I had just made a comment to my son this afternoon about whether it would actually do enough to get the ground white. Not two hours later, here it is :)

Celebrating my Daughter's Life

2007-02-28T14:06:00.000-08:00

I am so excited. I have made all the arrangements to fly back to CA to spend a week with my two daughters, Kristen and Katelin, and my grandson Donovan. April 27th is the annual reunion for BMT (bone marrow transplant) recipients, at the City of Hope. I am going to celebrate Kristen's life :) On March 10th, she will be celebrating 2 years of being cancer-free. As some of you may remember, last year we were told the cancer was back, but prayers were answered, and the doctor's had just been a bit too cautious. Later scans showed she was/is okay :)

So, I get to spend a week with them, and am also planning to visit my best friend, Kathy, for a weekend. Now, just to get the next two months to pass quickly!!!

Corey's Thuja Sock

2007-02-28T14:00:00.000-08:00

I finally finished the first sock for my son Corey. Not sure why it took so long to finish....well, actually, truth be known, I "frogged" many times. More times than I care to admit. Guess too much wandering around in my head. Anyway, as you can see, it fits perfectly :) He is anxious to have the 2nd one done. I am about 2 1/2" into it. I promise I will be more diligent on this one, and pay more attention. I need to get this one done, and work on the 2nd one for my mom, as she gets her cast off on Monday. Hopefully she doesn't need another one.

Fair Isle Hat Finished

2007-02-09T12:05:00.000-08:00

I cast-off the hat last night. Elements used in knitting this hat were first time things for me. This is my first attempt at a hat, my first at knitting Fair Isle and the first time I used the 3 needle bind off. I really enjoyed knitting this, and it wasn't as difficult as I thought it might be, once I got the hang of 2 color knitting. I am already planning a BIG project.....a sweater for my husband :)

My Failure at Rotation Knitting

2007-02-08T13:37:00.000-08:00

Although I said a couple weeks ago that I would try my hand at rotation again, I just don;t seem to be able to get there. I know I have many projects that are now UFO's, but I have found that I am no good at trying to do a different project a day. I tried that when I did cross stitch and the same thing happened. Failed to keep with a rotation schedule. Now, I am upset at myself for not having the discipline to accomplish this, I am happy with the process of the items I a working on :) My son is waiting for his pair of long asked for socks. My mom's cast will be coming of in about three weeks, so I need to get the 2nd sock done. Although my SIL doesn't know she has a pair of socks being made for her, I would still like to get the other one done for her, before we go spend the weekend with them in the next couple weeks. Then, I am almost done with the Fair Isle hat I started this week. So....maybe I should try to do a different project each week, instead of each day. I will let you know how this "works for me!"

BTW, you can see my current 3 projects down below :)

My New Layout

2007-02-08T13:35:00.000-08:00

I got tired of the old layout so I have spent the morning and part of the afternoon, trying to get all components of my old design into the new design. I had done some customizing on my blog and it took work to get it all on to the new design. So, although I like to change things up....I don't think I will be changing again anytime soon!!!

How do you like it??? Inquiring minds like to know :)

Update on the Gerbil!!

2007-02-08T13:33:00.000-08:00

I have now used up one skein of the two I have for this scarf. I can't believe how soft it is and just love feeling it against my neck. My husband calls it my "Gerbil"..... maybe you can see why!!

Fair Isle Hat

2007-02-08T13:16:00.000-08:00

I took a Fair Isle class last week to learn how to make this hat, at my new LYS. Even though I didn't understand the direction from the teacher, as she knits a different way. She said she learned from a Bolivian lady. Anyway, I had purchased some inexpensive yarn at WalMart and wasn't happy with the way it split. So I got some better yarn at the LYS and a contrasting yarn. I wasn't happy with that color as it got lost in the lighter part of the main yarn. One design the teacher provided didn't work out evenly for the amount of stitches that we cast on, so I found a couple patterns that I liked in a Fair Isle book. So after I ripped out for the 3rd time, I finally got to where I am now :)

Corey's Socks

2007-02-08T13:02:00.000-08:00

One of my current projects is a pair of socks for my oldest son, Corey, with a yarn that he picked out on a recent trip to the LYS. I am using Austermann Step in various shades of blue, gray and brown. It is a self-stripping yarn. I am using size 2 circulars. I am about 1-2" from starting the decreases for the toe. I am going to try the rounded toe on this one.

My Rotation Schedule

2007-01-22T17:49:00.000-08:00

I have made up a rotation schedule for my various knitting projects. Some are current WIP's, but three of them are UFO's. I was going to add the UFO of my grandson's sweater, but since I have only finished the front and he lives in southern CA, I have decided to put that on my list in another couple months or so. Plus, I think the size might be too small for him, so may restart it in a larger size. So (drum roll please) here is my rotation schedule

Sunday - Kirstin Sweater for me
Monday - Socks for me
Tuesday - Corey's Socks
Wednesday - Vivian Hoxbro Wing Shawl
Thursday - Gigi's (my SIL) 2nd Sock
Friday - Afghan
Saturday - Mom's 2nd sock

There it is. It is in black and white (Well actually, blue and gray) but it is written down. I can be held accountable. I will achieve!!!

Another One to Add to the UFO Rotation

2007-01-22T14:29:00.000-08:00

This is a Vivian Hoxbro Shawl. I started this last March and only have about 1/10th of it done. I love the shadow knitting and can't wait to see this one finished. Go here to see a picture of it:
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6938/2303/1600/105001.1.jpg

Another UFO soon to be a WIP :)

2007-01-22T14:17:00.000-08:00

This is an afghan that I started last year, and is an UFO (UnFinished Object). It is an Absolutely Fabulous Throw kit, by Colinett, in a color scheme called Nightfall. It has 8 different types of yarn included. I started this about two years ago, if not longer. The pattern is very easy, and I am almost half done. If you would like to do one of these for yourself

visit:http://www.colinett.com/

Kirstin Sweater

2007-01-22T14:00:00.000-08:00

This is one of my UFO's that I want to pick up again. The pattern is called Kirstin's Sweater and is from the Hot Knits book. It is done in Bernat Bling Bling in Moulin Rouge. I already have the back done and am almost done with the left front. So about 1/3 done. The pattern calls for a zipper, but I think I will us buttons instead, as the yarn is fuzzy and the yarn will get caught in it. I found some buttons that are plastic with holes around it, so you can weave yarn around them to match the project. Or maybe, I will just leave it without either.

A Gerbil????

2007-01-22T13:54:00.000-08:00

When my husband, David, saw this sitting on a chair, he had to take a double take at just what he was looking at!! He told me it looked like a gerbil :) Actually, it is the beginning of a scarf. I had purchased this yarn a few months ago when I had seen in on sale, and I ran across it when I was sorting my yarn. It is extremely soft and thought it would feel really great around my neck. The yarn is called Moda Dea in colors of black, gray, tan white and beige.

Felting Disaster

2007-01-22T12:45:00.000-08:00

My first disaster in felting. Well, actually it wasn't the felting that was the problem...it was the yarn. The pattern is called Original Mags Bag, by Bags by Mags and called for 2 skeins of Noro Kureyon and 150 yds. of contrasting wool yarn. Well, here is where I messed up. When ordering the yarn online, for the CC, I picked Falk Dalegarn. I only read that it was 100% wool. Either the website didn't mention it or I didn't notice, but the yarn is 100% machine washable. So, of course the Noro yarn did great on the top of the bag, but the straps and the bottom of the bag look like fish net. I am so bummed because $25 of yarn is wasted, basically. I could probable still use it, but it is an awkward size now. Very disappointing. One thing though ..... I will never make that mistake again!

Mom's Sock

2007-01-20T01:36:00.000-08:00

Well, I actually finished this last year, right after Christmas :) I just now finally got around to taking a picture. Now that Mom has broken her ankle, it will be at least another 5 weeks till she will need a pair. They are certainly warm socks. I knitted it with Socks That Rock yarn. Sure will keep her feet warm. Too bad it isn't wide enough to fit around the cast. Been thinking about making her a "toe cozy", but the first time I tried, it wasn't big enough around. Should try that again :)

Long Overdue Post

2007-01-20T00:43:00.000-08:00

Seems once again I have neglected my blog. Seems there has been so much going on the past couple months.....Never seem to get it all together at the same time.

My Mom fell on the 3rd while we were looking at some property with Pam, my step-dad's daughter, down the street. Pam is looking to move up here to be near her father, so they had spent a couple days looking at properties.

While Pam and Mom continued to talk to the agent, I had gone for a small walk and had a smoke. I turned and at first I saw my mom, then I didn't. She had slipped down a small grassy area, landed in water and couldn't move. I gave Pam my jacket which is waterproof to try and get under my mom, while I got a ride from the agent back to mom's house. Ran in yelling for Bob and Robert (Pam's son) that mom needed help. We could take my van down to give her a ride home. Went to reach in my pocket and realized that the keys were in my jacket, down the hill. We decided to take Bob's car. Bob got in, Robert and I went around to get in.....How do we get out? My van is parked behind them. Off runs Bob down the hill. Robert, a runner himself, ran back down the hill to retrieve the keys. When he got back, he said we were going to take mom to the hospital. I ran in to get my purse, slipped on the rug, and almost face-planted on the tile floor or into the brick wall. Wrenched my back. Finally we get mom in the car. After a couple hours, x-rays, ice packs and time, we were told she broke her ankle on both sides. Orthopedic surgeon had just taken someone else into surgery, so we were told to call and get an appointment for Friday. They put a splint on and sent her with ice packs to go rest and keep the leg up. Dr. Ended up not wanting to see her until Monday. When we went in they told her she needed surgery and that they would put a plate and screws in. Tuesday morning she had the surgery. One plate and 11 screws.

Snowed Wednesday. Got home from taking Kyle to late start at school and was beginning the day's chores. I then get a call from Corey.....he had been in an accident on his way home from school. Drove to be with him. A tow truck was called by the police officer. When the driver came to pick up the car he asked Corey how he was going to pay. Told him we have AAA. Was it called in as AAA the driver sneered? Not sure as the policeman called it in. Sorry, I can't take it then. Get to the house, man barked at me how are you paying for this? Cash? How much I inquired? Grumpily he told me $255 + tax. How much is it then I asked again. Once again he sneered, reached for his cell and made the call. Oh, it appears that it is really $265 + tax. $288........Shit, I muttered to myself....there goes all our money and payday isn't till the 16th. Asked again about AAA.....no I can't take it now.

Now I am waiting for a form to fill out for reimbursement from AAA for the charges. Wonder how long all this will take???

Now, I am stuck at home, without a car, while Corey goes to school and work. Something unfair about all this. Corey got the fender off last week and David and Corey straighten it out this past weekend. This weekend they plan to straighten out the bumper so that there is room for the fender to be put back on. They still need to figure out what to do about the lighting, as it was also destroyed. But at least he can drive it during the day, to school and then he can have my car for going to work since he works nights. At least I would have the car during the day. Interesting how when you don't have transportation, it seems like you always want to get out. I never went out much anyway, but now it seems that I always have something I want to do.

Another obstacle thrown in my path of life!

Update as of today (although this was written today) the tow company still has not put through the charge for the towing. That was 10 days ago. Wonder what is up with that????

I've Been Tagged!!!!

2007-01-11T08:44:00.000-08:00

Julie tagged me!!! THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the Â6 weird things about you.Â People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. DonÂt forget to leave a comment that says Âyou are taggedÂ in their comments and tell them to read your blog.Â Well, we all have some "different" things that would be considered weird to others. So here are mine:

I don't feel right in the passenger seat of the car. I usually do all the driving, so when I'm not, it is an odd feeling for me. Especially when my husband, David drives.
When I eat my sherbert (or sometimes ice cream) or oatmeal,I have to have it in my blue Tupperware bowl. When I can't find one of the two I still have left,(out of 4) I go on the hunt for them.
When I get a soda, at home, I can only have two ice cubes. When we go out, many times I order my soda without ice.
When the lights are left on when no one is in the room. Especially when a couple of the males in my house just have to turn the light on in the bathroom, in the daytime, with the sun shining outside. The light does no good.
On the rare occasion when I go to bed before my husband, I relax relaz until he is in the room. Then no matter how tired I am, it still takes me too long to get to sleep.
When I go to the kitchen sink and it has "stuff" all in it. What is so difficult about rinsing the sink when you are done rinsing a plate, bowl, whatever....

Now, here are the ones that I am tagging!!! Denise, Christine, Lori, Abigale, Heather and Jeanette !!!!

Isabel's Socks

2006-12-22T10:49:00.000-08:00

Well now sweet daughter - I do appreciate your precise and high talent - the socks are works of art. I had just gotten out of the shower, got on some new navy jeans and this hot damn white shirt I bought at Fam. Dollar - and what should appear in the package - but a pair of somethings done with love. I've got them on now, and they are not in the least bit scratchy, nor are they too hot or too cold. They are a three bears, just right! Thank you so much for something that I'll really, really use. We're going up to the cabin, and then, they'll show their true worth! Thank you sooooo much.

This is the note I got from Isabel when she got the socks. When rereading the email, I realized that she had sent some pics. So thought I would post them here.

Fluted Banister Sock Progress

2006-12-19T22:12:00.000-08:00

I haven't really worked on this too much since before my surgery, but this is the progress from then. As you can see, I have picked up the gusset stitches and am now working on the decreases. I have about 5" left, which at this point, goes rather quickly. Should have this done sometime tomorrow. I think this pair will be for my mother for Christmas. They are a nice weight, so they should keep her little footsies nice and warm!!

Deck the Halls

2006-12-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

We waited days to find the time when we were all around and for me to fell stable enough on my feet, to be able to trim the tree. Please excuse the nightgown and robe, as that was all that I was comfortable in.....still is that way after almost 3 weeks.

This is What Became of My Nice Candle Centerpiece

2006-12-19T20:57:00.000-08:00

During the power outage, we burned many, many candles. Although candle centerpieces are attractive, the candles certainly do not burn well :(

Scarf for Corey

2006-12-19T12:03:00.001-08:00

Corey hates having his picture taken, so I told him I would just take one of the scarf. Well, I moved the camera up, he made a goofy face and I snapped the photo. I told him I was going to use it.....so here it is. I used Lion Brand Wool Ease in Barely and Edwardian on size 11 needles. Of course I finished it after the big snow storm the week before.

Horrible Wind Storm

2006-12-17T13:21:00.000-08:00

Thursday evening, the northern part of Washington was hit with severe wind warnings. The area that we live, close to the Straits of Juan de Fuca, was to get gusts of wind 70-90 mph. That is strong. The warnings were true. We have trees down all over town. We ourselves, had 8 more trees downed along our drive. Remember, just 3 weeks before, we had the rain and snow storms, that downed 6 or so trees, just along our drive.

Power outages were felt around our small town. Mostly on the west end, where we live. Our power went out at 12:45 a.m. Friday morning. We kept the house warm by keeping a fire in the fireplace all day. We were told late in the afternoon, Friday, that we would have power again by 5:30 or so. Well, that turned into another 8 hours or so. It was cold. It is amazing how dependent we are on electricity and all the "modern" comforts we have!! Phones, computers, TV, hot coffee and warm food. My husband David asked if this was about as close to camping as I would go........you got that right!!!

Has it really been so long.....

2006-12-17T13:00:00.000-08:00

Since my last post? Apparently so, and now I remember why!!! My surgery has taken a large chunk of time away from me. Physically and emotionally. It has been a harder road to travel than I thought it might be. Well, originally the surgeon thought that he could do the hernia repair with only 4-5 laprascopic holes. Turns out that he actually needed 11. There hernia was so large that it required a large piece of mesh to repair it. So the holes are all around my abdomen and the mesh is attached around them. The surgery was delayed almost 4 hours, which was difficult, sitting and waiting for the time to come. Not to mention the fact that I was starving and dying of thirst!!! I wasn't wheeled into the OR until almost 4 p.m. I spent the night in the hospital, mainly sleeping, with the combined effects of the morphine and the anesthesia wearing off. On Friday the surgeon asked if I was ready to go home, and I explained that I wasn't, so I stayed an additional day in the hospital. I came home on Saturday and sleep most of the time for the next 4 days. Don't think I have ever spent so much time in bed as I have during this ordeal......even with the birth of my four kids!!! Now it has been 18 days since surgery and I am feeling much better. Still am not able to wear anything too binding around my belly. Mainly I am wearing my nightgown and robe. I do have a pair of really large, black, elastic waisted pants for when I need to go out in public!!

I do feel that "something" just isn't right in there. I am feeling a small bulge, have been running low-grade fevers, had the chills, have been sick and the loose bowels for the past week. I do have a follow-up appointment tomorrow, so I hope that all is okay, and that I don't have any sort of complication. Will post more when I know.

Winter Wonderland

2006-11-28T13:41:00.000-08:00

This morning we woke to icicles! My poor rose bush wasn't even safe :(

Snow in All it's Wonder!!!

2006-11-27T09:51:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been snowing here for over 24 hours now. These are just some of the wonderful pics of our surroundings. The cut logs above are from one of the two trees that was downed yesterday along the drive out to the main road. The other two fallen trees are the new ones we found when we awoke this morning. After we get these trees cleared, we are moving our vehicles to the top of the road and park them at my mom's house.....just in case!!!

Fluted Banister Socks

2006-11-27T09:43:00.000-08:00

I am at the heel flap on this sock. I am using Socks that Rock yarn in colorway Farmhouse, by Blue Moon Fiber Arts. The design of the sock seems to rotate around the sock. I am using two circs in size 2. For those of you keeping track...this is the last of the 3 designs in the small project totes that I recently purchased.

Shibby Enjoying the Snow

2006-11-26T21:01:00.000-08:00

Shibby is enjoying this season's first snow. The picture is a bit blurry from him running, but I think it is an interesting photo :)

Snow Falling

2006-11-26T19:44:00.000-08:00

About 9 this morning we had these huge snowflakes falling, that eventually turned into a blanket of snow. It is fun to experience snow....When it doesn't stay for days and days. We went out to get my hubby his medicine, only to find that the pharmacy wasn't open. Coming home we get a call from hubby telling us that a tree was down across our driveway through the woods. We have about 1/4 mile drive that is tree-lined, so this didn't surprise me in the least. Well, we actually had 2 trees down, 2 chain saws with dull blades and one that we couldn't start, that did have a freshly sharpened blade. Of course the only place to get a replacement chain was already closed. After about 3 hours, and the assistance from a neighbor with his chain saw, we finally got them all out of the way. The neighbor noticed that the chain saws didn't "sound" like they were doing any good, so he came to assist. It is still snowing, so no school tomorrow. Trying to talk hubby from not going to work as well.

I've Counted my Blessings

2006-11-25T23:14:00.000-08:00

I just got back from an absolutely wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. We spent Thursday - Saturday with my step-brother, Tim and his wife, Gigi, at their brand new home. I was surrounded by my mom, Pat; step-dad, Bob; my youngest son Kyle; Tim and Gigi; and their two kids, Jonathan and Jennice. Unfortunately, my oldest son had to work on Friday. He did cook his own turkey dinner though. I bought him a fresh turkey, a Cream Cheese Pumpkin Streusel pie, and he did the rest. He is quite the cook. We will enjoy some of his turkey fixings tomorrow!!!

After a small hitch of an uncooked turkey, we had a fabulous meal of turkey (duh), green bean casserole (with a kick of some good New Mexican green chili), sweet potato souffle, stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, a cranberry jello salad and rolls. Gigi out did herself. Thank you so much Gigi.

I was further blessed with the best blessing of all. Being able to talk to both my daughters that live in California. We had had some major problems the past four months, but it has finally all worked out. First I talked to my youngest daughter, Katelin. I managed to catch her as she was just getting off work from one of her two jobs. She was on the way to the valley where we used to live, some 2 hours away, to have a turkey dinner with some friends. It was going to be a short holiday for her, as she had to be back at work on Friday at 5. I then talked to Kristen, my oldest, for about an hour. It had been so long since we had last talked and it was such a great feeling to be included in her day. The whole time we talked I was sitting in a very cold, damp garage (at Tim & Gigi's) with the garage door open, because the reception was lousy on my cell phone. By the time we had finished our conversation, I was a frozen blob of tears and smiles!! I didn't even have slippers on.....And I didn't want to go back inside for my slippers or jacket, for fear that our phone call would be dropped (we were both on cell phones). Well, our calls got dropped three times, but we got right back on with other. I really enjoyed hearing all about the things going on in her life.... Her quest at finding a job, her new "friend" and my grandson, Donovan. Also sharing the joy of her being in remission from her cancer. She was given the all clear on March 11, 2005, but was told the cancer was back this last June. To our great relief, the doctors were wrong and she gets to live her life in all it's glory.

After we finished talking, I sat in front of the fireplace to get warm, and cried. For the first time in months, they were happy tears. Tears that told me that I was whole again as a mother. Tears that told me I could enter my surgery next week with a light heart. Tears that told me I was happy again.

I am truly blessed. Thank you God for hearing my prayers. Amen

Finally, my surgery is scheduled!!

2006-11-21T00:12:00.000-08:00

After all the running around, making phone calls and having upteen million tests, I have a date for my hernia repair. I met with the surgeon that does laparoscopic surgery today, and he has agreed that he can do the surgery. This is instead of the intrusive surgery that his associate does. At least it is finally scheduled after almost a year of waiting to finally have insurance and then all the running around the past 3 months. He says he will have to make 5 incisions, and barring any complications, that should be all I need. Surgery is scheduled for 11/30/06. I still need to get an EKG, a chest x-ray and some blood work done before then. I can't believe how long the recovery time is though. I won't be allowed to lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk for 6 weeks. That puts me past Christmas time, so I need to get all my shopping, packages sent in the mail and decorating done in the next couple days. At least I will be able to start looking for a job in January, so that makes me happy :)

2006-11-21T00:07:00.000-08:00

Here is the first of the pair of socks I am knitting for Gigi. I didn't like the way it the colors "pooled" after the picking up the gusset stitches and working the decreases. Not sure how to keep that from happening when using a self-striping yarn when you change the number of stitches being knitted, like after picking up the gusset. Any ideas from any of you seasoned knitters???

2006-11-21T00:04:00.000-08:00

I finished this afghan just in time to take to Tim and Gigi's for Thanksgiving Day :) It is extremely heavy and will do a great job when snuggling away from the Seattle rains!! I love the way the colors are muted, yet distinctive.

Diamond Lace Progress

2006-11-14T15:06:00.000-08:00

My progress on this sock this week. I really didn't work on it much, once I started on the socks for Gigi. I did manage to get about 15 rows done, I think :) Notice the design on my other small tote bag. This is design #2 of the 3 that I ordered. It says "At Least my Stash is Legal"

Scales Skin Socks (SSS)

2006-11-14T14:07:00.000-08:00

While I was a Tim & Gigi's, I showed Gigi the various sock projects that I have waiting for some attention. Notice the cute little bag there? It says "Frogging is a Fact of Life."! Go to http://tinyurl.com/yyzc80 to see them all. I got 4 bags in 3 different designs. They are perfect for the small projects ... Say a pair of socks!!! Anywho....Gigi loved the colors of this yarn, so I decided she would get a pair of socks for Christmas. The yarn is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in color 601, Rainbow. I had a bit of "pooling" on the heel, but it has worked itself out. The pattern is Scales Skin Socks (SSS). It is a freebie on one of the Yahoo sock groups I belong to. I am using size 2 circs.

Sheesh, has it really been ......

2006-11-14T13:27:00.000-08:00

That long since my last post??? Not sure what my excuse is. I have let many things go in the last couple weeks. I have been doing some knitting, of course!! On the 4th, I took a glass table and chairs to Tim & Gigi's (my step brother) new house. It was a table that was his grandparents and since we weren't using it, it was just being stored in the workshop. For those of you who don't know, we are living in my step dad's parents home. Anyway, they just moved into their brand new home in September and needed a table for their kitchen nook area. We went out to dinner, at a local casino, for their seafood buffet. OMG, what great food. Great presentation and so many different choices. They had Dungeness crab, Joshua crab (never heard of that one before) which was served cold, shrimp Creole, peel and eat shrimp, different salmon and cod dishes and I know some other seafood items that I am forgetting. They also had the biggest hunk of beef that I have ever seen and also ham. Then the had a rather small salad bar, and a huge dessert bar. I never made it to the dessert bar. I want to take David to spend the weekend out there with them and take him to the buffet. He would go crazy there. He makes up for what I can't eat at a buffet, to justify the high cost. Tim said the same thing as far as they are concerned as well :) Maybe I can convince him to go this weekend as it is payday week!! We are going there for T-Day, so we will see. Guess I better ask them first!! BTW, they have an absolutely beautiful home. A kitchen to die for.

2006-10-30T11:44:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love the pillow?? My witch is wearing my sock as her scarf ! I made a couple changes to my sock in progress. First off, I took it off the DPN's as I was it was taking me much longer to get anywhere with it. The second thing I changed was the pattern. The one I started with had a cable and it proved difficult to execute with such small needles. It had a cable every other stitch, every other round, for 6 inches. Too much. So the pattern I am knitting now is called Diamond Lace Socks. It is knitted on size one and I am using Opal yarn. I have 1-1 1/2 inches left to go before I start preparing for the heel.

Fall's First Freeze

2006-10-30T11:30:00.000-08:00

Last night we had our first freeze of the season. It is amazing what running water can do as it freezes. We have our own ice sculpture :)

2006-10-30T10:41:00.000-08:00

Corey found this leaf on the driveway and we were both amazed with the perfectly round green circles spotted around it. Upon closer inspection, inside the green spots, were small black organisms. Not sure what they were, so back outside it went....Just in case they decided to let loose in the house!!!

Wet Kisses

2006-10-30T10:32:00.000-08:00

My daughter Kristen, her son Donovan and my youngest daughter Katelin. We are having breakfast at a buffet in Las Vegas. We were there to celebrate my son Corey's 21st birthday. Kristen and Donovan share some Wet Kisses!!!

Janet's To Do List

2006-10-30T10:15:00.000-08:00

I have managed to get a couple more things done on my list :)

I am copying an idea from an online friend, Christine, to keep a goal list. Although the concept certainly isn't new, it is new to me to actually write it down. I have always kept "the list" upstairs in my head. As I get older, have more stress and never seem to accomplish much, I decided I needed to get some of them out there so I could deal with them. I have so many ideas in my head, that seem to never make it to the top of the list, let alone be remembered!!! I am not going to do a monthly, weekly or even a daily list, right now. I have so many things roaming around in my head, that for now, I think I will just list all that I remember and go from there. I will then try to break it down to weekly goals :) At this time, I feel just getting them down will help immensely. So here we go (in no particular order!): List started October 19

1. Mail out birthday gifts~~Done
2. Finish Warm Thoughts afghan for my step brother and his wife
3. Have better relationship with my daughters
4. Get rid of clothes that no longer fit or I will never wear
5. Decide what to do with all my counted cross stitch inventory
6. Go through old magazines
7. Do scrapbook for each child for the holidays
8. Make DVD's of photos and family movies
9. Make ornaments (got a neat book for this)
10. Follow up on retrieving medical records ~~Done
11. Get surgery scheduled
12. Find a job (after recovery from surgery)
13. Finish Absolutely Fabulous Throw for us
14. Pick a pattern for a knitted sweater for me and cast on
15. Knit Ribbon scarf for Kristen and Katelin
16. Knit cap for son Corey (he even picked out the yarn)
17. Knit David some socks
18. Organize yarn and needles (again!!)
19. Repair frames and get pics hung back up
20. Finish sweater for Donovan (before he gets too big for it)
21. Finish Wing Shawl for myself
22. Organize printed patterns and put in notebooks ~~Done
23. Quit smoking ~~Working on it :)
24. Get more exercise
25. Make holiday napkins with my embroidery sewing machine
26. Donate items to Goodwill
27. Loose weight
28. Pull up carpet and tile main bathroom
29. Paint bathrooms
30. Paint living room
31. Paint dining room
32. Paint bedrooms
33. Weed through Kyle's toys to donate
34. Put movies and games back in cases in Kyle's room (many, many loose items)
35. Defrost freezer
36. Clean refrigerator (yuck)
37. Read more
38. Paint front door ~~Done

Success with DPN's!!

2006-10-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

I decided to try to knit socks on DPN's. After watching a video about it, I decided to give it a try. At first I tried with size 10 1/2 wooden needles, and after several attempts, I was ready to give it all up. The needles were to big and therefore awkward to get an even tension. Since socks aren't made with that large of a needle, I picked up size 1, that is used for my next sock pattern. They are aluminum, which I also heard was difficult in the beginning to use. After practicing for 5 rounds or so, I decided I was ready to CO for the real thing. This is my progress as of last night. I have an inch done so far. It really does get easier the more you do it :)

Illusion Candy Corn Dishcloth

2006-10-22T20:19:00.000-07:00

This one I completed in about 3 hours. I find this one amazing, as you can only see the design when you hold it a certain way. Otherwise it just looks like a bunch of colored stripes!!! I always have associated Candy Corn with Halloween, so this was a perfect design for me to knit....while snacking on some Candy Corn, of course :)

Saturday Sky 10-21-06

2006-10-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

Another fabulous Pacific Northwest Sky. Don't ya just love it? This one was taken looking towards Canada.

Darrell Waltrip Dishcloth

2006-10-19T16:37:00.000-07:00

I started and finished this one in about 3 hours. The designer calls it the DW Dishcloth for Darrell Waltrip, her favorite Nascar driver!!!

My Prize Box of Yarn

2006-10-18T13:33:00.000-07:00

The mail lady came to my door just now, and delivered my surprise package of yarn from Barbara. Barbara posted a challenge to the yahoo group Knitting-Chicks, to help her decide what to knit with some yarn she found in her stash. I had suggested the Diamond Lace Scarf I had made this past March, with her lace weight yarn. I was among 4 knitter's that won a surprise box of yarn :) Barbara was very generous and sent me 4 skeins of Moda-Dea Castwheel yarn in Bronzeberry, a skein of off white Alpaca and superfine merino by Rare Earth (absolutely beautiful yarn), some Knit Picks yarn in red and gold, and a skein of a wonderful turquoise colored yarn that has a thinner, variegated yarn running with it. Not sure who made this, but I love it. Barbara also sent me 3 skeins of remnant's in black, gray and purple that will be great as a contrast color to something. I am unsure what yarn this is as well. I really appreciate Barbara's generosity, considering I was only helping out another knitter!!! Thanks Barbara :)

Autumn Colors

2006-10-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

Autumn colors are poking themselves through the evergreen trees around the property. Although we mainly have various evergreen trees around, you can spot pretty yellow, orange and red leaves scattered around. It is a drizzly day, with occasional showers, which I love. While looking around this morning, I saw these colorful trees surrounded by the pines. A very nice contrast to the prominent trees.

New Hand Dyed Yarn

2006-10-18T12:04:00.000-07:00

I got this kit during the Crab Fest we had here a couple weeks ago. The yarn is from a local (Washington area) knitter/dyer. She uses natural dyes and this one is called Lavender Blue. It is a cotton/rayon and has 345 yards. She had a wonderful scarf knitted with this yarn, so this is why I bought the kit. I certainly have enough needles, but I wanted the pattern. It was a very open, airy pattern.

Textured Dishcloth

2006-10-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

It is so nice to knit something that doesn't take days to finish, and this is a great example. I started this on Sunday evening and finished it Monday afternoon. Maybe 3 hours at the most. The colors are very vibrant :) Not sure who gets this. It was just a fun project and using new stitches.

Textured Dishcloth

2006-10-16T13:04:00.000-07:00

I needed a mindless project, so I picked this dishcloth. After working on socks and the afghan, I decided to get into the dishcloth craze, and do some myself. The pattern is called Textured Dishcloth. I am using Sugar 'n Cream in Yellow and Playtime Recreation. I CO 45 stitches on size 7 needles. I should have this one done this evening. I may do several of these, and then get back to the afghan.

Maggie's Small Felted Tote

2006-10-16T11:03:00.000-07:00

I finally put the straps on this tote. Can't believe it took me so long to do so. I am not completely satisfied about the end result of the felting, but I am still learning. I should have felted it longer, but I need to get more confidence in judging when something is "done". Like they say though, practice makes perfect :) Now I can send it on it's way!!

Diana's Trail Socks

2006-10-16T10:55:00.000-07:00

Well, they are finally done!! I grafted the last stitch of the toe on Saturday evening. Can't believe they are finally done. The second sock went much better than the first one, since I figured out there was a problem with the directions. I also decided to see just how long it took to make a sock, so I dug up my handy stop watch and started clicking away the minutes as my needles clicked through the yarn!! It took 13 1/2 hours to finish the second sock. Hate to think how long the first one took, as I "frogged" it back sooooo many times. Have you ever taken the time to figure out how long a project takes you???

Saturday Sky

2006-10-14T16:48:00.000-07:00

Another Saturday that was fogged in :( The fog finally lifted enough to at least snap a photo. Maybe next week will be better.

I got a surprise ....

2006-10-09T18:15:00.000-07:00

I came home this evening from taking Kyle to Scouts, and found these on the kitchen table :) Bright flowers in all the wonderful colors of Autumn. My David is such a wonderful husband and friend. Although most of my time is spent worrying about my daughter, Kristen, and her illness, my upcoming surgery and the estrangement from both my daughter's, he understands. He doesn't always have the words, but his actions always tell me he loves me. I am blessed.

Leisurely Afternoon

2006-10-09T02:26:00.000-07:00

Caught this summer's fawn taking a little rest under the apple tree this afternoon. Momma was not too far away, as she is allowing her baby some independence!

Crab Fest Weekend

2006-10-08T22:30:00.000-07:00

This weekend was Crab Fest in our little town. My two sons and I went, leaving my ailing hubby at home. He wrenched his back on Friday...Just hated missing this. Corey (the picture on the left), caught 7 crabs. He doesn't even like crab. My youngest son, Kyle, caught his only one about 2 minutes before their time was up. You pay $5/person, and you get to "crab" for 1 minutes in a large vat filled with crab. You fish for them with a stick with a small box with lines attached, and wait for the crab to crab hold. You can then pay $9/a piece for your caught crab. Not bad. We got lucky, as the rain held off while we were there!! Great day, great food and some great purchases. More about that later :)

Diana's Trail Socks

2006-10-07T19:44:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally finished the first sock. Man, this one was a difficult one. Not because of the knitting or the design.....because the directions were either written wrong, or I did it wrong, 5 different times. I think they had a row of instruction that didn't belong. After the 5th time of "frogging" back to the heel turn, I realized that the directions didn't correspond to the knitting. I eliminated that line and WHA LA, it came out right. I CO for the second sock, so hopefully with all that I now know, this one will go allot more smoothly :)

Saturday Sky

2006-10-07T18:32:00.000-07:00

Loved the way the sun played with these clouds :) There was no picture of last week's sky, as we couldn't see it as we were totally fogged in, most of the day`:(

If Shibby Ever Knew!!

2006-10-06T23:53:00.000-07:00

Shibby is our dog. He hates the cat, Amber. Amber is a kitten that always tries to play with Shibby. Shibby runs away and hids. While he was fast asleep, Amber snuggled up next to him and took a siesta!! If Shibby ever knew....

Felted Tote Drying

2006-09-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

I have a wicker basket inside the tote while it is drying, so the handle you see is the one for the basket :) If you look closely, though, you can see one of the straps of the tote hanging from the handle. The Paint Box yarn seems to dry much faster than the Cascade 220 did. So hopefully I can get the straps put on and send it off to my best friend, tomorrow.

Warm Thoughts Afghan

2006-09-25T11:49:00.001-07:00

I am on the last skein for this afghan. The pattern calls for it to be fringed. I don't think I'm going to though, as the fringe ends up matting when washed. So, since I hope this afghan is used, and therefore will be washed many times, I decided not to. Which raises a question for me. Do you like your afghans with, or without, fringe? Inquiring minds like to know!!

Diana's Trail Socks

2006-09-25T11:38:00.000-07:00

This is the progress on the socks I am knitting for Isabel. The pattern is by Mountain Colors and I am using their yarn in the color Purple Mountain. I am using size two , size 2, circular needles. I hope to have them done in time for her birthday in October!

New Kitty

2006-09-25T11:33:00.000-07:00

We adopted a kitten from the pound about 3 weeks ago. She finally stood still long enough to take a pic. Well, she didn't really stop....but was in a place where I could snap the picture. Her name is Amber and she is a torti. Adorable, rambunctious ball of energy!! She is about 4 months old.

Ready for felting

2006-09-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

I just finished up knitting the tote for my friend Kathy for her birthday. Hopefully she won't peek here before I get it sent to her!!! It is now ready for felting. I like watching a project go from a loosely knitted object, to a felted one. Just took the took out of the washer and it is drying right now. I will post another picture when it is dry, the straps on and is one it's way to California. Oh yeah...the yarn is Paint Box in the color of Rose Quartz and knitted it one size 10 1/2 circular needles. The pattern is the same one I used on the other tote. Fiber Trends Maggie's Felt Tote, but this time I made the smaller bag. Paint Box is a good felting yarn, although it did shed a lot more than the Cascade Yarn did. I felted it for 20 minutes.

Past due update!

2006-09-25T10:48:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been so long since I last posted....over a month. Seems like yesterday in some ways, and an eternity in others. Been busy getting Kyle ready to start school. The typical things like registration, buying school supplies and buying new school clothes. Kyle has grown so much in the year that we have been here. He is almost as tall as me now. His voice is officially a young man's....a new teenager!! Corey started his first day at the Olympic Peninsula College today. He is still in pursuit of a part-time job to help pay for his small monthly expenses. David is preparing to take the big exam to get his journeyman license. I have been busy knitting, when I haven't been trying to get myself well. I have been sick for 6 weeks now, and it gets better, then gets worse...much worse. Yesterday David had to take me to the hospital because I couldn't breathe. Thursday I had spent 3/4 of the day in bed, sleeping and fighting a fever. Friday I felt better and did manage to get some errands done. Saturday was a ho-hum day, but by the evening I had severe pains in the left side of my chest. Hard to breathe. Terrible cough. Brought me to tears at times. I went to my room to lay down, thought (hoped) that it was just gas pains. David came and found me and tried to give me a massage to help the pain in my shoulder and to relax me. Seemed to work, until I woke at 1 am in intense pain. I then remembered that I had taken a pain pill shortly before I had gone to my room, and that was what had made me feel better...temporarily, anyway. I propped up a couple pillows, laid on my back and tried to get some more sleep. Well, I don't sleep on my back, so between that and the pain, I didn't rest too well. Got up about 2, took a shower and waited for David to get up. Luckily, he is an early riser, so he was up about 5:30. Told him to eat and have some coffee then take me to the hospital. I love the staff at our small community hospital. They are so understanding, gentle and put you right at ease. I got a chest x-ray, a breathing treatment and then put on oxygen. turns out it wasn't pneumonia, yet. Doctor said it would have been, if we had waited another day or so. So am glad that we went when we did. I had pneumonia 14 years ago, and it was horrible. I should have been in the hospital, but I had 3 young children to care for, and was a single parent. So, only bronchitis. Left with some "good" cough medicine, antibiotics, an inhaler and able to breathe!!!

So there's the update. I am also going to post my recent finish and my current projects. I am still working on the afghan, but put it on the back burner so I could start and finish a gift for my best friend, Kathy, for her birthday. Finished that today. I have also started a pair of socks for my stepmom, Isabel, for her birthday.

Saturday Sky

2006-09-23T17:22:00.000-07:00

I joined a blog group called Saturday Sky, so this is my first sky!! The purpose of the group is to post a picture of "your" sky wherever you are. Thought it was a neat idea, as we have some spectacular skies here in Washington. Plus, it makes me post at least once a week :)

My current project

2006-08-22T01:02:00.000-07:00

This is an afghan that I am making for my step-brother Tim and his wife Gigi. They are moving into their first house. It should be finished the first week of September. The afghan pattern is called Warm Thoughts by Patons. I used the suggested yarn which is Patons Decor in Autumn Variegated. The picture doesn't show justice to the true colors of brown, rust, gold and green. It is worked with 2 strands together on size 10 1/2 needles. It is a very simple pattern of 24 rows repeated.

TA DA ... my second pair of socks!!

2006-08-22T00:56:00.000-07:00

Not sure what happened with the bottom sock. I had to add another skein of yarn, and it was the exactly the same as the first skein, but for some reason, it's own pattern emerged. Oh well!! The are really thick socks so should be nice and toasty in the winter :) It is knit on 2 circular, size 2 needles. The yarn is Merino 2000.

A couple days of fantastic sunsets

2006-08-22T00:44:00.000-07:00

Need I say more about the Great Pacific Northwest???

Marymere Falls, Washington

2006-08-22T00:22:00.000-07:00

This adventure was to Marymere Falls in Washington. Another fantastic area we have up here. The white picture is called Saprophyte. According to the ranger, it is indeed a rare thing to see here. He was going to lead a group to go see if he could find it himself!! Around the huge tree is my Dad, me, Isabel, Corey and David. There were many huge, wonderful trees throughout the whole forest. Then there is David and I at the Falls. Breathtaking. A couple of the bridges that cross the stream. Wonderful plant life that has taken up residence in one of the fallen trees.