Happy Birthday Dear Jesus

We celebrated the birth of Jesus today.

We take this time to wish everyone a SAFE Holiday.

We Salute Our Military!

Veteran's Day!

We Salute Our Military!

Thank you to all you Veteran's out there...we support you and appreciate you!

Today we took our grandson downtown to observe the local Veteran's Day Parade.

The parade, like all parades throughout this great land of ours, included lots of school bands, horses, old cars and firetrucks. But most importantly it included lots and lots of our military men and women...there were those from JROTC...Active Duty...Disabled...Retired...Reserve...did I miss anyone?...I hope not...there was also a group of Young Marines.

I was a bit surprised at the number of spectators who came out for the parade. Surprised and overwhelmed, thankful and glad.

Each time a group of our military would come by people stood and clapped. That was everlasting music.

When a group of Vietnam Veterans passed our way the clapping was louder than ever...made me think that they were getting the homecoming they so richly deserved and never had.

I've posted photos of our parade on http://www.flickr.com/photos/20428757@N03/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

On a yarny note...since we were just a couple blocks from ABC's of Creative Pursuits I had to pop in, besides they are having a sale...

I had read about a new knitting book and wouldn't you know it...one followed me home...

The book is Luxury Yarn One-Skein Wonders (101 Small Indulgences) edited by Judith Durant

There are so many projects in this book that I'll be busy for a long time!

Shivers

Shivers

We consider ourselves blessed. We were just two days ago blessed with the care and upbringing of a beautiful little chihuahua, Shivers. Now those of you who really know me know that I am extremely afraid of dogs. But this little darling...he couldn't harm a fly...he is so very loving and quiet.

In the second photo he really looks big...but he is no bigger than a minute. He loves to be held. We are in the process of housebreaking him so I am really glad that my dear sweet husband knows how to do this as I am completely clueless, except to take him outside constantly.

We debated on changing his name but decided against it...so Shivers it is...fits him too as he is always shivering....

Scary

Today we had a bit of a scare

Our eldest grandson in Seattle was admitted to the hospital. First he saw his doctor who sent him to the hospital for a CT Scan ~ and to be admitted.

Late this afternoon he had an appendectomy...thankfully it had not burst!

He is now resting comfortably with his mother by his side. Oh and eating a popsicle!

If all goes well he will be allowed to go home to recuperate tomorrow

I know this happens all the time but when our daugter called and said she was on her way to hospital this morning and explained what was going on it was a bit scary...especially our being so far away and not being able to meet them at the hospital...depending on phone calls alone...that is scary...the waiting and not knowing. I thank the Lord that all went well.

On a brighter note

I finished knitting my Waterfall Bead Scarf this evening and did a three needle bind off. I'm not happy with the bind off so I'll take it a Ravelry meeting next week and see if one of the ladies can help me...that is if I don't frog the bind off and redo it between now and then. I'll post photos when I am satisfied.

How I Spent My Saturday

At 3:30 a.m. the alarm went off.

We left our daughter's at 5:30 a.m. and arrived at the property adjacent to the Lerdo Correctional Facility in Lerdo.

VOLKSLAUF! (go to http://www.volkslauf.com/ for more information)

The Volkslauf event kicks off the 2008 Toys for Tots program in Kern County.

There was a 5K and a 10K and then a Jr Volkslauf

We were there to support our grandson who is in the Young Marine program. Some of the Young Marines participated in the runs. This is a photo of a few of the Young Marines in formation waiting for instructions. During the races and after the Jr Volkslauf the Young Marines were policing the area. Recyclables are collected with the monies going to the Young Marine program.

The day of races started with Old Glory being raised by the Kern County Fire Department. Our National Anthem was sung and then was "Let the Games Begin!"

The races started with a bang...Civil War reenactment group started each race with a Civil War era cannon...

Here are some of the children participating in their course...yes it is real mud!

Another mud pit!

This is the back of Dakota...doesn't look like much but those jeans are soaked with mud ...muddy!

After the runs participates could get rinsed off by the Kern County Fire Department

Here he is...all cleaned up and ready to police the area...again!

Quite a few of the runners were using duct tape to tape their shoes to their feet. Afterwards they just ripped the tape off and left it were it landed. Thank goodness for our Young Marines! Cleaning up after grown men and women!

Oh and we must not forget Dakota's father, our son-in-law, Scott, a former United States Marine! He dressed for the occasion. Scott volunteered to help...he was put out on the course and looked what happened to him...

We finally left the area around 2:30 p.m., stopped for a bite to eat and then headed home for a well deserved nap for everyone.

Latest Project

This is my latest project.

Waterfall Scarf to Knit with Beads

~

pattern by Jane Davis

When I started this scarf I wasn't sure if I would be able to do it without help. I've made a beaded bracelet on a knitting loom before and that was my first beaded project.

I love this scarf. It was amazingly easy. The pattern was easy once I got the cast on taken care of.

See all the beads? There are close to 500 beads on each end. I'm knitting both ends at the same time and then will do a three needle bind off to join both ends.

I may have to try this scarf in a chocolate, yummy!

Photos

I have photos to share

This is our grandson, Rhys Sterling. Just the cutest little baby in the world (granny says so!)

I can see he has his daddy's temper as it doesn't look like he was very happy here!

I am very proud of our grandson, Dakota. He is a member of the Young Marines...going through boot camp right now. Today he participated in a "Buddy Walk". We were told that he did a great job of taking care of his 'buddy' for the day. GRANNY IS VERY PROUD OF YOU DAKOTA!

The Big Day

Saturday was a sad day. Eldest daughter, fiancee and our eldest grandson left California for Seattle. "E", age 11, loves fast cars...one of his dreams came to life when a friends father brought home a Ferrari. He came over and took "E" for a ride. It was priceless just to see the look on his face.

That is a ride that he'll remember for a very long time.

Today I finished knitting a 'Market Bag'. I've come across a lot of patterns, especially on Ravelry, but one pattern never jumped out at me. So, I used a few patterns and just tweaked them to make it my own. I'm happy with the way it turned out.

Hubby is getting ready to have a yard sale this weekend. I'm pulling things out also. Not sure what we'll have for others to give a new home to but it should be interesting. Daughter "V" will probably bring things over and two neighbors are supposed to be putting things out also.

I'm hoping to get back knitting on my February Lady Sweater this week also...I've got so many other projects to work on but this sweater is at the top of the priority list now.

Baby Socks

I finished Rhys' baby socks today. Now I consider myself a 'slooow' knitter. But that is okay. Things will get finished in their own time. I don't like to be rushed doing anything so I'm fine with 'slow knitter' status.

This is a photo of the completed pair of socks in my hand. They are so tiny and so adorable. I may be persuaded to do another pair a bit bigger...some day!

Now I am off to grab a project to work on while watching "Grey's Anatomy". I don't watch much television any more but I do enjoy "Grey's Anatomy"; Two and a Half Men; How I Met Your Mother. Other than those shows if I'm watching anything it may be an old black and white movie or the Food Network (depending who is cooking) or HGTV or Jon Kate and 8 on TLC.

Oh bless it...I haven't gotten dgs's pillow sewn up yet...it'll have to wait until Sunday now.

We're off tomorrow to spend the day with eldest dgs...he'll be leaving Saturday for Washington state and won't be back this way until Spring break to visit his father. That's a long time to go without seeing him and spending time together but we'll get through it. All things happen for a reason.

I once told my children that I didn't want to be a long distance grandmother. I wanted to have the little ones over and underfoot...learning to cook, bake, sew, knit, play ball, run ~ whatever was happening at the time. Now we will have one dgs within staying overnight distance.

Okay time to get a project or two to work on....almost time....why do I punish myself like this! ! ! !

Am I a slow Knitter?

Rhys's blanket made especially for him by his Granny.

I thought I'd knit a pair of socks for Rhys. I purchased a copy of "Knitsimple" fall 2008 issue and saw this cute little pair with easy directions. It says that a pair can be worked up in an evening. Well I must be a slow knitter because it took me almost 24 hours to knit one sock, of course this included sleeping for a bit, doing laundry, cooking dinner, washing dishes, etc.

It doesn't matter how long it took me. Although I will start the second sock and hopefully have it completed in time to add to the box with the blanket which will be delivered to daughter "M" on Friday who will personally deliver it to the proud parents on Sunday.

Done

Well, finally the baby blanket is finished and packed, ready for Rhys to snuggle in. Daughter 'M' will be delivering it personally this weekend. I'll post a photo later. I am quite happy with it but it seemed to take forever to knit.

Now I must make the decision as to what 'big' project I'll work on next. I have socks on the needles (too many).

Not sure if I want to start 'Luscious Throw' or 'Beaded Scarf'...or both! We'll see which one grabs my hand.

Today though I must make a pillow. DGS forgot his pillow in a hotel while on vacation and asked if I would make him another. We found some material, Nascar of course, so I need to sew it up today.

I've been working on reorganizing my craft room. It is a total mess and I can't stand it anymore.

Senior Day

Today was Senior Day at the Kern County Fair

I wanted to see the Fine Arts Exhibit...that's all folks...and I must say that I was a bit disappointed.

Growing up going to the fair was a highlight! I loved every minute of it. There were plenty of animals, food, games, rides and a wonderful display of articles that the women, men and children of the county entered. All hoping for the blue ribbon!

I remember spending most of my time looking over all the entries...looking forward to the day that I would walk away with a blue ribbon of my own.

The haphazard way that the items were displayed was a major disappointment. I found myself going from one display to another and noticing that the rhyme or reason for the placement was confusing.

There were more quilts than anything and I noticed that very few were "handmade"...the majority being machine made...now, don't get me wrong...I sewed my first quilt with a machine...only the piecing...the 'quilting' and finishing were done by hand.

I'm not sure if it was me or not but I also noticed that entries receiving 'First Place' or any other place were not of the caliber of work that one would expect. Not all but just some...I'm not an expert on anything...just my thoughts.

I think I'll need to mull over the decision if I wish to enter anything next year. I would like to know

a. Who does the judging

b. What is the criteria the judge looks at

c. What is the judge(s) expertise in the area of the item being judged

Not much to ask for...

Rhys Sterling is here!

Announcement

Rhys Sterling Segraves

arrival time: 4:40 pst

weight: 6 lbs 12 ounces

Proud parents: Billy and Jaime

Excited siblings: Hailey ~ Christa ~ Denny

Paternal Grandparents: Rudy and Ron ~ Debbie

Colorado

Today is a busy day...we are awaiting news...the birth of our newest grandson...at last report he should be arriving sometime today

We arrived home mid day Saturday...I'm still not rested up from the journey

Hubby and I visited with one of my brothers and his wife in Colorado, just north of Denver for a week. While there we visited the Celestial Seasonings company. We opted not to do a tour...visited the gift shop and left with a few boxes of delicious tea bags...should see me through the coming winter.


My sister in law was very gracious and saw to it that we visited Yarn Shops in the area. The first one, The Knitters Nest, in Frederick, CO. I came away with four skeins of Cotton Fleece in a beautiful Wisteria shade. Should make a beautiful sweater or shawl...haven't made up my mind yet.

I also snatched a skein of sock yarn...never have too much sock yarn.

We found another yarn shop in Boulder, CO Shuttles, Spindles & Skeins, Inc., Sock yarn again found it's way into my bag along with addi needles (which I love) and another book on socks... We noticed a beautiful scarf on display and sil fell in love with it. It was decided that she would learn to knit before investing in the yarn needed for that project and then she could make it for herself.

We were warmly greeted at both yarn shops and whenever I am in the area I will return.

My sister in law had mentioned in conversation that there was a Hobby Lobby in the area...of course we headed there as I had never been in one before. She purchased yarn and needles to use later that day...I taught her to knit which wasn't all that difficult...she has crocheted and it was so easy for her to pick up...thankfully. I picked up a couple skeins of Yarn Bee in a delicous Pink shade which will make a perfect Pink Ribbon Scarf.

During our visit we were fortunate to visit friends we hadn't seen in years. She was my "hair and nails girl" for years in addition to being a good friend. They had moved to Colorado some years ago. It was great to see her and her husband again. We do miss them very much.

Brother and wife took us to Blackhawk and Central City, two mining ghost towns brought back by casinos. We enjoyed the day so much that we returned later in the week, on both trips we came out losers...

On our trip home we did a pit stop...our grandson was delighted...it was snowing. With bare hands he was making snow balls to throw at us.

I used my time in the car knitting dishcloths and working on a baby blanket for new grandson.

Oh, on the way home our youngest daughter took the needles and tried her hand at knitting...if she sticks with it she'll be a natural...

Time Away

The time has come for us to take a little trip. Excited? Yes we are excited. We are going to Colorado to visit with one of my many brothers and his darling wife.

Packing is not exciting...the van has limited space and for five people it is very limiting. So we decide what we absolutely must take...for me...knitting is first and my bag is ready to go out the door!

I started a sock last night...did the ribbing and was almost to the end of the first pattern repeat...then it happened...noticed a very bad mistake...thought I could fix it just by ripping a bit but no...that sucker was ripped completely...

I have ribbing completed now and will start the pattern. I'm excited about these socks...love the pattern.

I'm still working on the baby blanket for our grandson who will be gracing the world with his presence soon.

I am taking Peaches and Cream cotton yarn to work on dishcloths...I use my knitted and crocheted dishcloths every day and just love them although I know some women who leave theirs in the drawer and will not use them...

I'm also taking my new sock in progress with me...hopefully I'll have a completed pair by the time I return home.

I've been having a hard time knitting a special hat but I will take it and see what happens...perhaps where I am going is the best place to work on this project.

After two doctor visits, a z-pack and now heavy duty allergy medicine I am finally feeling better...I am very thankful.

Better; Better; Best!

First off, I am feeling better just have a bit of a cough...

Yesterday the KTK Yarn Mavens took a road trip to Springville, CA (just a bit north of Bakersfield) to Dulitz Tree Farm. During the winter Carole and her husband operate a Christmas Tree Farm and Gift Shop. But during the summer Carole has a wonderful yarn shop.

I was trying to be very good with the finances but when one is surrounded by so many great fibers it really is hard. I came away with a red bag overfilled with goodies.

There were 14 ladies who gathered from Bakersfield, Hanford, Porterville and I think Lemoore including Carole. Carole was a wonderful hostess providing refreshments. We went through the shop, made purchases and then sat under the trees. Those who brought finished items shared and let me tell you there were plenty of great items...puts mine to shame...I came away with some ideas though....thanks ladies. We knit and chatted and knit some more.

My purchaes:

Some wonderful hand dyed sock yarn...enough for two pairs of socks although today my daughter saw it and "I'd love a scarf" so we'll see...maybe a scarf and socks...

A kit of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece and beads to make a beautiful scarf...

Another kit of various red fibers that I just couldn't resist...this will make a Luscious Throw...

I also picked up some Unger cotton which will make a great Market Bag and enough Schaffhauser wool/alpaca that hasn't talked to me yet...so we'll see what that ends up as...

Last night my daughter called to say that she was making a trip to Trona...would I like to tag along...well if you know me well enough you know I'm always up for a road trip...so at 3:00 a.m. I'm up getting ready to meet her at 4:30...

We saw the sun come up

As I understand it the movies "Planet of the Apes"; and "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier" were shot in the area of the Trona Pinnacles.

Upon entering the town we saw piles of lime dust...; evidently the town was set up as a self contained company town...if you want to know check out the Wikipedia page on Trona, CA...I found it to be a bit interesting although during our drive this morning we thought we were out in the middle of the desert...guess we were...

Not Well!

Last night we were at our daughter's and all of a sudden my throat hurt so bad I had a hard time swallowing...snuck up on me so fast I never saw it coming

A short time later my head hurt so bad

Then sport that I am, daughter asked me to walk with her...sure...well let me say...that 2.5 mile walked kicked me but good!

While walking throat and head didn't hurt so bad...but as soon as we got back to her home they were worse...we just chalked it up to allergies as she had three labs...

By the time we arrived home I was so nauseated and freezing...put on a sweater...then said the heck with this...took a couple Aleve and hit my bed

This morning I was woke up (we are sitting three little ones plus grandson came home with us)...did I want to move...no..not an inch...

Hubby is such a great guy...he took over caring for the four kidlets (10, 10, 5 and 3)...it was 103 degrees outside today so staying inside was a must...

I slept most of the day...hubby will make me a hot toddy and off to bed I'll be...he won't be too far behind...

Hubby will stay up and watch the Olympics for a bit though...we usually always watch the Olympics and this year we've been able to catch a bit here and there...so he'll watch some and fill me in tomorrow...

Summer flu is not good but we will live through this as always...

I wish everyone the best day possible...Take care

Elderly....

Last evening hubby and I embarked on our usual daily evening walk around the neighborhood park and school. About a quarter of the way around we noticed a sprinkler that was definitely broken in the front yard of a home...looked a bit like a small fire hydrant that shot straight up

Being the nice people that we are hubby went to the front door...opened by a girl about 17...she didn't ask who was there...just opened the door!

She was alone and had no idea where the sprinkler controls in the garage were but opened the garage for hubby to go find the control box. He found it and turned it off...during which time she called her mom..."Mom, one of the sprinklers is broken and an ELDERLY couple stopped..."

ELDERLY!!!!! I am but 55 years old...and I might add that I don't look like whatever 55 is supposed to look like! But now, out of the blue, I am elderly.

Guess I'll take my elderly keister over to the recliner and knit...

Boy, this weekend went by fast! BUT...FOOTBALL is here! Today was the Hall of Fame game in my hometown of Canton, Ohio...watched a bit of it while getting laundry taken care of amoung other household chores.

This week is the start of something "new". We'll be sitting for a neighbors little ones as she has gone to work out of the home. Okay this means no more afternoon nap (or does it!)...little ones need to rest too...so what do we do...take walks, feed the ducks at the local park, color, watch movies (Land Before Time is a particular favorite for the two littlest)...

It's hard trying to figure how to keep them busy...guess we'll learn as we go.

10,000 California State Employees have been laid off...I think this is outrageous. The governor evidently feels that laying off employees and paying the rest the minimum wage (a little over 6 dollars) is going to help the budget. Hello, take a good look at that budget...how much are the big guns getting paid...cut their wages! and their bonuses! and their "expense accounts"...I could really get riled up about this...CEO's of private companies get paid millions of dollars in bonuses and wages and the little guys get their wages cut or get laid off...and this is supposed to be the land of opportunity...I think not!

On the knitting front...I worked a bit on the February Lady Sweater last night and today...making progress slow but sure...

I do miss my knitting meetups with the KTK Yarn Mavens. Some meet tomorrow morning; Wednesday evenings and Thursday mornings...and of course one Saturday a month. I'm looking forward to the next meetup that I will be able to attend, until then I'll keep the needles moving as much as possible.

Hope everyone has a great week...supposed to be hot, hot, hot here....Take Care

Pink Ribbon

Today I received my sock kit for Pink Ribbon Socks

I'm not sure when I'll be able to cast on as I have other projects on the needles right now and would like to get them finished first

This week started in a state of complete exhaustion...slowly I am getting the rest I need plus getting my housework done. In the oven right now is a simple peach cobbler (of course I cheated as one must do sometimes)...

I can hardly wait for the Saturday the 23rd. I am going to go to Springville with the KTK Yarn Mavens (a wonderful group of people I have met through www.ravelry which is an outstanding knitting/crochet site. A group of us are going on a road trip to Dulitz Tree Farm. I'm looking forward to this trip...hoping to come home with some beautiful yarn.

Almost Rested

Well I'm back from helping eldest daughter pack and move...that was extremely exhausting due to the fact that my fibromyalgia flared up big time...

During rest time I did knit on another sock...I love the yarn...will take and post photos later...

This past Sunday I did something new...helped make a DIAPER CAKE ! ! ! ! !

Our youngest daughter asked me to go shopping for school clothes for her son...it turned into a fun day...we did the shopping and ended back at my home...and made a Diaper Cake. She had told me about making them before but I never actually seen one. We did a bit of research online and saw how others were made...so between how daughter had made before and what we saw we made one...it was fun...I learned how to make bunnies out of baby washcloths...that was interesting...the baby shower is this weekend so we'll see how the mommy to be likes what we did.

Well it is time to get dinner and then I'll sit and get the bills written and ready for the mail on the first...then it'll be time to knit, knit, knit...

Scream...

If you happen to hear a blood curdling scream...it just could be me!

I'd Like To Breathe

This past week has seen me in the house...all the time!

Why? If you've seen the news at some point you would know all about the fires here in California. The temperature has been over 100 - which doesn't bother me - but the air quality has been unbearable, at least for me.

During this time I missed three knitting meetups; and grandsons two baseball games...grrr....not happy!

On another note I'll be leaving to go spend time with oldest daughter...she's moving to another apartment and I'm going to go help with the packing.

Tonight I did go out but just long enough to meet with grandsons baseball team for their end of the year pizza party and trophies...then it was straight back home...not going out again for a while...

I do like to breathe...fresh air...while I'm at oldest daughters I'm hoping to enjoy the weather there...cool evenings...maybe I'll even get a quick trip to the beach...one sunset maybe...as long as there isn't ash and soot I'll be fine...

Okay, I'm exhausted. I've been knitting on my February Lady Sweater this week...slowly as I've started it five times...so far I'm doing good.

I've also got some beautiful socks on the needles, which I haven't even touched this past week. Oh I did venture to the library the other day, ran in and picked up books and ran back out and back to the house. Throat hurt like crazy by the time I got home...

Going to go sit with an iced tea and the sweater...oh and the books....have a great weekend....

Evil?

Hmmm, guess I'm not as evil as I thought...according to the following...

You Are 16% Evil

You are good. So good, that you make evil people squirm. Just remember, you may need to turn to the dark side to get what you want!

How Evil Are You?

Lights Out!

This morning I met some ladies at a coffeeshop to knit...I had a wonderful time, learned I was doing a stitch wrong (what else is new)...said goodbye to one of Ravelry members who is moving to another city...

In conversation the library was mentioned. I hadn't been to the local library for quite a few months so when hubby picked me up I mentioned it to him. We decided to take a gander and check out our local branch.


I found the knitting section...very small section but came away with five books...and hubby found a chair...



all of a sudden the lights went out...then they flickered...then we were told that all electricity was off and there was no idea as to when it would be back on...we were welcome to stay...


I took my books and checked out...but while there I noticed the number of people who came to use the computers...there were just a couple empty (until the electricity went off)...

By the time we left we decided to treat ourselves to lunch at the Elephant Bar....we've eaten there quite a few times and have enjoyed our meals every time...today lunch came to around $20.00 without a tip...within our budget...we'll go back (hubby likes fast food places whereas I do not eat fast food)

About two months ago I quit eating red meat...twice since then I've had red meat...not thinking when ordering...and both times had bad reactions....I feel better now and will continue...no red meat


Haven't decided the next food item that will be eliminated from my diet...I do find myself having more fruits and vegetables...

I'll now go curl up with my knitting books and see what lovely items they contain...already found one pattern that I will definitely do although I won't post any more information on it as it will be a Christmas gift (and they read this blog)...

Tomorrow we will go visit our friends...we were notified that she was in the hospital for a couple days and came home yesterday...figured we'd give her a couple days with her kids and grandkids before going over....


Hope everyone is having a great day...

Oh, almost forgot...the air is horrible here...the fires in California are not contained and the smoke hangs in our valley making it extremely unsafe to breathe...I've been staying in as much as possible...

Thank you for reading my blog....

Important Papers…

…have you ever been asked for “important” information that somewhere you should have a piece of paper with all the information you need?

I used to think I was pretty well organized…

…not any more

My daughter asked me for some information…something I should have known right off and didn’t…so I said I’d dig up the paperwork containing the information…

I’ve done genealogy so I figured the paper should be in those boxes…wrong

Okay, maybe the “important papers” box…wrong

In the file box with other “important papers”…wrong

Hmmm…I’m really up a creek without a paddle right now

Fortunately for me the information she asked for can be fudged by a certain degree but…

This process has left me with the knowledge that I am not organized…I want to be organized

So now I will have to go through the hundred or so boxes in the house, garage and storage unit…looking at every piece of paper and deciding…is it an “important paper” – will I ever be asked for the information on this paper…hmmm…which box marked “Important Papers” should it be put in….

This is not a job that I am looking forward to…but then again…I don’t want to leave it for my children to do…

…photos are waiting patiently to be marked…who, where, when, why?...info my children wouldn’t know…

So weeks of work lay ahead…but I think it will have to wait…why?

KNITTING!

I have a sock on the needles as we speak…hanks of beautiful Cascade 220 yarn waiting to be put into “cakes” and then knitted into the most beautiful sweater…five ziplock bags each with a pattern and yarn waiting to be knitted into socks…

Guess we can see what’s “Important”…

I will take the time to peek in a few more places that the elusive “important paper” my daughter called about may be waiting…we’ll see and I’ll look

Last night I finished my socks...the yarn is called "Tiger Pools" but I like to say that they are my "Steelers" socks.



The pattern I used is "Bubble Wrap Socks" - patterns by Sockbug - http://sockbug.blog-city.com/


The yarn is Monkey Toes "Tiger Pools" 100% Superwash Merino Wool from http://www.crazymonkeycreations.com/



I am very satisfied with the pattern and the yarn. I figure it took me about 10 days to knit this pair of socks. Hey, even though I took them with me to work on while watching grandson play ball, ride in the car from here to there, watching (listening) to television - life sometimes got in the way.


Now my problem is which pair to make next...I have a couple already picked out with the yarn ready to go...hmmm


On another note...I wish I could sleep one night completely through...and that is going to sleep around 11 and waking up around 7...just once...without medication...


I was up quite a bit last night and feel like a steam roller went over me all night. I was looking forward to meeting some ladies this morning at a local coffee shop to knit and chit chat...mind was ready to go but the body just could not move....this is not going to be a good day...laundry needs to get finished, vacuum is waiting to be used and of course the dusting needs to be done.



What gets done will get done...the rest will wait....



Fibromyalgia is not fun...every day is different...some days the pain isn't so much and some days it is really hard to move...oh well we do what we can...and keep on going...don't sit and think so much...keep pushing....keep going....

Happy Birthday Ethan

Eleven years!

Hold your little ones close for as long as you can...they grow up so fast

It seems like yesterday that we were at the hospital awaiting Ethan's arrival and now he is on his way to being a young man

This photo was taken in April when he participated in a Kids 1 mile fun run...his first but I'm sure not his last

Hope you had a blast on your birthday, Ethan...we'll see you soon....

Baseball and Heat

Thursday evening we spent helping out with our grandson's baseball game. Dakota is the catcher and does a great job.

Thursday's temperature was in the 100's and these little guys were in the sun playing their hearts out...from experience we know to always have a cooler with water...

Friday's temperature was also in the 100's and again there was a baseball game...fortunately the game was at 7:00 p.m. and it seemed to have cooled a degree or two...again, lots of water....

We have a couple more weeks of baseball games for this season and then it is on to another sport...Whatever the sport may be...we'll be there...

Bill May You Rest In Peace

Sadly the father of my two eldest passed away this morning after suffering through a long illness.




It's not easy for anyone when a loved one leaves the world that we know. Even when the passing is expected...it's unexpected when it comes...there are no guarantees in this life that the Lord has blessed us with...




I know my children will go on with their lives...their father meant a lot to them and their children...I am sad that they weren't able to spend more time with him but I know that the time they had they will always remember...their memories are mixed I'm sure...happy ones and sad ones...good ones and bad ones...but all in all...they are their memories



I remember the time I had with him...good ones and bad ones...happy ones and sad ones...my memories...I am extremely fortunate...he left me with a daughter, grandson, son and granddaughter...I wouldn't trade them for anything...




...With all my heart I say...go in peace Bill...you will be missed by your family and friends...you were loved very deeply by your family and friends...




Using my grandson's name for his grandfather...Hammerhead...May you rest in Peace...God Willing

Socks!

If you ever worn a hand knitted sock you know what I mean...I don't think I'll ever wear a store bought sock again!

There is just something about a nice soft hand knitted pair of socks

They feel great...

These are my blue socks...the yarn is Fortissima Colori Disco Socka Color ... the color is an icy bluish and has a bit of polyester metallic...makes them disco..ie...I love them...they feel so wonderful

These are going to be my Pittsburgh Steelers socks. This is the first one. The yarn is handdyed 100% Superwash Merino Wool from a company in Colorado...Crazy Monkey Creations...only thing is...the color they gave it is Tiger Pool

This yarn is so soft I can't believe it...may need to get more

Ending....if you ever have the opportunity to wear hand knitted socks...do it...you'll never turn back....

WWKIP Day June 14, 2008

Today was World Wide Knit in Public Day.

Approximately 20 ladies and girls showed up at the Market Place. We knitted and chatted from around 9:30 to 3:30 (coming and going during that time). We were interviewed by a local television station...all right...our message got out. Knit In Public!

Four of us worked on a "Group Blanket" - four knitters knitting on the same project at the same time. It is an interesting project. We are hoping to have it completed in time to enter in the local county fair. Then it will be raffled off with proceeds going to Relay for Life.

Speaking of Relay for Life...our knitting group is getting a group together for the next Relay for Life in our town.

Today was also FLAG DAY...celebrated all over...beautiful!

HOT HOT HOT ! ! ! !

I am planning to attend a World Wide Knit in Public tomorrow....

Just saw the weather report...supposed to be 104

We'll see how things go

GRRRR

Grrr,

When our kidlets were little there were times when the washing machine or dryer would go out and we'd trudge down to the local laundromat. For some reason I thought those days were behind us. When we purchased our washer and dryer a mere four and half years ago for some reason I really didn't think they would break down so soon. Oh boy was I wrong.

Dryer broke...home warranty company had a repair company come out....six times...replaced six parts...then guess what...broke again...now they have to replace two more parts (one that was already replaced)...but the repairman has to come to the house with his handy dandy little computer...and order the parts...they can't just order the parts and arrange for a day and time to put them in...by the time all is said and done home warranty company will have paid more for the parts then we paid for the dryer to begin with.


So, now I am washing and hubby is taking to laundromat to dry. Which that is an experience in itself. they have a machine you put money in, a card comes out, you put card in slot on dryer/washer. No money but in that little machine that spits out a card....

Another day gone

Hmmm, another weekend has ended and I must say that it was a bit uneventful.


Rest - we enjoyed it...

Hot - we lived through it...

It is supposed to be hotter tomorrow...we'll live through it also

Monday...I meet a group of ladies and we KNIT...and talk...and KNIT

This meeting starts my week off right. It is nice to get together with others who enjoy doing the same as you.

When we moved to this town four and half years ago we knew one family (not counting our youngest daughter and her family). We purchased a home 13 miles from the only people in town that we knew. We enjoy our home and neighborhood.


It wasn't until I joined a wonderful group online - www.ravelry.com - that I started meeting people. And not just people but people who enjoy knitting and talking.

Last Thursday three of us met at a beautiful park and enjoyed a couple hours knitting and talking. It was wonderful.

The meetings we have are meaningful and I enjoy them.

So guess I'll work on the socks tomorrow morning. Socks...yes...more than one sock...I have one on needles and one on a daloom extra fine gauge knitting loom...we'll see how they go...

Knitting

I've been knitting quite a bit the past few months. My love for it has come back. I promised myself at the beginning of the year that I would, finally, learn to knit socks. I have and I am impressed with myself. I have enough yarn in my stash to knit at least 6 more pairs and I will!



Next on the learning agenda is lace. I haven't made anything lacy for umpteen years. This to I will conquer.


Speaking of Knitting - Saturday, June 14th is WORLD WIDE KNIT IN PUBLIC DAY - that is a mouth full.

I have met some wonderful ladies (so far no gents) on RAVELRY (a wonderful knit and crochet group - check it out - www.ravelry.com) anyways, a group of us are getting together on Saturday at the Market Place in Bakersfield, California to celebrate our day of knitting in public. What will I take to knit on...not sure yet but I'm having a wonderful time figuring it out.

The J. Paul Getty Museum

The Getty Museum

Have you visited this museum?

I recommend a visit if you like art.

My sister visited us last July from Georgia. While she was here we were unexpectedly sidetracked with other issues.

But we took a day, my sister and I and my 10 year old grandson, and made a visit.

Oh my, I must go back. There are so many wonderful pieces of art that it was impossible for me to take everything in. We wandered from one room to another in awe of the beauty that surrounded us.

Flash photography is prohibited in the museum itself but we were still able to get some great photos through videos. Now if I can just figure out how to make a photo from a video shot I'll be in great shape.

If I remember right we paid a minimal fee to park and admittance to the museum was free. We purchased a light meal from one of the eating areas they have. The gardens are meticulous and the views are awe inspiring.

I could have stayed all day.

Is it worth the drive? Yes

Will I go again - Definitely!

I suggest checking out the website for the museum. A tour of the Getty Mansion is also available. We were going to do the tour but alas, other things got in our way at the time.

New to me

Blogging is totally new to me...what am I supposed to blog about?

I've read quite a few blogs and all are different in their own way. Unique like their owners.

For now I think I'll just think.

About what you say?

Think about the friends I've made in this new town.

Think about having our dryer fixed or get a new one.

Think about the next knitting project I want to do.

Think about sitting in my courtyard.

Think about the kidlets that have graciously allowed me into their lives.

Think about knitting the heel on the sock that is on the needles.

Think about how much my husband loves me.

Think about the birds chirping away.

Think about the flowers blooming.

Think about vacuuming the carpet.

Think about how I learned something new today.

Think about making dinner.

Think about my children and what they are doing right now.

Think about my sisters and brothers and how much I miss them.

Yes, I have a lot to think about.

Right now, I think I'll go think while knitting that heel on the sock.