Ah, The Signs of Spring--NOT!

I've been walking several days a week for several years, on a couple trails near my home. During the winter I stick to the road as the trails don't get plowed. Today was the first day I ventured onto the trail this spring and I was greeted with signs of spring.
Not sprouting plants or cute little bunnies, but TRASH DUMPING. Yes, really, trash.
My home is in a fairly rural area and near state land. I took a few pictures and should post them. What I found just a few hundred yards off the main road (dirt road) and three feet off the 2-track trail in three separate piles--
at least 6 garbage bags full of clothing, bedding and such
cookware
batteries
decorative wooden shelf
glassware
cardboard boxes
miscellaneous household items, some with garage sale price tags!
Whatever the reason for such dumpings, it is not necessary or acceptable! There are many agencies willing to take such goods including Salvation Army, Goodwill and locally, The Goldmine Shop, Bargains and Blessings and Joy Fellowship Church. These groups take donations for the needy.
Now for those who don't live in rural areas--this is a common event in the spring. It's always a surprise what you will find on your favorite walking trail or near your favorite berry patch in the woods. We find refrigerators, washers, dryers, cars, tires, propane tanks, and more because people are too CHEAP to get rid of their trash responsibily.
And what a way to treat Mother Nature! Most of the items could be recycled or reused even as grease rags.
And that's my rant for today!

What a Weekend!

On Thursday, Dawn and I took off for Indiana. She's traveled around the states much more than I. This was my first trip to Indiana.
The first thing I noticed in Indiana is their is 'pride in ownership' of most of the homes we passed. And their road numbering system is still puzzling me.
The homes were beautiful in Logansport. We even traveled to Peru, Mexico, Chili and Denver!
But the purpose of our trip was the Spring Fling hosted by the Knit Knack Shop.
We met great designers, great knitters, made friends, met internet friends and shopped till we dropped.
I thought I was getting a lot of yarn, until I saw a car parked at our hotel and the whole back seat was full--at least 3 large bags, plus many cases of yarns. My purchases only totaled $500. I'm sure that knitter had at least 4 times that much--unless there was some stashed in trunk!
Lots of tips, ideas, designs, new products to try and great new yarns to sample.
This was my second seminar this year--I'm planning for at least one more this year and a stop at the Michigan Fiber Festival this August.
Now to sell some more knits!

We Have Pattern!

Here is my free pattern. I've adapted it from several other felted purses I've tried.
I used just shy of 8 oz of fisherman wool. If you make one, let me know what you think. Happy Knitting!

Felted Purse
Worsted weight 100% wool yarn, 8 oz.
Needles: size 15 circular, 24”, or size to obtain gauge.
Gauge—not important
Holding two strands together, cast on 11 stitches.
Knit every row (garter stitch) until you have 30 ridges (60 rows).
With 11 stitches on needle, pick up 30 stitches along one side, 11 stitches across end and 30 stitches along remaining side. This should bring you around to original 11 stitches. Place marker or safety pin to mark beginning of round. Move marker up as needed.
Knit even (knit every row) for at least 50 rows (rounds).
Handle section: Knit 2 together once.
Knit in seed or moss stitch (knit 1, purl 1) for 4 rows.
Row 5: Continue in seed stitch for 14 stitches. Bind off 10 stitches. Knit in seed stitch 41 stitches. Bind off 10 stitches, continue in seed stitch until beginning of round.
Row 6: Knit is seed stitch 14 stitches, cast on 10 stitches, continue knitting in pattern the 41 stitches on needle, cast on 10 stitches at the other bound off section, continue seed stitch pattern to beginning of round.
Row 7-10: Knit in seed stitch for 4 rows.
Bind off all stitches. Work in all ends.
To felt: Place purse in pillowcase or lingerie bag. Wash in washer on hot cycle with 1 tbsp detergent. Check every 5 minutes to see if it is felted to desired size. Dry by laying flat or in dryer. To felt smaller, repeat cycle.

Hard Work

Gosh, this is the hardest work I've done in a long time! But, it's paying off. Lost another pound this week. I'll keep up the work if this is gonna happen. The last several times I've tried to loose fat were so disappointing. I worked for so long and hard and after 9 months I managed to loose 5 lbs. It's only been 5 weeks! and I've lost 5 lbs! I'm feeling that the Protein Power idea is the right thing for me. But I am getting tired of salad already. Time for grocery shopping again. I hate shopping!
Walking is getting easier now that the ice has melted from the road. And now it's time to do that.

I kinda like my name the way it is

Norma, of Now Norma Knits 2 is considering changing her blog name. Mine's gonna stay the same for now.
Last weekend I went to visit my sister for the first time in several years. Not that she's that far away, 2.5 hours. But, our lives were traveling in different directions. We would call and chat periodically, but a visit just wasn't in the cards for us during that time.
With her elopement and my bit of spare time, I decided to take time for a visit. We had tons to talk about. She is now married and has two step-sons and a wonderful husband. I have an empty nest and less responsibilities holding me to home. It was great!
During this time we discussed health issues that are plaguing both of us. She is ahead of me in the research department; I am just coming out of denial about my health. She shared her new favorite book, Protein Power by Michael R. Eades, MD and Mary Dan Eades, MD. It has some very good points and answers to some questions that have been nagging me for years.
Today is my first official day with their plan--it's the most work I've done in years AND I'm so very afraid of not being successful. I now realize I'm carrying around 60 pounds of fat which is very disturbing to me. I never thought in all my life I would look like my grandmother! I'm very sad about this revelation.
So, today, I began. And I will take it one day at a time, one bite at a time. And since I'm full I should go knit something.
I guess on the bright side--I didn't succumb to other temptations such as smoking, drinking, drugs or worse.
I guess it's back to knitting the socks.