wowyoucandothat

Big News

2009-10-01T08:45:00.002-04:00

For the last 10 years I've been volunteering with Inland Lakes Boosters. Our big project has been the bleachers. We purchased bleachers for the football field in October 2004. I know this because I was one of three that signed the loan for $70,800.
I have in my hot little hands the check that will pay off the loan, today!

What a Big Day

2009-09-19T09:49:00.002-04:00

The man behind the woman.

Lots of tractors, I mean lots, more than 960 of 'em.

The Woman, your blogger.

It was a great day, great weather, lots of tractors, tons of people.
More pictures on facebook.

Gotta Post This

2009-09-17T17:12:00.005-04:00

So, yea, I've been slacking on the blog. But I just don't want to miss a minute of EllieMay growing! I've been taking pictures, and hoarding them! Knitting stuff and hoarding it. Spinning yarn and hording it. But this I won't hoard.
Tomorrow we're doing it again. It's the annual Antique Tractor Mackinac Bridge Crossing. We're packing up tonight, thank goodness we live nearby. We'll drive to Mackinaw City tomorrow morning, unload the tractors, drive the truck across the bridge, I'll fetch hubby from St. Ignace and back to Mackinaw City and then wait. This year we're in group #24 of 34, but the last 9 goups are small. We'll be in the last 200 tractors to cross the bridge.
They moved up the start time to 10:30 a.m. There are more than 860 tractors registered this year! So I plan on posting the event after we get home. For more information visit www.bobstractorpartscorner.com.
Hope to see you there!

Back from Spring Fling

2009-04-24T20:06:00.003-04:00

Spring Fling was last weekend in Peru, Indiana. Second time for Dawn and I to go. It's an enjoyable trip.
It really it worth the time to go. This year Tamm yarns came out with a new yarn, Bebe. The Knit Knack Shop had a coupon for $8 off a cone and it was also discounted. Great buy. Haven't had time to make anything with it yet though.
The last two weeks have been whirlwindy for me. On the 13th I found out we had an additional track meet for concessions. That made a meet on the 14th and 15th, then travel to Indiana on the 16th, Spring Fling-ing on the 17th and 18th and home the same day. Rest on the 19th. Huge meet on the 20th (which was subsequently rescheduled to the 23rd due to weather) and a small meet on the 21st.
Today was a move slower day.
Yesterday Jenni and EllieMay came to do laundry and visit, so I got some Nana smooching time.
This weekend we are moving Rochelle's stuff to her new rental home near Saginaw State Valley University where she was just named to the Dean's list for the fall semester! She has started her internship at Dow and is doing well.
I guess that means that all three girls are officially on their own.

Another First

2009-03-15T09:23:00.003-04:00

Last night we were invited to Connie's to play Euchre. Euchre, pronounced U-kr, a card game played frequently in Northern Michigan by people who can't spell it.
I'm honest about this, I'm a terrible player. I've watched Euchre for more than 25years. When the guys got together, I was always the fifth wheel so I watched. And when the girls were old enough to play, Tony and girls played together, again I was the fifth wheel. But I guess I did ok last night. We drew numbers out of a hat and that was your partner for 12 hands. Seven games like that. High score wins. That wasn't me. I kind of felt bad for my partners for a bit, then I realized we all had crappy hands most of the night. Not much you can do with a four suited hand regardless how good a player you are.
It ended up be an enjoyable evening, meeting new people, eating chips and kitty litter cake. Tell me where else you can have that much fun for $3?

Why As I So Tired

2009-03-14T08:14:00.002-04:00

I (we) survived yesterday. Peanut did just fine with a bottle. It wasn't what she wanted, but it was an ok substitute since it had momma milk in it. She laughs in her sleep now. How absolutely hilarious!
I was just beat when I got home. How can a little Peanut make someone so tired? Maybe it was Thursday and Friday. I did remember to drink water. I forget to drink when I'm in different situations and then I get tired.
When I got home, I checked the messages, and went to town to get my Little Ceasars Pizza Kit and milk. Got home and made the pizzas, watched Ghost Whisperer and went to bed. Slept pretty good too.
Today I would like to knit up another pair of woolie soaker tights for EllieMay and a sweater for her too. And tonight we'll go to Connie's and play Euchre. I'm terrible at it, but it's just for fun. And I'll get to spend some time with her too.

My First Grandma Day

2009-03-13T08:34:00.004-04:00

Today I will be Grandma-ing. It's my first day alone with the Peanut. Jenni is working as is Bill so I get EllieMay all to myself.
The other Grandma days, Jenni was here doing laundry, so when EllieMay was hungry I just passed her off to momma. Today, it will be just her and I. Jenni has a stash of milk in the freezer, so I'm sure we'll be ok. Oddly, I'm a bit nervous!
I have a few projects to work on while Peanut is down, just in case and Jenni is only a few blocks away if I can't get her to take the bottle.
I finally posted two things on Flickr for sale, but I should take off the baby rainbow tights since EllieMay is wearing them now.
What I really should do is photograph everying in the tubs and post those! More than two tubs of knit items, hats, socks, sweaters, blankets, gloves, mittens, scarves. Now to set up a photo box or something. What does everyone else do? Special place, just anywhere? Where do you photograph your goods that you post?

Still Here

2009-03-07T09:25:00.002-05:00

I've been so busy lately. Grand baby visiting once a week. She's so darn adorable, I just can't stand it!
The blankie was a gift from me, of course.
Otherwise, I'm handknitting a pair of socks for me with the new Deborah Norville yarn from JoAnns. I'm posting pics on Flickr and checking out Ravelry every day.
Both hubby and I have had our jobs cut back, so we're returning to the 1970s way of life, CHEAP, CHEAP AND CHEAP. Do without, make it, trade or muddle through. The pantry is the barest it's been since we moved in I think. Meals are totally creative.
Check out my Flickr pics, I will be posting more as I'm looking for ways to make a buck or two on the side.

EllieMay

2009-01-29T09:41:00.004-05:00

Jan. 22, 1:49 p.m. 8 lb. 8 oz. 19 1/4 inches. I'm a grandma!

My daughter and her daughter.

The loving father.

Knit Night

2008-11-16T08:58:00.002-05:00

Well, Dawn and I have been meeting regularly for Knit Night on Tuesdays for about 6 weeks. All local knitters/crafters are welcome. We've had up to 7 join us. This week I'm offering up my home to the group. Tuesdays at 7.

Gallagher

2008-10-18T08:17:00.002-04:00

I guess he's been kicked off TV. So sad. But--he was in northern Michigan this week. First in Boyne City on Thursday and in Cheboygan on Friday. R wanted to see him and asked if mom and dad wanted to go too! Of course! So we saw Gallagher live at The Opera House in Cheboygan last night. KEWL!
It was a good show. Tickets were $25 each, buy one get one free. Tony and I went, R brought J. Eldon and his little bro J. and then they picked up a friend, G. No, really, that's what he goes by, G, no abbreviations on that one.
We laughed so hard! for more than 2 hours. It was cool to see him in this smaller venue. The show started before the show started. He signed autographs before the show and took pictures. R and J. Eldon got their pic with him. Then he asked R to be a model during the show! So kewl!
Did you know that Gallagher is 63! He's had a heart attack. and he's still funny/goofy and thinking.
He told about his drive from Boyne City to Cheboygan and his stop in Petoskey. He saw the big hole in Petoskey, stopped at the 7-11 and ate at a restaurant there (Perry?).
It was a great evening and we had a great time. Now I need to get ready for Machine knitting meeting at 11.

October Vacation

2008-10-16T09:42:00.002-04:00

Yes, I'm taking my vacation this week. What have I been doing? Cleaning and rearranging the house. First I cleaned R's room. She seems to be moving on, up and out. Very little left in there for my college sophomore.
I've never cleaned the girls rooms (unless they asked for help). I always felt their room, even if it was in my home, was their sanctuary, their own space. So it all of September for me to be able to go in their and touch stuff.
Next, I moved the twin bed from the other spare room into R's room. Cleaned up all my clothes in the spare room and moved the computer down there.
The intention was to make space in the living room for a woodstove. But after measuring for safety clearance, hubby doesn't think it will work. Brainstorming again.
Now that spent my vacation days cleaning and moving I need to spend some time in the workshop/studio/knit-sew room. While cleaning I found all my polymer clay with beads made up and ready to bake. I'm such a slacker sometimes.

Spinning, Spinning

2008-10-05T08:18:00.004-04:00

I'm spinning yarn now. This is 100% Natural Color Hogget Romney, named Timberwolf, from Maple Row Stock Farm in Sherwood, MI.
I'm into the 3rd of four 8 oz balls of roving. My first big project.

Mackinac Bridge Tractor Parade

2008-09-13T09:00:00.007-04:00

The morning started early. We pulled into what used to be an empty field just last week to see a sea of tractors.

The good looking guy at the bottom of the pic is my everloving hubby of 27 years. And yes, on our 27th anniversary, we drove our tractors across the Mighty Mac!

Around 11 a.m. we were signaled to fire up the tractors for the first stage of the parade. 200 tractors were to parade through downtown Mackinaw City to the second staging area. Keep in mind this is nearly 200 tractors in the second staging area. We were parked in a lot near the Mackinaw Crossings in downtown Mackinaw City.

Then we got the word it was time to head across the bridge. We fired up the tractors again, cruised through downtown Mackinaw City and then right onto the bridge! It was fabulous! It was such a rush! I don't remember being so excited about something in a long time. The weather was great, a bit of a breeze and I did end up taking my hat off on the bridge, but what a trip! People driving past us taking pictures. One van was passing us and they had the slider door open with a video camera going!

Once across the bridge we were greated with hundreds of watchers, through the toll booth and just on the other side was a sign on a van:

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

DENISE AND TONY.

I didn't know about it so I couldn't get a pic of it. It was my folks! My dad's idea actually. How wonderful! It was hard to be a puddle of teary eyed daughter and still drive my tractor, but I managed. I worked through it on the way into St. Ignace. This is the hill into downtown St. Ignace. There are tractors in front of me, all the way down the hill.

There were so many people along the route, it was tremendous.

The next, and last stop was Kewadin Casino. I'm guessing we arrived there around 2:15 and obviously in the first group to arrive. I wanted to wait until all the tractors arrived before taking a picture. I found a good location on a rise to take some pics. What a tremendous sight! A sea of tractors! Nearly 700, each one with a driver.

There was a huge tent to the right in which the Casino was offering burgers, dogs, BBQ pork, fish sticks, fries and onion rings and pop or water.

I'm signing up for next year!

What a Wild Woolly Weekend!

2008-08-18T06:54:00.003-04:00

No pics. I'm such a slacker that way.
Dawn and I went to Allegan to the Michigan Fiber Festival! Whoa! is the least I can say. We were so overwhelmed with wool fumes, drunked up on the rovings, raw fleeces, yarns, what else can I say.
We left at 7:20 a.m. and arrived in Allegan at 11:20. Snuck into the festival on Friday afternoon and shopped until 4. Saturday we shopped from 9:30 until we ran out of money at 2. We couldn't believe the number of booths full of woolly goodness. We learned so much just checking out what each vendor carried. Wool, from most every breed of sheep. Different breeds have different attributes, some soft as baby butts, some coarser and more durable for rugs or shoes and that doesn't even count the alpaca, llama, goat, rabbit, dog an cat hair that can be spun into yarn. There was also silk, flax, cotton, bamboo, what a selection.
There was also fiber tools--spinning wheels, drop spindles, carding combs, drum carders, dyes, knitting needles and crochet hooks, tatting shuttles.
Not very many already made goods though. This was a festival for the craftsperson; for those who spin, knit crochet, felt, bead and such. And that was all in the first barn.
In the second barn was even more! More yarn, more rovings, for tools of the trades, just more!
On Saturday there were demonstrations of sheep herding with dogs and sheep sheering.
Over in the third and fourth barns were the animals. Sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas. Some were being shown for fleece quality, almost all had stock for sale. And the variety of sizes and colors of sheep and fleece; white, brown, rich chocolate brown, butterscotch, black, spotted, blotchy, friendly and shy, male and female, shorn and full and woolly. What a weekend!
We left all the critters there even though many wanted to sell to us.
We found some great bargains on yarn and beautiful rovings.
And what did I get? A drop spindle kit--decorated bag, drop spindle, 6 rovings and leaflets on how to use the drop spindle and a hat pattern; a 1/17 pound dye sucker skein of yarn, purples; 4 skeins of mill ends Socks That Rock and an 8 oz. roving of undyed merino; and a spotted ball of roving in blues and greens; 36 oz of spun alpaca that can be knit on the machine; and another spindle, lighter than the first.
What will I do this week? Finish up some volunteer duties, knit some swatches, spin some yarn, pick tomatoes, spin some yarn, knit some swatches--you get the idea.

Gardening Along, But Not With Norma

2008-07-27T08:28:00.003-04:00

T picked the green beans and we ended up with a meal and 6 cups to freeze. I've been checking on the cukes and have picked 7 and eaten 3. Yum, fresh veggies from the garden.

We can hardly walk down the rows of potatoes and tomatoes, the darn things are above my waist with blossoms all over.
These are the yummy cukes.

Knit-wise I preparing for the upcoming county fairs. An afghan, some socks, dish cloths and towels and whatever else I find around the house that was made in the last year.
All the sudden, T is raring to go to tractor pulls! With the price of fuel!! What's a woman to do. And what confuses me more--now WE have to cut back on energy use, electricity and just how are we gonna heat the house this winter. If he keeps up on the tractor pulls, I just don't know. But I'll be warm, me and Jane will cuddle and wear lots of woolie warm sweaters and socks.

Blessings to All

2008-06-20T08:36:00.002-04:00

I was sitting here thinking about all the people I met at the Spring Fling in Peru, Indiana in April. Several of them were from the Midwest. I want to send all possible blessings and strength to those that may be affected by the Mighty Mississippi recently.
Blessings, Blessings, Blessings!!

Now It's June

2008-06-16T20:26:00.004-04:00

I know, it's been awhile. I've been busy.
I'm not a dedicated blogger like Norma or Bron or Yarn Harlot, I'm such a slacker.
And because of this you can't see pictures of my garden nor any of the knitting projects finished. So I guess I'll just have to tell you about it all.
The garden is in--2 rows of potatoes, 2 rows of tomatoes, a row of green beans, 2 rows of corn, a triangle of onions and one of raspberries, a goodly crop of strawberries, some rhubarb and a lovely tractor tire of herbs.
Completed knitting projects include: tube socks in pink, a snug tank for R, a sleeveless sweater for me and a pair of pants from Rachelle Moffetts pants pattern (knit, frogged, and knit again because a small swatch didn't portray the true nature of the yarn in a large garment).
Healthwise I've been slacking a bit on the low carbs and walking. I'm getting in about 3 walks per week instead of the desired 5-6 walks. Carbs (pasta, potatoes, bread, rice, white flour stuff) are now on the list of no-nos, but they've been sneaking in the the eating plan on a daily basis.
Several weeks ago my allergies kicked up and I thought I was going to die from the coughing. After a regular check up, the new doc recommended I switch to a different high blood pressure med as one of the side effects of the one I was taking was coughing. Damn, and it was working well and it was cheap!
The G'Ma word may still be in my future. J is late again, about 4 weeks late now. Keep your fingers and toes crossed that things go well this time. She's a young, healthy woman with no bad habits.

All I Can Say Is . . . Wow.

2008-05-06T16:08:00.002-04:00

Whoa, and Wow. Last week I mentioned the springing things I find on my walks. Ah, the signs of spring and trash dumping.
Well guess what? It's gone! All gone! I took a walk this afternoon and it was gone! Not a trace was left! I was awestruck! Really!
I don't know what caused the garbage to dissappear. It could have been my post here. It could have been my column in the Straitsland Resorter. Either way, I was pleased to see it be gone.
If the Department of Natural Resources removed it, okee dokee.
If the depositors removed it--WONDERFUL! I applaud you for taking care of your stuff.
I thank you and Mother Nature thanks you. Blessed Be.

Ah, The Signs of Spring--NOT!

2008-04-27T18:30:00.001-04:00

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!

2008-04-20T14:00:00.001-04:00

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!

2008-04-12T19:07:00.002-04:00

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

2008-04-06T12:40:00.003-04:00

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

2008-04-01T18:42:00.004-04:00

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.

The Bad News

2008-03-25T21:11:00.003-04:00

Last week was so good! And then . . . . not so good.
The announcement last week, is no longer:(
Jenni isn't gonna be a mommy yet. Things didn't work out this time.
I just wish she didn't have to have such heartache. I don't wish that experience on any one.
But she is doing well, and their move to a new apartment is keeping her busy.
Send your healing light to her please.

The Bad News

2008-03-25T21:11:00.000-04:00

Announcement

2008-03-20T08:55:00.005-04:00

Just last Saturday at knitting club the grammas were all googling about their slew of grandbabies. They teased me saying, "just wait, you never know!" "Blah, Blah, blah, I'm just gonna have grand-dogs", I said. Like I said, that was Saturday.

On Sunday evening Jenni and Bill stopped by to say they got a new apartment in Petoskey. Good news because that's where they both work. More $$ for rent, less expense in fuel!! I was very glad for them. I gave Jenni the sockies I had knit for the kids (her friends FOUR kids, 18 mo, to 7 yrs) and she casually says, "You can keep make stuff."

"Yea, I know, blah, blah, blah," I said.

"I'm pregnant," she says.

I said something like, "AAAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHH!" and gave her a hug and kiss.

Bill just sat there with a s--t eating grin on his face!

She is 6 weeks along now and I hope Connie doesn't read this until Jenni gets a chance to tell her.

This will be our first grandbaby. I think I'm excited!!

As for the new revised eating plan, things are going well, the first week, I lost 1 1/2 lbs. Saturday is weight in day and I've been walking 4 days a week for 40-50 minutes. I can't wait until the roads defrost completely so I don't have to shuffle across the icy parts. I'll just have to wear grub clothes and slop in the mud instead!

Oh, as for the grandmother thing, we're looking for a different name than 'grandma'. These are the current options: NaNa, NeeNee, (that goes with NeeCee), Gram, Oma, Munga, Bitch, Old Lady (I was formerly Hey Lady), Grammy, Me Maw, G-Ma. I'm taking nominations as I'm gonna be the coolest grandmother ever!!

Slow Knitting

2008-03-08T09:03:00.003-05:00

Last week a made a purse for my friend M to give. When people ask about her purse, she says, "My friend Denise made it!" (with flourishing model hands). So I'm making a few more. They are easy TV knitting and uses left over wool.
I visited with my new Doc again on Thursday. I have homework from the last visit--keep a food diary. I had never done that before. It was a very interesting experience for me. I knew going in I would stern advice about the chips. It was the eating pattern that I was surprised with and what it does physiologically to my body that surprised me. I carb up (obviously bad carbs), fly, crash, carb up again to counteract the crash and wow, it's a vicious cycle!
My first day trying to break the cycle was eye opening. I've been doing this for so long I have gotten into a habit of carb doping for lunch and taking a nap in the afternoon. Yesterday, I cut way back on the bad carbs but did the nap thing anyway (habit). I felt so different after my nap. Like alive and awake. Doc said if I just do one thing a week (cut something or substitute a not so good thing for a better thing) then she expects a 1 lb. a week weight loss! My weight hasn't gone that way in 20 years! This is going to be hard work, but it's time to take care of myself now. I'm starting at 216, really. I go back in two months. I'm so excited, I'm gonna find some batteries for the scale!

For My New Friend

2008-02-24T19:58:00.003-05:00

This post is for Josephine. No pictures to post, but a post none the less.
Last weekend I traveled for the first time in my life not only to a neighboring state, but throught Wisconsin into Minnesota, for a knitting seminar. Sweetheart Knitting seminar in Fridley, MN. I met several knitters (duh) and had a wonderful two days of learning more machine knitting techiques.
I enjoyed all three of the demonstrators; Marcia Hauser, Helen Griffiths and Michael Becker.
I'm still slow to get motiviated, but, I took Jane for a walk this afternoon and was inspired. I remembered that I need to make myself a scarf and gloves or mitts to go with my winter coat. I would like to make a sign for my business. Tony's socks are nearly done but I don't care for the bind off nor the afterthought heel and both will be reworked before he can wear them.
Healthwise, I've been keeping a food journal--new thing for me. I eat a lot. Portion size is an issue for me.
I'm now in the 21st century--got cell phones last week too! And as soon as I figure out how to post a blog from my 'smartphone', you'll be the first to know!

Thoughts for 2008

2008-01-04T21:40:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling purple today. And ambitious. I need to start selling my stuff and I'm going to start here.
This is my plan--post weekly several items for sale, crafted by ME. I also told a friend I would like to write one pattern per month. My personal resolution is to make or buy a new outfit per month. Sounds like I will busy!
Look here soon for updates.

No Pics Again

2007-11-30T01:49:00.000-05:00

I now have ideas in my head for the Yule gifts, stockings, tree skirts, sockies, oh my! But it's all waiting until after Saturday. Cheer America! will be in town and the Boosters have provided the concesssions for the last three of their competitions. I'm secretary of the Boosters. Hence I will be working the concession all day.
My toe up socks are almost complete, 3.5 inches of ribbing and I'm done. Those are for me because they're by hand. It's nearly impossible to knit goods by hand and still make a bit of money.
Several months ago, T mentioned something about being debt free. This idea has stuck in my head and now I'm trying real hard to reduce our credit card balances. Wrong time of year to do that! But I'm gaining slowly. The balances are shrinking slowly and I have made a few bucks here and there (and expecting a bit more). My goal by this time next year is to have no credit card debt, just the house payment! I best get knitting and selling myself!

Nervous Mervis

2007-11-16T07:59:00.000-05:00

Why would I be nervous? Headed to my second craft show tomorrow. The last show I did bombed!!!! Turns you off from making any effort to try another one.
Last year I tried Indian River and told lots of people about it. Indian River is supposed to be one of the largest, best shows of the season. Right, I sold 1 item for $2.50 last year. EEEEK. That worked out to be a huge loss for me.
This year I'm down sizing (I think) heading to Onaway, and I advertised! We'll see if that makes a difference.
Also, locally, there seems to be 'craft show wars'. I know from experience how much the Indian River show costs for a booth--too much for me. Now I see that all the area meeting halls are hosting their own shows, with a much lower table/booth cost. I think I'll try to hit a few of them also.
I'm gonna go simple this year. I get a table and 2 chairs. I'm gonna cover the table with the afghans and rugs I've made and fill baskets with my knits. I've made a sign, printed some business cards and will also take SOME orders for Christmas delivery.
Wish me Luck!

November in Northern Michigan

2007-11-08T08:38:00.000-05:00

This is what we woke up to this morning. Snow on the ground. A nice dusting to make the world look fresh.

Knit-wise I've been zipping through Tempting II from Knitty in a wonderful alpaca from Knit Picks.

This weekend our local machine knitters club will be dying yarn and I'll be dragging along some newbies. Gotta get some of the youngers knitting! (Gosh I never thought I say something like that.)

Tuesday was the first day of my afterschool knitting class. I had five students, 12 to 16 year olds, very excited about knitting. In the 50 minutes we had together, one finished 3 rows, one finished 1 row and the other three were well into their first row.

That seems odd to me as I grew up in a crafting family. Many American families have no concept of doing for themselves; growing food, making and repairing clothing, WOW!

Saturday was Great!

2007-10-14T21:36:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, my machine knitting group met at a newer local yarn shop and textile studio/bed and breakfast run by a woman and her mother. How wonderful! They have gorgeous hand painted yarns old and new. What's great is they both worked in the textile industry for years and are both a wealth of information.
The owner recently moved back home to care for her mother and open the bed and breakfast/textile studio. Her mother works with the likes of Bill Blass in the 70s.
They both knit and weave and sell their beauties locally. They also make kits, offer lessons and do finishing work and knit custom items.
I was so glad to find them and asked if we could have a meeting at their studio. We like to support local businesses as much as possible.
I made 8 dishcloths today, finished my socks, and worked on Tempting II Alpaca.
Recently I have been researching making my own laundry soap. That will be my next experiement.

Reality Shows

2007-10-08T20:03:00.000-04:00

Ok, I'm done with them. Can't anyone think of anything better?

Fair Results

2007-08-12T08:42:00.000-04:00

Well, I managed a quick trip through the open class building on Wednesday evening before the tractor pulls. I counted 9 blue ribbons and 3 red ribbons on my entries. My daughter also got a red ribbon and my mom received red ribbons on the quilts I entered for her!
As for the tractor pulls, I got a fourth place and fifth place in the classes I ran in.

Gettin' Ready

2007-07-27T22:21:00.000-04:00

Two more fair entries are complete. I've finished and trimmed a knit-weave rug and a childs striped sweater. I need to press all the sewn items and make a purse to full and an afghan. That completes the entries for the first fair.
The next fair is a week later and I really need to raise the bar for this one for hand and machine knitting and sewn items. The money I make from these fairs is going to pay my way the Grand Rapids Area Machine Knitters fall workshop in October.!!

Long Time, I'm not dead yet

2007-07-22T10:50:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been a bit since my last post to say the least.
If I may, I will brag and eventually post a few pics.
R has graduated from high school with a 3.945 making her Salutitorian of her class.
J got married.
I did some well deserved imbibing then actually took a week off work.
Now I'm make stuff to enter in the local fairs.
I'll be posting more often now that the nest is empty. HA!!

Thoughts for this Yule

2006-12-23T07:54:00.000-05:00

1. I really don't care for 'fun fur' type yarns. What is it with them anyway? And they're everywhere!
2. Still have a sweater, fudge, fruit salad to make, fridge to clean, gifts to wrap and clothes to wash for tonight.
3. Jane and hubby are suffering because of #2.
4. No one will receive holiday cards from me again this year--just not on my list of things to do.
5. I still care LOTS about the people I WOULD send cards to!
6. Haven't walked in days and my back and legs are screaming at me for it.
7. I weigh more than I every have in my life and I really don't care about weight anymore. I would like to be more fit and make walking a DAILY part of my life, for the rest of my life.
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Merry Yule or whatever you celebrate this time of year!

Another Quickie

2006-12-08T09:20:00.000-05:00

On Monday I thought we had a meeting, when I got there I realized it was moved to Tuesday.
Tuesday I went to the meeting and sold 50/50 tickets at the first basketball game. Also ordered flowers for my ever-loving for our 'anniversary'; 29 years ago I picked him over the other guy. I was 14 at the time, Really!
Wednesday was the actual anniversary date. Then we have coffee, cake and ice cream to celebrate an older neighbor's birthday (he's 74).
Thursday after work I did some shopping for concession supplies for Saturday. While I was in the 'big city' I nabbed a few Yule gifts.
Today I've got laundry to do, fit a choir gown, pick up buns and bananas for tomorrows concessions and set up the concession area later.
Tomorrow is concession stand ALL DAY. We plan on starting coffee at 7 a.m. The Cheer America coach running the competition said to plan on about 1100 kids! Competitions begin at 9 a.m. with Level 1; Level 5 doesn't start until 4:30!
Sunday I was hoping to rest a bit, but the list says bake cookies, hem choir gown, laundry and clean bathrooms!!!!
Monday I might get some knitting Yule gifts in.
Tuesday is 50/50 again.
Wednesday is my Home and Garden Party I got conived into hosting.
The next planned event is Sunday with the cookie exchange--we were planning on 12 dozen cookies, now we're at 15 dozen!! (I have half of the baked, sorted and in the freezer.)
How's your holiday schedule?

The Days After

2006-11-25T08:25:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving day went wonderfully; two dinners at two homes. The early meal (1:30) was at the youngest brother-in-laws, lots of family there from hubbys side of the family and sis-in-laws brother and wife. All went well. It was the first time to their new home and the remodel is in full swing. It's one of the oldest homes in their little town and has great potential. The work they've done looks real good too!
Dinner #2 was at the eldest daughters' home. She insisted on making dinner, so I helped where necessary. Everything went well there too! I think the Wednesday evening prep was a challenge though. . . . . . .

The story goes . . . . .

I better start with last weekend . . . . .

Youngest daughter, still at home, let's call her R had a challenging weekend. I believe it started Friday evening.
She and her friend of 4 years, a male friend, we'll call him J Eldon, wanted to go out. It was blizzarding. They traversed the 3 miles to middle sisters apartment to watch movies. That was all the farther I would let them go. They arrived back here around 9 p.m. I asked if R was going to take J. Eldon home. It was blizzarding, she said, "You drive him." Needless to say, he spent the night in the spare room.
Saturday morning she was driving him home before she headed to work. She made dropped him off and made it half way to work when . . .

her brakes failed at the intersection. The god's were with her, the light turned green, she coasted through the intersection, into a parking lot and drove in circles until the Exploder slowed down enough to roll into a snowbank. She called from a convenience store. I picked her up and took her to work. She called when she was done and T and I picked her up and retrieved the Exploder.
On Sunday R took my car to her second job. We lost power in the afternoon so I called her to remind her to be careful driving through the intersection in town. She stopped at big sisters house on her way home for dinner and called to check in. By then, the power was back on. Ten minutes later big sister called and said, "Mom, the brakes went out on your car."
Poor R, two vehicles, two sets of brakes in two days! Momma freaked.
T bought parts and fixed, bought more parts and fixed and bought more parts and fixed! (He's magic you know.)
Ok, all went well for a few days until Wednesday. R asked to borrow my car again. She and J. Eldon were going holiday visiting and my car is more reliable. I said OK. We swapped vehicles. I drove the Exploder home from work. I loaded it full of groceries to take to eldests home to prep for Turkey day (thank goodness she lives only 10 miles from us.) A mile and a half from home, in front of one of the dining establishements, the drivers side rear wheel fell off the Exploder!!!
Yup, wheel fell off, O F F, off. Like someone missed lug nut day at school.
I calmly exited the vehicle, looked at where the wheel was, yup is was gone. Went into the bar and called eldest. Very calmly I said, "Come get me, I'm at the Brown Trout, the wheel fell off the Exploder."
Within 10 minutes my rescue crew arrived. T had just arrived home from work and got the call from eldest; and eldest and her hubby arrived to re-install the wheel and brake drum that had rolled across the road and back home the Exploder went. I loaded into eldests Blazer with groceries and went over to drink and Smirnoff and make pie crusts. Girls chopped veggies for salad and dressing and I rode home with R in MY car.
And yet, there's more . . .
Yesterday was one of the largest craft shows in northern Michigan. Eldest, R, mom and me had our first booth there. Unloaded displays and wares at 7 a.m., set up and ready to sell by 10 a.m., tear down at 4 p.m. We had an eclectic bunch of stuff--ornaments, baby knits, lamps, candles, woodworking--and we barely covered the entry fee! We heard the same from many crafters. For a first time this could be a real deterent; but I think we'll try another one next weekend!
In the mean time, R is still driving my car and I ache all over from loading, unloading, sitting, loading and unloading craft show stuff. I finally took a couple anti-inflamatories this morning and am lazing around for a while. Next I will eat something for breakfast, then shower--that will complete my list for the day. Anything else I do will be above and beyond my goal!

Hey

2006-11-17T08:16:00.000-05:00

Ok, so originally I had hoped to post more pics when I started blogging. Well as you see, it's just not happening, but you get words!
SKB at Sexy Knitters Club is over, but I'm not done with mine. It needs revising. A frogging I must go.
Candle Flame shawl is still in time-out, not because of the mistakes but because I have my first craft fair coming up next week and I feel totally unprepared! Candle Flame is for ME, not to sell.
Otherwise, I've been knitting quite a bit, 2 little girl ponchos, fingerless gloves, tiny nordic sweaters and baby sockies last week. I hope to have a couple of tubs of stuff ready to go by next Friday at 7 a.m. Now to just find that paperwork I need for the fair?!?!
Outside is a new skiff of snow on the ground.
Tony has been working inceasently fixing the youngest daughter's vehicle breaks. She a a string of bad luck last weekend. Another financial setback, $200+ in parts--thank goodness we didn't have to pay labor costs, I just made hubby supper.
And guess what I have discovered? Regular tv has crap on it just like the expensive DirecTV we were paying for! But it did take me half an hour on the phone to cancel it. She kept asking why I wanted to cancel--"Because we don't want to pay for it any longer since we got 157 channels and there's NOTHING ON."
I feel better now that I posted some progress. Let me know you stopped for a visit.

Quickie

2006-11-04T08:39:00.000-05:00

The last couple weeks I've been moving my STUFF from the 14x11 bedroom to the 13x24 STUDIO (garage room). Bribed hubby to toughen up the wobbly desk and moved 3 knitting machines and 1 sewing machine, ironing board, serger, yarn and yarn barn, sewing notions and other miscellanous tools, supplies and crap into MY ROOM! Someday I'll get around to posting some pics of MY SPACE, not like the myspace thing on the web. This is the first time in almost 30 years that I've have a space that was just mine!!
But too much play make a woman with a tight back, so I need to walk the dog today.
I've been knitting, no you can't see! I'm just too lazy to take pics and post! (maybe, if a get a comment or two I could be bribed) cuz some of these little things I've finished are just so damn cute! Ok, that's it, quickie done.

Patience is a Virture

2006-10-17T08:03:00.000-04:00

I've been such a good girl, waiting for this day to post. I didn't want t jinx it. J and B found an apartment about 2 weeks ago, but I didn't want to say anything until that actually moved in. Last night they got the key and boy did we move them fast! J had lots of stuff packed up already and her car loaded. B got home about 5 and we started loading the cars! By the time J got home ad 5:30 we had the majority of stuff loaded, just the large items left.
A 4 vehicle caravan traversed the treacherous 5 miles (downhill) to town. We unloaded boxes and tubs in the rain, stuffing them all into the tiny apartment. I returned home to find hubby eating the last of the cheese cake and complaining of hunger pangs. I zipped him into gear--Let's get this kid moved!!!! So we loaded up a few more tubs, the bed and a shelf unit. Delivered the items before they got too damp and slurpped down a piece of pizza from the kids.
Now the hard work begins--cleaning out their former room as it becomes my KNITTING/SEWING STUDIO!!!!!! 14x20 of knitting and sewing luxury!!! The small bedroom that was using before will become an extenstion of our bedroom, making a suite for the married couple.
Hurray!!!!

Disorders and Diseases

2006-10-07T07:23:00.000-04:00

This is Jane. Jane is 6. As you can see, Jane is clearly a Chocolate Lab. Jane thinks she is a people. She can tell time; 7 p.m. is bone time. She knows what day of the week it is. Today is Saturday, today is snuggle w/mom day.
Jane was striken with an awful disease last weekend--Peanut butterus nositis, she it there on the end of her nose just above her snout? It usually occurs on evenings and weekends when crappy movies are on and her peeps are eating peanut butter and crackers. Somehow during the movie, a dollup of peanut butter migrated, through thin air, to the end of her nose. This disease causes tongue enlongation, and taste bud frustration on the dogs part and hysterical belly laughs on the humans part.
Knit-wise--SKB is coming along slowly; I've started a felted purse from Mason-Dixon and have procured a booth and one of Northern Michigan's largest craft shows the day after Thanksgiving. Wish me lots of luck, I've never done the craft show thing before!!

Knitters Retreat

2006-09-19T16:18:00.000-04:00

I have returned for the Grand Rapids Area Machine Knitters Retreat:) A wonderful weekend of knitting, yarn, food, yarn and knitting. It seemed like attendance was lower even with including hand knitters and crocheters, but was still good. Great demonstrators, techniques, patterns and yarns.
I was able to meet Leslye Solomon and Rachelle Moffett and Charlene Schafer and Tricia Schafer and Cathie Sanders. What a bunch of wonderful, creative, talented, friendly ladies! Each had a story to tell and ideas to share and I enjoyed the weekend.

GRAMKC Here We Come!

2006-09-11T16:20:00.000-04:00

It won't be long now. Thursday we head south to Grand Rapids for the Grand Rapids Area Machine Knitters Club Annual Retreat. Not just 2 but 4 of us are going this year.
But I must digress--before I can do that
I must
Celebrate with the man of my dreams, my shoulder to lean on, the love of my life--Tony. We will celebrate our 25 wedding anniversary on Tuesday. I understand that many are still mourning the events of 9-11-2001, but I MUST, you understand, just MUST celebrate with him. If I continue to be somber about such things I have no control over I fall deep into depression. So, maybe I'll have a drink Tuesday. We have been so lucky in our lives just to have each other. I feel blissful with him around. How could I ever thank him for all he has done for me. What a wonderful man! I Love You, Tony.

Busy September

2006-09-08T19:39:00.000-04:00

On Sept. 6, R achieved the ripe old age of 17! Seventeen years ago was also C's first day of kindergarten, really put a cramp in big sister's day!
This coming Sunday, Sept. 10 will be our school Boosters 13 annual Cow Pie Bingo. We lead a bovine onto the football field to 'drop a plop'.
Then on Sept. 12 is my and my everloving's 25 anniversary.
Which crams lots of stuff into a few days, because on the 14th I head for Grand Rapids for the annual Knitter's Retreat. Two terrific days of knitting, this year we will have machine and hand knitting. Check out what's going on here.
OK, last weekend for review--tractor pulls at the Chippewa County Fair and my vacation. On Thursday, we participated in the the dead weight pull, my first time. I entered in the 3000 lb class with the 1954 Oliver 66. My first pull I managed a half inch, really, just a half inch; second pull--FULL PULL! The next and last puller, the only other lady in the class; full pull! They added 500 pounds to the sled and we had a pull-off! I pulled 6", whoo-hoo! Which actually was the winning pull because my opponent only managed 3".
Friday, was not as fulfilling. I slipped the tractor into high gear, stalled the tractor, fouled the plugs and messed up the carburetor. I had to scratch both classes. We returned home Friday night for a hot shower and repairs to my tractor.Sunday morning we traveled back to the fair for more pulling, this time with the transfer sled. I placed 4th in the 3000 class. Hubby placed in three of the four classes he entered coming home with two 2nd place trophies and one 4th place. So why are there only pictures of my man? Yea, cause he said, "Take some pictures."
And, sorry, he's not available.

Decision is Made

2006-08-30T11:28:00.000-04:00

Ok, so after yesterdays vent, (thanks Bron) I feel much better. Here I thought that was a normal amount of crap to be doing. Oh, yea, and I haven't done any laundry for our vacation either!!
Ok, so I made my decision. Six months ago I had decided to decide later. I guess now is later than before. Now I need to decide when. I need to set a date to move on.
If you didn't notice in my last post, I HATE CELEBRATIONS. I don't even know when my blog-a-versary is. I don't care. But I do need to set a goal date. June graduation is too far away, I'm afraid I would hurt someone if I had to wait that long. Sept. 12 is too soon, I feel I need to give them more time. But I do need to have a heart-to-heart with hubby. This weekend!
More fair stuff--

Lacy little girl stuff, a first and a second.
And then more second place stuff--Fingerless Mitts, a Cotton hat and Tempting II!!

Not bad for some busy work and a sexy KAL!

Another Day, Another Dollar 2.98

2006-08-29T15:44:00.000-04:00

1. So I bust my hump for the last two weeks at home and work. I've kept up on the dishes and even cohersed stubborn children into doing dishes and sweeping floor. I've neglected my bedroom for knitting and painting projects. I picked green beans and froze baggies of them and didn't ask for any help.
I just don't feel like I'm making any progress. I'm ready for a mental breakdown. Why? the price of gas is down to $2.79 here. I should be celebrating! R goes back to school next week (for the last time.)
2. But work has been a bit hairy @%@#. I'm doing my best, ok, so everyone slips once in a while. I was hoping a vacation would help--how can it, when I feel guilty about not being at work the whole time?
3. Now, I have two cousins with breast cancer and I'm coming up on their age when they were diagnosed. Daughters are in need of emotional of support; health, decisions, growing up. You would think I'd be down to 110 pounds with all this stress. Naw, I EAT when I'm stressed!
4. And I hate celebrations! Yes, really. Can we just get past this next anniversary? I mean, I love my husband dearly, don't know what I'd do without him. But people expect things. Just because we've been married 25 years. I would prefer to celebrate that time when we decided we were committed to each other, that would be sometime in August and 27 years ago. The wedding ceremony was Sept. 12, 1981, just a date in time.
So what's my next move, I'm open to suggestions.

Fair Entries Return Home

2006-08-27T12:59:00.000-04:00

I've been slacking lately here but not elsewhere. I returned home and vowed to take pictures of all my fair entries with their place tags. Wow, I was surprised! These were the first places!
We have Fair Isle Socks and Simple Pants (machine knit),
and below is a simple shell (sewing) and a Twisty T-Top,

and a lovely Fair Isle Cape (stash reduction project).

Tempting II KAL with Sexy Knitters Club

2006-08-06T08:17:00.000-04:00

Here's me in my Sexy Knitters Club Knit A Long, Tempting II.
I see I look more and more like my aunts every day :( I'm not real happy with that. I love my aunts, don't get me wrong! But I really thought that will all the heat as of late I would have melted somewhat.
Anyway, I'm not real happy with the neckline of the sweater, but left the life line in, in case I needed to frog AGAIN.
I'm back to walking now that the heat has subsided. Believe it or not, in Northern Michigan we had 90+ heat for several days. We northerners aren't used to such heat. But thank goodness for the many inland lakes, streams and rivers which we partook of during those days.
I've been going through the phase of being selfish and pissy about everything. Maybe it's my age, 43. Maybe it's the summer. Maybe its that this is the year of our 25th anniversary (yes, I married just after high school). Whatever it is, I think I'm annoying everyone I come in contact with--family, friends (if I have any left). What to do, what to do?
Any-who, I'm registered for the knitting retreat in Grand Rapids the weekend after my anniversary. Volunteer stuff is popping up all over. Fair is in 2 weeks and I need to make a few more things to enter. This is the last year of high school for my baby girl (#2 in the class ya know!!!) So what's to be sad about--I got so much crap going on!! What's my problem? Heck, I don't know!

Cooler Now

2006-07-23T20:33:00.000-04:00

Last week was so flippin' hot I did absolutely no walking at all. I was afraid that my fitness progress was lost, but due to the heat and minimal menus and lots of water, I didn't do to bad. Got back on track by walking 3 miles yesterday and another 3 today.
I shot a few more tracks on the walk this morning. I believe this is another pic of Elki's footprint.

When I got back from the walk, this is the garden. Yes, it was planted late, but not doing too bad. I tilled it Friday, but it still needs some weeding done.

Tracks in the Forest

2006-07-08T08:38:00.000-04:00

Last update was knitting. This one's walking.
I've been walking off and on for several years. A long time ago (when I was in my 20s) I told myself that when I reached my 40s I would take care of myself and walk every day. A few years ago, when I reached 40, I realized, "Oh shite, I gotta do that now!" because I always do what I say I'm gonna do.
So I walk at least 3 days a week with my familiar, Precious Lady Jane.
We have several regular routes and over the last couple years we look for different things, seasonal changes, tracks, berries and critters.
About a year ago I came across a track I was unsure of; the tracks at the top of the pic are definately deer, but the tracks at the bottom were 'different'. As a former farmer, I knew they were not cattle tracks, nor horse tracks. And according to Department of Natural Resources officers, "There are no elk in this area." I beg to differ--I've seen these tracks for at least a year and 2 weeks ago my suspicions were confirmed!! Hubby and I saw Eldon (the elk) crossing the road only a mile and a half from the house!
I did a little more picture taking to confirm my suspicions. Left pic is Eldon's track, middle is the measuring stick and ruler for scale (6"), right pic is Bucky deer's track. Bucky's foot print is only 2", Eldon's is much closer to 3" and rounder. (And yes, I name most the critters I come across.) I would like to say to the Michigan DNR--you're wrong, na, na, na, na, na!

Another Post, So Soon?

2006-07-01T18:25:00.000-04:00

Candle Flame Scarf is progressing, another 18 rows or half a pattern repeat, is compete.

Now, I clicked a quick pick of what's on the needles. I don't have an obsession? Do I? Obviously, the Sweet Pea (purpley) is the Candle Flame Scarf. On the top right is a toe-up sock pattern I'm creating. The yarn in Utopia that was acquired at the LYS from the discontiued bin!! At the bottom in medium blue TLC Cotton Plus is Sexy Knitters Club KAL, Tempting II.

Dear Reader

2006-06-25T07:54:00.000-04:00

Reader Dawn,
To begin your own blog look at the top of the page, see way up there to the right? Yes, that's right. The button that says 'Get Your Own Blog'. Click on that and Blogger will walk you through the process. I must say, some of it gets a little sticky, like adding links, but, you're smart, you can to it. Let me know when you get that baby up and running so I can link to your blog.

Knitwise I'm searching for yarn for the Sexy Knitters Club KAL Tempting II. I could just order it online, which now that it's mere days away from the beginning I am obligated to.
There was progress on the Candle Flame Shawl, but alas, I ended up frogging 7 rows. I am not opting for inserting a 'life line' every 18 rows (1/2 the pattern rows) to cut down on the vulgar language that emits from my mouth and the delay in progress every week.

Seasons/Knitting Progress

2006-06-17T08:51:00.000-04:00

The last day of April I took a pic of an area I walk through almost day. It looked barren and desolate, sad to say the least. Six weeks later it looks a bit different. Yes really, see the little tree? That was the twig in the April pic. Mother Nature is just amazing!
As for knitting, I've made a bit of progress
on the Candle Flame shawl. I'm into the third repeat and can knit a few rows while watching TV!
These cutey patooty T-strap sandels I just had to make last weekend. I used up some scrap yarn and they turned out adorable! Now to find a kidlet they will fit!

Long Time, No Post

2006-05-28T07:29:00.000-04:00

Here is the newest addition to our family, and a life goal realized. Tony has always wanted a Chevy TopKick (ton and a half truck). It's the newest vehicle we own, a 1999. He has plans for modifications up the waazoo. I'm just hoping he fixes the passenger window!
The track meets are done for the season and I was able to finally stop at the LYS and show Mary some of my work. The Dutch Oven Yarn Shop has been around for as long as I can remember. I even got some bargain shopping in.
Let's see, what else has happened??--My birthday was May 2, Tony's birthday was May 22 (yea, ain't that funny). I'm 345 days younger than my hubby. We have both reached our mid-40s.
Here's something I'm looking forward too--blueberries! And the strawberries are blooming right now.
This being Memorial Day weekend, is the traditional time to plant the garden in Northern Michigan, but it's raining now :( And we were up at 5:40 this morning taking clothes off the clothes line! I left them up last night not expecting rain this morning.
I was all geeked for this weekend, making lists, planning plans, and what did I do yesterday? I managed to get clothes on the solar powered dryer (AKA clothes line) and then I sat on the couch and watched goofy sci fi movies for most of the afternoon. I knit of few rows of Candle Flame Scarf, napped and knit a few more rows. Now I've discovered I have a boo-boo.
Ok, so it's real hard to see because I couldn't get the camera to focus when I got closer, but in the circled area there are 2 too many stitches! Some things I'll let go, like the extra yarn overs in the first set of candle flames. They don't change the look of the intended pattern. But this is just screaming at me!! I will be frogging a few rows today!

Spring in the North Country

2006-05-06T07:36:00.000-04:00

It does look a bit barren. This 80 acres of state owned land was logged off 2 years ago. Spring here in Northern Lower Michigan has been very dry so far. But in a couple weeks (and hopefully a couple inches of rain) this will look very different.

We don't have the lushness (yet) that I've seen posted from southern and western bloggers by now. But Mother Nature is at work quietly.
In the underbrush, ankle level we found this->. Blueberry bushes leafing out. Yes really in that barren looking field, the whol 80 acres is full of them.

W
H
A
T

is Jane doing? Hunting chipmunks. She spent about 5 minutes trying to catch this one. It ran back and forth in the log just toying with her. Then ran out the other end and up a tree.

Jane is my therapist. She walks with me, listens to my rants and assists in all my doings including gardening, laundry and knitting. Our walks are very benefitial for my spiritual self. I used to feel guilty about not attending (sitting painfully in) a church regularly. I now consider these walks my worship time. Being of the earth, I need to commune with it almost daily. My spirit is much lifted with walking. Blessed Spring to you!

Volunteer Extrordinaire!

2006-04-28T12:37:00.000-04:00

This is the first post since track and field season started 3 weeks ago. What have I been doing? This week when like so--
Sunday: shop for track meet ($290 of candy!)
Monday: work til 3, track meet from 3:30 to 8:45 (13 schools)
Tuesday: work til 3, sleep
Wednesday: Work til 3, sleep
Thursday: Work til 3, track meet from 4 to 6:30
Friday: walk, garden, laundry, and then ??? hubby asked if I had plans for tonight. Is he up to something?
Next week meets are Tues and Thurs (big one again 14 schools)
I haven't had hardly a minute to do any knitting until today.
Machine knitters meet tomorrow, so I better get something made before then.

Slacker!

2006-04-15T08:58:00.000-04:00

That would be me. Not that I've been slacking in my whole life--no. Just blogging. I finished the Cardinal Cardis and gifted them away last Sunday. Sweet, Sweet pleasure of gifting.
Only walked 1 day this week. Did run 2 track meet concessions though. They're a lot of work but I forget to drink water. Then I just ache afterward.
Added insurance to the teeny truck, got Easter stuff, knit, but no walking.
I've started on the Candle Flame wrap free download from KnitPicks using Gossamer instead. Pictures soon.
Now to start on the list for today--bank, last minute groceries for Sunday, walk, laundry, clean the house.
Happy Easter to those that celebrate--Ostara was celebrated in March!!

Just Wait, the Answers Will Come

2006-03-24T08:08:00.000-05:00

Norma is a bit moody, as am I. I sympathize with her. Now add to that--an industrious 16 year old who's never home because she's working and an almost 20 year old trying to find herself (in my household). Enter my day off and some time to surf. What did I come across? Yahoo horoscope for moi, a Taurus--
Talk about stressed. You've been worried about a dear one for what seems like forever, and you're not ready to quit just yet -- especially because they're refusing to take your advice. The advice they asked for, by the way. Well, you can only do so much. Keep that in mind, and don't feel bad if they do something that you know won't help their cause. You can help others, but you can't live their lives for them. Sure, it's been said before, but it's true.
The answer was there--the answer to the question that's been driving me nuts for months. I can't live her life for her--BUT--I can reinforce the household rules!! :)
On the walking front, I had 7 miles in by Tuesday at 5 p.m., then slacked Wednesday for homebody stuff (making dinner and dessert) and Thursday because of said almost 20 year old annoying the hell out of me. Back at it today, going for 10 miles this week! Oh, and the taxes are done and the new printer is installed.
On top of that, Jane (the most Precious Lady Jane, chocolate lab extrordinare, and semi-human family member) took on the spring animal challege. On Monday, the vernal equinox, spring began at 1:21 p.m., GMT. A mere 53 hours later, Wednesday evening, 10 p.m. EST, she found a waking skunk!
Hooray, spring is here!

2nd Try

2006-03-19T07:49:00.000-05:00

Looky Looky, I did it! 3 Cardis on the bed.
On the right is #2 in the progress of duplicate stitching (Swiss darning) the branches and birds. The thought of carrying bobbins of 5 different colors and trying to follow the graphs was not my cup'o tea, and I have done very little Swiss darning. Now I'm getting proficient at darning both right and left handed. ( I be a lefty!)
The ribbing was all knit by hand, the body of each (red) was zipped up on the machine, and the yoke was returned to a circular needle and knit by hand and the gauge is very accurate throughout.

I've also done some prototype work for an interior designer I met recently. She has designed some of the most adorable stuff for kids rooms. And she has an adorable butterfly cursor!

Looky-Looky! No Not Really

2006-03-18T20:16:00.000-05:00

Check it out--making progress!!! 3 cardinal cardigans in progress. I finally made a point to take some pics. Birds on one done, birds on two doing, birds on three waiting.
So why won't the damn pictures load!!!!!
Maybe tomorrow.
On the fitness front, walking more every week; but no change on the scale!!!!!!!!!!AAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGG! Will it ever change?? Maybe the blood pressure is going down, one can only hope.
Stephanie--love the new office!! I'll give a tour of my pig-sty next week.

Business Busy and Special People

2006-03-11T19:28:00.000-05:00

Yep, so I wanted to go into business for myself. And 2, count'em, 2 paying jobs have fallen into my lap this week. Hooray! 7 choir gowns and 2 vests to alter along with 20 necklaces for same. And then some prototype work for an interior designer!! And I'm ahead of schedule with both!
And not to forget one the most important men in my life--

Happy Birthday Dad!!

What would I like you to know about my DAD? I think he is one of the smartest people I know. He is a fabulous woodsmith, great cook and gardener extrordinaire. I hope someday to grow up and be just like him!

94.5" and Counting

2006-02-26T07:16:00.000-05:00

I see that I haven't posted recently--I'm so lame. But it's been snowing here, up to 94.5" for the season. "To right you see the Exploder (Ford Explorer) in the back yard and yes that is a pile of snow my hubby has plowed--that's a small pile. And I cheated and took the pic through the window because it was -2 F this morning. Consider this--IF the Exploder is 6' tall AND the snow is piled higher than the Exploder THEN the snow pile is more than 6' high. That is the extend of my higher math skills. And remember, that's one of the small piles of snow. A quick check shows at least 8 snow piles from the plowing, some being 40 feet long and blocking the view of the neighbors homes!

On the other hand, I have been walking regularly; 4 days this week. My butt's really nice shape and the belly is shrinking but no weight loss to register yet. The goal is to bring the blood pressure down from 140/90 (which caused the Dr. to panic!!), and I also found out it reduces night sweats (yes, already at 42) and eases the early arthritis--geez, my life sucks!!!
To all those that participated in the Knitting Olympics--Great Job!!! I just never got around to registering. I did register to participate in Trisha Shafer's Round Yoke Sweater Knit-Along and then set a tremendous goal of finishing all THREE round yoke sweaters--Mary Maxim Cardinal Cardigans by the end of February.

Snow Again

2006-02-05T13:00:00.000-05:00

This is the beauty of Northern Michigan, just wanted to share with those of you who don't have such beauty in your world. If you don't get snow--just imagine waking up in the morning and everything being crystal clean again, pure and white!!

New Book!

2006-02-01T16:49:00.000-05:00

Got my first Yarn Harlot book this week!!!! Steph, you're great--I thought you'd be blonder. Love ya babe!

Friday again

2006-01-27T08:40:00.000-05:00

No pics, sorry. I sent the two sweaters I've made recently to work with hubby. They were baby size sample nordics.
Nordic research has been difficult at best--everywhere I look on the web just sells nordics, hard to find info about the history of these beautys. I did find a catalogue with lovely pics which i'm using for reference. Next move will be to get a book on Norwegian sweaters, history of the sweater and the land they came from.
A local radio station has 'No Refusal Fridays'--looking for obscure music from the 60s to the 90s to play. J and I have begun a list of obscure requests. What fun!!!
The weekly walking is going well, 4 days last week, only 2 so far this week but there are 2 more days.

Really, Jane, You're a Dog

2006-01-14T08:03:00.000-05:00

In contrast to Yarn Harlot's problem with her pet; this was next to me when I woke up this morning. I was under the green/yellow blanket, she was snuggled up next to me. I'm not sure how I rate in this relationship, I always end up with her butt at my face. In dog-ese is that good? Earlier in the morning, on the far side of the bed was the hubby. So Jane was sandwiched be-tween the two of us.
On the knitting front I zipped up a pair of pants to see how they would work out. Elastic waist, straight legs, forest green. Gosh, I could take a picture couldn't I.
Next project is a couple Nordic style sweaters. I'll make a wee one first to see how everything works out. The yarn is som 2/24 acrylic from a friend who had her own company and did production knitting. A cone of 2/24 (3 pounds) last FOREVER!!!! even when running to strands together!

Trail Walking

2006-01-13T08:32:00.000-05:00

On one of our trail walks, not possible now because of the snow, Jane Dog and I came upon this. Yes, this is a chair in the middle of the trail, facing south, around 4 p.m., hence the shadow.

It's strange what you find in the woods in Northern Michigan.
This is one of the crooked trees on my trail.

What I'm looking for here is some encouragement--it's ok to enjoy life a bit, not everything I do has to be for others. This is for me--walking for cardio, mental, spiritual and overall fitness. Enjoy the beauty of my world.

Another Day, Another Headache

2006-01-10T15:50:00.000-05:00

Isn't that just cute! It's a little man suit,
cardigan, shirt and shorts in forest green.
I had to force myself to keep working on it.
First the shorts, easy enough.
Then the cardi, drop shoulder, v neck.
Then the shirt. But I got it all done. Now just to sew on the tags and buttons.
Now, for some reason I've had a headache most the afternoon, then a tummy ache. Neither seem to be terminal, just annoying.
Last week, locally, was very sad. A senior at the high school took his own life on Thursday. Then on Friday, while a gentleman was skiing, he died suddenly, age 49. His wife works at the school! The town is silently waiting for #3.
On a similar subject--this is the third suicide in as many years in the area. That doesn't count the attempteds that were unsuccessful. We are a small rural community of approximately 2000. That seems pretty high statistically as far as I'm concerned. I personally have had my own dealings with depression and am concerned how families are handling this sensitive subject. I believe talking openly with family is good, especially when dealing with sensitive subjects such as death. Keeping it all inside caused much distress for me and my family. Openness and discussion helped me so much more.
I think of the families affected and pray for them often. Blessings to all.

January is Here

2006-01-07T20:22:00.000-05:00

These are the sweaters I made for my son-in-law and the other two daughters boyfriends (long term). Dakota Rib by Jason Wurst of Rocking Horse Farms. It's a v-neck, saddle shoulder, ribbed sleeve sweater. All three boys just LOVED them. Dark blue for AC, cream for JEM and dark navy for Bubba.
Since the holidays I have made a sweater and socks for the hubby, socks for me, a red and black baby sweater, and 2/3 of a little man suit of cardigan, shorts and shirt. Next I'm making something for the most important person--ME.
On the national front, Michigan, the state I call home, is #1 in something--we are the fattest state in the nation! Isn't that exciting!

Happy Holidays

2005-12-24T20:41:00.000-05:00

Have a wonderful holiday season. PC is not my style, I celebrated Dec. 21, Yule but I did't want to exclude the christians.
I still have one sweater to knit tonight for J. She's traveling 'downstate' to visit her Bubba and will be back tomorrow depending on the weather. This is her first holiday away.
Blessings to all--Witchknitter

Long Time, Lot's of Knitting Done

2005-12-18T20:21:00.000-05:00

Yea, I know, I know, but I've gotten so much done!
The nieces are getting scarf and mitten sets. These are for Becky, Amy and Nicole.
The boys will be getting something different which can't be shown here yet.
I survived hubby's Xmas party, just him and me and the owners, talk about stressful!!
I'm down to just a few more gifts, one for C, one for J and one for the hubby. Then I can start on the coffee ladies gifts, but those will be for January.
Oh, and almost forgot--Dad loved his vest! And it fit! The antique, one hole, buttons look great. And Mom loved her vest too. Basic black and white is always a hit, especially now that Ruthie lives with them.
I will try to post more often, even with the holidays coming and all the knitting to be done.

Why Am I Not Knitting?

2005-12-01T16:36:00.000-05:00

I don't know . . .
I should be
the house is clean
the kitchen is clean
(after Tuesday's blow up)
I should be knitting.
It's not that I don't have anything to knit. I need to make a gift for Saturday; Tony's sweater; JEM's sweater; 3 nieces and 1 nephew gifts; at least 1 for J and 1 for R, something for C, something for ME. The list of spec knits is getting longer, woollie mitts to send out to 2 different places, tags to sew into knits, but noooooo

I think

I'll

take

a nap :)

Snow Update

2005-11-26T17:52:00.000-05:00

The snow from the last pics has gone

And then come back!!!
We have about six inches on the ground. Hear tell that the temp is supposed to be around 45F tomorrow and it will all go away again.
It did make for a wonderful 'An Indian River Christmas'. There was snow all around, the temp Friday night was 28ish and beautiful. The parade (new this year) was short and sweet. Santa arrived on dog sled again and was taking orders at the town hall per usual. Soup pots were hot and tasty. Tony sampled potato soup and I had some hamburger soup--mmmmmmmmmm.
Jane and I had a nice walk through town and visited with some nice peeps and pups.
Today, Jane and I visited with Elliot (her boydogfriend) and Jan and went for a walk down the road. The trail is snow covered and it's still firearm hunting season. Without her safety vest, it's best to walk the road now. Don't want to chance her (or me) getting shot at.
Finished two sweaters this week for Yule gifts, and that's the extent of my knitting.
Hope all had a wonderful Turkey day Thursday. It was calm at home. Thank goodness! I now understand why my dad likes to stay at home for the holidays. He's SO SMART!!! hence 'The Wise Old Owl' name.

Color Changes in the Weather

2005-11-18T08:46:00.000-05:00

According to my posts, one month ago the colors of the trees were a full spectrum of warm shades, oranges, yellows, reds, browns. Now the spectrum has changed to the coolness of winter, white, grey, black, green, blue. Okay, so there is a brown spot on the right, but she is a lovie:)

I've completed the knitting on the Dakota Rib, now to block it.
Last Friday I attended a workshop on small businesses, sponsored by Michigan State University Product Center.
Last night our Boosters served over 300 at the annual fall sports banquet. We provide the potatoes, ham, rolls, coffee and punch. The families bring a dish to pass and table service. All the fall coaches sing praises to their athletes which include in our smallish school--golf, cross country, girls basketball, cheer team and football; approximatley 100 students and their parents attend. Last year I announced awards for the cheer team since I was the coach. Not my favorite thing to do (public speaking), but I do enjoy helping the Boosters since I'm a do-er, not a delegater.
Today is my day of rest and work at home. The list of things to do includes:
1. clean the garage so the car can sleep in there
2. laundry
3. supper (maybe a roast and potatoes?)
4. KNIT
5. rest my aching back
6. listen to a movie
7. walk to loosen up the aching back
8. don't need #3 since the kids are having a mexican dinner tonight to raise money to go to mexico
9. make a decision whether or not I will let R go to mexico (any advice regarding letting a 16 yr old travel to mexico w/school group would be appreciated)

Flexible? Not Cotton!

2005-11-07T16:46:00.000-05:00

Six hours knitting yesterday--heaven? NO, learning experience. After six hours of trying different methods of casting on with some chonchenhocken cotton I finally decided it wasn't being made into the lovely ribbed and lace cardi I wanted to make. Cotton is for simple and plain, cool and comfy. I was mostly frustrated because I wasted six hours of uninterrupted knitting time reminding myself of this fact.
So I started on the Dakota Rib by Jason Wurst at Rocking Horse Farms. I got the pattern last year at the Great Lakes Machine Knitters Seminar. I plan to make a visit to their farm and shop in Minnesota. Jason and his mother Carole are great knitters, designers and people all around!
On Wednesday, I'm getting another aquarium with 3 fishes from me momma. She has decided to be done with the fishes and offered them to me first, I think. Tonight and tomorrow I will need to engage the assistance of the other household members and visitors (AKA JEM and Big Bubba) to move furniture around the living/dining room and kitchen.

Can You See Her??

2005-11-06T09:30:00.000-05:00

Friday--Success again with the camera. This is Jane walking in the field across the road (with her vest). Can you see her???? On the right she's posing.
On the left she's sniffing for critters.

And here is a the small but comfy 'Kingdom of Witchknitter and Magic Mechanic'.And here is Jane performing one of her daily duties--
carrying in the mail.
Is she missing something???? Oh goodness, where is the beautiful safety vest?

It seems the vest is akin to the Cinderella story, after a certain amount of time, it just disappears!! Or it's LOST IN THE FIELD!

Saturday--I forced Jane to walk again and look for her vest. No luck, but I don't think she was looking very hard.

Sunday--It rained all night so I don't think we'll walk today. So knitting is in order--ALL DAY!!!

A-HAAA!

2005-11-04T08:41:00.000-05:00

I did it! There was a technical difficulty--the computer and the camera didn't like the disks--now the disks are trash! I would have prefered the outside pics, but these will do.

Pictured here is famous model Precious Lady Jane in her hunter orange safety vest. She enjoys walks in the woods, chasing squirrels and snuggling 'tween me and hubby. The pic to the left is her 'why are you making me sit still when we should be going for a walk," pose and below is the dejected, "ok, I'll just wait on the couch until you're ready," pose.

Hunter orange is a fashion color in Northern Michigan particularly popular this time of year. Mostly seen on men, this fashion is dictated by the state during firearm whitetail deer hunting season, Nov. 14-30. Anyone in the woods is advised to wear this fabulous color or risk getting shot, really. This is not an intentional thing, but some of the 'mighty hunters' only hunt during this season and some have been known to get "Buck Fever," a debilitating undiagnosed disease in which the afflicted has lost the ability to distinguish between a whitetail deer and any other critter. (Victim critters being shot at as a result of "Buck Fever" are: cattle, horses, dogs, hunting buddies, elk, duck, turkey, basically anything that moves.)
Moving on--
I've had a few dreams as of late. The first one was about J's Big Bubba (formerly seen here in pics knitting). I dreamt he got fired from his job. The dream was a Friday night. I mentioned this to them on Saturday. On Tuesday--he got fired!
The next dream was of the shop I've been thinking about opening. The dream showed a small shop, doing very well, and me--happy, happy--working in my shop. What was in the shop, knitting and crafting stuff and since it was my shop, I could have Jane there to help me.
(The next dream I had I killed somebody because he was SO ANNOYING. I hope that one doesn't come true.)
So the next step of this business venture is to make some plans. I started those (at my other job) earlier this week. I'm also going to attend a business start-up workshop next week--it met my criteria: 1. Nearby, 2. less than a day long, 3. FREE. It's being offered through Michigan State University.

Bright Orange Jane Safety Vest

2005-11-01T20:26:00.000-05:00

And what do you see?
Nothing.
Why?
Because I took a couple great pics of Jane in her new vest after our walk, but technology SUCKS and the disk wouldn't let go of the pics. I will try again tomorrow. She was so pretty and proud in her vest. Now she knows that putting on the vest means going for a walk. She's glad to let me put the vest on her.
I skipped physical therapy in trade for walking with the dog today. I may go back to the chiropractor to relieve this numb thumb. It worked before and this therapy thing has been going on for just too long with little relief. Not only that, battening down for winter is behind schedule--storm windows need to be put up, hoses tucked away, garden winterized and it's already November!

Diversions

2005-10-21T08:30:00.000-04:00

I want to go, but then again, I need to make the break so I'm hoping for some diversions today. Tonight is the last football game of the season--I coached the cheer team for 7 years and this is my first year as a 'non-coach'. I really would like to go to the game and see what the girls came up with for the season finale, but after the events of last week with the confrontation and crap, and the creeping thought in the back of my mind-- starting a yarn/craft store--I'm hoping for some diversions.
Knitting like crazy today would be a diversion, my list of need to knits is at least 12 items long: socks, wrist warmers, sweaters for the hims, sweaters for the hers, gloves and a Mush Mouth hat (from Fat Albert). I also have a jammys pattern and a mens underwear pattern I'd like to try. Then there's the Knit Picks yarn that I ordered, waiting patiently for, de dum, de dum, de dum.
I finally called for a hair appointment--that's later this morning. It has been 4 months since my last trim, I think I'm due. I also need to go get baked beans for the pot luck tomorrow.

More Beauty

2005-10-16T09:26:00.000-04:00

Yea, this is the view out my front door. Vibrant colors raining down in the wind. And again I ask, why live anywhere else than Northern Michigan???? To answer Kerstin, crazydaisy.us question, the tip of the mitten just a bit south of the Mackinaw Bridge.
Yesterday was busy and usual northern MI weather. First I blogged, then did some laundry, went for a walk down Jane's favorite
trail, zipped off to knit club,
then physical therapy. That's when
things turned for the worse--someone had to give me the bad news--I had a flat tire! When and where did that happen, aaahh, I remember a strange noise on my way home from knitting club near the contractors place. At 4 my knight in shining blue truck arrived to air up my tire so I could drive home. He's fixing it today. And no, he's not available for rent or hire, he's my knight.
There is more to add to the New Knitters story--J and Big Bubba are knitting, R is knitting and now so is R's boyfriend JEM is too!!! That's 4 new knitters in less than a week. Big Bubba was asking if it was possible to make a sweater with the Nifty Knitters. Oh, and we had three new knitters at knitting club! That makes 7 new knitters in a week! Knit On!

Will I Ever Learn

2005-10-15T09:24:00.000-04:00

I don't deal with confrontation well, in fact I'd rather not deal with it at all. So I'm done--I'm done with that portion of my life. I've moved on. In fact I have no desire to look back at all. And I would like to say to all parents out there--your children are not the same children away from home as they are at home. The messy ones are usually neat; the quiet ones can be mouthy. But that's just my experience after 7 years of coaching and 21 years of raising my 3 children.
Today being the day after the confrontation (in which I was confronted) I'm thinking about what I would like to do with my extra time--KNIT. Now that that is decided I will move toward that goal.

New Knitters

2005-10-10T20:12:00.000-04:00

Aren't they just the cutest? J is on the right, her fiance Big Bubba on the left. She's 5'4", he's 6'6", both 19.
I bought the Nifty Knitter kit last Friday at WalMart for me, wanted to try it because I knew it would be mindless Zen work. J's little sister R started Saturday for lack of something better to do, her homework was all done. J asked about it Sunday and picked it up using three strands of baby yarn. On Monday, Big Bubba came to visit and ended up going to work with her. He saw it and wanted to try it. Three feet of knitting later she bought her own set and he bought his own yarn!!!!! Just had to share!!!

Natural Beauty in Northern Michigan

2005-10-08T17:01:00.000-04:00

Yes, the leaves are green, red, orange and yellow. This is an oak in my front yard. In Northern Michigan we do get snow in the winter, cold weather, blizzards--but we also get beautiful colors in the fall. Why would I want to live anywhere else?

Just More Words

2005-10-04T21:39:00.000-04:00

Returned from the great Grand Rapids trip--Great Lakes Machine Knitters Retreat. More great classes, great instructors and demonstrations including Charlene Schafer of Knit Knack Shop in Peru, IN; Tricia Schafer (her daughter) of Knitter's Edge; Cathie and Frank Sanders of Northtipton Creations and Vicki M. Tylock. Each with their own obsession, each with their own humor. It was a weekend well worth the time and effort to get away.
Next post I should have some pictures to post since the trees are starting to change colors, a wonderful seasonal change in Northern Michigan.

Technology!!?

2005-09-24T18:19:00.000-04:00

Technology baffles me sometimes. I THOUGHT I posted pictures of my swatches.
So instead, I will post a picture of my 'Sheeps' afghan. I guess I won't.

Good news, I've started knitting Yule gifts already! Got one nearly done. Now what to do with it? Hide it, wrap it; wrap and hide it??
I think I'll go back to the knitting room :)

Can't Decide--Help Me Choose

2005-09-23T08:50:00.000-04:00

The next project is a sweater featured in INKnitter Summer 2005, page 10/11. I've selected a multi-color find from e-bay and want to blend with a solid. These are my swatches thus far.

All in 2x2 rib T6 on Brother 970; top photo--1. Multi-color alone; 2. multi w/bright gold;3. multi w/grey
Bottom--4. multi w/deep green; 5. multi w/black

Thanks for your vote!
I, again, have decided to MAKE all the holiday gifts this year. Now if I could find something to knit for my hubby. He's not a sweater person, even in the dead of winter in northern Michigan he doesn't wear sweaters. He's similar to a polar bear or siberian husky. I swear he would sweat sleeping in a snow bank!!!
As for me, I like the cold weather cuz I get to wear sweaters with sweaters! with socks and mitts to match!
I'm feeling better about evicting the big boy--I realized (and I don't know if he just doesn't understand or doesn't care) that he really hurt me and my family by asking for help but not taking our advice and using us. How stupid could I be? really?!
I don't mind helping others when they need it, but those that take and take, I can't stand. OK, that's enough of that.
I've got knitting, cleaning, sewing and gardening to do, and I may submit to a walk with Jane, the 'shroom dog'.

Nada? and Anniversarys

2005-09-12T21:38:00.000-04:00

Geez, I thought with the beautiful pictures of my creative space I would have had 1 comment. Boo hoo, Boo hoo. That's ok, I've seen some of your spaces and I am as much a neat freak as any creative person.
I finally broke down and bought another copy of Socks, Socks, Socks since mine has been MIA for several years. I know it's not in the 'creative space' because that space is new this summer. So I took a nap this afternoon with Socks, Socks, Socks close to my heart. Jane would have been jealous except for the 90 degree weather--Indian Summer has struck.
Today marks the 24th anniversary of our wedding--I took the Mr. to dinner at the local ritzy place and we hob-nobbed with the cream of the town. Next year will be 25 years together--I've been married longer than I was single!!!

Late, But As Promised

2005-09-11T08:53:00.000-04:00

Hand knit socks from grandma's 2 Needle Sock pattern from 1955.

First Place

Below is Machine knit summer top that I showed earlier--First Prize.

And also First Prize was the ensemble made for C's wedding in June. The skirts and top are sewn, the corset is my first project in Tunsenian Crochet. The top is the lovely lilac in the upper right corner. BTW, the fabrics were being sold as curtain fabrics.
The green and coral floral underneath is an unfinished suit of mine. The lining is the floral. Someday I'll finish it.

Now this little piece is a 'baby onsie' pattern I've been developing. It buttons or snaps at one shoulder and I usually use the squish on snaps for the crotch so I don't have to make button holes. This one is for C's friend who's baby is due next month.

And the piece-de-resistance is shown here: The Creative space of Denise.

Ommmmm

2005-09-08T13:49:00.001-04:00

So I kicked him out, then I cried.
I don't know if he is just playing dumb or doesn't get it.
But, he's a survivor, he's made it this far mooching and so has the rest of his family. I suppose they all will continue on a before.
Yes, I'm feeling calmer now that I made the decision

Moving on--I retrieved my fair entries from my friend. I placed with each entry as follows:
1. Beaudaciously yellow lace pants; 2nd place
2. Cute summer blue top; 1st place
3. R's Bride's maids gown from Con's wedding; 2nd place
4. Machine knit socks; 4th place
5. Hand knit socks; 1st place
6. Baby onsie; 2nd place
7. My pink sweater; 2nd place
8. Mother-of-the-Bride ensemble I made for me; 1st place
netting $111 for my efforts. Next year--more entries!!!!

Monday will mark the 24th anniversary of our wedding. Yes, I'm all of 42 and have been married 24 years. If you're mathmatically challenged that means I married at age 18, just 4 months after my 18th birthday. Why so young? Not what you think, the oldest is 21. I just knew he was 'the one'. I knew the first time I saw him at that Hallow's Eve dance. I was . . . .

13 . . . .

really.

I'm the Bitch!

2005-09-04T21:56:00.000-04:00

I finally got fed up enough Saturday to kick the lazy bum out! Gosh it hurt to watch this large pitiful, gumpy boy (age 19) look at me with the questioning face saying, "I did clean the kitchen when you asked."
That was after 6 weeks of asking him to weed the garden, dig up the flower bed, sweep the living room several times, do the dishes, clean the bathroom, step up and help because my arm was out of commission.
Just for the record--the garden NEVER got weeded, the flower bed has a trench in it, the living room has dust bunnies the size of my 65 pound labrador, the dishes still had food on them, there is no sign of the bathroom being clean ANYWHERE!
I believe I have been overly generous 'helping' him out. In the 4 weeks he was unemployed, he applied for 4 jobs eventhough I told him of 4 places to apply each week and circled half a dozen ads each week in the newspapers for him each week. Mostly he said, "I don't want to do that kind of work."
He did find the time and money to attend a demolition derby, visit the water park, play putt putt golf and keep a supply of mountain dew around. He could also afford to throw away returnable cans (I'm not so rich).
Since I kicked him out he has been able to afford to travel 60+ miles round trip for shopping with a friend.
Maybe I was wrong, maybe I was right--I there are less dirty dishes in the sink and less dirt on the floor.
Now to change the subject--The Most Precious Lady Jane doesn't feel well right now. A few weeks ago she got into somes trash and ate yuckies, made her feel icky for a day. Today, on our walk, she snapped up something (maybe some toadstools) and has been acting very strangely all afternoon and evening. Usually she jumps at the sound of the goodie bag. This afternoon when we rattled the bag she opened glazed eyes and looked at us like we were aliens.
I don't know what she ate, but she tossed up some mac and cheese (we haven't had any in a few days), and is wobbly when she sits, stands and walks. It being a holiday weekend, we'll keep an eye on her. I can imagine how she feels if she ate some 'shrooms--all dazed and dopey.

Geez Louise--Get a Job Already Big Bubba!

2005-08-30T20:31:00.000-04:00

OK, maybe I'm harsh.
No that's not it--I'm a push over.
J's fiance has been living with us--for awhile--what a sucker I am. He was working up until 3 weeks ago. Now he's just hanging out. I've yelled, scolded, hollered, rolled my eyes and now finally given up.
Since my shoulder has been out of commission I've been trying to take it easy. Over the weekend I managed some careful gardening. Monday was a short meeting and when I got home I had to do the dishes because mr. unemployed didn't do anything all day long. Neither did miss part time employment. What shall I do????
I cleaned the kitchen and did the dishes (some from Sunday when J made dinner).
What was my pain level today--back up to 5, damn the kids.
You may ask why I don't have a dishwasher--I do--3 in fact. 1 only works when yelled at. 1 works after much reminding. 1 prefers to be asked. Thank goodness the 4th one has her own house now.
This week I need to get over to KK's house to pick up my fair entries and $$$ :).

Sorry 'bout that

2005-08-27T14:12:00.000-04:00

Okay, maybe I was a little harsh on Dianna, sorry. It's just that multitudes of people seem content in their beliefs, I'm not yet. But I'm willing to learn. I have asked many believers many questions. I do believe there is a creator of all and that being I hold in high regard. But there are many peoples of this world that feel their beliefs are correct and I am curious to learn about their beliefs too. Thank you for sharing your beliefs Dianna.
PT is going well--range of motion has returned to normal, strength is increasing, I've added some lower body work while I'm there to balance out the bod, and I think I'll keep going once a week (for $5) to go with the walking I do on my off PT days. Weight is hanging at 209 but that is probably because of the increasing muscle mass.
Today is 'estrogen day', I got the house to myself until 4 so it's movies, laundry, sewing, knitting and napping. I remember my mom napping during the summer, I know why now. Up at 6, to bed at 11, that's just a long day. I think the Mexicans always had a good idea with the afternoon siesta.

Shopping Trip and Football

2005-08-26T22:02:00.000-04:00

The shopping trip went well, left at 7:15, back by 6 and spent a few bucks.
Acquisitions on this trip consisted of a Magical Herbs book, my own copy of the Koran and and sketch book for R's birthday next week. I didn't even buy me undies at Victoria's Secret--cuz they don't have the bra sales like on-line.
Two football games in two days. JV lost to Cheboygan last night. Varity smashed Forest Area, 49-0 tonight. Go Bulldogs!!
Now Dianna, my blog visitor--I understand where you're coming from regarding Jesus of Nazareth. I have read the holy scriptures, from beginning to end and was still left with many questions--one being--
Genesis 1:26 "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth."
According to christian teachings god is a man-- so WHO IS us and our and them.
Answer me that.

Religions and Day Trips

2005-08-25T22:15:00.000-04:00

I began reading the Qu'ran today. I figured if I'm going to choose a religion I should study them all before I make my choice. I read the King James version of the bible years ago, the Qu'ran is the one I found on the library shelf this time. Soon it will be the Torah and the Kaballah--I think that's all the main ones.
If anyone of you, my vast readers, has a suggestion, I'll look into that too.
Tomorrow J and R and I are taking a shopping trip to TC. Two hour drive, shopping at the mall and sharing the driving. Should be fun, I hope.

Another Day

2005-08-21T16:13:00.000-04:00

My day of worship began with a walk with Jane. I prefer to spend time in nature instead of forcing myself to sit on uncomfortable benches in uncomfortable clothes thinking about the walk I should be taking and all the things I should be doing at home.
Then I decided to see what stuff I could through together to enter at the fair. I knew I had at least 2 items. After some looking I ended up with 8, really.
1. Beaudaciously yellow lace pants;
2. Cute summer blue top;
3. R's Bride's maids gown from Con's wedding;
4. Machine knit socks;
5. Hand knit socks;
6. Baby onsie;
7. My pink sweater;
8. Mother-of-the-Bride ensemble I made for me.
Goal for this week--1st prize for the pants, I'm real sure that no one has made anything similar, really. Next week I hope to post pictures of the lovely entries and ribbons!
Now what shall the next projects be? Started another pair of socks with left over navy. Now I've got to get something going on one of the knitting machines and finish the aqua blazer that has been waiting for a button for 6 months.
The Great Mother doesn't want me to get any gardening done since it rains everyday. Maybe I'll big potatoes; or not.

wowyoucandothat

Big News

What a Big Day

Gotta Post This

Back from Spring Fling

Another First

Why As I So Tired

My First Grandma Day

Still Here

EllieMay

Knit Night

Gallagher

October Vacation

Spinning, Spinning

Mackinac Bridge Tractor Parade

What a Wild Woolly Weekend!

Gardening Along, But Not With Norma

Blessings to All

Now It's June

All I Can Say Is . . . Wow.

Ah, The Signs of Spring--NOT!

What a Weekend!

We Have Pattern!

Hard Work

I kinda like my name the way it is

The Bad News

The Bad News

Announcement

Slow Knitting

For My New Friend

More Than 7 Post this Year

Thoughts for 2008

No Pics Again

Nervous Mervis

November in Northern Michigan

Saturday was Great!

Reality Shows

Fair Results

Gettin' Ready

Long Time, I'm not dead yet

Thoughts for this Yule

Another Quickie

The Days After

Hey

Quickie

Patience is a Virture

Disorders and Diseases

Knitters Retreat

GRAMKC Here We Come!

Busy September

Decision is Made

Another Day, Another Dollar 2.98

Fair Entries Return Home

Tempting II KAL with Sexy Knitters Club

Cooler Now

Tracks in the Forest

Another Post, So Soon?

Dear Reader

Seasons/Knitting Progress

Long Time, No Post

Spring in the North Country

Volunteer Extrordinaire!

Slacker!

Just Wait, the Answers Will Come

2nd Try

Looky-Looky! No Not Really

Business Busy and Special People

94.5" and Counting

Snow Again

New Book!

Friday again

Really, Jane, You're a Dog

Trail Walking

Another Day, Another Headache

January is Here

Happy Holidays

Long Time, Lot's of Knitting Done

Why Am I Not Knitting?

Snow Update

Color Changes in the Weather