94.5" and Counting

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

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!

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

Friday again

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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!

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??

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!

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

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

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

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

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.