Decision is Made

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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!