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!

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.