2boysmama

Check out my new digs!

2005-04-04T18:53:00.000-02:00

I've moved! To a nice new blog here. Typepad is so much easier!

File under: Happy

2005-03-28T16:03:00.000-02:00

Oh, what a few days it has been! You, my dear reader, already know that Easter is my fave holiday. Let me just TELL you about my days of wonderfulness! Since there is so much the post would go on forever, I have decided to make you a list!

Wonderful things from the past few days:
1) I had the weekend off and got to spend entire DAYS with my family.
2) Mama brought the boys into the children's room at church so I got to listen to the entire Easter mass with minimal interruption (except from my sister!)
3) Buddy, my sister, and I watched part of Jesus of Nazareth Saturday night until everyone was just about asleep (this is one of my all-time favorite movies!)
4) I got to go to Elaina's, and we got our buns! Buddy's is Johnny, a French angora, and mine is Madchen (pronounced maid-chen) a small German angora hybrid.
5) We saw day-old lambs with their mama.
6) Mama made a praline French toast casserole that was awesome.
7) I got to spend hours in Great Yarns while hubby got his new truck. I had a GREAT time.
8) I knit my first whole sock, and it wasn't that hard!
9) I made one of Kate Gilbert's bunnies, and Baba loves it!
10) We saw my FIL and his wife and had a great visit, as well as a great lunch! Hubby and I split a piece of Carnegie's cheesecake with fresh blueberries and it was the best cheesecake ever!
11) Baba had his first Easter basket and had lots of fun!

So, about Great Yarns.... I just had a wonderful time there. They have lots to look at, and look I did! I was told to stick to a budget, so I had to choose very carefully. So, I purchased: for more Kate Gilbert bunnies, 3 balls of Berocco Plush. These are to make a hot pink papa for buddy, and a light blue mama for baba. Next, some Twisted Sisters Jazz handpainted yarn. I love the Twisted Sister's Sock workbook, so when I saw this I *had* to buy it. I also bought ANOTHER set of size six DPNs so that I could start my socks right away!
Lastly, I bought the yarn to make Pippa. Mine will be light pink, with a dark blue edging. I had planned on getting the Calmer to make Elspeth, but they just didn't have enough of the pink I wanted. I will have to get that later. I really like Pippa, too, though, so this was a good choice for me.

SO, what did my son tell me recently when we were watching Gilmore Girls? He wishes I would dress like Lorelai, because "she's a cool mom". Funny, I didn't think my son would want me dressing so *funky*! But, Lorelai wears a lot of shrugs and cardis and stuff, so hey, my knitting would work with that!!

Happy Easter!

2005-03-25T12:27:00.000-02:00

First I want to wish everyone a very happy Easter. THis is my favorite holiday all year. I have the whole weekend off and I get to go to church, so I am way excited. Tommorrow I am going to Elaina's to pick up buddy's french angora for 4-h, and hopefully a companion of the german hybrid kind for me!
My husband has been so wonderfully supportive of me. I just can't believe I am so blessed to have him. He helped me get the cages all scrubbed and ready, and built me a little platform so the German bun won't be on the ground. This photo shows the home for the German. The French's cage will be on top of that, it has already been removed to use in rabbit transport!

I finally took a look at my FBS and found where the extra stitch came in. Instead of frogging it back, I just knit it together with another stitch in the next row, and voila I am back on track again. I have decided to try to put this one to the forefront of my knitting right now. I screwed something up on one of my charts for Elsie and I am going to have to frog back several inches. That's not a big deal to me, but I hate to think of all the time I put into it. But I want to frog it so that it will look perfect, and anyways now I have the chart figured out so it should go easier.

I needed some mindless knitting to do for TV watching and knit night, so I started the heirloom bag in the new Rowan (37). I finished one side and started the gusset. I will need some help with the crocheting, but I have several friends who crochet so I am not too worried about that. I am knitting this bag from stash yarn, so it's being made with Lion Brands Microspun yarn, a microfiber. I like the feel of this yarn, but I think it would be even better in something lacy. It's just plain old boring stocking stitch for the bag.

This fabric is a reproduction from a 1943 print. I found it at Jo-ann's on their clearance rack for only $4. yd. I am going to make a wrap skirt similar to the one I made for Easter, but the shorter version. Unfortunately I can't show you the Easter skirt yet, as it is packed in the car and ready to go! I'll show you some Easter shots though.

HAPPY EASTER!!!!

Mama Mia!!

2005-03-21T15:25:00.000-02:00

OK, it has been crazy around here the past week. I hate craziness. I like calm and quiet. That, it has not been.

Let's see: the good:

1) I got a package from Sicily!!! Wendy sent me the most AMAZING yarn stash! There is "a whole animal's worth" of a great beige yarn (as my friend Elizabeth said). It is enough to make a cardi or pullover. I am still deciding which to make. This yarn just has the greatest texture to it!
Next, 2 skeins of Grignasco soft kid in beige. What a nice soft yarn this is. Maybe good for a fuzzy collar on cardi? HMMM....
Then there was three skeins of a beautiful dark blue lambswool angora. It is not quite navy and feels great. This need to be made into something that I will wear right against my skin!! Wendy also sent a package of beads which are not shown. They will make pretty stitch markers, just trust me on that one. I put them somewhere baba couldn't get them. Unfortunately a lot of times my "safe" spots are even safe for me because I can't remember where they are!

2) I arranged a swap with Chelsea, my former SP3! She had gotten the Rowan 37 and did not like it. I wanted to get it, so I asked if she would like some handmade cards and stationery to swap. She said yes, and I rec'd the Rowan book already! There are some beautiful things in this one- I want to make a lot of them! I have made Chelsea a bunch of cards, I am sending them out today or if I can get hubbie to send via UPS tommorrow, so they can get there quicker. I didn't do the stationery yet, because I want to make a few different designs and let her pick one. It is fun making stationery for another person! Oh, I don't actually make the paper, I just do the designs. You'd be surprised how much you can do, though, with some stamps and ink, fibers and markers.....

3) Since buddy moved downstairs, I now have a sewing room! His twin bed is still in there, and it makes a perfect place to put my blocking board, and gives me a place to lay out pattern pieces. Right now I am working on my skirt and blouse for Easter. I found Amy Butler fabrics and patterns thanks to Brynne and SWIM. I am in love! A friend from work really likes the designs too, and I am going to make her one of the handbags. She likes the Chelsea, and I like the Madison.

Today I downloaded patterns for the first time- what fun! I ordered the plain knit bucket hat from Bonne Marie Burns, and the Bunny! from Kate Gilbert. What fun it was to order patterns from a designer, knowing all of the money goes directly to them! I thought the bucket hat in child's size would be great for spring in a cotton. And I had to order the bunnies once I saw them! I think Kate Gilbert is an awesome designer, and I love her sense of color.

There are signs of spring popping up. Today it is about 70 degrees and sunny. I love warm sunny weather, but I don't actually consider it warm until we break 80 degrees. But we are getting there! My pear tree is blooming, and so are my lenten roses. I am going to get the soil and assorted amendments to plant my beautiful valentine's roses this week. I am so excited that it is getting nicer out!

I also had fun yesterday, while at work, we had a little slow time between emergent/urgent surgeries, so I taught my friend RUSS how to knit!! He was so excited, he is making a garter stitch scarf to start out with. I gave him big wool and big needles so that it would be a good "quick" project. Let him get some instant gratification, so he'll be hooked. He was so stoked when he had knit about 4 rows and could see progress!

Click this link for a funny bunny Easter Greeting:
http://www.grayace.com/dex/bunny.html

Knitting my bit

2005-03-17T14:32:00.000-02:00

After reading Margene post about the Dulaan project, I thought what a great idea, to knit up some hats for children who are not as fortunate as my own. I dug through my stash and found threee balls of "Luxury Cashmere" purchased at A.C. Moore which I thought would be great for hats. Now, the name is a little misleading, it is only 6%cashmere, but the yarn DOES feel wonderful. I have knit up two hats and have one on the sticks. One of the bears is modeling since Baba is down for his nap right now.

The bear is wearing Baba's Easter vest. I am really happy with the way it turned out; It looks great on Baba and he loves to wear it! Since it is made of nylon, it is machine washable, but it really feels nice.

I have worked on Elsie. We had our knitting night last night but I forgot to bring my camera. It was a real shame because we had 3 dogs there! Penny is Melissa's dog, and she has a new housemate who has two dachsunds. I was in heaven sitting on Melissa's couch, with Penny curled up between Stephanie and me, and then Linus on my lap, and daisy on the top of the couch behind my head. It was wonderful to be surrounded by the doggies and have lots of lovin!

Anyways, about Elsie, she is coming along. Rather slowly lately, because I was just too sad to want to knit much. But last night I cast of for one of the fronts, so that I could just chat while knitting. Here is what I did:
Obviously, not much knitting going in! We were too busy eating, admiring Melissa's newly re-upholstered chair (she did a great job, with some help from Stephanie), trying to re-arrange her decorating on her..... We always have such a wonderful time. Our group is just a great bunch of ladies who all get along so well, and there is always fun and interesting conversation. Oh, and I am getting to know a lot about the historic Wilmington area, and who owns which house, and when they were built and for who, and so on. But the conversation goes something like this "you know, the white house down the street, gay Phil lives there...."
"no, not that gay phil, gay phil that lives with mike..."
"oh, THAT gay phil....."
Am I getting to know too much about their neighbors?
Oh, btw, the fabric under the progress on Elsie- I am going to make Stephanie a knitting bag. She came to knitting night with her stuff in a plastic "patient belongings bag." I told her that was skank and I was going to make her a knitting bag!
On the rabbit front: I talked with the vet, and Georgie had a rising E. Caniculi titer. E. Caniculi is a parasitic infection that may or may not have caused his demise. The only way to know for sure would be to do a necropsy, and I just couldn't bear the thought of that. You can read about the infection here. Anyways, I told you that when we got George there was a very nice French angora there that Buddy liked. We are going the day before Easter to pick him up from Elaina. I am going to see if she has any of George's relatives available. The rabbits will have new digs, in metal cages in my garage. I know that sounds bad but it isn't, really. I will be able to check on them very frequently, they will be protected from the wind, rain, and sun. I am going to attempt litter box training so they can be inside more. Georgie could only be inside while he was in my lap, which was actually a lot. I loved having him in after dinner and combing his hair. The french angora that Buddy is getting is beautiful, and he will be able to show him for 4-h since he is a purebred.

I have a little decorating to do. We let buddy move from his upstairs bedroom down to the guest room, so I bought him a couple posters to hang on the wall (A chopper from West Coast Choppers, and one of Lindsay Lohan) so that the place will feel more like his own room. But now that he will be downstairs, I can move my craft table upstairs to his room, which will be the guest room. I am going to put my sewing machine up there, and I am so excited because I have a lot of projects that I have been putting off because I dreaded sewing in my closet! I can even set the table up to have the view of the pond while I sew. I am so excited about that! I will have to show you "my" room when I am done!
This is one of the projects I am excited about getting done- a sheer blouse to wear over a cami. I think it will look so chic!!

Oh- one last thing- are you having trouble reading my text? It shows black to me but I have been told it is blue. Is it readable?

Springtime visit

2005-03-10T16:09:00.000-02:00

My mother in law is coming in today from Buffalo to visit for a few days. This is the only woman who had enough patience to help me learn how to knit. She helped me with the sweater that I have posted, the light blue and white one Baba was wearing. There was no way I could have made that without her!

I did do a little knitting last night. I am almost done with Baba's Easter vest- I just need to pick up the stitches and rib one armhole, then block it. I think it will look very nice on him.

I started on the chart for Elsie, and it is going slow, until I get into the groove. I am enjoying working with the Jaeger luxury tweed. It is a little scratchy, so I am glad I am making a cardi with it.

I had tried to order the yarn for a tank from Viking Knits from Jimmy Beans, but I found out they ran out of it. So I will be buying the yarn tommorrow when we take Mama to Southport. There is a great shop there, Angel Wing Needle Arts.

Thank you to all who posted about George. I am still really upset about his loss. I will definitely get another German. He was not successful breeding before he left, but my breeder does have some of him relatives. God, I just miss him so much. We did destroy the hutch he was in (wood) and the next buns will live in wire crates and inside of my garage. I would rather have rabbits in there and park in the driveway, anyways!!

Hubbie has the next few days off while his mama visits, so I am enjoying spending time with him. I can't wait until I can stop working every Sunday and take back the sabbath!

George W., R.I.P.

2005-03-09T16:36:00.000-02:00

I am so sorry to say that my beloved big bunny George W. has passed away. He got sick last week, and even with expert nursing care, he succumbed to whatever it was that made him sick. I am still waiting to get the results from George's blood tests to see if we can find out what made him so sick. The wonderful Dr. Jaffe did all that he could, and he told me that he knew I did everything possible to save him.

George was sick for a week, and I knew Monday night that he would not make it. I brought him to bed with me and just laid him on my chest and petted him and loved him. Buddy was with us too. George knew that he was loved.

We buried him yesterday, in the garden. I am going to get a bunny garden statue to place at his grave and will probably plant a real nice flower there too.

Buddy seems OK, but I feel so sad. George was the nicest bunny. He was so sweet and loving.

I haven't done much knitting, with all of this going on. I am almost done with Baba's Easter vest. Elsie has just sat around, resting in the knitting basket with FBS.

bummer

2005-03-04T15:05:00.000-02:00

This is just a quick post. George is sick. He is at the vet's right now. I have been sick with worry over the last 3 days. I have done so much for George, including giving him subcutaneous fluids (Thank God I am a nurse!) I brought him in today because I just don't know what else to do for him. THey are doing X-rays and a lot of blood work, urine and fecal tests, the works. If you are a praying person, please pray for him.

I have also been having trouble with Buddy. We started going to counseling and it is helping him. But he could also use prayers!!

I hope to post soon saying how strong George is again. And that Buddy is doing much better. But in the meantime please pray for us! Thank you

Whole lotta nothin goin on!

2005-03-03T15:30:00.000-02:00

Well, I set out today to break out some new springy digs for my blog. I thought I was doing everything right- I read blogger knowledge, printed out my color charts, and there I went. Put in a million different colors. Every single time- nothing. GRRR!!!

We had knitting night last night. No pics because I rushed home to care for George. He's sick :( I had a long talk with my breeder, and we are pretty sure he does not have wool block. I have been hand feeding and watering him since yesterday afternoon. He was very weak but seems to have more pep now. Although he is still definitely not himself. Please, if you are the praying kind, pray for him to get well soon! He is living inside now, and will be until it gets warm out. Which hopefully will be soon, I can't stand much more of winter!

While sitting by Georgie's side, I did manage to get a little knitting done. I started Elsie, and I decided to add 1" to her ribbing, to fit me a little more comfortably. I finished the ribbing for the back this AM, and can start on the cabling and moss stitch (seed stitch). I love moss stitch and I love cabling. Oh, by the way, I used a new cast on technique, too! I have only used long-tail cast on so far, but yesterday I broke out one of my reference books and used a knitted cast on. I like it!

I am also going to be making a vest for Baba to wear to church on Easter. I already told you how important Easter is to me- I want him to wear something special! This is another stash busting project, I bought the yarn for this about 6 months ago. It is nylon but it feels great- kinda suede-y. And should be very washable! I can't show you the pattern because I am sort of making it up from the "style your own kid's knits" book.

I also decided to get *serious* about the flower basket shawl. I broke it out yesterday and found there's a mistake in it. I need to pin it up to my nice blocking board and look it over stitch by stitch to find out where I added one! But I think I will be able to do that, with these great $1 magnifying glasses I got at Tar-get!

Here is a pic of Baba wearing the handed-down lederhosen. His daddy is swiss, so when we had Buddy, we got these as a gift. They will be cherished forever! This was the first time baba wore them, he liked the little bell.
He may be wearing them for a wedding- my little sister is going to get married. I am not jumping for joy. But hopefully Goober (her boyfriend) will straighten out (he has a habit of stiffing her & being untruthful).

Be sure to keep an eye on Elann. My friend got their newsletter with yarn samples and they are going to have some great yarns soon! Also, the Jaeger luxury tweed I am using to make elsie is on sale at JimmyBeans!

I don't have time for the nervous breakdown I deserve

2005-02-28T22:54:00.000-02:00

Recognize that quote? It's Julia Roberts in Something to Talk About. I always loved that line!

Just in time for the end of February, and for Alison's fix-it February, I present to you, my dear reader:

This is another knit to love! I am going to try to put a single crochet edge on the neckline and armholes. I am going to ask my friend Elizabeth to help me do this. She has helped me to try to learn crochet, and even gave me that learn to crochet book for Valentine's. But I want help on hand, I don't want to ruin my loverly vest!!!

Oh, did you happen to notice the bag I am holding? Why, yes, it is a Sophie! I made her up in no time at all!! This is a beautiful bag and one that I am sure I will make again! Here is a pic of her pre-felting.

In the last few days, I have also finished two hats. The first is NOT a good hat. It started out as a hat for a friend. I think it looks horrible even on a cutie babe!

I did much better with the second one. THis is a LATE Christmas present for my friend Aaron. He will be going to med School in PA next year so this should help keep him warm!

Not much else going on here in my knitting basket. I have been so stressed lately, and knitting=stress reduction, which is why so much has gotten done. But now I think I will try to check out FBS again and see if I can get her to behave for me. SOMEone should behave, right?

Have a great day and check out the new Magknits!

Some knitterly thoughts

2005-02-25T17:05:00.000-02:00

I have been thinking lately about how my knitting skills have progressed, as well as how the way I think about knitting has changed.

I have been very excited about learning new things. And I remember when I first started Marilyn I thought "Am I really going to be able to make that?" Well, I learned about decreasing and what looks best for which edge. I learned how to cable. I think I finally understand how to pick up stitches and knit. And, I am really happy with my finishing of the sweater. I attribute that to my wonderful chibi!

In the beginning of that sweater, if I made a mistake I would either 1) not know how to fix it and have to frog, or 2) decide that I wouldn't fix it because it wouldn't be that noticeable. By the end of the sweater though, I felt comfortable with ripping something to get it just right. I figured out how to bring a dropped stitch back up the ladder. And I also thought a lot more about the construction of the garment and how everything would look together.

I have also thought a lot about choosing the right projects for ME. I ripped my Klaralund, and the vest I am making is making me a lot happier. I know that it will look much better on me and I will feel better about myself when wearing it! I feel great about Marilyn; she doesn't accentuate curves but at the same time she doesn't make me look frumpy. I really started thinking about this concept after noticing how our favorite skinny rabbit always looks good in what she makes. There are others in the blog world, too, that seem to make things that fit them so perfectly, like Ei, and Lynne. So now, when I look at my pattern books, I try to envision how something would look on me, and would it accentuate the good, the bad, or the just plain ugly?

At our last knitting night, Brooke told me that she thought I was so productive. I told her it is just because I knit every day. Truly, I don't remeber the last time when I did knit at least a few rows in a day. Probably when I had the flu, but then I think I slept about 20 hrs out of the day so that doesn't count. So actually, I think I am pretty slow. But I enjoy the process. It relaxes me after a stressful day, and believe me with my 10 yr old and the problems with my car, the stress has been high lately! (side note- my husband is hopefully trading in my car this weekend. Wish me luck!) Something about the rhythm of the stitches, and seeing something "become" before your eyes. I think about the knitting, but not very hard. I guess it is a bit like meditation, although studies have shown that meditation can make you depressed whereas studies only seem to show positive emotional side effects from knitting.

I guess all this is to say, I love knitting!! I hope you all do too. I am hoping to finish the knitting of my vest tonight, and then seam and finish over the weekend! I have fabric for a nice sarong skirt and a shawl collared, short sleeve blouse to make to go with her. And I may even knit the sophie and felt it to go with my lovely Easter outfit.

Have a wonderful, thoughtful, and relaxing day!

I am in love with Marilyn!

2005-02-24T14:50:00.000-02:00

Here she is in her fixed up glory!

I may actually take out the bound off edge of the neck and make it a wee bit longer. But even now, I LOVE her. I felt so great to be able to say "I made it" when she made her debut at work Tuesday! She is just a wee bit itchy (the mohair in my yarn) but I absolutely loved wearing her. And she is WARM. So I won't get to wear her much longer this year. But that's OK!!

The Geste is making great progress. Here is the beginning of the front:

See that little "sock" over the ribbon yarn? It is so slippery I didn't want my ball to unravel. So I put some stockinette over it, it's the kind that you can use to put bandages on joints like a scraped knee. It works perfectly!

Next up after Gesta will be my cardi from Jaeger (see previous posts about it). I am really looking forward to making this one. It has a shawl collar and some cables, as well as buttonholes, so it will be a learning experience for me. I also need to work on my FBS. I purposely took a break from that one. I just got tired of knitting the same rows and ripping them. I figured a break would give me a fresh look at it.

Speaking of future projects, did everyone get their Interweave Knits? I am in love with the vintage cardigan and I will probably try to make that too. It is SO pretty.

OK, just a shortie little post today, I have some vegetable chowder to make for tonight's dinner (recipe given to me by the wonderful Knitster Mellissa!) That girl can cook!

A (sort-of) finished Simply Marilyn

2005-02-21T14:50:00.000-02:00

OK, so it is technically finished. Here is simply Marilyn, in all her finished glory:

So, this is why she is sort-of finished- I don't like the neck. Although you do decrease after you pick up stitches, the neckline is just way too wide for me. I am going to rip back the neck and add another round of decreases. I think I am also going to shorten the collar, it is just too big for me, even when folded over, which is how I will wear it all the time. So, I guess this is another one for Alison's Fix-it February!

I think I could also enter the car into the february fix it. 2 weeks ago, I spent $1,200 dollars because the turbo on it blew. This weekend, family was on the way home from my son's basketball game, and the car "blew up" again. GRR! I bought a Saab because Daddy has driven a couple of them over 200,000 miles, with no major problems. I, on the other hand, am starting to feel like Job.

So, for the fix it, I was also supposed to fix Klaralund. Well, after browsing the book, I decided I wanted this instead:

I started knitting her up, with two strands of yarn- the yarn from Klara, and a ribbon yarn from Fiesta Yarns I had originally intended on making a shawl with. After trying to knit that ribbon by itself, I gave up because it was too slippery. Well, when knitting with the ribbon and silk garden together, they are a joy to work with, and they look AWESOME together! I think this is going to end up being my fave finished product ever! I have already finished the back. Here she is:

This is a closeup so you can see how beautiful the yarns look together:

I am just so thrilled how this is working up. I am going to sew a white blouse, hopefully with a shawl collar, and I am hoping to find a nice blue batik fabric to make a matching skirt. That will then be my Easter outfit. I LOVE Easter, it is my favorite holiday. It will be nice to have something special to wear.

Last week we had the knit night at my house, since our "leader" and usual hostess Nancy was off to NY to do some wheeling and dealing in the art world. We had a great time. My mom was visiting, so she got to join us, and a new member, Rita came. Then there were the regulars, Melissa, Stephanie, and Brooke. I LOVE these girls!! Stephanie is always so helpful and entertaining; this time she was helping Melissa cast on/ figure out gauge/etc, for her very first sweater!! She taught Melissa a nice knitted cast on so that the sweater will have a nice edge. Brooke worked on a scarf that is just plain knit/ purl, but becuase she is using two yarns, it looks cabled. It is so pretty!! Rita helped my mom remember how to cast on. And I sewed up Marilyn. We had a great time.

Another thing I did this past week: make my own blocking board! It was pretty easy.

My husband's company sells insulation, and so he got me a 1" thick piece of styrofoam (2' x 4'). I just covered it with a piece of gingham, 1) to protect the styrofoam from my sons 2) to make it look better, but most importantly 3) I can use the lines in the gingham as guides for pinning straight! Now between my chibi and blocking board, I can feel SO professional!!

Crappy Valentine's Day!

2005-02-16T11:37:00.000-02:00

Haha, that typo was intentional! That is what I said to my hubbie when we went to bed Monday. Why? Buddy is driving us nuts! It seems like he is trying to be a teenager before his time....

Actually, it was a pretty nice V.Day for me. I woke up to a very sweet card on the counter, leaning against these:

These are the two first roses for my garden! I had a Princess Diana at the old house, but I ended up not bringing her because she seemed not so hardy and I don't think she would have made the transplant. So now I have a very hardy looking one, along with a new rose- Ronald Reagan. It looks very pretty so I will be anxious to see how it does in my garden.

Phil's valentine is tommorrow- I am taking him out for dinner to our favorite Italian restaurant, Luigi's. It is owned by a man who moved here from italy and the food reminds me of my family's cooking. It is SO good.

I have made lots of progress on Marilyn- see?

I finished the front last night, up to the seaming and knitting the neck. I am hoping I can wear her to our dinner! Then, I need to knit up Klaralund. I am hoping to finish it rather quickly, since it is an easy knit. My next sweater after that is one from Jaeger, Elsie, which is gorgeous. I got luxury tweed in a beautiful pink and I can't wait to start her! Here is a pic of her:

Here is George enjoying his Valentine gift

I hope everyone out in blogland had a good Valentine's day. It seems more and more people are getting hit with the flu. I did find out this helpful piece of info, even if it was too late for me. If you think you have the flu, your doctor can do a nasal swab to test for it. They can give you Tamiflu to treat it and it will make you feel much better within about a day. Hopefully though, you will not need to use this info!! Lynne is starting to feel sick( I am hoping it's not the flu) so stop by and wish her well!

Loving thoughts shawl

2005-02-11T00:29:00.000-02:00

I was up late last night- a little stress induced insomnia- so I finished my loving thoughts shawl! I love it, it is incredibly wonderful to wrap myself in it. It is just acrylic, but at least I know it won't get accidentally felted! I was thinking I would show you a pic but somehow I cannot pull it up in photobucket... maybe I'll try again later.

Well, the last week has been a bummer. I had the flu and thought I was feeling better yesterday. Buddy was home from school sick and I took both the boys to run a few errands, which unfortunately did not include dropping off the RAOKs I made while not feeling great. Anyways, last stop was the grocery store. I left the boys in the car with the car running (buddy is 10 and KNOWS not to do anything with the car. He locks the doors and holds my cell phone. and I was in the store long enough to pick up cheese and mushrooms). So, I get back to the car, and when I put it into drive, there was this horrible knocking/ banging noise, a burning smell, and huge puffs of white smoke from the muffler. THANK GOD we were only 1 mile from home. I borrowed (with permission!) a shopping cart and pushed the baby home in that. UGH! So, it turns out it was the turbo on my car. GRR!

Last night I was lying in bed, worrying about the car becuase I don't handle these kinds of things so well. I was trying so hard not to worry, but I couldn't stop. So I got up and knit and read blogs. Some of you girls just really lift me up when I am feeling down, with little funny thoughts or pics. How nice!!

Anyways, after I finished my shawl, I finished my friend Mike's hat, even with a little I-cord and tassle. I'll tell you, once I got my Chibi,

I don't mind finishing so much! And, I am soon going to have my own homemade blocking board! My husband sells styrofoam board that is used for insulation, so he ordered me a piece that is 1" thick and large enough to block at least the front and back of a sweater. I just need to get some checked fabric to cover it with; I am thinking gingham.

Well, Wednesday began Lent, and I gave up chocolate. I am craving already!!! But I am really good at keeping my Lenten promises. And it helps me lose weight!! Buddy also gave up chocolate, this is a big year for him because it is his first time giving anything up. I was proud of him today because he wanted some so bad and took a piece and unwrapped it and then just threw it back in the basket and said "I want it so bad!" I told him about the Sunday rule so he will be eating some on Sunday.

I also wanted to update on George W. He is doing so well, he has gotten used to his new hutch. He drinks about a quart of water a day, and he likes his timothy but he LOVES his pellets. He pushes the bowl to you when he sees you coming with his food. The fence has been finished too, so he has been able to get out a couple of times and hop around the yard for a while. The allergy thing doesn't seem to be too much of a problem either, I guess it must just be when he has a lot of fur!

I want to thank everyone who sent well wishes. I was thinking how horrible it must be to have fibrtomyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis and ache like that ALL of the time. My grandmother had horrible RA and I remeber how painful little tasks were for her. Now I can sympathise with my patients with joint or muscle pain better. See- for everything there is a reason!!

done!

2005-02-07T11:09:00.000-02:00

I have completed step 1 for the February Fix, Alison's move to get us all loving our knits again! I was not real happy with the fit of my Klaralund, I am going to re-knit her in a smaller size, and probably make the body a little longer. Between the yarn loss I had when I first knit her up (one really bad skein) and some breakage while reclaiming the yarn, I figure I might buy 2 more balls and use it to knit the back panel. That way, with the back part of the sleeves knit vertically, the color difference shouldn't show too much!

I have set aside my WIPs to knit a loving thoughts shawl. You have heard of prayer shawls, right? Well, someone did something horribly hurtful to me recently. I was feeling really bad and I decided that I would knit this shawl and while working on it, I thought of all the people who love me. I am almost done with it and will post pics once finished. Anyways, it was incredibly helpful to think of all my loved ones and know that they love me. And when I am finished I can wrap myself in their love when I feel down!

Speaking of people who love me, I was REALLY sick this weekend (I think I have the flu) and my wonderful husband took care of George all weekend for me. He is so great!

I've been tagged!

2005-02-02T13:46:00.000-02:00

By Joeli, who doesn't know anything about my tastes in music. Maybe this will give you some ideas.. Total amount of music files on your computer
I have no idea. I downloaded a few songs and made CDs before people started getting arrested! I may have even erased them, because I can't seem to find them anymore. My husband may have music on here, since he has an MP3 player.

2. The CD you last bought is: Rebecca St. James, Worship God. A present for my husband.

3. What is the song you last listened to before reading this message?
Tomaso Albinoni, concertos for Oboe and violin. Concerto for Oboe in B flat major

4. Write down 5 songs you often listen to or that mean a lot to you
1) Bless this child. It is a hymn in our books at church, we sing it at christenings. This song goes through my head when I hold hands with my patients while they are being put to sleep for surgery.
2) Tremble, Nichole Nordeman. Says it all about how simple it is to forget what Jesus did for me and how we sometimes take it for granted, we forget to tremble at the enormity of it all.
3) Unchained Melody, the righteous brothers. The song my husband and I danced to at our wedding. I still get that funny feeling in my stomach when I hear it. (the good funny feeling, not the bad one).
4) looks like we made it, Shania Twain. When my husband and I were going through a horrible time, he sent me a copy of this song. It reminds me of the troubles we have had along the way, and how we have been stronger than them.
5) Jesus is my Superhero, Cadet. Surfer-type music, great lyrics that I love to sing really loud!

5. Who are you going to pass this stick to? (3 persons) and why?
I will have to get back to you on that one. Baba is calling !

I can breathe!

2005-01-31T19:44:00.000-02:00

Yes, I am feeling much much better! Thanks to those who sent well wishes my way.

So, while I was feeling under the weather, I did get a few things done. One day last week, I just laid in bed and made some stuff for RAOK. I also finished my afghan! It is the Outer Banks throw, from Knitter's stash. I knit it with colinette mohair, zanziba, skye, and isis. I ran out of the zanziba before I was finished and I subbed some Lion Brand homespun and it blends right in- I think it subbed well.

I don't have pics, but I made a pair of wristwarmers for myself.

I finished my Re-KAL purse. This was made with the accidentally felted poncho. I lined it and embroidered wheat sheaves on the flap.

I worked some on my Marilyn for the Marilyn knitalong. I had put this away for a while when I had to frog an entire sleeve. But I am happy with her again.

I made some SLOW progress on the flower basket shawl. As of this AM, I have finished my second repeat on the lower flower basket. I started on the third but had to frog what I did. UGH!

And, last but not least, I finished shearing George last week and made him his own little bunny sweatshirt. He is doing just wonderfully. He is such a sweet rabbit, and he is eating and drinking well. Hopefully the cold snap we have been in will end soon, so he can enjoy some sunshine!

I am bringing him in tonight to brush him, so maybe I will have a couple more pics of him. He really is just so cute!!

In other blog news, Wendy had a great post about the Wannassee conference several days ago. It really made me think a lot. Also, margene posted about why do we knit- for process or progress? Made me feel a lot better about my SLOW progress I am making on my FBS. I enjoy it, even though it is hard....

Also, I got my first spindle! Now, I just need to learn how to use the durn thing....

I got a prettu good start on a hat for my friend Mike.

This is the first sweater I ever made, 10 years ago. It fits little Baba perfectly right now. Part of the reason I feel better is because he was so sweet and slept until 10 this morning! I kept sleeping too, and it really did me some good.

Important

2005-01-27T19:33:00.000-02:00

I am still not feeling so great but I had to post this. Please, today, read Wendy. Everyone should. Thank you.

I promise, will post again soon.

Monday, Monday

2005-01-24T23:31:00.000-02:00

la la, la-la-la-laa... OK so I am a geek, I know it. Today is going to be real short, I am exhausted and not feeling so well. We had 4h rabbit club tonight, the leader was going to help me shear George. Well, the kids were very loud and very hands on, so we got his matts out and did the delicate parts that I was nervous about (namely, his genital area). I have a half-shorn rabbit. I am too tired to finish tonight, since buddy has a lot of homework left to do. George is going to sleep upstairs with buddy.
Cinnamon has left our house. She was just not the right match for buddy, and once we got George we were sure of it. Obviously, buddy has no problems picking up or holding George. Well, Cinnamon would not let either of us get too close to her. She even lunged at us. So, Melinda (4-h leader and rabbit rescuer) is going to let buddy pick out a new rabbit from her.

OK, that is enough for tonight. I need to eat dinner and read to buddy.

Have a great night!

Meet George W!

2005-01-24T01:30:00.000-02:00

He's here, he's here!!! Today I got my bun, and he is now named George W!
we picked him up today from the wonderful Elaina's Avillion Farm. She raises shetland sheep, angora goats, angora rabbits (french and German) as well as chickens, and she even has a peacock! I was so excited, I forgot to take very many pictures. I did remember to take a pic of the angora goats though.

George is so friendly. He just lets you pick him up, snuggle and love him. He is so wonderfully soft and he has the cutest face! He is due for his shearing, so we are going to take him to rabbit club, and Melinda is going to help me shear him. I don't think he will be much trouble because he is so sweet.
So, while we were there, we got to see ALL of Elaina's rabbits. She had about 30 rabbits, french angora, german angora, and German hybrids. We actually talked to her about saving another buck, this one french, when she is done breeding him, which will be in a month or two. And, speaking of breeding, guess what George did before we left? Yup, she wanted to get one last litter out of him, so buddy got a little lesson on breeding rabbits! Did you know, you can tell when the male has been successful because he falls off the female! I did not know that.

George is so fluffy, but I was still a little nervous about putting him outside in his hutch. He has a great big bed of pine shavings to snuggle in. THey will all stick in his coat I am sure, but I want him to be warm!! I have already been outside once to check on him. Just to be sure he is OK.

So, since we had a bit of a drive, I got in some car knitting. I decided to make myself a pair of fingerless mitts before I make my son and his friend their second pair. I started out thinking I would reduce my stash, but I ended up making my mitt longer and now I need to buy a second skein to finish the second mitt. It will just be a little break from my self imposed yarn diet, as was the skein of HOT PINK wool ease chunky my son and his buddy requested for their mitts. Yes, they have both admitted that they like hot pink. But if a stranger asked, buddy would tell them his favorite color is orange!

This is another pic of George with Buddy. He just loves this rabbit! He is actually the one who wanted the french angora. His name is francois, and I think he will keep that name. Until then, I am sure buddy will get his fill of bunny love with George!

A 4-* day!

2005-01-22T14:57:00.000-02:00

Yesterday was just such a wonderful day!! Baba was in a great mood and we just played together and had a good time. I tried to do chores while he was up, so that I could knit while he was sleeping. That worked out!! I finally got throught my problems with the FBS, I have finished the first repeat of the lower flower basket. Here is what it looks like: never mind- I screwed up my pic in photobucket and now it is the size of a pencil eraser!! I'll have to take a pic after the next repeat.Can you see those little pink strings? (no, obviously you can't. Just imagine) Ha- I am getting smart! I put in a lifeline after the upper flower basket, and one after the first lower flower basket. I will continue this way until I am done!! Because, knowing me, I will continue to make mistakes, and then confuse myself when I try to fix them.

Next, I am coming along on the outer banks throw. A shot of my progress, and a closer shot so you can see the colors.

I have also been working on something for the re-kal. This used to be the "central park poncho" (remember, DH accidentally felted it).

This is the pattern that I am going to embroider onto it:

I also got a great sweater from goodwill to frog for the yarn. It is wool, angora, and I think a bit of nylon. I took a pic of it but DH deleted that. So, maybe next post?

About the RAOK ring: I recently found out that my info got deleted from the database. I re-entered it and am finding that I have lots more people visiting my blog! Thank you for your kind comments, and all the lace-knitting tips. Also, yesterday, when I went to pick up my son from the bus stop, I found this wedged between my door!

This came to me from Nyxxie, a very generous RAOKer! I want to make a sweater for the baby from it. The sweater is in Debbie Bliss' Junior Knits. I tried to find a pic online, but they don't even have a pic of it on the DB site.

OK, here is a question for anyone who reads this and feels like helping a computer-illiterate! I tried to save buttons for some KALs, and from blogs I read. I saved them into my Kodak, them tried to import them into photobucket so I could generate HTML and put them in my sidebar. But, photobucket says they are in the wrong format. Any ideas for what I should do? Also, could someone tell me how to put pics next to each other in a post, or make my text wrap around? Thank you!!!

Thanks for visiting. Have a great weekend everyone!

Something new

2005-01-19T11:19:00.000-02:00

A new bunny! Actually, she is 3 years old. Her name is cinnamon, but I call her cinnamon bun! She is a mini rex, and she is Buddy's rabbit. We just got her a few days ago, and she is getting used to us, and us to her. She is a really sweet bunny. She likes to be petted, especially around her ears. She grunts when you feed her (I think it is her way of saying thanks!)

Here she is having her breakfast:

What else is new? Not much. I have been thinking about getting my hair cut. But as soon as you start thinking that, your hair starts behaving, doesn't it? THat's what mine always does. So here is what I woke up to this morning:

I probably couldn't have made it look better. Also, notice the little flush to my cheeks? That is what happens after working 12 hr shifts. The masks I use in the OR sort of glue to your cheeks and bridge of your nose. By the end of a shift, my skin gets a little irritated. But the next day, I look like I have a very natural blush going!

I can't bore you with my knitting today. I am STUCK on my FBS, I have to keep frogging and re-knitting. I think I am missing something around the 18th row and my stitch count gets a bit screwed up. I started unknitting row by row last night to try to find my problem. Wish me luck because I am getting tired of knitting the same thing over and over again without any progress!!

what do I do first?

2005-01-14T14:11:00.000-02:00

Ha, that's what I think when I have spare time to knit. Do I do the FBS, slow because I have to concentrate; or should I work on the easy afghan? What about the re-KAL to make something out of my felted-on-accident poncho?
Well, if you are like me, you just don't decide and you juggle all three. I just don't want to ignore anything, which I am sure is not the best way to work!

Amanda helped me figure out what I was doing wrong. So, here is the FBS yesterday morning:

Yes, a pile of yarn. What you don't see is the work I did and then frogged. But Amanda cleared up my YO problem and here is where I am this morning:

This is through row 20 of the first chart.

Next, I decided to do something with the poncho that my DH felted. One of the women at our knitting group suggested a bag, and since I couldn't think of anything else to do with it, here is what I have done so far:

I wanted it to be wider at the top. I think I would like the flap to be assymetrical. I'll put a big button on it (probably silver) and I have to make an I-cord strap. Better than what I was going to do with it, which was toss it.

A little while back, my not so secret SP3 had a contest on her blog and I won! I rec'd the package a few days ago (Thanks so much, Chelsea!) but I didn't get a chance to blog. Look at what she sent:

Isn't this little guy the cutest? He is so curly! I think my older son may kidnap him! Also, Chelsea made me my very own stitch markers! My son noticed that they are small, medium, and large. I think they are beautiful. And last, but certainly not least, look at what she sent the boys:

A whole family of rubber ducks! The little guys even have floating rings! Jacob loves to play with these guys and *yell* quack!quack!

So, with all these projects, you would think I would have enough to do, right? No, not me. I looked up Deb to see what I could send her as a thank you for playing postmistress for Wendy and I, and saw that she made felted soap. I tried it out. My first results were not so stellar. here they are:

But, I bought 4 bard of Ivory last night and I am going to try again. I want to make a bar for my meetup organizer's daughter, because she is away at college and very homesick!

OK, enough blogging. I have work to do!!

Lots of knitting!!

2005-01-12T10:24:00.000-02:00

Hooray! I have had the time to do lots of knitting this past week! Mostly, while laying in bed before going to sleep, but what a great way to end the day!
First of all, I finished the airy scarf for my sister.

Pattern: Last Minute Knitted Gifts
Yarn: 100% alpaca from alpacaamore (Ebay)
needles: 10 bamboos

I really enjoyed knitting this scarf. The alpaca just feels like a cloud and the pattern is VERY easy. My sister will really enjoy this scarf. And I think I might just have to make one for myself!

I also knit her a simple little stocking stitch scarf, just a little one to tie around the neck, in Moda Dea dream yarn. This is a totally manmade fiber but it really feels wonderful! I spared you the pics- how exciting can a stocking stitch scarf be?

Next- I have been collecting my colinette yarns to make the Outer Banks Throw from knitter's stash. Now that we are in the house, I am so excited to knit this one! The yarns- zanziba, skye, mohair, and isis, all just feel so wonderful! This is yet another stocking stitch project, but I have to show you how beautiful it is working up.

here is some stitch detail:

I also joined (gulp) the flower basket redux. I think the shawl is beautiful but I am afraid I am getting in over my head (right now I feel like the only knit-along I have the right to join is a garter stitch scarf along!) Anyways I told Amanda that I would post pics. so what have I done so far?

What is it, do you ask? Why, it is a lowly little crochet chain. Yes, that is all I have gotten done. I was going to work on it last night, but started getting a bad migraine at work, so in my drugged state I didn't want to attempt it!

I was also very productive at catching up on my mail! I sent out: The Sniper Cozy (I thought hubby sent it, but it has been sitting in his truck!). I mailed out my package to Chelsea, who was my SP3 (sorry so late Chelsea!). I sent some stitch markers to Kim, of The Woolen Rabbit. Now, I just have a package to send out to Wendy. I promised her that when I moved and found my SECOND copy of Stitch n Bitch, it was hers. So, I got some loverly roving to pack it in!

Kim's stitch markers:

One last thing. I am currently reading Misunderestimated: The President Battles Terrorism, John Kerry, and the Bush Haters.
This book is REALLY interesting. In the second chapter, it outlines what a threat Saddam really was. Now, I knew lots about Saddam, but finding out even more horrible things he did just sickens me. I really believe he is Satan incarnate! Anyways, something I didn't know, which appalled me:
"The Frenchman, whose devotion to Baghdad had earned him the nickname "Jacques Iraq" (Chirac), agreed to sell Saddam several nuclear reactors that would be capable of turning uranium into weapons grade plutonium. France was the only Western nation not to challenge the laughable claim by Iraq- a nation sitting on a sea of oil - that it needed nuclear reactors to produce electricity. Not even Saddam pretended that was true.
"In fact, when the $3 billion deal was inked in late 1975- after Saddam and Chirac had visited each other in their respective capitals- the Iraqi dictator told a Lebanese magazine: "The agreement with France is the first concrete step toward production of the Arab atomic bomb." The Franco-Iraqi Nuclear Co-operation Treaty was bad for Jews in more ways than one. The agreement stipulated that "all persons of Jewish race" be excluded from the deal, both in Iraq and France. Paris had no compunction about signing an obviously anti-Semitic treaty, because in addition to the nuclear reactors France was given cotracts to build massive public works projects in Iraq, includung a new airport and subway."

All I can say is, WTF? I just can't believe it.

Have a great, beautiful week! Hopefully, I will next be able to show more progress on the FBS!

I love life!

2005-01-05T16:15:00.000-02:00

Things are so beautiful. These guys visit me for breakfast and dinner:

There are 4 male and one female, mallards. They get closer to me every day. There are also some hooded mergansers in the pond, but they don't come over to eat yet. They seem a lot more timid than the mallards. There are also about 10-15 white herons here in the morning, as well as a large gray one. The canada geese come later in the morning, but they leave before the ducks dinnertime. I found out today, that last year they pulled 2 four foot gators out of the other pond here. Makes me real glad we are putting up a fence!!

I also saw a sweet little bluebird hanging out in my yard.

Once we get the fence put up, I am going to put up a bluebird box. They are my favorite bird- each time I see one it is like a blessing from the Lord!

Here is what I am working on now:

It is the airy lace scarf in Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I am making it for my sister because she is most likely going to have her thyroid removed. I am worried about it because mine ended up being cancerous. But anyways, I am going to knit her some little scarves to cover up her incision when she goes to work. There is a little triangle scarf in that book that I think I will make for her too.

I also (gulp) joined the Flower Basket Shawl redux. I must be crazy, but it is so pretty and I have the yarn already and I am tired of solid knitting- I want to do lace! So, this will probably be a bit of a challenge for me...

Here is the sign we hung by our front door....

We have knitting night tonight, I am so excited. It is so nice to just sit and knit with other women!! Will tell you about it next time!

Happy New Years- Knitting disaster ahead!

2004-12-31T14:01:00.000-02:00

Happy New Years everyone! Since it is the new year, I suppose I should be making resolutions. Here are mine:
Spend more time knitting. Really, this is a good resolution for me! When I knit, I think about knitting. Not the worries I might have. Not what I should be making for dinner. Not how to bring about world peace (ha like that could happen!) I am going to spend more time knitting and less time worrying!
2) Don't decide that homeschooling is the best thing for Buddy. It isn't. And he drives me nuts when I am with him so much!
3) Spend more time cultivating the relationships that make me happy. Spend more time with my girlfriends.
4) Learn tubular cast on. figure out entrelac and see if it is something I want to do. Do intarsia. Make a fair isle something. Get better at finishing techniques. Make more for myself! (see previous post!)
5) Live a healthier life. Now that we are in our own home, we are so enjoying healthy cooking again, and going for neighborhood walks. I think walking in your neighborhood every evening for 30 minutes is one of the keys to happiness.

OK, now for the knitting disaster:

6) never let husband wash any of your hand knitted items. see now my poncho I knitted:

YOu can't tell, but it is felted, and much smaller. See how the neck won't even lay flat?

On a happier note: my chair came in yesterday. Baba is seen here, wearing The First Sweater I Ever Knitted. It is 10 years old. I think he looks great in it!

You can't see muc of the detail in the sweater, so I will post a better pic another time. It is a little kimono style sweater, with moss stitch where the edgings and color changes are.

Yesterday, I recieved THIS in the mail:

I was so happy! Of course, it isn't hand written, but still! Something to put in my scrapbook!!

Happy New Years everyone, be safe!!Don't drink and drive, please!!!

What is more important? Clothes, or yarn?

2004-12-30T01:36:00.000-02:00

THIS is the yarn in my closet.

These are the clothes in my closet.

This makes me realize the following:
1) I have way too much blue yarn.
2) I have become a stasher.
3) I must be incredibly unstylish if these are the only clothes I own.
4) I better knit faster because I promised hubby I will buy NO MORE yarn until this stash is incredibly smaller!

I leave you with a picture from my first playdate in the new house- my girlfriend Laura, eddie, who was born the day before my baba, and the hat I made for him for CHRISTmas!!

I can't believe it!

2004-12-27T15:41:00.000-02:00

Warning: incredibly long post!!

We moved into our house, 2 days before CHRISTmas!! The move was hard, mostly just my DH and I moving everything, including and INCREDIBLY heavy armoire. Oh, and the giant stainless steel fridge. But, I am just so happy now to be able to use all my things from storage. You don't realize how blessed you are until you go without for a bit. I am just thrilled to have to get up into bed, instead of sleeping on a mattress on the floor! I love having a CLEAN kitchen, with great appliances that work well. I love having my frigidaire double oven, so I can cook things at two different temps. I love using my pots and pans, to make wonderful, healthy meals for my loved ones. I love taking baths in my new big tub, using my wonderful rose petal/ lavender soap my SP3 gave me. I love having a living room, without a TV! My family is starting to understand mow too, why I insisted :No TV in the living room." At CHRISTmas, we all sat around and actually talked, and played games and enjoyed each other's company. It was wonderful.

I didn't quite finish up the quilt for my sister. All put together, but only about 5/27ths tied (but hey, who's counting?) I told her she could have it in a week. She was just so happy she started crying. I was so glad.

CHRISTmas eve, it is our tradition to have a fondue (my husband is 1/2 swiss). We got to have our fondue in our nice living room, with my family. It was just so wonderful, and I think it was the best fondue we have ever made! It is the traditional cheese fondue, with the recipe from my DH's grandpapa. YUM!

We went to a new church for Christmas eve mass, Immaculate Conception. It was different, no kneelers, and I actually LIKE to kneel. But what was different was the priest. I felt like I was at the Broadway show "the Singing Priest" featuring Father Barry! My mom loved it because she said that was what the high masses were like. I enjoyed it, especially after working every weekend and not getting to ever go to church. I didn't enjoy my son asking me over and over what time it was, and when was it going to be over!

Christmas morning was fun. although we were all so tired! The boys enjoyed their gifts. It was great that we all cut back this year, and so it was not overwhelming! Baba's favorite was his wiggles microphone, and Buddy loved his 4 ft tall pink panther. They also played music for us on Buddy's keyboard- Buddy and little mini-me! It was really a lot of fun.

There has been some sadness for me in blogland. Katie, of Knits n Grits, decided to quit blogging. She has a baby and another on the way, and I can't blame her for feeling overwhelmed. But I will surely miss her. Also, Chelsea, my giving-to SP3, has decided to cut back on her blogging. This is also so sad. I enjoyed getting to know her through her blog and I thought she was a really fun person. Both of these girls were on my daily reads.

Chelsea mentioned how sometimes when you write your blog, you get involved in wanting to be popular. I think you know what I mean, the people who get 30 comments to their every post. I know what she means, I always feel like I am boring to people (the average reader is here for 28 seconds.) But, I think I want to kkep up because even if no one else is interested, I am!

OK, Now for KNITTING CONTENT! The handknit gifts went over well. And I am glad they are done! I didn't finish the punk rock backpack, I just haven't been interested. But I did knit my little sis another scarf, on Christmas day, because I didn't know she was allergic to mohair, which is what her first scarf was made of!

me & my thoughtful gift- headache relief- from my sis

51 hours and counting!!!

2004-12-20T13:39:00.000-02:00

Oh, only a couple days.... I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait!!!

I gave the Christmas scarves to my girlfriends at work. They all loved them, thank God! My one friend didn't know she was getting one, and she was just So touched. I was glad. I also got presents! My one girlfriend Elizabeth gave me cookies in a jar. They are no ordinary cookies, though. These cookies kick butt, and they are going to be my Christmas cookies! She also gave me a beanie babie bear who is pink, with a pink ribbon for breast CA. I was so touched by that !(my mama is a survivor). I also got a planner from my friend Karen, to help try to keep me organized.

Yesterday, I finished Buddy's "woody" sweater from Debbie Bliss' Junior Knits. It just needs blocking. He loves it!

It is so cold here today that it snowed overnight. Buddy was SO excited. He had fun going out to play and I was excited that he wore the scarf I made for him!

Iwas not excited, especially since the pipes are FROZEN and there is no water!

Saturday, when I was drugged from my migraine, we drove to Southport. These pics are on the intracoastal waterway. It was just beautiful, I could have stayed there forever. I love the ocean. You can't see it, but in the distance is Old Baldy.

So, now I am working on another scarf for my little sister because she is so picky. I want to get a pair of fingerless mitts going for my son. Then, a pair for me!!

Have a beautiful Monday!

You're an earth mother! Your friends sometimes
call you Gaea, because you're the original
earth goddess! You and your kids both have
dirt under your fingernails, and you spend as
much of your time as possible out of doors.
Your kids have an incredible appreciation for
nature.

What kind of a freaky mother are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

things I love!

2004-12-18T13:22:00.000-02:00

I love: being too sick to go to work but not too sick to enjoy my family.
the smell of freshly baked brownies.
the smell of my baby's head.
having all of my Christmas knitting for friends done!
Knowing that in less than a week I will have all of my treasures out of storage!
Cinnamon.
Sunshine.
Stars.

And the fact that since I called in to work I get to go to church!!!!! (I haven't been able to go since Easter. And I miss it so much!! I am actually taking a Sunday off every month so I can go to church!!

Have a beautiful saturday!

the countdown continues....

2004-12-17T23:47:00.000-02:00

Yes, the countdown to Christmas..... but also to the house!!!
I close on Wednesday!!! It has been a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG 6 months waiting! But things are coming along.... we are getting things packed here at my sis's house. There are a few things that need to be finished at the house, but it will be ready for us Wednesday. I cannot wait!! Then, we will be celebrating Christmas, the birth of our savior, at our new home!!!

The countdown to Chrsitmas also just keeps creeping up, doesn't it? I have finished all the scarves but 1. I am almost done with it, then I just want to make a flower for it, it is for a friend who is very styling and I thought she would like a knitted flower on hers!! I am going to try to make it like the butterfly scarves in the new SnB nation.

I finished all the knitting for buddy's sweater, I just need to do the seaming. Then MAYBE I will get the chance to finish the punk rock backpack. If not, it isn't a big deal...I can give it to him after Christmas.

Well, I made a big decision..... I am going to frog my Klaralund! I am just not happy with it. I am going to reknit the yarn into..... another Klaralund! This time, I am going to make a smaller size, but make the body pieces longer. Hopefully this will make if fit better. Mine was too loose, and the V in the front made me look bustier than I am, which is still very busty, and NOT something I want to emphasize!! So, I am going to take it on after Christmas.

Also after Christmas- I really want some fingerless gloves! I was looking at the pattern in last minute knitted gifts, and really admiring that pattern. I believe I will take that on after Christmas too! As well as finishing my Marilyn, and starting my Jaeger cardigan..... So much to knit, so little time!!

Well, I am hoping that this weekend will go by without any traumas. Work has been SO depressing lately!!!

Have a great weekend!!!

secret pal gifts and sick families

2004-12-10T22:34:00.000-02:00

I want to start with the good- I got my final secret pal gift from my secret pal, Sarah. She sent a great Christmas decoration to go in the new house, and knowing what a chocoholic I am, sent the cutest little cocoa mug with gourmet hot chocolate and even a little whisk and fancy marshmallows! And the package smelled so wonderful.... because she sent me a WONDERFUL bar of handmade soap. It has lavender and rose petals in it and it smells heavenly!! I would like to use it right now, but I am waiting so that I can use it for the very first bath in my new home.

SO, my little baba has a horrible virus. If he isn't better by Monday I am taking him to see the MD. He has had a fever, sore throat, runny nose, and a cough that started out dry but is now sounding productive. He is mostly just miserable and wants me. I never really knew that I could accomplish so many tasks with a baby in my lap! I have been alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen as well as a cough suppressant during sleep hours. He has been a little trooper through it all.

I am feeling so stressed with all that is going on. Closing on the house and moving two days before Christmas, Christmas, behavior problems with my son, baby sick, and personalities to deal with at work. No time with my hubbie to just hang around and feel like a married couple. And the last couple nights, I had to teach my daddy how to inject himself with insulin. I hate to see his health deteriorating.

I am reading Homesick by Sela Ward, it is a book of her memoirs about growing up in the South and being Southern, longing for those simpler times of our youth. Oh, if I could just go back to being a child for a day, to feel that carefree feeling, no worries in the world.....

have a great weekend.

quickie post

2004-12-06T01:10:00.000-02:00

yup, it's just a quickie today ;) It was a very busy weekend at work. I was in charge of the OR the last couple hours today and one of my friends bit my head off for telling her to do something. GRR!!

I finished the first sleeve of buddy's sweater, and 1/2 way done with the second. Then mad knitting on the scarves, including one for the aforementioned friend. I think I'll wait until next week to make hers, when I'm not upset with her!!

Going to Fayetteville to my mom's Wed, to start working on getting the quilt done for my sister's Christmas present. It'll be nice to hang out with her again.

Baba has a cough. Buddy says he figured out how he got sick- he watched baba in church nursery today and said baba took another kid's sippy cup and drank out of it. THe nurse in me wanted to SHRIEK!

OK, maybe some nice pics soon. On the house front- picked out replacement carpet colors for upstairs- the one we ordered was discontinued. Picked out new color for solid surface counters- our color was backordered. They have painted and put in doors above the fireplace (it's a corner fireplace).

Have a beautiful week!!

Surprise birthday that wasn't !

2004-12-03T13:05:00.000-02:00

Well, yesterday was my husband's birthday! I had planned a surprise for him and I thought I had planned well. But here is what happened.
I had told my husband I was going to go to Fayetteville this week on wed. Then, Tuesday night I told him I wouldn't go until Thursday, because we had knitting night Wed. So, he thought I was going to go Th morning, on his B-day. We didn't mention his birthday to him at all. Th morning, I didn't even say happy birthday to him, so he would think I forgot. I called him in the AM and told him that I was getting ready to leave, then had my mom call him a couple hours later and say we just got there, and that I was putting the baby down for his nap. In the meantime, we went out to the best bakery ever, Apple Annies, and got him a hazelnut cake with hazelnut buttercream and grated chocolate topping. We got the groceries to make him his favorite dinner (meatloaf and mashed yukon gold potatoes) , and got him a couple of presents.

Well, I asked my brother in law to ask my DH to come home and ride bikes together. But my husband rode during his lunch break. SO my BIL said my sis needed something done here at the house. My sister told DH that she couldn't get the water to turn off in the kitchen sink and that it kept running. Well, no dice. He told her to shut the water off under the sink. AND that he was going to go Christmas shopping and wouldn't be home until 6 0r 6:30. So, we were hiding in my sister's bedroom at 6:00, watching Emmett Otter's Jugband Christmas. Finally, at 7:00, he was home, and by then I was totally aggravated with buddy, who had been bad all day (talking back and arguing about schoolwork) and baba had been grouchy too. So, the meatloaf was a little well done and the potatoes were cold. And my husband had already eaten dinner. Somehow, these things seem to work out for some people, but never for me!

no bloggin, but lots of knitting!

2004-12-02T01:11:00.000-02:00

Yes, I have been lazy about my blog. I apologize.
First, have you ever seen a cotton field before harvesting?

These fields are on the way to my Mama's house. I love driving by them. It is so pretty. We picked one cotton boll and we are soaking the seeds to see if they will germinate. Why? I really don't know. But we thought it would be fun.

The house: We now have cabinets!

We are SUPPOSED to close on the 23rd. Very convenient, isn't it? But I am insisting that we have my family to my place for Christmas. I won't want to leave my new house!!

Baba is really growing up. Here he is with his daddy, putting in a new floor for his Aunt Suzie. She was very happy with it!!

Now, knitting content! I have been working feverishly on gifts! I have completed two scarves for my friends, as well as one for my sis, mom, and MIL. MIL is also getting a pair of socks. Finished the yoga mat bag for SIL. Halfway through silk garden beanie for BIL, halfway through a hat for friend at work. Oh, finished a scarf for other SIL. Have the front and back knitted for the Woody sweater from Debbie Bliss's Junior knits, for my buddy. He would also like a wristband from the new SnB Nation.

here are some of the gifts:

A pile of scarves.... and I still have more to knit....

SIL yoga bag, with MY rowan Biggie Print scarf

scarf for friend, first of two socks knitted from my SP's yarn!

the pieces to buddy's sweater, with two unfinished hats on top!

Buddy thought they all felt so nice he wanted to sleep with them!

Last but not least- baba was so good at Church nursery they gave him stars!

Have a great week everyone!

I have been a lazy blogger...

2004-11-24T13:13:00.000-02:00

Sorry I have taken so long to write.
I have been so BUSY, just like everyone else is at this time of year! I was in Fayetteville last Friday and got to see my cousin, who will be leaving in two weeks to spend a year in Iraq.

The boys loved seeing Tommy. Funny because little baba doesn't like strange men and he hasn't seen Tom in ages. But he just loved him! I had a really nice visit with him too.

Not much to say about the weekend, just work, work, and more work! I did get a little knitting done. I went out and stocked up on Christmas yarn and have been knitting away feverishly on Christmas presents!

Perhaps more later....

Have a great day! I leave you with:
Baba's spiral koigu socks

and the new patio furniture for my house, when it ever gets done!

Knitting night!

2004-11-19T23:38:00.000-02:00

Wednesday night we had our knitting night. It was so much fun!

This is our little (but growing ) group! It is great, we have women from age 12-60's (ish?) The 12 year old was new, as well as a woman who has 7 children and homeschools them! I couldn't believe it- schooling 1 is hard enough for me! She makes a living dying wool and knitting cloth diaper covers and baby clothing!
The woman who organized our group, Nancy, is just wonderful. She didn't get one stitch done because she was helping the rest of us! So, besides knitting talk, we also had a great discussion about children's learning styles, reading, and dyslexia. Both of my sisters are dyslexic. I don't think buddy is though. I do sometimes wonder if he had trouble with auditory processing, though.

Anyways, at knit night, Nancy helped me out with my first real pair of socks, using the yarn that my dear SP3 sent me! It is so pretty, everyone commented on it. I will show pics in a few days.

I am still feeling under the weather, so I am cutting it short for now. I will tell you next time about my visit to Fayetteville & seeing my cousin before he deploys!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Women on the verge...

2004-11-17T16:19:00.000-02:00

of a nervous breakdown! Have you seen this movie? I remember seeing it and thinking it was pretty funny! Right now, though, I am thinking it's NOT so funny!

Buddy is driving me nuts. He is such a strong willed child. He always challenges, no matter what. Life is just not easy with him. Now that he is back to homeschooling, I don't have much time away from him, either. So, tonight's knit night will be very cherished!!

Yesterday I had a horrible virus, was bedbound most of the day, except to get up and yell at Luc for talking back to my sister. I was too tired to even knit! But, I am feeling much better today.

Just at the right time yesterday, my mom sent me a message on EM. Simple and to the point.
READ THE FIRST LINE CAREFULLY!
If God brings it to you, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.

Besides this, she made me laugh. She sent me an EM from Martha Stewart about things being tight this Christmas. It went on to explain how to make a pair of bedroom slippers out of 4 maxi pads. Well, the big joke is that I am going to make HER a pair and wrap them up for christmas!!

hee hee! Oh- sorry I forgot to edit my pics yesterday, and they ended up all huge!!

Have a great day today!

Bella Filati !

2004-11-15T16:39:00.000-02:00

Oh, how wonderful Bella Filati is! This is such a wonderful, beautiful store! It is in Southern Pines, NC which is a wonderful town about an hour from my parent's home. On Friday, my Daddy took the day off from work, and I went there with both my parents and the two boys. We had a great time walking around the town center which is all around the old train station. The baby got a baby doll at the toy store, and buddy got 4 magic tricks. We bought a book for my dad about the 18th Airborne Corp in Desert Storm, and we bought my Mama a pottery bowl that was made by a family near there. We had lunch in a little diner which was very good. But the highlight of the trip:

a little SEX!

and here are a couple more things I picked up:

Let's see... first, I had to buy yarn for a pair of socks for buddy. He chose orange yarn. I got a couple skeins of Rowan Biggie Print to make myself a scarf. I got some tape type yarn from artful yarns. I don't know what for, it was just so pretty I had to get it. I got some Berocco Suede and Plush to make baba a pair of those baby ugg booties that are so cute! I will just have to adjust the pattern to make them bigger....

I also got a card that helps convert a person's shoe size into the size you need to make their socks, some point protectors for my little DPNs, one of those clicker row counters....
I also found SnB nation at the local bookstore there!! I had to snatch it up, even though I had ordered one at my local B & N. They know me so well there, they will understand I had to get it as soon as I saw it in person!!

So, the trip to Bella Filati? My best SEX ever. I could have bought SO much more... but I do need to put some furniture in my house, and food on my table too!!

Hope everyone is having a beautiful Monday! I have no errands to run tonight, so I am going to chill with DH and watch a movie and knit!!

lazy entry

2004-11-13T23:09:00.000-02:00

I am tired from a long day at work. So instead of telling you about Bella Filati, which really needs my enthusiasm, I am giving you a lazy entry stolen fr om Katie.

10 movies I would watch over and over again:
1) Blackhawk Down
2) Cool Hand Luke
3) A Bronx Tale
4) Endless Summer 2
5) Fried Green Tomatoes
6) Like Water For Chocolate
7) Jesus of Nazareth
8) Navy Seals
9) French Kiss
10) Prince of Egypt

You Are a Religious Republican

You make up the conservative, Christian, dedicated core of the Republican Party.

You believe it's important for religious people to stand up for their beliefs in politics.

And for you, this means voting your conscience - which almost always means voting Republican.

Your pet causes include the sanctity of life, school vouchers, and prayer in school.

What political persuasion are you?

Have a great night everyone!

Friday

2004-11-12T22:56:00.000-02:00

Boring title, I know. But I just don't feel like being creative tonight!!

First of all, THANK YOU SECRET PAL!!! My secret pal sent me a package!! I am feeling loved... some wonderful things for me!!! First of all, she must have figured out my OBSESSION with knitting socks! So, she sent me an easy, beginners pattern for socks from knitting pure and simple. To go with it...a yummy skein of Opal sock yarn- with beautiful roses, sages, rust, beige....it is going to make a beautiful pair of socks!! Then, a book called "The Knitter's Gift; an Inspirational Bag of Words, Wisdom, and Craft". It sounds like a COZY book. To curl up with in my new chair, in my new house, and enjoy. THEN, as if all this wasn''t enough, guess what else? Yup, you guessed it- something to tame my fierce chocolate tooth! And not just any chocolate, but a bar of my favorite Lindt (swiss) chocolate, Perugina (italian), and Dolfin (belgium). I never had the Dolfin, but the belgians make some great chocolate!! Thank you, thank you secret pal!!!

I went to Southern Pines with my folks today. There is the most awesome yarn store there!! I will tell all about it tommorrow! Also.... yes my hubbie now knows (and approves) of the fact that when we get out house, we will be getting a mini rex bunny for buddy and a german angora cross for me!! YAY!

Have a great weekend everyone! Oh, and thank you to those who posted kind comments about my last post. It is nice to know that even if people don't agree with my beliefs, they can support my right to voice my opinion!!! Knit bloggers can be some great people, can't they!!

bad blogger Patti, bad blogger!

2004-11-10T01:39:00.000-02:00

Gosh, it's been so long!! Sorry! Lots to talk about....
1) I am so sick of hearing everyone whine about the election. W won. Get over it. I read on someone's blog about them questioning "Moral Values." Yes, morals. As in, don't cheat on your spouse. As in don't murder unborn children. As in, follow God's rules. I don't support abortion, I don't support gay marriage. Now, on someone else's blog, they said that opposition to gay marriage was based on hate. No, it is not. I don't hate. As a matter of fact, I have gay friends that I love. But that doesn't mean that I have to approve of what they are doing, which I see as wrong. Look at it this way. I love my son, but if I caught him stealing, I wouldn't approve of it. Doesn't mean I hate him!

2) My house has siding!! Unofficially, we might be closing on about Dec 12. I cannot wait!! We went to order the first chair for our reading nook today.

the fabric:

the chair:

me, the fabric, and the chair

3) Did I tell you Buddy isn't in school anymore? Too many problems adjusting. So we are back to homeschooling. I got the Saxon Math program today (off Ebay, of course). We will be concentrating on that and writing.
So, since he's home, we have more time to spend together. I took the boys to Kure beach yesterday. We had a great time.

4) It is so cold that I have GOT to work on Marilyn again! I am so TIRED of the Yoga Mat Bag! It should be done in a couple more days. Then I will be working on quicker CHRISTmas projects.

I did a couple of sewing projects which I forgot to take pics of. I am going to go soak in the tub right now, but maybe after that I will take pics to post. In the meantime, I leave you with this great pic of my boys and me!

good blogger!

2004-11-10T01:37:00.000-02:00

Ok, now for the sewing projects!
First, I had a pair of old jeans. You know, the comfy favorite jeans that start falling apart. They were getting worse with every wearing. So, I turned them into a cute A-line skirt. I got the idea from craftster. Very easy, and I can continue to wear my old jeans!

Next, a modified "Roll Your Own Needle Case" from SnB. I left a couple of larger pockets for the circs and I ade it a double layer of pockets. I love this cheerful fabric! The polka dots are my favorite.

Last: 7 years ago I helped my sister start a quilt. She has never finished it. I have taken all of her pieces and put them in my closet. While she is sleeping (she works at night) I am going to finish the quilt, hand tie it, and give it to her for CHRISTmas!

Oh- idea I also got from craftster... my in laws are all liberals. So for my brother in law's B-day (coming soon) I am going to stencil George W.'s face on a t-shirt. I am going to write underneath it: I voted and all I got was this president. When I wrap it I will fold it so he won't see the saying at first! See, I can joke about politics!!

Note to my secret pal: Are you a liberal? Or at least a democrat? Were you dissappointed when you saw that I was your secret pal? Even though I am conservative, religious, a family oriented person- I can still be fun!!
I don't know why, I just thought this might be the case, since there are so many liberals in knitblogland.

random facts for you:

I was in love with my first grade teacher. Patti Reno. I thought she was the greatest woman on the face of this planet.

In high school I was nuts about Led Zeppelin and Motley Crue. Right now, if I could only listen to one artist, it would be Otis Redding.

I hate to talk on the phone.

I love the smell of the ocean.

My feet are always cold.

Well, tommorrow I am taking the boys to mama's. We may go the Southern Pines on Friday. I have never been there but my family loves taking day trips there. I want to go! (and there is a yarn shop there!)

I am not sure if I will be able to blog from there. If not I will be back Friday night!

Knitting night!

2004-11-04T16:57:00.000-02:00

Last night I went to my first knitting night, and my only regret is that I didn't bring the camera!!
The group meets here at an ART GALLERY, how cool is that? When I got there, the girl who "runs" the group was at the airport picking up an artist who came from Utah to paint here & do a show. So I got to look at all these beautiful "ein pleine aire" paintings. They were just SO beautiful. The place even smelled like oil paints (in a good way). SO, they have this nice lobby area with comfy chairs and a couch. There was: Nancy, the woman who organized the group and works at the gallery. Stephanie, who has a radio show on the local news station & is quite the world traveler (next month she is going to Macchu Picchu (as in Peru))! Kay, who was quiter, and I am not sure what she does for a living, but she knits and she quilts. "Sis" who is a college student and adorable. She was working on a hat. She brought her mom along too, and Nancy set her up with needles and yarn and she did quite well- she purled without even knowing it!

What a great time it was! I brought along some veggie and dip, and some two bite lemon tarts, and we all just sat and knit! I worked on my sister-in-law's yoga mat bag, since I wanted to bring something that I didn't need to concentrate on. Wendy was knitting socks, and said she would help me out with my first pair!!

We were talking about bunnies, and the girls asked if I wanted to start spinning when I got my bunny. I said I wanted to learn with a drop spindle, and Stephanie said she had one and would give it to me! I offered to trade something with her but she said I didn't need to do that!

I have just been working away on that bag for SIL. I have a hat on DPNs for my BIL. I decided that I HAVE to finish these two projects before I can start anything new. How disciplined of me!

Of course, that doesn't include non-knitting projects. So, tommorrow I am going to make felt balls for my nephews out of some great roving I purchased through Ebay. Will show pics tommorrow!!

Have a beautiful day! It is so nice here today. Kind of windy, which I LOVE. The wind makes me think of Jesus walking on water to the disciples' fishing boat. It makes me feel calm.

some real live finished objects!

2004-11-04T01:47:00.000-02:00

Hooray, I have finished some projects! First, my sister-in-law's scarf for CHRISTmas! It is made with alpaca, wool, cashmere, and nylon. It is the Have Fun! scarf from Sally Melville's The Knit Stitch.

Next is a little baby hat for my girlfriend's baby. It is based on the hothead design from SnB, made smaller, I added Icord ties and the pompom. It is knit in lion brand landscapes.

I got the idea for the baby hat when I made this hat for my sister. Pattern is hothead from SNB. Same yarn.

I really like the way the top of the hat worked out. I hope my sister likes it.

Now, I am working on a yoga mat bag for my sister in law. The pattern is from Last minute Knitted gifts. I subbed Cascade for the Manos.

In other news.... yoga class is going well. It was so crowded this week- 10 students. I think it was too many! I had my mat across from this beautiful woman who did the most gorgeous tree pose. And there I was wobbling all over the place!! But I just love class. I feel so GREAT when I get out.

Most of my energy nowadays is being used up by my 10 year old. We are having a lot of trouble with him. Long story short, he is going to homeschool until we move. That makes things mighty hard on me!

Went outside today and my tire was flat. Good thing we didn't need to go anywhere. I was hoping to go visit my Mama tommorrow but I can't since I won't be able to drive. So maybe next week.

I was very pleased with the election results. I am glad that Bush won an obvious majority of votes. I truly believe that he will do a good job for this country. I am glad to have a president I can feel proud of.

I was at my very first knitting group tonight! I had a great time, but I need to get to bed so I will tell you about it later!!

Have a great night and sweet dreams!

verbosity

2004-11-01T11:14:00.000-02:00

I have lots on my mind today.
1) How to avoid trauma (after one too many weekends of fixing up people who got themselves into trouble).
Don't sit on your front porch reading the bible at night. It is apparently the most risky thing you can do. So many of our patients got shot while doing this.
If you ever hear of Some Dude being around in your town, stay at home. Some Dude is known for just going up to people unprovoked and beating the snot out of them. Some Dude is really busy here in our area every weekend, but if he ever leaves I will warn you all.
If you ever hit a tree because it just came up from nowhere, don't drink a beer you conveniently have with you (in order to dull the pain). Those stupid healthcare workers will think you actually drank it before you were in the accident.
Oh, by the way, don't hang out with people smoking crack before going to surgery. When you get a positive result, those stupid healthcare workers won't believe you that you didn't do anything. They won't believe it is from secondhand smoke. What do those doctors and nurses know, anyways?

It was a very nice weekend. I woke up on Sat with a migraine, but I took one of the medicines my MD gave me to try out and went back to sleep. I woke up 2 hrs later and my headache was gone!! So, I went to work. We were really busy (see above), but it was OK. I squeezed out enough time to work on my sister's CHRISTmas hat. After work, I hung out with my BIL since everyone was gone (the boys went to Fayetteville to trick or treat at my Mama's). We watched Sweet Home Alabama and I finished my sister's hat. I started a smaller one for one of my friends' daughters. Sunday we had a couple people call in so we were short staffed. But the day went OK. I got to follow chain of custody for the first time. This is just when we remove a bullet from someone, you need to note exactly who had the bullet in their possesion, and hand it over to the police. That way if there is a lawsuit or criminal trial or what have you, there is none of that questioning about who had the bullet in their possesion. I did a great job!

I decided to quit on my shawl for class. The rayon ribbon yarn I was using is so slippery it was always slipping off the needles. I am going to start a different shawl, with different yarn, but first I want to get going on the backpack. Upper front, back, gusset, and two straps down. I started the lower front, the part with the intarsia, last night. Then I will just have to sew it all together and line it. I want to find some fun, funky fabric to line it.

I won Debbie Bliss' Junior Knits book on Ebay. I am excited because there are several sweaters I can make for Buddy. They are more skater looking, nothing cutesy. And I won't have to try to change sizing from a bigger sweater. PLUS there are sizes that will fit Baba in about a year or so. So The book should serve me for a long time! I also got some roving, to try to make some felt balls for my nieces and nephews for CHRISTmas. And I am bidding on some yarn that is handspun AND handpainted. It is and angora blend. I love angora and I can't WAIT to get my own bunny! I have only seen French angora bunnies around here, but I would really like a German angora. DH doesn't know yet that we are going to have 2 bunnies :).

Going to finally mail my first package for the sniper cozies. Also, a little something for JOeli, who has been so super helpful with my blog!!

Will post some pics later of finished CHRISTmas presents!!

Silk Garden blooms like there's no tommorrow!

2004-10-28T13:21:00.000-02:00

Well, yesterday I was blog surfing, and found that on my island posted a link about washing silk garden that was a bit too big. Here's how cate did it . So, I vigorously hand washed my Klara, squeezed her out in a towel, and put her in the dryer! She did shrink up a bit, but is still too big for my liking.

This is Klara in progress.

And here she is finished!

I think what I would like to do is find a button of brooch or some other unusual type fastener, and place it about 2" up on the V. And, I will definitely be making another- in a smaller size.

Since I finished my Klara, last night I picked up my CHRISTmas scarf again. This is the Have Fun! Scarf from Sally Melville's "The Knit Stitch", which was going along well, until I dropped a stitch without realizing it. It ran down about 15 rows. And I couldn't carry it back up. So, last night I ripped it back, and then picked it back up. I can't wait to finish this scarf. Every CHRISTmas present I finish gives me such a feeling of relief!

Did everyone check out the Knitty Fall Surprise? I think it is great! I want to make up some chemo caps, and bring them to the cancer center at the hospital where I work.

Other news- I get to go see the house tonight! We also always go to Barnes and Noble at the Mayfaire Center. I love the bookstore, I love Mayfaire. And tonight I am going to get Amy's book! I am very excited about that- she's got some really cool projects in it!!

Speaking of projects- I better go! I have been working on clearing out the bottom two shelves of my bookcase, since my baba

thinks it is for him to throw the stuff around!

Have a great day, everyone!!

I need my yoga!

2004-10-27T20:51:00.000-02:00

Yesterday's yoga class ROCKED. There were only two young (college-aged) girls and moi. So we got to really gather round Stephanie, and she sort of tailored the class to us- how cool! Lots of different poses from my first class, but still many of the same too. We did the bridge- I think when we were young we used to call it a backbend, where you are on your feet and hands only, bent over like an elbow macaroni? Yeah....I needed spotting with that one! I was pretty happy that I could actually do it, though! We also did the plow pose again, which I can totally do! It was totally relaxing, but at the same time, I got a very good workout! Amazing, how something can be relaxing and invigorating at the same time.
Today, I had to do a bunch of stuff around the house- cleaning the carpets in my bedroom and the living room, laundry including the comforter, and cleaning the kitchen. Of course, after this, my son dropped a drink on my floor, and my sister's dog tore open a package of cocoa on the living room rug. GRRR!

I finished Klaralund today, except for the blocking. And what do I think? I think that I am smaller than I thought. I am going to make another, and I will make her smaller. This one will have to be worn with a camisole or tank top. I think I will still be happy with her though, once she is blocked. I am hoping to do this tonight.

So, why no pictures? I cannot figure out why my camera won't dock. I think I am going to have to take it to Best Buy to be looked at. That stinks, because I also wanted to share pics of my house with you. They are finishing up the electrical and should be starting to hang the drywall in the next day or two. I will be SO happy when we get into the house!

Note to my secret pal- thanks for your comment! I was starting to wonder if you were around! I am glad that you have been keeping up with me through my blog. I try to keep it up regularly, and try mostly to include only the positive! Some days are sure tough, though. My ten year old is just driving me NUTS lately. I think I should take YOGA every day! Actually, thre is a yoga show on Oxygen, called inhale, that I may tape and do at home most days.

If anyone reading this knows, please comment- have you ever used Noro Korchoran? I was wondering about using it to knit another Klara- the gauge on it is 14 st on 6.5 mm needles. The gauge on Silk Garden is 18 st on 4.5 mm needles. Is this too much of a difference to substitute it? The reason I wanted to maybe use it, is that it has angora. YUM!

OK, all, have a great night!

aggravations!

2004-10-26T18:18:00.000-02:00

I had a great day at work today! But of course as soon as I got home today, my 10 yo is getting me aggravated before yoga! We got his report card last night- not very good!! And all his teachers said that he is an intelligent kid, just not very focused, and he does the bare minimum to get by. Neither my husband nor I were like that. We don't really know what to do with him, I get so tired of arguing with him all the time about doing schoolwork!
I was going to post pics of my alomost finished Klaralund last night, but my camera won't dock so I can't download my pics to my computer. Hopefully tonight or tommorrow when baba is napping I can look at it and see what isn't working there.

So, tonight I have yoga. I have been looking forward to it all day! I find it so relaxing. I had written before about making a yoga mat bag. Well Ei
asked if I was going to make a yoga mat. That got me to thinking.... how cool would that be? You could knit a mat and felt it.... might have to try that, after the holidays!

I also would like to say that my new house now has a real roof, and windows and a front door and a bathtub! I get to go see it Thursday night and see how it is coming along!!

Joeli, sweet girl that she is, is helping me out with the sidebar on my blog. How sweet, she is a student at MIT (= way smarter than your average bear!) and is taking the time to help me (= less computer proficient than the average bear!) Thanks so much, Joeli! (she was also the one who taught me how to put these links in! Now I feel cool!

OK, must light my nag champa candle and breathe!

Have a great evening!

knitting up a storm!

2004-10-25T20:32:00.000-02:00

I started Klaralund's second sleeve today! I am so excited about her, I can't wait to finish!! (Why do I have to go to work tommorrow?) I will post pics later.

So, I had to modify the pattern a wee bit. One ball of my silk garden was horrible- all thick & thin, and I mean as thin as a strand of embroidery thread. I didn't want that stinky yarn in my sweater! I also didn't want to buy another skein from a different dye lot. SO:
My Klaralund has 3/4 length sleeves! I think it is going to look great! I had actually wanted to make a second one with the shorter sleeve, in a different color. But, as providence would have it....I was forced to make this one shorter! This is fine with me, since I get overheated easily anyways. I promise to post pics later!!

Also, Joeli and I have been working on my sidebar. Trying to fix it up. So, right now, the sidebar should be on my WIP list!

OK, all for now- I gotta go eat dinner! Have a great night!!

nothing about knitting here

2004-10-25T11:38:00.000-02:00

I am sorry, right now I cannot write about knitting. I have been worrying about my son, and his schooling, and just how quickly they grow up. So, I am sitting here, reading blogs, working on Klara's first sleeve, and watching TV. This show I am watching (never saw it before) Living the Life, they were talking about the clothes that kids are wearing these days. The host brought out a collection of clothes she bought that were supposed to be for 6-10 year old girls. It just made me so sad. There were these little tiny skirts that a girl wouldn't be able to bend down in! The low rise jeans that have a tiny zipper (like 3 inches long!) little halters and strappy little tops. They even have shiny satiny undies for that age, as well a s pair that said MEOW on the front. Oh- and get this- tiny little padded, demi cup push up bras.

Now, I realize that I am a very conservative person, but come on! This just makes my heart so heavy. Our kids are growing up way too fast. My son (10 years old) has come home and asked me what is rape? Someone said Kobe Bryant raped someone. He has told me some of the things he has heard at school and they shocked me (and don''t forget, I used to be in the army!)

I am feeling so down about this. I worry so much for my boys. They are expected to grow up so quickly now. When buddy was in third grade, we spent a MINIMUM of 3 hours a night on homework. I just don't get it. I want my son to grow up slowly, like a normal CHILD!

I promise, I will post tonight, with pics. And it will be about knitting and my first steps in crochet yesterday!

Thank you Lizz

2004-10-21T18:25:00.000-02:00

Here is a pic of Klaralund this morning. Thanks to Lizz I can show her to you!

I have been working on her a lot today so, here's another!

and just for fun, a new book!

Now, does anyone want to tell me how to put a photo album on my sidebar? It would be so very greatly appreciated!

my blog is boring!

2004-10-21T11:49:00.000-02:00

I am getting so frustrated with trying to put pictures into my posts. I copy the HTML, then when I come to my post and right click, it doesn't give me the option to paste. It is driving me crazy! If anyone can help, please do!

I was going to show you the beginning of my Klaralund. Marilyn is sitting in timeout for not behaving. She said she is very sorry, though, so she might be allowed to come out and play soon!
The yarn I am using for Klaralund is very beautiful- light brown, green, purple, all very muted shades. Since Marilyn is so bright, I wanted something more understated. I really like it, although I have to say that my silk garden has broken a few times already, and I have only done about two inches. I have found that some spots of the yarn are really thin, and I try to be careful not to pull it too much!!

The baby is down for his nap, after having a good vapor bath and taking his medicine like a big boy! He is just so sweet, he was dancing to the wiggles today, and I already got a big kiss. He is very stingy with kisses so I love when he kisses me out of the blue! He also gave my mom 3 kisses over the phone!

I had tried to get a day off from work this weekend to go to the state fair. Apparently, everyone on my team has gotten so accustomed to not having to work the weekends, that it was just too big a sacrifice for anyone to give up one weekend day. Well anyways, my husband's boss let him take Friday off (without pay, he's used up his vacation) so that we can all go to the state fair! I am so excited!

Everybody have a great day!! Get some knitting in!!

Edited to add: Hayden, sniper cozies started quite a controversy at the Knitty boards. A group of women got together and decided to knit warm items for American snipers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. It gets quite cold in Afganistan and I think in parts of Iraq. The motto of the American Sniper is "one shot one kill". So I followed a chart and purled the motto onto a scarf made of olive wool.
To find sniper cozies you can find a link at www.zibibboisgood.com
Sorry I am not great at links yet!

Back to normal life

2004-10-20T10:20:00.000-02:00

Well, we have settled back into the "Real World". Not like the Mtv real world, but Real real world, as in- laundry to be done, full days at work, a sick baby crying and deciding he needed to sleep in bed with me all night for comfort, grocery shopping, etc! Yes, baba didn't feel well last night, and the only time he was happy was laying down with me wrapped in his blanket. So we slept together all night. I didn't sleep that well, but he got a full night's sleep and I think he is feeling a lot better today.
Last night I took my first YOGA class. It was great!! I just absolutely loved it- so much better than trying to do a video during baba's naptime! It was just so relaxing, yet at the same time I know I was doing something good for my body too. It was just very soothing. I am looking forward to taking more classes. And, OF COURSE, I will need to make a yoga mat bag (last minute knitted gifts). (hee-hee!)
I am trying to finish up some little projects so I can give Marilyn my full attention, and then start Klaralund. I am working on another Christmas scarf, and I have my shawl for class, and Buddy's punk rock backpack. Then some baby hats and hats for friends. I'd like to make a sweater for Baba but I can't figure out the Phildar pattern I wanted to make. So much to do!! So little time!!
I am sending out packages to my secret pal and sniper cozies today. I also have a couple things to send to fiber RAOKers! And a little scarf I knit for my niece.

Hoping to figure out how to put up picture albums today when baba takes his nap! Since I am having such trouble getting pics posted in my blog.....

I almost forgot- there is a new knitalong- the bearalong!! Hosted by Katie J and Katie O, you can find it at http://kjknits.typepad.com/bearalong/

Hope you all have a great beautiful day. As for me, I am hoping to be productive!

vacation part 2

2004-10-14T18:31:00.000-02:00

After we left the cabin at KOA, we drove to Blue Rock Ohio, to stay at the McNutt Farm 2. The farm is a "bed and breakfast" where you can learn about farming. It is a dairy farm, totally organic, the cows are grass fed and have room to roam in huge pastures. When we pulled in, the owner's wife met us with a jug of milk, a pound of bacon and a carton of eggs and showed us to our cabin. The cabin is across the street from the main farm buildings and the Mcnutt's house. The cabin is an old log cabin that was more recently added on to, so we had a kitchen, a family room with a wood burning fireplace... all nice. BUT the bathroom- it had something called an "envirolet" toilet. You cannot put any TP in there. Plus, the bath seemed sirty and there were HUGE spiders in it! Needless to say, we waited until the hotel on the way home to take our showers!
So at the farm, we got to milk cows, feed the calves, and round up cattle at night. We went hiking on the property, and spent a lot of time playing mancala and jenga. Luc loved that of course!

We had a very relaxing visit. We left Sunday morning and drove to Durham. There, we were thrilled to 1) take long hot showers and 2) get a pizza for dinner! We just relaxed at the hotel and watched (guilty pleasure) American Choppers. My boys love that show & I think it is really entertaining!! Anyway, we had a continental breakfast at the hotel next morning, then went to the Museum of Natural History in Raleigh. We really had a great time, and the baby loved all of it. He even touched a snake ( a live one) actually, he tried to squeeze it. After that, we went to GREAT YARNS in Raleigh. It was great! The store was a bit crowded, but was just wonderful. I really wanted to buy some Rowan, since everyone speaks of it so highly....I picked up, then put back, rowan calmer, big wool, biggie print. I finally decided on Jaeger luxury tweed, and their new pattern book to make Elsie cardigan- it is so cute. Of course I probably wont get it done until it's too hot to wear it!

On the knitting front- I am about 1/3 of the way done with my fiesta ribbon shawl that I am making in my knitting class. Today I frogged Marilyn's sleeve. It all looked OK, but when I held it up to my arm- when it was done, I think it would have reached PAST my fingertips. So I need to try to work that again.

Oh- I also got some Berroco Lullaby to make a sweater for Baba. Now if I coould just get my pics to post here, I could show you! No luck with photobucket again today...

Maybe I will just try to figure out how to put picture albums on my sidebar. That would be great!

Going out tonight to Cafe de France with my DH, then to B&N. I am so excited, the restaurant has the BEST french onion soup, and the crepes are to die for (OK, my hubbie's are better, but they are close). And I was thinking about checking out spin off magazine- for smoe reason I decided I need to make a drop spindle and learn how to spin. Perhaps in preparation for having my BUN when I get my new house. On that front- it is all framed and the plywood is up. PROGRESS!!

Have a great night!!

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world!

2004-10-13T10:56:00.000-02:00

Well, I'm back from vacation! We had the GREATEST time! We drove to Ohio, and hubbie drove the whole way (I don't like driving in unfamilar places). So, I got to work on Marilyn. First two nights we spent in a camping cabin at the KOA in Buckeye Lake, Ohio. If you have never been to one of these, I highly recommend it! The cabin was spotlessly clean, the showers were great, clean and all the hot water you could want! Everyone was very friendly and helpful there. We rented little pedal cars and a recumbent bicycle one day and just rode around the campsite...it was such fun. The boys just LOVEd that! They had a playground the boys could play at, then one night I stayed with little baba to get him to be, and DH brought buddy to play pool and pinball. Each night we built a fire in the fire pit and roasted bratwurst & hot dogs, and of course we had smores. Cider was so cheap there, we bought a gallon of it ($1.99) and drank cider around the fire. Only bad thing, we forgot DH's violin, so he couldn't play for us. But we backed the car up by the fire and played "Farmer Boy" by Laura Ingalls Wilder (book on tape). It was just a wonderful, relaxing time. My older son taught us to play mancala, and of course he won about 99% of the time!!

We spent one day at the Longaberger homestead. I sell Longaberger baskets, just as a hobby, so it was so cool to go there and see them being made! We had such fun, we made a basket together, took a tour of the weaving facility, played on a playground... we ate at the homestead restaurant, that makes just good, downhome meals. It was great, although my DH actually made fun of me becase I chose pickled beets as one of my sides. But we never have them at home because he doesn't like them, so I was happy to eat them!

I think I will write about the farm visit tommorrow, just so this post isn't too long! I also have to tell you about my visit to Great Yarns in Raleigh, and my first real knitting class I took yesterday!!

Just a quick update on knitting progress though. I made a Paris Loop while driving to ohio, I finished the back of Marilyn and most of my first sleeve. I brought along my first sock, which still sits around, about 2 inches of the cuff knitted. I didn't touch it, somehow it is just intimidating me! And yesterday, at my class, I started a new shawl, it is called the making tracks shawl. But more about that in a future post!!

I wanted to share photos of my vacation, but I can't get them to post to my blog. I will try again later!

wow, I go on vacation tommorrow!!

2004-10-05T18:09:00.000-02:00

I am so excited, I can't wait. I had a yucky day at work today, our doctor was being a jerk, then I accidentally called him Honey and we made a big joke out of it so for the rest of the day we kept calling each other honey, sweetie, peaches, etc. While we were working, I had to keep checking the screen on our cryotherapy machine to tell him when it got down to -80 degrees. While I was doing that, he told my boss he wished he could have my voice put into our vitrectomy machine (that machine actually talks to you, in a very proper British voice). He said that my voice was very calming. This really made me feel good, because a lot of people have actually said that! At the LYS, the two women who work there said I have a very calming aura about me! I really, really like that.

Well, we leave tommorrow for Ohio. I am very excited. I am hoping to finish Marilyn while I am there! Speaking of Marilyn, let me see if my photobucket is working...

oh good, I think it worked! This is the back of Marilyn so far.

Jacob thought it was a lot of fun to climb in this box!

And, one more....

I threw this hat together at work one day when we weren't too busy! It is a little to big, I was worried about it being small because baba has a large head!!

Have a great week!

is this thing workin?

2004-10-05T18:07:00.000-02:00

more progress

2004-10-03T22:24:00.000-02:00

Well, made some progress on Marilyn. I took a pic, but of course photobucket is NOT WORKING! I will have to find another site for image hosting, one that actually works! In the meantime, believe me that it is turning out beautifully! I started the armhole shaping for the back, and once I got the hang of her, she is coming along beautifully.

Last night, I won an Ebay auction for 10 skeins of Noro Silk Garden, to make Klaralund. I think that is such a beautiful sweater. I showed a friend of mine the pattern today and she saw it and was like "that sweater is you!!" It will be real pretty, a kind of gray and brown and I think there's a little green. Very understated but beautiful! (it is shade 88)

I cannot wait for our trip! I have lots to do for tommorrow to get ready!

Better go now!! Have a great night!!

how my knitting day went...

2004-10-01T20:04:00.000-02:00

OK, so I was so excited to start with the lamb's pride. I went out in the AM and got an Addi Turbo and got gauge (11 US). So, here's how it went....
Cast on 76 stitches. Only I do the long tail cast on and I didn't leave enough. Pull out my 70 stitches, try again. Knit the first 3 rows of the project (slowly, as I have to knit, read, knit, read). Realize that although I had hilighted the size I was using, I still used the wrong numbers. Rip it out. Crosss out all the other sizes on my copy of pattern. Recast on.Knit about 8 rows, using the right size. Realize I am not quite sure where I am (still trying to figure out stitch markers and row markers and such). Put knitting down to pick up son from school... Get home. Make something to eat for baby. Help Buddy with his video game. Decide it is time for me to knit. Pick up knitting, discover addis are so slick knitting has fallen off needle. Try to save it. Try to unknit row. Get confused at cable. Frog whole thing. Re cast on. twice. Set knitting down because I smell dinner burning (even though when I walked out of kitchen I loudly announced to sister and DH- OK you guys can finish dinner. The ribs need to come out in a couple of minutes).
Turn microwave on accidentally when I mean to set timer on microwave. Blow up sister's microwave. Come into bedroom, thinking "I had better vent before picking up that knitting again". Sit down at computer to type this. Look over at bed- baby is looking at bicycling magazine with DH! and sitting on my knitting.....

HOPEFULLY I will get something done tonight!!

Lamb's pride Bulky, how I love thee!

2004-10-01T10:41:00.000-02:00

Oh, I am swooning! I am so in love.... I received my yarn for Marilyn last night, and I am just so in love!! I bought Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky in Periwinkle...it is the most wonderful feeling yarn!! Now, I haven't got a lot of experience with different yarns....mostly what I can get at AC Moore, with the occasional splurge at the LYS (she carries great, but expensive yarns). Oh this Lamb's pride is just calling out to me...make me into your sweater...love me....wear me... Now I swatched last night, and what a pity but I need to go buy a different circular. What a shame, I think I will just *have to try* the Addi Turbos! Since I have heard so many good things about them!

Other knitting news...since I finished my first sniper cozy, and was waiting for the yarn goodness that will be Marilyn, I started to really work on my son's Christmas present- punk rock backpack from SnB. The monkey one. I have finished: the upper front, the gusset, and one strap. I am making this up in (ugh) 100% acrylic- for easy care. I don't like knitting with this stinky squeaky yarn! But I guess it will make a cute backpack! I have to knit this when Buddy isn't around, so he doesn't get any ideas. He has already caught onto the "It's for Aunt Laurie" since I've already done that !

I would show ya'll some pics of all this yarn happiness, but my photobucket all of a sudden won't open on my server. So until I figure it out- I'm pictureless!

Now one more thing to gush about. Less than a week and I will be going on vacation! To Ohio! Now if you are like everyone else, you will say "what is in Ohio?" Well, I am glad you asked! I am going to the big basket, the Longaberger factory. I am sort of a consultant for them (haven't done anything while living at my sis's). We will stay in a cabin for 3 nights, that is on a state park by a lake. We will hike and roast marshmallows and hubbie will play violin by the fire... Then 2 days on a WORKING FARM!! I am so excited about it!! I am making a dress (today, when baba is asleep) to wear. I am so excited to live out my Laura Ingalls fantasy!! And( tiny hope) maybe I can find a little yarn shop while on vaca....

We are excited about NOT seeing a TV the whole time. I will have my cell phone turned OFF. This is so exciting to me!! The only thing is, I am going to have my Brother in law tape the 2nd debate for me!!

Joeli, if you are reading this, I was wondering if anyone is sending you care packages while you are at school? You know, the essentials, like kool aid, tampons, the like, with a little goodness thrown in? If not, let me know....I think I could make a great mama care package for you!!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Finished Sniper Cozy!

2004-09-29T11:31:00.000-02:00

Hurrah! Today is a new beautiful day. Sorry about the little pity party in my last post!! I really shouldn't have expected that my birthday would be special...things have been difficult lately and I shouldn't have expected some magical day!!

So, I finished up the first 1 shot 1 kill cozy. It needs to be blocked, but I still wanted to post some pics of it. Oh, well apparently I can't get my darn photobucket to work. (DEEP BREATH!)

Well, maybe tonight it will work. So instead you get my boring pictureless post.

Since I am still waiting on my yarn for Marilyn, I am going to try to get down to work on my son's punk rock backpack (From SnB) for Christmas. We wanted to try to give handmade gifts for Christmas this year. Some things we will need to buy, but we want at least the majority to be handmade. Buddy and I have been painting some blocks, one set for his brother and one set for one of his cousins.

I got online this morning and ordered some Phildar patternbooks (in English). Becky (fluffa!) got me hooked on that. (When hubbie gets bill....honey, it's not my fault! Becky made me do it! She taunted me with pictures of beautiful, stylish finished objects! I couldn't resist!)

Well, I just wanted to say thanks to my SP. You seem to always know the right thing to say to me!! I am so thankful that I have a beautiful family, a husband who loves me like crazy, two beautiful wonderful boys. My parents are great and I have two loving sisters. I will someday have my own house, which I will decorate the way I want (simple and sparing) with a reading nook with my own chair. I will have a bookcase with my favorite books in it, and a basket with my current WIP. I will be able to snuggle under my Outer Banks Throw (see knitter's stash). I will have a cup of hot sleepytime tea and both boys will be in bed. I will have classical music on. I will sigh and think..." geez, this was all worth it!" (how do you like my Leave it to Beaver slang?? :)

OK, maybe pics will work later. I am going to block the scarf now!! Have a great day!!

happy birthday to me

2004-09-28T17:01:00.000-02:00

Well, yesterday was my birthday. I am officially 35. My birthday actually sucked, though. It was same old, same old- take care of baby, get older son from school, do homework.... When DH got home from work, my sister HAD to have a ceiling fan hung. By my husband. I had made a special dinner but the pork took way longer to cook than it should have. So I decided to take a bath. Of course, they have well water, which smells like rotten eggs, so that wasn't relaxing. Then, they were putting the power onn and off, so I was knitting in the dark. By the time dinner was done, I was really not in the mood for it!! On top of all that, my sister's husband wasa being the biggest jackass in the world and made everyone uncomfortable. She would be better off without him!

So, today, I am off from work because of a fun migraine headache, which I didn't have my meds so hubbie is picking up today and bringing home for me. I did work yesterday and today on my One Shot One kill scarf which, right now, says 1 shot 1 ki ....I hope to finish late tonight. I will post a progress pic later after I take my meds!

I have been looking at Wendy (zibibbo)'s clapotis (plural) and thinking that they would be really pretty. It might be a good way to try out Koigu Kpppm. And I know how to drop a stitch on accident but I am not sure if I understand how to do it on purpose and then keep knitting from there!

I am waiting on my yarn for Marilyn take 2. Really excited about that sweater!!

Well, will write more later. Oh, another useless fact for my secret pal. I like windy days and watching the tall pines wave.

A finished Central Park!

2004-09-24T20:09:00.000-02:00

Yippee!! I have finished Central Park, and she is so comfy and chic!! Here are some pics of her:

And some pics of my room. I didn't sew the dowels into the shade yet (I was just too tired today!) the little covered shelf next to the bed is a shoe organizer where I keep my stash. The fabrics on the bed are to make a roll your own needle case.

I ordered my yarn for Marilyn today. I couldn't afford the one I wated, but I did get a beautiful periwinkle blue brown sheep company lamb's pride bulky. Can't wait to get it to start on it. In the meantime I want to start baba a hat tonight so that I have something to bring to work in case it is slow this weekend!!

By the way, today I have been in *chocolate heaven*. I am trying to slowly savor the chocolate given to me by my sweet secret pal! Thank you again, secret pal!!

thank you to my sweet secret pal!

2004-09-23T15:07:00.000-02:00

hmm... trying to figure out how to paste in a pic of the great prezzie I got from my secret pal... trying to use photobucket. I did it once before....
Anyway, I got two of my very favorite chocolate bars, Lindt (the very best in the world!!!) I took a pic right away because they are not going to hang around very long! Also, my secret pal sent me the best card... perfect for my at this point in time! Yesterday I was really upset because we found out the house schedule was delayed by yet another month...I am so tired of living in this trailer!! So, SP, thank you for reminding me what is REALLY important in life. I needed a new perspective.

Since I am trying to look at the big picture and not focus on the little things, I am trying so very hard to be positive today. I went to my very favorite fabric shop in the world (OK, in town), and I bought some fun, funky cheerful prints to brighten up my room. I covered the computer table, my stash organizer unit (the kind made for shoes- works great for my tiny stash!) and the fabric to make a roman shade for the window. I made a curtain for my sister's bathroom, so she will be surprised when she comes back home tommorrow. I did most of the sewing for my roman shade, but I need to buy the dowels. So, if I figure out what I am doing with the pics, I will show you tommorrow!!

Besides my great package from my SP, I got a beautiful birthday card from my mother in law. I will use the money she sent towards my yarn for Marilyn! See previous post and let me know what color you like! Also, got my copy of Hollywood Knits Style. I really like her stuff for some reason!

Borrowed two books from my lib. yesterday- vintage knits and Snow Falling on Cedars, on CD, to make my drive to work more productive!

MIGHT take a yoga class tonight. I was going to go last night, but hubbie got home from work later than usual.

Have a great day!! Thanks again to my sweet secret pal!!!

progress & no progress

2004-09-22T22:55:00.000-02:00

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v378/2boysmama/100_0736.jpg[/IMG]
the progress on Central Park
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v378/2boysmama/100_0735.jpg[/IMG]
no progress on my house.

I am coming along with Central Park, which is great since I just joined a knitalong with Wendy (Zibobboisgood) and Hauteknits. It is for the Marilyn sweater from Interweave, which is absolutely gorgeous, so I had to join, didn't I? So, after Central Park, and now Marilyn, I also have on my *to knit* list: hothead hat x 2, Christmas hat for baba, Outer Banks Throw, paris loop, punk rock backpack, ribbon yarn shawl, rayon boucle shawl.....socks.... the list goes on and on, doesn't it?

Well, it looks like I will still have time... now my house is not going to get done until the end of December. It is so discouraging, because as nice as my sister is, I am so tired of living here. I am going to the fabric store tommorrow to get some colorful and funky fabric to make a curtain for my bedroom. If we are going to be here for 3 more months, I want something pretty in my room!!! I will post some pics when I get that done.

Brynne, I am glad you made the Central Park too! I think it is so pretty! And I got the idea about Paris Loop from you!

Joeli, thanks for letting me know I am not just writing to myself!! I hope you like the pick of Central Park. I can't wait to finish her! Buddy still likes his school, but he got the girl with a crush on him in trouble. He just isn't into girls yet (thank God) and she was really bugging him! He told on her because she kept saying the F word, and writing on him, and she hit him in the eye. He likes the kids, he thinks his teacher for science and social studies is great (he is younger than me and he is a surfer). He complains about his reading teacher though. He doesn't like to read and so it is always a struggle to get him to do it.

Baba is enjoying having big brother at school, because he then gets alone time with me. We just like to play together, he is just so funny. He now says uh-oh! He enjoys speaking when he can! I have been trying to get him to say "Love you!" It will come.

Men of Honor is on right now & I am noticing that I really like Charlize Theron's hair in this movie. It is in that sort of bouffant style of the fifties, with the front combed sort of forward, and then the back puffed up. That would look good with Marilyn!

Oh, did I mention that I won an auction for some alpaca yarn? I can 't wait to feel it!!

Well, I should go now, to do some more work on Central Park!!! Oh, please check out Marilyn, and tell me- apple green, pale baby pink, or white? Or even periwinkle blue? I love all these colors....

shoes, ponchos, snipers, and yoga- oh my!

2004-09-21T18:16:00.000-02:00

I have decided I MUST get an ew pair of work shoes. I scrub eye surgeries all day on Tuesdays, and so I basically stay in the same place for 8 hrs on a hard linoleum floor. I usually wear only Birkenstocks, but I found this comfy looking pair of "bjorndal" shoes & bought them. They just don't feel comfortable after 8 hours! So after another day of sore feet and back, I have decided I have to get another pair of Birkis. I wish I never had to wear anything but my Birkis.
Ponchos- I am working like mad on my Union Square shawl/poncho. I hope to have her done by this weekend! I talked to my little sis today (it's her birthday) and she said she would like a poncho. I was surprised because usually when I like something, she doesn't!
I was getting a little tired of the baby cables so I was working on my first sniper cozy scarf-I tried to knit in the skull and crossbones chart from glampyre knits. I screwed that all up, so I need to rip it all out! GRR!

Yoga- I decided that I am going to go to the yoga place today and see if they have nursery, and the class schedule, and start doing a yoga class! I want to do something for ME! Something that will help me have more energy, and something that helps me relax and relieve stress.

So, tonight we are going to the house site to see if they have poured the slab YET.... I will probably be getting upset again. I am so tired of living at my sister's.

PLEASE feel free to comment, so I know that I am not just writing this to myself!! Thanks!

the good and the bad of it...

2004-09-19T23:45:00.000-02:00

OK, I will start with the good. Friday night, I had the most wonderful evening. Got the boys to bed, and then I got to take a nice, hot bath with my favorite good smelling soap.... lit candles in my room & put the baby powder scent one right next to bed. Climbed into bed and knit for about at least an hour on Union Square. (Will post pics tommorrow). It was so nice, the only thing missing was that I would have liked to put on some music but I didn't want to wake DH.
Saturday, I got to work with one of my favorite docs, so that was nice. Stopped on the way home to buy some yarn for a baby hat, and found a great yarn for a sniper cozy!! Will turn it into a scarf in next few days!
Today, on the other hand.... couldn't find my ID badge before work (baba played with it last night), got a bloody nose on the way to work. Pulled over, waiting for it to stop....a police cruiser pulled up to check on me... I figure they probably thought I was either a coke head or a domestic violence victim... but they left me alone! So got to work, did some cases....at the end of the day, we had to do an organ procurement case. Very sad story, what happened to the man. It was very depressing.... and a horrible way to end the weekend. I did what I could to help preserve his dignity and to care for him.

So, the weekend ended on a kind of a bummer. But, I have my baby powder candle lit, and I am going to crawl into bed and work on Union Square some more!! Good night!!

birthday gifts

2004-09-17T13:50:00.000-02:00

So, my DH asked what I wanted for my birthday. I told him I didn't want anything, since I have been able to buy some things for myself lately...he was like, are you sure? Of course. So today, I didn't feel too guilt about buying a couple of books on Overstock! I ordered Hollywood Knits Style, and The Knitting Experience: The knit Stitch. I LOVE books, and I am starting to get quite a collection of knitting books! I can't wait until we move, so I can get the rest of my books out of storage, as well as a lot of my needles, the narrow drop shoulder sweater from Rebecca that I started.....
Got almost done with the first ball of yarn on my poncho last night, so I laid in bed last night and rolled my second. I was really wishing I had a swift & winder. I am thinking I will ask for them for Christmas, if my husband doesn't mind! He likes to tease me about being addicted to knitting. I told him it was better to be a fiber addict than to be addicted to drugs, alcohol or cigarettes!
Excited about the sniper cozies project- Sylvia might be able to post a chart to make a scarf with "One Shot One Kill" knitted into it. I know the snipers would LOVE that! I need to buy more yarn since I bought dark gray and I think that will only be able to be worn off duty. Nevertheless, I will make some in the Gray too.
Started looking at yarns on Ebay, but it is a bit overwhelming since I don't really know what I am looking for!! I always see people post on knitty though, about something great that they found, so I will keep looking!

Planning on getting the new Rebecca, but I think I am going to wait a couple of weeks, since I just ordered my new books. Don't want to upset the hubbie! Oh, new exciting stuff- we are looking for chairs for the reading nook in the new house, and we went to the LaZBoy store here, found a nice chair from the Todd Oldham collection that would work. It is nice, spare looking, doesn't look like a recliner, but it is. Most of his fabrics are too 70's for me, but there was a wide stripe in colors of sage, cream, and I think a brown. They seem very sturdy, yet a lot less expensive than the chairs I liked at Ethan Allen. I will definitely get the bookcase at Ethan Allen's though- it is a mission style bookcase and just beautiful!

only one random fact today since I want to take a nap!

My dream is to live in a log home, with no neighbors in site. A quiet life, time to enjoy God's green earth. Time to knit, and sew, and garden. No TV. Simple life, (simple, not easy) caring for my family.

OK, have a great day. Take time to feel the wool in your hands!

Union Square shawl/ poncho

2004-09-16T13:05:00.000-02:00

Yahoo!I have gotten a good start on my shawl/poncho, now that Buddy is in school. Which, by the way, is going very well. He seems to be popular, especially with the girls! He came home the first day of school and told me it was kind of aggravating because 5 girls like him! Yesterday he came home with a note from a girl named Claire, who said if he wanted, she would be his girlfriend and he could be her boyfriend. And maybe they could get married when they got older....and he's 10! He acted like he was upset, but I could tell he was pleased. He also is settling in to doing his homework, without too much of a fight....

Baba is enjoying some time alone with me. We have time to read and just play. I think he is trying to say the word angel which I think is wonderful! He is so sweet, a very happy little boy.

So anyways, my union square shawl... I am getting very good at the baby cable! I am getting more confident in my skills. Yesterday I got really frustrated because I had dropped a stitch and couldn't pick it up, so I had to rip back a few inches. But that was the first time I was able to rip back without having to frog the whole thing- so I learned a new skill. I am hoping to finish this before my vacation first week of October.

I am loving the new knitty. The first thing I want to make is COZY. And I think hallowig is adorable, but I am not sure if I will tackle it!!

so, now some more random facts about me:
1) did I mention I am a chocoholic? Crazy about it, especially lindt. When I went to Europe last, I brought back a whole suitcase of the stuff!

2) My first car was a 1980 toyota corona station wagon. Which I got in 1987. My friends called it the heap.

3) I dated the drummer from Weezer, when we were in high school together. He cheated on me.

4) I love reading magazines.

5) Being in the Army is great for a lot of people, but it didn't do me a lot of good.

6) I am a southerner by way of NY. I lived there for 26 yr before moving to Carolina.

7) I don't ever want to leave the south.

8) I love to grow tea roses, especially pink ones.

9) I love impressionists. I am nuts about Camille Pissaro.

10) I love babies. My husband and I bought our first item of baby clothing in Bad Sackingen, Germany, on our honeymoon.

OK, I need to go work on my knitting now!! Have a great day!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v378/2boysmama/100_0682.jpg
This is the washcloth I made for my mama for her bday. It is in seed stitch.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v378/2boysmama/100_0728.jpg

This is the beginning of union square. Colors are not real true to life- the pillow is sage green!

happy day!

2004-09-11T22:26:00.000-02:00

Today was a pretty good day for me. I almost fell back asleep this morning after my alarm went off but L called me to tell me he didn't sleep well. He told me all about what he & dad were going to do today, then I told him I had to go so I wouldn't be late for work.... which I rarely ever am. I can't stand to be late!
Pretty good day at work. I got to do a couple pediatric surgeries with our peds surgeon who I totally love! He is such a smart man, and the kids we did today were so cute.

I also had a bit of free time at work, so I started on a shawl with the absolutely beautiful Fiesta Yarns rayon boucle in the "Quince" colorway. It is so beautiful, I can't wait to finish so I can wear it!

The SEXpedition yesterday was fantastic. I now have most of my yarns to make the Outer Banks Throw from Knitter's stash. This will sit on my chair in my reading nook when I move into my house (hopefully at Thanksgiving time!) Also bought two balls of that rayon boucle. Found a little ball of yarn to make a little something for my secret pal. I mailed out her first package yesterday and I really hope she likes it. I think it is fun to pick things out for her! I am hoping I am not too boring for my secret pal. But if I am, I'll give you a hint- I am grateful for anything.

While on that topic, I thought you might like to know a few random facts about me!

1) I have decided that I am so geeky that I am actually ultra cool. If you can't see it, then it's because you're not cool enough to!

2) I secretly would love to dress in indian saris. But am afraid of offending anyone.

3) Tommorrow I celebrate three years of being cancer free! I had thyroid cancer. But I am cured.

4)I live on the coast but I have a shark phobia so I don't go into the ocean.

5) My first son almost died when he was born.

6) I used to be in the Army.

7) I rarely drink alcohol. Like maybe once a year or two.

8) I love Martha Stewart and hate her at the same time.

9) I learned to read in kindergarden because I thought all the other kids already knew how so I tried really really hard.

10) I used to read all the time as a child, including by moonlight after bedtime. I used to get in trouble for reading in the dark.

11) Everyone in my family wears glasses. Except for me!

12) I idolized Laura Ingalls Wilder as a child. I still wish I could be her!

13) sometimes I like to get into a little mischief. But I usually get caught.

14) I got homesick on my honeymoon because I had never been away from my family for so long. We flew home from Europe several days early.

I think that's it for tonight, I want to get some knitting in before bed! We have a big case in the morning tommorrow and I want to be fresh for my patients! Good night!

sweet freedom!

2004-09-10T14:54:00.000-02:00

Yahoo! I just sent my hubby and kids out the door- they are traveling to a bike race (bicycle, not motor) and will be gone until Sun afternoon. Now, I still have to work the whole freakin weekend, but THERE IS QUIET!!!!!!!!!!! My ten year old and my husband will be racing (I met my hubby through bike racing, he tried out for the olympics many years ago against Lance Armstrong (guess who won?) My son has just started racing. He is real excited!!

We made the decision to send L to public school. He was driving me nuts, and I was resenting him for it. I will of course still work with him a lot, but this is what is going to work for us right now. It sort of makes me feel like a failure, though.

We went out today and bought him some clothes for school, and he kept saying "mom, you didn't have to buy me all this", and "Mom, you don't have to spend so much money on me". Funny, $100 seems like a fortune to a 10 year old! And, of course I got some GREAT bargains so he got quite a haul! I also ordered him a kid's knitting book yest. at Amazon, since I was already on there to buy a German lang. program for him (he wants to be just like his dad! bike racing, violin playing, german speaking.....)

I was thinking today about the professor I had at the University of NY at Buffalo, about 14 years ago. I took a major Russian writers course, and this great old guy who taught it was amazing. He was really tough! But anyways, He used to sit on top of his desk, and he would have these wool pants on, and then you would look down, and he had these beautiful hand knitted wool socks. They were all cabled and I just used to think about how much his wife must love him and make those socks for him. What an expression of love.

Sent my mama her Bday gift today- a great big bar of almond milk soap, wrapped in a seed stitch washcloth I made for her. Will have to load pic later when boys get back with camera. Also, some tea, and a note that I want to go yarn shopping with her in Raleigh and buy her some yarn!

Sent off a little package to my SP today, hoping that she will like it!!

Well- it is time to go to the bank and get some money for SEX!

2004-09-08T16:24:00.000-02:00

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v378/2boysmama/100_0669.jpg

my small but beautiful stash!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v378/2boysmama/100_0668.jpg

the sock I started

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v378/2boysmama/100_0667.jpg
mama's scarf

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v378/2boysmama/100_0666.jpg

little sis's scarf- needs fringe added

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v378/2boysmama/100_0665.jpg
older sis's booga bag- minus the handles!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v378/2boysmama/100_0664.jpg

my booga- I am going to try one more time to felt it!

trials & tribulations of homeschooling....

2004-09-08T16:12:00.000-02:00

I didn't post yesterday because I was too exhausted. I got into a huge fight with my ten year old about his homeschooling. I got so tired of him telling me that he couldn't do something, or he didn't understand it. It could be something as simple as writing the alphabet, and he would still complain, he is just being lazy. So, we had a blowout yesterday. It ended up with my sister watching the two boys and I went to the LYS. I was so upset I couldn't even think straight. When I got there, the owner's dog greeted me and I played with her for a little while. Something about petting a dog and having them love you back, it just calms me down. So anyways, I learned how to knit with double pointed needles!

I got an email from my secret pal yesterday- thank you for the introduction!

Finished my sister's booga bag. The pics I took were before I put on the handles. It is so pretty! I might just put mine back in the wash, outside of the pillowcase!

Dyed some yarn today, have it hanging to dry. Not sure yet if I like it!!

Thanks joeli

2004-09-07T09:53:00.000-02:00

I am hoping by posting this and republishing, you will be able to see a pic of my sis and me in the profile (I am on the left)! Thanks for your help!

ok, if I can just get it into the profile

2004-09-07T01:36:00.000-02:00

Ok- so I did it somehow! Now- if I can just figure out how to put the pic into my profile...

I hate computers

2004-09-07T01:20:00.000-02:00

OK, I am sitting here fuming. I was hoping I could add some bling to my boring blog by finally adding a photo. I tried hello, I tried using photobucket and w.bloggar. And I am about to pull my hair out! I am truly not as boring as my freakin pictureless blog makes me seem! I feel like a total and complete idiot right now.

OK, enough of that... this weekend sucked too! I worked 7A-7P sat & sun, was on call 7p-7a sat & sun, worked today 7a-3p, and am now on call tonight 11p-7a. Did not really get to see my family most of the weekend.

I did find out who my SP3 is, and I am already planning some nice little surprises for her. I did not hear from my sp yet (are you out there?) but hoping I will soon!

Finished my second booga bag, using lion brand landscapes. This time, I did not put it into a pillowcase, ran it through 3 hot water washes, and it felted! I am going to give it to my sister for her b-day. Also, made a real pretty, 8 ft long mohair scarf for my little sis- just need to put some fringe on the ends!

Was going to work on punk rock backpack tonight but my son is having a "camping bed" on my bedroom floor so I can't work on it! I am going to try out knitting with dpns to make my fortissimo colori socks!

Looking forward to UPS tommorrow- might get my books from overstock, might get the yarn I treated myself with ordering last week!

OK, I must go now or I am going to get aggravated at my pictureless blog again!!!

2004-09-07T00:33:00.000-02:00

Secret Pal Questions!

2004-09-03T00:28:00.000-02:00

I was so glad to get the SP3 newsletter today, I am so excited about having a secret pal! So, today I am going to write my answers to the SP questions. Yarn snob? I guess I am, sort of! I won't even look at red heart yarn, but I didn't know lion brand was in the same category- I just used some of their "Landscapes" which, by the way, does not felt! (The label says it is supposed to.) So maybe I will be avoiding them from now on too! I don't spin or crochet although I would like to learn crochet someday! I am allergic to cigarette smoke, and unfortunately get migraine headaches from strong perfumes, so my taste in scents runs to the very mild (like love's baby soft, mildly scented vanilla, stuff like that). I do not have an amazon or other wish list online, I am very new to a lot of stuff on the net, including blogging! Yes, unfortunately I do have a sweet tooth and love chocolate (doesn't every girl!). I like to sew, I scrapbook. Music tastes- classical mainly, I love the cello, I like contemporary Christian music, I love Otis Redding and 50's music, I'll listen to some hip hop (if it isn't vulgar).I don't think I can play MP3s or I would probably know it!

I love blues and greens. Mostly the type of colors that you would find in like a Ralph Lauren seaside collection (think beach glass, sea water, etc) I love the ocean ( I live here on the Atlantic). I am married and have two boys, ages 10 and 16 months. We are living with my sister currently while we are having a house built, so the only pet we have is a betta fish. When we get the house, my son is going to get a rabbit (wouldn't that be nice to get an angora and spin my own yarn.....) Life dreams- one will be fulfilled shortly, when I go on vacation in Oct, I am going to milk a cow!! I have always wanted to do that! I want to learn to play cello, I want to someday live in a log home, probably in the mountains of NC. I want to rent an RV and drive across America. I want to swim with dolphins. I would like to visit Steve Prefontaine's grave. I would love to visit Israel but probably never will because 1) I am afraid of flying and 2) it is too dangerous there.

Favorite yarns- I am still in the stage where I am experimenting with different yarns so I can't much say I have a fave, but I think if my first pair of socks works out, Fortissima Colori will be my fave!! I like natural fibers, and I have to say I hate the word acrylic, but at the same time I like experimenting and I like eyelash and GGH Puntolinea, and they are definitely NOT natural fiber! I think my current obsession is trying to get a nicely felted booga bag, since mine didn't! I am going to buy some cascade 220 and try again!! Then, I want to try to do the FMB....

Right now, I am working on... punk rock backpack for my son (for Christmas), scarf for my little sis in a great mohair blend, another booga bag, and I bought the DPNs for my first pair of socks today.I can't wait to get started on those!!! Also, somewhere in my storage, I have the narrow drop shoulder sweater (from Rebecca) on needles! As for ponchos, I would have to say no I don't think I like them, but there is one in "Weekend Knitting" that I think is adorable and want to knit! I just started knitting on circulars and I think they rock!!

I learned to knit from a susan bates book because nobody wanted to teach me since I am left handed. I just recently found out, through knitting without tears, that I am a tight knitter who knits backward!

And.... my oldest UFO... I am embarrassed to admit. Let's just say I wanted to learn to knit when I was pregnant with my first son, and started a baby sweater for him.......

The house is getting under way!!

2004-09-01T21:51:00.000-02:00

Well, it is finally getting going!! We met the site supervisor at our lot today to approve the placement of the home on the lot. The house is going to be set back from the curb 55' and there is a small pond that is in the back. We are so excited about it!!

We had to wait at the site for the supervisor for quite a while, so, I finished another Christmas gift!! Hooray, 2 down! Also, I knit all the i cord for the booga bag and it is in the washer now! Oh- just realized I forgot to take a before pic- well I will have to do that with the next one!

Got a pattern today for the fortissimo colori socks I am going to make- it will be my first adventure on dpns, besides the i cord. Exciting!!!

Well, that's all for today!!

busy, busy, busy!

2004-08-30T22:50:00.000-02:00

It has been a really busy three days!! Saturday at work sucked. I took care of a 22 year old girl who ended up dying (MVA). It can be so depressing, the things I see at work.
Sunday was OK, busy but better than Sat. When I got home, my family asked me how work was. My son asked "Did anyone die today?" Hubby started laughing and said that not too many kids can ask their mom that. Strange.

Homeschooling today- again arguing about math! Continued reading about the apache indians. Music consisted of Luc playing his dad's violin. We went to the music store to look at 3/4 violins and found out about lessons. I very longingly strummed the cello. I can't wait until someday I can take cello. I joked with hubby that we could be a quartet, with him & L playing violin, me cello, we will just have to get little baba to decide he likes the viola!!

Have gotten lots of knitting done over last three days- finished the bag part of the booga bag, just started the i cord tonight after the girls at knitty helped me figure it out!! Also most of the way done with the christmas present I am working on.

Finally got to take a visit to the LYS. I treated myself to 2 small skeins of self patterning sock yarn. I was wanting to try out a pair of socks and that yarn was just begging me to take it home and turn it into a beautiful pair of socks to be treasured!

Sunday morning, on the way to work, I saw the cutest little deer standing on the side of the road, just standing still, looking out at the road (towards me?) He was just beautiful and made me feel so happy~

bluebird

2004-08-27T20:20:00.000-02:00

Well, I spent today at the hospital for a conference on intentional pediatric trauma. It was very informative but also very depressing! So, enough about that!

I got a lot of knitting done today- the bottom of my booga bag, and half of a Christmas present. I was really excited with my progress, so I had to stop on the way home from work and buy a few more skeins of yarn. I am going to knit a gray scarf for one of the snipers in the "sniper cozies" project (see zibboboisgood). I also got the yarn I originally wanted for a booga bag, but at the time they didn't have 3 skeins in the saye lot.

On the way home I got stopped in traffic for a few minutes and got to watch a little bluebird couple flying around playing. I always love it when I see bluebirds- it always feels like a little special blessing from God!!

I am feeling lately like I have an auditory sensory overload. It seems there is never just quiet. Of course a lot of that has to do with having two boys, but I really wish for solitude!! I read Mitten Strings For God, by Katrina Kenison, and Gift From the Sea, by Anne Morrow Lindbergh both tihs year. They are both books about simplifying your life and finding solitude. Something that I very much crave at this point in my life!!

I am going to try to figure out how to get pics onto this blog next week. Bear with me until I figure this stuff out!! Patti

new!

2004-08-26T19:32:00.000-02:00

Well, I am pretty new at all this internet stuff! But I thought I would try out a blog. Here goes!

My name is Patti, I am 34 years old, married to the greatest man on earth and mother of two terriffic boys! I am an operating room nurse by occupation. I love to read, scrapbook, knit, sew... I guess I am very into the domestic arts. Which is funny because I don't have a home right now! I am in the process of having a house built. So for now, my family is staying with my sister and her husband. It is very strange living with someone else and I am really looking forward to the completion of my new home, which is supposed to be done in November (end of, unfortunately!)

I am homeschooling my 10 year old son this year. This is a new venture for us, and is a bit difficult. Biggest problem is trying to keep my 1 year old occupied while we are trying to do school!

My oldest son is going to get a pet rabbit when we move into our new house, so we have joined the 4h rabbit club. It has been quite fun to learn about rabbits. We are hoping to adopt a mini rex, but will have to see who is needing a home when we are ready!