Happy New Year

One of my Favorite photo’s  from 2006 – I feel the sentiment is still fresh, don’t you?  To all you’s and your’s – a Happy, Healthy, Knitterly 2008!

2007 (or as I like to refer to it – double OH 7) has been a Wonderful Year.  Some parts of it were difficult for me – I had to make some difficult decisions, not the most pleasant thing to do for anyone.   I’ve had to say goodbye to people I care about.  I’ve been very blessed with family and friends who have been there for me, with love and support.  I’ve developed a new appreciation for all that life has to offer us.  I hope that 2008 brings us all much learning, laughter and kindness!

 And lots of new things to knit!

A Very Knitty Christmas

I think I might have been a wee bit spoiled this Christmas.  Isn’t that the coolest snowman?  That’s just one of my gifts from my friend, Jeanne.  

And as if that wasn’t enough………………..

Do you see that box of knitting heaven?  Do you?  I’m totally floored by it.  The Yarn!  The Row Counter Bracelet!  The Bag!!  Thank you Jeanne - I love it all.  Browns are one of my all time favorite colors, paired with blue’s – even better.  Does Jeanne know me, or what?

 

We had a wonderful Knitting Group Christmas Party at Leslie’s House.  Jeanne did a wonderful Job organizing it, and Leslie’s home is just beautiful.  We had food, and mulled drinks and food!  And then the gifting exhange.   That was my lucky pick from Lauren – the soap is to die for and the yarn is one of my all time favorites to use – I’m knitting Twinings from another colorway of hers right now.  Thanks, Lauren!

 As if that wasn’t enough Knitty goodness for the party – I won a door prize, too!

Two skeins of the softest Mohair yarn from Steadfast Fibers (door prizes by Jeanne).  This is the softest stuff, and I’ve plans for a scarf…….mwahahaha!

 Oh, but it’s not over yet………………

The husband did a little knitty christmas shopping for me – and the two books I was wanting?  Well, they are mine now.  Whew!

Jeanne and I headed out on a bit of a knitting jaunt yesterday – it’s a good thing we have so much fun together because the first store we went to – purchases in hand – we put it all back and left because of a snarky comment by the shop owner.  What is up with people?  You see two women in your store, raring to go and ready to buy and not only do you act like we just barged into your HOME, you are less then helpful because you’re so busy with your two friends, drinking tea – sorry we upset your little quiet time.  Did you realize you are running a business?  Or is this just your high priced rented yarn room for your entertainment only?  Perhaps a sign on the front door, instead of “open” would have been nice.  Maybe something like “Friends ONly, we don’t need your stinkin money”?  Sheesh.  I highly recommend reading the book “how not to act towards two women with armfuls of yarn, cash in hand”.

Anyway, as I said, all was not lost, because Jeanne and I have a wonderful time pretty much doing anything – the second store was out of business.  The third was closed.  Clearly we were not meant to buy anything yesterday and I believe in listening to karma.  The fourth, well – I did have yarn in hand, for a particular pattern – but – get this – the pattern was out of stock because the owner’s printer was broken.  As I said, clearly we are meant to save our money for another time!  Perhaps a trip to WEBS?  Hmmmmmmm.  Still, had a great day – better to spend it with a friend and be able to laugh about it, than to be pissed off all alone!

Today is meet the hubby at work day, meet the hubby’s boss day, make hubby take me out to lunch day.  Hmmm.  I’m sensing a theme here.  I might actually BE a wee bit spoiled. 

Tomorrow, actual knitting photo’s and content.  Sure, sure.  You believe me, don’t you?

Joy and Peace

To you and yours this Holiday Season – I wish you all the very Best!!!

Christmas morning is such a whirlwind of activity – the stockings, the presents…………..then onto the Christmas Sticky Buns!!!  But most importantly – the time we spend with our loved ones is the most precious gift we can receive.  Happy Holidays, however you celebrate!

Because I am Four

SnowBot!!!!!  OMG.  I read the Daily Gadget and presto – what was on the bloglines yesterday from Think Geek?  For those of you that don’t know – I collect Snowman.  In fact – I leave a few up on our mantle all year long – because what’s life without a little Snowman?  Honestly.  I even have a 3ft carved snowman, that my children best find where they hid it in the attic by the time I get back from party-ing to day – yo kids!  So, this little dude is now on his way to me – because the DH couldn’t take the whining anymore (you do know I am good at that, right?) 

Go, check it out – it’s a fun site. 

I’ve got to get to the supermarket – cooking for the knitting group partee, and I’m soooooo not on my time schedule – have a great weekend!!!!

Nothing to see here……..

You might want to move along.  But just in case you don’t – I should keep writing. 

The wrist is attended to by my chiropractor (thank you for all the advice and concern!)  - who has seen many, many peoples from the slippings and fallings on the ice.  Us peoples, we don’t bounce so well.  But, because I woke up yesterday – which is really day 4 after the fall – and I felt all funny and weird, but I’m still blaming it on the fall.  Because the fall – deserves the blame.  So why not?  Anywho – around 9ish in the morning, my whole body goes “OW” and then I feel like if a percoset or viacaden passed by, I might just have to, you know – eat it.  So, I went to get adjusted and the chiro says – oooooo, you fell?  That can sure trigger a fibro flare.

Thank you for the info, chiro.  I had already figured that out by say, maybe 10ish when if said painkillers had passed by, I would have tackled them and then ATE them.  Dammit.  That was a hurty day.  I feel better – had a Reiki treatment today – we have a Reiki Master at school – lucky me.  And it really did help.  So.  Lots of sleep.  Absolutely no knitting yesterday.  What!  I know, this is a knitting blog and not a whiney boo boo baby blog (Jeanne says I’m not a whiney boo boo baby.  I’m just a baby)  I actually climbed into bed at 7pm yesterday.  Read a bit.  Watched some crappy TV.  Fell in and out of deep sleeps till about 9:30 and called it a night.  Sheesh. 

Tonight – I knit!  Twinings is in the queue.  I’m not really knitting on much else lately.  I should make a pair of something for someone – but I’m just not really feeling the need.  I would like to cast on for a sweater – but nah.  Not today. 

I leave you with a little linkage – just look at this swatching system Marie Grace has going on here!  I so want to do that!  Isn’t she the most organized knitting/swatching wonder??? I’m just saying – I thought this was incredibly impressive.  Brooklyntweed’s  ribwarmer is just so beautiful and warm looking – I have a new longing to get all my EZ books out and really take a good look at what I’ve been missing.  Techknitting has a really good article on Ease - Positive and Negative – that I think finally has gotten through to my inability to understand said subject when it applies to me and various parts of my anatomy.  Finally, swing on by Opal’s and welcome her new family member!  What a cutie!

Tap, Tap, Tap

Jeanne recently asked for a special pin for someone.  To go with something beautiful she had just finished knitting.  She asked for a circle. 

I give you…………..a Circle

 Copper Circle Shawl Pin with Amazonite and Swarovski Crystals……..

Copper Circle Shawl Pin with Poppy Jasper and Swarovski Crystals.  Thanks, Jeanne, for the opportunity to design something for you – I love when someone comes to me with an idea and it turns into something I’m happy about.  I’ve uploaded these and a few other goodies to The Shop today – more updates this week – I’ve got quite a few pins beaded and finished today – I’m just tuckered out from all the hammering!  Go, look, finish that Holiday shopping – or reward yourself for a job well done getting all that holiday shopping finished!

 Thank you so much for all the wonderful birthday wishes for Tim – he had such a good day – he stayed a bit longer and I’m bringing him back to his dorm tomorrow after I get out of work.  And then picking him up Friday for the nice long break.  It’s always nice having him home – and having him want to stay home instead of flee!

Also, thanks for all the concern for the wrist.  It is a bit bothersome.  I did buy a brace while I was foodshopping yesterday – because I couldn’t hold onto the cart – you know, how you bend your wrist to do that?  Well, it was getting very achy.  So I decided to baby it.  Last night I knit a bit – but after a few rows and twisting my wrist with every stitch (I do that and didn’t realize it) it became sore.  So today I made a butt load of pins.  And knit a few rows – and it’s not as bad.  The pin making doesn’t really affect that hand – it’s just a “holder” hand.  I do everything with my right.  But darn – what am I going to do if I can’t knit?  I know.  Go to the doctor as Laurel was kind enough to point out to me.  But, but, but.  I will if it’s not improving.  I promise.  Thankfully all my Christmas knitting is done – that I had promised to get done.  There were still some things I wanted to try to get to…….blame it on the ice. 

And if that’s not enough to cut into my knitting time……………I’ve been really taking a lot of photo’s with the new camera and putting them up on my DA page.  Although the weather has not cooperated with me getting outside and snapping photo’s – I did manage to get a few I’m almost happy with. 

Have a Great Night!

Happy Birthday!

 Goofs.  The two of them.  The younger one will look at me full on and be a goof.  The newly turned 20 year old?  Not so much.  But that one on the right – He’s 20 years old today.  20 years ago, right now – I was watching the snow fall outside from a hospital window, wondering when this one would decide he would make an appearance.  Well, appear he did and what a wonderful gift.  Except for the picture posing thing.  We’ll have to work on that.  Happy Birthday Tim- we love you!

 On with my facination for Twinings – look at that color!  I love it.  If I hadn’t slipped on the ice and tweaked my wrist last night – I would have finished the 7th repeat.  But I spent the night with an ice pack and one handed IM’ing with Jeanne.  Sigh.  Today – much better and plans include baking birthday cake, corn muffins, food shopping, picture taking, dinner making – and knitting. 

Have a great day!

A Fetching FO

Hi.  It’s just me.  Overexposing my photo’s.  You know how I get.  But I liked the detail in this shot.  A titch  off on the color – but no worries.

 You know there will be more.  That is MY pair of Fetchings – for me.  Mine.  To wear.  I finished them up last week.  Quick knit and I may do a pair or two more for Christmas gifting.  If I can tear myself away from knitting on the Twinings.  Best. Stole. Ever.  Honestly.  Anne is just a top notch, creative mind when it comes to the lace.  My goal is to do a repeat per day – but darn if I want to do more.  Time is really not my friend lately, so I will have to settle for the one repeat.  Sigh. 

It’s dreary.  This is for Opal.  Who has never seen Fog.  This is how it looked out my front door around 4pm this afternoon – now – a mere hour later, it’s pitch black outside.  And they – those weatherpeoples – are speaking such horror stories – I don’t know if we should be listening to them………or hiding. 

I could use a break from the craziness that has become school.  They are so excited.  And it’s taking the days to new heights of insanity.  Oh, my.  To remember what it is to be a child and waiting on Christmas – you can hardly stand it!

Endings and Beginnings

Mod Beanie - Jess, don’t show this to Tim.  Not that it looks like much here, but it is done, and it’s nicer in real life.  You can tell him he better like it.  Black yarn = blind knitter.  Used a ball and a half of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran and modified it to be 5 inches instead of 6 before the increases because I didn’t want it to hang down into his eyes. 

Dan’s Wallaby.  Stay tuned for a modeled shot after Christmas – I really didn’t want to torture the kid by making him try it on AGAIN, and take it off so I can gift it to him for the holiday.  So not fair.  Jessi – this photo is for you, bad as it is.  Yarn is Cascade 220 in a really, really, really dark blue.  Really. 

 The Beginning of the Twinings Stole…….so. much. Fun.  I’m loving this Yarn – Fearless Fibers in Notorious colorway, which has amazing subtle changes in color that this photo just doesn’t do justice to. Love this pattern.  I’ve gotten three repeats done already and really have only been 24 hours into it.  It’s just a well written, interesting knit and I’m so happy I started it.  Keeps the mind occupied but not too terribly so. 

It was a tough, heartwrenching week.  Thanks for all the kind words of support and sympathy – they really do mean a lot and work wonders.  My heart breaks for my friends family, but they are terrifically strong and have an amazing, loving relationship.  I’m awed and priviledged to be a small part of it. 

Yesterday was Knitting group – it was fun.  Just what I needed.  Jeanne picked me up beforehand and we headed to Kraemers for a looky loo and some stealth yarn purchasing (more smooshy, I cannot help it).  Then my good friend treated me to a wonderful burger at Red Robin.  Man, that was good.  We headed over to knit group a titch early, but the time just flew by.  I cannot say enough how wonderful I think this group, this “posse” as one of the girls calls us – is.  Before I knew it, it was after 4 and Jeanne was dropping me back home.  Thanks again, Jeanne – it really was just what I needed!

There is a stew in the crockpot, the day is dark and dreary – perfect for stew.  I may make some cornbread to go with.  I’m fiddling around with a new Nikon D80 (Jess, don’t tell Tim that either  – I’m handing over the Canon to him when he gets home if I can figure out this new one! he he!) and tearing my overloaded brain away to do another repeat on Twinings. 

Peace.

Brrrrrrrr!

The Winter Knitty is up.  Sigh.  Now more projects to add to the knitting queue.  Especially Tudora – for some reason, this really appeals to me – because it is cold out.  And I want a new scarf.  But I don’t want to wait to have a new scarf and all the length knit.  And wouldn’t it kinda match the Fetchings I’m about to cast on for???  I mean – I might have the spare skein of yarn.  And maybe I could even come up with a pin to wear on it?  Whaddya think?

Thanks for all the get well wishes – I’m still hanging onto this amazingly congestive cold.  Bastid.  I mean – where does it come from?  Honestly – I didn’t think I had that much spare room in my head, but apparently things are roomier than I thought.  And I did stay home monday, which seemed to help.  But I need to get this thing outta here.  I did manage, with all the cold medicine, nosy-blowing, tea-drinking and couch sitting to finish Wallaby, and start and finish a Mod Beanie for my oldest.  These are gifts, so I’m not posting photo’s today.  I am casting on for a pair of Fetching’s after casting on and getting two thirds of the way through one Dashing mitt – I decided it wasn’t for me.  So Fetching’s it is. 

It’s been snowing all afternoon – we have a good dusting right now – although the weather people aren’t calling for any accumulations – it’s still snowing.  And it looks so nice.  But damn – it’s cold!  And I’m loving it.  I hope it sticks around.  This snowing then melting stuff is for the birds. 

After blogging for 30 days straight, it might seem like I’ve gotten a bit lazy.  Not true.  Life is just getting in my face.  A close family friend has passed away and we have services to attend in the next few days.  It’s been a sad week, in fact.  So don’t worry, I’m around – just a bit quiet and I’ll pop in if I can.