Picture Sunday

This has been a very busy week. The washer broke down, and cost a lot to repair. And work was a little on the stressful side. So, I have been knitting to relieve the stress. I have gotten past the 3 repeat on my CPH, but have set it aside so I can get my Harvest Sock Swap pal's sock started, and almost finished. I'm not going to post any pics until after I send it and she has received it. However, I do have some pics to post, so here we go.

Here is the 3rd Sophie bag that I made. This one I gave to Miss C at work, she absolutely adored it.

Here is the hat that I made to match my Irish Hiking Scarf. It turned out great, not too snug, but it screams pom for the top. And I hate poms, but I may have to bite the bullet on this one. Now if only I can get a chance to go hiking some time soon. Couldn't go this weekend, as Annie is horribly sick and had to stay home from school.

Here is a shot of my Central Park Hoodie, a very out dated photo. This was when I only had 2 inches of the ribbing done. I have since gotten 3" past the 4" ribbing. But it shows the Black Cherry Heather color true.

I may have a long drive to and from work, but I do get some great natural displays of beauty. Like this one:

This was the sunrise on Thursday on the way into work. And this is what I got to see on the way home:

This is one of my favorite farm houses. They worked wonders with it. It has been completely restored. I hope some day to have such a great farm house. But look at the fall leaves all around it.

And finally, inspired by this post by JessaLu. My sock yarn stash.....

I didn't think I had this much. And this is only new skeins, it doesn't include any of the left overs I have stored in a basket. In there I have Lorna's Lace, Claudia's Handpainted, Cherry Tree Hill, and Knit Picks (Memories, Pallette, self-stripping and Essentials), Trekking, Lana Grossa and Regia.

That's all for now, as I want to finish my movie "The Lady Eve" (1941; Henry Fonda & Barbara Stanwyck). And lunch is approaching, which left over homemade cheesy potato soup that I made for dinner last night. Yum!

What's up this week?

Feeling better, still not up to speed, but I'm surviving. I have casted on for my Central Park Hoodie, and have worked to about 2 inches past the ribbing. I completed a beanie hat to match my Irish Hiking Scarf. I made another Sophie bag, a gift for a girl at work (who squealed in delight when I gave it to her). I have pics, I just haven't uploaded them to my laptop, yet.I am having second thoughts on the pattern I have picked out for my Harvest Sock Swap pal, so I think I'll pick a new one. Other than that, nothing else new, so, Top Model is on. Later.

On "The road to Wellville"

Remember that movie? I loved that movie. Anyway, warning.... this post will be pic heavy!

I am feeling a little better. So, here is a pic of my yarn from Knit Picks.

From left top: Essentials in Grass, Memories in Red Hat and on the bottom is the my Wool of the Andes Black Cherry Heather. Let me just say, this pic does not do the Black Cherry Heather any justice. It is really not that red. And, Central Park Hoodie, here I come!

While I was bed-ridden over the weekend, I did do a couple of left-over stash projects. I made a couple of Sophie bags. One for me and one for Katie. Here is my Buckeye Sophie bag:

For scale, here it's sitting on top of my dyer just before going into the washer. Next up is Katie's:

Here, it's laying on my laptop for scale. I call it the Barney bag, because this purple reminds me of Barney. Now for the after photo:

Katie's turned out just ever so slightly bigger. Hmm?

Oh, I forgot to show you this:

I went to mom & dad's one Saturday about a month ago and played in the wood shop. Mom helped me make this swift. It's a little on the rough side, and next time we know what mistakes not to make, but it still works great.

I think the last couple of pics that I'm missing are of my car after it came out of the body shop, and the pic of where Mr. Vinny decided to get into my bag of roving and play. Bad Kitty!!! I'm still trying to figure out how to fix that. But I'll post them when I find them.

On the knitting front, I have come up with about 6 pattern design ideas to help fund my trip to Scotland. Now to come up with the yarn and motivation to finish the designs. The motivation shouldn't be the hard part. Coming up with the money for the yarn, on the other hand, will be the hard part. I have started another left over stash project. I have taken the left over yarn from my Irish Hiking Scarf and started a matching hat. So far, so good. I realized on Sunday, that between my car accident (not being able to knit because of my shoulder) and being sick, I missed finishing my socks in progress for my SAM2 September credit! :( But now that I am slowly, but surely coming out of my sickness haze, maybe I can make up for that. And now I'll say good night, as I am so tired from my first day back to work this week.

A little on the better side?

I feel a little better. I had to stay home from work for the past couple of days, during which time, I mainly slept. My body must have finally decided that enough was enough, 'cause I finally ran a fever (at 102) this morning. I slept until about 1 pm, and have slowly feeling better. Baby steps, I guess.

My yarn for my Central Park Hoodie has finally arrived. I went upstairs to fix Annie some mac-n-cheese for dinner and found the bundle sitting on the dinning room table. Pics to come later. And let me say, I love the color. Black Cherry Heather from Knitpicks.

Over the weekend, I took advantage of my bed ridden time to do a couple of stash buster projects. I used my left over Galway from last Christmas to make a couple of Sophie Bags. One for me and one for Katie. I'll post pics in a couple of days, when I feel up to it.

I am still working over the design ideas in my mind, during my lucid moments. I have had a suggestion for a bag, which I have a good idea for, but I need to get it on paper and work out the schematics. And Miss Tammi has suggested that I need to just design several things, as once I get started, I'll come up with more. Which she's right, as soon as I started thinking of the bag, several more ideas popped up.

But I am done for now, 'cause I'm really tired after typing so little. Later.

Better late than never.....

I have finally made up my mind on what yarn to use for my Central Park Hoodie. I have chose Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Black Cherry Heather. I can't wait to see what this color looks like in person. I placed the order this morning, and it's in stock, so if our luck with Knit Picks holds true, I should have this on my door step tomorrow afternoon, and no later than Saturday. I also order some Memories sock yarn in Red Hat for my step-grandmother for a pair of socks for Christmas. And I got some Essentials in Grass to make a pair of fingerless gloves for dad to wear hunting.

Also, I have made a vacation goal. I have always wanted to visit abroad, especially Ireland, Scotland and England. I have set my sites on Scotland. I have decided that within the next 3 years, as soon as I can afford it, I will be taking a week to go to Inverness, Scotland, by myself. Or with a significate other, if I have one by then. If not, then I shall go play in the Highlands alone. I have even picked out the hotel that I want to stay at. It's directly across from a castle that sits in the center of town. And there are lots of other castles and battlefields that are a bus ride away. So, I think to help myself along to this goal, I am going to design a pattern to sell. I'll pick a charity to donate half of the proceeds to, and save the other half for my trip. This way, I'll be helping others along with saving my sanity. Now, what type of pattern should I design? I know it will have a celtic theme. Should it be a scarf, socks, cardi, bag or shawl? I'm open for suggestions, so let me know what kind of patterns you'd be interested in.

Back from Death's door

Ok, that was a bit of an exaggeration. But I did spend all weekend in bed, and left work early on Monday. I have finished the meds the doctor gave me, but don't really seem to be getting better. The illness just seems to be moving on to new areas. It started out as a sinus infection, now it's trying to settle in my chest and I now have an ear infection. I almost can't hear out of my right ear. So, since I am still sick, I have no motivation to knit, as much as I want to. Good thing I started early on my stuff for my Harvest Sock Swap Pal. I have the yarn, picked out the pattern, and have already picked up a few goodies. Before I got ill, I had come up with a theme.

So, here's to hopeing I get better soon.

We temporarily interrupt this blog....

due to illness. It seems as if I was struck down overnight. Since I had a 10:30 doctor's appointment for my shoulder (from the accident), I had her look at me for this sudden cold. Turns out that I have a very bad sinus infections. I am now on antibiotics and cough syrup. When I got back to the office, I did what I could concentrate on, and then fell asleep sitting up right in my chair. My boss (who so graciously brought his germs into the office earlier this week), looked at me and told me to go home. I have been in bed ever since. I want to sleep, but my head hurts so bad that I can't. So, I will take a few minutes to answer some comments from the past couple of days.

Ashley writes:
I bought the traditional. The Elizabeth are gorgeous though and that's what I'd really love. You know, after learning to spin on a drop spindle I didn't have any trouble with my traditional. In fact, I wanted the traditional, because I didn't want to grow out of a beginner wheel. Something to think about.Isn't spinning great? Looks good so far, and you picked such a pretty color of roving.

Thanks for the advise, Ashley. I have really been going back and forth on which wheel to buy when the time comes.

Cortney writes:
Which LYS did you buy your roving at? I haven't really found a good source here in Columbus yet, though I've seen some at both Heavenly Creations and The Yarn Shop. I'm seriously coveting a wheel also. I'm dropping major hints to the hubby since we have an anniversary coming up.Also, are you having any trouble keeping your spindle turning? Mine keeps untwisting because I can't draft fast enough, so I'm having to "park and draft."

I did get this roving at Heavenly Creations. I haven't been to The Yarn Shop, yet. But The Knitter's Mercantile did have a few small sample bags of pre-dyed roving from Ciber Moon out of Utica, OH. I have the same problem with trying to keep it turning in the right direction. I have to "park and draft" too. Although the girl who showed me how to use it did say that she had to do the same thing in the begining. So, I guess it's par for the course.

Ok, I'm going to try to sleep now, if I can, since the girls are watching the Fantastic Four in my room. I'll bog when I feel better.

Back from the edge of the blogosphere

What a busy week! I did get my car back from the body shop of Friday. My baby looks pretty, new and shiny. They detailed inside and out. I still have to take an "after" pic. But you can't tell that my car was ever in an accident. Then, after I got my car back, Amy and I hit the Applebee's for happy hour. And it must have been family night because we ran into one of aunts, her husband and my cousin who was up visiting. Then, as we take our seats we run into family of Amy's ex, and as we were leaving we run into Amy's cousin. Applebee's had a very busy night. Over the weekend, I stay in my dungeon (bedroom) and watched movies. The kids were camping with mom all weekend. Then, Monday I got bored, made a trip to Michael's at lunch and bought a few things. Those few things were some pre-cut dow rods, little brass hooks and a couple of wooden car wheels. See:

I know, kinda bad pic. Then I sat at my desk and made this:

A drop spindle! And I bought the cute little wood tray next to it, now I need to figure out what color to paint it. But back to the spindle. Once I had that, then came the next logical step, a trip to the LYS for some roving and a quick lesson on how to use it. I'm still not doing well, but I'll eventually get the hang of it. Now that I have decided that I love to spin, will be the next logical step, a wheel. I took some time while I was bored at work to do a little research (in the sparadic times the wireless router was up). I have decided come income tax time, when I buy myself 1 very expensive item that I really, really want, I'll be buying a Ashford Traveler. Granted I really want the Elizabeth or the Traditional, I'll start with the Traveler and work my way up to the others a few years down the road. And I thought it was so cute that the roving I bought had the names of the sheep it came off of, on the tag. And here is the beginning of my first attempt:

I have more pics to show, but America's Next Top Model is on, and it's the 2 hour season starter.

Later!

A little better day

Today was a little better. My week seems to be looking up. See, yesterday I was catching up on my blog reading, as I neglected it because of last week's drama, and I was commenting on blogs. Then this morning, when I checked my e-mail, I have one from Sheri from Just in the knit of time. Seems that my comment put her comment total in the double digits for a single post. And being the sweetheart that she is, she is sending me a prize. Pop over and take a look. Go ahead, I'll wait........ See, isn't that fab. 2 skeins of Lorna's Laces in Rainbow! I'm so excited. I never win anything. And I mean NEVER! Then, when we got home today, in the mail box was a post card from Connie in Austraila. I'll scan it and post it. She is a friend from my Post Card Swap. This is the second post card from her. She writes that it's spring down under, and everything is in bloom and beautiful. I'll have to send her one of fall from here. I wonder what our mail man thinks. Boxes and post cards all month long, from all over the world. It's at times like this that I'm grateful for all the friends I have made through the blogosphere! Y'all are wonderfull!

An new week...

Here's to hopeing it turns out better than last week.

On the knitting front. I am almost done with my Rogue. I finished the hood over the weekend, and I only have the sleeves left to finish. I had decided that I would not knit anything else until I finished it, but, with the stress lately, I think I need to cast on for another pair of socks. Or, I can knit the second sock for the one that Juju knit for me. I must have stress relief, I had to drop my car off at the body shop today, and it's not supposed to be ready until next Monday. Although, they did tell me that they would try to have it ready by Friday. Maybe the planets will align just right and they will have it ready.

I have just signed up for Warm Hands. It looks like fun. And, since I just learned to knit gloves, mittens should be a breeze. That, and Annie asked for some in her favorite color, green.

And I have found something, that if I ever get my butt to shrink back down, I must knit. It's in the fall edition of Knitty, and it's called Intolerable Cruelty. This is just too sexy. If I ever get a date again, I'll have to wear it. And let me stress the if. *sigh*

Please take a moment to remember the tragic events that happened five years ago today. And the men and women that are bravely defending our Freedom. And on a personal note, Hope you come home soon, Bubba! (to my friend and co-worker, Owen, currently serving over seas.)

A shiny happy moment (warning: picture heavy)

Welcome to the Cosmic Karma Smack Court! (sound People's Court theme music here)

I have heard from her insurance company. They find her at fault, despite the fact that the cop didn't. However, they only find her 75% at fault, and so they are only going to pay for 75% of the car repair, rental car fee and cost to replace the child safety seat for Annie. And to continue the saga, my shoulder has gotten worse, and I have a doctor's appointment for tomorrow. Her insurance company wasn't too happy to hear that. But oh well. They say that I was 25% at fault for not making sure their customer wasn't going to do what she did. Like I can channel Miss Cleo from behind bars, huh? Well, as far as the damages go, there is about $2400.00 worth of damage to my car, and here is what it looked like right after the accident:

Not bad for hitting a pick up truck, huh? You can still see the dew on my hood. Well, if this is $2400.00, then I wonder how much this would be:

But, anywho! I drop my car off on Monday, and it will take 6 business days to repair. And now on to better things.

And thanks to Maggie and Ginny for commenting on my accident. Atleast I'm not the only one that's outraged by the lack justice by the attending police officer.

Here are the belated pics of the goodies that Alejandra sent to me.

Here is everything as it was in the box.

Here are 4 skeins of Angora Soft yarn in a very light grey. It feels so yummy!

Here is a cross stitched book mark for when I read. This pic doesn't do it justice. It's white, not cream as it looks, and the design is done in blues.

Here are some delicous teas.

Here are some scrumptious chocolates. There were 6, but I ate one as soon as I opened them.

This pic is very blurry. But it's a great lip balm that's made in Paris.

And here are 2 post cards for my collection from Buenos Aires where Alejandra lives. I scanned them to show them better, but blogger won't let me upload them. Argentina is a beautiful place that I would love to visit some day. Thank you so much, Alejandra! You are a great Secret Pal. I'll be making you a pair of socks and sending them to you soon.

And for more goodies. Today I got my Summer Sock Party package. My party pal was Juju, and here is what was in the box:

She made me the Broad Ripple sock from Knitty. It fits me perfectly! And look at the goregous tin. It's a Singer tin that I had looked at many, many times in the sewing store but never bought. I love it. Sitting on top of it is a blueberry candle, a scissor fob and stitch markers. The envelope has a card in it that has a pattern for a winter poncho on it. And in the letter Juju tells me that she used to live in Miami and the color of the sock reminds her of that area. The blueberry candle is "all Maine", she says, as she has tons of blueberries growing in her back yard. I love blueberries, especially when they are fresh. I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I had them growing in my back yard. The scissor fob is so cute. It matches the sock colors with green and blue flowers and leaves. And the stitch markers match the fob. Oh, and the yarn. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it's Lana Grossa, right? I love Lana Grossa, it makes such comfortable socks. Thanks Juju!

And just to share a few other pics on my camera:

Here is my Moon Flower plant, just outside our front door. These blooms are huge, they only last one night and are about the size of a tea saucer. In the pic above of my Summer Sock Party sock is one that is opening tonight.

Here seems to be the last bloom of my poor rose bush for the season.

Here is some Lorna's Laces in OSU, made just for a shop in Dublin, OH called Temptations. Go Bucks! Gotta have my scarlet & gray yarn.

Here is Annie, my little camera ham!

Here is Moonie's new favorite place to lounge, in the shoe crate by the front door.

This one, just because it looks like the loveseat was eating Katie.

Here is Moonie sharing Butter's bed, to Butter's displeasure.

Here is Vinny, sleeping peacefully on the couch cushion he tipped down.

And finally here is a FO!

Here are my fingerless gloves. These I made ribbed all the way to the fingers. They fit much better than the first pair. And these colors match the sock Juju made me! These will come in handy this winter at work. See, our office is in a warehouse, and where I sit is in a corner with one wall to the dock (that's not heated) and an outside wall. I have froze my butt off in that corner for the past 4 years.

I guess it's time for bed. Night!

A very bad day

Have you ever had a day where you wished that you could turn back time to fix soemthing? Well for me, that day is today. As I was leaving to drop the girls to mom and go to work, I had a car accident. I stopped at the stop sign a block from my house, I waited for passing traffic, and proceed to cross the intersection. The "person" (I say person, because that's as nice as I feel at the moment) on the opposite side, turned left infront of me. I couldn't stop fast enough. Once I checked to make sure the kids were ok, I got out to make sure that the other person was ok. I called my mom to come get the kids, called Miss Amy to come take pics, and called the cops to report the accident. I politely asked for the her proof of insurance, and she starts cussing and yelling at me. Needless to say, she was quickly told off. When the cop showed up, she had walked off to her apartment, and the cop had to go find her. Once he brings her back, she proceeds to lie to him about what happened, and can't show proof of valid insurance, the card she showed was expired. In the cops own words, "the card she showed me is expired. She is looking for a current one. But, I don't know if she has any." Great!

Well, I just talked to her insurance company, and told them what happened. Now it's the wait and see game. My stomach is so upset and my shoulder hurts from where the seat belt jerked me back. I only hope that I'll be able to knit later, because that's the only thing that might keep me calm. And here's another kicker. I paid for my car outright. I own it. And because I own it and can't afford much, I was carrying liablity until I could afford full coverage. If they decide that no one is at fault, I won't get my car fixed. I'll have to pay for the repairs to my car out of my own pocket. If they find her at fault, which she is, her insurance should pay for it, I hope. Because I can't afford to get my car fixed. Granted, it's not much damage. But, the whole bumper and hood will need to be replaced, and that means I'm looking about $2500 that I don't have, and won't anytime soon. So, all I can do is sit, and wait. I hope my day gets better.

I slack, yet again!

I really am such a slacker. I still need to take pic of everything Alejandra sent to me, and the second pair of fingerless gloves I just finished today. It has been so nice here lately. So cool. I have started working on my Rogue again. Since the weather is cooling off and approaching sweater weather, I figured I might as well finish it. Now, if I could just get motivated enough to drop a few pounds and fit back into my jeans, I'll be good. Anyway, I'll try to have pics soon. Later.

A list

I thouht I'd give this a try. It's the list that has been going around the blogosphere, it's the list of things to do before you die.

Here goes:
Bold the ones you have done:

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink - but not on my tab
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula - Are you kidding me? I'd pass out!
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said 'I love you' and meant it - probably be a long time before I do that again
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped - no, but have always wanted to
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise - many times
14. Seen the Northern Lights (from an airplane!)
15. Gone to a huge sports game - Go BUCKS!!!!!
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables - and would love to do it again
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars - not intentionly
20. Changed a baby's diaper -twice over
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment - that was almost a daily event
27. Had a food fight - atleast once a month
28. Bet on a winning horse - since I was 7
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight - every winter
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can - ask Miss Amy how loud that was
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run - not since I was a kid
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk - many, many times
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland - Not yet!
52. Been heartbroken longer then you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your cd's
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud - as often as I can
64. Played in the rain - as often as I can
65. Gone to a drive-in theater - many, many times
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business - and had a blast
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites - all locally
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married - and maybe shouldn't have
73. Been in a movie - hate being infront of a camera, but would love to film one
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced - YES!
76. Gone without food for 5 days - long story
77. Made cookies from scratch - atleast once a year
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo - and have the next one planned
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an "expert"
83. Got flowers for no reason - once upon a time, in the not too distant past, another long story
84. Performed on stage - many times in high school
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Had a one-night stand - tried for that, but it became a year & a half relationship
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone - does my marriage count?
92. Buried one of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children - still am
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Created and named your own constellation of stars
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking - all the time
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an illness that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds - not all at once
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart - a couple of times
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show1
13. Broken a bone - my little toe
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet (not so much!!!!)
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions - there has only been the 10 year, and we didn't skip it, so much as it skipped us, long story
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream - then it crashed down around me ears at short time later
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair - does the Ohio Renn Faire count?
146: Dyed your hair - quarterly
147: Been a DJ
148: Shaved your head
149: Caused a car accident - from the side walk, even
150: Saved someone's life


Not bad! More than what I thought.

Oh, and I got my final package from my SP8 *sniff*. I'll have pics later. I'm just sad it's over. More later.

Lots and lots of FO's

I have found the knitting mojo, again. And just to prove it:

A pair of footies made in Claudia's Handpaint in the colorway "Buckeye". I just love the way each foot came out differently.

The Specs:

Material: Claudia's Handpaint in Buckeye
Needles: US 2 Brittany DPN's.
Pattern: My own basic anklet pattern.
Started: August 19, 2006
Finished: August 24, 2006
Made for: ME!

Here are the socks that I made for Katie. A pair of Simply Lovely Lace socks.

The Specs:

Material: Knit Picks Pallete in Hycinth
Needles: US 1 Crystal Palace DPN's
Pattern: Simply Lovely Lace from IK Spring '06 issuse
Started: July 17, 2006
Finished: August 15, 2006
Made for: Katie

And finally, these! I started to make these for me, but I have small hands, and these were too big. So, they ended up going to Miss Amy, who is modeling them in the pic. They fit her... like a glove! (Sorry for the pun.)

The Specs:

Material: Lana Grossa Fun & Stripes
Color: Can't find the label to get the number.
Needles: US 1 Crystal Palace DPN's - fore which I lost one during this project & had to buy more.
Pattern: Fingerless Gloves from Not Just Socks!
Started: August 16, 2006
Finished: August 18, 2006
Made for: Started for me, ended up with Amy

And just in case you're wondering, these were taken this morning, on the side walk, just a few feet from where I twisted my ankle on Tuesday. And the neighbors were having a gargae sale (can you see where this is going?), so they asked us what were doing taking pics of our feet and hands. So, as you can see, our neighbors still question our sanity.

Oh, and if you want to see the pics of the Henna from awhile ago, you can see them here.

What happened?

Boy, time flies! I just realized that I have blogged since August 10th! It has been busy around here. Katie goes back to school on Wednesday, and Annie starts kindergarden on Friday. My baby is going to school! She is growing up! I know, she's only 5, but it seems like yesterday she was a happy, pudgy little girl that smiled at everyone (as long as mommy was in sight).

As for other things that have been happening. Here we go:

1. I discovered last week that Victoira's Secret discontinued my favorite perfume, Basic Instict. I then found some on Ebay that I purchased. Fore which, Miss Amy told me arrived today in the mail.
2. I have learned how to make gloves and fingerless gloves. I just finished a pair that I gave to Miss Amy, as they were too large for my little hands. I'll have a pic of them soon, I still have to weave the end in on the second one.
3. I have started a pair of footies in the Claudia's Handpainted in the color Buckeye. I did the first one yesterday while making an apperance at the Morris family reunion and at Miss Mandi's birthday party. Which I made the cakes for, and she never showed up. How's that for love?
4. I purchased the first Christmas gift on Friday. Also from Ebay. It's for DD #1, and I can't show it until Christmas, 'cause it would royally ruin the surprise. It also arrived today.
5. I purchased 2 knitting books. The first being Not Just Socks from the LYS (which is were I got the pattern for the fingerless gloves) and Handknit Holidays off of Ebay, that should be arriving soon.
6. I am still trying to pick out yarn for the Central Park Hoodie KAL. Anyone got any suggestions.
7. I have lost 8 lbs. in the past 2 weeks. That involves a long story and a bundle of bad nerves.
8. My secret pal e-mailed me to let me know that she has mailed my last package, and to give me "pistas" (clues) as to who she is. I guessed right on the first guess. Her name is Alejandra, and her blog is here Lanas y Tramas. Now I get to visit her blog and see all the great stuff that she makes.
9. In the 2 trips I made to LYS last week, I bought 6 skeins of sock yarn. The sock yarn cauldron runth over right now. Time to find a larger one.
10. On Saturday, I lost 1 of my Crystal Palace US 1 DPN's. That sucks. I now have to buy a whole new set. I really love my CP US 1 DPN's. (sniffs)
11. Miss Tammi and I have started planning for the Halloween Costume ball we are throwing this year. Maybe by starting this early, everyone else will get motivated and I won't be sewing at the last minute. (Yeah, right!)
12. I have finished up the package for my Summer Sock Party pal. I just need to mail it.
13. I have 1 more thing to buy for my Secret Pal, then I can mail it off.
14. I learned last week that in the Great State of Ohio, to get certified copies of birth or death certificates, it's $20.00 each. That was a painful lesson, as I had to replace both of the girls' since they were destroyed. Ouch! And this week I have to put out another $20.00 each for school fees!
15. I finished Katie's purple Simply Lovely Lace socks last week. That makes me 13 1/2 for 2006.
16. I forgot my cell phone at home today. And you know those are the days when everyone and their brother calls you. Well, in my case, everyone but someone's brother, calls me.

Well, that about covers it for now. I'll post pics as soon as I take them.

A down week!

Once again, I think I have lost my knitting mojo. Or it's just because I'm stressed out (about something I'm not ready to talk about, 'cause I might jinx it) and tired alot lately. I did finish up my shopping for my Summer Sock Party pal and will be sending that off soon. I also did a little retail therapy at lunch yesterday. I bought a book by an author that I have never read before. I found "The Virgin's Lover" by Philippa Gregory. I started it last night when I got home. I didn't get too far into it, as I dropped off to sleep early. But so far, it's a great read. I love historical fiction, and this one hasn't disappointed me yet. If the book remains this good, and the rest of her books are this good, I see me buying them all. I have added a currently reading section to my side bar, so I can put up small pics of the covers.

Let's hope my knitting mojo comes back soon.

A blog quiz

Your 2006 Summer Anthem Is

Hips Don't Lie by Shakira "I'm on tonightYou know my hips don't lieAnd I'm starting to feel it's rightAll the attraction, the tensionDon't you see baby, this is perfection"

What's" Your 2006 Summer Anthem?

How weird is that? I have this ringtone on my phone!

Something quick and interesting

Well, at least to me. I found this on Fairie Knits:

1. Grab the nearest book. (for me, it was the last one I finished, on the night stand.)
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your blog along with these instructions.
5. Don't you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it. Just pick up whatever was closest.
6. Tag whomever you want, or not.

+++++++++++++++++

"Maybe I've never seen master vamps talk about honesty and friendship. Takes some getting used to."
Samuel smiled at me. "I suppose for the Executioner, it would be a very alien concept."
I shook my head. "No, as Jean-Claude's human servant, that is where it gets weird. As the Executioner I just kill people, I don't talk to the."

From:Danse Macabre by Laurell K. Hamilton book # 14 of the series.

+++++++++++++++++

Ok, so I went a little over the 3 sentences, but it's was worth it. So, if you want: Tag! You're it!

Hot! Hot! Hot!

Warning: Whiny post about hot weather ahead.

Anyone remember that Buster Poindexter song? But, that's what it's been around here lately. Hot! Hot! Hot! It's been too hot to knit. I don't even want to knit in the a/c. The past couple of days, with the heat index, it's been in the 100's. All I want to do is veg. And I'm trying to adjust back to my work schedule. All this week I haven't been able to fall asleep any time before 1:30 am, and I have to get up no later than 6:30 am. It's starting to take it's toll. So, I'm going to finish my show (So You Think You Can Dance), and get Alien Vs. Preditor for dad.

Night

Vacation Revisited Part 1

Let's see if Blogger will let me post my past vacation pics.

Yippe! Maybe? So, since I am too poor this year to take a proper vacation, here is a vacation revisited, part 1, as Blogger only let me upload some of them.

Last May, Mom, the girls and I took a week long vacation to Cave City, Kentucky. It's a lovely place, just outside of Mammoth National Park.

Here is a pic of Katie, not looking too happy as wer waited for the tour bus at Mammoth Cave, to take the Frozen Niagra tour.











Here is Annie with her large Ty Beanie Baby, named Whiffer. I bought him in the gift shop of an animal muesum, that was full of stuff (not the toy type, either) animals. She stills carries him around. As a matter of fact, I found him the other day, sitting next to my bed, watching tv, by himself?








Here is Annie, inside of Crystal Oynx Cave. This was her first cave tour.
















Here is Annie at the Sinking Spring, at Lincoln's Birth Place. We stopped on our way down to Cave City.















Here is a stone marker for what used to be the World's only Underground Nite Club (literally). This was a cool place. Back in the day, such acts as the Glenn Miller band played here. And since this is in Bowling Green, KY, it's a dry county (meaning you can't by alcohol). They had a loophole for this club. You couldn't drink alcohol above street level. Being that the road is directly over this cave, they had no problems. And they had their way of telling if you had too much to drink. You had to climb about 130 steps (if I remember correctly) to get your beer, if you couldn't make it up the stairs in an upright position (meaning, no crawling) then you were cut off. And they also had bungalows for rent, so they could put you up for the night to sleep it off. This is also the cave that Jesse James escaped the law in, according to legend.








Here is a cave formation called "The Monster" at Mammoth Caves. Kinda self explainatory, huh?














Here is a cross section of a collum, which is were several stalagtites and stalamights grew together.













Here is a neat formation in Crystal Oynx Cave. It forms when water fills up the area and the minerals in the water deposit to form this barrier. This one is about 8" to 10" high, and it takes about 100 years for form an inch.









Here is a cave cricket. This one is a female. They were all over the place, and this one was hugh! If this tells you how big she is, her body was about the size of a quater. The females are larger than the males, and from what the guide told us, when they lay their eggs, they leave a unique chemical on them. That way if another bug, or spider eats the eggs, the mother can track down the offender, and kill them.






Here is my litte tree hugger, Annie. When she was around 2 1/2 to 3 years old, she would tell me that she was going to go play with her friends, the trees.








This is the "Blue Hole" at Lost River Cave. The same place as the Underground Nite club. It's blue because of the minerals in the water, and has not living creatures in it. This was famous during the Civil War, because it was believed to be around 450 feet deep, and it was said to have sucked a wagon of gun powder under, along with the horsed and the driver. None of it was ever found. It's actuall only around 15 feet deep, but is connected to the underground river that flows into the cave, by a hole in the side of it.






Here is a close up of Annie. Ya know, she doesn't look a thing like me. Okyeahright! This kid as me written all over her. This is how I looked at her age, but with freckles.












And here is, finally, a pic of Katie in a good mood. Looking at this, it amazes me how much she has changed in a year.








Ok, well I have apparently reached my photo limit for Blogger today. I'll post the rest next time.