IT'S ALMOST HERE!

Today is "scurry around day" as well as Christmas Eve. Our daughters and families are coming this afternoon and I need to get done with last minute things. Still don't have my Christmas cards out - but guess this year they'll be Happy New Year cards instead.

Merry Christmas to each and everyone. Enjoy my favorite Christmas video with Kermit the Frog and John Denver.

THE PUSH TO CHRISTMAS

It's time (actually past time) for an update on what's been happening around my house.

I've actually slowed down and am "enjoying the reason for the Season" this year. In the past I have overworked myself into a frenzy trying to get "everything" done. This year I'm just taking it easy and if it doesn't get done - it doesn't get done. So there!

I just finished the first of the Augusta Mitts. Don't know if I like them so long, but they're a Christmas gift for granddaughter and hope she likes them this length. I love the mock cable pattern - so easy to do!

DH and I spent the afternoon yesterday at our youngest g-daughter's gymnastics meet in Bellevue. This was the state tournament and she did quite well. Fun watching her, but 3-4 hours on gym bleacher seats got old real fast.

During our Thanksgiving Dinner we got a phone call from our oldest g-daughter and found out we are going to become g-grandparents next summer!!! Wonderful news, and what's a knitter to do?? Go buy yarn, of course, so this is for a Moving Mountains-baby-blanket which I'll be starting shortly. This picture is of the yarn I'll be using - Berroco Vintage.

Then while I was at it, I just "had to have" this yummy Alpaca/Merino for a Origami Falls Cowl.

Winter Is On It's Way

We've had some morning temperatures in the high 20's, so guess there's no doubt about winter being early this year. I'm never ready for it, but guess I have no choice. At least it's a good time to cuddle up with my knitting or other crafts.

Actually this is what my craft table looks like in my office at the moment. I'm making some sets of knitting stitch markers. I've not done any beading for a year or so, thus it's nice to get back to doing some. Of course, I get sidetracked when I see some of the beads I have (in my stash!!!) that would make a beautiful pendant or other type of necklace so it's hard to keep on track with the stitch markers.
And, this is what I'm making. Going for a total of 15 sets - only 13 to go!!!
I've also worked some on my Alivia shawl, but it's in time out right now. I've knit this one particular row 3 or 4 times now and can't get the count right. But, I'm still loving the pattern and the yarn - at this rate it'll be a "Spring" shawl.
Went to the podiatrist this morning and got some new orthotics at a horrendous price and insurance doesn't cover them. But after only wearing them for an hour or two, my knees already feel better - so maybe I should have gone six months ago!!! I'm bad about putting off doctor appointments.

What's On (and Off) The Needle

Thought I'd bring you up-to-date on what's happening around here. Hubby's gone golfing so I have a full-on day of knitting - Yay!
I finished my 2nd pair of socks and really liking them. They are Basic Ribbed Socks and were lots of fun to make. Yarn is Colinette Jitterbug in Ischia.

I immediately cast on a shawl - Alivia

I'm loving this yarn from Sequoia Dyeworks in Lacey - a superwash merino wool in Icy Blue. Also learning to read a chart for this, and so far, so good.

HAPPY WEDDING DAY - October 1, 2011

I've been getting rather lax in keeping you in the know about my knitting and other life of late. We just came home last night from a 3-day stay in Spokane, Washington for the wedding of our oldest granddaughter. She was a beautiful bride (aren't they all?), and was walked down the aisle and "given away" by her two grandfathers - one of them being my husband. Gee, he looked good in the tux! It was a 6:30pm wedding outside a barn on Mt. Spokane, followed by reception and dancing inside probably late into the night. We left a little after 9pm when the music was getting faster and louder - can't do that kind of dancing. This is her grandpas bringing her down the aisle.

This is a photo of the bride and groom

Knitting-wise: I finished one of my Jitterbug socks, and partway down the cuff on the second. This Colinette Jitterbug yarn is beautiful and fun to work with, and I'm enjoying doing just a basic sock.

I'm working on a pair of fingerless mitts - pattern: Augusta, for a KAL

Also on a Dolcetto shawlette for another KAL:

So I have more than enough to keep my fingers busy. I had a lot of knitting time on the 6-hour trip each way to Spokane, which was very enjoyable.

Back Home from Memory Lane

After 5 days of auto-traveling to and from northern California, it was nice to be home in our little abode. Today it's do-all-the-laundry-day, and catch up on the e-mails, Ravelry and my blog (not necessarily in that order). We had a wonderful trip visiting family in southern Oregon (where I spent quite a few of my growing up years), traveling south from there to Redding, California. The temperature those first few days was in the 100's and we decided to head for the Coast. We crossed the mountains to Eureka, CA where I was born and drove over to Samoa where I lived for the first 12 years of my life. I really wanted to take a picture of the house i lived in and it's relationship to the ocean. Samoa is on a peninsula and we were the last house before the beach. Well............they say you should never go back and they're right. The house was so rundown - trash everywhere all around the yard, broken glass, etc. it was very hard to look at. So, no pictures were taken of the house. We had lunch at the Samoa Cookhouse where many years ago my Dad ate meals at when he was still a bachelor and worked at Hammond Lumber Company. From there we decided to follow Highway 101 up the coasts of California, Oregon and Washington on our way home. The weather was sunny the entire way, and quite warm for the coast. We took several quick jaunts down to the beach along the way and enjoyed the views and the nice temps (probably in the 70's).

While we were looking out at the rocks trying to see any seals, this friendly little squirrel came within arm's reach and was eating berries from the salal bushes in front of us. He watched us warily, but kept right on eating and didn't run away when we moved around!

We had not made any motel reservations along the way, and come Saturday night, we couldn't find a place to lay our head anywhere along the Coast. Should have known better - with the sunshine and warm weather, everyone went there for the weekend, so we ended up driving from Coos Bay to Astoria then east to I-5 and home all in one day. That was one loooonnnngg day - left around 9am and got home at 10:30pm! Course we stopped a few places along the way. All in all, it was a wonderful trip and nice to get away for a while.

Trip Down Memory Lane..

Hubby and I are leaving tomorrow morning for a trip down Memory Lane (my side of the family's roots, etc.). After visiting my bro in Medford, Oregon area, we're heading down into northern California in the Gold Rush location north of Sacramento where so many families came west looking for the yellow stuff. From there we'll head to the coast and drive north through upper California, Oregon and most of Washington on Highway 101. Will be be back with pictures next week. See ya!

Need Some Brightening Up? I do!

Here's a link from another website, and thought it was so fitting in a lot of ways. Be prepared for big smiles on your part (and a little dancing around in your chair)!

"Bring Me Sunshine"

Days at the Beach

View from our room. Sorry for the blur.
We were gone Monday and Tuesday of this week to Ocean Shores, Washington. We left town with another couple because the streets in our Park were going to be receiving a seal coat and we wouldn't be able to get out. However, rain sprinkles postponed the sealing job. We had a great time, good meals, sunny weather in the high 60's, and no wind. Took along my knitting but never had time to pick it up. Our friend's van got stuck in the sand on the beach, and it was amazing the number of Good Samaritans who showed up to help us out. Eventually a jeep with a winch pulled us it. Our hotel rooms included a small balcony, french doors out to it, and a couch, table and chairs. We played Pegs and Joker last night until late, late.

Headed home around mid-day and got lost several times as we were checking out new ways to come back - but all-in-all we had a great time.

I've Been A'Knittin

Finished the first mitt started a couple of months ago - YAY! This pattern is Susie's Reading Mitts

We're leaving for the Coast Monday morning and coming back Tuesday night - so lots of time to work on the 2nd Mitt, as well as some other projects I'm taking along in the van. We're going with another couple and I'm not doing any driving - so lots of knit and talk. Really looking forward to getting away, and will be back in touch with you next week.

TURTLE - Yet Unamed - ETA: He/She's "Rocky"!

Look what my neighbor gave me as a "thank you" for the things we do for her!!! Isn't he cute. The body, feet, tail and head are all separate flat rocks which are painted these delightful colors. I've put it out in my flower bed and he looks happy. Have to come up with a name for him. Any suggestions?

Great Day Today!!!

Have you ever had days where everything good just seemed to fall in place the whole day? Well, today was the day for me. First, hubby went out on his regular golfing day, leaving me the car to "play around" all day. I did laundry (not necessarily great, but nice to get it out of the way). Grocery shopped then got to some serious knitting on my socks. I'm liking the magic loop so much better than the dpn's and just flew along. It's after dinner and I'm working on foot portion now.

AFTER THE 4TH IS OVER!!!

Now that things have quieted down around here (what a loud night last night). Fireworks going off until early this morning. But I love the 4th and what it means to us in the United States.

Since I wrote last in this blog, I bought a flat of strawberries from a local farm and made jam, and we had fresh strawberries on our cereal for several mornings. Now I'm looking for the raspberries to be ripe for the next batch of jam.


We had 2 of our granddaughters with us for 4 days while their mom is working in a fireworks stand to help out their private gym with funds. Their dad was working on a job in Kentucky so grandma and grandpa stepped up to the plate. We had a great time and hope they weren't too bored - but you never know with a 14 yr old and an 8 yr old. We went to Northwest Trek - a neat place with lots of native Northwest animals - saw grizzlies, bison, elk, mountain sheep and many more.




One day we went to Bradley Lake Park (I sat in the car and nearly finished my sock!). Had a good time with the girls, but tonight is very enjoyable with just the two of us around. Hubby barbecued some ribs to go with a green salad and we were very happy with the peace and quiet.

This is what my sock looks like so far. Just have to do the Kitchener stitch to close the toe. Hope to work on it a lot today while hubby is out golfing and I have the day to myself!!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Our daughter and her 2 daughters came to spend the day with their father and grandfather. We had a nice dinner (BBQ'd by hubby/Dad) and had a real good visit with all. Missed having her hubby along with them, but he's out of town. Also didn't get to see the daughter who lives a little farther away and their kids. Thank God for grandchildren - they are the best. We did get a phone call from this other daughter and talked a while to the kids.

I'm getting a little farther along on my sock (first time knitting with dpn's). I'd like to have an inch or two more completed before my next class on Tuesday, when we'll be learning how to do the "heel turn". I'm not going to make the socks very high up the calf. I'm getting the hang of knitting with 5 needles now, but still not sure if I like magic loop better. We'll see when this sock is completed.

An Update

It seems I have way too many projects "in progress". Just this week I took my first class (of a total of 3) learning to make socks using DPN's. I have made a pair of socks using worsted yarn and magic loop technique. I've also got a sock I started some time ago, with fingering weight yarn,top down using magic loop. I must be crazy to try knitting socks using "fiddly sticks", but I like that I'm learning something new and who knows, it may come to be my favorite way to knit socks.

This is how far I've gotten since class: Pattern is Wise Hilda's Basic Ribbed Sock and am using Madeline Tosh Sock in Olivia colorway.


I'm also still working on the Susie's Reading Mitts. Having trouble with the thumb - some gaps in there I didn't want so have tinked back a few rows. I also did a little personal designing of the pattern, which means I didn't read the directions correctly and cast off without doing the turning row. The stockinette stitch at the top rolls down nicely and it does look okay.


Now back to working some more rows on the socks before next Tuesday's class!

Great Book!!

I checked this book out of my local library today, and what a find it is! Yarnplay at home, Handknits for Colorful Living is written by Lisa Shobhana Mason. It includes patterns for cozies for wine bottles, CD's, French Press, dishcloths & tea towels, throw pillows, bed pillows, shams, throws, table runners, you name it for home decor and it's in this book! I just wish I would have found out about the book sooner and could have knit a lot of the home things in it by now. If you get a chance to get your hands on this book I think you'll be very pleased.

I'm Baaaaack!

After some quiet time, I've managed to make it back to my blog. Sometimes life just gets in the way, as it's happened to me.

In the knitting department, I've finished these fingerless mitts:
This pattern is Flitt Mitts. The embroidered flowers make them fun!


This pattern is my favorite "go-to" Cozy Thermal Mitts:


This mitt is another Cozy Thermal Mitt



I'm currently working on this one - Susie's Reading Mitts:


My husband has been diagnosed with Cancer,again - this time, prostate cancer. So right now we're in the consultation, determining treatment procedure, etc. He's feeling fine and anxious to get this done and over with. He has beat the big "C" three times before, so this should go okay for him.

We've had lousy, rainy, cool weather with a day of sunshine thrown in here and there - just enough for a teaser. Of course I can't complain - the south and the midwest are certainly getting more than their fair share of really bad weather.

I'd like for hubby and I to "get-away" for a day or two - maybe to the Washington coast", but sure would like it to be warmer weather. Temps in the 50's just aren't too conducive to walking on the beach.

I'll try to keep up my blog writing a little more frequently!

Japan earthquake, tsunami & nuclear event

Prayers and hugs to all those people in Japan. Such a tragedy and who knows how long before they will be back to a life somewhat "normal".

Birthday Weekend

Had a great weekend: celebrated my 75th birthday on Saturday and had our two grandkids from the TriCities area with us for two nights! Their parents spent the weekend in Seattle enjoying a "getaway" and we had a great time with the kids, aged 9 and 11. We went to a local playground/park both Saturday and Sunday. The weather was kinda miserable - sunny but windy and in the low 40's. I noticed the kids are much tougher than we. They just had on sweatshirts, but we had heavy jackets and still nearly froze to death.

I got taken out to breakfast Saturday morning and received flowers and chocolates, got in some knitting time and all-in-all a nice weekend.


Today, however, is another story. Hubby just left to play golf and I have mountains of laundry to do with all the bedding, etc. But I'll be knitting on my Every Last Yard sweater which is now down to the waist shaping and soon coming up will be the lacy border. Pretty boring knitting, so need to pick up something else to change off to - maybe another pair of fingerless gloves.
So off to the laundry room I go!!!

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day to all my friends, knitting or otherwise. Hope you have a great day!

January....movin' on to February!!!

While the Midwest and east coast are suffering from one snowstorm after another, we feel blessed to live in the Pacific Northwest and just have a lot of gray days, drizzle and occasional drizzle. However, this makes for good knitting weather.

I've been working on this hat for one of our daughters. She's been walking every day and with temperatures in the 30-40's, she wanted a hat. I'm making it from Sunshine Yarns Merino Worsted, and it feels very soft and yummy. I'll be seeing her on Saturday, so I can try it on to decide if it's time to start decreasing.

Today, while hubby was away golfing for the day, I paid a visit to a brand-new yarn shop in nearby Puyallup, WA. They are the one and only and everyone is very excited to see them come to town. Isn't this cute? Called YellowHouseYarns I forgot to show you what I bought at YellowHouse - my new and one and only LYS: This is Stonehedge Farm and Fiber Mill's Shepherd's Wool - seabreezze colorway (more green than this photo shows) and in a light worsted, or aran. Very soft and yummy! I don't know what it wants to be yet.

I'm still working away on my EveryLastYard cardigan. Some of our knitting group are already finished, but I'm working on the body so it's just knit-knit-knit. Thank goodness I have other projects to switch off to occasionally.

Seattle to Portland Yarn Train 2011

The 2011 Seattle to Portland Yarn Train is in the history books now. A great time was had yesterday - with somewhere around 209 knitters from the western Washington area traveling to Portland on Amtrak for a fun day of knitting on the train (some slept - we did have to get up terribly early). We walked up and down the streets of Portland visiting yarn stores, who were expecting us and had discounts, lots of help and even snacks and beverages. It rained steady and heavy and the wind blew all day so lots of people had wet feet, clothes, and hair - but it was fun, including one in our group whose umbrella kept blowing inside out, spokes bent, and the shaft kept coming apart. She said her mother gave her the umbrella right before she left and that "she'd got a good deal" on the umbrella. Yeah, right! We rode the "Starlighter" train home, arriving in Tacoma at 9:30pm home after 10:00pm and fell into bed - tired, but happy!


















Here's the tote bag for the occasion - filled with goodies,
and my only yarn purchase - Rowan Cashsoft in cream which should make a beautiful pair of fingerless mitts!