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!