Thursday, August 30, 2007

Kauni Trouble!!

Look what I bought.....Here! I'm in SO deep...

Now, what am I going to do? Both sweaters?

I have to tell you about something I found yesterday. Mindi has a very special man in her life...go ahead...take a look, his picture is at the top left of her blog. His smile totally wooed me, you can almost hear that childish laughter that's so infectious! I wish I could be there on the 15th to WALK with them, since I can't I made a donation to their cause. If you can, will you make a contribution? There are prizes involved....if that will entice you!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

40 Years Ago Today...

I was told I couldn't do this, that is... make a big deal about BEING 40, but he doesn't read my blog...heck I don't even think he knows I have one!

So...here goes~~40 years ago today my life as an "Only Child" ended!
(I searched and searched my computer for a baby picture and couldn't find one, I'm too OLD and tired to go searching through the closet for one.)


Embarrassing photo first.....(evil laugh)!




This is a very rare photo of me wearing a skirt...consider yourself lucky to see it!


I was raised to love everything "boy" then it was assumed that when my brother came along I had to be a girl...ewwh! I love my brother very much, we always got along very well...and still do. I was there to protect him when we were growing up (yes, I did punch out a few people for picking on him) and he's been there for me during my rough times (there's been quite a few).
I've always wished I had his brain...he's quick witted and level headed~~me? I have to think about it before I come up with a funny and I'm NOT level headed...but I'm learning. I've made rash decisions in my life that's gotten me into trouble.

He's been a great roll model for my boys...they've seen what a REAL man is like. My kids were basically raised in a single parent household (their father IS, by his choice, absent). He's the father of my FAVORITE only niece, Maggie. And he's a GREAT one at that! He taught me the love for sports. Growing up he was my best friend!

So, now for the part I was threatened told not to do....
Geez, Jay~~YOU'RE OLD! You're FORTY years old....man, that's halfway to 80! Ooooh!
(A little background info here....you see, he constantly reminds me of the fact I'm OLDER than him every year, my payback has arrived...sorta. Saturday is his B-day party and we've been told NOT to do anything concerning his age~~wow...it's a little different once you reach "That Age")

Yes, you are still #1 in my book!!

Happy Birthday Baby Brother!!


Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!

Baby Update~~No baby yet, they are looking at Tuesday of next week...so, we'll be heading to Richmond late this weekend! I'll keep you posted. Thanks for all the positive thoughts and prayers sent her way, her blood pressure has gone down and the baby is showing no signs of stress....good news!

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Belated....


A belated Birthday Cake!! I ordered this yarn the day before my birthday! I REALLY can't wait to start on this sweater, but I wonder...Can I start it and still get my Holiday knitting done?!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Nervous Knitting...


Of course, Mr. Aceman wasn't going to model it for me!
Started and finished in one day....nervous knitting....YES!
Step-daughter is back in the hospital and we're expecting any day to get the call that it's time! Unfortunately, she's going to have to have a c-section. She really wanted to go natural, but she's really suffering with pre-eclampsia. They've had to stop labor a couple times now. They are trying to get her to next weekend...we'll see. According to her last sonogram, the baby weighs over 5 lbs...but those lungs just need to fully develop. Keep all those good thoughts flowing towards Richmond!

This is the charity knitting challenge for the Football-a-long KAL, Cubs for Kids will be getting these to outfit their teddy bears given to kids. Check out all the links!

We were asked to make them in the colors of our favorite Pro or College teams!
My favorite teams...as if you didn't already know...the Dallas Cowboys & The Cavaliers of the University of Virginia!!

BTW....the ring is BEAUTIFUL!! They newly engaged couple are home.

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Therapy~~

Okay, so we all know what "Fiber Therapy" does for a knitter...muggles think it has something to do with taking Metamucil~wrong...

"Fiber Therapy"....well, I don't think I need to explain!

If you've been reading in recent months you know I've started a pottery class. Something I've always wanted to do...just another "artistic" outlet for me! It's a very free form sort of class, various levels of experience and as one of my classmates said...they're sort of a "club" instead of a teaching environment. MY kinda class...very unstructured...do what you want to do. However, our instructor comes to us each week with a "challenge" or idea to inspire us, otherwise you do what the heck you want to do!
So, I'm sure you are asking by know...."What in the world has she been making?"

Stop laughing...I know it all looks like I'd been drinking when I made it...I swear I was totally sober! The little pitcher to the left is the very first project I made on the wheel, then we were challenged to "throw" a plate~~mine? The ugly purple one, you can't see how utterly disfigured that plate really is...it's better described as a "dish"! Then we were to be "inspired" by nature...so I did a "pressed" piece with the dogwood leaves (shhh~that's my Mom's Christmas present) and then the little blue thing...that's going to be a pen holder for Hubby's desk!
"Clay Therapy"...this is where you can take out your frustrations of the day....week....month...year?!?!
Work got you on edge? Family members driving you crazy? Ex-girlfriends (remember I stared this class just when oldest son dumped TGFH) giving you and your family grief? 100 degree temperatures making you cranky? TAKE A POTTERY CLASS!!!
I have to say this has been so much fun! Will I continue? I'm not sure if I'll go through the winter months but maybe in the Spring?!?!
Back to my fiber therapy now...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Fibery Love!


"Fibery Love" at our annual Birthday Tea this is the fabulous "Flower & Fibery Love" I received! Thanks guys...you're THE BEST!
Check out the card of the sheep knitting, its a riot! This is "frame worthy" and it's going in my Fiber room!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Happy Days...

Yesterday was full of such wonderful news...and packages~~and it was a Monday!




This arrived yesterday...from Denmark!!!!




For THIS!





Yep, Yarn Harlot & JH (who continues to remain blogless) sucked me in again!
Of course it doesn't take much, I just LOVE color!!!

Thanks for all the "Knitterly Love" I received yesterday...it's something wonderful when you watch your child find that special someone. It takes you back to when you fell in love with your special someone...

Sorry to disappoint you Indigo Muse...I can only dream, at this point, of having my own yarn shop!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Monday, August 20, 2007

BIG NEWS!!!!

Remember that BIG NEWS I teased you guys with last week??




Well........



We're going to have a new addition to our family!!!






I'm gonna be a...







NO...I'm NOT pregnant, bite your tongue~~besides that WOULD be the "immaculate conception"!


Mother-In-Law!!!



My Baby Boy....Chase...asked Jessica to marry him and she said YES!! They are currently at Daytona Beach where he popped the question. I've known for nearly a month now and haven't been able to say a word...nor has he let me see the ring! I know they are excited...but I think I'm walking on Cloud 9 with them!

I'M SO EXCITED....AND I JUST CAN'T HIDE IT....

Okay....

Back to your~

Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Ta-Dah!!

It's DONE!! I've cast-off MS3, now I just need to block it! I guess now I need to get some blocking wires....something I've been putting off!




Since I've photographed the other end I thought I'd show you what the "wing" looks like...pretty huh?
Feels good to have a FO, even if it isn't blocked yet!



Something I haven't blogged about is a project I've been working on...I know you've seen it on other blogs before. Here...Here...Here...and Here, I know there are so many more, just Google Tulip Baby Sweater!
I love the pattern...the colors and the endless combinations that can be obtained by using left over yarn, and since we are going to have some new additions to our family, I bought the pattern. Ravelry has helped too...in the process of logging my stash I uncovered some of this yarn which got those creative juices flowing.

A couple years ago I had a natural dyeing demonstration at Explore Park using Indigo, Osage Orange bark & Red Madder root, if necessary click on the picture to enlarge. I Kool-Aid dyed a couple skeins using cherry & grape in an attempt to get a full color range. I am going to ask for your help here...The pattern shows 8 colors, since you can really create your own color combination, do you think I need to add another color or 2? Or leave it at 6 colors for my sweater? I'm okay with going with what I have, I just need some additional input to convince myself.

Keep my step-daughter in your thoughts and prayers...she's not due until Sept 23rd, her blood pressure has gone up, she started contracting on Monday which they were able to stop but she's on complete bed rest! We need a couple more weeks for the baby's lungs to mature, I feel confident that she'll make it because they haven't started giving her steroids for the baby. But you just never know what may happen. Help us send positive thoughts her way! The ultrasound she had on Thursday showed that the baby already weighs over 5lbs!

I guess I'd better get started on the baby sweater!?!?!?!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Friday, August 17, 2007

Summer Memories...

My grandparents spent their life working hard, especially when it came to their garden.


Today I visited our local Farmers Market, just as I do every Friday. I found these...October Beans (some people call them Cranberry Beans).
Memories flooded back immediately, everyday during the summer months my Granny would cook up a "mess", along with corn-on-the-cob, sliced cucumbers & tomatoes...mmmm and fresh out of the oven cornbread. So, I had to have some today!

Last month was the 11th Anniversary of my Granddaddy's passing...and my Granny has been gone just over 2 years now.

Boy I miss them...but my heart is full of memories!

Have a GREAT weekend everybody! Everyone have plenty of knitting to do? I know I DO!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Hump~Day!

2 days to go...




Can you guess what this means?







I've finally caught up to the others in MS3...now, I'm waiting on Clue 7! My other WIPS can finally get some quality time!




It's HOT here...which affords me the indoor time to knit, so I guess I shouldn't complain! Tomorrow will be another 100 degree day!

Prepare yourselves...next week I'm going to have some REALLY exciting news to share! No...I'm not giving any hints (I'm zipped, buttoned and locked), it's a surprise...the most wonderful news...and I'm about to burst at the seams holding it in! (hmmm..mmm..mmm)

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Yo...

Wanna win some stuff?

Go HERE! Easy as pie to enter!

What's weird is the name of her blog is all my hubby has been hearing from me lately!

Workin' on MS3 you know...it has my full attention!

Started Charade socks, of which I have the top ribbing done...haven't picked up Teddy Sweater, Blanket Buddy or Rockport Vest in the past few days...
Trying to get caught up with all the other MS3er's...Do they have maids, butlers & chauffeurs...cause I can't get but a few rows in between everything else! The clue comes out on Fridays, many have finished the next day...and it's LACE!!!!

How can I lobby to get 5 day weekends and 2 day work weeks? It seems as though my weekends are gone in the blink of an eye!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Friday, August 10, 2007

Surprises...

This year "My Day" (actually it's turned out to be a week long celebration) has brought me some fantastic surprises!
Flowers from my WONDERFUL Hubby!



A surprise package arrived in the mail from my "Cosmic Sister" otherwise known as Bobbi! These socks are so comfortable, but I need this heatwave to break so I can wear them! I read on her blog about these socks and had no idea they were being made for me!! They fit perfect!


Of course, you already know about "The Party"! I hope that she's doing all the planning for her Daddy's B-day...he turns the BIG 40 this year! ~snicker...snicker...hee...hee~

I've been working on several projects...you can't do anything outside these days. We've broken some old records by the heat. Wednesday morning I woke up at 5am to find out that it was a muggy 80 degrees (about 93% humidity)! The air is so thick you feel as though you can cut it with a knife. Yesterday my truck registered 102 degrees! We've had 100+ temps all week long!


One of the projects is for my latest KAL Football-a-long, we've been challenged to make sweaters for Cubs for Kids.


MS3 clue 6 came out today...I'm still about 2/3 of the way through clue 5, yes I'm still behind! I'm afraid Ravelry is going to make that worse!

Other new projects are in the works!

I hope all have a nice weekend...and if you're suffering with this heat~~get inside...and

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Thursday, August 09, 2007

WooHoo!!!

GUESS WHO’S IN!! I received a B-day present on the WEB!

And I feel as though I’ve been sucked into a vortex! When am I going to knit…or spin?

It’s pretty amazing…if you are still in queue, let me just say that
“Patience is a Virtue” and well worth the wait!! I know there are some who’ve been very upset at the wait. I promise...it's worth waiting for! "Good Things Come To Those Who Wait"!
I signed up later than most (early June), simply because I really didn’t know what all they hype was about until yesterday evening. NOW I KNOW! If you haven't signed up yet...DO IT! Ravelry is all amazing!

I have some pics to post…but I have to “reshoot” them…Hubby didn’t realize that I hadn’t downloaded the card and erased some I took yesterday!

My 5 year old niece, Maggie, threw me the most FABULOUS party last night! She even baked me a cake, she was the first to taste it and didn’t like it, she said it was "gross"! That’s okay, my Mom had a “back-up”!


She had a dance performance for us…

She’s “The Hostess with the Mostess”!!
Thanks Mags…Aunt Robin loves ya!

Oh...Did I tell you? I'M IN~~I'M IN....I'M IN, I'M IN, I'M IN!!

Keep on Knittin’ & Spinnin’!!

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Guess What?!?!?!

Guess what I bought myself yesterday?!?!?


THIS

and...

I will be using this to knit it up!



Happy B-day To Me....Happy B-day To Me!!

Thanks to EVERYONE for all these Birthday wishes yesterday! My niece, Maggie is Hostessing a party for me tonight...this should be interesting!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Just Another Day~~

What sounds better?

I'm 44 years old.
I'm 528 months old.
I'm 2,296 weeks old.
I'm 16,071 days old.
I'm 385,712 hours old.
I'm 23,142,729 minutes old.
I'm 1,388,563,791 seconds old.

I think I'll stick with the years...(keep saying to myself~"you're only as old as you feel"~I feel pretty darn young...that is until I try to do something I shouldn't!)

Your date of conception was on or about 14 November 1962 which was a Wednesday--Too Much Information...now I've gotta that picture out of my head?!

I was born on a Wednesday...

Here's some good news~~
Your age is the equivalent of a dog that is 6.28962818003914 years old~~You're still chasing cats!

Your birthstone is Peridot
The Mystical properties of Peridot

Peridot is used to help dreams become a reality.


And here's something I didn't need to know:
There are 140 days till Christmas 2007!

And where did I find all this information? HERE


I think I need a good stiff margarita!

CHEERS!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Monday, August 06, 2007

One More Day.....

Remaining...of youth...each year gets harder and harder to accept...cause I know I'm getting closer and closer to another century of age! Of course, you are only as old as you feel...geez~I've never been to the Dr. so much as I have in recent years, since my 40th B-day. Baby brother turns the BIG 40 this year....he wants no party~no recognition of it being any different than past B-days...well, guess what Baby Brother~~Big Sister isn't listening! Remember the HELL you gave me on my 40th? Black balloons....over the hill jokes? Hee-Hee!! Payback is HELL!!

This is The Birthday Meme. It isn't knitting, but it's educational. Go to Wikipedia and into the search field type the month and date of your birthday (not the year). Then share with the world:

Three events
1--1782 - George Washington orders the creation of the Badge of Military Merit to honor soldiers wounded in battle. It is later renamed to the more poetic Purple Heart
2--1794 - Whiskey Rebellion begins: Farmers in the Monongahela Valley of Pennsylvania rebel against the federal tax on liquor and distilled drinks.
3--1945 - President Harry Truman announces the bombing of Hiroshima with an atomic bomb while returning from the Potsdam Conference aboard the heavy cruiser USS Augusta (CA-31) in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

Two births
1--1742 - Nathanael Greene, American Revolutionary general (d. 1786)
2--1963 - Harold Perrineau Jr., American actor

One holiday
BC Day - Province of Canada.

“You are actually supposed to tag five people. So all five of you who read my blog, consider yourselves tagged.”

Sunday, August 05, 2007

Shall We Dance?

...or walk RUN on air? Today while working in the yard I came across one of (warning to the squeamish) THESE~~I can't even bare to post a picture....{shiver~shake~and shriek!}
I don't dance....but these give me the utter shakes, if anyone was watching and/or videoing, I want part of the winnings from America's Funniest Videos! Now, for the rest of the day I'm going to feel them crawling on me...

Sorry...I just thought I'd share with my blog-buddies....my TOTAL fear of arachnids!

Needless to say, I'm inside and not working outside for the rest of the day!! My knitting is calling me.

Thanks for listening reading.

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Saturday, August 04, 2007

Uh-Oh!


Help.....I'm in trouble...with a capital T!


Keep on Knittin'??!! (and of course Spinnin')!!!

Friday, August 03, 2007

If Only...

If only I could have made these in all my classes...
Mingle2 Free Online Dating - Science Quiz

Of course, Science was one of my FAVORITE courses! You see, I wanted to be a veterinarian...instead I'm sort of a Librarian!

Hope everyone is ready for the weekend, I know I am!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Thursday, August 02, 2007

Friends & FO's


Check out my calendar for this month...

In case you can't read it, the quote is:
"One of the best ways to keep a friendship, is to return it"~~Anonymous
I've got a lot of returning to do! Because I have some REALLY GREAT friends!




Including my "Cosmic Twin" Bobbi, who sent me this package. She's introducing me to my Norwegian Dutch heritage...you know the Vikings did invade Scotland (I'm not sure if the Dutch invaded though). Check out the tile...it's titled: "The Silk Spinner", the Harley pin is for Hubby, the mints are (as she describes) what they would be given on Sunday mornings at the beginning of the Sermon...they would suck on them until they were gone...she said that usually when hers was gone the Sermon was over. Back in the day my Grandfather (and other men in the Church) had the first of those watches that had the little "beeping" alarm on them, they were all set for about noon...so the preacher had a little reminder to "wrap it up"! The golden Dutch coin in the package had to go right in the fridge...it was a little soft! I even love the wrapping paper she used...another trait my Granny passed on to me, saving paper!
**Correction~~It's Dutch not Norwegian...sorry for the goof!

I finally have a Monkey off my back needles! I find it much easier to knit something mindless while riding, and since I've been neglecting these socks since I've been working on other WIP's in my basket, they went on the trip with me! DONE...and...NEXT!! I'm perusing my patterns to see what strikes my fancy next!




While in PA I did go to The Mannings and Misty Mountain Fiber Workshop. No, I didn't buy much...this was such a "whirlwind" trip I didn't have much time for shopping. This was BIL's (muggle) first trip to a yarn shop, so I told him to pick out some sock yarn and I'd make him a pair of socks, he was quite amazed at all the inventory they (The Mannings) carried, the same reaction I had on my first visit. It was nice to see the owner Carol again, we had a nice chat...while the men were enjoying the front porch rocking chairs. If you've never visited...its a MUST~~5 stars all the way across the board!

IF you happen to be in the area or make the trip for this, Carol asked me to post about their Knit-In coming up August 11th from 10am-4pm, all they ask is you bring a chair, your lunch and your knitting or spinning wheel...NO structure...NO fee, just a day to knit with old and new friends. Door prizes, cookies and cold drinks will be available. The event is held outside on the grounds but seating will also be available inside if necessary (rain).
Misty Mountain sits right in between two of our favorite art galleries! So while I poked my head in the "fellas" visited the galleries. She has a nice selection of looms and offers both week long classes and weekend classes to suit your schedule...even private classes!

Well, I've gotta go get my stuff together for tonight....Knit/Spin Night!

THANKS BOBBI...again and again!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Home Again!


Just a quick note to let everyone know we're home safe and sound!

And to THANK YOU ALL for your kind thoughts and wishes! I normally thank each and every comment individually but without a computer on the quick trip I'd be here all night answering...so please allow me to gather each one of you into a big hug and say THANKS!

Plenty to talk about...surprises in the mail, yarn crawl(s) and a FO!

Check back with me later...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!