Sunday, December 31, 2006

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year....


I hope the New Year brings you all the things you wish for...I don't tend to make resolutions anymore because....I can't keep them! All I can do is promise myself that I'll do better and change some...bad things. (and no, that doesn't involve the TGFH!--that can't be changed) I have plenty of knitting projects I would like to complete in the New Year...I guess my #1 is learning to steek (something I've put off for far too long)!!

If you go out to celebrate...please be careful--as for me and Hubby...we stay home! Sad thing is most of the time we are asleep before 11pm! Getting old....

I would like to thank those who have become my "BlogBuddies" in this past year...thanks for your comments and continuing to return to read rants and general mumblings about much of nothing...and seeing what I'm up to in my knitting & spinning! For those who I actually had the pleasure of meeting in 2006--I hope to see you again in 2007...and many more who I've yet to meet--I look forward to meeting you in 2007!!!!


Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin' in 2007!!!

Saturday, December 30, 2006

More "Funny" Blogfodder---

I'm Royalty....bow before me:

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is:
Her Grace Lady YarnHen the Discombobulated of Menzies on the Minges
Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title


I must spin now......

Friday, December 29, 2006

Sonata is here...

My new wheel is here!!! My Santa is a gooood Santa!!

(*****Amendment/Clarification to this post--My Santa that was so generous with the new spinning wheel is my wonderful Hubby!! My Dad loves playing Santa for the kids...and for those who know my Dad...know he is "tight" and would scoff to know how much a wheel like this costs...even though I think it's VERY affordable! In fact, this season he's in the doghouse with Mrs. Santa for not recognizing their Anniversary which was 1 week before Christmas...he's got a lot of making up to do at home! Sorry, I knew the whole story I just didn't think to inform you guys of my meaning!)






Isn't she beautiful!!!! Quick and easy to assemble and spins like a dream! This is my very first NEW wheel! My old Traveller is one that I "bartered" for about 7 years ago...she's good and hasn't been replaced because I need her for the 18th Century events we attend...I may be able to get away with using the Sonata at 19th Century events...we'll see! I LOVE it!!! I'm just giddy!

And...here's something from Catie's blog...tell me something I DIDN'T already know:

Your Brain is 35% Female, 65% Male

You have a total boy brain
Logical and detailed, you tend to look at the facts
And while your emotions do sway you sometimes...
You never like to get feelings too involved

(Now that last sentence is no exactly true...but I truly don't think like most females...I know that for a fact!)

Well....I've got some spinning to do----

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!!






Thursday, December 28, 2006

Sheepies, Sunsets and Spring??



I have 2 new Sheepies to add to my collection, but I think one will have to remain in the Seasonal collection...the other can take up space with all the others...These are from my buddy NC.


I had a wonderful Christmas--as a family we all agreed to minimize Christmas. It has become so much about the spending and how much you get so we agreed to cut back and make one gift count--make it meaningful! We couldn't have had a better Christmas...well, one minor problem arose but I was able to get through it--with a lot of encouraging help from my hubby and other family members. The oldest son brought the 'TGFH' to our family gathering--knowing she wasn't welcome--not by just me but everyone feels the same way about her...please don't jump on me about this, you have to hear the whole story--and it's a long one, but if you've ever watched an episode of Jerry Springer--I think you get the picture. The only way I got through it was by remembering that this is the Christmas season...I tried to give her a chance to change...but she screwed that up royally! Okay...I've got to change the subject before I really bore you all!

Santa was VERY good to me...Our trip to Williamsburg and my spinning wheel was to be my Christmas but he surprised me with a beautiful handmade jewelry box--he made it! He'd been hiding it around the house trying to allow the glue to dry and keep it from me! I was floored...he totally surprised me. I love to get handmade gifts...and give them as well. All the socks and sweaters I made were much appreciated! Hopefully my youngest son's girlfriend will take a picture of him in the sweater and send it to me so I can post it. Mom doesn't want me taking her picture so you can look back to see my posting on her sweater. My Dad couldn't believe I'd made him a pair of socks even though on all the camping trips throughout the summer all I did at night was knit socks?!? Real observer--huh?!






Give a cat a present and....he wants the paper! Since he and Mommy were the first ones up...well, he was actually trying to get me up at 3, which is really out of character for him (Mr Lazy) He knew that there was something special under the tree for him...which he opened by himself.....and.....played with the paper and ribbon! The crinkle bag is just holding all his other toy balls right now...but like everything else with him--"I'm a cat-I can't let you know I LIKE something! His Tu-Tu got him some treats that he's pigging on! (In case you are wondering...my mother is Tu-Tu--in Hawaiian that means Granny, Mom wanted the kids to call her something different and on a trip to Hawaii she found this out). I made doggie treats for all the family dogs, neighborhood dogs and some of my BlogBuddies pups. Since I don't have a dog...I make it a point to spoil everyone doggies!




I know in the BlogWorld there's "Saturday Skies" but I have to show Today's sky---




What a beautiful sunset!! "Red skies at night--Sailors delight!" Tomorrow's forecast is for temps in the 60's! And the calendar says December...almost January! I think we are going to get in for it come Feb/Mar!




Here are my guys...taking in the sunset!




And a taste of Spring...my brother gave me a Winter Jasmine which I LOVE because if offers me flowers in the coldest--bleakest of winter...even though we haven't been that cold. It should bloom through March...This plant is about 5 years old and I'm taking starts off of it to place in other parts of the yard...pretty soon I'll have blooms the entire winter...all over my yard!

Be sure and check back tomorrow....

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!! I'm still looking for the man with no toes!

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Randomness....

Okay...today is my first day back to work...my brain is the consistency of oatmeal---so here's some "BlogFodder" for you:


My Fortune Cookie told me:
A man with no toes will offer you unexpected opportunities.
Get a cookie from Miss Fortune



Does this mean I'll finally get my yarn shop??
What should I call it? YarnToes? KnitToes? FiberToes?

I'll have an update on what "goodies" I received for Christmas....later!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Monday, December 25, 2006

True Meaning....

In a time when the true meaning of Christmas is often lost in the shopping, stress and rush of the season....




Happy Birthday Jesus!!

Saturday, December 23, 2006

For the Kids...


Here's something for the kids...



Beginning tomorrow...Christmas Eve--in whatever time zone or country you are in--you can "Track Santa" !


Click Here to see where Santa is!

Friday, December 22, 2006

Holiday Tunes for You....from The Coop!

Okay...so I found time to post again...I have to thank my friend Kimberly (no blog) for providing me with this!



Click to here to hear my *Girls* sing.... Pump up the volume!!

Merry Christmas....from the Knittin' Coop!

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Merry Christmas one and all!

Merry Christmas one and all!
I'm not sure if I'll be posting before Christmas gets here so I want to wish ALL my "Fiber Friends" a VERY, VERY Merry Christmas! Things are going to get busy....I have more Doggie Biscuits to make!
I'm trying to get a cold, there is a fellow worker who doesn't know how to cover when she sneezes, coughs and oozes! And she sits right behind me--I don't have to worry she probably doesn't even know what blog is!
I'm using my Zicam--Echinacea--Vitamin C and lots of water! Yesterday I came home from work...bundled up and slept! I don't wanna be sick for Christmas~~~I was supposed to meet some pals for dinner and didn't go...boohoo, but I think in this case it's better to receive than give! I don't want them mad at me for getting them sick! Sorry guys!


Now...on my last post I said Santa has a secret---well, I'm getting my Christmas wish!! Yep--the Kromski Sonata is on order! I won't have a picture of it to show you on Christmas morning...Mr. Simpson has it for me! WooHoo!



And about Santa...



As everyone who reads knows I have somewhat of a twisted sense of humor...(as previously stated). And it seems that some people are offended by my decorations--Tell me what you think!?



I was just giving ole Santa a ride! (I want it all)---that's my story and I'm sticking to it! After all he IS my Dad!
Now I know you've heard me say that over and over but I have proof!




This is the first time I've had my picture taken with Santa since I was very, very small! Of course, we are both too big to sit on his knee, not to mention he has 2 brand new knees and I don't think his doctor would be happy about his explaining that he needed another surgery because of a "Santa Injury"! That is his real beard--and with the Santa hat on he really looks like the Jolly Ole Elf! During the summer when we are camping kids are always calling him Santa even though his hair is the same color as mine but the beard is naturally white!? Two weeks ago he, Mom, my brother, SIL and niece went to Disney World...he wore his Santa hat in the airport and on the plane--he had kids sitting on his lap during the flight!! Funny thing happened in the airport...his knees and one shoulder set off the security alarm, he of course, was singled out and "wanded" the poor little kids were going by with this look of fear in their eyes...."Santa? A Terrorist??" Dad has a lot of fun doing this and the kids just love him!

I'm going to sign off this time by again saying....

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Williamsburg part 2

Warning...this post is going to have lots of photos!!

Here are some examples of the door decorations:















One of the locals going to open up the Millinery Shop...I hope she changes her shoes!





The Capital Building



The Courthouse all decked out for the holidays...notice the stockades to the right of the building! I've put Julia in them before!



We had a wonderful trip...always do! Since we started reenacting this time period you notice so much more than just the normal touristy stuff! My comment earlier about the colonists shoes...believe me I know the period correct shoes are not comfortable at all and I can understand her wearing something comfortable to walk to work (and most employees must walk a couple of blocks to their building) but I hope she changes into her colonial shoes before people start coming in! By the way...we were there very early taking pictures.


I found more Sheepies while I was there--
The large one came with a name...Wellington so I think the little finger puppet is also Wellington Jr. That's the name of one of the sheep "on staff" at Williamsburg. They are, of course, "period correct" Leicester Longwools.








This one is holding it's own bag of wool!




I hope Anne Margaret is reading...
This hen found a coop!
















On the Knitting front--
I finished all the socks!
AAAAAHHHHH--Knitting Freedom! All the Christmas presents are done!
I've started a couple of dog sweaters for my neighbors new little cuties!
I'm planning to start something that I've put off--my knitting fear--steeking! But I must give it a shot!
Other items in the works...a sweater vest for my Dad, to conquer that Swallowtail Shawl and more...socks!!
Doesn't sound much like freedom huh?? But what can I say...I love to knit!!

Oh...and Santa's secret is out---

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Monday, December 18, 2006

AAAHHH--Go Elf Yourself!

Remember "Ditzy Stocking Stuffer"?? Here she is-----



Click here to watch her dance!!

Yep...I'm back and very tired! I'll post more about our trip tomorrow!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Merry Christmas from Williamsburg....

Welcome to 1776...
(This is going to be a fairly quick post...)



If you've ever been to Williamsburg you'll know this--

The Govenor's Palace

The city is all decked out for the holidays in Colonial fashion--

I have many more of these to show you...you'll just have to check back in a couple days!



Sheepie sightings but these are of the real grass eating variety...they don't qualify for the "Sheep Challenge".



Carriage rides were everywhere!









Shona...this one's for you!

Still more we have in common!?

Stay tuned...I have more--just not enough time to post them all now!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Holiday MeMe

I was over reading Carole's blog this morning, she had this Holiday MeMe:

This house is not far from our house...the local version of the Griswald house!


(there's not a single bush or tree that's not adorned in lights of some variety!)

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Both?? But at Holiday time I prefer Egg Nog with rrrruummm!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? It depends on his time at the house and how much Egg Nog he’s had!
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? White & blue lights on the tree, white on the house.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? Oh yeah.
5. When do you put up your decorations? The first week or so of December.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Mom’s layered Jello salad.
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? I can remember getting up with my brother, emptying our stockings then waiting on Mom & Dad to get up so we could open our gifts, of course, back then Santa didn’t wrap...Mom didn't put out Egg Nog for him. So Mom & Dad had a couple of hours to sleep while we played with our "Santa Gifts".
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? What truth about Santa? Remember my Dad IS Santa!
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes, at my Parents house with the family…but Hubby, Julia and I open ours on Christmas morning.
10. What kind of decorations are on your Christmas Tree? Ornaments that the kids made in elemetary school, ones I’ve collected over the years and handmade ones. Oh—and my sports collection…I think you’ve seen the pictures!
11. Snow! Love it or Dread? I do love it, and I love to drive in it even more! CALL ME if you need a ride but expect it to be an adventurous ride!
12. Can you ice skate? Nope!
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? There’ve been so many over the years…my first bicycle. And this years gift will be a favorite for a long time.....
14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Being with my family and giving gifts…I much prefer to give gifts than to get them.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Mom’s Coconut cake.
16 What is your favorite holiday tradition? It's a tie...going to my Parents on Christmas Eve and our annual Williamsburg trip...which by the way begins today!
17. What tops your tree? The angel I made for my Grandmother several years ago…since her passing I will continue to use it every year!
18. What is your favourite holiday book? How funny is it that I'm a librarian (or I should say I'm an employee of the Public Library) and I don't have an answer to this question? I’m copying Carole’s answer…
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? I love so many…So let me start name a few—Little Drummer Boy, The Christmas Shoes and Mary Did You Know?
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yummy?Yum-Yum

Thanks for reading. Consider yourself TAGGED!


Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!! You only have 11 days till Christmas!!!!

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

What are you looking at??

More BlogFodder...


Beware...you all know my twisted sense of humor!

In surfing one of my favorite websites today--I found this picture:






How should this one be titled?

"What are you looking at?"

"Who's looking at Who?"

"Maybe they'll never find me here!"

or

"I know my cat toy is in here somewhere!"

Any better ideas out there...leave me a comment with your suggestions--This should be fun!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Monday, December 11, 2006

Elf Name????

2 weeks to go.....and here's my elf name??!!

Your Elf Name Is...

Ditzy Stocking Stuffer


Ditzy Stocking Stuffer...now if that doesn't fit I don't know what does!!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Friday, December 08, 2006

Dear Santa...

Dear Santa,

I've been a *pretty good* girl this year...hopefully you've read my blog and know pretty much what I've been up to!

I can list a lot of things I want but I think a picture might do the trick:


Pretty huh? I know beggars cant' be choosers but I would prefer the walnut finish (the picture is shown in clear finish)...I know, I know--I already have a spinning wheel but this one does something my wheel doesn't do....check this out--


It folds to 22" x 19"!!!!







Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!! (Santa...I could spin a lot faster with this one!)

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Tarot Reading

There seems to be a trend for today's blog reading...Cate, Susan, Sangeeta...and I'm sure there are others posted their - Tarot Reading...Here's mine:




You are The Star



Hope, expectation, Bright promises.



The Star is one of the great cards of faith, dreams realised



The Star is a card that looks to the future. It does not predict any immediate or powerful change, but it does predict hope and healing. This card suggests clarity of vision, spiritual insight. And, most importantly, that unexpected help will be coming, with water to quench your thirst, with a guiding light to the future. They might say you're a dreamer, but you're not the only one.



What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

So far I'm not *Matching* anyone else!



Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'---There's only 19 Days till Christmas!!

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Men....

MEN....No it's not what you think...I'm not *Man Bashing* here. I was beginning a post exclusively about my wonderful hubby...when I found this:



Pretty cool huh? I've tried to coax hubby into knitting but he said he'll stick to watching me...especially after my recent *Knitting Injury* which, by the way, is much better. My paraffin bath arrived today!

About my wonderful hubby...

He's started a new website; Appalachian Flutes. He's a VERY talented woodworker and after meeting Running Deer at Mudfest--I mean Fall Fiber Festival and chatting with him and other flute builders online he built his first one...then another and another...well I think you get the picture. He's hoping to sell enough to get him through retirement, that's why he's starting now to make sure it's a worthy venture. These flutes are so beautiful and *sing* so well, it's pretty amazing. The first one almost became kindling...but he kept working with it until the songs emerged! Please take a moment to look at his website and see the ones he's already finished.

Now...the reason I was on YouTube--I was looking for some video of Native American's playing flutes...and I found this character! All the way from Scotland!!



I just love the Scottish accent!!

When Running Deer was explaining how to play a Native American Flute he connected playing and the breathing as to how you would play a bagpipe!

Enjoy...and again, check out hubby's website and leave a comment if you would!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!!

Sunday, December 03, 2006

DONE!!!


Done--no, not with my knitting...though I am still knitting, just a little at a time. A row here and there...


This morning it looked like Christmas had thrown up at my house...I finally have it all in order! Before I show a few pictures, it occurred to me that when you start showing pictures of the inside of one's home...you reveal a lot about yourself! You all know I'm a sports nut and I hate housework---you'll soon see!
Since the children are all grown I stopped trekking out to the Christmas tree farm or tree lot to find the perfect tree...we used to have this wonderful farm where you could go to--a hay wagon would pick you up in the parking lot, you'd ride out into the farm singing carols (and laughing all the way--no pun intended--just a funny guy at the helm) you'd arrive at the barn where you are received with saws and all the things needed to find that perfect tree...then you trek out into the farm find your tree, saw it down pull it to the main trail where the *jolly wagon driver* would take you and your tree back to the barn...you'd have hot chocolate or hot cider, cookies you could purchase wreaths, bows and ornaments. They also offered homemade jellies and other canned goods...then they'd wrap your tree in netting--finish up with your purchases then they'd haul you back to the parking lot...it was a lot of fun---but this farm closed down years ago---too bad! I would inevitably end up with the *Griswald Tree*--in other words...HUGE and would have to cut it at the bottom and the top--nothing you could do about the 'fatness' of the tree. You'd just have to lean way over to look at the person sitting in the chair across the room! They just don't look that big in the great outdoors!



ANY WHOO--on with my tree story...about 3 years ago I decided to purchase a tree that would always fit in my small living room--yes, a fake one! My boys hate it...Julia has never said one way or another what her opinion is about it so I'm assuming she's okay with it as long as there is something under it for her come Christmas morning! I also have fake smell to go along with the fake tree...I have one of those cute little *tart burners* that I put my *balsam* smell in!


BUT---


The ornaments are for real!! I have so many that I can't place all of them on it...each year I collect an ornament and date it...I have all the ones the kids made in school...some are made for me and others I made. I personally don't like a tree overloaded with ornaments, maybe some do. The angel on top is one I made for my Granny...when she passed away Mom gave it back to me--no other topper will do any more! I pretty much try to alternate the ornaments each year so that I get use out of all of them. I can't get rid of any--especially the ones the kids made when they were little.


(Okay...now is the time for Mary & Kimberly to look away or you may throw up)

Some of my favorite ornaments--




There are just too many to display them all...


But I must show my Santa collection--





JH and I went to a Christmas Market Fair at a local High School yesterday...we spoke with a couple who owns an Alpaca Farm...VERY close by! I didn't even know about!!! Check out their website Enchanted Hill Alpacas--very nice people! Their yarns and fibers are so dreamy! You'll be proud of me though...I didn't buy any---yet!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!