Goodbye 2007...

It's really hard to do a "Year in Review". Just because "recent" memory is foremost in our thoughts. This year was not a terrible year but it had it's down/bad moments.

I think it would be best to to back and hit the high points of the year~~
**I joined Knitters Treat Exchange and was paired up with my new friend Terri from "Down Undah"
**At the Spring Spinners Retreat @ Hawks Nest I met and "forged" another blogger friendship. Her name? Robin! ("forged" if you're not a reader of her blog, I'll fill y'all in...her Hubby took a blacksmithing class while she took a spinning class at John C Campbell earlier this year)
**I enabled taught several new knitters...both young and old (boy, she'll kill me for that remark)
**Continually connected on a "cosmic level" with my buddy GourdonGirl...who I'll get to meet in person this summer!
**We took several camping trips and one big trip to AZ, where I was caught knitting at the game!
**I tried my "hands" at another hobby~~pun intended!! Which I found was great for some of the summer frustrations I experienced!
**Friends & Family made my birthday very special!
**Jenn sent me a great Football-a-long Swap package...I wish her all the luck for the coming year~~she's going to have a big one!
**In May DD and I joined Weight Watchers with success. Now, we're not finished yet, but so far she's lost 42 lbs and I've lost 25 lbs (and 3 pant sizes)...Christmas has been a landmine for me, I just know I've gained.
**There were 2 BIG things that happened this year~~Son #2 is getting married in 2009 and DSD blessed us with our first Grandson, Landon.
**Just this month Son #1 gave me a Christmas present I've wanted for 8 years...he completed his GED and has enrolled in College courses!! Now I have 3 kids in college!
Speaking of Son #1...he finally rid himself and the family of TGFH forever!

The year 2007 left a lot of sadness in the hearts of many close to us. I pray for the healing of those hearts. Peace & Happiness is never far away...

My Knitting count for the year goes as follows:
8 pairs of socks
2 stoles
4 charity items
2 vests
2 baby sweaters
1 calorimetry
1 baby blanket
1 felted flamingo
Wow...I feel like I've been knitting more than that this year!

I look forward to a bright and shiny 2008 with many joys and success for everyone. I appreciate all the new friendships I've made this year and look forward to getting to know you all better in the coming year.
Thanks for your friendship and all your inspirational knitting and kind words as I slowly work through my queue of projects. Which grows on a daily basis...I'll never get it all done~~Have you seen Anne's new pattern? She's going to be the death of me!
Thank you ALL for coming back to read my ramblings...being a friend in the time of need and keeping me laughing!!

Happy New Year Everybody!!!

Keep on Knittn' & Spinnin' in 2008!!

We Interupt Your Blog Reading For~

NEWS FLASH~~~
Knitters Are Reproducing By The Thousands...Maybe More!
Children of knitters everywhere are beginning to experience awkward symptoms~~Adult knitters are rejoicing in their success!
Don't be upset or deny the possibility~~Rejoice!! This CAN happen to YOUR kids!
Be on the lookout for these strange habits and be HAPPY for it:
*Fondling yarn
*Questioning knit patterns in store bought sweaters, saying "I can do that"!
*Feeling the gravitational pull to Yarn Shops EVERYWHERE
*Going brain-dead at a Fiber Festival or the sensation of panic & anxiety upon parking at such a Festival.
*Obsessively collecting yarns...yes, Sock Yarn counts!

My baby girl has picked up the needles again! She was taught 6 or 7 years ago and has finally decided it's "cool" to knit! What's next...blogging about it? I am a proud KnitMom!! Hey...what about a bumper sticker~~"Proud Parent of a Knitter"?

Beware actual Knitting Content follows~~

Speaking of Knitting, Yes I've been busy knitting since finishing up all my Christmas gifts. But first Sonya had been calling my name, she's been feeling VERY neglected as of late.

So the Eva Braun saga continues...if you are a new reader of my ramblings or need a refresher go HERE

Here are the first 2 skeins.
I love this fiber, I put it through 3 washings and left a small amount of "grease" in it. I can't begin to tell you how soft my hands are after I finish working with it...yet another bonus!
What will it all be when I'm done? I'm hearing whispers of a cabled cardigan...what do you think?
Feel like fondling fiber now huh?

Oh...about the knitting!


I'm up to my "arm-pits" in Kauni! This is as much fun as a cable pattern, I LOVE it...it's one of those projects you don't want to put down each new row the pattern is revealed!
Yesterday's road trip gave me about 3 hours of pure knitting time!

YARN P0RN & Accessories~~

I have so much to show and no time to do it all in this post, so I'm going to scatter items about in future posts.

My buddy from the "Homeland" GourdonGirl was VERY good to us this year!




Here's the "fiber content" of the package (be patient...I have other goodies to share from her package)
Pretty~Pretty Opal Neon...in my favorite colors of course! But then again I LOVE color!!



And...




From "Down Undah" my buddy Terri sent me a GREAT Aussie Knit magazine, which has lots of projects I've earmarked.

...and THESE adorable stitch markers! SO ME!! Huh?





I did "gift" myself this year...sometimes it's better that way! So I custom ordered from Scout these!

My very own UVA sockyarn and Dallas Cowboys!! Aren't they pretty!?!? (don't answer that Mary...BTW-I predict your team will win today)


Keep On Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Found It!!

I don't know how many of you have ever seen the Christmas program "Claymation Christmas" but it's one of Hubby's favorites. It's not shown on TV anymore, or at least I haven't seen it on in the past 15+ years! Anyway, I found it and bought it for Hubby for Christmas...then I got to thinking maybe I could find something on YouTube to share with you.

Tah-Dah!

One of my favorite songs...sung by camels in sneakers!



Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Beeeeeeee-eeeeee-eeeeep....

"This is a test of the Emergency Blog Network. I will conduct this test for the next thirty seconds or however long it takes you to read this post. This is only a test."
"If this had been an actual emergency, you would have been instructed where to tune in your area for news and official information".


Correction...

There is "Official News and Information"!!


Are you ready??


Are you sure???


Okay then...hang on to your hats!




I'm going to be a Grandma....again!!




Here's the proof:

It's a BOY!
I'm not sure which one of these cuties will be going home with the future Wedded Couple (DS & F-DiL)...but he will arrive on Jan 7th (this picture was taken 3 weeks ago)!
I've been asked to perform baby sitting duties...which I will gladly do so all the while spoiling him as much as I can.
Now Ace, on the other hand, is going to be P-Oed!!

Gotta start knitting him a sweater!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!!

Christmas Continues...

Hope everyone had a WONDERFUL Christmas, we had a great one...AND ours will not be over until late on Saturday when we travel to Richmond to visit with Landon and DSD's...he's growing so fast. We have made a commitment to visit at least once a month, I still feel like I'm missing out on so much....babies grow so fast!

I want to thank everyone who left me a "virtual" gift under my little tree. It really was so much fun to see what you all wished for me! Here's the tally:
2 Fruitcakes
3 Piles of cash
2 Pairs of Socks
4 Handknit Sweaters
1 Pet Rock
1 Laptop
2 Ipods
1 Cat Toy (This came from Ace...obviously FOR Ace)
1 Yarn Swift
1 "Hot" Nightie
3 Frappuccino's
1 Reenactment
1 Vacation
2 Golden Tickets
1 Skein of Lace Yarn
1 Spinning Book
1 Ball Winder
1 Chia Pet

THANKS GUYS!!! This was fun...

Everyone ready for a New Year to begin??

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

'Twas the Day/Night Before Christmas...

...and all through the house. Not a creature was stirring, not even....the cat!
I was going to "photoshop" this picture and put an ear at the other end!



Everyone celebrates Christmas in different ways, there are SO many traditions all over the world and I believe here in the USA we're just a melting pot of all those different celebrations. For me...Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Now, I'm not going to give you a Bible lesson, but I would like to share with you part of my favorite Christmas story (and a nativity scene at the end).

When Joseph and Mary got to Bethlehem, there was no place for them to stay because the inn was already full. They ended up spending the night in a stable, a place where animals were kept. There was probably fresh hay on the floor that they used for beds.
That night, some shepherds were in the fields near Bethlehem, keeping watch over their flocks of sheep. An angel appeared to them and gave them the good news that a Savior, the Messiah, had been born. The angel told the shepherds they could find Jesus lying in a manger. Suddenly a whole group of angels appeared saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
The shepherds hurried into Bethlehem and found Jesus in the manger, just as the angel had told them. After they had seen Jesus, they spread the news, and everyone who heard was in awe.
Some time later, wise men, or "Magi", from eastern countries saw a star in the sky that signaled the birth of a new king. They came to Judea, the region around Jerusalem and Bethlehem, to worship Jesus, the new king. The wise men followed the star until it was directly above the house where Jesus was. They found Mary and Jesus in the house and knelt down to worship Him. They brought Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, some of the finest things in the ancient world. Frankincense was burned to make a sweet smell, and myrrh was an expensive perfume.


Now....for my Nativity Scene:

Notice that the "Little Drummer Kitty" is Ace! Thanks Bubbleknits for the info...

Merry Christmas one and all...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Just in the "Nick" of Time!

Christmas knitting....DONE!!





You all know about his pair of Fetching,
but yesterday I was able to finish up 2 more pair to complete my "gift knitting" for the year!




Fetching pair #2!





Fetching pair #3!!

I didn't "model" these...I realized I have very "old" looking hands! Geez, not even my hands are "model material"! One thing I am proud of is the fact I have my Granny's hands both in appearance and talent.







While playing around with the camera yesterday...I took these shots. Sort of sums up my feelings last week!

Anyone want to "name" them? I just thought they were pretty cool...




Happy Eve of the Eve!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Merry Eve of the Eve of Christmas Eve...

While visiting Terri's blog she posted this MeMe; It's the Ornament Tag - so tag, you're it!!
Here are the rules:

1. Take a picture of your favorite ornament and put it on your blog telling everyone about it.

2. Post a link to the person on whose blog you found out about the Ornament Tag.

3. Post the rules.



This was such a hard decision, I have SO many favorites on my tree. As I'm sure you already know from reading my blog...I collect an ornament (or two) a year, something that will remind me of "That" Christmas. So, to choose between the ones representing the birth of my children, the ones the kids made in school, a vacation, my favorite sports team or my Scottish heritage was VERY hard!
What does this one represent to me?
This ornament was the first ornament Hubby and I chose for our first Christmas dating. I know exactly where we were, what we were feeling and the future we both saw together. After all it was "Love at first sight" for us! Each year I unpack it all those memories rush back as though I was in a time warp. Okay...so I'm sappy!

I'd love to see your ornaments...please comment to let me know if you are going to play along!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Four Letter Words...

(sorry no pics, hubby had the camera today)

Fa-la-la-la-la--la-la-la-la!

'Tis the season....traffics been crazy today! I bet you are wondering what this post title is all about?!

Well,

Rain is a four letter word

and so is....

SNOW!! We woke up to snow this morning, it was only about a half inch but enough to lift my spirits! That and the fact I took the day off.
I didn't need to get up early but at 5am I new something was different, sprung out of the bed and looked outside...too early to see Santa, but the blanket of white that was outside was FABULOUS!! Made my pot of coffee, turned on the Christmas tree and enjoyed the peace and quiet...that is until the stupid snow plow charged up the street....for pete's sake it's only a dusting, is that really necessary? The kids only had a half day of school, would it have been so terrible to close them?? Any other time you would have closed school. There would have been no "learnin" going on anyway, only parties! Jeez! Okay, I'll stop complaining...

Love me some snow!!!

Fetchings #2 finished....#3 on the needles!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Thanks and a MeMe!!

Thanks for all the kind words and heartfelt sympathies for my neighbor Adele. You guys have been so comforting to me...BTW, I'm going to finish the hat and find someone to give it to!
Adele will be sorely missed by MANY! There was a WONDERFUL article in today's paper about her....please read THIS.



A Christmas Meme

I got tagged by Becky to do this Christmas meme, so here goes:

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?--Both, it really depends on the shape and size of the gift.

2. Real or artificial tree? - Artificial. I've been chastised by the boys for "going fake"...when they were home we would go out to the local tree farm and find the "perfect" tree, but since the kids have all grown up I've gone "fake"! I even have fake smell to go with the fake tree!!

3. When do you put up your tree? - A week or two after Thanksgiving.


4. When do you take the tree down? January 2nd...isn't it bad luck to take it down before then?

5. Do you like eggnog? Yes...preferably "juiced"!!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? - My first bicycle...the future cause of many visits to the bathroom (Dad Surgery) and/or emergency room for the "burning red stuff" or worse!

7. Do you have a nativity scene? - Yes, a Kitty Cat one.

8. Worst Christmas gift you've ever received? - Anything my Aunt (by marriage) gave me. It was either too big, too small, pieces missing or from a yard sale....no lie!! When my brother was 16 months old he received a FULL size football uniform, helmet and all!

9. Mail or e-mail Christmas cards? - Both....I love giving and receiving cards!

10. Favorite Christmas movie? - It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol--the George C. Scott version, A Christmas Story, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Emmett Otter's Jug Band Christmas and The Homecoming.

11. When do you start shopping for Christmas? - It varies. Usually about mid year I'll start my Christmas knitting.

12. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? - Food....Food....and....more Food!! Rum cake, bourbon balls, "juiced" eggnog...see a common theme here?

13. Clear or colored lights on the tree? - A combination of Clear & blue.

14. Favorite Christmas song? - The River and Wintersong by Sarah Mclachlan...Silent Night, O Holy Night and Little Drummer Boy...oh yeah~ and Mary Did You Know.

So now I have to tag 3 people - and leave them comments to let them know they've been tagged.. I tag the following:

I've seen this all over BlogLand...so anyone who feels froggy....JUMP!!



Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Remembrance...

Why is it the week before Christmas is so difficult? Just when you think you've got all your ducks in a row...this has been a REALLY crappy week for me.

I want to share with you something, and I hope we can all learn from it, I know I have. I write this with tear filled eyes...

I know a couple of you out there who knows exactly what I'm saying~~~You know there are people you immediately connect with...those who maybe you've never met (yet) but through emails and an occasional phone conversation you feel as though you've known each other forever! Or, in this case, one of those neighbors who touched your heart from the moment they moved into the neighborhood.

I've lived in my house just over 22 years, so many of my neighbors are those "long term" neighbors, in other words we've known each other for years and years. They've watched my kids grow up, especially DD. Now, we don't have "block parties" or any sort of neighborhood get togethers but we do stop to "chat over the fence" so to speak.

I lost one of those dear neighbors yesterday...

You know, sometimes...you just have that feeling? On my walk yesterday, I walked by her house...feeling heavy hearted. I wanted to stop...I wanted to knock on her door, just to say hello and can I do anything for ya? I had a feeling something wasn't right.

We often either began our evening walks chatting or ended our walks chatting, she had a bum knee and I walk a little to fast for her. Back in the Spring she battled cancer and won, only to have it return in August. She had a VERY positive outlook but knew the chemo was going to do it's thing to her body. I started a chemo cap for her...I just didn't get it finished~~I'm heartbroken...should I finish it? I just don't know...

Because of her positive attitude I thought for sure she would beat it again.

She and her hubby had no two legged children, only fur-babies. Their beloved dachshunds...Max passed away last year but Maggie is a young pup who is going to miss her greatly, as we all will. I'm very saddened by this news...it's hit me harder than I thought it would. My regret is that I never "knocked" on her door...

If you give to Charity during the Holiday Season and you just haven't chosen your charity yet...please think about giving to one of Adele's favorite Charities in her honor...

St. Francis of Assisi Service Dogs, the American Cancer Society or to Good Samaritan Hospice

Adele A. Zmarzly

You're going to be missed...A LOT!

WWCS Topic of the Week

Last weeks topic, we wanted to know what is your favorite activity during the "Wintery" months. Please post what would be the perfect vacation during the Winter Season? Would rather you head to the beach, to escape all the cold weather or want to pack your ski's and head to the mountains. You tell us what vacation you prefer during the Winter Season.
The "Perfect" winter vacation....
Hubby knows that I've ALWAYS wanted to spend Christmas at a ski resort, I've got the family thinking about it too. Now if I could just get them to ACT!!
Since you know how much I LOVE the snow, I'd much rather spend Christmas in the cold snow than on a beach! Wouldn't it be cool to sit in a hot tub with snow all around?!?! I think so...

Who's Counting??

Have you noticed...only 9 days till Christmas!!



As promised I have some FO's to show and some I can't show...yet!
These are the "BigFoot" socks I thought I'd never finish, and like always I struggle through the first sock and blast through the second. Yeah, I'm backwards!








These are the first of two pair of Fetchings for DSD's.
Boy, what a quick knit!

I'm beginning to hear Kauni call my name...and Sonya is feeling very neglected these days.

About the weather...no ice storm, thank God! But the winds today have been wicked, I can only imagine what today would have been like if we'd had the ice.

Wisconsin-Whitewater did it...they beat Mount Union in the Stagg Bowl yesterday, I'm still glad to have watched from the comfort of my living room! We were able to enjoy the fireworks after the game from our living room! Go Warhawks!! I think of the 15 years Salem has hosted the Stagg Bowl, Mount Union has won 13 of those...I believe someone needs to move to another division!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Ahem.....

Dear Weatherman,
I don't think you read my post clearly...I said I LOVE SNOW!! Please take back the "icestorm" forecast and bring on the snow!! Oh...and please IF you're going to bring us a 1/2 inch of ice call off the high winds you are forecasting for Sunday!

I truly hope you have your forecast wrong....

We were supposed to attend "The Stagg Bowl" today, personally I'm not going to go out and sit in the freezing rain to watch a game I can watch from the comfort of my couch...the only problem is...I don't have the atmosphere of the crowd here! BTW~Bobbi, because the same 2 teams always are here for this game I want you to know I've always pulled for UW-Whitewater!!

Sincerely,
Crazy Knittin' Chic

FO pictures to come...yeah baby, I'm working my way through the list! Hubby and I did our Marathon Shopping" yesterday and finished all but 2 items!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

My Favorite Things....

Okay, go ahead and hit me....
So I wasn't a big fan of "Sound of Music" until I became an adult (Hubby adores this movie)...keep in mind I grew up a tomboy and didn't watch musicals...
BUT~I think I've redeemed myself over the years, I HAVE watched some musicals and "chick flicks" and actually enjoyed them!

While thinking about writing this post, the title of this song came to mind. Go ahead and hum to yourself...sing if you'd wish, I'd like to tell you about a few of~~
"My Favorite Things"!

This all began with my daily walk...
I love the city I live in, there is such a sense of community here. I am a native, born and raised right here 40+ years.
Along the skyline of Main Street you'll notice the Church steeples. At the stroke of the noon and 5 o'clock each day the chimes begin...but at this time of year for about 10 minutes you hear Christmas hymns in those wonderful bells~~O Little Town Of Bethlehem~~O Holy Night~~Silent Night.

I love Christmas music.

I love this time of year...I love giving gifts, baking goodies, decorating and driving around looking at all the lights.


I love my Christmas tree, each year I've collected an ornament or two and dated them plus the ones the kids made in school. After 26 years I have so many I can't use them all at the same time, I don't think the wire branches would hold up, so I rotate each year...but I don't miss the opportunity while decorating to hold each one and remember what time in my life it represents.

I love getting together with friends that you may not get to see very much during the year.

I love sending and receiving Christmas cards. Believe it or not, I've saved ALL of the ones I've received...yes, I'm a pack rat!

I love the spirit the Holiday Season invokes...smiling and wishing complete strangers a Merry Christmas!

I LOVE my family!!

Now, the thing I don't love about Christmas is how much I miss my Granny. So much so that I was in the store on Monday, this lady turned around and I thought it was her! This is our 2nd Christmas without her and it doesn't get any easier. She loved the Holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter) and always had a huge gathering at her house. My Mom does a lot to continue the traditions but there's an empty spot at the table.
Granny's now an Angel in Heaven...she earned her wings long, long ago...singing all her favorite Christmas hymns!

I know these thoughts don't "match" the words of the lyrics...it's the hidden meanings.

These lyrics mean so much more to me now. And I'm sure if you think about each line you'll find a favorite thing too...

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things

When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad

Rodgers & Hammerstein

What are your favorite things?

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

WWCS Topic of the Week

For many people, Winter is a time of cold weather and snow - and many fun outdoor activities that can only be enjoyed during those times! What's YOUR favorite activity in Winter, and is it even outdoors??

This is going to sound crazy to begin with...the weather here is being weird!

Part of the reason I love living in Virginia is the fact we have a pretty equal change of the seasons...some may go on longer than others, but for the most part we get a taste of it all. When I'm asked what season I like the best, it's very hard to say but usually it's the season currently being experienced, more so if you are asking at the beginning of that season.
Oh...I guess I'm supposed to be answering this topic question...sorry, got carried away.
I LOVE Winter...I LOVE snow, the peacefulness that it brings...I can tell if it's snowed overnight without looking out the window, there's just a certain "quietness" that arrives with it.
I LOVE walking in the snow...playing in the snow like a child and sledding...and a good snowball fight is always a highlight!
I LOVE the snow ice cream my Mom used to make us when we were kids.
There are those people who hate snow...cause they can't go somewhere! For me, that's a plus, I often wish all the snowplows & salt trucks would break down...hey, they don't always use them up in the snowier climates, or so I'm told! Logic tells me that if you get a good pack of snow down you do less slipping and sliding...but then again I guess you need to know HOW to drive in the wintry conditions! Sorry, another pet peeve of mine...maybe they should offer weather driving courses at the Community College? I guess you are wondering what makes me an expert...I'm no expert but I have had a lot of "driving" experience, remember I come from a "driving" family! I've driven myself out of a lot of situations and feel that I'm a pretty darn good driver. Sorry....I keep getting off subject here.
Where was I....oh yeah, feeling the need to go somewhere, our world today is always go-go-go. Why not allow yourself to slow down and enjoy life for a day or two, that's as long as our snows last around here. Go out and throw a snowball...take a walk in the snow...experience the peace the snow brings! Be a kid again...
Oh, and if I'm indoors...I KNIT or SPIN in front of the picture window so I can enjoy the snow!

Hey...did I tell you I LOVE SNOW??

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Whaaaa?

What tha.....where did the weekend go?? They fly by too fast these days, lets face it the days are flying by. Do you realize that Christmas Eve is 2 weeks from today? My needles are on fire!

As for the "Knitting Content" of this blog, I guess I'm one of those who forgets to shoot the "progress" of my knitting...so here goes:


No I'm NOT knitting socks for BigFoot...well, actually I am. My big footed brother will be getting these! And again, I've suffered through the first sock and I've gone gangbusters on the second one this is how much I accomplished since Saturday...for some that's nothing but it's a BIG thing for me!
The pattern is from Nancy Bush's "Knitting Vintage Socks" Gentleman's Fancy Sock...a fast pattern to knit.

I've cast on for the first of two pairs of Fetchings, and if time allows I may throw in another Calorimetry for good measure!

Oh...yesterday I was enjoying my cup of coffee and on the old 'puter. I thought that the "Grinch" has visited my blog...my packages were all gone! I tried and tried to get the page to load...no packages!! I liked seeing those packages drop in each time I loaded my blog. So, we left for a get together with friends...when we arrived back home I checked and they were back...whew! Thanks for all the kindness you have left for me.

Oh...go on over to IndigoMuse and give her some KnitBlogger Love, she's lost a dear member of her family. "T"...I'm thinkin' about ya!!

My WWCS package is in the mail!! I know we have until the end of the month to get our packages out but I really wanted my upstream pal to enjoy her package before Christmas! I really enjoyed putting this package together!

What The Holidays Mean to You

For you, the holidays are a very spiritual time. You have as much holiday fun as everyone else - but you never forget what you're celebrating. You celebrate the holidays in a offbeat style. You believe the holidays are for doing whatever you feel like - and some of your "traditions" are pretty wacky. During the holidays, you like to feel cozy and comfortable. You're happy to stay inside with a roaring fire and a warm drink. You think the holidays should be decadent and indulgent. You never mind gaining a few holiday pounds... it's worth it! Your favorite holiday memories strongly evoke your senses. You are vividly aware of all the tastes, smells, and sounds of the holidays.

What Do the Holidays Mean to You?

Are you ready for the BIG day? I'm not...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!!

Ahhhh~~Go ElfYourself!!

So, I go to my email this morning to find an email from my "precious and loving" son!

I hope you all enjoy....


THIS!!

I must admit, I laughed till I cried when I saw it!
From left to right; Hubby, DD, Me & Niece Maggie


The question is...Why didn't he put himself in the picture??


Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Coffee Swap Topic of the Week

I want you to make coffee talk with someone new either by blog post or email where available that you don't know and make a post on your blog about what you have learned about someone else other than your secret pal or the friends you already know. You can talk about projects they are working on, coffee they like to drink or this Wintery Season in your part of the world right now. Some of my best blogging friends I have gotten to know, were from just going down the roll and checking out blogs and leaving comment on their post. So, that is it. Go, fix you a hot cup of coffee and find you someone to chat with.

Things have been crazy here at "The Knittin Coop"...knitting like a crazy chick, so I'm late in getting this post up!
Because Ravelry and the new Knitty has sucked me into the "pattern search" I've spent time in "The Vortex"! Like I NEED more projects to queue!

I visited Alana first, and was immediately drawn because of her profile picture...she has 2 boxers. My "four-legged" nephew is a boxer, Hank...they have such sweet faces and an equally sweet personality.
Then I scrolled down the list and found a name I really liked...Maggii, the name of my favoriteonly niece! She's made me what to go bake some Pumpkin Bread!

Excuse me...I think I need to step over the the coffee shop, their new Christmas Blends are out and I've suddenly gotten the NEED for a "Cup of Joe"!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Happiness is....

The first snow of the season!! Thank you Alberta Clipper...

and

The new issue of Knitty...CHOCK FULL of new projects to queue! Oh my....

Keep On Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Christmas Knitting Progress!!

I'm feeling the weight lift...
I know, I know, It's only pressure I put on myself but I truly enjoy making and giving gifts to my family & friends. Last year Mom got the sweater well, Chase did too but that's because I got a REALLY early start on my knitting.
This year it's Dad's turn. This pattern is fun to knit but next time maybe for a smaller person! Dad's a size 52...I believe I stated before that I felt like I was knitting and knitting...while getting no where! Well, I got somewhere!! Finished!!!! I still need to block it...the pattern wants to accordion.
When choosing the pattern I wanted something Aran and "Santa-ish"...what do you think? (Note: it's my turtleneck, I don't think my Dad is much of a T-neck wearer)
Specs:
Cheltenham Sweater Vest by Michelle Wyman
Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool nearly 2 skeins

While we are on the subject of "Dad" or this time of year I should say Santa!



This picture was taken a month ago...can you believe it? When I was a kid Santa arrived the weekend following Thanksgiving.
He was "THE" Santa that arrived at the mall...what a scene it was! They hired a white carriage drawn by 2 snow white horses to bring him amongst the throngs of adoring fans...a snow machine was going, it was quite a scene! He was totally swarmed. I told Hubby afterwards it was like a Rock Star arriving at the venue! He was glowing...Dad~I mean Santa really loves this job! If you happen to visit Valley View Mall this Christmas season, say "Hello"! (There are 2 Santa's this year that have real beards...but SantaDad has dyed his hair snow white this year!)

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Grrrr~Hiss

Hi, Ace here and I must rant! Mom's busy and she's left her laptop "available".

Yesterday started out pretty good for this 'Ole Cat but it went down hill fast, first she got out the "big red monster", you know that thing that makes a lot of noise~I hate that thing, I think she hit every inch of the house, she even found my hiding place. When all the noise finally settled down I made my way out~~
It looks like Christmas has thrown up here! And she gets mad at me when I leave her little presents!
What is it about humans bringing a tree into the house every year? I must admit I like the fact that Mom places ornaments at the bottom of the tree I CAN play with, she just wishes I had thumbs so I could replace them when I'm through, I wouldn't even do it if I was able! Humpf! (nose in the air)
Now you may ask how it is I can type...I go by instinct hunt & peck!

I decided to retire to the warmth and safety of my grungy bed...uhhh~~where the heck did it go? No warmy thing...and no bed! Have I been evicted? I've been good, I'm on Santa's "Nice" list (I think) So, I decided to make sure my food bowl was still around, yep~it's still here~~had a little snack. I nose around to see where Dad was at...he's down in the shop, I can't go to him for sympathy. I return to the living room only to find my bed and the warmy thing, but something is wrong...the bed smells different...it~~it smells.....clean! Ewwww!!
To show my protest I will NOT get in it, even if it is all nice and toasty warm...nope I'm not going to get in it! So I try every other spot in the house I can find, Mom & Dad's bed~~no, because here she comes with clothes to fold; in Dad's chair~~no, cause he has "stuff" in it; on the back of the couch~~no, 'cause Mom fusses at me for making her back hurt; in the other bed Mom made me...well, it doesn't "fit" anymore, Do they have Kitty Weight Watchers? Mom & Sis seem to enjoy it.


So I go HERE~






Where I felt a little like "Goldilocks" too deep, too hard and NOT warm!

What is a kitty to do?



Well...

I gave in...




Why was I fighting it? I'll have it "hairy and smelly" again real soon!









Mmmmmmmm


Gotta go...Mom's coming back!

Meow!

I Have Proof~~

...that I HAVE been knitting



KUTO knitting complete!

Don't laugh...these are my first mittens, certainly not my last either. Mittens=instant gratification!
I used 2 different patterns to get used to the process, I think the next pair I'll merge the two. There were shaping differences that I preferred one over another.

The mittens are finished and ready for mailing tomorrow, just under the wire...maybe I have time to make another pair?!





One other bit of news proof...
Today I received "The Letter"~~you know the one that proves sanity!
The first line reads:
Dear Mrs. Ferguson:
We are pleased to inform you that the results of you r recent breast imaging examination are NORMAL. Now I can prove to the kids there's nothing wrong with me...I'm NORMAL!! Of course, DD laughed immediately...

Now...onto Christmas knitting!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

WWCS Topic and WIP Progress

What is the ideal setting for enjoying the perfect cup of coffee? Who would be there - or would you be alone? Inside or out? Morning or night? With food or just the steaming cup of joe?

Boy, this is a loaded question! Okay...so here goes~~I really prefer to have my first "Cup of Joe" by myself, wrapped up on the couch or if we are camping by the campfire...most people don't want to be around me until I've had that first couple of sips, so being alone is best! I can't even begin to think about eating anything until I've had my coffee. I only drink coffee first thing in the morning, because I only drink what my Dad refers to "Leaded" or regular coffee so drinking coffee at night is not good if I want to sleep. I do enjoy a cup of herbal tea or hot cocoa at night, that sends me right off to dreamland!






Now for the "Knitting Content" of this Knitting Blog. I made great progress on the 'never-ending' sweater vest for my Dad! Yippeeee! I'm almost done...
The mittens for KUTO are almost complete, I have until Friday to complete the last one~~I think I can do it...no, I KNOW I can do it!
Next on my list are a few Christmas presents, I'm thinking about Fetching for both my step-daughters...they're quick knits, right?

Better go get busy!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Home...

...is always good to come home!

or is it? This is what we woke up to each morning!

I'd been wanting to show everyone a picture of exactly where we were...I'm sure you don't believe me when I say it's an island...but it really is! So, without invading his privacy by linking to the actual map site, this image was "borrowed and created"

...if I'm caught will someone come get me out of jail? I can't fly up and take the picture myself!
It was created by Hubby's father & grandfather back in 1948, where once there stood only a wooden dock they had the idea to use these~~

to create what stands today. Yes, it's an oyster shell island...when you operate an oyster house what do you do with the oyster shells?
It has weathered many a storm and in 1954 Hurricane Hazel wiped out the main oyster house, where it stood in ruin until about 8 years ago when BIL decided to rebuild. Being 3rd generation oysterman he moved the business to the island only to have Hurricane Isabel destroy his dream in 2003...oh, not the building~~he built it to last...the business didn't survive. Just like farmers all over America who are abandoning family business because they can't make it, he decided to give up on the oyster business.
After a lot of time and money BIL now owns this island (the battle still rages through the ire of one disgrundled jerk so called neighbor (I could say much worse about this fella)...but as you can tell BIL is like a pitbull, once he bites on to something he won't let go until he wins! I'm glad because we have such a great time when we visit him! He loves his home...

We had a wonderful time, we caught no fish but came home with some...thanks to BIL!
He also sent us home with some of these~~
Monster Oysters! These are his own crop...amazing huh? You can't buy oysters this size! Though he no longer continues with the family business he still maintains his own crop!

Other BIL is doing WONDERFUL since his surgery...he kept us in stitches the entire time we were there. It's so good to see him "back"!

MIL is heading back to FL on Tuesday...I believe the "guys" will be happy to have the bachelor pad back! She had a really good time and was very surprised to see how much weight DD and I have lost. I just hope that I didn't ruin things while away...weigh in is tomorrow night! I think she really liked her flamingo!

I accomplished lots of knitting, since the fish weren't biting, and have pictures to show as soon as I take time to off-load them from the camera.

We watched lots of football~~~My Cowboys won (YeeHaa!)...and yesterday my Cavaliers lost.

On the way home we visited with DSD, SIL and little Landon...

looks like Santa arrived early?! He's grown so much, alert to his surroundings and smiling at everything. Our visit was too short but at least we did get the opportunity to see him!

I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving...and for those who braved Black Friday~~more power to ya! I saw some pretty good fights and tramplings on the news reports! Personally...I DON'T DO BLACK FRIDAY!!


There's a contest you need to check out...and be sure and let Chan know you saw it here!
Knit Tea
and
Enter GrammieKnits 300th post contest! Tell her I sent you!

I promise...knitting content in the next post!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

We're off early in the morning to Eastern Virginia...I wanted to wish you all a VERY Happy Thanksgiving tonight. If you are traveling please be safe, don't eat turkey and drive...that tryptophan can kick in at the "wrong" time! My step-daughter fell asleep at the wheel several years ago and wrecked her car.


This icon holds some truth for us...Because we are going to the coast our menu will consist of the "bounty of the waters of Virginia" but bad news for the turkey...that's on the menu too!
My pies are in the oven...thanks to Carole for some recipes, I know they will be a hit!
I'm taking a bottle of wine for MIL~~I have a plan...(hee-hee)! So it's off to "The Island" for a short Holiday vacation.

Lots of football to watch (I'm just one of the guys)----My Cowboys play tomorrow!
The BIG in-state rivalry happens this Saturday----GO WAHOOS~~beat those Hokies!! I'll get to see my BIL who's recovering from open heart surgery...do some fishing and I'll see Little Landon!!


Again...Happy Thanksgiving...be safe!
I will be out of computer range so I'll catch up with everyone on Saturday!

Of course, you don't even need to ask...my knitting has been packed!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!!

WWCS Topic of the Week

The Thursday upcoming is Thanksgiving in the U.S., so let's all - American and not alike! - just share a post with what it is we're thankful for. A wonderful thing to do any time of year, I thought it'd be a nice thing to share for this week with the group!

I'm so thankful for my life...my husband, my kids and my family! In a reflective moment today while watching the news about Queen Elizabeth & Prince Phillips Diamond Anniversary I realized I'm not going to have that. Hubby and I are still pretty much newly weds having just celebrated our 5th Anniversary (and not getting any younger), so we have to make every moment worth the life we have left together. I'm thankful for my kids and the promising lives they have ahead of them, I'm enjoying seeing them grow towards having families of their own. Remember middle son was engaged this summer...no pressure!
For those who know me well, know that my early years had been a struggle...being a basically a single mom making so many sacrifices for the sake of my kids.
When I met Hubby my life came full circle...
That's what I'm SO thankful for!!


Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

I'm still here...

Well, I've joined another KAL...but this one is not all about me. In the spirit of Thanksgiving this is all to benefit charity, want to join me~~check out KUTO.
My first pair of mittens with another pair on the needles. If I'd known they were this quick and easy I'd made mittens a long time ago! The thumbs look a little funky, but once they are on it's okay. The second pair are on the needles.
This will also tell you that most of my weekend was spent on the couch with the heating pad on my stomach...yep, I took Ace's bed warmer~~Don't worry he has it back now! One day of feeling bad...lots of knitting gets done! My question is~~when will this "curse" leave me?! Every indication that things are beginning to change yet~every month it arrives again! (ToMuchInfo?)





Look what I found in my garden today! This is my heirloom climbing rose that has been through ALOT! She has a little blackspot but otherwise still blooming...in November! It's always nice to find a smiling face amongst the falling leaves.

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

FO Alert!!

Okay...it's done! What do you think?

I'm still trying to find a pair of sunglasses for it, you know it'll need it when it gets to Florida!

Did you know that in Florida it's not a veranda, patio, sundeck/deck, porch or balcony...it's called a 'lanai'? Here in SW Virginia it's a deck! Anyway, I'm sure it'll be living on the lanai when it gets home...MIL has it decorated really nice. I know it may seem funny to make such a gift for my MIL but she's so hard to find or make a gift for. I can't make a sweater, shawl, scarf, mittens, socks or felted purse-already made her one of these...because of the FL weather. So knowing she likes unusual-crafty things when I saw the pattern I figured it would be fun to make. I wasn't wrong, these Fiber Trend patterns are so much fun to make, now I just need to bring my "sheepy" out of the bottom of the basket and finish it!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Catching up...

I'm not sure everyone was aware of the fact that Sunday was International Pajama Day, I didn't find out until I read Krafty's post last week...so I gladly observed the day of relaxation! Hey...who needs to be told NOT to get out of your PJ's?! What would I have done if company popped in? Ask them what they are doing dressed!

These are my PJ bottoms, yes...my legs are propped up and I'm knitting, while watching football, of course!

The Flamingo is ready to go for a swim! I'll post pics soon!! I have some progress to report on Dad's Vest (yipee) the back is complete, I hope the front goes faster!?

Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap~~Topic of the Week:
As the cold of winter approaches, do you change the projects you work on? Do you work on gifts for others or do you continue working on projects for yourself?

I knit year round, during the warmer months I may use lighter fibers but I really don't change what I'm making. There's always a pair of socks on the needles.
I DO makes lots of gifts...so much so that last year I got tendinitis in my hands! This year I'm concentrating on a couple of major knitting gifts and changing up with some other "crafty" ideas! I do have a couple things in the works for myself but really only work on Kauni when I'm totally bored...with Dad's vest for instance! The changing colors keep me plugging right along where Dad's vest is so monotonous.

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Veteran's Day 2007

Let us remember and honor those who have fought for our freedoms...

Past...Present...and Future.

And remember the families left behind, as another Holiday season arrives.

(This prize winning photo was taken by Hubby a couple years ago.)



Heroes
By Jared Jenkins

In war, there are lives risked and lives taken

Men and women giving their best to defend what they love

They defend their country

Their honor

Their people



Some call them soldiers

Others call them heroes



Our veterans have risked their lives for us

They have lived through hell and fought with honor

Many have killed

And regret doing so



For every life, there is a soul

For every soul, there is a life

For those who have died, we show great appreciation and remembrance

For those who live, along with them live the horrific memories of battle

Some, memories of defeat

Some, memories of victory



Our veterans were more than soldiers

They were, and still are heroes

Warmth...

What keeps you warm on a chilly day?

This is just a sampling of my favs...

I've made Mr. Ace a very happy cat today, in his "advanced age" he's having a hard time adjusting to the cooler temps. Rest assured there are no "Furnace Wars" (it begins on 10/29) happening here...as I showed you before he's buried deep in his winter bed well, little does he know it but today I put the heating pad under his bed on low heat. He hasn't left his bed in 4 hours, don't worry I know he's still breathing~~cause he's snoring!

Bad news arrived in the mail today...every year Explore Park sends us a certificate for our volunteer hours, this year it arrived accompanied by a "The Letter" giving us the news in black and white..."November 30, 2008 Explore Park will cease operation" they will be waiting until June 30, 2008 to find out what Mr. VanderMaten plans to do with the park. I know you all are tired of hearing me whine about this, don't worry...in the words of Forrest Gump~~"That's all I got to say about that!"

This is my 333rd post, but if you are looking for the 333rd post contest you need to go HERE...Cass is a riot!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin"!!!!

Look...

Check it out....from "Down Undah"!!

Don't you just love these colors? The colorway is named "Moses Fire", very appropriate for Autumn! My buddy Terri sent it to me from Australia!

Sorry the picture is so blurry, it's been a very blustery day! I wanted to get a shot next the my neighbors sugar maple but I opted for my Dogwood! Isn't it beautiful?! I wish you could feel this...it's a Merino/Cashmere blend that so squishy soft, it came from The Knittery. I've gotta plan real careful what I'm going to make with it! I'm thinking scarf...any suggestions?

Thanks Terri!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap~~Question #1

When did you first start drinking coffee? What age were you? Was it about the caffeine, or do you love the taste and smell? Tell us how your passion began!

I don't remember when I first started drinking coffee on a regular basis, I know I was very young, but I do remember WHO gave me my first taste...My Granny & Granddaddy! I was intrigued by my Granddaddy's method of drinking coffee. He had his favorite mug (which I now own but never use for fear of breaking it) and a saucer, the coffee was "cooked" on the stove, which we all know is taboo these days, so it came off boiling hot. He would fill the saucer with coffee from his mug then proceed to finish breakfast as it was cooling (the question here is~why get it so darn hot?), here's the funny and puzzling part, he would push his chair back a little, lean over and slurp the coffee much like the "coffee tasters" of today do. As kids we were simply befuddled as to WHY he drank his coffee this way...but he did all his life. You'll be happy to know that I do not drink my coffee in this fashion!!
I've always loved the taste of coffee and I've become somewhat of a coffee snob, I prefer to grind my own beans for the freshest cup of coffee I can get. I prefer 1/2 & 1/2 and will use milk in a pinch but I hate powdered creamers especially the "flavored" ones...yick! If coffee is going to have flavor I prefer it be the bean. I DO enjoy the caffeine benefits and everyone knows when I haven't had my morning fix. This is why I get up before anyone so I can have my time to enjoy that benefit of my morning "Cup of Joe"...so as to not growl at or bite any one's head off...keeping peace in the house! I have my favorite morning mug that's large enough to get both hands around.
We have a very nice coffee house across the street from the library...very convenient...and normally in the afternoon when I leave they are roasting which entices the senses! There are some who think their brew is too strong (my Dad calls it "burnt coffee" he hates it)~~I'm NOT one of those...I love it! I'm working on trying tea more often too...but I'll NEVER give up my coffee.

Again??

Monday again?? Have I told you lately how much I hate Mondays?

Since I was in serious need of some down-time/quiet time/alone time (whatever you want to call it...too many emotions spent last week) this weekend, I hurried through the cleaning early on Saturday morning so all I had left to do was knit...read and/or listen to an audiobook...and watch football!
I listened (and finished) to "The Choice" by Nicholas Sparks...I ended up crying at the end, he usually makes me cry...but it reminded me of THIS story.
On the football front~~UVA pulled out another close win against Wake Forest and my Cowboys defeated their rival Philadelphia Eagles! YooHoo!

So...what was I working on while participating in the above activities...knitting of course!!
Kauni~~

A nice change in knitting...


Dad's Vest~~

Which....I don't feel like I'm ever going to get anywhere with it. I knit and knit and knit...measure and still have 5 inches left to go! ...and this is just the back!


MIL's gift~~

I guess you can now figure out what it's going to be?! I had to change the pattern some though. They had the bill in all black, and MIL would remind me of the fact that they have black at the "tip" of their bill so I went ahead and made the changes!

Honeybees Stole~~



Bro's Socks~~
No pic to share right now...

Yes, I'm a multi-tasker!!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Side note: BIL is being released from the hospital today...can you believe it? Five days post surgery and he's out! They had him up just hours after the surgery to walk, last report was that he was getting up to walk the halls...and had all the nurses in stitches~~Yep...my BIL is 150%!!