Mom's a Zombie!

I'm truly floored at the numbers of comments I've gotten with my Blogiversary contest, you only have a couple more days to get in.

There's another contest you need to check out, be sure and tell her that you saw it here!

I'm wore out...yesterday was a MONDAY from the moment I realized my alarm didn't go off...I was late to work...the day only got worse, Hubby is one of 5, my BIL had a heart attack yesterday, we're waiting on the surgery to be scheduled so we, of course, know when to be in Richmond. DD was up all night sick...so I'm a zombie, and Halloween isn't until tomorrow!

More later...gotta get some zzzzzz's!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin' !!!

Weekend Update...

I wish I could load music for this post...it would be the music from SNL's Weekend Report with Chevy Chase or Jane Curtain...

As you know we had a very busy, event filled weekend. DD had a very good birthday, which concluded today with a family cookout and a "friendly" game of football...of course, by Maggie rules! I have to say I think I've thrown out my shoulder, I've taken Advil and put some IcyHot on it...cause tomorrow it's gonna really hurt if I don't!

In sports ...UVA lost...Red Sox won, one more game and they will sweep the World Series...Cowboys were on a bye this week and Maggie's Team won (I was on Maggie's team).

As you all know yesterday was a sad day for Hubby and I, our last time volunteering at Explore Park. As we entered the park we looked at everything differently, taking in as much of the scenery as possible...the smells...making sure we spoke to as many park employees as we could, many we may never see again.
The 18th Century Report~~

There was a flurry of activity, as I sat in in the Hofauger House (19th Century) I could hear the musket and cannon fire and the Virginia Highlands Pipe and Drums played (minus one piper...our friend Sonny became a new pappa this past Wed.~a new little piper named Owen)

Of course there are no pics of hubby but he demonstrated the art of powder horn making on the Frontier.

The 19th Century Report~~
We had a pretty busy day...the flow of visitors remained steady but still down from years past. Tears were shed, but the day went on with a lot of laughter too.
I spent the day spinning... (Hey...I got into one of my "skinnier" dresses)

Hubby and I had to visit Mount Union Church, where we were married. This was very difficult, what will happen to it?

This looks strange because we are dressed in 2 different centuries...is he a ghost or am I a visitor from the future?!

We stood in the same spot where we changed our lives, for the better, just over 5 years ago.

If you've never visited Explore Park they send you through the centuries by starting in the 17th century Totero Indian villiage...then the 18th century Fort Vause and finally the 19th century where many of the buildings are "original", they've been moved from various locations around the valley. What will happen to them?
One REALLY annoying thing that happened was the "unwanted visitor", which as I was told, has happened occasionally in past months...the man who's supposed to develop it flew a helicopter overhead for about 30 minutes-really low-totally breaking the atmosphere of being in a different time period...another sign to me that he has very little interest in keeping this place historic!


The final photo of the day...(Miss Sherry changed too quick for the shot)
My friends...Dave aka Dr. Tooms; Kimberly aka Mrs. Hofauger; Rachel, Sherry and Me!

Keep those comments coming in the Contest! I'm really enjoying this...you have until Nov 1st!! I hope you all enjoy my blog enough to keep coming back!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

TGIF!

Lots of just general stuff to post about today;

WOW, a new record for my blog...19 comments so far in "The Contest"! Keep those comments coming the contest ends Nov 1st. Thanks for reading my blog...

BIL called today, his package arrived and he loved his socks!

Remember if you are going to be in the Roanoke Valley this weekend, come on out to Explore Park for their annual (and last) Sleep Hollow Weekend. I'll be spinning on Saturday in the 19th Century...the last time I'll be a volunteer there.

I'm putting my name in the hat for a new Swap and posting my questionnaire below. This should be lots of fun...the deadline to join is Oct. 31st so if you are interested don't wait.

Last but not least...since I won't be near the computer till late tomorrow I have to wish my Baby Girl a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! My baby is 20 years old!!!! Her older brother said he would take care of her 21st birthday party...I told him he'd better plan on her staying overnight with him that night!! She's a good girl...not a "party girl"!

Swap Questionnaire...Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap

What are your favorite kinds of coffee? (Brands, Roasts, anything at all you'd like to share!) I really don't have a brand name I can call on but I can say I'm not particularly fond of "store brands" I'll buy any of the "premium" brands (Folgers has a line), Starbucks, from our local coffee house (Mill Mountain Coffee). I normally don't buy flavors except for the during the Holidays...leaves me something "special" to look forward to.

Do you prefer whole bean or ground coffee? Whole Bean, I love my coffee grinder!!

This time of year, there are often Holiday Blends available, and many flavored coffees - do you drink flavored coffee? Do you enjoy special blends? I do love flavored coffee and purchase it only for special occasions or Holidays. I buy a Breakfast Blend for everyday drinking. I'm always open to trying something new.

How do you take your coffee? Cream and Sugar? Straight up? Decaf? Cream & Sugar....can't do decaf...must have caffeine!!

Do you prefer drinking from a nice thick mug, or a matched cup and saucer? I love a nice mug that fits my hand for warming.

Winter and Holidays - PLEASE be descriptive! Your pal will need this information to be sure to put together a package you will enjoy!

What is your favorite part of Winter? Snow, snow and more snow...we don't get much here. I love walks in the crisp air and often wish I had a fireplace so I could snuggle up with a warm cup of coffee or tea and my knitting, so I settle for the latter...coffee & knitting!

Do you celebrate a holiday in December, and if so, which holiday? Christmas, my favorite holiday!!

If you celebrate Christmas, do you put up a tree? Oh yeah!! My tree decorations are a mixture of ornaments I've collected over the years, I now have so many I have to "rotate the stock" every year...I've saved all the ones the kids made in school and I make sure to purchase and date a new one every Christmas.

Would you enjoy items related to the holiday, or would you prefer a Winter themed package? I'm very easy to please, either would be fine with me.

Do you collect anything? Are there any holiday or winter-themed items (Snowmen, Angels, Snoflakes, Santas, etc) that you collect? As I stated...I collect ornaments every year...all of which consist of snowmen, angels, snoflakes and sports related items. I have a collection of Santa's, in addition to all the ornaments!

Do you wear scarves? Mittens? Hats? Yes

What is your favorite holiday or winter treat? I'm a new member to Weight Watchers so I have to be careful but I so love chocolate! Hot Chocolate is always good on cold winter days...I even mix coffee in for a homemade "mocha".

Please share a favorite Winter or Holiday memory. Wow...there are so many. My first Christmas with my husband (we are still pretty much newlyweds-5 yrs) and family get togethers, my grandparents started the tradition and now that they are gone we continue to spend time together.

Yarn and Crafting

Do you Knit or Crochet? For how long? I can do both but prefer to knit. My Great Grandmother taught me to crochet when I was 6, 2 years later I learned to knit....over 35 years!

Do you like wooden, metal, or plastic needles\hooks? Circular or straight? I love Addi Turbo Circulars but prefer wooden DP's for sock knitting.

What sort of projects do you enjoy making? I just love knitting...cables always catch my eye. Socks are a new passion!

What are your favorite types of yarn to work with? Natural fibers!

Do you spin or dye? I'm a spinner, I've also dabbled in natural dyeing.

Do you do other crafts such as scrapbooking or needlepoint or anything else? I sew but don't really do it as much as I used to.

General

When is your birthday? August 7th

Do you have any children? (Furry kind count!) All of the 2 legged variety are grown; 2 boys and 1 daughter of my own, then I have 2 step-daughters one of which has blessed us with our first grandchild! Of the 4 legged "furry" kind I have a VERY spoiled 15 year old cat named Ace.

What are your favorite colors? Color?....I LOVE color! I gravitate towards blues, turquoise is probably my color of "today"!

Do you have any allergies? Just seasonal, doctors tell me I'm allergic to my cat but hey...he's my baby~I just deal with it!

Have a GREAT weekend...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!!

A Day In History....

Yes, today is a historic day. My Buddy Bobbi, aka~Cameron, remembered...

Today is my 2nd Blogiversary!!!

Who would have thought that this would lead to the many, many friends I've made worldwide by writing my piddly, sometimes boring little posts! I have to admit that I had NO idea what I was doing when I started...I've enjoyed every single moment, and feel that even though I may not get to meet all those I chat with (though it's a goal to meet as many as I can)...we'll be forever friends. I've said it a million times...creating this blog has been such a rich and rewarding experience, I'd do it again in a heartbeat!...

Now....a Blogiversary calls for a contest! This is a SIMPLE one to enter...

What does every blogger live for? Well, yes if you are a knit blogger the answer is yarn...but I'm looking for another answer.

Comments....Comments....Comments! I know there are a lot of people who cruise by my blog, but the not everyone leaves a comment. I think the most I've had in 2 years has been 16. I'd like more!
SO...Your mission is...leave me a comment, tell others via a blog post about my contest...be sure and let me know where you read about my contest (I'd love to meet more bloggers)....see I just love saying contest...if you chose to complete this mission...there will be a "wool prize" in your future...the winner will be chosen at random.
This post will self-destruct (contest will end) on November 1st...(queue music) Lets see some comments!!!


Oh...the other historic moment that happened today...my FAVORITE BIL was born!! Happy B-day Jerry!!

Now...what's a knit blog without some kind of "Knitting Content"? My ongoing UFO, Civil War Shawl (I started the KAL back in March...now they are on their 3rd round with the KAL...and I'm not finished), man~this shawl is taking forever...it's so big that I can't stretch it all out and knitting one row takes forever! This is why I have multiple projects going...



Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Next.....

eeeny...meeny...miney...mo...

What do I cast on for next? Well, the sock yarn doesn't count...I MUST have a pair of socks going all the time now. And the fiber well, that's what a I've earmarked for spinning up next. But...do I cast on Kauni? Honeybee Stole? or I need a project for my future DIL that will take up the 450 yds of lavender I spun up last year. Shall I cast on ALL of them?

Everybody have a nice weekend?? I did but it could have been better....
I've been reading about Rhinebeck...(whining) I WANNA GO!!! Boy it looks like a REALLY nice event to attend.

DID YOU KNOW...

That a very special day in history is coming up this week?? Buehler?...Buehler? Anyone?? More to come on this in the coming days...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

S~S~S?!

Apparently there's a phenomenon called Second Sock Syndrome...I can't say that I've experienced this problem. Instead I have "First" sock syndrome, I cast on~knit about 2 inches and let it sit for a while...once I finally finish the first sock I'm fired up to finish the second! For instance, I started BIL's first sock the 1st of October and finished it on the ride home from the beach (last week), I started the second sock last Sunday and I'll finish it in the next hour...less than one week!"


Momma always told me I was "different"!!



In BlogWorld we all know there's "Saturday Sky"~~I'm going to show you...
"Friday Night Weird Skies" This was taken yesterday late afternoon, no filters, no camera trickery....no flash...



The rainbow was a complete arch, but the neighbors house wouldn't have made such a great shot.

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Eye Candy Friday...

Yep, I'm a copycat again~~but I had to! I LOVE color!! Wouldn't this be a pretty color combination for fiber/yarn?

Fall has finally arrived...I think. This is my neighbors Sugar Maple. We've been having cool nights but the days have been hitting the 80's. No rain, which we are so DESPERATELY needing. Virginia is in a drought situation, as many states are this year. Because of the drought our fall colors are not only very late but almost non-existent, most of the trees are turning brown and dropping their leaves because they are thirsty! There is a "burn ban" which means that if we go camping this fall...NO campfires.

Have a great weekend!! There are all sorts of Fall Festivals happening...wish I was going to Rhinebeck...maybe next year?! Hey, the Blue Ridge Potters Guild is having their annual Show & Sale...check it out if you are in the area!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

It's Official...

Last month I told you about THIS....well, if you want to see it you must before November 18th! Explore Park is closing it's doors, gates & windows to our past...

You can see more about this HERE. I can hardly stand it. Hubby and I will be volunteering for our very last time October 27th at the Sleepy Hollow Event. I'll demonstrate spinning at the Hofauger House (seen in this picture) in the 19th Century and Hubby will be at Fort Vause in the 18th Century working with his shavehorse. If you can, come on out and see this event...at least go one more time before the 18th of November!
Who knows what's going to happen with this wonderful piece of History?!?!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Ace??

Someone has been in our bedroom early on a weekend morning....I swear!

While catching up on my blog reading I found this on SpinningFishWife's blog!

I think I'd better hide all the bats!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Home....

Is where you park it! That may be our motto in a few years! At least for 6 months out of the year! We discovered that theres a "special package" deal for campers from October to April....hmmmm.

We're home...the beach was great, even if the weather did turn cooler on Thursday...Mr Ace has eaten us alive, I can't even go to the bathroom alone!

As has always been the case, we met some great people while at the beach. The first was our neighbors who came in right away to check us out...


The picture is blurred because she kept flinching when the flash went off.









Here, this one is better!











While we didn't take a lot of pictures, we stayed very busy. I managed to put in anywhere from 5 to 7 miles a day whether I was walking or biking. I hope the scales show my activity tomorrow night. And yes, I was very careful about what I ate...even if I did earn an ice cream on Tues night!

The Thursday Knit Group was very nice, though small we all had a great time. I spent my time spinning, and possibly helped to "enable" another lady into the world of spinning. Thanks for allowing me to visit, you were all so wonderful and welcoming!
I didn't find the Yarn Store I told you about...we ended up in the wrong direction, however, the ladies at the Knitting Group gave me very good directions, but I never did get another chance to go again. So, you'll have to wait until next time for that Yarn Store Review!

This part can be entitled~
What I Did On My Vacation!









I finished up spinning Setting Sun for my Honeybee Stole.





Worked on Dad's Vest...which I wish he didn't have so much girth, I think I'd be done by now!
Finished one of BIL's sock...to be honest with you I nearly threw the thing out the window of the truck on the way down, my first toe-up sock and I was having difficulty turning the heel...I just had to listen to my own motto~"frog it and start over" Second time's the charm!
And for the "Hot Pink" I teased you with earlier...still working on it, any more guesses?

One last thing I need to tell you about~~My buddy Bobbi is having a contest, I just need to mention this so you can check out her "List" of contests that she found. I don't care how many I enter I'm just not lucky that way. I wonder if I keep saying "Contest" (contest, contest...) that will increase my luck in all the contests I enter?!?!

One other thing I need to mention...did anyone see the comment left by my friend Terri (from down-unda)? About the fella in the speedo? Budgie Smuggler!! Oh my, I've never laughed so hard and now everytime I think about it I start laughing!
What about the story Becky told me about...no, it's not in the comments she "made" me ask for the story! I won't make her relive it by telling you herself...let me just say that she witnessed a old, fat fella removing his speedo to shake the sand out of it! Hey Becky....think "Budgie Smuggler" next time!
Boy, who would have thought that a speedo would conjure up so many memories?

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!! Enter a Contest will ya?

FORE!

(Sorry no pics...I haven't loaded a photo editor on my computer yet)
No fellow golfers were hurt today, in fact, never had to yell it once! In fact, I quite surprised myself. We started the morning by hitting the driving range so hubby I could make sure I remembered how to swing a club.
Boy, after almost 20 years of having not picked up a golf club much less a golf ball....I still got it! Of course, I had a masterful teacher back then, my ex-FIL made the first attempts at teaching me the game. There were a couple times when I thought he was going to wrap the club around my neck...nah, he's such an easy going fella (jeez, he has to be to live with my ex-MIL...ooh, did I really just say that?).
Today....my first swing of the club I drove it a perfectly straight 200 yards (remember this for later in the post). As of right now my abs are really feeling the workout I gave them today...which is good, cause I just had a nice scoop of REAL ice cream!
So, we finish the LARGE bucket of balls and head on over to the Par 3 golf course. I have to say that I was a bit nervous, seeing these other golfers come in in their "proper attire" and golf shoes...expensive golf clubs~~me, I'm using the beat up ones they lend you at the club house and halfway looking like a golfer. But I DID buy a visor so I could look a little more like I knew what I was doing. I feel like if you at least look the part they won't laugh too bad, they'll just think you are having a bad day.
Now, remember my first drive at the driving range? 200 yards....this is a par 3, no hole is over 100 yards, in fact, the majority are 65 yards...Oh crap! Now I have to hold back after just swinging the daylights out of the clubs! All in all I faired pretty well, 2 really bad holes that were all about the putting (next time we'll hit a putt-putt for practice). I won't tell you my score, remember it was my first time on the links in 20 years!
My favorite part? The 19th hole!!! It was hot out there today!

Remember me telling you about Mr Karaoke? Well, when we arrived back from golf...he was gone...that is except for the empty case of "Heiny"!

And...

One other thing I forgot to add to "the list" was the 70+ year old man wearing a speedo who apparently was a frequent visitor of the "all you can eat" buffets! Yeah.....(shiver)!

We also spent the day on the pier fishing...well, Hubby was fishing I was knitting! (I bet you were wondering when I would mention "knitting" since this is a "knitting blog"). No fish were harmed...

Tomorrow's agenda:
Knitting group meeting here at the campground. And, I've found a knitting store in the area...yep, I'll have a store review for you....I hope!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

A Day In The Life...

Lessons I've learned (also known as "observations") while at the beach: (please, this is meant to be funny...no negative comments...pretty please)

1-The combination of "all you can eat" seafood buffets, otherwise known as "calabash style", and golf carts make you fat! In this campground, especially this time of year, there are LOTS of retirees...who LOVE going out for the "all you can eat"~~but they really should be walking lots more, not riding the golf carts everywhere! Which may also help with your waistline~~see #2 and heart condition~~see #3.

2-If you are over the age of...oh, lets say 40 AND you've been eating the "calabash style" buffets...please don't wear a bikini! Hey, I know what my body looks like...and I'm over 40! Enough said!

3-Just because you are the "youngest" on the beach...doesn't mean you play with your bikini top continuously (tie, re-tie and generally adjusting your "stuff"), you'll give these retiree's a heart attack. I think I saw a couple of them clutching at their own chests.

4-When the sign says "Please Clean Up After Your Pet". This doesn't mean kick sand on top of the "droppings" like a cat...pick it up and put it in the trash...Be a responsible pet owner!

5-Mr Karaoke King (that just moved in 2 sites up) there's no need to prove your talent...we believe you. So please no more George Jones "He Stopped Loving Her Today" or Kenny Chesney's entire repertoire at full blast (both you and your stereo). Please have some common courtesy for your fellow campers...find a bar...because we know alcohol must be a driving force in your ego! Not to mention that the "tear in my beer" music depresses me....hey, I'm on vacation and having a great time!

We put in a full days activity today, first thing this morning we biked 5 miles, walked a lot and fished from the pier.
Tomorrow...Golf! I'll be honest and tell you just how BAD I did!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Let THE Vacation Begin!

Yep...I'm here at the Beach~~and LOVIN' every minute of it. I've been coming to this campground for about 30 years...there was a time when the staff knew me by name. Mom and Dad used to leave their camper here year long and we would just take off when the feeling hit. I have a lot of memories here over the years. This is the first place my kids experienced "The Beach"!
Hey...the campground has a "Knit Night" on Thursday! Guess who's going?!?! My spinning wheel, Sonya, is with me along with several projects.
Get this...Hubby and I are going to play golf...oh stop laughing...I can play~~a little. As long as I imagine the face of someone I really don't like on the ball I can keep my head down and my eyes on the ball! It'll be fun anyway.

Now, I promised to tell you about my trip by the Fall Fiber Festival at Montpelier.
Remember last year.....MudFest?




This year....

The exact polar opposite! We are experiencing such a drought, I think this picture really gives you a visual! It was quite warm....hot to be exact, I thought we were in October, not August!





Remember this picture of my feet last year?






Here's my feet from this year!

Nasty...


I didn't get to see as many of my BlogBuddies as I had hoped...because I had such a hard time leaving Richmond!


The first person I ran into was my Good Buddy IndigoMuse...Hey T, no I don't need another fleece! She was trying her best to get me to split a fleece with her, I seriously need to spin up what I've got at home. Then I ran into Mary, it was great seeing you again...we need to go back to "The Melting Pot" (Gee, I wonder if I could stay on WW there?)! I PROMISE I'm going to get to Knit Night!

For all the others...I'm so sorry I missed you!

What did I buy? You'll be surprised...I didn't go overboard, I bought NO spinning fiber...as mentioned before I have to spin up what I already have. I was happy to see Knitting Notions so I made my only purchase there! Knowing we were heading on vacation I needed to be "reserved" with my spending!

(the sheep are in my collection, I didn't buy any this time).

Hey...has anyone else heard that Sedalia (the website isn't working) is not happening this coming Spring? This is the festival that takes place in Bedford, VA. This was something a vendor told me. If this is true...what a shame, an event that has survived it's first 2 years with rain and bad weather and each year the turnout was pretty darn good!

Stay tuned...more to come!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Beach or Bust....

Well, we're off to the beach in the morning! It's been a long 4 years since I've been to the beach...I'm READY!! Don't worry, I'll be in touch while we're there!

We did make it by Montpelier aka "The DustBowl" this afternoon...story and pics to come!

We had a wonderful time visiting with Little Landon yesterday and today. I can tell you it's real hard to leave him! I'll leave you with this sweet picture of him peering over his Poppa's shoulder!


Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!!

But MOM....

I wanna go on vacation, and this time you are NOT leaving without me!!


Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Midweek already?

WOW...this week is going by fast, simply because I have a MILLION things to do before vacation. Isn't that always the way it goes?!

I have a FO to show off~



BISHOP BABY BLANKET BUDDY

I haven't stuffed the head yet, and I'm not so sure I'm going to. If I had time I would try to make the head "round" and Baby Bishop's big sister has asthma and I don't know if the stuffing would cause breathing problems for her or not. I actually like the "square" head better flat. One other change I think I would make would be for it to be larger...more like a blanket as opposed to a "wash cloth" sized bunny, for a baby this isn't so bad. Just in time since he'll be here on the 24th!


And since this IS a knitting blog I guess I should report on my WIP's (which don't seem to be going ANYWHERE at the moment)






Cheltenham Vest for Dad, who is a big man and the reason I feel as though I'm spinning my wheels here. But...Santa needs a winter vest!












Then there's BIL's sock...
This is my carry along knit..in case of long waits. I imagine I'll get more done, maybe even finished, while digging my toes in the sand!






Wanna guess what this is going to be?


Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Uuuggghhhh!

Need I say more?!?!?!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!