Happy New Years Eve!

Wow--another year has passed, as always leaves me saying "where does time go?" I guess I've been so busy taking life day by day I forget to look back till we get to this point. I know I've been a bad blogger, I'll try to do better but as always I really don't like "resolutions"--they always get broken. So I choose to have "intentions" for the coming year. No, I won't make them here but instead on a day by day basis, also known as my "bucket list."
As my bucket list increases one of those will be achieved tomorrow morning at 9am...I WILL begin my year running! This run is a challenge put before us by our local running group--Here's the Route if you are curious or want to join us!

In 2011 I added swimming to my already busy schedule, which adds another "item" to my bucket list...if I can conquer the stupid bicycle I may give a triathlon a shot! Training has begun for my next 1/2 marathon in March. I'm helping to coach the 1/2 marathon/marathon training team at the Y...let's see what else I can add to the mix!

While 2011 didn't start out so well with the loss of my Uncle the year has come to a close on a good note as we welcomed 3 new members into our family. DS#1 got married, I have a new daughter and 2 granddaughters out of the deal!!

A BEAUTIFUL Family!!!

There was a lot of knitting this year, though it seems I didn't post a lot about it here...again--'cause I'm a BAD blogger!
Christmas knitting was all about "hats"--each of the girls got an earflap hat. I used a great, FAST pattern from Juniper Farms called Sluggy Bonnet.

Sorry for the crappy pics but I forgot my good camera and had to use my phone to document them...yeah, I also forgot to photograph them BEFORE wrapping them!!
I think I need to make one of these for myself!!

MY project had to be put on hold with all the gift knitting going on. This is sort of the icing on the cake for my 2011 knitting!

I will use a Gaelic word--crìochnaichte--EVERYTHING about this sweater means Highlander!

From the fiber I spun called "Highlander" to the place where I spun it while on vacation--Grayson Highlands State Park--to the pattern named Highlander....to the North Ronaldsay ram horn buttons sent to me as a gift from my Shona in Scotland!! I LOVE THIS SWEATER!!!

Well...with that I'll get on with preparing for the rest of the day. Rudy & Milo are pooped from all the "busy-i-ness" of the holidays--Santa was good to them...and they deserve it--they have been really good boys! Hubby has been SUPER busy making his dulcimers. He is SUPER talented!

My Wahoos play in the Chick-fil-a Bowl tonight...My Cowboys play a BIG game tomorrow--hoping for the BEST!!

I hope you all have a safe and Happy New Year!! See you NEXT YEAR!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Catching up....

Well, I know it's been a while and I need to catch up. Though there has been some knittin' going on I don't have any pics yet...some are gifts so I can't "show" them yet. Let's see...where did I leave off?

Oh yeah--the 2nd beach trip...

THIS is one of my favorite sights, I can't take enough pictures.
Every morning was even more beautiful than the last.



Well, the reason for this trip was my 2nd half marathon. This year I chose the Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon, I wanted to do this one last year but I had already chosen Richmond and knew there was no way I could do 2 in a month. Since becoming a runner I've found that I'm ALL ABOUT the finishers medals!! 

This one was one I REALLY wanted...and it's HUGE!

An 8" long surfboard that doubles as a bottle opener (and a fridge magnet...I guess there are 3 uses)!! I had a good finish, expected a little better but with only a 1/2 mile left to finish I started to cramp up. The after race party made me feel better! I even met a new running friend while there...I hope to get to Nashville to run the RocknRoll Half Marathon with her very soon.

Can't wait to get back to the beach now...is it Spring yet?

The BOYZ even had a BLAST!!

Earlier this month we had our own Oyster Festival here in the Valley. Hubby is from a town that has an Oyster Festival the first weekend of November every year for the past 54 years, so 2 of his brothers came in with the "goods"! Oh what fun! Sorry no pics...I was so busy cooking and entertaining I never picked up my camera. We had lots of good food & good company that made the evening a complete success!

I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving. Since the last 2 years involved us traveling this year we got to stay home. Son #2 and I ran the Drumstick Dash...his first 5K EVER--and we finished side by side! I'm so proud of him and hope that I've spurred on some interest to do more in the future!

Pre-race pic...not as cold as in previous years and the race continues to grow! It started 6 years go with only 2000 runners & walkers--this year there were 14,000+!!!!!!! Their motto--"Move your feet so others can eat"!


Then on this past Saturday Son #1------GOT MARRIED!!!!!! They eloped but I'm so pleased...I have a new daughter and 2 new step-grandaughters out of the deal! Hmmm....well, I guess that's all I have right now.
Guess I'd better get back to my Christmas knitting! Are you ready for Christmas?

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Peace....

Amazing what time will bring...only a few short years ago this would have NEVER happened! The old man now looks for comfort (and warmth) with his canine buddies, but Rudy is always a little weary when Ace wants to be "cuddly"! Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving Day weekend! Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Keep on Knittin & Spinnin!!

Gearing up...

As this Holiday week moves right along the Girlz are feeling safe but we WILL have deviled eggs on the menu!

"Jacqueline"

...though they feel for their large wild cousins! They know that wild turkeys are very smart and crafty birds! Many will escape the dinner table.

Knitting FO approaching the finish line...I'm currently blocking "Highlander" and have started some Christmas projects (not all are knitting)-- pics to come.

Who's going shopping on Friday? NOT ME!!! My idea of dealing with a crowd is running the Drumstick Dash on Thursday morning. This year they are predicting over 10,000 runners & walkers!!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

It won't be long....

Till I get to see this again...



Training for my half marathon is coming to an end...the hard work has drawn to a close. The Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon happens in a very short 2 weeks!

Knitting on Highlander goes on....

Thinking of Christmas begins....ugh!! Anybody else have their holiday projects planned or am I just WAY behind?

Keep on Knittin & Spinnin!!

.....and "Re-Entry"

.....is VERY difficult!

The beach was great...the weather not so great but we did get a good bit of sunshine, just storms in the evenings. I got to see my friend Anita...toes in the water and a$$ in the sand...play golf...and knit.

Working on Highlander has been fun--that is if the dogs would let me!


...not a great pic--taken with the cellphone!

We are still unpacking and washing clothes, I had to return to work today but it's not all that bad. I happen to enjoy my job at the Y--and it's really nice being missed by co-workers and members! Well...I guess I'd better get back at it...more later!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Beach Bound...

California....I mean....Myrtle Beach Dreamin'!




Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

10 Years Ago Today...

They are not dead,
Who leave us this great heritage
Of remembered joy.

They still live in our hearts,
In the happiness we knew,
In the dreams we shared.

They still breathe,
In the lingering fragrance windblown,
From their favourite flowers.

They still smile in the moonlight's silver
And laugh in the sunlight's sparkling gold.

They still speak in the echoes of words
We've heard them say again and again.

They still move,
In the rhythm of waving grasses,
In the dance of the tossing branches.

They are not dead;
Their memory is warm in our hearts,
Comfort in our sorrow.

They are not apart from us,
But a part of us
For love is eternal,
And those we love shall be with us
Throughout all eternity.

ANON

New York, NY, Washington D.C. and Shanksville, PA

Catching up....

Ok...lets see if I can cover the bases here without being too long-winded.

Jack officially retired the 1st of July...he's been VERY busy in the workshop--check out this blog & Etsy page!

In my last post you saw my new bag for the summer...WHICH I LOVE....and I'm going to hate having to change out later. I'm working on a new one in my head, lets see how long it takes me to hit the sewing machine with. It's been really hard keeping my head above water in the past few months, so I'll give you THE BEST news first....I QUIT THE "FREAKIN'" LIBRARY!!!!! Yes, I said good buy to "BIZZARO WORLD" -- listen, I don't want to step on toes here and I don't know if all libraries are like the one here but after 11 years I'm tired of being the round peg in the square hole! I didn't fit in....not at all! Yes, I love books...yes, I'm good at customer service....but after I was "demoted" last October because MY BOSS/SUPERVISOR went psyzo (literally) and I WAS DOING ALL THE WORK--I got the short end of the stick--I was told I wasn't a "team player"?! HUH?? That group of women wouldn't know what a "team" was if a baseball bat hit them in the head!! Anyway...I won't keep beating that dead horse.

Now I work in the "polar opposite" world at the YMCA. I'm currently helping to coach the half marathon team there and working the front desk. It's awesome!!

In August I ran my anniversary race aaaaannnnnnnnnnnnd........Finished 1st in my age group!!!!!! Yeah--you'd thing this would rank as the best news but it's such a close one. Currently I'm training for the Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon (oh...and Rudy & I and Milo & Jack are training for the Doggie Dash too)







All the while....the knitting continues, though slow I have managed to finish a couple items...sorry no pics at the moment but I promise to have some soon!


Did I share THIS with you? I can't wait till the movie comes out!! I can pick out all the places filmed at Explore Park and I was there on the day that they had to do the water scene...it was very chilly!!

Ummmm....lets see....OH--all the animals are doing well. We are adjusting to living with a cat who is senile....really! I've come to realize when he's confused, have to talk to him even though I think he's going deaf too...unless he's just ignoring me. He forgets where his litterbox is...thank goodness for Rudy who lets us know where the poop is so we'll clean it up! He cries in the middle of the night....so now we keep a nightlight on for him. Milo has become his protector--he worries about Ace so much. He has a hard time moving around so Milo watches him to make sure he gets where he's going okay. Ace will turn 19 on the 15th of this month!

The Girlz have faired very well in their first summer. They are allowed to free range in the backyard...a couple of my flower beds have suffered but then again the hot, dry summer hasn't helped much either! They are a lot of fun to watch...there was a brooding period for a couple of them and we saw the pecking order change because of it.

Henny Penny is my favorite--she's a riot!

We made our annual 4th of July float trip with friends this year....last years was abruptly interrupted by a VERY ugly family drama. This year's was probably the best yet--I guess making up for what we missed last year!!



And Son #1 had a milestone birthday this year!!

Yeah I know...it makes me older too!

Well, right now we are getting ready for our annual beach trip...a much needed and deserved vacation is on the horizon!! Just about 10 days away now....

Okay, I think I've blabbered on enough now. I hope I can be a better blogger in the days & months to come. Please bear with me....and with blogger, apparently with a recent "upgrade" there has been some issues, one of which is while you are loading my page it will go to "blogrolling.com" for some odd reason and tell you this domain name is for sale. Just ignore it...if you can!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

PSSSSSTTTT

I really am still here!!

So much going on...so much to tell....so little time!

Rest assured we are all doing very well.

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Insert Background Music....

MOMMA'S GOT A BRAND NEW BAG....nah-na-nah-na-na-na




With lots of pockets!!!



Well...yes, I am knitting but I also have a few sewing projects going too. I finally finished this one. Working really takes all the fun out of life...you know!? But I also needed a new bag to carry my knitting in. When "Amy Butler's Style Stitches" came into the library late last year I knew I HAD TO HAVE IT!
Like all my projects~they've been on the burner for quite some time...I just need the time to complete in one sitting!
Anyway, I'm pleased with it.

Keep on Knittin', Spinnin' and Stitchin'!!

Happy Independence Day!!

Hope everyone has a safe & HAPPY 4th of July!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Remember??

Remember my "Funday" I had back in October?

The film teaser has finally been released!

~~CLICK HERE~~

NOW I REALLY CAN'T WAIT TILL THE MOVIE COMES OUT!!


Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!

Bark in the Park

This year's event was even better than last year! More dogs...more money raised for the RVSPCA and lots of smiles...just check out the smile on these faces!



Mugsy even stopped by to have a doggie biscuit & woof with the boys! (for those outside of the area--the Salem Red Sox mascot is a dog...so appropriate)



Rudy was NOT to pleased with Mugsy...he would take a treat from him then bark like mad!

Of course they are both winners in my book not matter what but they won "Best Costume" for the event!



Just SO much fun had by ALL!!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Dogs on Thursday

Best Friends BROTHERS!!



My house is always a mess of dog toys and bones...during this rainy spring my kitchen floor is autographed with paw prints but at the end of the day I wouldn't want it any other way when I see a how much they love each other!




This Sunday is "Bark in the Park" at the Salem Red Sox -- yes, we are all going. Milo & Rudy both have their jerseys...one of the exciting changes this year are a few contests and a Pooch Parade on the field prior to the game.
Check out the webpage...yes, he's on the front of the brochure that's being distributed too! Ummm--and for some reason he thinks he's getting his breakfast in bed...served on a silver platter!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all Mom's...whether you are a Mom to human or 4 legged fur-babies!



Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

FO Friday

Another FO Friday is upon us! ....oh, and it's PAYDAY....sorry to get so excited....

Well, I've had lots of baby knitting here lately--and still yet more to come, great for stash knitting!

Rudy's groomer is due this weekend and having a little girl. I made her a BSJ with some very special buttons.




Doggie buttons!!



Then there's the most difficult socks in the world...




Late last year you know about my uncle and his fight for life. Well, I started a pair of "prayer socks" for him...I had one complete when he suddenly passed away at the first of the year. So, I frogged them and began a pair of socks to give to my aunt. They were difficult not because of the pattern but because of the fact that I had a hard time wrapping myself around finishing them...all the while knowing they were intended for him.

Next on the needles? Another baby girl gift, pair of socks and I want to make Effortless Cardigan in linen for summer.
What do you think? Have any other suggestions for me?

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Happy Birthday DS2!

Happy 28th Birthday to Son #2!!



We've always captioned this pic...."HOLLYWOOD"!! Is he cool or what??

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Feather Pantaloons

I love chicken butts....





They remind me of little girls lace panties!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

The 3 R's

Reuse -- Recycle -- Repurpose


I can say that in recent years these three words have become more important to me but in all reality they have ALWAYS been a part of my life...mostly out of sheer necessity.
Yes, I admit I am a HUGE packrat...but this is because of my upbringing. My Granny saved EVERYTHING, this trait was passed on to me -- this is why I snip the buttons off of shirts before I turn them into rags. Hence, my BAZILLIONS of buttons and why I save old bread bags for various things like "pooper" scooping the back yard.

I have a picture of my Mom as a little girl wearing a dress Granny made from flour sack fabric...and stories about making quilts from feed sacks!

So the question comes...what do i do with my chicken feed sacks? Now these days they are made from a poly woven fabric so I decided to try this...



Just add thread!

This one is a bit large, afterall it's made from a 50lb sack. But I see many various uses for a bag this size. The next one may be a bit smaller, especially since I'll have plenty more bags necessary to feed The Girlz!


Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Happy Easter!

God Bless....


Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

FO Friday

Yet again I'm really late in posting up something....I've had several knitting FO's and this "sewing" FO~~

I worked on the design during the cold-cold months of winter...when I couldn't do anything else but sit on the couch under a blanket freezing my A*S off, created the "prototype" and finally got the finished product. The only thing this picture is lacking is the closure I put on it.

Drum roll please......



So...what is it?



My EVERYTHING needle case! I wanted a case that would organize all my needles, now I ask myself -- "Why are the straights in there?" I NEVER use them!!

I see a redesign on the horizon!!

So, what have you been working on?

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Dogs on Thursday

Yes, we've been M.I.A...but life here has been very busy. The Girlz are doing VERY well...I'm still hanging with 2 jobs...Hubby's counting down the days till he's finally retired...he's making dulcimers left & right, and they are selling...I'm still running--just ran the Susan G. Komen 5K this past weekend (IT WAS COLD!!--just sayin')

OH....


AND THE


BIGGEST NEWS!!


We have a new addition to our family...



Rudy has a new Brother!! Yeah, that's Milo!! He's come to live with us for good. He's happy...Rudy's happy...and we're ALL happy!!

Stay tuned--more fun yet to come!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Productivity

What came first?

The chicken--or the egg?

The Girlz are so happy in their new home...one of them gave us a gift!



In our case the chickens came first!!

....this is so cool!! I'm so excited!!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

GO VCU RAMS!!!

The Girls~~

"The Knittin Chicken Coop" now has new "Girlz"!!

None have names yet...but they will! They have settled in very well and are totally unfazed by Rudy & Milo's antics. It's quite hilarious to see them checking each other out!

Rudy thinks he has a new job~~



WATCHDOG!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Okay...Okay I'll Tell

....besides, I've left you in suspense long enough!



It's my new chicken coop! We're going to pick up our new barred rock pullets tomorrow morning! We'll have fresh eggs in NO TIME!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

What is it??

Well, hubby's been at it again....but what is it?




Hmmmmmm....

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Yes, I've been busy!

Sorry...but all my spare time has been taken up by either Rudy or sleeping! Well, I have been keeping up my running & training...my next race is a VERY important one. Though my family hasn't been hit by this disease. I run for ALL those who have.

Please help me....help those who have!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Dogs on Thursday

I miss my Mommy....




...she gone awot here watewy...I been a good boy...I don't understand. I so happy to see her when she getz home at night.

Friday Flowers & FO's

"We plant seeds that will flower as results in our lives, so best to remove the weeds of anger, avarice, envy and doubt..." ~Dorothy Day




Winter Jasmine~~

a bit late blooming this year (should have started blooming late Jan) but I have to say it's MAGNIFICENT!!



...and...





my first crocus' are up!!!!

The purple ones are on their way!!!!!!!

Since I've been working 2 jobs--during this training period I'm working a total of 60 hours a week at the moment--I've had very little time for much of anything...especially knitting. But since Sunday was the Daytona 500 I started and finished a project while watching.



I think you'll remember the last FO I posted, the umbilical cord hat, for the gal at the coffee shop who's having a baby boy in a few weeks...well, I should have known to knit up 2 of those hats. Big Brother to be wanted so badly to try that hat on...so I knitted him his very own--in the exact colors he requested, which I happened to have in my "leftover" basket. He was so excited.



Besides the usual on the needles, Celtic Vest (which I haven't picked up at all) and 2 pairs of socks, I have cast on yet another baby sweater (Rudy's groomer is expecting in May) all the while still keeping up my "stash busting"--oh, I have seen so many new yarn colorways I WANT...I just need more hours in a day to get through my stash---so I can buy more!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Dogs on Thursday

"A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition." ~William Arthur Ward



Guess who doesn't care that it's still winter?! We went for a walk in the park on Monday morning and "someone" decided he wanted to swim!

Happy Dogs on Thursday!

Keep on Knittin & Spinnin'!

Music Monday

~~And Happy Presidents Day!

"Those who wish to sing, always find a song." ~ Swedish Proverb



I love me some Brad Paisley!! Enjoy~~




Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'----and hoping for Spring (warmer weather) to arrive soon!

Daytona 2011

"You must start with a positive attitude or you will surely end without one." ~Carrie Latet




Well....though Jr didn't win, I have to say it's nice to see some old faces and a new face in Victory Lane. The race was a bit boring...I'm not sure I'm a fan of this new "racing style" but that's just my opinion. I did get a good nap in!

Congratulations to Trevor Bayne driving for Virginia's very own...Woods Bros. to his FIRST win in 2 starts in the Winston Cup (I will forever have issues with that) Sprint Cup series.
This young man only met David Pearson YESTERDAY--the last man to win Daytona for the Woods Bros in 1976.
Shoot....he can't even enjoy the champagne being sprayed in Victory Lane!! But what a birthday present!!

Today's activities consisted of a 5 mile run; some laundry; some sewing and some knitting....oh yeah--and the nap!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!

10 Years Ago Today.......

"Toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in muscles." ~Alex Karras



One of the saddest and tragic days in sports...(warning--if you are not a NASCAR fan move to the next blog) and the day that NASCAR racing changed forever.

Dale Earnhardt died 10 years ago today. I know it sounds weird but he felt like family...he was one of my heroes. Now...if you know who this is--you either hated him or you loved him.
My family has been involved in racing since I was a kid, first drag racing then circle track racing. From 1985-1996 we had a team (my father was crew chief/owner, my brother drove and me? ...well, I took care of the body work, lettering and tires on the car as well as wore a hat called "GoFer"--go for this and go for that)a couple of other fellas helped us. We raced at our local NASCAR sanctioned track...there I met MANY of the drivers. Like Bobby Labonte, Terry Labonte, Jeff Gordon, Kerry-Kelly & Dale Earnhardt Jr and Dale Earnhardt himself.
In 1992 we were involved in a race at Martinsville while the "big guys" were there. I was on cloud 9...let the name dropping begin! I met Richard & Kyle Petty, Ken Schrader, Ernie Irvin, Davey Allison, Alan Kulwicki, Rusty Wallace, Harry Gant (he invited me into his hauler), Mark Martin (I'm taller than him) and Earnhardt himself---got to go into the lounge area of the hauler...Richard Childress, "Chocolate" Myers and Kirk Shelmerdine all chatted with me. It felt AWESOME walking around the pits...but it really surprised me that several of the drivers including Ernie Irvin & Ken Shrader came to our car and asked US questions!! I have lots of pictures...only I haven't scanned them. OH--I have lots of autographs too...obviously! It is a weekend of memories I will cherish FOREVER!!
Sometimes I miss those racing days but then again...I love having my nights and weekends to do what I want to do! It's a demanding sport, I really don't know how these guys do it. I know all that we had to go through on the small circuit...WHEW!!



From my 2006 visit to DEI.


R.I.P Dale

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!