Small Blessings...

Welcome to the world Baby Landon!

Look at Poppa Jack! Boy...how to hold a baby comes back REAL quick!

We arrived back home late last night and we both feel like zombies today...I was even late for work this morning~~MY bed felt so good!

I know I must have surprised and/or shocked everyone with my last post...I guess I have some splainin' to do. They administered Cervidil on Tuesday night hoping it would induce labor...not! Landon was taken by c-section but Mom didn't fair so well having to be put completely under for the surgery, they took her back to surgery at 11:30am. She wanted SO badly to have a natural child birth...I don't know how she would have been able to do it. You see DSD has a severe form of scoliosis which, if you haven't already guessed, means that NO epidural could be administered. The amount of fluid she was retaining, and let me tell you I've NEVER seen someone in her condition before, started to fill her lungs. Basically she was drowning! They rushed her to ICU where they put her on a respirator. Hubby and I stayed at the hospital in a room they provided for us. They came in at 2am on Thursday morning to tell us she was awake! THANKS FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS AND GOOD VIBES~~IT WORKED! They broke the rules to allow the baby to come into ICU for Momma to hold for the first time, 15 hours after his birth! A REAL tear jerker! She couldn't keep her eyes off him. She still has a long way to go but we hope she'll be going home on Sunday.

WE can't wait to get back to Richmond!

I want to THANK YOU ALL for your encouraging, kind and congratulatory comments...I'll be responding to each one individually! It's proof that prayer and positive thoughts work!

Minutes old...angry and VERY hungry! He was "smacking" his mouth!
I've got LOTS of boy knitting to work on!

Well...I think I need a nap...again! Check back later!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Quick Update...

Hi...

Were still in Richmond...

We have a new Grandson! Landon Maxwell 5lbs 8ozs...

However, there were serious complications with my Step-daughter last night that put her in ICU.

This morning is a new day...she's awake and breathing on her own! She has seen the baby...who by the way is the most beautiful baby I've ever seen...well, besides my own!

Gotta run for now but I do have plenty of pictures to share when I get home!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

(Which I've been doing a lot of nervous knitting...and I'm going to have to frog a sock...maybe it's not good to knit while on pins and needles!)

Kauni Trouble!!

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

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

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

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

40 Years Ago Today...

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

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

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




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


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

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

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

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

Happy Birthday Baby Brother!!


Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!

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

Belated....

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

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Nervous Knitting...

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

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

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

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

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Therapy~~

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

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

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

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

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Fibery Love!

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

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Happy Days...

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




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




For THIS!





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

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

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

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

BIG NEWS!!!!

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




Well........



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






I'm gonna be a...







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


Mother-In-Law!!!



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

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

Okay....

Back to your~

Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Ta-Dah!!

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




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



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

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

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

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

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Summer Memories...

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


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

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

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

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

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Hump~Day!

2 days to go...




Can you guess what this means?







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




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

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

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Yo...

Wanna win some stuff?

Go HERE! Easy as pie to enter!

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

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

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

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

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Surprises...

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



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


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

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


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


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

Other new projects are in the works!

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

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

WooHoo!!!

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

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

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

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

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


She had a dance performance for us…

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

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

Keep on Knittin’ & Spinnin’!!

Guess What?!?!?!

Guess what I bought myself yesterday?!?!?


THIS

and...

I will be using this to knit it up!



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

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

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!

Just Another Day~~

What sounds better?

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

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

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

I was born on a Wednesday...

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

Your birthstone is Peridot
The Mystical properties of Peridot

Peridot is used to help dreams become a reality.


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

And where did I find all this information? HERE


I think I need a good stiff margarita!

CHEERS!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

One More Day.....

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

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

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

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

One holiday
BC Day - Province of Canada.

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

Shall We Dance?

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

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

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

Thanks for listening reading.

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Uh-Oh!

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


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

If Only...

If only I could have made these in all my classes...

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

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

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Friends & FO's

Check out my calendar for this month...

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




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

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




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

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

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

THANKS BOBBI...again and again!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Home Again!

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

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

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

Check back with me later...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Sad Days...

Sad days ahead...we have to make that mournful trip to Gettysburg I spoke of last week. Thanks for all the kind sentiments, but we knew it was only a matter of time.
Spent the weekend trying on everything in my closet with high hopes I'd find something appropriate to wear that fits! I did finally put together an outfit! I really didn't want to go shopping...I'm not a good shopper, that is unless its for fiber or yarn! Speaking of which...you know The Mannings is not far from where we are staying....Hmmmm!?! I seriously don't need any more yarn, or fiber...but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do! Thanks for all the kind thought but we knew the days were upon us. I'll be gone for a few days and away from my computer. I'm sure GoogleReader will be full when I return...(if you haven't checked into this you've gotta try it!)

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Eye Candy Friday??

I've never participated in this ritual before...I'm not so sure this qualifies, but I needed to pass along my enthusiasm for this weekends EVENT!

This is the BIG weekend Oriole Fans have waited for for a long time...I just wished I could be in Cooperstown in person to watch.
Hubby was at the game when he tied Lou Gehrig's record...and when he broke it! Me? Well, we hadn't met yet but I WAS watching the game on TV here at home. I did get several chances to see him play in person before he retired...I haven't gotten his autograph~~yet! Not that I hadn't tried!

I hope EVERYONE has a great weekend...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

The Mystery Continues....

Well, I've FINALLY caught up to all the other participants of MS3...I've started clue #4!

This is a very fun pattern to knit, and trying to figure out the "theme" of this stole is a real brainteaser! It supposed to be knit in either black or white...it's suitable for a bride to wear...or to wear to church. Hmmmm...I have NO clue what the theme is!
Of course, the rebel that I am, I didn't want my stole to "match" all the others so I went with the pale pink.

The knitting continues on my Rockport Vest, I haven't picked up the Monkey socks...except to go to the Avalanche game last week and never knit on them not even one stitch. I need to start the second baby blanket for a friend...I need to start on Mom's Sweater Vest...I need to start on Rogue....I need to start....
I think you get the picture!

We may have to make an abrupt trip to Gettysburg in the next few days...Hubby's Great Uncle is not doing well, and the worst is expected. Keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Let The Celebrating Begin...

Okay...so Marianne gave me the "Go Ahead" to begin celebrating early! I'm gonna grab that "Wild Chicken" and have a blast! What an appropriate card...and check out those cute Celtic stitch markers! THANK YOU MARIANNE! I love them!

It's been a while since I've posted any pictures from my garden...well, there's been NO rain here! I think we have about a 6 inch deficit...
Here's one from my pond...the one place water is at a constant level!




Last year this water lily didn't bloom, I think it's making up for it with this years beauty!

There's lots of knitting going on...trying to play catch up with my MS3 project, I'm still one clue behind! I must be the one who "hit the dog" (Poor pup...the dog is fine...I guess he'd crossed that road all his life and never thought on that day it would be any different...the rider/bike took the brunt of the accident) in the Tour de France Fleece, I'm seriously behind and I believe coming in last!
My fiber room is somewhat organized now...lets see how long it will last...No, I'm not posting pictures of it! Through the process it does make me realize just how much my stash has grown! Oh well, she who dies the with most....WINS! I think I've been topped, check out this Chick's stash! WOW!! Thanks Bobbi for posting about this last week, now I know I'm not out of control.

Thanks again Marianne!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

2 Weeks and Counting...

Look what came in the mail today!

Marianne sent me a package...but do I have to wait to open it? I can do it you know, it may drive me crazy but I can wait if I have to!

I've wore myself out today...trying to get my fiber room in a somewhat usable order! I'm not there yet but close! This is one of those on going projects that continually kicks my butt!
Now I'm ready to sit down and knit...I'm tired!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin!
BTW~Thanks for all the comments about my WONDERFUL Hubby and his flutes, I'll let you all know the minute he receives a response!

Let Me Tell You About....

Warning**No Knitting Content! Okay, so I'm getting ready to brag about my wonderful hubby...

Aboard the Rebecca T Ruark~Tighlman Island 2004

If you've been reading for a while you know Hubby makes and sells Native American Style Flutes, woodworking is to him what knitting and fiber is to me. He has a website but mostly sells his flutes on Ebay. While on a camping trip earlier this summer my mother told us about something she saw on the news~~Operation Happy Note, a charity to provide our soldiers overseas musical instruments for their entertainment, and I'm sure to forget the sights and sounds of the day.
My sweet, wonderful Hubby made 3 flutes and shipped them off late last week! I know stringed instruments do have a calming note (pun intended) but there's something about the soothing sound of a Native American flute that you get lost in. I'm hoping that there are some Native American soldiers who will receive one or all of these flutes, something that will bring them "home" as they play! With each flute Hubby wrote a letter offering wishes of getting satisfaction from his flute and a safe return home and asked for the recipient to please contact him. It's going to be so exciting when he gets that first note! If anyone else out there has an old, unused instrument they'd like to donate please go to the link and find out how and where to send them!
Okay...I'm done! He is WONDERFUL you know!

More later...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

W-I-P Progress!

Yes, I do have some knitting progress to report! What does 6 hours riding time in a vehicle get you?

Waa-La~

The back is almost complete! Ya-Hoo!

I still need to get caught up on Mystery Stole 3 and the many other projects I have in the works! But at least I can report on this one.

The baby blanket was a hit...and a little spooky! I think Bobbi is starting to wear off on me! She has this ESP or some kind of telepathic ability that I experienced when my step-daughter opened my gift. Earlier in the afternoon she gave us a peek into the baby's room, so cute...we saw ultrasound pictures of the "little peanut" (that's what I used to call Julia in utero). They are not finding out what the sex is of the baby, but I asked if they had any names picked out yet. For a boy--Jaden (not sure of the correct spelling on either of these) and for a girl...are you ready for this...Rhiannon or Rhianna! Cold chills spilled all over me...she had NO clue that I had made a baby blanket. When she opened it and I told her the name of the pattern...we all FREAKED! So...do you think it's going to be a girl? Step-daughter #2 does! Anyway, we had a most wonderful time with them.

I'm still trying to catch up on things...KnitNana tagged me for being~~

I'm going to tag:
Bobbi
Shona
Sue
Mary
Terri

Gotta run...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Friday the 13th and a FO!

Fresh off the needles...and just in time! See...I really have been knitting!

I still have to give it a little blocking before I wrap it up!

Now for all the specs:
Pattern used-Fiber Trends Diamonds for Rhiannon
Yarn used-Bernat Softee Baby (yes, acrylic...it has a very soft touch and besides, what else do you use for babies who make little "messes" that need easy clean up?) It took almost 3 balls to complete
Needle size-US 6

Now...I have so much waiting in the UFO basket~~Monkey Socks, MS3, Rockport Vest, Civil War Shawl...OMG, I'd better get busy...'cause there are so many other items I want to start. I'm seriously an A.D.D Knitter!

I hope everyone has a GREAT weekend! Thanks for all the comforting comments left yesterday...it's nice to have so many great Blog-Buddies!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

H&LL Week...

I’ve been a bad blogger…shut up JH.
I just hope you’ll understand when I tell you this has been H-week for me and my family. You'd think that after having such a "Lucky" Saturday that things would glide by....NOT!! I’m not going into the specifics…because frankly it’s embarrassing to tell anyone! Let’s just say life has been like a really bad (or good depending on if you're a fan of the show) episode from the Jerry Springer show! I wonder if he'd want to buy the story???! Remember TGFH (the girlfriend from hell...no, I can't bring myself to say her name)? I think I mentioned her last Christmas...She's out of the picture for good, but is trying to get the last word in~~sort of like trying to get gum off the bottom of your shoe!



No, it didn’t involve Hubby…it just looks like he’s behind bars! We found the most excellent place in Scottsdale…Dos Gringos. Reading all the signage in every nook & cranny of this place was amusing…not to mention all the bras hanging from the ceiling at one of the inside bars! Go HERE for their main page…

Dealing with all that and trying to get this baby blanket finished before Saturday has been taking up all my time and at the same time has kept me sane! Pictures to come...I PROMISE!

Today...pottery class!! Now I like to call it Clay Therapy....I can pretend the clay is a certain someone's head!

More later...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Lucky 7's

First I must apologize for being so behind...I'm behind in EVERYTHING! I've been working like gangbusters on finishing up the baby blanket I'm making for my Step-daughter. We are having a shower for her the 14th...of this month! I'm about halfway on the edging (about 95% done)...it's a knitted edging that's kicking my butt! I'll post pictures of the completed project.

I'm not one to let grass grow under my feet, life's too short! So...I'm taking a pottery class once a week! I've wanted to do this for a very long time! I think the last time I sat down to a potter's wheel was in the 6th grade...trust me it was a long time ago! My first class was this past Thursday...so exciting! Next....WEAVING...Julia I need your bedroom for a larger Loom/Fiber Room!

Last but not least...I had the most wonderful surprise on Wednesday of this week! I finally heard the voice I've been imagining for quite some time...my buddy Shona from Scotland called me! NOW I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HER FACE TO FACE!! Shona, THANKS again for making my day! I told hubby that he'd better prepare for all-nighters...it's gonna be like we are school girls at a slumber party~~talking ALL night long!
In turn I had to call Bobbi and give thanks to her for pairing us up for Secret Pal 8! This "Chick" has a sixth sense about her...or a crystal ball!! Doogie? We had a GREAT time chatting, and she's another I can't wait to meet! There are just some people out there who "click"~~know what I mean? Bobbi is another GREAT friend!!

Now...a short Part 2 version of our trip:

This is the Gowan Lodge, which holds the welcome center for the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. This lodge happens to be the former home of one of Shona's ancestors, once I mentioned that fact we were treated like Royalty! The body of the house has been closed off to the public because of the support structure being compromised over time, it used to be a place where many could stay...can you believe that each room had a bathroom?! We're talking late 19th century here...my mother didn't have the luxury of indoor plumbing until they moved to the town we live in now...in 1953! This lodge is down in a very deep gorge, the road is so steep that back in the day of the Model A & T Fords they had to use reverse to get out! We saw some great OLD pictures of family members and people who "partied" at the lodge! Boy, they had some real interesting parties! If you look at the picture...the room at the top was where the bar was! I envisioned a FIBER ROOM myself!!


Which by the way is original to the house!
Speaking of which...the first thing I saw when walking through the forbidden door was this nice piece!

Truly I never imagined the house/lodge being so HUGE!

We packed a small picnic for the day and walked a few of the trails but didn't take the one we should have, simply because I'm not accustomed to dry heat hiking, this day it was about 105 degrees!


The Gowan trail was straight down to the bridge...which meant, we came straight uphill on the way back!

I'm sure most have heard of Virginia's Natural Bridge, which is about 35 minutes from my hometown...and when you compare the size, Tonto Natural Bridge is much larger (sorry the pictures just don't do it justice) .
Here's a shot we took from above:







This is a picture taken from below...borrowed from the Park Service.

See how big?! This still doesn't give you the image I have in my minds eye! Darn it, I should have hiked down to the bottom!





Here's Virginia's Natural Bridge:

Similar....yet different?!

Man...I have so much to talk about and no time to do it! I'm sorry but I've gotta get back to my knitting...baby blanket's gotta get done in the next 7 6 days!! I'm so behind on my MS3 project, clue 2 was posted yesterday and I'm still on clue 1...because of the baby blanket!!

I'll be back...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Happy 4th of July!!!

Celebrate Safe!! Hope you have a good one!

Pray for Peace...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Monday....again!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! We had promised daughter Julia a camping trip since she'd been so busy working and going to school on our previous camping excursions. So, this weekend we took off to a nearby KOA for some relaxation...and yet again, it's back to reality.

I know I haven't been talking much about knitting these days, instead it's been about Arizona! Last week the humidity was so bad...or after a week in AZ I had acclimated myself to NO humidity...today the A/C's are going in the windows cause the weatherman is forecasting higher humidity heading into the weekend. Today was very nice, but as a native SW Virginian I know that's NOT normal for this time of year!

How about some more vacation?

Part 1 Yeah, I know you are going to get tired of this, but I promise I'll shut up...soon!

About Arizona...I've been going through my pictures to weed out find more pictures to post, lots of great ones but I can't post them all. So...since this IS a knitting blog I think I'll start by showing you WHERE I did a lot of my knitting (besides at the pool)...one thing to note, people in AZ really look at you funny when you are knitting socks~~Hey, they are silk!


In the evening we would venture up to change for dinner and find our place here...

The Vista Lounge, and OH what a Vista! Here's a small sampling of the "Wildlife" you could see.




While enjoying a drink and knitting we watched these cute little critters...

There were 9 little ducklings with their Momma every afternoon.




Desert Cottontails...were EVERYWHERE! Just call it Bunny Heaven! In the afternoon they would come out and lounge in the shade and the little ones would chase each other. It was as though they were employed by the resort and did their "thing" at a scheduled time!


This is the Gamble's Quail...I like to call the "Kramer Bird"...remember "Seinfeld"? The pair would come out, both have "the feather", as their head bobbed around that little feather reminded me of Kramer's hair! I'm sure he was wondering how to rid himself of that pesky feather!



The Saguaro Cactus where amazing, after reading up a little about them, it takes up to 75 years before they grow one arm! Look at this one:


How old do you think this one is? They are an endangered species because of their slow growing nature and "plugging"! Wanna know what that is? Read this story about one David Grundman, he even had a song written about him...too bad he's not around to hear it!
You can see Four Peaks in the background, part of the Tonto National Forest.

Well...plenty of knitting to do! Stay tuned...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!