The Crafty Lizzard

A Family Tradition...

2010-07-05T20:47:00.006-04:00

The 4th of July has long been an outstanding family tradition at my parents' house.

Here's just a few reasons:

1. It's a very old tradition. We moved into the house when I was in 5th grade and the tradition was created because that house sits about halfway through the parade route. That would mean that we have been watching the parade and having a picnic there since 1988. (Wow. I justrealized -- that's 22 years!)

Here's the hazy view as we waited for it to start this morning.

2. It's created out of family both by blood and by choice. My brothers and I are there but it's also old friends who are family just the same. It just so happens that my best friend's parents and my parents are friends as well so they have always joined us for the day. Even though new people are always coming, this year's gathering was small and many people were missed.

3. Because of #2, when my best friend and I were in high school and had to march the parade, we would do the whole parade and THEN walk halfway back to the house. (Those memories aren't that fun!) We've also had (at times) as many band alumni in our front yard as were marching in the parade!

4. There has been, since about 1990 or so, a little one there to capture the excitement of the parade. Some years we have lined up 15 kids or so in the middle of the street for pictures. This year, there were only 2 -- Lily and Charlie. Showing the difference between boys and girls, as the fire trucks went by Lily (with earplugs in) went running for the house to get away from the noise. Charlie, in full excitement mode, wouldn't even let mom cover his ears!

5. There's always one thing thrown from the floats that wins the day. Candy is omnipresent (as are the races to get it off the street!) but this year the winner came from the Little Tykes float in the form of a teddy bear that made a little girl's morning!

6. After the parade, the picnic commences and much food and fun is to be had by all...at least until naptime!

7. My dad's yard is, as it was put today, better than a lot of parks. There's usually something really cool happening too. One year, it was a baby hawk. This year it was cactus flowers

and twin fawns.

I scared off the fawns before I could snap a pic of both together...but I still managed to capture one Bambi.

The day is tiring but in a very fulfilling way.

Good food, good friends, good times.

The Unbearable Cuteness

2010-06-19T15:36:00.005-04:00

Unless you have grown up with me or spent a lot of time at my house, you might not know that I am a huge teddy bear freak! As I sit here and think about it, I believe the only room in my house that doesn't have a teddy bear in it is the bathroom.

I started as a little girl always asking for a bear for birthdays, christmas, any holiday really. In fact, I remember many birthdays as I got older that mom said (kinda like a can-we-please-do-something-different statement) "don't you want anything else?"

I had huge bears, tiny bears, bears that squeaked, figurine bears, posable bears, etc. etc. etc. I even threatened to have a small one (appropriately named Baldwin) on the piano when I did my recital in college.

So today I was downtown at Knitter's Connection shopping for some fun new yarn. I was peeking at about the 3rd alpaca booth when I turned around and, lo and behold, this guy was staring back at me.

So cute and when I reached to pick him up and my hand disappeared into his fur...'cuz this bear is made from Alpaca so he is incredibly soft and squishy!

And...he hugs well, a very important thing for a teddy bear to do!

Summer's Bounty

2010-06-14T21:58:00.004-04:00

I know, I know...I haven't been around for a while...

There is more to come - Very Soon!

But tonight I wanted to quickly share with you just how much difference a year makes.

Last year, the first fruiting year for my blackberry bush, this was about half the blackberries:

This year, they have exploded. A week ago, I picked the same amount as last year knowing that there were still tons left on the plant needing to ripen. Tonight, I went out to collect the berries and had to come back into the house for another bowl.

YUM!!!!!!I stuck the bowl I used last year in front just for size comparison.

Now, if I can only get the mosquitos to not pester me when I'm outside. I'm still itching!!

Yay!!

2010-05-24T20:54:00.004-04:00

So lately I've been spending all of my free time (what little I have) either knitting or trying to tame the jungle that is my front flower/herb bed.

It's really hard to tell what's all there in this picture but here's a few things I'm excited about:

1. The peonies I thought made not have even made the transfer from Dad's house not only made it but actually bloomed -- 3 flowers. And more new growth is still coming!

2. My herbs are finally starting to reach their full growth. The sage (the purple in this pic) smells wonderful, the mint makes VERY refreshing mojitos, and potatoes are awesome with the thyme and oregano.

3. Finally managed to get catnip growing...sort of. Now I just need to rig a way for the neighborhood kittehs not to eat until it gets established.

4. I can't wait for my rose to bloom. I'm not much of a rose person but this rose has a special connection for me. My grandpa was a grower for the rose society for a while when I was little. I remember searching his yard for the flower that had my name attached and the many family parties where we were totally enveloped by the smell of roses. So I ordered the rose that he put my name on. Maybe this is my way of welcoming my grandpa (a constant gardener) into my garden.

In other more craftier news, I have finished Knitting Challenge #4. The lace shawl actually went really fast. I had a few days where the weather was rainy and yucky so I knit away. Here's the finished project:

All in all, not a bad project. Simple enough to not make me frustrated, lacy enough for me to feel girly.

After this and having my knee socks (Challenge #1) still irking me a bit [why oh why did I have to get gauge on a size 0 needle?] I was craving to do a simple basic sock. It feels like I haven't done one yet this year. So here ya go: This little sock was came into being in just a matter or 3 days. It flew off the needles but sadly, it's mate is not so lucky. That one is mostly done but is struggling through the leg. (It may be because it's been very summer-y outside :) )

The next big knitting project is on the needles and some have seen it but that's another story...

Spring Cleaning

2010-05-02T11:41:00.006-04:00

Let's just say right now that I'm not a winter person -- really not. Cold and dark does not equal fun in my book. One thing that I always crave during winter is being outside. I enjoy the warm sun, not having to have 14 layers on, and things being green. I love the smell of things growing, the look when the yard is shaped up and the taste of fresh herbs.

But with time flying by at the speed of light, the yard has gotten a little out of hand. At least until this past weekend...

This is the back flower bed which is getting a little revamp as far as design. I was going to put my rose back here but I decided that there just is not enough sun for a rose to do its best. So I enlarged it -- just a little and have decided to make it a bed of color and cut flowers.

After 1(yep, only 1 -- I was proud of myself) trip to Lowe's,

a few hours, and 1 very dirty and sweaty Lizzard, this was the cleaned up bed.

It's still a work in progress -- i.e. the ferns will be moved to what will become the shade garden on the side of the house. So far, I've got dianthus, a Lenten Rose, Asters, columbine, Coreopsis, Lambs ear, stokesia and an azalea. If anyone has any ideas as to pretty flowers/plants that are preferably perennials, I'm open for suggestions!

Just in time for winter (I mean, summer!)

2010-04-26T20:49:00.002-04:00

...or knitting challenge #3.

It seems very weird to finish up a pair of VERY warm, VERY woolly mittens right when the temperature is starting to hit the 70s. But who could resist...

I've never done any kind of colorwork and these mittens seemed the perfect first project. Not in ultra skinny yarn, only changing 1 color(although, 5 times), an awesome pattern, and a small project in case it didn't go well. Fortunately, they went very well indeed. A few little first-timer foibles but who cares...they're pretty and warm! You can't see it from these pictures but they also have a lining so they're doubly warm. And doubly soft -- I wish that the internet had touch-o-vision.

It's a good thing that I need a new winter coat next year.

My old one doesn't match!

Now onto the next challenge...

These lovely pinks are yearning to become a beautiful shawl. Challenge #4 = lace. True lace. No easy rows. One day soon...

Falling behind...Springing ahead

2010-04-14T11:44:00.004-04:00

It seems that I've not quite kept to my once a week blogging goal. Bleh. Life has again snuck itself in between the blog and me. Silly life.

So to catch up...

1. The final season of Solo & Ensemble is approaching this weekend. This has been part of my craziness. Although, I do have a little bit of a light load for this last one. Here's hoping I won't have to be there at 8 in the morning! (or still there at 4!)

2. Spring has officially sprung in Columbus. That means on top of everything else I am itching to get outside! The yard looks good, plants are coming up that I thought were lost (I might have peony flowers this year!), one plant is ordered (the one and only rose plant that I want - one that my grandpa had my name on in his garden when I was little) and I'm still searching to find a place where I can buy 1 (and 1 only) plant of actual catnip (if anyone knows of any place in Columbus, please let me know).

3. I have one FO -- my vest. Just in time for the weather to get too warm for me to wear it.

This was not part of my knitting challenges for the year but just a sweater I could wear to work. Testing it out today. So far I love it -- the way it fits, the way it looks, the color, and so far the warmth.

I have started on knitting challenge #3 for the year but that's a different story. Challenge #1 is still under construction (see the blue socks to the right) and I hope to have them done shortly. I know I'm a bit out of sequence but that's a little normal for me!

70 years young....

2010-04-02T09:11:00.004-04:00

It has taken me all week to get to this post but here it is....

This past Sunday my mom turned 70. My brothers and I knew that we had to do something special but what.....we started to think what about her own computer. We should've run with it when we first thought of it but we didn't.

This is where the comedy of errors only begins.

We also knew that we needed to get their house wired (ok, wireless) to effectively use the new computer. We let all this go until about the week before her birthday. The brother that took charge lives in Maryland. He made the contact to get DSL hoping to keep the whole thing a secret. Alas, the technician showed up at their house (when he didn't need too), the router was sent to them (when it should've been sent to my brother), and he ended up spending 2 1/2 hours on the phone trying to get the whole thing situation straightened out.

Friday night, after Mom went to bed, we (meaning my brother, my niece and I) set about setting up Mom's new computer. I decided to put a big "stickie note" on the desktop with "Happy Birthday Mom!" on it.

In the morning, Mom grilled all of us as to whose computer it was. The 6 year old even nonchalantly told her it was hers. After a few minutes she finally realized it was hers and was SO excited.

The way she has accepted this push by her children and jumped into trying to figure everything out it amazing!

My brothers and I then had a dinner to cook for the afternoon's party so we left Mom on her own.

Well...not exactly. We left her in the capable hands of the 19 and 6 year olds!

We ended up having a wonderful dinner, a wonderful party and a birthday complete with 70 candles (and a fire extinguisher that Dad brought out!).

Mom got not only a new way of staying in touch with the family, but a handmade set of windchimes, a sentimental gift that her dad use to do (from her sis) and a cane (from her little bro)! And she also got an amazing day with her whole fam!

I think I'm in love...

2010-03-24T22:08:00.004-04:00

...or "knitting challenge #2."

I have had this hank of yarn wasting away in the bottom of my stash for over a year patiently waiting for me to make it all color-y and pretty. I finally did it this past weekend -- I dyed my first hank of yarn. If you don't count the few times that I have tie-dyed, this was my very first foray into dying and I think I could VERY easily be hooked!

It took most of a Sunday, but here's how it went:

1. Re-skeining the yarn. I decided to double the length of the hank that the yarn came in and, lo and behold, my dining room table was basically perfect. Granted, I do recommend keeping any curious furry-little-creatures-who-hunt away from this process!

2. Soaking. Not very exciting, I admit. But it was kinda a cool pic so I had to include.Looks sorta like spaghetti, no?

3. Ahhh....the color. The first attempt at anything should always include your favorite things, right? Hence, big, bold, red! I used Wilton's Red-Red gel food coloring -- a lot of it. Over the course of the afternoon, I used 1 and a half containers!

4. Straight from the pot, before the rinse.

I tried a combination of dip-dying and what I guess is called the hot-pour method. When I was about halfway through the yarn in the dip dying fashion, I poured more dye over what was still heating in the crockpot to achieve a really strong kettle dye effect. Hard to tell in this pic tho.

5. The Finished Product.

I'm incredibly anxious to see how this actually knits up. But that's an entire different story! Must finish current projects first.

Knitting Hijinks

2010-03-07T16:06:00.005-05:00

*WARNING*

High photo content ahead

The past few days have been knitting/yarn overload.

Thursday was the usual crowd in the usual place but the energy was UNusual. Knowing that we had new goodies there for us to take home, a field trip the next day and just the general end of the week was enough to make grown women positively giddy.

Since the Ravlympics had just finished, everyone had lots to show...

These were the finished Ravelympic projects that present on Thurs. night.

Let's see...clockwise from top left: J's Twilight Mitts, K's Twilight Mitts, My iTARDIS, my socks for mom, M's Bella's Mitts for her daughter, and J's So-Called-Scarf (which only took her a mere 4 years to finish!)

Then the moment where I think we were all dumbfounded by the secret cast-on ninja skills of Karen. So much so that we made her demonstrate the next day...

it's extremely fast and she doesn't even watch while she's doing it.

Then we had Kate's first pair of socks. Well, at least the ones that now have her totally addicted to socks! (Yes, another one into the fold!) A year ago she wanted handmade socks so badly that she wanted to pay someone to make them for her. Now, she's come a little further to the dark side and will be making socks forever.

Friday...after getting up much earlier than I thought I had to (stupid work meeting!) we all met again but this time for a wondrous yarn field trip -- but that's another whole story.

But now we saw Cat's Endpaper Mitts that added to the Ravelympics haul.

All this colorwork REALLY makes me want to start my colorwork project. Must finish current ones first. Must finish current ones first. Must finish current ones first.

Then after all this, some of us went to see "Alice in Wonderland." We missed seeing it in 3D but all the same in was still a wonderous movie. Even if the music was just a tad disappointing to me. (not bad, just not stellar)

Now, I'm going to leave you with the latest yarn that I acquired form the Merc when I 'happened to pass by' last week...Mmmmmm....

An all-around awesome day...

2010-02-27T23:00:00.005-05:00

Have you ever had one of those days where things just seem to go right?

I feel like I haven't had one of those in a LONG time. Something always seems to happen. Bleh.

Well, apart from having to shovel my driveway yet AGAIN, today was one of those days. WOOHOO!

After having all morning (I did wake up at 7am without an alarm clock) for coffee, Olympics and knitting, I finished the Ravelympics socks! The first time ever that I have finished a pair of socks in under a month -- let alone 2 weeks! It was a little rough around the heel of the second sock. I SO wanted to put them down and work on something else for a long while. But I persevered and once I got on the leg it was easy sailing.

Then after much shoveling and some laundry, I met friends for dinner and a night out with Jim Gaffigan. We went to Claddaugh's downtown for dinner and I had an AMAZING meal -- a Bass ale-breaded pork loin resting on mashed potatoes (which were topped with bacon) resting on a bed of cabbage, all topped with a white wine mustard sauce. Mmmmmmmm......

Then as we were leaving I happened to notice that the door mat was a Jameson Whiskey Welcome mat. I happened to say in passing that I needed that for my entryway. The manager guy told me to take it and I didn't think he was serious -- but then he said "don't let me change my mind" so..........I grabbed and ran. My friends and I laughed all the way to the car!!! I now have this as an entryway (see how perfect it fits? Although, I will have to clean and febreeze it!).

Then, of course, on to Jim Gaffigan.....funny, funny man. What an end to an awesome day!

Wonderful Weekend

2010-02-21T15:46:00.004-05:00

Here's what most of my weekend has consisted of...

except for saturday (during the day, when I had to work) the past 3 days has been a wonderful weekend. I have accomplished a lot --

clean the house -- really really needed to be done and I think I set a house record on how fast I did it!

work on projects -- both Ravelympics and non-Ravelympics.

This is the back of what will eventually be a vest to keep me warm. The pattern is Honeycomb (little hard to see in the pic) and the yarn is KP's Telemark in Garnet Heather -- LOVE!

research new ones -- happened to see the new Knit Picks kit Mr. Roboto and immediately knew that I had to let the robot-woman (i.e. Charlie's mom!) know. After a few emails back and forth, it's definitely on the to-do list now.... Also, I'm really itching to start a colorwork project. Must hold out and finish Ravelympics first...

socialize -- yes, believe it or not, I do still have somewhat of a social life and saturday night consisted of good food, good friends, and good conversation! Always a great combo in my book!

I now leave you with a gratuitous kitty shot!

It's not just humans that love when Knit Picks delivers!

Ravelympics!

2010-02-19T12:39:00.007-05:00

I know it's been a week past but...Welcome to the Ravelympics!

After a wonderful cast-on party (thanks Kim!), I've been knitting like a banshee! I decided that I would try to complete a pair of socks (not super-duper-crazy-hard socks like Ann but still not-so-simple socks). Usually it takes me about a month to finish a pair so to make it to the finish line in 17 days is pushing it.

I also usually have a big project going at the same time and now is no different but that's a different story...

Ever since I was a kid I have been an Olympic junkie. Maybe it was because this was one of the few things we were allowed to watch on TV during the week, but I think mostly it's the atmosphere, the challenges, the highs, and the lows. I've also always enjoyed the winter ones much more than the summer ones...don't know why. I remember watching Dan Jansen crash and burn and then having to wait 4 long years to watch him try to win. I remember watching the ski jumper nicknamed "Eddie the Eagle". I remember Bonnie Blair becoming one the most decorated athletes -- and thinking it was really cool that it was a "she" that did it. I remember watching snowboarding slowly become such a big event (side note: don't worry Jackie, it was still amazing to watch!!). And, of course, the one sport I think would be fun to try -- short track speed skating and all the drama that seems to go on there!

With this background, maybe you can understand why I've been a little quiet this week. Having the ability to tape all of them and watch it all, I've done almost nothing when I'm at home except watch Olympics.

However, this has allowed me to be much further on in my Ravelypmics project than I thought I would be. I finished up the first sock this morning and will cast on for the second tonight.

These are the Vinnland pattern and will go to mom. I'm hoping they fit as I think my foot is a tad bit smaller than hers and it fits pretty good on mine. It is a little long so.... It's a little hard to see but the yarn is Stroll Kettle dyed...it didn't look like there would be much variation but I'm liking it knit up.

Halfway there!

So...

I decided to add a project. A small one. But another one. I've wanted to do this one for a little bit and I'm using it as a Colorwork101. If you don't know, I'm a little bit of a nerd and am a big fan of Doctor Who...I saw this pattern and when I read that the ipod could be considered Timelord Technology (it is "bigger on the inside") I knew I had to make it -- a TARDIS ipod cozy. One of my other challenges this year will be colorwork so this was an awesome intro to that! And it's fun!

Catching up...

2010-02-08T08:22:00.005-05:00

This week has been an incredibly busy one. I've been meaning to get this post up for about 4 days now. Sorry.

Since the last post, I've found out that I'm moving stores and will be managing our Worthington location. Bigger store, more lessons, more staff! It's incredibly hard to switch stores in a matter of a week. Especially while training new staff, trying to talk to the customers that you've worked with for almost 10 years, and generally being a sounding board (as usual). Today was my first official day over there and it was very interesting. There will be some things that will change, some will remain the same, and some that they do better than I was doing. In all, I think, your basic change.

On a brighter (and lighter for my wallet) note, this store is about 2 minutes away from The Knitter's Mercantile and I will have to pass it everyday on my way. Nothing better on a bad day then some yarn-y therapy!

We're also fast approaching my second knitting challenge for the year -- Ravelympics!!!

Cast on is now less than a week away and I'm REALLY itching to start... I will be attempting to complete a pair of socks between Opening Ceremonies and Closing Ceremonies. (Good thing I'm an Olympic junkie!) This will be about half the time that it usually takes me to finish a pair! Therefore, I've decided that they are going to be named after the first part of the Olympic Motto -- Citius. I wish I knit fast enough to also have the other two -- altus and fortius -- but maybe I'll try for those for the next Olympics. The yarn to the left has been through it's training and is patiently waiting for cast on! (Myself....not so patient.) The only bad thing is that I have yarn for a vest coming (probably tomorrow) that I'm SO gonna want to start. Do I be daring and still try to work on that as well as my socks? Hmmmmm........

In an effort to "clean up" before friday, I've finished my "concert" arm warmers. These were made from Panda Silk and are incredibly soft on the hands. And if I might say, quite pretty.

I haven't tried to play in them yet but the top around the hand feels stretchy enough that it shouldn't bother me.

Sorry the pic is a little blurry but I'm not that good with working with the timer on the new camera yet...

Also, since the last post my washing machine decided that it was tired and worn out and wasn't going to wash clothes anymore. Luckily, it happened AFTER I had most of my laundry done. It decided to stop at the delicate load so I only had to wring out about 4 sweaters. Bleh.

Now, as frustrating and as upset as I was, I really can't complain. This washer was liberated from the front sidewalk of a neighbor of a good friend who said that they had had some trouble with it and it might last me a year but I was welcome to it. Well, I actually managed to squeeze 2 years out of it so...

After deliberation and discussion, I decided that I needed to have a washer that could cope with my ever growing supply of hand knits. So I opted to splurge and go for the front-loading-able-to-handle-hand-washing-very-sleek-and-quasi-futuristic Whirlpool. So far, so good. I like being able to fit all the socks (save the Malabrigo.....haven't been daring enough to stick those in there yet.....) and a sweater or two in there and not have to fit them all in the sink!

And so now, after a VERY long post (sorry, should probably shoot for smaller-more-frequent) I'll leave you with the start of the second knee sock...

Crazy Week...Crazy Weekend...

2010-01-24T12:53:00.004-05:00

Have you ever had one of those weeks where everything seemed to happen all at once? Of course...Everyone has. This week was one of those for me. Work is crazy, play is crazy...Life is crazy! Now that's not to say that crazy = bad. On the contrary, most of the stuff that's happened this week has been good and enjoyable...most, not all.

First of all, this past weekend was round 1 of Solo and Ensemble contest. An entire day of me playing for high school kids performing. It takes a lot of energy but it's always fun. This year, the day started off with me breaking a piano -- yep, I broke the leg right off. I went to angle the piano so I could see the singer a little better and (one big crraacckk later) one of the legs was lying on the ground. Now, I may be a strong woman but...I'm not that strong. I'm figurin' that it was already cracking before I tried to move the piano. Needless to say, the rest of the day the kids gave me a hard time about breaking pianos! Of course, it didn't help that I also had one almost roll away from me too. See...Crazy!

Second of all, work has been one big case of the dramas for the past month! People being let go, hiring new people, said new people quitting, rearranging staff, not good staff, etc., etc., etc. ARGH!!!!!

Thirdly, Sunday (after an intense day of cleaning and doing housework chores) my washer gave up the ghost. I got this washer free 2 years ago when I moved into my house and I

was hoping then that it would last a year...I guess I've gotten the life out of it. After 2 loads of normal wash, I threw in the load of delicates and went about more work. When I went to empty it and hour later I realized that it had never agitated! Now, I can't get it to even drain the water that's in it!

Again....crazy!

Finally, some happiness --

I've basically finished my first knitting project this year. This is my second cardigan and so far I'm loving it. I absolutely adore the cabling on the arms! All I have left to do is to get/install a zipper. And so far, since I'm wearing right now (left it on after taking the pic!) I'm loving the fact that it's SO warm.

Now, here's hoping that this week might, just might, be a little less CRAZY!!

Knitting Challenge #1

2010-01-16T13:25:00.005-05:00

Ok, so technically this challenge started last year -- on Christmas Day.

But, I'm counting it as the first of the new year (since that's when most of the work on them will occur)...

This is the first half done of my very first pair of knee socks! I've been wanting to do a pair for a while now and finally started the Treetop pattern on Christmas day. I've had to modify the pattern a bit because I have HUGE calves and TINY feet. These are knit top down so I started with the large for the leg and then added extra decreases around the ankle to give the stitch count for the small foot. The foot fits GREAT and the leg is still a bit tight but doable!

Another change I made was to do an Eye of Partridge heel instead of a ribbed heel. I think that the eye of partridge holds up better over time and I like the look better. (Even if the ribbing isn't continued down the heel!)

I also thought that I would get SO bored doing the super long leg but the diagonal cabling actually really kept me interested. I do have to admit I thought I would also hate the cabling. I've only done cabling on one other pair of socks and I couldn't stand it. Which was very odd seeing as I LOVE cables! However, now that I know someone else who has done that pattern and also hated it, I think it was a case of a bad sock cabling experience.

I'm quite relieved to realize that cables on socks doesn't have to be an excruciating job!

A New Year - A New Blog

2010-01-13T20:22:00.003-05:00

...at least it feels that way... GEEZ it's been a LONG time.

Dear 4s of followers, I will make a concerted effort to keep this going this time. Sometimes life gets in the way and although that may sound like an excuse...it did a bit in my case.

Since August, I've gone through a very busy fall season at work, a very fun Halloween with Draculess (my 5 1/2 year old niece), friends going through hard times, house getting broken into, Thanksgiving, brother getting his van totaled, Christmas and now a brand new decade.

I was without a computer from about mid-November til New Year's Eve and everything, and I mean Everything I did online fell behind. I managed to almost keep up with the email but lost some of those too. But I had told myself that when my laptop quit working I was going to look into getting a mac...I did it. I went to the Dark Side. It's ok, I feel I belong here anyway! So now that I have a working computer again....

I'm also setting myself the task of challenging myself with my knitting this year. I wanted to try colorwork last year and never got around to it. I will this year. As a friend put it -- it's out there -- now I have to do it.

The first challenge however is Ravelympics. This is where you challenge yourself to do as much as you can within the time frame of the Olympics. From Opening Ceremonies to Closing Ceremonies. And I'm shooting for at least 1 pair of socks. Ugh. It usually takes me about a month to do so 2 weeks might be pushing it. I will prevail!

I apologize for the lack of visual goodness in this post. I promise it is coming...it took enough energy for this "non-computer" nerd to get the layout changed. But it's pretty, no?

Until the next...

I think I'm addicted...

2009-08-10T19:25:00.003-04:00

These little guys were introduce last Thursday by K at knit knite as "Diabolical Cuteness". She really is evil (yes, you heard me, K...Evil!). This pattern is SO easy and fun. It's like Lay's potato chips -- you can't stop at just one. It's impossible. This is the perfect way to use up all the little bits of yarn that won't make much of any other project. As another knit knite buddy thought up -- these would also make wonderful catnip toys or even sachets for drawers! How wonderful to have a little alien lurking within your drawers! (She chuckles to herself.)

I have now finished the Diminishing Ribs sweater! It's now washed and blocked (sort of). I'm trying to wait patiently for it to dry....it's hard, really hard.
I made my goal of having this done by the Clambake (more on this later) so that makes me the happiest! Now I need to do a bunch of socks while I figure out what the next big project will be.

In other news, I made the best sandwich EVER for dinner tonight. This is one of my reasons why summer is my favorite season -- fresh tomatoes! This is a beautiful BLT with the first beefsteak tomato from my garden! Nice crisp bacon, tasty Tuscan bread, spring greens...mmmmmmmmmmmm. It was very messy but oh, so worth it! Hopefully, this is the first of many.

Now, a word about the clambake. My family has a clambake every year. This is basically our "family reunion". We steam a ton of clams, have lots of grilled chicken, corn, and tons of other food. (Oh, yeah, drink too!) This party has been happening since long before I was born and I believe will continue for a long time. We always have some family that can't make it and they are always sorely missed. The whole day is spent eating, drinking, playing and just talking. Last year, as we sat around the fire pit (til the wee small hours of the night) we were really missing having some musical fun. (Most of my family are musicians of some sort or another.) So this year I decided that I would take matters into my own hands and have been working up a setlist of simple (like, 4 chord simple) guitar songs so that we can have at least a little sing along. Wish me luck...I have 5 more days...the party is Saturday!

Happy August!

2009-08-03T19:46:00.005-04:00

It seems like the Blog-o-sphere and I have not been getting along lately. Maybe it's summer telling me that there are better things than putting your thoughts down for the world to see. (Or perhaps my thoughts just want to turn off when I get home.) Maybe it's the lack of really exciting thoughts...wait...that's not it. (What it would be like to look into the crazy randomness that is my brain!) At any rate, it seems like I'm always doing a catch-up post! Argh! This summer I have averaged 1 post per month! 1! Wow! So far it seems like the summer has been taken up with work (ugh), working outside [ ;) ], and enjoying lots of family and friends (yay!).

Some of the wonderfulness of the summer has been the al fresco knit knites! Sitting outside, watching 3 very energetic kids play, knit, and converse with a bunch of great ladies has made this summer so fun! The teasing, book gossiping, yarn fondling and just all round good times is more than any girl can ask from friends.

On that creative front, I finally am getting to my Diminishing Rib sweater! I'm so ready for this sweater to be done. Not because my tired of knitting it but because I want to wear it and am hoping that it fits and is comfy. I'm making this out of organic cotton and as I work with it, it keeps getting softer and softer. The goal is to have it done in time for the family Clambake. (That's 12 more days -- good thing I only have 1 more sleeve to go!)

And of course, I am never without a sock going so here's the most recent one of those --
These are being called my Lizzard socks. Between the color and the pattern I chose it reminds of lizard skin.

Ok, I will try to get to posting more than once a week. For now, I'm off to go practice (I'm the bonfire entertainment at the Clambake) and start the second sleeve.

Catching up...

2009-07-09T10:56:00.006-04:00

Ok, so it's been a while since I've posted. I've actually thought about it recently -- just haven't actually sat down to do it. So here I go:

#1 happy event -- Not your typical high school reunion

Instead of having one class get together for a reunion, we had a band reunion. We even managed to have all three band directors there. For anyone that was involved in high school band you know the friendships that are built during the mega amounts of time spent together. This was an entire day of reminiscing, smiles, sights, smells and laughter. It was also an afternoon that was too short.

#2 happy event -- The garden coming alive.

I come by my green thumb honestly and have loved talking with my dad about the garden. It's been so amazing this year to watch the stuff I planted last year grow exponentially! The flowers are exploding into bloom, the vegetables are slowly appearing, the mint is aggressively taking over, the sage has a lovely fragrance, and the comfrey is slowly turning the waste pile into compost. Every afternoon there is a feast as all the bees come to collect. The other afternoon had an added surprise when I looked out saw this butterfly (or moth....not too up on my insects)!

#3 happy event -- 4th of July

This has turned into the traditional photo taken on a very traditional picnic day. Ever since my parents moved to a house on the parade route the Troyer and Willis clans have worked, watched and feasted at the Troyer house for the 4th of July. (This year marked [we think] the 20th year!!) We have added other clans and friends throughout the years but the party remains the same. After getting our ears blasted by the quarter mile line-up of fire trucks we head to the back yard for some wonderful grillin' and food with some fun thrown in after -- messy sandboxes, lots of kickball, some monkey-in-the-middle, some swinging and lots of laughter!

And because through all this I have not been neglecting my knitting:
This is almost finished and this is the first picture I've taken of it. So sorry. But here it is in all it's soft glory. Soon it will be headed to the intended target. Hope she enjoys it!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-06-19T19:09:00.006-04:00

So far this has been an awesome birthday weekend! (Well, technically my birthday's not til Sunday but...)
It all started with the awesome ladies that I knit with on Thursday nights. Some were missing because of the all-important Knitter's Connection (stay tuned...) but it was a lovely night. We had a few extra party members (S, L and E) and boy, did they party hard. I know it was very hard for her but kudos to E for keeping this...
a secret! All enjoyed and now I have WAY TOO MUCH cake at home. If I could virtually send some to everyone I would. Really. But thank you thank you anyway.

Much delight and laughter was had over the CPH FO (thanks to K and her FB status) even though it's 100% wool and it was about 85 degrees outside! K had the camera out and was documenting the entire shindig so here ya go...this might be the only time you see me in a wool sweater in the summer.

Today was the wonderful, wonderful class at Knitter's Connection with Cat Bordhi! It was such a fun day with lots of knowledge, lots of laughter, seeing new socks, and praising Jeni's Ice Cream! How can that ever equal anything but a very cool day? Oh, I forgot, a wonderful goodie bag full of yummy goodness and shopping!!Even Bailey had to check it out!

I also have something to admit to the knit knite ladies...after all the talk last night about not doing another lace project...I bought more lace yarn today. (She hangs her head sheepishly.) You have to admit it's pretty. It's hand-dyed merino and was worth the money. I promise to bring for closer inspection. Now just to figure out what to make with it...

Gaurdian and fruit...

2009-06-16T16:13:00.006-04:00

I know it's a weird combination but with the lack of knitted FO's to share I thought I would least share a little cuteness.

I had an attack of the must-get-this-sweater-finished energy this past weekend. After the small setback with my Central Park Hoodie (Not blogged about here because I was still mad at myself and hated admitting my own stupidity!) I desperately wanted to get the thing finished. So this weekend I managed to finish the second sleeve (again!), block the second sleeve (again!), finish the edging, and sew in the fist sleeve and side. The plan is to sew in the seond sleeve and side tonight -- pics will follow shortly.
Anyway, while I was working on that I had a gaurdian making sure that my yarn made it from the ball to the sweater correctly. I thought I'd share the fluffy cuteness that watched over me...

As far as the fruit...summertime is one of my favorite times of the year because of the berries. I love fruit and berries most of all. Strawberries, raspberries, cherries, but especially blackberries. Last spring I planted a blackberry bush in my backyard and over the course of the summer reaped a total of 7 (that's right - 7) blackberries. Bummer. This year the bush has been growing exponentially and I've been checking it all the time. Waiting for the day when I can have fresh berries. After a very long day yesterday I came home to a surprise of blackberries ready to eat! So I had a nice small cup of blackberries for dessert!
(with more to come....yum!)

18 1/2 years ago...

2009-06-02T23:44:00.003-04:00

during Choir class of my 8th grade year, I was summoned to the Principal's office. I guess I must precede this story by saying I wasn't the type of kid to get called down to the office. My brain shorted out until my dear friend turned to me with great excitement and said "It's the baby!" This being my best friend (who's part of the family), she knew that my brother's wife was pregnant. I got to the office and there was my dad with my 2 year old niece. To make a very complicated story short -- My niece, Amy decided very quickly to make her appearance in the world. No one was left to watch her sister so I was called into Aunt duties from school.

Tonight, that niece looked like this....
Amy has made it through high school. Loving band, hating math, laughing with friends. All the trials and tribulations that make up the drama of high school. And yes, she will learn to deal with some of us saying, "Oooh, the day you were born..." (and to us it will feel like it was just maybe 5 years ago.)

Sitting up in the balcony, paparazzi-like were her sister (Cora-now 21) and I. With cameras poised we were set to catch the action in the beautiful venue.
This is the beautiful Civic theater in downtown Akron. An old remade movie house. Awesome. As I walked in tonight, memories kept flowing. I realized that I had not been to this theater since my prom was held here 14 years ago. They've made some changes and it's nice to see it's still wonderous.

May the good frenzy that surrounds you in this picture stay with you. Congrats!

Mom's LYS

2009-06-01T23:24:00.008-04:00

So today on my little mini-vacation, my mom and I took a trip to the local yarn shop her are of northeast Ohio. Yes, we visited Miss Chickpea's Funky Fiber. Personally, I was on a mission to pick up some Malabrigo Sock -- and to see the store because a new yarn shop is always heaven! While I was searching the sock yarn rack, mom found a vest pattern that she wants to make for my niece. She asked me how they got the color like it was on there and as I looked up...I whooped in excitement. Mom was standing in front of the many, many colors of Noro. It has been a long time since my mom has knit with any really good yarn and I was bound and determined she needed to experience the love of Noro. After showing her how the colors go and that the particular Noro she was looking at was a worsted weight (so therefore, easy for her to knit with) and she really didn't need that much for the project she jumped in. Pretty soon my mom will not only have a vest for my niece but one for herself as well! Yay!

As for me, I did find the Malabrigo and couldn't resist 2 of the colors there....Grape and Turner.
I will have to come up with the perfect patterns for these.

I also picked up a hank of Happy Feet in a bright, bright pink.

So now, after today's field trip and Kristie's generous de-stashing Thursday, I am not allowed...repeat, not allowed....to buy yarn for a while. (read: major yarn diet for the next few months. I was supposed to be on one anyway.)

Well, I'm off to bed for tomorrow is my niece's high school graduation...I know that it's cliche but wow... time has flown. She is 18 and no longer the little girl that said "double-me" instead of "double-u (w)". Now she's a very beautiful young woman with so much road to wander.

Much Accomplished

2009-05-26T22:47:00.004-04:00

So, in the past few days I have actually gotten a lot (a lot, alot) done. Or at least it feels that way. Many projects are coming along very nicely....others are just hanging out (like the dusting and vacuuming. Maybe I can say that I'm contributing to the population of dustus bunnius.). But here we go:

First of all, there was a minor tragedy in the garden this weekend. Saturday I came home from work and one of my tomato plants (that were ordered special to get certain varieties) looked like it had been trampled flat by what I could only assume was the mailman. Ooh...the mailman was not in my good graces at that point. On closer inspection, I noticed that there was another tomato plant down and they had definitely been chewed on!! It could only have been Bunnies! (I don't think the mailman would've done that.) They were fine when I left for work that morning....Argh. While checking out the tomato plants I noticed that the ground was disturbed around where I had planted bean seeds. Oh no, someone got to those too-- but no, after my initial freak I noticed that underneath the ground were green things coming. The pic is from the next morning and now the beans are up about 3 inches! And now that the tomato plants have also been replaced, steps have been taken to prevent the bunnies from feasting again!

I was able to get a little experimenting done with the alpaca this weekend. The very first stuff I did was not pretty. Not at all. It varied in width from a huge thick bundle to little teeny cord. After working for a few hours though I'm seeming to work out a routine to get it a little smooth. At least it's starting to closely resemble yarn, sorta.

Also, amongst the yard work and the bbqing I managed to finish my Bellatrix socks.
The "runs" look a little like bobbles but it's a very cool effect. The yarn worked really well with the pattern and I love the way it kinda pools in the "runs". Now on to the next pair....

Welcome back...

2009-05-22T12:54:00.008-04:00

...after a brief hiatus. To my fives of readers I greatly apologize for the lack of blogging that has occurred the past month. I have no excuse but I will say that between going through a major anti-social phase, spring yard work, and being busy working and playing, the blog fell way to the back of the line. So.....now prepare for a very picture loaded post.

1. The Yard...

with Ohio actually having a spring this year it's been hard enough to keep the grass cut let alone the weeds pulled. It's been amazing to see all the plants that I added last year filling in and blooming galore. As long as the mint (the closest clump of green) doesn't take over...good thing I like fresh mint in iced tea! Now to wait for the Basil, Tomatoes, and hopefully, Beans to grow.

2. New station on the cat TV...
My neighbor has birdfeeders in the back yard which make for delightful entertainment for a cat to watch. This year we have a couple of new additions...this bird is a Grosbeak (kinda cool coloration) and we also have a pair of Red-winged Blackbirds joining the usual crowd of Bluejays, Cardinals, Chickadees, Finches, and Sparrows.

3. Finished projects...
I haven't finished any big projects lately. (probably due to picture #1) But I have finished a couple pairs of socks. The brown pair were made for Mom. This is the first pair of handmade socks she's ever had!! The striped pair is for me. They were both made out of the More Sensational Socks book (Thanks Julane and Kristie!) which is a treasure trove of combinations for sock knitters.

4. Unfinished projects...
As usual I still have 3 or 4 things going. The next pair of socks to be finished is the Bellatrix pattern. Fittingly, I decided to use the Wicked Witch color of the Imagination that I have. It's turning out awesomely! The "bubbles" are actually dropped stitches to look like "runs in your stockings". The group of little squares will eventually grow up to be a blanket. This is my sock yarn stash busting project. It will take forever but I'm hoping it'll be cool in the end. The sweater back is for a Central Park Hoodie that I'm using the Scarlett and Grey yarn that I just had to have. (O-H)

5. Pushing forward...
with new adventures. I have a dealer (oops...friend) who can supply a need for fiber. I happened to mention to Matt the Repair Guy that I was interested in learning how to spin. I did this knowing that Matt owns Alpacas...nudge, nudge. So how excited was I when a bag full of Alpaca fiber showed up at work for me. He gave this batch to me to test out with the caveat that there is a lot more where that came from (this and two more colors in fact!). So here's hoping that once I build a spindle I can actually manage to work this wonderfully soft and squishy fiber into some workable yarn (pictures to come). Thank you Boo or Lincoln -- whichever one of you gave me the hair off your back!

SockYarnAPolooza

2009-03-27T14:58:00.006-04:00

After a long wait for the schedule to line up, Cat and I finally made it to the Yarn Market. This is wonderful place where knitter's can go to be in heaven. I am actually being serious. The Yarn Market is an online yarn store whose warehouse just happens to be located on the south end of town. Heaven exists because they encourage people to come into their warehouse and browse and shop. There is also a wonderful staff who will let you fondle any yarn that is there (and point you to "cloud 9" when you're standing in "cloud 7"). I went strictly looking for sock yarn and on a budget so the haul looks small.

However, that haul equals 5 pairs of socks, armwarmers, and a hat!
(Yes, there's already a project attached to all of it!)

For some reason today as I was fondling all the beautiful yarns, I kept being drawn toward the silks. I've never really knit with silk before but the softness and slinkiness of it was really pulling me in. Maybe it's because it's getting warmer outside so I want to move away from the heavy pure wools....I don't know. I do have one hat that was made out of recycled sari silk and maybe that was another inspiration. I do know that the at was the inspiration for the hat project -- I love that hat so I decided to make another.
This yarn is made from the bits leftover from textile factories in India and the colors are amazing! There is no name for the color -- well, actually there is -- it's called random. It's a mixture of every color and is silky, soft and twisty! I love it. I'm itching to see what it knits up like!

With all this beautiful yarn the colors get a bit overwhelming...especially when you're faced with bins and bins of Noro. I know that this yarn is not the softest or squishiest but I CANNOT resist these colors. Since I was in the mood today (and I've used the Kureyon before) I opted for the Silk Garden Sock yarn. There was a reddish one that was gorgeous but because red will always grab me so I went for the beautiful blue/black/green one. Something different.

The yarn that I fell in love with today was Lorna's Laces.
I've fondled this yarn before but today it grabbed me and would not let me go! Every combination they had (wool, wool/silk, angora, etc.) was soft, squishy and beautiful. It's just too bad they don't have a silk blend in a sock weight -- While the colors are not as shocking and bold as the Noro, they are gorgeous in their own classy way. This one reminds me of a flower (and not just because that's the name of the color) -- brown for dirt, green for stem, red for flower!

I also picked up 3 balls of the Tofutsie yarn to make myself and my 2 nieces socks out of. I've been curious about the cotton/soy/chitin combo would work and I am anxious to see how the colors turn out. The 2 black balls are for another pair of armwarmers for me -- for when I have to be the 'woman in black' and I'm sitting in a freezing pit. (Yes, the inspiration for those hit me last night during Sound of Music.)
And don't you worry all you knit kniter's reading this.....there will be much yarn to pass around next week. You will all have a chance to fondle the goodies!

Once we finished eyeing, fondling and purchasing of the yarn, Cat and headed to the Bucket or our favorite "shrimp and beer" for lunch. And to top it all off (and to introduce Cat to it), we finished with dessert at Jeni's ice cream. Can I just say "yum"! I think I could live on their Black Coffee ice cream! Such a good end to a wonderful morning!

Well you know my name is Simon....

2009-03-18T19:18:00.004-04:00

Ok, so I finished the blanket for Jeff and Marie's Little One. I knew that I had to soon because her baby shower was this past Saturday. Little did I know that I would finish it because he decided to grace us with his presence on that very day (and at the very time no less!). Simon McKinley Hurt was born around 2 o'clock on Saturday. He weighed in at 5 lbs 15 ozs. and was 18" long. Everyone is healthy and happy! (Plus, all are a little relieved that the new dad won't have to leave the wedding that's in a week and a half!) According to Jeff, he is still getting used to the world and they are already getting used to the different sounds that he is making.
So here are the final pics of the blanket:
First a full view:
The final dimensions are roughly 32" X 30". I love the textures that happened with this stitch pattern: a border of garter, a stripe of stockinette, a cable on a background of seed.
And now for a close up of said texture:

Now to finish up some of the other projects that I have going on (of course, this is going to happen while again being SO busy I crash almost as soon as I get home - read: when I finally get home.) Let's see: another Solo & Ensemble, another musical, a wedding, a Good Friday gig, another Solo & Ensemble -- yep, I'm Busy! This weekend I do have some free time -- Yay! Hopefully, I'll actually get some time to socialize with my friends!

Finally back to normal...

2009-03-08T16:56:00.005-04:00

...or as normal as I can be!

The mania of playing a musical is over. There isn't a solo & ensemble contest for a few weeks. And Spring is on its way -- I saw the first Robin of the year this week! It feels like it's been forever since I've had the chance to sit for a relaxing hour or so at the computer to get caught up. Consequently, I have pictures:

First:

The Jaywalker socks I finished. Since I made them out of the "Seven Dwarfs" colorway, I named them Heigh-Ho. The colors are beautiful and created a very cool "traveling" stripe! I loved knitting this pattern -- it went so fast! Always a bonus in my mind. Plus, the snug fit works well for me.

Second:

An updated picture of Little Boy Hurt's blanket. I'm almost done -- hoping to finish it completely this week. This would be a good thing since he could gracing us with his presence at any time! Hopefully, I'll make it before he comes!

Third:

Berry Eyelet socks! I had to start these when I was a little tired of working on the blanket. This is my first foray into the "More Sensational Socks" book. I love the customization of the book (as I was told I would!). These socks too are flying off the needles -- or could it be that little thing called practice? I think the time to do a pair of socks goes down a little with each pair that I do.

Now I have a list of socks to do -- mom and 2 nieces (plus some more for me!). These are added to the list of other WIPs that I need to get done before the new project ADD hits me again! Wednesday this week has been designated sit-in-front-of-the-tv-and-knit day. It's the first day in a long while that there is nothing on my calendar except what I want to do -- oh, and bread to bake for Thurs (but that's fun). Let's see how much I can get done!

A most productive weekend...

2009-02-25T20:28:00.002-05:00

...sort of. While over most of my cold (except a lingering nasty cough) I had a long 6 hour rehearsal on Sat. During which I was again reminded why you should never let musicians get bored. If you've never been around a bunch of bored musicians let me try to explain -- nobody, and I mean nobody, is safe from becoming the butt of a joke. Yourself, others, the people in charge, the composers -- everyone is up for grabs. And the quality of the jokes is directly proportional to how bored you are -- the more boring the worse the jokes. While usually a very fun adventure, it can also get you in trouble from people who don't quite understand it.

After that I sat on my couch and knit, knit, knit (oh, and watched some TV too). I made it almost to inch number 25 of the baby blanket and zoomed through most of the 2nd Jaywalker. (Pictures will be forthcoming.) I had to go back to working on the Jaywalker because I needed a break from the cabling monotony of the baby blanket. I forgot (yes, it's been that long since the first one) just how fast that sock knits!! Before I knew it I was ready to turn the heel and now I'm almost ready to do the toe. I might be pushing it a bit but I would love to have those done tonight!

As far as the baby blanket, I am loving the way it's turning out. The Cotlin is so soft and will only get softer after a couple of washes. Plus, I really like the fact that I included so many different textures -- 4 of them actually -- stockinette, cable, seed stitch, and garter. I would like it to be about 30-36 inches long and I have until March 14th (or thereabout) to get it done. That boils down to roughly 5 inches per week -- perfectly doable.

I also realized that I'm running low on sock yarn -- oh, no! Since the Knit Picks catalog was entirely filled with socks I decided to do another order. This time I went for one of the socks sampler kits -- the Sangria Cocktail Kit. I just couldn't resist all those beautiful reds!

Ok, so now why I said sort of at the top. Because I spent the rest of the weekend knitting I got absolutely nothing else done! No laundry, no grocery store, no cleaning, nothing! eh...even though it'll make me busier for the next week I think I needed to go to couch.

Some semblance of life.....

2009-02-17T16:23:00.003-05:00

Yes, I'm still here...I feel like I have dropped off the face of the earth for the past week. After another busy week (both physically and mentally) and a weekend of sickness, I feel like I'm back to being human. Although, being sick does afford you more knitting time -- that's if you can stay awake!
So the baby blanket shown here:
(now infamous for its mysterious disappearing cable needle) is about 3 times as long. This is a very good thing seeing as it needs to be finished by the 14th of March. I hit inch 16 today so it's about half way there! I'm hoping to have it close to 20 inches by Thurs so I can work on something else at Knit Knite and not worry about losing my needle again. Although, Cat is working on a plan to help with that -- Thanks Cat!
I'm so ready to be doing other projects too....blast it. I have socks and 2 shawls that I need to finish yet I'm itching to start another pair of socks, a hat and a sweater. Plus, I just saw Knit Picks new catalog and the socks are TOO tempting...and the sneak peek of the new summer yarns -- Yummy! I guess that just means more time knitting!

Back from the Land of the Dead

2009-02-08T18:37:00.003-05:00

I guess I'm getting the hang of this blogging thing. I haven't posted for a week and I feel like it's been an eon! I know I need to do a knitting post but I'm not that caught up yet...

Anyway, the crazy week is over -- Solo & Ensemble! Yay! Every year I play for a number (this year = 22) of kids when they do their solo. I end up running around most of the day but it's worth it. Usually, it's worth it just because of the kids. It's so much fun to see kids grow and I love playing piano with some other instrument. This year, however, I got a shock when I went running (literally) to get to a trumpet solo in time and noticed that the name of the judge was my high school band director! I have a friend who teaches with him and have always conveyed messages but I have not sesen this man in over 10 years! What little we were able to talk was awesome! Looking just a bit older but not really acting any older -- definitely the same old Mr. Kibler!

Now that solo & ensemble is over I'm back to practicing my own stuff. I hope soon to be able to put sound files up here. I know that many of you don't really care but at least that way I'm being held accountable for me resolutions. I just hope that I can figure out a way to get recordings on here. (without too much frustration, that is...)

Step Three: Lower Cabinets

2009-01-31T18:31:00.004-05:00

ok...so these were actually painted on Thurs. but by the time I got everything up and running and cleaned (because I wanted to prove that my counter is not usually THAT bad!) it was this morning! Here it is:

Now I just have to do a few touch-ups and I'll be done with painting for a while!

As far as my knitting goes....I have been working...not as much as I wanted to over this vacation but I got some done. I also cranked out a couple of really quick washcloths for part of a wedding shower present. I promise I will have pictures soon. I feel like the needles were a little ignored this week because of the whole kitchen thing but I will update here and over at Ravelry very very soon. Plus, I'm lusting over the new Imagination yarn over at Knit Picks -- I see a bit of red in Munchkin -- hope it's a lot! must...finish...current...projects...argh!

Step Two: Upper Cabinets

2009-01-28T21:47:00.004-05:00

Ok....so day 2 went pretty smoothly...I almost had a CATastrophe though. Bailey came down quite confused and looking for her food when she almost put a paw right on the corner of the very wet, front of a cabinet door. I know I'm going to end up doing some touch up anyway but whew, am I glad that didn't happen. (Thanks to my very loud, very scary scream!)
As I started this morning I did have to keep repeating the paint mantra of "it dries darker"-- when I opened the can of paint it looked VERY purple. I looked at the paint sample again and sure enough it said "fine wine". As I watched the paint go up, I thought this looks more like just smooshed grapes. But remembering that dark paint especially dries a different color, I went for it....glad I did! It's definitely what I wanted!

The difference between the two reds is amazing! No more angry red! Now I just have to do the bottom cupboards and finish everything (read: clean) before I have a newish kitchen! Now off to go put a second coat on the inside of the doors so I can hang them tomorrow...

Step One: Walls

2009-01-26T21:07:00.004-05:00

Ok...so this week I took vacation to try and get my big winter project done. I was hoping that I could get a couple of days solid to work on my kitchen. Well, the fates conspired against me and this week is actually going to be a REALLY busy week -- so the kitchen is going in stages.

On Saturday I tool a trip down to Ikea (LOVE this place) to pick up a few handy, dandy things. A new tv stand, door pulls, storage space for kitchen walls, etc. etc. etc. Of course, walking through that store always makes me want to spend so much more money than I have...:(

So with new kitchen toys in hand I'm ready to start. Here's the mess before I started this morning:

Filthy white walls (that I had to splash some ceiling paint on when I moved in just so I wouldn't be grossed out cooking!) and bright, fire-engine red cupboards. Now I'm not afraid of color -- my bathroom is rubber duckie yellow -- but these cupboards have been screaming at me for a year. It doesn't help that the paint job is horrible (that's been a common theme with this house-- half done jobs.) It's not relaxing to cook with harsh colors staring back at you. As far as the walls are concerned, I've never understood the need to have the whole house white (which mine was) so the white walls are now gone!

I know that this picture isn't that clear as to what the color is.....how do I describe? It's tanblushgrey. Ok,Ok,Ok....so the name of the color is actually Unfussy Beige but once I get the cupboards done it will look better. (The red now is REALLY screaming at me -- it clashes like you would not believe!)
Hopefully, I will be posting the finished product in a couple of days -- complete with pretty new stuff and an actual clean counter! Now on to have a sit in my chair!!

One Dearly Departed....

2009-01-20T19:07:00.003-05:00

....Kid
(The big dog in the pic...the little dog is helping to ease the passing.)
Kid was my brother's K-9 cop partner for 6 years and was a pet for another 4 or so. Kid joined my brother's family when he was about 3 yrs old and left the family today almost 13. 13 years is ancient for a German Shepherd and it was time for him to leave....However, a big boy (my brother) and a little boy (my 7 yr old nephew) in the house are very, very sad. Kid was a dog whose thought his sole purpose in life was to be loved and petted....except when he was working. At work, the other policemen nicknamed him "Satan" because of how he reacted. But at home he was always waiting for a lap to climb on or for a hand to pet him.
He will be sorely missed.

On other notes....today has been a much better day than yesterday. Thank you for all your thoughts. The act of sitting was hard last night (once I got there I was ok) and today feels much better -- In soreness and in Karma. Some days it seems like we were not meant to get out of bed! But I did get the heel of the Heigh-ho sock turned so I can't complain. Well, I can but only because I didn't get the laundry done because I didn't want to push my luck with carrying the laundry up & down the basement stairs!

The world against me.....

2009-01-19T17:39:00.004-05:00

Have you ever had one of those days that you just wanted to go away and never come again? Well, that was my morning this morning....
I had an awesome night on Sun night with good food and good games. And then came off that high to a crappy, crappy Monday morning....grrrrrr. Consequently, I had to reward myself with some new comfort music (that would be the Wanted and Milk soundtracks -- both Danny Elfman -- ah.....)!

So here's what happened to me:
1. Turned my alarm OFF instead of whacking the snooze button....bad thing. Luckily, I only overslept about 25 minutes or so.
2. On my way downstairs (hurrying as much as I could through my stupor...) I missed a step and ended up careening down about 4 steps on my rear! OW!!
3. Never put lotion on your hands before you put a band-aid on....they don't like to stick.
4. Made it in time to leave for work but then as I was leaving I didn't screw the lid of my travel mug on tight enough and ended up with coffee all down my front, side and my ipod (it did survive)!
5. Luckily, I happened to remember that the bank was closed to day before I made it all the way there...whew!

After that disastrous first couple of hours its been much calmer. However, it hurts to bend down to the ground or sit down (I think I must have bruised something) but I think that a night of good comfort food and sitting (hopefully) in my chair knitting is in the works for me!

Oh the coldness...

2009-01-18T15:28:00.003-05:00

The one good thing about it being -4 degrees outside is that I don't feel like leaving the relative safety of the great indoors. This means that I sit at home, watch movies, and yes, knit! So in the past 2 days I have finished one pair of socks and started another:
The one I finished...
These are a bit tight around the leg -- not the best stitch for stretchiness! I love the stripes though....especially since they are fraternal! I had to really make myself finish these because I really wanted to move on to the next pair...I resisted the allure of pretty yarn and draw of a pattern I like the look of but hadn't tried yet. (Why does the new and different attract me?) Anyway, they are done...another warm pair for those days I absolutely relish having thick wool around my feet (i.e. when the wind chill is about -20 degrees!).

And the one I started...
This is the Jaywalker pattern and can I just say so far I LOVE this pattern. I have flown through the leg of the first sock. Usually I get bored doing the leg and my startitis flares up and I'm ready to move on to the next project. Not this time. I started the leg last night and I looked down an hour later and most of the leg is done! Amazing. There's been talk recently about sock patterns that fly off the needles and I would have to agree that these are one of those patterns. Hopefully, these fit like glove (except for my feet) so I can continue to love this pattern. Keeping with the musical person I am, these have earned the name Heigh-Ho. When I cast on with a yarn colorway that is entitled Seven Dwarves what else can spring to mind but..."Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho, it's off to work we go." Maybe that's why they are going so fast...

Now I just need my Knit Picks order to get here so I can start on the baby present for April. The time crunch might be on soon. Unfortunately for us knitters, Knit Picks got hit with bad weather and then (I think) a little rowing pains so it's taking a bit longr than usual to get orders through. I don't have a problem unless I start to think about the new stuff I'm getting....then my patience takes a flying leap out the window! (Ok, ok, deep breath, one day at a time...)

Getting the hang of it...

2009-01-11T22:57:00.004-05:00

A while ago my mom weakened to the joys of pretty yarn and bought some lace weight Knit Picks so she could try her hand at it. That's really strange because I don't think I've ever seen my mom knit with anything finer than worsted! After it sat at her house for a year or so, she willingly gave it to someone who might actually knit something with it. So...I decided to leap in and make her a shawl out the yarn that she bought.

I cast on for this project back in May (I had to look on Ravelry to know when...) and it's been pretty much sitting at the same state of doneness for at least 5 months. I just could never bring myself to work on it. I always had that ugh... gotta work on that lace thing feeling.

I had a newbie knitter friend over Sat night for dinner and projects. I decided to force myself to work on this shawl and it was going to be done for my mom no later than Mother's Day (seems like a good day to give Mom something!). So ugh...came the thought again...but this time it didn't stay around very long. I've seemed to grab onto the whole lacework thing now...maybe it was Megan saying (after I repeated part of the pattern out loud), "Ooh, let me purposefully put a mistake and add a stitch (insert and incredibly dry, sarcastic tone)." I think that may have made me see the project in a whole new light -- now it's not "ugh....that lace thing" but "ooh!....lots of pretty holes!" Hopefully, Mom sees it the same way.

Now....there are 2 things I've learned:
1. Must have pointy, pointy needles to do lace -- mine aren't :( The k2Tog's are kinda hard.
2. When you lay the work on the floor to take pictures, make sure you're on the lookout for the cat. She's already put teeth holes in one pair of my bamboo needles and almost got these. I guess I shouldn't complain because she rarely goes after the yarn!

The Joys...

2009-01-09T14:01:00.003-05:00

of Knit Knite. Ahhh....

A simple gathering of like-minded individuals that turns into a mess of laughter, sharing, venting, and molesting (of yarn, not people). Where else can you sit and work on your own projects while simultaneously gaping over beautiful yarn, watching someone toddle through their first steps as a knitter (and as a designer), finding out that there are mutual friends, learning new techniques (or contemplate trying them), and gossiping like there would be no tomorrow....(and being watched over by [this week at least] a pleasantly pink furry squirrel)!

Thanks to Kristie for putting up the link to Ravelry's work-in-progress tool. After about 45 minutes of arguing with my not-so-computer-savvy brain, I figured out what I was doing they are up and running(see list to the right). So Awesome! Maybe this will help me remember to actually work on some of these things!! And hopefully, it will keep the list down to a bare minimum of started projects as well.

And Now For Something Completely Knitting....

2009-01-06T17:32:00.006-05:00

Ok. I know it's been a while since I actually posted some knitting goodies.

So Here I Go:

We'll start off with the not so exciting...but they are made with awesome yarn! I just have to say I love Knitpicks for starting the Imagination line -- and for naming them all after fairy tales (this one is Looking Glass)! These are the armwarmers that I made for my niece, Amy's birthday. This was an easy project as I had just made some for me and they are almost purely stockinette stitch. She seemed to like them (she's 18 so...) and they did fit her!

Now for the stripey fun: I love these colors. The name of the color is Patina and that is just what I think of. The color combination reminds me a piece of copper that's only been half left out to turn green. I'm using a simple stockinette stitch on the foot so the colors show through well. But I'm using a floating rib stitch on the cuff to give them a little more personality. I think the best part about these was trying to explain self-striping yarn to my dad -- no matter what I told him he couldn't get that the yarn did the stripes. I showed him the lengths of different colors, tried to explain that the fewer stitches the thicker the stripes. Didn't work. He thought that I had it all planned out in my head. Silly dad...that's the fun of playing with yarn -- waiting to find out what it looks like when it's done!

The Big Job: this is the long project right now. This is a taste of a sampler shawl that comes from the Folk Shawls book. I LOVE this book. I am a person that gets very tired of big thick coats -- so to wrap myself up in a nice, thick blanket (for all intents and purposes) is wonderful. They are perfect for those inbetween days where you need something but you're also not freezing your toes off. (It's also a good thing in a movie theater if you like to curl up with a blanket!) This one will be a sampler of 5 different lace patterns. I've got 2 done...3 more to go...this is knit horizontally and I believe there's around 350 stitches per row so it takes me a good long time to do one row. Hopefully, the draw of using this soon will keep me going...knit, knit, knit.

Alright...you have been updated. Now I'm off to practice! [see resolution #2]

Happy 2009!

2009-01-02T11:38:00.002-05:00

I hope that everyone had a fun and safe New Year's...Mine was spent with good friends (and good beer and games) and it was again a wonderful way to usher in a new year.

I'm usually not big on resolutions as I tend not to keep them more than a month. However, this year I have decided to jump and do three:

First, I'm resurrrecting one I did a few years ago that I actually had a lot of fun doing. I'm going to read one book of classical literature per month. This will be picked by the wonderful people at Random House in their monthly spotlight. It helps me build an actual library and then I'm not just reading whatever I want to read. Last time, (about 3 years ago) there was only one book I couldn't read all the way through, was introduced to some wonderful books and came to appreciate some authors that I hadn't really liked before.
Number 2: There is a list of music (divided into 3 levels) for high schoolers to choose a solo or ensemble for when they go to contest (performing for a judge for a rating and comments, for those of you who have never been). Well, I have decided that I will make my way through the hardest level of piano solos this year. I have fallen off the highest cliff as far as my own practicing goes so this is a way for me to get back in. The good news is that I've already done about half the list. The bad news is that I've already done half of the stuff I would ENJOY playing. Oh well....just trying to keep my chops.
Lastly -- the cliche resolution. I have to fit back into my clothes! I'm not really going on a diet, just a goal and promise to get back into my exercise routine. All of my nice formed muscle as slowly turned into jiggly flab (sorry for the mental picture). I refuse to spend a whole lot of money on bigger sized clothes when I have perfectly good clothes that I just don't fit in anymore! So get back into the clothes it is!

I realize that there are no crafty resolutions here and that is for one reason -- I don't have to force myself to do those kind of things. I will always be lusting after beautiful yarn and craving to start a new project. There are a few posts coming of the holiday knitting -- the pics just aren't taken yet!

So, happy 2009, I hope that this year is better and happier for everyone out there. Good luck to myself and to anyone else who is making themselves do something to learn something this year!

Have yourself...

2008-12-29T18:21:00.001-05:00

...A merry little Christmas!

I apologize for this last Photo being a few days late. We had a massive influx of people at my parents' house for Christmas -- we sat down to dinner (which actually happened on sat) with 16 people. The whole house was filled with people, noise, and smells of cooking. After dinner (well, more like lunch) we sat down to open presents...I don't know how it is in your family but with mine, someone always, I mean, ALWAYS ends up with ribbons on their head! This year it happened to my oldest niece, Cora -- almost 21 years old and still gets ribbons in her hair! :)

Then, after that melee was over we had entertainment from the 4 year old Carly's karaoke machine. It took her a little bit to get it but then we got every Christmas carol in the book. (Sorry, I didn't get a pic of this but I was helping with dishes halfway across the house.)

Finally, some of us had to escape the confines of the house...especially since it was a balmy 65 degrees. This let the kids get some energy out and of course, let some of us big kids have a little fun too! My nephews and niece ended up having races -- the boys having to hop to keep slow enough for the new razor scooter. These are (from left to right) Zack, Carly and Ben trying to outdo each other.

We had some nice discussions about how our traditions came to be, how we've added to those traditions, the many memories, and of course the family members no longer with us. Each year gets a little more crazy and hectic -- but worth it just the same.
Merry Christmas!

Silent Night...

2008-12-25T08:27:00.003-05:00

2 Days Before Christmas
...Holy Night

That song is my favorite part of Christmas Eve church. I love the harmony and I love doing it in a candlelight church. There's a stillness in that moment, a peaceful stillness. I love having my dad and brother(s) around to sing with (sorry, mom, but your voice just isn't fun to sing against.), and I love the organ -- simple and beautiful.
Merry Christmas to all!

Quick Christmas Eve Yummies

2008-12-24T11:26:00.002-05:00

Ok, by request...
the recipe for the very addictive cranberries (I had to hide them in the fridge so my family would get some!) can be found here. The left over syrup would be good as mixer for holiday drinks! (I didn't even think of that...hmmm)

Merry Christmas!

Have a Holly Jolly...

2008-12-23T20:01:00.002-05:00

3 Days Before Christmas
A New Tradition?

Every year I try a few new holiday recipes. Usually they end up being cookies...this year I decided to try something a little more towards candy -- sugared cranberries. While not quite sugar plums, the taste of these certainly danced in my mouth. I'm a sucker for anything fruit related (except for cantelope, don't do cantelope.) and these are both sweet & tangy, easy to make, pop in your mouth and are mightily addictive!

Frosted Window Panes...

2008-12-22T20:25:00.002-05:00

4 Days Before Christmas
...BRRRRRRRRRR

It was SO cold this morning! This is what appeared on my window this morning. I like the wintryness (if that's a word) but oh man, was it cold. Not a good thing to wake up to someone on the radio telling you there's a wind chill of -4 degrees!! If it's going to be this cold I would love to have some snow to make me smile a little. (Maybe just enough to build a snowman!)

It's Beginning to Look a Lot...

2008-12-21T14:10:00.003-05:00

5 Days Before Christmas
Yummy!

Ahh...the first family tradition -- Kleesals!
I'm not quite sure where this recipe came from but they showed up every year at grandma's house for Christmas. What could be better than a fruit or nut filled pastry that you can pop in your mouth? With mom not wanting the task of making these every year the job fell to me. I wasn't able to bake them with my grandma and learn from her that way. Luckilly, I was able to have her taste them and give them the stamp of approval!

City Sidewalks, Busy Sidewalks...

2008-12-20T20:42:00.005-05:00

6 Days Before Christmas
...Dressed in Holiday Style

Ever since I was a little girl I have loved looking at city lights. I remember driving home from grandma's and being told to look back at downtown Cleveland. How Beautiful. I went downtown tonight and thought to get some pictures of the cityscape but the best picture I got was this one. Taken out my front windshield I snapped before I focused! Even the blurry lights are pretty!
You know you're a city girl when the traffic lights make a neat holiday pic!

I'm Dreaming Of A...

2008-12-19T21:43:00.004-05:00

7 Days Before Christmas
Blah, Blah, Blah

Today was not a good day. First of all, this is what I woke up to this morning. Dreary, cold, rain. This does not make the trees all pretty and Christmasy! (I love waking up to trees covered in snow!) Then Mother Nature decided she needed a heat wave -- it reached around 50! My head stupidly thought that spring was arriving and since about 1:00 today it has pounded and pounded. Not fun. Throw some slightly crazy people in the mix and I felt like saying Bah Humbug!
So I am now off to the couch for some TV, knitting and kitty love.
Tomorrow will be better!

Christmas Time is Here...

2008-12-18T22:08:00.003-05:00

8 Days before Christmas
The New(for me anyway) Group of Enablers!

This what happens when a customer in your store happens to hear that you are a knitter: You get invited to Knit Knite and end up meeting wonderful people who help feed your addiction. Whether it's the new skein of yarn that we bring so everyone can molest it or the magical laughs of life, this group of women provide an amazing way to relax, spark ideas, have fun and get some much needed work done on an unfinished object!
Thank you for finding me -- even if it was by accident!

It's the Most Wonderful Time...

2008-12-17T22:17:00.003-05:00

9 Days Before Christmas
My Crazy Hectic Life

First, I have to say thanks to Mike for taking this picture. I had my camera out at work to take some pics and while he was playing with it he snapped this one. If you've ever worked retail during the holiday season this is what it feels like -- like you're right on the edge of a downward spiral that will send you to crazyland! This year hasn't been quite so bad except for one thing --
We get everybody in at once!
As Cat put it today -- it's either Monsoon or low tide.
That'll really spin your head!

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum

2008-12-16T19:50:00.004-05:00

10 Days Before Christmas
or I think I found out why the cat won't touch the tree

I thought that I had the best cat ever because she hasn't touched the tree.
No climbing, no batting, not even a sniff.
Then I sat down on the floor and took this picture from a cat's perspective...
I think the bright lights and color scare the poor thing. Bailey is not known for her courage and this tree looks a little psychedelic from this angle. The curiosity has not risen to the degree that it overpowers the scaredy-cat. Not that she runs from it -- the only thing it's good for is a wonderful hiding spot!

Sing we all Noel...

2008-12-15T22:08:00.004-05:00

11 Days Before Christmas
Waiting in the Wings

As a musician, what holiday season would be complete without a holiday concert. I was lucky enough to play one in this beautiful venue! I took this shot during my least favorite time of a concert...waiting for it to begin. Everyone's ready but we can't start...horrible feeling. horrible. Yet, as I look at what will be my perch for the next hour or so (the piano), I think back to all the concerts, all the shows that I have been a part of...the ones completed over the years. That horrible feeling is partly why we do this. What will go wrong? What will be awesome? How will the audience react?
Will we actually have fun? Those questions all get answered.
And the trip there is the best feeling. best.

Snowflakes that stay...

2008-12-14T15:05:00.005-05:00

12 Days Before Christmas is...

My favorite ornament!
Bought when I was 3, this little one reminds me every year of
traditions and the child-like joy of the season.
Stay in the moment and enjoy the little things around you.

Start a new adventure....

2008-12-13T11:35:00.002-05:00

...is something that we all should do once in a while. It revives the spirit, connects us with our fellow humans, and sparks imagination. It can also remind us to take a look at the world around us and the impact that we have on said world. It can also provide us with a load of fun and hopefully we see something in a new way or have a new fun thing to do. So...

After a suggestion from a friend (not that it took much convincing) I am embarking on a new project tomorrow. I'm attempting to do my first Photo-A-Day project -- The 12 days before Christmas! I plan on toting the camera around like I did with my favorite Teddy Bear when I was little. (Except I probably won't trail it down the stairs when I get up in the morning! WAY too expensive...) I'm not sure if these photos will make it into a scrapbook(not really my thing) but maybe, just maybe, they will...eventually.

So stay tuned and find out what the adventure will be!

Ok...one more project done!

2008-12-02T19:45:00.004-05:00

I know that certain people grounded me from starting new projects til I finished some. Thank you for your understanding while I was lusting after the call of pretty yarn and new fun patterns calling my name. I was doing my best to hold steadfast and only work on those I'd started just like mom tried to teach me. So one would think that this post is about one of those projects that I've finished. Sorry to disappoint...nope, it's not!

These were knit in the hope that they would keep my frigid hands warm as I'm making beautiful things. I finished these up on Thanksgiving and shortly thereafter my 18 year old niece (or almost 18...it's only 8 more days until Amy turns adult!) tried them on and wanted a pair but in mostly blue with some light purple. Then my almost 10 year old nephew (well, Zack will be 10 in Feb) tried them on because he wanted in the fun. Freakishly, they fit him!!!! I must have the smallest wrists known to man! Then he said he wanted a pair in orange and yellow. I have found the mostly blue with some light purple but am still on a search to find a yarn that's orange and yellow. It also has to be not too expensive because at this rate Zack will be grown out of them in three months! (Although, he could always pass them down to me.)

Thankful for...

2008-11-29T16:15:00.003-05:00

...family that can all be gathered to share in meals and memories.
...family which may argue and discuss heatedly but never berate or undermine.
...friends who are as close as any family. Willing to share in joys and miseries.
...feast not famine. Being able to put enough food on the table to not be hungry is marvelous.
...fortune. Having shelter, heat, health and clothing is something not everyone has.
...frontier. (Ok, not exactly but I couldn't find a word for nation starting with 'f') With or without problems our nation is better than most.
...freedom to choose what I want to choose.

Happy Belated Thanksgiving Everyone!

Swarm of Socks

2008-11-22T08:17:00.003-05:00

Ever since a friend of mine said she wanted to learn how to knit and that her goal was to be able to knit socks I have been on a sock frenzy. It started with the fact that it's very hard to teach someone if you only have an idea how to do it. I thought to myself that I should make a couple pair of socks to make sure that I know what to tell her. Well, that just snowballed... so here are the latest additions:I think I've latched on to these for 2 reasons:

They're very portable. It can be hard to carry a sweater or afghan in a purse. (Unless, it's a mammoth mommy purse!)
They satisfy my project ADD. I have this little problem of always wanting to start projects and not finish them. These are small and it's easy to see the end...AND you get to start something more often!!
(okay 3 reasons) They make keeping your feet warm fun! I know this almost sounds like a PSA but...my feet are cold A LOT. To put on a nice woolly, colorful, fun pair of socks is so much more satisfying then the thick ones you can buy!

I will be leaving the socks for a while though. I need a break and it's now winter which means I now need bigger projects to keep me warm while I knit!

And on a totally unrelated topic:

GO BUCKS!!! BEAT M*CH*G#N!

I would be remiss if I didn't cheer on my team this morning.

Let's go Scarlett & Grey!

Influx of posts

2008-11-21T10:15:00.009-05:00

Beware of the posting...today is the day to get the things done that I've been meaning to do for a month or so. (Although, I promise not to go overboard today -- I will spread it out.) I now have room to do them because the stack of papers that was almost a foot high and scattered all over my desk is now gone. Yay! Since that massive work inhibitor is now gone I feel like sitting down at my desk to actually be productive...

So for today's update...a couple before and after's:

While not necessarily "crafty" the house desperately needed these updates.

1. The front door: the last owner used an indoor varnish on it when the nice late afternoon sun tries to beat it down! And it adds a much needed bit of color! Plus, while being a modern look it still fits in with my decor from 1977.

2. This is what happens when you have wonderful friends that will come and work for beer and cookies! I know this is belated but, Thank you Thank you Jeff and Greg!

The crafty updates will come very very soon. I actually have been spending time working on some of my plethora of projects!

Can't seem to grasp the concept...

2008-11-15T10:11:00.002-05:00

Doesn't a blog mean that you are supposed to write more than once a month? For some reason, I am having a hard time doing that. Or maybe it's just that life got in the way and I have been incredibly WAY too busy to think about it. Between a crazy, crazy work schedule and trying to fit in playing in the pit for a production of West Side Story I haven't even had time to socialize with my friends!
Anyway, I know that I owe lots of pictures of finished projects. Yes, I have actually finished some of them. Hopefully, very soon I'll sit down and get the pictures into my 'puter to get up here. Now that life is back to what I think of as a normal schedule, the list of projects grows again -- clean the house, paint the kitchen, update my pictures, write in my blog, and yes, knit-purl-knit-purl (hopefully while emptying my DVR)!

Word of Advice

2008-10-08T19:17:00.002-04:00

When you are sanding a front door in order to paint said door, it is wise not to let a long haired cat traipse through the sawdust on the floor.

I will have pics soon (of the door not the cat in the sawdust -- I was too intent on not having sawdust ALL over my house). I need to paint my front door because the woman who owned my house before me varnished it with an interior varnish. I'm really tired of looking and feeling the bubbled door! So this weekend is paint the house doors weekend. Hopefully, I can keep the cat out of the paint!

Found this....

2008-10-05T11:33:00.001-04:00

Just a quick picture to say.....

Happy Halloween Month!!!!!!

Works in Progress...

2008-10-01T14:30:00.009-04:00

...seem to be taking over my knitting basket lately. Sometimes the draw of a new project takes over and just must be started. I mentioned earlier that I've been having project ADD lately so I thought that I would show you what I mean...

1. This one was started when I could do nothing but listen to the iPod and read by candle light. I had to have something a little more complex to keep me from going crazy!! It's nothing functional -- just awfully pretty.

2.I'm hoping to get this one done before the football season is over..for obvious reasons! Go Bucks! It's taken me so long (I started this one in January) because I didn't realize I made a VERY noticeable mistake until I was about at this point and had to start almost all over! Grrrr...

3. ok...the name of this yarn is actually "Frog Prince"...you gotta love it. I just got tired of doing minuscule cables so I had to take a break after finishing the first sock. (Yes, that's Bailey trying to get her nose in the pic!)

4. This is what I started to get away from the other pair of socks. Nothing fancy, just a ribbed sock -- in yarn that I don't have any clue why I ever bought. The colors are ugly, it's not very soft, and it's elastic and weird to work with. But I had to do something with it...

5.Mom bought this yarn thinking she would try to knit some lace...just wasn't up to it. So it's up to me to make her a lace shawl. The only problem is that being such tiny yarn you hardly feel like you're making any progress so it's hard to have the desire to work on it. I just keep telling myself......someday, someday.

Alternative Energy Source

2008-09-25T19:45:00.003-04:00

Ok, just to let you know -- I am being crafty; I have just been through a little "project ADD" lately so I don't have any finished to show. Soon though, soon.

Anyway, I'm putting off doing work right at the moment because I have enough energy to power a small third word country...or at least it feels that way.

I guess this is what happens when the electricity is still working and you are able to eat healthy. Last week, with no power, I ate out ALL week and this body is not used to that. Ahh -- to be able to eat steamed veggies, cold yogurt and enjoy either a cold glass of milk or a hot steaming cup of coffee! Thank you to my great, great,great grandfather for not being Amish.

Also, part the energy spur comes from actually having most of a day off (for the first time in about 4 weeks!). I had such a wonderful afternoon playing that my brain totally shut down. It was absolutely marvelous!!!!! Now I don't have another one for another week and a half. Boo!!!

Oh well, September is almost over...

[Insert Celebratory Dance]

2008-09-18T16:50:00.003-04:00

Yea, Yea, Yea! Hip-hip-hooray! and all the other cheers that one can think of...

I woke up this morning to the most wonderful sight -- my clock flashing colors at me! It'd been 5 and a half days since I had seen that site. I also sat down to a most wonderful cup of brewed coffee this morning. Amazing what we'll do for legal addictive stimulant!

Anyway, Thank you AEP for getting my house up & running BEFORE you told me that it would be! 5 days was plenty, 7 would've been absolutely horrible!

Now I return to my regular scheduled life!

Day 5

2008-09-18T16:50:00.002-04:00

Yes, that's right...Day 5 without power!

I have never lived this long without the conveniences of modern entertainment. Man, is it hard. I consider myself a reader (book worm, book whore, choose your term) but it gets very old reading by candlelight. I now know why people who lived without electricity went to bed early -- there's nothing to do other than read! I've tried doing dishes (afraid the flashlight will fall into the water), practice guitar (still need to see my hands to find the chords), brush the cat (she enjoyed it until I hit her in the head a couple of times) and a few other household chores. The only thing that isn't complicated is to read by the flickering light of the candles.

And Oh, the torture!! My neighbors across the street HAVE power. It's such an enticing idea to think of buying a massively long extension cord! But it's sheer agony to watch their lights go on when it starts getting dark. But The Electric Company told me today that I should have power by Sat! Let's hope it's sooner so I can actually get back to being crafty (it's also hard to see knitting needles in the dark!).

Come back, Oh electricity, Come back

2008-09-15T16:33:00.002-04:00

Have you ever realized just how much you rely on electricity on a daily basis? I don't think we do until we have to do without it for an extended period of time. Yesterday, those of us located in central Ohio (and other parts of Ohio) had to deal with Hurricane Ike -- Who would've thought that a Hurricane would rip through Ohio?! Last night Columbus had gusts of up 70 mph! Crazy! There are over 300,000 people in our area without power -- with no rhyme or reason behind whose out and not (other than trees hitting power lines). For instance, I have absolutely no juice at home but work (10 miles away) is up and running. Believe it or not, this is a wonderful thing as I can charge all the battery operated devices I need (like my cell phone!). Part of the problem at home is finding a place to freeze 50 lbs. of cow that will go bad left at home! Thank you, friends with power, Thank you. I do have to thank my lucky stars that this is Ohio and not Texas. At least all I lost was power and a few tree limbs -- not an entire city and everything I own. My thoughts are definitely gearing towards the people who were involved in the real Hurricane Ike!

Dear Blog,

2008-09-10T18:29:00.009-04:00

Oh, neglected blog, I fear I have left you to fend for yourself for far too long. Nevermind that I have not had time to clean the house, weed the garden, paint the garage, or practice. I have merely kept busy watching the Olympics, wearing 14 different hats at work, and preparing for the back to school season. You see, all the kids that are starting band or orchestra need me to have all their instruments and supplies ready for them (not to mention what the teacher's need as well). When one can't focus anymore the detritus of daily life ends up on the back burner!
However, I started you so that friends that are not within lunch distance can be hip to what is happening in my life and if I ignore you for too long they will not know what I'm doing. So in an effort to bring everyone up to speed (on both the great and small), here's what went on since the end of July:

1. Lots and Lots and oh boy, do I mean LOTS of meetings!

2. Had fun trying on bridesmaids dresses (thx, Kristen for letting us have some say!)

3. The annual Clambake and family fun:
Here's the nieces and nephews: Is it strange that the better picture is the silly one? And yes, Ellen if you ever read this, I'm getting ready to play guitar!

4. Got my hair cut! So glad it's short again!

5. I know this may sound silly but it made my day -- I found paper clips in the shape of treble clefs at Staples!!

and last but definitely not least:
6. Had an AMAZING girl's night out dinner with Rachel, Kim, Megan and Kristen at the Melting Pot. Gotta love Fondue!

Closing note, worried blog, I promise that I will not let you falter. I will try my hardest to keep you maintained and happy. I will let you into my routine so that you will not be neglected again.

Another Week!

2008-07-29T20:48:00.004-04:00

Arrgh!!! I can't believe that it's been a week since I last posted. I must do better, I must do better, I must do better. Sometimes it seems like the world is out to grab all of your time and patience so when you finally get home all you want to do is sit in front of the tv or curl up with a book and escape.

Anyway, the most fun that has happened to me this past week is that I have been adopted! The neighborhood friendly cat (seriously, the most friendly outdoor cat ever!) has seen fit to accept all the lovin' that I can provide to him. I believe that he roams the neighborhood in search of someone to pet him. He will just walk right up to me and present his belly for a nice rub or stalk my hose as I'm watering my plants, knock me over as I'm weeding or just sit on my porch railing to peer into the house. He's just a little Romeo! I have no idea what his actual name is but Romeo seems to fit for me!

Hi. My name is Liz......

2008-07-22T10:11:00.003-04:00

and I'm a knitaholic!

Ok, Ok...I know it's been at least a week since I posted anything here but I've had lots of other things to occupy my time. Between crazy work (yuck!) and summer fun, there's always the enticement of new things...

Anybody with a hobby that you truly love to do will understand what I'm saying right now -- the new items that come out for your choice of activities can be the most detrimental things ever introduced to you. They make you want to set down whatever it is that you are currently working on (whether that is your hobby, your work, your household chores, etc., etc., etc.) and dive into using your new toys! When the box of new needles and yarn appeared on my doorstep all other things got pushed to the back. I couldn't start the second sock of the pair I'm currently working on, I couldn't clean my house, I had a really hard time putting down the new needles and yarn to go to work...grrrr.
It's not that I don't love the projects I'm currently working on. It's just that the soft, colorful yarn is staring at me in the face and I can't get the new needles to work right with my other projects. The new additions are calling to me to use them and they make it very hard to ignore them. They scream over the dirty dishes in the sink, are much neater then the clothes that need to be ironed, and much more beautiful than the weeds taking over my garden!
Oh well, now I'll have another pair of socks that will need to be finished and not enough time to do the housework! (Why can't the dust bunnies clean up after themselves?!)

Elephant Hijinks!

2008-07-10T12:17:00.006-04:00

So what happens when it is over 90 degrees and the elephants at the zoo are feeling playful?

What you get is a big elephant 4 feet away taking a swim!

Last Tuesday, two of my brothers, my two nephews, one of my nieces and I all took a trip to the zoo. We started out early hoping to avoid threatening rainstorms and by the time we made it to the elephant side of the zoo it was almost 2 o'clock and sweltering. As we approached the enclosure we heard that the elephant was taking a swim in the pool. Sure enough, as we got up there it was really close to the viewing area -- half submerged in the water! Having never seen an elephant in the zoo actually in the pool provided for them it was fascinating to watch! However, one must be careful that close to an elephant. All of a sudden, the elephant decides that the people watching him needed to be wet as well -- letting go of a whole trunkful of water! Luckily, I was standing to the side and saw everybody jump backwards, not getting any elephant spit on me! So I'll end this post with something that looked very fun and cooling on a very hot day!

Socks!!!!

2008-07-02T20:54:00.006-04:00

So I am finally getting to the sock post that I meant to do almost 2 weeks ago! The sock adventure started when my friend, Megan came to me asking to help her learn how to knit. She wants to eventually knit cool & pretty socks. Since I had only ever made one pair of socks I figured that I should be really sure how to knit them before I had to help her. I had seen pictures of this beautiful yarn and wanted to try it. So when Uncle Sam sent me money to stimulate the economy I took a field trip to the Yarnmarket to get some. I ended up getting this and one other colorway (that pair is currently under construction). The colors are absolutely beautiful!!! So bright and strong!!! Even though this yarn is beautiful there are a few issues that I was bothered by. While knitting with it it twists and almost knots if you're not really careful about it. The other thing I'm not so sure about is the fact that it is not machine washable. Time will tell if the socks hold up to wear and wash.
I had bought Cat Bordhi's book, "New Pathways for Sock Knitters" because I loved the different swirls and patterns. I chose the riverbed pattern for these socks with all the increases located on the bottom of the foot. The stripes are awesome and the transitions between the colors amaze me. Altough, they do make an odd pair -- but who cares?! The best part is that they fit like a glove (oh wait, that should be like a sock!). Anyway, with the way that Cat Bordhi presents her patterns, it's incredibly easy to adapt the sock to fit your foot perfectly! Even adjusting for different arches. Now I just need to wait until it's not 95 degrees so that I can wear them!!!! (not that I want the cold weather. I'm happy to let them sit for a while.......)
So yea, for the first pair of awesome socks! There will definitely be more to come as the other color that I bought is already being worked into a different style of sock. :)

Ahhh.....Comfest

2008-06-28T23:15:00.005-04:00

The time has come once again for the annual trip to Goodale park for food, music, arts, politics, and Hippy activity has arrived in Columbus. Coinciding with Pride weekend, Comfest brings those of us who enjoy people-watching wonderful oppoutunities. For instance, a fight erupting over a stolen guitar between two guys that was policed by a woman wearing no shirt (and yes, that is legal in my city)! As one friend put she was trying to make them "use their words" instead of fists. We were all hoping to see a brawl...as long as it didn't get too close.
Comfest is also a cool place to get inspiration for your own art (they had some cool shadowboxes with cutouts of animals on -- easy to imagine making your own!) and a place for local artists. One of my favorites is a candle maker that goes by the name of Irie Lights. His candles are not only beautiful and wonderful smelling but last forever. I buy one every year and try to make it last til the next year!
There was also a stall set up that I could not get away from without purchasing anything. Walking back from getting my funnel cake (mmmm....funnel cake) I stumbled across a yarn booth!!! The woman running had just started spinning her own yarn and some of it was beautiful. Luckily, it only being a week away from my birthday, I still had some money left to spend. So at some point these two hanks will each make a pair of socks for me!! Hopefully, I like the way that these knit up as well as the color so that I can support another local artist! Good Luck Steph'spun!!!!

So even after an early night because of the threat of rain (at least we didn't get soaked) Comfest has come and gone for me for another year. Sitting with friends, yelling at each other 'cuz the music is loud, people watching, imagination stimulus, source of local goods, good food (mmm.....funnel cake) and an entire crowd there for local people.....what more could you ask for on a weekend?!

Happy Summer!

2008-06-24T21:18:00.002-04:00

Ok.....so still no sock post. Again, I'm still taking over a 'puter so that I can give a quick update.
Mainly, I wanted to say Welcome to Summer. As of Saturday it is offically summer. The time to sit outside with a wonderful book that makes you wonder where the afternoon went. The time for picnics with friends. The time for baseball games and beer. The time for visits to the zoo. The time for the smell of sunscreen mixed with bug spray. The time heat waves and blessed air conditioning.
Now....for the latest...my 'puter decided to go completely schizo on me. My hard drive passed out and decided not to reawaken. Luckily, when I bought it I decided that I needed to opt for the extended warranty so it's actually covered under the warranty. So Hurray for the Geek Squad -- now please if you could CALL to tell me I can be connected again!!!!!

Experiencing Technical Difficulties

2008-06-20T14:51:00.002-04:00

Please bear with me........I was going to do a big post about finishing the socks I was working on (I still will) when my 'puter decided to plunge into the depths of collapse. You know it's not a good sign when the Geek Squad guy tries to get your operating system working and upon seeing the "blue screen of death" says, "Oh, that's not good!". It may be that my hard drive has completely imploded. It may be that it's just some weird messed up virus. I won't find out for 3 or 4 days. And, yes, I do see the irony of expressing technical difficulties online when you have no way of getting there. I'm currently borrowing a friend's 'puter for 15 min. to check the email!!
Anyway, since it's going to be belated -- Happy Soltice Tomorrow!!!!!

Finally Arrived!

2008-06-12T19:28:00.006-04:00

After much deliberation and harassment (mostly from Will -- thanks for the name!), I have finally arrived on the blog-o-sphere. It has taken me way to long to make this decision but now that I'm here I hope that I am able to inform and entertain! Who knows where the journeys of life will take us?
Let me also introduce the other member of my household -- the chewer of plastic, watcher of birds and chaser of yarn, Bailey. The strangest combination of curious and panicky furball.
Anyway, Greetings and Salutations! Enjoy the random series of events that I'm sure are bound to happen...