TheYarnTart

February is half gone

2011-02-15T23:40:00.000-08:00

February has until now outdone itself with sunshine. It seems as though we have an umbrella over us as rain is falling in communities all around us. The Sierras are being hit with heavy snows adding to the water for next summers use here in the farming areas.

Books have been my constant company of late as I've no resolution with the issue of my left hand not making a fist and being too painful to knit. I don't mind the change most of the time, but there are times I want very much to finish my granddaughter's blanket. She's such an understanding girl, with no complaint at all, but I see it next to my chair and the temptation is great, but also the pain is equally great.

Hives have been a near constant foe this past week. It seems I've narrowed down the cause to a medication error, but will be visiting the allergist just to confirm it.

Youngest granddaughter is now walking, it saddens me that we don't live closer so we can share these events first hand, but how wonderful it is that we have the technology to share them via the internet!

Happy Birthday Sweetheart

2011-01-03T03:47:00.000-08:00

Today you would be celebrating your 47th birthday. It would have also been the 5th anniversary of your diagnosis, that big day I was so sure if anyone could reach you could. They told you there was a 25% chance of surviving 5 years. I belived you would be the person who would not only survive 5 years, but much longer. As a toddler just walking you were so stubborn when a pull toy caught on a chair leg you would stand and scream at it instead of reaching down to move it. Somehow I believed that stubbornness would pull you through, but God had other plans for you. I know you're with Him, the cancer is gone, you're well and happy. It should be enough, but my heart hurts so deeply, it's like a wound that never heals. There was so much we never settled. It reminds me of the words in a Gaither video I've seen time and again, "We loved each other very much, but not so very well." I know that you've already forgiven my every failing, that's what Heaven is all about. I know God forgives our failings, but how do I live with them? Today I want nothing more than to be with you.

One Year Ago Today

2010-12-19T01:19:00.001-08:00

One year ago today Kathryn, you, my beloved first daughter died. When you did it was like a gnarled bony hand reached into my heart and ripped out a piece that was bigger than the whole of it. My mind tells me that your passing was in His perfect time, but my heart keeps saying “Too soon, too soon.” As surely as our parents, siblings, spouse and children each hold a special place in our heart, a piece of it is left empty when they are gone. Though your death was impending, still I was unprepared for a pain which would reach a magnitude so great and lay my heart so low. A raw open wound this huge should be visible, but the mirror tells me no one can see it.

In time the edges have become less raw, the surface less pitted and angry. Still there are days the hole is like an open pit mine left unattended after all its valuables have been stripped away leaving only raw earth and rock. Not a trace of the lovely jewels such as you which were once mined there remains. Another day the hole is like a heart, filled with beautiful pictures and precious memories of you. Yet another it’s like a knot hole in a fence board and the wind sings your name as it whistles through. Today it’s a wellspring, a wellspring of faith that I’ll see you again in Heaven. I’ll hang on to this wellspring as long and as firmly as I can, because in the blink of an eye, with no rhyme or reason, that hole can and likely will morph into that open pit mine or worse, the deep dark cave filled with self doubts and self incriminations about my abilities as a mother.

Only with your passing have I realized how much a part of me you have always been, regardless of how far away you were geographically, emotionally or physically. I miss you more than seems possible, and only the knowledge that you are no longer in pain, and the hope that I will see you once again in the hereafter gives me the strength to attempt to live as fully as you lived those days after your diagnosis.

Until we meet again know that I have loved you with all my heart and soul even when my words and actions didn't get the message through. I love you just as much today.

When I hear this song I sing it to you.

43 inches and still growing!

2010-12-01T21:29:00.000-08:00

Cold weather has limited how much knitting my hands can take, but I've managed to finish the neck warmer to match the orange hat, and started a pair of fingerless mitts to match. One would think as much complaining as I've done about the Red Heart Sport yarn I'd have found another option for the mitts, but I figured I might as well use it up. I truly hope never to knit with it again.

On the softer side, the blanket for dear granddaughter is now 44 inches long, so it's officially two-thirds done. The picture was taken just before starting the last stripe I've been working on so it's grown just a few more rows.

Thanksgiving was wonderful with all the cooking done by the two daughters who were able to be here. It was the traditional meal with Turkey, dressing (with apples & cranberries in it - yum), jellied cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes & gravy, a dish with yams and apples in it. We contributed the rolls and pumpkin and banana cream pies, but not because I baked I just know where to buy good prepared foods .

Already we're thinking about the Christmas celebration. At least two of the girls will be here, and after talking to my daughter-in-law today I have high hopes that my oldest son, dil, and granddaughter will be here with us. That would be a wonderful treat! It would be nice to be able to see the light in our granddaughter's eyes when she sees her blanket. She chose the yarn so I know she'll be happy with the color, but she hasn't seen more than pictures since I was on row six or so.

That blanket isn't going to knit itself so I'm off to add a few more rows.

It's Growing !

2010-11-15T03:24:00.000-08:00

The blanket for dgd is growing, though I must admit to mostly ignoring it the past week. It's about 36" done, so slightly over half done.

Also in progress is a scarf and a hat for others. The hat needed to be BRIGHT orange, so I'm using the only yarn I could find in the color I wanted and it's like knitting with rope it's so rough to the touch. I'm sure it will be fine when washed, but it's no fun to work with now.

Most of my week and weekend were spent trying to get some restful sleep, a commodity that I've found little of over the past few weeks.

It's 3:30 am, guess I'll head for the kitchen and see what I can stir up there.

More knitting after a short vacation

2010-10-22T01:07:00.000-07:00

We finally got to take a quick trip to visit our oldest son since their return from a two year job in Belgium. Our granddaughter seems to have grown a foot and is showing signs of becoming a lovely young woman even though she has a few years before she'll hit the 'age' of being considered a woman.

While visiting, we bought yarn for a blanket as I've been promising this granddaughter a blanket for a very long time. In fact, yarn has been bought twice before, but it never seemed to work out. The first yarn was a boucle - my apologies to all the yarn companies who produce this type of yarn - I detest this yarn in all it's forms! Needless to say that blanket never got completed. Then I bought Caron Simply Soft in black and a rosy red, and I wasn't any happier with that as these old eyes tire quickly when working with black yarn . . . another.project.not.completed.

This time the yarn is an acrylic/cotton blend from Lion Brand called Baby's First . . . look how far it's come. I'm about 1/3 done. I'm 10 rows further than this picture shows. The colors she chose are Sea Sprite and Beanstalk, and aren't exactly true in this photo. I used a random strip generator to decide on the design, and she asked to have some garter stitch stripes thrown in so that is another design element. When complete it will be about 66" square.

In other fun news our youngest daughter got a three month old male St. Bernard puppy, subsequently named Havoc as he has wreaked havoc on previously peaceful existence. She had a St. Bernard for nearly 10 years until he died of old age recently leaving her devastated and lonely. Havoc has quickly adapted to her young cat and gleefully shares the cats toys. He is usually under foot and not more than three feet from his loving owner. In a very small house, that's not always a good thing as he seems to enjoy laying in front of the dishwasher or cookstove if she is in the kitchen. Life with Havoc isn't likely to be boring. His new playmate who is scheduled to arrive this coming weekend, an 11 week old female St. Bernard should liven things up a whole lot! She's accepting quite a challenge with the two of them. But they'll be good company for her and for one another. The cat will be out numbered but he can climb higher than the dogs so he'll be fine. Havoc is very popular with our granddaughters who live a few miles away, and he gets along fine with their black lab too.

Other knitting news, a few hats and scarves have been completed. One hat needs a pom-pom on the top and the matching scarf has yet to be finished.

Fall finishing!

2010-09-26T14:51:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of days into fall and a finished object as we knitters call them is ready to be worn. The Tofu Tee is the first piece of clothing I've knit for myself and it's definitely turned out well enough to give me the confidence to knit more sweaters for myself.

In addition to the three hats in my last post I also finished a fourth one made of that really bright yarn. Still there's enough yarn for yet another hat, but other projects are calling my name. Three projects will have to compete for time as there is a pair of socks that need the cuffs completed, our local county hospital has requested red baby hats for newborns for the upcoming holiday season, and finally the hooded scarf that was started last year for ddil needs to be completed. All are on different size needles which is great as that will give my hands a break from using the same muscles in the same position for long periods.

Last weekend we had a visit from youngest dd and three of her high school friends who we knew well in those days. It was wonderful to have dd home as we don't see her nearly enough. It was also terrific to catch up with all the girls as they've all scattered to different locations since high school.

We also have had several birthdays in our family this month, our youngest granddaughter turned one, another turned 14 and I won't tell how old the two daughters who celebrated birthdays are.

Have you ever gone to 5 Guys for burgers and fries? They're new in town so we thought we'd go for dinner last night. The service was great even though the line as past the entrance into the dining area when we arrived and two registers were manned. The burgers are tasty, but the fries took me a few bites to acclimate to the taste and texture as they're very crispy on the outside but rather mushy on the inside. Good but definitely not my favorite french fry. The price was definitely reasonable for the amount of food. However, yes, here comes the "but" - an hour after dinner my digestive system was having a vicious disagreement with my taste buds about what I had ingested. Unfortunately the digestive system won the argument, so a return trip is still in question.

Sitting here is not getting the Tofu Tee into the washing machine, so until next time happy knitting and God Bless.

Hats and more

2010-08-29T19:55:00.000-07:00

The Tofu Tee has been slowly progressing, and has only two or so inches to start the final sleeve. Getting more attention recently have been hats. Hats are for elementary school students, to fulfill a project started by an online friend prior to her recent passing due to cancer. Many of the KnitTalk yahoo group, of which she was a big part, will be making sure her project is successfully completed, and her goal of 100 hats will likely be exceeded. Hopefully someone in the group will keep the project going as this was the sixth year Kathy had made hats for the elementary students at the schools where her daughter teaches. Her idea was for bright cheerful and fun hats, and I think these will make some youngster happy.

Our youngest daughter recently lost her beloved St. Bernard to old age. Moose would have been 10 in a few short months. She'll likely get another St. Bernard puppy, but she's got some travel plans and doesn't want to have to board a new pup, so she'll wait to get one. Meanwhile the cat who held more affection for the dog than people is coping with the loss, but not especially happy.

Our middle daughter has made the move to the LA area. She's renting a room so it was mostly clothes and books being moved. She called today, saddened to be leaving the apartment she has been sharing with her older sister, but excited about classes starting tomorrow! In addition to the classroom teaching she'll be continuing to teach either 5 or 6 online courses, so she'll have a very busy semester.

I've sadly given up on my epiphyllum plants. They just take too much care for me to keep up with as I had to hand carry gallon jugs to water them, then lifting those jugs of water kept my shoulders in such pain I finally had to give in and admit that it made no sense at all to continue to do something that hurt me physically and wasn't likely to get any better.

Tomorrow is dear hubby's appointment to get the CPAP machine, and I have to say he's not at all excited about it. In fact he's been downright crabby on the subject. He's very concerned that it's going to be very restrictive in moving in bed. I'm hoping that it won't and that he'll be able to cope well with it.

Reading has been a big part of my summer this year. I've read mostly Nora Roberts novels and just finished the first three books in the bride quartet so am anxiously awaiting the release of the fourth and final book in November. My current read is the second novel in the Chesapeake Bay series by Nora Roberts. It's calling, so I'll catch you all later.

Tofu Tee Progress

2010-08-09T16:12:00.000-07:00

Progress is happening on the Tofu Tee, and I'm loving it. I'm almost to the point where the shoulder joins after completion of the neckline. Here's the most recent picture I have of it. I'm actually well past the point you see here, just haven't taken more pictures.

The only other knitting going on is that I started a scarf out of Lion Brand Incredible ribbon yarn, but need to switch it to bamboo needles as my KnitPicks wood needles are too slick to use with this yarn. I'm doing a basic drop stitch pattern.

The biggest time thief in my life lately is the game Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box! I often wonder why I bought the Nintendo DSi, but I have found some benefit, and that is my mind is much sharper since I do the games on it. I only buy puzzle type games, and especially like word games and crosswords.

Dear hubby has been diagnosed with sleep apnea and will be getting a CPAP machine on the 30th. He's not looking forward to it because it requires wearing a mask while sleeping. He has agreed to at least give it a try.

Daughter Deanna has been hired at Los Angeles Valley College in Van Nuys as a humanities professor - a full time job and she is so excited about her appointment tomorrow to get her office assignment, keys, etc. Once that is done she'll be able to begin her class plans and all that goes with it. We're very proud of how hard she's worked to make it into the field of higher education. She's been teaching both in the class room and on line for a couple of years now, but she wanted and needed a full time job with benefits.

Our local yarn shop is closing permanently as of this Friday. I'm very sad to see them go, as I know many others are too. I stopped by today, and though a class was in session, there wasn't a lot of stock left, especially yarn. Makes me wish I had a bigger budget right now.

Ooops! The laundry is calling!

Summer Knitting

2010-07-24T00:59:00.000-07:00

Summer has been sizzling here in the San Joaquin Valley, but it hasn't kept me from knitting, and frogging, and frogging and more frogging. I'm working on the Tofu Tee from SWTC yarns. I love that it's knit side to side. As seems to be my habit I decided it needed minor changes, a longer sleeve and a wider ribbing at the bottom. Doesn't seem too complicated does it? I got the sleeve knit and an inch of so of the body only to discover that I hadn't remembered to knit the first and last 8 stitches of every row. Frogging back to the end of the sleeve wasn't a big deal. I was whizzing right along, well, whizzing as fast as a slow knitter whizzes anyway, and had a good 6 inches of the body done when I realized I didn't have the same number of stitches on the front and back of it. If the back had been a bit longer I would have left it, but it was the front! Back to the frog pond for start number three, but this time I decided to go all the way back to the beginning because it seemed like the sleeve was going to be too lose for me. This time it seems as though all is going well, but I've also been careful not to work on it when I'm tired.

Healthwise there is good news! The antibiotic for the bacteria in my system did it's job, and as a bonus it also cleared the rosacea on my face. Now, folks, the really good news - my A1C test for my diabetes was 2 points better than the last time! Hooray! It's down to 6.6 which is still a bit higher than is ideal, but it's really good for me since it's gone down every test for the past 3 testings!

Also, good news from the neurologist that dear hubby sees for his Parkinson's - he seems to be responding well to the meds. They will be testing him in the near future for sleep apnea. He's not excited about the prospect of having to use a CPAP machine if he tests positive, so we're praying that he doesn not have sleep apnea.

Back to the weather, we've not had strings of hot days this year even though we've had several days of 100° or higher weather this year. I like warm weather, but not much over 90°, so it's nice to have a few cooler days between the hot ones. As long as it cools off at night I can deal with a day or two of 100° days.

The Lego room that dear hubby enjoys so much has turned out very nice. He really likes the new Lego trains, and especially likes the new controler used to run them. One of our local tv stations even came out to do a piece on his Lego collection. The reporter who did the show wanted to play - you could see it in his face! For those who aren't familiar with his hobby, he does mostly the Lego City series sets, but also builds a few scratch pieces. We just purchased the Shuttle Adventure kit, which is basically a space shuttle. I'll be building that one, and I'm really looking forward to it.

It's been a couple of months since I've been to knitting group. For whatever reason I've had a lot of shoulder pain, as well as a lot of fibromyalgia pain this summer, probably because of the changing weather, and I just haven't felt up to going.

Aside from knitting and Lego I've been reading a lot, right now I'm in the middle of the garden trilogy by Nora Roberts. I'm about half through Black Rose, then I need to find the third book, Red Lily.

No flowers are blooming, but I'm happily able to keep up with the watering of my plants this year since I gave away a bunch of them. It's a shame that more epies don't bloom off season.

Here's wishing you all a safe and happy summer season. I'm going to read a bit and then head for bed.

2010-06-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

Early June brought blooms on three of my epies, Sonoma Sunshine, Three Oranges and German Empress. The

Easter Cactus that should have bloomed in April has also been in bloom this month. The red has been the most prolific bloomer, but the orange, white and rose color have bloomed too. Not even a bud appeared on the pink this year.

This week we've had workers in repairing some water damage in our bathroom. It wasn't anything major but it required replacing the vinyl flooring. The new flooring is a choice I wish I'd made when I bought the last one just a few years ago which was essentially white. Whatever possessed me to purchase white flooring is beyond me, but I'm happy to see it gone. I vaguely recall thinking that the white would make the small space look larger. It may have, but not enough so to make it worth the effort it took to keep it clean. The new pattern looks like tiles cut from natural stone which we complimented with smoke gray 4 inch edging which really looks much better than the white. Our cats were very put out by the invasion of their space. Max, the younger cat hurried to find a safe place whenever the workers were here, while SweetPea being an indoor/outdoor cat usually just headed outside. About fifteen minutes after the workers left each day Max would come out of hiding, slinking very close to the ground and looking warily around to be sure the invaders had vacated her space.

Reading has been one of my great pleasures for as long as I can remember. Lately I've been reading some Nora Roberts novels. She has a great way of telling a story, and unlike some authors works they don't all read the same.

Still I've managed to find a bit of knitting time. Just last night I started a scarf using Silk Cotton, a discontinued Rowan yarn that was donated to Scarves From The Heart by Martha E. along with several other yarns. This will be another scarf given to cancer patients. It's turning out really interesting using the Pavilion Stitch found at Knitting on the Net. Also in progress is a pair of socks, another pair that my friend Kathleen cranked out the foot on her circular sock knitting machine. I sent her my Claudia Hand Paint Pink Cloud yarn and then sent them back to me so that I can knit the tops of them. I'm putting a heart design on the outside of each ankle.

Spring - My favorite time of year!

2010-04-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

Spring just seems to bring hope anew to me as I watch the trees turn from barren sticks to wondrous green shade trees, and flowers as they grow, bud and bloom. Last year I was blessed to have a nearly 13 inch bloom on my Epiphyllum Sonoma Sunshine (see my Thursday, May 21, 2009 post). This year that same plant has 13 buds on it already. I'm excited to see if it will have the same extra large blooms. One bud has just appeared this week, so it could conceivably have even more blooms. Epiphyllum Three Oranges had about seven blooms last year and has at least that many buds. While it's bloom is smaller than the Sonoma Sunshine, the color of the flower is much more interesting (Monday, April 27, 2009 post).

The Easter Cactus (Hatiora Gaertneri) are in bud also. Others have them in bloom, but our spring has been cooler than normal and they are in our north facing screened porch so they are taking their time blooming.

Knitting is still happening. I've been enamoured with the Hazy Paves Scarf of which I'm on my second. The first one about size six needles and this second on size nine. I prefer the larger needle version.

My plan over the next couple weeks is to list all my UFO knitting projects and to begin working them into the que so that I complete one UFO before I begin a new project in hopes of eventually either completing or frogging them. Spread sheets are a good way for me to keep up with such things so that is my plan . . . now to put it into action.

Good News . . . my tissue transglutaminase IGG/IGA test for Celiac Disease was negative. I haven't had time to do research to find out how accurate this test is, but it at least gives me hope.

The remainder of the Seehawer & Siebert Periwinkle Blue Wool - Silk blend yarn has arrived from Germany. Once I've knit a swatch with it I can start the search for a sweater pattern to make. It's so soft, I just can't wait to start working with it.

Five things I'm thankful for . . . lots of rain in the valley this year, my cousin Dolores, yarn, my hubby and good friends.

New project for Scarves From The Heart

2010-02-20T14:31:00.000-08:00

We're going to do a new event with St. Joseph's Regional Cancer Center - it's Spa Day! By April 20th we need 75 lace scarves. Wait, wait, don't panic, they don't have to be fancy stitches (though fancy is fine too)! Here's a picture of my first lace scarf. And as you can see it's not fancy, I used Karabella Lace Mohair, an ultra lace weight yarn and I simply used very large (size 13 or 15 needles) and knit every stitch. The best part was that I got three scarves out of one skein of yarn!

Please join us in this project and let's make sure each lady participating will receive a lace scarf.

You've all been terrific support in the past and I'm sure we'll reach this goal!

Yarn, yarn, yarn!

2010-02-12T19:21:00.000-08:00

Today was a great day for yarn buys at one local thrift store! I didn't take all that was there, but I sure got a good amount of what was available. It's been months since I last found a good buy on really good yarn, but the wait was worth it. Here's a list of what followed me home;

Anny Blatt 'Angora Super' - 6 balls in a lovely near royal blue, 92 yds. each. Note: the color in this picture isn't accurate, it's a much deeper blue in reality.

Anny Blatt 'Superwash Wool' - 5 balls in a ruby red - 100 yds each

Classic Elite 'Classic Silk' - 5 balls in Bluebell - 135 yds each (no photo)

GGH 'Tajmahal' - 4 balls - in white

Patons 'Diploma' Gold DK - 4 balls of light and 6 balls of medium greens - 131 yds each

Lane Borgosesia Knitaly dal 1850 - 2 balls blue - 215 yrds each

Jaeger shetland - 1 ball of natural tweed and one of a nutmeg color - 182 yds each

The best part is the price, $30.40 incl. tax. Some of these yarns appear to be discontinued, but with lots of research the closest I could come in actual retail cost was over $300.00. I just wish you could feel it, especially the Angora Super and the Tajmahal - they're both sooooo soft!

On my needles at the present is the Jacob's Ladder Seaman's Scarf in black Paton's Classic Wool. I'm looking for yarn for the Pfeiffer Falls Hooded Scarf. The recipient likes lots of color but I don't think a lot of color will do the cables justice so I'm planning to find out what her favorite color is and try to find that in a heavy worsted, at 16 sts to 4 inches.

Today I am thankful for;

Cousins

Sunshine

Garbage collectors

Trees

Our home

Tonight we're enjoying the opening of the winter olympics. Our hearts go our to the family of the luger who tragically died on his last practice run. They will be in our prayers as they mourn the loss of their loved one. Hopefully those steel stanchions will be padded before anyone else is injured on this dangerously fast track.

Life is Good

2010-02-07T00:13:00.000-08:00

In spite of a difficult end of the year, I have much to be thankful for.

Five things I'm thankful for today;
1) rain, much needed rain here in California
2) good friends who help to keep my spirits up
3) a loving hubby who puts up with my moods
4) knitting, which soothes me
5) freedom of religion

There are many more things I'm thankful for, but it just helps to put a few of them down in writing.

January was for the most part a rather uneventful month. I did finish some scarves, and started others. The end of January we traveled to Southern California with two of our daughters to go to Disneyland and Lego Land. It only took one day of walking around Disneyland to find out how out of shape both hubby and I have become. By the end of the second day we were both complaining that our calf muscles were screaming in protest. With the tiny steps I was able to manage without pain all I needed was a kimono and white face make up to imitate a geisha.

When we arrived in Anaheim on Friday we went to Disneyland, then on Saturday to Lego Land, and back to Anaheim and Disneyland on Sunday. The girls and their dad made it to Disneyland on Sunday, while I opted for laying in bed to read and rest on Sunday morning. We had a late checkout scheduled from the Disneyland Hotel, and then we were on the road back to the girls.

The weather all three days was beautiful, not a rain cloud in sight! Thankfully, earlier forecasts were wrong.

February has brought more rain, and unlike the coastal areas which have experienced mud slides we are still happy to have more of the wet stuff.

Fibromyalgia flares have kept me down a bit during both Jan/Feb but only for a couple of days at a time. I do more reading this time of year as I don't get out as much. The knitting mysteries are my favorites, but I've also been reading some other fictional works thanks to my good friend Penni who shares her books with me.

Taxes are completed for this year! Hooray! It seems the anticipation of doing them is always worse than the actual task. They are always the chore I put off, but the one I'm happiest about completing.

On my needles . . . the Jacob's Ladder Seaman's Scarf in black for my youngest son. Up next, either completing a lace scarf, or casting on for a hooded scarf. There should be pictures of those in my next post.

Sadness amidst celebration

2009-12-31T15:31:00.000-08:00

On December 19, 2009, our daughter, Kathryn Walker, went to be with the Lord after a long and difficult battle with cancer.

The picture shared here was taken on 8/12/08, the only time all five of my children were together.

Kathryn L. Perry Walker
1/3/1964 - 12/19/2009

Kathryn left behind her devoted husband, Andrew, daughter, Samantha (22) and son, Christopher (25) as well as a very large extended family. Kat, as she preferred to be called, had recently given her life to the Lord Jesus Christ and was excited about learning His word and was enjoying gospel music. She was very creative and enjoyed decorating her home. At one time Kathryn owned Kathryn's Hallmark in Wichita Falls, TX, she was also the manager of Sikes Senter Mall in Wichita Falls for several years. After moving to the Dallas, TX area she was a property manager for the Weitzman Group until the cancer required that she go on disability approximately a year before her passing.

In spite of enduring the extremely strong treatments in attempt to beat the very aggressive breast cancer she fought, she never complained. Kathryn was always upbeat, and had a smile on her face. She enjoyed helping others who had been diagnosed with cancer, and just months before her passing she acted as the honorary chairman of the Walk-a-thon in Wichita Falls, and also participated in the walk-a-thon in Lubbock, TX where her daughter attends college. She truly was the example of grace and dignity.

She will be greatly missed by family, as well as a great number of friends.

It's raining, it's pouring, the old man is snoring . . .

2009-12-11T01:29:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's raining, but not really pouring, and unlike my hubby who is sound asleep I'm up dealing with a bout of acid reflux compliments of the onion I hadn't expected in the broccoli cheddar soup I had at our late lunch today. Fortunately it's a mild case and in an hour or two I'll be back under my new electric blanket snug as can be. Meanwhile it's the perfect time to update you all on what's been happening in our lives.

On Nov. 4th I flew to Colorado to visit my youngest daughter and youngest son and his family. I know that grandparents are supposed to be prejudiced about how adorable and smart their grandchildren are and I can assure you I'm no exception to that rule. Even though Brodie, my two year old granddaughter, was fighting a nasty cold when I arrived she was such a joy to be with. Already she speaks in sentences, knows the primary colors, counts to five, and knows her numbers up to 10 though the ones from 5 to 10 often don't fall in order. She also recognizes some letters and words. On the tv menu she can point out Dora and Wonder Pets. She only turned two on the 5th of October. She's got quite the attitude too . . . I dare say that her daddy will have his hands full when she's a teenager. I've been known to tell him that someday if there were any justice in life he'd get a child just like himself, and while he wasn't as advanced as she is at age two he definitely was bright and always kept us on our toes . . . and had more than enough attitude.

My favorite moment with Brodie was when she was playing with some coins dumping them from one plastic cup to another. Two of the coins fell out of the cup and rolled across the tile floor and she looked up with her big brown eyes and innocently said "Hey, what's goin' on?"

Scarlett turned 7 weeks while I was there and she is just the most contented baby. She's very alert and is a carbon copy of what her older sister Brodie looked like at that age. Of course she still was spending a lot of time sleeping. Fortunately she did not catch the cold that was passed on to all the rest of the family while I was there.

The day I arrived the girls mom and dad were catching it and by the 8th both my daughter and I had also caught it. It was definitely the most debilitating cold I've ever had in that it left me with absolutely no energy at all. The flight home on the 11th was miserable because I was still very congested so my ears hurt really bad when we landed in Sacramento. We had originally planned to do some shopping in town before heading home but I told dh to just take me home and put me to bed!

Of course I passed the cold on to him. It's now been over a month and I've only in the last week started to feel like I'm back to normal. I've still got a bit of a cough, but it's just one of those dry, very non-productive coughs. Hubby was sick for a bit over two weeks, and it wasn't so long ago that if he caught a cold it only lasted three days for him.

Meanwhile, other than knitting in the airport in Denver during my layover I did absolutely no knitting while I was sick. Finally on Monday night of this week I picked up the Noro Stripe Scarf that I had in progress and knitted a few rows. A few more rows on it Tuesday night and a long session with it last night and it's done! Today I worked on the diagonal scarf made of Vivace 100% bamboo that has been a project I've often carried with me in the car to work on because the yarn is so lightweight - I knitted about 4 inches, then pulled out about 5 inches because I had purled a row that should have been knit and it was just too glaring an error to leave. I've now reknit most of that 5 inches. When I tired of working on that one I picked up a yellow boucle scarf that I had on straight needles which started ages ago and did a few rows. I seldom ever work with straight needles but I like this pair, except for the length. They're a Boye product in a plastic of some sort, they feel almost like a slick rubbery material, and the tip has a bit of a dip to it making it easy to pick up the stitches. I'm sure I picked them up at a thrift store somewhere because I haven't bought a pair of brand new straight needles since I picked up my first set of circulars within days of learning to knit. If I could find more of these, and figure out a way to shorten them without ruining them I'd probably buy them for knitting scarves.

The above mentioned scarves are just a few of the many in progress scarves to be found among my knitting, and I have decided that I will concentrate on finishing all the scarves before I start a new one. However, that didn't stop me from calling my daughter last night to discuss a new one I want to start. I have some Diakeito Rococo yarn that graduates from a white, through the grays to black and I was thinking of doing a scarf similar to a Noro Stripe using a bright contrasting single color yarn . . . but then decided I wouldn't be happy with the color running up one side of it . . . so my thought now is that I may learn to do an entrelac design using an alternating contrast color row. I just have to decide what color I want to use, but I'm thinking maybe an electric blue. I asked hubby for a gift certificate to our lys so if I get it then I'll take my Diakeito with me and choose something that really pops against it.

Let's see, there are these scarves to finish first; Blue bamboo; Yellow boucle; Purple V lace; The one made from the yarn from England; and I'm sure at least two more. I wonder how long my reserve will hold out? If I work on my Green Tea Jacket in between so I don't become bored to tears, maybe, just maybe I can do it. We'll see!

Christmas shopping is done . . . of course we only shopped for the two daughters who will be home for Christmas . . . the others got money. This weekend or next we'll take our grandson who lives just an hour away out for dinner and shopping for his Christmas gift. While we're out with him we'll also buy a gift for his little sister. While she isn't technically our grandchild we'd never leave her out. I've not started wrapping yet, and I'm not doing much decorating this year.

We've purchased airline tickets to visit my oldest daughter in TX in mid-January. Her cancer is very advanced now and she's asked us to come for a visit. We'll only stay a few days as she doesn't have much energy these days. It will be a wonderful, but at the same time, a very difficult visit. Last month she spent a week in the hospital due to severe headaches and breathing issues. The headaches were caused by the swelling of the tissue around the site of the tumor they had removed a couple of weeks earlier. The breathing problems are the expansion of tumors in her lungs and a tumor that was partially blocking her airway. She was actually able to cough up the small tumor that had been blocking the airway, as apparently it was loosened by the tools used to look in her lungs. Still her energy is so low that her doctor has instructed her not to talk while walking, and to keep her conversations very short. Much of her communication is now done via email.

It seems the acid has subsided and I think it's about time I headed for that warm bed.

If I don't get back here before the holiday I'd like to wish all of you a very Blessed and Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year!

A new grandbaby!

2009-10-08T20:34:00.000-07:00

September 19, 2009 brought the birth of our 9th grandchild! Miss Scarlett Rayne arrived weighing 6 lbs 13 oz. She joins older sister Brodie Skye who quickly decided she liked having a new baby sister. Now she loves to give Scarlett kisses.

Momma says that Scarlett is a very easy baby who sleeps and eats, gets a diaper change and falls back to sleep.

The knitted items I made for Scarlett didn't get sent until after her birth as she decided her birthday should be the 19th instead of the 27th. Still the two car seat blankets, sweater, cocoon, and hats were much appreciated. It's so nice to have loved ones who really appreciate hand made gifts.

Now that the baby knitting has been delivered I'm working toward making a couple of cardigans for myself. The first will be made of Taos in the Turquoise and Copper colorway. My original plan was to make the Taos Jacket but I've since decided I like the pattern of the Green Tea Jacket design. So ultimately I'll combine the two patterns into one. I'm getting gauge for the Green Tea Jacket with the Taos yarn but striping will not carry through as well with the inset sleeve so I'm still undecided as to how to deal with that. It is knit from the bottom up so I'll get started and make the decision as I get further into the pattern.

The other cardigan will be a simple long sleeve, button up with a crew neck featuring ribbing at the waist and on the cuffs. The yarn is Swish DK from Knit Picks . Both yarns and the Zephyr needles they recently added to their catalog are early birthday gifts. No order from Knit Picks is complete without ordering at least a few balls of sock yarn and this order was no exception. Limiting myself to yarn for just three pair of socks was a good exercise in self control, don't you think?

Our youngest daughter is getting well settled into her home in Colorado Springs and is enjoying being able to babysit her nieces. I'm just a little jealous that she's there to be with them, but at the same time glad she's there to help out.

Also on my needles is the Curve of Pursuit blanket, though I'm not making much progress on it. I did finally get some help from a friend on my poor workmanship of picking up stitches. It was a relief to find that it wasn't just me, it's the fact that the first square is knitted on the diagonal and there are only 10 stitches but the directions say to pick up 15 stitches and I was having a difficult time getting them even. Her suggestion was to crochet a 15 stitch edge and pick up the back loop of the crochet stitch. I haven't done it yet because yesterday and today have been spent running errands and figuring out the cardigan.

Laundry calls . . . catch you next time.

Losing a Friend

2009-08-28T16:13:00.000-07:00

Monday, August 24th brought the call I dreaded, but knew to be inevitable. Our dear friend and neighbor Bernice was called home to her holy reward. Those of us left behind mourn her passing more than my words can possibly convey. Among the many things I'll miss about her are her smiling face and cheerful greetings.

To keep my hands busy during the difficult days while Bernice fought to live I've been crocheting this car seat blanket for our soon to be born granddaughter. This blanket is done in half double crochet, and after doing what seemed like tens of thousands of them my determination won out! The pattern is available free on the Bernat web site. I did change the edging to make the blanket a bit more girly. I'll make the pattern again, but the next time it will be knit and I'll narrow the leg portion as the excess makes the blanket quite heavy.

Also on my needles is a pair of socks, the Mermaid socks by Lucy Neatby. I am putting my own twist on them by knitting them toe up, and so far they seem to be coming out well. The yarn is Knit Picks Filici in Martinique. I'm disappointed to find there are very few sock yarns available that have distinct stripes without a jacquard look. If you know of a yarn that will compliment this pattern well please email me. I have some Luna Park yarn from Ornaghi Filati that may stripe enough to work but not sure until I try it. I may resort to several solid colors of yarn to get the look I want. I've also contacted Lisa Souza about dyeing yarn for me as I have no interest in trying it myself.

Today is a milestone in our family as my youngest son and a friend opened their own luxury tattoo shop in Colorado Springs, Co. The name of the shop is "To The Grave Luxury Tattoo". They have a web site in the works but it isn't ready yet.

Our youngest daughter has arrived safely in Colorado Springs where she will be living. Never one to shy from adventure, she drove a rental truck towing a trailer with her car on it, her St. Bernard keeping her company all the way. Only one small blip along the way, and that was a blow out of two tires, one precipitating the other causing a delay of several hours as the repair person brought only one tire, and decided to take the wheels with him, mount the tires at the shop and bring them back. It's not her first experience with rental trucks and towing a trailer, she did it on her last move also.

I'm off to treat my cold symptoms . . . passed from hubby to me with love!

Thankfulness, Knitting, Crochet and Good Buys

2009-08-15T20:44:00.000-07:00

There are so many things today that I'm thankful for, and I don't say it publicly often enough! Today I'm especially thankful for my health. Having several friends, as well a daughter who are fighting cancer makes me realize that the insomnia I'm dealing with is peanuts in comparison. In addition, my friend Bernice is still hospitalized in critical condition, and we have a niece also hospitalized in critical but stable condition.

Two recently completed knitting projects are a sweater for our soon to be born granddaughter. It's the Thistle and Clover pattern by Bonnie Evans. I'm very happy with the result. I have buttons for it, but they're a little brighter than I realized as I didn't have the sweater with me when I chose them. I may decide to choose another button yet.

Also completed are a pair of socks that my friend, Kathleen, knit the foot of on her CSM (circular sock knitting machine) and then mailed them along with a skein of yarn so I could knit the cuffs in whatever pattern I chose. I used the River Rapids pattern and I love the result, they are so comfy. The pattern can be found here. I'm anxious to start another pair, but this time I'll knit the foot portion too. Choosing the yarn will be fun as my stash of sock yarn would make people think I knit a lot of socks. The truth is . . . I'd like to wish I did, and some day I will knit more than I do now.

Currently I'm crocheting a car seat blanket for the granddaughter who is due in late September! It's the Softee Car Seat Pattern from Bernat. It's free to sign up and get their free patterns. The yarn came from a thrift store, but after weighting my yarn I was afraid that I would run short so I picked up a skein of it at Beverly's Crafts. Fortunately it's a Red Heart yarn that is still in production and even though it has a dye lot, the difference doesn't show at all.

Now for the exciting buys . . . at our local Friends of the Library store I found loads of knitting books . . . I picked up several, $145.00 worth for only $29.00!!!! I got the Little Box of Scarves II, as well as the Winter Knits Kit, 99 knit stitches from Leisure Arts, Knitting Pretty, Two Balls or Less, as well as a few I can't think of at the moment, and they're in the other room. At the thrift store I picked up a dozen balls of novelty yarn for scarves and two and a half skeins of baby yarn all for either $5 or $6 dollars. I think my best buy may have been Anne Akers Johnson's Knitting kit for $1.00! It's the book, yarn, a set of knitting needles, a crochet hook, yarn needle and two buttons! We bought a similar book/kit for one of our granddaughters about 4 years ago and paid about $25 for it. There were a couple of extra items in it, but also the needles and crochet hook were missing, but I had a pair of the same needles and an extra crochet hook that I put in. I'll give it to our great niece if she's still interested in knitting. She learned to knit last fall, but has no one to help her unless she comes here. She's old enough to use the instructions in this book if she wants.

7 things I'm thankful for;

my health, grandchildren, good friends, enough to eat, our kitties, my loving hubby and freedom!

Knitting away

2009-08-01T23:08:00.000-07:00

There has been lots of knitting going on as I taught two of my daughters (by love) how to knit in the past few weeks. It's always fun to pass on the love of fiber and needles. Both of the girls took to knitting quickly, of course they are adults, but not every adult takes to knitting easily. As for my own projects, I've finished the shawl for my friend Bernice. It still needs to be blocked.

Bernice is fighting valiantly, but has had several set backs recently. Her liver is not filtering her blood well causing an elevated amonia level. This means putting her on a medication that causes diarrhea. She has also had a very slow heartbeat which led to requiring the assistance of a pacemaker. Additionally, one of her two skin grafts is not taking and requires clean dressings three times a day. As though she hasn't been through enough they have also found a bed sore on her head so they had to shave the area so they can keep it clean and treated. Please, if you are a praying person, keep her and her daughters and their families in your prayers. They have been through so much lately, they really need your prayers at this difficult time.

This week I've been moving between knitting a simple diagonal scarf in Vivace 100% bamboo yarn which has been my take along knitting, even though I haven't gone anywhere. Also, the cuffs of a pair of socks in a faux cable pattern, the Thistle and Clover baby sweater in Canadiana, and a lace scarf in Rowan Kidsilk Haze. There is also another scarf in progress in the Robin yarn the girls brought from England.

Speaking of which, here is a picture the yarn they brought me! The Robin is a dk weight acrylic that reminds me of an English Garden. The Spirit is 100% wool, that hasn't told me what it wants to be and the ZigZag is sock yarn! They also brought me post cards, a post card size book of sheep that are raised in the area, and a hand made note card with a sheep on it whose coat is real wool roving and above the sheep there is a pair of miniature knitting needles with a swatch of knitted fabric. It's very cool! They even brought me candy called Sheep Droppings which are a lot like Milk Duds.

I've started the Curve of Pursuit blanket for one of the granddaughters but am struggling to pick up stitches on the sides of a square knit on the diagonal because I'm a tight knitter, so I've decided I will reknit it on needles two sizes larger and try slipping the first stitch of each row. That should help considerably. I had no problem picking up stitches for the sleeves of the Thistle and Clover baby sweater.

My lower back has been giving me what for, and I can't quite figure out what I did to cause it, but I'm more than ready to have it go away! It has kept me out of the kitchen, which is a treat, but I'd gladly rather cook than put up with the pain and stiffness.

Momma Mia is coming on, catch you later!!

Knitting for comfort

2009-06-27T19:20:00.000-07:00

After the shock of our friend's accident wore off a bit I decided to knit a shawl for her. A couple of years ago I purchased some gorgeous Ceallach Dyes yarn from Full Thread Ahead at Stitches West with intentions of knitting a shawl for my daughter, but she informed me she really wasn't a shawl person and that I shouldn't put all that work into something she'd likely not wear. So that lovely yarn has been in my stash just waiting to tell me what it wanted to be. It wanted to be Julia's Shawl from Alison Jepson Hyde's book Wrapped in Comfort - Knitted lace shawls. It's about 2/3 done.

Last night I knit until 4:30 am, I just couldn't put it down. Both the yarn and the pattern are such a pleasure that I've found it so enjoyable to work on it's hard to put down. Meanwhile, Bernice is improving just a little each day, but she's still got a very long road to recovery ahead of her.

Is this little sheep from a fairy tale? I recently picked him up at a thrift store for just a few cents and couldn't resist him. He's about four inches long and made of unglazed porcelain.

Today I received a surprise in the mail . . . hand cranked socks from my friend Kathleen. She has machines that you crank by hand to make socks. The fun part is she only did the foot of them and I get to design and knit the cuffs. They're made of KnitPicks Essential in Glacial. The strange thing is I just ordered the same yarn, and I'm thrilled that I can now make a scarf or glove to match!

One of my next projects will be the Curve of Pursuit blanket for my granddaughter in red and black. First I need to finish the baby cocoon and scarf I've got started. While searching my stash for the yarn for Bernice's shawl I came a cross a box of lace weight yarns I bought from KnitPicks a while back, so to break up the blanket knitting I'll use some of it for either another shawl or scarf. Tonight I'm taking a break from knitting as my shoulder is complaining due to my marathon knitting last night.

Blogs and more blogs

2009-06-19T02:10:00.000-07:00

How much time do you spend reading blogs? An hour a day? More than two hours a day? Time always seems to be in short supply for me, so I'm very sporadic about both reading blogs and writing in my own. This week I rediscovered Henya's blog where she not only shares her own patterns but she also has a contest right now. I enjoy the many subjects she covers as well as her style of writing.

Our neighborhood is a mix of families who've lived here for many years, raised their kids and are now enjoying grandchildren, along with a few young families. Our good friend and neighbors, Joe and Bernice, who live across the street from us and have since their daughters were young had left last Thursday to attend their granddaughter's high school graduation with plans to return on Sunday. They drove up to Sacramento where they joined with their youngest daughter and her hubby who planned to drive the rest of the way to Eureka. They were so proud of their granddaughter's accomplishments and were excited about the trip. Sunday, their daughter and son-in-law had dropped them back at their vehicle at the hotel in Sacramento and the kids headed to their home and the parents headed back here. About 20 minutes on the road Joe had some as yet unknown medical emergency which caused a single vehicle accident which took his life. When we learned of it on Monday we were in shock, and even the re-telling of the story as we related it to our neighbors who would want to know it just didn't seem possible. Bernice was critically injured, and has had to have at least two surgeries that we've heard of. While she continues to improve a bit each day, she's expected to be in the critical care unit for another couple of weeks or so. If you're a praying person would you please say a prayer for her?

On Saturday my friend Penni and I are going to an epiphyllum sale. We've each agreed we plan to buy only one or two plants, but once we get there I'm not so sure we'll be able to stick to our good intentions! I'm hoping to find a couple of varieties with small blooms. I am taking many of the Christmas Cactus that I foolishly thought I couldn't live without last winter to share with other growers. Of course, I wish I could say generosity is my only motive, but the truth is that space is my biggest motive . . . or lack of it. I have so many epies that they are outgrowing the area I have as they get larger. Saying Penni has about three times as many as I do might make me feel better for a nano-second, but then I'd have to admit that she also has a potting house and a very large patio with beams overhead to hang her plants from, while the ceiling of my sunroom won't support hanging plants. It will be fun to go together and see what we can find!

Tonight I finished the first half of a lace scarf that is knit from the bottom up in two pieces, and when I weighed what was done and the yarn I have left, I'm afraid I may end up short. I'm using Rowan Kid Silk in a pretty green, but I doubt if I can match it as I've had it for quite some time. I'll have to knit faster to get to the end and see if there's enough to finish . . . think it will help?

The sandman is calling and I'd better get to bed and sleep while I can as it's supposed to be very warm tomorrow and I don't sleep well when I'm too warm.

Unexpected bloom

2009-06-13T22:27:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago while caring for my many plants I reached down to get a small pot from under the potting bench when I noticed that the Amaryllis plant I'd set there with intentions of throwing it away because it refused to bloom for me after the first year I got it about three years ago. It had a bud stem about 5 inches high. I gave it a drink of water and left it where it was. A few days later I discovered the stem had grown so tall the bud was hiding under the top of the potting bench. I brought it out and a few days later it rewarded me with this gorgeous bloom. It had two buds, but one was knocked off by either the wind or the cat.

Today I had to destroy one of my favorite plants which had become virused. It was a very large plant, and had recently bloomed with four beautiful large blooms. Unfortunately the virus can spread to other plants, and rather than chance losing all of my collection I chose to get rid of it.

Today was World Wide Knit In Public day, but I didn't find time to participate, though I do knit in public on a regular basis. There are several items on my knitting needles, a cocoon for our new granddaughter who is due to be born in September, a couple of scarves, and a pair of socks. I've been trying to give each of these items a little attention, but the socks have received the least attention. Perhaps I'll go grab them and do a few rows.

More blooms

2009-05-21T22:55:00.000-07:00

This is by far the largest bloom yet on my epies. It's Sonoma Sunshine and it's between 12 and 13 inches across. I've been told it has a lovely scent also, but with the sinus issues I've been dealing with I couldn't smell it. This was the only bud on it but I'm hoping next year to have multiple blooms.

Sadly, I've passed on this sinus, bronchial stuff to my dear hubby. He gets over things quickly as a general rule so I hope he follows the rule this time. The same doesn't hold true for me as I often take 4 to 6 weeks to work through something like this. Right now we're both snuffling, coughing and miserable.

This is another bloom from yesterday. It is Orient Express and is the first of four buds to bloom. It is a nearly 10 inch bloom. Both blooms are still open and sure brighten a persons day.

As for knitting there has still been no knitting happening here. I have been fondling yarn as I've been trying to decide which sock yarns to use for an upcoming knit-a-long. We'll be making a toddler sock, which I hope will be the first of a pair for my 19 mo. old granddaughter, Brodie.

I'm hoping to be able to maintain enough concentration tomorrow to do some knitting. I've got plenty of works in progress that I could be working on. Socks would be the first thing I'd work on, but there's also a scarf I enjoy working on too. Here's to knitting tomorrow . . .

More blooms

2009-05-18T21:55:00.000-07:00

Last week brought two more blooms on my epies. Amber Queen opened on the 12th with a small 4 inch bell shaped bloom that can best be described as a coral/rose color.

On Thursday I awoke with severe nasal and head congestion. It was a day that took all the energy my body could muster just to get out of bed and make it to the living room.

On Friday I awoke to a gorgeous 6 inch pale pink bloom on Elise. The congestion was bad enough that I couldn't even guess if it has a scent.

On Saturday I ended up at the clinic at Kaiser because the congestion was moving to my chest. One antibiotic prescription later I'm still fighting the congestion (bacterial bronchial and sinus infection) as well as the side effects of the antibiotic. Nothing tastes good, and I just want to lay around and do nothing.

A coughing fit took care of breakfast, and then taking pills on an empty stomach really did me in later. I managed to eat a baked potato and a small piece of meatloaf for dinner but the side effects of the antibiotic took care of that.

Knitting . . . nope, I'm not, I simply can't concentrate enough to do it. If perseverance were a priority I could probably manage something simple but I simply don't feel like it.

Good news, bad news . . .

2009-05-08T23:25:00.000-07:00

The good news is . . . it's a girl. The new grandbaby due in September will be our 9th grandchild, and 6th granddaughter. We're excited of course, and I'll begin knitting for her soon.

The bad news is . . . another family member has been laid off work. Our youngest daughter learned today that her job has come to an end, along with the jobs of several of her workmates. She welcomes the opportunity to seek a new field of work, hopefully something of a more artistic nature. She's been doing communications work for about a decade now, and while it has paid well, she's a very artistic person and it hasn't been her dream job by any means.

I picked up this jar in Southern California recently and love the look of it filled with left overs of sock yarn. I haven't had time to clean up the very rusty lid yet. The jar is about a 3 gallon size. I'd seen an even larger one some time back at an antique sale and later regretted not buying it, so finding this one was a stroke of luck.

Hubby is now up to full dosage on his meds for Parkinson's with no side effects other than he seems more tired. Fortunately he hasn't had any nausea that many suffer with from the medicine.

Our recent trip to Disneyland was a very relaxing one. We met friends there and spent lots of time visiting with them and people watching. Dale had a sore foot and didn't feel like doing a lot of walking and I developed a blister on the bottom of my big toe so we were quite the pair of limp alongs! Two of our daughters joined us there on Sunday and hung out with us. They spoiled me by buying a teacup, saucer and spoon set that I was eyeing fondly.

Today I received a gorgeous bouquet of flowers from my oldest son and his family for Mother's Day. It's a mixed bouquet of Lillies, roses, stock, daisy poms, bupleurum, and salal. There is also a beautiful locket attached to the vase by a ribbon. Tomorrow hubby is treating me to lunch at Claim Jumper, or another restaurant of my choice (we'll skip the crowds expected on Sunday).

I've finally finished the increases on the toes of my Poem Sock socks. This yarn is so soft . . . I can barely wait to finish them and put them on my feet. The ride to Sacramento will be some quality knitting time.

Happy Mothers Day to all my friends and family out there! May your day be filled with love, family, and everything that makes you happy.

Bargains and blooms

2009-04-27T18:41:00.000-07:00

Monday a week ago I awoke to this gorgeous bloom on my Three Oranges hybrid epiphyllum. It was about eight inches across and truly a work of God! It's growing from that 'branch' (improper terminology) at center top, and to the left you can see another bud that will bloom soon. There are well over a dozen buds on this plant that appear healthy enough to bloom and they'll probably bloom over the next few weeks. In addition, at least a half dozen other plants in my collection have buds on them. One, Orient Express, has over a dozen healthy buds on it that should bloom! I dare say it's going to be a bloomin' good season.

Speaking of good . . . the bargains were good this past Friday at our local thrift stores. Those of you who read my blog regularly know I'm talking about yarn bargains. Here's the tally for that one day, at three thrift stores;
26 skeins of a fingering weight labeled Dressy by Spinnerin, 1 oz/125 yards ea. of 100% wool in light brown, 6 skeins of worsted weight Nature Spun (no company name but made in USA) 100% virgin wool, 3.5 oz/245 yds ea, in rose, 1 large skein of lace weight yarn with a label in Chinese that I was able to weigh out at 265 grams. I just did a burn test on it and I'm confident it's a natural fiber but it feels softer than most wools to me. To double check I put a piece of it in bleach too, so if it disolves it's definitely a natural fiber. I can't guess at the length, but it's a lot. A completed baby blanket (preemie size) made from Red Heart baby print, plus 3 skeins of matching yarn. 1 skein Paton's Baby Coordinates, plus several balls of frou-frou type yarns. My total spent, just $21.50!

Amid the excitement of my epi blooming, and the yarn spree we've had some not so great news. My husband has been diagnosed with stage one Parkinson's disease. Stage 1 means it's currently affecting only one half of his body, his left side. We weren't terribly surprised at the diagnosis, as I had already done some research and knew his tremor, and some of his other symptoms were indicative of Parkinson's. There were a lot of things that could have been worse. But now that we've had a few days for it to sink in, it feels like someone has ripped the reins of control out of our hands. This isn't a death sentence by any means, but it does have the ability to change our lives completely, without warning. Still we have so much to be thankful for. It's just difficult to look at our blessings at this time instead of at the control we feel we've lost. We know God is in control, now we need to exercise our faith, and let go of this and thank Him for each day that dear hubby can live a normal life. Say a prayer for us next time you're talking to Him, will you?

A bargain isn't always a bargain . . .

2009-04-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

Last week I was excited to find a scarf already in progress and still on the needles at a local thrift store for only 94 cents! It was nicely folded in the sealed bag, the needles were a pair of US11 Susan Bates needles. The yarn was a very pretty bulky variegated yarn. Ahh, no I didn't think to take a picture before frogging it because it was only about a yard long and 7 inches wide. So, to get to the point, I decided making it considerably narrower wasn't a good idea so I purchased yarn to add to it. The lack of a bargain is due to the fact that I actually ended up not using the yarn I purchased. I did end up finding something in my stash so my 94 cent bargain is getting used and I'll eventually use the yarn I purchased that has slipped in amongst the rest of my stash.

Also on my needles are the Wildfoote socks, which are to the point where I'm doing the cuffs in a k3, p1 ribbing, with about 1 inch of the cuff complete. Also the Noro Silk Garden stripe scarf. Up next another pair of socks, this time in Poem Sock which I just need to roll into two balls. I scored a really good buy on a digital scale today at Harbor Freight for only $20. I've got three colors to choose from and I think the eenie meenie miny moe game will be the way to choose because they're all so gorgeous. I have 952, 955 and 958.

More and more buds keep appearing on my epies. I was sure my Three Oranges epie would have bloomed by now, but obviously the hybrids take longer from the appearance of buds to bloom than my species, Oxypetallum, does. This very large bud on my Three Oranges will be the next bud to bloom. This plant has over a dozen buds that all appear they will bloom over the next few weeks. It looks like the bloom may be at least 6 inches or larger. Also in bud are my Orient Express, Sonoma Sunshine, Elise, Amber Queen and maybe Hot Lava. The growth on Hot Lava is very small and too difficult for me to tell. The Orient Express has over a dozen buds. It sounds like a bloomin good summer.

Dear hubby has been dealing with some loss of motor function in both his left hand and leg, among other symptoms. He's had two MRI's so far. The first one, of the head, ruled out the possibility that he'd had a stroke. This is excellent news as his mom had a very long history of dibilitating strokes prior to her passing. The second MRI, of the neck, showed a congenitally narrowed spinal canal and some bulging disks which could be the cause. That alone doesn't account for all his symptoms however so he will see a neurologist later this week. If it is just the bulging disks causing the problems then surgery is probably a good option. If not, hopefully it will end up being something treatable. Please say a prayer for him.

Blooms and bloopers

2009-03-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

Today I awoke to this! It's a full 6 and a half inches across and my photography doesn't do it justice.

Two plants have dropped buds, I'm guessing it's because immediately after moving them to our screened patio, which is also wrapped in plastic for their protection, we had a couple of nights of low 30's temperatures. At least one more plant will bloom in the next couple of weeks as it has 10 buds on it and each day the buds are a little fuller. Of course I'll be posting pics when it blooms. By the sizes of the buds it will bloom over a few days as some are quite small and appeared later than those that are looking more robust.

Knitting . . . I'm knitting socks, but I made a boo boo . . . I neglected to keep track of where I was supposed to start the gusset, so I took the needles out to go back a few rows, and it's going to be a bear getting the needles back in without dropping a stitch. I think it will get done in the patio where the light is really good on sunny days. What was that someone said about lifelines? I sure wish I'd done one! The socks are going to be gorgeous when finished . . . and they will be finished. I'm using Wildfoote yarn on size 2 needles, doing 2 socks on 2 circulars, toe up. See . . .

I really like working with this yarn and I'm sure I'll like wearing it just as well. I'm already deciding what yarn to use for my next pair, and if I'll make them top down or toe up.
I'm awfully glad I've got a good stash of yarn, and am surprised at how fun it is to go through it and remember the fun days of travel and buying in different stores in different cities.

There is a new scarf pattern here on the Scarves From The Heart website called Steps. Just scroll down past the pattern links to the first pattern. You're welcome to use it for personal use or charity. You may link to it, but please don't print the pattern anywhere without permission, or make items to sell from the pattern. It's done in a dk weight yarn, and almost looks like cables done on the diagonal. It's a really easy pattern.

I'm still trying to decide which scarf to start next. I think I want something quick and easy, but I also want color after working on this gray. Maybe I should just pull out one I already have in progress. Hey, that's a thought! LOL. There's a yellow one that would be cheery.

Here's wishing you all a spring with beautiful blooms and yarns just as lovely.

When It Raints It Pours . . .

2009-03-02T21:09:00.000-08:00

It really has been raining a lot here, but I was speaking figuratively. Last Thursday night we were watching the 11 o'clock news when the power went out. It came back on momentarily and back out again. After 10 minutes of sitting in the dark we decided to head for bed. Most of my friends know I'm a night owl and 11:30 is not bedtime for me. I tossed and turned until after 1 a.m. and was just starting to drift off when the power came back on about 1:30. I decided to get up and shut off the lights and the stereo which comes on every time there is a power outage . . . hey, at least it says goodbye on the lcd display when it goes off. After a quick snack of Yoplait's new Cherry Cobbler Thick and Creamy yogurt I headed back to bed.

Friday morning hubby got up at his usual early hour and turned on the t.v. to his normal morning program, then grabbed the newspaper and sat down at the kitchen table to check out the local news. Suddenly he heard a loud POP. It was the bulb in the t.v. We've known for a long while that it was going to go out, so long in fact that we got tired of seeing the warning and shut it off. We got so comfortable with it that we didn't call the warranty service to send another bulb. Then to multiply the issue, he didn't call then, he waited for me to get out of bed and fully awake. Again, my friends know me . . . that's often noon or later due to my poor sleep habits. Well . . . by time I called and talked to someone in New York it was 4:30 in the afternoon there which meant the new bulb wasn't going to even be shipped that day . . . and probably not until Monday.

"When can we expect it?"
"5 to 7 business days"
"Is there a way you can overnight it?" (that's me in a very pleading voice!)
"No, I'm sorry, that's not a service we offer."
Deep sigh . . . yes, that was me too!

But, back to that morning. After finding that the t.v. was out, he headed for the bathroom to shave and discovered water on the floor. At first noticing a dark puddle by the wastebasket he thought one of the cats had piddled on the floor, but realizing our cats don't have accidents in the house he decided to explore it further and realized there was water in front of the sink. Further checking revealed that the U-trap pipe was wet, and upon closer examination found it had a pin-head size hole. So off to his favorite toy store, Home Depot, to get a new trap. And home again, only to find out that it didn't fit. So off to the local small Ace hardware store that has lots of stuff for older homes . . . of which ours is one. And home again, this time with the right part. After the chore of getting the floor cleaned up . . . and yes, ladies, it did it all himself . . . he got down on the floor with his head under the sink and fixed it. It's not the kind of thing he enjoys doing, but nearly every chore he does, he does well.

Once the sink was fixed he would normally have sat down to watch t.v. - it's what he does. I have to tell you, that my husband without a t.v. is like a drunk without his bottle. If he ever has to do a 12 step program it won't be for drinking, drugs or gambling, it will be for getting of t.v. It's not a pretty picture I assure you. We do have a back up, of course it's about half the size of the t.v. in our living room, but it's actually newer. I bought him a really nice t.v. for his shop for father's day 2008. So after 24 hours of no t.v. in the house he broke down and brought in the new t.v. from the shop. It's sitting on a small table in front of the other one. So, it means we didn't have to miss the Amazing Race or Jesse Stone on Sunday, or the final of the Bachelor tonight. Or American Idol, or Survivor. Can you tell we're a t.v. family.

Knitting . . . just a little. A few rows on a scarf, a start on a dishcloth and that's about all. The shoulder is still giving me fits. Good days and bad . . . it's seems to depend a lot on whether or not I roll over onto that shoulder any amount during the night. I'm a tosser and turner in bed and my left side is my favorite sleep position so that's a problem.

Today I found a set of canisters, and a matching utensil jar, at a thrift store that I really like and used them to store my knitting needles. I'm really happy with them.
I've been looking for a solution, and this is a just about perfect one. Photos to come.

Just a little knitting

2009-02-25T22:23:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought it would take three weeks to get into see an orthopedist? At our Kaiser Permanente that's the wait time, so I opted to drive to a Kaiser Hospital in a nearby city where I could get in the very next morning, which was one day last week. I really liked the Dr. I saw, she was very thorough and easy to talk to. It turns out there are no bone problems, and that the problem is basically the same thing as tendonitis. The solution is to use it, but don't abuse it, and physical therapy when an opening is available, currently set for March 11th. Meanwhile I've begun to knit a little, being careful to keep my left elbow in close to my rib cage. I've knit a couple of evenings, the first time on Monday night I stuck with it a little too long on a basic scarf. But the major issue still causing pains is when I roll over onto my left side in my sleep.

Today I discovered that one of my epiphyllum plants, Elise, has a bud on it. This particular plant is a young one that hasn't bloomed before so I don't know how long it will take the bud to come to full bloom. You can see a picture of an Elise bloom here . Many growers would not allow a plant this young to bloom, they would pinch the bloom, but the plant is very healthy and I've decided to let it bloom. Hopefully I'll be able to post a picture of my own bloom here soon!

In other "green" news, the two schlumbergera, commonly known as either zygo cactus or Christmas cactus, which I polinated with my older variety have seed pods on them. It will be fun to watch the pods ripen, harvest the seeds and plant them. The plant I used to polinate these with has a deep fuschia color bloom, while the two plants which have the pods have a light salmon and pinkish yellow blooms so I can't wait to grow these to bloom size and see the blooms. All of my schlumb's have been moved back into the patio now that fear of frost is passed in our area. It's nice to be able to see the top of the table and the china cabinet in the dining room once again. I hope to be able to move all 80+ epies back to the patio in a couple of weeks.

The weather here has been a mix of sunny days in the 60's and rainy days that are much needed. Surrounding areas seem to get more rain than we do, almost like there is an umbrella over our area. We may get some rain tonight, I hope so, we can really use it.

Are you watching American Idol? Any favorites yet? I know it's early but I'm already finding a couple of people I think will go a long way.

It's just NOT the same

2009-02-14T20:20:00.000-08:00

No amount of crochet makes up for not knitting. Don't get me wrong, I don't mean to belittle crochet, it's a wonderful art and was my primary art for most of my life. I can't explain it, but when I learned to knit it was like I'd truly found MY art. With crochet I never excelled, and never really tried. I couldn't make a round item lay flat if my life depended on it and I exercised absolutely no imagination. I picked up a pattern and made it, sometimes with really good results, but more often with less than the results I expected or hoped for. When I learned to knit, from early on I seldom made a pattern exactly as it was written. My imagination seemed to go into overdrive when paired with needles and yarn.

This conversation, one sided though it may be, comes up because the doctor did not release me to knit. Not only that, but she basically said to not use my left arm more than necessary. Suddenly it seems like without a left arm the simplest things become so much more difficult. Fortunately, she didn't say to immobilize the arm. Yeah! No sling! This is a really good thing. But to tell the story from the beginning, I had a follow up appt. with my primary physician on Friday the 13th (no, I'm not superstitious) because the pain in my left shoulder has not decreased in spite of decreased use. In fact it has escalated considerably, and even the simple act like reaching for a pencil causes major discomfort. After a thorough exam of poking, prodding, having me push, pull and reach she said it may be a rotator cuff injury. X-rays were ordered and she is referring me to an orthopedist. Unfortunately the orthopedic department is backed up and I have to wait for a call from them to set an appointment. The x-rays are done and available for the orthopedist. I was pleasantly surprised by the gentleness of the young technician. I've had similar x-rays done in the past with much more discomfort.

Now, back to the subject of crochet. I thought I could crochet because I would use my left arm less than when I knit, which was true, but it still causes pain I don't feel is worth the discomfort. I did complete a scarf from a new pattern I learned about through the Yahoo group linkslinkslinks. The designer has graciously allowed me to place links to her scarf patterns on the SFTH website here . This scarf is made from the "Bumpy" pattern. Be sure to check out Marie Anne's blog and her other patterns also. In addition to the Bumpy pattern, links to two more are on the SFTH website. In this scarf I used Paton's Canadiana in a deep chocolate brown, an off white and a raspberry red. The yarn is old, and the color numbers have long since been discontinued. I like the way the scarf is reversible with the off white being prominent on one side and the brown and red prominent on the other side. Using an "I" hook, casting on 232 stitches and completing 9 rows I ended up with a 4" wide scarf which is 80" long. It will be donated to SFTH with the next donation.

Next up; boredom, I guess. I've finished two books, The Saving Graces by Patricia Gaffney and Married in Seattle by Debbie Macomber. I guess I'll have to visit the local library for more reading material. What have you read lately that you'd recommend? Note, I'm not into heavy reading material. I like fiction, Debbie Macomber being my favorite, with Maggie Sefton and Maeve Binchy coming in tied for second.

Giving up knitting . . .

2009-02-04T21:16:00.000-08:00

But only temporarily upon doctor's orders. I have what the doc describes as 'impingement' which means the bursa is swollen causing irritation in the muscles and tendons of my left shoulder. To me it's just medical jargon that means I'm forced to take an unwanted break from knitting. So, today is day three of NO knitting, and I'm a bit bored even though I've got some good reading material handy. I can't even guess at how long before I'll be back to knitting, but I have a follow up appointment on Friday the 13th, and no I'm not superstitious. But I'll knit for a few minutes at a time, starting with 5 minutes, and working up from there and see if that still causes pain. If it does, then x-rays or more will be the next step. This isn't my first bout with impingement, but it's by far the most severe.

Today I spent my free time tagging some scarves that had come for Scarves From The Heart But I've run out of tags, about half a dozen short. I'll be getting more from my Assoc. Director on Friday, so I'll be able to finish them then. Later in the day UPS arrived with a very large box that I'd forgotten was on it's way, and was amazed to find that Scarves From The Heart has been the very fortunate recipient of a large amount (16 pounds) of yarn from a very generous un-named person (whose name I will divulge with her permission if she agrees).

Beginning tomorrow I'll have lots of time to myself as hubby is going to visit his daughters and on to Disneyland with them. It's only a few days, he'll be back on Monday. I could have gone, but with the pain of the shoulder I decided not to go as sleeping in hotel beds is a problem for me and could very well exacerbate the problem.

If you're a praying person, please take a minute to visit my friend Alison H's blog
to read about all she's going through and then say a prayer for her. She can use all the prayers she can get in her fight for good health.

Other news here is that it seems we are going to be grandparents again. The due date and all is yet to be determined as mom hasn't seen her doctor yet, but over the counter tests have been positive. More on that when we know. Until then I'll be thinking about what I want to knit for this new little bundle of joy.

Hope 2009 has been kind to you.

It's almost a scarf

2009-01-17T00:16:00.000-08:00

It has been so much fun knitting with the Mini Mochi yarn I received from Crystal Palace Yarns. Using a two row by two row method, pulling from the inside of one ball for two rows, then using the second ball and pulling from the outside has made it like a new project each time I pick it up. Plus the feel of this yarn isn't your typical sock yarn even though it's 80% merino and 20% nylon. It's so much more yummy, and very soft. It's now available to purchase at Yarn Market and Jimmy Beans Wool It comes in 8 colors, this one (photo colors are not accurate) is color #103 Violets Rainbow. The scarf is done in 1 x 1 rib changing color every two rows. I couldn't get a good photo no matter how I tried. This earlier photo is closer than the one I took tonight but still doesn't really capture the colors well, they are quite vibrant without being too bright.

There are still several other scarves on my needles as well, but none have been getting their turn for my attention. Hope is still there for them, this scarf is nearly complete and I don't have more of this yarn . . . shucks!

Today's trip to the Friends of the Library store was fruitful. They had a lot of hard back, and the larger soft cover knitting books in. Oddly, most of them were filled with sweaters to knit. I picked up Knit it Your Way by Cynthia Yanok Wise, Modern Classics - Knit Over 20 Timeless Designs by Louisa Harding, and New Directions in Knitting from House of White Birches - all for less than $20.00.

Moving on to the local thrift stores provided good pickings too. At the first one, two bags of basic yarn snagged me 15 full or nearly full skeins of basic yarns (1 velour type, 2 boucle, 8 variegated acrylics, and the rest solids) plus two large balls of cotton yarn in yellow and chartreuse and a small ball of a really pretty blue that is kind of glitzy. The bonus of these bags of yarn were 4 pair of knitting needles (1 pr sz 15 Clover Takumi, 2 pair plastic size 8 and 1 pair of wood size 8), 5 crochet hooks (all different sizes), and a crochet hook bag by Klutz which had some stitch markers and really cute buttons in it. All this for about $5.50 after the senior discount.

Across the street at another thrift store I found a package of T-shirt transfer paper which I plan to use to make a Scarves From The Heart t-shirt or bag, two brand new stainless steel watering cans (for watering plants) and one of those huge bath sheet size towels that is just like new. I think I spent nearly $7 at this shop. Don't you just love bargains! Hubby says he gets out of the thrift stores a lot cheaper when I don't go with him, but that's ok, I'll buy my yarn at yarn stores and on line if he prefers .

After lunch at Sizzler, and the thrift store crawl, it was the not so favorite chore of grocery shopping before coming home to flop into the easy chair. It seems like no matter how much I plan to eat well these trips consist of junk food shopping! I think it's because we do our meat shopping at Costco once a month, and also buy our paper products there. Of course fresh fruits and vegetables are bought as needed, so this was a pop corn, bread, soft drinks, and yogurt trip.

If you belong to the KnitTalk group on Yahoo you've already heard that my friend Alison is not well. She has several medical issues, and right now her Crohn's is out of control. If you're a praying person, please say a prayer that God will allow the new medication to help her quickly, very quickly. The medication, and getting it is a whole other story in itself. I'm sure you've seen Humira advertised on TV. Bet you would never imagine how difficult it is to get an insurance company to pay for it, then how much rigamarole you would have to go through to get it, and have it administered. It seems that this medicine is highly regulated, but it is also pretty much Alison's last hope to survive this bout with Crohn's disease. In addition to the symptoms of the Crohn's she has been dealing with fever, nausea, vomiting, and it seems all the things that she can't afford to have if she's going to beat this.

Oh, I almost forgot. Scarves From The Heart has been asked to work with a local group called Kaleidoscope which provides bags of comfort items to cancer patients. I'm excited about it. I've been invited to speak to their group at an upcoming meeting. I think it's a good thing, though I'm not sure exactly how we'll work together. We'll see, God will lead me and let me know if this is the direction He wants us to go.

Now, I'd like to leave you with a smile on your face. This is what makes me smile each time I think of her. My granddaughter Brodie Skye, who turned 1 back in October.

Happy New Year 2009!

2009-01-01T19:49:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all our friends out in cyberland! May 2009 be a prosperous year and may you always have enough! Enough of everything that makes life comfortable and worthwhile! May those of us who are blessed to have enough food, and all the necessities in life all share with those who are in need.

New Years Eve for us was a quiet evening for us. We picked up pizza for hubby and Chinese food for me and spent the evening in front of the tv. It was a bit strange at midnight when all the fireworks went off, it was very foggy here and it really muffled the sound. The big fireworks sounded like they were in a barrel and the small ones in the neighborhood sounded like someone popping bubble wrap.

Today was more about getting laundry done than reflecting on what 2009 will bring. I've never been much for making resolutions but I am planning to make most of this year's knitting projects from stash. Hubby watched part of the Rose Bowl Parade while I slept late, then he watched the USC game, while I caught up on email and laundry.

Our Christmas trip to Disneyland and our stay at the Grand Californian Hotel were wonderful. The weather was less severe than predicted, the traffic going both ways was uneventful, and the hotel was awesome. If you'd like to see some pictures of the wonderful environment of this hotel check out the traveler photos on this site. There is a box on the right hand side of the page, just a little way down that says "traveler photos and videos". It's hard to do justice to the grand decor of this hotel, but if you love the arts and crafts movement in architecture you've got to experience this hotel at least once! I spent quite a bit of my time at the hotel, knitting and computing, and enjoying the third floor mezzanine which is furnished with overstuffed chairs, side tables and lamps with stained glass shades. I really like the oversized sit-in fireplace in the lobby, but the lighting isn't good enough for knitting there.

Santa brought me the external hard drive I wanted for my computer along with a few other things I'd asked for, including some of the Elizabeth Zimmerman knitting books. But he also brought a couple of unexpected gifts, including a digital picture frame which I love.

The black fingerless gloves for our grandson are done, the purple ones for my sister-in-law are about three-quarters done. I've already started the 1x1 ribbing at the knuckles. I'm not particularly happy with the fit of my own fingerless gloves, or the yarn they're made from, so next up will be some warmer ones from wool to replace the ones shown in my last post.

Today I cast on some inexpensive yellow boucle' yarn for a scarf, using straight needles which I seldom use. It's kind of odd because I seldom work with yellow, don't particularly enjoy working with boucle yarns - but there is something about this yarn that was calling to me. Maybe because my sister sent it to me, maybe because it's such a bright sunny color, but I'm loving the fabric that is developing. The needles are a material I'm unfamiliar with, they feel like plastic, but they have a different feel than any I've used before. They are by Boye, and they're bright yellow, 11" length, with metal ends and appear to be at least a few years old. I really like the shape of the tip, they are one of the few straight needles I've found that I like. Where I picked them up, I have no idea at all! I'm sure I found them when I was looking for antique needles, and I wonder if they could be made of cellulose.

Scarves from the heart is currently asking for basic machine washable and dryable scarves which will be donated to shelters. So if you're a beginner to knitting or crochet, this is the perfect project to donate to. Simple patterns are ideal, you can let the color be the statement!

Happy New Year all! Call a friend you haven't talked to lately!

Brrrr it's cold here and getting colder

2008-12-15T22:39:00.000-08:00

This is California . . . it's supposed to be warm! Winter is not my favorite time of year, I'm cold by September, so tomorrow night's predicted 28 degree temperature is not making me a happy camper. Fortunately I finally finished the fingerless gloves and I can not only type with them on but even knit. I'm now working on a different pattern in black Encore for our 14 yr old grandson who is a skateboarder and wants a pair. Waiting in line is a pair in purple for my sister-in-law. I'll use this pattern
for hers. Scroll down a bit for the pattern in English.

Is your shopping finished? Mine is, save for one gift I'll buy at the last minute because it will be bought in Disneyland when we get there. Everything is wrapped and ready to go.

Tonight I made the decision, based on the predicted freezing weather, that my epies, all 90 pots of them, must be brought into the spare bedroom for wintering. Had we only expected a couple of hours of freezing temps they would have survived fine in our patio with the precautions I'd taken. Precautions have included a double layer of 4 mil plastic on the windows and frost cloth at the ready to protect them. With the low temps expected to last for several hours I decided I have too much time, caring and money tied up in them to lose them to the weather. I managed to bring in a bunch of them tonight and my friend Penni who also raises epies is going to help me bring the rest in tomorrow. Most of my plants are in 4 and 6 inch pots, so it's not a huge deal this year. Next year will be quite another story as these plants will all be in 6 inch or larger pots as they outgrow their starter pots. Not only that, but the plants can get huge as the plant in the photo shows. This photo was taken several months ago when we bought it, and it has since grown at least another foot in length on just this longest stem alone, not to mention the rest of it. This pot is at least a 16 inch pot. It's been sitting on a stool that makes it easily 18 inches off the ground and the 'leaf' (not accurate terminology) nearly touches the ground even though the texture is quite thick and almost leathery. Height is an issue as there is only a limited amount of space between the shelves of each unit. Some may have to sit on the floor, which I've decided to protect with the 4 mil plastic. It won't be pretty, but it will be worth it when the blooms come.

Scarves From The Heart made their first donation to a homeless shelter last week when we took 60 scarves and 15 hats to a local shelter. We also delivered 50 scarves to St. Teresa Cancer Center last week, and this week we'll deliver 50 scarves to both St. Joseph's Regional Cancer Center and Stockton Hematology - Oncology Center. That will leave our reserves very low, so I hope everyone out there who knits and crochets will start a new scarf for SFTH as soon as they've completed their Christmas knitting and crocheting. We'd like to give scarves to a second shelter soon, so we're especially in need of basic scarves in bright cheery colors which are machine washable as many of these people don't have easy access to laundry facilities. If everyone out there is blessed and who knows how blessed they are, as I do, will help us by knitting or crocheting just one or two scarves we will be able to continue to give to these very deserving people who are going through tough times, whether it is because of cancer, or because of financial or other personal problems. If you don't knit or crochet, how about making a fleece scarf? You could maybe do something special to make it your own, so it's not just a simple rectangle, maybe cut some fringe, or make it pieced like a quilt.

Tomorrow will be a busy day with moving all the plants and then making dinner so we can treat Penni to dinner for her help, so it's 1:00 am and it's time I headed for bed. G'nite all! Grab those needles and hooks and start a scarf.

Mid-Holiday Blessings

2008-12-05T15:14:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving came and went, we dined with the Andersons - Stuart Anderson's Black Angus Restaurant that is! Hubby isn't a fan of turkey so eating out meant that I could have turkey if I chose and he could find other options. As it turns out, we both ended up ordering steak, and it was very tender and tasty, as were the accompanying side dishes. We shared our meal (not literally) with hubby's sister and her dh. We get along well and enjoyed the meal then went our separate ways, us home to sit and watch the 'tube' with our cats, and they home to their two dogs. On Friday, our two daughters who live in California arrived loaded with left overs from their feast. One is vegan and so we got to experience some new recipies, my favorite being a dressing with cranberries and pecans in it. We dined on yummy left overs all weekend long, and that's quite a compliment as I will seldom eat left overs.

Some really good news to report - my daughter Kathryn is still fighting cancer, which is now in both lungs, but her current treatment has eradicated a tumor that was in the area of her esophagus, and reduced the size of a tumor in the mid-lung area from softball size to baseball size. Praise God!

I'm really excited about having won two balls of Mini Mochi yarn from the socks and more blog. I love all the colors, so I'm not choosy about which color they send, but I'm especially fond of the one in blues. I was truly surprised when I received the email telling me I was one of the winners. Check out her blog as she has had contests before, and may have more. I'm planning to make a scarf from it, then donating the scarf to Scarves From The Heart.

Speaking of SFTH, we continue to receive scarves, so please keep them coming. We will be taking a box of scarves to one of the local homeless shelters early next week, as well as replenishing the stock for at least two of the cancer centers.

On my knitting needles, as always, more projects than makes good sense. Currently I'm working on two scarves, and two pair of fingerless gloves. One set of the fingerless gloves is to the increase for the thumb, the other just one glove started and a few rows complete. One scarf nearly complete and the other is in time out while my brain generates a pattern for the next square.

Christmas shopping is done, except for two gift certificates which will be done on line, and I'll wait until closer to the holiday to do those. Shopping is pretty easy for us, as we send most of the kids money. We'll be in Disneyland this year with two of our daughters so we've shopped for them, now I have to wrap them.

It's time I accomplished something today as most of my day has left an imprint in this chair!

Happy Knitting and Happy Giving!

Mountain Colors and Christmas Cactus

2008-11-13T16:33:00.000-08:00

This week my mind has been in a few different modes. I'm in search of white Christmas Cactus . . . so far an unsuccessful one. Our local stores have, for the most part, not received their shipments of Christmas Cactus yet. One of the local Save Marts did and I was fortunate enough to find three varieties. Christmas Fantasy, a light salmon color, Purple #4 an as yet unregistered variety and Elise (possibly Thor-Elise). Last week my friend brought me Harmony also. These two are Elise on the left, and Christmas Charm on the right.

I also have an old plant which I'm trying to determine if it is the species Russelliana. Up til recently I didn't know there were so many, and it didn't really matter. But now that my interest has been peaked, I'm curious to know. This old plant fell from a height of about 5-1/2 feet earlier in the fall, when the wind was blowing and a whole shelf took a tumble. It landed bottom side up out of it's pot. It's since been repotted and seems happy enough. It even has some small buds on it. This picture to the right is a single bloom photo that was taken when it was in bloom at Easter of '08. If you are familiar with Schlumbergera species and can tell if it's Russelliana, let me know.

Also on my mind this week was some yarn I bought last summer . . . Mountain Colors Twizzle . . . The story starts out with this woman who lives in my body, and is often drawn to the most expensive things in about any store she enters. In this case, an upscale yarn store in the destination city of a day trip . . . and two colors of Twizzle that followed the woman home. Mind you, they weren't the same color . . . that would make too much sense. So, the lady ended up ordering more yarn on line, and ordering the wrong colors, so she still didn't end up with enough to make anything. So, as it happens these expensive, beautiful yarns have been on this woman's mind . . . what ever would she do with them? Maybe a scarf ala the Noro Stripe scarf on Brooklyn Tweed's blog. Nah, the colors just don't play off one another well enough. Ok, maybe the solution is buy more . . . yep, she did, but it's ok . . . she bought 2 skeins of Twizzle in Raven (black - she hopes). And her husband sat in the same room and didn't have a heart attack when she told him she'd just spent nearly $50 US dollars for them. Of course it helps that he's just had a 16' x 20' shop built in the back yard that is costing an arm and a leg to finish off, with no end in sight any time soon.

Plus the Christmas Cactus are cheap! Colors don't appear to be true on my monitor in this pic, but it's the best I could get. Purple #4 on the left, and another pot of Elise (for my friend) on the right. Sorry, pics of Harmony will have to wait. It's similar in color to Elise, but a bit more red.

My hubby is grumbling and my tummy is rumbling so it must be time to fix dinner.

Happy knitting! Bring home a Christmas Cactus today . . . it will bring a smile to your face.

Halloween, birthdays and voting!

2008-11-03T14:33:00.000-08:00

Did you know I was almost a little witch? Both my parents and my birthday fall within 8 days of one another. They're both gone and have been for many years, but this time of year brings back memories. Dad's birthday was Oct. 27th, mine the 29th and Mom's November 4th. Then of course there was my uncle whose birthday was on Halloween. Birthdays weren't big celebrations in our family, there just wasn't ever enough money to spare to do much. But Mom usually managed to make me a new 'flour sack' dress, or bake a cake. No, I'm not kidding about the flour sack dress. I not only wore and loved them, I got them as hand-me-downs too because I have 3 older sisters. We were also raised with an outhouse, and the only indoor plumbing was cold water in the kitchen. Mind you, I'm not complaining, I believe that the lack of financial excess made us stronger. You'd sooner find me on a soap box complaining about the excesses our young people today have than complaining about my lot in life.

Now, to get back on subject . . . Birthdays . . . hubby and I went out with my friend P who shares the same birthday as me, and her friend P, for a late lunch at a place called Sweet River Grill in the mall in Modesto. The food is really excellent and because we were there mid-day we had fantastic service. Our waiter treated us gals to hot fudge sundaes which the fellows promptly helped us finish off. She gave me the epie Roman Holiday. It gets a lovely large rose red bloom about 8 to 12 inches across. I gave her hand knit fingerless gloves, neck warmer and hat in a faux cable stitch.

My youngest daughter also bought me epies, 4 of them. Unforgettable, which is nearly white in the center, changing to pink with deep magenta outer petals. Just Beautiful which is a light orange with cerise. Vista Sun, a solid yellow with outer petals that can range to amber, and Strawberry Splash, a powder puff pink with a red throat. They arrived today from a nursery in CT, with only minor problems, a stem broke off the Unforgettable. With epies this isn't a big deal, I'll just let it sit for a few days and put it in the pot and it will root just fine. They are really very healthy plants. She said she also ordered me some Ty-Dy sock yarn by Knit 1 Crochet 2, so I still have that to look forward to.

Oldest son and his family recently moved to Brussels, Belgium for his work. He'll be working with a research group there for one to three years. They sent a gift certificate to Amazon dot com and I ordered 3 knitting books. They are the Debbie Macomber knit-a-long "Back on Blossom Street", "Ocean Breezes: Scarves Inspired by the Sea" by Sheryl Thies, and "Shawls and Scarves: The Best of Knitters Magazine" by Nancy Thomas.

Halloween was a non-event at our house. Being diabetic, and having little to no self-control when it comes to sweets, I decided I didn't want any candy in the house so we went out to dinner then did our monthly shopping at Costco.

Hope you are all planning to get out and Vote and let your voices be heard!

SFTH - On Going Project

2008-10-22T15:18:00.000-07:00

A few people have asked if Scarves From The Heart is an ongoing project, and the answer is a definite Yes! We've just added St. Teresa Cancer Center in Stockton, CA to our list of recipients and if the scarves continue to come in at the current rate we should be able to make a donation to one or more of the homeless shelters or missions in the next month or two.

On my needles, scarves; one in purple bamboo in a pattern adapted from a dishcloth pattern called Vineyard. It isn't very far along because ms perfection frogged a whole repeat the other night because the edging should be k3 at both ends and a couple of rows ended with p3. A yellow one in Corntastic yarn in color maize which is a design that's coming straight from my imagination. One that is well over half done in Paton's Decor in manly autumn colors, another of my own pattern creations.

Completed: Neckwarmer, fingerless gloves, and hat for a friend's birthday and also the Mistake Rib scarf in off white Red Heart "Soft".

Still waiting in the wings, dd's Bella Cardigan, the purple scarf in Wool/Llama blend yarn, a pink lace scarf in Sirdar Snuggly.

I've added a couple more epies to my collection, even though I said I wouldn't . . . but they were free! I also received some Begonia cuttings from a fellow in South Carolina which I'm trying to root. Sadly, my cat decided one of them should be liberated from it's pot and removed, not just once, but twice. I've now set it where she can't reach to play with it.

Our oldest son and his family have reached Belgium safely and are residing in a hotel temporarily because no one rents out apartments and houses in the middle of the month. Our 10 year old granddaughter will attend the British school because the international school has no openings in her grade level.

Time to leave to have dinner with friends . . . chat later.

No excuses, just not enough brain power . . .

2008-10-06T20:40:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt like you had so much information floating around in your head that it's impossible to sort it out and get it blogged? That seems to be the case for me over the past couple of months.

Having said that, I won't bother with excuses, I'll just try to hit the highlights of life in our little abode.

Let's see . . . in late August hubby and I took a day trip to the bay area, Vallejo, Crockett and then down to Fremont. Epiphyllum shopping for me, and enhancing the Disneyland collection at a few antique shops for hubby. We had a great day, the weather was spectacular, had a great lunch, toured the greenhouses of my favorite epi seller and brought home some treasures. This is just one of the new epies I've added to my collection in the past couple of months. This one is "Sunflare" which gets an extra large bloom. XL usually means it can often grow to as much as 10" across. If these flowers attract you like they did me, here's a great place to buy them.

http://www.epiphyllumworld.com/Epiphyllum_World/Welcome.html

Don grows, chooses, packs and ships all his own plants, and he guarantees them 100%. His plants and cuttings are always very healthy, you can also buy from him on ebay. His seller name is dcravalho and he has 100% feedback. His ebay store name is Epiphyllum World. You won't find a nicer guy to deal with imho, and you can count on quality product.

September 11th brought the "Gathering of Friends" event for St. Joseph's Regional Cancer Center where Scarves From The Heart gave out nearly 50 scarves. Much fewer than we expected to need. A couple of reasons seem to account for the lower number of scarves this year. First, the event didn't seem to attract as many people this year, and second, each attendee wore a name tag that indicated their status as either a survivor or supporter. Last year we were giving scarves out to folks 'assuming' they were all survivors. Here some of the survivors of this year's event choose scarves with the help of family or friends.

Thanks Jeanne and Shelby, oh and you too Dale, for helping out. It was a great event.

On Sept. 17 hubby and I headed to Gilroy, CA for an overnight stay with plans to do some antique store browsing. On the way we stopped at Casa de Fruta where we had a delicious lunch and stretched our legs by browsing the different stores and attractions before making the last leg of the trip. We've found we need more stops to keep from getting stiff as we age. Potty breaks don't hurt either . Gilroy still has a nice selection of antique stores where hubby found a few treasures for his Disneyland collection. We also cruised through the outlets which were very close to our hotel but only went into two, Kaybee Toys where we didn't buy anything, and Osh Kosh B'Gosh where we picked up two adorable outfits for the Oct 5th birthday of granddaughter, Brodie Sky, who was turning 1.

On Saturday morning we headed for a succulent and epi show in San Juan Bautista. It was held in the courtyard of the Jardin de San Juan restaurant, a beautiful location shaded by large trees, many acting as a place for huge pots of epies to hang. Once again, I added to my epi collection. There was also a small street fair that we browsed through, as well as a couple of antique stores, but didn't find much with the word Disneyland on it. By time we finished walking the couple of blocks occupied by the street fair the large toe on my left foot was letting me know that the redness I'd noticed on Friday when I checked my feet (a daily routine for a diabetic) was more than just redness. I would like to have walked around town more, as it's a really nice little town with a lot of historical interest. We'd also planned to lunch at Jardin, but I needed to get off my foot and get my shoe off. So, the sore toe won over my wishes and we decided to head home instead. By time we got home the toe was seriously infected. So on Sunday I soaked it, and doctored it with some hydrogen peroxide, and on Monday got in to see my primary physician early. Now a round of antibiotics and lots of tlc later, it's completely healed.

Tuesday the 30th of September Scarves From The Heart participated in Patient Appreciation Day for Stockton Hematology-Oncology and gave out about 40 scarves, and left another 30 or so in the clinic for patients to choose from. Thanks, Dawn, for your help. We were gifted with a very nice autumn themed centerpiece for participating. They had a raffle for the patients and participants. SFTH donated a Reader's Digest Knitting Kit and 5 free knitting lessons. I don't know who won it yet. There was a lady there who wanted it badly and I hope she won it.

There's always a little time for knitting . . . in addition to scarves, I've finished a crocheted baby blanket which I'm not completely happy with and knit a pair of fingerless gloves and a neck warmer for a friend who also grows epies and shares the same birthday as me. I've begun casting on for a matching hat, but it has been set aside for a couple of days. The neckwarmer still needs a loop and button added.

Currently I have a scarf in the broken rib stitch of off white "Soft" yarn by Red Heart nearly complete. I am using it as a traveling project. Also in progress is a manly scarf of Paton's Decor in an Autumn Varigated. This one is being knitted from each end with plans to connect it in the center. It's a design of my own making and I'm almost done with the detailed portion, then can use it as a traveling project as the other scarf is nearly completed.

I completely frogged the Bella Cardigan from knitty dot com that I started well over two years ago, long before I was confident in my knitting skills. I'm remaking it in the next size larger as it wasn't going to fit dd. I've restarted it, but not much progress with it.

DS #1 and his family will leave for Brussels, Belgium this coming Sunday where he will work for 1 to 3 years. We will miss them, but know we will hear from them often.

Yesterday hubby brought me an early birthday gift . . . a potting bench that we'd seen on Friday at an Orchard Supply Warehouse store in Sacramento. It's a really nice one with a stainless steel top and a small dry sink, a shelf below the work space and two narrower shelves above the work space.

On the 19th of this month my two sisters in law, a neice and I will attend an event at the Hospice House where my mother in law was cared for in her last days. They were amazing with her, and all of our family.

As for blogging, I've decided not to even think about trying harder to come here more often. Each time I try to make commitments Satan seems to make sure I don't succeed at it. So I'll be back when I get back . . . hopefully soon!

And the month of August went where?

2008-09-01T00:04:00.000-07:00

August began with planning a family reunion on rather short notice. Our family all gathered at my oldest son's home in Northern San Diego for a very short weekend the second weekend of August. Our youngest daughter traveled the furthest, coming in from North-Central Pennsylvania. It was the very first time that all five of my children have ever been together . . . being the youngest turned 32 just a couple weeks after the gathering, and the oldest is creeping up on 46 it's hard for people to believe this. But due to life's circumstances and a very long and personal story it's very true. Needless to say this was a momentous occasion for me. With one son heading off to work and live in Brussels, Belgium soon, a daughter fighting cancer, and kids scattered in five states it crossed my mind that this event might never come to be. I definitely feel it was a gift from God. In the past when we attempted to set up a gathering, always there was one who couldn't make it. This time the funds were available to make sure everyone could afford to come, and bosses were lenient in allowing time off on short notice! I am truly blessed!

In other news, the latest drive to have plenty of scarves for the September 10th "Gathering Of Friends" event where Scarves From The Heart will pass out scarves to cancer survivors has been extremely successful! Our goal - 150 - and I knew we could meet that, but I was concerned because we seldom receive enough masculine scarves. We received a total of 362 scarves, and at least 40 of them are appropriate for men! There is at least one box of scarves in the mail to us now, and another box that will be mailed this week, so we could feasibly reach 400 scarves. Thank you to all who helped to reach this amazing goal!

Please, don't stop making or sending scarves . . . we'd love to add homeless shelters and other cancer centers to our list of recipients. Scarves From The Heart plans to be around for a very long time, and if the support we've received to date is an indication of the support we can expect in the future, then there are a lot of good people willing to help us fulfill this mission. With your continued support we would like to add homeless shelters, children's homes, other cancer centers and any agency that has a need.

The needs won't go away, so lets keep knitting and crocheting, and looming too!

My newest passion

2008-07-24T18:51:00.000-07:00

Isn't it beautiful - it's an Epiphyllum for those who haven't seen them before. The grower and photographer is Janet Lai, who I bought my start from. Mine won't bloom for a while so I got permission from her to use her photos. I actually bought 4 varieties from her and she gifted me this one! You can see the rest of her pictures at my photobucket album here. In addition to the five varieties from Janet I've purchased a variety called Masada from another seller. You can see a picture of it here. All of my starts except one, Prairie Rose, have new healthy growth on them, and even that one appears to be very healthy, just a bit slower growing. I can't wait for these to bloom, though they say for the healthiest plants if they bud the first year you should nip off the bud so that they concentrate on root growth. So I guess I've got at least a two year wait. It looks like the wait will be worth it to me!

These plants can get amazing sized blooms on them. Eight to ten inch is not unusual, though many varieties get much smaller blooms on them. They can also get a huge number of blooms at one time. There are lots of varieties I'd love to have, but they do take some space so I need to be careful not to crowd them.

Lest you think I've given up knitting, much to the contrary, I'm currently working on a scarf in a pattern of my own design. I still have lots of other ufo's, but in addition to the interest in epies, we've recently spent a few days in Southern California, and we're planning a family reunion which is coming up the second weekend of August in San Diego. There will be lots of wonderful news after that as it will be the first time ever for all five of my children to be together. As a bonus my hubby's two girls will also be present, as will at least 4 of our 8 grandchildren.

The laundry is calling . . . check back later!

Life goes on . . .

2008-07-05T20:15:00.000-07:00

Once again a family situation required my attention and I just didn't find the time or energy to come here and post. Slowly our days are regaining some sense of normalcy.

On June 12th my much loved mother-in-law, who was more like a mother to me than an in-law, was placed in a local hospice facility. Just two days later she suffered a stroke that left her unable to communicate, and on June 25 she slipped peacefully into the next life. She lived just 6 months and 2 weeks after her devoted husband of nearly 62 years passed away. Due to previous strokes, being wheelchair bound and suffering severe dementia, the past 3 years she had not enjoyed the quality of life we had hoped for our parents. In October '07 she broke a hip and had hip replacement surgery which never healed properly. This was complicated by a fall about 3 months ago which left her in excruciating pain. She truly is in a better place, and while she is missed every day, we're glad that her suffering is ended and that her transition to the next life was peaceful.

During the time Mom (I've called her Mom for years) was ill, I had no interest in knitting, though I did manage a few rows now and again. What I did find that held my attention was some very tangled yarn that had been given to me many months before. It appears to have been a dye experiment if the pink color it left all over my shirt and pants is any indicator. I'm hoping a 'color grabber sheet' will pull it all out. If not, at least they were older clothes so it won't be a great loss. The yarn is a variegated from deep rose to a very dark magenta. I tried to get pictures, but the color isn't quite accurate. This picture of the single ball is closest in color, but the picture of the others shows how much of it there was. The two stacks on the left are worsted weight and the stack on the right and the cake on the ball winder are lace weight. Next I'll wind it onto my swift, tie it in hanks and rinse it until it stops running - if it ever does! Then I can think about what to make with it. About 2/3 of this amount was in a tangled mess, which I wish I'd thought to take a picture of, but didn't. I spent several evenings untangling it, separating the lace weight from the worsted and balling it all up, then more time putting it onto the ball winder for center pull balls. I probably could have put it straight on the swift, but I thought this would take some of the kinks out, which it seems to have done. According to my 'fairly accurate' kitchen scale I have right at 1 lb of yarn!

Meanwhile, I also have a lot of UFO's

1) a crocheted baby blanket about 65% done for a baby shower that has been delayed.

2) a llama/wool scarf in the lacy V pattern for a friend 75% done

3) a knitted no pattern 'bright idea' Moonlight Mohair scarf 95% done, but I can't remember if I did the y/o's on the right or wrong side so I need to fiddle with it and figure it out.

4) the Branching Out scarf from knitty in Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool, color 36 at least 50% done.

5) a knitted baby sweater in yellow Pingouin PingoFrance for the above mentioned baby shower which is probably 60% done.

6) a 'barely started' scarf in the mistake rib stitch in Encore Color #7128, again, no pattern other than the stitch pattern. This reminds me of the autumn leaves in Michigan where I was raised. The Stitching For The Seasons group has been asked to make scarves for men for our Fall scarves theme, so this will be my scarf for that group.

Today I picked up more of the Vivace' 100% Bamboo yarn in 4 different colors at Color Me Quilts and More in Niles, CA. I also picked up two skeins of Soy yarn, but didn't pay attention to the yardage and it's only a bit over 100' yds so will either make narrow scarves, or short ones - or go back and buy more yarn (ummm, yep, I would do that!).

The blue and lavender are the Soy yarn and the others are the Bamboo. The soy yarn is a flat narrow ribbon type, and is made by Kollage Yarns. The Bamboo is made by Yarn Place. Best part is, everything was 20% off today!

In one of the antique/collectible stores I couldn't resist this little fellow! She looks like a 2" pot would sit nicely in her, or a small candle - Her tag reads "For Sale: 2 yr old ewe 'Felice' would do best on flat field - has tendency to faint and rolls down most hills. Would prefer to have 2 or 3 hundred companions. Call days: 555-love-ewe". Isn't she adorable? All the stores had 20% off, so at less than $7 including tax she was a bargain. I was wishing I had room a whole flock of her friends!

It's time to knit . . . be back soon!

Replacement bouquet

2008-05-27T23:44:00.000-07:00

The beautiful flowers in that first bouquet just couldn't survive the heat of the UPS delivery truck for 8 or so hours on a 100° day, and on the third day they were literally dead. At first I wasn't going to say anything, but I went to the company's web site and they guarantee their bouquets will live no less than 7 days. Knowing my daughter-in-law can't afford to throw money away, I decided I should let the company know, so I filled out a form, then sent pictures by email and a few days later they sent this replacement bouquet, that while different, is just as beautiful and after 7 days is still gorgeous. This time they sent them via Fed Ex, who delivered them early in the day which made all the difference. While ProFlowers may not have the best delivery system available, they certainly stand behind their product and are very courteous and prompt with their response to complaints, which I really appreciated.

The Blue Bamboo scarf is done, but not yet blocked. I'll do that tomorrow and then post a picture when it has dried. The Falling Water Lace pattern and 250 yards of the Vivace 100% bamboo from Yarn Place produced a 65" scarf prior to blocking. I can't wait to see how this yarn looks blocked and to find out if it will hold the blocking.

Last Tuesday afternoon my friend Celeste and I attended a knit group in Lodi. It's quite large and very friendly. I think I'll go back often, though I didn't go today as my mother-in-law is not doing well so we spent a good portion of the day visiting with her.

On Sunday we went to a street fair, where hubby found several treasures to add to his collection. After the street fair we drove to Lafayette, CA, which is about a half hour drive from San Francisco. We went because there are two yarn shops there and I wanted to see if I could find some interesting yarn. When we arrived in town about 11:00 am neither was open yet, so we decided to find a local eatery and have an early lunch. We spotted a small local diner called Squirrels, and opted for that as we tend to like plain old-fashioned American food. It has a very simple menu, and we each chose omelets, his with potatoes and toast and mine with fresh fruit and toast. The servings were generous, the help friendly, and as is often the case in popular local diners, there wasn't an empty seat in the house most of the time we were there. Prices were reasonable, service was quick, with the food served while it was still hot, and everything was delicious.
The downtown area is quaint with lots of small shops catering to nearly every thing one could want. We saw lots of ethnic restaurants, along side some of the chain type eateries. They've done an admirable job of incorporating some landscaping without eliminating on street parking. But we also found plenty of off-street parking.

After lunch we visited Big Sky Luxury Yarns. I should have taken a hint from the word Luxury. Lafayette is a rather moneyed area, and the prices in the yarn shop reflected it. Still I did buy two skeins of Mountain Colors Twizzle yarn. Though I was disappointed to come home and find it $8.00 per skein less at most internet sites. There is no doubt in my mind that the overhead for this store warrants the high prices, still I'm not wealthy and I feel like I didn't shop well. However, they will make lovely scarves and someone will feel very special when they wrap that wool/silk blend scarf around their neck. Then the money won't matter any longer. Plus, now that I've seen the beautiful colorways it comes in I can purchase on line and be comfortable that I'll like the color when it arrives. We never did make it to the second store, though we did find it's rather hidden location. But they didn't open until 1:00pm and we left just before that. I was happy with my Mt. Colors yarn, and didn't feel the need to put any more strain on the budget or the confines of my very full yarn/computer room. I really must re-organize the yarn, but I have to admit that before I do I need to determine how I want it organized. By color, by projects (all the scarf yarn together, sweater yarn together, etc) or by fiber? Maybe later.

Flowers, Good News and Frogging

2008-05-15T20:05:00.000-07:00

Earlier in the week I had a call from my daughter-in-law. Ok, she's an EX-DIL, but I hate the word "EX", because she's still my grandchildren's mother and we still have a good relationship, so in my heart she's still my DIL. But, I digress. She called to tell me that I needed to be home today for a delivery. What was to be delivered wasn't to be divulged, but she knows we're out and about often and she didn't want me to miss the delivery.

I wouldn't have missed this for anything in the world . . . two dozen beautiful, fragrant roses in the loveliest of colors. My granddaughters chose the vase, and it matches well with my dining room. Aren't they gorgeous?

An email from my older sister brought very good news. When our sister, Pam, lost her battle with cancer last August we asked the cemetary where our father is buried to allow us to bury Pam in the site reserved for our Uncle Floyd, who passed away in Colorado several years ago and is buried there. They allowed it, but they didn't want his headstone removed . . . it matched the other family stones . . . finally after some frustration and a heartfelt letter written by my sister, they agreed to let us have his headstone removed, and a new headstone with Pam's name and dob/dod installed. The stones can't be matched exactly, but a stone that is close will be chosen. We have an aunt and uncle who died in childhood buried in this cemetary, but no one knows where, because their record keeping is so terrible. My sister used this information to convince them that if they insisted we keep our uncle's headstone in place future generations will not know where our sister is buried. I believe that Pam will truly rest in peace now, and that gives me comfort.

It was a day of good news. Finally, after months of dealing with insurance companies, past employers and the like, it seems we've made progress in settling my DFIL's estate. It has been a very frustrating experience dealing with his past employer to get the life insurance which was part of Dad's retirement benefits paid. Finally in frustration I called their home office and left a message venting my frustrations with their failure to communicate with us, as well as their failure to pay all the monies due my MIL. This morning I received a very nice phone call from a gentleman who listened to my complaints, and listened to what I was asking of them and promised to get back to me with an answer no later than tomorrow morning. Then mid-afternoon I had a call from a woman who said that our file was part of her case load and she had made an error and she apologized profusely. It was refreshing to have someone take responsibility for their mistakes. She promised to take care of it to the very best of her ability, and I believe she will. Worst case scenario, the funds should be paid by June 30th. Best case scenario, they will be paid May 30th. A "Major Name" insurance company that was to pay out the larger portion of the benefits was not much better to deal with. They opened one of their "Safe Haven" accounts in direct opposition to the completed paperwork (in my opinion to keep the monies within their control longer) and it took some communication to get that changed. The funds arrived today, only to have the check tear when trying to remove it at the perforation! EEEEK! Now I have to call them and ask them what to do because the account number is totally torn. Oh, well, that's another day . . . tomorrow it will seem like just another pebble under my shoe.

Frogging . . . it had to be green for frogging, even though the yarn is blue . . . yes, the bamboo has been frogged again! It just didn't have the body to carry off the Check scarf. So it's now going to work at becoming the "Waterfall" scarf. The colors are right for water, so I hope this is it's last change of mind.

Bamboozled by Bamboo

2008-05-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

Remember the 100% bamboo yarn I mentioned purchasing at Color Me Quilts and More? Before playing with it I asked on KnitTalk for advice from knitters who'd used bamboo, and after much input from them I decided on a lace pattern. Winding this yarn into balls was pure pleasure as the yarn snaked through my fingers onto the ball winder. It has such a pleasant feel I just couldn't wait to cast on with it. For those of you who've heard me bellyaching about my ineptitude with lace patterns, you'll be happy to hear I actually had some success with lace this time around. Unfortunately, after 5 pattern repeats the variegated blue bamboo decided it didn't want to be lace, and off to the frog pond it went. Next up, the Biggle scarf by Louise Fabian Vouk, from the 2008 Pattern a Day calendar, but the blue bamboo didn't like that much either, the gauge wasn't right and it just wasn't a happy marriage. So now it is playing at becoming the "Check" scarf from Belisa Cashmere. It seems to be much happier . . . so wish me luck that this yarn has made up it's mind for the final time.

Also still on the needles, actually waiting in the wings for attention is that Lacy V scarf, as well as the Midnight Mohair scarf. Neither needs many rows to reach completion . . . but the bamboo called and I couldn't resist.

Mother's Day was nice. We visited my DMIL who is on the skilled nursing floor of a local senior facility. She was quite lucid that day, and in spite of her advanced dementia has not lost her sense of humor. Several family members were present when the discussion came up as to Mother's Day and the question was presented "Did you know you're a Mom?" She said yes, and acknowledged that she has three children, and she has grandchildren. When I added that she also has great grandchildren she retorted "You didn't have to go that far!"

Hubby took me to dinner at the Texas Roadhouse restaurant, which I love. I had recently chosen the KnitPicks Harmony knitting needle set as my gift, so that's what I'm using with the bamboo yarn and I'm very happy with them. DD, #4 ordered the larger size tips to complete the set for me. DD's #2 & 3 sent cash for me to choose my own knitting items . . . maybe the lace samplers from KnitPicks. DD#1 is preparing a memory book for me and needs more time to complete it. DS #1 and his family sent a keychain digital picture viewer with pictures of his family and DD#1's family on it. DS #2 called and we talked for over an hour on Friday, and DS #3 is sending new pictures of our 7 month old granddaughter. Mother's day doesn't get any better than that in my opinion!

A beautiful new pattern on SFTH

2008-05-05T11:56:00.000-07:00

One more donation of a scarf pattern has been made to Scarves From The Heart for our knitters to use. It was generously donated by Monika Steinbauer . You can check out her blog by clicking on her name. Monika, thank you so much for generously sharing your time and talents in designing this scarf especially for SFTH. Generally I wouldn't make a scarf with hearts for men, but I don't think this one is too feminine. Let me know what you think!

After she took the photos for the pattern she actually painted this scarf, so go take a look at her blog. As Huell Howser would say "It's Amazing!" Sorry, Monika, it's a family thing . . . my hubby loves to imitate HH, but in all seriousness we love his programs . . . arm chair travel at it's best!

In other news, we attended a research competition our daughter, Darci, was participating in this past weekend at Cal State Hayward, in Hayward, CA. Sadly, she didn't place, but it was still excellent experience for her and everyone felt she did really well. Having said that, however, the judges were not anthropologists and knew little to nothing of what her subject was on, thus the consensus is that the judges tend to choose the winners from subjects they are familiar with.

On our way home we went through Niles Canyon and stopped to enjoy the afternoon browsing there. Ladies, there is a yarn/quilting store there. Color Me Quilts and More. Of course I bought yarn, if we don't support the stores they can't stay in business. She carries a line of very inexpensive yarns I hadn't seen before, Universal Yarn, Inc. and they had a very nice manly colored variegated yarn in acrylic/wool 80/20 blend that I picked up, as well as some 100% bamboo by Yarn Place which is out of Sunnyvale, CA.

The Lacy V scarf is coming along nicely. Here it is pinned to the office chair. I have 8 repeats of each end done now, after having to frog three rows of one end, then losing my place and finally getting back on track with it.

I finished the second skein of Lionbrand's Moonlight Mohair on the other 'in progress' scarf, so I figure half a skein will finish it off. I hope to finish both scarves this week and cast on the yummy bamboo.

The Harmony interchangeable needles I ordered from KnitPicks dot com arrived on Saturday while we were gone. But I have to tell you, that as excited as I was about ordering them it's going to be difficult to get as excited about using them as I am about my single pair of Holz & Stein needles. These are made from left over wood from musical instruments, and the detail in finishing them is just as exquisite as a fine musical instrument. Think I'll go fondle my Holz & Steins.

Saturday can't come soon enough . . .

2008-04-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

Saturday, Saturday, I'm so excited. On Saturday I'll finally meet Dorrie, and her daughter, who along with her daughter's friend have periodically mailed me boxes of scarves for Scarves From The Heart. We're lunching at my new most favorite restaurant Elephant Bar and they're bringing along some scarves they've made which will help meet our goal of 125 scarves by the end of August.

That's it, the ends are woven in (see my last post for a picture of this scarf), and I swear off of the multi-directional pattern for a while. I'm not sure why that one was so difficult for me to finish when I haven't had that problem in the past. But it's done, it's not perfect and it's ok that it isn't perfect. It reminds me that only God is perfect, but I am to strive for perfection knowing I will never attain it in this life.

After finishing the multi-directional I balled up the two hanks of purple lace weight yarn I'd planned to make my friend Sue's scarf from. However, when knit together the blend of the two shades of purple just wasn't pleasing. Next option, purple Lorna's Laces sock yarn, and while it fit the bill color wise, it wasn't bulky enough to look right for the pattern I'd chosen. Finally the pattern won out, and I found this at our LYS.

Of course a couple of other yarns followed me home, but I thought I did well getting out with only 4 new yarns, in amounts appropriate for scarves. There was one yarn I left there, that I really didn't want to leave, but it was the yarn I lusted for, not a scarf (or anything else) made from it. It was a fine ribbon yarn with bamboo in it, and it had the most wonderful feel in my hands. But the yardage wasn't enough to warrant the price on this month's budget. Of course that means I may go back and buy it later. It gives me something to wish for. Right now my tummy wishes it weren't so hungry so I guess that's a cue to go to the kitchen.

Generous Donation

2008-04-17T22:08:00.000-07:00

Wow! This wonderful batch of yarn was waiting at the post office today! Thank you Tiffani and Janet! It makes my fingers almost itch wanting to cast on something new. It doesn't help any that the current scarf on my needles has become boring . . . but I've resisted so far, and I did promise myself that I would finish the current scarf before starting another one. I didn't promise to finish the Moonlight Mohair one though, so as soon as I knit the next 80 or so feet of Teseo Di've then I will cast on another scarf.

This is the multi-directional with eyelets, and I have to say there are some things I will do differently next time, like do a set number of eyelets on each section because choosing to do them every 13 ridges means that they sometimes fall at or near the points of the section and they don't look as good there. But overall I like the look and it certainly breaks up the boredom a bit. I also like the colorway, even though I'm not a big fan of the color green. It's also a bit wider at one end but I've decided it's not bad enough to warrant frogging it.

That yarn that was donated is sitting in a basket just four or so feet away and I've never heard such screaming for attention! It truly needs to be used! Someone rescue me, I need help knitting and crocheting all this yarn. Seriously, if you'd like to make scarves for Scarves From The Heart and can't afford the yarn

email me! I have yarn to spare and storage is quickly becoming an issue.

Exciting News!

2008-04-16T19:38:00.001-07:00

Susan, owner of Crystal Palace Yarns has donated two patterns to post on the Scarves From The Heart website - check them out! Scarves From The Heart

In addition, she has offered to donate the yarn to knit two of each of the scarves! I have to thank Laura from Yahoo's "knittalk" group for setting this up for me! Thanks Laura! You're awesome!

You too can design a scarf and have it posted on our website. The copyright remains with you, the designer, and you can ask to have it pulled at any time, though of course we hope you won't. If you're interested in designing a scarf for Scarves From The Heart just email me! You'll be supporting a wonderful cause!

In other news, on Sunday I attended the "Surviving Beautifully" fashion show put on by The Regional Cancer Center at St. Joseph's Hospital here in Stockton. Mind you, fashion shows aren't my usual kind of entertainment, but this one is an annual fundraiser for the cancer center. This was their 19th year of putting on this fashion show, and what an outstanding job they did! I can't wait to see what they do for their 20th annual show. It's so very touching because all of the models are cancer survivors, and they are such an inspiration. They have gone through so much and yet they give their time and effort to make the path easier for others who will benefit from services the money raised makes possible! I really regret not having taken my camera. The models ranged from a 4 year old girl going through a second round of bone cancer, which is not in remission, to a man who has had cancer twice, and modeled with his two grown daughters who have both had breast cancer, and one of the two was recently diagnosed with yet a second type of cancer.

These people, along with my daughter, are the reason I continue to push to make Scarves From The Heart a success. If I give them one moment of happiness or one bit of warmth or comfort then every little bit I've done has been worthwhile.

Our next big push is for 100, no let's make that 125 scarves by late August. In September the cancer center has an event at a small park adjacent to their facility where last year we gave away about 65 to 75 scarves and ran out before each survivor got one. This year our goal is to not run out! So if you're reading this and you knit or crochet, won't you make time to make just one or two scarves for this worthwhile cause? While you're at it, tell your friends who are knitters or crocheters about it and ask them to make one or two. To learn about our very simple guidelines, go to Scarves From The Heart. We will need both masculine and feminine scarves.

Berry Basket Dish Cloth Revisited

2008-03-24T14:16:00.000-07:00

Lately there seems to be some active interest in my pattern for the Berry Basket Dish Cloth, and a few people have shared photos of their version. These first ones are by Danielle and the second one by Deb. I personally have not made any lately, and actually haven't been knitting all that much. I do have a multi-directional scarf on my needles, one with some rows of eyelet inserted every so

often. It has a long way to go before it will be finished.

Yesterday some Lion Brand in the Rainbow Falls colorway insisted on following me home from Big Lots, but at $1.50 a skein it was hard to resist. It will make a beautiful scarf.

Easter was pretty quiet here. We shared the afternoon with my sister-in-law and mother-in-law at the facility where Mom lives. She was in good spirits and not as confused as she seems some days.

Dinner consisted of a green salad, mashed potatoes and Omaha steaks. Have you ever tried them? We got them free when we purchased a new set of kitchen knives recently and I was impressed with the quality. Not impressed enough to order from them regularly, but felt that it made the purchase quite a deal.

That sounds like the buzzer on my washer, so I'd better tend to it!

Where has the time gone?

2008-03-10T17:18:00.001-07:00

Here it is March 10th, and I haven't been here for such a long time. In mid-December I picked up some kind of virus that kept me miserable until late January. Then in mid-February I picked up another virus which I'm just getting over! It hardly seems fair, but then fairness is usually limited to games isn't it?!

On Feb 13th we headed for So. California, and spent Valentines Day in Disneyland, then on the 15th we headed for San Diego. We stopped at a few antique shops and yarn stores on the way. But I must say I shopped very little, buying only 3 skeins (enough for 2 pair for my feet) of sock yarn and yarn for a scarf at one shop, and two skeins of sock yarn at another, one of which will be gifted at a later date.

We enjoyed a three days with our oldest son and his family before the bug hit me. It was very disappointing to have to cut our trip short, but it was necessary to keep from spreading the virus. Our granddaughter wasn't feeling well either, though her problem affected her digestive system, while mine had me coughing, and congested. Unfortunately it hit me so hard that I ran a fever for over a week, made two trips to the doctor, and experienced severe symptoms for nearly three weeks. Ok, I've had enough sympathy, lets talk knitting.

The truth is I don't knit a lot when I'm that sick, but I did manage to finish this scarf made in 'Kim' yarn, a 55/45 cotton/acrylic blend in a color that is less red than it appears on my monitor, and is nearly the same color as the Camellias in our front yard. It's one of the few cotton yarns I've enjoyed working with, and I'm sure it's because it's a blend rather than 100% cotton.

I've also been playing with a variegated yarn that is just a bit bulkier than a worsted weight. I know I want to do something that really shows off the variegation, but I don't particularly want to do another multi-directional scarf, so I need to continue to play with it until I find something I like.

At the end of the trip we had planned to stop at my friend's so she could teach me how to make socks on my circular sock knitting machine, but it just wasn't to be, so we'll do it another time. I will learn to make socks on it!

Dinner is about ready so I'm off to eat.

Just One More Hour

2007-12-31T22:58:00.000-08:00

2008 is nearly here! It's been years since I've made New Years Resolutions, and this year won't be any different in that regard. I've chosen instead to begin 2008 by renewing my relationship with Jesus Christ and focusing on being more like the person He wants me to be.

In light of the difficulties of 2007 I think it only appropriate that I end the year by looking at the things I have to be thankful for;

1) First, I'm thankful for my family and their love and support.
2) Second, I'm thankful for my friends, both near and far, and old and new as they have been a wonderful source of caring, love and prayerful support all year long. The friends I've made on the internet have enriched my world as have my friends who live across town!
3) I'm thankful for the power of prayer, and the answers to prayers received.
4) I'm thankful that my daughter has access to excellent medical care which through experimental treatments has allowed her to be off chemo which has given her back her strength.
5) I'm thankful for our grandchildren, especially our new granddaughter.
6) I'm thankful for the fulfilment of our daily needs such as food, housing, transportation, and a loving husband!

To all of you who have read this far, for 2008 I wish for you a year filled with Christ's love and enough. Enough food, enough time, and enough of everything that makes your world wonderful!

Hugs,
Shelly

Joy is missing

2007-12-22T23:39:00.000-08:00

It seems I just can't find any joy in the holidays this year. After the passing of my father-in-law and then me catching a miserable cold it just seems to have really put a damper on the holidays. It doesn't help any that we chose this holiday season to end the 56 year old tradition of the family gathering being in this home that my father-in-law built which we are priviledged to live in. With Dad (fil) gone, and my mother-in-law being ill in addition to the dementia she has suffered for several years it just seemed it wasn't going to be the same and my sister-in-laws agreed this was the time for it to change. But it's a tough adjustment, and I'm regretting cancelling it.

This nasty cold came on less than a week after we lost Dad, then on Wednesday this week I felt really good and so we went out and finished some last minute errands in preparation for Christmas. Thursday I felt good again and we were able to finish everything we needed to do. We had delayed leaving for the Christmas trip to my oldest son's by one day so I'd feel really good. But I awoke yesterday (Friday) feeling horrible. My chest has this very heavy feeling and it feels like there is a baseball between my shoulder blades. I'm coughing again and then wheezing and I'm miserable. So the trip is off . . . but if I'm better by the 28th or 29th we'll go down for New Years. I'm very disappointed as it was to be the first Christmas that our 9 yr old granddaughter had both sets of grandparents with her. Well, maybe it will be the first New Years instead!

Oh, I know, whining really isn't becoming! I'm sorry, and I know I'm on Santa's bad girl list . . . but it's not the first time !

How's this for a Christmas photo? This is my daughter's dog "Moose" who was raised in Austin, TX weather, and obviously approves of their move to PA!

Sad times

2007-12-10T17:02:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, December 9th my dear father in law, Eino, succumbed to his failing body at the age of 87. The loss of this wonderful man is hitting especially hard, coming at this time of year when there is usually so much joy. The whole family is mourning the loss of the man who was the head and the heart of our family, and it has wiped out any holiday joy we might have had. I had thought that I could be the strong one for my husband who loved his father dearly and enjoyed a wonderful relationship with him. However, it's turning out that he is having to be the strong one for me. In the 25 years I've been part of this family, Eino has been much more of a father to me than my biological father ever knew how to be, and already I miss him desperately. I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to tell him how much he meant to me. I've never met another human being with the capability for unconditional love that this man had for his family and friends. I've never met anyone who had a bad thing to say about him. He was just truly a wonderful, caring man who was absolutely one in a million. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, but especially by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Tin Litho Knitting Bank

2007-12-08T00:32:00.000-08:00

This holiday season I've been tempted by sheep pulling santa's sleigh, snow sheep (as in snowmen), but this is the one item I couldn't resist. A bank for knitters! That small writing to the left of the man's head says "Is wool your dirty little secret too?"

On one side it says "I need a half gram of wool and quick, I'm starting to come down" and on the other side it says "Ever fantasized about knitting your own work clothes? Or instantly whipping up some winter mitts and a matching scarf? Don't fool yourself. It's gonna take some serious money to learn how. That's where we come in with our easy-to-use Magic Wool Fund. We'll have you savin' up before you can holler 'Knit one, Purl two'! You love wool, that's your problem. Our problem is helping you find the funds." This is followed by "Government Warning: Sharing Knitting needles can be hazardous to your health" in bold dark print. It's about the size of a tin of bandaids, it holds coins up to the size of a quarter and has a metal plug in the bottom that means you can make a mad dash to the LYS when it's full and then just refill it again! At only $8.00 it would make a fun, inexpensive gift for any knitter! It's made by "Blue Q Banks" <http://www.blueq.com/wholesale/shop/114-catId.117440662_114-productId.0.html> At the top of their page there is a "Where to buy" button.

News on the family front is mixed. DD, Kathryn, is finally off chemo and on a new treatment that means she only goes to Houston twice a month instead of weekly.

Granddaughter, Brodie Skye is two months old already. She's healthy and more beautiful every day!

Sadly, my father-in-law is not doing well, and is in the hospital right now as they try to find out why his blood pressure plummets every time he sits up or stands up. In mid-November he was in the hospital for an intestinal blockage. That was remedied without surgery, but he has not regained any strength since that time. He spent about 1 week in the hospital then, and was released to a skilled nursing facility, but continued to feel worse until earlier this week he finally asked to be re-admitted to the hospital.

Fortunately my mother-in-law is doing better. She is healing well from the hip replacement surgery, and with a new med added to her regimen she is in much better spirits.

On my needles, the same old scarves and a blanket for 9 yr old dgd.

My Christmas shopping is complete (except for hubby and he thinks I'm not getting him anything)!

Some new, some not so new FO's

2007-11-12T21:18:00.001-08:00

This is the blanket for DGD with the never ending ruffle (my first try at one) and it's not even for some reason. Hmmm, the left side isn't as ruffly as the rest, I'm guessing I skipped an increase row. As frustrating as it is I've decided it's more important to send it and wrap her in love than to frog it and fix it.

Also done are two bibs, two wash cloths and a pair of mittens. I'm currently working on a hat to match the mittens. Alas, much to my dismay I find I still struggle with lace. I'll put a bit more effort into it and if success isn't happening then I'll settle for cables or something less trying than what I really want to make.

Next up is finishing the baby dress to send to my friend in Israel for their community center. Then a hat for DD in PA where they've already had snow! Who knows I might even take another stab at the lace sleeves of the Bella Cardigan from Knitty . . . but then, maybe it would get done faster if I just had the gal at the LYS do it!

Hope you all had a wonderful Veterans Day. To all you out there who have served our country, including several of my own children, and my FIL, I want to say that I'm proud of you!

Another FO for Granddaughter

2007-11-07T00:51:00.000-08:00

Finishing a project gives me such a wonderful feeling I have no idea why I put things off so long. This is my first EZ Baby Surprise Jacket. I added ribbing onto the sleeves and then crocheted loops as button holes. The leggings are from the Tiny Bird pattern. The yarn is Sirdar Snuggly double knit in color #0329.

In this second photo you can see the buttons a bit better, they have a white background with the same color dots as the yarn has. You can also see the crocheted loops, the yarn isn't cut after each loop, it's just crocheted flat against the edge between them.

Next up, a hat that needs to be finished that I'd totally forgotten I'd started, and a pair of mitts to keep her little fingers warm!
Oh, and the last dreadful rows of the ruffle on the blanket. I may never be brave enough (or is that crazy enough) to knit another ruffle . . . surely not on a blanket!

Happy with finished snowsuit

2007-11-05T20:23:00.000-08:00

It really turned out well, if I do say so myself. It's a bit big, but babies grow fast so I'm not at all upset about the size.

After completing this last night I began working on the last leg of the leggings, but I'm a bit frustrated with the way it's turning out. It seemed the first leg went much easier. Next I'll add cuffs to the Baby Surprise Jacket.

We had a wonderful time with dd in Southern California. We talked her into going to Disneyland on Halloween. She'd never been to Disney's California Adventure so it was fun to show her that park as well as some of the changes in Disneyland. The line for the submarines was still very long and I don't do lines well as it's extremely difficult for me to stand in one place for long. Traffic was horrendous all that day, it was pretty much the Tail Light Shuffle both going to Disneyland and going back to the hotel in North Hollywood. One good thing, the beds in the Super 8 were better than we've found in their hotels in other locations. The help at this one was not the typically friendly folks we've found at other ones though.

My tummy is hungry for a snack so I'm off to find something tasty!

Knitting progress

2007-10-25T18:42:00.000-07:00

Finally I am seeing progress on the snowsuit I'm knitting for dgd, Brodie Skye. It began as a pattern from Sirdar made from their Snowflake yarn. But as I've mentioned before I can't seem to leave a pattern alone. This one didn't have feet and babies in Colorado's winter need feet in their snowsuits, so I found a pattern that had just a U shaped foot, but I didn't like that either, so I figured out how to add a short row heel. I also used a different yarn, Plymouth's Heaven, and I'm making it in the round. After starting toe up, I'm now 4 inches into the hood with just 3 more inches to go, plus the teddy bear ears it has and the hood band and front bands. What do you think of it? I considered also doing mitts for it, but I'd have to line them because of the fuzz on this yarn, so I'll let Mom and Dad deal with mittens. This is big enough to fit her all through this season I'm sure. I can't wait to send it and see a picture of her in it.

DS #1 and his family were evacuated from the fires in San Diego county on Monday morning. They stayed with friends and were fortunate that the friends home was not evacuated even though there was a threat of it at one point. They are now back home as of about 5:00pm last night and all is well throughout their whole area. The fires were kept about a mile away, which is far too close for comfort. Our prayers go out for all those who are affected by the fires, including the firemen and volunteers who are doing such a tremendous job all over Southern California.

We are planning to leave for the LA area soon and hope that the fires are well under control by then. We're meeting our youngest daughter there for a few days.

I'll be taking several partially completed knitting projects and hope to find lots of knitting time during travel. I'm also hoping to visit a couple of yarn shops while there even though the budget isn't real flush right now. We'll see! I'm really trying hard to be good and only buy yarn with a pattern in mind, but sometimes I just don't have the best willpower especially when I see new sock yarns, because sock yarns don't need a specific pattern. Plus I want yarn for a "Wonderful Wallaby" sweater!

Dishes are sitting in the sink soaking and waiting for me, so I guess I'd best get out there and get them done.

Reader neglect, no charges filed

2007-10-14T13:07:00.000-07:00

As usual, I've been neglectful of my blog, and owe a huge apology to my readers (if I have any left). Let's face it folks, I'm not one of those people who follow a schedule . . . I'm retired, it's no longer required. I get up when I please unless I have an appointment. And to say I'm not a morning person is a gross understatement. It's not that I don't think about my blog, I do. Actually quite often. I just have too many interests, and too little energy. Besides I'm horrible at forming habits, just ask my diabetic counselor (red face, shamefull look).

Ok, now that I've told you all of my bad habits, or a few of them anyway it's time to relate what's been going on in life. We have a beautiful healthy new Granddaughter, Brodie Skye, born October 5. She weighed 6 lbs 13 oz and was 19 inches long. Sadly she doesn't live near us so I have to be happy with pictures for now instead of smelling that one of a kind scent that babies have. But hopefully by summer I'll get to see her.

This weekend I have the fun of having her older brother Dakota visiting. Yesterday we went shoe shopping and he chose some very cool skater shoes (isn't that what most nearly 13 year olds would pick?) and when we got home there was a package for me . . . shoes! So we both got new shoes yesterday. Of course I think mine are cooler and he thinks his are. What do you think? You can't see it in this view but there is one black sheep on the outside of each of my shoes, but his have a cool embroidered W on each one. His are "World Industries" which I hear are "cool" in the skate world. Funny thing, he's much more into football than his is skate boarding, but he likes the shoes. He's got biiiiggg feet - men's size 11! Of course mine aren't small at a women's size 10.

Knitting and reading have been getting lots of my attention. I've got a lot of unfinished knit items lately. Most of it is for Brodie, a EZ Baby Surprise Jacket which only needs ribbing to lengthen the sleeves, then closing the seams on the shoulders and also matching leggings that need one leg finished. A blanket that needs the ruffle completed and a snowsuit that I've been working on most of the time. The legs are done and I'm ready to start the main part of the body on it. Like most patterns I had to change it . . . both for necessity and because I can. The original pattern didn't have feet in it, so I looked at a pattern that just had U shaped feet and then added a short row heel to give it some shape, but I'm also doing the body in the round. Plus I couldn't find the yarn it called for so I substituted. It will be interesting to see how it turns out. Photos will come if it turns out well, and maybe even a pattern if it's really good as I've kept good notes.

Scarves From The Heart is doing well. We recently delivered 69 scarves to the St. Joseph's Regional Cancer Center (previously referred to as the Sister Mary Pia Cancer Center). Here, Jim, some of his staff and a volunteer go through the scarves. Jim was quick to gently tell them "This is for the photo op only, you don't get to keep them". Some of these scarves were to be taken to their "We Can" weekend camping trip in the Sierras. Jim promised to get some pictures as the scarves were given out so there will be pictures on the SFTH website soon.

Of course there has been much more going on, but most of it is of little consequence. However, I find it's the little things that make up life. It's also the little things that get in the way of me keeping my blog up to date.

Having said that, I hope to be back sooner than later. But for now it's time to make the hour drive to take dear grandson Dakota back home.

Knitting Fidelity (borrowed phrase)

2007-09-04T00:22:00.000-07:00

It's difficult to be faithful and finish a knitted item with so many wonderful yarns and patterns, and when the exact yarn called for in a pattern is already in your stash, well, what harm can it be? My youngest dd just moved to the North Central part of Pennsylvania and that means she'll be dealing with true winter weather this year after having lived in Central Texas for several years. So baby things are set aside in favor of larger needles and worsted weight yarn for a hat and mittens for her. The hat, Kraemer Yarns' Tam Topper is completed and the Ladies Work Mittens are about 15 rows into the cuff, done 2 at a time on 2 circular needles. I'm using Kraemer Yarns Naturally Nazareth in Spring, Pollywog, and Moss. Same dd wants a "funky" hat so I'm considering doing Marnie MacLean's Lake Park Hat in Regia Surprise Color yarn, which on socks has a very interesting color patterns that vary with the size sock you make, so it should be fun to watch the colors play out in this hat especially with it's crossed slip stitches. Here are some examples of Regia Surprise Color socks - I just love them. I'm using color 1263 which has a black background like the sock to the right. The ones below it are other examples of what the color will do in different sizes. I'm anxious to play with it, but dgd is due mid-October
so I also need to finish her blanket and other items. Once I finish the mittens I'll work on the baby things again, and save the Lake Park Hat for later.

Yesterday, hubby and I along with two of our close friends, Carol and Rich, worked at the California State Fair where the Sacramento Valley Garden Railway Society had a display in the building with the Toytopia display. Unfortunately was also the only building with air conditioning problems and we had the most people through the building because of the display of toys. In spite of the heat it was wonderful to watch the faces of the small children as well as to see the child in the older generation shine through. Little ones were completely mesmerized by the three tier layout, with each tier running a different type train. The train that ran through the valley area (lowest track) was a passenger train which set off bells on the crossing gate as it crossed a road and then continued to make a large circle by entering a tunnel that took it around the back of the layout and out through another tunnel portal as it continued it's trip around the mountain. It was fun to watch the littlest ones look into the tunnels to see where the train had gone and if it was coming out the other end yet. The train that ran about half way up the stucco mountains made a circle with wide loops at each end. It was a smaller European style engine with smallish cars, one holding small toys, another with a Jeep on it, and one with a couple cows in it. The train that ran te ridgeline of the mountains was an ore train with two of it's three cars filled with rather questionable quality gold ore, and it ran back and forth only. There were two prairie dogs that ducked down into their holes only to pop up again and look around, as well as a box on a loading platform that shook as an eye looked out through a small hole and a voice from within yelled "Help, Help, Can someone let me out of here? To children who aren't accustomed to having large scale (G scale) model trains around it was an amazing site. As usual, I forgot to take my camera, which is too bad because it truly was a work of art, and the background scene above the mountains was nothing short of spectacular. If I can get pictures from anyone I will post them in the next few days.

It's well past my bedtime, so I'll leave you with this knitting thought . . .
Don't think of it as having too much yarn, just think of it as doing your duty as a residential storage facility.

Sad News_Good News

2007-08-26T18:25:00.001-07:00

Sad News:

On Friday, August 17, 2007 my wonderful sister Pam lost her battle with non-skin related Squamous Cell Carcinoma. She was 51, and fought a long hard battle with cancer. She is now free of pain, both physical and emotional. The world is the poorer for her passing as is our family. She will be remembered fondly for her strength, her love of family and her generosity. This picture was taken during our week together last year in Wisconsin.

Good News:

DD has arrived safely at her new place of residence in North Central Pennsylvania. She can tell you I was more than a little hesitant about her driving a 26' U-Haul truck and towing a trailer with a car on it, not to mention dealing with a St. Bernard and all her cats on the trip. But she isn't one to let little things stop her. So watch out PA, she's there and she'll make the best of it! She always does. Her trip was uneventful as far as problems go and that's a good thing!

In knitting news, I've been working on an EZ Baby Surprise Jacket of Sirdar Snuggly in white with flecks of the primary colors, red, blue, green and yellow. The sweater needs cuffs added to it and then just stitched up, and matching leggings are done except for one leg. I'll probably make a matching hat, but haven't chosen a pattern yet. Also still on the needles is the ruffle part of the baby blanket in Encore worsted. What ever possessed me to make a ruffle with a jillion stitches I'll never admit to (grin).

One more step!

2007-08-07T21:42:00.000-07:00

Today the web site for Scarves From The Heart debuted to reviews that warmed my heart! Soon I'll be trained on the software to update it myself, but for now I still have to rely on my Web builder/guru Chris C. who did an amazing job imho of building this site! Thank you Chris.

There is one small change I need to make and that is to give Tanya credit for the awesome job she did on the Logo she designed for us!

In knitting content, I'm almost done with the EZ Baby Surprise Jacket for our expected granddaughter! The socks that were too big around have been frogged and cast on again, but a might bit too tightly so I'll re-do the cast on in the next few days. The scarf that was supposed to look like a mermaid's tail looks more like the east end of a bull headed west so that too will be frogged!

Next up, probably a manly scarf done in stripes of Encore worsted in a solid and a coordinating colorspun.

Off to finish the EZ baby jacket! Catch you all later.

Where is the vault where time is kept?

2007-06-29T22:58:00.000-07:00

Where in the world does time go? I know probably every one on earth has asked that question at one time or another - well, I want to find the time vault! There isn't a good excuse for my absence, but there is a reason . . . It started with preparations for vacation, you all know how busy a time that can be. Then of course there was vacation. It began with a trip to Bakersfield, CA. Ok, you can stop snickering. I know it's not your ideal vacation destination. But there was good reason! We are the proud parents of two graduates of UCB (University of California, Bakersfield). Daughter, Deanna received her Masters degree in Anthropology, graduating with honors, while daughter Darci received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and received the honor of being chosen by her professors as the Outstanding Graduating Senior in her department. On Thursday, June 7, we attended the hooding ceremony for Deanna. Then on Friday the 8th we hit the antique stores and yarn stores, and in the evening the girls hosted the whole family (about 17 of us) for a bar-b-q in their back yard. We all arose bright and early the morning of Saturday the 9th as graduation was held at 7:15 am, in an effort to beat the valley heat, in the college amphitheatre. Afternoon was free time for family to do as they chose (we rested), and then in the evening there was an openhouse for family and friends to share in the joy of celebrating these great milestones for both of the girls. Again, the celebration was held in their back yard, where it was all decorated in a Mardi Gras theme. They definitely don't do things half way when it comes to education or parties! What a wonderful setting, and they did most of the decorating, meal preparation and such by themselves. There was a buffet meal, New Orleans style that was awesome! Drinks of every kind imaginable. To top it all off they incorporated a "potlatch" theme - which is a Northwest US, American Indian tradition of giving away wealth. In their case, it was more symbolic than anything, because let's face it not very many students have a lot of wealth they can give away. But every one of the 70+ guests was presented with a potlatch gift of Mardi Gras beads, which represented jewels, a spice mixture which represented food, Mardi Gras coins which represented money, miniature bottles of tabasco sauce - representing the spice of life . . . I know I'm forgetting something that was in the gift bags, but for the life of me I can't think of it. But I think you can see where they were going with it - they were sharing all the good things in life.

In addition, several special guests were given gifts of appreciation for helping make the journey through these years of education special. Each gift was chosen especially for the recipient, and each recipient was completely surprised by their generosity. Both hubby and I were so proud of both of them, not only for their dedication to their education and the effort and hard work they put into it to achieve the grades and recognition they have gotten, but also for their skills of cooking, planning, entertaining, and their loving generosity. All this while working, going to school, and for Deanna teaching on-line courses! We were also given special gifts and thanked for our love and support, something that we do as parents out of love as each parent reading this knows.

Of course Bakersfield wasn't the end of vacation. As my dear husband says "If I'm already most of the way there, I'll drive the two and a half hours - I'm going to Disneyland"! Funny thing, at the openhouse, after I gave a short toast to the girls, someone said "Now that the girls have graduated - what are you going to do?" My reply: "I'm Going to Disneyland" and everyone laughed because they know that the girls have followed in our steps as fans of that theme park of all theme parks!

Sunday morning after breakfast with most of the family (13 of us I think) we headed down hwy 99 to the I-5 and on to Anaheim. We spent Sunday afternoon and Monday in Disneyland along with huge crowds there for the opening of the new Nemo ride (the revamped submarines). We didn't join the crowds in line for the new Nemo ride as the lines were constantly 2 to 6 hours long. We did a lot of people watching, and because we had park-hopper passes we spent quite a bit of time in the California Adventure park, which was much less crowded than Disneyland. Tuesday morning we went to our favorite antique store, a yarn store that I'd been wanting to check out (but always found closed on earlier trips) and then back on the highway and headed for home. Fortunately the trip was uneventful.

On Wednesday afternoon hubby started complaining of a scratchy throat and feeling crummy. Not to worry, he seldom gets sick and never stays sick for more than a couple days. But that was not to be the case this time. He really got sick, and late Friday night I started exhibiting the same symptoms. Darci and Deanna were scheduled to come up for Father's Day ~ some father's day, we were both sick, so they were sweet enough to wait on us pretty much all weekend. They did get to see their grandparents, and Dale felt well enough to go with them on Sunday. But when I get sick, I usually get really sick and this time was no exception. Here it is 2 weeks later, and neither hubby or I have been able to completely kick this "California Creeping Crud" as I call it. We're past the fever stage, but still have a nagging cough and no energy to speak of. It's a good thing we're retired!

On Friday (I think that's the day) June 15th my CSM (circular sock machine) arrived from New Zealand. I purchased an NZAK (New Zealand Auto Knitter) but thanks to that CCC mentioned above, yesterday was the first day I bothered to try to use it. I did set it up immediately after arrival, but didn't try to operate it. I can't blame it solely on the CCC, part was because I didn't really know enough about it. But my good friend Kathleen called yesterday, and helped me get started . . . wow, what a start. I have a great feeling of satisfaction because I really accomplished a lot considering I'd only watched her operate her machine for an hour or less and used hers for about 5 minutes - and dropped a few dozen stitches! I was able to take the production sock off the machine, rethread it, add a second strand of yarn and knit a successful tube. Next up: hems, heels, ribbing and toes and then I'll be able to make socks on it!

This is what one looks like > >

and below is a close up of the machine part of it.

In the picture on the right you can see two wood "posts" sticking up, hubby put those on so the cones of yarn sit right over them and don't get knocked off if the machine is bumped or moved. Hanging down in the center of it is the sock fabric I made (greens) and laying on the bottom is the grey/black sock fabric that came on it. I look forward to many, many hours of enjoyment using my NZAK. It is kind of a tradition to name your csm, but so far I've not thought of a good name for it.

In other exciting news - we're going to be grandparents again . . . this will be our 8th. It's a girl, due in mid- October to our son JT and his significant other, Amanda. They are thrilled, and we are happy for them . . . now if they would just move from Colorado to California so we could spoil her!

Now for what probably should have been my headline . . . the web site for Scarves From the Heart should be up very, very soon! I am so jazzed about it! Of course you'll probably hear me shouting from the mountain tops when it is so stay tuned!

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

I'll try not to stay away so long.

Good News! And More Good News!

2007-05-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

Today was super exciting for me . . . We have now begun delivering scarves to a second cancer center. When I called the Sister Mary Pia Cancer center to make arrangements to deliver scarves they asked me to share them with another treatment center, the Stockton Hematology Oncology center. At both centers they were thrilled that we had 80+ scarves to divide between the two centers. This was our first delivery to the Stockton Hematology Oncology center and they were very receptive and gracious. While we were there stocking the shelves two patients chose scarves for themselves. Another patient told us thank you and how grateful they are for the scarves. It just makes my heart sing! Ususally we don't get contact with the patients, but at SHO we deliver to the very area where patients are receiving chemo and I have to tell you that putting a face on these patients really rips at your heart, but at the same time makes me want to knit all the faster to add other centers to our list of recipients and assure the success of "Scarves From The Heart"! It makes me impatient to get our web site up and running.

Thank you to all of my friends who make this possible. I especially want to thank Dorey and Margo Lynn who each sent many scarves made by themselves, family and friends. Without you and the many others who knit and crochet these scarves there would be no Scarves From The Heart!

Last Thursday evening I had the opportunity to speak to a knitting group at our LYS. In addition to telling them about Scarves From The Heart, I provided them with a written piece about the project and also a pattern I wrote. In exchange the group will knit scarves for Scarves From The Heart! I feel like the smile has been on my face long enough they may have to peel it off with a putty knife!

The More good news is that the expected grandbaby is a girl! She is due in mid-October so I have lots of time to knit for her. I'm so excited to know I can knit girly things! There are so many adorable little girl patterns available. As for my current knitting, I've got one scarf on the needles that is about 2/3 done, and another that I just started.

And now I'm off to work on those scarves, or should I cast on for that baby blanket?

Too long away

2007-05-13T23:55:00.000-07:00

There isn't a good reason for such a long absence, but there are several reasons. I held off posting in hopes that I could post that the "Scarves From The Heart" web site was up, but several things have delayed it.

There should have also been another scarf donation made, but a busy life, fibro flares and procrastination have all gotten in the way of that. There is a full 80 scarves sitting here waiting for me to have a day when I both feel good enough and have the time to take photos and prepare them for donation.

In other life happenings, my daughter's cancerous tumors are shrinking with a chemo treatment that is making her quite ill, and has some harsh side effects. My sister's cancer has not been responding to treatment lately and not only are the tumors growing, but more appear almost daily. I thank those of you who have held them both, and all of our family, up in prayer and ask that you continue to do so.

On my needles are scarves, and a pair of socks that have been too long ignored. I've discovered that my worst trait when it comes to knitting is setting aside projects when I begin to question my ability to finish them. I guess unfinished is better than a failed project.

Now that I've ordered a CSM (circular sock machine) for knitting socks I'm kind of holding off trying to finish these socks. It will probably be late June, or maybe even July before my NZAK csm arrives as they are made in New Zealand. I became interested in these through an on-line friend who owns several, and after meeting her, and having the opportunity to play with her machines I was hooked. It just happened that my introduction to them happened at a time when I was receiving a nice sized retirement payment that didn't have to be used for living expenses so we (hubby and I) decided that I deserved a retirement gift. Now I'm anxiously awaiting my NZAK Green!

This will make the production of socks for my family much more likely to happen, since I'm very slow at hand knitting and still learning many techniques they have a much better chance of receiving socks made by hand cranking than by hand knitting. I will still hand knit socks, just because I love learning new things.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you who have children, either by birth or by love.

Perhaps the next post will be about the web site.

Short vacation

2007-04-07T01:35:00.001-07:00

Fibromyalgia 1, Shelly 0 - Vacation ended up being shortened by two days, we came home on Monday because after three long days of Disneyland I woke up on Monday after very little sleep Sunday night and knew I couldn't possibly do anything more. In light of this we cancelled the visit to our friend in Anaheim, cancelled the trip to Velona Needlecraft in Anaheim Hills, as well as our anniversary dinner at Claim Jumper on Monday, and the trip to Solvang, and visit with a friend there on Tuesday. Instead we headed for home. So hubby spent his day packing up the car, driving, unloading the car by himself and eating his favorite pizza in front of the tv. I spent my day feeling lousy all the way home, crawling into bed as soon as we arrived home about 5:30pm and sleeping until 10am the next day. One good thing, the rest seemed to be what I needed and after a couple of days I was feeling pretty much back to normal.

All is not lost . . . hubby has agreed to do a yarn store crawl in the Bay Area soon and when we do I hope to have a chance to get together with at least one of my friends there, and with luck maybe more than one.

On my needles are still the socks, toe up, two socks on two circular needles. I tried to upload an in progress photo, but it wasn't happening, so next time.

It's early morning . . . 2:00 so I think it's time to head for bed.

It's Official - the web site has been purchased

2007-03-29T20:12:00.000-07:00

This week I purchased the domain name www.scarvesfromtheheart.com though I haven't had time to even begin to construct the site. I've been busy preparing for vacation and finishing some knitting projects. I finished a couple of scarves, one for the SFTH project, and one for a gift.

We've survived the first leg of our vacation, it was only a couple hundred miles so it was pretty easy. I worked on my toe up, Crazy Toes & Heels socks during the drive, and just finished the increases for the toes. Yea! Now it's straight knitting until I get to the gussets.

Tomorrow morning we head for the big D . . . Disneyland! It has always been my hubby's "escape". I tease him that if he ever grows up I'll divorce him, but not much chance of that happening thank goodness.

Our poor cat, Max, hid in the closet in the computer room when we were packing the car this morning. I think she knows when we're leaving for a while. It's the dreaded suitcases! They give us away every time.

She'll be lonely this week while we're gone. My sil will go feed them (the older cat could care less if we're gone) and make sure they're ok, but she won't be there full time.

I'm not sure how much I'll have computer access, but we do tonight, so thought I'd check in just in case we don't have it the rest of the trip.

Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Scarves From The Heart Official Logo

2007-03-23T22:35:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the time and talent of Tanya at Artefact Design, and her sister Jeanne, a wonderful friend who has knit several scarves for the project, who asked Tanya to submit a design, Scarves from the Heart has a wonderful new logo.

Next up will be the website with any luck at all. I need to get the "Swing" font so if anyone out there has it and never uses it, feel free to contact me. I'd like to use it on the website.

The storage tub is chock full of scarves, but I'd like to hit that magical number 50 before I deliver them. So if you've knitted some and just haven't mailed them yet, now is as good a time as any to put them in the mail. If you've lost my address, please contact me!

On my needles, a button hole bag of Manos which I'll felt, and a couple of scarves. Now, back to knitting that bag which is going very quickly.

Finished object and a new idea

2007-03-18T23:24:00.000-07:00

I've finally got one finished object, the reversible cabled scarf from "Cables Untangled" is done! It was kind of tedious work, but I love the finished product, and I hope one of the cancer patients will love it just as much. It's truly unisex so it is appropriate for either a man or woman.

I'm still working on the multi-directional scarf in Reynolds Fusion in blues. It's about 2/3 done and is gorgeous! Also on my needles is a drop stitch scarf, but it's a drop stitch with a twist. You'll have to wait for the pattern to find out the twist! The pattern will be here on my blog when the scarf is complete so that I can show it.

Our family is growing by one this year. My youngest son and his significant other are expecting in mid-October. They're very happy about it, and so are we.

Both daughters who live in Bakersfield will be graduating from college in June, one with her masters degree the other with her bachelors.

Youngest daughter, the one in Austin, TX is changing job fields in the near future if all goes as plans. She said "I think it's time I decided what I want to be when I grow up" - she's in her 30's so she's probably right. She is very talented and has the ability to do a lot of things, so it will be exciting to see what path she pursues.

Oldest daughter, in Plano, TX continues to battle cancer, this time in her right lung. She feels well, but the tests reveal more than her physical health.

Youngest and middle son's are doing well and living less eventful lives than the rest for the moment at least.

My sister, Pam, continues to fight cancer also. I won't go into detail, but would appreciate prayers and good thoughts for both her and my daughter.

And time marched on

2007-03-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

After dealing with the computer problems it seems to have just been one thing after another but I've finally made time to get back here and check in.

There is good news with "Scarves from the Heart" . . . Jeanne S. asked her sister who is a graphic artist to design a logo for the project and she graciously has done so. It isn't quite to the "final" design, but it's close, very close.

I've been finding very little knitting time but I am just over half done with a multi-directional scarf of Reynolds Fusion in a variegated blue. I'm also still working on the reversible cabled scarf which is about 90% complete. Both scarves will go to Scarves from the Heart. There will be enough for another donation soon!

Next up, socks in the Crazy Toes And Heels method! I'm going to start with one of my less expensive yarns for the first pair. Partially because I don't want to destroy the nicer yarns but also because it's a color that will be easy on the eyes. I ordered needles from knitpicks and they finally arrived, along with the electronic counter, wood cable needles, and another set of Options interchangeables. Sorry for the lack of links here for these things, but I'm on the laptop and not very good at html even on the desktop.

The weather here is beautiful, much like the days in early summer. Sunday it was 84, and slightly cooler since but it's supposed to warm gradually. I love Spring, so I'm a happy camper.

Woes and Joys of a New Computer

2007-02-19T12:58:00.000-08:00

A computer wasn't budgeted until June, but most of you will recognize the term "Charge". I'm thrilled with the speed of the new computer, because my old one while only three years old moved at the speed one would expect from a dinosaur!

The woes I really can't blame on the computer, I neglected to copy my email address book and favorites list which included all my favorite blogs and knit sites. Because I didn't buy a new monitor all I have to hook up to the old computer is a monitor that was given to me and it doesn't work with the old computer, but it did with the new one (strange, huh?). So, I either have to switch the two monitors or something to allow me to get into the old computer, and I'm so burned out after tranferring all my files, that I just simply don't want to do it . . . at least not today.

So if you're reading this, and you have my email address, would you please email me so I can put you in my address book? Also, please feel free to send me your blog addy's and favorite web sites! It would be of great help!

TIA,
Shelly (who hasn't had any time to knit and is suffering from withdrawls)

The Winner is . . .

2007-02-16T22:45:00.000-08:00

Becky with the suggested name of "Scarves From the Heart". Congratulations Becky! And a huge thank you to all who took the time to send suggestions for the name. I wish I could give each and every one of you a prize, but let's face it, that really isn't very realistic. I'll be contacting Becky as soon as I finish this post.

In the near future (I'm not quite sure how near) look for the new web site for the project! I'm also hoping to come up with a logo of our own. If you're an artist and would like to do a logo for us, please feel free to contact me at theyarntart at yahoo dot com. I apologize in advance that I cannot afford to pay anyone to do this, but remember this is a charity project!

Now I'm off to contact Becky and spend a few minutes with my lonely knitting needles after a day of computer shopping. I did find one with Windows XP, bought it and tomorrow will have more ram added, then I will begin the dreaded task of transferring all the files from this one to the new one!

Happy knitting friends!

Y chromosome malfunction!

2007-02-12T16:48:00.000-08:00

Just today I heard that phrase, for I think the very first time. In plain language - blame a man.

When I hadn't heard from Jim or his staff about "naming" the scarf project, I sent off an email to him over the weekend. Here's his reply;
sorry I haven't gotten back to you

what I did was type of a list of about 15 or so of the "bolded ones" and started having it passed around asking folks to put check marks by their favorite 3..
and then I forgot about the list ..
and after two people looked at it it was sitting by a desk ..so
the list is being actively passed around today

I'll get back to you in a day or two.

So, my apologies for the delay in announcing a name, but it should be coming yet this week. I received a second email with a hint about which name would be chosen, but I'm not sharing until it is definite.

Meanwhile, I've been continuing to work on a reversible cabled scarf in red, which seems to be taking forever. And also on some squares for WUA, which I'll give to my friend tomorrow night.

Have you discovered that it is a task in futility to try to do color work using eyelash yarn? I tried to do a white heart in a red scarf and finally quit in frustration, so I think for Mother's Day I will ask for a lesson at our LYS in such things. I've done a bit of it in a bag I made, and with wool it wasn't all that difficult, but with novelty yarn it's a whole other story!

I hope to have an answer on the "Name" later in the week, but for now it's time to feed the natives (hubby) and do some knitting on the last WUA square.

Contest Closed

2007-01-28T23:58:00.000-08:00

A huge Thank You to all who sent suggestions for the name of the scarf project. There are 123 suggestions to double check just to be sure that no other entity is using them, or one that is extremely close! I'm thrilled at the wondeful response and while there is no single suggestion that stands out above all the rest, there are a lot of good ones, and a few that are really great! Jim and his staff definitely have a big job ahead of them.

I hope to get them all checked out and turned over to Jim and his staff by mid week and expect an answer back within 10 days. No deadline has been discussed, so it will depend on how busy they are, because of course healing comes first!

I will be announcing the winning name as soon as I recieve the news.

Contest Confusion!

2007-01-28T20:06:00.000-08:00

For those people whom I managed to confuse, and only those who sent a name for the multi-directional scarf, rather than the Scarf Project prior to this post, you have a 24 hour period to send a name for the Project and my apologies for not making the whole thing clear.

If you didn't send a name for that scarf, then I'm sorry but you don't get any lee-way on the time to enter the contest. I'm a night owl, and I'll be posting at midnight that the contest has ended, remember it was specified that it was California time.

Thank you to all who entered the contest, over 100 suggestions came in!
There are two people who didn't leave email addresses or blog addresses so if they win, well, I guess they won't win if I have no way to contact them or verify they were the person who left the suggestion, so I hope they come back to the site and leave their info.

Be back later.

Just two days left!

2007-01-27T00:18:00.000-08:00

There are only two days left to enter your suggested name for the scarf project! Remember there is no limitation on how many times you can enter as long as you enter a different suggestion each time! Get your suggested name in before midnight, Sunday, January 28th! It must be in my in-box by midnight, don't trust your server, or yahoo's to get them there in the last few minutes. Send them now for your chance to win!

I've had over 60 suggested names so far, and that means one lucky winner will receive the free yarn.

Sad news from my sister, they've found more cancer in two more tumors. Previously it has been localized, but this time there is a tumor on the other side of her head. Her doctor will add a new drug to the chemo cocktail she already receives in hopes this will be strong enough to stop the growth of new tumors and arrest the growth of existing ones.

I'm currently knitting a scarf for the project, one done in several novelty yarns in similar colorways. It's about half done. Next in line is a red fun fur one with a white heart in it, I haven't done the chart yet, but it shouldn't be difficult.

But for now, it's bed time.

Good Response to Contest

2007-01-19T15:56:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who have entered the contest. There have been over 30 names suggested, and only one name has been suggested repeatedly - hmmm, it will be interesting to see if that's the one Jim and his staff choose. By the way, you'll notice I changed the Paton's Divine yarn from one skein to two - yep, found another one!

The multi-directional scarf done in Katia Mexico, is now finally complete as of about an hour ago. It is shown here while still in progress . It turned out really nice if I do say so myself. This yarn was originally bought to become a bag, but as you knitters out there know, sometimes our yarn knows more about what it wants to be than we do. It's not colors I could wear, but for someone who can wear greens, like my youngest who is a red-head, it will look gorgeous on them. I've gotten very little knitting done this week, though last night I did finally finish the seaman's cap I'm making for one of my grandsons. I had to tink two full rows on it as I'd not only miscounted stitches and my decreases were off, but I'd also forgotten to do a plain knit row between the two decrease rows. Then while walking down the dairy aisle of the grocery store it suddenly came to me that I'd done it wrong.

Oh, and I re-started and finished one square and started a second square for my friend Jeanne who is doing blankets for :
Warm Up America, so I guess I got more done than I realized. Now back to the Bella Cardigan sleeves . . . I will finish this ufo!

Thursday hubby decided he wanted to use some cabinets that I had in my yarn/computer room, and in exchange he offered me the last set of stainless steel wire shelves he had in his shop. Whoo hoo! That meant way more storage for me - I now have 3 sets, with 6 shelves each. One of my friends recently described coming into my little getaway as "like going to the yarn store". Well, except most of my yarn is stored in those plastic storage bins, so it's kind of hard to get the tactile experience of a yarn store. Our area is so dusty, and the soil is mostly peat dirt which gives off a dust so fine it can penetrate most anything, so it's really hard to keep things clean. Of course there are the numerous project bags with yarn in them, but at least there is now room to walk without feeling like you're walking the balance beam. All the bags, boxes, and such are up off the floor. I wanted to post a picture, but because the room is only 10 x 10 it's not possible to get a picture without out the desk being in it. But take my word for it, it's so nice to have everything in order. Now if I could just get my yarns sorted by fiber, type and color I'd be one happy kniterati.

I'm off to catch up on my email . . . see ya!

Name that "Scarf Project" Contest

2007-01-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

This scarf project has been on-going since it's inception back in August, and because I plan to continue it indefinitely "it" needs a name. If you want to read more about "it" check out my archives, beginning on Aug 5, '06. There were other pertinent posts on Oct. 3rd and 8th, and again on Dec. 20th, with a few mentions of donations, etc on other dates.

So, here are the rules, and the prize that you can win!

1. What do I need to do to enter?

Think of an original name for the scarf project, keeping in mind that someday it may benefit more than just the cancer center we now donate to. Also keep in mind that we accept both knitted and crocheted scarves. When you've thought of a good name or two, search the internet to make sure that name isn't currently being used by another charity project or a company or group that could file a law suit over the name. When you're confident the name is original, and not currently being used, leave a comment with the name and a way for me to contact you. Or you can email your entry to me at "the yarn tart at yahoo dot com" with "Scarf Project Contest" as your subject line.

2. Who will choose the final name?

I will check all entries to be sure they are original, and narrow the field to about 12 names, then the final name will be chosen by my contact, Jim Linderman, along with members of his staff, at the Sister Mary Pia Cancer Center where all the scarves are currently donated.

3. When does the contest start and end?

The contest begins immediately, and all entries must be received prior to midnight on Sunday, January 28th, California time. The winner will be notified as soon as Jim and his staff have an opportunity to make the decision, but no later than February 14th.

4. What is the prize?

Over 1,000 yards of Yarn! Fantastic, fun, funky, and flirty!
1 skein Ironstone Yarns "Showstopper" in color 204, 100 yds
5 skeins Paton's VooDoo in color Night Sky, 166 yds total
4 skeins Laines Du Nord Ombre in color 53, 298 yds total
2 skein Paton's Divine color Chantilly Rose, 284 yds
and some brand name, mystery yarn not shown in the photo or listed.
Additional rules;
1. Entries with no contact information will ineligible.

2. In the case of duplicate entries, only the first one received will be kept.

3. The name will be chosen based solely on it's appeal and appropriateness to the project, with no regard to who sent it in. Also, Jim and his team will not be given any information about the persons whose entries are given to them for consideration.

4. If for any reason I am not able to contact the person who sends the winning entry I will post the name of the winner on the same lists I post the contest and it will then be up to that person to contact me.

So put on your thinking caps, and I wish Good Luck to all! Please feel free to share this on other blogs and yahoo groups, it's ok if I'm inundated with entries!

For anyone who would like to contribute to the project, the new email address to contact me for mailing information is "the yarn tart at yahoo dot com". A quick over-view of the guidelines;
scarves can be any color, any size (think logically), we need scarves for both men and women, they can be knit or crochet, any yarn (please either send a label with the scarf or a note listing the fiber content and laundry instructions). You may send along a personal note if you wish, these are always left with the scarf they are sent with. Please use only clean yarn or launder the scarf before sending it. If you have smokers or pets in the home I ask that you launder the scarves and keep them in plastic bags to keep them clean and smoke, dust and dander free. The recipients of these scarves often have severely compromised immune systems and it's important that we not endanger their health further by providing a product that could cause an allergic reaction.

Thank you to all of you out in cyber space who have already donated scarves and/or yarn! I wish I could put into words how much I appreciate each and every one of you, but words just don't seem to express my feelings very well. This past week has been bitterly cold for California (down to 20° at night), and each and every patient who came into the cancer center this week was offered a scarf and Jim said they're down to only about 20 scarves left. Guess I'd better get busy knitting!

What a day! From smiles to near tears in hours!

2006-12-28T20:46:00.000-08:00

There was a good reason why my body didn't want to wake up this morning! It must have known what my day was going to be like. It started out wonderfully if you don't count the fact that I didn't get to sleep in as late as I prefer. That's not generally enough to put me in a bad mood. Today started with a wonderful gift arriving from my KnitTalk swap partner even before I was out of be.

Gail B., you are far too generous! But thank you so very much for everything! This bag is beautiful. And that's just the beginning of all that she sent. Check out all this stuff! There are lots of patterns, 4 pair of Essentials wood circular needles, 2 sets of double point needles (for socks) and enough sock yarn for 3 pair in purple, hot pink and white, a binder page that will work great for needle storage, a pocket calendar and a Banana Bread scented candle! I can't wait to go put my feet up and browse through the pattern booklets.

After the requisite shower, shampoo and teeth brushing hubby and I headed off to Jo-Anne's to use the gift card I received from my friend Bernice P. for Christmas. The store was busy and short of checkers, but no sweat I still had plenty of time before my 1:45pm doctor appointment. I didn't expect that to take long because all I needed was a prescription renewed. My doctor is almost always on time, and today was no exception. She and I had a conversation about my blood glucose levels and agreed that if they aren't under control in 60 days I should try a shot of insulin at night. Still no sweat, I can deal with that. So, you ask, what's the big deal.

The trip to the pharmacy was the spoiler! Fortunately the pharmacies are in the same building, because I had ordered two prescriptions via the internet that still had refills available that would have to be picked up at pharmacy 1, and the new prescription would be at pharmacy 2. After a 20+ minutes of waiting in pharmacy 2 I heard my name called and went to the counter. The pharmacy tech asked about my medications, then proceeded to tell me that two of the meds I've been taking for over a year shouldn't be taken together! Whoa! My mind started reeling! Are these people using me as a guinea pig allowing me to take meds that shouldn't be prescribed together - and why hadn't anyone ever noticed it before - especially seeing I'm taking the maximum levels of each of them? Breath in, breath out! Then she tells me "don't worry about it, I've got a call in to your doctor and we'll find out what's going on". After another half hour of waiting I go to the counter and ask them to just go ahead and fill the new prescription that I'll stop taking the other medication. To which she replies "the doctor just now called and says it's ok to take them together (hmmmm, think I'm about to do some internet research), but we're out of the one you ordered via the internet. When I go to pay for the one they do have the cashier says that will be $31.37. Imagine my surprise when my co-pay for this med is usually $5.00. I think my normally low blood pressure went to the boiling point about then. I questioned it and was told that they were giving me a 200 day supply instead of the normal 100 day supply. When I questioned the fact that my highest co-pay was supposed to be $15.00, I didn't understand how it could be so high even for a 200 day supply. I asked for my membership and credit card back and left because I was so frustrated I was afraid I was going to say something I'd regret. I then headed for member services, again thankful that it's in the same building. At member services I was told that they aren't even authorized to give me more than a 100 day supply but if I had requested a 200 day supply (which I could do if I were going to be outside their service area for an extended period) they can charge more - by why so much more I never did quite figure out. Meanwhile the member services rep was even confused when she talked to the pharmacy manager. We finally ended up having them dispense a 100 day supply for which I paid the proper co-pay of $5.00 for the one prescription they had, and they are to call me when the other prescription is available. I was so angry by time I left there all I wanted to do was come home where I knew there was calm!

But that wasn't going to get the grocery shopping done. I have to admit that walking around Costco and the grocery store did a lot to ease the anger and frustration I was feeling, so that was a good thing. Plus we stopped and had dinner between Costco and the grocery which probably helped too! I don't cope well when I'm hungry.

I'm off to check some internet info on those two meds, then I'm going to put my feet up and browse all the patterns Gail sent me! I need my knitting to soothe the savage beast in me!

Holiday Joy Tinged With Concern

2006-12-27T18:52:00.000-08:00

On Christmas when I called ds#1 and his family to wish them a Merry Christmas they shared with us that ds has been diagnosed with glaucoma. They are confident they caught it early and that it can be controlled, but of course there is still much concern for him. He, however, doesn't seem terribly concerned. Unfortunately he could not get in to see the specialist until the end of January. Please keep him in your prayers.

Dd#1 will take tests again in mid-January to make sure she is still cancer free. She is feeling well and is in great spirits. Gs#1 will be married on a cruise in January and she is looking forward to the cruise and getting away, as well as the wedding. Unfortunately we won't be able to join them.

We were able to talk to all but one of our 7 kids (she has an eye infection and was sleeping) and all 7 of our grandkids! That alone made Christmas a very special day as they're scattered throughout California, Arizona, Texas and Colorado.

We host the family celebrations for my hubby's family on Christmas Eve and this year we were blessed to be able to share it with 20 members of the family from age 1 to 86, covering 4 generations! We had a wonderful dinner cooked by my two step-daughters who asked to be able to do this as their gift to the whole family. The menu was varied, and delicious. As with most holidays there was far too much food, and nearly everyone took home leftovers and still we had more than enough for a few days of no cooking bliss. Christmas day started early with the opening of gifts and ended as a lazy day, of no cooking or cleaning. Just a quiet day with an afternoon nap while the girls visited family in a nearby city.

Santa must have had a healthy size knap sack when he came to our house this year. Hubby and I didn't do a lot of buying, but we were gifted many wonderufl things by family and even neighbors, but especially by hubby's two daughters who LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!

I received nearly all of the books on knitting that I'd asked Santa for, as well as a couple I hadn't asked for. My ds#1, dil, dgd gifted me with the book Knit 2 Together by Tracey Ullman and also a subscription to Interweave Knits. I also received Victorian Lace Today by Jane Sowerby, Knitting Beyond the Edge by Nicky Epstein, Bags - a Knitter's Dozen from XRX Publishing, Knitting Around by Elizabeth Zimmerman, The Yarn Stash Workbook by Laura Militzer Bryant and Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch.

From dd#2 I received a gift certificate from Amazon.com which also bought knitting books. From my knitterly neighbor I received a gift card for Jo-Anne's.

From the two who Love Christmas and who were able to be home for Christmas I received so much . . . an iPod, and a laptop computer (both were theirs but they were upgrading and I'm the lucky recipient of their current electronics (as well as everything I need to get started with them including a gift certificate to iTunes) - I don't look at them as used, just warmed up! Also, I received about 40 balls of various novelty yarns that will be perfect for the scarf project. Knitting books, and more knitting books and magazines from hubby too (listed above). I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting, but I got so much it was quite overwhelming. Oddly enough, it was getting the books Knitting Beyond the Edge and Victorian Lace Today that brought tears to my eyes. The iPod and computer just brought exclamations of "You did not" and "No Way"!

My dear fil also gifted us with cash, so a portion of mine was spent to order the Options needles from knitpicks, along with some of the extras and some small size circulars. I didn't order any yarn as I have sooo much now and I thought it would be too tempting to start something new instead of finishing dd#2's sweater that has been a wip for much too long.

On my needles are a multi-directional scarf in Katia Mexico # 5851, and a design as I knit sampler scarf in a basic acrylic in a gorgeous purple (for our mail lady - late Christmas gift) .

As soon as I purchase the prize(s) I will be announcing the start of a contest to name the "scarf project" that you can read about in earlier posts. I'm hoping to purchase the prize or prizes tomorrow and then post the start of the contest. So put your thinking caps on and check out your ideas on the internet to make sure the name isn't already being used . . . (try to pick something really original so we won't be confused with any other charity projects) and then stay tuned for the announcement about the prize and dates of the contest.

My table runneth over . . . with scarves

2006-12-20T01:17:00.000-08:00

There are no words to describe the reception I received when I had the pleasure of delivering 50 more hand crocheted and knitted scarves to the Sister Mary Pia Cancer Center on Monday.

It rather caught me by surprise because the first donation was received with polite thank you's, but little fanfare, or real interest. This time it was totally different. I only wish each and every one of you who have knit or crocheted for this project could have been there. I was invited into a small library where one of the ladies in the office tried to explain to me how thrilled and thankful each and every recipient has been. She said she wished she could video tape each patient as they choose their scarf, because their expressions of delight in being thought of were priceless and that I have no idea, without seeing their faces, what a wonderful thing we all are doing. I confess tears were about to flow. Never in my imagination could I have realized how one small nudge from God could become something so very poignant and touching. I have each and every one of you to thank, and when she asked for my name and address I truly wanted to add each of your names and addresses to that slip of paper too! The only credit I can take for the success of this project is the small credit for making that initial phone call and making the deliveries, which is an absolute pleasure. Sure, I knit a few of the scarves, but I haven't been the person who knit the most scarves in either batch.

Also, a big thank you goes out to Nellie, the manager at Office Depot on Trinity Drive, here in Stockton, CA for a recent donation of the small merchandise tags used to label each scarf. She donated a box of 500 tags which will be used exclusively for the scarf project. On this tag I write the first name, and the first initial of the last name of the person who made the scarf. I also list the fiber content of the yarn if I know it, and laundry instructions. Any notes or cards sent with the scarves are also attached to the scarf.

By the first of the year I expect to start a blog just for the scarf project. And you'll all be notified when it happens. I've had a few ideas for a better name for the project, and a couple of suggestions but it seems that each one I research on the internet is being used by someone else, or one that is so close to the same that it might be confusing. So I'm thinking of starting a contest to come up with a name that we can use long term. This will probably happen right after Christmas . . .so stay tuned.

Yearning for Yarn satisfied, for the moment . . .

2006-11-27T11:09:00.000-08:00

According to my hubby, the keeper of the finances, it's happened none too soon! The month of November brought bargains and gifts to be cherished several times.

First were gift certificates from ds#1 and family, for Amazon.com which purchased two books I was wishing for, Saturday Sweaters by Doreen Marquart and Fabulous Felted Bags by Nicky Epstein, and another g/c to YarnMarket.com which bought my first skein of Cherry Tree Hill Supersock in the dusk colorway.

Then purely by chance I decided to visit "The Elegant Stitch", a store in Modesto that I had heard had a small selection of yarn . It turns out that this store specializes in stitchery kits, and was closing out their yarns to concentrate on the stitchery! All yarns were 50% off! I grabbed the last two skeins of Cherry Tree Hill Supersock, one in Moody Blues and one in Green Mountain Madness. This particular yarn has enough yarn on one skein for a pair of socks. Of course I couldn't stop there, I also got several skeins of Kraemer's Naturally Nazareth 100% wool. This is the wool my very first swap partner used to make a Booga Bag for me, it was my very first felted bag and I love it. I was able to get both the Winter and Spring colorways along with Tadpole, Moss (light and dark greens) and Sleigh (a blue). They also carry Bryspun needles so I was able to get a couple pair in sizes I needed. A second visit to the store I bought yarn for a swap so I won't describe it here, but let it just suffice to say that I'm tempted to keep it, but I won't 8^)
I did buy some Peer Gynt wool for myself at only $2.60 a skein in a nice red. I think this wants to be felted clogs for hubby.

To top off the month, just today I received a late birthday gift from dd#2 - an order from KnitPicks.com - two skeins each of Memories sock yarn in the Smores and Rocky Mountain Dusk colorways, 3 skeins of Wool of the Andes Bulky in Cape Cod, two pair of their Classic circular needles in the size 3/24" for sock making, and a couple of patterns. She also ordered 3 skeins of the Telemark yarn in Aubergine colorway for a bag for herself - it's not enough to make the bag she wants, but I'll make a small bag for her and she'll get another yarn for the bag pattern she really wants me to make for her.

Of course hubby would include the trip to Michael's for woolease for the yarn for hats for ds#3 and dgs#2, and I did buy some Paton's Classic wool that was on sale too, just a few skeins to see how it felts. I suppose that does count. It's easy to joke about this, but the truth is I'm very blessed and very thankful for all that I have.

No work done on the hat last night, but I did a few rows on a scarf, though not my usual amount. My hands were cold even though the heat was on. I think I'll go make up for some of what could have been done last night.

Glad you stopped by . . . I should come here more often myself

2006-11-26T12:01:00.000-08:00

It seems one thing and another have kept me from posting lately, a little bit of busy, some knitting, some down time with my fibro and a good dose of procrastination.

Speaking of that "P" word (shhhhh, you know procras - I'm not going to say it, I just can't) any way, back in August (face turning crimson red) I received a wonderful gift from a swap partner and I never got a photo of all my goodies posted. So, here is a photo of most of it . . . missing are the Chocolate which disappeared faster than the magician's props, and the Orangesicle soap which has somehow moved out of my reach.

First is this gorgeous yarn, which is impossible to photograph in it's true colors. It's a lace weight mohair acrylic from Filatura Di Crosa in Multicolor. As you can see all these months later it still hasn't told me what it wants to be, (strange, but none of my lace weight yarn talks to me much) but just like my cats, it loves to be petted. Also in my box of goodies was a wonderful felted bowl that is black with a halo of eyelash yarn in red which has become a favorite catch all next to my knitting spot. There was also a little hand made pottery piece which is wonderful for my yarn needles along with a vanilla scented candle, tea-light candles and a holder in colors perfect for my bathroom, a bookmark, flower seeds, lavender buds and bath salts. What a wonderful surprise it was to receive all these gifts chosen just for me! Thanks go to my swap partner, the knitty professor! And yes, I did thank her when they arrived, only the photography was so late.

Now, to more current news. I just finished these for my sister-in-law who is the one who always steps up and volunteers to cook Thanksgiving dinner, and asks for little help. Other years I've always taken her a plant that she can put in the ground later, but this year I wanted it to be something for just her. She works in a warehouse but needs her fingers free for typing so these were just the cat's meow! Grrrr! I've tried several times to post a picture and it's just not happening - blogger you're letting me down! Finally several tries later, the photo of the fingerless mittens

appears.

Also on the needles lately have been scarves as I'm planning to make another donation to the Sister Mary Pia Cancer Center the middle of December. I think we have 20 scarves ready at this point, plus there is supposed to be a box of 12 shipped to me soon. So, if you're reading this and you donated the last time we'd be thrilled to receive another scarf or two. If you haven't donated before you can email me for more information! As a quick over-view, the scarves can be any color, size, or yarn crocheted or knitted in the pattern of your choice. The only restrictions are that they must be labeled with fabric/yarn content and they must be freshly laundered (to avoid problems with allergies to pets, smoke, dust, etc.) and enclosed in a clean plastic bag such as zip-lock in preparation for shipping. The cancer center is giving the scarves to newly diagnosed patients. I guess you could say, they're receiving a hug with the bad news.

I'm still struggling with a name for the "scarf project". I mentioned one a while back, but haven't been content with it. Maybe I should have a contest . . . I'd love your feedback on the project name. Some of the ideas I've had are "Threads of Hope", "????? Hands, Caring Hearts", and some that escape me now when I'm trying to think of them. Please send your suggestions for a project name. I've tried googling each name I thought of to make sure it isn't already being officially used.

There is a seaman's cap sitting by my recliner that needs only about 6 more rows so I guess I'd best grab a bite to eat and then finish it off as there are two more that need to be knitted.

Leaving comments?

2006-11-12T17:50:00.000-08:00

Most people who stop by other's blogs are there for the content, but lately I've received an inordinate amount of spam so I've set my comments to be moderated. I apologize to those of you who truly enjoy sharing the knitting and family content of my blog, but to those of you who are here to spam I leave a message "don't waste your time or mine!"

A Box in Today's Mail

2006-11-10T13:48:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a wonderful surprise, 9 - yep, I counted them twice, 9 scarves for the project thanks to Dorey E. They're all so soft I just want to fondle them! (Pictures in the near future - no, not me fondling them, just the scarves). When I called Dorey to thank her she said that she, her daughter and her daughter's good friend will be making more and that she will mail them in time for the Dec 15th deadline! My neighbor Bernice P. also gave me 3 the other evening so this brings our total to 17 already! Considering this I think I can safely say that we will easily meet if not double the goal of 25 once again!

Last night I finished the scarf made with Kool Kidz by Sirdar and started a gift scarf which I spent a lot of time frogging because my idea of doing Joan's pattern with this yarn just didn't work out, so I think it's going to end up either a plain diagonal or maybe something with short rows but I have to decide before I go any further or it will be a UFO for months to come because there are several other yarns in my stash that are calling out what they'd like to become. Not to mention the Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Merino in the Dusk colorway that arrived night before last. At least it's the yarns in my stash calling to me, not something on the shelf at the LYS. I've kept my distance from the LYS because it's bad enough just going in Big Lots, Jo-Ann's and Beverly's . . . the yarn just seems to grab me like a magnet!

Speaking of magnets . . .those metal (Addi) needles are calling louder than the washing machine that needs to be attended to. Later . . .

Winds are blowing, the needles are clicking

2006-11-08T15:54:00.000-08:00

It's done! Yay! I was concerned if I could finish the baby sweater before this Saturday's baby shower, but it's done and kinda cute if I do say so myself!

Now, onto more scarves. I'm hoping to donate another 25 scarves to the Sister Mary Pia Cancer Center in mid-December. I know that many of you are busy with Christmas knitting, but perhaps you will find time to make at least a scarf or two.

Today we were out raking leaves, but the wind was blowing them off the trees nearly as fast as we could rake, and keeping them in a pile was just as futile. It made me think of a cartoon that should be captioned "definition of the word futility"! I finally looked at my hubby and asked "why are we doing this?". Guess what - he didn't have a good answer! So we both quit. Ironically, raking leaves is one of the few outdoor chores I enjoy . . . it brings back memories of playing in the leaves at my grandmother's home back in Williamston, MI. She lived on a street that was lined with large trees, as did her neighbor behind her and we always played in the piles of leaves in the fall. It was one of the few times there were no recriminations for coming in dirty - it was expected.

It's time to think about what's for dinner, then one last chore for the day, cleaning the kitchen and I can spend the evening knitting scarves!

BTW, if you have Beverly's Crafts near you all their Sullivan's yarns are on sale for $1.97 per ball. They're the small balls of novelty yarn, but it's a good price. Our Big Lots stores still have some novelty yarns for $1 - $2 per ball too.

Progress and more

2006-11-03T15:46:00.000-08:00

The last few days knitting has been on a baby shower gift, that has for the most part gone well. Until last night when I had to take out about 12 rows of it . . . yes I'm deliberately not mentioning what that "it" is because the recipient may be lurking. But I've re-knit all that had to be tinked and added a few more rows also. I'm hoping to have it done in time for the baby shower on the 11th. To you knitters that may seem like an easy task but for those of us who knit like a snail (lol - strange pictures in my mind at that thought) it's questionable.

Next up, I must get busy on more scarves (yes, Tiff, I honestly plan to finish your Bella Cardigan). I'd like to provide another donation of scarves to the Sister Mary Pia Cancer Center before Christmas. I know you're all very busy with Christmas knitting, but if you could each manage just one or two scarves I think we could provide them with another donation of 50 or so scarves! What do you think? We can do it! Remember, we aren't thinking pink on these, we need both men's and women's scarves - knit or crochet, any pattern, any yarn, of any color! If you need more information Email me!

Also on my mind, but not yet on the needles, is a purse I promised my dsil, and a shawl I want to do for dmil . . . I need a faster speed or more hands. Meanwhile, time spent here is taking up precious knitting time, so I'm outta here!

Warm California Sun

2006-10-25T17:29:00.000-07:00

Southern California was in the mid to high 80's when we were there and for me it was wonderful as I'm easily chilled. Dear Hubby, on the other hand, would have preferred it 15° to 20° cooler.

It was wonderful visiting with family there. It was mostly laid back visiting time, though we did visit a couple of malls - once just the "girls" and once my son came along. The evening before we left my son shared with us that he was to receive a promotion from senior engineer to staff engineer at his work! Congratulations, Son!

Hubby and his two daughters had great fun at Disneyland despite the heat. Sadly the girls returned home to find their garage had been broken into and all their tools, field equipment (for archaeology) and 3 new bags of kitty litter had been stolen. What kind of thief steals kitty litter? Maybe the same kind that steals cars and parts them out . . . kitty litter is often used to soak up oil.

While in So. CA. I had the opportunity to visit a couple of yarn stores I hadn't been to before. Skein in Pasadena, where the store was well stocked and the owner was very helpful. In Corona I visited A Yarn Affair where I only had a few minutes to spend, but it was visually pleasing and had a good stock to choose from also. I bought mostly yarns that will be used for scarves, but am excited about working with some new yarns.

While in San Diego I helped my 8 yr old granddaughter finish her first knitted project, and help her start a blanket for a doll she hopes to get for Christmas. I also finished a scarf made from my friend Joan's pattern knitted with Paton's Brilliant, and got the back and both front pieces of a baby sweater nearly done - a bit less than an inch to do before the shoulder shaping.

Appreciation and Thank Yous

2006-10-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

On Friday I received a very nice note of thanks via e-mail from Jim Linderman and I wanted to share it with all of you.

Jim wrote;
nice article .. get any calls? we could use scarves!!!

Shelly - Friday AM ... I brought one of the boxes of scarves to the front desk of the cancer center .. our IV Therapy nurse has breast cancer; our chief radiation technologist has breast cancer; one of our Radiation Oncologists has breast cancer ... the ladies (front office etc) are going NUTS!!!!!! ((I'm a guy .. I see some scarves ...) .. they see "work; textures; love" .... the "non-cancer survivor staff" are bummed they don't get one! (I told them to start smoking 3 packs a day and they may soon qualify)...

also
the "tags" mean sooo much to the ladies .. whether "washing instructions" or "made by Amy in Israel" ... the "oohs and aaahs" are reverberating throughout the department
AND
Sandy (60 y/o stage 3 lung cancer) was just here for treatment .. she was planning on going on the "We Can" Retreat .. so she received a scarf also .. good stuff...

the 49 are going to fly out of here with the amount of breast cancer etc we see daily

thanks again
jim
Jim Linderman, Coordinator Support and Education St. Joseph's Regional Cancer Center (209) 461-5069

I got a warm "rush" when I read that! It's so good to know that others are going to feel the love that we put into each stitch as we knitted and crocheted those scarves, and that they will know we are here to support them in some small way.

I believe Jim is right, they are going to run out of scarves quickly so I welcome anyone who reads this to join in the scarf project.

It also came to my attention today that in posting the list of locations the scarves came from I neglected to list Manchester, PA - my friend there donated 3 scarves which were much appreciated, and I need to aplogize for neglecting to include her location (:o( blushing with embarrasment). I believe I may have missed at least one or two other locations.

I have misplaced a couple of addresses of donors, (or failed to keep them from the mailing materials) so I've emailed all to ask for addresses so I can send thank you notes. You all may not feel they are necessary, but I feel so thankful for all the scarves donated - after all I couldn't have done this without your help!

Let's continue to "Wrap 'em in Love!

News Coverage

2006-10-03T17:42:00.000-07:00

By clicking on the title line you can be taken to an article published by The Record, our local newspaper here in Stockton California. Sara Cardine wrote a nice article on the Pink Scarves for Breast Cancer Challenge. I'm pleased with the article, even though as I've mentioned in emails - it isn't the story I would have written, but that's exactly why Sara works for the newspaper and I don't . It has gotten a positive reaction from friends and family alike. Already the article has drawn new members to our knit group, and that is a positive thing! Hopefully it will bring even more.

Our local yarn shop "Knit Witz" located on the Miracle Mile portion of Pacific Avenue here in Stockton has agreed to run a blurb in their weekly email about the scarf project also, which is really good news! It should give us the push we need to keep the project going.

In other knitting content, I finally pulled the Bella cardigan out of the UFO basket to finish the sleeves, but couldn't figure out where I was on them so . . . ribbit, ribbbit, ribbit . . . yep, I frogged them and started all over. I got 11 rows of the lace pattern done before bed last night.

Have you seen the Diakeito Rococo yarns? I purchased mine from www.seaportyarn.com on Saturday about noon. I emailed them right away to ask when it would ship because our postal carrier leaves packages on the porch. Within 20 minutes I had an email telling me it would ship that day. Later that evening I had an email showing that it had been shipped, and I received it on Monday. Talk about excellent service!! I ordered colors #104 and 110 and am so anxious to start playing with them. The color on these yarns doesn't repeat. It just slowly changes from one color to another. The picture here doesn't do it justice. The one on the left actually goes from a deep chocolate brown to black greys and blues, while the other one goes from oranges to magenta, teal, brick and to a yellowish orange. I'm not sure if each skein is different as I didn't see more than those that I ordered. There are several more colors available and if the funds were available I'd order some of each they are so yummy.

Still otn are two scarves which have now become filler projects. One is nearly done, the other about 2/3 complete.

It's nearing dinner time according to my rumbly tummy so guess I'll go see if the kitchen is still where it was earlier.

Scarf Challenge Stage 1 Complete

2006-10-01T21:35:00.000-07:00

What a Beautiful sight!
50 Awesome scarves, each made by caring hands and loving hearts, and sent with good wishes for those who are struggling with cancer, or who have had cancer! You ladies are the best and I can't thank you enough for your participation in the scarf challenge I started. Scarves were sent from the following locations;
Mesa, AZ
Bridgeport, CT
Jeffersonville, IN
Clarkston, MI
Cosco, MI
Kansas City, MO
Omaha, NE
Earlwood, Australia
Netanya, Israel
Stockton, Ca
Lathrop, CA
On Tuesday, Oct 3rd the local newspaper, the Record, will be running a story covering the scarf challenge, our local knitting group Stitch 'n Bitch Stockton-Lodi, and the donation to the Sister Mary Pia cancer center. Pictures of some of your scarves will be used to border the article. I will be sending each of you a link to the article if one is available. This project began as a Pink Scarves for Breast Cancer Challenge, but at the request of Jim Linderman, my contact at the cancer center, I requested some manly type scarves and you all came through!
Wondering why the title of today's post ends with the words "stage 1 complete"? The need hasn't changed with just 50 scarves, so I've decided this will be an on-going project which I will call "Wraps of Love".
Anyone can participate simply by making a scarf using any yarn, any color, any size and shape, for any gender. Contact me for shipping information at Tink1944@yahoo.com

Following are the only rules I must ask that you adhere to;
(following these will insure that no one has an un-necessary allergic reaction to pet hairs, dust or smoke from our homes or chemicals used by the manufacturers. Labeling assures that each person receiving one of these beautiful scarves will receive one made from fibers they are not allergic to.)
1) The scarves must be freshly laundered prior to shipping. Please don't use strongly perfumed products on them.
2) Please provide laundering instructions, so that the recipient can care for the scarf appropriately and enjoy it for many years to come.
3) Please include either a label from the yarn or a list of the yarn contents on a piece of paper attached securely to the scarf.

Let's keep them

"Wrapped in Love"!

Scarf Challenge and apologies due

2006-09-26T01:20:00.000-07:00

My apologies for not getting the pictures of the scarves posted yet. I hope to do it after my medical appointment tomorrow. It's been crazy busy here with my fil in the hospital. He's now released and staying with us and while he's not a lot of work, it does take a bit of extra time and work making sure he has what he needs.

I've got 49 scarves with the one I finished tonight! I'm hoping to get 1 more to make an even 50! If not, I've got one about 3/4 done, but it has a pattern that I have to count so it might delay the donation a day or two.

Thank you to all who have sent scarves. There are so many generous hearts and helping hands out there in cyber space, and I really appreciate each and every one of you!

Wish me a calm day so that I can get photos taken!

Update on Pink Scarf Challenge

2006-09-13T23:53:00.000-07:00

We did it! Ladies, thanks to your help, we have reached the goal of 25 scarves for the Pink Scarves for Breast Cancer Challenge . . . but we're going to keep going. So if you've started a scarf or scarves, we still need them. We're really short on "manly" type scarves, so if you feel like knitting more, please do so. We could use at least 6 more mens scarves. I'm hoping to have time for at least one, but with helping our friends with their business while they travel that is keeping me busier than usual.
I know there are at least three scarves in the mail, and others on your needles and mine so lets see if we can double that goal! We have received scarves from Israel (2), Missouri (2), Connecticut, Arizona (4), several from local knitters in our Stitch 'n Bitch group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/snbsl/ . My neighbor Bernice is on her 8th scarf I think - she has outdone me as she's a very fast knitter, and I am not!

I cannot thank you all enough for your help with this. I could not have done it without each and every one of you! Your generosity is touching, and your skills as craftswomen is amazing. Each scarf is different so when we reach the end of the challenge I will photograph them all together and post the picture on my blog.

In kitty news, I recently found out that I have the sweetest cat. Max, our 1 year old cat was sitting on my lap at the computer and was sliding down my legs so I moved her up closer to my body so she wouldn't fall, and she took issue with my disturbing her and reached over and nipped me, not hard enough to hurt but just to set a boundary. My reaction was to make her get off my lap so that she knows biting isn't how boundaries are set. She sat next to the chair facing me with a fierce look on her face, but at the same time a look that said "Hey, what's this? I want back up there" so I moved my chair closer to the desk to prevent her from jumping up. About two minutes later she left and immediately returned with one of her balls in her mouth which she dropped at my feet as a peace offering. Now how can you stay mad with them when they are so sweet?

This same cat, who is strictly a house cat, decided to make a run for it when hubby went to the back yard the other night. It was late, and as we tried to coax her in we had every dog in the neighborhood in an uproar, barking like there were boogie men out to get them. Max would walk 6 feet from us, but there was no catching her if she didn't want to be caught - and she didn't want to be, after all this was a great adventure! It wasn't her first escape, and no doubt not her last. Finally after half an hour of trying to tempt her with treats we gave up, left the patio door open and shut off the exterior lights. It took her all of about 5 minutes to realize she was alone and it was dark . . . she couldn't get in the house fast enough. We'll have to watch her for a while when we go out . . . she wants to explore, but she panics and we're afraid she'll run into the street. Plus, I don't want her beautiful white fur all dirty. We have one long haired cat, SweetPea, who is an outdoor/indoor cat and she brings leaves and the like in on a regular basis. It makes far too much housekeeping for my liking. Ironically, we have a kitty door from the dining room into the sun porch, and another from the sun porch to the back yard that SweetPea uses numerous times a day, but Max will not go through them!

See you at the yarn shop . . .

The hurrier I go the behinder I get

2006-09-06T16:04:00.000-07:00

All is well here, I've just been busy with life. Plus for the month of September I'll be helping our friends with their business while they take a much deserved, long anticipated extended vacation. It isn't a lot of work, but it does require some time and organization. They're very special friends and I'm happy to do it for them. And as hubby says I'll be happy to run to the yarn store with what I'm earning!

OTN: More scarves. For my Pink Scarves for Breast Cancer Challenge friends, we're up to 14 scarves delivered. I've been notified of about 8 more that are finished or close to it, and even more still being worked on. You ladies are awesome! I've personally got two more still being worked on, and a thought rambling 'round in my brain about another I'd like to make, time allowing. I'm feeling quite confident that the challenge will exceed the goal of 25 scarves.

Well, I'm off to work on the scarves. Stay well!

Bargains 'n Blooms

2006-08-31T11:48:00.000-07:00

On Saturday dear hubby and daughter went to the flea market. While wandering they spotted a box of yarn. Upon closer inspection dd noticed there was some Baby Alpaca/Lambs Wool 50/50 blend in it so she asked the price of the yarn and was told $5.00 for the box. It turns out there were 25 - 50 gram skeins of 165 yds each of the yarn. Fifteen of them are in Navy and 10 in Burgundy. It's made by Baruffa, which I've never heard of and I didn't find this exact yarn in my Google searches. It doesn't matter, the yarn is in good condition and very usable. There was a small amount of other yarns, a small crochet booklet, two crochet hooks and a set of aluminum double point needles in the box! What a bargain. I told hubby he hadn't made that many brownie points in a very long time.

Last night my Queen of the Night bloomed. I missed the first three blooms which I'm guessing bloomed the night before, but last nights blooms were as beautiful as ever. I was only a bit disappointed that all 5 buds didn't open at the same time. To the left of the top bloom you can see one of the spent blooms that I missed. Each bloom is about 10 inches across, and has a very beautiful scent that increases as the flower opens.

For those of you who've never seen The Queen of the Night before, it blooms once each year for one night only.

OTN; Cancer scarves which have gotten very little attention this week while we were cruising new car lots, and crunching numbers with sales/finance people. We finally settled on a new 2006 Chevy Equinox in dark silver metalic. It's pretty basic except for side curtain air bags, but even the basic models come with everything we needed, cd player, power windows, door locks and mirrors. We'd hoped to find something with better mileage than we got with our last vehicle, but most models that got better mileage were much smaller than we fit well into.

We drove a Mercury Montego that we really liked the ride of, but it won't fit into our single car 1950's garage easily. The doors wouldn't open enough to make a comfortable entrance and exit, so that one was out of the question. But I loved the silverish/greenish color and the huge trunk. It was a V6 (as is the Equinox) and had lots of get up and go!

Ooops! Hubby is needing help, and there's knitting to be done so see you later!

Flexiblity is good . . .

2006-08-22T22:45:00.000-07:00

As days go, it's nice that retirement allows for flexibility. Tuesdays are my day to go to Auxiliary to do crafts, knit, crochet and whatever. But today was the only day I could get in to see the acupuncturist so that took priority. When I arrived home from the appt. hubby needed to go get wood to finish the last of the bridges on the model railroad. That meant he'd be going near the book store, the perfect excuse for me to tag along. Before we could leave I needed to order the last of the rail clamps he said he'd need. Luckily, our friends who make the railclamps were coming into town and could deliver them after 3:00 which meant we had time to run our errands and I could still make the evening knitting meeting. So off to OSH the only place he could get the wood screws and then to Lowe's for the wood he needed and to Border's where I picked up Maggie Sefton's new book "A Deadly Yarn". Our friends were dealing with issues with their new car and didn't arrive until late. By time they left it was 7:45 so I didn't make it to the knitting meeting after all. It wasn't the day I had planned at all, but it was a good one just the same. Good friends, good books, and a happy hubby, what more can a gal ask for (dinner out? - no, hot dogs - a real tough menu)?

This is a picture of the first three scarves ready for the Pink Scarf Challenge. Yesterday I found out that there may be as many as 8 to 10 men at the cancer retreat so I need volunteers to knit some scarves in colors and designs more appropriate for men (I did talk my youngest daughter into making one as she's the only one of the kids who knits or crochets). If you've been reading about the challenge, and thinking about volunteering, now is the time . . . we can really use your help! I'm hoping this may becomes an ongoing project, but it isn't yet definite.

I have one other pink scarf and a cream/tan/black striped one on the needles, but with so many interuptions I haven't been working very fast. Even at the acupuncturist appointment today I didn't have to wait.

The Queen of the Night buds are coming along nicely, one bud has dropped off but the rest are growing at an amazing rate. This plant is very sensitive to changes of any kind so I wasn't too surprised. It also lost a bud last year.

Today I promised I would complete the One Skein August gift, but again time slipped away and it isn't done. But there's always tomorrow! So I'm off to knit . . . no frog ponds in my life tonight!