The Dragon's Chest

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-01T17:07:00.003-06:00

Welcome, 2012. You promise to be a bright and shiny new start to a whole new year of opportunities. I'm rather pumped about it all.

Today Hubby and I visited our favorite breakfast place in our new hometown: Virginia Kitchen. They already know us and what we like to drink, and usually what we want to eat. Then we went to Lowe's to pick up a few items to install new wood blinds in our bedroom. We made one more stop after that. One that changed a lot of things.

We stopped at PetsMart to look at the adoptable kitties. We've moved into our house enough to be ready for new family members. We found a brother/sister pair, and brought them home. The boy is a sweety and very vocal, adventurous, and seems like he'll fit in well. The girl is still under the couch. We did extract her once, and she lacerated me before going back to hide again. It's early days, she's scared, and we understand that she isn't at all sure about this place, nor the big black dog who just wants to sniff her up one side and down the other. Hopefully she'll come out in the next day or so, and prove to be a good fit.

Both the kids enjoyed their New Year's, Roger with his girlfriend Chelsea and their group of friends call the Pent (there are five of them, plus the newly added two husbands of two of the gals), and Katie with her boyfriend Dillon and his family. So happy they all had a safe and happy new year's celebration. Hubby and I spent a quiet evening in, watching the DIY Disaster Renovation Realities marathon, eating pizza, and drinking various beers.

May 2012 be good to us all, and good to the earth.

Mojo - wherefore art thou?

2011-12-08T08:17:00.002-06:00

Can't seem to generate any interest in my knitting, haven't been able to since we got back from the UK. Maybe it's because I'm so stressed about selling/buying/moving homes. I really need to just pick up my sock and knit a few stitches. My mojo is gone for the moment.

Overwhelmed

2011-12-08T07:39:00.002-06:00

Moving - synonymous for torture. We've been in the house for about a week and a half, and right now it's disorganized chaos. Well, maybe not as much as it was a week ago. I have unpacked all the boxes for the master bedroom (Yay, I have clothes again!), and that room looks pretty normal. Still need to put the pictures up on the wall in there. What I don't understand is why the packers would put the bag that goes on the leaf sucker machine in a box that was marked for the "master br". No wonder we couldn't find it in the garage. lol

The kitchen is also just about done. It would be more done if I could find the box that has the silverware and plates in it. I have glasses and bowls, and most utensils, but the drawer at the old house that had the silverware in it has not yet shown up in any box marked "kitchen". We'll probably find it in about six months in a box labeled "garage". Oy.

So far I'd say we've had more issues than we should have had with the house, and that's not very thrilling. But I do believe it will all work out in the end, I just have to get through these birthing pains.

We've met the neighbors on both sides of us, and two folks across from us. Got an invite to a Christmas tree decorating gathering from the lady across the street this Saturday evening. :) I'm taking cookies. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T09:22:00.002-06:00

I really love this holiday, because it's all about family and being thankful for the good things in your life.

This one is a little different though, since the Hubby and I have moved to Virginia now we're not with our children who are still in Oklahoma. Circumstances being what they are, they are unable to join us here and we can't go back there.

I am thankful that both their SO's have invited them to join in festivities with their families for the day, so neither are alone. It's kind of a weird feeling to just have the day with Hubby, but it's nice we have each other. Hubby's a good egg, I'll keep him around, lol.

We closed on the house in VA, and our stuff arrives this Sunday. Yay!! One less stresser on my plate. On this Thanksgiving day I'm giving much thanks for this, and for the love of friends and family. I hope that everyone out there stops for a moment to appreciate their loved ones, and to give thanks.

Why, yes, in fact, I do

2011-11-04T23:14:00.002-05:00

Still knit! Just finished the first sock that I started on our trip to the UK. Now to cast on for sock #2. :)

Things are rocking along with the house and move. This Thursday the packers arrive to crate up our things, and on Friday they load the van. We leave for Virginia on Saturday. Two adults, one 110 lb dog, one 22 lb dog, and a suitcase, all packed into a mini cooper for the two/three day drive eastward. Should be fun!

We bought a house!

2011-10-29T09:37:00.002-05:00

Well, we put in an offer, it was accepted, and now all associated stuff that goes with buying a house is in progress. Monday the inspection is being done, the title company is working on their end, the financing is rocking along.... we have a move in date of on or before Nov. 23 set. How exciting!!!

I'm in my last days countdown at work. Only 10 more days for me to be physically in the office. It's going to be really hard to walk out the door that last day. There will be crying and lots of hugging.

2011-09-27T07:31:00.003-05:00

Today would have been my dad's 89th birthday.

Happy Anniversary, Hubby!

2011-09-25T08:45:00.003-05:00

We've been married 29 years today. Many, many more good years than bad, although we've had a few. Can't wait to start the next 29 years worth of adventures! Love you, Hubby! (hug hug hug)

On another note, our daughter starts her new job today in her new career: hair stylist. She's been beating the pavement really hard the last few weeks and this job panned out. I'm so happy for her!

So much going on

2011-09-21T08:37:00.002-05:00

Since my last post the house has been put on the market and shown a handful of times. We've had two open houses, hopefully the one good lead from the last one will pan out. Our daughter is moved into her apartment and seems to love it. Hubby and I went to the UK for a week to celebrate his folk's 60th wedding anniversary. Hubby leaves tomorrow to go to Virginia for his new job and I'm staying behind. The house is already very quiet with our daughter gone, and now that it will be just me and the dogs, the quiet may turn to tomblike silence.

During all this I did finish all the baby knits in time to take to the UK with me, and I'm totally reknitting the baby hat that turned out to be way too small for my co-worker's squidlet. While in England I managed to knit past the heel of sock #1 I have in progress, and I'll get back to it when the hat is finished - again. lol

I am staying positive about the house selling, I have a good feeling that it won't be too much longer. The Universe has done a great job of providing the right things at the needed times all this year. Working on keeping that trend going. :)

Huge changes

2011-08-23T07:50:00.003-05:00

Big doin's coming up: we are moving to Virginia. A really marvelous opportunity came about for my Hubby, and we couldn't pass it up. House should be on the market in about a week or so. Daughter is set up to move into her apartment soon, she didn't want to leave Oklahoma. She's old enough to be on her own and is really looking forward to it. She also adopted a 10 week old black kitten with dappled marking on her back, named her Sonar (really big ears), Sony for short.

Hubby will start his job most likely before the house sells, so I'm planning on staying behind for a bit. If all goes well, we won't be separated for long.

So exciting, all these changes!!

I miss her so much

2011-08-06T19:53:00.002-05:00

Our beloved Spooky cat was hit by a car last night. She has been a part of our family for 19 years. We are having her cremated and the ashes returned so she can be with us forever. Our hearts are breaking. I hope she knows how very much we loved her. Safe journey over the Rainbow Bridge, Spooky. We love you.

50K

2011-08-02T18:52:00.001-05:00

At 5:34 p.m. today, my Onslow turned 50,000. Happy 50K birthday, Onslow!

Baby Sweater

2011-07-30T20:12:00.003-05:00

Cast on July 13, finished July 30. Not too shabby, considering I wasn't able to work on it every day. :) I washed and dried it and it came out wonderful, perfect for a busy mom who won't have time to hand wash and block a sweater when Baby No. 2 comes along.

I also started and finished, except for weaving in of ends, the first bootie for a co-worker's new baby. Pictures when it's done.

Also went to see the new Harry Potter movie tonight -- totally enjoyed it!!! I thought it stayed true to the book in a way most movies don't manage to. `

Redecking

2011-07-18T10:31:00.007-05:00

We put the deck in our back yard about 7 or 8 years ago, by the sweat and effort of our entire family: hubby, me, and both kiddos. It's been a wonderful deck and many parties have boogied on its boards. Over the last few years, though, some of the wood has begun to snowshoe up and need replacing. This the hubster began yesterday. In the heat. The 103 to 104 degree heat of Oklahoma. Yeah, that was fun.

The new boards won't look that new for long, not in this weather.

Here's what he accomplished tonight, the finished edge looks so nice:

He's working on the other end now.

And done!

Headstone complete

2011-07-15T09:19:00.005-05:00

My brother has done a completely marvelous job of handling all the details of our father's estate. As a little girl I adored my big brother, and the qualities that made a little sister love her brother only improved as he got older; he's a wonderful person. We don't see each other that often, but the feelings of family are always there.

And now, it really sorta feels like the chapter is finished and the book can be closed. The headstone is engraved and things are ..... at rest.

Yarn and its healing properties

2011-07-13T11:53:00.006-05:00

When you're feeling down, doesn't picking up a fresh skein of yarn make you feel better? When things look dark and sad, doesn't diving into and fondling your stash, looking at the gorgeous colors and caressing the different textures, just make you start smiling? And doesn't a visit to your LYS make most days brighter? Yep, Yep, and Yep!

I visited Loops today and purchased a kit to make a baby sweater for the new UK squidlet due in October.

That white blob on the lower left is the batting for the frog toy.

I also have made progress on my second Classic Lines Cardigan, although I guess I should start calling it the Classic Lines Sweater, since I won't steek this one. This yarn is really much browner that it appears in the image - annoyed with the greenish tinge that appeared. humpfh

KnitPicks Shadow Lace in Oregon Coast Heather

And last but not least, we finished the staircase not too long ago. It is Beautiful.

Radio silence......

2011-07-12T13:35:00.004-05:00

I'm sorry I've been so silent lately. So much going on, so little umph to actually do anything. Feeling odd and out of sorts lately, have a lot on my mind..... I have actually done some knitting: started on the second sleeve of my modified Classic Lines Cardigan. It's going rather well and the doubled laceweight is heavenly to work with.

I'm hoping for some changes in the very near future. There are opportunities in the offing for hubby and me, possibly out of state, but that means changes and upheavals here at home. I'm ready for changes, but all of them? Maybe not so much....

What I need is, would like, is a sign to help point us on the right road. I don't like living in limbo, I very much so like to know what's on the game plan. This is putting my innards in a state of turmoil, I'm antsy, feeling like I'm going to burst - I need the next step to happen so I can begin planning. Inaction is going to be the death of me.

Baby Hat

2011-06-14T07:16:00.003-05:00

Vine Lace Baby Hat by Sandi Wiseheart.

SOCKS!!

2011-06-05T22:56:00.001-05:00

I "yell" this in caps because these have taken longer than a pair of socks should, and I'm so happy they are done and ready to be worn. :)

May I present, my own pair of Hedera socks:

Blocking

2011-06-04T18:56:00.002-05:00

It has been washed and is blocking. The Presto Chango for my UK nephew who will be turning two this October is done, except for seaming and buttons. I decided to wash and block it before sewing so that it could dry flat and hopefully give me a cleaner seam. I also didn't make it so that the front panel can be removed - one side will have the buttons actually sewn down to the jacket body, with working buttonholes on the other side for ease of inserting a wriggling little human inside.

Getting closer...

2011-05-29T18:52:00.004-05:00

The underside of the stairs is completely done - primed, painted, caulked, and wood treated.

Pray for Joplin

2011-05-25T09:36:00.004-05:00

The devastation is horrific. Joplin has been virtually flattened. Thanks given to God that our dear friend Stephanie is safe, although her apartment complex is gone.

Please pray for Joplin, pray for the people.

(We also had tornadoes, and people died last night in them, too. So tragic.)

A great weekend!!

2011-05-22T21:23:00.006-05:00

Not only did the End of the World NOT happen, which I never thought it would, but we had a great day at the Oklahoma Renaissance Faire in Muskogee on Saturday, then on Sunday got lots of chores done and my Hubby made great progress on the staircase renovation.

VS

The topside vs the underside (with bracing in place)

Beginning sheetrocking.

All closed in and mudded. But wait --- there's more!

Look at the oak finish pieces!

They just make the whole look.

The final railing is in place.

Round the bend

2011-05-16T22:28:00.003-05:00

We've gone round the bend on the landing railings! Katie's boyfriend Dillon was over for dinner tonight, and he helped Richard with some of this install. It's very entertaining to listen to the menfolk discuss building stuff.

The plug holes on the newel posts will be primed and painted white, as well.

The top step has been installed. This took a bit of engineering magic, since the step it sits on was too wide. Richard built a frame and jutted the top step out so that each stairtread up the stair case is the same width. He also cleverly routed out the underside of the top step so that it sits flush to the landing flooring. There'll be no tripping or stubbing of toes on the transition from flooring to step. Clever lad!

The riser needs to be painted white, too.

The top step all finished with the decorative edge.

Only one more railing to put up now. :)

Comparisons

2011-05-12T10:22:00.000-05:00

For grins and giggles, let's do a compare and contrast, shall we?

What we started with:

What we have now:

My husband does such beautiful work!

On the level

2011-05-11T21:16:00.000-05:00

Hubby has made it to the landing for the next portion of the staircase. Now he gets to work on a level surface, instead of an angle. Of course, this just means that he could possibly go right over the edge of the landing instead of just tumble down the stairs themselves, should something go wrong or the cat trip him.

Upper newel posts primed/painted.

Drilling the holes for the rails.

Clamping the pieces for support while drilling.

Pretty!!!

Red arrows point out the bracing that will support the sheetrock to hide the underside of the stairs.

I have actually been knitting. The Presto Chango baby Sweater has reached the back neck opening. So far I've used up one complete skein of Wool of the Andes Bulky to get to this point.

Viola! It's a Handrail!

2011-05-02T20:30:00.004-05:00

The main handrail is in - only three more to go. It's gorgeous!

The underside of the stairs will be framed in and sheetrocked, so that won't actually show in the end.

Classic Lines Cardigan, part deux - On Hold

2011-05-01T20:01:00.008-05:00

And why, after I went to all the trouble to hand wind those balls of wool? I started thinking (always dangerous) that since we're heading to the UK in September and our UK grandnephew will be turning two in October, that perhaps I should go stash diving and see what I could rustle up to knit as a birthday pressie.

I found five skeins of KnitPicks Wool of the Andes Bulk y in Wine, and cast on immediately for the Presto Chango in size two. Then came a call from my SIL in England, and she had good news: the grandnephew will be getting a sibling this October!! So now I get to knit a newborn outfit as well!!!! We don't know what the baby will be, other than human, so I will again go stash diving but for neutral colors. I'm very excited!

There has been a great deal of progress made on the staircase this weekend. Check out the marvelous work my Hubby has done:

The lone soldier, standing tall and proud.

Setting the twine plumb line and marking it every 6 inches.

The next four in place...

Halfway there!

Done - now on to the handrail. :)

Classic Lines Cardigan, part deux

2011-04-30T15:56:00.003-05:00

I loved the original CLC so much that I'm going to knit another one, except it will be a sweater, not a cardigan, and without the contrast stripe. It's also going to be 3/4 sleeves with a slight bell effect to the sleeves. So it's a modified part deux.

I'm using KnitPicks Shadow Lace yarn in the Oregon Coast Heather colorway.

Family heirlooms

2011-04-28T20:00:00.007-05:00

Last weekend Hubby and I went to OKC to help my brother finish cleaning out my father's storage unit. My brother took some things, and these are some of the items we brought back.

A family Bible written in German in the old font, kinda hard to read in places. It weighs next to nothing, even though it's very thick. It's almost like the pages have lost all moisture.

1826. 1826!!!! Wow. I can read a few of the words, "geboren" (born on), and some names, although I don't know who they are.

Looks like it was published in Hamburg, 1824. I lived in Hamburg for a year as an exchange student -- not in 1824, though. ;)

A family photo album, I don't know these people, but I know they are kin. The ancestry written in the front is my Mamaw's hand, my mom's mom.

The turning lock still works.

The last names are my mom and dad, and I am Corinna.

The poses, clothing, and facial expressions are fairly creepy.

They all look so solemn.

A shoebox full of coins and paper money, from all over the world.

How about the rare Wooden Nickle there in the middle? :)

I believe this is military script.... front

and back.

And......it's done

2011-04-27T21:48:00.002-05:00

I finally made myself sit down and darn these five pairs of socks. I do not like darning, but too much effort had been put into knitting these beasties, so a little bit of effort to keep them in shape is not amiss. Now I have a full complement in my sock drawer again.

A tangle of darned socks.

Happy Birthday Roger!

2011-04-24T10:11:00.003-05:00

Our son turned 24 on Saturday, April 23. He's such a fine young man, we are very proud of him and love him so much!! He spent the day as a groomsman in his friend's wedding and danced the evening away at the reception. He teased them a little about not needing to throw him such a big birthday party, but what a nice gesture. lol

Happy Birthday, Son!

It's been quite a week

2011-04-24T09:56:00.002-05:00

My poor hubby has been sick since last Sunday, coughing and unable to draw a deep breath. On Monday I took him to the doctor, who said he had bronchitis. Thankfully he said the lungs didn't sound like pneumonia, which Hubby has been hospitalized for before. Anyhoo, got the meds and took the lad home.

Tuesday, no better. Wednesday, no better. In fact, my daughter texts me and says that dad can't breath. As soon as I get home from work, I take him to the Urgent Care for an x-ray and breathing treatment. His blood pressure was very high, the machine starting beeping because the levels were dangerous. The x-ray showed no pneumonia still, thank goodness, and the breathing treatment did seem to help. He is miserable though, and even the nurses were popping in more than normal just to make sure he was okay. They give him two shots in the keester, and send us home with more prescriptions, this time for a cough medicine that means business.

So Thursday and Friday go by, and at least he is beginning to look like a human again. He can go without coughing now and is able to get up and move around the house without getting winded. Saturday we go to OKC to help my brother finish clearing out out dad's storage unit. (That was kinda tough, going through all the travel pics and memorabilia from a life lived 88 years.) Hubby is a lot better and makes this trip fine, but he's tired when we get home. Still, it's good to see him looking more normal and not so pale and wan.

Today is Sunday again, one week from when it all started, and he's getting better, but having lots of trouble sleeping at night because of being all stuffed up. Here's to hoping that the improvements continue and he can get back to his normal life.

Fiddly pieces

2011-04-16T16:05:00.002-05:00

The stairsteps are all in, now Hubby is adding the finish piece to each side of each step. Very labor intensive, but it's looking beautiful.

To honor the flag

2011-04-15T05:09:00.003-05:00

My nephew Tony received the flag off my father's casket. He did a beautiful job of getting it displayed.

Add another candle to the cake!

2011-04-14T11:11:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday, Hubby! I love you!

Stairway to Heaven....?

2011-04-11T20:53:00.002-05:00

Well, not quite, but Richard is getting there! More stair treads done, and the first upper newel post set.

Daddy's Funeral

2011-04-09T18:03:00.009-05:00

What a beautiful funeral! My hubby Richard rented us a minivan so that we could all ride comfortably from Tulsa to Oklahoma City, and he did a great job driving us, as he always does. The day was nicely warm and very very windy, in only the way an Oklahoma day can be. The tent that was set up sheltered us from the wind quite nicely, though.

There were friends of Daddy's from the independent living center who came, and other old acquaintances, and family who could make it in. We had my Cousin Robert and his lady friend, Kathy, from Dallas, TX. There was my "Aunty" Marilyn and her three adult girls, "Cousins" Jackie, Susie, and Carolyn. They aren't exactly my aunt and cousins, but Marilyn is my Dad's cousin and we grew up around them all, so we call them Aunty and Cousins because we're all so close. My best friend and her husband came to support us, Dana and Roger Price, from Tulsa. My brother's two sons were there, Tony and his wife, Sam, from Byers, TX, and their two kiddos, Hailey and Bryson (the great grand kids!), and younger son Steven. Tony wore his Army uniform. Our two children were there, Roger and his girlfriend Chelsea, and our daughter Katie. Roger also wore his uniform. The two young men looked so dashing! It just happened to turn out that my in-laws from England, Pat and Reg Sawkins, are here visiting for two weeks, and so they of course attended.

We all stood while the six-man Air Force Honor Guard team removed the flag draped casket from the hearse. They very slowly and deliberately walked it across the ground to under the tent, setting it in place. They removed the flag from the top and folded it according to tradition. There were so many different and precise movements of hand and arm that they did, very beautiful! Once the flag was folded and the end tucked in, all but one of the Honor Guard stepped back and moved away. (My brother and I had already decided that his son, Tony, would receive the flag. This is because Tony has served active duty in the Army and has seen action overseas. While he is now retired, he was the first to follow his Grampa's footsteps into the military.) The young man holding the flag turned and walked very deliberately towards Tony. He bent down on one knee and presented the flag to him. We were all choked up at this time, and Tony was obviously moved. Tony took the flag very gently and carefully and cradled it to him. The Honor Guard member walked away.

Over some way from the tent, the Honor Guard was now in place to give rifle honors. Daddy was a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force, and as such was entitled to 9 guns, or three rifle volleys. Again, the precision of motion of the Honor Guard team was beautiful to see. Then taps was played.

This is where I lost it. While I had been tearing up and sniffling, it wasn't until taps that I actively began to cry. As the notes lingered in the air, we all sat down. Cousin Robert played the guitar and sang a hymn. Then the minister gave a lovely synopsis of Daddy's life, and a very short sermon. He did a very nice job and kept to our wishes that this not be a dirge or doom and gloom sermon, but rather a celebration of Daddy's life and accomplishments. After he was finished, Cousin Robert played one more song on the guitar. The service was concluded.

A very nice touch came next. The Honor Guard had picked up the spent cartridges and given them to the funeral director. He approached both my son, Roger, and my nephew Tony, and gave each of them three cartridges. Both young men were obviously touched by this gesture, and so was I.

After talking a bit at the graveside, the family went to Mamasita's Mexican Restaurant to relive old times and to reconnect. I am so thankful for all the love and support my family and my brother's family received today. We were able to say goodbye to our Father surrounded by love, and to honor him as he deserved. We miss you Daddy, but we know you're with Mama and Kenny now, so we'll be okay.

I love you, Ole Bes' Friend, from Daddy's Little Dolly.

********

Here is a link to the Memory Book for my Daddy that the funeral director put up. It's got the actual obituary in it and some other neat stuff.

My nephew Tony holding the flag, and his wife, Samantha.

More stairs

2011-04-07T20:57:00.003-05:00

A good piece of work was accomplished: the main newel post was put into place.

Remember how the newel used to look?

It was a nice square piece of wood.

Look how complicated the cuts were to get it to fit into the staircase...

I am really proud of my Hubby! How in the world he could figure out how to make the cuts and at what angles, I'll never know. He just has the brain for it.

Daddy, may your journey be peaceful

2011-04-04T22:47:00.003-05:00

On Sunday, April 3rd, late in the afternoon, my Daddy went to join my Mama and my oldest brother. He was in the hospital battling pneumonia, but he passed away peacefully with my brother and me, and my husband, at his side. He was 88. Today we finished the arrangements for the funeral for our Dad. It will be a graveside service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 9th.

He was a pilot in WWII, and also served in the reserves, then was stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany, where I was born. After he retired from a lifetime of service to our country, we all located to Norman, Oklahoma, where I grew up.

Daddy was a great dad. There aren't words enough to express how wonderful, except that he loved everyone, and he never met a stranger.

But it's all okay. I know my dad was greeted by my mom and brother, and guided onwards. I see them all in their prime, happy and vibrant, and I know that all is good.

We're doing it again.....

2011-03-27T16:23:00.007-05:00

....renovating, that is. This time it's the staircase. When we completely renovated the downstairs about four years ago, we didn't have enough time, money, and to be honest, umph left to tackle the staircase. Well, now is the time. Here is our progress so far.

This is what we'll be covering the existing stairtread with.

Old piece of stairtread carpet. Yuck, the dust/dirt under it!!!

Carpet all gone!

Removing the railing.

I think Richard is trying to kill us all with the primer he's using - it's oil based to cover up the stained rough cedar wood, and it stinks. Yea verily does it pong!

There is a bit of knitting to show you:

KnitPicks Stroll Tonal Fingering in Blue Yonder. I loved the Hedera pattern by Cookie A that I'm using it again. This is very unusual for me, as once a pattern is knit it rarely gets re-used. I like to move on to new patterns and new adventures. Hedera, however, has an allure and appeal for me that I couldn't just put it away yet.

Darn it!

2011-03-23T15:49:00.002-05:00

Yes, I have several, five to be exact, pairs of socks that are holey. I love these socks, and therefore do not subscribe to the Darn It method of repair: look at holes in socks, say "Darn It", and toss them into bin. They deserve better than that, they are saveable.

But I am having a decided lack of enthusiasm for the chore. With all that's been going on lately, I'm having a decided lack of enthusiasm for most daily things right now. Truly hoping this resolves itself soon.

I do have pics of my current SIP (socks in progress), but not where I can get to them right now. Promise to post them later. :)

And so life moves on

2011-03-18T12:43:00.005-05:00

Since last reporting on my dad, things have happened. He recovered enough from the broken hip to go back to the rehab center. But after a few days, he began to decline, to exhibit signs of confusion and hallucinations. The staff wanted him to go again to the hospital for tests that they couldn't perform there.

Daddy did go to the hospital, and stayed there another week; he was just released back to rehab yesterday. We believe through all this that he is suffering from post-operative delirium. I've never seen him so weak, so unable to be the man I remember as being 10' tall and able to do absolutely anything. It's very sad and I'm sad for him. I'm also angry at the "way things are".

My brother and I, with help from my hubby, went interviewing long-term care facilities in OKC. We found two we liked very much, but we just don't know how he can swing it on his monthly retirement income. I cannot believe how expensive this type of setting is. It's unfreakingbelievable. $4,500/month and that's just room and board really. There are so many incidentals that aren't covered. How in the world are people supposed to actually be able to afford this?

Anyway, hubby and I are headed back to OKC tomorrow to tour more facilities, and to start packing away Daddy's life. He has a one bedroom apartment at an independent living center, but he can't live there anymore. Daddy must have the level of care that a long-term home provides. There are a few things that both my brother and I know we'll take from his apartment, but the rest.....I guess it can just go into storage. Or maybe be purchased by an auction house. The balance of Daddy's life in a few boxes.

This entire experience is really souring me on the prospect of growing old. It doesn't look to be much fun. There must be a better way, an alternative. I'd like to speak to the Entity in Charge and lodge a serious complaint.

Another one in the "done" column

2011-03-10T21:14:00.003-06:00

These are such comfy feeling socks, I'm really happy with them. And the colors are wonderful!! I love how they don't pool and bunch. Fingering weight Koi Pond by Three Irish Girls.

Fertig!

2011-03-02T22:27:00.004-06:00

Just channeling my inner German. I'm finished with the Hedera socks for Katie's boyfriend's mom. This lace pattern knits up very quickly. I might use it for the socks I'll be doing for my SIL. I don't know - I don't ususally repeat a lace sock pattern, we'll see.

All washed and blocking :)

Whew

2011-02-25T14:00:00.002-06:00

This has been a tough week. Early Monday morning my brother calls me to say that Daddy has fallen and broken his hip. This happened in the rehab center he was already in for falling two week before that and breaking two ribs. So off to Oklahoma City Hubby and I go to see what's going on. Daddy gets admitted to the hospital, of course, but they can't do the hip surgery on him because he has pneumonia in his right lung, and his blood is too thin from his normal meds. Joy. We stay all day and then head back home with the understanding that he won't be able to have his surgery until all those things get better.

Tuesday is a normal day until about late afternoon, when again a call from my brother stirs us to action. Yes, the docs say, Daddy will have surgery at 7:00 a.m. Wednesday. Not that everything has cleared up, but because they need to get him up and moving for a better overall recovery, and that means his hip has to be fixed.

We leave the house at 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning to get to the hospital in time to see Daddy before surgery. It all goes swimmingly well, thank God. The surgeon was very happy with the overall state of Daddy's bones, said they were very dense for an 88 year-old man, not all porous and brittle. Yay! Wednesday was spent watching and waiting for Daddy to come out of the anesthesia haze. By the time we left that evening he had eaten a solid dinner and had had a breathing treatment.

Thursday was a day for doctor appointments for myself and Hubby. Called Daddy and found out he'd already had the "physical terrorists" (as he calls the therapists) in his room and they had him up and out of bed to begin his recovery. No rest for the wicked!!

Today, Friday, my poor hubby had to have oral surgery so I'm home with him playing Florence Nightingale. He's doing very well, and believes that percoset is his very best friend. That and the kitty curled up on his lap. Soft kitty warm kitty little ball of fur. Happy kitty sleepy kitty purr purr purr.

Just glad this week is about over. It's been a doozy. Pretty sure we'll be making another trip to OKC sometime next week to see Daddy, but I just don't know when exactly.

Tired? Why yes I am. Wine? Yes please, fill 'er up!

ps: I did do a lot of knitting on the Hedera sock while at the hospital. Turned the heel on the second sock and made good movement down towards the toes.

50% + 50% = 50%

2011-02-13T22:17:00.003-06:00

Because 50% of a pair of socks does not a full pair make. I have one full sock of the Koi Pond colorway (left) and one full sock of the Hedera pattern (right, which I love, btw) complete, but since they are from different pairs, I still don't have 100% done yet. ;)

Snow snow snow......

2011-02-07T07:12:00.008-06:00

So ready for Spring! I am not a fan of cold weather in the first place, and after having been snowbound in my house for the last week, I'm really disliking this season called winter. Blech. I am fortunate enough to be allowed to work from home when situations like this occur, so that was wonderful that I didn't have to take vacation or sick days to cover the time.

Knitting took place in the evenings, and some pretty good progress was made. No.1 sock of Bus Socks IX is done:

Three Irish Girls specialty trunk sale yarn: Westerly SeaSock in Koi Pond, 70% merino, 30% seacell, which is a natural seaweed fiber.

It took me a bit to find the right color for this pair of socks, but I did. They will go to my daughter's boyfriend's mom:

KnitPicks Canopy Stroll Tonal fingering weight, 75% Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Nylon. I'm using Cookie A's pattern Hedera. The yarn isn't billed as self-striping, but it's kinda turning out that way. Sweet!

Snowpacolypse 2011!!

2011-02-01T12:26:00.003-06:00

Yep, it's official, we're snowed in. So far we've had about 10 inches, over ice/sleet, and we could get another 2-3 inches. Yay. NOT! Okies are not meant for this kind of weather.

Where is Onslow?

Katie's car is under there somewhere.

The snow buildup down to the street, where further down there's a car that's stranded in the street.

Wow.

Socks, always socks

2011-01-30T21:21:00.003-06:00

I just love knitting socks. They're so portable, quick, and the entire rainbow and all its permutations are available in yarn. They can be solid stockinette, or lacy, or cable filled, or fair isle..... anything!!

I've put aside a pair I'm knitting for myself to start on a pair for my daughter's boyfriend's mom. She likes greens, and I think this will fit the bill nicely.

Harmony dpns, size 1, KnitPicks Stroll Tonal sock yarn in Canopy.

Pictures

2011-01-30T11:32:00.003-06:00

Two and one-half repeats of the nupp pattern, instead of the three and one-half indicated. I wanted this to hit at the top of my hip, not mid-hip or lower.

We went to the Broken Arrow Loops to look for buttons. These are the ones my Hubby picked out - he has such a good eye for the little details!

Happy happy joy joy!!!

Bonnie Kate is finished!

2011-01-29T22:44:00.002-06:00

I am really happy with how this cardigan turned out. It's just about perfect. Tomorrow I'll take pcitures, and show you all the beautiful buttons my Hubby picked out for it. :)

Musings on Valentine's Day

2011-01-25T10:42:00.009-06:00

A co-worker and I were talking about Valentine's Day, and whether or not he should go all out for his girlfriend, as this will be their first one together. He was asking me how important to women this day is. That, I told him, was a very personal thing. Some place great importance on it, while others find it to be of little interest. I told him the best thing to do was to be honest with her, and ask her upfront how important this is to her. Tell her that he didn't want to mess up by not knowing how she felt about it. She might be having those very same questions about how he feels about the day, too. Just talk it out.

After all, Christmas was just a scant two months ago. If you believed all the commercials from then, a man was supposed to show how much he loved the lady in his life by getting diamonds: one for the past, the present, and their future! After all - he loves her!!!! But does that mean in just two months he has to show that again?

Or from the women's point of view, she may have just spent gobs of money on a flat screen and surround sound for her fellow at Christmas -- after all, she loves him!!! Does that mean a year's subscription to Netflix is the only way to show her love in February?

My take on this has changed over the years. As a young bride, Valentine's Day was important to me because I was more insecure then. As time went by and I matured, I became more secure in my husband's love and a gift wasn't as important. Just knowing we could spend the day together and chose to spend it with no one other than our special someones was enough. Well, okay, dinner out was nice, too. I won't fib about that! But it brought back to me something my mom told me before I got married, and I'm sorry it took a few years to stick:

"Suzy, make your anniversary the most important holiday in the year." To me, she meant our anniversary should be more important than Christmas, than our birthdays, than Valentine's. Those are days that are imposed on us by the calendar or by birth. But our anniversary? The day we chose to get married? That is the most important day there is.

Good advice then, good advice now. Thanks, Mama.

And the grand total is....?

2011-01-24T18:43:00.002-06:00

$4,302.30. That's how much we spent on the upstairs bathroom renovation. We began shortly before Halloween, and just finished up this weekend with the last bits. It was completely cash flowed, and that feels so good!

Wonder how much we saved on contractors and the like, by doing all the work ourselves. Probably a pretty penny. I am glad we're done with this reno, though. I need to rest up before we start another. LOL!

First nupps

2011-01-21T22:14:00.003-06:00

It's been a bit of trial and error, but I may have found a method that works to my satisfaction. I follow the pattern K yo K yo K and turn my work and purl the five stitches into one, then return to the right side of the work to continue.

Nupp rhymes with soup

2011-01-20T17:28:00.002-06:00

That was the first thing I learned after watching a Knitting Daily TV YouTube video. The second thing I learned was that nupps are really not that hard. Not that I was overly worried about learning a new technique, after all, all knitting is created one stitch at a time. I can handle that.

The trick is to keep your stitches loose, and I mean loose, for the nupp to turn out right. Off I go; I've got nupps to knit. :)

Busy busy busy

2011-01-16T21:44:00.003-06:00

What a weekend! We were quite busy on Saturday, what with this errand and that, and then Sunday was a play/work day.

Sunday, Richard, Katie, and I hopped into BOB (the Challenger, Big Orange Beast) and tooled down Route 66 to Pop's, in Arcadia. There we met up with our son, Roger, and his girlfriend, Chelsea, to enjoy a lunch in the diner and to peruse their over 500 brands of soda pop.

On the way home, we stopped off at several landmark points of interest, and Richard took BOB's picture. We think BOB really enjoyed the run, and stretching his pistons out over the road.

I still managed to get the vacuuming done, and the laundry, and to knit a bit on my Bonnie Kate. The raglan increases are complete, and the armhole stitches put on waste yarn. A bit of straight knitting and then on to the eyelet panels.

Bonnie Kate coming along

2011-01-13T22:18:00.003-06:00

Working top down, have hit the raglan increases, headed down to the arm stitches which will be held on waste yarn. :)

2011-01-10T18:46:00.003-06:00

My Classic Lines Cardigan. :). KnitPicks Cattail Heather Shadow (mc), Shallows Shimmer (cc)

Moving on

2011-01-08T14:22:00.004-06:00

Since the Classic Lines Cardigan is finished, it's time to move on. Next on the needles is the Bonnie Kate Cardigan by Erica Jackofsky, available through KnitPicks. I chose KnitPicks Simply Cotton Worsted in Duchess Heather.

First swatch is washed and in the dryer, then I'll see how the initial usage of size 6 needles works out. I'm using needles from the Denise interchangeable set my friends Dana and Roger bought me for my last birthday - first time to use them for an entire sweater. So far so good! I'd never used Denise needles before, being a mostly KnitPicks harmony wood/metal needle kind of gal, but the Denise's are very nice. No snagging along the needle/cord join, and they feel comfy in my hands. Bodes well, indeed!!

Classic Lines Cardigan is done!

2011-01-07T21:00:00.004-06:00

This has been a long time in coming. I joined the KAL on May 2, 2009. For a while I kept up with the knitting and was on track. Then, life kicked in, and other knitting projects wooed me away from what was endless rounds of lace weight stockinette. I would put it away for lengths at a time, come back and knit for a bit, only to put it away again. I even had to order another skein of the master color to finish.

But today, I have finished it as it was intended to be: a buttonless steeked cardigan. I'm going to purchase a batch of hook and eye closures so that I have the option of wearing it as a sweater, but I'll also be able to wear a shell under it and have it open.

That it's done is a major accomplishment for me. A steeked cardigan was something I had never attempted before, nor knitting an entire garment in lace weight yarn. I am very very pleased with the results.

It's in a bath right now, soaking away contentedly. I'll block it tonight and buy the hook and eyes tomorrow. If it dries in time, I might even be wearing it on Monday.

Here are the pics of how I applied the front bands and hid the steeked edges, and a shot of it before going into the drink.

Front band, right side of garment

Front band, inside of garment, edge whipstitched down

Sandwiching the steeked edge between the front band folds

Pre-soak. I love it.

I loved this pattern so much that I am going to order another round of skeins for it and knit it as a sweater, no steek. I won't have the contrast color stripe this time, it will be a single heathered color.

Thank you, KnitPicks, Allison Backus, and Kelley Petkun, for a great pattern, yarn, and knit-along.

2011-01-03T18:23:00.001-06:00

The crown moulding has been caulked, needs to be painted, and then the baseboards. Door into Roger's room needs painting, then hanging, last door will be the closet door. The closet floor needs to be tiled, but that might just have to wait a while. We are about up to "here" with bathroom reno, and need a break.

aaaaaand.... we're steeked

2011-01-01T23:17:00.003-06:00

Whew. Time to call it a night now.

Inside, reinforcing stitches

First cut

More cutting

Completely cut. :)

It fits!

2011-01-01T21:15:00.001-06:00

I finished the picot-edged neck, and I'm ready to steek. Well, I will be after I run my stabilizing stitches down the front. But the best part of all this is, when I test tried-on the cardigan: it fit!!! It actually fit like a dream. I'm so very happy.

Happy New Year! Welcome 2011

2011-01-01T00:02:00.003-06:00

Let's make this year a great one, shall we?! It's gonna be a wild ride. :)

Got a little knitting done tonight while waiting for the new year to come in. It's the Classic Lines Cardigan that I've been working on for over a year. The KAL is long over, but I'm still plugging along.

I'm ready to do the neckband now, 9 rows with a picot row then 9 more rows. After that comes the steeking!

It's a Christmas miracle!

2010-12-26T20:36:00.004-06:00

Do you see what I see? Gushing from the taps, shepherd boy? Do you see what I see? It's water, it's water, without a drip in sight, and now we're done for the rest of the night....! And we're done, for the rest of the night. :)

I had a perfectly wonderful Christmas. My dad got to come and visit with us for the weekend -- so nice that he can still make the trip! Richard and I made pretty good progress on the bathroom, yet still had time to chill and enjoy the time. I received exactly the presents I wanted: a new pair of uber-cool slippers (I really really like slippers and love to get them for Christmas), and a Kindle 3G.

Getting so much closer

2010-12-24T14:46:00.003-06:00

And a laser light kitty on the stairs, little Hemi is visiting with her human (our son Roger):

Grout down

2010-12-19T18:59:00.002-06:00

We have a tiled floor, grout and all. Tomorrow evening we'll do the crown molding, maybe baseboards, and maybe even think about putting the vanity unit in for a test fit.

No knitting this weekend. :(

We have Tile!!

2010-12-18T19:14:00.005-06:00

The backerboard has a built in grid system printed on it that made penciling in the tile design a snap!

And yes! We have light fixtures now. It's very bright and welcoming. The picture doesn't relay how bright it really is in there now.

Finally we have begun laying the tile. Taking a break for dinner and then hopefully we'll finish the tile tonight so we can grout tomorrow.

I do have a bit of fibery fun to show off. Way back in 1991 I bought two kits from a craft store, at the end of September. My thoughts were that I would complete one kit in October and one in November. I did accomplish this, and my kids have used these stockings every year since. And yes, the stockings are hung by the fireplace this year, too, even though my kids are now 23 and 20. Santa still visits this house.

Made from felt and hand cut/pieced together, with all the sequins and beads hand sewn on to the designs.

It's starting to come together

2010-12-17T22:37:00.003-06:00

I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel. We're getting so close!

Trial run test fit - it's just resting on the wax ring.

Installing the backerboard that underlay the tiles.

First of the new switches put in.

First coat

2010-12-14T21:29:00.004-06:00

of paint, that is!

You can really see the color difference between sheetrock and paint.

The bathtub alcove.

One of the vanity shelf units showing off the red rosewood color and the slate-gray/greenish biscuit wall paint.

Slapping on the Paint

2010-12-13T21:40:00.002-06:00

Yay! The sheetrock has been primed. Tomorrow, or maybe Wednesday, the walls get their first coat of paint.

Installing a Worshipful Master

2010-12-12T23:00:00.005-06:00

My husband is a Mason, and today he was installed as the Worshipful Master of his local lodge. I know he'll do the very best job he can, and they'll also have a lot of fun in the process.

My hubby, leftmost, and the rest of the elected/appointed line

Kneeling before the altar and the Bible

Of course there was cake!!!

Being seated in the East, taking his position.

The whole 2011 crew -- what a grand bunch of fellows!

Richard and our daughter, Katie

Richard and me

Done! Fa la la la!

2010-12-07T21:35:00.004-06:00

Fingerless mitts done - only need soaking and blocking.

They are everything I wanted them to be: soft, warm, squishy. I hope my daughter likes them. :) Unfortunately, I couldn't figure out a way to actually take a photo of me modeling the mitts, while having to hold the camera and take the shot. Maybe if I could have tucked the camera under my chin and used my incisors to push the button to take the picture.......

Knitting, Bathroom, Remembering

2010-12-06T08:49:00.004-06:00

Sorry, no pics right now, but the second fingerless mitt is past the thumb hole and headed for the finish. Woot! If all goes well, I'll be able to complete this extra project this week. :)

The bathroom reno is coming along - as my daughter keeps telling me, "Mom, it will be done when it's done. Stop worrying." Since it's her bathroom, if it doesn't bother her to share with us (and it's been painless to do so), then I'll try to take her advice. You can see the updated pics in this link: Link 2

Today was my mom's birthday. We were always a month apart, me on Nov. 6 and she on Dec. 6. She's been gone many years now, but I still think of her and miss her every day. What a wonderful, marvelous woman and mother that lady was! I love you, Mama, happy birthday.

Bit more Christmas

2010-12-02T08:17:00.004-06:00

Since I finished my planned for Christmas knitting on schedule, I decided to add an item or two. This fingerless mitten was started on Saturday, Nov. 27, and finished up on Tuesday, Dec. 1. It just flew along, the needles must have been enchanted. Hope mitt two will go as quickly. These will be for my daughter, as purple is one of her favorite colors.

Stroll Tonal Fingering in Blue Violet from KnitPicks

Then I'm going to go stash diving and see if I can whip out a few hotpads for the folks at work. No promises here, no pressure on myself, either. If it happens, it happens. If not, then no worries.

Bathroom renovation pics

2010-11-28T22:18:00.002-06:00

I don't know if these links will work or not if you don't have a facebook account, but here goes.

Link 1
Link 2

Get your kicks

2010-11-27T18:28:00.008-06:00

at Pops on Route 66! On our way to visit with my Dad in OKC, we stopped in Arcadia to visit a store that sells bottle after bottle after bottle of soda pop from just about everywhere you can imagine, over 500 different brands. They call this the Soda Ranch. Out front is a giant pop bottle that is 66 feet tall and weighs over 4 tons.

Katie and me sitting in front of the giant pop bottle:

And BOB (Big Orange Beast) taking in the view:

We also took a quick look at the Arcadia Round Barn, which is just down the road from Pops.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T09:45:00.003-06:00

Today we give thanks for the blessings we have in our lives, and eat way too much while watching lots of parades and football. A great day indeed!

I am thankful for my family, my country, my friends, my home, my job, my life. I have a wonderful life and I know it.

Here's hoping that good blessings are showered down on you, my friends, as well. :)

Update, Thanksgiving evening, 10:55 p.m.: Socks Done!!!!

A lovely day full of yummy food, lots of great tv, and Knitting. My self-imposed Christmas knitting projects are done, and before the end of November. Yay! Now, soaking and blocking still needs to be done, but that doesn't count, right? Here are the Roger Socks for my son Roger:

Progress, yes indeed

2010-11-13T15:07:00.008-06:00

Socks!!

These for Roger's girlfriend I've shown you before, but in the pre-blocked stage. They look even more gorgeous when blocked, don't you think?

And these are currently in their nice warm squishy blocking bath, the camo socks for Katie's boyfriend:

And the first sock for my son, Roger. I cannot believe how wonderful this sock yarn is, it's marvelous, absolutely.

And we have more bathroom progress, as well:

Sheetrocking

Mudding/taping

Finished plumbing!

And it doesn't leak. Huzzah!

This morning I cleaned out my closet. Didn't get anywhere near the wear "Six Items or Less" experiment level, but it was absolutely amazing how much clothing I no longer wore, but hadn't yet parted with.

Original bottom rod, and all laid out on the bed for selection:

vs Cleaned out bottom rod:

Lots more space in between the clothes now.

Original upper rod:

vs.

Sorted out upper rod:

Look how many fewer hangers you can see on the rod itself!

This is the hanger boneyard:

The pile I carted off to the consignment shop:

I may go through everything again at the end of the year.

More Tulsa

2010-11-12T08:00:00.006-06:00

PSO Electric Power, sculpture

Cool transfer on window, or is it a Tulsa commuter? ;)

Philtower Building, pointy bldg in center

Close-up of Philtower Building from 5th and Boston

Veterans Day

2010-11-11T08:42:00.004-06:00

Thank you to our brave servicemen and servicewomen, thank you for the sacrifices you've made so that your countrymen may live free and safe.

On the knitting front: the Humungo Camo Socks for Katie's boyfriend are done, only need soaking and blocking. I'm almost done with the first sock for my son, Roger, and with this accomplishment I'm back on track for my Christmas knitting. Yay!

Happy Birthday, my darling Daughter

2010-11-10T07:10:00.003-06:00

Happy 20th, Katie!! What a fine young woman you've grown into, and such a joy. Your dad and I are so proud of you, we love you very much. *hugs* Today marks the day that I have no more teenagers in my house.

Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?

I don't remember growing older
When did they?

T-town

2010-11-09T08:45:00.007-06:00

I take the express bus from Broken Arrow to downtown Tulsa most every day. I totally love it because I don't have to fight the traffic, and I get to have knitting time each morning and evening. :)

I also get to walk through downtown and enjoy the beautiful sights and art deco architecture that Tulsa is famous for. These were taken with my cell phone camera.

This building is covered in these sculptures, (frescos?)

Look at this detail!!!

Thank you all so much

2010-11-07T08:44:00.003-06:00

I had a wonderful birthday yesterday! So many happy bday wishes, got to go out both Friday and Saturday night, bought a book I've been waiting for and prepared for the new year by getting a calendar while the pickings were still good. I knitted both Fri/Sat, so much fun!! Watched movies, spent time with my daughter, and just generally had a very nice and satisfying time. The only fly in my ointment was that my hubby had to go away on Thursday for an emergency work site trip, and I miss him.

Today will be a bit of clean up around the house, grocery shopping, and more knitting!! I have a great life.

In which we begin plumbing

2010-10-31T21:48:00.004-05:00

More bathroom work: all the sheetrock is gone now, and the installation of the new plumbing is coming on quite nicely.

Have to brag on my hubby again, he's a marvel with all this DIY. There's nothing he can't do.

Halloween

2010-10-31T21:39:00.004-05:00

It's the night for spooks and goblins! Katie looked forward all week to carving her pumpkin, with gourd surgery taking place yesterday.

So far, seven years safe

2010-10-29T20:47:00.005-05:00

Tonight saw the removal of the mirror. Not wanting to suffer through a possible seven years of bad luck should breakage occur, we worked very carefully and slowly. Richard scored around the mirror first, then removed all the sheetrock from that wall.

Yep, the mirror and the square of sheetrock behind it came off after a bit of coaxing. No breakage, no bad luck. :)

More renovation

2010-10-28T21:17:00.005-05:00

The destruction begins

2010-10-24T20:22:00.007-05:00

Our upstairs Jack-n-Jill bathroom is in dire need of renovating. It's got mold, mildew, and leakage beyond belief. I heard water from the tub dripping onto the ceiling while I was in the kitchen, downstairs. It's a wonder the tub hasn't fallen through the flooring to place a direct order in the kitchen.

Yesterday we began the demolition. Today neither hubby nor I could move, we're so sore and stiff. I look like an 80 year-old hobbling around, making the same sounds, too. God it's sad, I'm only 47.

The last pic is of our son's room -- we decided to take the opportunity of having a dumpster on the driveway for the bathroom to pull up the carpet in his room (he's away at college), so that we could put in wood flooring.

Expecting the new tub and surround, toilet, sheetrock, backerboard for the tiles, and 2x4x6's to be delivered on Tuesday.

Too looooooong

2010-10-21T11:18:00.003-05:00

Hah! I didn't get a picture of it, but it was kinda funny seeing my daughter's boyfriend try on the first camo sock last night. It kinda looked like the Grinch's socks, way too long and it flopped around on the end of his foot. It was originally knitted to 13", when his foot is only 11" in length.

Have to say here, it wasn't my fault: my informant gave me bad information! ;)

Clowns me no likey

2010-10-16T15:59:00.004-05:00

But to help benefit Biscuit Acres Dog Park at their Pancake for Pooches breakfast today, I posed with a clown. He actually touched me and everything. That half-sick look on my face isn't faked, I really didn't like this.

It was a suggestion from my hubby that I have my picture taken with the clown and then we send it to our friend who delights in finding me clown paraphernalia for all occasions and gifting it to me.

Yeah, the things I do to help out the puppies.

Must knit faster

2010-10-16T10:56:00.001-05:00

Size 13 Sock #1

Today marks the day that means I'm officially behind on my Christmas knitting. I should have been done with sock #1 for Dillon, allowing me the balance of October to finish size 13 sock #2, thus allowing all of November for Roger's socks.

Must knit faster.

It's coming along

2010-10-10T19:36:00.002-05:00

I picked up the button band stitches and it worked great. Then I decided to go ahead and felt the piece a bit. It felted too much, but I think it's still okay. It needs to be as impervious to the wind as possible, so perhaps this is for the best.

I'll trim the fuzzies from the steek when it's completely dry.

Cutting complete

2010-10-09T22:57:00.003-05:00

Well, I did it. I'm pretty sure everything is moving along properly. The next steps will be most interesting.

Working up the nerve to steek

2010-10-09T20:50:00.003-05:00

The piece is ready. The stabilizing lines have been installed. Sharp scissors are standing by. A few fortifying drinks have been consumed. So why has the steek not been cut yet?

I'm a tad bit nervous.

drawn white lines show where stabilizing stitches were sewn

KnitPicks bonanza and more

2010-10-06T18:38:00.008-05:00

I took today off work to spend a little quality time with 80's music videos on tv, a napping kitty on the blanket next to me, and my knitting. I knitted a swatch for the neck gaiter and proceeded to cast on with size 7 circs for magic loop.

It's going to be such a soft squishy piece.

Then came my order from KnitPicks! I didn't expect it today, while I was home, but it arrived a day early. Look at all this loot!

(top-bottom) Simply Cotton Worsted in Duchess Heather, the picture is more blueberryish when the real color has more plum in it; Stroll Tonal Fingering in Blue Violet, which also should be more purpley; and Cattail Heather Shadow, the only one of the bunch to photograph properly, lol. Also splurged on a set of harmony wooden dpns in size 1.

Last are the pics I promised you of the yarn for my son's socks, as part of his Christmas.

Scrumptious yarn from Fearless Fibers, in superwash sportweight merino wool, Marrakesh colorway. I'm going to use Anne Hanson's sock pattern called Roger, because my son's name is Roger. How cool is that?! :)

Yarn yumminess

2010-10-04T20:04:00.009-05:00

Lots of yarn to show you today. I went to Loops Broken Arrow after work with the intention of buying only the yarn I needed for my friends' Christmas gift (which I did buy), but then also walked out with two skeins of Three Irish Girls specialty trunk sale yarn: Westerly SeaSock in Koi Pond.

70% merino, 30% seacell, which is a natural seaweed fiber. It's so pretty, and feels so different than other sock yarn I've knitted with. Should be quite interesting, and I'm looking forward to it.

Here's what I'll be using for my friend's Christmas gift: 90% extrafine merino, 10% cashmere.
My friend and her hubby are avid motorcyclists. She says that her neck gets cold while riding, and since she loves skulls (I knitted her skully mittens a few years ago), I thought I'd knit her a matching skully neck gaiter. This yarn will be a decadent treat against her skin and should be quite toasty.

These are the gargantuan socks (size 13) destined as a Christmas gift for my daughter's boyfriend. He loves everything camo, and socks (how cool is that!!). It took me a bit of work to find yarn that would knit up in a camo pattern, yet not be acrylic - did not want that. I think this will be perfect!

Araucania Yarns, Ranco Solid #104

Stained Glass, by Vivid Creation Fibers

These are for my son's girlfriend for Christmas. :)

And dang it, I meant to take pics of the yarn I purchased for my son's socks, but didn't. Tomorrow night, yes? Gives us all something to look forward to. ;)

Not quite enough...

2010-10-02T16:23:00.004-05:00

Only four and a half more rounds on the raglan shoulder decreases, and I ran out of the Cattail Heather main color for the Classic Lines Cardigan. Rats. I knew I'd need more anyway, so I ordered another hank yesterday from KnitPicks. Should be here within 5 to 14 days. ;) Have to put it aside until the yarn arrives.

In the meantime, here are a few progress pics.

The steek will be down the middle here.

Almost made it before running out of yarn.

Lovely raglan, so pretty.

Home stretch to the neck

2010-09-20T21:49:00.004-05:00

I don't know how many hours were spent to get this far, because round after round after round of laceweight stockinette takes for frickin' ever!!! But I can finally say that the major hurdle of the body is knitted and done. The sleeves are now attached, the stripe pattern actually lines up (Huzzah!), and I'm ready to begin the raglan decreases to the neck.

The home stretch is in my grasp. :)