Clearbrook's Nook

Group Project Mania

2012-02-03T12:56:00.002-06:00

I am working on several group projects right now.

I am working on Stumptown Knits, SockMadness 6 Warm-ups, Kniterrati, and a few others that I can't even think of right now.

I am also in the middle of the spring baby rush! I think there are at least 5-7 people I know of who are expecting. One is due this month. Yikes! I have got to get busy on those projects too.

Life is as usual, absolutely in upheaval. Work seems to be calming down, at least on our being eliminated front, but the work is going to be picking up in the near future.

Home life is very rough right now, but we still truck on. (what else can you do?)

Well, it's a rainy day here, and they are expecting up to 10 inches (depending on which forecast you listen to) by tomorrow night.

I'm going to take my son to the doctor for "genetic testing" to try and find out why his meds don't work, or maybe find some that might work. And then? I think I will go home and try and knit.

5 Months of Nothing

2011-05-02T14:34:00.002-06:00

Yup, that about sums up this blog.

I participated in Sock Madness again this year. I made it to round 4 (almost to 5) so I did a tad better than last year.

I loved the patterns this year. I made all of them, including the optional round (still working on this one, but am almost done with sock #2)

I was going to put a picture of some of the socks, but blogger doesn't seem to like my link to flickr.com. Maybe I can force it:

That's better! This is Sock #2. This sock seemed like it took 10 times longer than it actually did. Don't know why, but everyone seemed to take a much longer time on this one.

Work is still work, but just more of it. I think that is becoming the norm for everyone. Do more with less, for less (or at least no more).

I think I'll go back and knit some more on my socks, and enjoy the beautiful day today after I get off work.

Socks, socks and more socks

2010-12-01T12:45:00.003-06:00

I have been knitting socks for most of the last 2 months. I finished 2 Christmas stockings in October, then proceeded to move on to traditional socks.

I made my son a pair of shorties, my daughter a pair of shorties and am now working on another pair of socks. They aren't shorties, but they also are not regular length either, they fall somewhere in between. (midi's???)

I am not even on the page of gifts for this holiday season. Maybe I will make up some soaps/scrubs and use that for gifts. I don't have the money to do much else, nor am I in much of a giving spirit. I just want to sit by a nice warm fire, with Enya playing in the background, and knit.

Needless to say ... that ain't gonna happen any time soon (if ever).

My son wants me to knit him a sweater. We have the pattern, now I need to get the yarn. Acrylic for him, as everything he wears ends up in the washer and dryer. He's picked out the color, now I just have to find the yarn at a good price. I think I can make it for around $40 in yarn, not including my time. Not too bad.

I'm Still Standing...

2010-03-09T15:54:00.003-06:00

We received notice of those being laid off today. I am not one of them.

I thank the stars, and whatever else I can thank, that I have not lost my job, as of yet.

More cuts are possible in the future, but not right now.

I feel like I can start to resume my life, to some extent.

I am now going to go and finish my day at work, go home and heave a heavy sigh of relief. I may even get a bottle of Boone's Farm, drink to those who were cut, and be thankful for what I have.

I am a Jinx!

2009-09-30T13:03:00.003-06:00

I am participating in the Dish Rag Tag again this year. I am the team captain of team K2Win.

Our box has gone missing!

This happened to my team last year. I am thinking that I should not participate in these kind of things anymore.

I know it's not really me (or is it?), but it sure seems like this happens to me a lot.

The kitties are doing well. They are beginning to get along better. And the kids are still cleaning the cat box and other bodily functions up without batting an eyelash (for the most part). Pye has a touchy stomach some days, and has led to a new realm of clean-up.

The knitting is going very well. I have 5 holiday gifts done, 3 more almost done and only a few more to start. I even have a pair of mittens for my daughter almost done for her 10th (how the heck did that happen?) birthday in 2 weeks.

I am still unable to go to my knitting group on Wed. nights. I can hardly stand it any more. I need to be around other adults that are not work or family related. Some days I just want to pull my hair out. I need that release of hearing other people's troubles, triumphs and enthusiasm. I will not do this again anytime soon.

This month is our Knitting Guild's Trick or Treat swap. I can't wait for this one. I always bring a few things. Some are going to be tricks this year, as well as a treat or two.

A Tail of 2 Kitties

2009-08-28T13:37:00.003-06:00

We did get a second cat from the humane society. Her name is Annabelle. That was her name before we got her. We decided to not confuse her even more, by giving her yet another name.

Her previous owner boarded her at the humane society and never returned for her. She is very sweet and totally lovable.

This isn't her, but it looks almost identical.

The kids love her so much, she follows them around, gets in their way, gets in their face, and they totally LOVE it.

The two cats still don't get along yet, but they are slowly realizing that they are stuck with each other, and that neither of them are going away.

Knitting is slowing down, but still making progress. I am going to make some more beach bags I think. They are pretty quick and super easy. I want to do scarves, but I don't want to buy new yarn either. I will have to think on this some more.

School is in full swing, and J has brought home the bassoon again. He really likes playing it. In another week, he may be playing it in band.

I miss going to knitting on Wed. nights. I will be glad when this fitness class is over. I miss the back to school stories, the general welcome feeling from the group. It's almost like I am going to come back and have to start all over again, like it's a new group.

A Little Bit of This ...

2009-08-21T09:26:00.004-06:00

Son of Dish Rag Tag is going smoothly. Teams have been chosen, all my team members have checked in, and the boxes should mail out late next week!

I can't wait! I love this type of stuff! It's so much fun, waiting to see if there is a new box when I get home, then seeing the items in the box, then seeing how much I can pack in the box to send on to the next person! It just makes me feel all bubbly inside.

And what else could make a person feel even better? How about a new kitty. Yup! We now have a new kitty at our house. Her name is Pye.

The back story: After we lost our last animals to old age and health problems, it was dictated that there would never be any more animals in the house while my grandma was alive. This was a few years ago. She held out much longer than I expected. But, I've noticed the signs that she was caving in on that old dictate.

My mom brought home this small black and white cat yesterday. Once the cat was in the house, my gran says "Now we need another one, so she isn't lonely".

So, back to the Capital Humane Society we went, to try to get another cat. Unfortunately, they were all out of adult cats. We will try back today or tomorrow. Heaven forbid the cat not have a companion of her own species.

Knitting is going well. I am getting a lot of holiday knitting done, and am really excited to knit again. Now, I must find kitty toy and bed patterns. Pye can't be left out of the knitting/crocheting gifts.

The kids are back to school and everything is good on that front too. (So far) J. has already talked his band teacher into letting him try the bassoon again this year. I think he is bringing it home today. Joy!

Well, I'm off to have a great afternoon, with possibly another kitty coming home!

Son of Dish Rag Tag

2009-08-13T07:25:00.003-06:00

I am participating in this year's Son of Dish Rag Tag.

Emily is running this great race for a third year. Thanks so much Emily!

Last year my team had some stumbling blocks, but we still had a lot of fun. And who can beat the anticipation of a small box being delivered with yarn and goodies inside?

I can't wait to get started! Our team will be going coast-to-coast. California to Connecticut, and several stops in between.

Get your needles ready!

On the home front, things have been pretty good. J now has an official diagnosis. While this doesn't make things better, it does make things better, if you know what I mean.

We have just one major test left and that is on Saturday. IQ testing. J has never had this done before, but it will be interesting to see in what range he is at. They did some testing on his vocabulary and understanding, and he tested at/above a college level. (He is entering 7th grade this year)

It's hard to know how to handle a kid that takes everything you say literally, all the time, whose vocab. understanding/use is at a college level, but who doesn't understand non-verbal communication, teasing, or emotions (his or others).

I love him dearly, but some days I can't stand to be around him. I am positive he feels the same way about me. Probably more so.

Knitting is going great! I am knitting up Holiday gifts right now, and they are flying off the needles.

In fact, I received my new Zephyr acrylic needles from KnitPicks.com and have already worn one out. It snapped in half while knitting last Tuesday. (A new set is on it's way - free of charge!)

I am still trying to figure out what to do for gifts this year. Money is way too tight, and the things kids want are WAY too expensive. They are just going to have to be happy with less. (Are there any kids like that out there?)

Performing my Civic Duty

2009-07-24T12:03:00.002-06:00

I spent 4 days this week serving on a jury.

It was an interesting experience, to say the least. I knit in all of our breaks, and ended up with 6 dish/washcloths by the end. I figured at least the downtime, when we can't talk about the case, wouldn't be wasted, and I still could participate in other conversations.

You learn some of the strangest things about the other jury members when you are confined to a small room day after day. (What venues have cheap food, movies about juries, etc.)

I am glad that it was a short trial though. And that we were not sequestered.

I didn't do much of anything else this week, except for go to court, go home, and knit during the day.

I am digging out of the piles of e-mail that accumulated over 6 days. Better get back to it.

Camp, Round 2

2009-07-06T13:01:00.003-06:00

K is now at camp. We dropped her off yesterday afternoon. She was bouncing off the walls, she was so excited.

I hope she has a great bunch of girls this year. Last year, there were some divas in her cabin that weren't very nice. But, hey, she survived, had fun and is back for year 2!

Here she is at last year's camp.

And how about a few more: (Can you find her?)

Sadly, homecoming was early

2009-06-19T10:26:00.003-06:00

Well, my dread was not unwarranted. I got the call around 9:15 p.m. last night.

"Please come get your child as soon as possible. He punched another camper in the face."

Such warm, fuzzy mom moments.

He was very tired, and very upset. He truly hated camp this week. It's hard to enjoy camp when none of your cabinmates want to include you in the activities. Combine that with lack of sleep, and problems controlling impulses and anger, and what do you get? A complete meltdown.

He did say that he really liked his horse. Her name was Honey. She was much more cooperative than Cricket was last year. J said the only problem she had was she liked to eat too much.

I couldn't get mad at J for hitting the other kid, knowing that this had been brewing since the first day. I feel bad that he is so different from the kids his age that they don't want anything to do with him. I talked to him about it briefly on the ride home. Suggested that when they were breaking the rules, that he should have involved a counselor/adult.

I am upset that he hit the boy, don't get me wrong. I know it's wrong, and so does he. And there is no excuse for hitting another person.

The final straw last night was at the lake and the rope swing. The rules say that there is no saving spots in line. The boy(s) ahead of him were doing exactly that. So, of course, my son has to be insistent that they were breaking the rules and can't save spots in line. This obviously got way out of hand. One kid got hit and another sent home. So, while the counselors knew that there were major problems with this cabin of boys, I am wondering where they were while this argument was escalating. (Simple solution would have been to have an adult supervising the line, and enforcing the no saving spots/cutting in line.) I don't know, I wasn't there. Maybe I am just too simplistic.

Today is another day. Tomorrow will be a new day too.

Time for some Mac 'n Cheese, Diet Pepsi and some knitting.

A Week of Horses

2009-06-15T13:09:00.003-06:00

J is off to Ranch Camp at Camp Kitaki (near South Bend, NE). I am both elated and full of trepidation. I love having J enjoy time out of the house, riding horses, spending time with other kids his age. But... I also dread having J out of the house spending time with other kids his age, or those that are not familiar with his subtle signs of impending doom. (These are pictures of 2008)

I am hoping for a great week (weather permitting) for him with his horse and new friends. I think that he will keep it together. I just wish I could know for sure.

I haven't even had a chance to knit more that about 4 rows on anything for the last week. This is beginning to get on my nerves. I miss knitting every evening.

On another completely different note: "One Book, One Lincoln" announced the 5 finalists for this year's reading. They seem a bit more probable than last year's titles, but still a bit dark in theme. (racism, poverty, Sudan "Lost Boys", and civil wars). I will have to try to get one of these and see how they go.

I am starting to get K ready for her tour at camp. She goes in about 3 weeks. She's excited and ready to go.

Typical Government/University Thinking...

2009-06-09T09:45:00.002-06:00

I have done a stupid thing. I lost my university ID card. This wouldn't be such a horrible thing, except that it is how I unlock the doors in the building.

Now, for the brilliant thinking/policy making, that can only be attributed to government and university minds. Ready? To report your card lost/stolen you must give them your name and (wait for it) the ID number that is only found on the front of your ID card.

Hello! Anyone paying attention? This number is not located anywhere else that you can access.

So, I was told that it would be best to not show up at the Ncard office for the next 6 weeks, unless it was absolutely necessary, as they are processing several hundred new students, and I would have to wait for each group to go through. (The ave. group size, you ask? 50 people)

Oh well. I will just have to stalk their office in the morning, and beat the influx of new students.

On the home front: Last Friday was the 1st day off for the summer for my kids. We went to the psychologist (we may have some new answers that make much more sense soon), then we went to the YMCA to bask in the sun in the new outdoor pool.

Saturday we went to the park, then the pool (let me tell you the water is very cold). After the pool, we went to Panera for a Lincoln Knitter's session. (only 3 of us showed up).

Sunday was the best though. We spent the entire day at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha. We got there, drove around the parking lot for like 45 minutes, trying to find a parking spot (no luck). Finally got a spot across the street, then proceeded to walk around, ride the train, and ride the tram until almost 5 p.m.

Sorry, no pictures. But I will tell you that both kids were thrilled with the peacocks that roam free. And J wanted to get up close and personal with the prairie dogs that also roam free. K loved watching the sea lions. She made us get off the tram so she could watch them. (so much like me, anything about the water creatures)

The second best thing? the aquarium. We actually sat down in the shark tube for almost 10 minutes. We were all mesmerized and fascinated with the sharks, rays, puffer fish and sea turtle. I could stay in there all day and not get bored, but not the kids. I thought 10 minutes was about as long as I could make J stay in there.

Behavior has been pretty darn good from J over the weekend. But then again, he was being kept very active and busy with things that are not the same. This will wear off (i.e. the outdoor pool), but I will bask in the minimal fighting/arguing that occurred.

Knitting is going about the same, I didn't get much time over the weekend because of how busy and on the road we were, so I am in about the same spot I was the last time I checked in. I did cast on a new pair of shorty socks for J. He likes the way they feel better than store bought socks.

Well, have a great day!

(p.s. Jess, I got your postcard. Love it! Now, if you would have put your new address on there, we could send one back. PM me in Ravelry some time with your address)

Luvin' 'Amigurumi Knits'

2009-06-02T14:06:00.002-06:00

I can't get over how much I LUV this book: Amigurumi Knits

I have made the Garden Snail, and started Nessie and the Octopus.

These are about as close to instant gratification as you can get for knitting projects. They are even more fun than socks.

I love Hansi Singh's designs. I have dreamed about her designs even before her book. I would drool over her Etsy.com site. (She has her shop closed this week, but I am sure she will be back in all her cryptozoological glory soon)

I am using the yarn that Jess gifted me. (Remember that tangled mess you were going to throw away? It has gone on to become some fun creatures!)

I need to finish up so many projects. I will work on that, bit by bit, and throw in some quick ami's to make sure I don't get too bored. Some of them are just too big and hot to work on in the summer, so go into hibernation until October or later.

Happy Knitting!

End of school approaches, and the frustration begins

2009-06-01T11:23:00.002-06:00

OK, this post is just one big rant. Ignore as needed.

I am a bit apprehensive about school ending this week. I will be glad to not have to worry about missing assignments, and "we need this" and "we need money for this".

But... there is the problem of what to do with the 2 kids to keep them entertained/out of trouble/not fighting over the summer.

I wonder if there is any way to find more money and more camps for them to attend? I would love to be able to send them to camp all summer. (Anywhere!) But one's that wouldn't cost me an arm and leg to do so. (And one who is capable of dealing with an out of control temper/behavioral problems)

I do have a couple weeks of each kid going to Camp Kitaki. J will be going the week after next and K. will be going right after the 4th of July. I am also looking into a music camp for J. to attend. But then I feel guilty for not having a 2nd camp for K.

Then I find out that I may be called for Jury Duty on the week of the music camp. Well, that just stinks. I was thinking that I could take a day or 2 off that week and spend it with K, instead of a 2nd camp, but if I am stuck in the courthouse ...

I will have to think about this some more. I wish there were more options.

Everyone keeps telling me about BrightLights. But the hours do not fit with having to work an everyday job from 8-5. I mean the morning session is from 9-noon, and the afternoon session is from 1-4.

Who schedules these things? Don't they realize that people have jobs? I guess they are still under the impression that the "wife" stays home and can cart the kids to all their activities. and why don't they provide before care and lunch supervision at the other locations? I would have to get to work 1.5 hours late and leave 1.5 hours early. I mean, I guess then I would have to leave work again at 11:30 to supervise my own child over lunch and hurry back after 1 p.m. So, I would be at work from 9:30-11:30 in the morning and 1:30-3:30 in the afternoon. Sure, that's close to a full 8 hour day.

Ok, I think I've ranted enough (or quite a bit more that enough).

On the knitting front: I have started (and almost finished) Nessie from Amigurumi Knits I have the flippers and horns left.

I am almost 1/2 way done with my beaded sock from the Knitter's Brewing Co.

I finished those socks I have been using as appointment waiting room socks.

I made a purse/bag.

I made the garden snail from the same book that Nessie is in. (I plan to make many more of these creatures. I love this book so much.)

I made out my list of people for Christmas, and started to gather ideas for what to do (hopefully most can be accomplished from my stash). I may have to get out my 3 foot long size 50 knitting needles again.

I'm about 1/2 way done with a gift for Tana and her newest edition.

I still need to finish a blanket that will be gifted/donated too. Just have to seam up all the blasted blocks.

Plus I have some shawls I need/want to knit up, and several more KAL's coming up.

(Just remember Jess, you wanted me to blog more. I am sure you are having fun getting reacquainted with NYC.)

I was told I have to blog more...

2009-05-28T09:21:00.002-06:00

OK, I understand, I need to blog more. (I actually have known this for quite some time, just don't have a lot of motivation/knowledge to do something about it)

I just don't have much to talk about. I still can't get the card reader to read my camera's picture card. Now, does this mean I need a new card reader, card or camera?

I still need to get the pictures off that dang card though. (humpf)

I guess I could try a new card, then a new card reader, and if all else fails? (gulp) a new camera.

I should go to Christy's Blogging 101 class tonight, if there is still room. Maybe that would give me a boost and some fresh ideas. (another drawback ... I don't have DSL or high speed internet at home. I only have the dreaded and nearly useless dial-up)

If anyone has any ideas for me that would be great too.

I am trying to get the money to add DSL at home, but $600/year is a lot out of my pocketbook. Maybe I will have to start making some stitch markers, row counters, and other small items to sell to help this along.

Off to think up some new designs ...

A Very Lazy Blogger

2009-04-30T09:27:00.002-06:00

I guess I just don't feel like blogging. I love reading them, but I just don't feel I have anything that anyone else would want to hear.

So, I guess I can promote other people's blogs. Like this one: Julie-K. Julie is a friend from my knitting group/guild and loves to create new things from old things. Her giveaway today is made from a sweater sleeve cuff that she embellished.

I do love this one. It seems to say "Spring" to me.

I also love her bags. She makes some of the cutest bags. Some of the ones from recycled sweaters? well, let's just say Gorgeous!

Also, for anyone looking for some plants/flowers, and in Lincoln, NE, stop by UNL's East Campus for the Horticulture Club's spring plant sale. I will be stopping by later today to check out what they have.

Their sale is today and tomorrow.

Happy Planting!

Busy Buzzing Bee ...

2009-02-13T09:51:00.005-06:00

That's how I feel right now. I feel like a busy bee, flitting from one project to another. And I am loving it.

I finished the socks I have been working on forever. Found another pair that only needed the second sock, and have that sock about 1/2 way done.

I have decided to undo the 2 other socks that need mates, and re-use the yarn for better suited patterns. So, back to the list of sock yarn/patterns I go! I need to find some great patterns to bring out the beauty of the sock yarn I have. I have more sock yarn that is variegated than I know what to do with right now. In fact, nearly all of my yarn is variegated/multi-colored/self-striping.

I wish that I had been a little more prudent when I was buying all that yarn. I mean, would it have killed me to have bought some solid/semi-solid colored yarn? Really? Oh, well. That just means that I will have to be a bit more creative when knitting it all up. I do have some pure black sock yarn, so that might be a good thing to do some colorwork with.

The kids have a snow day today. This is both good and trying. I brought J. to work with me today, and I will bring K. on Monday. I don't think I could have handled them both here today. Nor do I think that my job would be very thrilled either. Lately, both of them have been really snarky, grouchy kids. Neither one will cave on any decision. Sometimes I feel like one of those cliches: "he's touching me"; "no, she's touching me"; "mom, make his stop looking at me"; "mom, she looked at me first, make her stop looking at me".

Now, imagine that this bickering goes on about every single thing that they do, see, say, hear, think and even the things that happened like 2 years ago. I am ready for some valium. I think that everyone in the house should have some, so everyone can just chill out. (I know that this is not the solution, but dang, it would be nice to have a peaceful evening/day.)

I am wishing that I had Lisa's patience. I am not sure how she can keep her sanity some days.

Well, back to work!

A bit late on the Twilight saga craze, and a sock yarn reality check.

2009-01-30T15:11:00.004-06:00

I am enraptured. I haven't slept for more than 4 hours in the last week and a half. All over a series of books.

Yup, books. I was a bit late on the uptake of this series. Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn.

Well, I read the first one. Kinda moseyed along, reading a bit faster as I got closer to the end. The second one? I read it in 11 hours. I started this last Sunday and I finished at about 2:45 in the morning. Dragged my butt out of bed, went to work and then had to run to the store to get the 3rd book. And stuck my nose in and read book 3 over the next 3 nights. Wednesday? I was at B&N, and picked up the last book (since I knew that I would be finishing the 3rd book later that night).

OK, that was 2 days ago. I did finish book 3 Wed. night at around 3:30 a.m. I started the last book last night, and should have it finished up very shortly.

I am getting kind of giddy. (I think that is directly related to the complete lack of sleep over the last week+)

Now, I have to wait until the middle of next month for the movie to come out on DVD. I hate going to movies before I read the books, and I really didn't think that it would hold my attention the way that it did. I think that was why I put off reading them for so long.

OK, enough about books. I have spent most of the last couple of months working on finishing my UFOs. And I still have not resolved my card reader issues. So, still no pictures. Hmpf.

I finished the Mystic Light shawl I was working on during the last Stanley Cup finals. Knitting complex, 2-sided lace and watching hockey just don't work well for me. at all. I'd get about 2 or 3 rows done, then realize that they were not right. So I would have to tink back those rows and do them all over again. Hmpf. I finally gave up, carefully stashed it away, and forgot about it.

I pulled it out of it's hiding spot, and was able to finish it in about a week or 2. Don't know what my problem was (except trying to watch that little puck fly across the ice with those boys chasing it).

I also finished a few hats, and some other small projects that just never really went anywhere. I am ready to start working from my stash for the next year. No clubs, no buying yarn (even sale yarn and sock yarn).

I put all the sock yarn into a table the other day (only the one's I could remember mind you). I wanted to do this so I could start looking for appropriate patterns to go with them. You can't knit lacy socks out of a self-striping yarn and expect them to look very lacy.

Here's why I will only be working from my stash: I have enough sock yarn to make 40 pair of socks. And I am sure that there is more sock yarn stashed in other places. Remember I told you this was only what I could think of off the top of my head? Um, yeah. I think I have enough to hold me for a while.

My goal is to do each yarn out of a different pattern. I want to try some new things. Broaden my horizons a bit.

I am not even going to go to all the yarn I bought from Smiley's Yarns. Let's just put it this way. I have enough Bright & Lofty in a day-glo pink to last the world for a lifetime. hmm, maybe I could make K a skirt and matching bolero/shrug?

Well, off to search for something to do with all that Bright and Lofty yarn (besides squares).

Dish Rag Tag Update

2008-10-03T13:52:00.003-06:00

This Dish Rag Tag is going VERY slowly for my team. Our box has been stalled out for 23 days at one spot. A new box has been sent out. Now we may have 2 boxes going. 7 more stops on it's way back to Emily (yarnmiracle.com).

I am getting excited all over again. I have a bunch of stuff ready to stuff in that little box. I'm not sure if I should get more to put in there. Once I have the box, I'll know.

School is going well for J. He hasn't had any behavioral problems at school so far. I am loving that! We've had a few minor things happen at home, but who doesn't. K. says she likes school, but I know she is not doing well (in spelling). She has already resigned herself to not being able to do the timed math tests, and won't study her spelling.

Tonight I have to come up with something fun to do. I think we will go to a pizza buffet, and then out to a movie. As soon as I can get my new contacts, that is.

I have been trying new contacts since August. Trying to fine-tune the fit and comfort. Right now my eyes are driving me crazy. But, I am very hopeful that this next (and final) pair will be the right combo. I love not wearing my glasses way too much to give up on finding the right ones.

Knitting is going on, just not really any specific projects. I am more or less just dinking around. I need to commit to a project and finish it. I have 2 pr. of socks that need the 2nd sock made. I have a shawl that needs the last 30 rows (or more) done. I have a scarf that needs to be finished. Can we say, "UFO's"? And that is just what I have easily within my grasp every evening.

On to more knitting!

Mummy and Dish Rag Tag Update

2008-09-12T14:58:00.003-06:00

I have one 'Revenge of the Mummy' sock done! I am not casting on for the second one yet, though. The new pattern for the Super Sock Scarefest came out yesterday, and I have cast on that one instead. This one is toe-up, and I am knitting it in black Knit Picks Essential yarn.

This yarn is wonderfully soft, and easy on my pocketbook. (always a plus)

On the Dish Rag Tag front? well, that's not going so well for our team. We are DEAD LAST! Our group only has a couple people who frequent the forum, and then that seems pretty sporadic. I hope that the other teams will hit some snags along the way, so we don't have to trail the entire race. I am getting anxious for the box to arrive. I can't wait to see the pattern, and what goodies will be sent.

The person who has to send to me hasn't asked anything. I guess I will just post my answers to questions I would/have asked others.

So, here goes:

Favorite animal: Killer whale, dolphin
Favorite color: blues
Favorite yarn: sock yarn: Socks that Rock; everyday yarn: Brown Sheep's Lambs Pride
Favorite drink: sugar-free kool-aid, diet Squirt, coffee
Favorite needle: knit picks Options
Favorite knitting project: socks
Favorite car: anything newer than mine. (or in better condition) One of those little VW Bugs would be fun.
Favorite food: Pizza (so many different ways to make the same thing!)
Favorite treat/candy: milk chocolate, Ferrero Rocher (the gold ones), gummiworms
Favorite place to knit/crochet: Barnes & Noble with friends
Favorite mode of transportation: any I don't have to be actively doing
Do you knit, crochet, or both: Both
Do you have any dietary considerations (i.e. kosher, sugar/salt/fat limits, hate a flavor)? I can not eat fresh citrus fruit (no fresh oranges, grapefruits, etc. they trigger migraines. And of course I love these things). Other than that, no real limits.

Well, I hope everyone has a good weekend!

Mummies

2008-09-10T15:24:00.002-06:00

I have knit the first mummy sock down past the gusset. I am now to the mind-numbing stockinette foot.

A new pattern comes out tomorrow (Super Sock Scarefest on Ravelry), and should use black yarn. Yeah! I can go stash diving for this one. (Actually I am stash diving for all of these, I hope)

I will be going to knitting tonight where hopefully I can blast through some of the foot.

I still have my Mystic Light shawl in progress. I need to work on getting chart 3 done (5 more rows), then chart 4 and the border. I could so have this done in about a month or so, IF I would just work on it.

I still need to gather up more stuff for my Road Trip Swap partner. I need to get this done by the end of the weekend. I hate knowing that she is waiting on me to get off my lazy butt and send it. I made some of the items that will be in there, but need to round out the package a bit more.

Well, off to make a list of everything I need to buy.

Socks, Pentapi and kids

2008-09-08T11:50:00.002-06:00

I am knitting up some "Revenge of the Mummy" socks. I am using some Hannibal Lecter sock yarn. Great color, it reminds me of the old bandages with some grey-ish and lighter brown spots/streaks.

I put those aside this weekend (only did about 10 rows) and made a crocheted Octopus (with only 5 arms - hence Pentapi). My kids found it before school this morning and were swimming it all over the living room. I can see that I will have to make some more of these (and quick). I think that they will have to be birthday presents for them.

I got an e-mail from my son's teacher yesterday. Progress report. I could not be more happy!!!! He has all his homework turned in, all correct, and has done great on the spelling and other quiz he took. I can't wait to let his counselor know about this. I have been a bit worried about how he would handle moving to middle school and the bigger workload.

Today is his first clarinet class. I hope that goes well. He practiced over the summer, but quit playing about a month before school started back. He broke a piece on his clarinet, and didn't tell anyone. He also couldn't fit his reed in under the new ligature (more of an excuse than a real problem). But he has been playing the last few days, and still sounds pretty good. Just a few more strangled geese around the house than usual (if you've ever heard someone playing a clarinet for the first time, you will know what I mean -- LOL). We joke about this so we don't get too discouraged about not making all the notes perfect.

I am as happy as can be. Well, off to knit more mummies.

Washrags, Dishrags

2008-08-28T15:25:00.003-06:00

I have made my Road Trip Swap her washrag. I need to get some goodies together and send this off this weekend.

I have no clue what is going on with DishRagTag and our group. I hope to see a box any day now when I get home. I need to get some goodies together for this one too.

I love making these every once in a while. They are quick, easy and can be very pretty. I made my daughter one that is shaped like a flower. Not the round-edged flowers, but it has pointy leaves/petals. She doesn't know that I have made this for her yet. I am waiting until her birthday to give it to her. It is Pink variegated, so she should like it.

I am making socks right now, and have a bag that is almost ready to be felted.

The kids are loving school. But already my dd comes home and says she hasn't learned anything new. They are in the newly moved portable classrooms and what don't they have? bathrooms. Of all the bloomin' things not to have. So if anyone is sick or has to go "NOW" they have to walk to the main school building and use the bathroom there.

I need to get a shirt for my son for gym (since it needs his name on it). Will have to do that tonight, maybe after my eye appt. New contacts, here I come.

Back to school

2008-08-25T13:37:00.002-06:00

Well, the kids are now back in school (day 4). They like their teachers (so far) and that seems to be half the battle.

I love that they are excited to be back (even though they don't show it at 6:30 in the morning -- that's just moans and groans and covers being flung over their heads to represent amorphous amoebic blobs)

There are some growing pains associated with the return of school. No, you can't sit on the toilet for 20 minutes (basically sleeping) and still get ready on time. And dribbling your drink (twice) on your clean (just washed yesterday) clothes requires you to change clothes before leaving. (and no, you can not wear what you had on yesterday. and another no, you can not take 20 minutes to do this task).

Are you getting the feeling that one of my kids likes to take FOREVER to get things done????

Yeah, I have one of the biggest procrastinators in the world for a kid. And the other kid? well, let's just say he is very opinionated and stubborn as a mule once his mind is set.

I love them both bunches and bunches, but good golly ... I really hate some of their habits/behaviors. We are working on curbing some of them, and others I just try to ignore. (I can't ignore the 20 minutes on the toilet though, because we 3 share one bathroom)

Knitting is slowing down. I had a great surge of knitting with the start of the Olympics, but it has really trailed off. It seems I was able to knit fast and a lot while the swimming and gymnastics was going on, but once the swimming was over? well, my get-up-and-go got up and went.

I did get 2 pair of socks and a bunch of washcloths made, plus 1/2 of another pair of socks nearly done. I didn't get to the mini-hedgehog. I will, but not for a while.

I want to make for things to send off for charity. I also want to design a top for myself. I need to customize it so that I would actually wear it. Hmmm. Maybe those Barbara Walker books will come in handy.

Wednesday blahs

2008-08-13T14:56:00.003-06:00

I have the Wednesday blahs. I don't want to work, I don't want to do much at all.

I want to play games, knit and listen to music. How's that for ambition? oh well. I have an hour more to go before I can go home. Tonight is also Knitting at Barnes. That usually isn't very productive, but I am trying to get a pair of socks knit before Sunday night. (This is a self-imposed deadline.)

I am plugging along for the Ravelympics. Woo Hoo! I basically have one sock left and a hedgehog to go before the end of the real Olympics.

Tomorrow night is a "Sip 'n Knit" at the Yarn Shop. This should be fun. At least it will be more fun than sitting at home knitting.

I think I will finish posting the news story we sent out today, then get ready to go home.

Ravelympic Progress

2008-08-11T08:06:00.002-06:00

I finished the WIP Wrestling and the Gifts.

I finished the Sock-ease socks for my son yesterday (Sunday) and also finished the dishcloths. I actually made 4 instead of 3. They ended up being crocheted, but hey, they are done!

I also have half of the first sock for the Sock Put event done. I should be able to finish it up by Wednesday (I hope!) My goal is to have the pair done by the end of this weekend. That will let me spend some time making the hedgehog for the finish!

On another front, we all had our eyes checked this weekend. Of course things have changed. But just a hair. My son now has a new pair of glasses. They are lime green and black. He fell in love with them the minute he saw them. Then the lady helping us told him that they didn't have any in his size. So he started looking for a different pair. All of a sudden, she found the lime ones in his size. All the sunshine came back into my son's face.

I, on the other hand, am waiting for my trial contacts to come in!!! I have waited my entire glasses-wearing life (since 7th grade) to be able to try contacts. I can't tell you how much I HATE wearing glasses. As soon as they come in, I will make my appt. to have my fitting/teaching.

I just want to try them. I may not like them, but at least I will have tried. You never know until you try something new.

Well, have a great day!

The Olympics and the Ravelympics

2008-08-08T12:49:00.002-06:00

And the race is on!

True athletes are competing in Beijing and knitters/crocheters are competing in their own events.

I am entered into 4 events. Someone I know didn't think that 2 events were enough. So ... I entered into 2 more. I am entered into the WIP Wrestling (sock), Sock Put (pr. of socks), Amingurumi and Toy Toss (mini hedgehog) and Gift Knits Pentathalon (set of 3 dishcloths).

I have the WIP almost done. I have to finish the gusset and rib the foot then finish the toe. I should have this done sometime tomorrow. (Yeah, me and my big dreams!)

I want to cast on a dishcloth next. That way I don't get too bored just making socks. I think these are going to be the flower shaped ones or round ones.

My hedgehog will be deep purple with light purple feet, and Sapphire fur. These usually take me about 5 evenings to finish knitting. So hopefully I can have it done for next weekend's laundry.

That will just leave me to knit another pair of socks.

I am excited to start watching some of the Olympics. It amazes me at the feats some people can accomplish with the human body. I often wish that I had the mental capabilities of a top-notch athlete. Not so much the physical ability, but the mental one. I have a hard time just keeping up with the must-do things, let alone the drive to keep at a task for more than a week or 2.

Yup! I have no endurance. I am one of those people that needs someone to force me to do things. I tried to get my kids to put some pressure on me, but they aren't much better. I thought it would be easy to get them to make me go swimming, but they forget 15 minutes after I tell them something.

Oh, well. I am on my way to start planning some Olympic T.V. for the weekend so that I can compete in my Ravelympic events.

A Day in Hades

2008-08-04T11:20:00.003-06:00

Saturday and Sunday was too dang hot to be running around town, but when else are you going to get all those things bought?

I spent nearly all day Saturday running from one place to another. We start most Saturdays getting up early and heading to swimming lessons. (45+ minutes of knitting - Yeah!) then we usually head to the library or the park. This time it was the park. Then we went to Shopko to start the wonderful bank account drain of school shopping. Thought I'd check to see if I made sure I had my credit/debit card. Nope. So had to run home real quick, grab the card, then run back to the store. Grab a bite to eat at the McD's across the road, run home to get K ready to go with her Big.

Once she went with her Big, I dropped J off at a friend's house, ran to Dietze Music to pick up a broken part for J's clarinet. I had already been here earlier last week to get him some new music, and he "forgot" to tell me he needed this broken piece replaced.

Ran home, sat in the A/C for a few minutes to cool down and get ready for knitting at Braeda's.
I had all my stuff ready to go, swung by to pick up J, and he said he had to run home to get his stuff to take to knitting. OMG!

So ran back home, he ran in and got his stuff, ran back out, then drove over to knit/drink/chat.

Right before leaving to go home, got a call from K's Big. Could I pick her up? No problem. Could I also do a favor and drop K's Big off to pick up her car from the shop? sure. (Frantic bagging of trash from the car, so someone else can sit in the front passenger seat -- in 102F)

Drove to pick them up and drop K's Big at the repair shop, only to find out that her car had no brakes when she picked up my DD.

Ran to the closest Popeye's to grab some supper, then ran home for the final time. Needless to say, I still didn't get everything done that I had wanted or needed to.

Woof!

After that, Sunday seemed to drag on forever (I refused to go anywhere until about 4 p.m. while the kids begged to go swimming, and a stop at the humane society to drop off the shoe boxes and dream about getting a pet.).

I thought that the day would never end.

Pictures

2008-08-01T12:15:00.002-06:00

I completely planned to post pictures of my hedgehog, monkey socks and lacy trellis socks (in progress). I have the photos taken, but my card reader isn't liking the SD card.

This is the same card reader that I have used plenty of times in the past.

I WANT TO POST MY PICTURES!

oh, well.

PinkLemonTwist announced today that Mystery Shawl #4 is now open for people to join. So, of course, I joined.

Dishrag Tag is also open today for people to sign up. (Thanks Christy)

Can't wait for tomorrow. Knitting at the local Braeda's (is it ea or ae?) I love getting out and just having fun chatting, drinking and having fun! (OK, so my life is pretty basic)

Ravelympics

2008-07-31T13:58:00.007-06:00

I have joined the throng that will participate in the Ravelympics. I am entering the Sock Put and the Gifts categories. I may also enter the Toy Toss, maybe. Maybe I should enter the WIP event too. (then I could just finish some of the projects I have left to do)

I have 8 rows left on the socks I am knitting. Then will switch to the other pair that I have going.

I am trying to get done with some of the projects that I have on the needles right now. I don't want to have them just sitting around ... waiting.

I will have to think about this over the weekend. Maybe I should go through my WIPs, and just see what will be able to be finished with only minimal fuss.

On the kid front, things have been going fairly well this summer. J only had one major meltdown, and that was on the 4th of July. We were playing the Wii, and he was losing. He got mad, and let's just say that I still have a sore eye. (yes, a month later and it still hurts. makes me wonder if I have a small fracture in my cheekbone.)

This sweater has driven me to stuff it into a bag and hide it away. I have the back done, and supposedly have the front done, if you follow the directions. But, looking at the photo and comparing that to my actual product? They are completely different. I think I will have to just wing it to get it done. That, or I will have to frog this project, yet again.

(I can't get my photo to load, so I will just put a link in instead. That's why I keep on trying to edit this post.)

Donuts! Mmmmmm!

2008-05-13T08:23:00.002-06:00

OK, this is supposed to be a link to get a free sample of Dunkin' Donuts Coffee. (Hopefully it will work. I am a very blog button/link dummy)

Well, that seems to work. Let me know if it doesn't.

Things are definitely going in the right direction with J. He is back in school (as of last week) and had been a model student. His being able to go to a different classroom to work has completely ended homework, missing assignments, and a lot less headaches all around. We are giving this 5 stars for last week, and on our way to 5 more stars for this week.

J wanted to do band camp this summer, but I just can't swing it. It's from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Now, my question is ... how is a single working mom supposed to be at work at 8 a.m. able to make this happen? Answer: you can't. Even with flex scheduling, there are some things that just are not possible.

I need to send both kids away this summer to camp. I hope I didn't wait too long though. I hope there are still spots open for them. (We'll just add more to the credit card bill. :0) ) They both need some time away from the family, and the family REALLY needs some time away from them.

On the Knitting Side:
I need to get some materials together this week on working Toe-up socks. I forgot that I am supposed to give a small spiel at our guild meeting this Saturday. Crud. Knitty.com, here I come. <>

I am working on a couple of blankets (baby/lapghan sized) to donate still. I am working on a pair of slipper socks, finished the baby hedgehogs (gifted one to Mom for Mother's Day), and am back to working the Mystic Light shawl.

Slow Bee Mystery Shawl started on Mother's Day. I have not cast on yet, but this one looks so pretty, from what I have seen so far.

I also need to get back to the kids vest (donation) that I stopped working (due to lack of enough yarn and a pattern cut off right where I had stopped) . I really want to complete 25 items to be donated to the Warm Woolies group. I have 1 1/2 items done. I think that this is a great use of my wool/mohair Lamb's Pride yarn. We'll just have to see what I can get done.

Back to work time!

Life's Getting Better

2008-05-07T14:02:00.002-06:00

Well, things have gone a bit better since last time. Not great by any estimate, but better.

J got a 5 day suspension from school for throwing a pencil at his teacher. Not the best at coping with stress/frustration.

We upped his ADHD meds. and this has helped some, but not all that much. He is still very animated, and not too focused. I may suggest that a split dose of his mood stabilizer might be helpful, if it doesn't make him too tired/sleepy.

We are in the countdown mode for the end of the school year. Today is 16 more days to go. Some days this sounds like an overwhelmingly LARGE number. J did get back in school just in time to still be able to participate in his Band concert. He plays the clarinet, and he does it quite well. He hates to practice, but once he gets going, he plays like a champ.

I have to admit that this year's 5th grade band was quite good as well. This can not be said for previous years.

Well, on to knitting. I have stalled out on the 2 lace shawls I am in KAL's for. But that's OK, because I have a 3rd starting this Sunday! LOL. I know, I know, too many projects and not nearly enough time.

Right this instant I have a baby blanket in the works (crocheted), a pair of socks (take along knitting), and the 2 shawls. Oh forgot about the vest I had to stop on while I waited for more yarn.

I just got done knitting 2 hedgehogs (miniaturized), they need to be felted and stuffed. My mom actually requested one of these. I let her pick out the colors from what I had on hand, and I finished it 3 days later. I think I like the mini's better than the full sized ones. They are just too cute. I also knit a pair of socks to donate to WarmWoolies. I also made 2 hats that Jen sent to Afghans for Afghans for me.

I think I will try to finish the Mystic Light shawl first (less left to do). Then finish the other one next. I don't want to start any more until I get these 2 finished. (I have 3 more KAL's that start this Sunday, next month and the following month.)

I like to do some small and simple projects (like the mini hedgehogs) in between the larger projects. It helps to break up the frustration/repetitiveness of some of these projects.

OK, enough rambling for me today. :-) See, I told you it was going a bit better.

Life stinks right now

2008-04-16T10:08:00.002-06:00

Life is crummy right now. Ever since we decided that we needed to change J's meds. (out of necessity, to protect his heart) Things have been completely off kilter.

We were doing GREAT, no behavior problems, easy going at home and school. And now? A child welfare case under investigation. Need I say more? I am on edge every moment, waiting, worrying, wondering what is going to come of all of this.

I just want to go back to what we had. Things are getting better, but they just aren't the same. J wishes that he could go back to the meds like they were before too. Each 2 weeks, we adjust things, and see how they go. Then back to to Dr. for more adjustment. And each week I pray that things go smoothly and get back to a resemblance of calm.

This has even cost me someone I thought of as a friend from a local group I am in. She won't even acknowledge me, or anything. I suggested that we talk about what happened, but to no avail.

OK, enough of that.

Knitting is keeping me sane, but I am getting to the point that I don't even want to knit. I'm in a slump, not good since I have 2 large lace projects going right now. I guess that I will go back to making some more squares, no thinking involved, or some other small projects (baby stuff?).

Other than that? life is just fine and dandy. :-)

What more can I say? Tomorrow is another day.

Squares, squares and more squares

2008-02-27T15:57:00.002-06:00

Well, I have made 4 squares since our Guild meeting this month.

I particularly don't like garter stitch squares. Yes, they are easy. Yes, they are fairly quick. But man! they are so BORING!

I made a mitered square (garter stitch) to help break up the monotony, but even that didn't help much.

I love making the squares, but I have to have something to give me a bit of stimulation/excitement, otherwise I just want to fall asleep.

Science Saturdays are over. My son is sad. He really enjoyed going and doing this. He really wants an activity to go to like his sister.

She has a Big Sister through the Big Brothers, Big Sisters group. So every Saturday, she and her Big go out and do fun activities. And, J. has to stay home.

It's been almost a year since we signed up to make a match for my son. No match yet. I wish there were more male volunteers for this program. So many young boys would benefit by having a match.

I will keep my eyes open for a new opportunity for him. Maybe something else will come along.

Cheers!

Very Bad Blogger -- Continued!

2008-02-19T16:29:00.000-06:00

OK, yes I told you I was a bad blogger.

But, what else it new? Right?

Well, what has been going on since October? Tons.

There was Halloween. There was K's birthday, Great Grandma's birthday, J's birthday. There was Thanksgiving. There was Christmas/Holiday break, New Year's celebrating. There was my birthday, and last but not least, there was Valentine's day.

Ok, see, I need someone to kick me in the pants and get me in the habit of doing this bloggety thing. :-)

I still have not finished my Mystery Shawl #5, or the Secret of the Stole. I didn't even start the Mystery Halloween Shawl.

But that has not stopped my infatuation with these KALs. I am in Secret of the Stole ii (SotSii), the Mystic Light, and another one or two from Germany.

I also joined 3 yarn clubs to boot! One is only 3 months, and one is all year long, but I can't remember the 3rd. None have started yet, so I keep getting excited about the mail.

Another big change is that we switched my son's meds. Oh boy! what a wonderful difference. Let's just say that it was like someone gave me a different boy. The only problem is that he was sent home with chest pain and a fast heart rate. We saw the doc., and stopped one med. to see if that helped. It seems to have helped. There have been no more chest pain problems, but his heart rate are still really high. I suppose that since the meds are working great on his behavior/mood, that they will have to be stopped because of side effects.

That would be about my luck. >:-(

We see the doctor tomorrow. Now, the other side of this coin is that who knows if his heart rate were high before we started any meds 5 years ago. I seriously doubt that anyone even bothered to check.

I am still knitting up a storm. (Just not shawls) Socks, slippers, hedgehogs. Short, quick projects. I even have a couple of squares done for our Knitting Guild charity project.

Very Bad Blogger!!!!

2008-02-19T15:58:00.001-06:00

OK, yes I told you I was a bad blogger.

I will have to write more tomorrow. Things are busy at work and home.

But, what else it new? Right?

Shawls, shawls and more shawls!

2007-10-24T12:05:00.000-06:00

Well last time I was here I told you about all the KALs I had joined. Here's a progress report:

Mystery Shawl #5: Clues 1-3: done. Clues 4-5: still to go.

Halloween Mystery Shawl: I have the first 3 rows done. I have the entire shawl to do.

Secret of the Stole: Clue 1: done. Clues 2-3: still to go. Clue 4 comes out on Friday.

I am still loving this, and am trying to figure out how to get more knitting time into my day. I finally finished one of the knit Christmas presents I have been working on. I need to get working on some more. I think that this weekend will be a good time to do this.

The kids have this entire week off from school. I guess that they think that kids in elementary school need to have a week off. Considering that they have only gone to school for 9 weeks, and about half of those weeks aren't even all 5 days long.

Maybe I'll have to re-think this weekend's knitting... I keep forgetting that my DD has a 5K to run on Sunday? She is in the "Girls on the Run" afterschool program. She's been sick for the last 3 weeks (same as me), and will hopefully be feeling well enough to do this. It should be quite interesting, she is such a couch potato. I can't wait for her to do this though. I am very proud of her.

My DS is kinda mad about it though. He wants to do something too, but there aren't any programs similar that I know of. He feels left out and crummy.

Back to work!

shawl's comin' outta my nose

2007-10-03T13:09:00.000-06:00

Well, I am completely engulfed in shawls/stole KAL's. I am working on the Mystery Shawl #5, the Halloween Mystery Shawl and the Secret of the Stole. I also have the "Creatures of the Reef" pattern that I need to do too.

FYI: Secret of the Stole's joining deadline is Oct. 4, 2007!

Here is the yarn that I am going to use for the Secret of the Stole project. It is from Lime N Violet and is their Sidhe Silk Lace. The colorway is Matzu. I think I will use some irridescent or pearl beads. That way it's very subtle.

I am completely engrossed, and can't wait to get home to knit on these.

I also am thinking about making a Hemlock Ring blanket.

On the homefront:

I had Parent-Teacher Conferences last night. Oh my. We talked about how my kid needs to get more "organized". Gee, that sounds familiar. I think that also applies to me! And my dd needs to get more confidence to do her work. That and learn her addition/subtraction. My dd has always done horrible on this timed test. Every year she struggles with it. And so what do they do? They do it all over every year. She knows the answers, just much slower that her peers.

I hate to tell the school, but I still count/add/subtract on my fingers. Can I do them without? yes. Do I trust my brain 100%? NO!

I will try to post the buttons for these shawl KAL's on here later. I just have to remember how to do that again.

Mystery Lace Knitting Galore!

2007-09-27T15:02:00.000-06:00

I have leapt into the wide world of the Mystery Shawl KAL's. I started the Mystery Shawl #5 (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mysteryshawlgroup/) the Monday after the first clue was posted.

All I can say is that this is so much fun! I am enjoying this so much. I can't wait to see what it will look like when it's all done. I think it's the mystery part of this that I like the best.

Now, if only there were a LYS that actually carried lace weight yarn in large enough quantities to make these larger shawls.

I also have joined the Halloween Mystery Shawl (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/halloweenmysteryshawl/) and the Secret of the Stole (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/secretofthestole/) KALs.

OK, can you say "obsessed"? I am also working on a sock, and a few other items.

I am in the Holiday knitting mode right now. Since Saturday, I have knit a hat (folliage from the latest Knitty.com), finished and felted a bum cover, turned a heel, and done 1 1/2 clues to the first Mystery shawl.

I did a short-row heel on the socks, and I got this huge hole. It's right where you start to knit in the round again. I will go back and stitch it closed once I have the sock done.

On a non-knitting venue, my dd will be turning 8 the second week of Oct. I have no clue what I am going to do for her. I just don't know if I should try to plan a party for her, or send her away for Halloween camp overnight, or what. I'm leaning toward sending her to camp. She loved it last year.

I am on the downhill slide for the year. We start back to school, have 2 birthday's in Oct, 2 birthdays in Nov., Thanksgiving, Halloween, then Christmas and new year's. Add to that the fall football, and you have absolutely no time for anything!

this also leaves you with NO MONEY!

Well, I'm off work tomorrow, and plan to have a nice day at the library maybe, or maybe at Barnes & Noble. Who knows. That's tomorrow, and I still have the rest of today to get through.

TTFN

School's Back in Session

2007-08-29T15:05:00.000-06:00

OK, the kids are back in school! (YEAH!) This is a good thing. They both love their new teachers. This is a great thing. I think the student-teacher relationship is half the battle to get kids to learn and behave well in class.

One of these mornings my DD is going to learn the hard way, that I leave at 7:30 a.m. No delays. And she is going to learn that it's not so much fun to go to school in her p.j.'s.

Getting used to the new schedule is still hard. There seems to be so much less time for everything. Monday is PTA (once a month), Tuesdays is counseling, Wednesdays is knitting group, Thursday is open (until Survivor, CSI and ER start back up), Friday I would like to take the kids skating, and then Saturday and Sunday are for laundry, homework, fun, cleaning and cooking, shopping and all the rest of the wonderful things that don't get done during the week. Throw in some swimming lessons, and you've got one heck of a busy time.

Knitting is going well. I am on Ravelry and can't believe the expansiveness of it all. I am knitting 3 projects right now. 2 socks for Socks for Soldiers and one top. I need to focus on the socks, then kick the top out. It shouldn't take too long for the top, the back is done and the front is about 1/3 done. no sleeves, and a quick crochet border along the edges. Way simple!

Well, I'll try to get another post sooner than the last one. (We'll see how well I do. LOL)

Bad Blogger, No Cookie!

2007-07-30T08:11:00.001-06:00

Well, I told you I was new to this. Hence the lack of content.

Oh, well. Things will get more routine, I hope.

I received my invite to Ravelry.com, and quickly joined in the fun. (Clearbrook)

I don't have much posted as yet, but will keep adding more as I go.

Wilderness Perk

2007-06-04T15:28:00.001-06:00

So, this Saturday (june 2) I went to Wilderness Perk (local coffee shop) and met with the Lincoln Knitters. Everyone was SO nice, and made me feel welcome.

They are going to have a Knit-in-Public at the Haymarket next Saturday. I may try to go down there, but it might be hard with my 2 kids (who can't sit still for any amount of time, or get along for more than 5 minutes).

Well, I finished the lacy vine baby hat that I started on Friday. Finished it up shortly after Lincoln Knitters. It is made with some yarn that my kids dyed with kool-aid. I also am almost done with my second Pomotamus sock. I just have a couple of inches of foot and then the toe left. I hope to be done with it by the end of the week.

After that? I think I will start on a christmas present so that I don't have to rush in Oct./Nov./Dec.

Hurrah! There are only 2 more days of school for my kids! Their last day is june 6. I can't wait. Either can they. We are VERY ready for summer break.

Have a great knitting day!

Bad blogger!

2007-06-01T08:01:00.000-06:00

Sorry, I am a REALLY bad blogger!

I have just not really thought about updating this thing for quite awhile. I have been knitting up a storm though.

I made a sunny yellow baby cardigan, a pair of baby socks, 1 1/2 Pomotamus socks. I finished the Inside Out socks too. I know there is a few more things that I have done, but I can't think of them.

I am working on a shrug for my daughter. I frogged her old shrug and am redoing it in a larger size and a different pattern. She loved the old one, and was mad because she couldn't fit into it anymore. So I spent an entire evening undoing the old one. Let me tell you that it is hard to undo a garment that has been washed a few times, is overused by a girl who loves to crawl and lay around on the floor, and is made out of a VERY fuzzy yarn. Thank the Gods that it was something that doesn't felt.

I am using a knit stitch called waterfall. It's really easy and only has 6 rows and 9 stitches. I couldn't bring myself to do a plain stitch. I mean, really, I am already making a plain rectangle. I don't think I could pay myself enough to have it that boring.

I went completely insane buying sock yarns. I bought a bunch from Lime 'n Violet (4 skeins), 9 skeins from Astrid's Dutch Obsession, and 10 skeins from Blue Moon Fiber Arts. This is on top of the 2 sock clubs I am in (Blue Moon Fiber Arts and Mama Llama's Sock Clubs).

Then, I found out that my aunt is no longer living in Michigan, so... the sweater I started for her won't work anymore. There is no need for a heavy wool sweater in Florida. I guess I will frog that, and figure out what to do with the yarn later. I was making this for her for Christmas. Now I have to start all over. I will still maker her a sweater, but this one will be done in CottonEase, and will not be so heavy.

I am going to start on my holiday knitting as soon as my last order of Socks That Rock (STR) comes in. I just HAD TO HAVE more of the Silkie Socks that Rock.

I will have to empty my camera's memory card so that I can take more pictures of all these things. Right now it's full, and I need to save those photos. What I really need to do is buy a larger memory card. I still only have a 16MB card.

Well, school is almost out. Their last day is June 6.

Rockin' Sock Club

2007-02-28T13:56:00.000-06:00

I am waiting. Patiently waiting...

OK, I am NOT patiently waiting. I am on the edge of my seat (which happens to be a ball), bouncing up and down, waiting for my first Blue Mountain Rockin' Sock Club package to arrive.

I am literally BOUNCING in anticipation!

Oh, but I did finally get my spindle kit this week! WooHoo!!! This is just soooo kewl! I tried it out today at work, and found that I can now SPIN my own (horribly uneven) yarn! YEAH!

I don't think this will be a workable yarn anytime soon. But, I am going to give it a try. The first few feet were very lumpy and way thick. I really thinned my roving down and have a yarn about the thickness of sock yarn.

My question is this: Can I unwind my "yarn" and re-spin it to make more even and neat? I don't see why not, as long as I haven't set the twist.

Well, I will have to give it a try when I get a small pile spun up.

I finished my son's green and white slipper socks, and have one of the Springtime in Paris socks done. I cast on the second sock too! I have the second pillow case nearly completed, just need to bind off one end, and seam it up.

And alas ... the weather is turning bad again. They are saying 2-5 inches overnight and through the morning tomorrow. Yuck! This is following rain and freezing rain. Double Yuck!

Spring had better be around the corner, cuz I can't wait for it to stop being so dreary and dead looking everywhere.

Beautiful Weather!

2007-02-19T10:43:00.000-06:00

Well, it's been a while since I added anything here. It's been too dang cold (-20 below windchill, and highs only in the single digits. YUCK!)

Today? Well it's 39, sunny and no coat! It should be around 50 for the next couple of days. I couldn't ask for anything better for Feb. in Nebraska.

Well, I finished a pair of Lacy Trellis socks in Mama Llama yarn (forest green). I can't wait to wear them. I love this pattern, it's so easy to do, and really quick.

I am going to start on the Springtime in Paris sock soon. I have some peach yarn that's kind of shiny.

I also am hoping to start on a pair of Nordic Lights socks. These will be most likely be done in dark blues and white yarn. (I have got to get my camera up and working.)

Waiting ever so patiently for my Socks that Rock club package to arrive. It should be sent out really soon. This is my first time with them, and I can't wait! I have heard raves about their yarn.

I signed up with Mama Llama to receive their quarterly sock club. I absolutely love their yarn. It is so much softer than anything I can get locally.

This weekend I also made a pillowcase for my aunt's dog. Yes, she pampers them like the big babies they are. I am working on a second one for her other dog too.

I should also make my daughter some socks with Bonbon print from Red Heart yarns. It's this bright pink, purple and blue acrylic yarn. I can't bring myself to spend any money on sock yarn for a child that has feet that outgrow her shoes every couple of months. I bought her a pair of shoes in Oct. and had to get her new ones last week. She went up nearly 2 whole sizes. Here you can see what the yarn looks like:

Well, enough for now!

2007-01-30T08:58:00.000-06:00

Dang, it's cold here today. Just makes me want to stay home in bed and read a book or knit.

Well, I found this on another blog, and had to try it:

You Belong in 1970

If you scored...
1950 - 1959: You're fun loving, romantic, and more than a little innocent. See you at the drive in!

1960 - 1969: You are a free spirit with a huge heart. Love, peace, and happiness rule - oh, and drugs too.

1970 - 1979: Bold and brash, you take life by the horns. Whether you're partying or protesting, you give it your all!

1980 - 1989: Wild, over the top, and just a little bit cheesy. You're colorful at night - and successful during the day.

1990 - 1999: With you anything goes! You're grunge one day, ghetto fabulous the next. It's all good!

What Year Do You Belong In?

Not much is going on right now. I am finishing the second Lacy Trellis sock in Forest from Mama Llama Yarns. I can't wait to be able to wear these!

The next sock I am going to do, will be to finish the second sock for my son. I started these, but they are so plain, that I couldn't face the second one right away. (SSS hit me! LOL)

I am waiting for my tax refund so that I can go out and buy the yarn I need for a sweater for my aunt. This will be her Christmas gift this year. I have the pattern, but just need to get the yarn, and can't afford it right now. The pattern is from the UK magazine Simply Knitting. (I think, that or from the other UK mag Knit Today) I can't remember now. But, either way, it is a very simplistic cable pattern. I figured that I wanted to do something BIG, but not too complex.

I also want to get one of those Ultimate Sweater Machines, so that I can really do some intense Stash depletion this year. I want to be able to whip out some really simple panels to make pillows/pillow covers. I might even try to make a cover for our ugly, worn out sofa cushions.

This week Hobby Lobby has them on sale for $133.00, and I am dying to get over there and buy one. I can buy the rest of the accessories later.

Can you tell that I am into instant knit gratification right now? LOL

On a non-knitting note: my kids are infatuated with the idea of having a dog. They have been pleading almost constantly to get one. Every time you turn around they are dropping comments/hints/blatant demands about needing a dog. My son got a prize for having 100% on his spelling test, and what did he pick? A stuffed dog. What else?

I suppose that maybe come spring, we'll go to our local humane society and pick out a dog. But, I definitely want to wait until spring, when it isn't so bad to go outside with the dog while it learns not to go potty inside.

Chain Links are done!

2007-01-25T11:14:00.000-06:00

Wow! I finished my first knit-along last night. I finally got done with my Chain Link socks from the Six Sox Knitalong group. I will have to get my pictures taken this weekend and then post them here.

These people are great. You get stuck? Ask. Someone will answer you, and probably give you several new things to try.

I can't believe how fast some of these people knit. I can only dream!

I am going to cast on another sock sometime today. I think it may be the mystery pattern from one of my other sock groups. I started it once, but frogged it, but now wish I hadn't.

I thought my yarn was too dark to show off the pattern, but now... I think that I will start it over.

I bought some yarn from Mama Llamas yarn in the colorways "Forest" and "Night". They are Fabulous. They smell wonderful also (a nice hint of lavendar).

I think that I will do the mystery pattern in the forest colorway and maybe the next knitalong in the night colorway.

On a new topic, this blog thing is cool, but I can not figure out how to put the knitalong button as a link to the group on the side of my blog. I just can't wrap my brain around this concept. Do I put it up as an HTML feature/add-on, or as a photo?

I will have to keep trying. I can put up the button itself as a photo, but beyond that? I have no clue.

Well, thanks for reading my ramblings!

Welcome to the World

2007-01-24T12:48:00.000-06:00

Well, here goes.

I am joining the real world, and not just hanging around wishing I was.

I know for a fact that this won't be updated daily, but maybe I can shoot for at least weekly?

OK, I am a yarn-aholic. I love it! I can't get enough of it! and I seriously need to work on getting my stash deminished. (that way I can buy some new yarn)

Yarn gives me that warm, fuzzy feeling inside (and out).

I am also a knit-aholic. I spend as much waking time as I can devoted to making things with a pair or more of needles and a ball of some sort of fluff.

OK, enough about my addictions.

I work full time, have 2 kids (that drive me absolutely crazy most of the time), and try to do something with my spare time to keep as sane as possible. (this would be where the knitting comes in)

Well, that's a start! I will come back and let you in on more of my crazy world, as I get more time.