Susan of All Trades

1/18/2012

2012-01-18T11:39:00.003-05:00

This post was supposed to have been on Friday, but my spousal-unit decided to take a couple of days off. He really does cramp my style!!! ;-) Just kidding, but it does change the way I do things.

This is Chelsea after her groomer time. She is not much on pictures, so this isn't the best of her, but the best she would do for me. She says she is old and doesn't want her picture taken!!!

Have I mentioned that one of Cory's favorite past times is watching TV!!! Especially when there are animals, cartoons or sirens on. Please ignore my messy chair full of projects!!! ;-)

Cory's new hated thing is the shredder!!! He even attacks it when it isn't running. I finally had to close the door to the office to keep him from attacking and pestering it. It just sits there and ignores him!! ;-)

This is my latest e-bay purchase. Isn't it adorable? It is hand painted by Cherry O'Neill. She sells under Tail End Productions. She has many dog breeds that she does. She also had stuff on Cafe Press with her pictures on it. After I got this and loved it so much, I ordered a sweatshirt with a scotty and a westie on it.

This is my latest "up-cycling" thing. It is the leg of jeans with a liner in it to make a basket. The medium and large are westie fabric. Not sure what will go in them, but they were fun to do.

I have finished Night Circus. It was very enjoyable, but for me it didn't live up to all the 5 of 5 ratings that it has gotten on the web. Of course, this type of fantasy book, is not my top favorite genre either, so that plays into it.

I have also read The Valise in the Attic. This is a cozy mystery. It is a series of books, I think this is #12, from Annie's Attic, the craft company. All the books revolve around Annie and things she finds in her grandmother's attic. Each has a story to tell. He craft group from her small town in Maine help solve the mysteries. They are a little like cotton candy. Quick, sweet and enjoyable.

I finished listening to Naughty in Nice. It is the latest in the Her Royal Spyness series. They are great fun. They are set in 1930's England. Georgie is 34th in line to the throne, and flat broke. They are very funny. They are cozy murder mysteries. I especially enjoyed the voices of the reader on the audio versions. I got them a couple of months ago on sale from Audible.

I still haven't done my reading challenge update, but when I started sorting my books for the year's reads, I decided I had bitten off more than I could chew!!! Seems every book I had planned to read was over 500, most of the over 800. So I am rethinking my list!!!

I have been looking at the Tagg GPS for dog collars. Anybody know anything about them?

Chat later
Susan

1/9/2012

2012-01-09T11:26:00.004-05:00

Ok, I said there would probably not be a lot of Chelsea stories!! She must have read that post!!

On Saturday, I missed her. Hadn't seen her for a couple of hours. I looked for her. Couldn't find her. I was starting to get panic-y given her age. My husband finally said, didn't you go to your sewing room??? It is the room over the garage and I keep the door closed to keep Cory out. WELL, she had been locked up there for hours. She never made a sound. She was probably excited to get a peaceful nap, without Cory to torture her!!!

Next, we are changing food. Neither dog was eating their dog food, so I decided it was time to change. Chelsea's tummy is not dealing with it well. That is an understatement!!! I won't be more graphic, but it took half the day to scrub the carpet!!!

Today is groomer day. She comes to us. Cory is already back from the "spa". He is very stress by the fact the Chelsea is out in the van now. I don't know that it is so much that he misses her, but he doesn't want her to get any attention that he thinks he should get!!! Doesn't he look handsome after his grooming???

I finished The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. It is my least favorite of the 3 books. Still very good, but more of a legal thriller, than the adrenaline rush that the end of book 1 and all of book 2 are. All three books are well worth the read. I plan to watch the Swedish version of Hornet today. Husband unit has to work late, so it gives me plenty of time to watch it.

I started The Night Circus last night. I have only read 20 pages, so no review yet.

I am listening to the Her Royal Spyness series. It is a funny cozy mystery series. The heroine is 34th in line for the British throne. It takes place in the 1930's. The Queen is very worried about David and his lady friend Wallis. I got them during an Audible sale a couple of months ago. They are fun reads. I am now on the last one Naughty in Nice.

What have you read lately, that I NEED to read?

Still knitting on the ruffle of the Shopping Shawl. I have decided I need at least 30 rows instead of 20. ;-( But after working on it since May, I don't want to be unhappy with it because of a skimpy ruffle.

I still owe a post of my reading goals for 2012, but that can be another day.

Chat later

Susan

1/6/2012

2012-01-06T12:37:00.003-05:00

This is Chelsea with Cory. Chelsea is the 12 1/2 yr old Scottie. You won't hear many funny stories about her, because she is old and sleepy!!! ;-) She sleeps, eats, and fusses with Cory. She, like myself, haven't given up on making him behave!!! We just haven't convinced him yet!!

But then there is Cory!! I would have no entertainment in my life without him!!! Took him to PetSmart the other day. I was buying up some of the Christmas treats that they had on sale 75% off. So he was in the basket with a pile of treats!! We got to the checkout and I was putting things on the conveyor!!! He jumped out of the basket and up on the conveyor and proceeded to just walk along like he was on the treadmill!!! The lady checking me out was laughing so hard, she was bent double!!! They do bring joy to our lives, don't they?

This is my stained glass masterpiece. I just love it. I have it on a timer, so it is on when I come down in the morning and it is still dark in the house except for my lamp!!! ;-) It brings me joy!! I have started a second one, but it is moving along very slowly!!!

I am still plugging along on Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. I haven't had time to sit down and really get into it. Hopefully shortly. Just a few more things to mark off the to do list, before I am allowed to read. Chores don't get done at all if I don't finish them before I start reading.

Chat later

Susan

1/4/2012

2012-01-04T08:14:00.003-05:00

Well, I'm back. Someone has been calling me "Basically Blogless Susan" to try to get me to get back to it. I don't plan to have a regular posting schedule, just when I finish a book or project that needs reporting on!!!

Brief update on what has happened in the last 2.5 years.

Daddy died on June 25, 2011. He had had heart valve replacement surgery and just wasn't strong enough to recover.

Mack has gone to doggie heaven. But Cory has come to live with us. He is a WILD 21 month old westie boy. Love him to pieces but anyone who stole him, would bring him back!!! ;-) I have never learned to put pictures where I wanted them, so the picture at the top is Cory. He had to have knee surgery before he was a year old. I carried him around for the 8 weeks he was supposed to be in the kennel healing, so he is SPOILED!!!

Let's see. Most of 2011, I knit on Kate's Shopping Shawl. It is with fingering weight yarn on size 1 needles!!! I started it in May 2011 and hope to finish it by the end of January 2012. So look for pictures soon, I hope!!

I took up stained glass. Both fused and soldered. I will post a couple of pictures later. Seems I needed to put all the pictures in first, then write around them. As I am typing it is coming back to me!!!

I read 111 books for 37,600 pages. That is a drop from 2010, when I read 134 for a total of 49,600 pages. But I was having fun!!! ;-)

So far this year I have read The Girl who Played With Fire. I had been putting off reading this series because folks told me how hard it was to get into. Well, the movie came out and I didn't want to see the movie until I read the book. The first book did take the first 65% to get into, but the last 35% was excellent. Played with Fire, I was engrossed from the first page. I think I liked book 2 better than 1. I have watched the Swedish movies for the first 2 books (dubbed in English). I started the Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Next last night, but since I hadn't finished Fire until 2:45AM the night/morning before, I didn't read long before I fell asleep, so you will have to wait until a little later for an update on what I think of book 3.

I have 10 Reading Challenges, I am playing along with for 2012. I will do a separate post on them soon. I did 14 in 2011 and completed 9. I never really sign up for them, just follow the rules and keep track of them on my own.

Ok, before you get bored.

Chat later

Susan

8/17/09

2009-08-17T08:48:00.004-04:00

Happy 81st B'day Daddy!!! ;-)

He is doing well currently. Hopefully it will stay that way for quite some time. My uncle, Daddy's brother died the 25th of July. He had such a rough last week, that it was a blessing. He would have been 83 the 15th of August, had he made it that long.

This is my second Classic Cardigan. It is mindless knitting and it fits me well. I have the third one underway. It is teal. You will be seeing it soon.

This Nonna's Garden, the kit came from Knitpicks. it was NOT a mindless knit. I love it. It feels so good. I have to get a backing for it. And, of course, block it. I have a stack of about 10 things that need blocking. Guess that is why I like socks, I don't block them, I just wear them!!!

I started the first block of the Lollypop Tree quilt. I have reduced it by 25% in size. I started it the weekend that my uncle died. It got laid aside and it is still "resting". I LOVED this when I saw the picture online. But when I got it the blocks were HUGE. I fell out of love, so I reduced the size. The love hasn't returned yet. I need to work on it more, now that things have calmed back down, so see if I can rekindle the romance.

I have been doing a lot of reading. I joined the Sookie Stackhouse challenge. You are supposed to read the 9 books between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010. I read all in about 3 weeks. They are written by Charlaine Harris. The are quite good. They are vampire books, but not scary vampires. And somewhat tongue in cheek. You have to read them, just to find out who "Bubba" is!!! ;-)

Dead Until Dark (Southern Vampire #1)
Living Dead in Dallas (Southern Vampire #2)
Club Dead (Southern Vampire #3)
Dead to the World (Southern Vampire #4)
Dead as a Doornail (Southern Vampire #5)
Definitely Dead (Southern Vampire #6)
All Together Dead (Southern Vampire #7)
From Dead to Worse (Southen Vampire #8)
Dead and Gone (Southern Vampire #9)

Now I have started a Lisa Jackson challenge. I have started her "New Orleans" series. So far I have read

Hot Blooded
Cold Blooded
The Night Before

So far Hot Blooded is my favorite. Cold Blooded was a little predictable, but I still enjoyed it very much. The Night Before is very different. It is actually the start of a separate series of her books, as well as #3 in the New Orleans series. I would recommend these. They are mostly murder mysteries (serial killers, all, so far) with a little romance thrown in!! So there is something for everyone in these books.

I also read Snowbound by Larissa Ione. It was good, but not nearly as good as her Demonica series.

Also, Jackie and Bobby by C David Heymann. The premise of the book is that Jackie and Bobby Kennedy had an affair from the time Jack was shot until Bobby was shot. Rehash of a lot of things we had heard before.

At this point, I am reading books 60 and 61 for the year. My goal was 52, so I am somewhat ahead of target. Course, if I would quit reading so much, I could get some other things done!!! But the weather so so nice to sit on the porch with my nose in a book!!

I have also made Watermelon Rind Pickle and Dill Pickle. It is my first attempt at pickle, so in a couple of weeks I can find out how I did. I am "crocking" the dill pickles, so they have to sit in the brine for 3 weeks. I didn't have a crock big enough, so they are in the punchbowl!! It looks pretty funny sitting on the kitchen counter full of pickle.

This is who is sitting next to me while I type this!! They have to keep me company!!

Chat later
Susan

7/21/09

2009-07-21T08:03:00.003-04:00

Where have I been for a month? Well, it is July, so that would be the Tour de France. I am not a big sports person, but I do love the Tour. I sit and stitch for HOURS on end while it is on.

Here is the Baltimore Halloween quilt top finished. YIPPEE!!! This is such a fun quilt. Now for the quilting.... That is a lot like blocking knitting. Something to be done, someday. ;-)

Here is another pair of my 2 at once toe up, K3P1 socks. These were knit at swim meets. Not sure of the yarn, I lost the ball band. But is was from one one's sock club.

My plan was to finish Nonna's Garden (from KnitPicks) during the Tour, BUT I ran out of 2 colors of yarn. That really slows you down. Now I am waiting for more yarn. ;-( So this challenge will not be meet.

I have been doing some reading. I finish Vampire Diaries: Return: Night Fall. This is the sequel written recently. It was quite disappointing after the earlier books. I loved the first 4, doubt I will even read any additional ones.

Then I read SweetGum Knit Lit Society. This is good light reading. A lot like the Blossom Street books. There is a second book in this series and it is in my near future.

Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure. This was fairly light reading and quite eye opening. How far the President has come since Truman. At that time, they were paid no retirement and no help for their offices. He lived on just his military retirement in his post Presidential days. This book covers a car trip the Truman's took in their retirement. Quite entertaining and educational.

Doomsday Key by James Rollins. This was the first book I had read of his. It was a very slow start. He spent the first half of the book setting up all the players. Then the story really started. By the last third, I couldn't put it down.

I joined the Sookie Stackhouse Read along. You are supposed to read all the books, 9 I think, by next June 30. I had read book 1, Dead until Dark, but decided to read it again before reading the others. I have read the second book also, so far Living Dead in Dallas. They are both very good, quick reads. Sookie is a telepath dating a vampire, working for a shapeshifter. So there are plenty of paranormal "folks" to keep things interesting. I recommend this series. It is what HBO's First Blood is based on.

Daddy is doing much better, still weak, but getting around some. Uncle has taken a turn for the worse, so we just can't get them all on their feet at the same time.

Unusual to get the Pups together for a picture. Chelsea (scotty) will be 10 on the 31st of July. Macklin (Westie) will be digging a hole to celebrate!!!

Have a weekend stitching event this weekend. I hope to get Lollipop Trees quilt started, but I decided to resize the entire thing, so that is slowing me down on getting started.

Chat later.
Susan

6/25/09

2009-06-25T10:44:00.003-04:00

Another blog post in less than a month!!! I really should do better.

Daddy continues to not be well. He has improved significantly but still extremely weak. He has fallen twice, which worries us greatly.

This is the Shipwreak Shawl from Knitty. It is a fun and not overwhelming knit. I love the ruffly edging. Now I just need to block it.

This is a class I took at Beadworkz in Portsmouth. It is called All Crossed Up. I finished it in class and wore it home, so it is a quickie.

This is the Classic Lines Cardigan from KnitPicks knit with the recommended yarn. This was a mindless knit. It has some waist shaping which makes it fit well. It also has finished edges. Knit in the round and steeked so not much finishing. I am working on a second one of these in purples. This one also needs blocking. I need to have a "block party" ;-).

Two pair of socks. The one on the left is a simple lace pattern in Scout Swag yarn, I believe. The pair on the right is from Poem yarn. Plain old K3, P1 rib. Both are knit toe up. Thanks to Wendy Knits wonderful and free pattern.

Another Beadworkz class. They are both Flat Spiral. The necklace is single, the bracelet is double. Done with pearls.

Another Flat Spiral Bracelet. Again double. Made with crystals. This isn't as comfortable to wear as the pearl one, but goes with a lot of my summer clothes, so has actually gotten more wear.

We had a UFO weekend in June. I worked mostly on the purple Classic Lines Cardigan. But also finished the Flat Spiral necklace and worked on the socks. We have another one planned for July. In July, most of us are starting the Lollypop Tree Quilt. If you haven't seen this beauty, you need to go to Glorious Colors website and look at it. You have to smile. It isn't hard applique, almost no points, but LOTS of circles.

I have the Baltimore Halloween quilt top together and am appliquing the bat border. I hope to have a picture of it finished next post.

Reading has been progressing nicely. The weather has been good to spend a lot of time sitting in the swing.

Hair of the Dog - Laurien Berenson. Another in the dog mystery series. They are fun cozy murder mysteries. They really are fun, especially if you are a dog lover. They revolve around dog shows mostly.

Atlas Shrugged - Ayn Rand This is an oldie, but a goodie. It is a very good 1,200 page book, it would be an excellent 700 page book. It is so like our government/business relationships today, but was written in the 1950's. I will certainly read other of her books.

Ripping the Bodice - Inara Lavey - This was a free download from Ravenous Romance. It was ok. Not great.

Then I read the Larissa Ione series about Demons. There are three books:
Pleasure Unbound
Desire Unchained
Passion Unleashed
This is 3 demon brothers. One is half vampire, one is half werewolf. Each book covers one of the brothers stories. They were quite interesting reads. I look forward to the new novel do later in the year. The first book was a free Kindle download from Amazon.

Vampire Diaries - L. J. Smith - I have read the first 4 of this series. It is to be a TV series in the Fall. Not as good as the Twilight books, but still good. These 4 books were written in the early 1990's. There are new books just published recently, I am reading those next.

Common Sense - Glenn Beck - I was somewhat disappointed in this book. I have read his other books and feel that this one was written quickly to ride a newscycle. I wish it had been fleshed out more. I hadn't read Thomas Paines Common Sense since school, so it got me to read that again, so that was good.

I have now read 42 books this year. My goal is 52, so I should be able to reach that with no problem at all.

I am taking part in the Sookie Stackhouse reading Challenge. It starts July 1st, so hopefully I can finish the Vampire Diary books before then. Shouldn't be a problem. I have read book 1 of the Sookie books, but plan to reread it as part of the challenge.

I also have to plan my Tour de France project. I think this year instead of starting a special project for the TdF, I will have a UFO finishup. It is supposed to be knitting, but I am stretching it a little for me. I plan to finish the bats on the Baltimore Halloween quilt, finish the purple Classic Lines Cardigan, and finish the Nonna's Garden shawl. If I get those things done, then I can start something new!!! Let's see how that works out!!! ;-)

Doggies are doing well. Time for new bloodwork, but the vet is on vacation this week so have to wait until next week to make the appointment.

Exercise doing quite well even with some foot problems tormenting me!!! Bad right foot!!!

Chat Later
Susan

5/29/09

2009-05-29T08:54:00.005-04:00

Ok, I have been in a major blog funk. Don't know what the problem is, but I just feel pulled in too many directions at once and this was one that I could easily ignore. I actually had done better than I thought. I was thinking the March month end update was the last one I had done, but I had done April.

This is rosewood wooden beads. Pearl knotted. Obviously I am not a purist that thinks only pearls should be knotted. A matching bracelet.

Think this stone was called soapstone. They are denim blue. Great with jeans. Again pearl knotted.

Pink coral, again pearl knotted.

This is a scissor case necklace that is bead embroidered. front and back.

Navy Blue bicone crystals, pearl knotted. Did I mention that I am not a purist when it comes to knotting? ;-)

This is a black and white stone bead mixed with penguin beads. Sorry for the miserable picture. The penguins must have moved as I took it. Wish I had saved a penguin for the bracelet, but if I can get another penguin I will redo the bracelet. They came from the Outer Banks so I will have to wait until I go back down there.

Two different size/shape garnet beads knotted together. Do you see a theme here?

This is a two drop peyote stitch amulet bag. Front and back.

Haven't touched applique for months. Have done some knitting, but nothing finished. I have 2 pair of socks, Nonna's Garden (Knitpicks) and a Classic Lines Cardigan going, but none finished.

Have done a lot of reading while my boob surgery was healing. That didnt' require a lot of moving of the arm. So I read some more old James Patterson.
The Midnight Club
Hide and Seek
Beach House
Honeymoon
Judge and Jury
Cross
The Quickie (LOVED THIS ONE)

Then his newest one, 8th Confession. This is a Women's Murder Club book. I love that series. This one didn't disappoint.

Also the new Andrew Gross book, Don't Look Twice. He has co-written with Patterson and his style is very similar. Love those short chapters, makes for a quick read.

I am currently reading:
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. Very good book. Scarily similar to todays events in this country, but written in the 1950's.

Hair of the Dog by Laurien Berenson, this is another cozy murder mystery with lots of dogs. I think it is 4th or 5th in the series. This is my treadmill book. Atlas Shrugged is too heavy to hold while I walk.

Ripping the Bodice by Inara Lavey. This is a free download for the Kindle and is my secret pleasure read. Not far enough to really know how it is yet.

Boob is finally healed. I didn't think it would ever get "not sore". It took about 6 weeks. ;-( Course I managed to gain 10 pounds while I sat on my butt because movement made my boob hurt!!! ;-(

I spent about 5 days at Nags Head. Got a lot of knitting done on Nonna's Garden, because it rained most of the time I was there. I may have to go back to get back to Nonna. She requires attention and I dont' get much time at home to pay attention!!!

We finally have Mack's meds adjusted to he feels pretty good most of the time. Hopefully his liver levels are improving. He has to have blood work soon, then we will know.

They have both had haircuts and look quite dapper. I will try to get a picture of them for the next update.

I'll try to do better about updating.

Chat later
Susan

End of March Goals Update

2009-04-15T11:21:00.002-04:00

Food
Still doing well. Need to be more consistant with my protein first!!

Exercise
At a complete halt because of surgery

Quilts
Charming Leaves - top done

Dear Jane - not touched in March

Expressions of Morris - not touched in March

Baltimore Halloween - blocks done, needs embroidery and border

Beading
Took a Loom Class, a Pearl Knotting class and a beaded scissor case class. More new classes coming up

Knitting/Crocheting
Finished a pair of socks, started 2 more pairs.

Working on Shipwreaked Shawl from Knitty.

Reading
18.5 books of my 52 book goal, so I am doing great.

I continue to be pleased with the goal progress.

Chat later
Susan

4/15/09

2009-04-15T10:55:00.007-04:00

I'm back. After almost 3 weeks without a router, life is good. We have an old printer that we love, it works great, prints fast, and a lot on one ink cartridge. BUT, it is an old plug printer, not USB, finding a router that will work with it proved challenging to say the least. Ended up buying one, guaranteed not to work on Ebay. It worked!!! ;-)

My "boob rock" has been removed. Surgery went well and the report came back good. But the nurse says I will be achy at night for 3 weeks, if I continue to do too much. ;-( I am tired of this "doing too much stuff".

Here is Macklin, my poor little sick baby. He has hepititus. He was fine from all appearances until we put him on all the meds, now he is sick. I am taking him off some of the meds to see if he improves. Vet is closed this week for Spring Break, so I am doing it all on my own, but he deserves QUALITY of life. Will keep you posted.

Chelsea with her usual Eeyore look. She always looks like she is about to be beat. Don't know why she does this, but she has since we got her at 8 weeks old. But she is my sweet girl. She has a bad gall bladder. Who ever heard of a dog with a bad gall bladder??? Here she is!!!

The blocks of Baltimore Halloween are done. Here are the balance of them. I have to do the embroidery, put it together and do the bat border. But I can't handle the big piece right now with the "boob" surgery, so I am putting off doing the embroidery. It is called procratination!!!

Here is my ONE border triangle for the Dear Jane quilt. The center 169 blocks took one year. This ONE border triangle has taken 10 months. I really do need to focus on this a little sometime.

Toe Up K3,P1 rib socks from Wollmeise sock club yarn. First time I have knit with Wollmeise. I love it. I need more. Hope she does the club again next year.

I took a Pearl Knotting class. So now I am knotting everything that holds still long enough for me to hold on to!!! It is great fun.

This is a green/blue agate.

This is the Swaroski (I am sure that is not spelled right) Tahitian Pearl, necklace and bracelet. I wanted the necklace when we were in Hawaii and it was $7,000. So I made my own for about $25!!! Plus I got the bracelet for that too!!!

On the reading front:

The Surgeon by Tess Gerritson - EXCELLENT this was a free download from Amazon to my beloved Kindle. It was marvelous. I will certainly be reading more of her books.

I read all 5 books in the House of Night series. It is another vampire romance series. I really enjoyed it. It is written by a Mother/Daughter team named Cast. It is listed as a Young Adult series. I was a little taken aback by the amount of sex in a YA series. But it was very good. Hopefully they will write many more.

Now I am on a James Patterson kick. Reading some of his old stuff. Pop Goes the Weasel and Season of the Machete. Pop was very good, it is an Alex Cross book, and I loved it. Season as very good, but it isn't Alex Cross, so not one of my favs. I am currently reading Black Market. It is a little dated after 9-11, but very good, again not Alex Cross.

Exercise is completely out of the picture with the surgery. Eating doing good.

Sorry for the long catchup. I have another pile of necklaces to take a picture of, but that will have to be another post. This one has enough pics.

Chat later
Susan

4/3/09

2009-04-03T08:40:00.002-04:00

No I haven't forgotten that I have a blog, but our router got blown out with a power failure a week and a half ago so I am using an aircard to get to the internet. Great for reading e-mail, but miserable for uploading pics. And I have a TON of pics!!!! ;-)

Hopefully DH can find a router that works with our printers soon. We don't want to have to buy two new printers as well as a new router!!! ;-(

Hopefully,
Chat soon
Susan

3/2/09 Part II

2009-03-02T10:20:00.002-05:00

I know this is 3 posts in the same day, but I needed to share one more picture. This is my kitchen floor. Not just one spot, the WHOLE thing looks like this!!! The dogs have a doggie door, so they wonder in and out at will. Of course, NO ONE wipes their feet!!!

No point in cleaning it now, I might as well wait until the ground it dry again!!! ;-(

Chat later (no more today, I promise)

Susan

3/2/09

2009-03-02T09:59:00.005-05:00

YIPPEE We finally got snow. A whole INCH!!! The area is shut down. The schools are closed, my vet is even closed, I tried to reschedule an appointment. But the yard looks pretty!!!

Here is side block 4 of the Baltimore Halloween. Still need to do all the embroidery, but I'll do that all before I put the blocks together.

And side block 5....

Here is my handknit sock drawer!!

And my handknit sock dirty clothes basket. I haven't ever counted how many pairs I have, but here they are.

I finished Inkspell. It isn't as good as Inkheart, but very readable. I have started Inkdeath. That will finish the trilogy. It is, overall, very good. It is a book about booklovers, so I feel at home in this world.

Mack's girlfriend Annie, is doing much better. Hopefully this trend continues. Keep praying for her. If you need to catch up on her story, check out (http://pennysanford.typepad.com/penny_sanford_porcelains_/).

Annie probably never has a nose that looks like this. She is a prissy little girl who wears dresses. But Mack has been out in the snow digging. Check the mud caked on his snow white fur.

And then there are his toes!!!!!!!!!!

Off to enjoy the snowfall.

Chat later

Susan

End of February Goals Update

2009-03-02T09:50:00.002-05:00

Food
Doing a little better, but this goal of eating better still needs a lot of work. Life has been crazy so it gives me a lame excuse for snacking.

Exercise
I have been being fairly consistant in my walking on the treadmill. Being able to read while I walk really helps because it allows me to work on 2 goals all at the same time. I have even been told that it does more good if you are exercising your body and your brain at the same time.

Quilts
Charming Leaves - top completed

Dear Jane Border - I have a whopping ONE triangle done. At this rate it will take about 5 years!!

Expressing of Morris - haven't touched

Baltimore Halloween - Center block and 5 side blocks done, so good progress here since I didn't start it until the last weekend in January.

Beading
Took the Beaded Button class. Signed up for 2 more classes in March.

Knitting/Crocheting
Just a knitted cap for my nephew, been to busy working on Balitmore Halloween

Reading
10.5 of the 52 books read. I have only read half of Liberal Fascism, but it is very serious and I needed a break. I will get back to it. But am very much on track for this goal. I have to find some books I want to read that are less than 1,000 pages. They are hard to read in a week, for me anyway.

Well, I am pleased with progress. I just need to keep it up.

Chat later
Susan

2/25/09

2009-02-25T08:19:00.002-05:00

Wow, I got more comments on yesterday's post on the Baltimore Halloween quilt then any other post I have made. I didn't go back and confirm this, but I am pretty sure that is true. I love the comments, now if I could just figure out how to respond to them!!!

I finished another block last night, so thought I would post it. It really is a fun quilt to work on, and the side blocks are pretty quick.

I bought the kit from Amidon Quiltworks. I have been very pleased with the fabrics and the quantity of fabric so far. If you want a kit, I would recommend them. I have seen a kit from another shop (which shall remain nameless) that I would not have used the fabrics they sent. Amidon also has it as just the pattern and as a block a month. I have no affiliation with them, just a satisfied customer. Here is the link: http://www.amidonquiltworks.com/baltimoreHalloween.php

Those of you who have followed my blog for sometime know that Mack (the Westie) has a virtual girlfriend in Mississippi named Annie. Well, Annie is very sick. They really don't know what is wrong with her, but she is not well. If you want to catch up on her condition, checkhttp://pennysanford.typepad.com/penny_sanford_porcelains_/ Even if you don't want to read about Annie, Penny writes a very interesting blog about her porcelain, history of her area and family, quilting, and of course, her puppies. Check her out.

Chat later

Susan

2/24/09

2009-02-24T10:34:00.002-05:00

Still no snow. I am still hoping. It used to be that when the circus was in town, we got our biggest snow. This year the circus isn't coming until April, so maybe I should just give up hope for this year!!! ;-(

These are the first couple of blocks of the Baltimore Halloween quilt. They are fun blocks because of the subject. The center block took forever. The smaller side blocks are going faster. So far I have 3 blocks done, just 10 and the borders to go!!! Almost done!!! ;-) NOT!!!

I love this little owls expression!!!

These are my alpaca socks. They are so soft and warm. Just plain K3 P1 rib socks.

There is a cat up the tree. The one that is upright in the center of the picture. But the main thing to look at is the silly Westie dog up the leaning trunk. He is about 8 feet in the air. he was up twice that high when I saw him, but by the time I grabed the camera he was on the way down. Sorry the picture isn't better, but it was a point and shoot NOW, or miss the picture completely.

I am still reading Liberal Facism. It is very dense vocabulary. Wish it was on the Kindle so I could easily look things up, but it was bought pre-Kindle. I will finish it one day, but it isn't a fun read.

I finished Slobbering Love Affair. It is a very good review on how the liberal mainstream press elected/appointed the President they wanted. It shows how little choice the press actually gave to the public in this election.

I read Inkheart. It is a good fantasy book. When the father reads outloud, the characters in the book actually come to life. It is very good. I hope the movie does it justice. I am now reading the second in the trilogy, Inkspell. In the second one, they readers are "read" into the book. Also very good. The third book is Inkdeath. I have that one on the bedside table waiting.

These are puppy dogs that wouldn't get near each other without growling when I had 3 dogs. Now that it is just the two of them. They are together much more. They are even playing some. It is so interesting to watch the dynamic change between them, with Chad gone.

Well off to read Inkspell!!! Hope to finish it tomorrow.

Chat later
Susan

2/11/09

2009-02-11T11:49:00.003-05:00

Still no snow. It was 70 yesterday and supposed to be even warmer today. I think I need to give up the snow thing for this year!!! ;-(

This is my beaded button from class on Saturday. This was fun, easy and fairly quick to do. This button is on an 1 1/8" base button and it took about 2 hours, but it was my first one, so later ones will probably go faster. But I think it will be great to have buttons that match my knitting perfectly.

Here is a sleepy Macklin, curled up in the sunny spot.

Chelsea, with her head hanging over the arm of the couch.

Chat later
Susan

2/6/09

2009-02-06T11:44:00.004-05:00

Puppies and I are adjusting to the loss of Chad. Thanks to everyone who has e-mailed me with their best wishes. Chelsea is still a little at a loss occasionally, but she is doing better.

I still want snow. They promised us 3 inches the other night, I didn't see the first flake. I want snow. Had I mentioned that before?? ;-)

This is Charming Leaves. The is the first of the quilting finished objects from the 2009 goal list. It, of course, isn't quilted, but that isn't on the list.

This is Sitcom Chic, a Knitty pattern from a couple of issues ago. I really like this sweater. Fit and feel. It is done in Galway, Pastel Marl. I will probably knit this sweater again. Matter of fact, I am making a larger twin for my mother right now.

This is the Boston Terrier mittens from Ravelry. It is SO CUTE. Yes, I said IT. It is a very sad story. IT is adorable, but IT doesn't fit anyone!!! ;-( Now I don't whether to just knit 2 bigger, knit the mate for this one, or just have one cute mitten!! Any suggestions??? I used Knitpicks Gloss.

This is a terrible picture of On The Vine. I LOVE it. It is knit in alpaca I picked up in Delaware, no name stuff, but SOFT. Look at it on Ravelry, it looks much better without the Lady and the Tramp sweatshirt!!!

This is a scarf done in a slip stitch pattern from left over afghan yarn. Just a get rid of loose ends thing.

I think that gets me caught up on projects. I am working on the center block of Baltimore Halloween. I want to finish that before I really go back to knitting.

We had a great stitching weekend, as always. The puppies stayed with us this time, that is the first time they have done that. They were very well behaved. I was quite impressed. They ususally have no manners at all!!!

On the reading front. I read Coraline. The movie is coming out soon. It is Alice in Wonderland meets Tim Burton. Wierd but interesting. Not sure if I will read more by Neil Geiman or not. Still undecided.

I finished World Without End. It is excellent. I have read Pillars of the Earth twice and enjoyed it both times. It isn't necessary to read them in any order, or to read them both. Pillars takes place 200 years before World. There are some references in World to people in Pillars, but you don't miss anything if you haven't read it. They are both excellent and highly recommended.

Then a quick light mystery Death in the Daytime. Takes place on the set of a soap opera. Cute, quick, light. Fun read. I would read more by Eileen Davidson.

That brings me to 7 of the 52 books I hope to read this year. So very much on schedule. I am currently reading: Liberal Facism, Inkheart and the Slobbering Love Affair: The True (and Pathetic) Story of the Torrid Romance between Barrack Obama and the Mainstream Media, so I should have much to report in the next update.

Still staying consistant on my treadmilling ( I read while I am on it, so that helps). Eating still needs work.

Chat later

Susan

End of January Goals Update

2009-02-03T09:09:00.002-05:00

Food - getting it under control
Do we really have to talk about this one right after a stitching weekend, with gobs of snack food available? Need I say more?

Exercise
I have been much more consistant with the treadmill, haven't added any of the other activities yet.

Quilting
Charming Leaves - DONE!!! Happy Dance - pictures next post, now that the stitching weekend is over, I wanted to debut it there.

Dear Jane borders - no progress

Expressions of Morris - no progress

Baltimore Halloween - working on center block, all blocks prepped and ready for attention

Beading
Signing up for a beaded button class today

Knitting/Crocheting
Haven't bought anything without checking stash first YET

Haven't finished any of the 2008 UFO's yet either

Reading
I have read 6 books for a total of 2,528 pages

So that is month 1, 11 more to go. I am happy with the January progress. I just have to stay at it.

I'll post some pictures with the next post, hopefully tomorrow

Chat later
Susan

1/14/09

2009-01-14T08:47:00.002-05:00

Things are returning to somewhat normal, slowly. Chelsea seems to be grieving. She sat out on the deck, in the rain, quite a bit yesterday. This is not her norm, she is a pris who doesn't like her feet wet. She is also taking over all of Chad's favorite spots. Mack is Mack, he has always, and continues to just roll with the punches. He is made of velcro, but other than that...

Nervous energy works wonders. I have prepped all 13 blocks of the Baltimore Halloween quilt. I got the kit early last week. It is so cute. Lots of ghosts, black cats and spiders. So all I have to do is stitch. I have gotten one and one half of the borders of the Charming Leaves quilt done, so only 1 and 1/2 to go. I want to finish those before I start stitching on Baltimore Halloween.

I am working on book 4 of the year. I was so pleased with reading 59 books last year. Then I read someones blog and they had read 203!!! How do you read 203 books in a year unless they are kiddie books??? I seem like such an amateur!!!

I finished my Sitcom Chic sweater, I'll take some pictures (haven't really felt like taking pictures this last week) once it is blocked. No other knitting to report.

Books so far this year.

A Pedigree to Die for and Underdog, by Laurien Berenson, this is a series of Dog Show murders mysteries. They are really cute. And the dogs don't get hurt, they help solve the mysteries. Good light fluffy mystery. I read book 3 on the beach last summer, not realizing it was a series. Now I have gone back and read books 1 and 2. There are something like 14 in the series so far. I will keep reading. Not sure I will do all 14, they will probably get very repetitive. I usually find that in these series books this year.

Then I read The Man from Oakdale. This is based on the soap opera, As the World Turns. It is very cartoonish. I didn't expect anything deep, but the books makes the soap look quite deep and serious!!!

Now I am reading Cat and Mouse by James Patterson. This is good. Took a while to get into it, but I am fully engrossed now!!! It is an Alex Cross book. It is an old one, I read it when it first came out in like '96, but don't remember it!!! Maybe I should keep my books are recycle them through my reading list. I could save a lot of money that way!!! ;-)

I have been on a light and fluffy reading binge. I am planning to read some more serious stuff, but life has been too serious recently. I will get there. I am thinking of reading a biography of each of the presidents. This will be a several year project, since they seem to be long!!! I have also bought the 2 book series, The President's House. It is how the White House has evolved since it was conceived by George Washington. It is two books, like 700 pages each. So see, there is some serious reading in my future.

I have also been walking pretty consistantly so far this year. Eating has been pretty good.

I promise pictures next time.

Chat later
Susan

1/13/09

2009-01-13T09:00:00.003-05:00

Chad (on the left)

July 31, 1999 - January 12, 2009

I found out Friday the his kidney's were failing. Yesterday, he laid down in a sunny spot on the deck and died. When I found him, his sister (real littermate, on the right) was sitting with him. It was very sweet, that she continued to look after him. She has always mothered him, since they were babies. He was my kissy, lovey boy. No more Chad kisses.

Please, everyone take you pets to have their bloodwork. I took them all last March and his bloodwork showed that his kidney's were fine. When I went on Friday, his kidney's had failed by over 75%. The vet said they masked all signs until their blood was so toxic that their stomachs were upset and they wouldn't eat.

Chat later

Susan

1/3/09

2009-01-03T07:46:00.002-05:00

Thanks Jasmin for the really quite comment on my 1/2/09 post.

The scarf she is wearing that I was looking for is "On the Vine". The ravelry link is http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/on-the-vine-2 Jasmin is the one with the pink hair!! ;-)

For anyone who hasn't listened to the Knitmore Girls podcast, you should. It is a great banter between Mom and Daughter (Jasmin). They always sound like they are having such a good time, you have a good time listening. They are available at iTunes!!!

Look this is 4 posts in 3 days!!!! Does that help my goal of posting more regularly?? Don't get used to it!!!

Chat later
Susan
Off to order my On the Vine pattern, hopefully there is stash yarn to knit it out of!!!

Goals for 2009

2009-01-02T09:26:00.002-05:00

I don't like making resolutions. In my case, they are usually negative in nature. Things I am going to STOP doing. I prefer to set goals. Things I am GOING to do. I seem to do better with the positives. So for 2009, here are my goals.

As some of you may recall, I started this blog to try to keep me in line with a "fiber diet" 2 years ago. Well, we all know how that worked out, NOT!!!

Goals for 2009 (I am trying to be realistic)

Food

Get and keep it under better control. Better, because I know I won't be perfect.

Exercise

Get and keep it more regular and productive. Some things I plan to try are the:

100 push-up plan
walking, possibily back to running
back to weight training

Quilting

Finish the tops for:

Charming Leaves - 3 borders left
Dear Jane borders
Expressions of Morris
Baltimore Halloween (this is my new project)

Make friends with the long arm quilting machine again!!!

Beading

Do some, maybe take a class or two

Knitting/Crocheting

Finish the WIP left over from 2008

Do as many projects as I can

Work mostly from my stash!!! Notice I said MOSTLY!!!

Reading

Read at least 52 books again this year. Some of them need to be "worthwhile", not just escapist fiction.

That should keep me busy!!!

I plan to do a monthly update on how the various goals are coming. So that means I have to blog more consistantly too!!!! So I guess that is another goal!! ;-)

Happy New Year

Chat later

Susan

2008 Final Report

2009-01-02T09:15:00.002-05:00

Knitting/Crocheting

27 Finished Projects

8 Sweaters
6 Pair of Socks
8 Scarves
3 Afghans
1 Skirt
1 Wash clothe

There are 5 WIP left. 2 are left over from 2007 (maybe I should just frog them!!!)
1 from mid 2008 (there is still hope)
2 from the last week of the year (one is already half done)

Quilting

Expression of Morris - 3 blocks completed
Nature's Chorus - 7 blocks completed
Dear Jane - center blocks completed (84 made in 2008)
Charming Leaves - 25 center blocks and one border completed

Beading/Cross Stitch

1 Peyote Stitch Flag Bracelet
4 Beaded Cross Stitch ornaments

Reading

I had a goal of 52 books. I read 60, really 59, not sure that Franklin Habit's cartoon book really qualifies. They averages 332 pages each.

Exercise/Food

First half of the year I did great. Then life got in the way and it came almost to a halt. Food was not at it's best all year. In spurts I would do well, but overall, I am not pleased.

Overall a very productive year. Goals for 2009 to follow.

Chat Later
Susan

1/2/09

2009-01-02T08:43:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year!!!

This is really the final FO post for 2008, but as usual, I am running late.

This is my February Lady's Sweater, I haven't worn it yet, but just trying it on, I love it. Fits well and feels good. The detail doesn't show well, but it is nice.

It is knit in Elsebeth Lavold Angora. No pattern modifications. It is a free internet pattern. I feel sure I will knit this pattern again. It was fun to knit and it fits and feels good.

Here is an attempt at showing the detail of the February's Ladies Sweater.

This is another Interlacements Beaded Scarf. Used Chewy Spaghetti Sock Yarn. This are fun to knit, and as I have said, with all the beads on them, you can use them as a weapon if needed.

This is a Making Waves scarf from Lisa Souza (she didn't do the pattern, but I got it from her website). I used Knit Cinema sock club yarn. It was a quick knit, but not what I wanted. On the Knitmore Girls website, they had a scarf/collar that I loved. It went almost to her waist and was wide and full. I e-mailed and asked what the pattern was. This is what she said, but I don't think this is it. So, of course, I have ordered the other two patterns on the website, to try them. Still very cute, just not what I wanted.

I finished the Monster of Florence. I think I liked the second part of the book more than the first. The first half is about the crimes. The second half is the reporter and writer that were investigating it. They ended up being questioned in the murders. Not a top ten book, but I enjoyed it very much.

I also read The Choice, by Nicolas Sparks. It is classic NS romance, with a twist. I like his light fare after something heavy.

Not even talking about eating and exercise!!! So don't ask.

Family and puppies had a great Christmas. I started getting sick Christmas night. I have had a cold ever since. I am not sure my ears are ever going to be "unclogged" again. ;-(

New Years was quiet. I was sleep by 9:30PM. That is what I do when I am sleep. I try to sleep 24/7.

Chat later
Susan

12/22/08

2008-12-22T08:15:00.004-05:00

I want some snow!!! Every blog I read they are talking about snow. All we got was some stupid rain!!! But we got LOTS of stupid rain. I came downstairs and sat at the kitchen table Saturday morning, and GOT RAINED ON!!! ;-( The kitchen table is below a bathroom, so of course, the first thought was the toilet, YUCK!!! But it was the vent in the roof. The water was leaking around it, running down the pipe and dripping out of the light fixture over the kitchen table. We now have a temporary repair on the roof. Of course, this happens right after we buy a new truck and replace the heating system, and preparing for Christmas. Can you spell BROKE!!! We don't think we will have to replace the whole roof, but nothing with a roof is cheap.

I finished my Christmas socks, before Christmas. Amazing!!! Last year I finished my Halloween socks for Christmas. They are my standard toe up K3P1 sock. Knit with Christmas yarn from Yarn Yard in Scotland. Nice knit, nice wear!!!

This is the Prairie Braid scarf, with Karioke from Southwest Trading. Yarn feels yummy!!! Fun knit. No ends to weave in, because it is short rows.

This is my wimple. The pattern and yarn came from www.CaryllDesigns.com. It is 100% Qiviut in Lupine. One skein makes this warm and SOFT wimple. The lacy pattern doesn't show well in this picture, but it is there, really.

I have finished two more books. Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher. It is the story of a teenage girl who commits suicide (before the book starts). She has made tape recording about the 13 reasons (people) she did it. It was very good. Started out great, ended great, dragged a little in the middle. But overall a very good read. Not a cry fest, but why. Most of the reasons, today as an adult seem pretty petty, but if you think back to what jr high and high school were like, they were a big deal.

Then I read The Tales of Beetle the Bard by JK Rowlings. I hesitate to even count this one as a book. It is 5 short fairy tales. It is referenced in the last Harry Potter book. JKR wrote it as a charity project. It was a fun read. Took about an hour.

I am now reading Vampire Academy, another Young Adult book. I have gotten in to these YA books!! This on is about the academy where young vampires and their protectors train. Very different from the Twilight Series. This is also a series. I am about half way through this one, I have decided yet whether this is a "read the whole series book" yet. I feel like we are building to some big climax, but only reading time will tell.

The world's scruffiest Westie dog wanted to say Merry Christmas to everyone!!! Especially his friend Annie!!!

Chat later

Susan

12/10/08

2008-12-10T08:53:00.003-05:00

Just a quick report on the stitching weekend. We had a great time as usual. There were many projects underway. Some of us change the project we are working on about every 15 minutes. Don't make much progress that way, but you do not get bored. Our next scheduled gathering is the end of January. Not here then. At a local quilt shop.

I always enjoy these weekends, but feel like I have been hit by a truck afterwards. Not only when it is here, but anywhere it is!!! I just can't seem to adjust to all this sitting down!!! ;-)

I need to take some Christmas decoration pictures for y'all. I'll try to get that done this week.

Chat later
Susan

12/4/08

2008-12-04T08:14:00.009-05:00

Happy Belated Thanksgiving!!

Had a great Thanksgiving, so thankful that my whole family is still here and reasonably healthy. What else is really important? Of course, the economy improving wouldn't hurt!!! ;-)

Have gotten some of my WIP or UFO's finished. Of course, then I develop startitis, so I still have a bunch of on going projects.

This is the Cable Pleated Skirt from Lanas Puras. It fits great, has a little flare that makes it flattering. Now I just need something to wear
with it. I used the recommended yarn, Lanas Puras Melosa Fingering. It is a very soft, lightly twisted single ply yarn. I wouldn't use it for socks since it felts, and I am too lazy to hand wash my socks. But I really like the feel of the skirt. The only change I would make if I reknit it, is the cables alternate which way they twist. I don't think soul, who hasn't knit the pattern would know that. I would twist all the cables the same way so I don't have to keep track of which one goes which way.

This is the Interlacements Beaded Scarf, I bought it originally as a kit. This is a second one, with my yarn and beads. The yarn is Scout Swag, don't recall the color (it was part of a sock club, I think), and can't find the label right now. This is a pretty mindless knit, even with the beads, once you get the bottom loopy beads done. It takes one skein of sock yarn and like 2,600 beads.

This is the detail of the bottom of the scarf. With all the beads, if you need a weapon while you have it one, you can just hit your attacker with the end!!!

You knit it in two halves, starting at the looped bead bottom, and then graft it together in the center.

This is the Simple Yet Effective Shawl, it is a free internet pattern. Easy to knit. I used one skein of Noro Kureyon Sock yarn, alternated the end I was using every 4 rows. I was able to run the yarn up the side so there were no ends to weave in (YIPPEEE). By using sock yarn instead of the recommended chunky yarn it is more scarf or accent shawl size. I love the colors!!!

These are my standard toe up, K3P1 gusset heel sock, based on Wendy Knits generic toe up sock pattern. Yarn is Lisa Souza What-A-Melon. They were knit from both ends of the skein at the same time. Notice the difference in color from one end to the other of the same skein.

I have also been working on some secret Christmas present items, that can't be talked about yet!!! So don't even ask!!!

I have read two books. The Great Crash 1929 by John Kenneth Galbraith. As I said last time, it was written in the 1950's about the 1920's but so much of it applies to today. It really is a lesson in "if you don't know history, we are destined to repeat it". It isn't a very long book and not a real technical book. The layman can read it with ease.

Then I read one of my nephew's (12 yo) young adult books (I like the YA books!!!). It is Atherton: The House of Power, it is the first book of two, I think. It is a boy in a fantasy world that is in 3 levels. He is the only person on the whole world that can climb from level to level. It has some vague similarities to Gulliver's Travels, without as many underlying lessons. I want to read book 2, but I will get it for my Kindle!!! ;-)

Have I mentioned how much I love my Kindle!?!?! ;-)

I finished up my tax class. I really enjoyed it, but am glad it is over, and I have my life back.

This weekend, I have a bunch of folks coming over to knit and quilt for the weekend. I think we are going to have about 12 folks. It will be loads of fun. I have a HUGE pot of soup cooking for Saturday nights dinner.

Exercise/Weightloss: Don't even ask. January 1st if coming.

Did I mention that I have Siamese Twin Scotty Dogs? Blue collar is Chad, pink collar is Chelsea. They are litter mates and even at 9 years old, they are still "joined at the hip". They have never been separated for more than a couple of hours. When I took them to be "fixed" when they were 6 months old, I asked that they be put in the same cage. And, no, that are not the least bit spoiled!!!

Chat later
Susan

11/13/08

2008-11-13T06:59:00.002-05:00

Well, this is a no picture post, since I have finished NOTHING since my last post. Guess I posted too much at one time. I am working on 2 scarves. Guess I am feeling quick and easy!!!

I finished the two books I was reading and started the Great Crash 1929. It was written in the 1950's, but could have been written over the last year. That crash started with a real estate crisis too!!! Scary. We really do need to remember history better.

Tax Prep School is almost over. Just one more week. I have told them I am not working. The teacher is not very happy about that, but they pay so poorly it isn't worth my time. Besides with all that goes on in my life, when is there time for work???

I am off to the Outer Banks today to take my parents, my aunt and uncle (that own the house down there) and my aunt's sister to see the Christmas musical at the theater down there. It gives aunt/uncle a chance to check on the house, since neither of them drives anymore and nobody is going down this time of year. I usually go in October and November, but with school and moving my parent's this year, I haven't had time to go. Maybe after the first of the year.

Puppies are doing good. Chad seems to have a stomach virus, but he has always been my "throw-uppy" puppy. They escaped and went on walk about the other day. Luckily my neighbor saw them and played with them until I could get home and "trap" them back in the yard.

Off to the showers and the Outer Banks.

Chat later
Susan

10/28/08

2008-10-28T08:32:00.006-04:00

I see that Macklin highjacked my blog earlier. He really is a creative little dog. How many dogs do you know that can type??? But he really is smitten with Annie!!! He gets this dreamy look in his eyes every time he sees her. So, he doesn't get his picture on MY update, since he already did his own!! ;-)

A lot has been going on. I know I say that every update, but this one has been particularly busy. We have sold my parent's house. Almost finished the addition to my sister's house for them, and moved them. They are pretty much settled except their kitchen cabinets have not come yet. We will have to finish the kitchen area once they arrive. The first of October, I started the H&R Block Tax Prep course. It really is a good course. It is 3 days a week, 3 hours a time, plus about 3 hours of homework for each class. It is pretty intensive. I have a really good teacher, so that helps. I have been obsessed with CNBC since the stock market has been so crazy. So haven't been doing as much reading as usual. If I have a few minutes, I am watching TV or doing homework, not reading. But I do have a few books to report on later in this update. After all the pictures. Of course, the election is driving me crazy. I will be very glad when it is over.

This is the Hexagon Afghan from the Bernet book. Made with Bernet yarn. Fun to crochet, not as fun to sew together. I will make another on though. I loved doing the hexagons.

Beaded Flag bracelet. I took a 2 hour class at Beadworkz in Suffolk, to learn this one. It took about 4 hours to make in total. I have been wearing it a lot. Not sure I am still going to be proud to be an American after the election.

These are plain K3,P1 socks. Made from Ellen Cooper yarn with real silver in it. They sparkle, you really can't tell from the picture. They are SOFT. Have some silk in them too. Got the yarn at Knitting Addiction in Southern Shores, NC.

Here are the 25 center blocks of the Charming Leaves quilt. I still have the dogtooth borders to go, but these were fun. Just need to do some applique. I seem to do more of it when I am away from home, than at home.

This really does look better on than laying on the couch!!! It is a ChicKnit pattern with Buton d Or yarn. Needs blocking. I need to hold a blocking party. It is getting cold and I have 3 or 4 sweaters that just need blocking and I could start wearing them. Plus a shawl and who knows what else needs blocking.

Exercise has been on a back burner. With class three mornings a week and trying to get my parents moved, it just hasn't gotten into the schedule. I will do better soon. I keep promising myself that!!!

On the reading front:
Sarah: How a Hockey Mom... by Keylene Johnson. Good intro to Sarah Palin.

Tan Lines by JJ Salem. Women's bonding book. A group of college friends that get together in the Hamptons years later. How their lives have diverged and converged. Good, not great. Has a murder mystery woven in.

Perfecting Amanda by Bonnie Dee. This was a free book for my Kindle (have I mentioned how much I LOVE my Kindle??) It is a story set at the turn of the century (1900). A pen pal bride goes to get married to a man she has never seen. When she gets to town, she is picked up by a man you makes her believe he is the fiance. After they spend the night together, he lets her know he isn't!! Should she tell the new fiance or not??? Good story. Light reading. Quite sexy!!

Murder on the Candlelight Tour by Ellen Elizabeth Hunter. This is another in the Wilmington NC murder mystery series. They are light and fun quick reads. Revolving around the same historic home restorer. I think there are 8 in the series. I will eventually read them all.

The Forgotten Man by Amity Shlaes. This is the story of the Great Depression. It is very good. Scary, how much it mirrors this current economic crises. Gets a little heavy at points, but I am enjoying it. Only have 2 chapters left so will finish it soon.

Murder at the Azalea Festival by Ellen Elizabeth Hunter. This is another of the Wilmington NC murder mystery series. Reading this one when Forgotten Man needs a break. Not far into it yet, but it is as good as the others in the series.

When I finish these two books, I will have read 47 books this year. My goal is 52 by the end of the year. Once the class is over the end of November, I will be able to read faster, since I won't have homework, so I should make my goal.

I think that gets things pretty much updated. I will try to do better about updating, but no promises!!!

Chat later
Susan

To Annie from Captain Macklin

2008-10-28T08:10:00.004-04:00

Just in from a mission.

Mom said I could use this blog update (which is long overdue) to send my girlfriend, Annie a note.

For those that don't know Annie, you can learn about her at ://pennysanford.typepad.com/penny_sanford_porcelains_/ She is a beautiful Westie and another member of the Westie Special Forces. She lives with several other Westies, one of them being Major Mackie. I saw her pictures on Penny's blog and fell instantly in love.

Annie have no concern about being a small town, now country Westie. I was born, and lived the first year and a half of my life in a SMALL town in North Carolina. They don't even have a traffic light and they park in the middle of the street. My then Mom got very sick and was not able to look after me. They took her to some place they called a hospital. There was no one home to look after me. They were talking about "rescues" and "shelters". I don't know what they mean but I didn't like they way they sounded. Anyway, I got lucky (as did you) when my "now Mom" heard about me from her cousin, she drove the 2 hours to get me the next day. I came to live with my new human parents and my Scotty brother and sister, Chad and Chelsea. I miss my first Mom, but have a really good place to live now.

We have moles and squirrels and all sorts of invaders that must be guarded against. As you can see from the picture at the top of the post, I had been out on a mission. I have a doggie door so I can go in and out. Sometimes when I catch a vermit, I bring its dead body in to my Mom. She really doesn't seem to appreciate my hard work. She promptly discards them.

Here I am resting between missions. (Mom says don't look at the dust on the lamp).

Annie, don't worry when Miss Penny takes your picture when you aren't brushed. You still look beautiful to me. I am a rough and rugged Westie. I don't think brushing is necessary for a Westie most days!!!

Now you know a little more about me. Hopefully you will be more comfortable with your long distance beau.

Best wishes to all of your Westie Special Forces Team. Wish we could meet in "person". Sniffing is always good.

Captain Macklin

9/15/08

2008-09-15T08:47:00.002-04:00

No picture post since I am on the Outer Banks without my camera. I will have a few finished things when I get back to take pics of, so that gives you something to look forward to....

My sister, my 2 nephews (12 yo) and I rode the 50 mile Between the Lighthouses Bike Ride on Saturday. We all finished. They boys were the youngest to ride that distance, so they have something to be really proud of. My knee "went South" on me at mile 45 and I was very unhappy the last 5 miles, but I made it. I also burned my lower lip!!! I have never burned my lip before, and I don't recommend it. Today it has a scab all across it and is still swollen. I am so afraid I am going to split it. I won't do that again. I will always remember my lip sunscreen!!! Of course, it was a record high temperature day, of course.

Have done some reading. Araminta Spookie #5, a continuation of the young adult series about a witch who has a vampire as an uncle. Really cute and a super quick read. It is by Angie Sage.

Unknown Waters by Alfred McLaren. This is the story of the submarine, the Queenfish, that mapped the area under the Arctic icecap in the 1960's. Since my husband is a retired submariner, this was very interesting to me. It had a little too much of the Navy alphabet shorthand, but other than that it was very readable.

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris. This is the first in the Southern Vampire series. I think there are 8 in the series. It was very good. I look forward to the next one. It is another of the "politically correct" vampires books where vampires don't bite people!!!

Epicenter by Joel Rosenberg. This follows the book of Ezekiel and it's predictions of the future as compared to what is happening in the world today, and how close we are to the end of days. It was very good until the last chapter. Then it became a little "too" religious. More like a sermon than a book. But overall it was very good.

Mayday by Nelson DeMille and Thomas Block. Very good, but DeMille's books always are. This is a subspace passenger airliner that is shot by a Navy missile during a secret test. Very good. Hard to put down.

Now I am going to read the draft of Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyers. This is the Twilight series from Edwards prospective. She was writing the book and someone leaked it on the internet. She is so upset, she isn't sure she is going to finish it. But of course, I have to read the draft. I sent the pdf from the internet to my Kindle, so I could read it. Bad, I know!!!

I have been appliquing on the Charming Leaves quilt. I have 3 more blocks and the borders. So if I would work on it, it wouldn't take long!!! It is the working on it thing!!

Well off to the showers!!

Chat later
Susan

9/7/08 Just for Fun

2008-09-07T12:46:00.002-04:00

The Big Read is an NEA program designed to encourage community reading initiatives and of their top 100 books, they estimate the average adult has read only six.

*Look at the list and bold those we have read.
*Italicize those we intend to read.

Share this list in your blog, too, if you like.

1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling
5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
6 The Bible
7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott
12 Tess of the D'Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
19 The Time Traveler's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot
21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25 The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams (Tried but couldn't get into it)
26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis
34 Emma - Jane Austen
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
38 Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
41 Animal Farm - George Orwell
42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48 The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding
50 Atonement - Ian McEwan
51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel
52 Dune - Frank Herbert
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68 Bridget Jones's Diary - Helen Fielding
69 Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie
70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville
71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker
73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75 Ulysses - James Joyce
76 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78 Germinal - Emile Zola
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80 Possession - AS Byatt
81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
87 Charlotte's Web - EB White
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare
99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo

That's 39 of 100 for me. Guess that isn't so bad, since they say the average is 6!!! I may read any of the ones not marked. Who knows?

Have fun with this

Chat later
Susan

8/27/08

2008-08-27T08:09:00.002-04:00

Got to go to Nags Head, had a great long weekend. My mother's second cataract surgery went just as smoothly as the first, so that is behind us. The next family trauma is getting my parent's new living space finished and them out of their house by the end of October. The construction schedule is so tight, that if anyone sneezes we won't make it!!! Then they are homeless!!

No new FO knittng/crochet projects to show. I have been on a reading jag, so not much handwork done!! I have a four day quilting weekend this weekend, so will get some stuff done then. Hopefully the next update will include a load of FO pictures.

Have been doing a lot of bike riding. Did a 47 mile ride on Saturday and hope to do it again this weekend. We are expecting leftover rain from the tropical storm this week, so hopefully it will clear out so we can ride. The Between the Lights bike ride is September 13th. It is 50 miles on the Outer Banks. That is what we are training for.

I have given up on the Rock and Roll half marathon. I was planning to walk it, but have been having a lot of trouble with leg pain after walking anything over 2 miles. So have had to give this up in favor of the bike. I hope to spend some time with a personal trainer soon to try to work out the leg pain problem.

On the reading list:
Pillars of the Earth - Ken Follett - This is the second time I have read this book. It is excellent. Long but you really get lost in it. There is an Earl who is a sadist so there is a bit of sexual violence that was troubling, but I think it is probably true to the time. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys political intrique.

Murder on the Ghost Walk - Ellen Elizabeth Hunter - This is a murder mystery set in Willmington, NC. It is light reading, and interesting because I knew some of the places she was talking about. I read it in one day on the beach. It is the first in a series of mysteries set in Willmington. I plan to read them all.

The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency - Alesander McCall Smith - Light mystery. Great character development. You really feel you get to know them. It is a series of short mysteries, not one long involved one. I prefer the long involved mystery. But enjoyed the insite in African culture. This is also a series of books. I will probably read more. This is another book I read in one day, sitting on the beach.

Dog Eat Dog - Laurien Berenson - If you are a dog lover, this is a must read. Murder mystery with a ton of dog stories thrown in. How can you not love a book that almost has more dogs than people in it. Another series. I will be reading more!!! Another one day beach read.

Under you Spell - Lois Greiman - I started this the last day on the beach. I read 100 pages only because I didn't have another book. I would have dropped it in the trash on the beach, but I wanted to make a note of it, so I didn't buy any more books by this author. This is very unusual for me to not finish a book. I just couldn't slog through it. The language was cumbersome and the story wasn't moving. Enough said

Septimus Heap:Queste Book 4 - Angie Sage - If you like Harry Potter, you will like Septimus. He is an Ordinary Wizard in an apprenticeship to be an Extraordinary Wizard. Great fantasy. I have abou 50 pages left. What will be next..............

Told you I had been reading a bunch!!!!

Hopefully I will get something to take a picture of finished by next time.

Puppies are fine. They are still loving the screened in front porch. Sometimes they even sit out there without me!!! I am dreading the weather getting cold and me not getting to sit out there. Of course, then I will so some hand work instead of just read.

Chat later
Susan

8/9/08

2008-08-09T08:08:00.002-04:00

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Kindle. After holding an almost 800 page hard cover book, now holding the lightweight Kindle is so much nicer!!!! I have almost finished Lady Killer. It isn't as good as the other Lisa Scottoline that I read, but still very good. I will continue to read her books.

I leave for the Outer Banks on Weds (hopefully). Not sure if I will take the Kindle or a real book for beach reading. I can just put the Kindle in a ziplock bag, but I am not sure I am comfortable, just sticking it in my bag and going for a walk!?!?! Not sure I really want to hold a real book, though, is that lazy or what!?!?! ;-)

I know I said I was doing UFO's in July and August, but I started a quick V-neck tank. Hopefully I can finish it to wear at the beach. But I have to quit reading long enough to do it. OR practice doing both at the same time.

Chat later
Susan

8/6/08

2008-08-06T08:23:00.002-04:00

A bit calmer week, this week. It was time for one.

No new knitting/crocheting/appliquing pictures. I have been sitting on the new screened in front porch reading!!! I LOVE the porch. I have finished Back on Blossom Street. This is the third in the Blossom Street series. Good, quick, chick lit read. It is about a knitting store and the customers that frequent it. The first two books are Shop on Blossom Street and a Good Yarn. All three are good light reading.

I am about 3/4 the way through the fourth book of the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyers, Breaking Dawn. I was a little shocked by this book. It is a young adult book and has gotten into some issues that surprise me for that level book. I won't give details because I don't want to spoil it for anyone that is going to read it. It, like the rest of the series is very good.

Next book, I think, is Lady Killer by Lisa Scottoline. That will be the first full length book on the Kindle. So far I love the Kindle. I have a TON of "real books" so am trying to read several real books for each Kindle book, to whittle down the piles!!! My nephew (who also loves to read) had declared that I have a BOOK ADDICTION!!! You think??? ;-)

We have ridden the bikes almost 100 miles this week. T is doing much better with his new road bike versus his old mountain bike. Hopefully we will be ready for a 50 mile ride by early September. Not sure if we are taking bikes to the OBX next week or not. My sister and her family are leaving Friday for the beach. I am not going until next Weds or Thurs. My mother is having cataract surgery on Weds and I am going to stay here and make sure that goes well. Hate for both of us to be gone when it is done. It is rarely a problem, but don't want to be away during it.

Well back to the porch, before it gets any hotter, to finish my book. Puppies LOVE the porch also. As soon as I head that way, they are running to get out there too!!!

Chat later
Susan

7/30/08 Part II

2008-07-30T09:47:00.007-04:00

Macklin in his hiding place guarding his bone. The pile on the drawer is my magazines that I need to go through!!! Why am I always behind?

On the Reading front, I have gotten a lot done, I finished the Septimus Heap book. They are much like Harry Potter, a boy wizard in a magical world. I have one left to go in that series of the ones that are out. Not sure how many there will be in total. Then I read the Araminta Spookie series by Ange Sage (same one that wrote Septimus Heap). This is a little girl who lives with her magical Aunt and Uncle (vampire). Cute quick read. Young Adult kind of stuff.

Then I read Andrew Gross's second book, Dark Tide. I think I liked it better than the first one. Murder mystery, set against a background of the diamond districts (NYC) dealings. Very good.

Then came Killer Smile by Lisa Scottoline. It is the first of her books I have read and it certainly won't be the last. Legal drama, all female law firm. Verges on Chick Lit, but not really. Had more substance than what I usually put in that catagory.

Now I am reading Another Shop on Blossom Street. This is from the knitting series by Debbie Macomber. Haven't really gotten into it good yet. But the others have been very good.

Big news on the reading front is that I bought a Kindle. E-book reader from Amazon for those that aren't familiar with it. I love it. I can carry 250 books in the size and weight of one paperback. It is tied to what they call the Whispernet, so I can download a new book in about 2 minutes. It is amazing. A whole book downloads faster than one song from iTunes. Can't wait until I get some reading time in my swing.

I almost forgot the Stitching Weekend, here at the house. It was great. I think everyone had a ball. I know I did. We will do it again, someday, but not until my life settles down a little!! Just too much uncertainty right now!!!

Now for some puppy pictures. Of course, Chad and Chelsea are NINE tomorrow, so they really aren't puppies anymore!!! ;-(

The trio guarding their toys and milkbones. From left to right, Chelsea, Macklin, and Chad.

Chad in "his snack corner". They have all chosen their own special spot to eat their treats.

Chelsea guarding her "rescue puppy". She loves her balls and stuffed animals.

Macklin, in his "treat spot". This is the step between the kitchen and the den. He can keep track of both places from here. Yes, there are more pictures of Mack than the other two. I am not showing favorites, it is just much easier to get a cute picture of a white dog than a black one. So many I take of them, they just look like a black outline.

That should get me all caught up for July. Hopefully it won't take a month before I get time to post again. I really am enjoying all the time with my nephews and I will miss them a bunch when school starts back up, but I get NOTHING done when I am running them all over the place all the time. I need to treasure this time and not feel guilt about things like blogging, not getting done!!!

Chat later
Susan

7/30/08 Part I

2008-07-30T09:03:00.013-04:00

July has been one of the craziests months in history. Thanks to those who sent wishes that all was well. It is as well as it ever is, so thanks. Just a long line of craziness. Early in the month, my sister had a week on the Outer Banks. I was supposed to go for the week, but with one of my nephews playing All Star Little League Baseball and my parent's house on the market, I ended up going down Monday morning, coming back Tuesday night, going back Thursday morning and coming back Friday night!!! I should have known that with the first day of the month going that way, that it was going to be a crazy month.

My parent's aren't able to keep the house in "showing" condition, so I go clean twice a week. My sister's two dogs stay over there almost every day. Both of them shed like crazy, so I have to vacuum twice a week to keep the hairballs to a minimum. Do you think I clean my house that well? NOT!!!

The third week in the month my brother-in-law had to go to Georgetown for CyberKnife radiation treatments. It was a weeks worth of treatments. Nephew and I went up on Monday and stayed until Wednesday night. Then my sister came up and stayed the rest of the week. Nephew and I went to the Smithsonian and the zoo and the Spy Museum while b-i-l was doing the medical stuff. The Spy Museum is great by the way, I had never been. Lots of interactive stuff.

While all this was going on. DH tore the front porch off the house and replace it from the ground up and screened it in. I LOVE my Screened in porch, with a swing. Fabulous place to knit and read!!! IF only I had time to do that!!!

And of course the Tour de France was going on. I am not a big sports watcher, but I do love the Tour. I got to watch all of it thanks to DVR's. When I got back from Georgetown I had 20 hours to watch, not counting others programs that were taped. I am still not caught up and they are replacing my DVR on Friday, so I have to watch all I can or they will be gone.

On the exercise front, I am bike riding with my nephew and still walking trying to get ready for the half marathon. Nephew and I are doing a 50 mile bike ride early in September. I can ride way better than I can walk. I have a lot of pain after walking. I am afraid I will have to give up the half marathon. I don't see much point in doing something that I KNOW is going to hurt, a lot.

Now on the knittingcrocheting front:

This is Poppy be Elsebeth Lavold. Knit in Cotton Patine. I love it. It will look way better after blocking and finishing. One day I will get that done.

This is a ripple afghan I started in April 2007. It was SO BORING. I finally finished it during the Tour de France. It is not large, just enough to snuggle under on the couch. But I don't have to have UFO guilt about it anymore!!!

This is the Tidal Wave pattern from SWTC. I did it toe up instead of by the pattern, but used the "wave" pattern on the cuff. I really like them. The yarn is Sockmania. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her stuff!!! The second picture is the whole pair of socks.

This is a kitchen cotton wash cloth. I like them for face clothes. They exfoliate gently, not like the scratchy pads they sell for that.

This is the Lacy Little Top knit from hemp, from Hemp for Knitting. I really like it, but I have to reblock it wider, to see if I can get a little more "boobage" room. Hopefully it will relax a little with wearing.

Noro sock yarn, knit two at a time on two circs, toe up using WendyKnits basic pattern. 3 x 1 rib on the cuffs. Not sure I love the Noro yarn. Not sure the thick/thin nature is going to hold up well in socks, but LOVE the colors.

Check Part II for further update. This is just getting too long for one post

Chat later (or right now)

Susan

6/26/08

2008-06-26T07:09:00.002-04:00

When I stopped workin "outside the home" thought I would have all the time in the world to knit and quilt and read and just enjoy life. I had NO IDEA, just how busy I would be. Looking after my parent's (whose house is on the market, so requires a lot of cleaning), feeding them since we aren't allowing them to cook in the clean house. Fetching and toting my nephews, one playing baseball all-stars and one on a swim team. With 5 practices a week and 2 swim meets a week, this takes a lot of fetching and toting and the baseball games haven't even started yet!!!

Occasionally, I do get to sit and stitch. I will have some pictures soon. The Noro socks are done and the Lacy Little Top is finished. I am working on my ripple afghan right now because it is easy to pick up and drop quickly.

I am getting some reading done sitting at practices. I finally finished The Host. It was good, but my least favorite of Stephanie Meyers books so far. Her new vampire book is due in August. Hopefully that will get back to her really good stuff. I am now reading Septimus Heap: Physik
this is the third in a series similar to Harry Potter. Easy reading, great for sitting by the pool.

We have really started training for the September bike ride. The smoke from the dismal swamp fires is slowing us down. I don't think we should be out exerting ourselves in visible smoke. Plus it is supposed to be 99 degrees today!!! ;-( Walking and prepping for the half marathon is slow. I have a muscle problem that is causing pain if I go over 5 miles. I have stetching, strengthening exercises to work on that, but don't know whether I will be able to do the walk or not. Time will tell.

Well off to finish preps for the stitching weekend at my house this weekend. Oh, I forgot to mention that I have 14 people coming to my house all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday to stitch and bitch. It will be loads of fun, but this house cleaning thing is for the birds!!!

Puppies are all fine. They don't get to see me enough, though

Chat later
Susan

6/09/08

2008-06-09T08:53:00.003-04:00

The main thing I have to report is that it is HOT!!!!! We are at almost a week of almost 100 or over 100 degree days. In this time frame, I have spent a day at Busch Gardens, one day at Kings Dominion and the heat of a day at a little league ball game. And I had one day that the air conditioning didn't work, of course, one of the days I was home. It was 96 in the house by the time it was fixed. I feel very well cooked!!! Spots of my body have a nice tan. Of course, it is a farmer's tan and mostly on the front of my body. You look a little foolish laying on your stomach at a little league game!!! Today, I have swim meet to go to. That is another 4+ hours in the heat, starting at 4:45PM, so the heat of the day!!! ;-(

I have gotten a little knitting and reading done, but haven't finished anything!! I am trying real hard to finish the knitting projects I have started instead of starting new ones right now. I am planning to use UFO's for my Tour de France and Knitting Olympics projects. If I could finish what I have started in that 2 month period I would be thrilled. Then I could start all new stuff!!!

The dogs are hating this weather too. They keep reminding me that they have to wear fur coats, that they can't take off!!!

Hopefully by next week, I will have finished a book or a knitting project or something!! I am feeling very unproductive.

Chat later
Susan

5/28/08

2008-05-28T07:00:00.003-04:00

I didn't post a puppy picture yesterday, so thought I would upload this one of Mack, aka Captain Mackie!!! He has such a hard time getting comfortable. I am amazed he ever gets any sleep!!! NOT!!!

Chat later

Susan

5/27/08

2008-05-27T08:01:00.008-04:00

I really haven't dropped off the face of the earth, even though it seems that way.

We have cleaned out my parent's house, had a yard sale and put the house on the market. Two pack rats really shouldn't live together for almost 60 years. We found some real treasures, but some real junk too. They even kept broken stuff too!!! My sister is adding an in-laws suite to her house, so they are going there. They just aren't able to look after this large a house and yard anymore. So now the house is on the market, we just have to hope it doesn't take forever to sell.

I also spent a week on the Outer Banks. Great stitching time. Not much sunning time, it again rained at least half the time I was there and it was chilly. But I did get a lot of applique done.

The center blocks of Dear Jane are done. These are the blocks that haven't been pictured before. Now I have the borders and all the sashing. I still have the 169 blocks to square-up so I can sash them. Not fun!!!

I haven't been knitting a whole lot recently. The only thing I have done is turn the heel on my travel socks. I have been working on them since January. Just the cuff left to go.

I have been renewing my addiction to applique. I took the Charming Leaves class and have been working on it incessantly. In this picture there are seven blocks. I now have 15 of them done. There are 25 in all. Then the dog tooth border. I am loving it. It is such easy, mindless applique. I think I am in an easy, mindless phase of my life. There are too many other things going on to work on a hard project.

After the dogs stayed home with DH for a week, they were programed to get up at 4:30AM. Which is when he gets up. If they didn't eat before he left they were hungry. I am still trying to reprogram them. I like to get up between 6:30 and 7:00AM, NOT 4:30!!! We are making progress. We slept until 6 this morning. But it is nice to be home with them. I can talk to DH on the phone while I am at the beach, but I can't do that with the puppies. I miss them.

I have been having a ball, e-mailing with http://pennysanford.typepad.com/penny_sanford_porcelains_/2008/05/guest-blog-major-mackie-special-forces.html

She has a Westie named Mackie. (She actually has a whole pack of westies she has rescued) I have a Westie named Mackie!!! Her's is Major Mackie, mine is Captain Mackie. It is fun talking about the Westie Special Forces!!!

The exercise update is easy. NONE!!!! I really have got to work on this, but with all the manual labor of cleaning out the house, there hasn't been much energy left for "dedicated" exercise.

We saw two movies this weekend. The new Indiana Jones movie. Good, not nearly as good as the old ones. I would have liked to see more about the stories that surround the crystal skulls, but they are almost secondary to the action. We also saw the new Narnia movie. I didn't really care for that at all. I thought is was very slow, then a lot of fighting. Just couldn't get into it.

I have gotten a fair amount of reading done. Messed up my back, so spent a lot of time not moving much. I read Last Jihad, by Joel Rosenberg. Good political thriller. It is classed as Christian lit, but I didn't see it. I just saw a political thriller. I have ordered the next book in the series, hopefully it is as good as the first one. I also read Swine Not, by Jimmy Buffett. How can Buffett do anything bad. It is hysterical. It is about a family that lives in a NYC hotel with a pet pig. The story is written mostly from the PIG'S perspective. Quick read, well worth the few hours it took. Last night I started The Host by Stephanie Meyer. I loved her young adults series about the teenage vampires. I haven't read enough of this one to get into it yet. But based on her other writing, I will love it. I'll let you know.

Last, but not least, my orchid is in bloom. I started with nine. I have two left alive. "This one is blooming. This is the first one I have ever had bloom under my care.

I will try to not be gone so long next time.

Chat later

Susan

4/25/08

2008-04-25T07:39:00.002-04:00

Sorry no pictures yet. Look at the bright side, when I get the camera working again, I will have a lot to show you. Since I don't have a reliable laptop, I have been doing a lot of stitching. Working on Dear Jane, and my new project Charming Leaves. Haven't had knitting needles in my hands in over a week, just applique and sewing.

I finished all seven books of the Women's Murder Club series by James Patterson. They are good light reading. I very much enjoyed them. I like his writing style. Very short chapters so you don't have to stop in the middle of a long one. I don't like to stop in the middle. I am now reading the Blue Zone by Andrew Gross. He co-wrote several of Pattersons books. Very good. Heavier then Women's Murder Club, but very good.

I have been walking, trying to get ready for walking the half marathon. I do hope my hips hold out. They don't hurt while I walk, but after they are miserable. Not sure how this is going to work out. I also have to start riding my bike. Nephew and I are doing a 25 or 50 mile bike ride in September. Hopefully my hips will do better on the bike!!!

Laptop is doing better. Adding software slowly. Windows has been reloaded 3 times, as we add software, it dies again. So doing it very slowly this time. Hopefully in a few days I will have the camera back.

Chat later
Susan

4/19/08

2008-04-19T08:03:00.001-04:00

Haven't forgoten you!!! My laptop has died, so no camera link until that is fixed. Also, my internet connection STINKS. The last week or more has been horrible. I can't stay logged in long enough to write a post.

See you when the technical issues are solved.

Chat later
Susan

4/6/08

2008-04-06T08:17:00.002-04:00

Wow, where have I been? I had no idea that it had been so long since I posted. T, you usually remind me to post. Where have you been?

I have been working on Dear Jane. Here are another 21 blocks. I now have 120 of 169 center blocks done. I started it last May. I had hoped to finish the center in a year, then a year for the border. Don't think I will make the first deadline.

I am blogging from the Outer Banks so have been getting a lot of stitching time since it has been raining and cold the whole time I have been here. We got 4 1/2 inches of rain yesterday!!! I have 2 more blocks of Nature's Chorus done and am working on the next block of Expressions of Morris. No pictures, I didn' t think to grab the camera when I was packing. I had taken this picture earlier and uploaded it, that is the only reason I have that one.

Had a quilting weekend last weekend at a LQS. Had a great time. It was wonderful to have one of those that I wasn't in charge. I got to enjoy and shop instead of being the hostess. We hope to have one a quarter. I really got a lot done. That is when I finished 10 of the DJ blocks and started one of the Nature's Chorus blocks.

I finished the Hemlock Ring Throw I was knitting with my personally hand spun yarn. It needs blocking really badly. I hope it looks better after that. Right now it looks like a pile of mess. I started a Cabled Pleated skirt. Hope it is big enough it looks awfully small. I need to get enough knit so I can try it on. It is knit top down so at least I can try it on.

I am up to the 5th book in the Women's Murder Club series by James Patterson. These are really quick reads with short chapters. I am enjoying them. I had hoped to sit in the porch swing while at the beach and finishing the series of 7. The weather is not cooperating. It is supposed to be 54 and windy today. Not really porch swing weather. So not nearly so much reading getting done.

Exercise is also suffering because of the weather. I don't do rain!!! And I don't have a treadmill here. Weather needs to improve so I can train. Not sure what I am going to do if it rains the day of the half marathon!!!

Soapbox time: I am pissed with Paypal. I have had an account since 2002. They are now requiring that I get verified. Problem is, my husband also has an account with them. Our checking account is tied to his Paypal account, so they won't let me tie to the same account. We only have the one account, so I can't have a Paypal account. Seems pretty crappy. Why doesn't my 6 years of being a good customer mean anything? I get through life without Walmart, so I guess I can do without Paypal, but so many vendors will only deal with Paypal!!! ;-(

Well off to the showers, so I can get to stitching and reading and housecleaning. Not much of that last one, I assure you.

No puppy pictures, they are home with husband-unit. They miss me though. I know that.

Chat later
Susan

3/18/08

2008-03-18T08:37:00.010-04:00

Sorry for my absence, my Father had the flu and ended up in the hospital. Of course, this was while my sister and her family were on vacation, so I have been very busy. It has taken 2 weeks to get him back on his feet. But he seems to be much better, so I can get back to my life a little.

I finished my toe up socks I was working on sitting at the hospital. My toes were so cold that I put them on with the tails still hanging. (No pictures since they are currently in the washing machine). I started this pair with the new Noro sock yarn. The colors are gorgeous, but I am concerned that I have broken the thinner places twice already, and I am a very loose knitter. Not sure how they are going to hold up. I am using WendyKnits generic toe up pattern with a 3by1 rib on the foot and cuff. I had decided I like the ribbing on the top and the bottom of the foot. With the 3-1 rib it isn't enough pattern to bother the bottom of my foot and it makes the sock snugger. This yarn is getting softer as I work with it, but these will never qualify as world's softest socks.

I finished the Rosalin Fair Isle Hoodie. I haven't worn it, but it fits great. It still needs to be blocked, but it has gotten too warm to wear it, so it is ready for next year. It is a great knit. Pattern is well written and best of all, it is free!!

This is my Ribbi Pulli. I finished it with a turtleneck. I didn't like the thick t-neck wearing it, so I ripped it out and reknit it with a hood. I haven't worn it since I finished. One, it is too warm and two, it needs blocking. Do you see a blocking theme here??? ;-)

I have also been working on the Hemlock Ring Throw. I took a picture of it, but Blogger won't let me upload it for some reason. It doesn't look like much balled up on the needles anyway. I am knitting it with yarn I spun. It is the first thing I have ever knit with MY handspun. It is uneven but it is fun to use my own yarn. Hopefully once it is finished and blocked it will look ok. Even if it isn't great, it in all mine!!!

Here are the next 14 blocks of Dear Jane. I think this gets me to 99 of 169. I will have been working on it for a year in May, so that is pretty good.

Haven't done any applique, just the little bit for the DJ blocks. Need to get back to that, now that things have settled down a little.

Went two weeks without walking or exercising at all. That is no way to train for a half marathon. I got back to walking yesterday, now I have to reestablish that habit.

I got a lot of reading done at the hospital. That is easier, along with sock knitting, than most other things you can do at a hospital. I started A New Earth, Oprah's book club selection, I doubt I will ever finish it. I have read about a 1/3rd of it. It hasn't "said" anything to me yet, and it is HARD READING. If I am getting something out of it, I can deal with hard. But hard, just because Oprah said so, isn't cutting it.

I finished "Losing It", Valerie Bertinelli's book. It was a fun read. It is like reading something aobut someone you know. After watching her on TV all these years, it is like she is someone you know. She has had a tougher life than I realized. The paparazzi wasn't around when she was coming along, so we just didn't know.

I also read Eclipse. That is the third book in the young adult series by Stephenie Meyer, about vampires and werewolves that live amongst us. I have always had a thing about vampires, so this is right up my alley. Easy reading, and quite enjoyable. I pass them along to my nephews when I finish.

I am reading the Women's Murder Club series by James Patterson. I am on Second Chance. I had read the first one before, but reread it before I started the series. I like the tv series. Hopefully it will be back since the writer's strike is over. There are currently 7 books so there is lots of material.

We have also watched the first 3 seasons of Lost on DVD. I had never gotten into the show. It was good to fill in during all the re-runs. They are enjoyable, but I think I like them better being able to watch on DVD instead of in weekly installments. I had Tivo'd the 4th season so far, so now we are working on those. By the time we catch up, new shows will be back on and we will have something to watch while I knit/applique/crochet/etc.

Have to include some puppy pictures. Here is Chad. It is hard to get a good picture of a black dog that likes to sit in a navy blue chair.

Here is Chelsea. She is usually still upstairs in bed when I take puppy pictures, so I snapped this one in the afternoon.

Then there is Mr Comfortable!!! Macklin has no problem getting in a "good spot"!!!

Happy St Patrick's Day late!!!

Chat later
Susan

2008-02-27T07:50:00.004-05:00

The Rosalin Fair Isle Hoodie is coming along nicely. I am working on the shoulders then I just have to knit the hood. This pattern is well written and knits up smoothly. Even if you have never done Fair Isle, this is a good project.

My Ribby Pulli that I finished a couple of weeks ago, with a turtleneck, I have decided to frog the turtleneck and knit the hood. I don't like the worsted weight T-neck on my body. So guess that one isn't really finished, OR does it count at TWO finished projects since I finished it twice???

We finished Basketball season with my nephews this week. I also finished my mindless project. This is a scarf knit in the round out of the Skacel 1776 sock yarn. Now I need another completely mindless project since baseball season starts April 1st. Any suggestions?

Training is coming fairly well for the Rock n Roll Half Marathon (walking it), but I had to slow down this week. My hips were hurting a lot. So I have slowed down to a more leisurely pace, that has helped a lot, BUT, I can't finish within the 4 hour time limit at my current speed, so hopefully I can speed back up soon.

My nephew wants to do a 25 mile bike ride in September after the walk in August!!! So as soon as he gets out of school, I will be training for that too!!! I won't be able to walk most days. But I should be in good shape!!!

I got two Dear Jane blocks done this week, but didn't get a picture of them yet. I will put them in once I have a few more done.

No applique this week.

I went to the Mid Atlantic Quilt show last week. I was VERY unimpressed. There were not nearly as many quilts and only a handful were hand done. Most were art quilts, which really aren't my cup of tea. Even the vendors were a disappointment. There wasn't anything new. Every thing is just a "retread" of a couple of years ago. Booths had patterns that I know are 8 years old. I already have those. I go to a show to get new stuff!!! Anyway, I may never go back, which is bad since it is one of the largest shows on the East Coast and I only live 25 minutes from the venue, but why pay $12 to get in to see old stuff and quilts I am not crazy about? I would love to hear what others thought. Was it just me??

Saturday I went to Nags Head to the musical theater to see an Elvis impersonator. It was fun. Took my parents and my aunt and uncle. We had a really good day, except... Daddy came down with the flu on Monday, so now I am sure we will all have it. He had the flu shot, but it doesnt' seem to have helped. With each sneeze, cough, or twinge, I am sure I am next. Wish me luck.

Boys are snoozing in their chair. The sleep all night, each breakfast and go get in their chair. What a life?

And when it rains, Macklin really likes to dig in the mud, notice the "white" paws. That is what I call "terrior toes", he also has "terrior nose", but it is hard to see in this picture.

Chat later
Susan

2/14/08

2008-02-14T17:14:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentines Day to all!!!

Chat later
Susan

2/13/08

2008-02-13T12:12:00.003-05:00

Two more blocks of Nature's Chorus done!!! That is 26 of 49. I am over half way. So, of course, I have gone back to knitting.

Started the Rosalin Fair Isle Hoodie. Not much to show, still working on the turned up hem.

No progress on Expressions of Morris or Dear Jane, will get back to those one day.

Have had a good week training for the Half Marathon. It seems to be taking a lot of time out of my week, but I need to get in the habit of exercising more, so hopefully this will help. By the time the race comes up the end of August, I hope it is such a habit that I can't break it.

Still reading Murder in the Heartland. Hopefully I will finish it one year!!! It really is good, just not devoting any time to it.

Chat later

Susan

2/5/08

2008-02-05T08:22:00.000-05:00

Two more blocks of Natures Chorus are done. That means 24 of 49 are done. These blocks really do go fast. I am enjoying making progress on this quilt. Haven't worked on Expressions of Morris or Dear Jane at all this week.

The only knitting I have done is while riding in the car, at Barnes & Noble, and to get the heel turned, since I like to do that while not in public. I like public knitting to be completely mindless and heel turning requires a little counting.

Reading is still plodding along with Murder in the Heartland. It is a really good book, I just haven't made the time to sit and read except for the few minutes each night when I get in bed. Some nights that will only be a page before I call asleep.

I did commit myself to the Rock n Roll Half Marathon held August 31st. There are 4 of us that are planning to WALK it. Hopefully it will help all of us stay motivated to do our exercise!!! I bumped up the treadmill time starting yesterday. With this commitment made, I can't afford to slack off. The hard time will be if I spend as much time at Nags Head this summer. I find it harder to workout while on vacation. No slacking this year!!!

Not much else to report. It has been a quiet catching up kind of week. I also have to get the tax info together so we can get those done. This will be the last year of the business, so next year taxes will be SO MUCH EASIER. I can go back to doing them myself.

No cute dog pictures this week. They are just sleeping like lazy lumps!!!

Chat later

Susan

1/31/08

2008-01-31T08:13:00.000-05:00

We had a great weekend at the Outer Banks. It was COLD!!! But we were inside anyway so that really didn't matter. We were fairly productive, sometimes we aren't.

I finished my Ribbi Cardi. The blue is Mission Falls, the green is Ellen Cooper. Love both yarns. We will see how the turtleneck does with the mohair in it once I wear it.

I finished my Panda Scarf. It is SO CUTE. It is a kit from Morehouse Farms. It is a quick, fun knit. I was asked who I was knitting it for. I have but one answer, ME!!!

This is one of the bird blocks from Expressions of Morris. It still needs a little bit of embroidery, but is substantially finished. I appliqued most of the weekend. It was fun for a change. This is block 3 of this quilt finished.

This is Tulip Treat from Nature's Chorus. This quilt has been in the works for at least 6 years. Maybe I will finish it one day!!! I think this is block 21 of 49. Of course there is a border, too.

Not much on the reading or exercise front. But I did lose 2 lbs over the weekend, not sure how unless it was shivering!!!! ;-)

I was BAD on the yarn and fabric purchase front!!! TWO, not ONE background (at 10 yards a piece) for Ladies of the Sea, plus yarn for another sweater, and another pair of socks, plus some more patterns and shawl pins. I did need the shawl pins though. And they aren't fiber!!

Of course, we have to have the cute puppy picture. I called the dogs to give them a bath. They had been needing it but it had been so cold I didn't want to. So we had a warm day, so I tortured them. The two boys jumped in the tub. I had to go get the girl. I washed both boys at the same time. It worked fine until they were ready to get out. I dried one of them slightly, the other one took off like a shot, DRIPPING WET!!! What a mess. But at least they are all clean.

Chat later

Susan

1/23/08

2008-01-23T08:55:00.000-05:00

Two days late posting isn't bad!! I have been trying to post on Monday's, but Husband-unit was home on Monday, so that messed up the schedule. I took all three dogs to the vet on Monday, so they were all sick yesterday. We did a lot of snuggle time. Thought that was more important than blogging.

As you can see, Autumn Rose if finished. It is a little big, but not so much so that it is a problem. If I was going to reknit it, I would make it a size smaller.

I finished it while watching Bleak House on DVD. It is from the BBC, based on a Charles Dickens book. I enjoyed it a lot. It started a little slow, but ends up very good. Besides it gave me almost 8 hours of knitting time!!! How bad can it be?

We got a little snow but not enough to really count. I want a really good snow. One where all the adult neighbors go out to play in it.

I have also joined The Quilt Show online. The shows are good. I sit at my computer, watch the show and knit something mindless. So I am learning and knitting. Again, how bad can it be.

I leave for Nags Head in the morning. We are doing a quilting/knitting weekend down there. Hope to get the background for my Ladies of the Sea quilt while I am down there.

I finally finished Glenn Beck's book. It was funny and scary. He really knows how to say things so they get your attention. Even if you don't agree with his politics, he makes a lot of good points. I started Murder in the Heartland last night. Haven't read enough to know how it is yet.

Have also started playing with my geneology. This is fun but another time gobbler!!!

I got a Woolee Winder for my spinning wheel. Now I have to spin and quit putting it off!!!

Somebody please walk by so I can bark at you!!!

Chat later
Susan

1/14/08

2008-01-14T13:21:00.000-05:00

Autumn Rose isn't looking like much yet. I think every night I will finish the knitting and can move on to the finishing. BUT, I just keep knitting!!! Sometimes it makes my head want to explode. Then I think about all the ends I have to weave in!!!! ;-( But it will be gorgeous once it is finished.

I have been without a vehicle since last Tuesday night. It has been wonderful. I have gotten so many things done that I wouldn't have done if I had wheels. I told husband unit I wanted him to take the truck away from me one week a month, just so I can get some stuff done. I never seem to get anything done!!!

I have even exercised five days in a row!!! See, not having wheels is a good thing!!!

I finally joined the QuiltShow online. Alex Anderson and Ricky Timms online show. It is good. They are about 1 hour each. There are 13 shows in each series. I bought series one and two. I have watched the first 4 of series one. I sit at the computer and knit. I am practicing knitting without looking!!! So I am multi-tasking. Learning about quilting while practicing knitting. Now if I could figure out how to read at the same time!!! Also, the QuiltShow has a new BOM starting this month. It is free if you are a member. It is designed by Sue Garman who does a lot of the Quakertown Quilts.

Fiber purchases have been pretty good this week. I ordered one skein of yarn I need to finish a fair isle sweater. Since I had the rest, I defined this as a NEED, not a want!!! I ordered the Christmas Memories quilt pattern, but that isn't fiber!!! The bad purchase was the new Panda scarf from Morehouse Farms. It was just TOO CUTE to pass up.

On the reading front, I am still on the same book. I really do need to go to the beach so I can read!!

I have to finish with one dirty dog picture. Look at the leaf parts all in his face hair. He just can't stand to be clean!!!

Chat later
Susan

1/7/08

2008-01-07T08:24:00.000-05:00

Well today is the first day of my hard core, get back to REGULAR exercise instead of this hit or miss mode I have been in. Of course, am I walking or running??? NO, I am blogging!!! ;-) I have got to quit procrastinating and get with it.

Had a great Birthday dinner with my family. Thanks everyone who sent their best wishes.

I got five more blocks made for Dear Jane yesterday. That gets me to 85 of the 169 blocks, so I am officially over half done on the center blocks, not the border, but a whole 1/2 block!!! They really are fun to work on. Most of them you can do in way less than an hour. Some seem to take forever. Didn't this lady know what a pain inset seams are?!?!

Prepped 6 applique blocks for Nature's Chorus, so now I just have to work on them. No progress on the William Morris quilt.

I have the body and one sleeve done up to the join on Autumn Rose. I really want to get that done to wear at the quilting retreat the end of the month, but it is one of those projects you can only work on so long at a time.

Got the Doctor Bag blocked, now I just have to put it together. It is from the book Knit 2 Together. I read the "put together" instructions yesterday. I think we may do this "my way" intead of "their way" What a pain those instructions are!!!

I am test knitting Annie Modesitt's upcoming pattern, ASSUMING I can find some yarn in my stash to do it with. I am going to try to be good with this no buying thing this year. The stash is really ridiculous. This requires a worsted and sport weight that work together. This will be fun once I figure out this yarn thing.

Fiber Cut-Back Report
No fiber purchases this week. That means I am earning dollars to spend, but not spending (see 12/31/07 post).

Reading Glenn Beck's book An Inconvenient Book. Whether you agree with him or not, it is funny. He deals with the issues of the world and how he would fix them. Everything from marriage to global warming!! My first book of the year. I want to read more this year.

If someone figures out how to get more time in a day, week, month, please let me know. I want to quilt more, knit more, read more, and exercise more in 2008. Where do I think this time is coming from???

Well off to exercise!! I have procrastinated as long as I can
Chat later
Susan

1/4/08

2008-01-04T15:11:00.001-05:00

Just a quick update to say....

HAPPY B'DAY TO ME!!!

Chat later
Susan

12/31/07 Happy New Year

2007-12-31T08:48:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

It is time for the look back at the past year and look forward to the new one!!

I have set the comments to moderated since the spammers have found me!!! ;-( So if you comment and it doesn't show up immediately, that is why. I hate that I have to do that, but don't want all the junk that is showing up. I made it a year without any spam, now it is a daily thing.

I have spent the last two days UNdecorating for Christmas. I have it all done, except the vacuuming and floor cleaning, but it was pouring down rain yesterday, and with 3 dogs, a doggie door, and rain, that would have been wasted effort yesterday. Maybe today. My calf muscles are so sore I can hardly walk. Must be from standing on my toes undecorating (since I am vertically challenged).

Anyway, report on 2007!!

Family is all ending the year in reasonably good shape. As my Father says "He is in good shape, for the shape he is in!!"

WEIGHTLOSS/EXERCISE: Need to get back on the wagon for eating and exercise. I have been very slack since Thanksgiving. I seem to think this is a "free" time of year!!! Luckily, I haven't gained any weight. I am at the point after my gastric bypass surgery, that most people start to gain some of their weight back. I don't want to be "most people", so have to really get to work. No more excuses.

FIBER DIET: I started the year on a Fiber Diet (no yarn or fabric). I did well for about 6 months, then all hell broke loose and I made up for lost time. I am going to try this again this year, but with some changes. I am going to try to award myself with $1 per day, for everyday I DON'T by fiber. I may spend this accumulated funding on fiber. That way I can still spend, but it is limited. Let's see how this works. I have really reached SABLE (stash beyond life expectancy) for both fabric and yarn.

QUILTING: Haven't done as much quilting in 2007. I did:
Piece two quicky quilt tops
Hand appliqued 2 1/2 blocks of the Expressions of Morris quilt
Made 80-blocks for Dear Jane.
Guess that really isn't bad. For 2008, I am going to continue on Morris and DJ, also am resurrecting Nature's Chorus and work on that. There is also a Ship quilt over on Quakertown Quilts, that is calling my name!!!! We will see, see earlier comment about Fiber Diet, but a pattern isn't fiber, right??? See I am already justifying my purchases!! All in ONE post.

KNITTING/CROCHETING: Have spent a lot of time in this category!!!
2007 Statitics:
Completed:
10 Sweaters
8 Pairs of Socks
1 Scarf
2 Skirts
4 Shawls
1 Pair of gloves
7 projects remaining unfinished!!! Need to get this number down, but that are still all active!!

TRAVEL: I averaged at least one trip per month all year. It was great. I may stay home a little more this year. Who knows!?!?! My puppies like me home. They turn into velcro when I am gone as much as I have been gone this year.

READING: Didn't track the number of books I read, maybe I will do that for 2008. But I read a fair amount.
Hope everyone had a good a year as I did.

Happy 2008!!!
Chat later
Susan

12/19/07

2007-12-19T07:59:00.000-05:00

Today is my one year blogaversity. I didn't know that, I just happened to look and see how many times I had posted this year and discovered that today is the day. I have posted 57 times. So T. that is over once a week on average, which is what my initial plan was.

I finished my Halloween socks. Isn't December 15th a good time to finish my Halloween socks? They are Lorna's Laces, just a 3-1 rib that continues down the foot top and bottom. I like the wide rib on the bottom. It makes the socks fit snugly but isn't enough to cause discomfort.

I started a pair of toe up 3-1 ribs for my purse socks. And Autumn Rose for my at home, have time to concentrate project, now I need an at home mind-less project. Autumn Rose needs a lot of attention. (http://www.twoswansyarns.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=PJ-AutumnRose&template=project)

I have been to New York City. This was a very nice trip. I really don't like NYC, but the Christmas decorations are gorgeous. We saw the Rockettes Christmas Show, this is almost worth the trip by itself. It was awesome!! Also, Hairspray. It was hysterical. Much better than the movie!!! We did a little shopping in the Diamond District, if it passes its appraisal we will talk about that later. And went to Chinatown and went to the secret back room to buy the designer purse knockoffs for $30 or less. Thought I was going to have to buy another suitcase to get home, but I made it.

Then, 30 hours after getting home, I left for Washington, DC. Toured the White House with the Christmas decorations. They are gorgeous. Looked out the window while in the Blue Room and saw the President playing ball with Miss Beasley. Of course, since I like dogs better than people, I was more excited by Miss Beasley. The Secret Service guy said the Barney was upstairs sleep!!! So I didn't get to see him. We toured a lot of the monuments and some of the Smithsonian. It was a fun weekend.

Between the two trips, I have walked about 1,000 miles. But at least I can do it. Two years ago I couldn't. I had my Gastric Bypass Surgery on December 13th. I have lost 125 lbs and have stayed fairly stable there. It is one of the best things I have ever done. I would never have been able to do that much walking.

Carried my book on both trips with me. Never read a page. I haven't finished a book in months. I need to get back to my reading.

Still have to wrap packages and do some cooking. Not to mention FINISH some Christmas presents. Friday I am taking my Mother to visit her sister in North Carolina. Just for the day. Hopefully I can get the Christmas stuff finished before I go, except for the cooking. I would like to have the weekend to enjoy, not have to work myself to death right up to the big event.

Of course, we have to have the cute dog picture.

This is the boy's napping in the chair. Chelsea was still upstairs in bed. She requires more sleep than the boys.

Merry Christmas
Happy New Year
Chat later
Susan

12/6/07

2007-12-06T08:47:00.000-05:00

I just finished going through my Bloglines. Enjoying all the snow pictures. I want us to have some snow. Preferably enough that everyone gets to stay home from work and school to play in it. I don't want folks in danger on the streets. We haven't had a decent snow in several years. What better day then one with it snowing like crazy outside, a fire in the fireplace and your knitting/quilting/good book (pick your favorite vice) in your hands?

Trying to start packing for NYC. It is tough. We are limited to one suitcase and one carryon. Of course we have like 18 hours on the bus between the there and back. So I need some entertainment, but it has to be small. I hope to sleep on the way up, since we leave at midnight. But on they way home we leave at like 3PM, so I will need lots of entertainment. Notice I don't think clothes are an issue, just entertainment!!! Have to have knitting, a book, the iPod.....

Chat later.
Susan

12/4/07

2007-12-04T08:31:00.000-05:00

Back from Applique by the Bay in Lewes, DE. Had a ball again this year. It is so relaxing and fun. Three of us left at 8AM on Wedsnesday. Drove to Bethany Beach, DE where we stopped at Sea Needles. Jam packed shop with knitting, cross stitch and needlepoint. Of course there was some stash enhancement!!!

Then lunch at the Cottage Cafe in Bethany. Second year we have stopped there. Really good food.

Then to Knitty Gritty in Rehoboth Beach, DE. Small but very nice shop. More stash enhancement ensued. I drop in once a year and the owner recognizes me. She even recognized me on the street a couple of days later in Lewes!!! That's impressive. Not like I am one of her regular customers.

Then to Mare's Bears to check in and get ready for a weekend of applique. The motel is closed so the quilters are the only ones there. We sit around in our jammies at night and stitch or knit. Of course, there are several fabulous restaurants within walking distance. What more can you ask for.

Thursday I took a one day class from Nancy Kerns. She is big into Baltimore Album quilts. I enjoyed her talking about the history of the quilts a great deal. I found her applique method to be somewhat cumbersome, but still enjoyed the class. I won't finish the block from that class, but I knew that going in. I took it for the technique, the pattern is to old fashioned for me. I like more modern designs.

Thursday night is the Holiday Open House for the merchants on Second Street. It is so much fun. All the shops are open, serving refreshments, singing in the street. I look forward to it each year.

Friday through Sunday, I took the orchid class (picture above) from Jane Townewick. I have taken classes from her the last 5 years. I just love her designs and methods. Don't be too impressed. The pieces of the flowers are pinned down, not appliqued. I am trying to decide whether I want to leave it on the dark background or put it on a light one.

Saturday night was the Holiday parade. Great small town parade. Had so much fun watching it. Hope nothing bad happened in town while the parade was on, because I think all the emergency response vehicles were in the parade.

Already looking forward to next years Applique by the Bay.

Now I am home getting unpacked and clothes washed so I can I can pack for New York. I leave Sunday at midnight, on a bus. Hope I can get some sleep on the way. It will be fun once we get there, but I am dreading the bus ride. We have tickets to Radio City Rockettes and Hairspray. Now that the strike is over, we will get to see them both. Need to get a pair of basic plain socks started to knit on the bus in case I can't sleep.

I have cancelled/let run out most of my sock of the months in hope of using up some of the yarn. I bet I haven't used 5% of the yarn I have gotten this year from these som's. I just love getting the squishy packages!!!

I am also working on the cross-stitch Christmas ornaments for my nephews, but can't post a picture in case they have found my blog.

Not getting much reading done. I do more in a week at the beach than I do in six months at home. I now have a porch swing at home, but don't have the correct weather right now. Will enjoy it in the Spring.

Boy dogs really know how to get comfortable!!! The girl dog is still upstairs in bed, so don't think she is not comfortable too. She has to sleep late. She usually has breakfast about noon. Life is tough when you are a Princess.

Chat later
Susan

11/26/07

2007-11-26T15:22:00.000-05:00

Less than a month left until Christmas. Luckily most of my shopping is done, all of my decorating is done. I have one more planned entertaining event to go. But travel is a big deal between now and Christmas.

Tomorrow my applique group is meeting at my house. Have to have the kitchen table clear for stitching (light is better there than the dining room table), then the dining room table clear for lunch.

Wednesday I leave for Delaware to go to Mare's Bears for Applique by the Bay. I think this is the 5th year I have been. It is a ball. The motel where we stay is closed, so the appliquers are the only ones there. We hang around at night in our jammies and knit and stitch. Classes all day. It is just about a city block from downtown Lewes and they have a great holiday street party the Thursday night. It will be loads of fun. I get back on Sunday.

Next Sunday I leave for NYC. Seeing the Rockettes and hopefully Hairspray (depends on the strike), but if we don't get to go to the show, that is another $100 I can use to shop!!! Get back Wednesday at midnight.

Nephews have their first band concert, one plays sax, the other drums. I use "play" loosely. They are taking it in school, just started this year. This is Thursday night.

Friday morning we leave to go to DC. We get to see the White House decorated for Christmas. I am so excited about this. It is really a once in a lifetime thing. We plan to spend the weekend in DC and maybe the aquarium in Baltimore. Then back home.

After that, I get to stay home, maybe, until Christmas!!!

Karen, thanks for your comments. Glad to know I am not the only one that is rebelling against the decorating thing. My house does look nice now. I have gotten over the overworked funk from having to put it all up. You didn't leave your blog address, so I can't check your's out.

Well off to pack and get ready for guest. I'll report on my trips later. I am trying to make these trips computer-less. This will be a challenge. I have a major e-mail addiction. Let's see how I do after five days without!!!

Chat later
Susan

11/20/07

2007-11-20T08:26:00.000-05:00

I was informed by a friend the other day that I needed to post to my blog!!! We proceeded to discuss how boring my life was. I could report that I have on my blue sweatpants instead of my black ones today!!! Over the last couple of weeks, I have decorated for Christmas. This is craziness. I have enough decorations to do 3 complete 7+ foot trees. This year I only put up the 10 foot one and a 3 foot one. I didn't do the 8 foot. I have several HUNDRED Santas. I have to completely UNdecorate before I can decorate. All of this so my family can come have Thanksgiving dinner with me. Rave about the decorations for a couple of hours and go home. The rest of the holidays I will pretty much be out of town. Then I take them down!!! Ok, so that is pretty Bah Humbug, but it is true!!!

I have also made 106 DOZEN cookies. Now, mind you, I have had gastric bypass surgery and CAN'T EAT SUGAR!!!! So I spend the rest of the holidays giving cookies away, but I get to fulfill the need to bake at Christmas. Everyone around me will need surgery by the time I pass out all these cookies!!!

Christmas shopping is pretty much done except my sister. We are going to NYC for 3 days in December, so I am hoping to get her something there.

I have finished a pair of socks. Crosshatch from More Sensational Socks, and a pair of fingerless gloves. Now I am working on the cross stitch Christmas ornaments for my nephews. I have done them for them every Christmas so far. I usually am working on them Christmas Eve to get them finished. I hope to be a little earlier this year.

I finished the Jane Austin Book Club. It is a good quick read, but not one of the best books I have ever read. Now I am reading New Moon, which is the sequal to Twilight. Fun books, vampire romance written for young adults (just my speed)!!!

Now it is off to do the final grocery shopping for Turkey day. Then housecleaning. Tomorrow is cooking.

Happy Thanksgiving
Is that better T???

Chat later
Susan

11/1/07

2007-11-01T13:41:00.001-04:00

Happy November Everyone!!! Another month behind us. Shopping days before Christmas dwindling FAST!!! I haven't even made a list yet!!!

Here is 2/3rd's of Modern Quilt Wrap from KnittingDaily.com. Knit in KidSilk Haze. If that isn't addictive, nothing is. I am using 10 colors, the pattern only calls for 9. I changed the colors and there were 10 I liked, so went with it.

I messed up my back last week. Happens periodically, but not often thankfully. Anyway, haven't been doing anything around the house, so I have been working on Dear Jane. Here are another 22 blocks. I have 81.5 made now. There are 169 in the body of the quilt and then something like 40 in the border.

Was doing very well getting back on track with my exercising, but the back issue put a stop to that. Haven't done anything since last Thursday!!! Now I have to start over again. I hope Monday to restart AGAIN!!!

I am reading The Jane Austen Book Club. Book is good, not sure how it is going to translate into a movie, but we'll see.

Chat Later

Susan

10/22/07

2007-10-22T17:38:00.000-04:00

NOTE: Sorry the pictures are screwed up. I tried to edit and get them right and the more I work the more screwed up they get!!! So I quit. You can tell a sweater from a sock, just PRETEND they are in the right place.

I am finally back. I feel like life may be calming down a little. Until the next stupid thing happens at my house. They never seem to end.

Just got back from a great week at Kill Devil Hills, NC. Weather was great. A little cool with a breeze, plenty of sunshine (but we need rain, badly). Spent a lot of time in the swing on the front porch. It is my favorite reading and knitting spot. Can hang there for hours!!! Read 3 books. Jack Cafferty's "It's Getting Ugly Out There". Funny review of the country's political situation. If you have ever watched him on CNN, this book is written exactly the way he talks. I really enjoyed it. Don't agree with everything he said, but he doesn't hold anything back. "Jonathan's Story" this is a side story to what is going on in the soap, Guiding Light. Light, escapist reading. Ok, not great. And finally, and the best of all. "Drunk, Divorced & Covered in Cat Hair". Whether you are married, divorce, single, a knitter, non-knitter or what, this book is hysterical. She has a blog CrazyAuntPurl that I have been reading for over a year. Her book is great. Makes you think about what is going on in your own life.

I got two blocks almost done on my Impressions of Morris quilt. Once I get the embroidery done, I'll post some pictures. This is making me want to applique again.

I finally got the dreaded bathroom mirror picture of Fifi posted. My DH flew off to Hawaii this morning so he wasn't available to act as photographer. I really love the pattern and the Calmer yarn I used. Am actively looking for another project to use Calmer. I added sleeves to this pattern. It is written to have cap sleeves only.

I finished my Tofutsie socks. They are a simple 3-1 rib top down sock. Love they why the knitted fabric feels, but the yarn is very splitty while knitting.

Mother and Daddy are both doing well at the moment. Mother went to the boy's ballgame on Saturday, the only one she has been to all season. She also drove the first time since surgery bagan this week. That also went well. Thanks to everyone who has posted comments and sent me e-mails wishing them well.

I have decided to not renew my subscription to Socks That Rock and Sundara's clubs. They have just gotten way too expensive. I will just order some yarn when I want to instead of getting is shipped automatically. Still love both yarns, just not willing to pay the price they are asking.

I have started the Modern Quilt Wrap from knittingdaily.com. It is fun to work on. It weighs NOTHING. I am used the KidSilk Haze the pattern calls for, but changed the colors. I'll post a picture a little later.

Today was the first day of the "back on track" exercise program. With all the surgeries and associated dr appts, I haven't been doing very well. I have to get it done first thing in the morning or it doesn't happen. Since my parent's think if they can't have the first dr appt in the morning it ruins the whole day, it messes up my exercising quite a bit, but starting today, I AM DOING BETTER.

Now for a few cute, puppies picture, just because.

Chad likes to sleep under the kitchen table. Not sure why, but that is his favorite spot.

Chelsea is peeking around the corner between the den and the kitchin. She is ready to attack if anyone trys to get the Milkbone behind her. She doesn't eat them, just guards them. One of the boy's will get it a little later and eat it. She will growl and show her teeth, but let them walk up and pick it up.

Mack says he is just cute and that is all that he has to do. He can raise all the cain he wants, because , by golly, I AM CUTE. If you have any questions about he views on life, they all revolve around being CUTE.

Chat later

Susan

10/5/07

2007-10-05T16:06:00.000-04:00

Just a quick drop in to let you know that my Mother came through her second surgery well. She is basically cut from the back of one arm across the front to the back of the other arm. She looks like you could just lift off the top of her body. He had to reopen the first incision because of a bit of infection. So she doesn't have a "good side" this time. But is holding up well.

Daddy is doing better. Still has to watch everything he eats. But improvement is good.

Thanks to all for your well wishes in the comments.

Hopefully things will settle down soon, and I can be more regular blogging. I have gotten to get a fair bit of sock knitting down, sitting at the hospital and at my Mother's.

Chat later
Susan

10/1/07

2007-10-01T12:55:00.000-04:00

How do the die hard bloggers make time to blog everyday. I haven't even managed to get a post done in over a month. I missed September completely!!!!

My mother's surgery went very well. The second mastectomy is Weds of this week. Hopefully this one will go as well. My father as gastritus so can't eat hardly anything. Old age is just hell!!!

I just got back from 12 days at Kill Devil Hills, NC. It was great. Weather was cool and breezy. I read several books, appliqued and knitted. It was heaven. I was ready to come back home and see DH and puppies. But will be going back soon.

I have gotten a ton of sock yarn recently. I have pictures.

This one is Tsock Tsarina the kit is the bottom one, the top bag is a free gift!!!! Love the unique sock designs they have.

The one to the left is Zen Garden. One the right is WoolGirl. This is Woolgirls first shipment. That club is great. Not only is the yarn AWESOME, but the pattern is good. The extras were wonderful too. We got a "sock journal" note book, chocolate mint lipgloss, and a stitch marker. Can't wait for the next shipment.

Left is Spunky Eclectic. Love her stuff!! And of course the one on the right is Socks That Rock!! Need I say more about that one?

So now I have some serious sock knitting to do. Hopefully there will be some time sitting in the waiting room for my Mother tomorrow.

I finished reading "Critical" while I was sitting in the porch swing at the beach. It is very good. medical mystery. Good read, although it does have a lot of medical mumbo jumbo in to. I read "Twilight" (by Stephenie Meyer), this is the book they say is the new Harry Potter. It was very good. A teenage girl moves to a new town to find that the high school has a family of vampires!!! I have always had a thing about vampires!! So it fits right in. I started Jack Cafferty's "It's Getting Ugly Out There". It is written exactly like he talks on his show on CNN. Haven't finished it yet, but am enjoying it. I have ordered the other two books in the series with Twilight. I think they will be my next read.

I appliqued the center square of a new quilt. Impressions of Morris. I would have finished it but decided I wanted to change some of the fabrics, so needed to stop and go through the stash, that was, of course, at home.

I knit Mix and Match shawl. It was fun. Just Knit 3 rows, purl one. I used 5 different yarns and changed yarns every 2-4 rows. It was good and mindless.

I am working on FiFi, from French Girl Patterns. I had it ready to bind off the bottom, tried it on. I had miss-counted. The cable that is supposed to go down the center was over one boob!!! ;-( So I frogged it all and started over. I am almost finished with the body again!!! I am putting longer sleeves on mine, not sure how long yet, depends on how much yarn I have.

Have been a lazy bum for the last month. I really have got to get back on a real routine with the exercise. This hit or miss thing isn't working. Running once a week doesn't cut it!! Once this next surgery is done. I have to do better. I can turn the focus back to me instead of my parents, I hope.

Chat later
Susan

8/29/07

2007-08-29T08:48:00.000-04:00

What a whirlwind the last two weeks have been. I got back from the Outer Banks. I had my sister's two dogs for 4 days. That makes 5 dogs. So that is a house full. Then on Monday I had my nephews for the day. THEN Tuesday and Wednesday I had to scrub my house because I had 12 people at the house for a stitching weekend. It went great. We are planning another one after the first of the year. The upstairs of the "manhouse" (detached garage) worked great. We had plenty of room and the air conditioning worked great.

Today my Mother is having a mastectomy. This is the first one, as soon as she heals they will do the other one. She has now had cancer in both breasts so decided it was time for them to go. I am taking my father to the hospital about noon, so he will be there when she comes out of surgery. Hopefully it will all go well. So the next week or so, I will be acting as nurse.

Haven't had time to read, so still reading Critical. Will probably get some reading done at the hospital today.

I finished Skin of the Sea and wore it this weekend. I need to get a picture of it so I can post it. I have started a free Katia cardigan pattern. It is working up fast, so hopefully I can finish it in time to wear it before it gets cold since it is openwork and silk/cotton.

I hand quilted on my Hawaiian quilt all weekend. I figure I have another years worth of get togethers work to finish the quilting on this. WHY did I think it needed to be quilted 1/4" apart. It is only king size!!!

Supposed to go back to the Outer Banks in 3 weeks. Found out last night that DH is also out of town that week. So no dog sitter. My regular sitter is also out of town that week. So I may not get to go. Also depends on how my mother is doing.

We off to get ready for the hospital.

Chat later
Susan

8/17/07

2007-08-17T11:34:00.000-04:00

Happy B'day Daddy!!!! Today is his birthday and he is on the way to Myrtle Beach for the weekend to see shows!!! Good for him.

Just got back from a week on the Outer Banks. Skins looks like leather, but it is brown. Did a lot of exfoliating and moisterizing this morning, so I feel better. I have my sister's two dogs in addition to my 3, so we have a full dog house!!! I need to be housecleaning for the 13 people that are coming to my house next weekend for the stitiching weekend. BUT with 5 dogs, there won't be much cleaning this weekend. So hopefully I will have time to get it presentable before they arrive. I may go back to the velvet rope across some rooms approach!!! Plus I have my twin nephews on Monday, so that day is lost.

Finish Harry Potter at the beach. Really enjoyed it, sorry the series is over. I hope she will write something else. I also read Pearl Harbor, by Newt Gingrich. It was very good. A little revisionist history, but a very enjoyable read. Also read, Bacchus & Me by Jay McInerney. Very educational wine book. A lot of the french names went over my head, but I still learned a great deal from it. On the downside, it costs me $120 on the way home when I stopped at the winery!!!

Not much knitting at the beach. We stay so busy when I am there with my sister's family, there isn't much time to sit and knit, since I am not a beach knitter. I hope to finish Sea Skin this weekend, not sure what is next. I have a FEW options. ;-)

Got my 60GB Video iPod back, so glad. The 2GB Nano, just needs reloading too often.

Chat later
Susan

8/4/07

2007-08-04T08:18:00.000-04:00

Thanks to all that left comments about my Kauni cardigan. It really was fun to knit. I have spent this week trying to get the things done that I ignored, while I spent the month of July knitting it. It really is time to clean the house when you have to rent a Bobcat to do it. Just kidding, but it does seem that way some days.

I have started Skin of the Sea(http://www.nbyarn.com/shop/product_info.php/products_id/1400). A sleeveless vest/top. It is knitting up quickly after the fingering weight yarn in Kauni. I want to finish it this week so I can wear it on the Outer Banks next week. I'll post pictures when I finish.

This weeks focus is getting the house straight. I am having 12 people here for a stitching weekend in two weeks, but I am spending next week on the Outer Banks, so all the work has to be done this week. I am not even trying for CLEAN, just STRAIGHT. There is a big difference. Besides, I believe that dust protects the finish on the furniture!!!

I am still working along on Harry Potter #7. I don't want to rush because I want to enjoy it, but I also don't want to drag it out so long that I find out the end without reading it. Another thing I want to finish before the beach trip. I have a busy week, can you tell?

I also have to get a mindless knitting project underway to work on at the beach next week. With the twin nephews (11 yo) there is nothing done that requires a great deal of concentration.

The other thing I have discovered this week is Webkinz. Yes, they are stuffed animals and I am to old for them, but they are FUN. There is a website where you build a house for your pet, feed them, play with them, exercise them!!! I am addicted, so I also have to have my daily Webkinz time!!! No, I don't plan to grow up!!!

Chat later
Susan

7/29/07

2007-07-29T07:25:00.000-04:00

I Finished, I Finished, I Finished!!!!

Even with an injured knitting finger, the Kauni Cardigan is finished and the final stage of the Tour de France hasn't even started!!!! Today is truely a ceremonial day!!! If is wasn't so blame hot, I would wear my cardigan to watch the day in Paris. It still needs blocking, but other than that, it is finished. I think it is pretty coincidental that I was going for the Green Jersey and green is the main color in the neck and front ribbing!!!

Off to watch the final stage. And of course, get to work on another project!!!

Chat later

Susan

7/26/07

2007-07-26T10:06:00.001-04:00

Tour de France KAL Update
Here is my one armed Kauni Cardigan, with the injury to the "knitting finger" my hope now is to finish the second sleeve by Sunday. I think finishing work will have to wait until after the Tour. At least I can say it was done drugfree.

Have I mentioned that Macklin likes to be comfortable when he sleeps?

Reading

Still plodding along with Harry Potter. I have been devoting all my time to knitting. Want to finish it before someone tells me what happened though. On someone's blog I read the ultimate in love. Her husband is READING her Harry Potter while she knits!!!! My husband is wonderful, but I know better than to even ASK for this one!!!

Exercise has also been suffering with the push for the Green Jersey. Monday I have to redouble my efforts. Can't get completely out of the habit.

Chat later

Susan

7/25/07

2007-07-25T08:20:00.000-04:00

Tour de France/TdF KAL Update
My finger injury was not "tour-ending" but it had slowed me down significantly. I was able to finish the first sleeve and get the second one picked up. I still doubt I will get it finished knitting as slowly as I am knitting. I had planned to compare my injury to Vino's and say if he can ride with all the stitches in his knees, I can certainly knit with a cut in my finger. But we all know what has happened to him. Why are these guys so stupid they don't realize they are going to get caught? Cycling has the strongest drug testing program in all of sports and they still think they can get away with it!!!! They may have powerful legs, but their brains need some work!!!

Off to knit slowly
Chat later
Susan

7/23/07

2007-07-23T08:09:00.000-04:00

I know I say this almost every post, but where does the time go???

I have been watching the Tour de France. I think this is the best year I have ever watched. When Lance was riding, you knew he was going to win, it was just a matter of which day he wanted the lead. This year there are 10 possibles and you never know who is large and in charge that day until the very end. There hasn't been a bad stage yet.

My Tour de France KAL project, Kauni Cardigan is coming well. The body is done, I have one sleeve 3/4 done. The pattern is a translated pattern, so you need to know what you are doing to knit a sweater from it, but the patterning on the sweater is very easy to memorize and you can work on it and talk, or watch the Tour. Now for the bad news. I tried to shorten my left index finger with a knife yesterday. My sister had gotten 100 ears of corn. I was helping her wash and cut off the bad spots. I mistook my finger for an ear of corn. We debated stitches, but she grabbed the steri strips and closed it up. Last time the boys got a cut she did that then took them to the emergency room. At the emergency room they left her work in place. So I decided we weren't spending hours in the emergency room. Today it is VERY SORE, but doesn't seem to be bleeding anymore. BUT, this sweater is two-handed, two-color. I can run two colors in my left hand, but don't knit English well enough to run two in my right. So I think knitting is done for a couple of days!!! ;-( There is no way I can finish my project by the time to Tour is over and not knit for a couple of days. I only have until Sunday. Just a reminder, this sweater is in fingering weight yarn!!!

Harry Potter arrived Saturday at 6:10PM. I didn't even get to start until last night. I am on page 75. I fell asleep on the book, woke up at 3AM. So since I can't knit, guess I can read!!! I want to get it read before someone tells me what happens, but I want to savor it too. I don't think I would get as much pleasure from it if I read it all in one day. I finished the Diana Chronicles before HP. It is the least complimentary book about her I have read, but it also had more info I hadn't seen before. It is a new book, so there is 10 years of history rewrite there too. I am kind of stuck in the middle of Summerhouse by Jude Devereaux. Just can't seem to get into the story. Maybe too many Jude Devereaux books in a row. I haven't given up completely.

Had a great trip to the Beach. Weather was great. I still have revelations about my new weight that are fun. You would think a year at normal weight I would have had them all. We climbed Jockey's Ridge. Two years ago, I stayed at the cottage. I knew there was no way I could climb it. Last year, my sister stayed with me and I made it up with only one break to stop and pant. This year I was in the front of the pack, saying "Are you coming?" My 11 yo athletic nephew wanted to race down the hill. He said "Ready, Set, Go" we took off. He realized I was going to win, so he rolled down the hill, so he didn't loss!!!!! ;-) Guess my exercising really is paying off!!! Now I just have to get back in the habit at home.

No picture, sorry. I have to be retrained, it has been too long since I used the conversion software and my camera won't take a picture small enough to upload directly!!! ;-( You don't want to see my mangled finger anyway!!! ;-)

Chat later
Susan

7/11/07

2007-07-11T10:35:00.000-04:00

Want to get a quick and pictureless post in before I headed off to the Outer Banks, NC again.

I have been knitting away on the Kauni cardigan. It is going well. I have the pattern memorized almost immediately. It is giving me a great chance to practice my two hand two color knitting. I am almost up the the armhole steek. This is my Tour de France KAL project. I am going for the Green Jersey so I need to finish it during the tour. I am sure I will do very little knitting while at the beach. My nephews are going and they keep us VERY busy.

Haven't finished any books or done any quilting, but I have been getting my running in like a "good girl".

I'll give you a full report when I get back from the beach. Hopefully we won't have as much rain as they are predicting. We need rain at home not at the beach. Home is so dry the grass crunches.

Chat later
Susan

7/4/07 Volume 2

2007-07-04T15:09:00.001-04:00

This is the detail of the Smokin Sock Ribbing. I really enjoyed doing this sock, even if it did take months to do it.

Here are the next 13 blocks of my Dear Jane. I have a bunch more prepped, just need to quit knitting and work on them.

Chat later

Susan

7/4/07

2007-07-04T14:45:00.001-04:00

Happy 4th to everyone!!!

First let me introduce the rest of the family.

This is Chad. He is the male half of the littermates. He really likes to nap on the hearth.

This is Chelsea. She is the female portion of the litter mates. She is the "bitch". Not just in the dog sense of the word. She thinks she is the alpha dog, but she forgot to tell Mack!!

The is Mack in his favorite sleeping position. That is the back of the chair, between the cushion and the back. He thinks this is heaven.

Another shot of Chad sleeping on the hearth.

I have been on a finishing binge so I don't have so many UFO's when the Tour de France KAL starts. These have been on the needles since March!!! They are Smokin' Socks from KnitSpot.com. Using Lorna's Laces Lagoon. Loved the pattern, it is a mock cable so you get the look of cables with no cable needle.

This is a bad picture of the Split Neck T from Knitting Plain and Simple.

This is the back and front of the Prosperous Plum Tank knit in Candy Apple Red Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece. It fits great. I hope it doesn't stretch.

Have been running on the treadmill. That is going very well. Much easier on the knees and the treadmill helps me pace myself. I want to run too fast when I am outside. So this was a good purchase.

I am now reading three books, I am getting as bad about books as I am about projects. I have Summerhouse by Jude Devoureax, the JFK book by Vincent Bugliosi (this is good, but just too big to handle and read), and the new Diana Chronicles. Not sure who wrote that at the moment.

Another of my obsessions that has gotten out of control is I have 400 blogs in my bloglines account. That is not a typo, it is FOUR HUNDRED!!! Thank goodness for Bloglines.

I have 2 more pictures I couldn't get into this post, so I will do another one to try to get those two uploaded. Hopefully they will work with just the two.

Chat Later

Susan

6/28/07

2007-06-28T08:33:00.000-04:00

Hot enough for everyone? This over 100 heat index is just too much. Thank goodness the A/C is working.

I chose my Tour de France KAL (http://tdfkal.blogspot.com/) project. I am going to do the Kauni Cardigan. (http://www.ruths.dk/kauni%20regnbue%20engelsk.pdf). This is a stretch, but it does have yellow and green in the yarn so it meets the requirements for the KAL. I am going for the green jersey which means I want to finish the sweater during the Tour. It isn't as hard as it looks. The yarn is striped and you use 2 skeins starting at different places and it does all the color changing by itself. It is a fairly simple pattern so it should be doable. Of course, how long I spent on the OBX will have and impact on whether it gets finished or not.

I have been catching up on the Lime n Violet podcasts. They are a hoot. If you have an iPod, or even if you just listen on your computer. They are well worth the listen. One of my very favorite knitting podcasts. My very favorite is Brenda Dayne of Cast On. Even Lime n Violet call her St Brenda!!!

Got three skeins of sock yarn this week. One from Red Bird Knits, it is a kit for a mitered square cuff sock, my new Socks that Rock sock kit, it is gorgeous as usual. And my Spunky Eclectic yarn, it is also awesome.

Other than that, not much has happened since yesterday. I did spend 30 minutes running/walking on the treadmill. So glad I don't have to go out in this heat. Besides it is easier to run on the treadmill because it paces me. I try to run too fast when I am outside and then I run out of steam.

Chat later.
Susan

6/27/07

2007-06-27T08:55:00.000-04:00

I did a post yesterday, but it hasn't been picked up on Blogger or Bloglines. I am doing this post to try to make that one post. Who knows what the deal is. If I look at it on Blogger (from my side) it says it is posted, but it doesn't show up anywhere.

Had my applique bee yesterday. Got 3 more Dear Jane blocks done. Then went to the grocery store and by my parent's to see how they were. Their AC quit yesterday with it 94 degrees!!! Guy got it fixed about 9PM. Hopefully all is well this morning. Need to call and check.

Today is cleaning house and washing clothes. After today, hopefully I can get back to some fun stuff!!!

I also have to get back on the exercise wagon. I do so well when I stay on track, but once the habit is changed even slightly, I struggle.

Chat later
Susan

6/25/07

2007-06-25T14:36:00.000-04:00

Wow, I can't believe it has been almost amonth since I updated. Life really has been busy. The twins were playing in their little league baseball tournaments. That meant we were at the ballfield every night for 2 weeks. Plus they had started swim team so I was taking them to morning practices and attending 2 swim meets a week. Now baseball is over, so only swim team left.

Then I went to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for 10 days. That was a lot of fun. I go back in 3 weeks. Hopefully the moisture has returned to my skin by then. Right now I feel and look a little like leather. I used lots of sunscreen and moisturizer, but still very dried out. I exfoliated from head to toe today. That was a big help.

Got some work done on my Split Neck Tee (Knitting Pure and Simple). They body is finished, now I have to do the sleeves and finish the neck.

Started the Prosperous Plum Tank. It is moving fast. I am using the Candy Apple Red Cotton Fleece by Brown Sheep.

Also, got 10 more blocks of Dear Jane made. That gets me to about 50 of 169 so they are going well. Hope to work on them somemore this weekend.

Got a lot of reading done while sitting on the beach. I didn't take the JFK book, it is just too big and heavy. It is an "at home" read. Probably mostly in bed so I don't have to hold the book. I did read Carolina Isle by Jude Deveraux, really quick read. Very enjoyable as a lite read. I also started Sumerhouse by her, but not far enough into that one to know how it is.

I read all of The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. I would not have even picked this up except that so many blogs were talking about how good it was. It really is good. Not sure how historically accurate it is, but it was an excellent read. I want to get some of her other books.

I have to figure out my project for the Tour de France KAL. (http://tdfkal.blogspot.com/). I watch the Tour every year, so need to pick my project. Not sure which jersey I am going for yet.

Didn't get much exercise in while I was gone. Now I have to get back on track. The arm is better so I can get back to work.

Pictures of some of these projects soon.

Chat later
Susan

5/30/07

2007-05-30T08:09:00.001-04:00

This is about 40 of my Dear Jane blocks. I have been having some tendonitis problem with my right (dominant) arm this week, so have been sewing instead of knitting. When I look at these in the picture, there are several that I amy redo because there isn't enough contrast.

Hello, I am the dirty white dog, Macklin. Notice my front feet. I have been out looking for moles again.

Started reading "Friday Night Knitting Club". It is good, but a little slow. I am over half way through. I can see where it would be a good movie. It is interesting, to me, since it is written from the standpoint of a knitting store owner. Not sure which book is next. I haven't picked it out yet, but it won't be long before I have to decide. I ordered the new Kennedy assasination (ok, I can't spell) book by Vincent Bugliosi (of Charles Manson fame). I didn't read the write up well. When the box arrived from Amazon, I thought it must be several books, but it was only ONE book. It is 1,700 pages long!!!! And hardcover, so it takes a crane to move it.

Went to my sister's pool on Sunday and Monday of the Memorial Day weekend. Monday I spent a little too much time on my stomach. Somehow when you are laying on a float in the pool, it doesn't seem like long. I am a french fry on the back side. Between that and the messed up right arm, I am a mess.

Have done a very little knitting on my Sasha skirt. I had hoped to wear it on the next trip to the Outer Banks, but it depends on how the arm recovers. I have one and a half ruffle left to do. It is looking very cute. Wonder how it will look on my hips!?!?!

Chat later

Susan

5/22/07

2007-05-22T10:00:00.000-04:00

Beach Update:
Had a great weekend at the beach. It was rainy, windy and COLD on Friday, but we were inside so that was no big deal. The other days were gorgeous. I didn't want to come back home. I mostly hand quilted. It is easier to do there, because I don't have 3 puppies curled up on it there. I did get 3 applique blocks for the Dear Jane quilt done.

Comment Responses:
Civil War Shawl took 20 skeins of Knit Picks Gloss. I have part of the last one left.

Scotty dogs are little dolls. They each have their own personalities. I find the boys to be more "lovey" than the girls. The girls are very bossy. They are very confident dogs. They are very sure they are always right.

Well off to unpack and wash the dirty clothes from the weekend. I am hoping to go back this weekend too!!!

Chat later
Susan

5/17/07

2007-05-17T14:26:00.000-04:00

This is Macklin. He is a West Highland White Terrior. He loves to play in the rain and the mud. Can't you tell? He is one of the 3 puppies that allow me to live in their house. The other two are Scotties. They are hard to get a cute picture of, because they are so black. Mack thinks he is the cutest anyway!!! Although sometimes he is so dirty, I think he is trying to be black like the Scotties.

Thanks for all the comments on my shawl.

I am almost packed for the beach, just have to finish the laundry to I have enough clean underwear to wear!!! ;-)

Chat later

Susan

5/16/07

2007-05-16T08:04:00.000-04:00

Here are two pictures of my completed Civil War Shawl. They were taken at night so they are a little dark, but isn't it GORGEOUS!!! It has taken a while to knit but I LOVE IT!!! It was worth every stitch. The dog hiding beside me is Chelsea. My Scotty dog who is afraid of her own shadow.

I plan to take it on my Quilting Retreat weekend with me. I will be wearing my shawl, even if it is 100 degrees!!! It needs to be shown off!!!

Got 5 blocks of my Dear Jane quilt done yesterday. Also, prepped about 15 of the applique blocks to work on over the retreat weekend. I am not going to lug a machine with me, just hand stuff.

Chat later

Susan

5/14/07

2007-05-14T07:53:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the delay in posting, BUT Blogger has been being a pain and not letting me in!!! It is hard to update when you can't get logged in. Now, you know, I know my password, since I got in today!!! ;-(

Anyway, to the fun stuff. My wedding anniversary was yesterday. We have been married for 18 years. Neither of us can believe it. We went out to dinner Friday night because we didn't want to fight the Mother's Day crowd on Sunday. Had a fabulous dinner at Kincaids. A bit pricey, but we don't go but about once every two years. But it was so good, I bet we don't wait that long again.

Yesterday was also the 17 month anniversary of my weight loss surgery. I was happy when I weighed and the pound I had gained last month was gone!!!! I continue to loss inches (though slowly now) so think it is muscle gain that is keeping me from lossing weight.

I finished the Civil War Shawl. I love it. It has even crossed my mind to do a second one. I will wait a little while, the urge will pass since I have so many projects on the "To Do" list. I figure it took one quarter of the time to do the center and three quarters of the time to do the border. I will try to get my husband to get a picture of it that I can post. Since I have failed miserably on the picture front.

The crocheted ripple afghan is coming slowly. I have been devoting all my time to the Civil War Shawl.

I finished the underskirt of the Sasha skirt in Euroflax. Now I am working on the lace ruffles. I hope it is cute on my body.

Have been keeping up with my exercise quite well. I am proud of myself. But I really want to keep this weight off.

This weekend I have a quilting retreat on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I have to figure out what I am taking to work on. Last time I hand quilted the whole time. Maybe I will do that again, since I have quilted since I got home. I am really looking forward to the weekend. It is such a great group of ladies to spend time with. We don't get to see each other nearly as often as we used to.

I am almost finished reading "Perfect Match" by Jodi Picoult. This is very good. Deals with child molestation and how a mother deals with it. There are some tough parts, but it is excellent.

Yes, I am going through Jodi Picoults library. I love her stuff. I just finished "Ten Circles". It was very good, but my least favorite of hers to date. Next I think I will read something by someone else. I need something more in the beach read category. You know, no socially redeeming value to the content!!! Maybe even a little trashy.

Hopefully I will get another post in before I leave on Friday, if not, I'll give an update on the weekend when I get back. Hopefully Blogger will let me in.

Chat later
Susan

4/28/07

2007-04-28T16:58:00.000-04:00

When I posted the other day, I forgot to add that the Naga Socks that I test knitted (and loved) has an official pattern now. It is available FREE at
http://akittenknits.blogspot.com/2007/04/free-sock-pattern-naga-socks.html
It really is an easy and good looking pattern. Everyone should have at least one pair of socks made from it!!!!!

I rode my bike to the boy's ballgames today. I was thinking I would get a great workout while going to the game..... WELL I have such silly ideas. I started out, it felt really good. About half way there, the bike started making a funny noise. Very close to the ball field (thankfully) I noticed A LOT of play in the chain. I have a recumbant bike so it has a very long chain. I was thinking that the chain had jumped out of the midpoint restraint, causing the bounce. As I pulled into the parking lot I felt something funny and looked down to see the middle chain restraint FALL OFF!!! So I walked it to my parent's van and called my husband to come pick it up. I rode home in my parent's van!!!! ;-( So only half the workout I had hoped for!!!! Do I get credit for trying?

Chat later
Susan

4/27/07

2007-04-27T13:34:00.000-04:00

Where does the time go? I plan to post twice a week and do well to work in once a week.

I have a new nephew. He is an adorable 5 month old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. His name is Cody. He is a little doll.

I have made some knitting progress this week. The Civil War Shawl is moving SLOWLY. The border has already taken twice as long as the center, and I still have at least a third of it to go. It is going to be gorgeous, but I am getting bored with the border. 82 repeats of the same 34 rows. Too long to memorize, but not difficult.

I have about a third of the underskirt of Sasha done. It is all stockinette, so it is my ballfield project.

No progress on the crocheted ripple afghan this week. I have been trying to be monogomous to the Civil War Shawl.

I have Dear Jane and Dear Hannah ready to get started, so I can start making the 250+ blocks for that quilt. I need a quilting project. I can't give it up completely.

I signed up for Applique by the Bay at Mares Bears Quilt Shop this morning. This will be the fourth year, it is loads of fun. A very relaxing weekend before the rush of the holidays get started.

I have 21 miles down on my 100 miles for Run-A-Go-Go this quarter. I need to pick up the pace a little so I can get all 100 miles in this time. I can ride my bike some, it adds up mileage faster.

I am reading Ten Circles by Jodi Picoult. Very good. This one took longer to get into than her other books, but now is very good. She doesn't deal with the easy issues, this one is how a father handles his daughter being raped and his wife having an affair, all at the same time.

Had a groomer come to the house yesterday. I have always taken the dogs to the groomer, but didn't like the way Mack was treated last time, so I decided to try the mobile one. I liked her very much. The dogs liked her and she did a good job, so the few extra dollars were certainly worth it. They look so cute. If only they would stay clean.

Back to Civil War Shawl. I am hoping for rain. That always gives me an excuse to sit and knit and not do anything of real value.

Chat later

Susan

4/18/07

2007-04-18T08:04:00.000-04:00

When I posted last, I hadn't heard about the Virginia Tech incident. These are always a tragedy, but somehow when they are so close to you, at a place you have been any times, it seems worse. I can't seem to stop watching the coverage, but I am a news-aholic anyway. My thoughts and prayers are with all the families.

I continue you my starting rampage. I decided against Rusted Root. The sleeves are just too short and I have so many patterns I don't have the motivation to write the sleeve pattern. I have started the Sasha Euroflax Skirt AND a crocheted cardigan. The cardigan is going to fast, that I want to wear it this weekend!!! Nothing like high hopes.

I haven't run this week, can't leave VT coverage, but I have been Nordictracking, so at least I am getting my miles in. I don't do but about 1.5 miles at a time on the Nordictrack. When I go run/walk, I go about 2.3 miles.

I cleaned the carpet in my sewing room yesterday AND cut out TWO quilt tops. So maybe I will actually sit down and sew soon. I am looking forward to a little "machine time".

I am going to try to pry myself away from the TV to run this morning.

Chat later
Susan

4/16/07

2007-04-16T09:57:00.000-04:00

Two days in a row, don't expect me to keep up this pace. I took full advantage of a nasty rainy day yesterday. I didn't nothing of any real merit. I watched 3 movies and started new knitting and crocheting projects!!!

I watched 11:14, ok Hillary Swank movie. Boys Don't Cry, better, but still not one of my favorite movies. And last, but not least, the first disk of the mini series, Elizabeth the 1st, with Helen Miran. This was the best of the lot, can't wait until I get the second disk. Mailed them all back to Netflix the morning, so by Wedsnesday, I should have disk 2.

I started a crocheted Ripple Afghan. I figure I need lots of mindless work, since I will be at the ball field so much (see yesterday's post for details). But realized how fast this was going to get too big to lug around, SO.... I started the Sasha Euroflax skirt. It has a stockinette underskirt that you knit first, so it will fill a lot of ballfield time. I have also decided to start Rusted Root. It also has a lot of stockinette stitch. These should hold me over for a while. I really like stockinette stitch, I can knit and watch the game all at the same time. Most any other pattern, I have to look, or there are a plethora of dropped stitches.

I have 13.4 miles down for this quarters 100 mile run. I need a little over a mile per day, so I am a little behind, but I hope to get 4 days in this week instead of 3. The gaining of a pound has me more dedicated to this exercise thing. Gaining is not allowed.

Now I am going to watch the Boston Marathon for a little while. They really have got miserable weather for that today. I think I would have stayed in bed, even after all that training. As you know, I am very much a fair weather runner.

Chat later
Susan

4/15/07

2007-04-15T12:37:00.000-04:00

Rainy, rainy day. I think I will watch a movie and knit!!! ;-)

I finally finished the Lacy Leaf skirt. I still need to block it. I do hope the hemp gets softer when soaked. It is a little like burlap right now.

I am back on the border of the Civil War Shawl. It seems endless. You have to do 82 repeats of a 34 row pattern. I am finished 18 rows, so have a long way to go.

I need another mindless project. Found out this week that one of my nephews has been "called up to the majors" in little league, so they will be on different teams. This mean FOUR little league games a week. I need a lot of mindless knitting!!! It is great for him that he is good enough that they "drafted" him, but somewhat painful for the watchers!!!

Exercise is still going well. The only downside is that when I weighed for my 16th month anniversary of my surgery, I had GAINED one pound. I am not letting it get me down though, since my measurements have either gone down or stayed the same. I have been weight training the month which I haven't done with any consistancy since surgery. I am assuming that the pound is muscle!!! Right?

I finished Bob Woodruff's book, In An Instant. It is very good. His recovery really is amazing. Makes our military health care look good too. In light of the recent events, this is the other side of the health care story. Next is Jodi Picoult's Ten Circles. I'll let you know how it is once I start. I was too tired to focus on the pages last night (I am sure that glass of wine I had, has nothing to do with it!!).

Off to check which Netflix movies I have.

Chat later
Susan

4/5/07

2007-04-05T08:29:00.000-04:00

After several days of Spring/Summer type weather, we are back to normal temperatures. It has been so warm, I have been working on my tan!!! Now I have to put long pants back on ;-(

I have been good on the exercising front. Not running every day, but either running, Nordictracking, or weight training Monday-Friday for 2 and a half weeks so far. I have to keep this up. I do feel better with the exercise. And hopefully doing different things will keep me from doing too much damage while trying to be healthy.

On the knitting front, I am still working on the Lacy Leaf Skirt. There is lace around the bottom then the whole top is stockinette stitch. You start at the hem and work up. So I am in the sleep inducing stockinette stitch in the round portion. I only have about 80 rows left!!!!

Haven't worked on the Civil War Shawl or my socks recently, I have been focusing on the skirt. With the weather getting warm, I think I will wear the skirt before the other two.

I have been cleaning some more too. Wish I could wiggle my nose like Samantha!!!

Finished 19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult. Great read. Now I am reading Bob Woodruff's, In an Instant, book. I am only about 30 pages in, but so far it is also great.

I have a thread crochet summer sweater, I want to work on too, but need to finish one of the things piled on my table before there is room for it!!! It will be my first "thread" crochet, but it looks like a fairly easy pattern.

Chat later
Susan

4/1/07

2007-04-01T14:00:00.000-04:00

I just tried to upload my new sock picture. I keep making them smaller when I take them but they are just too big. It locks up the whole Blogger on my computer. I guess I am going to have to learn to resize them after taking them.

I finished the Naga sock that I was knitting for Abigail (http://akittenknits.blogspot.com/2007/03/naga-socks.html) They are wonderful. It was a quick knit and an easy pattern to remember so I wasn't so tied to the pattern. Besides they look and feel great on my feet. I didn't have to do one less repeat on the foot since I have small feet, but that was easy enough. She may even use a picture of MY socks on the pattern!!!! Go take a look at them. She hopes to have the pattern ready later in the month.

I started a Lacy Leaf knit skirt out of hemp. I have never knit with hemp before. I hope it softens when it is wet and blocked. Right now it is a little like burlap, only rougher!!!

No real progress on the Civil War Shawl. I am plugging along on the border, but that will take a while.

Also working on Smockin Socks from www.knitspot.com. It is a great mock cable pattern. They are coming along. They are my current ballfield project. Now that little league baseball has started, I will be spending a lot of time there. First game was Saturday, and they won!!!

I did make my goal for 100 miles by April 1st. I did great in January and March and did almost nothing in February. I did 60.5 miles total. We are starting again April 1st through July 1st. This time I am going to do better!!! Really!!!

Have almost finished 19 Minutes by Jody Picoult. It is great. Everyone should read it. It deals with the issue of school shootings and why they happen. But not a documentary type book. It is a very enjoyable read. First pretty day, I will have it finished while working on my tan!!! ;-)

Chat Later
Susan

3/21/07

2007-03-21T09:29:00.001-04:00

Well, I am back home again. My only planned trip at this time is a weekend trip in May. I am ready to stay home for a little while. I just got back from 10 days on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It was wonderful. I had 2 days in the 80's. I even put on a bathing suit and laid in the sun for a little while. The quilting weekend was great. We even planned another one for May. I can't wait. I was so good. I had carried 100 projects to work on, but at the weekend, I hand quilted on one project all weekend.

I finished the center of the Civil War Shawl, started a pair of socks, and then hand quilted the rest of the week. I actually made progress on some stuff, instead of my usual 15 minutes on each project. I am going to try to take only one quilting and one knitting project in May. We will see!!!

I did break my Yarn Diet. I made a purchase at Knitting Addiction in Southern Shores. Got yarn for 2 shrugs. I stay so cold since I have lost weight, I think they will be handy this summer with short sleeves. Anyway, now I have to get back on the good side of fiber buying. But I made it until March 15th. That is bound to be a record for me!!!!

My 15 month anniversary of my weight loss surgery was while I was gone. So I weighed when I got home, which was really an extra week, but who cares. I have lost 125 lbs and have gone from a BMI of 48.1 to 26.5!!!! According to the medical weight charts, I am still 10 lbs over weight!!!! It is hard to believe.

I did some running while I was at the beach. It was wonderful. They have bike/walking lanes on each side of the road and keep them clean. Also, it is a straight road so you can see what is coming. So much nicer than at home where there is NO walking lane and the side of the road is broken up and dirty and it has lots of turns so you don't know what is coming. Guess I have to move to the beach so I will enjoy running more.

I am not going to make my 100 miles by April 1st, but I am still signing on for the next go around. I am at 53 miles since Jan 1st. I just need to work harder. The weather will be better now, so I can go more often. I am a wimp, you know!!!

I quit reading "Wicked" while I was at the beach. It is just too wordy and hard to follow. I will probably try another of his books, since others say they are better than this one. I read "Williams Princess" about Kate that is dating Prince William. Not much new info, mostly a Charles/Diana rehash. Good fluffy read though. Now I am reading "Nineteen Minutes" by Jodi Picoult. Very good. Columbine like story. Her stuff is so good.

Well that covers things to date. I should be more consistant since I am home. I went 10 days with NO internet access!!! I was in major withdrawal, but it is good for me. I am really addicted. Of course I came home to 800 e-mails and over 1,000 blog hits in Bloglines!!! It will take me a week to catch up.

Chat later
Susan

3/21/07

2007-03-21T09:29:00.000-04:00

3/8/07

2007-03-08T08:12:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the long absence. Had a wonderful trip to Hawaii. The flights are KILLER, but once you get there it is awesome. I got to see a lot of Oahu, and some of Hawaii (flew over to see the volcanoes). Would certainly go back if he has to go work again. Not sure I would go on a regular vacation. He is a bad tourist so to pay that much to go on our own doesn't make sense.

I tried to post a picture, but they need to be resized. They are too big to upload. I will try to get him to do that so I can post a couple of pictures. I really do need to learn more about that digital camera!!!

Not much knitting to report. I only took a scarf from sock yarn with me and didn't have much time to do that. This week I have been busy getting unpacked and clothes washed from the Hawaii trip and packing and getting ready for my Outer Banks trip. I leave Saturday for a week down there. The second weekend is our Quilting Weekend at Barefoot Quilter. I am going to try to make this mostly a quilting week, with just a little knitting. I need to get some quilting done too!!!

I have been very good with my Fiber Diet. NO purchases while in Hawaii. The fact that I didn't find a store of either variety is not relevant to the discussion!!!

I lost about 4 lbs while I was there. Eating was somewhat of a problem. The first time since I had surgery that I felt that way. There was NOTHING on the plane or time in the airports to get anything going or coming. With 20+ hour trips this is an issue. I carried Slim Jims and protein bars to tide me over and I am glad I did, because that is all I got either way. While we were there, food was either outrageously expensive or there was a several hour wait to get in places. I am just not willing to pay $60 for an entree that I might eat a 1/3rd of. And of course, there was no saving it for later either. It wouldn't have bothered me to pay that before my surgery, but not now. So I really didn't eat good while I was gone. So I may gain the 4 lbs back now that I am eating right.

My dogs were so excited to have me back home. They haven't figured out that I am leaving again yet!!! They will be unhappy, but at least he will be home with them this trip. They just need a lot of attention. Of course, that is because they are the most spoiled dogs in the whole wide world. And I know I am the cause, but that is what they are for, right?

I read "Holy Blood, Holy Grail" on the plane over. It was ok. Very deep, and I had heard so much about it there really wasn't anything new in it. Then I started and almost finished "Wicked". This is interesting, but I little wordy. I will finish it soon. Next on the list is "Knitting under the Influence". On the front of the book is a picture of a Cosmo and knitting. He thinks this is my autobiography!!! ;-)

I have gotten in 2 good runs since I got back. I have to get back on track with that now. Yesterday I ran ALL of all 8 intervals. The first time that I haven't wimped out on the end of several of the intervals. Maybe I am finally making some slow progress. Running gear will be going to the beach with me. Hopefully the weather will be good. As you know, I am a fair weather runner!!

Chat later
Susan

2/21/07

2007-02-21T12:58:00.000-05:00

Back to try to add pictures again. I discovered last night that the pictures I was trying to post were HUGE. DH shrunk them down last night so I am trying again. Wish me luck.

Yippee!!! now let's see if I can do another one.

Not formatted like I wanted, but at least they are pictures. Beginners can't be but so picky!!!!

Chat later

Susan

2/20/07

2007-02-20T13:19:00.000-05:00

Well, Sahara is finished. It is a little too snug. Maybe I will loss a few more pounds so it will fit. It is cute and if I was 16 maybe I wouldn't think it was too snug, but at my age, I don't need quite so form fitting. ;-(

I have finished my February Socks for the SAM 3.

I have just spent the last hour trying to put a picture here. This really makes me crazy!!!

Any they are knit with Socks That Rock Lightweight in Queen Rock color. It is the Stitches of Violet Basketweave Rib pattern. I really like them. I was afraid I was going to run out of yarn, but I had plenty.

I have started a scarf from Stars and Stripes Patterned sock yarn from Skacel. It is just stockinette stitch so it is for my mindless times and what I am taking on the trip because it is small.

I also started my Civil War Shawl. It is going very smoothly. Some of the easiest lace knitting I have ever done. I am on row 73, but of course, each row gets longer!!! It will go on hold very soon because of the trip

The Outer Banks weekend is all scheduled. But I am turning it into a week at the beach. It will be in March so not laying out weather, but last March my week was beautiful. I can rest up from my Hawaii trip!!! ;-)

Well back to trying to figure out how to post pictures. Hopefully soon.

I continue to be good on my Fiber Diet, BUT the quilt show, which also has yarn, is this week. Can I really resist that much fiber all in one place and time!?!?!

Chat later
Susan

2/13/07

2007-02-13T11:20:00.000-05:00

Well, today is 14 months since my weight loss surgery. I have lost 120 lbs. I had thought it would be 122, but somewhere between Saturday and Wednesday, I mysteriously "found" 2 lbs!! ;-( Of course, it could be lack of exercise!!!

I have almost finished Sahara. I just have the neckline and a tiny bit of finishing. It is knit top down so all you have to do is sew a short seam in the front neckline and weave ends. So that may get finished today.

I still have the socks to finish this month, but I am to the heel so they will go pretty fast.

I have one more room cleaned out in my house. Hopefully soon downstairs will be finished. They I have to take the bulldozer upstairs!!! ;-) And of course my sewing room needs a lot of work.

The Hawaii trip is pretty well planned. Since I am going to be by myself during the day, I am sticking to tours. That way the bus picks me up at the hotel and drops me back at the hotel. I don't have to try to drive and navigate at the same time. I am sure the other drivers will appreciate that. If anyone has any eating spots to recommend, please let me know. If I leave it to my husband we will eat at Outback every night. I like Outback, but we can eat there at home and I bet they are exactly the same!!!

I am reading Wild Fire by Nelson Demille. I love his stuff. I have read most of his books, maybe even all, but I am not sure. It is very good. Suspense, mystery, a little romance thrown in. Another thing I want to finish before the trip, so I can take a new book with me and not a half finished one.

Chat later
Susan

2/11/07

2007-02-11T14:47:00.000-05:00

The Sheep Shawl is blocking. I looks good. It was fun to knit. The orchard portion was quite frustrating but the rest went very smoothly. I was going to take a picture to post once I got it blocking, but it is cream spread out on a cream color carpet, so you can't even see it in the picture. ;-(

My February socks are ready to have the heel done. So I should make it on those before we leave for Hawaii on the 24th.

Sahara has one sleeve. It needs a second sleeve and the lacework at the neck and it is done. Hopefully it can get finished before the trip too. If I can get them both done, I will have nothing on the needles. Unless, of course, I start something else. Not sure if I am going to take any knitting with me. I read or sleep on the plane. Feel so squashed that I don't feel like I can do anything else. I may take some hand piecing with me for in the room. It fits in a small space. Or, if I decide to take knitting. I am planning a scarf make from sock yarn so that would be small to take. Anyway, I have 2 weeks to decide that.

As far as the running, I haven't done a thing in almost 2 weeks. I am such a wimp. If this cold wet weather doesn't end soon, I can give up the half marathon. Somehow you have to run, to be able to run a half marathon. Odd concept, but that is how it works.

There is a quilting weekend in the works for mid-March on the Outer Banks of NC. I hope it works out. I need to do some quilting. Seems all I do is knit.

Chat later
Susan

2/4/06

2007-02-04T21:45:00.000-05:00

Well another Super Bowl Sunday. I never watch the game, but at least I didn't have to work myself to death at a Super Bowl Sale. First time in about 10 years that I haven't work either at another shop or my own for the sale. Major Crazy Days!!! I really enjoyed the peace and quiet today.

I worked on my Sheep Shawl. I have finished the body. Now just to get the edging on it.

I still have my February socks for SAM3 to finish too. I have until the 23rd. We leave for Hawaii on the 24th, shouldn't be a problem, if I can keep from starting something else new.

I also worked on my pattern inventory today. I have yarn and books done. I have the patterns left then to organize the fabric. I don't think I am going to spreadsheet the fabric. Mostly because I can't figure out how it would be useful.

I haven't run in over a week. I have been Nordictracking. I just can't seem to make myself go our the door in the rain or if it is below freezing. I know, I am a major wimp. Maybe after we get the taxes done, I can have my treadmill. It was next on the list before Hawaii came up. Just don't feel comfortable doing both until we find out if we owe Uncle Sam or not!!! ;-(

Tomorrow is a loss as far as getting anything done. My cousin died in DC and I have to take my Mother up to the funeral. It will be an all day endevor (have y'all realized I can't spell?). But some things you just have to do.

Chat later.
Susan

2/2/07

2007-02-02T16:33:00.000-05:00

Today was Groundhogs Day. Based on the weather at my house it should be an early Spring. That would be nice, I haven't gotten outside for a run in a week. I have been Nordictracking. It is good exercise, but just not the same. Hopefully we really will have an early Spring, but next week doesn't show any signs of it. They are calling for snow at least one day and the coldest week all season, so far.

I failed to do a end of January update on my "Yarn Diet". I have managed to follow my rules, so far. I did buy the yarn for the Sheep Shawl, but it is a KAL which is a class, right? And besides, it was only $9 so I was quite conservative!!!!

Finished "Holly" by Jude Deveraux. It was very good, so when you need a mindless book, grab this one. No thought required!!!

Reservations are made for Hawaii. I am so excited. Now I just have to figure out where I want to go while I am there. And of course, what project I am taking to work on!!! That is way more important than what clothes to wear!!! ;-) But is has to be small so I can pack it.

The Sheep Shawl is coming along nicely. I hope to finish up to the sheep tonight. Then I will only have sheep, grass and edging to do. My goal is to finish it before I go on the trip so I can start the Civil War Shawl when I get back. That KAL is starting in March.

I have my February socks started for SAM-3. So need to finish before I leave so I can post a picture by the deadline. I can start my March socks on the trip.

Meet with the Barnes & Nobles group today. We had fun as usual. Two of them are working on the October Coat, since I wore mine last week. Two are working on the Sheep Shawl and two are talking about it (go ahead and cast on Linda!!!). Not our best day. The cappacino machine was broken so no frothed drinks, bummer!!!! ;-(

Well back to Sheep Shawl.
Chat Later
Susan

1/31/07

2007-01-31T09:06:00.000-05:00

January is gone!! What happened?

I have been having loads of fun, working on finishing the books for the closed business so I can get taxes done. I only have one thing to say. YUCK!!!

Hello, Linda, cast on that Sheep Shawl. It is fun once you get going. I am on the Village section. The only place I have had a problem was the rows with k2tog psso at the end of a section. Now that the Orchard section is finished, that problem seems to have gone away. It is fun to knit.

I am also working on Sahara (http://www.stitchdiva.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=SDS-031) so I have a project that I don't have to count every stitch. A lot of it is just stockinette, so I can knit and talk. I have just finished the waist shaping. It is knit from the top down, so then I have to go back and do the sleeves and trim. This one is easy.

If I can work up my nerve to actually fill out the form, I am going to register for the 1/2 Marathon in November. But I have to run and quit wimping out because of the weather. The last 3 days, I have decided to Nordictrack instead. It is inside where it is warm. Good for endurance, but not much on the training for the pounding of running. Or, I could break down and buy the treadmill!!! I just can't bring myself to part with the money!!!! If it was fiber, it wouldn't bother me!!! ;-)

The big exciting news is that I think I am going to Hawaii for a week the end of February. My husband came home last night and suggested I go. He has to go for work, so I will be a "tag-along". Most of the touring I do will have to be alone, since he will be at work, but I haven't ever been to Hawaii. He went a couple of years ago, but at that time my fat hind-parts wouldn't fit in an airplane seat!!! ;-( so I stayed home. Now I can go. The only problem is who to keep the 3 puppies. They seem to realize what is going on, I am getting the "I am so cute, you can't leave me for a week" routine already!!! They are hard to leave.

Also, started a good book. It is more a beach read type book. You know, nothing deep, just lots of bed-hopping. Woman falls in love with two men. Who does she choose, passion or security? It is a quick read. Good escapist stuff. It is Holly by Jude Deveraux. Set in Edenton, NC. I always like books that I am familiar with where they take place.

Chat later
Susan