12/22/08

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

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

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

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

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

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

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