Happy New Year!

Well, we made it through the madness sometime known as Christmas. I was given something that I shall cherish for a very long time to come!!

ALL my kiddies were home for Christmas this year! I LOVE IT!!

And we all want to wish you and yours a Happy and Safe Holiday and New Year to come. May all your fibery wishes come true!!

It's Christmas Time

Add in a bit of knitting by the fire and sharing a cuppa with your honey and that pretty much sums it all up!

I grew up with those wonderful Christmas time specials. And still really enjoy them when they come on TV. So finding this one was really a treat. Hope you all like it too.

Artists Studio Tour

This year Alana, Kari (her friend from Seattle, Washington) and myself went on the Artists Studio Tour. You can read more about it in my previous post. Here you can drool (or not) over some of the goodies I got. As well as Debra's goodies. She didn't take the tour with us but she did have a grand time.

These lovely beauties are from Kiparoo Farms! Destined to be mittens cause we all know how I just love to mitt knittens!

Great yarny goodies from Dancing Leaf - and I got two of them. To be something for me.
How exciting! Dalis also had some great bag lunches. She called them Shepard's Bag Lunches - good bit of bread, great selection of cheeses, carrots, sweet peas, bottle of water and a chocolate! Kept us going all day. And it was a good thing too, there really wasn't anyplace out there to stop for lunch -- much less coffee or gas!

Debra's goodies from the Studio Tour! Also from Kiparoo Farms.

I also purchased some lovely alpaca from Rainbowpaca's while at the Lahara Studios. It's quite wonderful and will soon meet up with needles to become something wonderful. I just can't tell you what yet.

A Great Weekend

A Jacob from Dancing Leaf Farms

I spent Saturday doing the Countryside Artists Studio Tour here in Maryland. Some 14 artists open up their studios for tours, goodies, hot cider, and shopping fun. You do the driving and go to whichever studio suits your purpose. They only open their studios a couple times a year and it's just for the weekend but the countryside is beautiful and I was in good company! Here are the studios we went to:

Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard (yes, vineyard as in wine tasting! and chocolate too!!) I bought a very lovely bottle of Chardonnay there. They also make red. All very good. New vineyard too!

Seneca Creek Joinery = beautiful hand turned wood items. And lovely little mini long haired dachshund named Kitty. They served a wonderful cuppa cider too!

PlumStuff - They were a unique furniture place done in tiles with iron legs. Also she had some lovely glass bead jewelry. And a young lady who's information I didn't get who greeted you outside the studio with very happy looking dinnerware.

Morningstar Studio - Tina Brown is brilliant with a paint brush! You've got to go see her work.!

Morningstar Studio isn't it lovely!

Lahara Textile Gallery - Another brilliant place. This is a small shop that leases out space to work your fibery wares. They also have classes. And of course sell their wares. I scored some beautiful alpaca (Rainbow Pacas) Sport weight-2ply 320 yards at a price that would you make you wish you were with me!

Lindenwood Farmgoods - Beautiful setting.

Kiparoo Farm - No, I didn't get enough of Annie during the MDS&W Festival. And yes, I bought more yarn there and some lovely soap. And no I don't have any pictures to post cause it was really really really dark by the time we got to her studio. And I'll post pic of my goodies later this week.

Dancing Pig Pottery - Really nice pottery! If it weren't quite so heavy I would now have the coolest looking coffee mug with a dragon most gracefully wrapped around it. And the art work was really unique.

Dancing Leaf Farm - Yes, I know I can see her work at the MDS&W but her studio has always been spoken of fondly by fellow knitters so I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to see it and Tasman.
These are my traveling companions for the day. Kari (from Seattle, Wa) and Alana. This was taken at Dancing Leaf Farms. There besides scoring some lovely yarns, cards and jewelry we also got a Shepard's Bag Lunch. Very yummy and perfect for being on the go!

Here's the three of us with the famed Tasman. He was really more interested in our lunch.

The Blacksmith Shop - You know a true blacksmith is rapidly becoming an art of the past but this one still has a forge. And it was HOT! Truly worth the drive to see it. Bill Allen was also sharing his studio with two neighbors; one who had some beautiful wooden cutting boards and boasts that all his work is done from trees that already fallen (No trees harmed) and a lady who wove baskets using old saddle parts and bridle bits. Very neat to see.

Art of Fire - Was a HUGE glass workshop. And possibly the warmest stop of the whole day. They also give classes. I've always thought about taking a glass working class. Now I know where to go!

Alden Farms - Very unique type lawn ornaments and garden items. They also have a garden shop that's open in the spring. I look forward to a return visit there.

Most all of the studios were converted barns or sheds. And all were filled with curious shoppers and fiberholics of all walks. The weather was absolutely beautiful which was really good cause driving for the first time on some of those country roads can be tricky business! Pics of my goodies will come later this week. But I leave you with Tasman's buddy. We never did get his name but he was a very sweet guy!

It's December

The Two 'N's Nik and Nathan

And it's almost Christmas! But before the Zoo and really start celebrating Christmas we've got a few birthdays to get out of the way. One is the Wyldman's. Here's a pic of him with his bigger brother and best friend, Evan. This was taken just before he ate two plates of fried calamari -- by hisself.


Thee Wyldman is the one in the middle. I think hunger was propelling their goofy faces or it could be that I was the one taking the picture.

Too cute for words? Here's another one for ya.

Here's the Divine Miss M and her beau, Dan

For the record, he informed me (not that long ago) that he was not a knitted sweater kinda boy. This has been denied as he has seen a couple of designs that can only be knit onto a sweater -- such as a skull and crossbones. Looks like there will be a bit of Wyldman sweater designing in my future! WHAOO! Not to start happening until after the holidays thank you very much!

Okay, I've gotten some knitterly type pics up on the mitten blog. For you new folks (HA! the ones that found this blog totally by accident) the mitten blog is one I've put together for my friends who have no blog. There are is a handful of people out there who don't blog believe it or not. But people like me who maintain 5 certainly make up for those who do not. I've put some of my holiday knitting there too.

Speaking of mitten knitting, Annapolis Knit and Crochet will be meeting at the Seattle's Best Cafe in the Westfield Annapolis Borders on Monday at 7:00pm. Grab your project bag and come join us! Or just come and join us for the chat. We have plenty of that!

And speaking of holidays and gifts and the like (yes, I like getting gifts.) A totally awesome friend sent us a brand spanking new computer printer/scanner/copier for Christmas. And it even works with my camera.....once I figure out how to. But the kids know how to use it already and that just makes my work even easier.

Point is, Awesome Friend -- Thank you very much!! You know who you are.


BTW: I really like my new job but it's kicking my butt mentally. We all need a good butt-kicking every so often.

Yes, I'm knitting

as fast as I can. Have you seen just how many more days there are until ..... gulp ..... Christmas? And even closer is thee Wyldman's birthday, and then there's my favorite SIL's birthday, and then there's the Tall One's birthday too!

But in the mean time, I did get two stockings completed for my friend. She's giving them another friend who's helping to decorate some of the homes in downtown Annapolis for the walking tours. Here's what I've done:
Don't look at the mess on my deck. It's passable to get to the door. Here's a foot photo:


They were really really quick and done in two balls/skeins of Lion Brand Woolease.

Things you CAN'T do when you're NOT in a pool

A little funny for your holidays!

Severn River Madness

For those of you coming to check for photos of two dopes jumping into the River please be informed that the Jump was called off (jump would have this past Saturday 11/19). This mom just couldn't allow such madness to occur.

However, to the two young ladies we met in Ram's Head Road House....Yes, I had a great time. And we had no problems finding the car once you pointed the way.

Thanks. And maybe we'll meet again.

New Job

New job has been started! And I made it through the first week without any mishaps. So I'm officially an employee of the State of Maryland.

And since I'm now working in an office I'm in need of clothes for work! Hmmmm, seems I've said this before. Probably. So I've started working on some sweaters. Natch, because winter is just around the corner. And because while searching through the stash for something for mittens I came across a forgotten stash of (are you sitting down?) Cottage Craft! In a color Lobster, and enough to knit a cardigan for moi!

So using my trusty size 8 circular I've cast on the body (142 stitches thank you very much) and have started knitting. I figure about 13 inches to the arms, then I'll cast on some dpns the sleeves, add a bit of fair isle and finish the top of the cardi knitting in the sleeves as I go. Then add a button band and I just may be sporting a new sweater next week. WHEEEEEEE!!

And in case you've already written up a score card, the fair isle parts will done with Cottage Craft 1ply and some lovely varigated mohair -- also found awaiting it's turn in the stash.

Do you think that by knitting a sweater only from the stash that that would entitle me to a yarn store trip for some more yarn? Seems fair. What do you think?



Here's a couple pics of Guji. These are pre-pounce....the pouncee being me coming up the steps.



He's growing so fast!

WOW!!

A month has just about past. November is just about here and I start a new job on the 1st. Folks I haven't worked in an office environment in over 7 years. That's a long time! I'm a nervous wreck! Truly! And it's a job where jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers are not really accepted. I need to do some shopping! I need to dig through the stash and pull out some yarns I know I have to knit some tops. I need to pull myself together! Really, now.

Well, we could just meet at

Barnes & Noble! LOL!!

The Borders Cafe in the Annapolis Mall is "revamping" the cafe. It's being taken over by Seattle's Best. hmmmmmm, I wonder if this means the coffee will be better? Anyway, when I asked where they would be able to put "Annapolis Knit & Crochet Group" they said "Well, what about out in the Mall?" and I said "What about just moving to Barnes & Noble." There will be chairs set up for us over by the Childrens' DVDs and exercise books/videos. Same time, second Monday errr tonight at 7:00pm. Hope to see you there.

Anyway, I've got some knitting to show you. A neighbor has a niece due sometime this month as asked me to knit a sweater for the wee one. Something not too cutesy, or gender specfic and not newborn sized. So out came my favorite book Beth Brown Reinsel's Knitting Ganseys. Done in Cestari cotton/wool blend 3 Ply DK lightweight in green heather. Not bad to work with. Took just about 2 skeins. I think I have enough to knit up a quick hat to match.



The mittens are on the other blog now. Here's a preview, it needs a thumb.



I'll have more stuff later. Right now, I need to write a note to go with the sweater and get started on the hat.



Sorry, Guji is basking in the last of the Autumn sun and refuses to pose today.

The Knit-Geek Questionnaire

1. What's your worst habit relating to your knitting?
Startitis. I’ve so many projects screaming about in my head all wanting to be done first. And then there are those skeins of yarn not patiently awaiting their turn to be knit yelling at me!!

2. In what specific ways does your knitting make you a better person?
I’m sure most knitters will say that it’s given them more time to things over, to be patient.


3. How might you or your life be different if you were suddenly unable to knit?
*****speechless*****

4. If money were no object, what one yarn, and what one tool or gadget would you run out and buy first?
ALL of Lobster Pot Cashmere. What Carol does with color just pleases my senses to no end! Gadget? First? Ball winder. No question.

5. What knitting technique or project type are you most afraid of (if any)? What, specifically, do you fear will happen when you try it?
Entralac. No question. The idea of all those bobbins and then having to weave in all those ends. What would happen if I tried it? Insanity, just forward all my mail to St. Elizabeth’s.


6. Who is/are your knitting hero(es), and why?
Elizabeth Zimmermann, for saying just do it and be proud of what you’ve done. Beth Brown Reinsel – come’on. Sweaters without seams and making it easy to understand.

7. Do you consider knitting, for you personally, a mostly social activity, or a mostly solitary activity?
It’s something I do every free moment of the day/evening/night. I always have something with me. I’ve been told that I’m distracted and difficult to talk with if I don’t have any knitting with me, whether I am actually knitting or not.

8. Is there a particular regional tradition in knitting that you feel strongly drawn toward (e.g., Fair Isle, Scandinavian, Celtic, Orenburg lace)? Any theories as to why it calls to you?
Ganseys. I suppose it could be the wee bit of the Irish in me. Or the desire to go to the Isles. But mostly I would have to say that it’s the patterning and mechanics of knits, purls, and cabling that draws me in

9. If you were a yarn, which yarn would you be?
Sorry, can’t even fathom this one. I’m so damned ticklish that just idea of someone handling me sends me into fits.

10. Some statistics:

(a) How many years have passed since you FIRST learned to knit?
Do we have people actually admitting to this one?!

(b) How many total years have you been actively, regularly knitting (i.e., they don't have to have been in a row)?
Geez, just come out and ask me how old I am! LOL (can you tell that age can be a bit touchy with me???)

(c) how many people have you taught to knit? Lots - really!

(d) Roughly what percentage of your FOs do you give away (to anyone besides yourself, i.e., including your immediate family)
98%

11. How often do you KIP (knit in public)? i.e., once a week, once a month, etc. Where do you do it?
I’m truly never without my knitting. I knit at stop lights, in traffic, in backups, waiting for people to get off work/out of school; walking the neighbors’ dogs; just walking in the neighborhood, around town. So the answer is probably daily where ever I happen to be.

12. If a genie granted you one hour to stitch-n-bitch with any one knitter, living or dead, who would you choose and why?

Eleanor Roosevelt. I would love to have a sit down and hear her talk about what was going and the ways that she thought things should go. She was at the helm of our nation for quite a while when her husband was the President. I think it would be a total blast to get into one of those hot political discussions with her.

13. What aspect or task in knitting makes you most impatient?
Seaming, putting all those pieces together.

14. What is it about knitting that never lets you get bored with it?
How just the process of creating a few stitches can calm me and allow me to again think rationally, even if just for a few minutes before the crisis.

15. Describe how and where you most often do your knitting - where do you sit, what is going on around you, what tools do you use and how are they (dis)organized?
Our house is rather small for the amount of people living in it. There are 5 of us and only one bedroom. The bedroom is where the kids sleep, homework, do their reading, talk on the phone (you get the picture.) The living room is my “bedroom” though it is also the living room. So where I knit is on the bed. Usually watching TV/movie; keeping an eye on the kids using the computer (also in the living room); knitting in my lap; pattern to the right; necessary tools to the side of the pattern; book of choice also in my lap. To the left, glass of water or cup of coffee.

16. Which one person is the recipient of more of your knitting than any other?
My niece.

17. What's the oddest thing about your knitting, or yourself as a knitter?
ummmmmmmmmmm....that would imply that I was not a odd person to begin with.

18. What do you see yourself knitting - if anything - twenty years from now?
Hopefully, delightful little sweater sets and socks for the grans.

19. If you were stranded on a deserted island and could have only ONE SKEIN of yarn, which yarn would it be and what would you do with it?
Desert Island, something cotton. Cascade. Lots of yardage, beautiful colors to choose from. A towel/face cloth. A grrl’s gotta be clean!

20. If you were allowed to own only one knitting-related book, which would it be? (you'd be free to browse others, but you couldn't keep them)
Beth Brown Reinsel’s Knitting Gansey’s. I have it in my collection and is probably THE most referred to book I own. Though I’ll admit that I’ve recently checked The Knitting Answer Book by Margaret Radcliffe from the local library.

21. Is knitting the new yoga? Why or why not?
Well, now this is a tough question. Knitting could possibly be almost as old as yoga. It’s just a matter of people finding what works for them in relieving stress, tension, mind invading chatter (yarn screaming from the attic.)

22. What important thing are you trying to put off doing whenever you knit?
Talking on the phone. I really hate talking on the phone and I’ve friends (bless them really, I love them all) who like nothing better then to call and talk, talk, talk, talk.

Okay, so much for the questionnaire. Now that I've completely bored you sillier then silly.....in knitting news

First commerical (just kidding!!) Here's a photo taken somewhere out West taken by my newly graduated son while traveling from here to Atlantic City, Nevada. It's for Sandy who is always sharing and inspiring others to share "Sky Shots." By the way, WARM HANDS is back!!!! Go check out Sandy's blog.




I've finally finished a pair of mittens for our friend, Alex. She's a grrl who works with my DH and has most graciously bailed us out of a couple of tight spots. I thought a neat pair of mittens would be in order (you know, warm hands, warm heart.) I did not manage to get a pic of them. I will however get DH to take the camera with him to work to possibly get a photo.

The gansey that I've been working for a neighbor will be taken out of the knitting bag today and worked on possibly finished. That reminds me, I need to call the Yarn Gardne and see if I can get that last skein of Cestari.

And now a shot of above mentioned son (also called The Tall One) with his grrlfriend.



And two life shaking events have happened....

1) I have a JOB INTERVIEW!! OMG! What am I going to wear? What shoes should I wear? OMG my hair!!! I need a shot! JIM!! JACK!! JOHNNY?!?! Jose!!!

2) ---> You might want to sit down for this one..... Thee Wyldman informed me the other day that he is no longer a knitted sweater kinda guy.

nuff said.

Something different

Here are a couple of pics taken of two of Baltimore's finest. DH and I took these while shopping in Fells Point this past Friday.



And of course one cannot visit Fells Point and not stop in at A Good Yarn. Lorraine is carrying a fine line of sock yarns now. One that has really caught my eye and that I do believe once I have some free size 1 needles (or decide I can't wait and just go out and buy more) is Austermann from Skacel. It's called "Step" and is a LARGE ball (you can get a rather long pair of socks from it.) Each ball is 75% new wool, 25% nylon; 420 meters; and has aloe vera and jojoba oils in it that will last for at least 40 washings!

She's also carrying one of my favorite sock yarn Trekking XXL in lots of great colors with more on the way!

I have been knitting. Really. Tomorrow night is Annapolis Knits & Crochets at the Borders Cafe in the Annapolis Mall. I've volunteered to teach a two-color mitten class so I've been putting together notes, gathering graphs, and supplies to make this a good class. Wanna see?



What you see here (besides it being a bit blurry) is:
a book of graph paper - the blocks are two sizes!;
4 sets of spare needles;
little sock needle holders
stitch markers
colored paper
pencil
pencil sharpener
more needles (from my own collection)
bright green cotton yarn for thumb marking
bobbins and sticky notes
Folk Knitting in Estonia by Nancy Bush
Sweaters from New England Sheep Farms by
Candance Eisner Strick

Also I've knit two little mitts sans the thumbs using some the technics that I'll be helping my friends with. One of the things I'm trying to stress with this class is to be creative and design something on the mitten that you like.



So, that's it for tonite. Oh, would you like to join us? Monday night, 7:00pm - until we're thrown out; Annapolis Mall Borders Cafe. Upstairs. Wave your knitting and the people in Borders will point you in the right direction.

Get on with yer bad knitterly self!!

Real Life Knitting!!`

This is a "knit blog" after all. But first, here's a photo of what we've been dealing with for the past couple of days.

So last week we had these really incredibly hot days (my kitchen was 93 degrees F) then Friday it decides to rain. The weatherperson called it a tropical depression -- Ernesto to be exact. Came to visit from the Florida area. With the storm we lost all power. So what does any sane knitter (hmmm, is there such a thing as a sane knitter?) do when power is lost? Cast on socks. Hold on to yours, here's some proof that I have been knitting.



These are Regia 4Fadig in all their stripy goodness. Done on size 0 needles with a cast on of 72 stitches and traditional type heel flap. These will go to Socks for Soldiers.



These are the official start of holiday knitting and intended for a special young lady in my family. They are done with Fortissima Colori 1000 on size 1 needles with a provisional cast on (with crocheted chain) with 64 stitches and again traditional heel flap, just not as deep. These girls don't have much of an arch to their feet.

I'll finish off both socks with a star toe down to 8 stitches and then kitchener the rest. Myla has said that the socks are more comfortable that way.

Also, I was asked to knit a sweater for friend. So here's a pic of the progress as of last Thursday. I can knit socks in the dark, but not ganseys.



This is being done in a cotton wool blend from Cestari (spelled?) Farms. The pattern is partly my own, learned from the fabulous Beth Brown Reinsel and her book Knitting Ganseys. It's a green heather color and the size is probably between 12 and 18 months. I've put a button placket on the shoulder just to make dressing a bit easier. Also, I love buttons and am always looking for ways to use them.

So folks, I'm off to finish a sock and cast on for it's mate. Speaking of mates, I for one am going to miss "The Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin."

And because it is after all my blog, here's a pic of the rapidly growing Guji. Though it's really a pic for Miri. You can check her out here.

Some Quizzes are GOOD!

What Kind of Knitter Are You?

You appear to be a Knitting Goddess. You are constantly giving and are unconcerned with reward, you simply want others to love knitting as much as you do. If someone wants to knit miles of novelty yarns, you are there for them. If someone wants to learn short row shaping, you can help. There are no taboos in knitting, only opportunities to grow. Everyone should have friend like you around if they want to learn to knit, and there's a good chance that your passion has rubbed off on a few others.http://marniemaclean.com
Take this quiz!








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Little Dee

This is a fairly new comic and available only on the web. It has a knitting vulture named Vachel. Go check it out. Oh and have a great weekend!

Knitting, knitting, and yes more knitting

but alas, no photos of knitting. I shall however amuse you with a photo of Guji Guji. Do not let that innocent face fool you. Right after snapping this photo, the lil tike pounced on my knees.

I've been tagged:

1. One book that changed your life: Zen and the Art of Knitting, Bernadette Murphy

2. One book that you've read more than once: I Heard the Owl Call My Name, by Margaret Craven

3. One book you'd want on a desert island: Bar and Cocktail Book: A Complete Guide to the World's Drinks and How to Mix and Serve Them, by Michael Jackson (not THAT Michael Jackson)

4. One book that made you laugh: The Katurran Odyssey, by Terryl Whitlatch & David Michael Weiger (read it with thee Wyldman, the art work is amazing!)

5. One book that made you cry: Angela's Ashes: A Memoir, by Frank McCourt

6. One book that you wish had been written: hmmmm I need to think on this one.

7. One book you wish had never been written: Mein Kampf, by Adolf Hitler

8. One book you're currently reading: The Looking Glass Wars, by Frank Beddor

9. One book you've been meaning to read: The Road to Wealth: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Money--Everything You Need to Know in Good and Bad Times, by Suze Orman

10. Tag 6 people: Alana, Lola, Elspeth, Dr. Michelle (I'll have to look around for two more.....feel free to tag yourself)

Knitting stuff to come soon. Now it's time for bed. and reading a book.....what's on your nightstand?

A New Week

Sorry no intriguing titles today. After a glorious week of nice weather (felt like September/October here) we are now back to our normal August temps with all the added condiments -- haze, humidity.

So, next door I go to get some knitting done. There's lots (aka too many) projects on the needles but all are things that I really want to get done. And because I feel like I've been negligent in the photo department here's one of our smiling Felix taken just last night by Thee Wyldman.



p.s. Hey G1 if you see this.... Guji said to say hello to Miri. He would like to be cyber friends.

AGHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Declaring war on teenagers! All our telephones are DEAD! In need of recharging. Most bothersome.

So, to fix my newest predictament I'm going to install a phone with a long cord that is connected to the wall. Then ban the teens from the portables. At least I'll be able to follow the cord to find them.

More soon.

16+ Inches

Whoa!! Now if that title doesn't give Google a run for the money nothing will! As some people know I've just celebrated a birthday -- my 25th.....again. My mom and dad came to visit and have dinner with us; as did some other family members. My mom made a totally awesome cake. Since I can't share a piece with you here's a photo.



It's from one of the Martha Stewart Living magazines. A hazelnut torte. Those are layers of crepes - some 30 odd layers. The cream between layers is hazel nut oil with heavy cream whipped. And then topped with chocolate ganache. Truly sinful!!

The 16+ inches is what I did today.





Cut and donated to Locks of Love. The cut was done at Fantastics Sam's. It was really odd and quite a relief not to have that weight on my head. But it was pretty scary too. Let's face it, I've had it for quite a while now. But the gal did a really nice job and I can still pull it back and it doesn't take as long to wash it or dry it.



Big difference huh! The kids now want my husband to get his hair cut. It's now longer then mine. Next will be new glasses.

Knitting? Don't look for any here. Not that much going on that I can tell you about. But perhaps some news soon. Plus it's too blasted hot, hazy and humid to even think about knitting. We're thinking about swimming around here. And time spent in the River floating along with the tides.........

BTW, did you know that you can donate you empty ink cartridges from your printers to Locks of Love? Turns out that that is a main source of income for them. You can pick up pre-paid envelopes at hair salons that support LOL.

Terror Reigns here on the Severn

and his name is Guji Guji. Thee Wyldman and I walked up to the neighbor's and picked him up this morning. He's already run Nathan onto the bed after trying to climb his legs (bare legs); tried attacking Roscoe (his dad); and has totalled endeared himself to me. I've tried to pic of his face to share but terror holds still for no camera. Myla is going to be a bit upset when she returns from Hawaii to find that I've already brought him home but she'll get over it when she sees just how sweet he really is.

And yes, being totally white he does have one yellowish eye and one blue eye. And we're not sure yet as to the degree of his hearing. He has run and hid with the sounds of the trucks outside, likes the sound of beads in the plastic Easter eggs. So we shall have to see. I understand that there is a group for people with white deaf cats so I shall have to find it. If only for an informational tool.

My knitting is coming right along! I've gotten a "new wind" and have been writing and knitting like mad. Even with the weather I've still been able to get quite a number of hours in. I've also stopped knitting after 10:00 pm to give my hands and shoulders a rest. That's when I read. I've gotten lots read -- actually turning pages kind of reading!

So, off to the kneedles I go. Stay cool! And remember to drink lots of water in this heat.

By the way, mums the word. We haven't told DH about our new little treasure yet.

A New meme

Got this one from Gina who got it from Jacqs.

Bold the ones you've done.. Add one of your own.

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said 'I love you' and meant it -- frequently!
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can -- and it felt really really good!
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was shit faced
42. Had amazing friends -- still do!
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer then you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your cds
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an "expert"
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Had a one-night stand
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone -- only if this includes having 1 bathroom and 2 teenagers
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror.
96. Raised children.
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Created and named your own constellation of stars
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived.
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school -- no, but I am planning on it
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating -- does this include fish?
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146: Dyed your hair
147: Been a DJ
148: Shaved your head
149: Caused a car accident
150: Saved someone's life
151. Swam in the nude in the moonlight

Orgami Crane Earrings

Rebekah from Knit-Knack is collecting dog/cat blankets for an animal shelter. And in true knitters fashion is making it fun and will be giving out prizes! Myla and I made a pair of orgami Crane Earrings as a prize. Here's a photo of the pair I'm sending.



Neat huh! So I guess if you want to win these little beauties, you better get those needles a clickin' and send in some goodies for the doggies and kitties. And yes, there is a possibility that we have more.....

Not much knitting

but lots of gardening! Here's the start of the second planting of green beans. I love how you can practically watch them grow from day to day! I share a garden with two other families too. Makes gardening so much more fun. Like knitting, I enjoy the zen of weeding and transplanting and watching things grow. Here's the first planting of the green beans. I love fresh green beans! And hopefully I'll be able to freeze some for this winter.



Here's the tomatoes that I didn't start, they just volunteered. All of them. Really. And they're doing fine even. My aunt planted hot peppers so we should have plenty of tomatoes for salsa!



This is the herb garden. There's lots of lemon thyme, two rosemary, oregano, Mother of Thyme (no I don't know why it's called that, I just like it), and there are two types of basil. Mixed in with the oregano are more volunteer tomatoes. I left them there cause it just seemed natural.



The brilliant green in front of the herbs are the 4 O'clocks. It's too early in the day to give you a photo of them but when they bloom it's quite the sight to see. I was told that people walk down our street in the evenings to see them. What a nice pat on the back!

By the way, if any of you want your own 4 O'clocks send me your address. When they go to seed later in September I'll send you some. But beware, even so they are annuals they re-seed themselves all over the lawn! I get to spend hours during the summer moving them back to the flower beds. And they seem to double every year!

Well, back to the needles. Later!

Fun fun fun!

Got this from Bonne Marie

Genia is a Bone-Eating Circus Monkey ...with a Battle Rating of 5.8 To see if your Food-Eating Battle Monkey can defeat Genia, enter your name:

More shortly, gotta go pull weeds outta the garden. OHHHHH! I'll post a pic of the garden for you too.

Speaking of High School......

This weekend was graduation ceremony of Old Mill High School. The Fighting Patriots. The Red, White and Blue. And my son, Nik; my cousin, Chris; and their buddy, Casey. The Three Muskateers have made it through high school and even with all their differences are still fast friends. Somewhere in this vast sea of blue gowns and caps are the boys. The white side are the grrls. This graduation has struck me in a weird way and I'm not sure how I feel about it. Seems like not that long ago we were reading R.L.Stein books and making paper mache dinosaurs.



Here's a rare photo I'm hugging my boy! and he's letting me and even rarer a photo of me. ugh!

So, do you remember me mentioning that my puppy kat, Roscoe made it with the neighbor's kitty, Katrina and is now the father of really really beautiful 3 little boy kitties? Here's a pic of them with their mommy. I got to see and hold them and play with them for the first time today. I'm in kitty love!!





And because it is June and the Spectrum project color for June is blue, here's a little beauty for you..... now back to those kneedles and I'll have some knit content for later this week and some more kitty pictures to show off to you too. Really. Now go on.