Life on the River

Well, once again I've no knitting to show you. But this is something really great happening on our River.
This is one of the many female mallards that have taken up residence in our little cove. I sort of woke her from a nap. Also, it was a bit chilly Friday afternoon. Usually is for the last day of school. But mainly I woke her to show Nathan something:



Okay, a few somethings. Actually she has six or seven ducklings or peeps. And because they are just so cute, here's another picture for you.



And they all fit very neatly underneath her! She even seems to be a good mommy too!

So, now back to a paper that I've been avoiding. More soon.

Really.

Go on!

Fibery type adventures

Before:

After:

mysterious mose

A little amusement for a summery type day. This is really pretty brilliant and work quite amazing!

Happy Feet - Pump It trailer

I can't wait to see this movie! I know I'm late but I'll get it on video.

A meme to amuse you

I got this from Judith Brodnicki. And she says this "It’s been alleged that if you’ve seen over 85 movies you have no life. Mark the ones you’ve seen. There are 239 films on this list." Sorry I don't know who she got the list from. I did add to the list. If you drop down, you'll see where I added to the 239 already listed. Guess I don't have a life, however since I watch movies with my family I see it as a rather full life.

(X) Rocky Horror Picture Show
(X) Grease
(X) Pirates of the Caribbean
(X) Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man’s Chest
( ) Boondock Saints
( ) Fight Club
( ) Starsky and Hutch
(X) Neverending Story
( ) Blazing Saddles
(X) Airplane
(X) The Princess Bride
( ) AnchorMan
(X) Napoleon Dynamite
(X) Labyrinth
( ) Saw
( ) Saw II
( ) White Noise
( ) White Oleander
( ) Anger Management
( ) 50 First Dates
(X) The Princess Diaries
(X) The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
( ) Scream
( ) Scream 2
( ) Scream 3
( ) Scary Movie
( ) Scary Movie 2
( ) Scary Movie 3
( ) Scary Movie 4
( ) American Pie
( ) American Pie 2
( ) American Wedding
( ) American Pie Band Camp
(x) Harry Potter 1
(x) Harry Potter 2
(x) Harry Potter 3
(x) Harry Potter 4
( ) Resident Evil 1
( ) Resident Evil 2
( ) The Wedding Singer
( ) Little Black Book
( ) The Village
(X) Lilo & Stitch
(X) Finding Nemo
(X) Finding Neverland
(X) Signs
(X) The Grinch
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
( ) White Chicks
( ) Butterfly Effect
(X) 13 Going on 30
(X) I, Robot
(X) Robots
( ) Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
( ) Universal Soldier
(X) Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events
( ) Along Came Polly
( ) Deep Impact
( ) KingPin
( ) Never Been Kissed
( ) Meet The Parents
( ) Meet the Fockers
( ) Eight Crazy Nights
( ) Joe Dirt
(X) King Kong
( ) A Cinderella Story
( ) The Terminal
( ) The Lizzie McGuire Movie
( ) Passport to Paris
( ) Dumb & Dumber
( ) Dumber & Dumberer
( ) Final Destination
( ) Final Destination 2
( ) Final Destination 3
( ) Halloween
(X) The Ring
( ) The Ring 2
( ) Surviving Christmas
(X) Flubber
( ) Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
(X) Practical Magic
(X) Chicago
( ) Ghost Ship
( ) From Hell
(X) Hellboy
(X) Secret Window
(X) I Am Sam
( ) The Whole Nine Yards
( ) The Whole Ten Yards
( ) The Day After Tomorrow
( ) Child’s Play
( ) Seed of Chucky
( ) Bride of Chucky
( ) Ten Things I Hate About You
( ) Just Married
( ) Gothika
( ) Nightmare on Elm Street
(X) Sixteen Candles
( ) Remember the Titans
( ) Coach Carter
( ) The Grudge
( ) The Grudge 2
(X) The Mask
( ) Son Of The Mask
( ) Bad Boys
( ) Bad Boys 2
( ) Joy Ride
( ) Lucky Number Sleven
(X) Ocean’s Eleven
( ) Ocean’s Twelve
( ) Bourne Identity
( ) Bourne Supremecy
( ) Lone Star
( ) Bedazzled
( ) Predator I
( ) Predator II
( ) The Fog
(X) Ice Age
(X) Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
(X) Curious George
( ) Independence Day
( ) Cujo
( ) A Bronx Tale
( ) Darkness Falls
( ) Christine
(X) E.T.
( ) Children of the Corn
( ) My Bosses Daughter
( ) Maid in Manhattan
( ) War of the Worlds
(X) Rush Hour
( ) Rush Hour 2
( ) Best Bet
( ) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
( ) She’s All That
(X) Calendar Girls
( ) Sideways
( ) Mars Attacks
( ) Event Horizon
(X) Ever After
(X) Wizard of Oz
(X) Forrest Gump
(X) Big Trouble in Little China
(X) The Terminator
( ) The Terminator 2
( ) The Terminator 3
(X) X-Men
(X) X-2
(X) X3
(X) Spider-Man
(X) Spider-Man 2
( ) Sky High
( ) Jeepers Creepers
( ) Jeepers Creepers 2
( ) Catch Me If You Can
(X) The Little Mermaid
( ) Freaky Friday
( ) Reign of Fire
( ) The Skulls
( ) Cruel Intentions
( ) Cruel Intentions 2
( ) The Hot Chick
(X) Shrek
(X) Shrek 2
( ) Swimfan
(X) Miracle on 34th street
( ) Old School
( ) The Notebook
( ) K-Pax
( ) Krippendorf’s Tribe
( ) A Walk to Remember
( ) Ice Castles
( ) Boogeyman
( ) The 40-year-old Virgin
(X) Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
(X) Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
(X) Lord of the Rings: Return Of the King
(X) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
(X) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
(X) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
( ) Base-ketball
( ) Hostel
( ) Waiting for Guffman
( ) House of 1000 Corpses
( ) Devils Rejects
( ) Elf
( ) Highlander
( ) Mothman Prophecies
( ) American History X
( ) Three
( ) The Jacket
( ) Kung Fu Hustle
( ) Shaolin Soccer
( ) Night Watch
(X) Monsters Inc.
(X) Titanic
(X) Monty Python and the Holy Grail
( ) Shaun Of the Dead
(X) Willard
( ) High Tension
( ) Club Dread
( ) Hulk
( ) Dawn Of the Dead
(X) Hook
( ) Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
( ) 28 days later
( ) Orgazmo
( ) Phantasm
(X) Waterworld
( ) Kill Bill Vol. 1
( ) Kill Bill Vol. 2
( ) Mortal Kombat
( ) Wolf Creek
( ) Kingdom of Heaven
(X) the Hills Have Eyes
( ) I Spit on Your Grave
( ) The Last House on the Left
( ) Re-Animator
( ) Army of Darkness
(X) Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace
(X) Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones
(X) Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith
(X) Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope
(X) Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back
(X) Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi
( ) Ewoks: Caravan Of Courage
(X) Ewoks: The Battle For Endor
( ) The Matrix
( ) The Matrix: Reloaded
( ) The Matrix: Revolutions
( ) Animatrix
( ) Evil Dead
( ) Evil Dead 2
( ) Team America: World Police
( ) Red Dragon
( ) Silence of the Lambs
( ) Hannibal

***My addons:
(X) Men In Black
(X) Men In Black II
(X) Snow White and the Seven Draves
(X) Lady and the Tramp
(X) Robin Hood (Disney cartoon)
(X) Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves
(X) Dances with Wolves
(X) All James Bond except newest, and In Her Majesty's Service
(X) Hook
(X) Peter Pan (with Kathy Rigby)
(X) Peter Pan (with Jeremy Sumpter as Peter Pan)
(X) Mary Poppins
(X) Pocahontas
(X) Mulan
(X) Holes
(X) Hoot
(X) Howl's Moving Castle
(X) Spirited Away
(X) Totoro
(X) Castle in the Sky
(X) Signs
(X) 3 Ninjas
(X) Dr. Doolittle
(X) Dr. Doolittle II
(X) My Fair Lady
(X) My Best Friend's Wedding
(X) Silkwood
(X) Moonstruck
(X) The Mexican
(X) Mission to Mars
(X) Big Trouble in Little China
(X) Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

I can keep going you know. What movies can you add?

The coolest NEWS ever!!!

News Flash!!!

Sorry folks, this week I have no life beyond "Introduction to Paralegal Studies" next week is Spring Break so I may have a bit of time to write a post. Not that there's been much knitting in my life (except for Amiee) But in the meantime, I fully expect you all to keep your kneedles and hooks to yourselves, play nicely, share, enjoy the day!

Early teaser for upcoming PLANET B-BOY movie (documentary)

This is amazing! Hope you all dig it too!

I really HATE tests!

You Failed 8th Grade Geography

Sorry, you only got 5/10 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Geography?

freeeeeeezing!!!!

I'm writing this from work so it shall be short. It's f*%king freezing outside and there's no electric at my house. Had to poke the ice on my fishtank.

Nuff said. Tune in later, like after the house warms up a bit.

just stuff

I should be studying for my test tomorrow night. But I really really needed a break so I took a little test.

You scored as Dragon. You are a dragon. You very, VERY easily angered and are extremely protective. Take a chill pill and stop running around breathing fire on people. Chances are they're only trying to help you... Elf 100% Dragon 100% Faerie 92% Goddess 83% Wolf 75% Sorceress 67% Shadow Spirit 58% Zombie 50% Drow 33% Vampyre 25% What ancient breed are you? created with QuizFarm.com

It was intersting. Today I'm a dragon, I'm also operating under just a few hours of sleep. We had our kitty boyz "fixed" yesterday and they literally bounced off the walls and me and my DH most of the night. "Hey Mom, we need more food - NOW" "Hey Mom, why can't we go outside? NOW?" "Hey Mom, can't you take this goofy collar thing offa me? NOW?" "Hey Mom." Finally sometime around 4:30am I gave in and let Roscoe outside. As of 7:00am he still hadn't come in, and it snowed last night. As of 7:30am he popped in for a drink of water and back out he went. I think he waw worried I was gonna box him and take for a ride again.

Cute kitty pics soon. Guji is getting so big, and insists on sleepling on my chest!

SHhhhhhhh!

I'm really doing my homework.

You know that little yarn shop I told you about? I finally got to go to it last night, and it's really wonderful! This new delightful shop is called A Tangled Skein. It's in an old bank building (think thick walls, wooden floors) and is right in front of the Hyattsville Municiple Building on Baltimore Street.

They're planning on having a Sit-n-Knit every Wednesday -- everyone is invited -- and (are you sitting down??) they're keeping the register open for shopping!

I got a tour of the shop from Pat. A very knowledgeable knitter. The shop is laid out well, with easy access to all the shelves of goodies. The lighting in the evening leaves much to be desired but there is a good light at the knitting table to see some true color. They're carrying a large selection of Lamb's Pride, and a line that I've never heard of before called Ella Rae (100% wool, 219 yds, $5.00) and it's knitting up very nicely! And of course they have Noro, Debbie Bliss, and Filatura Di Crosa to name a few.
So while I don't think I'll be going every week, I do think it's worth the trip once or twice a month.

Just my $0.02 worth.

Now before I go back to my homework (gotta study, I have a test next week) here's a pic of my little guy. He's dressed to go to the BSO with his class today.



Isn't he handsome!

Newsflash!!

Contributed by Lola. You can read her exploits here. And, she has pictures too!
Run along now. Check out this new store!!

Just opened a few days ago:

A Tangled Skein
Cheryl W. Hoffman
5200 Baltimore Ave (rt. 1)
Hyattsville, MD
301-779-3399

Yes, my fellow fiber hounds A NEW YARN STORE!!!

To get there, go south on Rt. 50, take exit to 410 W (stay on the left
lane - that lane turns 90 degree to the left at the 2nd traffic light),
then turn left onto Baltimore Ave. Turn right at Baltimore Ave -
Gallatin St. You'll see a sign for public parking - it's on the left.
25 cents per hour, I believe. The store is in a building that looks
like it used to be a bank and has "Professional Building" chiseled in at
the top. you won't see the yarn store until you've turned right into
that intersection. I have some pictures and will be blogging about this
place later tonite. They have a website but it's under construction.

Hideehoo!!

I gotta be honest, homework is seriously kicking my butt! There I said butt, let's see what demons Google unleashes on me this week! HA bring it on!!

I've started taking classes in order to obtain my degree from AACC here in Annapolis. I'm studying to be a certified paralegal. Yes I do already work for District Court. Yes, I've already worked as a legal secretary. This is different. Plus I'll have a degree.

I go to class once a week. Class is three hours long, and that after working all day is taking a toll. And I need to get my brain back into learning school type mode. Any suggestions are most welcome!

I have been knitting, just not much and only on certain projects of which I don't feel I can disclose at this time. So you'll haveta wait.

But to get some knitting goodies you can go here: www.knitmittens.blogspot.com

The ladies in my knit group have been turning out some more beautiful work.

Here's a pic of my "granddog" Tantum. Yes, he's named after a firetruck. And he's a good dog!

It really makes one CRANKY!

Running out of yarn that is. The class that Marseille gave on knitting entralac was really quite good. So I used the yarn that I had purchased from JoAnn's (see previous post) to start knitting a scarf/shawl. Just like eating good potato chips, you can't stop at just one block you need to go on to the next.

The changing of the colors was great! It really looks lovely if I do say so myself. Here's a shot for ya.



You'll notice the stitch holder on the one end? That's because I've RUN OUT OF YARN!!! I really hoped that wouldn't happen, that the four balls I had would be plenty (come on folk, it was over 350 yards that I had) but alas no. Not enough. So back to JoAnn's in Annapolis I go. Nope, they still have the kits but not the right color.

I go to the JoAnn's in Warrenton, Virginia. Yep, they have the kits too. Nope, not the right color. So I bought two kits in this color:



See, I've already started another scarf/shawl. I'm looking at the colors and they could possibly swing to either being for a gentleman or lady. What do you think? Hey folks, yes this means I've started knitting for the holidays!!

This past weekend was my dad's birthday. So we drove out to help him celebrate. While out there we also went to Washington, Virginia. There are lots of lovely little shops on Main Street, including a 5-Star restaurant/hotel called The Inn at Little Washington. One of the shops we stopped at was the Geneva Welsh Gallery. She's an artist and it turns out a vendor at the MDS&W Festival. There I bought these:



They're note cards - yes, even so I blog and write email to friends and family I still write letters and notes using pen, ink, and paper. Aren't these lovely! Here's her shop. She also does really sheep. And chickens.



You can see some more of her work and read about the Artist Studio & Gallery Tour of Rappahannock County here.

Well, gotta fly! I need to get those needles a clickin cause not only did I buy the two kits from JoAnn's this past weekend but I had also purchased and received this from Laurie.



This is a whole tub full of Lion Brand Cotton-Ease. Which by the way is now back on the shelves in new colors and still just a lovely as ever! What am I planning to do with a whole tub of Cotton-Ease? Stay tuned to find out.

By the way, the next meeting of Annapolis Knits & Crochets at Borders is January 24th! Come join us!

By the way, anyone interested in a trade? I have two packets from the yarn kits that I bought from JoAnn's that has the knitting needles (circular size 10-1/2 (6.5mm) 24 inches long, crochet hook size J (6mm) And I have two of each. Contact me if you'd like to trade or know of anyone in the need.

Amazing Thing!

I was at JoAnn's today with thee Wyldman and there was a lot of things that had been marked down being as Christmas is over. We were in search of some sort of sewing kit that he could have to sew something him self. Of course we couldn't find anything suitable for a little boy or anything that wasn't Christmas'y. We settled for some camo fleece for him to make a couple of scarves and a bear.

Myself was in search of some variegated yarn to use in a scarf project that one of my knitting groups is going to start soon. I found the perfect yarn and got a bit of a bonus and a great surprise!

See in the photo there's four skeins of 100% wool yarn; a crochet hook, a circular knitting kneedle; a little knitted flower broach with pin attached; flower sequins; matching beads; a spool of thread; with a sewing needle; pattern for a felted either knit or crocheted bag and this very cool little plastic box with Velcro closure and handle to carry it all in. This is without a doubt the most complete kit I've ever come across. The only item missing would be snips to cut the thread. And the price (are you sitting down?) was $9.00. Yes, I said nine dollars.

I think I'll go pick up more tomorrow. Here's another more complete photo.



OH Right, the bear Camo:



He did a pretty good job!

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.