Crafty Gurlz Mum

Getting somewhere on that list

2010-03-28T15:26:00.003-04:00

So in my last post this list of known UFOs/WIPs was on my do do list:

1. Curlicue for big girl in rainbow colours - FINISHED - and she loves it. Now of course the little one needs a larger afghan
2. Wedgette - have finished the bodice and have the neck band almost done - need to start stitching it down. Then I need to figure out how much yarn is left for the sleeves.
3. replacement fingerless mitt for Mom - she lost one - done and in her hands - it is two coloured, but finished 1 night and mailed the next morning
4. Crocheted Daisy purse - for little girl just needs seaming, lining and handles. - well I've looked at it at least...
5. Gray Farmer's Market Cardi - frogged the sleeve and wove in a myriad of ends, joined the shoulders - need to block so i can mattress stitch the pockets and hem in preparation for that lovely collor
6. Bulky sweater for me - two sleeves are done, and the body was half done with pockets and everything, but has been frogged. Needs to be restarted.
7. Owls sweater for me - didn't bother redoing - wove in the ends and wore it - fits much better when you lose 20 pounds...
8. Bunny cozies -picked it up and remembered why I quit - I keep running out of yarn on the last arm...
9. Single sock I f ound - ends woven in and second sock all done - ready for washing
10. Fiddlehead mittens - (previously frogged) outers all done with ends woven in even - need to block and then knit the lining.
11. Princess crown - all done - big girl is wearing it since she has outgrown hers and little girl wears hers.
12. Mindless headband - not feeling the love on it, but it's over halfway done...
13. Necklace - crochet (from the weekend I frogged the fingerless mitten twice and was tired of the fiddle heads - need to weave in ends, sew on a button and make a flower decoration.
14. Fire bird socks - still need to embroider these...they are in my current wip bag at least...
I hope that's all of them...but likely not.
Of course that isn't even mentioning the to do list...Manu, Rosamund, mittens, socks....
but there is time...

Hello World!!!

2010-01-27T21:14:00.002-05:00

It's been a long while since I blogged.
I've still been lurking and occasionally commenting on my favourite places : my federal e'ee pal; one of my favourite yarnies; another lovely Canadian; a famous Canadian; a few from over the pond; great designer and this one or even this one; or how about Robyn and and of course Ravelry.
And raising two lovely girls is never easy. Little one is now in JK and learning daily - today she pretended to read Geronimo Stilton and almost convinced me. And big one has lost her 8th or 10th tooth and goes through clothes like there is no tomorrow.
I've knitted a bit - and frogged alot. I hope to get some pictures up on here and ravelry soon. My current favourite designer is Ysolda Teague as I have more of her patterns completed than anything else.
My goal is to clean up my UFO's and not buy more yarn for a while.
My known UFO's are:
1. Curlicue for big girl in rainbow colours - on #5 (2nd time for this one) of 15 wedges.
2. Wedgette - frogged twice now, but currently awaiting a waistline, bodice and sleeves.
3. replacement fingerless mitt for Mom - she lost one
4. Crocheted Daisy purse - for little girl just needs seaming, lining and handles.
5. Gray Farmer's Market Cardi - will be frogged. Eek - was on the sleeves, but not liking how it is working up.
6. Bulky sweater for me - one sleeve is started.
7. Owls sweater for me - need to redo the neckline and the underarms.
8. Bunny cozies
9.

Those were off the top of my head. I have been spending much of January with fall/winter cleaning and purging - the bathroom and my bedroom need work yet and the never ending mess of the toy room leaves a lot to be desired.
And once they are done, it will be time to file my taxes and yes - renovate - the bathroom of last April's post has waited long enough and needs to be done.
It will, someday.
So Hi to you!

April Showers bring....

2009-04-22T18:57:00.002-04:00

...gorgeous evening sunsets.
...beautiful tulips and daffodils.
...home renovations.
...capris and soccer shoes.
...allergies.

But then I pick up my knitting and forget it for a long time.

However, the 2 cracks in my 'plastic' tub surround have me with minute issues.
I sense more renovation hell.

But my big girl will be 8 next week. where has the time flown. So I will plan a tea party party.
And then I will plan renovation hell.
Life is awesome. Especially when someone, anyone, gives you one of those hugs and kisses.
My girls make it worthwhile.

Where has April Gone?!??!?!

2009-04-17T21:12:00.003-04:00

Hello Everyone. I imagine you've been busy too, but it was only today that I realized I was non-blogging, even with some big news and crafty completions.

First - my pattern, Best Baby Blankie, is being released in the book Knit It Together, this June. Go here for some details. That is pretty exciting in itself.

The girls each have their own pairs of fetching, I almost have a lapghan for me, my sister will be getting socks and knitting continues.

I'm thinking of helping with this effort. I know I have enough leftovers from my socks to make some squares and frankly, was not that enamoured with the mitred square - not because I don't like mitres, but because there were a lot of them required... but I know the blanket would be warm. Interestingly enough, the squares of that blanket are a little like the start of my blankie... hmm I can guess why I like it then!!!

I hope you all are well and will (try) to leave you with a couple of cute kid pictures.

Happy Spring

2009-03-20T07:09:00.002-04:00

Sping is here. HURRAY
Go here for a sweet springy (eastery) pattern. I love Julie's little knitted friends and finally there is a pattern released!! I must go find some yarn to knit one up this weekend - my take along project.
I finished my Monkey socks and a pair of Evangeline. My Wedgette is coming along although I need to take it to knit night for some constructive criticism. An FLS is done - except for the toggles. NEED TO DO THAT.
Go here and weigh in your opinion of the possibility of having too many Handknit socks. I think Katie is right!
Have a great Weekend

March 1st - onward to new challenges

2009-03-01T22:04:00.002-05:00

Happy 1st of March to all!
We are rolling along through the birthday week.... Friday was oldest nephew Justin (1st grandchild on both sides for the oldest child on both sides - pretty cool) He is 10. wow.
Megan's dad turned 36 - I think anyways, we haven't heard otherwise, but his message box was full on his cell, so talking to him was impossible. Oh and Mary from work - a fellow knitter who doesn't do ravelry - but I'm working on it....
Today I know is someone's birthday and that is awesome for you!!! We celebrated with my family for Justin, Barb and Jacob.
Monday - the 2nd, is Megan's Don - he will be 51 and he is like an uncle to her. We have to remember to call - from the girls. (his wife Diane is Norah's Diane - seriously My Diane, and for Megan, My Don.
Tuesday is my sister-in-law Barb's birthday - she will be 33. I'm not sure if she's looking forward to the end of Maternity leave after March break.
Wednesday is Melinda's birthday - she will be 30 something. I think 32, but sometimes friends mess these things up. I know she is younger than me.
Then we skip the 5, 6, and 7 - again if it is your birthday HURRAY!!!
Sunday - the 8th is my nephew Jacob's 5th birthday. As his house has one working toilet and sink at this time and a kitchen in boxes with no floor - I know what he wants for his birthday. They came to my parents today to bathe and shower...

In knitting news, my rainbow socks are finished and now belong to my mother. Le sigh. And the lovely socks I knit her for her birthday 1.5 years ago are now felted slipper socks for Megan. Le sigh. My sweater is almost completely skirted - one lace wedge and one garter repeat and then onto the bodice. I have found the yarn for my O W L S sweater, but was not permitted to buy it for two reasons - no pattern with me to check the gauge and, well no money either... However, I see a trip to Mary Maxim in the next month - my income tax refund reward. (as the rest goes to new vacuum - deal of the week 50% off still in box but.... and bills and new glasses for me) Funny that - my sunglasses dropped from my head to the driveway today and broke in two. Megan guesses I can buy a new pair - so sweet that child.
I have 3 or 4 pairs of fingerless mitts on the commissioning - childhood friends and awesome coworker, and a pair of socks - good friend of mom. They will be the portable knitting and the sweater continue to be the evening knitting.

The Beeping you ask - the tenant's cell phone. ARRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHH must suck it up as need her money to pay bills....and for home to live in.

Have a great month!!!

Life and all that

2009-02-25T20:57:00.003-05:00

So, we are better now. Poor Megan got the mild version of the cold/bug which unfortunately just dra-a--a-a-a-a--a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a--a-a-a-a-ags on.
Last night Norah stayed in her own bed all night and since I switched my iron pills to reasonable hours, all is well there too.
In knitting land, the February Lady's Sweater is complete- except for buttons.
A Better Bucket is complete - but is definitely not better.
Wedgette is on the way but I can't get gauge on the sleeves.
My rainbow sock has a mate being made - just before the gusset increases.
And in the queue??!?!?!?
more stuff than I know what to do....owls, a vest of some sort, a tank top, another hat or 7,... and the list goes on.

And somewhere in my house something is beeping. I have checked and turned off the cell phone. It isn't the camera. The carbon monoxide sensor is fine, the fire alarms are fine. The portable phones are all on the chargers. The indoor outdoor thermometer (all of which is inside) could be at fault, but...how does one tell? There is the ear thermometer - I will go check that. not the ear thermometer either.
This is interesting to say the least - oh and it only beeps a lot when you are sitting doing something, as soon as you get up....all quiet on the housing front.

Okay on the inside maybe - outside it is blowing and raining and blustering... well maybe spring is coming in like a lion?

hmm i wonder if the beeping is that computer thing of Megan's... nope, not that either.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T10:15:00.002-05:00

We are getting lots of loving around here as Norah and i have been home sick since Wednesday - she has infected ears and I have a cold. Poor Megan is putting up with us.
I finished the February Lady's Sweater - with exception of buttons and cast on Wedgette, just for fun. Too sick today to knit. Anyone know a good cleaning service - that is quiet and will just get it done?

Happy New Year! and February...

2009-02-03T19:17:00.004-05:00

I haven't been around in a couple of months.

You likely noticed. I've been lurking and ravelrying, just not blogging.

I've also been knitting. I have a slew of FO's - even blocked ones.

They may make it up in pictures.

It will likely take me a while.

Just a moment while I go look:

This is my little Diva showing off her Blythe and 'our' neck wrap, based on this pattern.

This it my big Diva showing off her Monica. It was modified to be less ruffly cause of the way I knit it - another will be made with the correct ruffle.

And here is the big Diva of the household modelling her coordinating Grasshopper scarf and head wrap.

You can also link here for my other photos.

I have been successful in my yarn diet - to date only 5 skeins bought since the end of June.

I have made myself a promise that I must finish the February Lady's Sweater, at least two sock yarn projects and one more sweater sized item before I can buy anything else. Argh.

But I have had more money for, well, paying the bills.

And yes, the renovations are done for now. But my bathroom is a disaster.

Linky and just a little note

2008-11-25T21:32:00.002-05:00

Okay - go here to see the sweetest seasonal stitch markers ever.

I am doing well - have finished my socks for me and have recuperated from flooding hell as my bro's and parents arrived to help with the front yard, shed and porch roof.
The renovations are scheduled to be done this year sometime....but primer has been put up.
We've already had snowstorms and negative Celsius weather and the drive home that took an hour, so we are well into the winter weather - however it is not yet winter and most of the snow is melting (come on snow melt).
I hope to return to regularly scheduled blogging with pictures after I buy myself a camera that works...

Still alive, but kind of sloshing...

2008-11-05T20:45:00.003-05:00

Wow - I went from once a week to just nothing. Sounds about right!
Do you want to know what's going on?
If not, I recommend not reading any further.

I am Iron Deficient - had this with my second pregnancy but other than that considered myself fine. My iron read 5 on a scale of like 13 to over 100. Not so good. So I am taking an iron supplement and being a little more careful of what I eat. It was a relief to find out as I have been sort of off for a couple of months and had similar issues last spring - I just put it down to stress and allergies and wrote it off, but now there is something that I can work towards. I already feel better - we don't count PMS as that is a well, life. It is not diet based, but likely female based, so I may need to work on this for awhile - lots of tests and doctor appointments.

Gurlz - are good. I mean they are 7 and 3, so they are never perfect, however with the recent time change we are all getting up rested and on time and out of the door reasonably. They were very negatively affected by my iron issues as I had little control of my attitude, minimal energy and no patience. Again - definitely seeing an improvement, but also working to correct myself.
Norah is toilet trained - some accidents occur, but that is normal and except for the fact that my carpet was involved this morning, I am pretty good with it.
We won't discuss her attempt to dive? tumble? totally freak her mother out? this evening as she fell down 8 stairs while I was dealing with the sloshing in my home.

Sloshing? well -
Monday I washed some 'accident laundry' and when I went to empty the washer, the basement floor was wet. Checked the sewer line - running smooth, so must be internal - plunged and sprayed and plunged. pulled hair balls out of 2 drains. also mopped.
Tuesday - bathroom sink (plunged and plunged and baking soda vinegared night before) will not drain. I did what I swore I would never do, however the bottle was there and not empty (purchased prior to notification of issues) I poured an entire bottle of Draino Max down the drain - obviously a bad clog as hairballs were not there - and it did not drain the sink until at least 10 minutes had passed. Went back and ran hot water. Sink fills up and up and up. Ignored bottle which stated do not plunge and plunged - sink was full of water and therefore, nothing would be splashing me in face - and after about a minute, sink drained - with gurgle pop ... Ran hot water at least another minute - down all sinks. Things appear good on this front.
Wednesday - come home, just after five o'clock as children good with time change, we all happy, going to make supper (after I pee) and ....
I step in a puddle. In the middle of my kitchen floor. The ceiling has many wet spots. Puddle on counter. Fetch tenant praying she spilled something - no she didn't. Evaluate situation. Visit basement - find puddle there (far from drain of Monday night). Send Norah away from dangerous situation, call current contractor (who has not been around for a bit due to other obligations) and as state - No. I'm not joking, there is a puddle in my kitchen. Norah falls down stairs - lands on foam play mats I laid there to keep feet warm. (that was a good thing). I throw phone at tenant/her boy toy and scoop up my baby and fly up stairs. She is crying but fine. Praise the Lord for the bouncability of children. Ponder why shoe rack that is in alcove, also fell with her, try not to whine about squelching tights and puddles.
Put video on for kids, feed them cheesesticks, chips and cucumber as boiled eggs and lovely salad is not an option as ceiling light/fan in kitchen is making electrical water sounds. Don't cry. Go Pee (finally) change pretty skirt and sodden tights for comfy pants and sweater. Wander semi aimlessly until Ivan shows up. Wait for him to figure it out - the rubber ring on the overflow drain for the new tub is loose/dislocated/ LEAKING. i don't blame him. I don't blame Tammy. Although she accepts the blame - this isn't the first bath and it is the first leak. Ergo - fault of no-one. Argue with Ivan about fact that water and electricity do not mix and it is not good to have light on in kitchen. He tries to remove, but previous owner installed/had installed light and therefore like everything, it is not possible. He will come tomorrow to figure out.
Drink wine mixed with orange juice to calm my nerves. Call mommy. Mother my gurlz (homework, baths, cream on eczema, read stories, snuggle, tuck in bed) Read blogs. Vent on blog.
Knit on my mindless self patterning socks with gift yarn from parents. marvel over fact that don't match and I don't care.
Go pee again.

once a week posting....Controlling the Clutter

2008-10-15T19:48:00.004-04:00

So since I last wrote, i have completed
Blithe - except for the blocking;
Monica - except for the ends and blocking;
sots III - except for the ends and blocking;
Moeibus - except for the seam and blocking;
Ascot scarf - except for the trim, ends and blocking.
I am sensing a slight trend here....
I have started:
Ascot scarf mentioned above - now complete (black)
Triangle scarf/wrap for me - black
Qiviut scarf for Mom - black.
And I finally wore my Grasshopper scarf today, but plan to block before wearing again.
Also awaiting blocking - sots I.
And my grasshopper head wrap is waiting on a button and Megan's pop scarf is waiting embellishment...
Can anyone tell where I have issues?

On the purchasing front - I have purchased only the current magazine issues for Interweave Knits, and Vogue Knits along with a new magazine called Living Craft. The gurls have received some new DVDs - and me too, but that is entertainment and...
I didn't do too bad and got rid of a number of unnecessary items this past month. I am going to work on this for the next month also, however I do need to purchase some fibre products for a swap I am involved in, so...I will be purchasing some yarn/fibrey goodness this week.
Anyone have some Merino/Tencel roving in manly colours?!?!??
I did pretty well considering we had to buy some pants for the big gurl as she grew a bit, but all in all

A little of this and that

2008-10-06T12:55:00.003-04:00

On October 5th, 2005, my beautiful Norah was born. Yesterday she turned 3. Ahhh. Time flies when you are having fun. However, there are no photos as the camera I purchased when she was born has died and well, my Dad didn't send me any pictures yet.
Blithe is mostly complete- straps to do yet.
Sots iii - I am on the first of the decrease rows.
Everything else, is on the back burner.
But this past weekend was filled with housecleaning, furnace turning on, yardwork, curtain hanging, partying and life. So that is good too.
New yarn was acquired from my parent's trip to Holland. Regia - 4-FACH HALTBAR, in 4-faidg Jacquard Color # 5241. 2 skeins. Thanks Mom and Dad.
I am home for the fifth or sixth Monday in a row - Megan had too much fun this weekend and is all done in. Either that or she's coming down with something again. We are not going on vacation until after April 1, 2009 now.... (used up all my family days from work and am eating into vacation time now.... C'est la vie.
My tenant was able to use her bathtub on Friday - just like was promised. Imagine that - a contractor that lives up to his promises. I am going to ask him to give me a quote on my bathroom, my front door and her kitchen. Of course, I am also going to start playing the lottery now. Worth every penny he is though.

A week and a half and what to show for it...

2008-09-28T21:30:00.003-04:00

.. some knitting has been done - hint 6 of sotsIII is complete and 7 is just waiting for me. Little gurl's birthday Blithe is coming along - 4 inches of skirt done. I have a week - She was born at 11:45 pm (this time 3 years less one week ago, I was probably puttering around yet as labour didn't start until after 10:00 pm when my water broke). Other knitting, well the February sweater has one skein of yarn done and the next has been wound up, so progress could occur. But the stole and Blithe are both on deadlines of sorts so....
The stupid dumb contractor has been fired. After I spend a weekend trying to find a mint condition FREE clawfoot tub cause the one I bought 5 weeks ago wasn't going to fit and .... this of course from the guy who said he would be basically done in 2 weeks. A new guy starts tomorrow - he says a week and she will be able to use her tub again.
If you don't hear from me for some time after today, you know the second floor collapsed onto the first and then all the way to the basement (the yarn stash is a good distance from the work area).
For some winter knitting inspiration, go see some of Monica's FO's. I'm not sure when I can cast the first one on... and I am in total agreement with her ravelry comment. If it is only available on ravelry, great, but if not, GO TO THE SOURCE folks. (I only linked to Monica, cause her pics of FOs are inspiration enough.

Spending Money

2008-09-17T21:32:00.003-04:00

I ran into a glitch last weekend. Well kind of. Friday was get groceries while big gurl was dancing and then because I was feeling feverish and extra sniffly, I went to the local urgent care clinic. I don't go to the doctor unless I have to. I dread that biannual appointment for womanly things. But I was feeling unwell enough to go. He gave me some antibiotics - just a minute, realized I forgot tonight's, cause we ate out (pizza - the gurlz love it and well, it's payday and there is no pizza in my house - with tip $28).(oh and I had a $.75 pop today too)
Anyways - $100 later I get my prescription. OUCH.
Saturday was little gurlz dance - returned her $31.44 dance bodysuit cause she fits her sister's. Then went to get running shoes for big gurl - took no time, only one pair of shoes in hand and the girl says: If you buy two or more you get 40% off. Even if it's a $2 pair. I had to think. I do need another pair for work. So I went back to the shoes I had drooled over but put back cause they were $30 (discount shoe place - you get what sizes are there, believe me I tried on a large number). And I go up to the counter with $20 running shoes and $30 brown suede loafers. She rings it in - it comes to $31.43. No kidding here. Then I returned an unnecessary item to Canadian Tire, putting me up a little bit once again. (forget what it cost)
Of course I then had to go get a second bodysuit at Zellers (but I did return something that didn't fit me), along with a few other necessities - batteries for camera (if they had had the dishwasher in stock it would be in my kitchen now cause I burned my hand cooking breakfast that morning and tried to potato peel my finger during dishes). We also went out for lunch.
Sunday - donations for church DON'T count. But I did return $40 of stuff to Home Depot, so that was good. Sunday night I had a financial nervous breakdown and cut up all my credit cards, reduced the limit on my MasterCard (cut up, but info retained for things like booking stuff online and maybe a little yarn....) But no regular shopping on it anymore. If the cash ain't there, no spend it.
Monday - I was sick at home, spent nothing. Did however get some money from big gurl's Dad - we worked through some of our issues - meltdown the previous night had me going to, well does it make sense to call him my best non-female, semi-platonic, but intrinsically involved friend? I think that would be a good description. Anyways, he is going to work on his support paying habits for me.
Tuesday - paid the Gas bill.
Wednesday - (see above) Payday.

On the knitting front: I finished hint number 5 on SOTS iii. Love this pattern.
My February Lady's Sweater is restarted - went to the large size as the neckline was not working for me. I am still working on the increases for the yoke.
I started Blythe for little gurl. Am 4 inches into the bodice and, well I guess going down .5 mm makes a big difference (especially if yarn is a little thinner weight too) I may cast on for Monica in the round for her as it is just stockinette. Am still going to work on Blythe as love the pattern, but maybe my niece will be getting it instead.
That's it for now.

1993

2008-09-15T22:13:00.003-04:00

It's a meme. Came from Katie
So, here are the rules:
A) Go to musicoutfitters.com
B) Enter the year you graduated from high school in the search function and get the list of 100 most popular songs of that year
C) Bold the songs you like, strike through the ones you hate and underline or italicize your favorite(s). Do nothing to the ones you don’t remember (or don’t care about) I italicized the ones that are such fun.

1. I Will Always Love You, Whitney Houston
2. Whoomp! (There It Is), Tag Team
3. Can't Help Falling In Love, UB40
4. That's The Way Love Goes, Janet Jackson
5. Freak, Silk
6. Weak, SWV
7. If I Ever Fall In Love, Shai
8. Dreamlover, Mariah Carey
9. Rump Shaker, Wreckx-N-Effect
10. Informer, Snow
11. Nuthin' But A "G" Thang, Dr. Dre
12. In The Still Of The Nite, Boyz II Men
13. Don't Walk Away, Jade
14. Knockin' Da Boots, H-Town
15. Lately, Jodeci
16. Dazzey Duks, Duice
17. Show Me Love, Robin S.
18. A Whole New World, Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle
19. If, Janet Jackson
20. I'm So Into You, SWV
21. Love Is, Vanessa Willlams and Brian Mcknight
22. Runaway Train, Soul Asylum
23. I'll Never Get Over You (Getting Over Me), Expose
24. Ditty, Paperboy
25. Rhythm Is A Dancer, Snap
26. The River Of Dreams, Billy Joel2
7. I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles), Proclaimers2
8. Two Princes, Spin Doctors
29. Right Here (Human Nature)-Downtown, SWV
30. I Have Nothing, Whitney Houston
31. Mr. Wendal, Arrested Development
32. Have I Told You Lately, Rod Stewart
33. Saving Forever For You, Shanice
34. Ordinary World, Duran Duran
35. If I Had No Loot, Tony! Toni! Tone!
36. I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That), Meat Loaf
37. Slam, Onyx
38. Looking Through Patient Eyes, P.M. Dawn
39. I'm Every Woman, Whitney Houston
40. Baby I'm Yours, Shai
41. Come Undone, Duran Duran
42. I Don't Wanna Fight, Tina Turner
43. I'd Die Without You, P.M. Dawn
44. Whoot, There It Is, 95 South
45. Hip Hop Hooray, Naughty By Nature
46. Another Sad Love Song, Toni Braxton
47. Will You Be There, Michael Jackson
48. Comforter, Shil
49. Good Enough, Bobby Brown5
0. What's Up, 4 Non Blondes
51. All That She Wants, Ace Of Base
52. 7, Prince and The New Power Generation
53. Dre Day, Dr. Dre
54. One Last Cry, Brian McKnight
55. Just Kickin' It, Xscape
56. I Get Around, 2Pac
57. Bed Of Roses, Bon Jovi
58. Real Love, Mary J. Blige
59. Here We Go Again!, Portrait
60. Cryin', Aerosmith
61. Cats In The Cradle, Ugly Kid Joe
62. What About Your Friends, TLC
63. I Got A Man, Positive K
64. Hey Mr. D.J., Zhane
65. Insane In The Brain, Cypress Hill
66. Deeper And Deeper, Madonna
67. Rain, Madonna
68. The Right Kind Of Love, Jeremy Jordan
69. Bad Boys, Inner Circle
70. That's What Love Can Do, Boy Krazy
71. Do You Believe In Us, Jon Secada
72. Angel, Jon Secada
73. Forever In Love, Kenny G
74. Again, Janet Jackson
75. Boom! Shake The Room, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Fresh Prince
76. When She Cries, Restless Heart
77. Sweat (A La La La La Long), Inner Circle
78. It Was A Good Day, Ice Cube
79. More And More, Captain Hollywood Project
80. How Do You Talk To An Angel, Heights
81. Rebirth Of Slick (Cool Like Dat), Digable Planets
82. What Is Love, Haddaway
83. To Love Somebody, Michael Bolton
84. Give It Up, Turn It Loose, En Vogue
85. Alright, Kris Kross
86. Check Yo Self, Ice Cube
87. Fields Of Gold, Sting
88. Ooh Child, Dino
89. Faithful w/ Go West
90. Reason To Believe, Rod Stewart
91. Break It Down Again, Tears For Fears
92. Nothin' My Love Can't Fix, Joey Lawrence
93. Three Little Pigs, Green Jelly
94. Livin' On The Edge, Aerosmith
95. Hey Jealousy, Gin Blossoms
96. If I Ever Lose My Faith In You, Sting
97. Anniversary, Tony! Toni! Tone!
98. One Woman, Jade
99. Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Taylor Dayne
100. Two Steps Behind, Def Leppard

A little bit of FREE fun - and wow i didn't know why I loved some of these songs, but now I do.

Money spent today - 2 paycheques

2008-09-11T21:22:00.003-04:00

Seriously.
Of that I purchased veggies and fruit (ten dollars) and a bag of chips to round out the last of the homemade soup. Dance necessities - $270 - two pairs of shoes per child... one bodysuit and tights. Of course the dance classes themselves - priceless - hahahahahaha. It will be worth it. And the other pay cheque - renovations of course. But they are moving along.
(yesterday was a coffee cause work was freezing and food at knit night - less than $20.)

In knitting land - the sots iii is 2 rows from completion of hint 4. Tomorrow is #5 and that means I will move over the halfway mark - #4 will be completed before I slumber this evening.

My prayers are with all the people sent scurrying from Ike - obey the people in charge and well, hide from the elements.

Have a great night.

Day 1

2008-09-09T21:05:00.002-04:00

so nothing spent today. Wow. The Home Depot bill came in and I think i need to return some items (I know I need to). Once I do that, can I spend the credits????
The only hard part about today was that some potato chips made their way to the vending machine and I wanted some. Other than that I had no desire to spend unnecessary funds.
This need to control means I will not be going to the Knitters Fair. I had already kind of decided, but this really ensures that I won't.
I do have to sign the gurlz up for dance and that will be necessary spending. But a mother must do that sometimes.
Oh and our thanksgiving is October 13th this year so the worst thing I have to get through is little gurlz 3 birthday.
It's still really early though....

I'm going to try this...

2008-09-08T21:35:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Nell, I am going to work on this.
Controlling the Clutter, the need to spend, the just one more is all I need.

The Rules of Control the Clutter...
1. Every single time I lay out money for ANYTHING I will ask, do I NEED this. If the answer is no, there will be no purchase.
2. Food is OK. But candy is not. And "extras" like Starbucks, Jamba, and eating out will be seriously examined.
3. No cosmetics, clothes, or office supplies.
4. Especially... NO YARN!!!
5. Use what I have. No need to buy more just because of nice packaging, pretty colors, or any other marketing trick.
The goal is to do this for the age I will be this year - 33 days. So it starts tomorrow and goes until Thanksgiving?!?!? (tomorrow cause I already baought something I didn't need today and I need to check on a pattern I am looking for ;) I will try to swap for it though...

September happenings

2008-09-04T21:27:00.004-04:00

Getting to be a once a month blog over here.

Ugh - allergy land and renovation hell and housework nightmare and throw in a couple of funerals and oh some back to school and heck they still expect me to work. (no discussions allowed of the pair of socks that made it to the heel - yes both - and are currently in sweet little pull balls waiting for try number 3)

I have done some knitting. Lizard Ridge block number 3

sotsIII - hint 3 complete

Hopefully the picture pulls up bigger when the post is sent.

talk later

Has anyone seen August?

2008-08-23T23:44:00.004-04:00

It is August 23rd today. My last post was August 11th. Seems like ages since Stitch n Pitch but for some reason the clothes I wore just got washed today.
I am sick with a yucky allergic cold. Little gurl popped a temperature yesterday, freaking me out, but at last check (about an hour ago) has been temp free for about 7 hours. She has the sniffles too though so I am hoping it's a cold.
Big gurl's great grandmother (Dad's Nan) died last Friday and Wednesday and Thursday of this week were very busy with visitations and funeral stuff. I suspect that the flowers in the funeral home were one of my allergy triggers, but have really felt lousy since about, well Monday.
I finished the first hint for sots iii - and have made some headway into the second one.
Today was spent resting, buying groceries and catching up on some of the housework and laundry. It's slow going with little gurl being a bit clingy.
One thing reaffirmed for me this week is that I should have worked harder to keep big gurl's father and although he helps out, I was lucky to escape from little gurl's father. That being said, I love both gurls, it's just their dad's who have some mental issues (I CAN SAY THIS - I KNOW I HAVE MENTAL ISSUES!!!)
I love the new Vogue knitting and Interweave Knits and am already trying to figure out if there is enough stash yarn to complete some of them. I don't have the foggiest clue when I will get time to do that knitting.
Talk to you later.

FO and a prize

2008-08-11T21:31:00.002-04:00

I finished a pair of fingerless mitts this week. Took less than a week to do - they were my take a long project for the Zooz on Sunday and the Stitch n Pitch on Tuesday - and they were finished on Thursday - amidst stomach ache and unwell feelings. Love them and pretty much need them as the evenings drop to about 13 degrees (50 to 60). The scarf that was an FO and is now a WIP has just the final edge to go - about 19 rows of seed stitch and I added a pattern repeat.

I won a prize. Not a blog prize, but an online prize.
The Old Mill Knitting Contest. Every month they post their contest- little fanfare or warning and you enter and then on with your life. Saturday afternoon, I was catching up on my emails and stuff and wasn't quite done playing, so I hit some of my different yarn store links. One was the Old Mill and their contest was posted, so I entered. And I won!!! As I can't win for another year, I suggest you haunt their site for September's contest. I am going to receive Naturally Aspire DK (which looks like a single ply like malabrigo) with a coordinating pattern. I AM SO EXCITED. This really made my day, as we have to rip down another wall before we can proceed with the bathroom and that means another 100$$ at least in materials. argh.

Oh and for some totally awesome designs - go check out Jacquelyn Landry. Got to get me some of that curves.

WIP'in it along and a little bit of this

2008-08-02T08:15:00.004-04:00

So the FO that is now a WIP has been refrogged to the starting point again and I am back up a pattern repeat. Did that make any sense? The gurlz started swimming lessons this week (Mon, Wed, Fri right after work) and I took the scarf along - small project, really have pattern memorized and... Chatting away last night (both gurlz have friends from daycare in their classes, so Mum has someone to chat with) I look at my knitting and BAM - totally forgot a 4 row repeat- right off the bat. I wisely stopped knitting then and took it home to fix. It has now been fixed and the full pattern repeat completed. I think I will add a pattern repeat in - have enough yarn left and it will make it that little bit longer.
I, wait for it here, finished my stole. sots i - Guinevere - is complete. Ends are not woven in and blocking not done, but the knittin' part is complete. I finished it Thursday night - and wrapped it around the big gurl - looked great. Never thought to take a picture. Considering that sots iii starts mid August, and sots ii has only 6 rows done... just in time as far as I'm concerned.
Whenever it gets blocked, there will be pictures. Truly.
I am working on a gift for my Ravelry Swap on a Budget pal, and that parcel needs to go out soon. I bought one of the books she wanted from the Interweave Press hurt book sale and found 5 other ones for me - all told, with shipping - I might have been able to buy 3 of them at full Canadian price - MIGHT. I am very excited. I picked up Wrap Style, Knitted Babes, Favourite Socks, Knitting on the Road and Knit so Fine. There are lots of patterns in my head.
For some totally amazing pictures - of a man's patience and the beauty of nature, go here. Isn't that awesome?
Renovation shopping is happening today and some work needs to be done too. We have a Civic Holiday on Monday and Tuesday is Stitch n Pitch in Toronto, so I have four day weekend. Hurray.
I think that's it for now - need to go stand up cause sitting on concrete pool decks is not healthy. Nuff said.

From FO to WIP

2008-07-23T21:51:00.004-04:00

Generally speaking if I post about an FO - it has not been blocked or something.
I had 6 FOs to show off - blocked and all. But now I have 5.
I am too sad to show the 5 that are fine (and I did forget a picture of one).
Because my lovely scarf is once again a WIP. My little gurl and my nephew - the oldest brother to little Brianna - had scissors and for some reason selected my lovely scarf to clip a little whole in. I was pretty calm. It's just over two rows in moss stitch - it will invisible seam up and yay - the scarf was almost dry from it's blocking.
Last night at knit night, Charles helped me reskein the 3 pattern repeats and edge that I had knit. It was over 3 rows. 3 measly rows and only 6 stitches affected, but after a half hour of trying, I asked for a vote. Consensus was to frog. And I did. The yarn needs a good soak and then weighing before reknitting it as it is quite kinky.
Now I know why I never finish anything.
On the plus side - I finished a lovely matching head wrap for the scarf (except button and blocking).
I have not bought new yarn for at least a month. I didn't renew my Lucky Lurker's club (that really hurt) and I am not ordering any more of Robyn's sock clubs.
I still get yarn though. The last lucky lurker and plucky knitter clubs came in and I have the Tsock Flock and Scout's Swag which will run until February I believe.
I am enjoying knitting from my stash.
Now if I could get over the pain of a FO turning back into a WIP, I will be fine.
Then I will show yarny and FO-ey goodness.
OH and there is a parcel at the post office for me!!! HURRAY.
Tomorrow, tomorrow....

Baby ... GURL!!!

2008-07-17T21:16:00.003-04:00

Hooray - my baby brother and SIL had their baby - a GURL!!!! Last night at 11:36 pm. They have 2 boys already and she was fairly certain this would be number 3 and really didn't want to get pregnant again (she's an athlete and wants to play football in the fall...)

Wacky Wednesday....

2008-07-16T23:39:00.002-04:00

...not.
Just a workday Wednesday.
What's happened since Saturday - Cinderella socks are done - ends woven and everything.
Cast on new socks last night. Tsock Flock #2 - it was calling my name.
Ripped out a bathroom (left the sink and toilet, but not much else).
Laundry, vacuuming, dishes and cooking done in some shape or form. Kitchen semi cleaned. Toilet cleaned.
Sick day - allergies with an edge of a cold.
Parenting, working, friending, sleeping, eating and drinking.
No knit night as friends came over to discuss the renovation issues and help with the plotting and planning.
Only 2 more days of work left....
going to bed now. Tired.

Childless Saturday...

2008-07-12T10:38:00.002-04:00

...and so much to do, no time to knit (does seaming count?)
Megan went with Norah and her Dad today. She has been begging for awhile, but D#2 never responded quite in a positive manner. He did last weekend and we sort of planned it - and it happened today.
What will I do with myself?
Laundry
Dishes
Clean kitchen and bathroom
Mow Lawn - likely not as stinkin humid and not wanting to make self sick (did that a little on Tuesday and last Sunday)
Shop for - water, swimmers, nail clippers - there are 2 in this house...somewhere, bras - why is it just when they fit oh so nice, they wear out.
Garbage clean up
Vacuum car

Where am I on this list?
1 load of laundry washed
1 sink of dishes washed
paper recycling and boxes for moving friend outside
front flower bed weeded while waiting for D#2 to arrive and waterlogged tomato repotted.

I have 8 tomato plants, 4 basil plants and a half barrel of pea plants.
Nothing to compete with Finny or Robyn, but my yard needs some big machinery to help it out.
And then next year.... (or the year after that or ....)

On the knitting front, I have located all my WIP's in the living room - lots of light for the seams, and readily available. Currently I am working on sock #2 of the cinderella socks for Norah that were supposed to be for Megan(fingering weight on size 2.0). I worked the toe last night and coming up the sole - about halfway.
In the stack of WIP's are:
Firebird Socks - just need to add the embroidery
Guinevere - halfway through clue 7 (still) and # 8 yet
Moeibus scarf - a seam away from completion
Dashing - one and a bit to go
Savannah/Charleston - uhm I finished the first 6 rows
Monica - seams and straps (deseamed as hated how it looked)
Norah's baby afghan and sweater - afghan needs likely another ball and sweater - imagine that, some seams
Lizard Ridge - this is a true WIP as I will knit it when I feel like it and it does not cause me stress by being undone
Socks - to the heel on one, but doesn't appear to fit. Probably will be frogged.
Electrical Queen - crochet and a travel with me project - coming out to narrow but looks so cool
Couvercle - for Norah out of stash yarn - the knitting is done, just need to crochet the brim
Norah's Crown - I think I have 2 points done, but was working in beads this time so....
Fuzzy novelty scarf - I pick it up and knit a few rows every now and then. Lets just say I destashed the rest of this yarn.
Pop Scarf - needs blocking and decorating.
ugh I need to go now and do some of the other things on my 'non hobby list'

Follow-up to Bug

2008-07-07T19:06:00.002-04:00

So I received a reply from the entomologist and he linked me to these and these. I kind of narrowed it down to something like this but bigger.
His reply was
Well, unfortunately, this is just the kind of "generic" insect that usually remains a mystery. I can just about guarantee that it merely 'strayed' into your home in error, though. You might try looking at images of: Darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae, lots and lots of species, with great diversity in shapes and colors, so look carefully) Leaf beetles (family Chrysomelidae, especially genus Timarcha, but lot and lots and LOTS of species). A good website to start with is: http://www.bugguide.net or you could also try my book, the "Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America." I know that sounds self-serving, but seriously, it is a good basic guide that covers a lot of ground, with lots of images. The firm grip you mention leads me to think of leaf beetles in particular, as they need to keep a firm grip on leaves and twigs so they don't get blown off in the wind, or washed away by rain:-) Feel free to get back to me if you can give me more to go on, and we can keep trying. Good luck! Eric R. Eaton
Guess who is going to be super super super super super careful when bringing in laundry from outside.
I am just glad it wasn't something crazy and happy I didn't kill it out of fear.

BUGS - UGH

2008-07-06T21:44:00.002-04:00

It is summer so bugs are expected.
I hang my laundry on the line, so the occasional bug in the house is expected. I am pretty calm about dealing with them.
However, when you are chatting on the phone and your gurlz who are watching a video start squealing about something and even though the only light is the TV you can see something large moving, it is kind of freaky.
Especially when you consider there is no door near where the bug came from and he is a little big to just slide through a crack in the screen or something. Plus that is the newly renovated room and...
ugh. I screamed, I jumped and this type of bug has those sticky feet/legs to keep it from being blown away or something. YEUCK...
No, I don't have a picture as it is all I can do not to bundle everything on the floor up and throw it out.
shivers run down the spine. Can't find it on the net anywhere, so I went to this site and asked for some help. I'll let you know what I find out.

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!!

2008-07-01T21:24:00.003-04:00

I have no pictures of the lovely time in the sun at the park with friends today and some of the cousins on the weekend. I just don't remember.
But it was a lovely weekend at my parents - a little chilly but nice. Today was yard and housework time, but that's okay - I was basically tapped out by noon and then we went to a friends and the aforementioned park.
What does Canada mean to me?
It's my home. I think I might enjoy living for a time in other countries (Holland or US being the only two visited) but this is where I was born and have lived my life to date. Biggest advantage to date - our money is coloured so I can figure out what the bill is without actually trying to read the number.
Stephanie and Katie both have some things that I heartily agree with too.
On the knitting side of life - my grasshopper scarf is done. I love it, so soft and cozy (when I say done - in this case the only thing not done is blocking - I even wove in all the ends)
Pictures will arrive eventually.
Monica is seamed (I'll wait while you pick yourself off the ground). At knit night on last Tuesday I was advised to steam block it before seaming. Excellent suggestion and this was done - just like that - on Sunday afternoon at my Mom's while she fixed some clothing. Seriously, just like that. Big gurl tried it on and loves it (mom too) and I just need to knit the straps and sew a couple embellishments on. I am super excited. Of course, I need to find the second skein of yarn as I used the leftover yarn to make crowns. Oh well.
My Moeibus ring is moving up in the world - another couple inches done - I'm going to knit (likely) until the end of the ball or 12 inches more, and then see where I am at - it is long enough to go up and over my head, but then the back of my neck will be bare....
I also used up a ball of stash yarn - Pronto, by Berocco (Gold) a bulky weight cotton/acrylic blend - HELL on the fingers after knitting with wool. I knit 75% of Couvercle for little gurl - but need to either chose another stash yarn as contrast or somehow find another ball (contrast still) to finish the last 4 rounds of the hat and then the trim and brim. Anyone? (I know when did I cast on this hat and why when there are so many things waiting to be finished...super quick knit)
No new yarn bought and currently nothing new started, however the scarf requires a hat and mitts - fingerless I think. There are 28 grams of the fingering weight left - I'm hoping it will be enough for my little hands.
Must go to sleep, cannot cast on anything else tonight....

Blogger and the whole watching your spending thing

2008-06-24T22:24:00.002-04:00

So this is my second try at this post - last nights was deleted by blogger.
I am going to watch how I spend my money for a while - literally.
I spent NOTHING on Saturday or Sunday.
Monday - there was allergy meds, cooking vanilla and some party mix - $25 or 26 but only $1.50 which was slightly unnecessary (it did keep me from going for fast food - PMS)
Tuesday - $20 at market for fresh fruits, veggies and a bag of dried cherries. $20 for babysitter (in advance for a couple knit nights) and $10 for drink (alcohol) and snack (chocolate peanut butter bar) at knit night. Oh and $35 at Wal-mart for milk, cereal, pjs for little gurl and black camisole for me.
Of the above I feel that it all was necessary - I needed to get out without the gurls and really wanted to go to knit night and Susan's daughter watched mine...
HURRAY!!!
Why watch the money thing - need to fix 2 bathrooms and a kitchen. And a shed, the front porch and the front step.
Need a ladder so I can clean the eaves (and do other things).
Need a dishwasher. NEED a DISHWASHER. DESPERATELY NEED A DISHWASHER.
I have a feeling the ladder will be the first. The Dishwasher is a pipe dream because i will talk myself out of it.
I know myself.
What are you saving for?

I was strong...

2008-06-21T23:16:00.004-04:00

...I cancelled my Plucky Classics and resisted the Yarn Pirate Booty Club signup. Hated doing it, however, the following arrived from Sarah this past week...

My Plucky Classics Miss Marianne Dashwood in BFL Superwash - fingering weight, 400yds.

My Pumpkin Latte to match my scarf - DK/Worsted 190 yards

All the available chunky weight she had...at 110 yard each

Twitterpated
Sensibility (3)

Fickle (2)

I am due my Scout's Swag next week - confirmation of shipping email received and #2 of the Tsock Flock Club will ship Monday. Maybe tomorrow I will try to finish rnd #1.

I think I was supposed to finish Guinevere this month too.... and my scarf is getting there, some frogging as I knit going on as plan A didn't work and on to plan B.

So no yarn bought this week. HURRAY.

One package in

2008-06-17T20:59:00.004-04:00

My June Robyn's Nest club came and the pattern and yarn are loved (stitch markers already in play). I have other yarn that will become the sock pattern - thinking first pair for summer of socks and the yarn will become a cowl, (I think). The yarn is Alexandrite in 100% worsted wool, dyed by Biscotte & Cie and the colours belong on my neck and not my feet.

Robyn also sent a Canada pencil and sucker, and a lovely cocoa tea.

Just what I needed after a wearying dreary day.

What Have I been up to?

2008-06-16T21:09:00.003-04:00

So since Wednesday - I slept on the bed every night and finally on Sunday at noon, stopped moving the majority of the clothes around.
I did some stupid shopping - when you buy something you're not quite sure about and then can't take it back because it was from a person/yard sale and you have it and spent money on it and...
To punish myself, I am not permitted to buy more yarn. This will be aided by the fact that Robyn's Nest sock club is on vacation and I will try very very very hard not to rejoin the Lucky Lurker club (unless I design a fabulous pattern and win a free membership). The Tsock Flock is already paid for the year. That only leaves the Plucky Knitter Classics club and this one is up for debate- it is a subscription, so I won't even notice (ha ha) but my mail takes forever and ever and ever to arrive.
I destashed some yarn at WWKIP on Saturday. Friday night i bagged up some stuff that I will never use because
a) it is 100% cotton and I can't knit with it (I can with some)
b) I hate knitting with the funky bumpiness of it,
c) because it tangled so badly I never want to see it again
d) someone may have a use for it.
The badly tangled sock yarn went to a lovely knitter named Jennifer who was knitting a pair of gorgeous socks out of Value Village Recycled Sweater yarn. I couldn't help it - I hate that yarn because it tangled so badly on me - it was half pull balled and then there was the tangle. She was very appreciative. The majority went to Karen (bankerknits) on ravelry who knits for charity. I can't keep up with the projects for my own kids, someone else can use it for good.
I only came home with the two balls that were in our lovely grab bag - one will become a hat for big gurl and the other, will either turn into something very Christmasy or just go into a new charity yarn bag.
I had fun - didn't arrive at Rose's until 1:00 pm but then stayed until almost 3:30 so all was great.
Sunday was Father's Day and after some hemming and hawing, we were there by a little after 2:00. And then promptly went shopping for baby bottles for little Tymon, cause my bro and SIL brought everything except the bottle (liners even). The package was on sale at Shopper's so all was well. I got some baby time, knitting time and all around good family time. The gurls loved it - they were in their bathing suits within 10 minutes of getting to the house and just played all day (the mosquitoes loved it too).
It has rained everyday and night since I was last on - not straight mind you, but lots of rain. That's not a problem in itself except that the wind is there along with the occasional hail and of course thunder and lightning. Generally don't mind, but when you are woken from an awesome sleep to crazy storm (thankful we sleep in basement) which has the chimney leaking water right onto the hot water heater pipe (think tin and big steady drops) you are still tired.
This week is Public Service week - today was bbq and awards. Tomorrow is give blood day - better go drink a litre or two of water for hydration. It's a nice appreciation time.
Big gurl had her dentist appointment today - no cavities but one loose tooth that is a little stuck - behind the new tooth - some major wiggling going on or it will be 'dentist removal'. She is a wimp - crying about it already even though we have a week. She is a wimp about anything like that.
Little gurl on the other hand - loved her first tooth counting today. Yesterday, just before we left my parents, I changed her diaper and noticed something on her foot. It was in her foot - thorn or something, so Opa came to check it out. Imagine an 1/8th of an inch to a 1/4 inch long pointed thing stuck in foot - created a groove even. The child didn't even freak out. And then we found two more - she cried at the third because it was actually point in. Big gurl ran away at the sight. Kids can be so different.
My daily funny (at the expense of big gurl's head).
They have 2 'magic princess wands'. One will make music if you wave it around the room (but doesn't actually do the dishes or anything darn it). So big gurl shows little gurl how to do it and little one gets into.
I say - careful gurls, move away from each other so no one gets hit in the head.
I don't think it was 5 seconds - clunk, and tears. Big gurl has a lovely bruise on her forehead.
ahh, the power of a mom - just by saying it we make it happen.
Off to finish the 3rd pattern repeat in my scarf, before bed.

Stupid Cleaning

2008-06-11T22:07:00.004-04:00

Not that I don't respect what cleaning can do for one and all that.

I mean that I am going about it stupidly.

I will take a couple pics and get back to you.

Okay here goes:

This first picture is of the room that used to be my bedroom. Yarn stash is in various locations in this room yet. Let's estimate that 1/3rd of the gurlz toys have made their way to this room. This will be the playroom/TV room (if I have my way). My organizing side is sorting said toys into their respective bins. The wire basket system in the corner used to house the smaller items of my wardrobe (please note its emptiness for the pictures below). This room is not in too bad shape considering there was a big bed in here.

This room is my living room - in the corner you can see the door frame for the above room. Here lies approximately another 1/3 of the gurlz (monsterz) toys. And their chairs, big gurlz desk, dress up box and my couch and ....

This is my bedroom. Everything that was in that wire basket system and in the closet is either on the bed or in baskets on the floor. Half of my knitting/crochet stuff has made it's way down (only a minute portion of the stash has made it's way down). However since this was the toy/craft room, my dresser was changed to the storage place for winter hats and gloves and the grow into yet clothes for the gurlz. Only the hats/gloves have left yet. Arggh. There is also the table that accompanies the gurlz chairs and at least one bucket full of toys in this room - maybe 1/16th of the total toys. (the remainder are still in their bedroom - THEY HAVE TO MANY TOYS!!!!!!)

This photo is of the crafting corner that has been sadly piled of late.

I'm trying to decide if I brave the room or just sleep on the couch tonight. Decisions, decisions.

Of course, if I had cleaned wisely - move everything out of the dresser so that the socks could go in immediately (hamper on the floor) and the ..... I'll get it done one of these days.

Only bills in the mail today - oh where has my yarny mail gone too?

It wasn't just the Caffeine

2008-06-09T21:55:00.003-04:00

My allergies are the major cause of my twitchiness. (lack of sex has been known to cause this also, but I don't believe the eye twitches).
So I am half-caf ing my coffee. Worked today. And working on the stress management/sleeping more issues. No I didn't drug the little one so she sleeps longer. It's a thought though...
My awesome parents came over on Sunday and helped around the house.
Short list:
1. The second clothes line so I can actually dry my regular weekly laundry.
2. Vinyl tablecloth on old table on porch - and stabilized a little
3. The billion maple tree keys all over everything.
4. The dead shed - cleaned out and measure up for work this coming weekend (if the weather permits)
5. Bed in the basement room - less noise from tenant (who I have forgiven for the ceiling issue and am not quite so stressed with - cause she hasn't been sleeping here lately and took a trunk full of rocks -from my front lawn - away)
6. Trim on one wall in basement bedroom and the panel covering the stupid water meter/shut off has been trimmed to fit properly. Thinking of using some of the vinyl to make a pretty cover...
7. Two lovely planters with tomato plants and herbs - guess what they are honey, but that's okay.
8. Dad mowed the lawn and since my reel mower was acting up, fixed that too.
9. Smoke detector installed.
10. curtain of sorts over gurls doorway (never was a door - more figuring required but it is a start)
11. Window AC installed
12. The nightmare 'collect all' desk cleared off and organized.
13. The last of the stupid tupperware dishes cleaned up - here I am trying to save the environment, but the stupid things need to be washed...
...and they didn't say anything about the excessive amount of yarn in my non-room and not much about the huge number of toys owned by the gurlz.
It is stinking hot here. I can say that cause I love spring and fall and don't complain much if it rains alot and really the only time I complain about the cold is when I can't get the house warm or am sick...
Anyone know the secret to making a 2 year 8 month year old behave, or just mind her mother occasionally?
Oh and getting a 7 years, 1 month year old to get out of bed and speed through the morning necessities..?
I want mail. It would cheer me immensely right now. Could someone send me some mail?
I knitted a few more rows of the scarf. Really need to clean the bedroom/craft room back up so I can move the stuff from upstairs downstairs - maybe even put some clothes in my bedroom.
I think I will go to sleep now.
There is always tomorrow.

I am no longer a caffeine drinker

2008-06-07T22:49:00.002-04:00

I have narrowed it down to the caffeine and allergies.
So I bought decaf coffee today. Just plan old Maxwells, until I have time to research and find the good stuff. And by no longer being a caffeine drinker, it doesn't mean never, it just means limited and no more pop and cola and perhaps reduced chocolate consumption and well, definitely reduced dark roast full bodied caffeinated coffee.
It freakin sucks. I love my dark roast coffee. But I had no twitchies until the end of Thursday - and I just had tea (can't quit cold turkey).
Of course, the extra sleep really helps too.

On the knitting front i frogged two items:
The cardi/shrug that ran out of yarn. So I have two skeins of blue sky alpaca dyed cotton in espresso to admire. Now that's an idea - only buy yarn in coffee hues...
Tymon's bootee is no more - I was trying to make an armored bootee by using yarn that was too thick.

My Pumpkin Latte Grasshopper scarf is about halfway - I am working two halves separately and will join them in the middle.
The laundry was done - for 5 minutes. Then I stripped the beds and it started all over again.

To sleep, perchance to dream - provided the temperature in the house drops below 81 degrees (in winter it hovers around 69).

Darn it.

2008-06-03T20:53:00.003-04:00

i mean it.
I called the optometrist office today - they recommended i reduce my caffeine intake, get lots of sleep and eliminate stress. Huh.
We are not going to discuss the fact that the computer program I have to use to do my job kicked me out on 4 separate occasions today and made me wait more than 5 minutes on at least 4 other occasions, just to 'update' the legal representative I wanted - I COULD HAVE TYPED IT FASTER!!!!!!!!!!
What about the ceiling in your living room Sharon, are you going to discuss that - the 3 month old ceiling that was already the reason the renovations took 2 or 3 more weeks than they should have????? I think I may have mentioned the drywall screw popping and making a perfect circle. That is not my issue today.
No my issues are the 2-2 foot long wet strips running where I'm guessing the seams are. As you may know I have a tenant and tonight she was louder than normal - things falling etcetera...(which has been rather loud lately and interfering with my sleep recently and...see the above mentioned more sleep issue). So I phoned her just to check that everything was okay and she said they were just moving stuff around because her friend was picking up the aquarium and oh by the way, your ceiling isn't wet is it? I turn my head, confident that my new ceiling is definitely not wet. Oh it is. I took pictures but I just can't bear it. And of course since I was looking anyways, I also got a chance to see the crack in the ceiling - one of the most stressed parts - but SERIOUSLY IT has only been 3 MONTHS!!!!!!
So my stress factor has increased instead of decreased.
And all I can say is Darn it.

On the plus side I picked up some lovely yarn from The Plucky Knitter's etsy shop. I had notice the other day that she had Pumpkin Latte in Worsted weight - perfect to make a Koolhaas to match my scarf (and possible gloves) out of my fingering weight - previous post includes a pic.
And then I bought some other yarns of hers that I wanted. That really helped de-stress me earlier.
This afternoon - since the computer was driving my crazy anyways - I left work early to look at some clothes. I found 2 pairs of pants for the summer (office is freezing no matter what the temperature inside...) Cotton Ginny - so they will be cooler.

I am so .... blah right now - there is nothing I can do about my ceiling so there is no sense getting upset. But I kind of want to cry. And smash a ceiling. Good thing I don't keep much alcohol in the house. I think I will go see what else I can buy tonight....

happy 1st Monday of June

2008-06-02T21:14:00.004-04:00

It's a semi happy day. A little befuddled and confused. My right eye (the good eye to date) has a twitch. Invisible if you are looking for it, but try looking through that eye sometimes. I first really noticed it in March - stress month - and figured once things slow down and life gets a little better and... April was a little better, vacation plans and all that. May has been up and down. This past week has been insane. But I'm not more stressed. I'm just talking about the freakin annoying eye twitch thing. Computer screen does it one minute, knitting the next, just chilling out does it. When I am upset or extra stressed, it also comes. So what to do.
I figure I will call the optometrist first - it has only been a year since the last exam, but maybe the eye is working too hard. I've had some recommendations. Less C**ff****. Like hello - I consume the stuff (usually) before 8:00 am - unless it's a stressful day - then I have some more.
Thing is, I don't drink coffee for the caffeine. I really enjoy my coffee. Decaf coffee doesn't come in as rich flavours and variety that I like. I may have to switch again - did it for awhile, but then needed the caffeine for a boost and well you get used to it.
Less stress. Uhm - I think I will bring the gurls along (of course when meeting people for the first time they are perfect...) suggest they try talking to father #2 for a bit, find a way to make #1 pay support, and well that's a start right...

on the Knitting side of things...I finished some socks - except for the embroidery. That requires a non twitchy eye, patience filled, childless time. It will occur (Ihope).

Here they are:
Tsock Flock Club - Firebird, knit on 2.0 mm 2 at a time circular. Fun pattern and fairly quick knit. They fit nice. One of them kept/acquired 2 extra sts for a time (the right one I think) but they don't look too different and at this point all the stupid ends are woven in. (I am a minimalist when it comes to ends - this one had 2 extra ones due to some small gurl twirling my chair and my yarn in the base - it broke on it's own - knitting was not damaged however).

Here is my current scarf in progress (another pattern repeat finished since then)
This is the Grasshopper Scarf in Plucky Knitter fingering merino (Malabrigo style). I am knitting it on 2 3/4 mm and so far adjusted the pattern to include 19 rows of seed stitch at the beginning. Love the pattern and the knitting is fun.

And my baby sis with her afghan...
She loves it.

A few little things...

2008-05-29T22:08:00.003-04:00

Hello Merry Mog, the crown on my big gurl is from Knitting Daily/Interweave.com. I am getting the link.....
.....
.........
....
ok that did not work. I will find it...
....
It is Make-Believe Crowns, design by Nicholette Hoyer. However I can't get the link to work. I'm not sure if it is no longer free...
However Nicholette's new store looks awesome...

I am 3 rows and a shut/bind hem from finishing the knitting of my firebirds.
My scarf, knit in Plucky Knitter, Pumpkin Latte, 100% worsted fingering (label is elsewhere - imagine Malabrigo in fingering weight - drool). As my yarn is finer than her pattern calls for, I worked 19 rows of seed stitch (half of a pattern repeat) cause that worked for me and am now on row 5 of the first pattern repeat. I am knitting it on 2.75 mm (cast on 3.0 mm) - those casein ones with pretty leopard style print or whatever. That is my before sleep knitting.

Sis LOVED her afghan. Picture will be posted but far too much trouble right now.

We both loved our - relaxation massage and facial, followed by spa pedicure/manicure. Very nice and relaxing day.

I know, I know - snuck that scarf in when I have
1) ss i (Guinevere) 2) ss ii (Savannah) 3) socks for little gurl 4) afghan for some baby with matching sweater 5) lizard ridge 6) cardi/shrug for me 7) other socks 8) moeibus headscarf 9) pop scarf (just blocking and decorating) 10) squatty sidekick (decorating and lining) 11) wedding cross stitch begun some 12 years ago 12) quilt for big gurl 13)Make-Believe crown for little gurl 14)Saartje booties (blocking/decorating)
I know there are more. Go Here for more
But the wool it called me and I have been planning on casting that on since the whole detangling debacle.
Do you know how to pronounce 'picot'?
I said it like it is SPELT(to me) - same as picket. My mother told me off (as she often does when I mispronounce something). It is pronounced peek-oh. Stupid. Why didn't they spell it that way then.....
Here are a few observations made in the last 36 hours...
so... according to one slightly 'anxious' source, the St. Catharines TSO was locked up tighter than a **** at 1:00ish this afternoon. Of course then proceeded to put important mail in 'your mailbox' out front. Hmmm I wonder what building he actually was at - it was the non-operational side door and he put the 'mail' in the CANADA POST box (red) and not the CRA box (grey and labelled CRA). They will likely not be getting what they want tomorrow. He is a l*wy*r - nuff said.
It takes about 35 days to get to St. Catharines from Fort Erie, if one first takes the 'mail route' to Ottawa and then eventually finds your way to the desk of the necessary person. Most people believe the trip is generally a 35 minute drive.
Wheelbarrows are essential components of every good house and should therefore be added to the property ACB and deductible for tax purposes.
Heard last evening from distraught 7 year old "I can't sleep because I keep seeing the word in my head that was on the wall at school". Calm mother, "What is the word honey?" Increasingly distraught child, "I don't knowwwwww." Mother, "Well can you spell it for me?" obviously thinking that child cannot pronounce word and therefore spelling it would help
Child, "I don't know". Stymied mother, "But... I... Picks up children's night time story and reads it to child. Prays that God will take word out of child's head so she can sleep. Goes upstairs and guzzles water. Contemplates alcohol in fridge.
Same child earlier in the evening "well you have 11 pairs of shoes and I only have 10 so I need more". because 2.5 year old received new pair of shoes - she only has 3 that fit her right now.

Welcome to my life. Thank the Lord that tomorrow is Friday.

Woo Ha FO!!!

2008-05-26T22:06:00.004-04:00

So the afghan is blocking as I write this. Children are in picture for size - it is 52 by 52 as it blocks. A nice size I think and so soft...

My Firebirds are about 10 rows from completion - 2 extra sts on one (or 2 less on the other) but who cares.

Tomorrow is Spa day. Sis and I are going for the Spa mani/pedi and the relaxation facial/massage. HooRAY.

We may get some pics of said afghan, socks and another couple FOs. And perhaps some pretty yarn that came my way.

Robyn's Nest May Sock Club - Jennifer of VanCalcar Acres did the dying - firebird is also her dye job. Lovely yarn.

This is my Plucky Classics in.... a lovely sport weight yarn that may make it's way into one of those amazing cowl patterns that are circulating blog world and ravelry.

And here is the May edition of the Lucky Lurker's Club from a Swell yarn shop.
The yarns are in my favourite colours.... all is right in the world. If only I could actually use as much yarn as I have acquired. However I wish it to be known that I have not bought yarn this month yet - the July issue of Robyn's Nest Sock Club will occur, but only because I don't want to miss out. I am working hard on not buying the yarn.

Another afghan pic

And my beautiful big gurl in her crown.

An afghan and some socks

2008-05-21T19:14:00.002-04:00

So I have finished the knitting on sis's afghan - that was Sunday morning before church. Plenty of time to seam the whole thing...right?
uh no.
However my firebirds are on row 70 of the last pattern (goes to 82) and then just the hem and bam a PAIR of socks. Of course this particular pair comes with some additional embroidery detail required... but one day. I knit them two at a time on one circ. (except for the heels).
Sis arrives tomorrow. I plan on getting that afghan done - seamed, edged and blocked before she comes over on the 27th. Sounds like a good project for tomorrow night.

I have that cold - the one that my coffee swap pal in the UK had and my hot cocoa pal in Portugal had and a couple of others too.
Stupid cold weather- MARCH was warmer than May is proving to be...
Hopefully June will warm us up...

Monday, Sunday, oneday...

2008-05-12T20:05:00.003-04:00

Busy weekend we had. We were at Mom and Dad's by 7:45 on Friday night. Considering we weren't packed at 5:30 and it is a minimum of 1.5 hours away (on a fast drive) that was great.

Watched 4 Weddings and a Funeral. What a silly movie, but with some really good points.

Saturday we were up at 5:45 am. Why is it that when you put them to bed late, they still get up early?!?!?!?!

We went to a garage sale - some VHS and another potty were bought. One of them is ending up in the car - was very useful at 9:00 pm on Sunday night... on the side of the highway in the dark.

Little gurl is 'potty training'. WHATEVER. Is it something ingrained in children that they go hide when they have to poop? She already has that one down pat - comes out stinking like...

But she is trying and that's half the challenge.

Couple pair of $9 shoes at Wal-mart for me. That was nice. I figure since I wear out the $50 plus in the same time I wear out the $10, I may as well (within reason) buy what's there.

Did some work in my brother's poly house - really enjoy doing that and playing in the dirt. Wish it would come out from under the nails 2 days later...

Visit to biggest brother and SIL house - they are selling and it went in less than a week. Amazing what a little paint can do.

Saturday night - watched PS I love you. Read the book when it first came out and had forgotten a little, but what a great movie and what HOT Irishmen they are... Mom and I may go to Ireland soon. (without Dad).

Sunday was busy with church and lots of family. Got to hold little Tymon. Isn't he sweet?

Working on figuring out some life changes now...somethings got to give and I would rather it not be my sanity so I think I'm going to have to work on it.

My yarn from Plucky Knitter's Classics arrived. Lovely smooshy blue goodness. With some lovely fibrewash. And also my pretty yarn art cards. Figuring out what wall they are going on...

On the knitting front - Sis's afghan is 1 and 2/3 blocks (and some seams and edging) away from completion. Which is good as she will be here next Thursday and for once I want to finish something in a reasonable time. Of course little Tymon needs some booties and possibly a blankie. So booties have been started... And my firebird is coming along...

Anyone want a job as my housekeeper, nanny and well could you go to the office for me first....

A little bit of this and that. (2)

2008-05-07T22:09:00.002-04:00

I was home today with a plugged up big gurl. The release for her came around 2 this afternoon, which was too late to go to work and school. Phew. We get this about once every 6 months and I would guess this was caused by vacation and then back to normal. We are going to slow down the dairy and try some soy milk and multivitamins (no iron).
The laundry is all washed (except for today's kids wear). There is a lot of pink in our closets and also blues. Interesting.
The yard is cleared of last falls leaves and the grass is mowed and the planters with dead plants in them have been emptied and the dirt is waiting some new activity.
There are only two blocks left in sis's afghan - and already I was thinking what next - there is my silk garden one though (whatever the flippin name is).
It's not that there are no projects on my needles. I have two FOs (one gift and one for big gurl), about 5 almost FOs (buttons and blocking required), 6 UFOs (not being worked on and likely not for a while) and aside from the afghan, 4 projects that are worked on here and there.
One is my Firebird socks from the Tsock Flock Club. I am doing them 2 at a time on circular needle and things are going well. As it is a 2.0 mm needle, progress seems slow, but I have finished the toes and the first angled feather pattern repeat. There is also the baby blanket I cast on for on Monday night - for the newest nephew - Tymon Shawn. He was born at 1:30 in the morning on May 5, 2008 - great delivery as they didn't have time to go to hospital and were resting peacefully when proud Dad called to deliver the news. The gurls are greatly outnumbered - 7 to 3 for the boys. And one more due in July - unknown sex.
I'm going to sleep now as I'm tired and the little gurl gets up at some unknown hour and crawls in with me and then I get little sleep after that.
Oh - new DVD/VCR player purchased today as last one was a loaner and it told me I was BAD. not sure what was wrong, but needed one with a remote anyways. Hooked it up and it worked properly the 3rd time I tried...
Good night

happy MAY day (mayday mayday)

2008-05-01T21:14:00.004-04:00

this photo is of big gurl at the ocean...

tee hee.

People were a little surprised to know I went back to work today. Very glad I did as there was plenty of work and yesterday - the 30th of April is tax return deadline (if you owe - if you don't owe, you can file later, but be prepared to not receive certain tax based credits upon time). I had forgotten that until I drove to work this morning. When I first started with CCRA I had to work right up until 5:00 pm on filing day - oh wait a minute I was on maternity leave and recuperating from the Big Gurl's birth the day before. She is now 7, celebrated in Florida at the Animal Kingdom of Disney. No photos on my camera from that day. I HAVE NO IDEA WHY. Here are some sweet pic's of the week.

Big gurl just after she was knocked over by the wave (one got me too when I wasn't looking, however I managed to stay upright - just wet to the knees for the next 5 hours. Why is it we pack plenty of extra clothes for the kids but none for ourselves?)

At the Brevard Zoo, with the animated Dinosaur exhibit (this was after the total panic attack because wallet was NOT in purse and mad dash back to entry where a wonderful woman had turned it in to the lovely park staff - alcohol was not consumed until much later that evening, but stress was high)

With Piglet at the character lunch at the Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom - totally awesome food and we saw Piglet, Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore.

The Palace with one of the performances. My flickr stream has prettier pictures (I think THIS is the link). Many other photos were taken by Nana and Pop-pop - they are sending a disc and updates will be posted after that.

re previous post on Wal-Mart yarn It is not that I don't like Wal-Mart, but I felt it was not the place to obtain vacation yarn - special treat for me. I'm thinking of picking up these cards instead. Or perhaps the yarn to make this?

Of course I could just stash dig or make something with this:

Scout's Swag in Rowing Home, inspired by Winslow Hormer, 100% superwash merino. I love the pink/grey combo, but am unsure how the yellow will turn out. Thinking of knitting it up to see...

And finally, my beautiful little gurl, at her quietest... asleep on Pop-pop.

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggedy jig jig

2008-04-30T21:53:00.002-04:00

... or something like that.
We are home - tired and lightly tanned (perfect for redheadz). There is laundry to do and all that stuff, but I have read my blogs and now to hang up the laundry (for tomorrow as it is much colder here than there).
Pictures and all that jazz will arrive as soon as I can.
NO YARN BOUGHT FOR ME - only option was WAL-MART and not getting any more of that right now.
I got my Scout's Swag though.

VACATION...

2008-04-22T22:38:00.002-04:00

...I am off on vacation from now until the end of the month. HURRAY.
If only my children were perfect and didn't mouth off and....
Have a great week everyone and I know Florida will never be the same.
The REDHEADZ are coming - look out below!!!!

Spring Fling Swap Topic and LIFE

2008-04-17T21:55:00.003-04:00

Tell us how you started drinking coffee. Were you in high school or college and making it through all nighters? Did you get it from a family member? What drives your love of the bean?
It was in college, and it was for the espresso, not so much the straight coffee. I remember first year, actually writing an article for the school paper on the 'coffee ...' and bemoaning the fact that one must bring their own hot chocolate/tea to these things. My Dad drinks a lot of coffee. I love the aroma.

On that topic - yesterday I followed my nose from the emergency ward of the hospital to the coffee shop at the front. It was 7:30 am and I was in my PJs and a hoodie at the hospital with no knitting and praying that the little one would get better. The coffee was not as good as I wanted and probably should have had a danish or something too. The little one is discharged now, after 27 hours in the hospital - initiated by an hour long febrile seizure (woke me at 5:30ish am). We were at the hospital by like 6:05 am - delayed only by me finding someplace for the big gurl who was sort of sleep walking. Thank you Tammy. Those EMS guys are amazing (and a couple really hot looking) and my big gurl is such a grown up sometimes.
A cheery package arrived - the Firebird Tsock Flock package - I am going to enjoy knitting this and the only reason it didn't get started in the wee hours of the morning is that the knitting needles were at home and I was not. (and currently not started as I still have some UFOs and WIPs to complete - Sis's afghan was only delayed due to me running out of yarn.
And on Tuesday night I thought little temperatures and a bit of throw up was a problem (been thrown up on 3 times since then and temperatures were in 39.9 range...)
I need to sleep now, but we are just fighting nasty colds and lack of sleep (and Mum's horrid fear that it will happen again). My Mom is here helping out and making sure we get our rest.

Seaming on...

2008-04-15T23:07:00.002-04:00

...so I took the advice and started seaming. I now have all the ends of the Pop scarf in (considered seaming in my books) and the Saartjes are just waiting the buttons.
Unfortunately we have had a throw up detour and two little gurls are running temperatures. And my tummy hurts.
So I have a feeling it will be curl up on the couch with videos and 'seams' tomorrow.
And find the finishing buttons for the two seamed projects.
If all goes well, pictures by Thursday night!!!!

Sunday - a time to PRESS ON

2008-04-13T22:04:00.002-04:00

Warning a little bit of philosophy and God mentioned. IF you don't like it don't read it, however it's all positive. and there are also pictures of knitting afterwards.

I know I don't focus much on the biblical and Christian side of my life, but that is partly because I am in a 'coasting' period. However got a little wake up today from the pastor this morning. He said - you can't coast uphill. Deep trouble there - woah. He is right and I need to work on the pressing forward - he showed a clip from a Christian video - Fighting Giants (I think that is the title) and the one line really hit home. Attitude is the Aroma of the Heart. Wow. So I am going to work on my attitude and my coasting - maybe start some pedalling up that hill so I can reach the top. Press forward and onward instead of 'resting in place'. Believe me, treading water on your own is really tiring. I'm working really hard on trusting God to help me do these things.

On the knitting front, Monica now has two ruffles and is waiting a blocking, then seaming and then I plan to do the straps - that way I can try it on big gurl. Here is a pic of the front and back.

I'm sorry about the not quite clearness, but that is just the way the camera and the computer cooperate. I find it amazing how finishing one ruffle inspired me to complete the second in one day. I think it may have taken me a total of 3 hours. Now, to get inspired to do the seaming. I HATE SEAMING.
The next two pictures are of the afghan for sis. The first is the 2 completed panels. they are folded in half and resting on a standard size pillowcase. Some sweet amount of knitting there. The second is the 3rd panel in progress - 2 of 9 pattern repeats into the second of the four blocks. I think Monica will be in the sidelines awaiting seaming for a little. Anyone want to come for a visit and seam her up?

A little bit of this and that.

2008-04-12T21:26:00.004-04:00

Family is great. We are gurlz here, 3 of them. Two of my brothers and their wives have only boys. I find it interesting to see the differences and similarities in this. Today my oldest brother Garret and his 3 boys came over. J is the oldest grandchild for both sides and 9. He is a great kid, but no real concept of stuff around him (Dora doll and baby doll were literally crushed today. An he has had glasses now for over a month and I still have not seen them.
He and my big gurl are very similar, yet being the opposite sex have their differences. Then there is D - at 4. He has always been a terror and was a lot of trouble for his parents. A pretty nice kid all around, but always on the lookout for trouble - just like my little gurl. I mean I watch him and know that I am going to get it from her. And there little guy - just 2, is half a year younger than little gurl and there are similarities due to age, yet he has his own stuff going on. In our family it has been determined (by reviewing 4 families of at least 2 children) : the oldest ones make you want another. The 2nd one drives you crazy and (as 2 of the SIL's are expecting the 3rd and I am not helping round out the numbers this time around) the 3rd one just takes over.
In reference to the above 'baby' statement, the babies in our family have arrived in '3'. We have a 9, 7.75 and almost 7 year old (1999, 2000, 2001) and then three 4 year olds (1 -03, 2-04) and then three 2 year olds (2-05, 1-06). When Barb & Rodger announced their pregnancy, we naturally looked at David & Lisa for the 2nd in that group and then everyone looked at me (my sister is too far away to look at). I said no way. I have to make it through April in order to ensure there is not a set of 3 in 2008 (unless little sis drops a surprise on us in May when she comes down). Therefore the MAN DIET is still on. Because seriously, with my batting average on this, they will kiss me and wham I will be pregnant. I don't care if it is scientifically impossible. My track record is not good. I have 2 children and I have been involved with 2 men on 2 separate occasions in the last 8 years. That threw me a little - 8 years. Big gurl is turning 7 on April 29th and that is some time ago now. 7 years ago today - I had just started mat leave, and it was Easter weekend. Huh, how time flies.
I'm thinking that rather than food dieting, I will do one of those cleanse things. Get the toxins out and lighten some of the 'dead weight'. I'm going to Florida on the 23rd and I don't know if my summer clothes fit (one pair of capris, 2 skirts and 3 shirts do fit though as they have been acquired since). Maybe tomorrow I should look into that.
Last night, I needed to ball the 7th skein of yarn for the sis's blanket. I figured I might as well do up the skein of Pumpkin Latte from the Plucky Knitter for my Grasshopper scarf while I was at it. Perhaps not such a good idea as no knitting was done last night and I finally completed the 4th ball this morning at 9:00 am. It took me about 4 hours to do 440 yards. And all because i dropped one little piece and then... And you know it was a big tangle if I cut the yarn. I hate cutting yarn. There was one knot - just before the tangle arrived and that naturally made me 2 balls. But I ended up cutting it twice more. lovely yarn - same as the Malabrigo except fingering weight. LOVE the feel of it. (i only have a ball winder and sometimes I screw up that one little strand...)
Monica is almost ready for the first ruffle to join the body. One purl and one decrease row yet (I think). I also added some of my stash yarn in to ravelry. It is sad to see as i know I have hardly touched the sock yarn...Must go now to put pictures with my yarn.
Oh don't forget to contribute to ravelraiser - lets help keep it going.

The Whole DIET thing

2008-04-10T22:24:00.002-04:00

..I quit.
the food diet, the yarn diet, the project diet, the shopping diet, the spending money diet, the friend diet, the ....
about the only diet I'm not in the mood to quit at this time is the MAN diet.
I do have an interesting 'standing' offer that I'm not sure how to 'take' but that one has been in the I'm really curious and just one little kiss can't hurt can it? thought process for some time now. still not really tempted to quit my Man diet though.
therefore, I will not make anymore rash promises I cannot keep. but i will try to be in control of something, so ...
... I will continue to make my own coffee my way.

Spring Fling Topic 2

2008-04-10T22:12:00.002-04:00

Since some of us are beginning to see glimpse of Spring, while others are still getting snow have you changed what projects are working on?
not really - I want to finish up a variety of WIPs and UFOs, but I did cast on Monica (tank top from knitty) for my daughter that has been queued for at least 9 months.
Have you put away the hats, scarfs and mittens, and brought out the cute tank top sweater projects and lacy wraps?
yes - the winter clothes are away, but I am knitting whatever suits my fancy and it appears it may be socks.
Have you changed yarn to something more lighter and cooler, not so heavy and bulky?
what I am buying is lighter weight as there is so much lovely summery stuff out there.

A week between blogs...

2008-04-08T20:41:00.003-04:00

I don't even realize how time flies - I mean I read blogs and go on ravelry and comment and send a few emails, but never really look at my own blog to say - OOPS I haven't blogged in a while.
I am already off the yarn wagon. Mel's fault as she wanted me to meet her at Kismet and I wanted some solid yarn for these, so off I went. Found some needles, yarn for the socks and then some other just cause I loved the colour. That was last week though. So far it is Tuesday night and I haven't fallen off the wagon for this week. But have you seen this yarn or this or....

Knitting has been accomplished. I have 8 completed blocks on sis's afghan and the 9th is almost done (like 8 rows from completion). However I was working on Monica the other day and realized that it was time to start the ruffle and then the afghan was pushed aside.
I want to cast on for this. Isn't it gorgeous? I'm thinking a nice solid blue or green for my Mom for mother's day.
And there are rumours that my Tsock Flock Club is sending the Firebird out. That would be really sweet as this pattern looks fun and challenging. (and what's one more project on the needles). So I have acquired 500 yards of sock yarn and knit up NONE. I believe I may be failing in my SSEC and will have to buckle down and make two or three scarves. (they would each use a skein and then I would be down 800 or so and...
Wishful thinking on my part I think.
Happy Tuesday.
edited to correct Mel's link as well that wasn't her

Spring Fling Topic

2008-04-01T22:14:00.002-04:00

Browse around some of the other blogs of participants, and find one person who enjoys a similar roast coffee to you - share something interesting about them that you find on THEIR blog, and tell us what you've been working on knitting or crochet-wise this week!

Chris C - she has a gorgeous WICKED - in my favourite yarn of (the moment) She likes the mellow roast better than the bold, but very close to my likes.
Katie B - my first swap spoiler ever and we love the same coffee.

I have just finished strip 2 of 4 on my sister's Malabrigo afghan - pattern based on this. I have 10 skeins of Emerald Blue and have used just under 5. That means I might have a little left over for Koolhaas 2. (mindless knitting is Monica from Knitty)

Re: Previous post on coffee

2008-04-01T21:41:00.002-04:00

Didn't link it.
will try to find the right link.
Here it is http://www.coffeeresearch.org/coffee/roasting.htm
love coffee. wish not so sensitive to caffeine. want a cup now. will make hot milk and play pretend...

They Roast the beans or cherries...

2008-03-31T20:59:00.001-04:00

in a cement oven. hmmm. wonder where the chunk might have come from.

in a need a break from data entry all day moment I googled 'coffee cement'. interesting read. explains a little bit.

A new week has begun

2008-03-30T21:17:00.004-04:00

happy Sunday evening everyone!!
It was a busy weekend - bathing suit shopping will kill anyone, and add two children into the mix, it's lucky there was a Second Cup coffee shop around.
I went to the coffee store to exchange my concrete coffee for a more palatable one. I opted out of the Maple Harvest as she couldn't say for sure that it wasn't the same batch. Plenty on the shelves. There was a lovely Vanilla Hazelnut, which was fresh ground that morning, so I chose it. Interestingly enough, she stated it likely wasn't concrete/cement as they figure it is chunks of the ceiling from the roaster's building. As someone with new drywall ceilings in some rooms, I know what those old ceilings have in them and that is not something you want to say to a coffee lover. My coffee this morning was lovely, but I'm not certain I will shop there again (at $6 for 8 oz, I'm not wanting anything but the best coffee thank you).
I lied in my last post. I forgot one of my sock clubs. Funny that, it was really bothering me that I felt I had forgotten something. I won a place in a sock club that has interested my for some time. Scout's Swag Sock Club. I knew more money had left my account than I remembered. Now granted, i joined the Flock Sock back in February, so that doesn't really count (or does it).
Anyways, I am a member of the Sock Stash Elimination Campaign, so I need to start using some of this sock yarn. The problem is that I have a number of projects on the needles - only 2 of which are sock weight yarn.
They are: (in order of priority)
1. Sis's afghan - Malabrigo (10 skeins at 216 yds per.... just balled skein 6) 7 of 16 blocks done
2. Monica - BS Cotton Fleece - have 4 skeins of this - front tank part is done, back is half. Each from their own skein as hate weaving extra ends (and have two...) currently my mindless knitting time project as have screwed up #1 too many times when trying to multitask.
3. Pop scarf - ends to weave in, block and add decoration
4. Squatty sidekick - knitted and felted, need to needle felt a design, cut and sew the lining and add the button.
5. Briggs & Little Tuffy Socks -(forgot about these) helping Mel learn sock knitting so cast these on 2 weeks ago. First sock is like an inch from heel. Top down, Paton's textured & trimmed socks (2 colours)
6. Cinderella sockettes - little gurl - this is out of sock yarn - skinny duet to be exact and is the second pair from this 'duo' skein. one is done, 2nd is about a 1/4 of the way
7. Saartje booties - same yarn as above - JUST NEEDS SEAMING
8. Guinevere - I have less than half of clue 7 and 8 to do yet. And they involve decreasing.
9. Dashing - one is almost done, 2 not even started...
10. Baby afghan - it was for the little gurl. About one skein left to do.
11. Matching baby sweater - just needs seaming (sense a trend here
12. Cropped sweater - BSA dyed cotton, out of yarn and still deciding....will likely frog.
13. Moeibus head scarf - over halfway. Just need some mindless knitting time not occupied with Monica.
14. Opal (i think) Mom's Second sock - don't like what I did with the first, don't want to repeat, but the yarn won't frog. Thinking it makes a great stocking and will use the remaining yarn for something else.
15. Sis's scarf - one of these days. Out of Carmen I think and just not so nice to work with after Malabrigo.
16. Savannah (sotsii) - 6 rows in is still 6 rows in...
... and I still have to block my Koolhaas.
My fingers are just itching to cast on some little finger gloves for me.
MUST RESIST.
So am I going to make any stupid non yarn promises for next month? No, but I am going to try to finish at least 5 of the above items before I cast something else on. And, except for renewing my Robyn's Nest Club for May (I know when I am beat - but she has Noro Sock yarn and I am resisting that!!!!!) I am going to do my best to only buy yarn when I am on vacation in Florida and when I am shopping for coffee swap pal.
In order to help me in this endeavor, I sincerely wish that all the people whose blogs i peruse will not post any new cute projects or yarns. That way I will be happy with my stuff and not want to make these or this or....
I mean it's not like I don't have boxes of patterns and stuff, plus unlimited web options already.
Have a good week if I forget to post later...
and of course there is always the Firestarters. Does casting these on after frogging count as a WIP or a new item?

Passage of time and thoughts

2008-03-27T20:49:00.002-04:00

I went to bed last night happy that I had posted something.
Then I realized that although I read all my emails, the current updates to my blogs and commented on a number of them, I did not actually write anything.
Some great knitting is going on - the sis's afghan has 5 blocks (of 16) and Monica has a front and the back is coming along. I plan on knitting the ruffle in one piece.
We have applied for our passports and they have an ETA of April 10th - good, cause we leave less than 4 weeks from today. I will be in Florida in 4 weeks time. Hurray.
I am a member of 4 yarn/sock yarn clubs. I don't know how it happened. There is the Lucky Lurker Sock Club . Love the yarn - 2 colours and the patterns. Then there is the Robyn's Nest Sock Club- Canadian dyer and pattern designer with sweet stitch markers each month. Guess that would be easy to quit as you purchase monthly, but haven't managed to quit yet. Kind of cool, way different for me is the Tsock Flock Club. The first kit is set to come soon and involves yarn and pattern. That is the Yarn Harlot's fault. Finally, the Plucky Knitter Classics got me on Tuesday. And I wasn't supposed to buy any yarn until the end of June (except as required and I was in a weather funk, so some cheerful club yarn is essential... right?!?!?

Sitting here with the afghan on my lap - have to frog rows 1 and 2 already of the second block as forgot am working on strip 3 not 2 and thus it should mirror strip 1 in placement of patterned blocks however that doesn't work with the way I want my chevrons to go. stupid redhead didn't think that far ahead.

I am only in one swap this spring - the Spring Fling Coffee and Yarn Swap . My coffee this morning was one I was likely going to pick up for my pal (provided flavoured coffees were in her list) and for Crystal from my last swap. Unfortunately the chunk of concrete in it has me thinking otherwise. Seriously, and I thought my tastebuds were shot the other day when my mind said this tastes like dirt - just added some more flavoured creamer and called it tasty.
Called the shop that sells it - this is not uncommon to them. Perhaps there should be a warning on the outside of the parcel - or better yet, better inspection of your products. She said it was from their supplier and arrived in with the whole roasted beans and.... IT IS CONCRETE AND TASTES LIKE CONCRETE AND THIS PIECE IS BIGGER THAN A COFFEE BEAN. I don't care if you've wrecked a couple of grinders on this or whatever, perhaps you better do something about it as I can't be the only person who has that concrete dust taste in her mouth.
Perhaps if the coffee had been cheap I wouldn't be upset, but I could have bought 2 packages of my favourite president's choice blend for the price of this and it doesn't even smell like maple and it TASTES LIKE CONCRETE.
I was very polite to the lady from the distributor/grinding company and will go in and get my replacement package. I think I will buy myself a grinder. And ask her for whole beans this time around. At least then I can 'strain' out the concrete chunks before I grind.
I promise not to give this coffee to my swap partner.
Ruined my whole coffee day.
(okay now am going to try to put links in all the places I want them)
all done - enjoy the read (I have no clue how to put lines through what I've written so i just leave it here)

Spring Fling Coffee & Yarn Swap Questionnaire

2008-03-20T21:38:00.003-04:00

Coffee
1. What is your preference? ground
2. What kind of coffees do you enjoy? A rich, bold roast - leaded
3. If you were headed out right now to buy some coffee for the house, what would you be picking up? flavoured coffee - love hazelnut
4. Do you drink for caffeine, pleasure, or both? Drink it for pleasure, and occasionally caffeine
5. Do you enjoy flavored coffees? How about add-ins or flavored creamers? YES to both
6. A large, lovely mug or a small, dainty cup? Large lovely mug
7. Describe your perfect cup - not JUST the coffee, but how you'd enjoy it! morning, on my porch in spring or fall, just taking it easy before the busyness that hits at around 7:15 am
8. You're sitting down to enjoy a nice cup in the local coffee shop, knitting bag in hand, iPod all tuned up - or maybe you're there with a few friends for knit night! What treat do you pick up to enjoy with your coffee? A sweet, rich brownie, or something more healthy? How about a salty treat? What goes best with that great cup and company? it honestly depends on the time of day - evenings for knit night, it's a decaf latte with something slightly sweet or even a bowl of soup or chili; mid afternoons - high sweetness and half test coffee, and 10:00 ish - high test coffee with either muffin or sinful danish

Yarn
1. Do you knit or crochet? both
2. What are your favorite types of yarns to work with? 100% wool or cotton - or super soft
3. What do you have on the needles (or hook!) right now? toddler socks, afghan (baby and adult) sweater (hibernating) scarf, head scarf
4. What are your favorite colors in yarns? browns and blues What about those that you'd never find in your stash? anything fluorescent or neon
5. What sort of needles or hooks do you enjoy using? love bryspun and bamboo/wood Any you just detest? not really
6. Are there any particular notions you absolute do NOT need? stitch markers Some of us swap a lot - are you sure that you have enough tape measures to last your lifetime? would love a novelty tape measure - can't justify it when you have a practical one in your purse and knitting bag Enough stitch markers to mark every stitch of a 10 foot wide afghan?actually yes
7. You walk into the yarn shop and have exactly and only enough money to purchase 2 skeins of yarn in their 2 for 20 special they have going..The choices are a soft, thick cotton/viscose blend in your favorite colors, slightly variegated..a beautiful sock yarn that's just squishy and sproingy in your hands.. a soft, worsted weight wool like malabrigo.. and a lovely bamboo blend with colors to just die for. Which do you walk out the door with? cause it's spring it would be either the cotton or the bamboo
Spring
1. We're starting sign-ups on the first day of Spring - is it already truly Spring-like where you are? uhm, no - it snowed last night and is currently blowing outside with cold winds.
2. What's your favorite spring flower? tulips and daffodils Do you have one?
3. What do you most look forward to about springtime? all the buds and flowers and leaves
4. They've predicted a gorgeous day tomorrow - Sunny and about 65 with a nice breeze - how do you spend your day? gardening, take the gurls to the park, knit a little while they play
5. The day after, it's going to be cooler and pouring down rain - does that impact your mood? not really - nothing can do about it and it's gorgeous today How do you spend that day? housework and knitting what helps cheer you up? coffee and sweets
Odds n Ends
1. Do you collect anything BESIDES yarn and needles?
2. Are you allergic to anything? cats and most perfumes/floral scents
3. Do you have pets? no - just 2 gurls
4. Is this your first swap, or are you an old pro?this is my fourth What are the last 2 swaps you participated in? winter wonderland hot cocoa swap and Coffee Swap
5. List 3 of your favorite blogs - craft related or not - and tell us why you love them.
Peaknit & Ragan Knits etc. - often find one of them had a day like mine

Yarn Harlot - local celebrity who faces the same things we do
Knit & Purl Mama - great yarn store, Canadian and talks about almost everything.

please be advised I read many more and love them too, but could only be 3 and already at 4.

Completely off the yarn wagon...

2008-03-16T20:24:00.003-04:00

... so, my local LYS (Rose's Fine Yarns of Fonthill) ordered the pattern I wanted and it came in - 24 hours later. Saturday involved a trip there to get this pattern and since they were having an open house and at knit night on Wednesday I received a 10% off coupon, so I perused their yarns. I bought 10 balls of Kelly in colour 114 (scroll down) to make this pattern (I think).
The night before I cast on for some socks, as I was teaching Mel the basics and we were working together on it. I am at 6 inches. The cardigan I was working on is at a stand still as i am out of the yarn and I am debating what to do. I cast on my sister's afghan with the new pattern.
Life is busy - gurls are yelling for me.
Catch you later.

On not buying yarn...

2008-03-13T20:23:00.002-05:00

I didn't, not really. I mean I sold some on ravelry, so that meant I could replace it and it won't come until end of April and...
I'm weak, I confess.
But it is Scout's Swag club III and I like things a little different occasionally.
Bad knitter.

Thursday already?

2008-03-06T21:34:00.002-05:00

What a week - I was home Monday to get stuff back in order after construction completion. Worked a little. Tuesday and Wednesday were shorter days at work due to stupidity on part of financial institution - bouncing a cheque even when the money is there and coming up with a likely excuse. Had to get a bank draft (would have done originally but was sick on that day). Thank goodness for understanding friends. On the plus side - the clearance clothes I ordered from Sears are going to be perfect for Florida, as they fit.
Wednesday - left sick and spent today home sick. Just a head cold - but the turn your head the wrong way, pounding sinuses, headache, don't stand up to quick kind. Maybe something to do with the fact that Monday was sweater weather and Tuesday was freezing and Wednesday was a nasty blizzard and today was melt the snow and by tomorrow night back to Blizzard.
How is my no yarn buying going? good, except need another skein of Blue Sky Alpaca dyed cotton in colour 623 (toffee) of dyelot 0317. Anyone who can help me? Will trade or send money or firstborn child (who was home cause she was also 'unwell' and considering how bad I felt, thought she must be really sick indeed. HAH.
What do I need the Blue sky for? well I am trying to knit a comfy sweater - based on this. I have 300 yards and the main colour needs more like 450. So if you can help.
I know I have a whole slew of projects to do, but since I didn't have the yarn to make these (okay perhaps I have enough for one of them, but not in the mood to make another wool project right now and the yarns available were not quite what I wanted) and am knitting along, I cast on for something new. I'm thinking of turning it into a cardigan and shaping a little sooner for that deep neck. We'll see. Need more yarn first.
I am planning on joining the Spring Coffee Swap - sign ups start March 20the so get the word out. Love coffee.
What else - new bed not here yet - hopefully tomorrow, before the snow flies. Am cancelling my armoire as the current desk will do and looks good where I put it.
Laundry - did the bleach soak/dip on a bunch of the gurls stuff. works great, but can't put my hands anywhere near my face. Sneezing nightmare.
10 days of no school for big gurl - 11 if you count today. At least there is daycare in the world. If only my head didn't hurt so much.

No Wool Shoppe, but maybe something even better

2008-03-02T22:18:00.002-05:00

Saturday was clear at 7:00 am, so by about 7:45 we were on the way to Oma & Opa's. Of course the weather got super nasty just over halfway there, but i wasn't turning back - or slowing down. We were there before 9:30 - plenty of time for coffee and fun. The gurlz were so happy they immediately took out the toys and played and played and played.
I finished big gurl's scarf - pics as soon as that cord shows up - and plugged away at sis's afghan. I have a plan of sorts at this point, so that is good.
We didn't make it to the wool shoppe as we couldn't find any information on it - the leaflet Mom got last summer is somewhere in my house and I wasn't here. Googled and ravelried it, but to no avail. We just hung out and last night we watched Juno - what a beautiful movie - just fabulous everything in it. Wow.
This morning, my Mom suddenly says, I don't know if this is too basic for you, but I picked this up at the Sally Ann in Ingersoll and well, I'm not sure... My cries of joy cut her off completely and I danced around the room and hugged her and then danced and cheered some more.
Why, you ask - because she handed me this book. Not this edition, but one of the older editions, however I was so happy. Some sadness that the BSJ was not in it, but that quickly evaporated as I poured over the pages. Let's just say that any of EZ's books are now on my Mom's search list - and well, she is going to buy any decent looking knitting book she finds from now on.
Thank you Mom!!!
funny thing she said - I'm thinking of trying it, could you get me some stuff to start?
Hello - don't spend a dime Mom - needles, yarn, books and everything in between is here.
And she has suggested we take a tent and drive around to the different wool farms/shoppes in Ontario. How cool is that??

February 29th - end of Reno phase 1

2008-02-29T21:34:00.002-05:00

hee hee - just waiting for the floor to dry, one more vacuuming and my living room and office/den/spare room are mine again.
Thank you Keith - I would post pictures, but the aforementioned camera cable is still awol.
On the yarn front - Robyn very graciously helped me spend some more money before my self imposed deadline and if the weather improves, my MOTHER may make me break it as she wants to take me to a real wool farm/store near their place. It would be rude not to buy more.
What else is going on - scarf is puttering - thinking of enlarging keyhole part as it is for a 6 year 10 month old (only second time ever she was really 10 months old!!!) That involves ripping about 20 rows - so it may not happen.
Definitely contemplating ripping the sister's afghan. love it, but it doesn't seem right - the starting square of course, not the two others. We will see.
I bought and paid for tickets to Florida for big gurl's birthday. No turning back now - Last week of April - we are there. I'm not telling them until absolutely necessary. I bet you understand.
My coffee swap prize arrived today - well yesterday, but had to sign for it, so picked it up today. Thank you Annemarie - lovely blue yarns and cards and notebook and I think the smelly sachet is going to help clear up one of less positively odoured rooms. I will post pics as previously stated just as soon as possible.
We are snowed in a little - supposed to go to parents tonight, but very snowy and the roads around their place are just deadly. For my sake, please pray that we can go tomorrow as my 2 year old cried when we turned on our street and kicked at me, when I tried to get her out of the car - we hadn't even packed at this point.
I though the little ones didn't have long term memories?
Not my luck, that's for sure.
Talk to you later.

I'm NOT tired...

2008-02-25T20:10:00.003-05:00

...instant headache to a tired parent's ears. I haven't handled it well. Especially since she riled up the little gurl who then wouldn't go to bed without a tantrum. About on a par with this from an angry child.
And that is whom I am knitting a scarf for? Ungrateful ...
How do your Monday's go? Generally speaking I am strange in that I enjoy Monday's because it is the point where the gurlz and I are at loggerheads anyways and we could use a short break from each other. Currently it also has the added factor of the inability to use a portion of my home the way I want to, so I am eager to leave.
Mine go fairly well until about 7:55 am or whenever I open the front door. Seriously. It's like you turn a switch on the big gurl and suddenly she is soooooo tired and just wants to sleep and her head hurts and her pants don't fit.
Quote of the day from yesterday (from same gurl)
I wish school was only on Wednesdays.
She's only 6 years, 10 months folks. Do you think there might be some heavy disappointment in this young gurl's life? I went to school for 20 years (21 if you count the half years).
On the knitting front - the scarf is a little further, keyhole thing done and heading for the next set of pop sticks. Sis's afghan got some attention last night, but after reading Yarn Harlot's post on the importance of 'casting off' and reinforcing, it may be headed to the frog pond. I hate doing a bind off or seam when it is just as easy to continue knitting. The shape may not hold. Arrgghh.
What about pictures you say? I am really not in the mood, but maybe I will. Give me a moment.
(45 minutes later of which 15 were spent ripping the room apart without harming anyone)
AAAARRRRGGGGGGHHHHH
Did you hear the screaming???????????????
Well, since I had my camera out and a pretty set up to lay my yarn on, I decided to take some pictures for ravelry re yarn and projects - took 40 of yarn and 4 project photos to post here and... I CAN'T FIND THE CAMERA CABLE.
No place. No how.
Angry now.
Calm ....what calms a knitter.
Need to cast on a pair of Momma Monkey socks, see here for details.
I think that will be easier than posting pictures today. Sorry.

One last thing. As of March 1st I cannot purchase more yarn for some time. I mean I took 40 pictures of yarn, and I didn't even touch the sock yarn or afghan yarn or sweater yarn or 20 years of stash yarn...or the package coming from this sale. I can see 40 more skeins and I know there are about 100 not in view. (all with specific projects and purpose in mind of course)

So I hereby state that no yarn - not even sock yarn - will be bought until June 30th, 2008.

Except for Noro Silk Garden - for Lizard Ridge (of course the only way to find that yarn is to go into quality yarn shoppes). This includes all yarn not paid for before February 29th, 2008. (cause I have two sock clubs that have been paid for but will continue to arrive after that date) and cause I may need something yet this week.
This may be really hard. If I destash I can replace right?
Sorry Angela and Robyn, it's definitely not personal. Please readers, if you are not on a yarn diet, go shopping in their shops cause they have some great stuff.
I need to go spend some money.

Knitting stuff..

2008-02-23T22:44:00.003-05:00

So I received my February sock Kit from Robyn's Nest on Wednesday. Big gurl immediately wanted the yarn. As it didn't speak to me of socks, I said okay and went pattern looking on Thursday. Found one on Fricknits - by Stitch Marker and bought it on ravelry. The Pop Scarf. It is currently over half done and well, I need to sleep, cause the little gurl gets up early. Otherwise I would not have stopped.
I also picked up her Mabel scarf pattern and then at Emily's blog (Not another Knit blog) I snagged the cute pattern there.
The afghan for sister is at a debate point, I want to cast on my Firestarter's again, I could make another block for Lizard Ridge, there is the baby blanket and sweater that should have been finished for little gurl and the booties for little Becca, my Moeibus Ring, and at least one other project.
I want to cast on for a sweet little kitty I saw - well somewhere, and my Dashing need finishing and there are those other fingerless mitts and...
Somebody has to do the housework though and although Keith cleans up after himself, he doesn't do dishes or laundry.
I hope to post pics tomorrow.
For not to sleep. perchance to dream...

FO and a PACKAGE

2008-02-19T21:19:00.004-05:00

FO - my hat is done!!!

Here it is - please ignore the person in the photo, the gurlz were asleep and unavailable for modeling.

Koolhaas, from IK Holiday Knits 2007

Malabrigo Worsted in ... purple - just over half the skein.

It fits me, Mom, and both the gurlz. I am thinking of trying it with a slightly thicker yarn and a needle size up. Or adding the additional 8 rows for the mens size. We will see.

I LOVE THIS PATTERN. It took me from Tuesday night until Saturday - when I wove in the ends. Would have been less, but I cabled wrong in two spots.

Denise of Nanaknits is the winner (cause she got it right away). Now I get to send her some yarn and other special stuff.

My Hot Cocoa Swap package arrived. My little buddy too - a fortune kitty, sporting cute medallions that match my new stitch markers.

There was Hot Cocoa - organic with no dairy included. Am thinking tomorrow night to drink some of that. 2 dark chocolate cadbury bars - one with nuts and one fruit and nuts. Only one is left. Dark Cadbury eggs - I may share with the gurlz, we will see. Marisol yarn - Miske, 100% baby Llama. This stuff is super soft and love the blue green colour. Stitch markers - beside the can of Cocoa - lovely cloisinne with a medallion or symbol on them. And of course the Blah Buster Buddy - a purple kittly with a sweet bright fish. Here is Madeline (named by big gurl) hanging out on the big table saw and surveying the renovation debris.

And here she is in my dirty front window, sitting on the super wide ledge. Around her neck there are two little medals (which likely mean something) and then there is her sweet little fish. Thank you Emily.

Have a great week.

Some knitting and painting

2008-02-13T20:12:00.002-05:00

So, we have a lot of snow today - enough that I should have shovelled the drive, but it might melt tomorrow. Valentine's day is tomorrow. I have 2 valentines - the sweetest purest kind. Love my card from little gurl (took it home early today). Big gurl is all gaga that she has one for me. Love my gurlz.
Knitting - the sister's afghan is on hold as the dpn's are currently in my new WIP - a hat. Can you guess which one? I'll send a prize to whomever picks the right one. It may involve some of the excessive yarn I have. (if more than one person is correct, I could send more than one prize - you have until Saturday to guess!!) Anyways, I am loving it and well maybe the afghan will be done a little later.
My Hot Cocoa Swap partner got her package. Go here to see. Isn't Red Maple the sweetest thing? I had a hard time getting that one out of the house, believe me.
On the paint front, I have a lovely Evening Light room and the office/den is going to be Slightly Taupe (with a rather pink tinge). They will do and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel (and in the rooms). I have a short list of items to pick up yet, and hope to do it this weekend.
Happy figuring.

It's Monday - hey ho

2008-02-11T20:33:00.001-05:00

Yep - it's a cold blustery Monday. Work, was well work and I remembered to pick up 96 Valentine's cards for the gurlz to send to their school and daycare mates. Fun Wow.

Yesterday, we visited Grandma and while there I started Block 2 for my Lizard Ridge. It's done now. I have another skein of Silk Garden and then I figure with the leftovers from the skeins, I can make a fourth. Wow - that's like 1/6 of the necessary blocks. Kind of seems possible.

On the sister's afghan front - I had a 12 inch square last night - and now I have a large pull ball again. First of all the rosewood dpn's are a dream to knit with and when they were too short, my addi turbo fit right in. I was winging it on the square and it turned out too busy - would have made a really cute hat, but sucked as an afghan block. So I did the fearless thing and ripped it to start again.

Really craving a sweet hat, that covers my ears. trying to figure out ways to fix my current handknit, without frogging and starting over. So far batting zero. Maybe I will go cast one on with ...

Renos update - I need to pick paint colours. I know they will be light shades, but that is it for the decision making process. I am thinking Blue Opal for the living room and a mocha or biscotti for the office. Hate making decisions. Need to try to get on my way early, so I can pick it up and get it to Keith. We'll see.

All my parcels, except the coffee swap prize have arrived. Makes me a happy gurl again. Too much yarn in this room though - Mom is going to freak when she sees it. Maybe I can hide it under my bed...
Does anyone know why blogger doesn't spell check anymore????

CRACK....

2008-02-08T19:57:00.000-05:00

ing under the stress and strain of renovations. Seriously. My work life right now is fabulous - nothing piled up excessively - I spent most of the last few days cleaning up filing and helping out my partner in non-resident taxation. He has a fun job in that anyone who comes to the Niagara Region to work (perform) and is a non-resident and doesn't want to pay us taxes (15%) has to apply to him for a waiver. He's seen paperwork on them all, and I got a chance to play with some of it and in fact make decisions. If only the granting of a waiver could be done with a free ticket exchange to some of my favourite artists - speaking of artists, I bought a new CD today. My Hot Cocoa Swap partner stated she really enjoys Feist and I heard this song from her the other day (1234). Since the Grammy's recently happened (I think) there was a compilation CD out, so I bought it. It has that song and a bunch I don't know and then a whole bunch I enjoy. That was fun. Even more fun though - I bought myself a new mattress set - FINALLY - bought one with my own hard earned money (err credit). ALL for MEEEEEE!!! And it was on for like 50+% off because it is the floor model and then she took another $50 off because there was a 'mark' on the cover - like I'm not going to put sheets on it???? Thank you so much Josie!!! It even comes with a bonus offer - which I am rethinking - I don't have an ipod so why get something with a docking station - I am going to ask for the sweet 'iron look headboard' or the top quality pillows instead. (I went to Sears, cause big gurl was complaining her snow pants were too tight and I did pick some up, but she doesn't want to try them on)
And then I went over to the new LYS in the area - I'm sorry Jack for messing this up, but I know it is at J&J's Florist and I think it was called Rose's fine yarns. (there is the yarn shoppe, a flower shoppe, antique shoppe, gift shoppe - thank goodness I was on time constraint, or I woulh have had to return the mattress set). Anywyas, I needed 5mm dpn and I have already checked Zellers, Walmart and Michaels - they don't have what I want. The lovely yarn store assistant was very helpful and we had picked some sweet bamboo ones and then we were debating the attributes of fine yarns (uhm Noro Silk Garden and Kureyon) and bam - right there - one set of 5 mm dpns in lovely Rosewood. I put the bamboo back - price difference was negligible (put me in a happy place - right up there with the lovely mattress set). I also picked up some lovely Noro Silk Garden - they had two different ones so I bought one of each for my Lizard Ridge. The colours of the Kureyon they had was just awesome and it was difficult not to buy some, but I haven't even knit with it yet. I also picked up a skein of Sprinkles by King Cole - but I just realized the coat that needs a scarf is pink, not purple. Well, I will make a doll blanket or something with it. lovely stuff. Then I get home...
Wait a minute - why am I cracking (or was)?
I called Keith on Thursday afternoon to get an idea of where he was with the primer and ceiling- and he informed me that the new ceiling was cracking - I mean SHIT (sorry) that's why we ripped everything down in the first place. We debated the need to do items and before I went to sleep it was determined that he would rip down the tape and mud and redo it with better stuff.
Then when I came home, I noticed our condensing bucket was off kilter and ... there was water under the neat stack/layering of various furniture pieces that don't have a home right now. So, I can't wash laundry, cause the washer is buried, can't fold laundry cause it is inaccessible, and there is furniture in my stairwell (not cause it is wet, but cause I couldn't handle the bedroom - previous post - and moved stuff around and out and...)
So I destressed with shopping, Keith and his dad worked on the ceiling (and cleaned up alot of the floor and dirt that was around) and now I am going to try to resist the siren call of the yarn - oh yes and my Malabrigo destash purchase from Aija of zer0 markers arrived with two lovely little stitch markers - they look like pearl earrrings!!
I could cast on for sister's blanket (who so carefully mailed me a cheque to help pay for the yarn, advised me when to deposit it and then promptly forgot that she wrote the cheque until she got an overdraft notice), for Lizard Ridge block 2, for a sweet washcloth, a baby blanket, knit the 2nd Cinderella, the SoTS i or ii...
No, I will go look at the destash site, my yahoo account and then go to bed.
I hope.
Happy Friday

Change of plans

2008-02-06T20:26:00.000-05:00

I did 5 rows of version 2 of Lizard Ridge. The Malabrigo knits up like a dream. I made a mistake on row 4 (the short row row) - after the second short row section and discovered the error at the end of the row when I had too many stitches left over. I cannot knit 24 rows of that pattern over 180+ stitches. The malabrigo is now frogged and awaiting pattern choice number 2. But I have not dpn in 5 mm. I have a great addi circ and some cute blue short 5 mm straights, but no dpn. Could have sworn I had some.

My Widdershins are also headed to the frog pond. I knit a row on them today, but am unsure if it was the cable row or not and well my increases for the gusset are all wrong and... bottom line - I am not happy with how it looks (they are two inches wide - unstretched as they lay there - I think that is also the problem. So they will be frogged.

Guinevere, is patiently waiting completion. SoTS ii is well hanging out at row 7 - i have to do it yet. And there is the scarf, moeibus ring and baby layette, plus two ompleted socks awaiitng their matched partner.

There were some questions about whether or not I will do a Lizard Ridge afghan. I'm pretty sure I will, however I don't think I have anymore Silk Garden. What do I mean not sure - well I think there might be another skein in my room, but, well, let me see if I can get a picture.

Underneath the pile of yarn are two bins, one of which is full of yarn. I could have sworn I had a couple of matched skeins of silk garden, but maybe those were the regular Noro. I can't recall. Regardles, I know I don't have 24 different skeins, so, if you have an odd skein of the silk garden kicking around please let me know and we could trade or something.

This is a picture of my bedroom from the doorway - the computer, the bed (covered with laundry) the living room chair the lamp... you get the picture. There is a safe path to walk provided you watch your feet.

Since I had the camera out, I also took a picture of our main floor living space - the accessible portion at this time. As you can see, there is a reason for the crazy personalities chez Gurlz.The top picture is from the top of the stairs, beside the plastic curtain to the renovated/destroyed rooms. The bottom is from the fridge to the other side. The stairs, lead to the dungeons we currently reside in except to eat and use the facilities.

Isn't my amaryllis lovely though??????

Late, great, Oh well

2008-02-04T21:26:00.000-05:00

I had to call my boss at 8:15 am to tell him I would likely not be in until about 9:30 am. We weren't even out of PJs at this point (however lunches were packed). After Friday's snow day, the 3 day weekend really knocks you out. Plus it could have something to do with the knitting that hit me last night.

I wanted to try out the Lizard Ridge pattern - just one block to see what I thought. I know why the designer finished it so quick. It is so addictive. I have a completed block - only a few ends left to weave in (the first time I switched yarns, they tangled so much that I couldn't do anything but cut) I then cut every section - although I am pleased to state, that the only pattern adjusting I did, was after a knot was removed - the colour change was completely off, so I took the end to the right spot and started the last 6 rows from there. LOVE this yarn - I used Noro -Silk Garden as this was a solo skein in my stash. Here is the completed block (long pause as photo is taken, uploaded to computer, flickr and blog)

The purple section at the top all the sudden had a knot with the blue - obviously wrong, so it was fixed. The big deal on this is that for the short row sections -I didn't turn my work, I knit backwards instead. This is my reason for not being able to put it down (and then a little late for work...) I couldn't beleive how easy it was - I admit I wouldn't want to do it for more than 8 or 9 stitches, but it is so AMAZING. Now to decide if I want to do this over 180+ stitches. We will see about that small detail.

On another note - I have two gurls, hence 2 beds (for them). They are sleeping together right now because it's more nicer to sleep with someone. Ahh, this is the same child who asked how I new the Jolly Saint Nick song. The joys, the trials, the love.

Have a great week - I AM FEARLESS KNITTER!!! my hesitation over the afghan is the strain on my wrists, not FEAR of the pattern. tee hee.

Patience....

2008-02-03T18:02:00.000-05:00

...is way overrated. It gets you nowhere. I have recieved the destash Malabrigo, but the others are still MIA.
My house is... well no further than on Thursday, and unfortunately (sorry Keith) the progress of the whole week was not really seen (only empty boxes of mud and cracks and screws covered). Not really extreme makeover speed. I'm not criticizing his work, it is precise and I know will be near perfect. It's just, we have been living in our bedrooms for 2 weeks now. Occasional extra time spent in the kitchen, but when you are upset with your 6 3/4 year old, sending her to her room doesn't have much bearing when that is the only place she can go - the landing halfway down was a timeout location, but doesn't work well when you need to get by.

I did work on organizing things in my bedroom/craftroom. I know where the majority of what I wanted to find is, and actually found what I was looking for - the camera, small skein of black angora for Hot Cocoa Buddy, other items for Hot Cocoa buddy, and all the skeins of yarn I thought I had (and a dozen or so more that I had conveniently forgotten).

I have some FO's to show too. One that was finished for SAM4 in December, but never made it to the post - it was my last FO of 2007. And the other - underneath the socks, was my Friday/Saturday project cause I needed a quick knit - I love my stoles and socks in progress, but they just don't give that instant gratification with long lasting results.
I'm pretty impressed with both. (long pause as I get the camera, hook it up and upload the picture to Flickr, then reload one of the pictures as I deleted it) I'm listening to Josh Groban right now, think of that as I go get the pics...

The socks are 'Toddler socks' from 2007 knitting calendar, in Skinny Duets, Cowgirl. Little gurl loves them. The washcloth is knit in SRK Cool spun cotton (from my SP11 spoiler). The stitch is called 'Textured Diamonds' and is from Simply Knitting' s December issue. (the ends have since been woven in) A 3rd FO is not pictured as it is for my Hot Cocoa Swap partner and I want her to see it first.

And the second picture, I owe Crystal an apology as this was my Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap "MAIN" package. I posted previously about the gorgeous mug and coffee I received from her. Due to being ill, she couldn't get everything to me in one swoop, so she sent this when she could. There were two skeins of Cascade 220 Superwash in a lovely green (finding them on Friday night reminded me to do this post); more coffee - lovely stuff had some this morning; chocolate dipped apricots; 2 chocolate santas (one didn't make the photo shoot); candy tree; adorabel snowface/flake ornament; a mermaid book for big gurl; and I think it was 'The Mitten' board book for the little gurl. Everything was greatly appreciated and the chocolate apricots were, well hoarded by me.

Waiting for the mail....without going POSTAL!!

2008-01-31T19:03:00.000-05:00

Are you a patient person?
Generally speaking I am, with some exceptions (8:00 am on a school day, when we are late, at stupid people..)
I am patiently.... waiting for some mail.
1. prize from WWCS - i heard it went in the mail at the beginning of January, but currently unaccounted for.
2. part of my Hot Cocoa Swap gift - I ordered it as soon as I could and paid as soon as I knew, but I don't think it was soon enough.
3. malabrigo - 2 sets of destash lots.. one only mailed 2 days ago, but the other was at least 4 days ago.
4. Robyn's Nest Sock club for January - i have resolutely stood firm in not ordering the February, but I still want my January soon. (nothing against the club, but I have WAY too many skeins of yarn.
5. something else. can't even remember what at this point, but well, you can bet the bills find their way here right on time!!!
That isn't as bad as I though, but still seems to be a long time.
On another mailing front, I'm guessing I wasn't selected for the Socks that Rock club cause I see people getting theirs, and well I never was sent a bill... at least I don't have to gripe over that unknitted yarn.
Looking at that list, I feel guilty for complaining, but sometimes...

Renovations

2008-01-29T21:43:00.001-05:00

Where do you stop???
My living room and office are currently mudded drywall - with no electrical outlets or lights installed and at least 3 more days before they reach usable status. And all I can think about is the changes I want to make to the flooring, the doors, the bathroom, the kitchen, the front porch...
I mean, I hate living like this - I can't find anything in my room and the gurls are going crazy with the controlled space they get, but I'm thinking of delaying it even further. Keith, the best contractor (hottest too) is no help as he wants everything to be just right and continually offers suggestions for changes. Like the flooring in the lr/office. I hate the carpet there and am definitely planning on changing it, however hardwood is what I want and the rooms are 17 by 20-wait a second that is only 340 square feet, that's not so bad, until you cost it at $3 (at least) a square. arrgghh.
On the knitting front - I am 40 rows from the end of hint 7 in Sots and 6 rows are done of Sots ii, my socks are at the gusset (will likely fit little sister). I may have chosen a pattern for her afghan - lizard ridge from knitty - version 2. I don't think the malabrigo will pattern as nicely as the Noro, so I think the straight across version is a better choice. Now to just find the spare time to cast it on...
I have the project for my cocoa swap partner on the crochet hook right now. Gasp you say, this is wrong. I find that the crochet works quicker and I have more control over my stitches for the finished project. IF I manage to keep it out of the big gurl'z hands long enough to wrap it and send it. The camera is one of the items that has gone awol since the return from Ottawa. I put it down somewhere and ....
Have a great couple of days.

Life in the fast lane, raising children and home renovations

2008-01-23T20:31:00.000-05:00

Well, I think I am totally back now. I was in Ottawa for training last week. I took the train as I refused to drive and the airport was really not that convenient. Lovely thing riding the train - they feed you and 'water you'. Hope to do it with the kids one day. I managed a visit to Yarn Forward for some small indulgences -all for my swap partner I swear - I'm only lying a little; and my wardrobe was enhanced with a coat, dress and sweater. Very lovely. I had a stopover in Toronto, so I took a streetcar to Lettuce Knit - lovely store with so much, but only bought (something for my swap partner) and something for me. As soon as I find what I bought and the camera, I may remember to take photos. also walked by parliament, drank with strange people in bars and ate some delicious food.
Raising children - what could I mean?!?!?! This is not difficult is it??? When they are both redheads like their mother and carry a number of traits from their fathers well, you get the picture. Due to the big gurl's temper, I may not get to go tobogganing on Sunday, skating on Saturday and to Florida in April. Whom is really being punished (we will not discuss the screen door that won the kick the wall, kick the locked door or possible harm child who has locked you out of the house lottery. I repeat that the child was not harmed. Some may say I should have, however, I have learned that when they are unreasonable, nothing really works. BUT i get a new screen door and I really hate the current one (now more than ever).
Home Renovations - they have taken a kleine bettja longer than expected. The current estimate is this coming Sunday - primed walls, painted ceiling and all construction materials gone. However there are a few issues...
1. The previous owner only took the carpet to the trim, so I have about a 1 inch gap on all interior walls. Since I hate the carpet, the whole new flooring issue has arisen and pricing of various floors is occurring. This will add at least 2 days.
2. Trim and paint have not been chosen. Due to item 1, there is some hemming and hawing going on about this.
3. My furniture no longer suits the rooms but is so big as to make it impossible to take it out and... therefore, what colour(s) to paint.
4. My eldest gurl does not handle changes well and has been acting up rather nastily, therefore we must hurry the timeframe along.
.....
In other news, my SOTS is 1/3 of the way into hint 7 (of 8) so, I cast on SOTS ii. It is about 1/4 of the way. The nephew's scarf was very well received and is loved, but someone always forgets to take pictures. I have a pair of Widdershins that are gusset increasing. My Dashing are going nowhere. I have at least 2 things to finish before the end of the month.
Can't find yarn to do one of those, however swore, that would not buy more after last Friday. I've lied before though.
And how are all of you?

Hot Cocoa Swap Topic #2

2008-01-20T20:13:00.000-05:00

Now that we're in the thick of 'Winter'... has your knitting changed to match the season? Are you moving on from dishcloths, and tank tops to afghans, hats and mittens? Has your yarn changed from silk or cotton to wool, superwash or heavier cottons?
No. I knit whatever and am just happy to have something on the needles.
My knitting is my way of just escaping everything.

Defeat the Winter Doldrums Dishcloth Swap

2008-01-10T21:20:00.000-05:00

1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both?
Both
2. What types of needles do you enjoy using for making dishcloths?
I like using dpn with a needle point thing on one end. The longer needles are just well too long and I don't have any short ones yet.
3. What types of cotton do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? Is there any that you've been wanting to try?
I have bernat handicrafter cotton from the original inception time. I don't really like it as it is the sport weight and takes forever to knit up. My sp11 sent me some lovely stuff that has been lost in the house somewhere. I'm game to try almost anything.
4. What color(s) are your kitchen and bath decorated in (if any)?
My kitchen is complemented with RED. the kitchen appliances red. I love it.
My bathroom has green accents - paler, like that spanish/mexican green.
5. What are your favorite colors for yarns? Least favorite?
I always say blue green, but I am getting quite the assortment of blue/greens. i'd like to try some greys/light blacks out for accessory knitting.
6. Do you like Winter, or do you count the days until it ends?
I enjoy winter, but I love Spring and Autumn.
7. What's your favorite way to brighten your day when you're down in the dumps?
A good cup of something hot (tea/coffee/cocoa - depending on time of day) and a treat - either sweet or salty. If that doesn't work, I go hardcore and add some alcohol in the mix. (haven't had to go that far lately)
8. What is your favorite treat to indulge in and when your down in the dumps?
See above, but the most favourite way - a real chocolate something.
9. Do you drink coffee? Tea? Cocoa?
All the above in both caffeinated and decaf.
10. If you could take a vacation starting tomorrow and go anywhere for one week and money were no object, where would you go and what would you do?
I'd go on a cruise with family - likely the Disney one, cause there are so many kids. I'd enjoy myself and them.
11. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should be aware of?
I am allergic to flowery perfumes and scents. Usually apple/cinnamon or harvest spice type ones are okay, but most of the others get my eyes running.

Hump Day

2008-01-09T22:51:00.000-05:00

The week is more than half over, the house is more than half messed up, the laundry is more than half done and the dishes are halfway to the ceiling.
Oh well.
Thank you for the comments about my washer installation and the independent woman bit.
Tonight - as a follow-up, I knocked the drain think from the old washer off of the top and it....
...emptied the dirty disgusting smelly water on my basement floor. Am I ever glad that happened before I tried to get it out of the house.
That was too much for me, so I watched Dora Saves the Mermaids with the gurlz, and since that wasn't enough, The Goblet of Fire with HP.
I didn't have anything else I was supposed to be doing.... Did I?

Whew, It's Tuesday Night and It's Alright

2008-01-08T20:42:00.000-05:00

This weekend was a roller coaster of emotions and stuff.
My washer broke on December 18th, after doing 2 loads of bedding, it died after filling up with water for the 3rd. Dad looked at it, emptied and played with it, and it was still broken (filled up again, but did no washing). I had no time to go looking for one until, I thought on Saturday. Unfortunately, do to the holiday homework assignment, we didn't leave the house. There was plenty of discussions and stressing, but only a couple pages of the My Christmas Traditions grade 1 project were completed. Sunday - there was church and dishes and .... then this is the day she needed a nap. Some friends came over to exchange gifts and play, and by the time they left, she still wasn't going to do the homework. On the positive side, I have more red coloured kitchen utensils - Thanks Shannon!!! *and the gurlz have some more toys.
Monday - I was at work just after 8:00 am cause I knew we had 24 hours to do the project and I needed to be at work for 8 of them and the big gurl needed to sleep for about 10 and....
Mentioned in passing to my next door desk neighbour that I needed a washer. HE KNEW SOMEONE WHO HAD ONE!!!! For $150 as opposed to $500 ++++ Arrangements were made to go see it tonight after work (due to the aforementioned deadline for the homework project)
After work we came straight home and the homework came to the table. I planned on doing the dishes as she worked on it, so I could help out with spelling. I almost ran away from home. Arrgghh She's only in GRADE 1 - I have 11 more years of this plus 14 with the other one (oh please Lord, let the little one be a natural student who never has to be told and...)
Let's just say that the homework was completed this morning - about 5 minutes before we left for work, school and daycare. When I asked what was said - (a classmate) didn't even colour hers Mommy. Whew, I have survived major homework assignment number one.
The washer - we went directly from daycare to the house (2 major streets away). It is an apartment sized washer, which still holds a lot of clothing. It is currently washing load #2.
I still have the broken one in the middle of my basement, but considering the 2 Don's were both late for dinner and we didn't have a dolly cart, I wasn't going to make them lift the thing out.
Ladies - I AM WOMAN!!! I disconnected the old one (without making a big mess) sort of dragged/shimmied it off of the washer stand and out of the way and them put the new one in place (after vacuuming the disgusting stuff that collected over the last 13 months and pouring a little bit of baking soda/vinegar down the drain tube). The manuals were left at the old place - not sure how but that is that, so I just pushed some buttons, put some soap in and tried it out. Except for on really nasty stain on one of the towels, the stuff looks great.
I'm so excited, I just can't hide it, I'm about to gain control of something and I like it!!!!!!
I ordered yarn for my sister's afghan, and even found 4 skeins of the same colour on Destash, just in case. I know they are likely different dye lots and will have shades and... but it's a lot better than ordering 10 regular priced skeins.
The dishes are still getting away from me and the housework and I think my renovations won't happen next week, and my front step is totally skewed and... it's like 16 degrees Celsius here.
But I'm so happy!!!! I have a beautiful washer!!!!

MMM Hot Cocoa Swap Questionnaire!!!

2008-01-06T20:08:00.000-05:00

Cocoa:
1. What is your favorite way to drink cocoa? Prepared with milk? Water? from home made recipe or store bought?, In a tea cup, or big mug?
I usually make store bought with water in a big mug 'cause I don't have the patience to wait for the milk or to mix my own. I love the gourmet store bought - especially the dark chocolate which is a little less sweet.
2. Marshmallows or whipped cream?
I prefer whipped cream, but fresh marshmallows are nice.
Yarn/Knitting/Crochet
1. What is your favorite type of yarn? In what colors?
My current favourite is worsted to chunky weight in either organic cottons or wool - superwash or not. I love blues and browns with green thrown in to complement my hair.
2. Do you knit or crochet (or both)?
I do both. Currently am knitting mainly, but often use crochet to start or finish.
3. What are your favorite type of needles, would you like to try something new?
I love both dpn and circs in bamboo or addi. I would love to try some of the wood needles out there, but haven't found a good selection to choose from.
4. Do you have a healthy supply of notions?
I have a decent supply of stitch markers and stuff, but have admired some of the mini crochet hooks and needles for helping with dropped stitches and stuff. Also looking for a finer needle for seaming and end weaving - I think it's called a chibi?!? but mine works with worsted weight so not much good on my lace and socks.
5. What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting habit (outside of yarn)?
I'm looking for a project bag - one that just speaks to me. Sounds stupid I guess, but i want one that I can be sure my yarn is safe in - won't pop out on me or anything. I visualize it as almost like a separate compartment for the working ball of yarn with a little hole to let it out and then when in use, can stay inside, but stays safe when travelling. Saw one once with clear vinyl, but wasn't sure if I want everyone seeing my stuff.
6. What is your favorite 'quick knit/crochet' pattern (quick gratification)?
I love granny squares - little bit of colour changes, and voila pretty design. For knitting,may sound funny, but the toe of a sock - all that short rows or the magic cast on and voila - a sweet little pocket...hmm that gives me an idea for my stitch markers...
Miscellaneous
1. What is your favorite thing to do in the Winter?
I love playing with my gurlz in the snow (not to cold), curling up under a blanket near the wood stove(imaginary at my house but awesome over the holidays at my parents) and knitting in the evenings and lately my mornings involve coffee, but my afternoons or early evening - a lovely cup of hot chocolate or tea.
2. What is your favorite animal?
It's always been cats - especially tiger/leopard/lion KITTENS, but I am loving some of the sweet little dragons/frogs/turtles that are floating around out there. And a really sweet teddy animal of any kind - monkey, rabbit, puppy.
3. Do you get the 'winter blahs'?
YES!! Especially when it rains in January and everything is grey and wet, but you know that winter is not even close to being over yet.
4. What is your favorite way to beat the blahs?
Hide with a video OR spend money slightly recklessly OR do something with my gurlz.
5. What is the thing you are most looking forward to this spring?
A new front step/walkway and my own tulips and daffodils we planted this fall.
6. What are your favorite treats?
Chocolate - dark, or real fruit gummis
7. What is your favorite board game?
I prefer Yahtzee and card games, although Monopoly was always a hit in our house.
8. Do you have any children (furry or human)?
2 gurlz - 6.75 years and 2.25 years.
9. Do you have any allergies or special considerations you partner should know about?
I am allergic to strong perfumes, cats and feathers.

SPOILED - and they aren't even done yet!!

2008-01-02T20:28:00.000-05:00

So today was a little busy - big gurl had an eye check up, all is perfect (my hair is curled tighter than normal with prayers that she avoids glasses even though she is dying for a Barbie pair).

Lunch at Joey's Only Seafood - cause I was craving fish and chips and figured it was a smidge healthier than McDonalds (big gurl's first choice).

Shoes (black Mary Janes), boots (Hannah Montana useless $%^^%%) and a pretty coat (sparkly pink with fake fur lining) were bought for the big gurl. She received money from her grandparents in Florida and I had promised to buy her shoes as her others (last Christmas gift) were destroyed. The boots were purchased due to the fact that, well all the other gurlz do have them and her grandparents would have bought them for her. The coat - well she has one winter coat - it goes everywhere, she needed something pretty and it is at least a size too big, so should last a couple years. Plus it was all on sale.

Little gurl - two fleece sleepers - cause she doesn't stay under her covers and gets as cold as me, and a sweet My Little Pony - with the money from grandparents again (also on sale).

And a Madeline video, since the other Christmas present is still winging it's way too me.

Little gurl has a nasty cold thing going on - I went to two different shops today, I had the Dimetapp in my hand and cart, but when we got home it wasn't there. At least they didn't charge me for it. I called the little pharmacy around the corner for it - it's off the market?!?!?!? I was pleasant with her, but I know it was in the store. This stuff is amazing for the little gurl's cold thing - we wouldn't have survived last winter without it. ARRGGHH

Me - well some travel sized toiletries, new contacts, groceries and oh yeah - my swap packages have arrived - or portions of them.

First up - WWCS - this one I know is not complete as my spoiler was ill, but wanted to make sure I got something.

This was what I saw when i opened the box - and it smelled like pine needles.

In the box -Hazelnut flavoured coffee and a gorgeous tall mug with a knitting embellishment (it was in the cute reindeer bag). If it hadn't been after 4:00 pm I would have brewed some right up. Smelled heavenly.

I also received my Harvest Sock Swap package (forgot to take a picture before I opened it). Here is all the glory.

Color Wonder for litle gurl, flower magnet/painting set for big gurl, Burt's Bees Bee-Bop wristlet (while waiting for the mail lady to come back I eyed the display of these)Better Homes and Gardens - pot holder with snowflake cookie cutter and Sugar Cookie Mix; Keychain Sock Blocker set - want to make the little socks out of all my yarn ends; Austermann Step - been wanting to try this, and the sock - made with Knit Picks Essential in Blue Violet Multi. Here's a close-up

It fits great - unknown pattern right now as Stacey had to order more yarn and will send the pattern with it. Thank you so much, Stacey!!!!

Must go now as little gurl is crying and coughing and... I don't know that I will make it to work this week after all..

Happy New Year to all!

2008-01-01T19:38:00.000-05:00

We are home and well (for now).
Snow has covered the ground and my sister dropped by for a visit from Vancouver.
I finished little gurlz socks on Sunday the 30th, and she wore them for 24 hours after.
The scarf is on its last foot or so and an afghan has been commissioned by baby sis.
A parcel awaits me at the post office - was home to late today to go get.
We were spoiled and spoiled others and had lots of food.
Now it is time for back to business and routine.
Must shop for a washer, a carpet and shoes; and visit the eye doctor for big gurl.

Arrgghh
(as I type this my head is rhyming it to 'twas the night before Christmas')
Pictures will be posted as soon as I can and a list of projects that will be completed this year (I hope).
TTFN!!

Coffee less for a little...

2007-12-22T18:08:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning I didn't make it to work. I could just feel that I was sick. No throwing up or the other, but just the thought that it could happen was more than enough. I picked up the little gurl who was still a little off and we came home to watch videos (I drove halfway and thought I was going to be sick). At 10:30 am the school called that big gurl was unwell. Out we went. She was burning up (and considering her class room was filled with yummy treats and she just wanted to come home). She came home and slept and then the little one slept and just when i would have gone to sleep the big one woke up and just when she was going back to sleep the little.... You get the idea. My mom didn't come down cause I told her not to. She felt bad cause, believe me, I could use the help.
Little gurl was well enough today to go with Daddy and big gurl is about 85%. Me is at about 65%. Super tired and achy. Managed to pick up gifts for the men in and out of my life and the gurlz are now done. I just wish the maid would come by...
I can't even stand the smell of coffee right now. That means I am not well.
Knitting has been accomplished however - little gurl's original pair of socks just need grafting at the toe and the ends woven in. Big gurl's purse is almost to the handles. The scarf is on a time out and well still haven't started something for the niece. If they get something they get something. If not, oh well.
My sister called Thursday night and she was flying about the present I sent. That really made my night. The other packages are 'somewhere' between the main sorting place and their destination - the US ones have entered the US.
I watched the first 3 Harry Potter movies yesterday (again). The next two are coming, along with a gift for the gurlz, but I don't think they will make it before Christmas. I haven't seen either of them yet. Read all but the 7th book - just haven't made it to the library to get it out. Funny about the HP videos - big gurl won't watch them, but little gurl just sat beside me commenting occasionally on stuff - the baby Harry, the cat, the dog, the owl, the car, the train. Guess she isn't quite as sheltered as her sister was at that age.
Pictures should be coming soon, once the ends are done and things get a little farther along.
Merry Christmas if I don't get on before then!!

Coffee Topic #?

2007-12-18T21:32:00.000-05:00

What would be the perfect vacation during the Winter Season? Would rather you head to the beach, to escape all the cold weather or want to pack your ski's and head to the mountains. You tell us what vacation you prefer during the Winter Season.
I honestly don't know. I've never really had a winter season vacation, but I think a week at a resort specializing in all those wintry fun sports would be great. Something to entertain the kids, but also to have adult time. I don't really feel the need to escape the cold weather by going somewhere warm - would much rather be in a winter wonderland. Skiing, skating, tobogganing and other snow fun.

update- little gurl is better (after politely throwing up on the kitchen floor rather then my bed) and tomorrow will be back to work. Of course, the washing machine has died. Full of water and wet laundry. Happy holidays - oh and all my Christmas parcels that required mailing have left the building!!!

Finally & ARRRRGGGGHH

2007-12-17T21:04:00.000-05:00

I finally mailed out my WWCS package. It may get there before the 31st - I have a tracking number and everything so my recipient will hopefully enjoy some coffee goodness before the new year. Funny thing - she has 2 gurlz, I have 2 gurlz, at least one is redheaded - we all are...
I think I did a good job of spoiling her - the box couldn't hold anymore.
Wendy was the winner of my contest - I was her SP11 spoiler, so today I mailed a box of yarny goodness. The handmade items that were to make it in all my swaps... well maybe next year.
Christmas parcels - well they are still on the kitchen table. I cannot find Grandpa and Grandma Mary's address. I save every return address label that I get from them and guess what - they are nowhere to be found. I know they are somewhere safe... Now would be a really good time for big gurl'z father to call - useful things you know. If anyone out there lives in Florida and knows them, could you send me their address (phone number is in the same place)
My little sister's package is still on the table. I am looking for something else to put in it - without adding a lot of bulk and weight. Thinking a gift card, but unfortunately, I haven't found one yet. Had to call Mom for her address as the address book was AWOL - found it after the fact but not one of those little labels were in it.
I spent the night and morning snuggling my little gurl. She spiked a temperature last night - around 9:00 pm and it just keeps coming back. I have to admit I am paranoid as last Christmas Day she had one of those febrile seizures and we were in Emergency for a few hours - pneumonia. This is like deja vu of last year so she has had a chest xray and we are working on the urine sample - I think I will ask Nell for some advice on that one. Try to get a 2.2 year old to pee on demand. HAHAHA. She went the minute I walked away to let her just do her thing. Guilt is eating me up - shouldn't have had a tub with them, shouldn't have let her play outside, should keep her in a glass bubble, change her diaper every hour, .... I have a headache from the guilt - and bet you anything I have something before the end of the year - always get sick during the holidays.
Nothing has been done. I don't count one pot of soup (had to eat dinner) and one sink of dishes. My laundry room got super clean yesterday - I think I am in the wrong house when I walk down there. We received at least a foot of snow yesterday - after 8:30 am and before about 6:30 pm. Thanks to Don for coming partway through to snowblow a portion anyways.
I snuggled the little one (and slept myself) for about 3 hours this morning (after I shoveled the snow and the freshly snowplowed driveway - they came by TWICE with the plow while I was out there. Really need to pick up some decent snow boots.
We were at the doctor's from 1:00 to 2:30 - but they did the xray super fast and he looked at them and couldn't see anything. I appreciated the fact that he didn't brush it off as flu or nothing, cause I'm not usually one to panic. (side effect of the fact that still feel guilty for last year's nightmare illness - imagine a room of all your aunts, uncles and cousins and thinking your baby is dying).
Sorry for the drama and guilt, but I think that like most parents, the worst imaginable thing could be something bad happening to your child and it has me all torn up.
No knitting done today - arrgghh guilt again cause big gurl'z purse won't be done and little gurlz socks and nephew's scarf (and possibly matching Koolhaas) and niece's ?!?!?!?!
I cancelled my Booty Club subscription cause I feel that I have more yarn than clothes that fit properly and well, the house needs insulating and.... I AM ON A YARN PURCHASING DIET. If it is not paid for as of today, it cannot come in the house (unless extra ball required for nephew's gift).
She had some left yet at around 8:00 pm. Resisting here.

Funny thing...

2007-12-16T00:16:00.000-05:00

I read a variety of knitting and crafting blogs. My computer doesn't always like some of the blogs (meaning loads it like crap) and if this continues for a while, I sort of stop going to that blog (Sorry Jen and Cara) . But yesterday (or maybe the day before now) I went back to visit Jen and discovered she has been having problems, so I commented on it - and it helped. Wish I had commented sooner. Go say Hi to Jen - and her pics are still not all coming in, but I'll keep reading again. Of course, if I could figure out this subscribe thing everyone talks about, I wouldn't be clicking in cyber space quite so much.
... we are supposed to get alot of snow here - started at like 7:00 ish - stopped for now. We got less than a centimeter. Maybe when I wake, the weather people won't have lied to me. Looking for a snow day over here.

On the knitting front - nephew's scarf is coming along, but feel it may be a little too serious for an 8 year old. May do something different and give this to biggest brother. Little gurl has two half pairs of socks on the go - one pair has a turned heel (on both) and the other has one completed sock and a second with half a cuff. Big gurl - well I bought the yarn for her purse (and some yarn for me oh my) but trying to finish something is slowing down the others. Of course, the stole is languishing right now as it is just for me and doesn't need to make it under the tree this year. (would really like to finish, but there are the dishes and the laundry and the housework).

Anyways - I have learned that if there is an issue with a blog, tell the blog owner, cause they might not know. Now if only I can figure out why some pictures don't show...

Coffee Topic

2007-12-11T20:20:00.000-05:00

For many people, Winter is a time of cold weather and snow - and many fun outdoor activities that can only be enjoyed during those times! What's YOUR favorite activity in Winter, and is it even outdoors??
I love to get outside with the gurlz and just be in the snow - building something, wrestling, sledding, pretty much anything. And then to come inside once you've reached that point of total cold and (really need to pee) to make a hot drink - cocoa or coffee with yummy cookies. Oh yeah.

Silence, final SP11 parcel and other stuff..

2007-12-10T21:02:00.000-05:00

Little gurl with her surprises from Katie - chapstick, bath salts and candycane snowman.

Sorry I was away so long - I've been lurking and reading, but just forgot to post.

So what's up?

My dishes are done - 2 days in a row (well except for the 7 soaking right now, but I will get to them).

I received a totally amazing final SP11. I am going to try to get the picture (again) to post here. These things are not going so well for me.

Here is the picture - not very clear, but actually on my blog. There was Fleece Artist sock yarn in (just a minute while I go find the letter from Katie) no label - not losing it here, it is awesome greens and browns. SRK cool spun cotton - dish cloths anyone (perhaps commandeered for doll blankies) lovely cupcake notecards set, Lavish soap in Rain & Vanilla Bean, Craft N Things Holiday magazine - lots of ideas in there, Ganong Mint Chocolates and Truffle Pig in milk, peanut butter and Dark and Raspberry. YUMMY. Have managed not to eat it yet. THANK YOU MISS ME!!!!

In knitting land, I have finished the knitting part of the Saartje's booties but face the daunting task of finding a home for all the ends - about 10 per bootie. Cinderella slipper #1 is complete (with the exception of the ends) and fits beautifully on little gurlz foot. Big gurl says it is just right for her and that we should wrap it up for Christmas. I really tried. I think I will try the same pattern on 3mm needles with a heavier weight sock yarn - they should fit big gurl. The socks that began for little gurl are at about 5 rows before the heel turn. If I didn't have quite so many projects on the go, things would actually be finished.

We made our necessary trip to the Needle Emporium on Saturday. Needed, because the big gurlz sweater was their and well, its always nice to fondle different yarns. I came home with yarn for the nephew's scarf, Malabrigo lace (mini skein) for me, and Rowan 4ply soft (or whatever it is called) for my I Love Gansey's. Felt pretty good about this until we stopped at one of the LYS that are closing and I found some other yarns - pinks and purple for the big gurl and some pretty variegated for my contest winner. There was a little bit of Christmas shopping done, but unfortunately big gurl is not that patient and we came home without some of the essentials - gifts for little gurl and grandparents and fathers and...

Today I bought my gift from the gurlz - and will wrap it with love from Santa for under the tree Christmas morning. I know, I should have theirs done first, but this is kind of for them as I am getting them something similar (just not brand new, cause their feet keep growing!!!

Oh yes - we have a tree - that was Friday, after the little gurlz Christmas concert and helping decorate cardboard gingerbread houses with big gurl - we bought a tree. We also survived the decorating of said tree on Sunday. Can't wait until they are a little bit older and know not to knock into the tree.

My Dashing fingerless mitts have slowed down a little. The first is almost finished - the thumb and the bind off, however I want to put little finger dividers in, so I have to follow the Noro mitt pattern for that and actually need to concentrate. My stole has been knit on a little, but am trying to get the holiday knitting for others done (which means no stole, socks or mitts for me) and there is still a scarf with matching hat (maybe) for nephew, something for niece, Amanda's Squatty Sidekick for big gurl, and the 2 pairs of socks for little gurl to do. Those are on my for sure to do list, but also would like to make Mom and Great Grandma (big gurl) slipper socks - or even to finish the pair started for Mom, plus have a project to complete for volunteer hours for little gurlz daycare and there is a WWCS package to complete along with contest prize to go out. Happily the yarn is all in, it is just a matter of picking up the little things.

Lunch time at work has turned into designated shopping times - I think Dollar store for stocking stuffers or Giant Tiger for other gifts is on the menu tomorrow. (walking distance rule) Also need to make a run to Toys R Us for the specific items I haven't been able to find anywhere else. But may try online first.

Here is big gurl with her surprise from Katie - chapstick, bath salts and a lovely candy cane magic want.

Somewhere in there I have to do laundry and clean up a few rooms in this house. Oh and knit all the yarn that has 'moved in and stashed itself'. I may be stopping any future purchases soon - until I knit at least 15 things? after of course I hit the final closing sale at the LYS. Trying really hard to control the urge to shop.

It's my birthday, I can...

2007-12-02T20:05:00.000-05:00

...boss my gurlz if I want to. It's really hard to be mean on your birthday. Especially when you are threatening no treats or anything and there are 10 people expected for the day. We got through that though.

...drink coffee my way. I love coffee, it tastes so good. I brew dark roast usually, with a 3:1 ratio of flavoured coffee. I mean sometimes I put 100% flavoured in, but most of the time, just one scoop of that flavoured coffee mellows it to a nice rich drink. This method has even been expounded upon in one of my favourite fun novels. To Die For, by Linda Howard. in the first chapters, the heroine, Blair Mallory (fluff name) is recounting the whole witness a murder, deal with cops and then to distract herself, makes coffee. I make it her way - to fool the men in the world, and I swear by the salt on top. My mom made some a couple weeks ago and it was kind of bleagh (imagine Snoopy saying that) and when I ran the steps, that's what she didn't do. She thought that cause I had a new coffeemaker, it wasn't necessary. Silly mom. Anyways, back to the book, read it when it was a new release and then returned it to the library and went on with my life. Every now and then parts of the story would flip in my head and I would sort of laugh and try to remember the title or author. I had it right, but because it was one of those mass market paperbacks (and before I discovered the wonders of amazon and chapters online) I couldn't find it. Until she released the sequel, Drop Dead Gorgeous. These are funny wow and actually give me hope that one day I could stick with someone long enough to meet that forever thing. Long story short, bought the second one and then, after searching a number of bookstores, went online and bought the first book. For a light read, these are recommended.

...knit a little? please? I did get a chance to knit a bit. Not much though. There were 7 adults and 6 kids. But, considering we are all related, one is pregnant and one wants to be, (and one really doesn't want to be, but for some reason people think she will do the insane thing and get that way) and there were 6 kids, only a couple bumps and bruises and only one almost heart attack for me. Showed off my knitting a bit, my socks are nicer than SIL's mothers (beautiful Pat, but like mine better. Here, look for yourself. 3 from 1/

Aren't they pretty? There are 3 pairs of things going on there. A Saartje's bootie for a friend's little one - second one is there (all 4 rows of it); toddler socks for little gurl and the Cinderella socks for big gurl. I'm hoping there is enough yarn to make a pair of socks for my niece too. They are all in Skinny Duet,Cowgirl, from Angela at A Swell Yarn Shop. This was already knit up twice in socks for me, but the yarn is just too fine for me to make socks for me out of (I like a nice tight knit and that would require like 80 sts - not my idea of fun) The blue bag in the back is my knitting bag (pretty much the only one, if we don't count my briefcase style bag for projects). Cost me $2 and wish I had picked up a couple to put projects in - just a makeup bag.

...cook if I want to. Today's afternoon meal consisted of roast beef (me), mashed potatoes (me), apple cider ham(me), applesauce(me), salad (SIL), carrot cake(mom), apple pie (M&Ms) and fingerfood leftovers(SIL). It was great. However, I have had 3 parties in 3 days and my fridge is overflowing. This is wrong, it should be empty of all foods. Bonus is no shopping required for another week or so. Taking all extra non-healthy foods to work to distribute among the needy.

...get totally awesome presents. My baby sis works for Tiffany & Co. She sent me this gorgeous pendant, with chain, all done up in the pretty bag and box with a bow and leather jewellery bag. I took it off to photograph, but that is not uploading (as evidenced by the lack of photo above). My gurlz bought me fleecy warm pj pants with dutch tea towels and a new red saute pan with lid from the parents and dinner on Saturday from the biggest bro and SIL (they also helped with the dishes). Big gurl gave me a bag of treasures, with and I love you Mom card. I think she took it back though, cause they were her treasures. I have been strong, and not bought me anything. I'm a member of the SSTC and when you make 3 things from one set of skeins, those skeins don't disappear. It's the thought that counts... right?

...screw up my knitting. Someone told me that wine and lace knitting do not mix. This was proved to me on Friday night, when, after the rest departed I picked up Guinevere and began knitting. Figured I could get 10 rows done and be almost ready for the pattern change. Screwed up on the 2nd pattern repeat of the first row. In my wine induced state (two small glasses with dinner) I figured I would fix it on the way back. Because when you are out one stitch and discover it 3 repeats later and then just end off correctly, it will be easy to fix..right? It took me 15 minutes to determine I had Knit 3 together as opposed to 2, thus moving everything over 1 stitch was required- YO and SSK, K2tog. I put it away and went to bed (where I frogged the fetchings - they will never fit the way I want, knit the way they are, therefore out they came). Last night, I sat down and fixed the stole - circular using for the project, and a 2.5 mm addi - to tink back 2 rows (3 in some spots). So I will not drink and knit lace. Maybe some crocheting or straight stockinette, but no drinking. The stole was fixed back to were it should have been (still 14 rows of this repeat) and then I worked on Saartje. One is all finished - but the finishing. The other is cast on - and I learned my lesson on that one too - I used stitch markers this time. Smart move, stupid. Then I went to bed as I was tired and promptly cast on a Dashing for me. They will be long enough, the yarn was already waiting and it's not getting any warmer out there.

...let my brothers and father plan a fix up outside the house. My little brother took measurements, wrote down dimensions and a list of materials for them to find and I'm hoping the weather stays good enough for me to get 1) new front steps -I've been really good; 2) new roof with eaves on front porch - I'll be even better; 3) new floor and roof on death trap shed - I'll watch your children and bake you goodies; and 4) fix up back porch issues - you can sleep and eat for free if it takes more than 1 day. On top of that, I'm guessing it was too cold in the bathroom for the little bro to ... so he caulked all the way around the window and the room is already warmer (and if you sit in there with the door closed for too long, you won't feel any pain). I've only asked 3 or 4 times for someone to help me with it and was almost to the point of trying myself. Thanks little brother. big bro levelled the washer on Friday night

...talk to a MALE person without getting pregnant or dating them or... scenario: phone rings, I ask someone to get it as I am finding paper towels and stuff for caulking bro, and then mom gives phone to me with statement it's a man and the number is. I take phone and say hello and then Hi David, thank you.......... goodbye. Then I look at mom and SIL (younger bro wife) and say that was big gurl's GRANDPA, but if you think I should keep it in the family no worries, and.... I don't understand why they think (and you are in there too Mel) that I am going to get involved with a guy just like that and be pregnant again. Twice in 5 years is not a habit. Perhaps once a year for 5 years or ... I think guys are great, but most of the good ones are married or related to me in some way, shape or form. If I blush, hang up and then give some stupid story, maybe I'm interested, but even then - the little gurl just about ggave me a heart attack - WHY would I want another???????????????

...almost cry when my baby gurl scares me almost to death. Scenario: adults chatting and eating as children play in various rooms and up and down the stairs. Glance over and note that little gurl is reaching for light switch - hmm interesting, but someone said something and then... glance again and fly across the room to grab her off of the stool which has one side on the top of the stairs and the other in mid air. Stare down these stairs at the boots, door frame and small snow shovel that sweet child may have hit. Control heaving stomach, beg someone to remove stool and sit and snuggle little gurl for a moment. Regain normal heart an breathing rhythm. Try to control nightmares, as am wide awake. MUST STOP THINKING ABOUT IT!!!

...give a prize away - to Birdee (my sp11) Will be shopping for something special for her(again), and there is something I want to try out for each of the contestants. Basically, like me you don't really have something just for your stitch markers. And fingering/sock weight is the winner but it sounds like we are all in love with the specialty dyes and yarns out there today. Thanks ladies!!

Friday

2007-11-30T23:14:00.000-05:00

Hooray it's Friday.
It was busy as all get out, but it is over. (almost)
Big gurl had a PA day and so this morning was less rushed than normal and quick off to work as friends were coming for the parade and supper and just hang out.
Good day at work - ignored the phone unless it was someone I called today.
Left a couple hours early so could come home and clean a little and then pick up the gurlz and then it was friend time. Met Regan's little one for the first time and felt that wonderful baby feeling (no worries though - don't want another one - yet).
Parade was small town, but with lots of treats handed out to the kids including stuffed critters and rulers even. The kids had a great time - 5 that could participate and enjoy and really played well together tonight so the Mom's could visit. Lots of reminiscing, some venting by me on the vagaries of society that make us act or push us to do things that really if, we left it alone, it wouldn't matter.
Happy weekend everyone.

Ho Hum Tuesday

2007-11-27T21:19:00.000-05:00

Happy Tuesday everyone. It has been a little ho hum in that at 3:30 pm, I decided to take my last hour of work and organize the new files I received in the last 2 weeks or so. Figured there were about 5 or 6 that needed data entry done and then 'date organizing' (FIFO). Imagine my shock at 4:15 pm when I was still not done and there were ones that I didn't remember receiving. As Debbie, Carol and others keep telling me - We've never had this many complex requests or quite so much activity. In fact, Debbie won't even take the job back. She doesn't want it, cause all the files are nasty lately. Oh well. Have redone the heel on the Cinderella socks for big gurl and am progressing on little gurlz'. Unfortunately for the little one, the Cinderella pattern is much more interesting so that sock gets worked on more.
My last SP11 package and my Harvest Sock Swap package have been mailed. Feel like should have put just one more thing in or maybe two...
My weekend list is still there. I haven't done any of those things. Secret project and church books need to be done tomorrow night as I am out of time.
Stupid construction generator noise maker thing. It starts every morning right around 7:00 am but is usually off when we get home. It is still going. I wonder if they forgot to turn it off, or if because it is so cold, we are going to be hearing it 24/7 now. Need to file a complaint.
Won't be going to knit night tonight (cause it's over already) but also cause the gurlz have been really out of sorts lately (take turns little in morning, big at night). Hope its just the crazy weather.
If you want to see real buffalo, they are running around free in the wilds between Welland and Stevensville/Niagara Falls. My mom called me and they are from ZOOZ. A bear got loose from there this summer too. I'm not really concerned. Buffalo are going to do what - eat my leaves?
the bear was captured and returned long time ago already.

If you haven't already, enter my contest.

Saturday's to do list and a Contest

2007-11-25T21:02:00.000-05:00

So, my to do list for Saturday was long and well, impossible for little old me. Here are the details:
1.Do the laundry -I did 6 loads yesterday (ran out of hanging room) 3 loads this morning, and there are still 2 (plus the clothes from yesterday and today) to do yet. However I put away all of my dry clothing from yesterday and the clothes from the gurlz are folded for putting in the drawer. We won't speak of the loads that came out of the dryer and are warming my floor.
2. Clean the storage portion of the basement - well, I was able to move a few things, but unfortunately, there were not enough hours in the day (and too many other things on the list)
3. Clean the kitchen - the kitchen was done for about an hour - stove even moved and cleaned inside and behind. I've given up on the dishes. The gurlz had two bite brownies (homemade) and the floor was a mess again (also the reason the dishes are in the negatives again)
4. Finish those church books. whatever - I still have 6 days before my self imposed deadline
5. Play with the gurlz - I did a little and let them outside on their own. They weren't asking me and I really didn't sit down that long to knit.
6. Knit a little - I finished Hint 4 for SoTS and am almost ready to turn the heel on big gurlz sock and have started the leg on little gurlz.
7. Finish boxing up my SP11 package and my Harvest Sock Swap package. Uhm, as soon as I am done here. That will be done (minus the homemade item that didn't quite work) C'est la vie.
8. Go to a friend's for demonstration and some wine and cheese. This was done. I enjoyed myself, but realize that I can't do that too often as I am tired in the morning and the gurlz are well rested. Also, the big gurl told me the boys just wanted to play on the computer -even when they were awake and I don't like that. Perhaps from now on just one of them at a time and no computer, even for videos until the gurlz are in bed.
9. Refix the front steps - This is going to require completely new steps as I looked at them this morning and it's like the wood is just evaporating /rotting from day to day. Oh, the name of the saw is a Circular Saw. (no i didn't remember, I saw one in the flyer.
10. I have to rewrite the secret project and get it emailed off - WHATEVER.

Not on the list - clean the living room and computer room and move construction materials until time for use, the bathroom, bake favourite brownies and for today - just have a restful day (with church at 10:00 am and then straight down to drop big gurl at Christmas party with Grandma and little gurl for afternoon with Daddy and then home, to do nothing I didn't want too (fold laundry on bed, hand some others up, feed myself, knit lots) and then little gurl came home and over to Grandma's for dinner and then home put gurlz to bed.

I had it in mind to do some groceries (sans gurlz) and maybe some Christmas shopping or clothes for me, but I didn't. I'm glad I didn't. Besides, there is always tomorrow for all that stuff.

The Contest
Nothing crazy, and you have until 12:01 am, December 2nd to do this but it may be the 3rd before you actually hear who won.
How does your craft (knitting crochet etc) make you feel? Do different stages stress you out? How about finishing?
WHAT - she's getting older and crazy!!!
Let me explain. I recently re-taught one of my best friends to knit. It stresses her out, yet she is enjoying what she is doing. She's hit the point where she knows it doesn't matter if it is perfect or not, but still she wants it to be just so.
For myself, I don't get stressed about it, unless, it is for someone else (example: single sock that is for someone else and she will make the mate) with knowledge and you want it to be right and fair and of they are 6 and just really really want one or your ultra finicky mother (not that she is bad, just sees all the negatives and...)
If I am not happy with it, I frog it (firestarter inch up the leg and 1st I love Gansey), set it aside for frogging(hat for nephew which is just wrong) or just set it aside(Mom's second pair of socks). With regards to the finishing - there is the little gurlz baby sweater all pieces knitted and ready to go - since August of 2005 - she's 2 years and almost 2 months.
If i feel myself getting stressed about something (without reason - no deadline etc - can you tell I may not participate in sock swap again) I either walk away from it or finish it all up. I've learned to walk away cause I will have to redo it anyways.
Your answer can be simple or long, but let me know.

Just Kidding.

REAL CONTEST: tell me your favourite yarn weight and if you have/use stitch markers, how you store them.

(told you it would be easy)
Affectionately,
the Brat

Coffe Topic #3

2007-11-25T13:40:00.000-05:00

What is the ideal setting for enjoying the perfect cup of coffee? Who would be there - or would you be alone? Inside or out? Morning or night? With food or just the steaming cup of joe?
I love sitting with my feet up in the morning hours, (inside when it is cold and outside when it's warm), the steaming hot cup there, perhaps food with it, and just savouring that mug (12 oz at least) of coffee. It's my time and my gurlz know they should let mum be. (not that they do)

Life and other stuff

2007-11-23T21:33:00.000-05:00

My birthday is coming up. Not a real big deal for me, just another year older, however I love the way the provincial government reminds you. The licence renewal in September(usually 3 months prior to the date). $74 right off the bat, and then in red print - you must get an e-test this year (emissions test to ensure not polluting the air more than is acceptable. I thought about it in September, but it was back to school time and lots of other expenses going on. October, I almost stopped a few times to get it done. November, I start stressing. I know when my birthday is - last year I did the renewal (without the e-test) the day before- the same day i signed my life away for my new house and ...
We got snow yesterday - only about an inch, but it started as rain and then ice pellets and then the snow. My windshield wipers did not work last night and this morning they were worse. Little stress bugs building on me as I contemplate the last week possible and doing this oil change and e-test thing on Saturday with two gurlz and ...
So I called when I got to work and asked for an appointment for today or tomorrow. I got one for today!! HURRAY. The car dealership (where I bought my car) does the e-test, sells wipers and would do the oil change prior to everything, plus it is right down the road from the vehicle licensing office and my favourite yarn shop and Kris was free for enough time to have a coffee and some pies. So I spent less than expected at the car dealer - tee hee, they never looked at my brakes(yes I will fix them, but today was not the day for this), what was expected at the vehicle licencing office and my birthday present(to me) at the Knitting Habit. Susan is closing December 15th, although she will have an online store, and things are 40-60% off in the store. I went looking for something specific and came out with lovely gifts for my secret pal, lace yarn for this, silky mohair for this - I hope as it is a thicker weight but in Estelle Watercolours, blues and greens; 2 balls of Noro Kureyon - blue (cause that's what was left); one ball of Noro Silk Garden -blues (cause that's what was left); and some Patons Merino Wool for a couple of felting projects (this-but don't tell the gurlz) and a lovely purse kit for me or the big gurl. And then Susan gave me all the 100% wool leftovers from other projects that she found in her clean-up so I can felt and experiment. Thank you Susan!!!! Oh and I bought a pattern book with lovely child sized socks in it and another set of sock needles (cause my sock needle holder had more space)!!! If you're in the area, go check out Susan's shop - some sweet deals there and she does not have the space at home to store it. I am going to do my best not to go back, but...I don't think it will work.
Melinda was over tonight and she shook her head at my yarn purchases (my yarn aholicism). But we had a great time just chatting and knitting while our kids played and eating food together that no one else eats. Lovely to be able to do this with a good friend.
I didn't finish hint 4 for SoTS. Not yet anyways. 14 more rows and they feel like miles. Final hint came today and I love it. I will finish this, but life is getting in the way of knitting time right now and I have some things that need doing.
So tomorrow i need to:
1. Do the laundry - I had one pair of pants left this morning (okay 3 but one is summer weight and the other is just too small)
2. Clean the storage portion of the basement - the clean up outside was just in time, but it's hard to even get to the washing machine right now.
3. Clean the kitchen - the dishes (of course), the floor, the stove and maybe even the fridge.
4. Finish those church books. 2 hours is all it should take me, but i just can't seem to find those hours anywhere. But I am not allowed to turn another year older before they are done and I still do not have the ability to Turn Back Time. So I must get those done.
5. Play with the gurlz - outside in the pile of leaves or go for a walk or something. I need to make the time instead of always saying I have to do this and that and...later and... Big guilt trip on myself for that.
6. Knit a little, sew a little. Do something crafty.
7. Finish boxing up my SP11 package and my Harvest Sock Swap package. I've found the last of the yarns I need (I think) so I need to get these off.
8. Go to a friends for demonstration and some wine and cheese. Gasp you say - she has a babysitter - yes 2! On Thursday they came over for the first time while I ran out to get a little person some winter boots, mitts and some drink boxes for school lunches (and some slipper shoes for me at work and some socks - since I can't knit that fast - and some crafty things). The boys(2 brothers, sons of a friend and coworker) are fabulous and the gurlz already like them , so watch out knit night!!
9. Refix the front steps. To quote someone else, Le Sigh, as expected the weather has made two of the three sidewalk stones sink down enough that I don't like it and the steps are a little off. Perhaps I need to go by myself a saw (the one with the round blade and the safety cover and the - I CANNOT REMEMBER THE NAME - I just point at it in the store and look helpless). Something needs to be done.
10. I have to rewrite the secret project and get it emailed off. I hate trying to recreate my thoughts. Wish I had instant replay in my head.

REAL GOAL: Try to accomplish at least 5 of the aforementioned items before I sleep tomorrow night.

Other knitting - the cuffs of little gurl's socks are done and I have started the 3rd pattern repeat for big gurl's socks. Have this strange little itch to cast something on though. ARRRRGGGHHH

Oh yeah - I also plan on having a contest for my birthday. It will be for yarn and some other goodies. (stuff bought for my various swaps and now replaced with something else). I will get it figured out this weekend and post the actual contest on Sunday.

Wednesday...

2007-11-21T18:47:00.000-05:00

started great.
And then, as i rubbed lotion on my legs, the little gurl comes around the corner with red spitting out of her mouth and sort of choking. She is amazing - can open child proof bottles that give me trouble and decided to have a candy -400mg of ibuprofen or 500 mg of acetaminophen. Take your pick, either will give you intense stress. Happily she spit most of it out and after confirmation from telehealth and poison control that it won't hurt her, I relaxed a little. Of course the lecture from poison control about taking medication out of the original bottles and carrying mixed was not appreciated. Quote: Well that's why you shouldn't mix the pills. For situations like this, you won't know how many were in the bottle and could possible have been taken. Because of course I ask for these things to happen and purposefully give my 2 year old painkillers. And I would know exactly how many pills were in the bottle should this have happened. WHO KNOWS THESE THINGS???? I know my gurl(s) though and they don't eat anything they don't like the taste of, so she only tried one and spit it out.
Decompressed at work and am totally exhausted. Kids are wide awake.
Is is raining by you? It is just soaked out there and keeps coming down. Snow by morning they predict.
Knitting has been slow this week - only 16 more rows to finish hint 4 and the cuff of little gurl's socks are coming along.
Have a happy thanksgiving to my American friends and happy regular work to the rest of you.

Knitting...and other stuff

2007-11-18T19:24:00.000-05:00

..so with the completion of the previously posted socks, I now have 3 current projects and 3 old ones. There is the SoTS which found some quality time on my needles and is now almost halfway through Clue 4. I have clues 5, 6 and 7 to do yet, plus 8 comes out this Friday. Here's some math: it takes me about an hour to do 10 rows (5 pattern and 5 WS). Clue 4 is 72 rows, and I am on row 31, how long before I finish clue 4? For me - I want to finish it tonight so I can start #5 and possible be on 6 before Friday. Since I bet some people don't believe I am actually knitting this (due to complete lack of photos to date, it is here on Flickr.
If anyone can clue me in how to actually put the pictures from flickr on the blog, I'd love the help.
The Cinderella for big gurl are on their way - sock #1 has two complete pattern repeats done and another one is needed before the toe turn. Love the way it looks in the yarn and no, there are not photos yet.
Project # 3 is a pair for little gurl - two colour socks, same yarn as big gurl'z but have only about a cm of the cuff done so haven't quite decided what to do. The pattern suggests purling whenever a one of the colours shows up and that could be neat as there are 4 in the yarn. I have them working 2 at a time on a 2.25 mm circ (Yarn Pirate's) and they are looking just right.
Old project #1 is the baby blanket with matching sweater. The sweater is done the knitting part, I just have to sew it together. I hate sewing together and if I ever make another baby sweater, it will require no seaming. (on a funny note, I knit my oldest nephew a lovely sweater in Tivoli, when he was 3 or 4 and adapted the pattern so it was knit in the round, with pockets. I need to find a picture of it for you- involved intarsia and all) The blanket has 1.5 more balls of lovely baby yarn to go. Not exactly speed knitting. the hat I made to match - little gurl wore for her first halloween - a lovely pumpkin hat.
#2 is my Moebius ring, for which I found the *photocopy* of the pattern last week, but still have not found the original book. Is it wrong if I did have the pattern book or magazine, but just don't anymore? Feeling slightly criminal here (and on Sunday to beat the band). I still have at least what is knitted to go yet and really not that crazy about the yarn.
#3 is just a fun scarf for someone. Lovely yarn all soft and fluffy with big and little areas and hateful to knit with. Maybe someday it will be done. I finished one for my sister (after I mailed her yarn, needles and knitting instruction book for her birthday, which were returned to me, the next time she came home)
But, that means I only have 6 live projects right now. WOW.
And me with enough yarn and needles to cast on about 20 more. I need to get rid of the castonitis itch and finish something already. Really want to restart my firestarters or my own pair of I love Gansey.
But, I also need to do some sewing/quilting but the sewing machine needs fixing first. Thought I had got around that issue by having Mom bring the 'gets around' machine to my house (it was given to my oldest bro by an old lady his wife ministered to, and has been back and forth between Mom and me twice now). It came in the house on Friday night and on Saturday morning returned to the car as Mom forgot the box of accessories (read EVERYTHING but the machine). She THOUGHT there should be more but couldn't find it.
I love my Mom - she helped me get the outsized winter ready - we had over a centimeter in snow last night between the time we left for the garden center at 4:00 pm and when we got home at 5:00pm. But today was sunny and crisp and things look much better around the outside of the house - the basement is a different story as all those items with an outside summer home, have found their way into it.
As many are aware, the Canadian $ is currently equal to or greater than the American $. I live about 1/2 an hour from 3 different bridges to the US, where there are a vast number of stores. So, on Saturday, Mom, big gurl and I (little gurl is not quite a shopper yet) headed to the Pen Centre- the St. Catharines, Ontario mall - at 9:30 am we arrived. We were home by 2:15 fro lunch. Major bargains - bras - $2.00 each, maidenform brand fit like a DREAM!!! Seriously, for $50 I bought 5 bras (2 were only 30% off, and 4 underwear package of 3 only 30% off). One of the bras regularly sells for $42. I bought it for Mom. I didn't ask her to pay me back. This was at Sears. Big gurl hit pay dirt in Old Navy - less than $50 and she has a gorgeous jumper outfit, and 3 or 4 tanktops and 3 pairs of socks. Also a pair of pants for me from Reitmans for $20. HomeSense? - I think Mom spent $70 there and we got an 8x10 picture frame, 4 baskets(3 Christmas box ones and 1 soft sided one claimed for my upstairs knitting (so I don't stub my toe)), as entryway carpet, a cutting board. We had a 20% off coupon from my Dad, the real estate agent. At Vermeer's, the garden centre, we found some lovely Christmas decorations, some spring bulbs (50% 0ff which were planted today) and some little somethings for my swap pals. We were exhausted. I could not imagine adding a 2+++ hour wait to pay duty on my bargains. Shop local everyone (except for yarn - you must go where it is for the yarn you want)
Have a great week, must go knit knit knit so I can maybe finish clue 4.

Coffee Topic 3

2007-11-18T19:21:00.000-05:00

The Thursday upcoming is Thanksgiving in the U.S., so let's all - American and not alike! - just share a post with what it is we're thankful for. A wonderful thing to do any time of year, I thought it'd be a nice thing to share for this week with the group!
I am thankful for my family - little gurlz who love me, parents who help whenever they can, brothers and a sister far enough away that they still love me; friends who seem to know when you need a pick me up; freedom to worship God above all else; and a job that supports my yarn habit.

Pictures may appear.

2007-11-15T21:49:00.002-05:00

I have done the camera thing without the Kodak upload. I will just flickr or whatever the pictures.

Here are some ...

Basic toe up plain vanilla for the big gurl. The strings are cause it was bedtime and I had already redone the cuff twice. This was an easy knit, however this pair was made twice. A pair for the little gurl may be forthcoming, but not sure when. Regia Crazy Color - one 50 g ball with about 1/3 left over.

This is for my Harvest Sock Swap. Not sure if it's okay to post first, but just so damned proud of this sock. I Love Gansey knit in Rowan 4 ply soft. I love this sock. It is loose on me, so should fit my swap partner perfectly. I had the sock completely done in Jawoll lang, but you could see skin all over the place and ladders and .. blech. will find another purpose for that yarn.

And this, is just because she is cute. There was one of the big gurl, but it did not upload or whatever. Halloween costume - elephant, but head is not up!

New on the needles are a pair of Cinderella from Knitty for the big gurl. I am working on 2.0 mm needles with my much frogged cowgirl skinny duets. Halfway through the first pattern repeat and think this will work out. They are my 'secret knitting' for her. Want to try to surprise her with these. May I just say that I love cabling without a needle!!!