Does the noise in my head bother you?

See what happens?

2012-01-25T21:29:00.001-08:00

Minding my own business, getting posts read and what do I spy? Yes, another project to add to my I-gotta-do-that-too list.

Liz of Yarn Berry posted about the new hairpin-lace blanket she is working on. She is working from the tutorial from Wee Folk Art.

And just looking through the tutorial posts (there are 4 of them) and other projects on Ravelry, I want to do one too!

So after the Hex-ghan and more blocks on P’s blanket are done (oh and another lap-ghan gift started) I will get shopping for colors for my own hairpin lace blanket

IHSW & WIP Wed

2012-01-25T20:48:00.001-08:00

I was able to join in IHSW this weekend, even with taking a day to visit with family.

I spent most of the weekend adding to my hex pile, as of Sunday I had 12 completed. Ive slowed down and have only added 2 more since then. Here is a pic of 13 completed hex

Only combo missing is black/purple. Personally, Im not liking the combos and will make the black/purple to make everything even (one of each) and concentrate on solids going forward.

I also pulled out two cross stitch projects and added a length of string to each.

Renaissance Angel

Snowy Christmas Quaker Style

Hope others had a good IHSW weekend and good luck on all your WIPs

Better pile of Hex

2012-01-19T22:29:00.001-08:00

Here is a lovely picture of 5 hex I have completed so far

I have one that is a mix of black and green – not sure if I like it or not. DL does and D says it looks like a spider web so it may stay in.

Thanks for the wonderful comments on this project.

Going Dark

2012-01-18T07:21:00.001-08:00

I changed my background today in protest against SOPA and PIPA

Please check out what SOPA and PIPA will do. Educate yourself. Contact your Representative and get your voice heard!

Piles of Hex

2012-01-17T22:13:00.001-08:00

I finally found a pattern easy enough and that should make a blanket thick enough for me to make for our bed.

Painted Turtle Afghan

And while I love the greens used in the model, mine wont be using that colorway. I will still be using the colors picked a while ago.

The pattern calls for 18 hexagons, I will be making at least 98 of these (if my quick math just now is correct). They are easy to stitch up – can finish a single color one in an evening.

I am surprised how thick this patch is. Hoping it will be enough to use instead of the comforter we are currently using. Its at the end of its days and needs replacing (hence the afghan )

Oh! I also get to mark down a couple new firsts tonight. First time doing a hex motif and first time stitching a back post double crochet. It’s the back post stitch that makes this motif so nice and thick.

Firsts

2012-01-14T23:40:00.001-08:00

We may have our first snow of the winter season (FINALLY) tonight. Ok, maybe tomorrow morning (which officially is in 20 min).

As I sat and waited, rather impatiently, I learned other firsts.

My first waffle pattern and learning how to do a front post double crochet. Both are very easy to do.

I came across the waffle pattern while trying to find that elusive perfect pattern to stitch for a bed. I had a skein lying around and pulled it out and got to work.

The pattern isnt quite coming out clear in the photo but it sure looks like an "eggo waffle” in person.

While shopping today (getting that out of the way for SNOMAGEDDON 2012) I picked up Donna Kooler’s Encyclopedia of Crochet

In this wonderful book there is a pattern for spider web lace that would look wonderful as a scarf. I have black bamboo silk which I was going to do another diamond eyelet scarf with but black and spiders go together much better!

Well off to bed – hopefully I will see some wonderful whiteness at least sprinkled around when I get up in the morning…

Ripples

2012-01-13T22:50:00.001-08:00

An update to share what Ive been working on lately, my own blanket using the yarn I got for my birthday

The picture shows a full set of rows, from here on out it will be duplicated. Until it gets long enough for me or I have to get more yarn.

The top of the light green to the bottom of the first row of dark green is about 6 inches. A ball of each color might get me through three sets.

That would make what I have in yarn get me a lapghan that’s about 48” by 36”. Im going to need at least one more ball of each color.

Then its off for more thrifty-er crochet projects!

like a spidey blanket for a nephew

or a whimsical lapghan for a gift

Not to mention finishing up P’s patchwork, which I still work on when I am darn tired of ripple. AND DL’s creeper blanket, which the squares are nice and quick to make a few while waiting for dinner to cook.

Thank you for the comments yesterday on the unwanted guests. It never occurred to me to have Styx checked again (a vet looked at her while we were waiting to sign papers) when we got her home. Lilith and Loki were so well cared for I AssUme-d Styx would be the same.

That’s what I get eh? More knowledge for next time (and sharing for others!)

She is doing much better today – a bit calmer than what she has been. Although Im not sure if its due to the meds or that the meds are working and she is really feeling better.

Unwanted guests

2012-01-12T19:10:00.001-08:00

Found out Wednesday that we have extra – guests in my house.

Styx brought “friends” with her when she came home with us.

Icky (very icky) friends.

So a lovely visit to the local vet had her getting a shot (removing one set of friends) and liquid meds (to remove the other set of friends).

Yup – two sets of worms.

A nice email was sent to the organization we got her from so the foster home would be notified (and hopefully cleaned) and other adoptees notified (another big hope).

So over the next couple of days, I get to take the other fur kids in and have them checked out.

Can you say she is less than thrilled with the whole process? I am the Devil Incarnate (for the moment) and am to be snubbed at all times. She can be quite funny in her obvious “I don’t like you right now and will not look in your general direction” snubs. Mainly cause she keeps looking back to see if you are still looking at or trying to get her attention.

Herself tucked away, safe from any humans touching

2012 Day 8

2012-01-08T22:10:00.001-08:00

Another hd, new start and another new project starting to scream loudly from the corner I placed it in.

Patchwork afghan – Another block has been completed! (2012 WIP!)

Simple but a happy dance just the same. I do announce each block finish to P and he cheers along with me.

New start – D got me a gift card to one of the local yarn shops and we had to go and visit. Of course with such a card burning a hole in my pocket I couldn’t leave with out a little something now could I?

6 wonderful skeins of Cascade 220 Superwash; Duck Green, Shire and Celery. Hopefully its enough to make a wonderful lapghan for yours truly. I have a good start, on the 9th row now. It’s a ripple and Im following the wonderful instructions by Lucy of Attic24.

The new project will be another afghan, Summer Mist Throw. I love how elegant this afghan looks. I made one change and I will be using a dark purple in place of the lavender blue suggested.

Ive also updated my 2012 WIPocalypse, adding items from my new crochet addiction () and new charts that are waiting in the wings.

New Year!

2012-01-04T20:50:00.001-08:00

Another year has begun. For me January is still a Celebration month. Another month packed with family gatherings and well wishes as there are multiple birthdays throughout the month, starting with Mine tomorrow!

I finally got off my lazy ass and got pictures took of most of the projects Ive been working on.

Alas, the hats were gifted and pictures completely forgotten (celebrating with family sort of does that) but everything was very well received.

Ive broken my crochet rule (so didn’t see that coming – right?) and have a plethora of projects littering the minimal space around my side of the office. I am so blaming D for a couple of these.

So now without further waiting…

P’s Patchwork afghan – I was able to complete 3 squares over the Holidays (along with all the gifts to be finished) While the dye lot has changed on one of the yarns, it still fits with the theme. I have 23 completed so far and 19 left. Of course the 19 are the biggest (10x20 & 20x20).

Bag-to-be-Felted – using two different Fisherman’s wool for a big (maybe) bag. Nothing special about the pattern, making it up as I go.

Diamond Eyelet Scarf – This is from the wonderful mind of Rachel Choi. Im doing mine in Bamboo/Silk blend by Caron Spa brand, very soft.

D and I have been talking about me making a blanket large enough for our bed – so we can 86 the comforter during the summer. So he picked out a pattern, we ( I ) picked out colors and I got started. I don’t have a pic of the blanket yet, still at the very beginning stages and just looks like a LONG string. Here are the colors.

And finally! Minecraft Creeper afghan for DL. Im making it out of lots (and lots) of mini granny squares. I got the idea by helping a friend find an older pattern using mini grannies together to form a picture. DL heard us talking and the rest is history. The squares are quick and easy to do. I can get one done in less than 5 min (not including weaving ends). The fun part will be when we set up the picture and start stitching it all together.

Obviously I need to find more greens, gray and white. And the creeper may not have the same pose as above. I had to talk DL out of adding words (Cross stitch = words, crochet – mom isnt doing words)

Sadly this isnt everything. I had to get to my LNS and get Boris and Sergei and fabric for the trio (Ive had Olga for a while). Next month – funds willing, I will get HDF fibers so they can be started sometime this year.

Adding those three, along with Snowy Christmas Quaker Style, with the Ginormous WIPocalypse list AND all the crochet projects I am a busy girl this year.

Bring it on! Im looking forward to the relaxation my crafts bring me.

Fly By

2011-12-27T22:12:00.001-08:00

Quick post

I got both hats done! Im pleased with how they finally turned out. I swear I frogged the pink one at least 10 times. Thanks to the yarn being too thick for the pattern I originally picked out. So to finish I just started hooking, then looping adding decreases where needed then brought it all together and finished with a pom on top. Created totally by the seat of my pants (and finished just in time to be gifted – whew!)

Pics will be taken of the hats modeled by the intended giftees and with the scarves to complete the set.

I also finished the other two scarves with plenty of pause time before gifting them AND taking pics but totally blew it on the whole getting pictures taken part. They were received with great joy. Apparently scarves are THE accessory to have when one is in 2-3 grade (who knew?).

Im finally back to working on P’s massive blanket but may need to pause again to make a bag to carry all my yarn stuffs around. The bag Ive been using is a tad too small and has had enough of my abuse. Ive got Lion’s Fishermans lambs wool waiting in the wings for a bag to be possibly felted later (spied the ability to not spin loads on my front-loader washer – squee).

Until next time!

Baking Elves

2011-12-23T22:57:00.001-08:00

I was crazy baking fool today. 155+ cookies, brownies & mini muffins cooked and ready for packaging.

There was an early thought at Thanksgiving for us adult kids to share baked goodies. I hadnt heard if that changed so I got busy today.

DL was quite vexed that he wasn’t able to test any of the goodies and has to wait.

More will be made to take to the other family gathering later in the week. Thankfully not as much is needed for that one.

For now Im spent and beyond ready for bed…

(Goodies made: Chinese Almond, German Chocolate with Cherries, Egg Nog, Choc chip with mint chips, Triple chocolate brownies, Egg Nog muffins with cherries and choc chips)

Speedy Hook

2011-12-20T21:46:00.001-08:00

Thank you for the wonderful comments on the scarves. I would never had thought these would be so easy and am very glad I ran across Sharon’s blog and found the pattern

Starting hectic times at work so I started another 3-2-1 scarf to help release the stress. I started this during lunch and am really close to being finished. Another one to be gifted this Christmas.

(sneaky peek)

Using Red Heart Artist Paint and White. Have to say Im just not a fan of the process Red Heart uses on their variegated yarn. It always feels scratchy, rough and just down right icky to work with. Im always surprised its not as bad with the finished product as it is when being worked on.

I bought two skeins of Patton Décor Autumn Variegated

I love the colors and plan to make another scarf for me. Still looking/working out the pattern to use

IHSW Update

2011-12-19T21:10:00.001-08:00

I had successes this weekend.

Two finished scarves! Ends all tucked in and ready to be wrapped for presents.

The one on the right is a dark purple and unfortunately doesn’t want to be photographed.

The hats – those are still being worked out. I “finished” one but it just isnt shaped nice and I cannot bring myself to show it.

It will be frogged and I will work something else out for the hats.

I did get more yarn for more scarves to be gifted to more nieces. The pink one was less than a one day project, once I finally got more yarn. I should be able to get two more hooked this week.

IHSW

2011-12-16T22:11:00.001-08:00

Yup – I joined IHSW again this month – trying to get something completed during the holidays

Pictures of any and everything I stitched or hooked will be shared when I finish – I know you’re all shocked, pictures!

I havent stitched anything yet today, that’s next on the list. I was able to get some Christmas shopping completed today. One kid completely done, only 7 more to go… With IHSW I hope to get 2 more completed this weekend.

Joann has a 50% off coupon for this Sat & Sun only – glad I wasn’t able to make it over there today (almost got to the door, parking lot was PACKED and I was not in a waiting mood). I need more yarn to complete presents and to get doodads for an ugly sweater party to make an ugly sweater even uglier.

Fly-by posting

2011-12-12T21:45:00.001-08:00

Im still around, working on getting some presents done for nieces & nephew as well as work on P’s blanket squares.

Still hurts to try and look at small holes so cross stitch is on the backburner. Waiting for the headaches to stay away.

I have hats started for the girls as well as one scarf. A hat will be made for the boy and Im thinking of doing mittens to go with, just not sure.

I was hoping to have finish pictures to share of at least one of the three projects but I keep running out of yarn and wouldn’t you know it, the stores cant keep it in stock now!

Since I keep running out of yarn for projects, Ive updated my crochet journal to include the number of skeins used and oz so if I ever want to make said project again I will know just how much I will need!

What a month

2011-12-04T22:41:00.001-08:00

Well the past four weeks surely

The walking petrie dishes at home shared a doozy that Im finally getting rid of. Buggered up my sinuses good making stitching non-existent as those little holes were not going to make my head feel any better but a lot worse.

I am able to hook without breaking my head. Im making hats and scarves for my nieces for christmas this year. I had one completed but really hated how I interpreted the pattern. As I started on hat #2 I changed how I was decreasing and liked the outcome much better. So yesterday evening time was spent frogging hat #1. Both will need more yarn to complete.

Im working on how long I want to make the scarves. Using DL as a reference I think 50 inches should be enough but as they will be curling, Im not sure how much shrinking that will cause.

So with both hats hooked as far as I can for now, tomorrow one scarf will be started and Im sure frogging will occur I find the right length.

I hope to share pictures of all four soon.

IHSW

2011-11-22T21:50:00.001-08:00

I joined in the International Hermit and Stitch Weekend last weekend. Good choice in weekends as I was pretty much house bound thanks to sinus drainage issues. (darn those walking petri dishes I live with!)

Not able to stitch on any of my cross stitch projects (holes too small for my achy head) I focused on crochet.

I finished my scoodie

It’s a lot longer than I originally planned. With the ends as long as they are, they wrap around me and Im sure will keep me wonderfully warm this winter.

I also worked on P’s patchwork blanket. This is a 10x20 square that’s not quite done yet

Loki had to investigate

I also spent time looking for hat ideas for Christmas gifts. I found a better (easier) hat to hook.

My first one has been started, working on the ribbing.

That’s all for now. Im hoping the sinus issues leave me soon so I can add some x’s into screaming projects.

A bit of grey

2011-11-15T20:28:00.001-08:00

Meet the newest member of our family -

Styx

She is an 8mo Russian Blue mix. All Russian Blue except for a white patch on her chest and dark rings on the end of her tail.

A real lap hog and purr machine. Lets me know when its time to give up space on my lap for nap time and has taken Loki’s place on the bed at my feet (he is now closer to my head – who needs extra blankets?). Im just waiting to see what happens when its finally cold enough for Lilith and she joins the crowd on my side of the bed!

Styx has been with us for a bit over a week, needed to see how the duo would take to her and her to them. Loki had a hard time understanding why the new friend didn’t want to play. She also needed a name. Her foster name, Biscuit, wasn’t going to stay.

Now she and Loki will chase each other, Lilith is still the queen (sniffs but not much else)

Rude People

2011-11-14T21:58:00.001-08:00

I truly live with rude people. They keep sharing viruses with me and I am not appreciating their kindness one bit.

This round started with P, who ended up with a sinus infection and bronchitis (both of which he can really keep to himself!). Next up was D who turned what ever P shared into one doozy of a cold. Now its on my chest – literally.

Just rude!

On to more fun things – like a Who-hat!

Is that not the cutest?

I had a Who-hat I sewed out of fake fur, flannel and ribbon (to hold the pom to the hat) but its gone on a walk-about and I havent seen it since we remodeled the house. Im now thinking it was one of those “just toss it and make a new one” items.

I showed the pic above to P and his first comment was “I wont wear it”. I hadnt even said I was making him one! Cheeky brat.

So I may be off in search of yarn for my new Who-hat (with hopes to have it completed in time for Christmas this year)

Other items I have been working on are the Thread Basket SAL, my oldest UFO (Stoney Creek’s Humble Stable), Renaissance Angel and my scoodie. I will try and get updated pics posted later this week

Its…

2011-11-10T07:53:00.001-08:00

A Door!

Ive cut the fabric, printed out the chart and made my mark on A La Belle Etoile SAL

I had some issues figuring out the final colors but D was on hand and got forced into helping (Im good )

Another WIP is the scoodie. Its very long but hooks up fast, when I actually get it out to work on.

I have a wonderful 4 day weekend and hope to get the first part of the SAL completed and maybe the scoodie done or more patches for P’s blanket…

Project!

2011-11-03T19:26:00.001-07:00

Just what is needed – A project for the holidays!

Mindi joined a SAL with The Thread Basket and Virginie from C Mon Monde and her progress pictures are really wonderful.

While the current session is closed a new session will start Nov 7th. If you want to join, please go to the site and follow directions to join up.

The colors are in DMC but Im switching them to HDF over-dyes in my stash.

The fabric is also from my stash, Valor by Colorscapes.

Teachers

2011-11-02T19:11:00.001-07:00

Question out to the void - Is it wrong to pester a teacher to make sure homework has been turned in?

I am not a “helicopter” parent. Im the first to let teachers know my kid is no angel while I hand them my email address and cell number. I know I will get calls about homework (and other stuff). But whats happened so far this year chaps my ass.

Background - Found out at parent/teacher conf that child had not been turning in homework (3 out of 28). So after 6 weeks of school, said child is pretty much failing. And I just find out about this during the conf.

Im not understanding - why the 6 week wait to let the parents know of these types of issues? I had been in contact with the teacher on other items and lack of homework was never brought up.

Now Im pestering the child, asking every day if homework is turned in and checking room and backpack for verification. But I feel that can only go so far.

After I emailed the teacher last week, to check on turned in homework, they responded by emailing parents letting us know that several were asking about homework and requested we speak to our children about the need to get homework turned in on time and with their names added.

From his frustrated sounding response – it sounds like there were MANY parents blasted with the “little to no homework has been turned in so far this year” message

WTF?

As far as Im concerned, he dug the hole he is in by not letting parents know of the situation earlier. Especially if there are many of us.

So I will continue to pester both the child and his hapless teacher from now till the end of the school year.

And that’s just with one kid. The older one has even better ones! His teachers are losing homework!! Can you believe that? I have strongly suggested on the larger projects he date when he turned it in, in his planner AND have the teachers sign as well. Just so he has backup for when the next project is “lost” (I added the quotes as one of the teachers “found” the “lost” projects, worth 150 points)

GAH!

Three Rachel’s Agree

2011-10-28T07:55:00.001-07:00

Rachel shared a link to a cute Halloween freebie.

I agreed, saved it for later (for Monday to join Rachel in her annual Halloween SAL that Im currently assuming she will toss out the challenge again this year)

THEN today, Rachael also posted about the freebie Rachel shared.

So there you have it – Three Rachel (Rachael)’s agree.

Please go check it out

Such a lady

2011-10-25T20:36:00.001-07:00

Lilith is such a lady, or at least that is what she would really like us to believe.

Until one sees this pose

This is one of her regular sleeping poses

She was truly disgusted with me when I took this picture that I got glared and sighed at, then she stretched and turned around.

Getting Ready

2011-10-24T22:10:00.001-07:00

for Halloween!

D and I took the boys out to Seaside, OR beach this past weekend. New place we wont be visiting again (hotel). Beds were way too small. The “queen” in the master was so not a queen – possibly a double or a large full. No way were both us adults sleeping on that bed. I ended up sleeping on the sofa. The boys had bunk beds that were also shorter than normal, P’s feet hung off the end.

Other than the sleeping arrangements, the visit was good. Normal wet and windy weather for Pac NW fall at the beach. Our walk on the beach was spent helping a young lab fetch his ball. He didn’t care who you were, only that you would toss the ball for him! Not quick enough for him and he would pick up and drop the ball at your feet again and again. Too funny!

Visited the aquarium and fed the seals (A must to do when in Seaside!) and we were even able to see the feeding time (larger fish). They are less vocal as I remember but there were lots of flipper and belly slaps.

We also visited Cannon Beach Sun (much better day – sun was out and the wind was very light). There is a wonderful yarn shop there Costal Yarns. Crochet friendly, wonderful yarns, and fantastic staff.

As the weekend was fairly low key (mainly to get out of town and out of reach) I was able to get a bunch of patches completed for P’s patchwork throw.

All three colors are now represented. One more 5x5 of Camo and I can put a few squares together!

Reward?

2011-10-13T20:45:00.001-07:00

First off, thank you for all the wonderful comments on my mini HD. It is a great feeling even if its just part of a project.

So as a reward to myself for finishing the outline to Fall Mandala I dug around and found my original start to Humble Stable.

Its on Black Aida, Its Stoney Creek (color change crazy), and its way, way old. Oh and all the DMC is from the 80’s and some of the colors have changed – a lot.

So finishing this will be a challenge. Im hoping I don’t run out of any colors where they dyes have drastically changed.

Again, not something I would do for myself – its for my dad and will be a gift whenever its finally finished (remember? black & aida). Wish me luck!

Dinner tonight was Bacon Wrapped Pesto Chicken and can I say YUM! Of course who can lose when bacon is on the menu? I used my pesto recipe and cheated a bit, just slathered the top of the chicken then wrapped bacon (2 pieces per breast). The pesto did a fab job keeping the bacon in place.

Lucky us we had 9 bacon strips left that I just had to cook up so we all had extra bacon. (mmm, bacon)

WIP Wed

2011-10-12T22:19:00.001-07:00

I have a small HD to share

Outlining of Fall Mandala is complete!

Now to get serious with some color

‘Ware evil green apples

2011-10-12T11:56:00.001-07:00

Just had to share this little guy and his battle with apples

Whew

2011-10-10T21:57:00.001-07:00

Update on what I was able to get myself to do.

Actually make it to the gym today – Done
Make banana bread (really need to free up space in the freezer - 6+ bananas in there!) - Done. Made three loaves
Make mini breakfast quiches (another of those ran out of time on sunday items) – Didn’t get done.
prep dinners for the week (lots of pounding of chicken breasts) – only got tonight’s dinner pounded out (mmm was it good!)
finish shopping not completed on Sunday (can you believe I forgot my list!) – Done!
Shoes! Still looking for the elusive pair(s) of shoes I would like to have for work. Main thing they need to do? Not kill my feet before I get home! – Done and Done (got two pairs)

I also added more x’s to Fall Mandala and watched many episodes of Bones (which was my downfall of not getting the quiches done, Im half way through season 3) and even was able to make a trip to the library.

Im calling it a good productive day.

Making Plans

2011-10-10T06:21:00.000-07:00

Im thinking that if I write this down and post it they just may get done. (Really hoping here people!) I have the day off so really unless the procrastination gets way out of hand I should get some of these accomplished.

Actually make it to the gym today
Make banana bread (really need to free up space in the freezer - 6+ bananas in there!)
Make mini breakfast quiches (another of those ran out of time on sunday items)
prep dinners for the week (lots of pounding of chicken breasts)
finish shopping not completed on sunday (can you believe I forgot my list!)
Shoes! Still looking for the elusive pair(s) of shoes I would like to have for work. Main thing they need to do? Not kill my feet before I get home!

There – done. I will check back later to share just how productive my day was.

shhh

2011-10-09T23:11:00.001-07:00

Proving they can still squeeze together on a pillow.

Truth is he’s cold and done waiting for me to go to bed. She was just minding her own business and sleeping on said pillow when he invited himself on up.

Full Circle

2011-10-09T22:56:00.001-07:00

D and I have been on a food journey over the last couple of months.

It started when we bought a Breville juicer and started making our own juice. The first week we did a sort of fast, juice for breakfast and lunch with a light dinner. Trust me – there was plenty of “food” eaten that week. 64+ oz of juice made by anything vegetable & fruit will fill you up. It doesn’t look like it but I had days where I was so full I couldn’t finish dinner!

Then we went Vegan for a couple of weeks. Just us, we made sure the boys had meat with most of their meals. I found a couple of meals that were 100% vegan that the boys loved. Mac & “cheese” being one of them with pot pie being another.

Trouble with most vegan meals I was able to easily cook/make that could be combined with meat for the boys were also very carb heavy, thus so not weight healthy.

So here we are, back to mostly protein and healthy fats with carbs taking a back seat (still mainly for us, not the boys although they get a balanced meal)

We are still creating juice – not as much as unfortunately fruits add carbs quickly . Having the fruit & veggies as main parts of meals makes putting lunches for the boys together so easy. They have been loaded with oranges, apples, blueberries and carrots (no not all at once – a fruit & carrots every day).

I hope to be sharing more family approved meals over the next couple of weeks.

Who knows where we will be next

Wonders

2011-10-04T22:35:00.001-07:00

Found this wonderful vid surfing through Google+ and had to share.

The Mountain from TSO Photography on Vimeo.

Jumping Forward?

2011-10-03T19:42:00.001-07:00

Another week and Im already trying to time travel and make it Tuesday. I know its cause Im not wanting to think about what to make for dinner. Too many things to think about and then get ready for cooking.

I do have a couple cooking successes tonight. Makes it up for the nightmares of yesterday.

Another feasting of pesto, I added some slivered almonds to this batch. P, D and I gave it a thumbs up. DL saw me adding the avocado and decided to hate it before eating (*sigh – kids).

I also baked another loaf using the starter from yesterday.

This one turned out MUCH better. Sounds like a drum as it should when baked right. Im going with the King Arthur’s directions being much better than the one used for the first batch and the one I will be using going forward.

Now only if I have the nerve to bake their version of sticky-buns. Those suckers look wonderful!

On other crafty items – Im still working on P’s blanket. My left thumb starts killing me if I hook for too long. The third color has bee chosen. Red Heart Camo – Platoon is the winner

The Desert Camo was just to – pastel - for the boy. Cant say I blame him. Platoon will work much better with the regular camo and black.

Ink Circle’s Fall Mandala is also getting x lovin. Still working on the outline.

Directions People!

2011-10-02T21:06:00.001-07:00

GAH! Pretty much sums up my feelings of this evening. Found an interesting lasagna recipe online, printed it out and got to cooking.

It was about 3/4 of the way through, following directions when it went from 2nd layer to 4th and completely ignoring the third!

Oh and I thought I would try out the new lasagna noodles that you don’t have to boil.

Bad bad bad. No cookie to either the bonehead not checking the recipe before posting it, Pasta company for crappy noodles and Me for not reading all the way through said recipe before printing it!

Boys got sandwiches, I chose reruns (pot pie, mmm) and D was the brave soul to actually try out dinner.

I may be down but not out for Im trying out yet another new (to me) recipe. King Arthur’s no kneed bread. So far so good. But I wont truly know until I bake a loaf…

First

2011-10-01T22:26:00.001-07:00

I cannot believe it is already October! Yes Im ready for cooler weather. Still gets too muggy when it rains, so the season hasn’t felt like its changed yet.

Another First to go along with the date – I made my first no-kneed bread today. Well the dough was started yesterday as it takes 12-18 hrs to just think. So this evening I heated up the oven and my cast iron dutch oven and baked bread.

The end result looked and smelled wonderful, I just don’t think it cooked correctly. It didn’t sound like a drum as its supposed to. My thinking is that Its one of two things; too much flour or too much water.

So back to baking again tomorrow!

Input needed

2011-09-27T20:15:00.001-07:00

Well, I need suggestions.

The Man (D in this case), has told me to start looking for a sewing machine so I can hem pants.

Now I need to complete some hemming of my own (D and I suffer from the same thing, short legs in an average world) so its not a bad thing.

And think of the other projects I could do with such a machine?

Costco has a Brother for $119, it has many 5 star reviews and sounds promising. Has anyone used a Brother sewing machine? Thoughts? Im not looking for anything fancy

Cross Stitch

Not much has been done on this front lately. I have been working on any Ink Circles piece to try and keep up with at least one SAL Im on. After finishing the shawl earlier this month I worked on more outlines to Fall Mandala and have pretty much been doing just that, when needle & thread end up in my hands.

Ive reached the bottom left of the chart – go me!

Yarn roundup

2011-09-26T20:46:00.001-07:00

Im seeing lots of yarn in my future

No new blankets completed. I am working on a ginormous afghan for P.

First off, the blue will not be used (personally? eww, yuck!) – ok maybe on its own a blue camo is ok but mixed with anything close to olive? That just aint right. Have no fear! Ive found an alternate – Desert Sand or Desert Camo that will be used as the third color and black will be binding everything together.

It’s a patch throw that I doubled so it will be long enough for him when he finally stops growing, 96” x 106”. Should cover him from head to toe (and then some) and completely wrap around if desired.

In total there will be 42 blocks,12 5x5 blocks, 9 10x10 blocks, 12 20x10 blocks& 9 20x20 blocks. Only reason for any 5x5 blocks is due to me starting the pattern then realizing I should double it for the Lurch sized form the boy will be when he is finally done growing and THEN asking myself – Self? Why punish me by making all these tiny blocks when doubling might make things go faster?

But as I already had 3 5x5’s completed I added the need to have 4 for each color. I will figure out how everything will fit together once all the dang blocks are completed.

Next on my list will be a snuggy type blanket for DL as he loves dragging his out to wrap up in. I will be making an adult size just I can try and limit the number of times I may need to increase it later (cause both kids just wont stop growing!)

I did find a wonderful sunflower afghan that has me thinking of alternative colors

Im envisioning the petals in red and maybe the outline in yellow and a different brown.

Now off to add more rows to a 10x10 block

Another Day

2011-09-25T21:50:00.001-07:00

Its been busy with the first weeks of the new school year. P is now in High school, DL is in his final year of elementary and the first cold of the school year has been caught and shared – courtesy of DL this year.

So what have I been doing this month – posting here has been non-existent. Starting a new school year was one. Having my minion helpers not available has me making changes in my daily schedule but I don’t mind as school is much more important.

There is a new project at work that is currently taking up a bunch of time but this phase is soon to be over and more time will free up.

Back is the time of year where the A/C is still on cause its still on the kind-of-warm side outside, warm enough to be muggy, sticky and just uck. But with the A/C on Im freezing (maybe I need to crochet something warmer for myself for home sooner…).

Tonight I made my first homemade pesto and boy was it tasty!

I added a whole avocado to the mix, which made it creamy and was plenty for a 1lb of pasta. Happy I have leftovers for lunch.

I had plans to start a couple batches of no-kneed bread but just ran out of ‘getup-n-go’ ness. Hopefully I can get a start on a batch or two tomorrow.

oh so shiny!

2011-09-24T21:46:00.001-07:00

While do have starts on several other posts, I got extremely side tracked by Google+

What can I say, all the absolutely asinine changes happening over at FB. The whole subscribe mess? Ya, like I want to go through every friend in my list, update their subscriptions not forgetting that I have to set up a FB friend list of Close friends just so I can try and setup my news feed to something close that I care about.

No thanks.

I will stay with FB as family and friends are still there. But I wont be adding much else myself.

Now Im off and setting up my circles

Pondering

2011-09-24T12:54:00.001-07:00

Ah the quandaries created by keeping things bottled up for so long

There are so many items going through my gray-matter that Im thinking of sharing. Issue now is do I blurt it all out on one ginormous post or parse it out over several.

And you know after racking my brain about this for a long while, Ive decided to drag out the sharing (drama, suffering, torture, what have you) over a few posts.

Less wordy this way. Well, at least in one sitting as several posts can be viewed over a number of hrs, days, or even weeks.

So while I get all these thoughts out of hole in my head Im off to find something to fit the change of the season for my blog theme.

I need an ‘oh shiny’ find after all this use of my brain

Ready for the cold

2011-09-02T22:34:00.001-07:00

My Arrow Shawl is now finished!

88 inches long, 4 skeins Lion Brand Homespun Corinthian

Took about 3 hrs to hook the last skein (see, another instance trapped in a moving vehicle and nothing else to do ). Im looking forward to using this at work. Its so nice and warm!

I have a chance to possibly use it tomorrow, just seeing how cold it really gets at night where we are at. So far its still pretty dang warm.

D and I spent the time listening to Boneshaker by Cherie Priest. Its Steampunk, which D likes and YA, so I know the kids will like it too. So far its been pretty interesting.

After finishing the shawl, I broke out the yarn for the afghan Im making for P. I decided to work it a bit different so ripping was done so the block I had started could be done yet again (4th times the charm, right?) Lots of mixed blocks of Red Heart Camo & Black in single crochet.

Thanks for stopping by!

One more to go!

2011-09-01T23:35:00.001-07:00

Skein 3 completed and will be starting skein 4 on the way to our weekend destination. I just may have this shawl completed by the end of this long weekend.

Even at just 3 skeins long, it is wonderfully warm and falls perfectly along my arms, leaving my hands free.

Im going ahead with skein 4 so I might fling a long end over my shoulder for added warmth when needed.

WIP Wednesday

2011-08-31T22:57:00.001-07:00

I have two updates for this week.

I actually got out a stitch project and added x’s to it! I know, Im just as shocked as you are :oP

Added more yellow to the mix of colors this month.

On to Crochet!

Started skein 3 of 4 this week. Its coming along quickly and I cant wait for it to be finished! Ive tried on whats been finished so far and loving how warm it is. Im going to have to get another one done so I can leave it at home as this one is heading for work.

This is after 2 skeins

Thanks for all your wonderful comments on the blanket and earlier shawl posts.

Speedy

2011-08-26T21:10:00.001-07:00

Yup, Im back with another update!

But before we get to the WIP update I have a correction to make on yesterday’s post. Red Hot Fury is actually book #47, not #46 of the year. This is what happens when updates are done but the page is not refreshed…

Onward!

Arrow Lake Shawl

I am officially one skein in!

As shown is about 20 inches long. Im going to see how long all 4 skeins will be and am thinking of adding a 5th if needed

The pic above shows how I used the markers on the start chain.

Off to add skein 2!

#46

2011-08-25T21:10:00.001-07:00

Book 46 for the year was Red Hot Fury by Kasey MacKenzie

An interesting take on arcane people

Goodreads summary

As a Fury, Marissa Holloway belongs to an Arcane race that has avenged wrongdoing since time immemorial. As Boston's chief magical investigator for the past five years, she's doing what she was born to do: solve supernatural crimes.
But Riss's investigation into a dead sister Fury leads to her being inexplicably suspended from her job. And to uncover the truth behind this cover-up, she'll have to turn to her shape-shifting Warhound ex for help.

My comments:

I was pulled in to this book, nice for a change. But got really tired of all the nicknames that were getting tossed around (some characters had several). Made things a bit difficult on who was doing what or talking to which...

4/5

Im waiting for the next book in this series – Green Eyed Envy

Fun Factoids

2011-08-24T22:50:00.001-07:00

Fun factoid - my feet will stay warm as long as I wear socks AND slippers/shoes/sandals. Socks and slipper socks is just a double layer of sock and not worth a damn when I'm trying to keep my tootsies toasty!

My current method of madness is socks of any kind and my Nike slides (mens of course or the socks may not have fit!)

See easy slip-ons with socks :) And comfy to boot! (oh and they are great for camping showers – totally foam rubber)

Reason for such a need in summer you ask? D has an internal furnace that is stuck at 90+ and he loves cool temps. Me & P walk around in a multitude of layers and will bask in the heat outside (9 layers of clothing & all) if it gets too cold inside. DL mostly takes after his dad but will complain about being cold while walking around with nothing but a t-shirt and skivvies. Goofball

Crochet!

I started another crochet project tonight. Well technically Ive been playing around, seeing how the stitches are supposed to go, figure out the counting and where to stick the dang hook!

Homespun – Its a challenge!

And with my first several starts a complete joke, I decided to get assistance.

These little suckers are the bomb! Nice and large, easy to use, lock shut (reusable!) and they come in their own case. I got mine at Joann’s.

Now for the project I started…

Arrow Lake Shawl by Lion Yarn

Mine will be 24x?? (gonna use up as much of 4 skeins as I can)

The pattern calls for starting a v stitch starting from the 6th stitch from the hook. Now me and homespun have gotten off to a rotten start (hence the damn counters) but after figuring out which stitch a V needs to be in on the foundation row I made sure during the creation of the starting chain to place a silly counter. (pics later)

Bam!

Now I have 8 rows completed. Off to a great start :o)

Yarn Finish!

2011-08-22T21:56:00.001-07:00

I was a busy gal this weekend, on a mission and dead set on seeing it done.

Yup, the Ginormous Granny blanket is done! (now for the pics)

Not sure if it will show up but I did a V stitch for the border. I got the idea from Jacquie and it worked wonderfully

Now on to the next project!

WIP Update

2011-08-17T21:28:00.001-07:00

Yup, and with pictures no less!

Behold, the Ginormous Granny square

Its almost getting to big to show in full

Finally finished with the white. Had just enough to finish, Yea! Now for the three final rows of blue and it will be done!

More Books

2011-08-17T21:20:00.001-07:00

So it has come to my attention that my book read list of the Top 100 Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels evar is severely lacking.

“Specifically in the Vonnegut and Bradbury areas” (straight quote)

Another strong suggestion is “The Mists of Avalon”

So after failing to get this corrected yesterday (I was very busy after all :P), books from the above authors and series have been added to my ever growing “to-read'” list on Goodreads and the library.

So I have one book from each author requested from the library.

Oh, and I actually hit the limit of books Im allowed to request at one time! OMG! Now I really have to get books read.

Just Gah!

2011-08-16T22:03:00.001-07:00

Gah! I hate not having anything on the train to do. The movement (gentle rocking to and fro) is just too soporific for me, don't want to sleep past my stop right?

I forgot my book at work, the latest Harry Dresden Files, and I'm nearly done!! (GAH!)

Aside from reading on the train, which is about the only time I can try and get caught up with a friend) I'm ready for cooler weather to crochet more.

Items on my wishing to do list:

Jane Austen Shawl (Tink has a wonderful version of this in a purplely/pink)

Homespun throw

Fingerless gloves

Patchwork throw (full bed size) for P

Something for DL

King size afghan for me & D (still working on finding the right pattern but This One looks wonderful. Makes a newbie like me want to take a shot at it

Throws for sister's kids

Lapghan for mom

Some of the items on this list are really testing the one crochet project at a time rule I'm trying to stay on.

Yes it may sound obnoxious but I just don't have the space to store all the yarn it will take (for most of those listed) and I want to feel a sense of accomplishment if the FINISH that having a ton of WIPs won't give

Besides, I've already have a WIP list (enough for 3 lifetimes) in cross stitch. There is only so much the hubby can stand. (and it's much easier "hiding" cross stitch stash :p)

Next item…

Why is it that when you can see the finish on a project it becomes absolutely impossible to finish it?

Such is the case with the Ginormous Granny square blanket Im working on. I have a max 4 more rows to do but I keep allowing anything to get in the way to the finish line.

Other fun things like new cross stitch charts to kit (but currently my new crochet fandom has gotten in the way) or new crochet patterns to look for doing “one day”.

Today it was a mash of checking work emails (answering some), getting dinner ready for the boys, eating some of that dinner myself, watching Numb3rs, getting tomorrows breakfast & lunch ready, finish watching Tangled (two words, frying pan), updating this post with links (mmm links), Finding the Jane Austen shawl pattern on Ravelry and queuing it, watching a documentary on Burning Man and running another short internet search for a cousin who purposely lost himself (He loves Burning Man – no luck again tonight). Still no photos and now its 10pm

nite!

Book List

2011-08-15T20:12:00.001-07:00

Borrowed this idea from Measi

According to NPR’s summer reader survey, these are the top 100 Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels. My biggest issue here is that they call some of these novels, but they’re actually multiple books in a series. So… there’s a bit of fudging here. I may lose some serious geek cred on this list. I’ll admit that I don’t particularly like true, straight forward sci-fi. I find it a bit dry and difficult to deal with.

Bold = ones I’ve completed
Italics = ones I’ve attempted/partially finished

More than 60,000 ballots were cast in our annual summer reader’s survey — click here to see the full list of 100 books, complete with links and descriptions. Below is a printable list of the top 100 winners. And for even more great reads, check out the complete list of 237 finalists.

1. The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy, by J.R.R. Tolkien

2. The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy, by Douglas Adams

3. Ender’s Game, by Orson Scott Card

4. The Dune Chronicles, by Frank Herbert

5. A Song Of Ice And Fire Series, by George R. R. Martin – On my to read list

6. 1984, by George Orwell

7. Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury

8. The Foundation Trilogy, by Isaac Asimov

9. Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley

10. American Gods, by Neil Gaiman

11. The Princess Bride, by William Goldman

12. The Wheel Of Time Series, by Robert Jordan – I gave up in book 2, just couldnt get through all the words!

13. Animal Farm, by George Orwell

14. Neuromancer, by William Gibson

15. Watchmen, by Alan Moore

16. I, Robot, by Isaac Asimov

17. Stranger In A Strange Land, by Robert Heinlein

18. The Kingkiller Chronicles, by Patrick Rothfuss – On my to read list

19. Slaughterhouse-Five, by Kurt Vonnegut

20. Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley

21. Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?, by Philip K. Dick

22. The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood

23. The Dark Tower Series, by Stephen King

24. 2001: A Space Odyssey, by Arthur C. Clarke

25. The Stand, by Stephen King

26. Snow Crash, by Neal Stephenson

27. The Martian Chronicles, by Ray Bradbury

28. Cat’s Cradle, by Kurt Vonnegut

29. The Sandman Series, by Neil Gaiman

30. A Clockwork Orange, by Anthony Burgess

31. Starship Troopers, by Robert Heinlein

32. Watership Down, by Richard Adams

33. Dragonflight, by Anne McCaffrey

34. The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress, by Robert Heinlein

35. A Canticle For Leibowitz, by Walter M. Miller

36. The Time Machine, by H.G. Wells

37. 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, by Jules Verne

38. Flowers For Algernon, by Daniel Keys

39. The War Of The Worlds, by H.G. Wells

40. The Chronicles Of Amber, by Roger Zelazny

41. The Belgariad, by David Eddings

42. The Mists Of Avalon, by Marion Zimmer Bradley

43. The Mistborn Series, by Brandon Sanderson – Ive read the first book and part of the second

44. Ringworld, by Larry Niven

45. The Left Hand Of Darkness, by Ursula K. LeGuin

46. The Silmarillion, by J.R.R. Tolkien

47. The Once And Future King, by T.H. White

48. Neverwhere, by Neil Gaiman

49. Childhood’s End, by Arthur C. Clarke

50. Contact, by Carl Sagan

51. The Hyperion Cantos, by Dan Simmons – On the to read list

52. Stardust, by Neil Gaiman – On the to read list

53. Cryptonomicon, by Neal Stephenson

54. World War Z, by Max Brooks

55. The Last Unicorn, by Peter S. Beagle

56. The Forever War, by Joe Haldeman

57. Small Gods, by Terry Pratchett

58. The Chronicles Of Thomas Covenant, The Unbeliever, by Stephen R. Donaldson

59. The Vorkosigan Saga, by Lois McMaster Bujold

60. Going Postal, by Terry Pratchett – On the to read list

61. The Mote In God’s Eye, by Larry Niven & Jerry Pournelle – On the to read list

62. The Sword Of Truth, by Terry Goodkind

63. The Road, by Cormac McCarthy

64. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, by Susanna Clarke

65. I Am Legend, by Richard Matheson

66. The Riftwar Saga, by Raymond E. Feist

67. The Shannara Trilogy, by Terry Brooks

68. The Conan The Barbarian Series, by R.E. Howard

69. The Farseer Trilogy, by Robin Hobb

70. The Time Traveler’s Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger

71. The Way Of Kings, by Brandon Sanderson

72. A Journey To The Center Of The Earth, by Jules Verne

73. The Legend Of Drizzt Series, by R.A. Salvatore – Ive red a few of these

74. Old Man’s War, by John Scalzi

75. The Diamond Age, by Neil Stephenson

76. Rendezvous With Rama, by Arthur C. Clarke

77. The Kushiel’s Legacy Series, by Jacqueline Carey

78. The Dispossessed, by Ursula K. LeGuin

79. Something Wicked This Way Comes, by Ray Bradbury

80. Wicked, by Gregory Maguire

81. The Malazan Book Of The Fallen Series, by Steven Erikson

82. The Eyre Affair, by Jasper Fforde

83. The Culture Series, by Iain M. Banks

84. The Crystal Cave, by Mary Stewart

85. Anathem, by Neal Stephenson

86. The Codex Alera Series, by Jim Butcher – Ive read book 1

87. The Book Of The New Sun, by Gene Wolfe

88. The Thrawn Trilogy, by Timothy Zahn

89. The Outlander Series, by Diana Gabaldan

90. The Elric Saga, by Michael Moorcock

91. The Illustrated Man, by Ray Bradbury

92. Sunshine, by Robin McKinley

93. A Fire Upon The Deep, by Vernor Vinge

94. The Caves Of Steel, by Isaac Asimov

95. The Mars Trilogy, by Kim Stanley Robinson

96. Lucifer’s Hammer, by Larry Niven & Jerry Pournelle

97. Doomsday Book, by Connie Willis

98. Perdido Street Station, by China Mieville

99. The Xanth Series, by Piers Anthony

100. The Space Trilogy, by C.S. Lewis

WIP Update

2011-08-04T19:53:00.001-07:00

Thanks for the comments on my rant yesterday. I am taking the co-worker’s comments with a grain of salt. But I am reserving the right to take the ass to a conf room the next time to explain how would his wife or girls feel if he made the same comments to them…
Oh the wonders of the snide comment found way after the fact!
Ok, on to this week’s WIP
Ginormous Granny Square

Its now up to 34 rows :)
Work got in the way a lot last week so the addition of rows was very limited.
Tonight its just me and DL. Oh and season 3 of Numbers on Netflix. Row 35 has been started.

Little People

2011-08-03T22:32:00.001-07:00

Gods Im really wanting to punch a co-worker.

Reason: Ive been wearing nicer clothes to work, something Ive wanted to do – move away from the jeans & t-shirts. Bad timing as I started doing this right before my boss gave notice. The person in question knows Ive placed my name in the hat for the boss position and is now making snide comments Im dressing for the position now.

Jackass

I know its due to jealousy. And really with this person I dont think it would matter if there was an open position. Its like the whole “You’re turning into a suit” (yup, Secret to my Success quote) mentality but Im sick of it.

Just amazing how good I can feel leaving the house, complements from the hubby and kids and all it takes is a Jackass to destroy it all.

Ramblings from a Monday Mind

2011-08-01T21:55:00.001-07:00

First off thank you for all the wonderful comments on my fair ribbons. I hope to have more items finished for next year’s fair.

So many new hand muscles getting used by crocheting!
I changed up my crochet hook for one with a bamboo handle. Much nicer for my right hand, now to get a better handle on things for the left. (or would that be grip?)
I finally spent time yesterday and created my crochet journal. Ive got two whole entries so far. Lots of thinks going on, one project that should be done soon, another Im still working the kinks out off and more in my brain I want to do.
My giant granny square is currently 33 rows. It would have been more but I had to take out one whole row. Seems I still have issues with counting in other crafts (bummer). Pictures posted Wednesday
Mother Maya (cross stitch) has some major malfunctions (more counting issues) that may result in most of a motif getting ripped. Not sure what the full damage is as I grounded it as soon as I found it. (what can I say, it was at the fair and dang hot – for what we are currently used to (low 80’s))
Closing on the new house for sis & parents has been placed on hold. Not sure where this puts us for packing up and moving out.
Getting my nails done Wed. Its been too long and Im quite bored with the colors I have going on now. (white with yellow tips and silver between).
Direct TV is going out. Its plain math at this point. We watch at most 10(+-) channels on a regular basis (Discovery ones at that). Why pay through the nose for stuff that isnt getting watched? So we are sticking with Netflix (disk & streaming) and trying out sites for the shows we cant get.
As of today I have read 41 books in 2011.
Need more time in the day to get to all my hobbies (reading, cross stitch, crochet). Work is getting in the way – need to win the lottery soon!

Think that will free up space in my gray matter. A bit at least :o)

Fun at the Fair

2011-07-31T20:38:00.001-07:00

Ok not really. It was fun stitching with friends (Hi Laurie & Jennifer!) but it was hot and not fun standing in lines. Thankfully the needle arts are in an air conditioned building.

News from this year’s fair!

I wasnt going to enter Tanglewood but changed my mind.

Also entered Bethlehem (White Ribbon)

And Quaker Alphabet (Blue Ribbon)

Very exciting to say the least. I am glad I entered Tanglewood. There still werent a bunch of cross stitch entries, about three tables. There were more variations (charts, kits, small, large) and two large HAEDs. Nice to see the differences.

Whoa! What was that?

2011-07-26T05:45:00.001-07:00

Whoosh – flyby posting!

After having a whirlwind weekend, driving to & fro Livermore CA (that is 24hrs in a car folks), I am tired!

I do have a wonderful update to share (sole reason for the flyby)

Giant Granny blanket progress!

Folded

Well – I had 24hrs to burn (trying so hard not to sleep in the car – I failed) and the rousting town of Livermore (sorry folks – not much to see here) so rows were quickly added.

Started the weekend off with 10 rows and ended with 30.

Im quickly running out of yarn from the four skeins of color Im using so I need to figure out how to wrap this bad boy up…

WIP Wednesday

2011-07-20T21:32:00.001-07:00

Ok trying something new to get my keester moving and project completed – Posting on Wednesday a pic of what Ive been working on during the week.

Ive seen fellow x-stitchers do this and Tami has a group doing this on the kitting and crocheting world. Seems like a good plan.

Here I go.

I started another blanket (oh I know but more on that after the break)

This will be a large granny square blanket for a gift. Colors are white, blue, green and red (bold colors)

Now for the update on the first one I “started”. Im still having issues with what the pattern is telling me to do and what seems should be done. Through a friend at work, I found there is someone who would love teaching others how to crochet and will be starting up a class. I cant wait for it to start! Hence the granny square.

I will be stuck in a vehicle forever this weekend and wanted/needed something to help keep me awake. My cross-stitch may be too much to deal with in the car while the blanket should be easy-peasy. Im hoping to get a bunch done.

Needing a Screaming Pillow

2011-07-18T20:55:00.001-07:00

for screaming into!!

Ok, Im trying to do this blanket for my first crochet project and I cannot get past the first block and its because the math is just plain wrong.

Here are the distructions so far

Ch 35

Row 1: dc in 4th chain from hook, dc in next ch and each ch across – 33dc

Rows 2-18 ch 3, turn, dc in each st across

how here is where my head starts hurting

Round 19 ch 1, do not turn; picot to work along side, work 31 sc evenly spaced along side; picot to work in free loops along opposite side of foundation ch, sc in first ch, sc in next 31 ch, 3 sc in next ch; pivot to work along other side, work 31 sc evenly spaced along side; pivot to work along sts of row 18, 3 sc in first st, sc in next 31 sts, 3sc in last st; join with sl st in first sc.

Now for the math issues. I am counting a total of 18 dc rows. If I do a minimum of 2 sc per dc on Round 19 wouldnt that equal 36?! And wouldnt it look and work wrong to make that 31? How can I make 36 sc in to 31?

Here is what the “square” looks like currently

Any help would be most appreciated

(off to find a pillow for screaming)

Redo

2011-07-16T23:18:00.001-07:00

We took the boys skating today. P and friends had an ok time. I was not told that two of the foursome had not skated before. Would have been a big difference and a change of plans would have been made.

I took stitching along and was able to add a few letters to Love by Bent Creek.

Yarn

Now for the redo stuff. The crochet project I started had to be ripped out and redone. It helps to understand how to correctly do a stitch before running ahead. D was flabbergasted watching me pull out all those stitches but Im so glad I did.

Now instead of a rectangle I had before (when it should have been a square) I had a square. Oh and got back to right where I was before all that darn ripping.

This first project is for P. Im attempting to make a patchwork throw but may make it larger for him to wrap in (or use on a full size bed). The color of the blocks is camo with all the borders in black.

I already have plans for a similar blanket for DL, fingerless gloves for me and P (he saw some and wants a pair as well), and a bag. BUT still only working on one crochet project until it is finished!

Im starting a new journal to track these new projects and what (and when) they are finished.

Family

Good news! The parents have received and accepted another offer on the house! I dont know the new close date yet but the stress of getting all the stuff out by early Aug is currently on hold. Now we are all focused on packing the known items that will be going to the new house. Just in time for me to use my new mask :)

TGIF

2011-07-15T19:55:00.001-07:00

Wow what a week! @ work we had out of town visitors – this can mean really late nights or just really busy days. This week it was a combo.

D called it a Margarita night – and off to Pepita’s later tonight to indulge in wonderful beverages (Im going for Peach blended again, mmm) and absolutely delectable guacamole. Dont know what they mix in but dang – It can almost be a meal of its own.

Yarn

Ive started another string craft – Crochet! I just cant get my brain (or fingers) wrapped around knitting at this time. My stitches (knits/purls) are just too tight. But I can do crochet :) So for starters Im working on a throw for P, camo with black edging. I have plans on possibly working on a shawl/cardigan for me but Im trying to keep this line of projects a one-at-a-time process. I know – hard to imagine but Im going to try!

(have you seen the amigurmi?!? Its gonna be hard not to start one of these guys – Cthulhu is just screaming to be stitched)

Other Stuff

Skate World is on the plans for tomorrow. 3 friend, 5 kids total are all off to enjoy the fun that is roller skating. Me? I will be sitting at a completely uncomfortable booth (no cushions here) watching and waiting for them to fall (bad form I know but its a throw over from the Olympics and Ice Skating). Other projects will be brought out into the light for working, just not sure which ones those will be. I will be working on that list while consuming yummy peach margaritas tonight.

(ok, I will only get through one. They are quite large and Im a total lightweight.)

(nope, not driving either)

Queen of Shadows - Review

2011-07-15T19:21:00.001-07:00

Miranda Grey has powers she doesnt know about and they are killing her. After being left for dead the dark, mysterious stranger (every PNR has to have one right?) comes and rescues her, shows her a world she never new and can now never forget.

Sure its a story that is told over and over. It took a couple starts before I finally got yanked in and couldnt put it down until finished.

Miranda starts of weak but comes out blazing.

4/5 stars

Me and So

2011-07-11T22:37:00.001-07:00

So is a word I am so getting tired of hearing.

So why do you ask?

I have a person in my office that cannot, ever not start a conversation without the word So.

Oh and it comes complete with body movement. A whole ballet that has to be complete before the word So can be spoken.

Trust me, Ive tried to head them off but nope, everything has to be done just – well, So.

Do I get a Prize?

2011-07-10T21:54:00.001-07:00

I had my first Mammogram Friday. Sure it wasnt as bad as I had planned but sure doesnt mean it was pleasant. Almost think there should be a sticker like I Voted after surviving the machine, twisting, pulling and squashing. Just saying.

Family

Ive mentioned that Sis family are moving to WA. Well the parents are moving as well and we are all tasked with the overwhelming project of cleaning out a house with over 30 years of stuff accumulation. Did I say overwhelming, I meant extremely overwhelming!

Right now plans are for Sis to help out when she can (has more days off being a nurse) and I come in on the weekends.

There are currently only four weekends left before they have to be out of the house. FOUR!!! ACK! Oh and one of those we (the kids) wont be available so really its just three. (Ive used the word overwhelmed?). The last weekend will be the hard push, I will be taking at least Friday off and working until everything is gone.

Thankfully the the house everyone is moving into in WA is close to closing so its move from old house to new house.

The old house is old, dusty, and hell on my lungs. After spending time there yesterday I feel as if Ive been in the water too long, like a heavy weight is on my chest. Icky. I meant to get a face mask but just wanted to get there and packing. Wont be doing that again. It may be summer and hot but will be using a mask going forward.

**Update**

Just found out the deal on my parents house fell through. That sucks, but the move is still on as far as I know. And the packing goes on…

Too much

2011-07-10T11:27:00.001-07:00

has really been going on and I have wanted to get words down but then got too lazy or was in a bad spot to get them down and couldnt remember the wittiness I wanted to share. Rinse and repeat.

The latest item of note – I now have a fourteen year old living in my house. P’s birthday was Wednesday. Lots of ice cream, some cake and yes presents were had. A friend party will take place later with just a small group for skating. Was hard getting him to nail down what he wanted to do.

The fourth was fun. We stayed home as normal (so much easier that way) and had bbq. Laid back day with nice display put on by D and the boys. My parents came over to watch as well. Turned out to be a late night as my head didnt smack the pillow until after midnight. So didnt want to get up and work the next day!

Another large item is that Ive placed my name in the hat for a new position at work. Will see what happens.

Not much stitching has happened. Sure items come out in preparation of adding x’s to projects but it somehow just doesnt happen.

Next week should be better :)

Another one bites the dust

2011-07-03T20:26:00.001-07:00

It must be a thing with me and the home computers. Well, Im hoping it stays with the home computers. This time its D’s gaming laptop that has decided its done.

*sigh – so not happy here!

Onward and onward

Today was spent at the new water park, Evergreen Wind and Water in McMinnville, OR. It was fun before it became packed with people. Just dont believe its worth the $30 per person admission. (yes, $30 for 4 water slides, a wave pool and one of those dump bucket jungle gym thingies)

DL is SO wanting to go back for more but Im thinking more towards The Great Lodge where the cost of the park is included in with the room. For a weekend we four can get water logged and sleep very close by :)

As far as stitching goes I havent added many x’s in. I did restart Love by Bent Creek that will be a wedding sampler.

Im trying to get projects in the fair this year but the wedding (for the above sampler) is over the same weekend I need to drop off the projects. Will have to see what I can work out…

Hard Bitten - Review

2011-06-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

Hard Bitten by Chloe Neil is the fourth in the Chicagoland Vampires novels. This is not a series one can just jump into mid-way and understand what is going on…

Its hard to write this review without giving out spoilers! I couldnt wait to get started and it sucked me in and spit me out in one day (I am a fast reader)

Merit has her snark back in book 4 (yea!). Her bestie Mallory is more in the background and not as whinny.

There is a new antagonist joining the party - perfect to hate (oh and you will!)

And the shocker I just cant talk about.

No cheating and reading the last of the book first!!

Trying to Plan Ahead

2011-06-28T18:50:00.001-07:00

So many things are happening at work that are making me rethink my job path and the S word is coming to the forefront of my brain more and more.

School!

To help market myself better, Im thinking of getting my MBA in Information Technology Management from Western Governors University

This would be another year - year and a half commitment and more $$ spent towards schooling (still paying off UofP). Im giving myself until the end of July to think it over, then I will start the process rolling.

Ive Been Challenged!

2011-06-26T19:35:00.000-07:00

Well, Im really challenging myself. The local library has a summer reading program for adults, monthly prizes and a grand price at the end of the summer. All I have to do is write up a review on each book I read.

Its new to me this year and thanks to the book blogs Ive been following there is a long list of books to read.

First up this week is Hard Bitten by Chloe Neill. Book four of the Chicagoland Vampires novels.

The first three were fun, fast reads for me. This has been an enjoyable series for me – no thinking involved and I get to immerse myself into the story.

Next on the list of have to reads is Hexed by Kevin Hearne. He is a new author and quickly became a favorite. I won his first book through Goodreads and just got the second today.

The third book on my next to read list is Fuzzy Nation by John Scalzi. He is another author blog I am following and a good finder of books to add to my ever growing list.

Another Goodreads ARC win is Busted Flush, part of the George R. R. Martin edited Wild Cards short stories.

That one will have to wait until I finish the first of that series, Wild Cards I. I have started reading this one and so far Im enjoying them

Ah, Summer Vacation

2011-06-26T15:57:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful family vacation, a week spent at the Oregon Coast. And it was Wonderful, Marvelous, Spectacular and I could go on. The whole week was this beautiful.

(Beverly Beach, Oregon)

I thought about doing a blog diary with bits of daily tidbits but that sounded like way too much work, which was something I was trying hard not to do. That and getting access to the internet was very patchy (ah, darn!)

(DL @ Beverly Beach, Oregon)

We did get some of the required (for us) goodies, Salt-water taffy and Seafoam. Had Smores at least three times, fire in the pit most nights and mainly just enjoyed not having a time table for anything.

The last day we went to a different park and during the sun setting we were serenaded by bagpipes. It was very windy, cold and this young man was walking in and out of the waves (making me colder) playing away. Wonderful finish to a great week.

(Lincoln Beach, Oregon)

I did take stitching with me but didn’t accomplish much. My eyes and fingers packed more than I realistically could even stitch on but a girl has to have options right? Only thing that came out was Farm House

Well Im off to switch laundry loads, figure out whats for dinner and try getting back into the mindset of work – *sigh

Great Plans and all that

2011-06-14T21:31:00.001-07:00

Ive been derailed by a pulled calf muscle. An extremely pissed off pulled calf muscle.

And all I was doing when it came into being is hurrying to the train to get out of town and to the gym. Then POP! (oh yes – heard, felt that then the pain, lots of pain)

Thankfully a trip to the Dr has reassured me its not the end of the world, I just have to stay off the leg for the next few days and let it heal (ie, keep it elevated, ice and ibuprofen).

I can do that but things need to get done! Vacation is a-calling and it is waiting for no man (or woman, kid and definitely NOT a calf muscle)

*sigh

My current compromise is keeping off of it tomorrow and see where things are at. The gym is out of the picture until at minimum after vacation.

So hoping for a quick heal – I want to enjoy next week!

(mmm stitching, smores, sound of the ocean…more stitching ;-p)

Thinking ahead

2011-06-11T13:09:00.001-07:00

Doesn’t this look wonderful? Its homemade vanilla extract from Canning homemade. I love real vanilla extract, my current fave is from Haiti (parents have a sister church there) but it’s a bit hard to get when running low .

Seeing the picture above got me thinking of Christmas gifts and what goes with vanilla and Christmas? Cookies!! After surfing I found a few that sound yummy and also call for vanilla.

Thinking that I can cook up a couple batches to share and have recipients choose their fav to mix and eat at home, along with the vanilla to take too.

Back in the herd

2011-06-07T21:27:00.001-07:00

D and I joined another gym last week. Of course due to life we werent able to go until this week, after work no less.

Yesterday and today were good burn days. Used the elliptical and stair step (evil, evil machine) yesterday and the elliptical and treadmill today (cool down on the treadmill)

It does seem wrong to use the treadmill at the gym when I have one at home.

Of course getting back in the program makes doing extra things in the day a bit difficult. Tired but good tired.

Now to see if I can keep it going. Maybe paying for the privilege will help guide me to going regularly?

I was able to stitch a bit this weekend. On the way to SILs and some on Sunday while waiting for files to copy during the great computer save (that of course didn’t). Pictures will be taken later this week for sharing.

Another Bites the Dust

2011-06-05T17:57:00.001-07:00

Another computer has died. My laptop had enough last Tuesday and gave me error after error. More complete checking today has us at the death knoll.

Of course it had to be that it was listening to D and I talk about him getting a new laptop and shifting of computers in the house (trickle down theory works here). But it wasn’t going to stick around and wait.

So for the meantime Im using D’s laptop (so pretty!)

Now Im sitting back with a yummy Jack & coke going through posts I wasn’t able to really review on my phone.

A Long Weekend

2011-05-30T19:48:00.001-07:00

My long weekend vacation was wonderful. Friday was some work (not much), stitching and DL’s school carnival. All throughout the weekend D & I spent our lazy time watching wonderful war movies on TCM. No Dirty Dozen or Bridge of the River Kwai but we did get to watch Kelly’s Heros (love the cast), Battleground (another great Van Johnson film), Sergeant York (my first watching of this one – great movie)

Saturday was spent getting my nails done, going to A&T (Happy B-day Jeannine!) where I picked up

R&R’s Winifred Gardener – A Stitcher’s Home (kitted that up – all cottons, left the silk out),

Sampler & Antique Needlework – Summer Ed.

Jeannine was nice enough to place Green Dragon Bookmark by Dracolair Creations in my bag and its so cute I had to bring it home with me.

Another goodie I was able to snatch up at Borders (before they all went away) is Joan Elloitt’s Collection

A new letter is out for the Dark Alphabet – F for Furies using the Forbidden Stitch.

Updates!

I said I would post updates – you just had to wait for the weekend to be over

Farm House – After I finished Snow Garden I pushed forward to Farm House (BBD AofH #5)

Fall Mandala – To keep up with my Ink Circle stitchers group I was busy stitching on Fall Mandala all weekend.

And here is my helper for the long weekend…

Ah Friday

2011-05-27T22:28:00.001-07:00

Today was day one of a wonderful 4-day weekend. And I actually took time off of work (ok I did log in and help out a couple of people but I tried really hard to ignore the email beeping on my phone).

My sister and BIL will be moving to Washington later this summer. He is a Youth Minister and is changing churches. Off to Longview they go. Its just about an hr (+/-) away.

DL's school carnival was tonight and was a bit underwhelming. Not as many booths for the kids to do. Missing playing bingo - was able to pick stuff for the boy's class to do last year and hoped to do the same this year but no luck.

And Ive been stitching! Remembered this morning that I havent done any x's on an Ink Circle project and I need to for pics and posting on the Ink Circle Stitcher's blog. Masquerade came out to play for a bit and Fall Mandala. I was going to try and complete the outline on the Mandala before I started filling color in but I just cant wait. The outline is getting REALLY boring and it needs to be spiced up.

I took Bethlehem for framing today. Getting it done for Christmas, and just thinking about - maybe entry into the county fair this year.

Picture updates will be shared later this weekend.

Only Tuesday??

2011-05-24T20:30:00.001-07:00

Is it really only Tuesday? Workwise my brain seems to be working on last week’s fires, or thats what it feels like. D has his truck in the shop this week and I was on taxi service duty but thankfully a friend of our (who just happens to work with D) has been doing part of the taxi bits. And most of the mornings to boot! yea!! I wasnt looking forward to getting DL up and going that early.

Fit

So I finally get MyPlate data updated and Im losing calories to consume. Totally understandable with the lbs lost I want to accomplish weekly but dang! Looks like I may need to increase my workouts a tad to make up for the food my bod is wanting me to consume (good food that is, just finding myself hungrier at times).

Oh and the energy sink! Sucks taking a week off as I thought I was starting to get used to the early days and pushing the bod by working out and getting some of my energy back. Feels like Im back on week 1 and ready for nap time in the afternoon. Seriously - just 20 min nap. Please??

Stitching

So very annoying - I brought stitching to actually work on today and what happens? I leave the pattern at home. And I can see in my minds eye exactly where it is, not that it does any good.

Bah!

Thankfully Im working on a popular chart and can find a picture of it online, enough to help me with the filler bits I chose to work on today but not much else.

Well Im off to add more x’s then off to my comfy bed.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

2011-05-22T20:26:00.001-07:00

Dang, its already Sunday.

P and I participated in a SOLV cleanup yesterday. He needed it for a school grade and I got to go as he is underage. We spent three hrs pulling up evil English ivy from the park floor where it was busy choking native plants and trees.

Unbeknownst to us, the Portland Rose Festival court was also there doing good deeds and getting pictures taken. P joined in at the end of their work time for a pic.

Today I have areas of my bod letting me know they are none too happy of the hike to the site (which we did twice – left water at the car). But we had a good time and did a great job pulling ivy.

FIT

So I took the week off. No tracking food, no getting up at the ass crack of dawn to work out, none of that. Allergies knocked me down Sunday & Monday and I took the rest of the week just to sleep. Hate this time of year with all the pollen and grass cutting, all the stuff that wont leave my head alone and unstuffed. Thankfully (well so far) the ivy pulling didnt cause any issues.

I did pretty good, with all that non-doing. Still lost some weight, not a lot – no gaining (yea!) and no inches added or lost. I will take it :-)

Now with my week off behind me, I am gearing up for tomorrow morning. Getting up at 4:30ish, dressed, treadmill on, x-box whirling and water in my bottle already to sweat.

Stitching

Anniversaries of the Heart – I have all the charts and as of today have a game plan of what will be personalized where for each house. I will leave the dedication piece as is, using the suggestion for recording the pieces. As for the alphabet bonus piece, Im thinking of changing that to a phrase. Now to think of something…

A Bit Closer to Friday

2011-05-19T21:04:00.001-07:00

Camping – Things are coming together nicely for the camping trip. Thanks to my wonderful SIL, we will have use of their trailer instead of our tent. Perfect for the wonderful PacNW weather we have been having. Mother Nature cant make up her mind or allow us more than 3 dry days in a row. A trailer will be nice to get out of the weather for a bit.

The added bonus is that I will still be able to stitch while camping! That wasnt a sure thing with the tent. Where would I stitch, how would I use the light, would I be able to use a light. The thinks go on and on.

Im really getting excited about going!

(may also be that I wont be able to take my work laptop and cell coverage may not be ideal for conversations and I just might have a real vacation – from work! :-p)

Thank you Science Channel for showing Firefly in the order it was intended and not the nightmare it was shown originally (or continued on Sy-Fy (joke of a channel that is)). It is a shame the rug was pulled out from under this series.

SHOES!!

Arent these awesome! Brown Velvet Danskos! Found these on Ebay and I have 6 days to decide if I want to try and get them. Well that and see if the $$ stay low.

Book Review: Live Free Or Die

2011-05-18T21:25:00.001-07:00

First Contact Was Friendly

When aliens trundled a gate to other worlds into the Solar System, the world reacted with awe, hope and fear. When the first aliens to come through, the Glatun, turned out to be peaceful traders, the world breathed a sigh of relief.

Who Controls the Orbitals, Controls the World

When the Horvath came through, they announced their ownership of us by dropping rocks on three cities and gutting them. Since then, they've held Terra as their own personal fiefdom. With their control of the orbitals, there's no way to win and Earth's governments have accepted the status quo.

Live Free or Die

To free the world from the grip of the Horvath is going to take an unlikely hero. A hero unwilling to back down to alien or human governments, unwilling to live in slavery and with enough hubris, if not stature, to think he can win.

Fortunately, there's Tyler Vernon. And he has bigger plans than just getting rid of the Horvath.

Troy Rising is a book in three parts—Live Free or Die being the first part—detailing the freeing of Earth from alien conquerors, the first steps into space using off-world technologies and the creation of <st1:city><st1:place>Troy, a thousand trillion ton battlestation designed to secure the Solar System.

My Review

Live Free or Die is the first book in a new series from John Ringo. Overall this was a fun read. Loved Part 1 and the use of maple syrup of all things (its one of those ‘you just gotta read it’ things). The over-the-top gray matter use of the main character was perfect for the beginning of the book but got a bit annoying throughout the remaining parts. No one is that much of a brainy-ack

I liked the differences of the aliens, some use of a "prime directive"

Parts 2 & 3 took a bit longer for me to get through. 2 was more of a bridge between 1 & 3 and 3 was a bit technical for my taste but the ending made it worth finishing.

My Rating: 3 stars. The second book Citadel has been reserved at the library.

Bits of this and that

2011-05-16T21:01:00.001-07:00

Support Your Favorite Authors!

There is a good top 10 list of what you can do to help support your favorite authors. Author Jody Hedlund (The Preacher’s Bride) put a great list on her blog. It makes good sense. Like an author or book, share it. Pretty much the same line throughout most of the 10 items listed.

And here is another 10 (ok first 9 are more for lols but #10 is in line to help)

There are a bunch of new authors Ive been reading this year and I try and share my thoughts on the book here and at Goodreads when Im done. Im also thinking about finding out how the local library handles donations as they sometimes dont have the first book of a series (ya, no clue on that one) or some of the new authors I want to read. Thinking I could get the book, read it, then donate to the library for others.

“Missed Out’s Little Moment of Win - Today, the first actual ice cream truck I've ever seen came down my street. The fact I finally got to experience what I hadn't before completely MMD! And the ice cream was delicious!”

Ice cream trucks - Its different when you have two living down the street from you and hear twice the musac during the summer days. I do miss only hearing it once in a while and remember pestering parents for ice cream $$ and hoping I made it outside in time.

Stitching

Another finish – of sorts. BBD AotH Snow Garden is complete except for the personalization bits. Ive done some gray matter rearranging on how Im going to finish this piece, making it more current generational stuff, and working it out may be easier once all the house blocks are complete.

Blends - a stitch group friend of mine made a wonderful comment about blended threads. She just used the darkest and moved on. What a concept! So that is what I will be doing to finish up AotH as Im using DMC and some of the blends just arent making it.

A new letter for A Dark Alphabet is out. E for Eek.

Tuesday Tangles

2011-05-10T20:54:00.001-07:00

Before I start pulling weirdness out of my grey matter I have questions to ask on behalf of Kid 1.

He is doing a project for school and has a couple questions he would like to ask.
1. When you have dead household batteries, what do you do with them? (AAA, AA, C, D)

2. If you do recycle, where do you take them?

Feel free to email me if you dont want to add comments.

Thank you for any who participate :-)

Now on to pulling weirdness

The cover of Def Leppard's photograph by Daughtry and Santana is just wrong. It's Leppard or nothin' – nuff said.

Fit Stuff - Feeling pretty good for my first week back working out and eating right. 1 lb and 3.5 inches lost. Thinking working out to Xbox dance central has a bunch to do with the lost inches. All that moving and twisting has my core reminding me what it should be used for.. It will be staying on the workout schedule for now. Do have to say my energy level is still trying to catch up.

Got a new down pillow. Thought the bed was giving me a nasty crick but D thought it might be the pillow. Have to say Ive slept better (well according to D I have), not that I recall much while sleeping. The old pillow will be tossed in the trash (did keep it in case the new one didnt fit)

Terms of Endearment – has got to be one of the saddest movies ever! And I always seem to catch it on TV when she is in the hospital. Love the part where Mom goes running-screaming for the shot. I can see myself doing that for my kids if needed.

Stash - I picked up the last house of bbd anniversary houses and crosseyed crickets autumn. Also kitted up autumn. Trying to wait and not start it but it's starting to whine. I've got enough wips keeping me busy, just don't want work on any of them. Im bored.

And a plug for the wonderful sampler In the Company of Friends are doing in memory of Lisa Roswell of “The Primitive Needle”. Its called A Dark Alphabet and so far looks way to fun not to stitch. A-D are ready for download. I had to get the fabric for this and ran to A&T tonight to pick it up.

Fit Motivated!

2011-05-03T19:58:00.001-07:00

Is it bad for me to want to kick/slap/scream at some people?

Im back on Livestrong.com using the daily plate to record every tiny morsel that passes my lips and every calorie I burn exercising. I went to check the group I was involved in last year to see if some of the old names were still there (and they are - good for them!) but I had to take pause at the extreme whining that is going on.

Now Im all for getting in a group. The motivation can be very helpful but to whine constantly, every day about:

"I should be exercising but Im stuck - Motivate me please!"

"Darn those snack cakes calling me from the pantry - Motivate me please!"

"I did ______ exercise today and I dont see any change - Motivate me please!"

Can I say I am motivated to not visit any more? I am for motivation but for one or two people to just dominate a group with all this whining is too much. Take some responsibility and move people!

Yes, losing weight, getting back into shape, eating right sucks. Just plain sucks. All that yummy food I want to just sit around and munch on like a mindless drone is not good. Thats why Im back to what was doing good for me last year. Eating right, eating within my caloric intake levels, tracking EVERYTHING, and waking up at the ass crack of dawn to exercise cause I know if I dont it wont get done - afternoon is too easy to "do it later" and then its bed time.

Doing everything in the above paragraph doesnt fix everything in the blink of an eye. Took me a while to cultivate the look I have now. It will take a while to get it changed.

Please note I didnt say changed back. While it would be wonderful to get back to the 25" waist I had in my early 20's its also not realistic. Of course I wont turn back if Im able to get there. But Im also on the dark side of 40 and the older me has limitations and placing unrealistic goals will only make me frustrated with the seemingly lack of progress that will happen and that can halt the entire getting healthy process.

Another thing that chaps me is the constant view on the scale. Go down to the store and get a good fabric measuring tape and use it to measure yourself. Inches may be lost faster and sooner than the weight. Thats how it is with me. I can work out daily, sweat buckets, eat right and within my limits and still not loose a damn lb but 10 inches will be gone. I will take losses any way I can. Clothes fit better in both cases and sometimes better with more inches lost :-p

Now I do weigh myself. Once a week. I fight hard to keep my feet from dancing to the scale, toe-tapping the buttons to turn it on just to see what the evil thing tells me my fortune is for today. Its a horrible motivator. It changes constantly with when you last ate or drank to if you just peed.

So, motivate yourself. Keep unhealthy snacks out of the house if you cant keep your hands away from them. If there is something you think you shouldnt have, dont eat it. Find out if its something you can have then you know for next time. Pick reasonable goals (say loose 5lbs or go down a pant size) and once one goal is reached pick a new one.

Mush

2011-05-02T19:04:00.001-07:00

That is me today.

Got up at the ass crack of dawn (love that phrase), 4am to punish my bod for getting in the condition its in. So really, I punished myself. Turned on Your Shape (Xbox Kinect game) and stepped, squatted and lunged (ok did what I could to lunge) for 30 some-odd min or so.

Wasnt happy with the cheerful helper chick in the game (“do deeper lunges!”) towards the end of that work out. Some nasty words may have been tossed in the direction of the TV, fully knowing she didnt care what I thought. Made me feel a bit better.

Then I went walking on the treadmill (duo of chaos running around like, well the agents of chaos)

Had a pretty good day after all that. Not a twinge anywhere letting me know that the bod was not appreciative if what Im trying to do.

That is not until my walk to the train later this afternoon.

My legs were the first to complain. Then my arms and finally my lower back.

Now Im counting the hrs (ok, minutes) til I fall into bed

And get up raring to do it all again tomorrow

Bring on the Zumba!

Ah Sunday

2011-05-01T20:40:00.001-07:00

Well, that can be taken two ways eh? AHHH Sunday or Ahhh Sunday. For me its a mix of the two. Another wonderful Sunday of just kicking back, thinking of things that could be done – may be done. But then its Sunday which means tomorrow is…Monday!!

I am a goofball. A post was started this morning, even had bunches of letters, made into words, sentences and even paragraphs. Now all gone. All with me clicking on a little grey x.

So – back to clearing out of the belfries

The Glades are back in June – squee!

*yumm

Kindle Library Lending – Amazon will be launching a new lending service for the Kindle later this year. Thank you to Arthemise for sharing this news. Im hoping my library will begin this program in addition to the unfriendly ebook service they currently have.

Spring weather is starting to peak through the clouds. With the weather comes grass cutting, pollen, itchy eyes, stuffy head, et all. Much fun!

Getting sucked into another computer game, Minecraft. Its a silly game where you remove and place blocks to build anything. Wonderful monsters (zombies, skeletons, spiders and something that blows up) come out at night (or in the dark). Its so simple and I can sit and watch D for hrs, zoning on what he is doing in the game. Not to mention log in myself and mindlessly create, destroy and get blown up myself.

Books – I was a busy reader in April. 9 books were quickly consumed. Most were good. Some had slow starts but then I couldnt put them down. I did have a couple (not of the 9) that I will never finish. May looks just as full, word consumption wise.

Dansko Shoes – I went extreme window shopping this weekend. I love Dansko shoes, and most love me back.

Introducing Rowena

Sure the heels are 3” and I dont wear heals (hardly ever) but these are so damn comfy!

There are others (many) I tried on and would love to take home with me. Need to start saving.

Stitching

Dragon of Earth has been out when I have been stitching, which hasnt been much.

Joan Elliott fans – Cross Stitch Collection has released a UK only edition of some of her past designs. Gonna have to see what I can do to get a copy.

Lazy Day

2011-04-24T21:39:00.001-07:00

Ive had great Sunday. Totally laid back, did some stitching (more on that later) and book surfing. Found another author to read when I took the boys to Powells, Larry Correia and the Monster Hunter series. Checking out his blog I found more book review blogs; The Sci-Fi Guys Book Review, Hobo’s Books, and Elitist Book Reviews. And with them – more books are getting added to my to-read list.

Its official – my stitching is getting in the way of my book reading. My lists on Goodreads are expanding at an exponential rate. And sadly my local library just cant keep up (not surprising on that front – they are behind in a lot of ways). In keeping costs down, Im doing my best to stick with the library. But now also thinking about donating books to the library after Ive read them so their collection can be more up to date. Wonder how that would affect my taxes…

Stitching!

I did spend time this weekend away from reading and actually stitching.

Dragon of Earth came back out to play. .

Most of the darkest brown was added this weekend.

Party finish

2011-04-22T22:25:00.001-07:00

This week was no TV week for kid 2, we had kid 1 join in and both did fantastic! They read, played card & board games and the Legos are strung across both rooms. Not even a peep on when could they turn the TV on.

So for celebration I took them to Powells (local book store) and had each get a new book. Oh and paused by Cold Stone cause its Friday, sunny and you just cant to wrong by ice cream.

Stitching!

I actually stitched today. Dragon Dream’s Earth Dragon came out to play but thats not what Im showing tonight.

My MIL’s birthday is today and the party is tomorrow so I spent my evening finishing up what I stitched for her

The fabric backing is so fun. Main bummer is the hanger is a bit off center. Only so much fixing I could do without messing up the pom poms.

Smelling Spring

2011-04-20T21:20:00.001-07:00

There is nothing better than the smell of spring rain. Im hoping thats what we really have now, Spring! With living in the Pac NW – rain is a constant but the smell does change with the seasons.

We’ve had rain (lots and lots) in late March and so far April this year but this afternoon was the first time it smelled like Spring.

Since more is in the forecast for tomorrow I shall see if the smell is staying or it was just my smell senses over wishing.

I have no stitching updates, I dont think Ive done more than 20 x’s since the last time. I did get another book finished and another one started as well as a stack waiting to be picked up.

Oh the worlds Ive seen

2011-04-19T21:34:00.001-07:00

in BOOKS! lots and lots and lots of books. Ive updated my little Goodreads library link over to the right of my blog. It shows the bits and bobs that have been taking over my stitching time so far this year. The count so far is 21 (and rising fast).

Yes there have been a bit more than that which Ive picked up but Ugh! No way could I finish some of them. Only so much over-privileged person whining I will deal with, especially in writing. Or the series that has gone on just a few numbers too high.

Ive been looking into the possibility of getting a real Kindle (not just an app on my phone – screen is WAY too small) but not sure if I really want to pay full price for an electronic book. My library has a third party company they use for MP3 (online download) and e-books. The software to read the e-books has to be loaded on any machine (e-reader or not) in order for you to view their e-book version. Almost makes it pointless to get a Kindle as I wouldnt have another app placed on it. So Im doing more research before getting one

Or maybe its the stitching thats taking up my reading?

(oh I know that was a loaded sentence!)

Bits of everything

2011-04-18T21:13:00.001-07:00

Had a great weekend. Went to a friends Sat for a fun filled day of stitching and chatting with friends. Had a great time – but not much stitching really happened (too much giggling)

Sunday was the normal shopping day. I dragged D along, get him out of the house to stretch his sore muscles (he went jogging Sat for the first time in a while). We also went clothes shopping, He is a fabulous personal shopper and I should never go shopping without him. It was a search for pants & tops for work but ended up at JC Penny where they have a 50% off dresses sale. I scored! Three dresses for summer (and maybe spring if it ever decides to make an appearance). One was a little black dress that I couldnt leave behind after seeing the eyes pop out of D’s head when I walked out of the dressing room (so made my day!!)

Stitch Updates

I did work on a plethora of projects this weekend. Just couldnt stick with one.

Dragon of Earth by Dragon Dreams – Working (really slowly) on completing this series. I like how this dragon is looking on the green fabric.

His Name – Removed the offending stitches so it is ready to be worked on (on the + side) next time

Masquerade by Ink Circles – Im working on a 36/40 (uneavenweave) and it is looking really small. But still loving how VC’s silks are stitching.

Spring Bloomers – Im getting closer to how yellow the fabric is. Didnt add much but I did add some (all counts!! lol)

So Bendy!

And I leave you with the bendy kitteh, Not sure how this can be comfy but it is a cat. Busy sleeping and holding a back leg. Oh and hogging my foot space at my desk! (not that she cares :-) )

Damn you cold-blooded devil!

2011-04-15T22:10:00.001-07:00

Ok so I chose to work on WIPs today, see if I can get another one done this month. Working on His Name, did finish one of the names and while working on the big one in the center I found it, nasty frog. A big ugly sucker too. At least 1/3 of the center name is coming out.

Then this one will go back to the grounded pile. I hate frogs.

Exciting Stuff

2011-04-14T18:34:00.001-07:00

Ok first my Cousin (Gunnery Sergeant) re-enlisting into the Marines and doing it in STYLE

(cousin is in the lovely brown jumpsuit – Oh and thats my sister in green)

Sis was on hand as witness, she used to be a nurse in the Navy

Now she had talked about this, mainly how she would be pissed if her hubby did it and so I assumed she had decided not to go. Silly me

Im so glad she decided to go (or got talked into going by the Cousin). She will remember and cherish this for the rest of her life.

Now Im thinking about hoofing it over to Hawaii (while the boy is still over there) and getting tossed out of a plane. Has to be even better than bungee from a 17 story building (been there done that and Vegas is the place to go).

B-Ball

2011-04-13T21:12:00.001-07:00

Not forgetting the picture of Meadowlark Lemon. I thought I had more but they are mostly in the vids I also took (but wont post)

Yoda speak

I started Spring Bloomers from the May Cross-Stitch & Needlework issue. This pic isnt showing off the brightness of the yellow fabric, will try and get a better picture to show off the color. I also changed all the fibers to DMC.

And an update of Stained Glass Pine by Ink Circles

Another busy day

2011-04-09T20:48:00.001-07:00

I have no pictures today and not much stitched on. Both kids had Saturday Academy – both had a great time. Next was rushing home to inhale lunch and off to hair cuts for them and pampering for me (mmm, pampering). Pedi and nails. Ive added acrylic as my nails have been dry (even with lotion) and breaking off in painful ways.

Now to learn typing with extra bits getting in the way.

This afternoon we had the honor to see Meadowlark Lemon and the Harlem All-Stars play against some of the teachers in P’s school for a PTO fund raiser. Some of the usual skits were done, the yo-yo ball and water bucket (only on the audience, not the full bucket on the ref)

It was a blast! I was able to “mark an item off my bucket list” as D puts it. I loved watching the Globetrotters growing up but was never able to see them in person. Now I have (at least some of them) and to see Meadowlark – just wow! It was wonderful to be able to see them in a more personal venue and not ant size in a huge arena.

I will have pictures of that tomorrow for sure.

Walking, walking, walking

2011-04-08T19:59:00.001-07:00

Hi! Still around but been out of it this week. D is on a walking kick, working up to 5 miles a day. With the whole family (if homework is completed). Not so bad but geez does it wear me out! So far my average is 17-18 min mile. Pretty good for a gal who dropped all sort of working out at the end of summer last year. I wanted to get back up into the swing of things Jan but my bod obviously had other plans.

So for now the evenings are I get home, pester the kids (cause thats what good moms do :-p ), get ready for walking, wait for D to get home & ready, then off we go. ~40 min later we are home, I rush to make dinner (not sure how Im stuck with this) while D & boy 2 shower.

So by the time dinner is done, its all I can do to eat, stay up a bit to digest and not fall asleep in my chair. So sad :-)

I know the energy will get better, just takes a while as the bod is getting shocked at all this working. Today I will be increasing my water intake, less caffeine (well after my coffee in the morning anyway).

Blogger posting issues

Ive seen so many posts about Blogger posting pictures funky (and it does). Not to mention its an absolute pain in the a** to get said pictures uploaded (just all those steps for one picture let alone several) and then moved into place. Forbid if you accidently delete one (been there, done that)

I got fed up a couple years ago and started using Windows Live Writer. Its part of the Windows Live software download but you can choose only the Live Writer. I can change font, font size, color and better yet I can drag and drop pictures from where they are on my computer into the Live Writer post window and they go where I put them, I can resize, link them to another site or choose not to allow them to link anywhere.

Oh and I can use this for several blogs, no matter what service they belong to (Blogger, Wordpress, Typepad etc)

Downside I currently have is formatting. Hitting enter will create another paragraph and I have no control over spacing (Ive looked for the settings so if there are any they hide good) and it doesnt work on Blogger Pages.

Stitching Challenge!

Stitch Bitch is having another stitching challenge. This one sounds fun as the challenge can include creating your own part of the chart. I know my creative thoughts are moving – some at speeds faster than I can keep up with. Time will tell what I come up with. No sharing allowed until its all done.

Other Stitching stuff

I tried starting a new project last Saturday, Love by Bent Creek, its a wedding present for a friend. I got the E done and started working on the V when I discovered I was using the wrong fiber. *sigh thank you froggs. I had been missing a major color needed for this piece. Found out today its on Back Order (not good) but then checking it out more decided it just wasnt the right color for the piece so picked out another. I hope to get another start on it tomorrow while the boys are at Saturday Academy.

I also picked out DMC fibers for Spring Bloomers (Cross-Stitch & Needlework May 2011). Im stitching it on 36ct Sunshine from Lakeside Linen, a wonderful bright spring-y yellow. I may start this tonight, depending if I can get my fibers bobbined (see below)

Furry Minions investigations

I swear they can hear me remove the tags off the fibers for winding on to bobbins for both will come to investigate.

And watch, wait, move closer, watch some more and some times touch.

Milestone Day

2011-04-04T20:50:00.001-07:00

My youngest turned 10 today. Big milestone for him. Of course now he cant wait to drive the trucks…

For now he will have to deal with the Kick Ass new bike he got (after he gets the hang of riding it)

I havent been able to really sit down and relax or stitch much. See I was a tad overwhelmed this week, having completely misplaced the date of the BIG DAY. So blaming the business of late Feb early March.

But the party was put together and a good time had by all. (and for the record Bullwinkle’s Family Fun Center is LOUD!!)

I do have some updates of what I have been able to pick up and add x’s to.

First is Snowy Night by Prairie Schooler. Not much added but some better than none.

Next Stained Glass Pine by Ink Circles. Ive been working on this one this evening. Adding more of the outside outline.

Then Quaker Study by CHS. This was pulled out this weekend while I waited for P to finish his Saturday Academy class. He is taking microbiology, getting his hands on for CSI stuff. Good stitching time for me with the 2.5hrs of waiting.

And finally His Name. I just cant get a good stitching rhythm on this piece. Im blaming all that darn yellow. Its a gift and not for me but all that yellow is hard to get through.

Thank you for the comments on framed Tanglewood. It was fun picking out the right colors of mats and the cut-outs. Only the top was chosen and that style keeps with the leaves and bends of the tree. Now to find that perfect spot on a wall…

15 minutes

2011-03-31T21:39:00.001-07:00

So I figure I have 15 min of my day remaining (while waiting for a load of laundry to finish) and I wanted to pop in and show my framed Tanglewood before running off and adding some x’s to His Name.

Not a great pic, sun was heading down but the mats are shown off .

Now Im off to add something to His Name before hitting the pillow.

Baking Goddess

2011-03-28T21:35:00.001-07:00

Ok, maybe not a total baking goddess but I did make DL’s weekend by making scones. Those lasted two whole days (I had the last one). DL was planning on having one for breakfast (while I was eating the last one) so I did the good thing and we made – More!

Wonderful Chocolate chip/cream scones. 14 in this batch, all hand shaped. Which means rolled and squished then placed onto the pan. Sat I made really large triangles. Next time I will make two smaller balls, squish and cut into even-ish triangles (like pizza) then bake.

Ive been using my food processor to cut in the butter into the dry ingredients and can I say OMG why havent I done that before!! Tonight I used the large metal blade and it mixed in the butter so nice and evenly. Then dump into a bowl to add the wet and extras (mini chocolate chips and 1 cup heavy cream for this batch). Mix, shape, place on baking sheet, bake and enjoy the smell.

Here is the recipe I used – Scones – which I found on Tanya’s (The Sampler Girl) blog.

So easy and yummy!

I almost ran out to get the pan she uses (cause it looks so cool!) but Im holding off as I have a Silt pat (silicone baking mat) that works wonderful for baking cookies and scones.

Wonderful long weekend

2011-03-27T21:01:00.001-07:00

Even if it still felt short.

Friday was spent driving around, DL going to craft camp (he had a wonderful time), Dropped off Tanglewood at the framers to be further beautified, lunch with my Sister’s family (and inlaws), cleaning out the kitchen (and further evicting ants – yuck!), then taking boys over to my inlaws for the night.

Saturday D and I hung out, went shopping then hung out some more. Boys came home after dinner (easy dinner for 2 for 2 days!). I spent the evening baking & cooking. Scones, breakfast cake (not really coffee but close), bacon (mmm bacon) and cut up strawberries. The bacon was mostly consumed before bed time. Who can resist bacon?? The scones havent lasted much longer and I suspect the last will be gone during breakfast tomorrow.

Today was more hanging out then shopping. Then tiredness smacked me hard. Im tired but cant sleep and sore. Now Im waiting for bed.

Camping

We have officially reserved our first week of camping at the coast during the summer. Im shocked there was the time still available in one campground and the same spot for a whole week. No RV yet, just the tent. And I will be taking lots of hand-warmers to help keep me warm when I get cold. The boys are very excited.

Stitching

I have stitched this weekend – tried to get at least one page completed in His Name. Im closer but not quite there yet.

Thank you all for the wonderful comments on Tanglewood. I had fun Friday picking out the right frame and matting. I should be getting it back Wed and will definitely share pictures.