AND it DID

Yesterday about mid afternoon Mike said to me...'be careful of what you wish for'..I always wish for at least a foot of snow..This time I got my wish! Actually, I think we have more than a foot but so that it's not totally fabricated..I'll stick with 12"..

It was a bit tricky this morning at 6:30 when walking the pup..seems he just could not find 'his place'..I even cleaned a spot down to the grass and invited him over, but it just didn't smell right.

Walking was very difficult..to say the least. We live a half mile off the main highway and our street is not state maintained..soooo Nik and I made the first tracks..it was absolutely breath taking to walk in the virgin snow..and be snowed on while walking. I did not take the camera because I was afraid if I fell..I'd break the camera..leg,hip or arm..yes..camera-no..It was so deep it was even rough on Nik to make a track..his belly was dragging..and he's a rather large guy..he now weighs 92 lbs..after losing 8 since his last vet visit and reprimand for being a bit..over..

I had to choose each step carefully..and believe me when I say I've never had this good of a quad workout from the gym...I was dressed in ample clothing to stay warm in a blizzard but unfortunately my boots were not quite tall enough....after trying to figure out how I was going to make this trek...I remembered Mike had this awesome pair of insulated/waterproof and tall hunting boots from when he used to bird hunt...so I put on thick socks and these boots which are about 12" tall not counting all the heel etc..and they must weigh at least 5 lbs each....they were sufficient most of the way ..until we were almost back within sight of the house..and Nik decided to go into a field..as I trudged for him..it went at least 3" over the tops of the boots..so I'm saying..yep..we must have about 15" here. Our back door is drifted up from where the wind blew earlier last night and we can' t get out the kitchen door..but there are other exits that are fine..and the snow continues..actually heavier now than earlier. I'm a happy girl..

I came back from walking a bit damp and changed into some warm clean clothes and proceeded to make some dark choco. fudge..and I just finished some sausage balls. I finished my applesauce cakes a few days ago and fortunately delivered all of them to friends and neighbors on Thurs. and Fri..They must have been fairly good this year..one request for the recipe and one early call from a friend this morning that had some for breakfast..The rest of the day..I'm going to knit, sip tea and relax...and once the snow stops..I may clean my car off but I have NO plans to go any place for a day or so..this is my kind of weather..a special Christmas gift!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy New Year~

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW

Yep..
That's the forecast..snow and lots of it..we're in the 8+" area..
Stay safe and warm..it's going to be a great time to bake, wrap and get the last minute holiday ends 'tied' up.
Merry Christmas to All~

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing everyone a super great Thanksgiving!
I don't do specific grateful lists because I am extremely grateful for everything and everyone in my life.
I look forward to spending tomorrow with family at my home..yep, they will endure my cooking one more time. I guess it's easier to eat my less perfect meal and not complain than it is to have to do it yourself..ha ha Actually, I don't do too bad in the kitchen..and I don't anticipate any complaints.
I did bake 5 cakes over the weekend as part of my annual cake gifting and have delivered those to some of my neighbors and older friends..and today I made a pumpkin cheesecake for home as well as an applesauce cake..tomorrow we will work on 'Mr. Bird'
Have a relaxed and safe day!!
Count your blessing..I know you must have many!

A Simply Abundant Day

I got this wonderful invitation from my friend Claudette to come to her house today to visit, knit and have lunch. Of course, just the invitation to her home was enough..so I offered to buy her lunch but she said..no, we'd go to this little 'bistro' in town..Claudette isn't known to tell a fib so of course I knew we were going to do just that..however the bistro was in her very own dining room and I can't imagine there's one in her town that could serve up the delicious Caesar Salad she whipped up..it was the yummiest I've ever eaten..
Then she took me on a little side trip to The Glen Maury Park to show me the actual 'Buena Vista'(Good View)...then we took a most stimulating walk down the flood walk...so that we could go home and enjoy her awesome blueberry dessert served with ice cream..yep..I'm Abundantly full and happy..nothing simple about those pleasures.

It was a delightful visit but the time just flew by and it was time for me to head back over the mountain home before dark..which happens promptly about 5 p.m.

Thanks Claudette for a taste of Simple Abundance...I listened to the CD all the way back across the 'big hill'..very soothing for the soul..
And in case I didn't tell you how much I appreciate your friendship and love you..I do VERY MUCH!!

Almost done..except a bath and a button.

Sorry this photo isn't turned properly but it just wasn't and I didn't take the time to do it after the upload..but you 'get the picture..huh'..The pattern is The Baktus, using 2 skeins of Filatura DiCrosa, Maxine Print..The middle is The Harlot Scarf Pattern, using Noro Kochoran and the Sweater is using The Shalom Cardigan Pattern and I used Cascade Eco Wool..it took much less than a skein to make this..to fit a 34ish bust...that's all folks..although there are several more scarves in the making and many ideas in the mind.

Sit Tight

I promise a full report soon...I know I've been quiet..I've been busy and away..but I've also accomplished a bit of knitting..





The day after Labor Day..I got serious on my decision to curb my eating aka lose some poundage..because I had the big 40 High School Class Reunion coming up in Oct...so I figured I could squeeze off a few inches and be happier with how I look...I gave up my beloved beer, chocolate and soft drinks...I started drinking only hot tea and water and eating more sensibly...


I'm so pleased to say this was easy...until the week before my reunion and I went to Moms..and there were those ...Little Debbies...I did resist until after the reunion and then I was more conscious as I 'wolfed' them down. I was successful in dropping a few inches and pounds.. and had a great time at my reunion. It was the first time I had gone without Mike but because of being across town and trying to coordinate having 2 cars, etc..he was most happy to not be pressured into going..and I had a more relaxed time not worrying that he was bored..so a win-win!

Plus it was nice to get some hugs from some folks I'd not seen in a few years.

Mom and I had a great 2 week visit..we did some little something most days..even if it was as simple as coming to my house to visit..but we also did some 'firsts'...We had a court appearance to make over a land dispute that's been going on MUCH too long..and we went for manicures..Mom said she had never been to court(which is a good thing, I guess)..and she had never had a manicure...I think she enjoyed the simple pleasure of the manicure and may become a regular..that may be a little treat she and I share often.

I did accomplish 'some' knitting while there..but I wasn't able to keep up with the Sock Kal..I got swamped and didn't get past the heel..but that's ok..because they're both ready to do the foot..and that's clear sailing. I worked on a scarf I had on the needles for a while..it's still on the needles..it's dark yarn and with my aging eyes..dark isn't always easy to see..but I did finish a lovely Baktus..being the 3rd one..and I will post a photo later..I also finished a Harlot scarf, using Noro Kochoran..and she's quite lovely...AND..then...on Tues. night as I was reading my favorite blogs..I dropped by Susan's blog and saw her 14th sweater for 2009..it was a cute little Cardi..called Shalom Cardigan....say no more, I had the yarn in my stash(Eco Wool)..and all I needed to do was wind it..without much ado on Wed...I did this and cast on for this lovely little piece..She's coming along beautifully..actually if all goes well, she will be ready to come off the needles within a day or so....I've been obsessively knitting on this and am on row 70..and loving how cute it knits up...now you're thinking..I keep saying 'little' ..how can this be for me..well, it's not...I decided after first glance it would be such a cute Christmas gift for my Sister..she's much less chesty than I am..and can get by wearing those type things..but if this goes well..I intend to focus on another for me in the near future..the yarn has been stashed for some time..as well as the simple pattern..it's all about working up the courage to tackle it again...Linda and I are planning to do a 'little' Sweater Kal so that we can cheer each other on.

MIL is home..the Rehab is a much happier place..as are all the nurses and physical therapist..I do know they all were granted a special permit to their own space in heaven after this ordeal.

I hear a UFO calling my name..and if they're going to be under Christmas trees for this year..I better get busy.

Be well, be safe and Happy Knitting!!

.

Socktober

After careful consideration, I decided that having approximately 15 UFO's..that it would be ok..to add another, therefore..I joined Through The Loops Kal..The first clue went out yesterday which was the cuff..it was fun and not so challenging and I'm sure Kirsten will save the best for last.

The yarn is Schaffer Heather which was gifted me for my birthday from my Sister of The Heart, Marianne..doesn't she have fantastic taste?..It was a hard decision to make on which yarn, but after seeing she was using Schaffer..I decided to walk the line. I think I will go ahead prior to next Thurs. when she releases clue 2 and cast on el otro sock so that I will be ahead of the game.

Lots of knitting, lots of unattended knitting..I go to bed at night thinking there will be a knitting fairy that will come and finish my many unfinished items..they will get their day..I'm just being very wishy washy right now and doing something that pleases me..

I don't blog often but my previous blog alluded to problems on the home front..The Thurs. before Labor Day..ugly late at night, the phone rang and it was MIL's neighbor..of course that alerted me there was a problem..seems Mil was watching the Steelers play football(she's quite a sports fan)..and she got up and her foot was asleep..she fell forward on her face/belly..breaking her right ankle and banging up her left one badly..it was an action packed night..arriving at our local ER at 11:30 p.m. and the walls were lined with folks waiting for attention..it was several hours before she had more than x-rays done..then after those x-rays were read by someone with skill enough to validate it was broken..they realized that it was so badly that if they transported her at this time to the nearby Orthopaedic hospital they were going to have to stabilize her ankle/leg because of how the break was..it was lying over a blood vessel and the fear being if the transport vehicle should hit a bump in the road..it could cause serious problems..so after finally arriving at this...they determined they would have to reposition her leg/ankle first..it's 4 a.m. now..and suddenly we're seeing an emergency status..prior too..it was very ho hum...we'll get there..we have other patients..we have 'EMERGENCIES'..yep, that's what they said..they had emergencies..and I'm like no##$#%...this is ER..shouldn't there be a few to make this place legal? So..this procedure was done after they were able to get an Anesthesiologist to get out of bed to come in and make her sleepy..soooo she was finally transported to Lynchburg Hospital at 6 a.m..knowing surgery would be forthcoming but not sure when..I was in no condition to drive the half hour to the hospital after being up all night..so we came home and took half hour naps and showers and then I headed over..to find that the surgery would be at 5-6 pm..I slept a while in her room..which was most luxurious..and she assured me it was a non emergency surgery and to come home and rest..so after I gained my senses..I left her there...She was there from Fri. morning until Tues..and then she was transported to Oakwood Hell..better known as Oakwood Manor..it's a nursing home that also offers rehab..the rehab/physical therapists are wonderful..that's all I'll say!! She is still there and is due to go back to see the Dr. on Oct. 13 and maybe at that time she will be able to put weight on the foot..until, she refuses to do much Pt..she's convinced it's not in her best interest...but I will give her credit..she is giving the staff a daily dose of hell!!..She is one feisty lady!!

On Saturday we had a most awesome time at NOSO..Dana has already written and photographed so I won't go there..but it was great!..I love seeing that many knitters in one room..and most of them are SO friendly! We did a bit of politicking for Sedalia and picked up at least 1 new vendor..and we have an author on the burner..so..it's shaping up already..For those that think we wake up on the day of and it's magically all done...Dana and her staff work and confer year round.

A few other less pleasant things..I've had eye issues for many years..and I see the Glaucoma Specialist every 6 months and endure that horrible visual field test..seems my pressures are too low in my left eye and there may have to be some future surgery. I've had trabeculectomies on both and the right eye continues to respond well to the bleb..the left has been a bit wonky..but bottom line, my vision was getting worse..I was finding I had to wear my 'cheaters' all of the time..which was leaving my eyes very tired, headaches etc..so I made an appt. with my local Optometrist a few weeks ago..and after an excellent exam..he calmly told me..that it would have to be bifocals..not transitions..bifocals..I wanted to cry..but I really wanted to see too..so I opted to pull up my big girl panties and get those 'guys'..I'm still adjusting and it's been a week but it's amazing at how well I can see..seems the specialist doesn't spend much time on the actual examination and I probably should have had these a few years ago..but..I have them now..

Also..another first..hangs head in shame...I was skipping church a few weeks ago..and in lieu of was going to go visit some shut in friends/relatives etc..I was cruising out to Mom's first and I will not deny..I was speeding but I truly do not think I was SPEEDING..I saw him as I began down the hill and let off the gas and immediately pulled over...He was most kind but he did write me up..He said he clocked me doing 68 in a 45....I don't really think I was going that fast..I'd admit to maybe 60..yes bad enough but 68..I've gone back and tried to do 68 there and it's a tough spot to make that curve at 68....oh well..I'm now $176 less yarn money..and The Bedford County Sheriffis office is a bit richer to flaunt their new equipment etc.

Off to do some relaxation and knitting..

Remember to continue sending Margene your warm thoughts..she is such an amazing Spirit!

In Memory

Today marks one year since the death of my Brother..
We say our final good-byes and go on with life..with the hole it leaves in your heart.
The hole gets smaller as the days go by because of the memories we've stored in the previous years. Not too say that as you go about your daily errands etc..you don't have flashbacks..
I often drive by a little favorite spot of his and look over to the deck..and at times I toot my horn, because he was almost always sitting there at certain times of the day enjoying a cup of coffee and a cigarette...sometimes I catch a glimpse of him 'still' there..memories...
Don't be sad for me today..hug your loved ones and let them know you care!

Tending to Family issues~

While I'm TCB..I'll leave you with a pix of this awesome lady!

This is Angela Davis, She was the teacher of Socks on Circs at Sock Summit..It was instant LIKE!

So while I'm doing what I need to do..I'll have these terrific memories of a wonderful trip and such special friends!

Knit ON~

58 Years Ago..WHEW

There's no guessing who came to visit..right?

Dana came by on Thurs. before my birthday bearing these awesome gifts..She had been teasing me for a few weeks how she could not wait for my birthday and each time..it got more intense..and knowing Dana's talents, I knew she was up to something...but look at this..can you believe how generous and good this woman is? Plus..several months ago..she gave me the greatest sock book..Socks A La Carte..and said..this is your birthday present..I was ecstatic..then she comes at my birthday with a whole other BOX FULL!

There's Socks That Rock :Fire On The Mountain(Can we sing a few verses Jerry?)

There's The Great Adirondack Yarn Co: Silky Sock Mardi Gras

Ok..blog was being a little contrary and just published..so let's see if this edit works..argh..I really need computer skills!

To wind this gorgeous yarn...there's a Mahogany Nostepinne(I'm working on learning this)..it's such a lovely piece of work!

The Chocolate on The Brain..Notecards..with recipes on the back..how clever is this..unless of course, there were taste strips of each dessert?..OH, there is no pix..but rest assured it was in the box..but it melted in my mouth..a wonderful Godiva Dark Chocolate Bar..Dana loves to help me with my diet..hehe!!

And Tah Dah..Meet Henrietta! Is she not the most Gorgeous Chick you've ever seen?..Look at that gal!..Dana did this all by her lonesome..Henrietta now resides by my mantle..and seems to be quite happy..and Mike who loves chickens is in love with her..he has to show her off immediately when guests come in.

Plus to keep my noggin warm this winter..one of Dana's lovely hand knit Berets..I've admired the many she has made for her relatives..all the ones she made for the Afghan project that I took to Sock Summit..and NOW..I have my very own..I will be styling this winter.

Dana..in case I ever fail to tell you..I love you dearly..you're a great friend and you spoil me way too much..but I love it!

Thank you for your special gifts for my special day.

Stay tuned..more to come..that I have to photograph from another special lady!

A little slow

It's been a bit slow around here..I realize I still owe you 1 more day of Sock Summit and I will bore you with that another day.

I've had a really tough time regaining my knitting mojo since the return, seems the entire Mojo hopped the plane in SLC..not just the little Sock Guy that I was dropping off to Margene..so if you see him/her/IT..send it my way..I have lots of 'started' items..and have just totally walked away from them to do this...This is the first of a pair, I hope..using the yarn I purchased from Pigeonroof Studios..I tried really hard to knit with some acrylic..because I have too..for this charity project, but I made a new knit rule..NNAOS(no knitting acrylic on Sunday) therefore I have 2 projects barely started and sitting on the sidelines patiently waiting their turn..

This is just a plain vanilla..easy peasy pattern..but the yarn is pretty fantastic to knit with. I think that 10% Cashmere makes it 'sweet' on the hands.

Ok..back to your regular scheduled programs..this paid for commercial was brought to you by Dyna~

It'z all about the bags, my friend!!

Sooo, you want to know what's in the bag?..I actually was going to show you this yesterday but blogger was a booger..and we could not come to terms, therefore I aborted the post.

I purchased the little Sushi Wrister from Wendy Sloneker you can find Wendy here:

friendywendy@yahoo.com, not only does she have awesome bags, she had pretty buttons and other little sweet things that we knitters like..but you know what she had that really impressed me...she had the most incredible personality..she lit the room and she was SOOO very gracious that I'd stopped by and purchased from her. This is what Sushi is carrying at the moment:

In case you can't see this yarn well, I will post a pix of the skein before winding..but this hails from Pigeonroof Studios and it's 80/10/10 superwash Merino, Cashmere and Nylon..it's very kind to the hands while knitting and I've made awesome progress since the first pix..I'm on the heel decreases..so a sock should be born in a few days. Here's Ribbon Dance before winding her.

The next bag was the nice project bag given by The Ravelry Team..a great little bag..with wonderful treasures inside...A skein of Berroco Wool yarn, a Namaste shopping bag and other materials..Thank you Ravelry...You treated us so well!! This was my brush with fame..

What a terrific, fun group of folks they are!!

My Trader Joe shopping bag was delivered to me by Judy..filled with goodies from Oregon..A most gorgeous pottery mug from a local potter, a beautiful coffee table book on Oregon(which makes you want to go right back), a lovely calendar for 2010 with all the highlights that make you want to go back worse..and some of her delicious homemade Almost Seedless Raspberry Jelly!!

So..you see..."When one bag closes, Another bag opens"..and can a gal ever have TOO many bags..I think NOT.

Thanks for your recent comments and taking the time to humor me by stopping by..

It was a fun trip..so I wanted to make it fun in sharing..

Oh and Dana...you like the Keep Portland Weird sign?...I tried really hard to get a bumper sticker..Judy kept giving me chances but all I was getting was the bumper..it said.."Keep Portland Queer"~

I'll say..later on that~~

Some Eye Candy to keep you busy..while I'm busy~Every Picture Tells a Story..Story!

SatuuurDay In The Park~

It seemed like the 4th of July!..I had the most fun I've had in eons..I guess my free spirited, independence came alive.

I had a early class on Sat. morning with Carson Demers..only 1 hour and it was called KnitteRx..I guess we're all guilty of sitting so that we can finish..JUST 1 more row..He suggested ways of sitting, supporting our butt, and most importantly ..no too sit for too long..get up and stand, walk, move around and knit..most enjoyable.I caught the rail as soon as the class was over and headed out..no destination in mind other than the return to The Red Lion in time for The Ravelry Meet Up at 7..

My first stop was The Saturday Market which was high on my list of want to do's but was afraid I'd not have the time..I milled around at the market area for a few hours, bought just a few cute items, grabbed a spring roll and beer and visited with folks I'd never seen before in my life, but..live a little, right? After I had seen all of the market, I headed to the waterfront. Do I look like an out of towner? I felt like a Portlander...friendly and all~ I walked, and walked and walked some more and finally I found what I was sort of looking for:

I had seen this in passing while out with Judy on Thurs. and she had told me how good it was..I love oysters..any way you want to toss them at me...so I went in and sat for a bit, grabbed a little something to refresh me once again and then I ordered this scrumptious half order of oysters on half shell, she fixed me a variety sampler..my lips are still drooling as I remember

eating them, savoring every bite and wishing Mike were here to enjoy with me..he too loves oysters.

I was finally all done and ready to seek more adventure and the 'Oyster Gal'..recommended that I go to The Chinese Gardens..that was really on my agenda also but I didn't realize I'd be so close to it at this time. I left the restaurant and headed towards the gardens...I soon saw a line..and thought oh geesh...I hate lines and I will NOT stand in line to pay to go see this..as I got closer and yes..I did step into the line for a second...to realize I was in line for VooDoo Donuts..It was tempting to stay in this line and forget the gardens..because this was about to rank on my list too..even though I'm not a donut person..I understand you don't have to be to appreciate VooDoo's...I figured since I had been to Cupcake Johns..I didn't need 2 treats of this sort on the trip.

The Gardens were absolutely beautiful!..I did run through quickly but I still enjoyed their beauty thoroughly. I did take LOTS of photos here but I'll just leave one for your viewing pleasure...ok? I would also recommend this as a nice stop if you had the time in your schedule.

After this I decided to just do more marathon walking and see where I ended up..I had a map but I didn't consult it until I was pretty sure I didn't have a clue where I was..but I quickly found a Starbucks, a kind gentleman and a street sign...all of which helped me find my way back to the trolley and then the rail. There is a story with this sign..but it's private and I won't share..But couldn't we all use a little bit of LOVE JOY..in our lives?...I loved witnessing this sign personally..more than once~

I headed back via the trolley to the rail and got dressed for The Ravelry Meet Up..

I think I will cover that separately..just because I've about overloaded you with a ton of stuff today.

Be safe and have a 'LOVE JOY' sort of weekend~

How Did I FORGET?

Oh gosh..I forgot to mention ONE of the most important events of Thurs..and that was the opening of The Marketplace at 4:30. This was sort of the 'climax' of the day..much anticipation of the registered students to see what was behind those great big closed doors..it was open for 2 hours only..and just for US! I had been in earlier in the day because I was helping a vendor so I had a feel for where some booths I wanted to 'hit' were located..I guess you could say I wasn't alone in wanting to hit some special booths..because I waited in line to pay for about 30 minutes at Blue Moon...but from what I've heard that is 'nada' compared to the lines in MD. and NY. at the Fiber shows. I was greatly pleased with my purchases first day..but I did go to Blue Moon once again before the final day of SS..and made another purchase of a 'few' skeins...I was thinking of all the money I saved on shipping(isn't that valid)?

So...let's move on to Friday.

I did not have any classes on Fri..there weren't any that screamed at me, but we did have the Guinness World Record Attempt at 11:30, so we hung around the market and I helped John again by handing out coupons until 11:30 and after the attempt...Sallee, Judy and I took off for downtown..in search of this:

Sallee and I had both seen this mentioned on the SS Blog of Food Carts you should try..they did NOT lie..I had a perfectly awesome Salmon Burger and fries...From there we went in active pursuit of The Button Emporium..that was almost as much fun as a candy store..too bad they don't offer chocolate buttons or I'd have been in big trouble. The store is run by 2 of the most delightful ladies you'd ever meet..I found some gorgeous buttons for some 'gifties'..because I frankly do not sew..and haven't yet knit anything requiring buttons..Maybe I'll start using buttons on my dishcloths, for a new twist..If you ever get to Portland...this is a must stop..I was forewarned by a friend that had been several years ago..and she highly recommended this as a YES! After the BE, we walked a short distance to Josephine's, a fabric shop..some lovely fabric but again..I don't sew, but Sallee did score a few yds...and then to the famous Powell's...I'm sure in another life I may enjoy this..or just another time, but it was crowded and actually when I can order online..I don't need crowds, but it was a 'must do' of Portland. We headed back to the hotel and then went up to the 'bar' for some liquid refreshment and met up with more Ravelers.. had dinner and neither of us were giddy about the Sock Hop and had not attempted to get tickets..so it was an early night~

I will leave you with this..being my first purchase. Do you recognize her?

`

Let's try this again

Seems that Blogger wanted to be a 'sogger' for me yesterday..I had it all ready and got some silly error and failed to save..bleh..

I don't want to bore you with blow by blow..so off we go..

The flights were as flights tend to be..one on time, one late etc...as a rule I don't fly Delta because I can never remember a time that there wasn't a delay..well, they upheld their reputation for me. We left L'burg precisely on time and I was very impressed with flying from their small airport..when we arrived in Atlanta, our flight was boarding..so I was giddy..didn't last for long..lol

Once we got on the plane there was an issue with trying to find seats for some stand-by's..being a pilots wife and 2 boys.., then it seems they were not satisfied with the bathroom clean up from the former flight..so they had to call the cleaning crew back on..which gained a round of applause and hopes of taking flight soon...since our connection time in SLC was short..but we sat on the runway a bit longer before we actually took flight..meaning we arrived in Salt Lake City about 5 minutes before we were to depart..then another 10 min. it seemed before we were off the plane....to rush in and try to find our gate..to be told..it had been moved and we would be boarding the same plane we had arrived on...So at least sweating the big bullets of missing our flight were over..We arrived in Portland about 11:30 and found the Sock Summit Shuttle and arrived at The Red Lion at almost midnight..which is 3a.m. for me..yep, I was tired pup!..Of course there's a bit of unpacking to prepare for an early day ..because we were much too late to get registered. After only a few hours sleep, we were up to get started for the first day of Sock Summit...We had breakfast at the hotel cafe which was really decent..and there were many celebrity faces around the lobby..Lucy Neatby, Anna Zilboorg, Judith McCuin..and as the days went on..there were more..they will enter later

Registration was a breeze, they were SO prepared for us..then it was just milling around among hundreds of other anxious knitters..meeting many faces that you had only seen names of..Seeing The Yarn Harlot whisk around like the energizer bunny, Tina rushing around in total control and all the rest of the STR team..again, they were amazingly ready for whatever would happen.

My first class began at 10 a.m. with Judy Becker..Judy's Magic Loop..she's a terrific teacher, funny and very entertaining. I can't say I grasped the entire concept but perhaps with time I will..or maybe I won't..I've lived this long without, so it will be ok..huh?

I had volunteered to help Angela and John of Serendipitous Ewe with their set up or whatever they needed me for whenever I had available time..so after this class, I helped John for a while putting up shelves, fondling yarn(ooops..I meant tagging) and took the time to walk around and get a feel for the marketplace..yep, it was overwhelming!..There was so much yarn and so little time!!!!

When all this first began I had gotten a pm one day from a lady in Portland and we continued to be in contact until the Summit..and had made plans to meet, run about etc..After helping John, Judy Solanki my new Portland friend and I took off for lunch, a car tour of the city and a trip to Trader Joe's for room supplies..She was just the most pleasant, warm and dear person one would want to meet...I treasure the time we were able to spend together and so happy to have a friend in Portland.

Here's JUDY!!..seems to be a popular name so far, eh?

Then it was time for The Opening Reception which I felt was so heartwarming...to hear all the trials and tribulations they had encountered to bring this great event to Portland.

I also had the privilege of meeting Jo Watson of British Yarns, She was there to promote the 2010 Knitting Camp to be held in Scotland..during the reception she was interviewed by a reporter for The Oregon News...there's a link for this..but I can't find it at the moment, but they did a nice story on The Summit and Jo was mentioned as well as Judy. Judy had invited Jo to stay with her during SS. Jo was also interviewed by Vogue Knitting while there..quite the little celebrity Jo..Cheers..again!!!

I was off to bed quite early and slept like a baby..for yet another early day..Friday!

SS Meltdown

Even though I'm home, I haven't reconnected with the time..

This is going to be short..and sweet..just going to tease you a bit..

It was fabulous, met some totally awesome people..well worth the money and time..just wish I'd had a few extra days to have really done all the Portlander stuff..

I will share more with you and hopefully show you much of all I purchased..I may not be able to disclose every little item..YET..

This was too funny...because Judy and I had been out and about for the afternoon and we parked in front of a Tattoo Parlor..discussion on Tatts..etc..as we walked to Cupcake Jones..a must if you are in Portland.

The Marketplace opened that evening and Lantern Moon had these cute little Tatts. they were giving away..Mine is actually still legible.

Enough of my wild side..More tomorrow..all the photos are loaded..it's a matter of sharing.

Hugs and love to all of you for your months of support while I ranted on about this adventure.

Ten little things I challenged myself to do..One I swore I'd never do..or not so soon anyway..

Hey Gals and Guys,

It's been a while..actually judging by the photo, I know exactly how long..too long.

I am sure I mentioned out here in blogland that I was thinking about or going to Sock Summit in August..well, as it turns out, I am definitely going. As I was reading various threads of a very busy and controversial blog I found one from a shop in Oregon, Dublin Bay that collects for Afghans for Afghans and they made the suggestion that instead of an afghan, why not socks since we were coming to a sock conference..I quickly responded and said..although I am not a great sockster, I will make at least 1 pair and bring for your box. A few days later I was knitting along on a gorgeous pair of socks for moi and I picked up an article that alluded to the Children from Afghanistan and their lack of clothing..that socks are their foot cover..they don't or rarely have shoes..that's why it's so important to make them of wool..there was something in that article that hurt me so deeply..that I put my socks aside and said to myself..damn girl..you've got socks, you've got shoes..you've got lots of both..can't you do more than 1 measly pair?..SO I challenged myself to do 10 pair..I'd been emailing and had developed a wonderful chat relationship with a lady in Oregon and a Sock Summitress..so she joined me in my quest..however she did me one better..she did 10 and felt so good about it, she did 2 more pair for a dozen..way to go Dear Judy!

She now has me questioning my good intentions and if I can muster enough steam to do 2 more pair I will but..stick me with a fork..I've DONE 10 pair..and I'm going to show them to you..right here..bored or not..

I give thanks to Marianne for sharing this pattern with me a few years back and I had used it periodically, now I have it memorized..so there is no excuse to not keep a little box of these going at all times.

Also mentioning this to my Knit Group..and Dana steps up to the plate and makes 10 Gorgeous Baby hats for me to take also..how good is she? I think she's right up there with the angels..I'm so blessed to call her a dear friend! Plus she shared extra wools she had so she is also a part of these socks...we're not sock sisters for nuthing@!!

Ok..for Pix 1..and these are not in the order they were made:

Ok..Not going to bore you with all 10 individual pair..I'm not on my computer and Moth's is weirding out on me..or perhaps it's my skillz.

Then..a few weeks ago..maybe over a month, I started getting this new car itch..don't you hate that? I tried every ointment known to man to try and get rid of but I was hit hard.. I started at the dealership where I'd bought my previous car..Firstly there was nothing wrong with my car..it was a 2003 Black Mercedes C240 4matic..meaning it was AWD..it had under 44,000 miles..The only issue we were having was...Mike has had 3 knee surgeries, I'm tall and with Mom's situation a low car isn't her best friend, so I thought I'd buy a small SUV which would be higher and easier..so I found online that Mercedes had just that exact thing..being made for 2010 but on the market now..so I made an appt, went over and drove, loved it, brought it home for the night..thinking oh yes, this is going to work..they kept hedging on what they would allow me..first, they said they would give me...the bottom price allowed for trade on this car..I'm like..oh yeah..you think..my car is a 'cherry'..it has new tires..it's never been wrecked, never had a smoker inside..never had this/that etc..so I said..I think NOT..so then they called in the 'master of manipulations in car dealers'..It was instant dislike..when he called Mike by name as if he'd known him 4ever and wanted to know how he was doing..and how my Mom was doing..etc..hoping he would build my confidence in him as a car sales person..so he started shuffling more numbers and started with this..well, if we did this..and you did that..we could do this..I said NO..I've told YOU..I will give you $X for your car and my car..this is it..oh we can't do that..I said..well..we surely can't..You won't sit here and make me such a ludicrous offer and expect me to drive your car away..it says nothing that I've bought 3 new cars here in the last 15 years and always been able to deal, it seems to me that you no longer care to do business..so I got up shook hands and walked away...got in my little black mercedes and came home...I figured they would call back..you know, they always do..well after 2 weeks they had not, so I emailed the initial guy I had dealt with and told him I very much liked that car and I was still willing to give them the amount I had offered them..but that it appeared to me that their interest didn't lie in selling cars at this time...and that I was sure I would find a car that would serve me well and that Mercedes did not build the only SUV on the road...he wrote back and wished me well in my purchase..lol

I had been doing lots of online research during all this time and had almost 99% decided I was going to go with Honda..I liked the reviews, I had checked out the CRV's and knew that was about the size I'd like..so I made an appt to go check those out..It was a most positive experience..they did not have a car I wanted on the lot..and were not pushy in getting one..I actually thought, maybe I'll just wait and get a 2010..but as I said..the bug was nibbling away..so a few days later, my salesperson calls and says I have one in the pkg. you want but not your color if you'd like to drive..well, life was really busy and I didn't get over to do it..about 5 or so days later I called and said I was coming..he said, well we sold that one but..we have 3 that just came in this morning on a truck and we have a beige..I told him I'd be there in half hour..they had to put a sticker on it so I could test drive and go over it..so when I tested it, I literally drove it with the plastic still on the seats etc...I drove it, I loved it..esp. the color..it's so pretty!..but mostly the guy I worked with was just a Gem..no pressure, no BS..just business and very good business..I went to test drive..I drove it home..I love the car..it is actually my favorite vehicle that Ive owned including 2 BMW's and a Mercedes..this is my favorite!..It is just the perfect height for Mike and Mom..and I love 'being high' when I drive!...Here she is..Berroco Beige Hazel!

Cookie Please

There will be more to follow...but please enjoy this as much as I did.

This KID was part of The Sedalia Spring Fiber Festival on Sat..I was scoping out the vendors just prior to the 10 a.m. opening and saw this little guy and thought he was in distress..then realized..he was just being a 'Kid'..he wanted another cookie.

The festival was most successful despite the fact we had been having torrential rains throughout the week...the rains held off until after 9 p.m. that evening and the weather was delightful.

The attendance was good, the vendors were excellent..their fiber was awesome..it was a perfect day!

There were many highlights..meeting new folks that we had contacted through Ravelry etc..but one special highlight was meeting a special lady I had been corresponding with via Ravelry and she had been such a positive influence over the last 9+ months while dealing with the ups and downs of having to shift roles and going from wife to caregiver for my Mother...that lady is Claudette or her Ravelry name is Holiday..what a beautiful lady she is...I was so surprised when I walked off the stage and was greeted by her..We didn't have a lot of time to visit but it was so special to meet she and her daughter..Thanks Claudette for coming and sharing our special day...and thanks to everyone that is on Ravelry that came to shop, volunteer or exhibited...You all were just spectacular!!!

I made a few gorgeous purchases...mostly they were gifts but a few for 'self''...At a later time I will try to highlight all the totally terrific vendors we had...I'm still in awe of the perfectly beautiful yarn they shared with us and made available at Sedalia...You guys ROCK!!!!

Thanks to our committee, volunteers, and the staff/volunteers of Sedalia..without you..this would not have been so successful! You ROCK2~

Twist and Shout

It's always such a great feeling to reach completion on a sock..much more so on 2 socks..


I started this 'gal' just a few weeks ago and did not give her all the attention she deserved because I can only knit socks in a quiet environment..and usually alone if there's counting to be done.


I did take her to knit night last week and was able to get quite a few rows of the cuff completed but when I reached the heel..she had to go back to her hiding place until I was alone. You see, I'm still very challenged by sock knitting although I can do it and I do love knitting socks..I still have to refer to the pattern for heels, gussets..etc..I just don't have that formula in the 'noggin' yet.


Dana gifted me this beautiful yarn after our most wonderful Sedalia Fiber Festival last May..it was her 'thank me' for helping her....little did she know, I loved helping her..she makes work 'PHUN'~I had kept this in a sacred place since wanting to make sure when I used it the pattern would flatter the yarn..I think I made a good choice.


The yarn was purchased from Kid Hollow Farms and it's 48% Kid Mohair, 30% Merino and 22% Nylon and the color is: Brilliant Jewel..and it's so true to it's name. The pattern evolved from another event with Dana, Linda and Jessi..We attended NOSO in Roanoke in Sept. and the pattern was in our 'goodie bag' presented to us upon registration..Well...that day sort of turned into a blur because of the news of my Brother and he passed away just days after..so the pattern was put away and totally forgotten about until I mentioned to Dana I was looking for a nice/easy cuff..and she said she was using this one and would share..Of course, being the pack rat that I am..I knew I still had everything from that day..and sure enough, it actually had made it into a sleeve into my pattern book..I started the pattern and knit about 5+" of cuff..and realized it was going to be huge on me..it was a 66 stitch cast on..but for days I could not bring myself to do what I knew needed doing..RIP IT OUT and start over..but I also knew with this gorgeous yarn..I'd never be happy if it weren't perfect(or as perfect as I am capable of making it)..so days later..I restarted and did a 55 cast on..it fits like a glove..oops sock! It's a perfect fit which I ran scared of much of the way from the heel because I had to fiddle to get my numbers right..


So..I present to you **Sock #1 of Socks With a Twist..The pattern is The Barley Sugar Stitch.

There has been other knitting but mostly bibs, wash cloths, a hat and smaller items..but no photos yet.

Dana and I have been busy filling each others emails daily with correspondence in regards to The Sedalia Fiber Festival, which will be May 16, 2009..We're off to a running start and our exhibitor list is growing..I'm so excited and hopeful that this year will surpass last year. Please visit our lovely website that Dana designed and check out all the wonderful page options she has created for the festival..it may make you want to come share this special day with us...We can almost guarantee you will have a good time and not leave empty handed unless you're on a strict yarn diet.

www.sedaliafiber.com

Happy Knitting~