Pumpkin Sunrise

I thought I'd dazzle you with a bright blue sky that hasn't been seen since last weekend.  Pretty huh? I miss it so.  Every day this week has been over cast, sure the sun will peek out but it's brief and not enough.  Yesterday we walked our dirt road searching for signs of spring.  Runny noses are the only sign for now.  Allergy season! I've resumed my lace knitting and am happy to announce that the edging pattern is cemented into my memory.  One less thing to slow me down-reading directions.  When I first started the edging, I thought it was not very pretty.  Now that I'm a 1/3 done I think it's beautiful.  I used to think garter stitch was very ugly now I love it.  Funny how tastes change.  Garter stitch lovingly showcases a hand painted yarn to it's best advantage, in my opinion. Now that spring is approaching (it will arrive, promise) smaller projects are flitting through my mind.  Hats and socks.  Also I would love to do a beaded lace knit. I hav

My knitting is fresh and new!  Just in time for spring, well the calender spring because the weather spring is still winter.  I've cast on a pair of green socks for my husband.  Whenever I'm out and about in yarn stores, I pick up any skein of durable sock yarn for socks.  This brand- trekking -is durable.  It's my favorite brand for him. I don't know how he does it but he is hard on socks. Oh and guess what?  I finished my tea leaves sweater  , I love it so :) I am only knitting small projects until I finish, yes finish this lace shawl .  It has been languishing at the bottom of my knitting bag.  I desperately want to cast on another sweater so what better way to motivate me but to put limits on myself?  Let's see if this works for me.  I'll keep you up to date. My book.  Well you know I'm partial to Alice Hoffman, so when I saw The Red Garden  and quickly scanned the summary on the back I bought it.  It's an unusual book because it is written as

I've finished the tea leaves cardigan !  It's a lovely pattern to knit up and I only used five skeins of Cascade 220.  This cardigan is special because of two lovely gifts that I received a few months ago.   The buttons!!!!  The buttons were handmade by Tracey over at Clover .  Isn't she the sweetest person to make them for me??  When I received them I picked a sweater for the buttons.  It's true and it's the first time I've done that.  I believe the buttons were made from antlers, I'm sure she will confirm that fact and I'll edit accordingly.  I love them Tracey and thank you!! The second gift was from a dear knitting friend who gave me the name tags.  They were bought at Mountain Street Arts  a lovely etsy shop.  Aren't they adorable?? The last two photos were taken by my son and Frodo was excited to get into the photos.  I have to admit the outside photos were pre-blocking and that pesky button band now lays flat.  I am impul

Palm Sunday for me was a dreaded Mass as a child because of its length and somberness and yet I would be excited to receive some palms in which to weave.  So yesterday after a quick lunch I set off to weave, I remembered my mom and my childhood.  I would cry getting frustrated because I could not begin or end my weaving.  I was a difficult child :) Later yesterday we said goodbye to our son since his spring break has ended.  Laundry was finished, dishes were washed dried and put away.  The coffee table is once again visible.  I am getting comfortable with the comings and goings of the kids. This weekend was a long break from the internet and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I might have to make every weekend internet free.  I finished two knitting projects which I'll share soon. Tomorrow perhaps? How was your weekend? Joining Amanda

We were out for a walk yesterday and even though it's still cold like winter, I'm seeing signs of spring. Down by the pond the ducks are active and chasing each other.  Seems to me they are swimming more instead of hiding.  Frodo would love to catch one, I'm not sure what he would do with it when he caught it.  Some of our bushes and trees are slowly budding-another sign.  I will admit that I'm looking forward to some milder weather.  Just not hot weather. Yesterday Frodo was barking in the back yard, he's vocal that way.  I decided to see what was the fuss.  I couldn't believe it!!  He was barking at my elusive woodpecker that I've been trying to find in the mornings.  He's a beautiful bird, and I quickly ran to get the "good" camera.  Now I have two drawbacks.  First off, I do not own a zoom lens....yet.  It's on the list of purchases.  Secondly, I am not a stealth person which means I would fail ninja training.  So when I ran outsi

My tea leaves cardigan is making progress.  The body is complete and my only modification was to add an extra inch to the body length since I am on the tall side of life.  The first sleeve is nearly complete, I might add a bit of length to that as well.  I have daydreams of a finished sweater within the week-fingers crossed that they come true. Ha!  I bet you think I'm reading that book.  Well how about I admit it is the book that I want to read next.  I am savoring the bittersweet end of Wuthering Heights  today.  Cathy (Jr) is about to make the mistake of her life and somebody is finally going to die of consumption.  I've lost count on how many times I've read this book and every time I visit I experience a new facet of the plot.  To me, it is a must read classic. Because it's open source I've been reading the printed version late at night and during the day while knitting miles and miles of stockinette I've found my place in the book on my Ipad book re

I thought today I'd share with you what is in my knitting bag, my essentials for knitting on the go.  First off I'm carrying a set of double pointed needles size 7 because they're short and wooden and perfect for catching slippery stitches when I unknit or drop down a few rows to fix an error.  The needles in the photo are Brittany  and were a gift from my dad and step mom quite a bit ago.  They are my only wooden needles.  Next up is my needle sizer, which is an heirloom because it was my mom's sizer.  I love how it is a bit worn and bent.    The cable needles are from knit picks , I own so many brands but these I love because of the grooves and the colors! No knitter should be caught without some form of moisturizing!  I have many lotions and potions scattered through out the house and a knitter needs one in their bag.  This moisturizing stick was purchased in Cape May, NJ and every time I use it I am transported back to a beach and a vacation.  Lip balm is also

Do you see that!  Snow-in great multitudes, well three inches which is incredible because it was not predicted.  I was excited by the surprise and almost most of it is melted today.  Short and sweet.  This weekend has been chock full of goodness including: -mac and cheese, homemade of course -lunch out with immediate seating due to snow storm-Score! -knitting continuously on the body of the sweater, if the stars align and I'm not sidetracked I should be done tonight and onto a sleeve -laughter and talking -hearing a woodpecker early this morning but not finding him in the trees -a lovely orange sunrise -another viewing of Monsters, Inc (son's favorite movie) tonight with hot tea How was your weekend? Joining Amanda

 Driving home after completing various errands, I happened to spy this graceful hawk.  He was waiting patiently for a dinner.  I quickly stopped and captured him forever on my phone.  How lucky was I?  I was excited to be at the right place at the right time. Today, our son will be arriving for his spring break.  I still have to load up on some of his favorite foods, however I did plan out the menu.  I think it's so much easier to cook for more than two or maybe I need to learn to cook for two.  I tend to rely on salads many days. I have a self imposed knitting deadline to finish or nearly finish the sweater that is on the needles.  So for the weekend I'll be working towards that goal.  This morning I'll be finishing up paperwork and making my to do lists, that will lead to an afternoon of freedom. Today I'm enjoying: -a freshly groomed dog who smells delightful                                  -a pink sunrise that is trying to break out into sunshine    

I admit that I'm still reading the same books.  This past week I've only read at night which leads to little progress.  Last night I finished Plan B  by Anne Lamott and enjoyed it more so than Traveling Mercies . Her essays have a mature writing about them and being somewhat mature it struck a personal chord within me.   Wuthering Heights is chugging along as well.  Every time Joseph the servant speaks I'm slowed down by his "accent".  Sometimes he goes on and on in the book, which makes me dislike him all the more.  Currently Heathcliff has returned mysteriously richer.  Cathy is being "friends" with him even though her husband Edgar gets mad.  And poor Isabella she is crushing on Heathcliff.  I want to warn Isabella too!  Hindley poor fellow is about to lose his inheritance through his own fault.  I cannot wait for consumption to hit some of the characters. My knitting is on fire this week.  I've made great progress with the body of the sweate

Isn't it nice to have a sunny mossy photo to look at?  Today it's dreary and drippy, gone is that lovely sunshine that hinted at spring.  I think we are heading back to cooler weather, that is find with me. I thought I'd share the process of how I choose my projects.  Since I've started knitting I've been the kind of person who is influenced by the yarn first.  Walking through yarn stores, I am mainly motivated by the color and the fiber.  Well I am partial to thin yarn as well.  I will walk through a yarn store and just soak in the displays of yarns, once, twice, three times around.  I try to get an understanding of how the shop is set up.  I love stores that sort yarn by brand or by weight including the yardage is helpful as well. Once I've fallen in love with some yarn (and that does happen!) then I'll think about what I would do with it.  Scarf? Shawl? Sweater? Socks? Mitts? or a Hat?  I usually knit those items the most.  Price is factored in be

My weekend summary: - YAWN -time change is very tiring... -we walked the three of us in full sunshine yesterday on dry (not muddy) dirt roads.  Birds sang and spring gently whispered in our ears.  Sure there will be more snow and cold weather but it will be brief.  Trees are budding! -with spring comes the craving of tossed salads.  My current favorite is assorted lettuce and vegetables with chickpeas and sunflower seeds sprinkled on top-yum! -Knitting the lace edging of my pi shawl, I believe it's going to take forever.  Lucky for me, I like to knit. -phone calls from the kids-our son will be home next weekend for his spring break!! -hiding the winter boots and woolen socks (for now), washing winter coats, matching up mitts and folding up scarves.  Still at the ready, just in case.  And I know I'm tempting fate. -afternoons of reading novels attacking crossword puzzles and snuggling with Frodo. How was your weekend? Joining Amanda

During the week I created the bestest soup recipe and thought you might like to try it.  Honestly, it is pretty good.  Now the problem is that my measurements are guesses and there is wiggle room for creativity. Chicken Rice Cabbage Soup: Chop one onion and three stalks of celery and saute in olive oil (guessing 1/8 cup??) once soft add 8 cups of chicken broth and one cup of frozen green beans.  Simmer for 20-30 minutes.  Add 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 cup of chopped cooked chicken, and 1/2 a head of chopped napa cabbage.  Stir and return to a simmer (you want to wilt the cabbage and not boil it to death). Serves 4 very hungry people. Then eat it all up!  My daughter coined it "Charlie Bucket Cabbage Soup" since cabbage soup was a staple in his household ( Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl).  My husband loved it only because the carrots were absent, he hates carrots in soup. The house is quiet now that it's just the two of us again, well there is F

I've been focusing on my only two projects this week.  The first project is the pi shawl in the photo.  I am less than 20 rows away from the last section of lace.  Once that is complete I'll be doing the lace edging.  Getting to the lace edging is motivation enough for me, so exciting!  This project is knit during the day without many distractions.  Once evening hits, I set it aside.  It is not fun to fix knitting errors in laceweight yarn.  Trust me. My other project is the tea leaves cardigan for me!  I've just completed the yoke and started the body of the sweater.  Love all that stockinette and mindless knitting.  If you're contemplating a sweater for yourself this one is a great one to knit up.  It's with worsted weight and the directions are written clearly. Still reading the same books and enjoying each one.  In Wuthering Heights,  Cathy Sr. is just starting to be a bit of a brat.  Heathcliff is always moody and Hindley is going to get what's comi

The battery to my camera needed charging this morning so a cell phone photo will have to do.  I am on the body of the tea leaves cardigan and I'm thoroughly loving the stockinette for the body of the sweater.  Easy, mindless and nearly mistake proof. Yesterday was a busy day with errands and miscellaneous routine appointments in all directions.  From nine in the morning until three in the afternoon I was in the car.  I did get a lot done, crossed off many items on my list and had a fabulous lunch out with my daughter.  Today I'm doing paperwork in the morning, catching the noon news for the last check of the weather.  Tomorrow morning is my scheduled time to take our daughter back to her apartment-I want to make sure it is snow free!  So far so good.  If the plan needs to change she'll go back this evening.  Oh winter I love you so but not to drive in. My husband had a great birthday, in all of those gift bags were CDs, DVDs, a video game and a racketball glove.  Th

This weekend was filled with: -celebrating my husband's birthday -German chocolate cake-his favorite -dinner out to our favorite restaurant -watching The King's Speech  and loving it -seeing five deer casually hanging out in our front yard -pizza, of course! -seeing those snowflakes that seem suspended in mid air, tiny and beautiful -knitting a lot How was your weekend? Joining Amanda

I finished my cowl earlier this week and have worn it twice.  It's lovely to have something new in the wardrobe.  Ravelry notes are here .  Also during the week I was lucky to receive a giveaway sponsored by Donna over at Knit1Spin2 blog.  I have to admit I love to receive gifts in the mail especially the 'yarny' kind.  Thank you Donna, you've made this knitter quite happy!! Yesterday while getting dinner ready, Frodo was out back surveying his lands and barking.  I told him to be quiet and left the door ajar to be sure he listened to me.  I continued to peel potatoes and became lost in thought.  It must have been within 15 minutes when I thought it smelled like spring in the house.  The fresh air from the door being ajar did wonders to my mood and how the weather felt.  It looks like winter and feels like winter but you know what? It is sounding and smelling like spring!  I hope you all have a lovely weekend :)