Little Boy Blue, Yarn, Walk, Bike, Yoga and More!

 

Another project started.  I call this one, Car Scarf.  Not very creative a name.  I don't usually name my scarves, just the afghans; but I needed an easy on the eyes, no counting stitches for a car project.  Thus, Car Scarf.  LOVE these contrasting colors together, teal and gray.  This is my favorite go to yarn (Encore, Plymouth worsted weight).  Each skein is 200 yards, it's 75% acrylic and 25% wool, therefore washable; is in my opinion the softest everyday yarn.  I also have a teal tweed skein with me here in Hilton Head that would blend; but not sure how much yardage I will need since I'm not using a pattern...just knitting.  Stay tuned.

This was step 1 (see previous post)

Step 2, where everything had been edge with the dark blue for 2 rows.  Once you edge you can really begin to see the variety of sizes.

This is step 3, 4, and 5.  TaDah!  Light blue was then used on each square/rectangle.  Some squares (the larger ones), have 1 row of light blue, others 2 or 3 rows, but several had 4, and I think one had 5 (can't remember).  Then it was edge with 3 rows of the dark blue, tossed in washer (this is washable acrylic), then layed out and stretched a bit (blocked).  It's drying as we speak.  Typ;cally things soften up in the wash; but this didn't as much as others I've worked on.  Some pretty course yarn used here and there.  Once it's dried, I'll decide whether or not to wash a 2nd time to soften more.  

"Little Boy Blue"  

For those of you perhaps younger than me and unfamiliar with this childrens nursery rhyme.  This is what came to mind when I named this afghan.  It will be donated to The Homeless Families Foundation on my return to Ohio.

Chicken Enchilda's before plating it up

Awesome coffee with great froth

Stuffed mushrooms, parsley pasta, chicken parmesan with sliced tomatoes

Almost an omlet with fresh strawberries, sliced avocado, banana nut bread with cream cheese.  With a breakfast (brunch) like this you don't need much the rest of the day.  We've been eating well on this trip.

We're keeping fresh flowers in the condo.  Two sides of the same vase so you can see the whole thing.

WOW!!  Back to my love of WWll books.  This is a fusion of biography, letters, note, and diaries smuggled out of a prison in Berlin.  American, Mildred Harnack at the age of 26 travels to Berlin to enter a PhD program when the rise of The Nazi party took hold.  She orgnaized secret meetings in her apartment and was the ONLY American to head the German Resistenance to Hitler with acts of sabatage and more.  A truly remarkable young lady during a difficult time.  Mildred Harnack's Great-Great Niece is Rebecca Donner, the aurhor of this book.  PLEASE put this on you list and let me know what you think folks.  Highly recommended.

Can't compare January 2023 to December 2022, as I forgot to get a tall;y from my calendar before we left town; but I'm sure Janaury is better.

Bike:...have gone for 4 bike rides 3 miles each.  I don't ride at home, no decent trails, plus I really don't have a bike, so indeed better.

Planks 11 planks of 4 repeats of 45 second planks with 13 seconds of rest between.  I know I didn't do that many in December, just don't know how many I did.

Walks.  Went for 8 walks of varying distances.  Total steps for the month 281,528 for a total of 116.89 miles.

Yoga twice for the month, though I think I did a few more and forgot to record them.  

All in all, not a bad start to the New Year.  Now if I can only build on this.

Back Home, Catching Up, Yarn, Audio Books, and Exercise

 

The blue afghan grows, inching closer to a 2nd white section.  I've worked on this a few more days.  It's very light weight and as it grows; I like it more and more.  Left the blue blanket at home so only worked on it the last few days before I left town.

The colorful corner to corner blanket has grown 4 more colors...from blue to orange, to green, and currently light gray.  It measures almost 40 inches a side, and in the green section I've started the decrease; so less than half the blanket left to finished.  I worked on this while we were out of town; but still a bit too large to work on it while on the plane.

So this Buckeye Asymmetric Scarf was what I worked on while traveling to and from Hilton Head n the plane.  Smaller items are best for plane travel.  It's growing nicely and might be done fairly soon.  It now measurers 49 inches long and is 10 inches wide as it's widest point.

I started listening to this book, but ended up returning it early...2 fold.  I had several books on my shelf at the time and wasn't going to be able to get them all finished in time and this one called out to me the least...however, I may check it out a 2nd time.  This novel is a recollection of The War in Burma.  It's not a part of the war I know much about.

This was one of the other books I had on my shelf at the same time, and I really enjoyed Kelly Rimmer's other book, The Things We Can Not Say, so went with this one.  A story inspired by a real-life heroine who saved thousands of Jewish Children.  Elzbieta is drawn into what happens in the Jewish Ghetto's by her neighbor Sara.  Let me know if you've read this.

Exercising....mixed bag.  In January I planked 13 times, only 5 during Feb

I did Yoga 3 times in January and only once in Feb.

I went for a walk 5 times in January and did better in Feb 8 times.

Went for a bike ride 6 times in January and 5 times in February.   

February is a shorter month, plus 2 days were travel days, but still...you can see a downfall from January.  January I walked 119.9 miles and 115.95 in February...so that difference isn't too bad.  Gotta see if I can finish a bit stronger in March.

Blanket of Many Colors, WWII, Spies, Gnomes

 

Making good headway with the blanket of many colors.  In the previous post, I only had 1 square done in the 3rd row, and now all 4 squares are completed and joined to form the gray diamond block, plus 3 squares of rose colored diamond above it.  Plan to wait until I finish all 3 diamonds on this 3rd row before joining; as I might rearrange again.  Originally had the gray block on the bottom right, but after the rose diamond there will be a purple diamond and thought perhaps it was better to have the gray between the rose and the purple; but will decide once they are complete and I can play a bit with them.  That's both the fun and the challenge of not planning out the color arrangement before starting on the project....but, that's not my style.  I'm more of a seat of pants let's see how it flows persons, lol.

Another good WWII read for you all.  And who doesn't like Ken Follett?  While this is not exactly a true story, it is based on lots of real facts of the time and the events.  Reading some of the reviews it seems most people couldn't  put the book down.  Some watched the movie and then read the book, but most read the book first which is recommended....even by some reviewers who saw the movie first.  Do add this to your list.  The spy the object of the most desperate manhunt in history it says.

Continuing ta walk, or bike ride and working on planks most days.  Plan to make a file/tab here to note monthly totals with the hope that recording it will aid me in trying to do more.  This was taken awhile ago on a walk through my neighborhood.  Isn't the little Gnome village cute!  In addition am trying to add in some yoga a few days a week; but have really gone downhill with that.  Am so much more stiff than I was when I was doing it regularly.  Hard trying to get back into it, but trying.

What I'm Doing on my Summer Vacation

No, I haven't mastered this.  I can almost do this on one side, but not with the heel down.  The other side fell right on my keister.  Now I've tried to do it when not moving from another position to this for practice....um no, I still can't do it.  I am though enjoying learning some yoga.  My primary problem is I need things to go slow so I can see what they're doing and some move pretty quickly from one move to another.  This is a video from my gym.  I'm going to try it a few more times to see if I can improve.  I'm also doing something called Boom Mind from Silver Sneakers which is a combination of yoga and pilates.  That particular one is standing only, which I like and focuses a lot on balance..........boy do I need that.  So if someone asked me what positive thing did I do during the Covid times, working on yoga would be the answer.

Politically, I found this hopeful and hope lots of other folks did as well.  The police violence is something I find very very troubling.  I hope this time will be different.  I hope this time something beyond empty promises can take place.

This seems to explain how stupid a recent comment from the orange  one was.  In my opinion, getting rid of him in November is the single most important thing we can do  for our country.

I love fun cocktail napkins.  Recently ordered quite a few from Amazon, since I'm still not going to any stores.  I am still ordering my groceries on line and having them delivered, and or picking them up curbside.  I've not been knitting or crocheting, spending more time on yoga (see above), and walking.  Been averaging about 15K a day in steps.  Trying really hard to up my physical activity.  

Hope you're all staying safe, washing your hands, wearing your masks and continuing to social distance.  I've seen way too many pictures of people partying, acting like nothing is wrong...AND with states numbers rising, particularly in the South, that's a big concern.

Bet You Can't Eat Just One, Potato Chip Scarf.

 Well...a bit of start-itis hit me.  I've been anxious to start working with this yarn, Queensland Collection, Perth 3.5 oz 437 yards and finally decided on this ruffle scarf.  The pattern is called Potato Chip.  I'm adding a link to a video that describes how you accomplish this using short rows.  I didn't find this video until I was at the point you see above.  In the video she goes from a small amount of stitches to a larger, the pattern I used did the opposite.

VIDEO HERE

The pattern I used though is HERE, but I am not using worsted weight yarn, and therefore I used 1.5...in that I cast on 30, and used 12-9-6 for my short row count.  Then thought it wasn't quite full enough and periodically changed to 15-11-8 and then would go back to 12-9-6.  My problem now is wondering if I'll have enough yarn as I was going to use both of this in fairly large blocks.  On my recent ladies trip to Hilton Head, my friend talked me into just using the purple.........gotta get my scale out and weigh how much I have left and decide if this is going to work.

Have done a few more rows on my mellow yellow (just decided on that name) shawl.  The drop stitches show up so much more on the solid yellow because you can see the carpet behind.

I've not signed up for the official challenge, but am using this photo to try and limber up with yoga a bit.  Still having a few issues with vertigo; but trying to work through it.

Night two of my 50th class reunion.  YES.......I am that old!  We were setting things up here before the non committee classmates showed up.  A fun, but tiring weekend.  It was just one day after that when I headed out of town for ladies week.

Was nice to get away and relax afterwards.  How's things going with you?

Stuff and Such on Sunday

 Pink Himalyanan Salt Light.  Have you heard of them, seen then, use them?  They're often used in Yoda Studios which is how my friend learn about them.  They provide a very nice soft light and are quite relaxing.  Thus the yoga connection.  However, they are reported to have other benefits like increased energy, improved mood, better sleep.  Some say they purify the air.  I bought mine through Amazon for under $20.00 and it had the low wattage bulb with it.  It also has a dimmer with 5 selections which is nice.  We tend to use it on the lowest or 2nd to lowest setting.  The light is actually a chunk of pink Himalayan Salt from the area of the Khewna Salt Mines in Pakistan.  They're decorative.  I bought it to see if helped hubby sleep...I think maybe it does, which in turn helps me to sleep or perhaps it helps us both directly?

 A recent meal that was particularly good.  Pork Tenderloin, fresh green beans and a nice salad.  I like to prepare the pork when I bring it home from the grocery.  But, when buying from Cosco you get a rather large package and each package has 4 tenderloins which I season, cut in half, wrap in wax paper, then foil and then freeze in a zip lock bag.   By seasoning ahead (and doing all 8 pieces at a time), you have less mess and safe time.......but additionally the meat has a chance to absorb the flavors of the seasoning more than just seasoning them when you're ready to cook them.  A half piece of tenderloin is perfect for a dinner for 2 people.  3 slices for me, and usually 4 for hubby.

 Travel Hangers.  They are laid out in the 1-2-3 of how to use.  They come folded (like the blue one).  Step one fold down the 2 sides (gives you the size of the pink one), fold out the ends of the 2 sides gives you the size of the yellow one.  They are light weight plastic.  I spotted them advertised the other day and immediately wanted them.  Oddly enough my friend (that told me about the Himalayan Light), sent me a text saying she spotted them too.  We often compare notes on good things travel related.  I ordered them pronto, believe she did also.  I got a package of 10 from Amazon for $9.55.  I think they will be really handy when traveling in Europe where often hangers can't be removed from the closet.  If you ever need to de-wrinkle clothes in the shower, or do a little hand laundry...you need to be able to move the hangers.

 Amazon, my favorite place to shop probably really likes me lately.  I've been shopping from the comfort of my computer.  So much talk of late about the condition of our environment and what we can do to help.  Not using plastic bags at grocery stores for fruits and vegetables is a big one.  The package says these are reusable mesh produce bags that are safe, washable, and eco-friendly; as well as BPA free.  So, thought I would give them a try.  There are 2 sizes, 5 of each size.  I paid less than $10.00 from memory, but can't find my original order to be exact.  I didn't know when I ordered them but, they are made from re-cycled plastic bottles which is an added bonus in my opinion.

I still have the Vertigo, so saved this on my computer in hopes of being able to do these stretches later on.  If you try them, let me know what you think.  They look like good beginner yoga moves.  I am doing more walking again (but sometimes have to stop to slow the dizzies.  But leaning over to do these right now.......nope, not happening.

"Dirty Little Lies".  A HBO series with views of the beach, and The Bridge was perfect for my daughter and I to watch while we were in San Francisco (though the actual bridge photographed was in Big Sur...it felt like we were where it all was filmed.  Based on a best seller by Liane Morarty this 2 season series is packed with stars: Laura Dern, Meryl Streep, Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Joe Kravitz, and Shailene Woodley.............at least those are the women who's names are listed as they appear in the above photo.  It appears though there won't be a 3rd season from what I can find.  Darn it, enjoyed it.  Though doubt hubby would have, it was a good chic flick.  AND we don't have HBO...so there you go.  Have you watched?

No pictures of projects or yarn, cause I have nothing new to show you all, but hope you're keeping busy.

Knitting, and Yoga........both good for Stress!

Coffee latte continues to grow and grow.  Believe it was about 22-23 inches at this point.  I've now completed a good part of the tan section after the variegated you see in this photo.  Pleased this one is coming along so quickly.  

This really made me laugh.  Been awhile since I've done my yoga.  Was trying to do it several times a week using a video from Amazon Prime, but my time has been so filled with things revolving around Dad moving into an Assisted Living Center.

Just this past Tuesday, Dad turned 93.  The facility let us gather for his birthday cake in the private dining room they have.  Myself, older brother Chuck, and younger brother Mike.  Our spouses all joined us as well, just not in the picture.

I hadn't planned to continue to watch this show, McLeod's Daughters, but several people told me it was still good even after the star, Claire (pictured far left here in grayish hat), left the show.  So, I've started watching it again.  It's different, still enjoyable; but I do miss Claire and the relationship she and Alex had.

**Did you notice the new addition to my right side bar?  My frequent visitors...Made a special list to say thank you.  If you've not been to their blogs, please do.**

Where has the time Gone?

Well it maybe a bit late for this New Years Follow up (see my last post), but I had this cute graphic and still wanted to share with you all.  How perfect is this yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks and a Martini Glass!  In my last post I talked about getting back on the wagon with walking more, recording my food again, and being a virtual walking buddy to anyone wanting or needing friendship and encouragement.  I have walked more (being out of town 2 different times in warmer weather helps), I only managed to record my food for a couple of days and fell back off the wagon, and no one contacted me here to connect on facebook and or fitbit.  I've added lots of new friends through friend requests on fitbit and will be following up with Karen and Barbara who left comments on my previous post.

This is most recently completed work in progress.  I love the color green and enjoyed working with this yarn, Uptown DK, but did have some issues with getting this finished, thanks to the hungry vacuum, posted story HERE   The shawl was for a friend of my Daughter's who's going through chemo.

Recently started this shawl/scarf.  I say either or, as it might not be large enough for a shawl?  We'll see when completed.  The pattern calls it a shawl.  I started this long ago and frogged it.  The handspun just wasn't showing up very well in the original pattern, and it's better here .......though still not great.  Plus the color is off a bit, it's really more gold then the picture shows.  Strange how that happens sometimes.

Started this knitted stripped ghan for Bridge and Beyond, but had to frog about half of what you see here in the picture.  Kept having issues........pathetic since it's just garter stitch, but somehow my fingers and brain weren't playing nice together....typically in the evening after a Martini....hum...So, haven't taken an updated photo, but it's currently about twice this large with the colors stripes slightly different.  I do like the color combination.

 Another case of colors not being right.  This ghan is called Pink Persuasion.  It's not this pink, nor is it as muted as the picture belong.  The real color is somewhere in between.  These pictures were taken 2 different times, no doubt lighting different, and I actually think it was 2 different cameras.  The picture below is when I first designed it from donated squares, named it and added it to my collection to work on later.  The current picture shows 2 rows edged and assembled, how much the edging and joining is increasing the size and is actually the back side of the ghan.  Apparently when viewing the picture to know the color design on my ipad...the picture got flipped several times, so now to get things correctly laid down and connected, I'm looking at the back side, lol

Both ghans, and the shawl/scarf were projects I took on the road during January and February when hubby and I traveled to Hilton Head, SC.  Love going there in the winter.  No worries about a sunburn, but you also don't have to shovel snow.

 This is a perpetual calendar, a gift from my Darling Daughter at Christmas.  I've set up the first quarter of the year with dates and cards and dividers.

I began using it on January 1.  The idea is to use it to record a short sentence or two each day, about what you doing, feeling, what you're grateful for, anything really.  A calendar with more of a diary twist.  Each card is a day and once you complete the year, you start over using the same cards.  I was really enjoying using this...this was going to be my 2nd post of the year, the day after my New Years Post.....well, as you can see that didn't happen.  I've been gone 3 wks and had intended to actually make notes while away to fill in on my return.........that didn't happen either, so now my debate is pick up anew, or try to go back and fill in?  It's hard to know what thoughts you were actually having on any given day, so think I'll record where I was to remember 2 or 3 years from now why I didn't have anything, and start anew.

That brings me sorta up to date.  While away I did yoga for the very first time and enjoyed it.  A beginners class at the resort where we stayed.  I don't remember it all, and wonder if doing just a few things still is good...or if doing things in a particular order is part of the benefit?  Anyone know?  I also used exercise equipment for the very first time.  A couple of days were  too windy and wet to walk outside so I did some walking on the treadmill, road the stationary bike, and used an elliptical.  I also enjoyed that and wished I had a reasonable or predictable schedule enough to perhaps get a gym membership..........or maybe buy some equipment for here at the house.

Hoping to get back into blogging more in 2015, and hope you all are doing well.  Tell me what you've been doing.