Thinking, Planning, Designing Orange Fall

Felt like throwing squares and rectangles on the floor to get those creative juices going. I remembered I had a fair number of orange-ish squares in my mish mosh bags. Drug those out and added some recent rectangles with that same fall orange flare to them. Lots of sizes here as you can see. Some pieces are knitted, some are crocheted, some are sampler type squares/rectangles and others granny style made in the round. Several of these large knitted squares are from my Darling Daughter, some have been donated through Bridge and Beyond by Alexis, RoseMarie, and some are left overs from previous defunct groups. Some I've had a while; but a squares doesn't get old you know. It's like wine, I use no square before it's time. lol
It's time. I like to photograph what I think the lay out should be, to get idea how much I need to change the squares/rectangles to make them fit. Once I pick them up and start that work, I often have to look at the picture. I really can't remember how I put them together size wise. Sometimes though the give and go of squares with different yarns and stitches changes and they do get moved from the original template.

However, this is step 1 for me. Next is step 2, what color to edge and join with. Debating with myself now between black and brown. I'll have to check the amount I have of each in my stash and go from there. It's a work in progress and will be donated to Faith Mission, the latest beneficiary I've added to our The Mission of Bridge and Beyond.

I also like to take pictures from the both the length and width views, as it helps with sizing issues.

Troubled Blanket on it's way, FINALLY

Gees, what started out as an easy project really took a turn to taking too much time and I had to solve a problem. The pink yarn was given to me and and I thought it was such a soft pink would make a nice small blanket. I started was to be a plain pink blanket, and when I was at what I thought was the 1/4 th point by counting the stitches on the needle I weighted the yarn I had left and thought I was good to go. No clue how I was sooooooo off. I don't know if I didn't weigh the yarn correctly, forgot what I came up with, or changed the count I was going for on the blanket. But, clearly I was way off. The pink yarn was old, wasn't a brand I'd ever heard of before and so I knew it wasn't possible to try and match. Two choice, rip out back to the half way point and do a 2 tone blanket or keep going until I ran out and then switch. I hate, hate, hate to rip out and had so many projects going and deadline looming that I choice to keep going and add a new color when the time came. My thought was then to make a hoody type blanket so whatever color I added for the 2nd color on one corner would be matched with a hood of the same color on the opposite corner.
The 2nd color ended up being about 1/3rd of the blanket which measures 32 x 32 inches. Susie snuggled up in the traditional wrap method showing the hood which has a small ruffle. I didn't want it to lay totally flat against the blanket feeling it might be too tight.

This is on it's way to Angela for her Blankets for All Babies request on Crochetville. She's been busy making baby items for her local pregnancy center where your mothers with low income are much in need. Give a baby a head-start and make something warm. I have a couple of hats and green pair of booties going with this donation as well, but forgot to take pictures.

The blanket is knitted in straight garter stitch on size 6 needles (yarn was lighter weight so smaller needles were necessary which made the process slower than I like, even without the added problem of running out of pink), using the traditionally dishcloth pattern. The hood is made the same. I just knitted what looked like a new start until the corner seemed large enough, edge it, as I had the blanket; and crocheted the two together.

Angela's charity is in NE, Ohio.

Ticker Tape for Women

Moda Dea Ticker Tape, 100% nylon a fun yarn to work with. Very soft and light weight and is like working with ribbon. I think this might make a nice chemo cap due to the feel. It's also quite stretchy. I'm using 2 different sized needles 13 and 17. Have gotten so for quick projects, I really like the different texture using 2 sizes of needles gives when just knitting straight (garter stitch). When you use this method is called Condo Stitch. It's amazing how different it looks based on the sizes you choose to use. How close the needles sizes are or aren't makes a big difference. This is a little open and airy. Think if I were to do this again I would go for a bigger difference in needle sizes to open it up a bit more. This will be sent to NC and is, I think a nice weight for year round wear in that southern state. It's intended more as a decorative scarf and could be used to ward off cool air conditioning on the neck in the warmer months and then again for warmth later as it cools down.

The colorway is called Monet and while I'm not one to use lots of pastels it's really quite pretty. I''ve had these 2 skeins in my stash for quite a while and had forgotten I had it. It's classified as a bulky weight yarn and suggests size 13 as the optimal needle size. Generally when I'm using 2 different sized needles I use the suggested size as the smallest of the two, or go one smaller. There's only 67 yards in a skein, so will probably use about half the 2nd skein to complete this project. Since it's more of a decorative scarf I don't want it to be doubled up and will go for about 5.5 to 6 ft in length. As I was looking up the information this morning about the yarn I was surprised to see on RAV, that's it's since been discontinued. That's a shame. I saw hats, scarves, walker totes, ponchos, sweaters, and summer tops all made beautifully from this yarn. Not sure when it got discontinued; but if it wasn't too long ago you might get some really good buys from the stores that still have it in stock. Always nice to look for a bargain.

When finished (and by the time you read this it should be, as this is a scheduled post), it's heading to Jackie someone I meant on The Hive as a give away for Mother's and More Raleigh Durham Chapter 331 convention. This is a non-profit 20 year charity focused on promoting women and their needs.

Homemade Applesauce, Tis the Season

A Granny Smith Apple here. I make homemade applesauce quite a bit for dinner; but usually in small amounts and so just peel and cut the apples. Needed to make a huge batch the other day for a large gathering and luckily hubby remember I had a peeler-slicer-corer from the days when I canned.
Center the apple as best you can on the prongs on the right (see above), turn the crank and you slice, core, and peel all at one time. It's fabulous. I did a bag of Granny Smith's, bag of Macintosh, bag of Gala's, and several large Braeburns. I like my applesauce to be a mix. I also like it chunky, so I start it cooking while I'm still working on some of the apples; that way they all don't cook at the same rate. Some will be soft and mushy, while some of it will have pieces of apple which is my preference. I use lots of Cinnamon, little bit of water, and some sugar. I don't measure so I can't tell you how much of anything. I do things by site and smell. I can tell you I use one of the shakers for sugar and only go through 1 maybe 2 a year---so you see it's not sweet sweet.
Apple slices in the pan. Some I left this size, others I broke up; again so the cooking would be different. I made a huge amount and everyone loved it. Had enough to give Daddy a container to take home after the family gathering, plus left some for my younger brother and his wife who always enjoy it.

While I'm still not happy about summer going bye bye, fall is a good time for good applesauce.

Remodel with Tile

Tiles are used in so many different ways in the house and out. Think about all the projects and possible remodeling you could do with the use of pretty subway tiles. Think about mosaic and decorative tiles you could around the fireplace in the living room. They're easy to clean and add lots of personal detail to your room. Or perhaps you need tiles for around your pool.

Think about the amount of time one spends in the kitchen, either cooking the family meal, eating it, cleaning up afterwards; or just hanging out. Kitchens get lots of use by every family member. Make your kitchen attractive with the use of tiles in the backsplash. The tiles are not only attractive but very useful in protecting your walls from food splaters behind the stove, to water splatters around the sink areas.

You could do a whole bathroom remodel with bathroom tiles. Tiles for flooring, the shower area, even the wall. The skies the limit truly with color and design. Durable scratch resistent tile in imagination shape, size, and color.

Would you like to shop with the ease of clicking your mouse? Would you like to take advantage of free shipping, sign up for email allerts for specials, use coupons, and be guaranteed the best price as well as returns and exchanges? Get free help over the phone, order a sample to determine what style or color tile you want for your project? Then click HERE and order tile that's been featured on HGTV, tile used by Bob Villa from the ease of your computer chair on a secure website. The website is easy to navigate with searches capable by color, room/project and or collection. AND that's not all, the supplies and tools you need to complete the project are also available; along with what you need for maintenance of your new remodel.

Troublesome Knitting, are you trying to tell me something?

Nothing fancy here, your very basic corner to corner ghan with a little detail on the edge created by doing the yo (yarn overs). I'm not sure what happened, or why. Did I count wrong, did I measure wrong, did I weigh the yarn wrong? Did I just forget? Arghhhhhhh

The pink yarn was donated to me HERE, 3 ply knitted worsted. As I debated about whether or not to strip the blanket I weighed the yarn on my scale and figured I had more then enough when I was at what I thought was the 1/4th point.

Well...
buzzing along with the yarn in my project bag I wasn't paying any attention to how much yarn I had left, when....at about 2/3rd's done had a snag and pulled the yarn out of my bag to untangle. Yikes...no way did I have enough to finish the blanket. I could frog (which I detest) back to the half way point and make the blanket 2 tone; provided I had the right weight of something on hand. I really didn't want to frog so came up with plan B.

Plan B, switch color, enter pretty minty green and finish blanket. Ok 2/3 and 1/3...little weird, so how about then starting a 2nd piece using the minty green and making just a corner to attach to the opposite corner of the 1/3 minty green. Like a hood? So, for now that's my plan.

I get one row done when my needles come apart and a huge number of stitches are no longer on my needles. You've got to be kidding me. I'm terrible at putting the stitches back on the needle, plus I wasn't at this point real awake. Let it be til I had my coffee. Hooked my needles back together. I've only had that happen once in several years and it was right after I got my Denise Set when I probably didn't put them together well enough to begin with. I really can't believe it. Knit half the next row AND it happens again. Seriously, not as many stitches this time. What's going on. Was that a hint I was suppose to frog? I sure hope not, cause I didn't. I've knit one row since, so far so good.

Got my toes and fingers crossed I can finish this before I have another issue. I feel like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop.

**pink in first picture seems more on target, not sure why the 2 pictures look so different
****
This is slated for a charity right here in Ohio, Blankets for all Babies

Toot Your Horn Tuesday, Sandy Style

Ok that worked, the badge is here; but where's the linky stuff. I need to be more techy. Today I learned that we have filters here on our blogs. So, I'm tooting my horn cause I learned something new. We can use those filters like we do in our email, and that coupled with approving comments over 14 days old should take care of the spam. So there. To all you would be spammers. Go Away!
Toot Toot!

Silly Sunday

Julie and I after a fun full day of wine drinking at Lake Erie (Port Clinton) during our "girls time". Anyone who knows me, knows I do NOT take decent pictures; but once in a blue moon. Truly. So, this is actually a not bad picture. Julie on the other hand is much more photogenic. This was the weekend we had such fun visiting the yarn shop you might have already read about HERE.

Jan, is always photogenic even when acting a fool. lol ! She's setting a new style here with stripes and animal skin as she plays "hostess with the mostest". Was getting late and this was right before we knew we were super close to the terrible tornado.

One title seems to sum this up...."Girls just want to have Fun!" The fun prairie bonnet I purchased for my daughter as a remembrance of years gone past. When she was young she lived in one as she read "Little House on the Prairie".

Flowers, a thing of Beauty!

I love flowers. I love the beauty they add to one's yard, the wonder scents, the butterflies and bees they bring. However, with each year I get older and planting, digging, weeding, and dividing the beauties has become harder and harder. Let's face it, as you age it's just plain hard work. The arthritis in the knees, back, and or hands makes doing these things painful and certainly less pleasant. I think a wonderful alternative is a window box. I can stand to plant, and water. I would have less weeding to do, but still be able to enjoy the beauty the flowers bring.
Window Boxes come in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles. You can even select what type of construction/material you prefer. The selection available even includes your choice of types of metal. Maybe you like ornate, while I prefer a more basic design. Windows come in a variety of sizes and so you'll want to select a style, color, size, and design that coordinates with your windows. You can enjoy your flowers inside and out without the extra work of digging up the hard ground after winter, or crawling around mulching. I'm also thinking how much more environment this could be. Seems to me I would need to water a smaller area which is not only more "green", but also should save some on the water bill.

Planters are available to match or coordinate with your window boxes too. That's a great idea. I could use one on the front step area which would also be easier to maintain then my current large flower beds.

Make your selection, then order the accessories you need to hang the window flower boxes all at the same time. It's easy, secure and help is available either by way of an 800 number or use of on line chat. There's a no hassle 30 day return policy, and FREE shipping. You can even track your order once you place it. I'm planning ahead for next year, how about you?

Stash Alert! Wear Safety Goggles

Can you feel it? Stash alert seriously....I don't need more yarn; but this jumped right into my hand. 220 yards, only $6.00. Look at those colors..........green and purple, do you know what that means? Bet you do, if you've been here and read some of my other posts that talk about those colors. This is Melody Super Wash 100% wool by Jojoland. They recommend size 1-3 knitting needles for this. When I last tried my hand with some lace I was using super fine sock yarn and just really had trouble. I think, I hope....fingers crossed this will work better for me; as a newbie when it comes to lace knitting.
Luscious, lovely and I just couldn't resists this! I've shown tremendous restraint not starting on either of this skeins right after they adopted me. It's been several days, and really I'm trying to finish one or two more WIP before starting on these but.........it's getting really hard. The orangey reddish, bright here is for mawah. The purple and green of course is for the one and only Darling Daughter since purple and green are her signature colors.

Not reporting on WIP here, maybe next post.

Uniforms

You ever wish you could wear a uniform instead of making decisions about to wear each day when you go to work, or when you send the kids off to school? I loved it when my daughter switched schools and had to wear a uniform, and so did she. Sure made life simplier, less stressful, and frankly cheaper.

I spent a good deal of time at a hospital when Mom was bad before she passed and noticed lots of different types of Hospital Scrub Uniforms. Cute designs, diffent colors and everyone wearing them always looked comfortable. I think some of the departments had their own colors so people could tell who belonged where. Back in the day in my early hospital working career surgery was the place to see nursing scrub uniforms; while other nurses wore the traditional white uniform. Things have changed. I think patients perfer the pretty, bright colorful and cheery uniforms over the scarey sterile white of years past.

Nowdays everyone can wear medical scrubs and uniforms, you don't have to work in the field. It seems it's very stylish now to wear scrubs when out and about; along with pajama's. I must be getting old and out of touch I would never consider wearing my pajama's to go out. What really floors me though it's not just the kids who've forgotten to dress before they leave the house. What's with that? I'll style out of style, thank you and wear my PJ's at home; but... scrubs...hum, they do look comfortable and so cute. How bout you? Someone the other day wearing them told me they didn't have to be ironed and laundered easily. I like easy!

Protect Yourself

Daily in the news you read and hear about someone's personal identity being stolen. This happens in every corner of the country in lots of different ways. One way people have their identity stolen is through our mail. Not our hard working mail carriers, but through information in our mail. Think about the variety of mail you receive. Some of the mail has personal details charge card numbers, ages, details about your family, and naturally your name and address.

Is your mailbox secure? Some mail boxes are attached to posts along the street removed from your house, others flemsy little boxes attached to your house, some in common hallways of apartment or condo units. Truly not much security exists to protect you and your family. As you're out driving around doing errands, take notice are the mailboxes you see in secluded areas, perhaps even partially covered by pretty landscaping? Some may even be locked, but how easy is it to pry open?

If you're concern about your mailbox being secure, I encourage to click on any of these links. You'll find a huge selection of style, color, and price. You can select a mail slot, box for post, one attached to your house, single or group boxes. You can even custome design and personalize your secure high quality mailbox and feel better about the protection you're affording yourself and your family.

I love a Good Vera Bradley Sale

Got this order a while ago, took the picture but forgot to post. I am not a shopper. I do not like to shop, except for yarn. But, shopping on line suits me fine and dandy. All of these prints are the older prints and therefore they are actually reasonably priced. I refuse to buy a full price new print bag. This though was a good haul. It was $101. and some odd cents. AND free shipping. The order needed to be $100.00 to get the free shipping. lol 3 purses and 2 glass holders. The purse on the far right is a print my daughter likes and so I shipped it to her. It's also a smaller bag which I believe is what she told me she liked. The glass holders I needed but was surprised. The blue and green one is called sunglass case and really is a nice size (I can put 2 pair in there). It's zippered and I wish I had gotten 2 in that style. The black and gold one is titled double, and is suppose to hold 2 pair...........NO WAY. In fact one large pair barely fits. I should probably return it, but don't want to hassle with it. Would not order that style again.

The blue and green bag in the middle, I'm test driving. It's a bit smaller than I thought by looking at it on line, it's well made and has a couple of features they don't have in the other bags which I like...double zipper, and a clip for your keys; but all the slots inside are too small. This was the original purse/bag. Perhaps a cell phone fit back when they were smaller and flip phones were in?

The primary bag I wanted is the black and brown one, called The Morgan. I have this style and LOVE it. Bought it while vacationing in Hilton Head at 50% off....once again because it's an older print. The bag isn't really large, but holds alot. I love the 2 large slanted outside pockets which are actually big enough to hold a water bottle.

Give Peace a Chance

Saw this the other day as I was making my way through a parking lot to connect up with a group for dinner. I had my trusted little click and shot camera in my purse and couldn't resist. Wanted to be quick, least someone spotted me and thought I was getting the plate number for something; which you can see, I've cropped out. Anyway, just couldn't resist. Haven't seen many of these types of signs, bumper stickers etc. since the sixties.

Seeing it made me start humming this.......join in if you know the words!

Give Peace a Chance
- John Lennon(written in 1969 for The Plastic Ono Band)

Ev'rybody's talkin' 'bout
Bagism, Shagism, Dragism, Madism, Ragism, Tagism
This-ism, that-ism, ism ism ism
All we are saying is give peace a chance
All we are saying is give peace a chance

(C'mon)
Ev'rybody's talkin' 'bout
Minister, Sinister, Banisters and Canisters,
Bishops, Fishops, Rabbis, and Pop Eyes, Bye bye, Bye byes
All we are saying is give peace a chance
All we are saying is give peace a chance

(Let me tell you now)
Ev'rybody's talkin' 'bout
Revolution, Evolution, Masturbation, Flagellation, Regulation,
Integrations, mediations, United Nations, congratulations
All we are saying is give peace a chance
All we are saying is give peace a chance

Ev'rybody's talkin' 'bout
John and Yoko, Timmy Leary, Rosemary,
Tommy Smothers, Bobby Dylan, Tommy Cooper,
Derek Taylor, Norman Mailer, Alan Ginsberg, Hare Krishna
Hare Hare Krishna
All we are saying is give peace a chance
All we are saying is give peace a chance
(Repeat 'til the tape runs out)

My WIP (works in progress or UFO unfinished objects)
Pink corner to corner baby blanket/kidney kozy (depending on how big it ends up being)
Opal Ghan (a project I can't seem to get rollin on to finish; but has been a WIP for too long)
Candy Corn (an even older WIP)

Help, PLEASE Opinions Needed for Orphan Scarf

Trying to decide where this scarf should go. You might also see the yarn texture better Here. This yarn was donated and therefore should be donated to a worthy cause; I'm just in a bit of a debate and need opinions. It's light weight, soft and pretty. Should I use it for the homeless via Bridge and Beyond? Is it better suited for Compassionate Creations or Threads of Compassion for Battered Women? Or perhaps you have yet a different thought?

The yarn is Italian made, but I've lost the label to tell you what it is. Just need to tuck the end in and it's ready to go...but go where?

Working on a knitted pink corner to corner (probably a baby blanket, depends on size when finished).
Need to find a blanket someone asked me to repair(no clue where I put it)
Candy Corn Ghan, wow it's almost the right season again for this long standing WIP
Opal Ghan (having a hard time gearing up for this), heavy and hard to work on it; but it's been a WIP too long.
**Added to my stash yesterday and really want to do something with it**, lol shhhhhhhhhhhh don't tell I bought more.

I've got a gaping hole!

This is my BLUE Stash. I dumped out both plastic bags, sorted and looked and looked and looked. Was just about to give up when TADA. Found what I needed.
See that wee little bit laying on the area in need. I made this ghan for SIL a long time ago. It's a miracle I had any of the right color still left. I knew I wouldn't be able to match it new. This little bit must be what's left from the last time I repaired this ghan. So laid it out and stitched here on the table on the deck.
You can see how badly this poor ghan needed repaired. This ripped was close to 12 inches long.
Here it is in the works. After I stitched it up, I was able to launder it. Then I rolled it a lot with one of those sticky lint things trying to remove some of the doggy hairs that didn't come off in the wash. Then I spotted another rip. Now I've got to see if I can match the off white. Fingers crossed; but don't think that will be as hard. Yikes this ghan was really hurting.

Yikes, What is this? Don't go Barefoot!

One evening a few weeks back hubby and I were walking out through the backyard with cocktail in hand to reconnoiter the flower beds; as we often do after a day of working in the yard. It's sometimes to admire our work, sometimes to plan what to do next. Hubby often doesn't have shoes on at this point. Me, I'm rarely without them. This pictures shows you why. Seriously I happened to look down and saw this big ugly thing. I think if you stepped on it those pinchers could do some damage. It was about 2 inches long and gave me the creeps. I went in the house to get my camera and hubby's shoes. I wasn't about to step on this wearing sandals--to much of a chance it still might get my toes or something. So, I took it's picture then waked it good a couple of times with hubby's shoes. It wasn't all that easy to kill either. Then scoped it up and tossed it way behind the shed. Maybe it'll be food for some of the critters.

You see anything like this in your yard? Any thoughts what this ugly things was?

I'm gonna pick up some yarn now and make some yoyo's. I've not made or donated these little buggers (lol, couldn't help myself) before; but am currently in a bit of a funk about what to work on; so this mindless but useful item seems like a good idea. I'll be using R,W, and Blue variegated for Fisher House.

The Ending of a Season

The ending of the summer season is upon us. Groaning big time here. Yeah, I know it's been hotter, more humid then normal and people have really complained. But, you know what comes next? Fall, gray colorless days once the flowers and leaves are gone. And then the real ugliness will be here. Short dark days, cold days, wet days, icy and snowy and dangerous days.

These beauties are already gone from my yard; but I want to enjoy them more so have posted them here to share with you. I've already cut all the dead brown stuff, or almost all. I've worked out there about 6 different times now. I do try to break it up as it's hard on the body. Hubby's made multiple trips to the dump with the debries. Each trip he's taken several of the largest trash cans full plus 2 to 3 bags. I have alot. In the back yard I have 3 large fence rows to trim and weed. That's about 99% done. Around the back of the house (which I've not yet started) is quite a bit; then there's the 2 sides of the house. Might do one side today. Though this is a scheduled post so by the time you read it, hopefully I've gotten more done. Can't do the 2nd side though, don't want to disturb Momma Bird. Looking out one of the kitchen windows the other day hubby noticed Momma Bird right up by the house. I wish I could get close enough for a picture. Hum....maybe I'll try. Let you know how that goes.

This is WIP (works in progress) s of the writing of this blog post:
Opal Ghan (crocheted)
2 scarves (knitted)
Candy Corn Ghan (crocheted), longest wip I've ever had
**repairing 2 ghans

Queen for a Day, Memories of Mom

Isn't this apron adorable? I wasn't looking for one when this jumped out at me shopping one day. Loved the pattern and style, looks old timey to me.

Starring at it there in the store I realized why I liked it so much; it reminded me of Mom. Not even because she always wore aprons, cause she didn't. Or at least not in later years. I do remember when I was a young kid she wore them more. I think all ladies did back then in the kitchen. Both she and Grandma did.

The memory that came to mind was a New Years Day long ago. It was always our family tradition to put away the Christmas decorations, take down the tree etc on New Years Day while the pork and kraut was cooking. One particular New Years Mom and Dad were acting foolish, playing around. Mom must have said something about doing all the work (that part of the memory is a little fuzzy, I was really young). Anyway next thing I know Dad's put Mom's apron on and is vacuuming and dusting and telling her to sit down and be "Queen for The Day". It got to be funny with them goofing around off and on all day as we preceeded to get the un-decorating done.

I don't routinely wear an apron, though I always do when making homemade noodles cause flour is everywhere. I always wear one when making tons of egg casseroles for Christmas gifts. Both of these projects require spending the entire day....really the entire day in the kitchen with rather large messes as I'm working fast and furious. So the apron will get put to good use. I sometimes need a second apron on these occasions when my daughter is in from out of town to help. So Mom, this cute red apron is hanging on the hook in the stairway by the kitchen ready and waiting. Even when not wearing it reminds me of you and the wonderful love you and Daddy had. This is my Q memory.

Miss you.

My alphabetical Memories:

Other Memories:
A=Advice, Afghan, Apples
B=Bread, and Bernie
C=Camping, Creativity and Courage
D=Dancing and Delaware Dam
E=Energy and Etiquette
F=Friday
G=Gown (wedding gown), grape pop
H=Hammocks and Holidays
I=Ice Skating and Isaly's
J=JACKS, Mother and Daughter, childhood games
K=Kindess, something we're taught
L=Love Story
M=Memories, One Year Ago Today (Making Do and Mohican)
N=Noodles Over Niagara
O=Ouija Board Memories
W=Wow Mom, The Wisteria

**Hey since I know many who visit this blog are also knitters and crocheters, don't forget you can win free yarn by entering the contest over on Bridge and Beyond**

Making Connections

Through the years of knitting and crocheting I've made some pretty wonderful connections. Connections with people with big hearts who help charities. People who've helped me help the homeless on Bridge and Beyond is just one example. Connections with people on forums, mail lists, blogs, and social networks that help each other, answer questions. You've hopefully noticed my newest social network connection, The HIVE, I have the badge in my sidebar with a link to their site. It's brand new folks. It's a wonderful group of people who are creative and do lots of different things with their skills and talents. Artists who skills I marvel at, hobbyist like myself, and manufacturers and other professionals. There's beading, scrap booking, woodworking, ceramics and more. Lots of categories growing daily to accommodate lots of interests.

The site is fun, it's easy to use and everyday I make another connection, enjoy reading a blog I might not have found otherwise, and learn something new along the way. The problem I may have is spending too much time there because it's just plain fun! And, the other item I should warn you about is a growing list of things you might want to make when see the wonderful things other people are doing; you'll want to do them too. But, having said all that, I still encourage you to pop over, tell em Sandy sent ya. I love making connections and bet you will too.

The above scarf is one I made while traveling in Colorado about a month ago. It's knitted, a first for me with a lacy pattern. The yarn is cotton and I think will serve nicely for a summer scarf. Often air conditioning can be chilling to this old neck of mine, so when out at night a little something is beneficial. You might remember when I started this lace scarf.

Knitted Scarves should be for?

Finished 2 more scarves. You might remember when I purchased this yarn I blogged about how funky I thought it was. My intention was to make 2 fun skinny scarves for my niece for Christmas. I was patting myself on the back about how ahead I was getting. Not something I do with regard to shopping ahead for Christmas. Since this photo the one on the right is also completeled. Actually only had a row or two left; but had camera in hand for another purpose so took the photo a wee bit ahead of time.

My niece is tall, and young and I thought these would be fun to go with sweaters; more for inside wearing thus the skinny decorative. But, now that they're finished, I'm thinking of sending them off to Passions of the Heart; a charity for battered women. Partially because I think they're a bit short for my niece? Kids/teens wear scarves longer then we adults? Partially because I have time a plenty to make something for Christmas, and partially because I'm not sure these look youthful now that they're finished.

They measure about 4 inches wide by 56 inches long. They're light weight and quite stretchy so no doubt will grow as scarves have a tendency to. They were knitted on large #19 needles after all.

Opinions ladies?

Flush Party, Remembering You, Mommy

I've not shared the picture of this stone before. It's my Mother's and Dad's stone. You can see by the date if Mommy were still living she would be 82 today. This is the 2nd birthday she's not been with us. This stone is in the family plot in Chillicothe, Ohio; though Mom is still with Daddy at home. He'll have fresh flowers for her today, beside her urn and naturally be melancholy all day. The inscription, "Together Forever" is so true in their case.

This photo, a far happier time, though sadly not a good photo. Left to right, younger brother Mike, Mom, Me, Daddy, older brother Chuck. This photo was taken in 2007 at their 60th Wedding Anniversary. I remember her this way smiling. We had many wonderful times together, fun times, funny times; and it's always those times that I remember most.

And this potty picture reminds me of one of those funny times. Some of you know I've been posting stories and memories from time to time, alphabetically. This then is a funny story for my P memory.

The family used to camp, tent camp. We didn't use electric and many of the camp grounds in those days were pretty primitive. I would about bust a gut waiting- waiting- and waiting to go potty, couldn't even use some of the awful roadside potty's in those days. So Mom and I would get really really excited IF we had flush potties where we camped. On one family camping trip we were driving through an area to decide if we wanted to stay there; when Mom and I jumped out of the car, RAN inside to the bathroom and flushed every john in site! We got to giggling and told everyone we were having a flushing party. Dad was still in car when he heard all the commotion and laughing and wondered what in the world we were up to. We explained, "we're having a flushing party!" So, Mom when I saw this plastic covered potty seat in an airport recently, naturally I got my camera took a picture, AND thought of you. Somehow I think you were there laughing at and with me all the while.

Love you Mommy


My alphabetical Memories:

Other Memories:
A=Advice, Afghan, Apples
B=Bread, and Bernie
C=Camping, Creativity and Courage
D=Dancing and Delaware Dam
E=Energy and Etiquette
F=Friday
G=Gown (wedding gown), grape pop
H=Hammocks and Holidays
I=Ice Skating and Isaly's
J=JACKS, Mother and Daughter, childhood games
K=Kindess, something we're taught
L=Love Story
M=Memories, One Year Ago Today (Making Do and Mohican)
N=Noodles Over Niagara
O=Ouija Board Memories
W=Wow Mom, The Wisteria

Helping Women with choice of Yarn

These were fun to make, love the colors and feel. You might remember me blogging about this yarn HERE. You can read about yardage, cost and how the money goes for a good cause. These are fun skinny summer scarves, great to add a little interest to a plain colored top, cover the neck when a.c. hits it and bothers your arthritis and well...just to spruce up the night.

These were made while vacationing in Colorado, and on the plane coming and going. Great to have small projects for trips.

Nice also to have some small projects to work on inbetween larger projects like the 2 ghans I'm working on for Homeless Charities.

Also wanted to let you know you can win some FREE YARN, as I'm sponsoring a contest over on Bridge and Beyond to celebrate a 200th blogs posts that's up and coming. Please hop over and read all about it, get yourself entered and feel free to spread the word about the cause and the contest!

One has to start something, or maybe 3?

Starts, starts, and more starts! These are all small items, light weight and good to travel with. So, on my last trip I put yarn, needles, patterns if I needed them in various zip lock bags and those went with me in my carry on. After all one must have something to knit or crochet while on board a aircraft. I was flying first to St. Louis; then after a few days going from there to Denver, then driving from Denver to Breckenridge. Two flights and about a 2.5 hour car drive. I kept starting things in order to see how the yarn and the pattern I had chosen were going to work out. Remember these 2 from my post Adding Stash? Here you can see the beginnings of 2 scarves. The fuzzy funky fun one on the left for my niece. It will be part of her Christmas. Aren't you impressed I'm actually starting early on that? I am, because I'm terrible at that. But the yarn called out to me as something perfect for her. She's young and this pared with an appropriate colored sweater looks teenaging to me. The coral on the right, a lightweight cotton summer weight scarf for me myself. Coral, is sorta my signature color in the summer months.
And this start is suppose to end up being a wrap. You can probably see the yarn better here. I posted photo's before the yarn was rolled that I think show up a bit better. I'm a bit concerned though. The pattern says this is enough yarn....you can see the amount of the gold sparkle left in one skein/cake isn't much. I purchased 3 of them and according to yardage should have some left; but....seems like this should be bigger to me at this stage. Will have to play through with fingers crossed. The fiber on left is too pricey to use solo or to buy more I think. Plus if you read my previous post about the yarn, you'll note I got it in a going out of business sale. Fingers crossed this works out.

Adding Stash

I need more in my stash like I need a hole in my head, and yet....that didn't stop me. Here's my latest acquisition. There's an Italian yarn that I just learned has been discontinued. Hum...the store had plenty of it, perhaps that's why it was on sale? I'll make up at least one of these into a funky fun scarf my young niece. If I like it, might go back and get more while it's on sale before it's all gone?

This is a bulky yarn with lots and lots of texture, 38% Acrylic, 38% Nylon, 21% wool, and 3% Polyester. I can tell from that it's not going to be soft...but it is fun and I think will look very decorative. They're small skeins, only 55 yards, but apparently one is enough to make a skinny scarf for decorative purposes.

I love the color combinations, anyone used this? (the 2 larger skeins the redish black combo and the blue purple one).

The pattern looks like a fabulous sweater I'd like to make for myself, wonder if that will happen?

The other fun funky yarn Plymouth P-zazz and is 61 yards, 65% nylon and 35% rayon. The colors remind me of a box of crayons and look like it would go with anything.

Last, but not least is 100 yards of 100% cotton Adrienne Vittadini Alexa. I LIOVE the color and wear a good amount of that color in the summer time. It's made in Romania. I think it will make a nice skinny scarf, nothing fancy; just liked the color.

I should be de-stashing; but I seem to be going the other way. Figures, I'm backwards!

Maintenance

Sitting here with an ice pack on my knee, and when it's no longer cold will slip on my compression knee brace; I can't help thinking and wishing body maintenance was as easy as quality car maintenance. Now I don't claim to be well versed about things like a brake job, but read when metal hits metal as a result of your rotors and pads being shot you've got a problem. My knee isn't metal on metal, but isn't arthritis bone on bone? Anyway that's how I try to understand complicated car issues. I know if you don't get a brake job when you need it, you have bigger issues.

I have a friend who says her body doesn't work as well in extreme heat as it does other times. In my current state that reminded me of what I've learned reading about Houston Auto Repair. Extreme heat and humidity causes seals to falter, leaks to occur and fuse panels in your car not to work properly. I thought that was interesting and helpful information to have. I poked around further and found you can read what affiliations they have, what type of cars they work on, what they specialize in, how they're rated and get directions to the shop there in Houston. Well not just in Houston, plug in your city and find a reputable auto repair dealer near you. Read the reviews and find car care you can have confidence in.

Think about the time you spend in a car. Seriously; you depend on it to get you to work, to take you shopping, to pick up the kids from school and all their other activities. You depend on it to keep you and your loved ones safe. The health and welfare of your loved ones is important. Help your car take care of your family and friends by keeping it healthy. Take for example an oil change. Did you know that having your oil changed prolongs the life of your car, by removing heat from the internal engine componets to keep the engine "healthy"? Too bad I can't change the oil in my knee to keep it healthy, though the ice pack is removing the heat, lol. I don't understand or want to know much about gaskets, weights of oil or it's viscosity so am thrilled to have someone who knows what their doing tend to those important things for me.

Whether you drive an Acura TL, or other model car you no doubt have questions from time to time. Maybe you wonder about recalls, of if the problem you're having is a common one for that make and model autombile. By choosing your car, model and year you have at your finger tips a wealth of valuable and helpful information.

The car and I are alike, old and in need of maintenace.

Pretty Pretty Flowers

I love backyard flowers. I like lots of different colors and enjoy looking out the windows at them. Sometimes I think I should get rid of some of flower beds because as I get older the weeding, the mulching...get's to be a bit much. But I do really enjoy them. Many could be picked and brought indoors in a vase, but I rarely do that because they last so much longer outside. These pretty golden yellow Stella De Oro's bloom longer then many of the others in my yard. I like they way they clump and only grow about 2 feet tall, so they make it possible to have something taller behind them. I have these here and there in the yard and they really show up even on a cloudy day.


These Pink Lillie's are one of my favorites. I've babied these and this is the first year they've done this well. I moved them last year. They were close to the house because they have such a wonderful fragrance I wanted to be able to smell them easily. But the dang rabbits, and chipmunks kept eating them. When this plant is just popping it's head out of the ground it's young and tender and apparently they really like that. One year I kept something around it until it was ready to bloom to protect it. Then I removed the standard so it would be prettier and the very next day a rabbit went through and completely snapped it off. I was furious and ready to behead the pest. Some years they...chipmunks, squirrels, or rabbits...unsure which cause I didn't see the culprit actually dug up the bulbs. I kept replanting and everyday it would be dug up again. Anyone want to come hunt in my yard? Sooooooo last year I moved them and they've finally gotten thick enough they apparently don't taste good, as they've left it alone. However.........2 tiny off shoots near them I was looking forward to were completely eaten. errrrrrrrrrrrr Even my neighbor, Kevin remarks how nice these smell. He can enjoy them even from his backyard.

Daisies, love Shasta Daisies. Mine get so large they look more like a bush as time goes on. Some years I've actually had to tie them up for support because of all the blooms. They're really just starting in this photo. At night, just about dusk they look almost iridescent when I look out my window.






These are yellow Buttercups, they're pretty but beware....they'll take over your whole flower bed. I've pulled most of these up and have only left a few plants out in the very back of the yard. That particular flower bed is less manicured and has a more wild look to it. Hope you've enjoyed some of the color from my back yard. And maybe next year, you all can come over and help me weed and mulch! lol

Fun Funky ALP Feza

This was so much fun to make, it kept changing right before my very eyes as I knitted. Knitted this lengthwise on 2 different sized needles and really like the way it turned out. Might have liked it to be just a couple of rows wider; but I knit my brains out until there was no more to knit with. Alp Feza is 247 yards and is a bit pricey at $39.95 a skein, so it's a one skein decorative scarf. It's super light weight and airy which I'm not sure you see from the picture.

I really must keep my eyes open to see if they ever put this on sale. This would work well for someone in a warm climate or someone who wears scarves in a cool air conditioned office in the summer.

Mom, Red, White and Blue

Happy 4th of July one and all. As I think about the 4th of July I think of Mom. No she wasn't in the military; but she always made a point to wear something special...something red, white, and blue at our family picnics. More than that she sewed and when I was young often made us new red, white and blue outfits special for The 4th of July.

We'd get up early put on our special clothes, and head to The Parade. It was great fun and very patriotic. Everyone cheering as The Fife and Drum made it's way down the street. This signaled the parade had started. It was fun, festive and always very traditional. We kids always had little flags to proudly wave. We snacked off and on throughout the day as we watched the slowly cooking meat on the spic. We played family games and sometimes went to a neighborhood 4th of July festival. After the delicious dinner and clean up we'd head to the fireworks. Generally we were hot and thirsty afterward so the watermelon that had been iced in a galvanized tub all day long tasted fabulous.

Mom loved the 4th and I'll think of her this year again; though she's not with us; as we honor those who made this holiday possible.

I'll proudly wear something Red, White, and Blue. How bout you?

Art Festivals

This is the 2nd year in a row I've been able to attend The Columbus Arts Festival with my SIL's and I wanted to share a little bit of the fun with you all.

I love scuptures, particularly metal ones. There were others, but so many people around them I couldn't get pictures. Aren't they fantastic!

This was just plain fun, that's a real person not a sculpture! Some folks would walk by and really think it was a statue and he'd slowly grab them...what a hoot. I posed with him but someone walked right in front when my SIL, Jan and Julie snapped the picture....errrrrrrr. This might have been one of my favorite parts. We watched for quite a while.

Look at this marvelous old camera. The booth held wonderful black and whites from this artist.

It's a fun way to see lots of different kinds of art, to support hard working artist. Last year I purchased a jacket which I still love. She was there again this year, and quess what...yep I bought another one of her special jackets. Will get photo of it later.