the handi-hummingbird

Jack Frost Nipping At Your Nose

2010-11-20T09:25:00.000-08:00

I have been enamored with frost for as long as I can remember. It is beautiful and peaceful, nature in stasis. I could stare at it all day. This morning I do not have to drive anywhere so I don't even hate it on my windshield. Instead i grabbed my camera and waltzed out in my slippers to take a few pictures and show you what I see as beautiful this morning.

Peter Pan Flies Again

2010-10-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

Most of us have written a letter to Santa as children. Hopefully we all received presents under the tree from Santa and woke up to baskets from the Easter Bunny at the foot of our beds. But I wonder how many received letters from Peter Pan and Tinker Bell and woke up to presents magiced into our bedrooms from Neverland. I can say yes to all of these.

My friend Brie recently wrote on her blog about her love of Peter Pan and it reminded me of this unique present my grandma gave to me and my sister. The present that magic and fairies were possible. That Neverland might actually exist and if we really needed to escape it was there waiting for us.

When my sister and I first saw Peter Pan we were swept away by it and my grandma helped spur us on. I would receive letters in the mail written on flimsy tissue paper stationary. Peter Pan would tell me about his adventures in Neverland and how he came to visit me at night and watch over me. My sister would receive similar letters, except hers were signed by Tinker Bell. Sometimes I would wake up to find presents at my feet with a note from Peter Pan saying he had found something he wanted me to have. It might be a new book, or a pretty necklace, or some other thing I had been secretly wishing for. One time my sister woke up to see that Tinker Bell had visited her in the night and left a framed picture of herself that was all glittery like she had dusted it with pixy dust just before she left.

I think my grandma wanted us to believe. She wanted us to believe that anything was possible. She wanted us to believe that life was magical. She wanted us to believe that we could create a place where we would only grow as old as we want to.

Spinning on Through

2010-10-20T16:04:00.000-07:00

I have been absent, but busy. The biggest news is that I finally got my spinning wheel! I decided on a Kromski Fantasia unfinished and with a little guidance from Mark, finished it myself. Mark insists on reminding me he did the first coat of linseed oil. Never mind it was followed by 5 more coats while he was galavanting about with his buddy on a 4-wheeler. Boys like to feel they are an indespensible part of your project if it includes construction of any sort I suppose.

I also painted the MDF with a hammered copper spray paint, along with a portion of the grass in the front yard. Who said a lawn doesn't appreciate a little adornment once in a while too?

After everything had ample time to dry I began assembling. I nearly cried when I discovered a very vital piece was missing. The crank that connects everything to the pedals so the wheel actually moves was nowhere to be found! I dumped all of the wrappings out of the package and filtered through them in case I had missed it, but no. Thankfully Paradise Fibers came to the rescue and quickly shipped the item to me though and while I was at knit night Mark put the last pieces together so it was waiting for me when I got home. I told you he likes to be helpful.

A week later I have already produced a few hundred yards of finished yarn, and that is not including what is waiting on my spindle. I will come back later with pictures of the first yarns produced by my little beauty soon.

Blackberry Adventures (the final installment)

2010-09-19T15:48:00.000-07:00

I realized I never finished our journey de la blackberries. The fourth way I bent the blackberries to my will was blackberry crisp! I followed the recipe in my Better Homes and Gardens cookbook (you can never go wrong with a classic). Whenever a recipe calls for nutmeg and love to use the real stuff. It gives a great punch, or maybe I just like the excuse to use my mircroplane.

The blackberries were starting to get a little thin by this point, so they needed a little help from my other berry, the huckleberry. The mix of the two berries is amazing. Once the berries and flour were mixed they just need the crisp added on top and off to the oven they went.

The tasty result of their marriage....

Blackberry Adventures (Parts 2-3 of 4)

2010-09-11T08:47:00.000-07:00

I decided to tell you these two Blackberry Adventures together since they are both types of preserving, just one preserves with liquor and the other preserves with pectin. Both are good things.

There is nothing wrong with the good old standby of jamming. It may not be fancy. It may not require great skill or large amounts of time. But I don't think any of us have ever been disappointed with the magic that occurs when fruit and sugar are combined. Through in a little pectin and that perfect combo is preserved for years. I usually make a traditional jam where you boil the sugar and fruit together before adding the pectin, but in light of the fact that I had 5 pounds of these gorgeous blackberries to process I opted for the easier and faster method...freezer jam. I started by smashing the berries with a potato masher.

Then I mixed them with sugar and freezer jam pectin. Next you ladle the gooey goodness into your freezer safe containers. Let it set up for about half an hour and pop them in the freezer. They will keep there for a year, that is if you have to worry about such things around your house.

The other great preserving adventure is a first for me. I found this super easy recipe for cordial. You start by layering your sugar and blackberries in a quart jar. Then you add your choice of vodka, rum, or brandy. I opted for our left over White Christmas (a combo of rum and brandy) from making hot buttered rums last winter. Fill the jar and wait for 2 months, shaking the jar every week to stir the ingredients. How easy is that!

Stay tuned because there is one more blackberry adventure to come. I would just like to say that 5 pounds of blackberries is a LOT.

Blackberry Adventures (Part 1 of 4)

2010-09-07T19:24:00.000-07:00

Hearing that loud motor whirring? Is it...? Could it be...? Homemade ice cream for dinner!

That noise was always a welcome sound growing up because it meant Grandma was making ice cream for dinner. My sister and I would fidget in anticipation of creamy sweetness and the twang of frozen peaches. It was always the same recipe, handed down from my Grandpa's sister (my Great Aunt Merle) to my Grandma. And it always had peaches in it. Even to this day, Grandpa swears peach is the best. When I make it and use different fruit (strawberries, huckleberries, or any other I feel like trying) Grandpa still enjoys it. It's still the best darn homemade ice cream ever, that could only be better if it was peach (so says Grandpa). It is the best darn homemade ice cream ever, no matter which two cups of fruit you choose to throw it (so says me). I will never use another ice cream recipe, but I will always experiment with it, adding chocolate, mint, or even BLACKBERRIES.

Mark and I kept the time honored tradition I grew up with when it came to homemade ice cream. If you are going to bother, you shouldn't bother eating anything else. Sometimes between the four of us (Grandma, Grandpa, Summer, and I) we would nearly finish off the entire 5 quarts Grandma made. That might mean we all had to take one for the team and have a two bowls, but it was never so pleasurable to sacrifice yourself. Mark was such a good sport to keep up tradition. I am sure it was hard on him.

So two bowls each for dinner while I thanked the Lord above that I am not lactose intollerant!

Exploring Greenbluff

2010-09-06T17:04:00.000-07:00

The main reason we went to Greenbluff was because I have been majorly jonesing for some blackberries. They are one of my absolute favorite berries/fruit. Huckleberries are the only ones that beat them out in my book. We tried growing some last year, but I was honestly a bit neglectful and they didn't make it. We need to try again though.

As long as you we were going to head that way to treat my blackberry fever, we figured we might as well do some exploring on the way. First stop was that Two Sisters Boutique, owned by the same sisters that own the Super Suris Alpaca Ranch next door. I received some alpaca lessons while I was there, namely that there are two alpaca breeds: colca and suri. This was news to me. The colca breed are the ones most of us have seen with super curly fur. However, this ranch breeds Suri alpacas that apparently make up only 10% of the alpaca population and they look like that are sporting long dreadlocks. I would have snagged some pics to share the dreadlock love, but they were all recently sheared. Bummer. However, I did gain a gorgeous and butter soft skein of Baby Suri fingering weight yarn in a barber pole ply of the natural black and natural brown from her animals. Seriously. I wish you could feel this stuff. Amazing.

After that we mostly enjoyed the views and did a little browsing at all the cute little harvest shops all over on the bluff.

Then we were on the real reason we were there. Blackberries!

Once we got home I began tackling all 5 pounds of blackberries. I think I will save those adventures for future posts though. Maybe a series of blackberry adventures.

I hope your labor day was as soft, sweet, and juicy as mine!

2010-09-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

You know that awesome tea I told you about last night? She announced a giveaway today. Check it out!

Sip With Me

2010-09-02T18:44:00.000-07:00

I am a tea lover. There is no way around it. I have my own little tea shop on a designated shelf in my cupboard. That's right. A whole shelf overflowing (seriously, sometimes it attacks you when you open the door) with delicious tea. I have every type of tea and all kinds of flavors all waiting to complete the next cozy mug and join me on a knitting adventure. There is a recent addition to the pack that I must introduce you to. What makes these so special they deem their own mention? First and foremost, they are hand blended numminess (hey my blog...my words). Second, they are blended by the lady (and lovely one at that) behind Fall Creek Fibers, Brie. She recently sent me a few samples to wet my taste buds on and I am loving them. So far I have tried September (pumpkiny sweet and fall spicy) and Celebration (you have to love a tea with sprinkles in it). By the way, check out the mug. I got it on our Oregon Coast adventures in a little yarn shop in Manzanita. Knitting IS sexy!

While I am sharing etsy goodness, check out these finds I have gathered over the week:

I am in love with this ring, and it has nothing to do with Taylor Swift having her own.

And this necklace makes me think of sweathearts twittering secrets to each other.

Tickle Me Pickled

2010-08-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Join me on my first adventure into pickling. I am fairly comfortable with canning on general principle, but have mostly kept myself limited to jams, salsa, chutneys, and spiced fruits. Therefore, I chose to have my first foray into pickling be on the simple side and opted for a refrigerated dill pickle recipe as opposed to the full blown canned pickles. My recipe came from the Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving. It has served as my "canning bible" for several years now and has never let me down.

This year we grew lemon cucumbers in the garden for the first time. These are wonderful cucumbers that I had previously only enjoyed from the farmer's market. They are great on sandwiches because they make a large round slice like a tomato and they are also great in salads. They are so named because they are round and a pale yellow with small white markings/stripes. I failed to take a picture of the lemon cucumbers before I attacked them with the mandoline, but here they are awaiting their brine bath. The recipe called for 8 1/2 cups. Thank heaven for mandolines!

While the brine was slowly bowling on the stove I placed dill seed, mustard seed and peppercorns in the mason jars. The recipe had an optional ingredient of garlic cloves for this step, but I forgot my shopping list when I went to the grocery store and therefore forgot to get the garlic. I reassured myself after I finished berating myself that the recipe did indeed state "optional" so they really can't be a deal breaker. Right? Guess we will find out.

Finally, all ingredients were ready to join the party. The cucumbers have to marinate in the frig for at least two weeks before we can call them pickles and start munching. There are then good to eat for 3 months. I doubt they will last that long.

Sock Nirvana

2010-08-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

I did it! I knit my first pair of socks ever! While I have been knitting for years, I have always been intimidated to try socks. I am not sure what I was a afraid of, though this pattern did not use the dreaded kitchener stitch, so I may still be in store for a sock horror. The part I was always fearful of was turning the heel. When it came to the turn I just took a deep breath and followed the advise I give beginning knitters who shake when they think of venturing beyond the scarf...break the pattern down to one stitch at a time. Don't try to figure out where you going or what all the stitches together are going to do, just trust the pattern (and yourself) and knit (or purl) one stitch at a time and let the magic happen.

Pattern: My Vampire Boyfriend

Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine

Even while I was working I knew I was falling in love with socks. They are portable, practical, great way to try new stitches, and they only use 100gr of yarn so you don't feel gulty splurging on yarn. I have already started gathering or have been gifted some wonderful sock yarns that are lobbying to be the next pair of socks I knit.

Line up: Ella Rae Lace Merino, Fall Creek Fibers Meadow Sock, Kollage Sock-a-licious, Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock, Fall Creek Fibers Powder Mill Sock, Cascade Yarns Heritage, and Schoppel Wolle Crazy Zauberball

Oregon Coast Refreshment

2010-07-30T09:48:00.000-07:00

Have I told you how much I love the Oregon Coast? I am not sure there is a better place to relax, unwind, and watch a sunset. So Mark and I were ecstatic to enjoy a well earned vacation that included one night in Portland (seriously one of my favorite cities) and five nights camping on the coast near Cannon Beach. We imbibed in a few of the plethora of micro-breweries and wineries in Portland and along the coast, investigated some of the great gardens or Portland, enjoyed walking gorgeous beaches, watching breathtaking sunsets (really aren't they all in their own way), and sitting by the campfire. It was the perfect break.

Photo review

2010-07-16T11:27:00.000-07:00

In light of the fact that I have been MIA lately I thought it would be easiest to update with a little photo anthology of the last few weeks. Between being gone nearly every weekend and trying to work my butt off (literally) for the Biggest Loser competition I feel like I am hardly home which equals to little to no time to blog.

First rose of the summer.

A chilly 4th of July.

A crazy storm while camping.

With the necessary campfire.

Gorgeous campsite views.

And very tired pups.

Garden Glory

2010-06-26T18:46:00.000-07:00

I decided to try a few new things in the garden this year. A few are not quite camera ready yet, those being the yellow watermelon, lemon cucumber, and a couple new varieties of tomato. However, a few are ready for their close-ups full of promises for bigger and better prizes in the new future.

Broccoli

Red cabbage

Yellow bell pepper (tried green and red in the past, but not yellow- I promise it will turn yellow).

Summer time

2010-06-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

This girl is so ready for summer. We had a really mild winter and now it seems like mother nature is playing catch up and messing with our spring and summer. It is finally starting to warm up, though it is still fairly wet around here. Hmmm...this must be what it is like to live on the other side of the state. I have been taking advantage of the warm sunny days that have occasionally blessed us with their presence. In addition to evening walks and hikes with my honey I have also wisely used my lunch breaks for walks around campus. I am wonderfully blessed to work on a campus that snuggles up next to Lake Coeur d'Alene so this is my view for the majority of my lunch walks. Yesterday the view included some parasailers as well.

I also spied this gorgeous Dogwood tree along my path yesterday. It is one of my favorite flowering trees and they are always a welcome sight.

This Sunday is also the Coeur d'Alene Ironman and it is one of the qualifiers for the Hawaii Ironman so I have gotten to see the progress of the little Ironman village in the park next to the lake. The bike corrall is probably the most impressive sight. I have to say I have zero, and I mean zero, desire to ever to an Ironman, but I am horribly impressed with the work the participants must put into their bodies to even attempt such an event. Yikes.

6 years

2010-06-18T20:47:00.000-07:00

6 years later I am still madly in love with this man...

there is nothing more to say.

the invisible girl blogs

2010-06-17T16:47:00.000-07:00

Wow! Where have I been? I apologize for the mini disappearing act. Between being sick, trying to stretch my creative muscles, and give the big old heart muscle a jump start, the days just flew by before I realized that I had not shared any tidbits of my life for well over a week. So here is a little catch up...

First. I was sick. It was miserable. At least the Pacific Northwest has not figured out it is summer yet so I didn't really miss out on anything.

The most exciting thing that happened to me on my hiatus was that I learned to make cold processed soap. My very own from scratch soap that if I don't make safely could burn my flesh off. It was fun! Hey, a little flesh burning threat never slowed this girl down. The soap I learned to make is lye (the flesh burning stuff), olive oil, palm oil, and coconut oil. That is it. Talk about natural! I also added a little dill weed to make it look pretty (promise, no pickle scent) and my scent of choice. I put together my own blend of lilac and hinoki wood. One of my fellow classmates described the scent as romantic and I think that is pretty fair description. Here is my first baby:

My batch is now sitting on a shelf in the basement properly aging. Yep, just like a fine wine, a fine soap must age. Luckily I only have to wait for 20 days as opposed to the years necessary for a wine. Or so I have been told. It doesn't usually last that long around here.

I have also been working my little (well maybe not quite so little) butt off. Our work is sponsoring a Biggest Loser competition at one of the local gyms just for employees. We have workout assignments each week to get entered into a drawing and I am doing my best to get all my points in. One week under my belt and I am having fun. It helps to have buddies!

Oh! I finished a couple projects somewhere in there too.

Farm Chicks Show recap

2010-06-07T19:11:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned before that I love attending the Farm Chicks Show every year. It is fun looking at all the booths and making great finds. This year I decided to show near when it opened the first morning. I usually wait until later in the day or for the second day to skip some of the most chaotic moments, but I guess I was feeling adventurous Saturday morning. My greatest finds included some great vintage jewelry. I found this great necklace/choker....

And this necklace....

My favorite find are these three great bracelets...

I also picked up a spoon ring made with a baby spoon that is perfect for my pinky...

By the way, the other ring on my middle finger is also a new lovely in my collection. It was given to me by a new friend on Ravelery in my beer lovers group. It is a beer opener! Eeekk! She saw that I was eyeing one and found a good deal so she shared. Next time I am ready to pop open a beer I just need to flip and ring around and there you have it! I think it makes a nifty looking ring all on its own too.

My last (literally the last) big find for the day was this fantastic apron. I love it!

Recharged

2010-06-03T19:52:00.000-07:00

I am always recharged and refreshed after spending time with my family. I just wish it didn't take a nine hour drive to settle into their presence and take it all in. Whether it is sharing a beer and stories with my true and steadfast Grandpa, being surounded by the never ending rambunctious energy of my sister and her brood, or laughing and singing karaoke (oh, and maybe a few more beers) with my beautiful cousins, I soak it all in and quietly recognize the hum of my battery reaching full charge. Really, it doesn't matter what I do with any of them or how long, it all soothes me.

This past long weekend I also discovered that listening to the three most important men in my life (Grandpa, Mark and Charlie Bear) all peacefully snoring around me in their own little worlds of cozy chairs, couches and laps while I read a good book was surprising refreshing to my soul. At one point a just set down my book, looked around me at the people I love, and just smiled and hoped for the moment to never end. Of course, eventually everyone woke up and began moving, reminding me that our most favorite moments are often fleeting.

When yesterday morning rolled around I regretfully realized it was time to pack it up and head back home. We cooked a good breakfast with Grandpa and then hit the road. We got a lot in though. On the way down Mark and I discovered a great new brewery and I took him to my absolute favorite pizza place, that alas can only be found in Boise. It was greating seeing how much bigger my nephew and nieces have become, as well as meeting the newest nephew edition. I got in that karaoke as well as precious time with my cousins. We also had one perfect night of just Grandpa, Mark and I where we stayed up late talking politics, philosophy, and just enjoying each other's stories and laughter.

I now leave you refreshed, recharged, and anxiously awaiting more fleeting and prescious moments with some of the most important people in my life...family.

What did your pheasant do today?

2010-05-26T19:05:00.000-07:00

An evening alone while the honey is golfing with his buddies. It started with pulling up to our driveway to see two rooster pheasants fighting in our front yard. I have to say this was a first. No, not the first pheasant in our yard. We have had a pheasant family in our neighborhood for several years and I awake almost every morning to the male pheasant's call. In fact, while Charlie feels the need to chase almost every bird out of our yard he has come to accept the male pheasant of the clan as he seems to particularly like our yard and is almost as big as Charlie. So for the most part Charlie ignores him, for which I am thankful because I think he is beautiful and get a kick out of occasionaly seeing him on our garage roof standing sentry. However, I have never seen more than one rooster pheasant at a time and certainly not in our yard, and most definitely not fighting. It was quite the sight.

Since there was nobody else to decide dinner with I decided to experiment. I baked a couple of cod fillets in the oven with the typical seasonings, but I decided to create a caper and dill sauce from scratch with no recipe and with never having actually made it before. I used a little mayo, a little sour cream, capers and some of their brine, dill, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. I must say it turned out pretty good, though all the experimenting to get the flavors right resulted in way too much sauce. Good thing I planned to have it on the side. I will decide another day what to do with the leftovers.

For the side I decided to make some miso soup. I used my favorite brand of miso paste, Westbrae Natural (white is my favorite, but they make all the colors). I usually add onion and thinly sliced potatoes, but we used the last of the potatoes for Sunday's breakfast. So I added onion and red pepper instead. Divine.

This last photo is actually from yesterday, but I have to share. Charlie loves laying on blankets. He has recently fallen in love with this one fleece blanket I made this winter (it has colorful little owls on it and I love it too). Usually it has been left on the couch by yours truly from using it the night before. Well some efficient soul (that would be Mark) decided to fold it and place it in the metal tub I use to hold lap afghans and blankets in the living room. Apparently this just would not do for Charlie once he was left alone the next day while Mark and I were at work. He must have decided to pull the blanket out of the tub and out onto the floor and promptly turn it into the perfect bed because this is what Mark found when he got home first.

I actually had the honors of taking the picture approximately two hours later though because Mark left it for me because he knew I would want to see first hand what our industrious little dog had done. He was right! The top right hand corner shows the tub where the blanket was once neatly folded and laying peacefully. If you look close at Charlie's bed you can see what was probably the curve of his adorable little body pressing down the perfect blanket bed.

Fall Creek Fibers

2010-05-23T15:30:00.000-07:00

My friend Brie is transitioning her perfect little etsy shop, theurchiness, into Fall Creek Fibers. In her own words it is theurchiness all grown up. Those of you who are already fans of theurchiness, do not fret. She is taking everything her shop already is (warm, cozy, friendly, and colorful) and adding to it and making it so much more. I have been a fan of her eye for color from day one and it is the reason she is my main source of handspun yarns and handpainted rovings. She is simply the best! She has taken her unfaltering knack for color and has developed a new line of handpainted yarn as Fall Creek Fibers. You can get a sneak peak at her developing beauty in theurchiness shop now at a discounted price before Fall Creek Fibers goes into full swing. I assure you I have taken full advantage of these preview prices.

First there is Fall Creek Fibers Monarch Worsted. It is 100% Superwash Merino and has all the bounce and softness you would expect from merino wool. I snagged the Geoffrey colorway.

218 yards, worsted weight

I also snatched the Buckeye colorway of the new Fall Creek Fibers Meadow Sock. This is a delectable mix of superwash merino wool, cashmere (and all the silky softness it is known for), and a touch of nylon for strength. These will soon become my favorite pair of socks, I have no doubt.

435 yards, fingering weight

My stash also now includes two glorious hanks of the Fall Creek Fibers Powder Mill Sock yarn. This luscious yarn is a 50% Superwash Merino and 50% Silk and oh yes, it is just as soft as your imagnation tells you to expect. I could not pass up the Sookie colorway as much as because it is an excellent blend of colors as because I am a True Blood fan through and through. This includes all the books as well as the series. What can I say, I have a soft spot for sexy vampires. I am now in search of the perfect pattern and am taking suggestions.

437 yards, fingering weight

Last, but certainly not least, I added Fall Creek Fibers River Sport (50% Merino and 50% Suri Alpaca) in the Chantel colorway to my collection. That's right, she named one of her colorways after me and I cannot tell you how flattered I am! The colors are a perfect representation of me and I have a roving to match just waiting for me to spin it up. Alpaca is also one of my favorite fibers as it is super warm and soft with a gorgeous drape. The merino in this yarn will allow all of the lovely attributes of the alpaca to shine while helping it hold its shape.

327 yards, sport weight

I have already cast on this yarn using a pattern from one of my favorite designers, Ysolda Teague. I am creating the Scroll Lace Scarf and I think the two are a perfect compliment to each other. (picture above better represents the colors)

So, what are you waiting for? I have shared with you my Fall Creek Fibers treasures, but there are many more for the taking and loving. Get going!

American Craft Beer Week

2010-05-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

Well, there is not much around these parts going on to celebrate American Craft Beer Week so I decided to make my own mini-celebration after stopping by opening night of my neighborhood's farmer's market. I made a homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza on a wheat crust and am drinking Twin Stag Scottish Ale by Yakima Brewing Company. I decided to pop this baby open tonight because my Beer and Fiber Swap buddy received her package today and this was one of the brews I shared with her!

For the crust on my pizza I use a french bread recipe and use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour. While Mark had the grill going for our steaks last night I added on a couple chicken breasts and some big slices of purple onion. Then today I spread the dough out on the pan, added our favorite BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Rays), the grilled chicken, grilled onion, mushrooms, and some cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 degrees until toasty brown and there you have it.

I hope you are enjoying your American Craft Beer Week as much (if not more) than I. Cheers!!

Something to make you smile

2010-05-11T18:47:00.000-07:00

Last night Charlie Bear and I decided we were tired and were going to bed without Marky. He could just catch up with us later. Well, sure enough he did and apparently this is what he saw...

Happy Birthday Sister!

2010-05-06T09:25:00.000-07:00

It is this lovely woman's birthday today.

That is my sister, Summer, with her newest bundle of joy, Jacob. I hate that we live in different states and at least a 7 hour drive apart. I get to see her and meet Jacob for the first time over Memorial Day weekend though and that is not so far away at least.

I still think of Summer as my little sister (hey she is 6 inches shorter than me - you know I had to get a big sister jab in there somewhere right), but she has grown into a wonderful woman and mother of four. We are only 16 months apart so growing up we swung back and forth between best friends and confidants to embroiled enemies over some "borrowed" shirt, but one thing never changed. We have always loved each other passionately and could always rely on each other when the need arose. Now we are adult woman revovling around our seperate worlds, in seperate states, in seperate cities. I miss getting to laugh with her, cry with her, and of course tease her (hey I told you I was the big sister) in person on a regular basis, but I still know that Summer would be there for me in a heartbeat and I there for her. We are sisters.

I love you Summer! Happy Birthday!

FO Roll Call

2010-05-01T19:30:00.000-07:00

Projects have been flying off my needles as I have at long last been able to knit items that only I wanted. (Read: no more hats to make for a shop in Sandpoint.) So how about a little roll call...

Waffle Stitch Cowl

Designer: Me (see pattern below)

Yarn: theurchiness (or should I start saying Fall Creek Fibers?) handspun

Colorway: Eric No. 2

Pattern: CO 104 with size 6 circular and complete the waffle stitch until your cowl is as tall as you like.

Waffle Stitch:

Rows 1 & 2 - K2,P2

Row 3 - K

Row 4 - P

Horseshoe Clutch

Designer: Me (free pattern coming soon)

Yarn: Patons Classic Merino Wool

Colorway: Cognac Heather

October Leaves Fingerless Mitts

Designer: Abbie Tilden

Yarn: Alchemy Juniper (love this yarn!)

Colorway: Koi Pond

I already know what I am going to cast on next (doesn't every knitter). 198 yards of Heaven by Christy Verity using Mirasol Miski and Shroom from the Winter 2009 Knitty issue using Malabrigo Chunky (so excited to try this yarn) are about to find their way onto my needles. I really want to cast on My Vampire Boyfriend, but alas the KAL does not begin until June. Do you think anyone will care if I cast on early?

Farm Chicks Show Giveaway

2010-04-26T16:12:00.000-07:00

In case you had not already guessed by the Farm Chicks Show ad I placed on my blog some time ago, I am super excited for this year's show. I have never gone and been disappointed. The only disappointment was last year when I didn't get to go because we had planned our cruise to Alaska during the same week as the show (not that I am complaining about Alaska...it was amazing!).

Well this little hummingbird just got her wings a humming because Miss Farm Chick herself, Serena, announced today that she was hosting a little giveaway. One lucky winner will get to be the special guest of Serena for the show on Saturday and for the vendor dinner that night! All us little chicks need to do to enter is blog (or tweet) about this great giveaway. So here I am sharing! Join the giveaway yourself if you plan on attending, which you should attend if you live anywhere near the area. It is an overwhelming and inspiring gathering of antiques, vintage goodies, and handmade items.

Scrub-a-dubba

2010-04-24T18:12:00.000-07:00

I have discovered a great 100% natural and organic skincare store, Virtue Natural. Most recently I purchased their Organic Shea Body Scrub in Orange and Patchouli. I realize that patchouli tends to be a "love it" or "hate it" scent (I'm a lover), but before all you patchouli haters scurry to click to a different website, hang in there. First, I think even haters would love this scrub's scent as the orange balances out the patchouli and gives it a delicious spicy note. Second, I have heard rumors that there are more lovely scents in the works for this scrub, such as Lemon Basil, so keep reading as I am about to get into the knitty gritty bits that have nothing to do with the scent and everything to do with why I am in love with this body scrub.

photo property of Virtue Natural

While the first thing you notice about any skincare product is its aroma, the next is what it looks like. What I immediately noticed when I opened the perfectly packaged container was that there was no oily scum sitting on the top unlike so many other body scrubs. It looks like moist sand and scoops up easily. The second I began to use the scrub on my legs it felt like that perfect back scratch from a dear friend. It gives a satisfying scrub that really feels like it is doing something without being irritating. I don't know if you have ever noticed this before, but other scrubs I have used often leave an oil slick in the bottom of my tub that is quite slippery after I rinse off. This body scrub did not. I am guessing this has something to do with the reason I did not see any oil resting on the top of the scrub. After I dried off, the scrub left behind just the right amount of moisture. Enough so I did not need to add lotion to my legs, but not so much that I felt like I needed to blot my legs with tissue (yes, this has happened to me before as well). Last, but not least, I appreciate that this scrub is made with sugar and not salt so you do not have to worry about stinging your freshly shaved legs.

The others products I have tried (and greatly enjoy) are the lip balms and the Radiant Complexion Scrub. There is a wonderful review of the complexion scrub here. Virtue Natural has many great products. Seriously, check them out!

photo property of Virtue Natural

Woosh! That week's over!

2010-04-18T19:57:00.000-07:00

What a crazy busy week it has been!

I finished 5 additional versions of my Bay Breeze hat for the lovely boutique, Bella Jezza, in Sandpoint, Idaho this week. The pattern includes a knitted star as an accent, but I decided that a few of the hats needed fun buttons instead. I sent off a total of 6 hats to their new (hopefully temporary) home in Sandpoint courtesy of the U.S. Postal Service Saturday morning.

I have also been encouraged and motivated to be serious about my fitness both by the SparkPeople website a lovely friend introduced me to, as well as by the fabulous Brie and her loyal fans. She started a Spin-along/knit-along/lose-weight-along for her Ravelry group. Which also leads me to my spinning. I have played around with my spindle, but have not successfully finished a skein of yarn yet. I will finish this one though! I am spinning up the Skagway braid by theurchiness (aka Brie). I bought this superwash merino for Mark for Valentine's Day with the promise that I would spin it up and knit him anything he liked. Not only is blue his favorite color (which the braid has in spades), but I couldn't pass it up because we went to Alaska last summer to celebrate our anniversary. Here are the beginnings of Mark's present:

This weekend has been jam packed as well between celebrating birthdays, attending the Spokane Women's Show, and discovering new hiking spots.

View of Lake Coeur d'Alene on the descent from the top of the Mineral Ridge hiking trail.

Next week does not promise to take it easy on me, but I can't complain. Tuesday night is the Jonny Lang concert and Thursday night is a gardening workshop, then Mark leaves for his annual coastal fishing trip early Friday morning. I can't wait to stock our deep freeze with fresh fish and Mark always brings my back a pound or more of fresh manila clams (my favorite)!

Ode to a Cruiser

2010-04-10T18:58:00.000-07:00

I love my Schwinn Cruiser. While I cannot say it has been hitting the pavement since the 30's, it is a classic all the same. There is a reason that people go back to the beach cruiser time and again for an enjoyable bike ride. See, I am not into surpassing land speed records, I don't care how smoothly my tires run on the pavement, it doesn't matter to me that I can't hit the trails with my bike, and I am perfectly pleased I have no pesky gears to fiddle with.

What matters is that when people see my bike they totally get why it's mine...

at the end of the ride my behind doesn't ache...

and it is perfectly practical for a quick jaunt to the farmers market in our neighborhood on Wednesday evenings (well, it will be once Mark gets my detachable basket installed for the year anyway)...

I totally understand if you are into gears, trail riding, or street tires. I get it. Mark is one of them. I just prefer it simple, classic, vintage...and orange.

A Breath of Spring

2010-04-03T14:55:00.000-07:00

This afternoon after a tasty breakfast at Molly's Cafe we went for a drive on the South Hill and decided to stop in at the Manito Park Gaiser Conservatory. I am itching for all things spring, especially flowers and growing things, so this was a much needed walk with Mother Nature even if they are all in pots. Seeing the pretty things of nature always makes me smile and walk a bit softer so I thought I would share a few of my favorites. By the way, I left the house without my camera (which almost never happens) so these are taken with my cell phone. Can you believe it?!?

Liberty Lake Loop

2010-03-28T14:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon Mark and I (and Charlie Bear too) joined Justin, Kerri (and Porter too), and Lynette on a 7.5 mile hike that starts at Pavillion Park in Liberty Lake. It is about a 20 minute drive from our house so not quite as handy as Beacon Hill or Dishman Hills where we usually hike, but still handy enough. There are parts of this hike that were really quite easy, but there were also equal parts that frankly kicked my butt. Those parts would be the approximate 2 miles of switch backs and constant hill climbing that looked like a goat trail more than a hiking trail. I know it is good for me, but that doesn't mean I can't still say "ugh!" It was a gorgeous hike with a waterfall about half way through the hike. I am a sucker for waterfalls, no matter how big or small. Here are a few highlights:

We started the hike at the edge of the lake (Liberty Lake) in this picture. At this point we were not even to the top yet, but this was the best view.

The aforementioned waterfall.

Pasta Sauce Method

2010-03-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

I made my nummy tomato pasta sauce last night for the first time in a long time, so I thought it deserved a little highlight. This is more of a method than a recipe, as I don't measure a stitch for it unless you count the gallon size bag of frozen tomatoes as a measurement (more on that in a second).

First I chop up onion, mushrooms, and whatever color of bell pepper I have on hand. I never have green pepper by the way. I can put up with them if you invite me over for dinner, but I really don't like them. Any other color is welcome to the party though. Last night I grabbed a yellow one. All three of these are sauteed together in a hot pan with a little olive oil until they are soft.

This next step can be skipped by my lovely vegetarian and vegan friends.

Next, I add italian sausage and brown it. I prefer the hot italian sausage, but use your favorite. I have even been known to use ground turkey or beef if that is what I have on hand and don't feel like going to the store. The hot italian sausage is the best in my opinion though. You can also use it from the casings, just remove the casings and break it up in the pan.

Now here comes the tomato bit. Every summer after I have made my fill of salsa and I have tomatoes coming out my ears I start freezing them in gallon size freezer bags. The only prep it requires is a quick rinse and cutting off the stem end, then in the freezer they go. Then, in those dreaded months that follow that leave us with only the most pathetic of pathetic tomatoes in the grocery store, I pull out a freezer bag of my garden tomatoes and let them thaw. They are then perfect for any soup, stew, or tomato sauce. The skins slip right off and I crush them with my hands and toss them into the delectable party gathering on my stove or in my crockpot. You could substitute canned tomatoes at this point, but read your labels because you would be surprised at how many canned tomatoes have corn syrup added.

I prefer my pasta sauce to be fairly thick so it sticks to the noodles better, so I also add one can of tomato paste. Then the herbs and spices get added. I typically add salt, pepper, italian seasoning, and some extra oregeno and basil. My "secret" ingredient is a few dashes of cinnamon though. Don't ask why, just try it. It adds something. Then the sauce is left to simmer as long as you can stand it. I try to give it at least an hour if I can to help all the flavors meld.

Before you serve it be sure to taste it and add additional herbs and spices if necessary. If your sauce seems unusually acidic from the tomatoes, sprinkle in just a teaspoon of sugar or other sweetner. Easy does it though, because it doesn't take much to make your sauce too sweet. Usually the tomato paste is naturally sweet enough that you don't need to add sugar though.

Buon appetito! from an Irish girl that loves Italian food.

Lace of Two Sorts

2010-03-21T16:50:00.000-07:00

My hat design is complete and up for sale on Ravelry! You can find it here. I went for a lace pattern in 100% cotton to make it summer friendly. Apparently Ravelry has added a new feature where us Ravelry designers can allow our non-Ravelry friends and followers to still be able to purchase our patterns through them. I will work on getting that up and running soon for you non-Ravelry folks.

The honey had a great idea on embellishing the hat further, and frankly I am little embarrassed that he thought of it and I did not. He suggested putting a few beads in the center of the star, which made me also think it would be pretty cute to put a button in the center of the star as well. Good thinking Marky!

In the mean time I still need to think of something to do for my non-yarn design challenge. My friend Michelle sent me some pretty little bobbins of lace a while back that I would love to use. I am thinking they would make a very pretty knitted bracelet.

Designer...here I come

2010-03-17T19:04:00.000-07:00

It's official...I am a knitting designer. Here I am listed on Ravelery with my fellow designers:

I am now working on my second design. This one is for a cute summer hat as commissioned by a boutique in Sandpoint, Idaho. I walked into the shop with my friend Kerri wearing one of the hats I have knit. She asked me if I sold my knitting anywhere and when I told her no, she promptly asked me if I would like to sell items in her store. Yes! She said she wanted some knitted hats that would be perfect for the spring and summer, so here I am working on the perfect hat in soft 100% cotton yarn. Don't you love this gray?!?

Simple Sunday

2010-03-14T17:03:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year. The sun starts making regular appearances without over heating the place. Perfect. At the suggetion of my honey, I spent the afternoon sitting outside knitting. Again. Perfect.

I had to bring my tea with me, of course. Have I told you about my new tea infuser by Tea Forte? I LOVE it! My handy-dandy timer had to join me for a little while as well because I am also baking a birthday cake for the lovely Kecia today. She requested a coconut cake and I found the perfect one by Ina Garten (Barefoot Contessa). If my little sampling of the batter (yes I know it has raw eggs in it and no I don't care) is any indicator it is going to taste A-Maze-Ing. The cakes are cooling as we speak.

I took a little break to walk around the yard and see what was starting to peak out of the ground.

Unfortunately it is starting to get a bit breezy, which mean chilly, so I had to gather myself and settle back inside. I love that it is already 5:00 p.m. and not even showing a sign of a sunset yet. It might sting a bit to lose an hour, but I will take soaking up the sun later in the day any time.

Design Challenge #2

2010-03-03T07:01:00.000-08:00

One design down and another one (or 11) to go. This month's challenge is to create a design using materials that are not intended for knitting/crochet. Our design can, at most, be 20% yarn. I need to decide what material to use before I can even start to think what I should make. Any suggestions?

Designs and Planes and Yarn, Oh My!

2010-03-02T16:58:00.000-08:00

As I have been holed away in Santa Clara for the last five days for Stitches West, we have some catching up to do.

First, I finished my very first design, Chained Embrace! It is a cozy shrug made out of Cascade Venezia which is a wool and silk blend (yummy). I will try to get the pattern written up and available soon for anyone who might want it. I debuted it at Stitches West and received a lot of positive feedback and people wanting to know the name of the pattern. I felt myself blush when I told them it was my own design. How silly is that?

I left for Stitches West with the rest of the Paradise Fibers crew bright and early (and I mean BRIGHT and EARLY) Wednesday morning. I started my October Leaves Fingerless Mitts on the plane (my first plane knitting ever).

Once we landed in Santa Clara, CA we promptly began setting up the booth (five all together) for the show. Check out our giant Addi Turbo needles and Super Swift!

Speaking of giant...I also petted a giant skein of yarn from Coloratura Yarns.

It was a whirlwind full of yarn squeezing and throbbing feet. I also met some fantastic people and enjoyed getting to know my LYS family a little better as well as enjoyed seeing what all the other vendors were up to.

Happy Birthday Grandpa

2010-02-20T08:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

I know you will never read this, but I wanted the world to know a few things.

You are one the most generous and loving people I will ever know. You have a gooey center that you try to hide behind a 1950's farmer exterior, but you are not fooling anyone. I feel blessed that Mark carries so many of your great attributes.
80 years have not slowed you down one bit.
I owe you a shot (heck, a bottle) of Amaretto the next time I visit. Which, by the way, I wish you were not so far away.

Grandpa with all his ladies.

The Power of Helium

2010-02-19T15:56:00.000-08:00

Among other things, Mark gave me three helium balloons for my birthday. After a couple of weeks I went to pop the balloons and throw them away. Mark stopped me because he wanted to see exactly how long they would last. Well, two of the balloons didn't last much longer. Though that might have been because Mark taught Charlie how to pop them when they started floating towards the floor. My birthday was three months ago today and there is only lonely balloon still fighting the good fight.

On the Mat

2010-02-10T20:03:00.000-08:00

Somehow, somewhere, some time, I fell of the mat. A couple of years ago I practiced yoga twice a week and had done so for a couple years. Then one day it suddenly happened. I stopped. Just like that.

I am happy to announce that I making the steps to get back on the mat with the help of this lovely yoga studio, The Mellow Monkey Yoga Studio. They are less than a mile from my house and seriously, don't you just love the name. As I worked through the teacher's poises tonight I felt my body working to snap back into place and find its center, but I definitely found my edge.

As part of my refocusing on my body's needs I am looking forward to my very first acupuncture appointment tomorrow and the realignment of my body in every way. Wish me luck and strong meridians.

On another note, because I really need to share, I just finished the most amazing book. I whole-heartedly recommend it. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein has become one of my favorites. Don't hesitate to read it!

Joyful Tuesday

2010-02-09T19:59:00.000-08:00

These things are bringing me joy today...

This adorable face warming himself by the heater vent. He seriously runs to almost every time the heater turns on and he is awake.

A man both kid enough at heart and man enough to take a PB&J to work for lunch. Of course it is a bit grown up with all natural peanut butter and my homemade nectarine and raspberry preserves.

Sitting down with a pot full of flowering tea while I wait for Lost to start. There is something truly joyful about watching a flower sprout out of a ball of tea leaves.

My purchase from For Strange Women arrived! I bought three sample vials of her botanical oil perfumes and a tube of lip balm. Thank you theurchiness for pointing this store out.

And last, but not least, my Grandma's pitcher collection. I love them all, but the blue one in the center is special because my grandparents received as a wedding gift more than 50 years ago.

Projects and Puppies

2010-02-08T17:44:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share an update on my first design project. I decided to create a shrug that you knit flat, wrist to wrist, and then seam up the arms. I have completed most of an arm. After I do the seaming I think I will pick up the stitches across the back to either add a collar or other fun edge (or both).

I actually did not get a lot done on my design this weekend because 1) I was working on getting swap packages together and 2) Mark and I were puppy-sitting Charlie's cousin, Porter. They would play and play until they just tuckered out. I have pictures of them playing, but let's be honest, sleeping pictures are so much more adorable to share.

Project Yarnway

2010-02-01T16:58:00.000-08:00

I enjoy following patterns. I enjoy giving myself over to someone else's vision by every knit and purl. It is fun and exciting to see what results and to be able to fall in love with a creation. That said, I also want to be the designer. I want to know that I have given someone else joy by the simple act of them following the combination of knits, purls, and yarn overs I devised. I want to know that I am capable of creating a new knitted accessory or garment from start to finish. And I have found just the venue to push me and inspire me. (Hmmm...I just realized there is a theme of inspiration around here lately.)

Cue inspiration...."Project Yarnway." This is a ravelery group whose prime mission is to get both professional and amateur (that's me) designers designing. Yes, it is a contest after the heart of its namesake, Project Runway (which is a fabulous show if you must know), but I am honestly not in this for the contest aspect. As an honest person I must say it would be nice to win, but I am really interested in the reward of the process itself. I am interested in the reward of being able to call myself a designer. Each month will have its own themed challenge that requires me to create a new design from inseption to finished peice by the end of the month.

Cue February's theme..."Stash Happy." In the month of February my mission is to create a design that expresses who I am as a designer using only yarn, needles, notions, etc. that I already own. Lucky for me I have an abundant stash and supply of knitting paraphenalia (yes, knitting is my own personal drug).

Wish me luck and I will keep you posted on the progress.

Window of Inspiration

2010-01-31T18:55:00.000-08:00

I know I have brought your attention to this beautiful shop before and Dahlia has so many lovelies, but today my eye was caught by this locket.

What I love about this locket is that you can make it your own. The peacock feather is only one of a million examples of what you could treasure in this little window.

It made me start thinking of what little treasures I would place in it. I think I would make it my inspiration window. Maybe one day it would contain a scrap of my favorite yarn waiting for a project. Another day it could be a magazine clipping to stimulate my creative juices. Yet another day it might contain a drop from my precious perfume bottle that was my Grandma's scent to inspire me to be the same caliber of woman she was.

My window is full of possibility...

San Juan Dreams

2010-01-25T17:20:00.000-08:00

I have wanted to go to the San Juan Islands ever since my little sis went there in high school with her choir group (remind me again why I dropped out of choir). She came back with some of the most beautiful pictures of gardens she visited and I was in love. Head over heals in love with the vibrant colors and the promise of being surrounded by the ocean.

We will not speak of how many years it has been since high school, but it has been more than a few and I have never made it there. Not once. That is about to change. Mark and I have decided that we are going to take a week off of work this summer and take a camping trip there, splitting up our time across the three main islands. I can not tell you how unbelievably stoked I am! Cozy campfires, sea kayaking, orca watching, and the smell of the sea for a whole week all await me!

I know, you are probably thinking it is a bit early to be planning out summer vacation. For goodness sake it just snowed here this morning, but I am a planner. There, I said it. I am a planner to the 10th degree. Mark rarely complains, though he does not understand why I am already trying to decide which campgrounds should be graced with our presence in July. Let's face it though, he only benefits from my incessant need to plan. I can still be spontaneous (yes, really), but I find comfort in having a framework and knowing that I can take a shower.

Weekend of Creations

2010-01-18T11:22:00.000-08:00

This was a weekend of creating. On Saturday I participated in painting class at Grande Ronde Cellars in Spokane that was put on by Painting With Spirits. I had a great time and met some intersting people. Many of them had taken a class with Painting With Spirits before and plan on doing it again. I may be among them soon. I do not necessarily consider myself a painted, but I have played around with watercolors here and there. This was my first time painting with acrylics (well, on a canvas anyway) and I really enjoyed it. This is what I came home with (and yes, that is my nearly empty wine glass next to it) and it gets me itching to do more.

I have also tried my hand at felting soap thanks to this great tutorial. I practiced on Irish Spring soap (the green and white for an extra wink to St. Patty's Day) and Dove (the purplish brown and yellowish brown). I am pretty happy with the results and already have some handmade soap (what can I say, I am an arts and crafts addict) setting up to make some more. What do you think? Etsy worthy?

Folly of Multitasking

2010-01-16T11:45:00.000-08:00

Note to self: do not attempt to make a grilled cheese sandwich and spin at the same time. Something is going to suffer.

R.I.P. Grilled Cheese.

At least it wasn't the spinning.

Painting with Spirits

2010-01-12T18:36:00.000-08:00

Care to join me? I just signed up for this local event and can't wait for Saturday now.

Naked Needles Need Not Apply

2010-01-10T14:34:00.000-08:00

Apparently as soon as I cast off a project, I can't help but start three more. I am using my purchase of a new set of needles as my excuse. My grandfather gave the time honored gift of cash for Christmas and my birthday this year, so I put it to good use and purchased the KA Switch Exchangable bamboo needles (and yes I got the dragonfly case). I am in love and had to immediately find a project for them.

First though, let's take a look at what I cast off in the last week or so....

Pattern: Smokey Quartz Lace Shawl

Yarn: Kollage Corntastic in Zircon

Pattern: Rose Red

Yarn: Nashua Handknits Creative Focus Worsted in Blue Pine

Pattern: Sew Q's Lacey Scarf

Yarn: theurchiness Handspun in Maroon Merchant

Replacing these projects are...

Pattern: Simple Mistake Rib Vest

Yarn: Queensland Collection Rustic Wool DK in 204

I am returning to my work on my Queen of Hearts mittens.

I have cast on a secret project for a swap partner.

I have begun work on my first design (eek!) for a Fair Isle hat. When I get a bit further I will give you a sneak peak, but I can tell you it is chocolate brown, purple, and green and includes dragonflys. Best of all, I am making it out of 100% baby alpaca by Misti Alpaca.

Until then I leave you with this question. Is it wrong to have popcorn for dinner, because it felt so right last night.

...the handiman's new air popper...

Beacon Hill

2010-01-03T18:27:00.000-08:00

Mark reminded me today of how much I enjoy hiking Beacon Hill. No, really I do. Do not let the huffing and puffing from climbing fool you, nor be deceived by my girlish shrieks from sliding in the mud. I really do love it.

First, I love it because it has great views.

Second, you are more or less engulfed in a mini-forest in the middle of town. This does my heart and soul good on many levels.

Lastly, and maybe the most important, it whips my winter laden booty into shape. Today Mark and I took Justin and Kerri with us. It was fun to see Charlie play with his "cousin" Porter. I swear those dogs ran three times as much distance as the four of us walked. It was also nice to have a fellow huffer and puffer along with me for a change (not naming any names). I should patent this the Beacon Booty workout!

Can you smell that?

2009-12-31T17:04:00.000-08:00

The new year is coming, only hours away now. Like the smell just before a cleansing rain, only it is snowing here. You will not read of any new year's resolutions here though. I am a strong believer that if a goal is worth having it is worth starting now, not to be saved for beginning of a new year.

Of course that does not mean that I am not full of hope for the coming year. Namely, I am full of hope for another glorious year with these two men in my life...

...Grandpa's backyard sunset...

As we ring in the new year with family and friends I wish you all a happy and healthy new year filled with the love of your own family and friends. Cheers!

Christmas Casted Off

2009-12-25T13:40:00.000-08:00

Now that the presents have found their lovely recipients, I can share a few finished knits.

Mittens for my nephew, Ryan...

Mittens for my niece, Sadie...

Slippers for my beautiful sister, Summer...

And a cozy hat for the Raska family gift exchange, which Lori ended up with...

Photo Update

2009-12-18T21:18:00.000-08:00

Wow! Where have I been? Sorry for so long in between posts. Here is a little narrated photo update of the last 2 weeks (2? really?).

....tree is decked and dandy.

...five hour power outage in below freezing weather with no alternate source of heat = great excuse for every candle to be lit and to snuggle with the honey under piles of blankets.

...finished these twisted mitts for my Winter Solstice Swap partner. (Trilsea'n by Kalurah)

...took another knitting class from the beautiful Laura Col at Paradise Fibers.

...witnessed one of the cutest results of a nap I have ever seen.

...the results of visiting with a naturopath MD.

...knitting up Christmas presents like crazy.

Feeling Sassy!

2009-12-06T18:21:00.000-08:00

I spent my entire Saturday with fellow fiber lovers, including Mary Scott Huff. She is the author of The New Stranded Colorwork and was also our instructor for the day. The first class was the Sassy Selbvotter class where we learned how to do Norwegian stranded colorwork (similar to Fair Isle, but a bit different) by knitting her gorgeous Queen of Hearts Mittens. Here is a WIP picture of what I have completed so far.

I am using Brown Sheep wool and am loving my color choices. I was nervous about learning to do stranded colorwork, but I was pleasantly surprised that it is far easier than it looks!

After our 4 hour session with mittens (seriously, it flew by!) and an hour break it was time for Mary's Mad Hatters class. In this class we learned how to design our own stranded colorwork hat. I have cast on my hat with some DK weight Misti Alpaca 100% baby alpaca and will be using a warm brown, rich purple, and bright green for the hat. The chart I designed includes some darling dragonflies. I will share a picture when I get to that part of the hat.

I must say that Mary is an amazing instructor! She is herself quite a sassy lady and therefore a joy to learn from and with. We spent as much time laughing and sharing as we did learning and knitting, and for me that equates to a perfect class. Thanks Mary for an amazing day and thank you Paradise Fibers for making the classes possible!

Handspun Love

2009-12-01T19:43:00.000-08:00

I finished my fingerless gloves using the handspun I purchased from theurchiness. I love how these turned out! The colors are beautiful and the pattern was so quick and easy with a nice detail. Unfortunately the lace detail does not show up great in this photo, but it does in person. I used the Cafe au Lait Mitts (rav link) pattern by Paula McKeever.

Can I say I am also loving the HiyaHiya 9" circulars (my newest investement in my knitting haven)?!? I started by just buying sizes 1, 2, and 3 to test them out, but I have fallen in love with these little circulars and have since bought nearly every size. The best price I have found on these babies is at Y2Knit and there shipping is so VERY reasonable.

November Celebrations

2009-11-27T16:02:00.000-08:00

It had been a busy week, but busy in all the ways that I love. Saturday we celebrated Mark's birthday with his family by going to sushi and sharing a few (okay, maybe more than a few) libations. Then on Sunday I got the supreme joy of watching Mark open his birthday presents. I always love watching people open presents I have gotten them. I love that look of joy that crosses their faces when I have got it just right and given them something they have been craving or given them something they never knew they wanted until I gave it to them. The second is what I got from Mark's main present I made him.

I took a couple days off work to drive around and take photos of signs on various buildings around town and use the letters to spell out his last name. I think it looks great against the red walls in our kitchen too!

Of course there was Thanksgiving day itself. I love celebrating any holiday with Mark's family. For one thing, Mark's family has become my own. Second though, you have to love a family that potlucks the big meals and celebrates with jello shots...

and truly know how to demolish mexi-layer...

Mark and I also took on the insanity that is Black Friday. We gathered some great buys, but my favorite stop was my favorite LYS where I snagged some Lantern Moon bags I have been eyeing and some lovely yarn that just need to come home with me. Some of my goodies from Paradise Fibers will find their way to my swap partner for the Winter Solstice swap on Ravelry soon.

Puppy Sitting

2009-11-21T16:19:00.000-08:00

Today I got to puppy-sit Porter for a few hours. He is Kerri and Justin's newest baby. The afternoon started with some extensive playing...

Then it lead to some heavy napping...

Charlie tried to help me knit Sadie's second mitten for Christmas, but he just could not keep his poor sleepy eyes open...

Don't fret though little Charlie Bear. I was able to finish it with your cozy little body keeping my lap warm.

Swap Love

2009-11-19T18:13:00.000-08:00

I love swaps, especially those I do on Ravelry. My most recent one was with the Outlander Fans group. I am definitely one of those people that love to spoil as much as be spoiled, and my swap partner has successfully received her package so I can now share the two goodies I made her that joined lots of bought goodies.

This is the mini messenger bag I made her from 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders. I wish the picture showed the cables better. Even with the wonders of felting, they really pop out in person.

I also made her these stitch markers. I like to make them on earring loops that flip closed so they can be moved if necessary or be attached to the yarn instead of the hang on the needle so they do not distort stitches, especially if they need to be placed where there is YO stitch.

My next swap is with the Winter Solstice Swap group and I have already been messaging my partner and spying little goodies to make and buy.

Mmmm....Fall

2009-11-14T17:47:00.000-08:00

Tonight's perfectly chilly evening called for a perfectly toasty meal.

Mark started things off by making us hot buttered rums...

and I finished them with some homemade pumpkin soup and grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches.

Inland Crafts

2009-11-08T13:12:00.000-08:00

I went to the Inland Crafts sale today downtown and came home with a few goodies.

This gorgeous hat by Lillie & Cohoe. I fell in love with nearly all of their hats, but settled on this one.

I also met a fellow knitter (Carolina Cristina Manzoni of Between the Threads) who had some beautiful and reasonably priced scarf/shawl pins so I scooped up these three. Unfortunately she does not have a website, but if you think you would like to snag a few of these yourself, let me know and I will give you her email address.

This was my first time visiting their annual sale. I am sure it will not be the last!

I'm going...

2009-11-07T10:26:00.000-08:00

... to Stitches West in February. I have never been to Stitches or to the Bay area (it is in Santa Clara, CA) and I am practically vibrating with excitement. I am going with the wonderful crew of Paradise Fibers to help them run their booth. I am so unbelievably flattered that they thought of me as a good addition to their team and I think they will be fun to work with. I am also ecstatic to be surrounded by fellow fiber lovers for nearly a week. If you are planning on attending Stitches be sure to come say hi! Did I mention I am excited?

Loving it!

2009-11-05T18:38:00.000-08:00

I love coming home to packages, but I had an extra special treat today because I came home to this gorgeous handspun by theurchiness. Check out her blog while you are at it! You will actually see a much better photo of this gorgeousness there as well.

I cannot wait to knit it up into something spectacular. I am thinking fingerless gloves/mitts, but I am open to suggestions. Recieving this is also inspiring me to get practicing my spinning. I learned how to spin with a drop spindle this summer, but I have been so focused on my knitting projects I have not played with it as much as I would like.

While visitig etsy to give Brie the glowing feedback she deserves I also came across this gorgeous locket. Paging Handi-man...oh Mr. Handi-man. Can you say "Christmas present" with me?

I can see I am easily going to become an Etsy addict.

Boo!

2009-11-01T13:07:00.000-08:00

First of all, I am blessed to be surrounded by fellow Halloween lovers at work. Every year we come up with a spooky theme for the office and try to surprise everyone at work with what our costumes will be that year. Word has gotten out about how we love to decorate and as soon as people flip the pages of their calendars to October they start coming around to see what we are up to. This year we decided to go with a vampire theme. See this post for a picture of the decorations.

We usually have a party as an office after hours to further celebrate Halloween with another theme entirely. This year it was going to be an 80's theme, but unfortunately our lovely hostess became ill the day before. We are all hanging on to our costumes though in hopes that we can organize a bash in November that has an 80's theme just for the heck of it.

So instead of rockin' our bad 80's selves on Saturday night, Mark and I found ourselves at home handing out candy to the neighborhood ghouls. In between answering the door I made homemade guacamole (hey the adults need treats too)...

and listened to my brand new Sting CD.

Both were equally delicious!

Prepping for Trick of Treat

2009-10-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is my work's Halloween Open House and I decided to make some ghostly strawberries. They are dipped in white chocolate and then the eyes and mouths are made with black gel icing. Boo!!!

While I was bringing the strawberries' inner ghosts, these delicious Jalapeno-Cheddar Scones were baking in the over to go with our chicken taco soup that had worked all day in the crockpot. Thank you Smitten Kitchen! They were so flaky and yummy!

I promised a picture of these awhile ago, but my swap buddy has received her package so now I can share the stitch markers I made her. I think I like the pumpkins a little more than the witch hats, but both are fun and were fun to make out of polymer clay.

Pictures coming soon of vampires and 80's chic....

Bead Still My Heart

2009-10-24T19:10:00.000-07:00

Today was the second (and final) part of my knitting with beads class. Can I say Laura Col is an amazing teacher and her and her husband are incredibly generous people?! At both class sessions we were treated to wonderful treats including a nummy food, a wooden bead spinner and other beading paraphernalia to get those rascally beads in line (and on the yarn), and today a needle holder hand made by Laura's husband. It is gorgeous and will hold a crochet hook or shorter dpns. Check it out!

Here are the beaded fingerless gloves that I started in the class. I am using Hand Jive Knits Nature's Palette Fingering in Hydrangea (it is a light purple gray) and I am using and iridescent gray bead. Here is my beginning:

While I was at it, I thought I would give an update on a couple other WIPs. First is my new winter hat. The pattern is called Rose Red (rav link), but I am calling it my Blue Pine Rose. It is a pretty quick knit and I have only worked on it here and there over the past week and I am already about half way done.

I also have almost 3 hanks of 10 finished on the Lace Cable Shawl I am making for a sample at Paradise Fibers. This is a close-up so you can see the lace and cables.

I also have another project in the works for an upcoming swap that I will not share because I do not want to spoil the surprise. We will also ignore more currently hibernating projects because I don't want to talk about it and my inability to find the incentive to complete them.

I also want to share this picture I snapped from our backdoor this morning. Every morning I let Charlie outside when I wake up and get on with my morning rituals. Typically, Charlie lets me know when he is ready to come back it by getting a little scratch on the back door. This morning it was seeming to take longer than normal for him to let me know it was time for him to come back in so I checked on him and caught him sunbathing with no intention of coming in any time soon.

I love this picture with the carpet of leaves that dropped during our rain storm yesterday and the glow of the sun on everything.

Discovering Dahlia

2009-10-21T14:04:00.000-07:00

Technically I discovered Dahlia this past summer when I visited Amy Sanchez's (the jewelry artist behind Dahlia) booth at one of the local art festivals in Spokane. She is vintage with an edge. She says she designs "nostalgic adornments for the modern girl." However you want to say it, I love it. I bought a pair of earrings and this necklace at the festival.

I was digging through my purse today and came across her business card and a 10% off coupon that I might just have to use on these earrings.

Even though I fell in love with just about everything in her booth I had never gotten around to looking at her website. Good thing I did too because it looks like she will be having a display at one of the local boutiques downtown in December for their open house. Can someone let Mark know that any of her jewelry would make excellent Christmas presents? Please.....

Treats For All

2009-10-20T09:46:00.000-07:00

Mark's favorite treat is apple pie to the point that he would much rather I bake him an apple pie for his birthday than a cake. Well, it is not his birthday for another month, but I decided to give him a little treat anyway. I used my Grandma's crust recipe and my sister's canned pie filling. It turned out delish!

As long as Mark was getting a treat, I thought maybe I should too. I am taking a class at Paradise Fibers to learn how to knit with beads. We are learning by making these lovelies (rav link). On the day of classes you get 10% off just about anything in the store. So I splurged and got this beautiful Lantern Moon basket for a new project "bag."

Burning Ring of Fire

2009-10-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

We inaugurated our fire pit last night. It was a perfect night, with a touch of crispness that made the fire welcoming. I love a nice fire. It is my favorite part of camping, to the point if there is a burn ban there is a part of me that doesn't even want to bother with the camping bit and just go for a pleasant hike somewhere to get my nature time. We have only used it the once so far, but I know I am going to be thankful for every penny I spent to add it to our home. Here are a few pictures of us enjoying the first fire of the season.

Halloween Sneak Peek

2009-10-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share a little sneak peek into Halloween at my work. We all LOVE Halloween and really get into the spirit of things. Notice the Handi-man's coffin front and center with its new occupant. Can you guess what we are all dressing up as?

Fitted Knits

2009-10-10T15:45:00.000-07:00

I just have to share. I have discovered a fabulous new (to me) knitting book. Fitted Knits: 25 Projects for the Fashionable Knitter. I use the term new loosely as I realize that I am a little behind in the game and this puppy has been out since 2007, but I seriously want to cast on nearly every single item. That never happens. All of patterns are modern with a little vintage whimsy. I LOVE them! While you are at it, check out the designer's website: http://www.glampyre.com/ and prepare to be inspired.

Don't Tell Mark But.....

2009-10-06T12:42:00.001-07:00

… I secretly like the fact that we keep our house a little on the cool side during the chilly months. It makes it possible for me to still bundle up comfortably under a quilt or afghan. I can hold a warm cup of tea (or hot-buttered rum) and feel its warmth work up my fingers. If my nose is cold I can lean into Mark and press the tip of nose in the soft part under his chin and feel it warm me down to my toes. It also means that my little furnace of a sweetie doesn’t mind it when I want to fall asleep at night curved against him. Charlie Bear spends every moment he can get on one of our laps because he didn’t get enough lap time in the summer when it was too warm to cuddle with us. It means I get to be cozy in any manner that I want and be warmed from my fingertips to my toes inside and out.

Go Broncos!

2009-10-05T16:17:00.000-07:00

Here is Charlie enjoying his new BSU outfit courtesy of Michelle. Go Broncos!

Here is the rest of the swap package she sent. It had some of the most amazing little finds and do you notice I now have my very own Hedgwig owl.

This weekend I also got some quality time with the girls. We ate lunch, did a little shopping, and discovered a great new martini at Twigs. Yum!

Grape Expectations

2009-09-29T18:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another episode of grape transformations. Witness the destemmed grapes in their new glass home....

They are all broken up about their move, but are enjoying a cozy sugar bath as they await their transformation into Grape Cordial.

Thanks Gwenda for the tip on how to use my over abundant grapes. I can't wait until they are ready and I can take a little nip!

Weekend In Review

2009-09-28T17:01:00.000-07:00

After I dropped off the fabulous Feather and Fan gloves and went on a little shopping spree, the weekend got into full swing with drinks and dinner with my honey at our favorite happy hour. It is my favorite way to start weekend. Here are a few more lovely highlights from a great weekend.

... Received a check from Nissan for the salvage of my long gone clunker I traded in. It was $150 I was not expecting!

... Bought some Fimo clay for some stitch markers that have been brewing in my head. I will say no more, as they should be finding their way into a swap package if they come out as cute as they look in my noggin. I will share pictures after my swap partner receives them.

... Speaking of swaps, I furiously gathered all kinds of goodies for several swap packages I am putting together. I have learned it is just as much fun to shop for little treasures for people you barely know as it is for those that you adore and know maybe a little too well.

... On Saturday night we went to see 6' Swing at ValleyFest. They are one of my favorite local Spokane bands and I enjoyed listening to them immensely. They are a little swing, a little blues, and a little jazz all rolled into one.

... Sunday was the Coeur d'Alene Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. I was the team leader for the Cardinals Against Cancer Team (the North Idaho College team) and I enjoyed every minute of it. We had 35 members on our team and everyone had a blast. You would be amazed at how many people join in the race. It was fun to look at everyone's team shirts! I think my favorite shirt was one styled after Rosie the Riveter.

... I also got to watch the progress of the coffin Mark is making for my work's Halloween decorations. I think he may of taken it a little too seriously, or else he should get into the coffin making business. He even crawled into to make sure it was a realistic size. Love him and the coffin! We will be keeping this for future decorations outside our house!

... I have a good start on the Lace Cable Shawl as well. It is forcing me to practice my cables. I don't know why I usually avoid them. I think they are gorgeous and they only look hard to do, but for some reason they always intimidate me.

Next weekend we are off to visit friends in Lewiston, Idaho so I am sure I will more frivolity to share on next weekend as well.

Love sample knitting

2009-09-26T15:42:00.000-07:00

I finished the Feather and Fan fingerless gloves! I was sad to turn them over to Paradise Fibers yesterday, but I have visitation rights since they will be on display in their store. I also bought some of the Kollage 1/2 N 1/2 yarn in this color to knit my own pair.

Now I get to cast on another project for a sample for Paradise Fibers. I have cast on this pattern with this yarn. I have never knit with corn fiber before so this is a treat. I have been told it drapes beautifully and I am about to find out.

My Wings Are Humming

2009-09-21T22:15:00.000-07:00

Mondays are long. I work eight hours at my day job (the Registrar's Office) and then work another three hours teaching. I come home tired, ready to eat dinner, and veg.

Tonight I came home and was immediately energized because when I walked in the door Mark was just putting the finishing touches on dinner. Taco Salad, one of my favorites. He also showed me that he finished my new swift.

It is slick and cost less than $10 which is awesome since the swift I had been eyeing is about $40 and that was a good deal. My Knit Picks ball winder should be arriving in the mail shortly and is bound to play nicely with this yarn swift.

If all of that was not enough to have me humming in delight, Mark surprised me with a brand new netbook! He said it is an early birthday present (my birthday is not until December). It is an Acer Aspire One 11.6 screen and we should have wireless in about a week and then I will really get that baby humming. This came as a particularly large surprise because we just looked at this netbook at Costco yesterday and all he could tell me was how much he thought I didn't need it. You think he had this planned all along, or did he just realize how much I really wanted it and how much I was going to use it in all its compactness. With wireless I can sit in my favorite chair, I can sit outside, I can pretty much be anywhere in the vicinity of our house that I want and still blog, check facebook, and do all other sorts of nonsense online that I probably don't really need to be doing. I can't wait to get started! I love you babe!

Addition to the Canned Family

2009-09-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

Might I introduce you to our Concord grapes before....

They have had an identity crisis and have changed their names to Cinnamon Grape Preserves....

Progress

2009-09-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

I have finished one fingerless glove of the Feather and Fan Fingerless Gloves and I am loving the 1/2 N 1/2 yarn by Kollage!

Also, the handi-man has finished one of his two projects! The niddy-noddy looks great and I can not wait to try it out and set the twist on my first ever spun yarn.

He also cut all the pieces for the swift last night and will hopefully get it all put together by the end of the weekend. Don't you just love the feeling of progress!

Handi-man to the rescue!

2009-09-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

For those of you that don’t know, the handi-hummingbird has a handi-man. While as an empowered woman I hold firmly to the fact that technically I could do anything Mark does handi-wise, I don’t. Frankly, I am happy to let him take over certain arenas. For example, I can mow the lawn just fine thank you, but I have absolutely no problem letting Mark complete this chore. It works both ways. I am sure Mark could technically create my yummy tomato sauce (okay, maybe I am stretching it a bit there), but I am fairly certain he is fine with letting me do it all by myself.

The handi-man enjoys having projects to do. So, when I was introduced to these directions for building your own niddy-noddy (for you non fiber enthusiasts, it is used to set the twist on new spun yarn) and found these directions for building your own yarn swift (non fiber nuts, this is to help quickly ball new yarn) I thought of my handi-man. He was of course excited to help make this happen (hmmm, maybe I am stretching a bit again). Last night we went to the hardware store and got everything we needed that we didn’t already have at home for both of these projects. I am excited to see the end result!

Construction will not begin until tomorrow. You see, the handi-man also likes to work on his handi-cap so he is golfing with his buddies this afternoon. I will keep you posted on the progress though!

Me Time

2009-09-14T16:59:00.000-07:00

What a busy girl I was this weekend! Mark was away on a boys only weekend to Priest Lake so I had the whole weekend to myself. I started off volunteering at the county fair on Friday as a demonstrator in the wool department. We were in the goat barn (can I tell you how cute pygmy goats are!) and demonstrated spinning, weaving, and knitting. I only knit and crochet, but Tina graciously taught me how to spin yarn with a drop spindle and I am addicted! I also got to play with the drum carder that Paradise Fibers lent to the demonstration and took the fiber I carded home to keep practicing my spinning.

Saturday was my canning-o-rama. I made Raspberry Vinegar which is resting for a few weeks in my basement. I can't wait to make my own Raspberry Vinaigrette with it. I also made some Nectarine Chutney. It is so yummy, but I have to say it was a lot of work for only a few pints. Finally, I made some Nectarine and Raspberry Preserves. It made the most beautiful color both in the pot boiling up...

and in the jar.

It is the perfect blend of sweet and tart. Can't you just hear the chorus of lids snapping as they seal shut? Music to my ears!

I have to say I have fallen in love all over again with my Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving! The vinegar and chutney recipes both came from that book and I have plans to use some other recipes for my over abundant Concord grapes and tomatillos. I would recommend this book to anyone you loves to preserve their bounty, whether jamming, canning, or freezing, it has it all including some items that frankly scare me.

Speaking of my grapes. Somewhere in the middle of all this canning I found the time to bake my first focaccia bread. I found this great recipe for a Concord Grape Focaccia. So good and just a little sweet.

Sunday it was back to the fair to volunteer as a demonstrator for a few more hours. My fellow volunteers on both days are some of the neatest people and I am sure I will visit with them again soon. It was so much fun to share my love of all things fiber with fair-goers as well. We got a lot of gawkers and even more questions. I will definitely be doing this again next year!

Of course, I also enjoyed some of the finer girly things in life while Mark was gone. I rented a couple chick flicks, drank a couple glasses of good wine, and got a pedicure. Ah, me time....

Happy Hearts and Sore Rumps

2009-09-10T20:09:00.000-07:00

After driving 9 hours to Twin Falls and five days later driving 9 hours back Mark and I have happy hearts and sore rumps. Don't get me wrong, I love spending time with my family! I just wish they were not so far away in the distant land of Twin Falls, Idaho. At least I got some knitting done while my rear was trying to find a comfortable spot in my new car's seats. In fact, my honey was so kind as to do the majority of the driving just so I could get some knitting done. I don’t know how he knows how important knitting efficiency is to me. I am sure it is not all of the yarny goodness piling up in my closet. Hey, what was he doing in there any way? He has his own closet he can freely pile up with his nearest and dearest possessions. He doesn’t need to go peeking around at mine. Right? Hmmm….I guess I digress….

During the five days we were there we enjoyed a cold beer (okay maybe more than one) with my Grandpa and took him to Jackpot for their Sunday champagne brunch. He particularly enjoys the bottomless glass of champagne that comes with the brunch. I think we all did. After that we all threw lady luck a little homage and once we thought we had donated enough money to Jackpot, headed back to Twin Falls.

Grandpa gave me one of the coolest gifts I have ever received during our visit. Nearly 40 years ago my Grandma gave him a traveling bar when he was first elected to the National Farmers Organization (NFO to those in the know) board, and he has now given it to me. Check it out!

It holds either two fifths of booze or one fifth and a bottle of mixer. This will be perfect for going to the lake or camping or any of our friends’ fabulous house parties. Thank you, Grandpa!

I also got in some good cousin time (and maybe enjoyed another beer or two with them). Miss Kale was studying for her Medical Terminology exam so she is missing from our frivolity, but she better be there next time.

A few other highlights include:

Making Grandpa some homemade huckleberry ice cream....

Finding these hilarious cookbooks in my Grandma's stash...

Bringing home my favorite goblets of my Grandma's. They are a soft brown that does not come across perfect in the pics, but I love them....

I left Twin Falls with a pan of my nummy enchiladas in the freezer, my sticky BBQ ribs in the fridge, and wishing I lived much, much closer.

Wish List

2009-09-04T12:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I just found the CUTEST stitch markers ever! These Boston Terrier stitch markers seriously need to find their way to my house. Don't they just look like my Charlie Bear?

She has many cute critters available for her stitch markers, but I am partial to the Boston Terriers for obvious reasons. Do you think it is possible to become addicted to Etsy?

On a side note, I am hitting the road to visit my family in Southern Idaho, so do not become alarmed if you do not see me posting for a few days. I will be back!

Casting On!

2009-09-03T19:49:00.000-07:00

After work tonight I went to Paradise Fibers to pick up the yarn and pattern for the fingerless gloves they asked me to knit as a store sample. The yarn is in this beautiful colorway and this is the pattern for the Feather and Fan fingerless gloves that I will be knitting. They are going to make the perfect project for our Labor Day weekend road trip! Don't you just love them...drool...

Casting on now...

Missing You

2009-09-01T23:27:00.000-07:00

When I called Grandpa tonight we somehow got on the topic of his favorite bbq rib place. Apparently the owner/rib master passed away this summer, but Grandpa loved his ribs and still misses them. Grandpa declared that the owner should have checked with everyone and made sure they were okay with the timing of his death before he just left everyone. We both knew who he was really talking about.

It has been 4 months and I still miss you every day, Grandma.

My Wings Are Humming

2009-08-31T17:41:00.000-07:00

Every now and then I will share pieces of my life that are making me particularly joyous, i.e. "My Wings Are Humming." I have two today!

First, Mark and I finished putting together our new outdoor living space yesterday afternoon. Isn't it lovely? Doesn't it just make you want sit down and enjoy a cold glass of iced tea in the day or warm cup of cocoa by a fire in the evening? We got it done just in time for having my cousin, Belle, and her beautiful family over for dinner. And yes, we did in fact enjoy some iced tea together!

And second! I just found out today that Paradise Fibers, my local yarn store (LYS for my fellow Ravelers), selected me to be one of their sample knitters. Yippee!!! I will be picking up my supplies later this week, but I already know I will be using Kollage 1/2 N 1/2 and knitting fingerless gloves. Now, let's all hope that I don't have seperation anxiety when I have to give over the fingerless gloves in this yummy yarn to the Paradise Fibers family. I know they will take loving care of them though. I would probably do this for free for the practice and to get to play with yummy new yarns, but the perks include store credit based on the hours of knitting I put in and a percentage off my yarn purchases. Can it get any better?

The Fruits of Our Labor

2009-08-29T10:03:00.000-07:00

I love getting goodies out of the garden! There is nothing like a garden fresh tomato just bursting with juicy goodness. This is my most recent harvest, all washed, scrubbed, or snapped and ready to be enjoyed. Three kinds of tomatoes: Super Sweet 100 Cherry, Early Girl, and Roma. My Tangerine tomato plant is playing hard to get, but I am sure she will share her bounty soon since she has dressed herself nicely in tiny yellow blossoms that are full of promises. You also see two tomatillos who are destined to join their brothers that I picked a couple days before and have been chilling in the frig. They are all getting rather excited to become a salsa verde sauce. Mark is eager to have the carrots join him for lunch at work. And the snappy Blue Lakes Bush beans are being tempted by some onions and chopped bacon to join in the fun in the jacuzzi on the stove.

The Land of Retirement

2009-08-27T18:32:00.000-07:00

Ruthalicious is off on a journey to the mysterious Land of Retirement. Celebrating her many years at North Idaho College has made me wonder what it must feel like to be on the brink of retirement. How does it feel to no longer have to wake up at a certain time? To no longer have to choose your clothes based on your job. To no longer have to take crap from crabby people and to be able to tell those same people exactly what you think. To have the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want. No mandatory meetings, no deadlines, no paperwork, no reports. Having a hard time imagining it? Yeah, me too. While I dream of a land of free time and glorious projects of my choice I will miss Ruth's cute giggle and her nummy taco salad. Don't be a stranger, Ruth. We all love you!