Monday, November 15, 2010

Life Happens....No Big Surprise

Well,  I have been putting off posting long enough.  Many of you know HB died in September.  It was absolutely devistating.  I am still having troubles going to work and want nothing to do with public places like the grocery store or church.  I want to talk about it but not where I am going to have a complete break down in a large crowd. 

As if his death hasn't been hard enough, the lack of support from his family has made this especially miserable for me.  He always insisted that if anything happened to him that they would stand by my side and be there for me and our children no matter what.  I told him that they would blame me and dump on me--guess who was right?  (I know I am sitting on my pity pot so bear with me a minute)  Thank goodness for my family and friends--cyber friends included.  All of you that have prayed, kept our family in your thoughts, and sent words of sympathy and condolences--you have no idea how much it has meant to us.  Your kindness has been my anchor in a stormy sea.

I am just now getting back to knitting, but my creativity is slower to return. No designing for awhile longer. HB was a huge supporter of my knitting and designing and it has been hard to pick it up without thinking of him. He would tell complete strangers about his hand knit socks and how lovely all my stuff was.  I will probably always think of him when I pick my knitting up.

Sockamania, the blog I was designing for, has closed down.  Between what happened in my life and waning interest we decided the time had come and the fun had run it's course.  We started a new blog called Tails of Another Yarn.  (You can find a link to it on my side bar)  This blog will be a "brag" blog where members can post their WIP's and FO's and get chances to win prizes.  Once my creativity returns I will design a few things for it here and there and maybe do a Mystery KAL or two, but for the most part it is just for showing off what everybody is working on.  If you would like to join us click on the sidebar link and read the "Welcome" and "How to Join" info.  We would love to see you there.

Again, thank you everyone who has been there, electronically or in person, for our family.

Tama

Monday, September 13, 2010

Follow Up

As a follow up to the last post--It took two months to create the sock pattern for the Sockamania September/October pattern.  However, in the week and a half following the first of September I not only created the November/December Sockamania pattern, but I knit both socks AND designed the feminine counter part so that the Sockamania members can knit the men's sock or the women's or both if they desire.  I'll knit the women's sock probably next month and spend the rest of this month trying to get caught up on a bunch of WIP's and UFO's that have been accumulating since June.  BUT the patterns for two pairs of socks and one pair are completed and ready for November 1st.

It's so silly!  Why would one sock take me TWO months to create and another less than two weeks?  The only thing I can think of is that one sock was a pain, though it didn't start off as such, and the others I enjoyed every minute of them and found myself knitting them obsessively.  I thought about them all the time and couldn't wait to get them out and work on them.  The first, I hated and had to force myself to knit.  That has to be it!

Anyway, so have no fear Sockamania members, November will be sweet after having to knit the last pattern. 

Happy knitting.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Designing Isn't All Fun

Any designers out there?  If so you will understand what I am about to write about.  If not perhaps you can apply it to other aspects of life?

So, as you know I design sock patterns for Sockamania.  Each month I create a sock pattern..knit the socks, create the pattern, then publish it for the Sockamania members to knit up the following month.  I usually start with some kind of theme--summer, autumn leaves, winter skies, etc.  This helps me start brain storming what I would like to create.  The color scheme, lace or multi-colored, etc. 

From there I get the yarn, or dye the yarn, and start the sock.  Here is where if something is going to go wrong it does.  I don't get it.  All the planning and brainstorming should result in a sock being created right?  Wrong.  Somehow, at some point, the sock idea falls apart and I find myself knitting a sock that I HATE.  Once I reach that point I think to myself, "If I hate it everyone else will hate it also."  Following that thought I find myself avoiding the project--NOT A GOOD IDEA WHEN YOU HAVE A DEADLINE.

This doesn't happen every month--THANK GOODNESS--but often enough that something needs to be done.  See, this month is less than a week to the end and I haven't even finished the sock for next month.  Not to mention, I haven't even started writing the pattern.  NOT GOOD!  I've been lying to myself that I will do it this weekend, but I know that come this weekend I will find something more fun to do than knit a sock I hate--you know, fun stuff like laundry, vacuuming, dishes, etc. anything that keeps me from having to knit that sock.  I was even toying with the idea of starting over this morning--a desperate idea that I know is impossible.  I am a fast knitter, but knitting is only part of the process.

I don't know what to do.  Finish the hideous sock from hell or see if I can do the entire process on a whole new idea in 6 days.  The whole new idea sounds way more fun........................

Monday, August 09, 2010

I am not dead....REALLY

I am still here, somewhere.  Just been busy.  The 4th of July in my store is like Christmas for  the malls and department stores.  We start gearing up for it in May and it lasts until August.  In the middle of all the long hours 7 days a week, my husband and I split up.  As if my world wasn't crazy enough at that time of the year that has made it even crazier!  Things are settling down now, finally, and I am getting my life re-organized.  The Daughter will be going back to school here in a couple of weeks, so she will finally have something to do again besides watch every movie we own twice a day and everything available on YouTube lol!  Then maybe life will get back to some assemblance of "normal".

I haven't been doing much knitting, no time.  I can't wait to get back to it.  I do have socks in the making for Sockamania.  September's sock pattern is gorgeous!  I will be sure to post pictures.  If you like making socks and would like to join the fun, take the side-bar link to Sockamania and join us!  We would love to have you!

I'll be posting a little more often now...Happy Knitting!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Is is Spring Yet?

Mother Nature is playing tricks on us here.  One day it's gorgeous and in the 60's the next day it's snowing, blowing and in the 20's and 30's.  I don't know whether to wear my sweater or light t-shirt to work every day.  Either way, it seems like I end up too hot or too cold.

Work is getting busier and busier everyday.  Building up to that "busiest week/month of the year" for us fireworks people.  Seems like everyday there is so much to do that I am starting to have to stay later and later for work.  Which is good, because then the day goes by faster.

I finished my "very special shawl" a couple of weeks ago, but haven't had time to post about it.  So, finally here it is:
It's my hand spun satin angora and bombyx silk blend yarn. It is incredibly soft and warm.  I absolutely love it!  I feel like I have achieved Knitters bliss with this one.  I believe it is the most beautiful thing I have created, plus my precious bunny Copper can be with me everyday now. ( He died of old age several years ago and I miss him very much.)

Anyway, just wanted to get a post in before the entire month was gone.  I am working frantically to get the June Sockamania pattern done right now.  With work being busy and the type of sock I designed it has not gone as quickly as some patterns have in the past.  It is a gorgeous sock!  I'll post pictures of it next time.

Happy Knitting 

Thursday, April 01, 2010

Yarn is so PICKY!

So, last month I started designing the sock pattern for the March Sockamania KAL.  I had all of these really great ideas:  cute, bright colored Easter eggs, a nice plain background, etc. 

  • I dyed up some bright colored yarn, dried it, rolled it up for a nice center-pull ball, and began knitting my idea that was in my head. 
  • Only a few rows in, I decided (or rather the yarn decided) I did not like the "eggs" design I was knitting. 
  • Ripped it back and re-vamped my egg design. 
  • Again, ewww icky! 
  • One more time
  • Decided it was the color of the yarn. 
  • Back to the dye pots with a new idea for the color combination.  The yellow turned out orange--not happy, but will work with the bright pink that was supposed to be pale pink. 
  • More egg knitting.
  • WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME!! (What's wrong with this yarn!)
  • Ripped it all out.
  • Avoided knitting for three days while I tried to calm down and re-think the entire design idea.
  • Threw the entire "Easter Egg" idea out the window and focused on just "Spring".
  • Started knitting again.  
  • Got to the heel and thought, "Wouldn't it be cute if I did an I-cord tie!"
  • Ripping out again.
  • Finally decided on the I-cord tie and found a cute lacey/flower bud looking design and finished the sock in no time.
  • I still hate the yarn color!  And since when does yarn decide what to knit it into?  What was wrong with Easter Eggs? 

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

PMS or Silly Knitter Syndrome

I don't know what is wrong with me the last couple of days, but I seem to be awfully "weepy".  I was reading Elizabeth Zimmermann's book "The Opinionated Knitter" and started crying because she passed away back in 1999.  I knew that already.  In fact I am plenty old enough to remember clearly when it was announced.  So what was I doing yesterday crying over it 11 years later?  She was THE most awesome Knitter ever!  She slapped a whole generation in the face and said, "Stop being a bunch of sheep and think for yourselves!"  There should be some kind of sculpture, statue, or monument built of her somewhere honoring what she did for knitters, maybe even just "plain people", everywhere--who knows how many non-knitters out there have her to thank for their marriages, lack of therapy bills for their spouse, lovely knitwear that keeps them warm and comfortable each winter, etc, etc.  What an amazing person!

Ok, so that's not all.  I found myself in tears again as I gazed at the most beautiful sweater I've ever seen.  The Yarn Harlot (Stephanie Pearle McFee) made a sweater from a Dale of Norway Pattern called Whistler.  I honestly think I have never seen a more breath-taking sweater.  It is absolutely gorgeous.  Go see it!!  She posted about it on March 3rd.  I must have one!  In fact, as a result of seeing it on her blog the other day, I went and bought some yarn to make me something similar.  I haven't made too many sweaters in my knitting career so I won't start with something that detailed, but I plan to make something very Scandivian!  (Unfortunately some other projects will become UFO's because I feel very obsessed with knitting this sweater right now.)

Speaking of obsessed, I am in the process of making my third, yes I said THIRD, Trinity shawl.  I just can't get enough!  They are so much fun to make.  This one will be for my grandma's birthday.  I will get some pictures taken and post them later.  I wonder how many of them I am going to make before I burn out on them?  I don't usually make the same pattern over and over just to see what it looks like in different colors.  I think I've even thought up a way to make it into a circular shawl.  We'll see if I remain obsessed enough with it to try that out.

Happy knitting!

Monday, March 01, 2010

My Trinity Shawl

I know I just barely started this shawl, but I couldn't stop working on it and as a result.....it's done!

I love IT!  HB says that he likes it the best out of all the things I have made for myself lately.

The yarn is Cashbah from Hand Maiden.  It is a superwash merino/cashmere/nylon blend.  I don't remember the name of the colorway.  The way the colors play out in the pattern it almost looks like peacock feathers.  The pattern is called The Trinity Shawl/Shawlette.  You can find the link to the pattern here.  It really looks difficult, but it was VERY easy! and so much fun to knit.  


(It almost looks like a butterfly here).

I have made plans to make another one, but much larger, out of some precious handspun yarn I have been hording for years.  It is the last of my precious satin angora bunny Copper's fiber.  He has been gone several years now, but I am sure he would approve of this shawl pattern for his lovely fiber.  I will definately post pictures when it's done.

Happy Knitting!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Good Stuff!!

TADA!  Here is the sweater I started in Florida.  It took all day Saturday to sew up!  It turned out wonderful and I LOVE IT!!  It's a great pattern, but the fact that the entire sweater is knit in separate pieces means I will probably never knit it again.--You know how I feel about sewing--

It is made from Svale by Dale of Norway.  The drape of the fabric is unmatched!  The silk/cotton/viscose blend makes it soft yet crisp.  Great stitch definition!









Now I can start another sweater!  Probably another Lopi one.  I have yarn to make two more of them.  I just need to make up my mind which one.

Look what HB bought for me!!!  He really knows how to make a lady feel loved!  Not only does he listen when I tell him about knitting stuff--that I know he really isn't interested in--but he is willing to support my habit.  You gotta love a man like that!
He also bought this gorgeous yarn for me!! 
It's Casbah by Hand Maiden.  Merino/cashmere/nylon.
I already started a shawlette with the blue blend. That yarn with my new needles is HEAVENLY!  So heavenly that I was up until midnight knitting because I was enjoying it so much! 

I'll post pictures of it when it's done.
Happy Knitting!

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Promised Pictures

Ok.  FINALLY, here they are:
This is the Westin's private beech.  It was really beautiful!Our motel room was AWESOME!
The Tampa evening skyline from our motel window.

And that is a few pictures from Florida.  I love Tampa.  I can't wait to take the kids and go back for a visit someday!!

Here is the hat I made for The Daughter:
She love's it--a huge plus when making her something.  I used a bulky weight merino/cashmere blend yarn.  The results are warm, soft, and wonderful!  This is another one of my "off the top of my head" patterns--not bad!

So, there are the pictures I promised the other day :o)

Monday, February 15, 2010

Random Thoughts

I spent a fun filled weekend (no really, it was fun!) dying yarn, knitting, watching movies, and making Valentine cards.  I am not usually a home-body, but when I am in the mood to play with my yarn I am all about hanging around the house.  Here's the results:










I got The Daughter's hat finished--oops!  I knew there was something I forgot to take pictures of.  It turned out so cute!!  It was a special request, and when she puts one in I try to fulfill it cuz she is tough to make stuff for.  I swear she doesn't like anything!  I will find 40 things I love and she MIGHT find one.

I love starting projects!  But I love finishing them even more!!  Since I was on a roll I finished the first sock of a new pair for HB, also a special request.  Nothing worth taking a picture of though.  He wants several pairs of plain black crew length socks.  No cables, no designs, nothing fun.  Just boring black.  At least I will get caught up on my books I want to read LOL!!

I almost finished the sweater I started in Florida.  WAIT TIL YOU SEE IT!!!  I made it with some of the Svale (from Dale of Norway) yarn that I sell in my Etsy store.  It is the Jade colored Svale.  Svale is a blend of cotton, silk, and viscose.  It has a very soft hand and the fabric drapes beautifully!  It is a spring/summer sweater pattern that I bought several years ago, but just haven't got around to making it until now.  The color and style will go wonderfully with black, off white, white, or jeans.  Everything from dressy to casual.  I can't wait to finish it!  All that's left are the sleeves and then I have to sew it together. 

Ya, I know.  Another "sewing" project.  I guess it's going to be the year I make projects that need sewn up.  It all started with that afghan.  Now I've made socks (My Victorian Valentine) and a sweater all requiring sewing.  I've got to get it stopped before it gets out of control! (Socks that require some sewing!?  Come on!) 

I have the "Sneek Peek" for Sockamania done so I thought I would put it on here also.  It's the March sock pattern, "Wearin' O the Green".  I got the yarn as a "test yarn" sample from Yarn Addict Anni.  She has a new item she is thinking about putting in her store and asked if I would try it out for her.  Of course, I was happy to help!!  The knitted square didn't look to exciting as it was, but it created some REALLY cute socks!!  I love the color!  (The pattern's not half bad either!)

The afghan is coming along, right on schedule.  I have four squares all done and started a fifth square Saturday.  I would like to have all 24 squares done by the end of October so that I can spend November blocking the squares and sewing them up.  I may even start blocking them now.  If I wanted to I could sew up each block of 4 squares as I finish them.  Which I may do.  One way or the other, I want the afghan done by December 1st so I don't have to rush around at the last minute trying to get the thing together in time to mail it out for Christmas.  It really makes a Knitter feel good to have a Christmas project so well planned out AND be on target for completion in the right amount of time.  Let's see if I can keep it going!

I've been reading all of Elizabeth Zimmermann's books, since I'm making boring socks.  WOW!  She was such an amazing person!  I've mentioned before that I am very fond of history, especially knitting history.  Her life, stories, and patterns are SO wonderful and amazing!  Most of her knitting projects are very provencial, but reading about them and how to put them together makes me want to rush right out and start another afghan--Mystery Blanket from Knitter's Almanac--or the Pi are Squared shawl from Knitting Around.  Heck!  While I'm at it I'll start a couple of pairs of mittens and a Bog Jacket also!!  WooooHOoo!  (I am outta control.  I don't know what knitting bug bit me, but I got it BAD.)  Anyway, I just keep asking myself why I have resisted becoming one of her fans for so long.  I can be so rebellious some times.  (Ok, ok, most of the time.)  I guess it's because EVERYBODY who knits talks E.Z., knits E.Z., and reveres E.Z..  I have never been much on following the crowd, but I should know that knitter's always know a good thing when they see it!  She truly contributed to what knitting is today for all of us!  If you are like I was and have been resisting the E.Z. pull, resist no longer and buy the books!  Buy the workshop CD's!  For crying out loud, I've watched the entire series twice and can't wait to watch it again!

Well, I better quit.  I am sure you all think I am a lunatic by now and there is no sense in making it worse.  I still need to post those Florida pictures....maybe tomorrow.

Monday, February 08, 2010

Catchin Up!

I keep waiting to post until I can post pictures.  Well if I don't post anyway there is going to be so much to post about it will take forever.  So, when I get around to uploading pictures to my computer there will be a "picture catchin up" post.

The trip to Florida was WONDERFUL!!!  I can't think of a better place to go to get rid of 6 years of pain and suffering (oh ya for HB also LOL!).  HB is almost as good as new.  He went from "no hope" to "a world of opportunities", from "you will just have to live with the pain" to "pain-free".  It is truly a miracle!!!  After all of the heart-breaking news we have received about his condition over the past two years his condition now, after a one and a half hour surgery, is nothing short of a miracle.  Words cannot express the gratitude I feel.  If I had just won an academy award I would be saying, "I'd like to thank God, the internet, all of the wonderful staff at Laser Spine Institute, Bernard (one of the shuttle drivers) at the Westin Inn, the staff of the Westin Inn, the helpful and kind flight attendants, the Florida TSA security people, HB's ex-worker's comp insurance company for being so terrible and forcing us to settle (if we hadn't he wouldn't have been eligible for the surgery at LSI), and my boss for hiring me for a job with a business that just happened to have the insurance carrier that LSI accepted."  Without all of these people HB would not be where he is today.

Ok, I gotta stop before I get my keyboard all wet and soggy.  I will post pictures of one of the most beautiful places on earth--Tampa Florida--and THE most beautiful, comfortable, relaxing, amazing hotel's I've ever stayed in when I get the pictures uploaded from the camera.  We will be going back there someday--soon!--for a vacation with the kids.  Everyone should visit Florida at least once in their lives.

On with the knitting update:  I have gone and started what I said I would never make another one of.  Yep!  you guessed it!  I got a wild hare and started an afghan for my in-laws for Christmas. 

I know what you are saying, "Don't you remember that gigantic pink thing for The Daughter and how you swore it was the biggest black hole you've ever worked on?  What about all that ranting and raving you did because it just WOULDN'T GET FINISHED?  Are you CRAZY!?" 

Me:  But, you see, this afghan is different!  There are only 24 squares to knit then you just sew them together and TADA! instant afghan. 

You:  "What?  What did you say?  Did you say you had to sew?  Don't you HATE sewing stuff up?"

Me:  Ummmm, yaaaaaa........but it's only 24 squares......it will be really easy right?  I just knit at least two squares a month, three for a couple of the months, then in November sew all the squares.  It should be ok.  I have all year to get it done.

(Check back with me in June to see how I'm doing or if I've buried it deep in some closet somewhere.)

I don't know what was wrong with me this weekend, but I couldn't start enough new projects.  Apparently it isn't enough to have 6 other UFO's or WIP's laying around.  I started the March AND April Sockamania designs, another tie for PB, two new sweaters, and the hat I was supposed to make for The Daughter for Christmas but didn't quite get to it--good thing the temperatures are still in the single digits or low double digits here!  I was like a kid in a candy factory where I could run from place to place sampling everything.  As I looked over the disaster area this morning I marved that I didn't have a hangover from all the "new yarn fumes"!  It was all terribly fun!!!  Now I have to dig deep inside myself, find my self control, and commit to finishing everything before starting anything new!!!  Except maybe for those off-white lace gloves out of that luscious alpaca silk from Misti Alpaca's I bought a little while back--that yarn is so delicious I want to fill the bathtub with it, dive in, and roll around in it naked!!!  (HB is rolling on the floor laughing at that!) 

Anyway, with all of that out of my system....you should be up to date.  Pictures will follow, not of me rolling in the yarn (LOL!), but of Florida and all my new projects.

Happy Knitting!!  And if any of you have been told there is no hope out there JUST KEEP LOOKING!!  Somewhere is the answer! and people waiting to help you.

Monday, January 18, 2010

What a day!  We are getting ready to be gone for over a week--something we have never done!  I spent the weekend washing clothes, cleaning house, and trying to get everyone organized and their stuff packed.  The Daughter and PB are headed to Gramma and Grandpa's at one end of the country and HB and I are headed to the other end of the country. 

The schools are NOT happy with me!  Oh well!  As long as my kids complete all of the work they will miss in class, what does it matter?  The schools just want their money and aren't really concerned about my kids not being in class learning.  I am not fond of public schools!  Of course, I never have been--even when I was in school.

Today things are so stressful I've managed to give myself such a headache.  I can't even knit, little alone focus on anything else.  I did manage to get all of my employees lined out on the schedule, responsibilities, and work to do while I am gone.  At least I have really good employees!  I don't have to worry about them just not showing up for work and I know that when I get back everything will be done and in order.

I don't know what to do with the cat!  Pampered, spoiled rotten, declawed, big baby!  He is The Daughter's cat and he literally waits for her to come to bed at night.  If she waits to long he comes and finds her and will not quit meowing until she heads up to her room.  It's very cute!

Ok, well just had to vent for a minute.  Maybe I can re-focus now.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Here We Go......

Well, I guess HB and I are heading to Florida on Wednesday to the Laser Spine Institute to see if they can fix his back.  Spirits were really high as we have contemplated the possibility that this could relieve a huge portion of his pain and back problems.

As you may recall he has had 4 surgeries to try to fix an injury he received at work.  He eventually received the depressing news that he has Failed Back Syndrome.  Which lead to us moving to this awful town in the hopes of giving him an occupation that he could do that wouldn't cause any more damage to his back.  Of course you all know how THAT went--the whole "live-in motel manager" was terrible!

A couple of months ago HB came across an ad for the Laser Spine Institute.  It sounded like they might be able to help him and so he sent them his information.  The contacted him a few days later and got the ball rolling.  Unfortunately, we went to see HB's pain management doctor last week who proceeded to tell us what idiots we were and that the place is a scam, is bogus, and that he isn't going to pick up the pieces when they screw HB's back up more.  Well, for someone who has never heard of the place, didn't even know where it was located, etc. he sure formed an opinion about them awful quick.  He puts in spinal stimulator's and pump's and if something like LSI came along and actually fixed people with failed backs he would be out of business.  However, he accomplished making HB and I really second guess things.  Even after checking them out with the Better Business Bureau and the Florida department of licensing we are still nervous.  I did a complete check on every one of the doctor's at LSI and they are all licensed, American Board of Othopedic or Osteopathic certified, and none of them have any bad marks on their reports.  So, I don't know where HB's doc got his information, but it doesn't make him look very intelligent to make such un-researched, ill-conceived statements.

I can't get rid of this nagging pit in my stomach though--one of the "gifts" of being a chronic worrier.  Why would he say that stuff?  What if he is right?  What do we do about him if he is wrong?  He is the only pain management doctor we've been able to find in 16 months that will even look at HB. 

If any of you out there in the wide internet world know anything about The Laser Spine Institute, PLEASE put it in the comments ASAP!  I could really use some un-biased information.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Only Two Things

I have lived in the "Worst Place to Live" for 16 months now and have managed to finally find two things that I like about this place.  Trust me!! it's not the schools, or the "small town" atmosphere, or the friendly people (because there really aren't any, except for those of us that have moved in from other states and hate it here)!!


The first thing I discovered, right after we moved here, was that we can run over to Salt Lake City or Ogden on a Saturday and spend the day at great yarn shops--where Nancy Bush, (no not George's wife!) my favorite knitwear designer, may be seen, great malls, great entertainment, etc.  I have always liked Salt Lake and the fact that my latest favorite LYS (Blazing Needles) is in the Sugar House area is a real bonus!


So after that, I haven't found anything else to really like.  Sure I love the snow and really cold weather.  My job is one that I truly enjoy and never mind working at.  But, other than that this is the worst place I have ever lived (remember that I have moved some 40 or 45 times in my life and travelled most of the US and Mexico so I do consider this to be an educated, well researched, statement).  The schools and school district are......hmmm what word do I use here?......Let's just say that every time I have to deal with them, "W.T.F." enters my mind several times and they never cease to leave me with my mouth hanging open in obvious disbelief.  The people that run things at the schools are so far removed from reality that I am pretty sure Roger Rabbit is the superintendent--or maybe Daffy Duck.  I can't believe I am going to say this, but I would rather my kids were attending school in Monticello Utah than here--I attended there the last two years of High School much to my great horror. (No offense those of you who also attended, you have to realize that it was a HUGE culture shock for me). 


And the town here....don't even get me started!  I am pretty sure that they are all living on some other planet.  "Hi, my name is Tama. I am from planet earth and I come in peace."  I am not kidding.  These people do not live in the real world, or at least the dimension that I live in.  Let me just say that, WOW! this is a terrible place to live.


So, the second thing I found that I like about here came along quite out of the blue.  I was blazing out to my car to start it warming up from -10 degrees farenheit, plopped down into my car and went to turn the key in the ignition when I looked up and...........................


HOLY SMOKE!!!!  I almost ran over two moose RIGHT OUTSIDE MY FRONT DOOR and didn't even notice them.  I was so excited I couldn't remember how to make phone calls.  Then when HB answered I told him to get his.....I couldn't think of what it was called...."you know that thing that takes pictures!! THERE ARE MOOSE RIGHT OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR!!"   I really can't think of the last time I was that excited--even when I found 100% cashmere on sale, a couple of weeks ago, for a killer price I didn't get as excited as I was when I saw those moose.  Maybe the last time I got that excited was when I was riding my dirt bike on a moutain road, came zipping around a corner, and about wrecked because there was a mama bear and her cubs feasting on a huge dead cow in the middle of the road not five feet from my front tire.  That was pretty exciting for them and me.


We took video of the mama and calf moose as they were stripping bark from tree trunk and branches then followed, at a safe distance, until they meandered into the willows out back.  It was AWESOME!!!  I have never seen moose in real life.  Seen a lot of other wildlife, but never moose.  HB told me to pay more attention when I am "be-bopping" out to my car.  I guess mama moose can be VERY protective and are known to stomp things to death that she considers a threat.  It was still AWESOME!  EXCITING! ETC!


Yep, two things.