Life Happens

Well, just because I haven't posted anything in two years does not meant that I haven't been around.  I have even come by my blog a couple of time to see what I last posted.  Unfortunately for the blog-a-sphere I waste all my time on Facebook these days.  I hate that I do it, but it's so addictive to see what everyone is up to.  Not that I'm nosy I just like to see what other people think, like, want, or do everyday....which makes me sound like I have no life LOL!

The past two years have been crazy, of course.  How could my life be anything else?  I got re-married--something that I think I forgot to mention back in 2012.  Insanely happy still.  I must admit being with someone you are insanely happy with makes all the crazy stuff in life much easier to handle.

We temporarily moved to another state for work.  Which took place right after my last blog entry. We spent a year working there and then suddenly out of the blue a job landed in my husbands lap at home and we were able to come back last January.  We have been so happy to be home.  I LOVED my job in the other state and wish I could do it here, but no luck.  I was working as a biology field technician for an environmental consulting firm--sounds pretty fancy huh!  What I really did was get paid to hike about 10 miles a day in the mountain desert and look for plants, cactus (the one I have the picture of above), and birds.  I had no idea you could paid to go hiking.  BEST JOB EVER!

So here we are back at home in Wyoming.  I managed to get a temporary job where my husband is working.  I'm doing graveyard security for their construction site....yep I'm bored and it's the middle of the night LOL.  I've always been a morning person so I thought I would never be able to do a job like this, but you know I've done fine switching my days and nights around.  It's just so weird to be up and going when everyone else is fast asleep.  The job will only last a few more weeks and then I will be back to trying to sell my hand crafts.  If I could make money at that THAT would be the best job ever!  But after having three different etsy stores over the past eight years, I've about decided my stuff SUCKS! I've seen people sell ten times more stuff than I do and they have essentially the same product.  They obviously know something I don't.

Anyway, I've been knitting, of course.  I'm getting ready to start another sweater for my husband.  He had seen this online and asked if I thought I could make it LOL.  After those Aran sweaters I can make any sweater.

It's a really easy style!  I am going to try to have it done for him for Christmas.  My son is terribly jealous!  He really wants a sweater also, but until he demonstrates a talent for taking care of his clothing there will be no handknit sweaters for him!  

I have three grandchildren now! Talk about crazy!  I'm quite certain I am not "grandmotherly".  Ok, ok so I knit, bake cookies like they are going out of style, and like the museum better than the mall, but still.....DO I LOOK LIKE A GRANDMA?

Ya, I don't think so!  However, they are the cutest babies on the planet!  And I must admit that grandchildren are WAY better than children :)

These two cuties are The Daughters.  Her little boy is going to be two pretty soon and the adorable little girl was born this past Spring.  Wish she was closer so I could kiss and squeeze them :)

Then there is my oldest son's little boy that was born last winter:

I get to see him quite often.  He is so precious and he just LOVES me!  I get the cutest smiles and he even talked to me on the phone today--while he was eating the phone of course.  It would be wonderful if they were all living here in the same town with us, but they don't so I just have to wait for visits.

The Son, the one that thinks he needs a hand knit sweater, is all grown up--sort of.  He is getting his apprenticeship as a plumber/pipe fitter.  He really likes it and has a good job.  He still lives here so I get to see him :)  Thank goodness he isn't joining the "make mom a grandma" mission his siblings are on.  We love having him around...well except that since we've been back every time I turn around something "plumbing" is going wrong with the house.  At least we have him to come fix it!

OK! That wraps it all up. Now you know what I've been up to. And I got to show off my cute little grandkids :)

Baby Bunting and Update

Here is a picture of the baby bunting I made, with the baby in it :)

Pretty cute!  Won't fit him for long, but it was a fun cute project!

Going in to see a cardiologist tomorrow.  I don't know if I hope they find something or not.  After all, if a cardiologist finds something it's not a good thing.  But at the same time, I REALLY would like to go back to feeling normal.  I miss working out, not feeling nauseous most of the day, knitting, relaxing, etc.  Not to mention, if the cardiologist doesn't find anything then I'll be off to see if I have some sort of ulcers or esophagus issues--which doesn't appeal to me at all.

More updates tomorrow.

Snow!

It started last night.  The heavy white clouds full of snow just waiting to fall rolled in early in the evening.  By the time I went to pick up PB from the dance it was snowing huge fluffy white flakes.  This morning dawned with bright, beautiful sunshine and cowboy blue skies. 

No denying the fact, I love snow!  Especially newly fallen snow.  Everything is covered in a beautiful white fluffy blanket this morning.  We got about six inches of new snow.  I love how the sun reflects off of the snow flakes and makes everything look like it's covered in rainbow glitter. 

I feel sad when I hear people say that they hate the snow.  The snow is such an important element of weather.  Without it there would be ALOT less water to drink, water lawns with, wash cars with, etc in the summer.  What happens as we grow up?  We all loved the snow as children.  I don't think I have ever heard a child remark, after looking out the window and seeing a world of white, "Snow!  I hate snow!  What did it have to snow for?"  No, they are excited and eager to run out and make snowmen and snow angels, sled, skate, have snowball fights, jump around and throw the snow into the air......

We all loved it then.  I still do.  Yes, I get up and shovel out my sidewalk just like everyone else.  At work I have three parking lots that have to have all the snow removed from everytime it snows.  My truck slips and slides as I drive through town just like everyone else's.  I have to bundle up in warm socks--handknit of course--coats, hats, gloves, and boots.  But I love the snow.  I love the rain, I love thunder storms, I love the warm spring sunshine, I love all the seasons and the weather that goes with them.  The only thing I do not like is wind, but it serves its purpose.

Maybe the reason I like snow and cold and it doesn't bother me is because I knit :)  It is so much fun to see if I can create the ultimate snow gear.  Whether its hats, socks, sweaters, scarves, or mittens  I want to see just how comfortable I can stay with all my own snow wear in the coldest of snowy conditions.  Way more fun than trying to stay cool during hot summers!!

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!

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!

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)

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.

BRrrrrrr!

It has been so cold here for the last two weeks!!  I keep thinking that the temperature is going to rise and we are going to warm back up a little bit since, techically, it's still Autumn--winter doesn't officially start until December 21st.  But, so far, no chance.  The thermometer in my car hasn't registered a number over 3 degrees Farenheit for days and that is the HIGH!  It has been below zero every night and if you add in the wind chill we have seen temperatures as low as 35 below zero.  THAT'S COLD PEOPLE!!!  You don't just run outside real quick to grab something out of the car or a piece of wood without putting on the entire abominable snowman outfit--we are talking serious "keep you warm" fibers here; angora/cashmere/camel down/buffalo down scarf, hat, double layer mittens, and serious Antartica approved coat.  At least we haven't been as bad as the other side of the state.  Laramie, Cheyenne, and Casper have seen 45 below zero.  Trust me, all temperatures once you get below zero ARE NOT the same, as I mistakenly thought before experiencing 20 below zero temperatures.

It hasn't really snowed much.  Mostly because the wind blew all of the snow that was falling here all the way to Colorado--where they got 8 to 12 inches in my hometown (which is in the desert and rarely sees any snow at all during the winter).  My brother, who still lives there, said he would rather have all the snow than the extreme cold.  I am used to the roads melting off during the day, but I guess that regardless of how bright the sunshine is, if it's below zero nothing is going to melt.

So, I am currently experiencing the "two weeks til Christmas knitting frenzy".  In fact, it is so bad today that I can't seem to get going on my knitting because I don't know which project is the priority.  I have PB complaining that he still doesn't have any gloves or mittens and his hands are freezing at the bus stop every morning.  The Daughter thinks I am secretly working on the hat/scarf set she pointed out she would really appreciate having.  I gave up on knitted stuff for my brother, and in-laws completely last night.  And I guess HB will just get the socks I finished last week that I was making for someone else. 

What happened?  I thought I had it all covered.  I had seven pairs of socks finished and all of my yarn and patterns for everything in place.  The only thing I can think of is I moved and started designing patterns for Sockamania.  Moving is so time consuming (wasting!).  There's all that packing and then unpacking.  Trying to find the right box to put things in and then the right place to put it away.  All that cleaning, loading, and unloading.  Of course, when the day is done you are so tired and it is usually so late that you barely have the energy to undress so you can go to bed.  Sockamania hasn't been too time consuming itself.  If I'd quit changing my mind about the pattern or the yarn or the needles and making the sock over and over again it wouldn't take me but a week to have the entire thing ready to go.

Anyway, I hope everyone isn't too disappointed with their gifts this year.  I better get busy on those mittens for PB or he may end up with frost bite and then I will feel really bad.

The Mittens and An Anniversary Present for Me

Ok, as promised, here are the mittens I made for HB.

Aren't they cool? HB LOVES them. I am so glad. I made some cashmere fingerless mitts to wear over them or inside of them so that he can use them for ice fishing. Unfortunately when I told him that is what I made the mittens and liners for he gave me a horrified look and said, "I will NOT wear these ice fishing! It would ruin them! I will wear them for driving. And when I am not wearing them for driving they should be framed and put on the wall for art." He is so silly!

The pattern is one I bought on Ravelry. They are called "Fisherman's Mittens". The Son put in his order for a pair as soon as he saw his dad's. So, I will be making more--sometime.

I have learned two valuable lessons while making these mittens.

1. Always keep the finished mitten with you when you go to make the second mitten. This will hopefully keep you from making two "Right Hand" mittens. (Hege will appreciate this info.) I made the mistake of leaving the first "Right Hand" mitten at home while I worked on the other one in the car, at appointments, etc. BIG MISTAKE! Only after completely finishing the second mitten and presenting them to HB did I realize I had made two "Right Hand" mittens. Swearing and name calling (at the, and of the mittens) ensued. I WAS SO MAD (insanely angry) at myself. I recovered though and managed to make a "Left Hand" mitten.

2. Use the best possible short "finger" knitting needles you can buy! I have tried several different types and brands. Finally, I found some made by Skacel--Addi the other day in Blazing Needles. THE BEST! Making the thumb is my least favorite knitting thing to do--even less favorite than hand sewing, and you all know how much I hate that! These needles were PERFECT, even better than all of the wooden and bamboo ones I have tried. As a result, I may make that second pair for The Son.

Anyway, with that said, this was my anniversary present:

I realize that most of you out there are saying, "Oh boy" (heavy sarcastic inflection here). Actually, if you look closely at the second picture you will see why HB bought them for me. See the selection of washing cycles? "Washable Wool" is on there. HB, knowing that I love superwash wool so much that I have actually written a poem called, "Ode to Superwash Wool", he thought that I would find that cycle especially wonderful. And he was right!! Someone at GE obviously has a knitter in their life! Who else, besides a knitter or someone close to a knitter, would think to put a "Washable Wool" cyle in a washing machine. The dryer also has a retractable rack that you can lay various (meaning socks, sweaters, etc) on to "air dry" quickly without felting them. YEAH ME! He also bought me a whole bucket (basket, huge bag, barrel, whatever large container you can think of) of some of my favorite yarns. Ya, that's why I married him.

Well, now that I have made all of you knitters jealous.......Happy knitting!

YES! No wait...Maybe? Oh forget it!

I have been sulking for the past week. I had everything in place to move us back "HOME"--a house, some money, school, people to help us, etc. when some lame-brained doctor decided to change my plans. Within 24 hours of having the first load of belongings headed for Colorado, HB's doctor notifies us that the best person for him to see is right over the mountain from where we are right now!

I am not going to pretend here, I AM NOT HAPPY! Some of you out there may not know this about me--other's of you have had the misfortune of knowing this about me--but when I am not happy about something I become terribly un-pretentious. I am a "no nonsense", up-front, "tell it like it REALLY is" kind of person anyway. BUT, when I am unhappy that part of my personality becomes painfully obvious. HB, knowing that my name means "Thunderbolt" in native american languages, has commented several times that he can see the "dark clouds" gathering above my head. He has been around long enough to know that when the "dark clouds" start gathering the "storm" isn't far behind. I spent most of this week pouting and crying and acting like a three year old. Then I spent two days feeling depressed. Today, I am beginning to feel slightly annoyed.

Ok! With that said, no, I am no longer moving back to Colorado anytime in the near future. I gave up the house I found, cancelled all of my plans and opportunities, and pouted about it all the way back from Colorado Wednesday night.

To make matters worse, my bestest best friend of almost 10 years went and did something stupid, hurt my feelings, and now we aren't on speaking terms. I am not usually one to hold a grudge, unless you really hurt my feelings and won't say you are sorry and try to fix it. Which she has no intention of doing because she thinks she is justified in what she did. WELL! At least I am no longer moving into a house right by hers! (I wonder how long I will have to give her the "silent treatment" before she pulls her head out of the clouds.)

Anyway, so you can see why I am feeling slightly annoyed today. Nothing seems to be going MY way right now. I don't know why I am fussing--nothing EVER goes my way. Which is why I do so much knitting. Knitting always goes my way!! (or it doesn't "go" at all!) I have made one and a half sweaters and spun up the yarn for socks and then knitted them up in only two weeks--and I work outside the house 45 hours a week. I have pictures of the first sweater, but haven't taken pictures of the socks or the progress on the other sweater yet. I will try to get the pictures of the completed sweater and socks on here by Monday.

I really don't know how the rest of the world copes with trials and troubles without knitting. Maybe the rest of the world doesn't have coping problems like I have......surely they have trials and troubles also. I do love my knitting and yarn and fiber. It is so predictable, soft, loyal, dependable, and available. It is always there for me when I need it. There to comfort me and tell me I can work through anything if I can work through a 12 color changing pair of Turkish Socks. If I can knit an icelandic sweater in the dark or with my eyes closed surely I can make it through living in Wyoming for a little longer? Yarn is such a good friend to me. Everytime I get even near a yarn store I can hear it calling to me, "Come see me. I will go home with you and be your best friend forever. I will never betray you or hurt your feelings. I will give you hours and hours of knitting pleasure and help you forget all your problems."

I really am not loosing it.......However, I am living in Wyoming so who know's!

Back to Normal

I have never been so happy to see a holiday end! I am so glad that the 4th of July is over! I actually had Sunday--all day Sunday--off. I slept in, went to church, and layed around the house the entire day. It's amazing how much better I feel after having a day off. My mood has improved and I feel like I might actually continue to live.

A huge shock came the day after my last post...Well I must digress a little first. We have been gearing up to go to court for HoneyBunny's Worker's Comp case for months now. However, just over a week ago, the paralegal called and said that a document from HB's current treating physician still had not come in and as a result we were dead in the water. We went and saw the doctor, he signed all of the papers and faxed them in while we were there and ordered a bunch of work to have done--a new MRI, x-rays, blood work--which HB and I were completely positive that the WC insurance company would totally deny. After all the last thing they would want going into court is a whole bunch of condemning evidence against them. So we left feeling that we were still in the sinking ship. However, THE NEXT MORNING--I kid you not!--the doctor's office called to let HB know that everything was authorized. It was a good thing HB was laying down or he might have fainted. I know when he called to tell me I couldn't quit laughing histerically. Never, EVER, NEVER!!! in the 5+ years we have been dealing with these people has he received authorization for ANYTHING in less than three months. I mean, even if he was going to be changing medications it was an act of congress to get it paid for. So to have a new MRI, blood work, and x-rays authorized within 24 hours of the request in light of the pending court hearing........Well let's just say that my faith in miracles being a very real possiblity has been strengthened! I still can't believe it!

I am still shaking my head over that one. The court hearing is postphoned indefinately at this point until we can collect all of the new documentation. WC insurance company also let our attorney know that should HB want to settle they would be willing to be more than generous, including all back pay, future medical expenses, all current medical expense needs--surgeries etc--, medications for life EVERYTHING. Tempting! We will have to carefully consider that. There is an awful lot of life left for HB and medical expenses to care for him could be in the hundreds of thousands if not more. So, we'll see. Both of us would like to be free to seek some alternative treatments for him, be free from the insurance companies constant B.S. they insist on putting us all through, and free from all the lawyer crap! Just getting rid of the politics of this whole thing would improve HB's health dramatically.

Anyway, a word to all those on the "ship of broken dreams" we're all in this together! Let's keep our hope alive that someday we will all find a life raft and be able to abandon ship. I know that the HUGE turn of events that have taken place in just the last few days for us has certainly renewed my hope. May each of you receive blessings in your trials that will keep your hope alive also.

In the mean time....Keep Knitting!!

(SNORT!) Huh! What? zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I am so tired today! Whatever day "today" is. Working 7 days a week is starting to really take it's toll on me. It could be Saturday and I wouldn't know it. It is difficult to tell what day it is when you do exactly the same thing day in, day out. I do know that I have no motivation this afternoon--it doesn't help that it is about 80 degrees in my office either. If I could find a comfy place to lay my head on my desk I would love to take a nap. Unfortunately, the desk is covered with a computer, printer, signs, pens, papers, pamphlets, etc. I should be creating next weeks schedule but right now my brain can't think that far ahead.

On top of that I am so homesick for Colorado!! I made the serious mistake of going to the city newspaper for the place we moved from and reading all the local news. Then I went and looked through the "Best Photo's of 2008" for the area. Beautiful views of Colorado National Monument, the Uncompaghre plateau, Grand Mesa, the valley.........I just sat here swallowing hard and fighting back the tears.

It is so hard to look back and say, "We REALLY should have thought this decision through better." I had such high hopes that moving here would be good for us and instead I don't think that a worse decision could have been made. HoneyBunny's health problems have increased to the point that I am at a loss as to what to do. So, the main reason for moving here--to get him better--is the most obvious mistake in the decision. I feel like I am living in a nightmare.

Of course the more tired I am the worse EVERYTHING is, the more depressed I get, the more hopeless I feel, the more irritable I am, the more unhappy I am, etc. In fact, I am quickly approaching the "I don't recommend talking to/bothering her" stage.

I talked to my friend in Colorado over the weekend and she thinks that my biggest problem is that I haven't had time to do ANY knitting. She said that once the 4th of July is over and I can quit working 60-70 hour weeks I will be able to do some knitting again. That will help me feel much better.

It does sound like a lovely idea.....that last sock project I started puts me right into heaven. A beautiful shifting shade of green and some absolutely divine needles from Lanturn Moon. There is something really special about those needles! They are the ebony wooden needles. I am not a fan of wooden needles, never have been, because they are so slow and the yarn sticks to them. Not these! They are smooth as glass with amazingly sharp point tips. And the feel.......wow! I don't WANT to knit fast. Knitting with these needles is like eating really good chocolate mousse--you want to eat tiny spoonfuls and smooth it around in your mouth really slow so that you can enjoy every single moment of every single bite. It's a euphoric moment that you don't want to end------ever.

Ok, I realize that sounds incredibly silly, but I am really tired, chocolate mousse sounds really good, and I really miss my knitting.

I am still alive

This is what happens when you get a full-time "plus" job. I haven't had two seconds to do anything for.......well, since my last post.

A day or two after my last post I got a job offer to be the store manager for a fireworks store. Here in Wyoming fireworks is big business and the stores stay open year round. The store is brand new. The original store burnt to the ground last August. I have heard that it was quite the event. Some kids decided they needed a distraction while they robbed some stores in town. They broke in, poured gasoline up and down the aisles then lit a match. The kid who did that barely made it out before the fumes, fireworks, and gasoline exploded. The building burned for days.

Anyway, so my store is the new one standing on the same foundation as the old one. It's nice, but it has been so crazy putting it together, hiring employees, travelling to Cheyenne for a training seminar, pricing, inventory, etc, etc. I worked for three weeks, 10 and 12 hours days, without a day off. It was exhausting! I am still working about 45 hours a week. However, I found out today that beginning next week I will be back to working 7 days a week until after the fourth of July. Oh goody! (lots of heavy sarcasim inflected here).

Knitting? No knitting, no yarn, NO FUN! All these great new patterns I had just picked up to occupy my hours of babysitting the motel are sitting collecting dust on the shelf. BOO HOO HOO! I keep staring at them, looking through the books over a quick breakfast, and wishing I had more time for them.

How about you, all of my cyber friends? Are you knitting?

Look What I Can Do!

I am capable of self control! After my last post/confessional, I buckled down and told myself, "Self! It is time to get some of these projects completed!" (What really happened was my husband brought home several new knitting magazines and books for me from Washington with some GREAT projects in them that I can't wait to start, but know I won't let myself start until some of the WIP disaster is cleaned up).

So, I managed to finish this plain pair of socks that have been kicking around for a month or so. They aren't anything fancy, but HEY! they are done! and checked off my list.Next was my Sockamania sock project for April. They are fancy and I love them! So will my BFF. They are for her birthday--in December. Checked off!
Next, and I just finished this today, is THE scarlet, silk scarf. I L-O-V-E it! And it's mine mine mine! I will post the pattern for it later this week on here so you can make one for YOU!
Here it is on me, and a nice close-up of the lace detail. The yarn is so wonderful and soft! I do believe that this yarn is the nicest silk yarn I have ever found. Gorgeous color and top quality!
And finally, I finished these earlier this month but haven't posted the picture of them yet. They were supposed to be the February Sockamania sock project, but with all of my other projects it took me until this month to finish them.
See! I can be dedicated. I am not just a "Starter", I am also a "Finisher"! Now, I am off to go finish another pair of socks that have been "almost finished" for a month or so. Nothing new can be started yet! I have that pair to finish, a tall pair of men's socks to finish, a "thigh-high" pair I started in December to finish, the Sockamania March pair to finish, this really cute "Christmas-ie" pair to finish, the "Tiger's Eye" scarf to finish, etc., etc., etc................................Oh man! I may never get to start anything new at this rate!

Monday's Reflection

I am sure that I am not the only Knitter out there who has done this.

The kido's left for school this morning and as I walked back into the house I looked around and noticed that every surface of my living room had at least one partially knit project lying on it. I recall working on three different projects yesterday afternoon and evening--which were all laying across the couch, four projects and all of their patterns completely cover the end table, three projects in two bags in front of the couch, four more projects stuck between the couch and the end table--not counting the two spinning projects also stuck there, three more projects protruding from the decorative "pickling crock" in the corner, etc. etc. etc.

Well, imagine how embarrassed I was to suddenly realize that I have been on a "new project" bender for the last few weeks. I began to organize some of the mess and uncovered several other UFO's dating all the way back to last summer before we moved. Oh the shame! I don't know how this could have happened. I am usually pretty good at keeping my WIP's to a minimum and only one or two UFO's.

I think I know how I got all of my current WIP's--it was that clandestine trip to one of THE nicest yarn shops I have ever been to in my life (and it's right over the mountain from me!!). They have the most amazing selection of the finest yarns produced today. I thought I had died and gone to heaven! So of course I bought yarn!!! I promised myself I would not start any projects with it though until my current projects were completely finished. But that naughty, scarlet colored 100% silk that is so soft and divine kept whispering to me all night long. (Yes, I have my "special" yarn stash located in my bedroom) We are talking about a yarn that is so wonderful you want it to be with you even when you go to the post office, you dream about it at night, and check on it (touch and pet it) everytime you walk through the room. I couldn't help myself--apparently!--I had to cast on that "Lacey Hearts" scarf. It is THE perfect yarn for the project.

Just as soon as I got about 1/4th of the way through it the other fingering weight silk blend yarn began to seduce me. "You still haven't found the perfect pattern for me yet. You know how I look like tigers eye when the suns rays shine down on me. Don't you love me? Don't you want to touch me? You took out that little scarlet number right away, now what about me?" The next thing I knew a "Tigers Eye" lace scarf pattern was laying on my printer and the yarn was wound into a center pull ball and 30 stitches were cast on. Sooooo lovely to look at, so soft to touch! Can't wait to wear it!!!!!

Drunken with silk fumes, I found myself casting on for two more pairs (in addition to the four pairs that I have been working on) of socks--one with some GORGEOUS yarn from Lornas Laces (and who can resist her yarn?!!!) and the other with a beautiful charcoal yarn (because Father's Day is just around the corner).

With all of this going on, I got a yarn order in for a customer on Saturday that contained an extra "sample" yarn--Oooooo pretty........................soft..................................fluffy alpaca!!! Then an order of some close out yarns (I got 440 yards of sock yarn for $3.25!!!!!!!!) showed up today. Realizing that I have a friends birthday coming up next week I started looking through a summer lace issue of some knitting magazine I picked up somewhere while still under the influence of those silk fumes. Then it all hit me. WHAT AM I DOING!!! Am I really considering casting on ANOTHER project--a lace project that I am thinking I will have done in a week!!!!!

I went outside for a breath of fresh air, at this point, to hopefully clear my head a little. Now that I am feeling better I am going to attempt to resist the temptation to knit something for my friend and just send a card and flowers. Then turn my attention to organizing this disaster.

NO NEW PROJECTS FOR ME THANKS! I HAVE PLENTY TO DO ALREADY!

PS: If you have found yourself in a similar predicament stay away from Ravely!!! I get in trouble everytime I sign in! I find some GREAT pattern and the next thing I know I have cast on for it!!!!

PSS: I will post WIP and hopefully FO pictures next time--HoneyBunny took the camera with him on his trip.

Knittin' Myself Silly

I really hope that I am not the only Knitter out there that worries about this...............

Each time we go anywhere in the car I take my knitting. Occasionally we go somewhere that my knitting needs to stay behind in the car. For some reason I hide my knitting in the car or in the trunk. Why? Well, I don't want it to get stolen. No matter how much HoneyBunny assures me that no one is going to break into our vehicle to steal my knitting I still worry. He has assured me that if they were to steal anything it would be our stereo system, items from our emergency bag, etc. "Ya but what if they really like the yarn? You know how nice this yarn is!" His reply, "Trust me, no one is going to steal it." How does he know? There could be some homeless or desperate yarnaholic out there somewhere just looking for their next fix. I am glad he is so understanding and patient with me because my daughter thinks I am nuts!

So I have to know, do you hide your yarn or knitting in fear that it might get stolen out of your car or house? I can't be the only one that would be relieved to find that the burglers only took the television and stereo but didn't touch my yarn stash.

Ok, with that said, now for my latest knitting adventures.......and I must say that living in "Crazy Town USA" promotes A LOT of knitting!





I knit all of that in the last week and a half. I am not joking! All of them are my own designs. I especially like the dishcloths!! and that last brown sock with the tan details! No, the family is walking around in clean clothes and have eaten at least two meals a day. I don't know how I did it. I didn't knit Saturday because The Daughter and I went to Salt Lake to go look at prom dresses and yarn stores. I didn't knit Sunday because I thought my hands probably could use a break. Somehow I managed to knit all of that in that short amount of time. It was fun!!!!

And yes, I am sure I have just about knit myself silly at this point. Oh, well. At least I am enjoying my days a little more.

The Good and The Bad

I'll start with the good stuff so if you don't want to listen to me whine about the bad you can just skip it at the end :)

GOOD STUFF!!

Yarn/knitting is always good stuff. Here are my latest two sock projects all done. The first pair are for the Sockamaina KAL. It was a previous monthly pattern but since January is "Make-up Month" I decided that this would be the perfect opportunity to get them done. (Christmas had kind of interferred with them getting finished). I used Sockamania's "Get Fruity" pattern and Tofutsies yarn. Next time I make them I will use a solid color so that the pattern is visible since it kind of disappears into the varigation of this yarn. (I turned my foot backwards because the patterning on the back of the sock is completely different that the patterning on the front)

The second pair is made from the "Log Cabin Socks" pattern from "Handknit Holidays". GREAT PATTERN! No mistakes, works up super fast with worsted weight yarn....just a great pattern. I used some yarn that I had hand dyed a dark mossy forest green. However, as I approached the toe of the second sock, to my horror, I realized that I did not have enough yarn to finish it! Of course I had only dyed one skein--I don't need to emphasize the feelings here, all of you Knitter's know just what I mean! So after punishing the entire project for a few weeks for taking more yarn than it was supposed to I ripped back the toe of the first sock, knitted the second sock until both socks were the same length and the last tiny bit of yarn was used up, then finished both toes with a nice golden tan color that actually accented my yarn perfectly. And forgave the pattern for leaving me in a panic.

Here's something fun! My sister-in-law gave me this adorable apron for Christmas. Annie had bought one this past summer and I have wanted one since. This ain't your Grandma's apron! Made out of top quality fabrics, reversable and so cute I would wear it to town!

We ended up have a nice Christmas even though we were stuck at work for the entire holiday season. The kids got lots of fun great stuff. There was plenty of chocolate to go around (Santa was experiencing PMS when she was shopping I guess). Now with it all over.....all of the regular stuff is going on.

I think I am just tired. No one told me that getting old wears you out. I was watching a show last night about a couple that had six babies at once in addition to their two older daughters. They think that it's taxing to feed, change, and clothe them--JUST WAIT until they all become teenagers at once! I'd be selling them off I think. Farm them out to people who have no children or something! The drama, the grades, boys, girls, friends, peer pressure....need I say more? I don't remember why I wanted children at this point. I am definately tired!

For those of you considering getting your teenager/child a cell phone...DON'T DO IT!!!! It seems like such an innocent, good idea. It's not, don't be fooled, don't be sucked in. It is the source of evil--I am sure of it. My kids honestly will walk through molten lava then crawl over broken glass to keep from getting their phone taken away. They think that somehow their very life existence depends on the possession of their phone--like it is some kind of life support system.

The Motel Management life isn't any more fun than having a house full of teenagers either. I get really tired of rude people! I had no idea that the general population was so awful. I've spent so many years around Knitter's and fiber people I was beginning to think everyone was like us. NOT SO! What I wouldn't give to hang out with my own kind for a few days. I had a lady check in last night from an area in Washington that I know has a great yarn store. I mentioned the fact and she said that her mom knitted and liked that yarn store. I couldn't stop myself from gushing on and on about yarn, knitting, patterns, fiber, Knitters. I am sure the lady thought I was quite off my rocker--she was a Non-Knitter. I am getting desperate enough that I have actually considered taking out a "personal" ad. in the classifieds: "Desperately seeking male or female, any age, for knitting companionship. Must have large, out of control stash of yarn, more knitting needles and patterns than they could ever use in two lifetimes, a complete disregard for resisting wool/cashmere fumes, and a lack of conscience when they spend their entire months grocery money on yarn. Please respond soon....I am loosing my mind." I just told my husband that I was going to do this and he said, "DO IT!" He knows me so well it's scary.

Well, I need some lunch and a few hours of personal time with my yarn.

Fun Stuff!

Halloween has come and gone. At least HoneyBunny was home this year!! We had fun dressing up. Since we moved to this small town the kids got to go Trick or Treating. They had a great time! The kids were really excited that HoneyBunny and I were all dressed up so we took this picture. Don't we make a cute couple?

HoneyBunny has decided that he wanted to try his hand at making jewelry. These are the first three rings he made. They are made from antique silver spoon and fork handles. Aren't they great!! I love them! So unique! Each one is one of a kind. I am going to be listing them for sale in my etsy store.

And.....Look at this adorable hat I finished over the weekend!!!!!! Once again, I was a woman possessed! I couldn't stop working on it. It is such a fun hat to make!! I think I'll make a hundred.

Of course The Daughter looks great in it. It is so handy to have such a cute model to put all of my hand knits on.

Well the new Sockamania sock pattern is out and I can't wait to get started! I am off to go knit some more.