happy New year

.... not doing any special this New Year 's Eve

just hanging out with my husband and the dogs...
doing some knitting too

After Christmas stuff

Special pancho my daughter made for me . Her first knitting project beyond a scarf. I am not much of a pancho person but will wear this !

Daughter went back today so back to cleaning up and catching up on things around here. Putting stuff away to rid of the clutter accumulating . Took a photo of my knitting Xmas presents .

3 pugs in a bed!

These guys know how to keep warm next to the fire...PUGS are just so entertaining. I love them heaps.

Merry Christmas

Today was a good day with my kids and family all for dinner. Cooked for 14 people. My d# helped out so it was not too bad.
Got lots of nice presents. My son and d-in-law gave me set of Denise needles plus new camera and photo printer. D gave me new crocs, robe, knitting calendar, coach key chain and more...
But- the best part is that we were all together even though son had to leave early to go to her parents house too.
The pugs and my knitting teacher's dog( a white fluffy thing I am watching for 2 weeks while she is in Italy) all had a fun time begging ham and attention. 6 dogs plus my daughter's pug came just to visit - 6 pugs and one fluffy white thing......... too bad I couldn't get them all in one place for a group shot.

Happy Holidays to my Nutty Friends

Christmas Presents

I finished the hat and mitts for my picky husband. I made several practice hats before using the Cascade llama and wool mix. Oh- I do get spoiled when I use such soft yarn like this. Well, he kept saying the cap looked too big while it was drying/blocking. He is extremely picky about hats- no long one and no brims to roll up and a snug fit.I have enough to do another hat so was going to give it to a friend with a big head! But, then I found him with it on today saying that it is just right. It is a perfect cold and damp day for him to wear it as he goes in and out doing all those manly things he does in the CAVE in the garage like swinging the golf club back and forth into that net thing. I can tell he really likes it! He is painfully honest and would never fake it. I can truthfully say it looks great on him too. If he ever takes it off- I will post a picture!

I drank the wine DYED-IN -THE -WOOLwith the knitting friends that came over here last night. Damn- Pinot Noir is a red wine which I do not care for.. but still drank 2 glasses.

Knitting Around - love this book

Finding all news things about Elizabeth Zimmermann.Her life told in her Digressions is humorous and so interesting including Arnold's escape from Germany.

WOW Elizabeth Zimmermann at one time lived in Orange County, NY in Gardnerville. She mentions in this book living by Middletown and Slate Hill the towns where I lived for 30 + plus years before I moved to PA.My kids went to schools in Slate Hill located a few miles down the road from Gardnerville . Then just like her I moved to PA living directly on the Delaware. ( although she lived further south ) Ez would be amazed at all the new construction and changes that have happened in the Gardnerville area. I wonder if she faced any of the monumental flooding of the Delaware that I have witnessed this past few years after moving here.

Knitting books

Two books came from Amazon this week. Knitting Around by E Zimmermann and The Sweater Workshop by J Fee. Both books have been picked up in my spare time and good reads so far. I love seeing all the EZ pictures of her growing up and the finding connections between her and Fee's knitting experiences. The sweater I started is still sitting in the basket. Maybe this will motivate me after I finish all the hats , scarves and mitts I have been making for presents.
The reason I bought the Knitting Around is because the EZ Knit-A-long is using patterns from this book for projects in 2007. At this point, many are too advanced for me ( too many color changes in Norwegian stuff) but maybe with the groups support I can give some a try.
Purlingswine recommended Sweater Workshop so it was ordered too.

knitting WINE

Look at this wine that my knitting friend gave me..cool huh? it is from Canterbury, New Zealand..Pinot Noir - great because I only drink white wines

Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda Bread

1. 3 cups flour
2. 1 tsp baking powder
3. 1/2 tsp salt
4. 1 tsp baking soda
5. 8 tsp sugar
6. 1 /2 cup raisins
7. 1 and 1/2 cups buttermilk

Mix dry ingredients and raisins together. Add milk and mix well. Place in greased pan at 375 degrees for 45 minutes (or less- my oven 35 minutes)

Beautiful weather in Pa

It is like spring today! I love this weather and can do without the snow and ice..
Got some Christmas shopping done at the local shops today in Narrowsburg ,Ny . I just have to walk a few minutes across the bridge and I am in NY. Actually I am done shopping.. Wooopeee!
I finished a hat last night , Now I think I need to get back to to the Log Cabin after I finish the lace scarf.
Tonight I am going to a Christmas party at my new knitting friends house. Knitting has been so good for me. Moving into a new community is not always easy but by signing up for this knitting class I have met four wonderful friends. Tonight is the first where all the husbands get together too. Should be fun.
I am making my Irish Soda Bread . It has been a tradition with my family that I make it every Christmas and of course St. Pat's too.

pugs Say I love you/ lace pattern

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIB79nLOlkE&mode=related&search this is so funny where the pug says I love you on Letterman.

All the pugs have found their own spot today.Buddy in front of the warm fire..Molly in her bed and Peek-A- Boo on the couch.

Peek-A Boo is sitting next to my blue lace project from New Orleans. Some times I can't concentrate enough to do this. ..had to frog a

lot last night because of big hole..I have it memorized now but still forget what row I am on or if I did k2tog already..duh I am such a slow beginner!

This it it:My Lace pattern given to my from Quarter Stitch Shop in New Orleans

(From my head-I am not even looking at the directions.)

yf= means put yarn in front (like a yarn over?)

Row 1: knit 5, *YF, sl1 , k1,psso, k1, k2tog, yf .k1* repeat from * end with k4

Row 2: purl the whole way

Row 3: knit 6,* YF, sl1,k2tog,psso,yf, k3* repeat till end where you will end with a k2( instead of k3) plus k4

Row 4 : Purl the whole way

That is it- just keep repeating these four rows but trying to remember which row you are on if you get distracted. The yarn is so fine and fuzzy that it is hard to read your stitches..But, it is good too because it hides mistakes with the fuzz(:

I bought size 4 needles at this store and I love them. Crystal Palace Bamboo.

The yarn is 2 skeins of Trendsetter Yarns AURA.( 100% nylon) I paid 15$ for each skein and bought enough to make one in green and pink too. Maybe I will be done by next year..It is going slow..

Christmas Presents

Another fingerless mitts set done while in Ne w Orleans.

Working on small knitting projects to give as Christmas presents this next couple of weeks. My husband picked out yarn for me to make him a hat and fingerless mitts for his present while at the shop in New Orleans.
Planning to make 3 of the lace scarves for presents. I will post that later along with the pattern..

I am going to try making the Forest Canopy Shoulder Shawl next that was suggested on WendyKnits. Paid 6.50 for this pattern which is supposed to be good for a newbie to lace. It is designed by Susan Pierce Lawrence. I seem to get so easily distracted from one project to another with 3 or 4 going on at the same time. Log Cabin , sweater, and lace scarf are works in progress..This is so unusual for me. I usually follow steps one at a time . For example,I only eat one food at a time on my plate never mixing the foods.

New Orleans Highlights

This made me very sad. Doreen used to play in Jackson Square and have big crowds around here. We listen to her CD all the time. Hardly anyone was there this time.

This lady was selling her hats by Cafe Dumond.She is a volunteer from Colorado helping out after the Hurricane.

Ellen De Generous(?) lighting the lights are Jackson Square in the French Quarter.I am sure she loves this photo.

The photo above is the Quarter Stitch yarn shop which I visited 2 times. I bought yarn to make a lace scarf which is my first lace attempt. The nice sales lady said it would take about an half hour to learn t he pattern. But, I am a slow learner.. It took 3 hours and halfway through the scarf to memorize it. I made several mistakes with one or two stitches off but just kept on going. It was too hard to fix my mistakes with all slip things. I will post that photo after it is completed.

new orleans

More fun in the Big Easy today and the weather was milder to that made it even better. .Lots of walking and went back to the knitting shop in French Quarter. Tonight was the holiday lighting ceremony in Jackson square with music, fireworks and Ellen DeGeneres( ? spelling)


Miss my pugs !

New Orleans

Not as cold here today- thank goodness. I was about to wear the winter hat I just knit last night is was so windy and cold yesterday walking around. Husband went fishing so I did some knitting and shopped in the River Mall which was so dead and deserted. Half the stores are not opened. I spent a few $$ in Chicos.
I was here a week before Katrina and is such a drastic change . People in the stores talk about not being able to keep it up unless things improve. One good thing is that the cruises started to come back which will help businesses.. Our time share is very quiet with hardly any people. The only place really with a lot of people seems to be the Casino.

New Orleans

so after being held up in Chicago( snow storm) we made it here one day late. Obviously,this place has such a different atmosphere since the last visit we had. Most of the same business and places still running but with less people. The airport was so quiet and empty. Homeless people on the streets sleeping right on the street.
We walked Bourbon Street area this afternoon. Stopped a wonderful knitting store called the Quarter Stitch. I will have to go back without the husband!
More later.

Snow coming?

Friday I am leaving for a week in New Orleans. The weather report for this area says possible snow showers for the next few days. I will not miss the snow!This is the first year of no commute to work so it is less stressful when it snows. My fear of driving in ice and snow has rapidly increased with age. I will enjoy the beauty of the snow much more now when not forced to travel in it. The Mini will stay in the garage once the winter weather has officially arrived and the Honda Element will be my winter car.

Fingerless Mitts

Finished 3 mitts and hope to do the 4th tonight. Pattern is from Wendy Knits (free pattern on her blog . http://wendyknits.net/knit/mitts.htm.

It is amazing to me how just putting a bit of pink mohair in the one set makes the colors look so totally different. The thumb and some holes were a challenge -but these are fun and quick. I think will make several pairs for gifts.
Maybe? eventually I will figure out how to avoid the holes? And to be able to make a pair the same size as you may notice on the picture...they are not the same.............

Not so happy holidays for some...

Holidays sometimes are not so happy...Someone "very" close tried to commit "suicide by cop" this past week. Shit- I never heard of this expression before this. This is freaking shocking and unbelievable....this emotionally wrought person is in a mess of trouble -not just mentally or by the gun wound -but now big time with the police.
The big WHY..drugs, alcohol , family and job issues and depression?? I have been way down before but can't imagine the misery and pain one must be in to do this. I don't know how to help, but to say I love him.

Thank goodness for my mental health, my supportive husband , my healthy children and of course, my pugs. The list goes on and on..

The tree is up!

This tree is bigger than it looks.Could not do it without my helpers.. It took me all afternoon to get it decorated..

Made one of the fingerless mitts from Wendy Knits (Wendy Knits)book but the free pattern is on her blog. They are a little small so may have to give them to Jen with the skinny fingers.I will use bigger needles for next pair. The mitts are made with the lovely yarn I bought from Kiparoo Farms at Stiches.

Turkey Day and the pug family

Magoo , the black lug of pug, with his daughter ,Peek- A- Boo

Molly- the the mother of Peek-A-Boo and then Winnie- the senior pug

It was a relaxing day with lots of food, family and no dishes for me! Both my kids were at dinner which is harder to now with my son being married.
My visiting daughter and I were knitting while watching Grey's Anatomy, our favorite show along with 24...Now she is hooked on knitting and made two scarves in the last 2 days..

Day before Thanksgiving..

Yes!!!!I do not have to cook! I am very good at bringing the wine and dessert. I only like to cook if I am in the cooking mode which is not very often. When my daughter lived home it was fun because she loved it and took over. She would have the menus planned months ahead.Even when she was in 2nd grade I remember she used to play restaurant and make up menus for breakfast and then serve it.
Thanksgiving is a time for thanks.I am so thankful for my husband and my two children, my health, my home and all. But, I am sort of sentimental because they have grown up and it is not like what is used to be having them all here.

Knitting another skully hat because first one looks too big ( height wise). So I will give him two for Christmas. This skull does not look as good though. I messed up a bit on the pattern and tried to fudge it.
Not sure what to start next? Still going on the second sock, Log Cabin Blanket but might start fingerless mitts or a vest kit from Stitches.

I am going away next week to New Orleans while husband fishes so I need to think about what to pack for that. Socks for the plane using those small plastic dpn's?

Take this driving test

http://www.gmacinsurance.com/SafeDriving/2006/test.asp
I only got an 80 on this test which is passing . I admit I am not the best city driver and a bit geographically impaired....

Happy Thanksgiving

Skully Hat is done.................

Denise sent me this:

MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY, MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP. MAY YOUR POTATOES 'N GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP, MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS, MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE, MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS.


GOBBLE TIL YOU WOBBLE.........

AND IN ALL AND FOR ALL THINGS GIVE THANKS.

skull hat

2am and still knitting with my sleepy pugs by my side..
yeah -I can see the skull now

2nd attempt on this skull hat for my son is much better.I stayed up to 2am to get this far.(The pugs were waiting patiently for me to go to bed) My husband thinks I am an addict. He is right!Carrying that yarn in back is tricky -but it is starting to look like a skull, finally. Using wool makes a great difference. I am getting extremely picky about my yarn now after being exposed the natural stuff( like soft bulky Alpaca). Knitting is challenging enough without using that Caron crappy stuff which sort of just lays there blah...

RETIREMENT TRAVELS

Retirement is feeling better and better. Several travel plans made this week and oh, I feel LUCKY! Husband and I are going to New Orleans next month. Then, my sister and I just booked a knitting retreat in March.My other friend and I booked a 11 day cruise for Jan 6 where we plan to lots of knitting in the sun. My husband hates cruises so he can watch the pugs.
These will definitely help me get through the winter and keep me busy.

2007 Knitting Retreat in the Mountains
Sponsored by Carol’s Yarn Shop
With special guests
CAT BORDHI – WOOL IN THE WOODS –
SHADYSIDE STUDIO WOOLS
Held at Will O’ the Wisp Resort on Deep Creek Lake
March 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, 2007<>FONT>

what is this mess?

Yesterday I tried making the winter hat with the skull using two colors and what a mess..Then I looked in some of my knitting books to research this changing colors fiasco.OMG too embarrassed to take a picture. Trying again tonight.

hearing loss/ BAHA aids

I LOVE My Pugs.

Peek- A- Boo and her mom, Molly are always finding places to cuddle together.


Got my Mini 's 30,000 mile service today in NJ ..O.M.G 350$ for what? But at least they are very pleasant there and I could knit while I waited in their cool waiting room..




"Have you asked your ear consultant if you would be a suitable Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) candidate? You're more than welcome to e-mail me about this either via the Baby Surprise Jacket group or via my BellaOnline site, I wear two BAHA's and find them absolutely marvellous. Of course there is the occasional problem but life is far better with two BAHA's than no hearing aid at all! "




Thank you for your suggestion. I visited a top -notch hearing center at NYU in New York City about 5 years ago. He mentioned that there were implantable hearing aids that were being tested in Europe. So I predict you are from there!.The problem is that when I researched them on-line they seemed to be used mainly for conductive hearing loss, which I do not have. http://www.cochlearamericas.com/Products/878.asp I have s- nerve loss. I will continue to look at this option as the technology improves.

A Parent's wish

Maltese hat is done!

I did the i-cord and Pom- pom thing .Not as weird now- but I know my son will not wear it!

A friend sent this in an email http://parentswish.com/site01/big.html..It is so appropriate- yet so very sad.

I saw a bumper sticker yesterday that said "Damn- How Did I Get So Old? My parents and I have switched roles and it is depressing for all involved.

.

maltese hat

here is the scarf I made my Mom to match her new coat.( Lovely Latin Collection alpaca bought at Stiches.)

EZ Maltese hat is turning out strange ( sorts clown -like) ..made me laugh like crazy when my husband tried it on.I doubt very much my son will wear it . It is was huge so I felted it a bit . It was a good thing I was watching closely because it got small very fast..maybe too small. Anyways I made a pom - pom and some twisted cords. Maybe a kid will wear it or my friend Brandi who likes crazy hats . My son wanted one of those hats from Stitch N Bitch with the skull on front so maybe I will get the yarn to do that.

Well, Dad is home and it is going to be difficult. I am trying to get my mother to hire nurses for the home but she is so very stubborn- Irish! I will spending most of my days driving to Middletown. Being retired is convenient.

Must go to a wake today for a teacher I worked with for a long time. John never came to work last week because he had a massive heart attack at age 55. Everyone at school is still in shock. Sadly, this reminds me to concentrate on the important things in my life and let the other stupid stressful stuff go.

Knitting is a very good thing for me.-even when I make mistakes. I am learning..... I had to tear the top of the Maltese hat out due to a major hole which I did not notice till next day. The hat is sorta weird looking.I doubt my son will wear it. I have to finish top with DPN's and think about making a tassel and i-cord thing. I never made tassels before. In fact before I started knitting I really never did any crafty things like sewing , quilting ,cooking or other domestic stuff. I just never had time with running around with my kids(which I loved)) , family and teaching. Reading was my thing which I hardly do now except the book for the monthly book clubs ( only if I like it) That is why I am so surprised I love learning to knit!

EZ Maltese Hat knit-a- long

Started my Maltese hat (late) tonight at knitting group (knitbabysurprise@yahoogroups.com). Could not put it down and it is now 1am. Starting the decreases and will be done soon. I am not sure my son will wear it but have other people in mind if not. Have to decide about making an I cord . I plan on felting it if it is too big. I used size 13 needles. Pictures will be posted when it is finished.
My father is leaving the nursing home tomorrow. I am nervous about that with my mother having to care for him.

Hearing Loss

Comment-What make are your hearing aids and how long have you worn them?

I have 2 Phonac behind -the- ear hearing aids and a Phonac FM system. My first hearing aid was was a small one that I started wearing when I was in my 30's. That was over 20 years ago and my hearing has continued to decline. My loss is rated severe now. I have investigated all the new technology and gone to specialists and conventions. Closed captions for TV and my Cap Tel phone are a great help. My cell phone is a Nextel one that is extremely loud (but also distorted)when I put it on speaker mode .Thank goodness for my husband who helps me in so many ways.

The hearing loss made teaching almost impossible the last few years especially with all the background noise. As a result ,I retired last year. Not hearing makes social and all kinds of situations difficult. I may end up being a candidate for a cochlear implant but will put it off till am desperate.

Stiches classes

I took 3 beginner classes offered at Stitches. Learned a lot -but next year no more 8 am classes. I became sleep deprived after the first night. Felting 101 was fantastic with an energetic teacher, Debbie Radtke. We made a little purse and experimented with different colors and foo foo. Then we felted it by hand in a bin of water. Lots of fun. My purse quickly became a wine holder.
Next, I took a 6 hour class called Everything After Knit and Purl.We made felted oven mitts and again the time flew by and I learned a whole bunch while making a cute project. ( making mittens, 3 needle bind -off, Lamb's Pride wool, using 5 needles in the round) Teaching a bunch of beginners must be a nightmare ,but Gwen Bortner is excellent. Her handout was a booklet with all kinds of helpful diagrams and step- by-step directions.
Sunday I was really tired and a bit hung over so left my 8 am Crochet class after the break. I wear hearing aids and have a small FM device that speakers can wear like a necklace so I can understand them. (Australian lady- so her accent made it even more difficult for me to follow what was being said.)She was uncomfortable using the device and took it off and left at other tables . So all I heard was those students talking. So between the hang over and frustration I left. But, that was ok because I went to the MARKET one last time.