Knitting Irish Hiking/BSJ/Kale Soup

Three projects going at same time with knitting. The Irish Hiking Scarf had to be frogged when I realized it was too wide and would run out of yarn. So I started that all over and took out one cable section to make it narrower. I just hope it does not look too narrow and less masculine now. Maybe I can block the alpaca to make it wider? Not sure if alpaca will block?

My other project is the Baby Surprise Jacket. My knitting group is doing it together. It is the famous Elizabeth Zimmerman pattern . But, if I didn't have the DVD and the notes from the BSJ group I would never have be able to figure it out. EZ's patterns are not clear enough for me as I am just starting to see the whole picture and understand the knitting process.



The other project is the baby sweater I started last week from Cabin Creek. This is taking longer than I expected because of the fingering weight yarn.



Another goal of 2008 is to cook more as to save more $ and to eat healthier. My cooking skills are very weak. My kids even used to call me Microwave MaMa. We were on the run so much with all the activities and with teaching.
Every week at Wegmans the chef, Carmen , demonstrates a new recipe. Last week he suggested using a digital thermometer to check meat as I tend to overcook everything just like my mother did. Well- I got one this week and made perfect steaks and chicken this weekend. It is the kind you hook up to the meat with a probe and has a cord with a gadget to regulate on the kitchen counter.

I am experimenting more. For example,I made a delicious Portuguese Kale This I will make again. I used spicy chicken sausage, fat free broth and drained the beans to make it even less fattening.

Good news!!!Ilost a few pounds this week !

Resolutions 2008

These are my resolutions for 2008:

1.Get Healthy

Getting healthier is my primary goal . These last few months some serious health issues been faced.. For the first time- I felt old .Not moving enough and eating too many comfort foods just aggravated the problems. Plus- We are going on this adventure trip to the Amazon and Galapagos next month where one needs to be able to hike and canoe.This is my plan:

• no more candy , junk or processed foods
• joined Weight Watchers and using the core plan where I eat only healthy foods with more fish , fruits and veggies.( lost 3 pounds last week)
• no more diet soda - water instead of the 4-5 cans I was drinking a day
• Do a Pilate's, walking or fit tape each morning.

2. Use up my Stash

This has been ongoing past two months. I have improved but still need to use more up before purchasing more. My closets are full of very nice sock yarn and kits that could be used. Staying away from yarn shops and ordering on line is a must. The Stitch'Beach cruise that I go on Feb 27th has something called Yarn Tastings. Damn-I suspect that means yarn sales. Luckily , the supplies for the classes were included in the fees.

3.Save money for the wedding

I looked at my Microsoft money expense report this morning and tried to figure out why I am always broke.Gee- These trips might be the culprit! But they are all paid for so now I need to get down to business and figure out ways to cut out more expenses. Last month food costs about $550 and gas was $422. Maybe the food can be cut more but gas I can't help.It was really even more because a few times I paid cash. Good news is I did not charge a single item this holiday so that is probably the reason for the last few months. This month is shot too as the Mini needs 4 new tires for another 800.... So I will just watch and not do the impulse shopping ( knitting most of the time) and be more aware of my spending. My favorite grocery store ,Wegmans ,has a senior discount of 5 % on Tuesday so go then and try to stay away from the center of the store.

Wedding plans/ Harmony Options

Got this nice email Knit Picks...I love Knit Picks!

Their needles are the greatest. The Harmony seem sharper and better for lace projects while the Options are good for projects that don't need sharper points . That is all I need and use anymore. I love their catalogs too. Once I use up some of my stash I think I will try out some of the reasonable priced yarns. I am going to be on an even stricter budget with the wedding coming up.

Dear Kathleen,
I am sorry that your needle broke. Please let me know which size it was and I will send out a replacement to you.
Sincerely, Georgianna Customer Service

My daughter has decided to get married up here on the river on August 16th. We have a perfect location for a wedding . Only problem is we both stressing about the planning and details trying to keep the costs down. She and I( both being teachers) have this thing about getting things organized right away ( maybe slightly obsessive) and in perfectly in place before the event. Sometimes it is a curse!

My son's wedding.....was here 2 years ago. This time should be easier- right?