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.

Stiches

Got back from Knitting heaven last night...Stitches was so wonderful and I had the best time with my knitting friends. The car was so stuffed with packages coming home it was a miracle we could fit. The Fashion shows , the Market, my classes and the whole knitting population inspired me so! I spent way too much and now I definitely have a stash.

Packing for Stiches.

8 more stiches to go on this sock. Moving along on the Log Cabin.

Packing is such a chore for me. Afraid I will forget something so I make a pile and then I usually take half of it away. Notice my list on top. Definitely will take will take both bottles of wine . Most of my needles and knitting bag are on left.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

This is my daughter and her boyfriend. They celebrated Halloween in Salem this past weekend dressed as Gilligan and Lucy .Don't they look great!

Rambles

Ever tried getting to talk to someone at Circuit City via phone..Impossible!!!When I finally thought I was at the right place but I heard the same message repeated over 100 times with same annoying music before I hung up.


Peeky is still having major trouble with the kidney stones. Peeing little spots all over and really straining a lot while squatting. ...poor pug

Almost ready to start the toe on my sock.I am thinking about what I want to take knitting -wise this weekend for our trip to Baltimore. The Log Cabin might take up too much room. I have to pack light so we have enough room in Linda's car . Four of us are going and it should be a wonderful time with the classes, shopping, wine and friends.
I better start packing tomorrow.

flash card stuck in media reader

I went to upload great pugs shots today but my camera's card is now stuck in the tower. Emailed Gateway support and they suggest I take it to a local service place. Oh crap....means more money and no computer for several days.

Log Cabin Blanket

Thanks to Ann http://www.purlingswine.com/ the log cabin blanket may be figured out. Placing a safety pin on the right side helped me to keep track of the ws and rs. Finally-No more lines showing up on both sides. I was only going to use this Lion Brand Thick and Quick for practice -but might just continue using it. Maybe a pug blanket ? I plan on saving all leftover sock yarn and make one of these like Wendy is doing.

feels like winter

Cold today.My visiting son and husband are on the roof putting in something for a fireplace insert downstairs. Glad he is here so I do not have to help! ( see the ladder in the picture )

so this is what I have done:

• I got rid of the dead plants in the garden
• walked to yarn store.


• Played with 3 of the pugs (Buddy, Molly, Peek-A-Boo)


• took a day off from nursing home with my father and being patient with my mother


• vowed (again )to lose those 10 pounds.
• decided to do an Elizabeth Zimermann knit-along of the Maltese Hat

Mason Dixon Log Cabin blanket

Trying very hard to to figure this out. Just practicing with Lion Brand left over thick stuff. Not sure how you pick up the stitches and which side if the ridge side... a line is showing on some sides and not the others.YIKES I need help!!! Not sure when you change colors either..Tomorrow I will take it to my knitting group .

Poor Peek- A- Boo ( adorable black one)

This is Peaky and her mom, Molly.

Poor Peaky has 9 kidney stones. She is on special food for 3 weeks and if that does not dissolve them she will have to have surgery at $900. Poor pug had this when she was a puppy a few years back . So when she started trying to pee with no success we took her to the vet today.

socks and Digital Phone

I am working diligently on my sock. Got the heal started last night. I think after a couple more of these I will have it down. I like doing socks- sorta like a puzzle.This will be my 2 nd pair on my own. Made a mistake with the ribbing on the cuff -lost track of purls and knits while in the stressful hospital last week. I wonder if I should make the 2nd one the same way with the ribbing off?
They picked me to be a Friendly Tester of the new Digital Phone in my area. So now we have two phones hooked up here and ringing from different places. The Digital one will be really cheap with unlimited calling at 34.95$ a month. One problem I encountered already is that my CapTel http://www.captionedtelephone.com/how-it-works.phtml phone will not work with Digital. So I am not sure about changing companies for that reason or maybe keeping one line just for that?

woopeee! learned how to cross out words with a line !!

testing
Thanks to Wendysknit.net
Wendy was kind enough to explain how to do this crossing out with a line by using the strike Html tag (which I knew nothing about ).

rhinebeck

Went to Rhinebeck with Liz for my first experience with all the vendors and crowds. Enjoyed going around and feeling all the different yarns -but -was a bit overwhelmed with all of it. So much to choose from! Got some sock yarn and 2 kits to make shawls just because I couldn't think of what yarn I needed and how much for the different projects I want to start. Planned to make the list but never did. Must do this before going to Stiches!

Last night Liz and I knit beaded bracelets using copper wire that I learned to make at knitting camp. So wonderful to spend this kind of time with her. Then this am I helped her grade science tests . I miss teaching but not all the paper work I did on Sunday nights for 30 years! Now I can knit instead (:

Drove home this afternoon and stopped to see Dad at the nursing home. He seemed perkier but fell asleep after awhile

Rhinebeck

This morning a friend showed me how to do some ribbon embroidery..cute little flowers. It was fun.
Then went to visit Dad in the nursing home all afternoon. not fun..


I am off to Rhinebeck tomorrow. Meeting Liz by the Kingston exit. hmmmm I wonder if they take debit cards? maybe I better stop at the bank first... Hope it is warmer than it is tonight.
- going to make a list of yarn that I want for projects that I hope to do soon..sock yarn is easy but for other things I am not sure.
Thursday knitting group is making a Crayola Box sweater. I m not that thrilled after making one square . It is taking me forever to finish just the back of my wip. Think I rather do some felted purses or something that goes faster for me.

Pugs

I love these little clowns! They give me unconditional love , lots of licks and stinky kisses. Pugs are the best medicine for cheering me up.

Nursing home

Well, Dad is there in room 226 . Long depressing day of waiting at hospital, filling out of repetitive forms and coping with both parents while dad was sort of settled in nursing home. I had to get rid of what I wrote last night.
no knitting done......):
I still plan on going to Rhinebeck with Liz. She sounded sick with a sinus infection last night and still has to teach those 6th graders so I hope she is up to it and feels better.

Nursing home

Dad might be going to a nursing home . Tomorrow they will take him if all the papers and forms work out. It has been extremely depressing and upsetting dealing with my mother and and having him sent there.Mom can't handle his needs at this point and she is feeling so guilty . He can hardly get around and needs constant care. I hate having to make these arrangements and decisions along with my mother to put my father in this sad place. It will even worse taking him there from the hospital and having to leave him and my mother going home alone. I hope my kids never have to experience this heartbreak with me.
After I came home tonight I did sit for a while to knit the sweater. Knitting is therapy and helps calm me down for a bit.

pug in heat...

Peek-A-Boo is in heat. What a nuisance! She has to be separated from the male , Magoo ( her father). Magoo is moaning and howling like a love sick pup keeping us up awake at night.

Dad is still in the hospital. I knit part of the cuff of a sock today.

Spinners and Weavers Guild lunch

Yesterday I took a short break between hospital visits. I went to the local Spinners yearly luncheon with my new knitting friends. Such a wonderful time was had with new friends, an impressive fashion show and door prizes. Fiona Siobhan (can't remember last name), an amusing Irish storyteller sat at her spinning wheel and entertained us by sharing her experiences as a shepherd and spinner .
I am off to the hospital to visit Dad and to help my mother.