March madness

crazy snow storm here in NE Pa and to make it not so nice we did not have heat or hot water all weekend.The plumber could not get the part till today. He drove in the storm to fix it- what a nice guy!!!

Still unpacking from being away 3 weeks and sorting mail ect . Now it is back to reality with taking care of parents , doctor appts and house stuff .

I did a lot of knitting in Puerto Rico to the point I had to stop. My neck and right shoulder are in some kind of mess with pain.
2 baby blankets, one frog puppet completed and 2 baby sweaters started .

for some reason this blog won't let me post photos today... but got them up on my ravelry ( katomliz)

addios Puerto Rico

It has been a relaxing 3 weeks here in sunny Puerto Rico but vacation is coming to an end. I have internet for the first time because we are staying in the Best Western at the airport tonight.
My Black berry Strom did not get sufficient service to go browse the internet. We were in a very rural area but survived. I knitnonstop ; so much my neck and back hurt and now need to limit it. 2 baby blankets done and one puppet along with a baby sweater started.

way way too much sangria, ice cream and eating out..I am scared to even go near a scale...diet time now but Dh and I had a wonderful time together so all worth it

Pea Pod/ Home

Is this sleeve too small? to rip or not?

I am home from hospital feeling relief I don't have a heart condition but would feel better if they could figure out what is making me have these spells that come again. I have been taking it easy and trying just feel better all week.

We leave Monday for PR. I am excited but will feel better when I am there. My track record for traveling this winter has not been good.

Speaking of track records- while I was in the hospital I was bragging to my kids and other knitting visitors that I never in my whole life got a speeding ticket. Well- should have kept my mouth shut because coming home tonight a few miles from my house on the NY side a snotty state trooper pulled me over and gave me a ticket. He said I did not stop at the stop sign - just slowed down.. to tell you the truth I was not paying attention and should have noticed he was behind me..sort of scary..

still struggling with the Pea Pod ( 2nd one started - other one hibernating)

I tried to change the sleeves picking up stitches using another pattern. I did one and it looks small. I hate hate hate to rip so still studying it. I started the hat tonight.

LPlans disrutped.......

good news - my hospital has free wifi my BB Storm works here . My knitting was in the car before I came here. So not totally bored all weekend here. Had 3 project in my bag to keep me busy.

bad news- won't be leaving for PR on my birthday - Tuesday. Having a heart cath Monday due to chest pains after a stress test. Flying the next day is not an option.
DH wont be home from golf trip till tonight- thank god my kids have helped take care of pets and me.

after tomorrow I will know when and if we can leave for PR. I wish they could figure out what is causing these spells that last for periods of time.This one started Jan 12 after going to the gym doing old lady stuff but then coming home all full of energy to clean the floors. Cleaning the floors did me in.. good excuse to justify that I am officially getting a cleaning person and not doing any more floors.

Pea Pod

Knitting along on the Pea Pad and was loving the yarn. Sometimes your gut tells you something is not right but you keep knitting along...and knitting and trying to figure out what is not right...click click click at midnight you think " oh maybe I should go on ravelry because this does not seem right "

you look at all the pictures very closely and you figure out what has been feeling not right-damn the leaf pattern was only supposed to be done once but I continued doing it several times with those left over 7 of stockinette... for the whole front section

but then again you look at it and want to salvage it after all the( misguided ) concentration and work . I am leaving it for awhile before doing anything and starting another one the correct way. In someways I like it because it looks like a little Irish sweater but weird.. Maybe I can continue with it this way but then again the sleeves may look odd ?.DH has my camera so can't take pictures till he is back from his golf trip.

Lucky me

My blogging has been slow lately with ravelry and facebook taking up more of my computer time. DH thinks I spend too much time on the computer and makes faces as he goes by me. Maybe he thinks I should be cleaning or cooking more? or maybe watching football (now basketball) and CNN financial gloom and doom .

My bags from cancelled cruise are getting refreshed as in 2 weeks we will be leaving all this snow and cold to stay for the month in Puerto Rico. We have rented a house from a friend that lives on the ocean..that is why I say I am lucky!!! so this week I my job is to figure out all the packing and details involved with leaving pets and house for a month. Trying to pack one suitcase for a month is another challenge. But like I said- I realize how very lucky I am to be doing this and being retired. Many friends my age are still juggling stressful jobs and all they have to do to keep their medical benefits or have no pensions . Working all those 32 and half years at public schools has paid off in later life. I am also grateful to DH who has manged our finances successfully.Without him - I would not be able to do these things.

Knitting news: Still on same shawl and growing baby blanket but started Pea Pod baby sweater last night and very excited about it. For some reason blogger.com is not letting me post pictures today but here is the link http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pea-pod-baby-set I am using pale green Sublime ( oh- love this yarn). The pattern is a little ( very) quirky . When this was started in the fall -while away- but had to stop because of not figuring it . But looking at Kate Gilbert Ravelry group resolved my problems and loving this little sweater.

still cold and snowy

fire has been going nonstop for several days..

thermometer reads minus 10

This has to be a record winter with cold, snow and ice. As I blog more snow is coming down . Although it is so very pretty - I slightly resent it because of dangerous roads . Today my daughter and son were going to take me out to lunch in Middletown but not sure if that will happen with all the snow. Reports said to expect one inch but there is at least 5 out there now.Now the reports say some clipper system is moving in. Oh- but I am so very grateful that I don't have to commute one hour to work this winter. Panic attacks strike me if driving in bad weather.

Yesterday we walked over to the Eagle fest..http://www.dveaglealliance.org/. It was an enjoyable day seeing friends and listening to different presentations. My favorite was Bill Streeter with his live birds and an owl lady from NJ. Despite the frigid weather record crowds attended. Eagles were flying overhead which is something that is pretty common around here but I am still always amazed at these majestic birds. From my house one can see a nest of them in a huge conifer on other side of river.

Knitting progress on the shawl is slow because gave my arm a break this week and only do a few rows a day . Deciding which baby item to knit next is a challenge with so many to choose . Nothing is shouting at me yet. Maybe a quick knit of hat or scarf would get me back on track .This shawl is turning into work.

Freezing out

This has been the perfect week to be away to some warm and sunny place but over my disappointment of not making it to the ship.. I am lucky that not working and staying home is like a vacation but too chilly here in NE Pa with temperatures in the single digits. This is not my type of weather. I never set foot outside today just did those repetitive chores inside.

Last night was the first time in a month our knitting group was able to meet with the holidays and bad roads . It was nice checking in with my knitting friends and seeing what everyone is working on. I need some motivation - my knitting karma has been blah lately with still working on the Kal Shawl( 3 clues to go) and the never ending baby blanket . I have so many baby patterns and stash yarn to start another project but want these finished first. Plus- My right elbow has been hurting when knitting -this limits my knitting time drastically.

Last week I bought a new toy , the Blackberry Storm. This is so addictive being able to check emails and facebook even in the car. The frustrating thing is that we can't get any cell phone service at my house or even outside of it.. So I drove 15 minutes to Honesdale to sit in Wendy's to figure it out. I was hoping to use it on our cruise and when I go away in Feb for the month. Really , really wish we would get some cell phone towers around here. Can't they make them look like tall trees?

My Christmas present finally arrived last week- the new Addi Click system.

What a huge and impractical box they come in so had ordered the Della Q organizer recommended by the Addi Ravelry groupies. Only 3 cords come with this so only 3 ufo's can be going at same time so Addis please come out with the single cords soon. I have not started a new project to use them but thinking that maybe I just jumped on the bandwagon too fast. I love Addis for lace but the Knitpick wood Harmonies are my all time favorite and so pretty besides. (also cheaper and no problem on airplanes)

The lack of sun is getting to me- I am feeling tired and no energy and can't see, to snap out of it..Sick of cleaning, cooking and not being able to go outside . I was doing so well eating and going to the gym but this week bad...bad.....bad...

#@%*!

A huge snow storm yesterday caused us to miss our curise ship..we couldnt get out of here..I was looking forward to sun and - instead ice and snow.. I am hoping some of my money gets refunded...
grrrrrr wasted my time packing and getting a pedicure for 50$ now unpacking all my stuff and pretty toes are covered with warm socks..yes-
could be worse things happening in my life - just venting and getting it out for few hours.. Stinky and pugs are happy to have me back so quick- not sure if the DH even notices...lol

2009is here already

My new mini laptop to take on trips ..weighs only 2 pounds. It came yesterday and it was easy to get started..

It seems like last 9 years have flown by....2000 had such big hype and now way past that... what this year will bring?

2009 will be a year of my new grandson ....the most exciting news

Same resolutions are made to get healthy by eating right and moving more... I plan on enjoying life's precious simple moments as they come because time whizzes by me.

2009 is starting out with another cruise next Sunday with my knitting friend to Belize and Guatemala. I have a big pile of clothes put out now have to decide what to take along with my knitting stuff. Knitting is the hardest and most important to decide ..

I really would like to this KAL shawl done this week so I can give it to my ex-aunt on her 90th but my hands are really hurting ....might not happen..I am only on clue 3 out of 7 or 8.

holidays (:

Best gift of the holidays was having my both kids and spouses together .It will be harder to do this with in-laws and future babies on the way. S o this year was another wonderful year although the kids had to juggle and drive all over the place to accomadate both sets of families. My day included visiting my elderly parents. Life is one big scary cycle

I started the Klabauter mystery KAL shawl last night. It is a fairly easy ( so far) rectangular shawl kal. I love doing these but just wish my wireless printer would print.. to make copies of patterns to write on. Instead =I am doing it from the computer. When time is available have to redo the router setup to get this going again..
My ex-aunt Dottie will be 90 this January so want to give  her this shawl for her birthday.
Still spending too much time at Facebook. Amazing who can turn up in your life again! Many former students are in there and they have changed in many ways since 6th grade .

done!!!!!! snow

neck wrap with leftovers

Stinky checking out snow

Cabin Fever   pattern baby sweater done...not so thrilled with it  (buttons are not sewn  -crooked now)

might keep this instead of giving away. It is so warm and soft..

snow...facebook..exercise

view from my window..the snow is coming down strong but not showing in picture.

 boys messed  up  hat.....

bracing for another snow storm  here in NE Pa..It is coming down fast already

can't drive to gym ..so just did a show taped from Fit Channel..I have been good doing some form of exercise everyday but still no weight loss........ I do feel better and less like a fat slug.

First- it was ravelry and now  addicted to Facebook...finding lost friends and former students.. amazing how small the world  has become. 

Made a hat for the boy but ..came out a tad bit small. and messed up...Today I will start another one with longer ribbing.. oh yeah big mistake in the ribbing but  just pretend it was suppposed to be there. boy does not know..drinking wine and knitting don't mix..

Last night my knitting group had a potllluck holiday dinner..good on what I ate but drinking was unlimited..wine never counts with diets..

Happy Holidays

Can't believe only 10 more knitting days till Christmas.. I wanted to make more gifts but running out of time.

knitting ufos excuses

baby hats and bib ( need to be blocked )
neck wrap ( needs buttons)
I bought the brown crochet neck wrap at an Alapaca event last month. I made this pink one last night .
TThis %#&@ sweater has been very frustrating as I rip and redo each section. I love the soft yarn and have great buttons for it so wish this one was done!

I am in another one of those sluggish knitting periods where I knit everyday but nothing is getting done except a few in between small projects
Still working on these ufos:

Irish Hiking Scarf - this I only work in doctor's offices or road trips. I have decided what I hate about it is the black yarn making it so difficult to see my stitches. It is about 2/3 done.

Basket Baby blanket using my sister's sock yarn she hand dyed. - when this is done it will be lovely and washable so it will get plenty of use. The problem is sock yarns takes forever to knit compared to using some thicker worsted or bulky weight yarn. This is about 1/2 done. This goes to my knitting group on Wed so I can talk and knit at same time.

Lace Baby blanket- I plan to take this on vacation in Jan or Feb. No action lately.

Cabin Creek top down baby cardigan pattern in blue Italian cashmere from Halifax ( cruise) I made 2 other baby sweaters from this easy baby pattern but this time around it is a frustrating experience.
The sleeves have been ripped and now the whole back because mistakes are noticed way too late. The yarn was so costly and it is for my son's baby so hoping to make it special. Solid colors tend to show up mistakes and twisted stitches.


Maybe next knitting projects needs to be in worsted weight variegated yarn and maybe it will get done?

pugs shots, ear coning and putting up tree

Peek-A-Boo and her Mommy love to cuddle up these chilly days.

gross - is this some of the ear wax in my ear or is it just from the candle? My hearing has been especially worse lately so I went to the spa and paid 50 bucks to have my ears coned. I am not convinced that this procedure really gets the wax out . I did not notice a difference in hearing and was scared to death with that candle on fire in my ear.

I am pooped from putting up Christmas decorations. This seems like too much work so I am going to finish tomorrow.. Stinky was our tree supervisor today.

Thanksgiving 2008

Not much knitting done this holiday. Spending time with my kids and family is priceless. It seems the kids were your whole life for years and you never think about when they grow up they have spouses, jobs and their own houses which limits our precious times together. I miss them ...they are my greatest accomplishments turning out to be honest and loving adults .
My dd -Liz and I did get some quality time after cooking dinner together and then hanging out . Liz keeps me young! She got me reading Twilight and today the sequel New Moon. It is definitely for the younger set but fun and easy to read.

We knit Mason Dixon Baby Bibs together. The plan was to get early Black Friday like we did when she lived home- some how sleep won over.
Harder for my son to stay here now with pregnant wife and and in laws to visit. It was a wonderful weekend but nostalgic thinking how fast life can speed by without you even realizing it. They have all left . The house is very quiet and picked up- but sort of sad.

Let it snow!!

Lots of pretty snow here in NE Pa with schools closed and snow plows working overtime. Myabe we will have a white Thanksgiving- but hope not as we have to drive..

Stinky is fascinated with the white stuff~

Happy turkey day to all!

brrr cold here in NE Pa

It record breaking cold weather here so pulling out all my fingerless mitts , hats and scarves. The wood stove ( and The Boy)is working overtime to keep this house warm.

Last two days have been spent trying to make Christmas gifts and use up the stash. Sometime forcing yarn into patterns wastes time. I spent all day making a scarf using some stash but by the end of the night frogged the whole thing.
Two sets of fingerless mitts are completed using Wendy Johnson's pattern (free on Ravelry) Next I am going to try making a scarf to match one set. My camera is charging so will post photos later.

On my side bar there is a new list of patterns to make for future grandson. My Ravelry queque is bursting. Today I found this Boys Brimmed Hat that is adorable! Cute boys patterns are not as abundant as girl ones!

Hold that baby stuff....till 12/25

This idea hit me today to get going on Christmas presents for many reasons but mostly because:

use up stash

save money

have personal gifts

so slowing down on baby stuff and making mitts and hats for as many people.. started these today in Misty Alpaca from stash.