Well, we left Cleveland around 9:00 a.m. -- a tad later than we originally planned. We woke at 6:00 with the goal of being gone by 8:00. Lindsey, unfortunately, didn't feel well and we were delayed.
Anyway, we drove the first day to Sullivan, Missouri, which is west of St. Louis, getting out of the car around 7:00 p.m. EDT. The next day, we drove to Plainview, Texas. We didn't make it to Carlsbad Caverns as we decided that it was way to far south and we had a reservation and plans to meet friends in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We traveled from Plainview to Rio Rancho, NM, stopping a couple of times for fun stuff like Blizzards from Dairy Queen and we did some shopping in Santa Fe.
Today we spent we our friends. It was great. They have a 3 year old son and a 2 year old daughter. Actually, the kids won't be 3 and 2 until next month. They are 12 months and 10 days separate from each other. The oldest one is getting molars and isn't the happiest camper around. Nevertheless, we did have a great time.
We won't be going to Taos. It is a tad out of the way from our trip tomorrow where we will be heading west and north to the Grand Canyon. We will be camping at the Grand Canyon for the next two evening,
The two evenings after that we will be camping in Cedar City, Utah (by Bryce and Zion National Parks -- very awe inspiring -- makes you realize the wonders of God!).
The following evening we will be staying in Las Vegas . . . where I am sure God isn't often mentioned . . . but we have an acquitance there who got us a great rate at one of the hottest casinos. We don't gamble and I told her all we needed was someplace to lay our heads, fill our bellies and maybe swim.
After that we start heading toward California.
Anyway, it may be awhile until you hear from me again.
Be safe!
QR Code - go ahead see if it works!
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Friday, July 21, 2006
Nothing to do with knitting
I am done.
I finished my last class, last evening, doing my final presentation and turning in my final paper.
I graduated from high school in 1972, took the ACT in 1974 (with my Mom, no less), went part-time to school until I got married in 1980, went back in 2001, transferred to Tiffin University in 2004 and finally, finished, yesterday.
I start work on my MBA at the end of August.
Thank you and good night!
I finished my last class, last evening, doing my final presentation and turning in my final paper.
I graduated from high school in 1972, took the ACT in 1974 (with my Mom, no less), went part-time to school until I got married in 1980, went back in 2001, transferred to Tiffin University in 2004 and finally, finished, yesterday.
I start work on my MBA at the end of August.
Thank you and good night!
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
what could this stuff be??
I love felting stuff. I love making felted stuff. Felting hides sins and errors. I love the fact that I take this weird looking thing and with a little hot water (well, sometimes lots of hot water), it becomes a wonderful thing that makes you go AHHHH. Not, ahhhhhhh like a lace shawl, but more the ahhhhh like "hmmm so that's what it is supposed to be!" So, maybe its not "ahhhhh" at all, but "hmmmm"?
In any event, I finished Wendy's Lucy bag and Jane's felted bowls for the One Skein SP. Wendy is a friend of mine and loved my Lucy bag. She wanted it in her sons' school colors. So you might start with something soft and weird looking, like this:
and end up with something like this:
It ends up a tight and neat bag that is a really wonderful thing for holding all those things you need to take to fall football games. Plus, as her DH, so nicely put it, "if you get cold you can always pull it over your head!
Then I had my One Skein project for Jane. These things were really fun and the second one (the smaller one), I knit in one evening!! They would make great Christmas presents. Anyway, again you start off with this puddle of knitting and end up with nicely felted bowls.
This is the large unfelted one:
and this is the small unfelted one:
and this is how they look when they are done:
FYI, the orange one has a yellow bottom and the yellow has an orange bottom . . . aren't we just too, too clever!
In any event, I finished Wendy's Lucy bag and Jane's felted bowls for the One Skein SP. Wendy is a friend of mine and loved my Lucy bag. She wanted it in her sons' school colors. So you might start with something soft and weird looking, like this:
and end up with something like this:
It ends up a tight and neat bag that is a really wonderful thing for holding all those things you need to take to fall football games. Plus, as her DH, so nicely put it, "if you get cold you can always pull it over your head!
Then I had my One Skein project for Jane. These things were really fun and the second one (the smaller one), I knit in one evening!! They would make great Christmas presents. Anyway, again you start off with this puddle of knitting and end up with nicely felted bowls.
This is the large unfelted one:
and this is the small unfelted one:
and this is how they look when they are done:
FYI, the orange one has a yellow bottom and the yellow has an orange bottom . . . aren't we just too, too clever!
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Leaving on a jet plane . . .
Okay, we aren't leaving on a jet plane. We are leaving in our Town&Country minivan on Saturday for three weeks. Our first official stop will be Albuquerque. My boss' daughter lives there. We are great friends. As it turns out, her Mom will be there too. Very cool stuff.
A little segue to explain this. I have worked for my boss for 33 years. I have a great relationship with him and with his family, obviously. For example, my DDs were in his DD's wedding in 1999. I am sure that there were people that thought that was WEIRD. It was great fun. I made their dresses for the wedding and they were lovely things, even if I do say so myself.
Anyway, we are looking forward to visiting with her and her DH and two lovely children. Her kids are going to be 3 and 2 in August . . . which reminds me that we should bring their birthday presents with us!
We have a couple of "official stops" including Grand Canyon, then Utah, Las Vegas (one night only . . . just passing through), Yosemite, Crescent City, CA, Yellowstone and then on home. We are camping at all those places (except Vegas). My DH and I did this trip the first year we were married (26 years ago) and have been talking about doing it again when the kids were old enough. We decided that we had to do it this year. Sarah starts her nursing clinicals in August and she has school almost the entire summer next year. After that, she will, hopefully, be working full time and wouldn't be able to join us. Hence, a three week vacation for this year!
Anyway, I will be gone for three weeks starting Saturday, July 22 and won't be back (probably) until August 12. If I have time and access, I will post some stuff here. Be safe.
A little segue to explain this. I have worked for my boss for 33 years. I have a great relationship with him and with his family, obviously. For example, my DDs were in his DD's wedding in 1999. I am sure that there were people that thought that was WEIRD. It was great fun. I made their dresses for the wedding and they were lovely things, even if I do say so myself.
Anyway, we are looking forward to visiting with her and her DH and two lovely children. Her kids are going to be 3 and 2 in August . . . which reminds me that we should bring their birthday presents with us!
We have a couple of "official stops" including Grand Canyon, then Utah, Las Vegas (one night only . . . just passing through), Yosemite, Crescent City, CA, Yellowstone and then on home. We are camping at all those places (except Vegas). My DH and I did this trip the first year we were married (26 years ago) and have been talking about doing it again when the kids were old enough. We decided that we had to do it this year. Sarah starts her nursing clinicals in August and she has school almost the entire summer next year. After that, she will, hopefully, be working full time and wouldn't be able to join us. Hence, a three week vacation for this year!
Anyway, I will be gone for three weeks starting Saturday, July 22 and won't be back (probably) until August 12. If I have time and access, I will post some stuff here. Be safe.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
There are great successes and little mini ones
First of all, I got my knitpicks interchangeable needles yesterday. I organized them, took them home (had them delivered at work where I know someone will be there to receive them) and DID NOT use them last evening. Instead, after Z-man was in bed, I finished my homework. AHHH, heaven. Of course, I then edited it today during lunch.
I also dug out the information that CSU needed for my financial aid audit. Gee, and the only reason I knew that I was going to need this stuff prior to getting any financial aid was because I CALLED THEM. The first person I talked to told me I had to call FAFSA. FAFSA said that I had to call CSU. Please, people make up your mind.
I also packed up all my packages for my Secret Pals. For the One Skein, I sent the yarn for July and the finished product. We are going to be on vacation and I did not want her to wait too long to get her stuff. I sent a shawl pattern and Shimmer (Stained Glass) to both Kimberlee (SP8) and Denice (Summer Fling). I sent Jane (One Skein) the finished bowls and the yarn and pattern for I'll Pack A Hat from KnitPicks. I don't remember what the yarn was but it was a yummy green. I sent Rach (CASP) sock yarn and a pattern for a lacy sock. It too was from Knitpicks and in green . . . must have something about green yarn this time around. I also sent her some tapestry needles and a little photo album that I picked up at Target. I hope everything clears customs okay.
Anyway, I have to go. Class is this evening. It is the second last class. Yeah. Of course, the MBA stuff starts August 12. It just seems amazing though that this group of fellow students and I have been together for almost 22 months. I'll miss them . . . even the weird ones.
I also dug out the information that CSU needed for my financial aid audit. Gee, and the only reason I knew that I was going to need this stuff prior to getting any financial aid was because I CALLED THEM. The first person I talked to told me I had to call FAFSA. FAFSA said that I had to call CSU. Please, people make up your mind.
I also packed up all my packages for my Secret Pals. For the One Skein, I sent the yarn for July and the finished product. We are going to be on vacation and I did not want her to wait too long to get her stuff. I sent a shawl pattern and Shimmer (Stained Glass) to both Kimberlee (SP8) and Denice (Summer Fling). I sent Jane (One Skein) the finished bowls and the yarn and pattern for I'll Pack A Hat from KnitPicks. I don't remember what the yarn was but it was a yummy green. I sent Rach (CASP) sock yarn and a pattern for a lacy sock. It too was from Knitpicks and in green . . . must have something about green yarn this time around. I also sent her some tapestry needles and a little photo album that I picked up at Target. I hope everything clears customs okay.
Anyway, I have to go. Class is this evening. It is the second last class. Yeah. Of course, the MBA stuff starts August 12. It just seems amazing though that this group of fellow students and I have been together for almost 22 months. I'll miss them . . . even the weird ones.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Organization is just a myth and other stuff
So, I spent Saturday cleaning out Lindsey's drawers. I do this at least once a year. Don't think that I am stupid or anything and buy her too many clothes, it is that she gets hand-me-downs from two families . . . one of which has two daughters. Lindsey loves this stuff but she hates to part with anything.
Anyway, there were two reasons for my cleaning her drawers this past Saturday. The first is that she isn't home and it is always easier to do it when she isn't arguing with me about every item of clothing. The second reason is that the Federation of the Blind are coming on Thursday and this will give them mucho stuff. Six bags later, her drawers will actually close. The kid wears a 14 slim. There were jeans and pants that were a size 10. The smallest shirt was a child's size 7. She makes me crazed. She had underwear that had never been worn and was still neatly folder straight out of the package. Of course, she wouldn't know that the underwear was there because everything else was just thrown on top of it. Oh, and that is another thing, all of her clothing goes to her room folded. So why isn't it in the drawers that way??? Besides the fact that her drawers were overcrowded?
Being as I was in the mood, I stopped at BigLots on Sunday and bought three bins with latch tops and handles. I sorted some of my yarn into it. Sock yarn, wool and other yarn (I have some lovely Malabrigo) and other stuff. It is a lovely thing. I still have a bag with my reference and pattern books and all my straight needles that I never use. Oh, and the stuff that is buried in the back of the closet. Plus my neighbor is a wonderful garage saler and finds wool for me everywhere she goes.
Of course in organizing this, I discovered that I did not need to make another trip to my favorite LYS to get more yarn for Z-man's sweater. I had it. It was just mixed in with the other stuff. Ah, well, I could return it but I might make a scarf and mittens to match his Wallaby.
Speaking of which, I have one sleeve of the Wallaby done and most of the other. I had most of the body done but decided I hated it and frogged the whole thing. It was just too tight and I was very frustrated because I had checked gauge and everything. Lo and behold when I reread the pattern, I discovered that I was supposed to change needle sizes after the binding was done, oh, duh.
I have also discovered that I love using all those free make-up bags and such that you get stuff in. I have Z-man's sleeve in progress in one that I got from Avon (it actually had curlers in it and can easily hold this small project. For bigger projects I use bigger bags. They are usually plastic lined and fit tidely into my tote bag that I schlep everywhere.
p.s. I have received a very clever card (from Twisted Yarns) and a postcard from my CASP. Very fun stuff.
Anyway, there were two reasons for my cleaning her drawers this past Saturday. The first is that she isn't home and it is always easier to do it when she isn't arguing with me about every item of clothing. The second reason is that the Federation of the Blind are coming on Thursday and this will give them mucho stuff. Six bags later, her drawers will actually close. The kid wears a 14 slim. There were jeans and pants that were a size 10. The smallest shirt was a child's size 7. She makes me crazed. She had underwear that had never been worn and was still neatly folder straight out of the package. Of course, she wouldn't know that the underwear was there because everything else was just thrown on top of it. Oh, and that is another thing, all of her clothing goes to her room folded. So why isn't it in the drawers that way??? Besides the fact that her drawers were overcrowded?
Being as I was in the mood, I stopped at BigLots on Sunday and bought three bins with latch tops and handles. I sorted some of my yarn into it. Sock yarn, wool and other yarn (I have some lovely Malabrigo) and other stuff. It is a lovely thing. I still have a bag with my reference and pattern books and all my straight needles that I never use. Oh, and the stuff that is buried in the back of the closet. Plus my neighbor is a wonderful garage saler and finds wool for me everywhere she goes.
Of course in organizing this, I discovered that I did not need to make another trip to my favorite LYS to get more yarn for Z-man's sweater. I had it. It was just mixed in with the other stuff. Ah, well, I could return it but I might make a scarf and mittens to match his Wallaby.
Speaking of which, I have one sleeve of the Wallaby done and most of the other. I had most of the body done but decided I hated it and frogged the whole thing. It was just too tight and I was very frustrated because I had checked gauge and everything. Lo and behold when I reread the pattern, I discovered that I was supposed to change needle sizes after the binding was done, oh, duh.
I have also discovered that I love using all those free make-up bags and such that you get stuff in. I have Z-man's sleeve in progress in one that I got from Avon (it actually had curlers in it and can easily hold this small project. For bigger projects I use bigger bags. They are usually plastic lined and fit tidely into my tote bag that I schlep everywhere.
p.s. I have received a very clever card (from Twisted Yarns) and a postcard from my CASP. Very fun stuff.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
from SP
I had put something on my post LAST WEEK about the cool stuff that I had received from my SP . . . but when she sent me an email about it, I discovered that it wasn't there. Crapola batman!
Among other things, my wonderful SP sent me a tin of Margarita jelly beans . . . unfortunately, it is now empty. . . I even shook it to make sure . . . nope I guess I ate them all. The tin will be perfect for row markers and other little knitting things. I also received from Strawberry Lemonade mix in a very cool plastic strawberry. I also received a pencil holder that is great and bright and is perfect for DPNs. And, two skeins of some pink and purple and gray paradiso from Cat's Meow. It will be perfect for the wrist warmers on the new cover of Knitty (see, that was the reason my blog post disappeared . . . I didn't know what I was going to do with the yarn and the yardage and gauge is perfect for this project!).
Sorry about the delay in posting!
Among other things, my wonderful SP sent me a tin of Margarita jelly beans . . . unfortunately, it is now empty. . . I even shook it to make sure . . . nope I guess I ate them all. The tin will be perfect for row markers and other little knitting things. I also received from Strawberry Lemonade mix in a very cool plastic strawberry. I also received a pencil holder that is great and bright and is perfect for DPNs. And, two skeins of some pink and purple and gray paradiso from Cat's Meow. It will be perfect for the wrist warmers on the new cover of Knitty (see, that was the reason my blog post disappeared . . . I didn't know what I was going to do with the yarn and the yardage and gauge is perfect for this project!).
Sorry about the delay in posting!
4th of July
Phew, it was a great weekend! Four days off work and mucho time to do lots of things.
On Saturday, the girls and I went shopping at an outlet place . . . but managed not to buy many things. The girls were babysitting for a friend's grandchildren and spent the night.
On Sunday, Z-man and I worked upstairs. I reorganized my stamping stuff and updated my stamp binder. Plus, I started hemming Dave's shirt sleeves. He hates wearing long sleeve shirts and I had told him that I would hem his recent long-sleeve shirt purchases. What a pain. It took HOURS. Long sleeve shirts are blousier than short sleeve shirts so you have to make some adjustments and then there just isn't much ease to hem with.
I also finished Wendy's Lucy bag and felted it . . . I will add pictures later. I also finished my bowl for my One Skein SP . . . will add pics later. And, made another smaller bowl with the reverse colors. The second bowl I started and finished Monday evening although it still needs to be felted.
Some of my siblings and some of their children came over yesterday for a picnic. Other friends were supposed to come but they had a flood in their basement and were moving furniture and sopping up a mess. Anyway, those of us who were at the house had a great time. We ate lots of food and drank gallons of coffee . . . which might explain why I was still tossing after midnight. Well, it was that and the fact that the girls went to some fireworks display. I went to lay down at 10:50 and they weren't home. Kept listening and tossing and checking to see if maybe they had managed to sneak in while I wasn't looking (or hearing). I must have dozed off for a couple of minutes and then it was 12:10 and I checked again. The car was in the drive AND they had managed to get to bed quietly!
After everyone left, Dave and Z-man and I sat on the back porch and I balled the yarn for Z-man's Wallaby sweater. Z-man played and had a great time. He is so very fun to be around and is a very sweet kid. I also started his sweater on the bus this morning. The instructions are very clever in that they suggest that you start working the sleeve in order to check gauge.
Anyway, I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful 4th of July. I know that I did.
p.s. I forgot about some of the cool stuff that I got from my Secret Pal . . . I got Margarita Jelly Beans (already been consumed but the tin will be great for little do dads and such), a really cool pencil holder which Lindsey will want but can't have, Strawberry lemonade mix which is staying at the office and two skeins of the Cat's Meow Paradiso which I think will be perfect to make Fetching {http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATTfetching.html} from the new Knitty.
On Saturday, the girls and I went shopping at an outlet place . . . but managed not to buy many things. The girls were babysitting for a friend's grandchildren and spent the night.
On Sunday, Z-man and I worked upstairs. I reorganized my stamping stuff and updated my stamp binder. Plus, I started hemming Dave's shirt sleeves. He hates wearing long sleeve shirts and I had told him that I would hem his recent long-sleeve shirt purchases. What a pain. It took HOURS. Long sleeve shirts are blousier than short sleeve shirts so you have to make some adjustments and then there just isn't much ease to hem with.
I also finished Wendy's Lucy bag and felted it . . . I will add pictures later. I also finished my bowl for my One Skein SP . . . will add pics later. And, made another smaller bowl with the reverse colors. The second bowl I started and finished Monday evening although it still needs to be felted.
Some of my siblings and some of their children came over yesterday for a picnic. Other friends were supposed to come but they had a flood in their basement and were moving furniture and sopping up a mess. Anyway, those of us who were at the house had a great time. We ate lots of food and drank gallons of coffee . . . which might explain why I was still tossing after midnight. Well, it was that and the fact that the girls went to some fireworks display. I went to lay down at 10:50 and they weren't home. Kept listening and tossing and checking to see if maybe they had managed to sneak in while I wasn't looking (or hearing). I must have dozed off for a couple of minutes and then it was 12:10 and I checked again. The car was in the drive AND they had managed to get to bed quietly!
After everyone left, Dave and Z-man and I sat on the back porch and I balled the yarn for Z-man's Wallaby sweater. Z-man played and had a great time. He is so very fun to be around and is a very sweet kid. I also started his sweater on the bus this morning. The instructions are very clever in that they suggest that you start working the sleeve in order to check gauge.
Anyway, I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful 4th of July. I know that I did.
p.s. I forgot about some of the cool stuff that I got from my Secret Pal . . . I got Margarita Jelly Beans (already been consumed but the tin will be great for little do dads and such), a really cool pencil holder which Lindsey will want but can't have, Strawberry lemonade mix which is staying at the office and two skeins of the Cat's Meow Paradiso which I think will be perfect to make Fetching {http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATTfetching.html} from the new Knitty.
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