my knitting, explained.

and yet another quote to explain my knitting:

Victory is won not in miles, but in inches.

Win a little ow, hold your ground, and later,

win a little more.

— Louis L’Amour

Simple Woman's Daybook - 1/12/09

"The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one."

- Mark Twain

FOR TODAY - Monday, January 12
Outside my Window... its snow covered. We had about 12 inches of snow get dumped on the area between Friday evening to Saturday afternoon, with another inch or so arriving on Sunday.
I am thinking... that I really need to find my hooded sweatshirt.
I am thankful for... boots, warm boots, warm, water-proof boots
From the kitchen... Chicken Parmesan on Saturday, Chicken/Brocolli/Stuffing casserole on Sunday and a lentil/pea/tomato/beef/pasta/rice soup for dinner tonight with a good bread.
I am creating... a lace scarf for Lindsey . . . took it to Ava's birthday party yesterday and got a good inch or so knit up.
I am going... to have to use more lotion on my hands and feet.
I am wearing... navy blue slacks, white scoop necked t-shirt, light blue wool jacket
I am reading... Scarpetta (still) -- too busy of a weekend.
I am hoping... to start on a project for my Cocoa Swap Pal
I am hearing... snow plows
Around the house... the halls are still getting undecked, have the tree left to do.
One of my favorite things... standing outside my children's bedroom door and watching them sleep
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... work. Nothing tonight or tomorrow night, Lindsey's violin and my knit group on Wednesday, meetings at work on Thursday and Thursday night and a doctor's appointment on Thursday, not much on Friday and a dentist appointment on Saturday morning.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...





Mini-Mochi that I won on the Carefree KAL . . . isn't this stuff totally cool!

AND, also from the SP13, Yvonne sent me this as one of the prizes from the Scavenger Hunt. Woo Hoo . . . the pictures just don't do the colors justice.

Finish or Frog.

Frog it or finish it . . . what a novel idea.

Anyway, there is a group on Ravelry and you can also join, I believe by going here.

And here are the rules:

2009 is going to be the Year of Decisions. I'm tired of my WIP pile getting out of control. I often lose interest in a project or fall out of love with it. Sometimes it was just not the right project and I leave it thinking it's a shame to frog it. But no more. This year, I challenge all of you to join me in the Finish or Frog It 2009 knitalong. Here are the rules. They're pretty simple.

1. On Friday, take a moment to evaluate your knitting projects.


2. Decide if you can either finish something or frog it.


3. If you finish a project, post a picture with the Finishing Friday button below. Link to this post so others will know about the Knitalong.


4. Tell us how it feels to have finally finished this project and let us know how long it's been on your UFO or WIP list.


5. If you frog a project, post a picture with the Frogging Friday button below. Link to this post so others will know about the Knitalong.


6. Tell us when you started it. Tell us why you fell out of love with it. Tell us how you plan to re-purpose the yarn.


7. I have officially started a Ravelry Group called Finish or Frog It. Post your pictures there, add a comment to the appropriate discussion thread (Finish or Frog) or email me or leave a comment with a link to your post so I can keep track of whose finished and whose frogged what.


8. I'll have a monthly prize give away for the random Finished O and the Frogged O.


9. There is no requirement to either finish or frog an item every single Friday. Friday is simply a benchmark to remind you to reflect. Go at your own pace. Once a week; once a month; once a quarter or even once a year. Use Friday as your incentive or reality check.

See, how hard could that be!!!

and then, peace settled over the land

So, this morning, I woke up. Laid in bed for awhile and then realized that it was unearthly quiet.

It had snowed. A lot.

A veritable winter wonderland.

I think we got 12 inches of snow.

No swimming.

No swim meet.

We undecked most of the halls (the Christmas tree is yet to be done).

Did the laundry.

Had a wonderful dinner.

Bowled six games of Wii bowling with Dave.

Drank some wine (his excuse for bowling badly, since you are supposed to be drinking beer with bowling).

And made paper airplanes.

Not a bad Saturday at all.

I hope your Saturday was as peaceful and relaxing and fun as mine. Life is good without the "hectic" in it.

Friday Fill In - 1/9/09

1. It's January; it's Cleveland; it's cold.
2. Warm feet is what I crave most right now.
3. Cork and wine go together like wine and cheese.
4. Laughing is so (emotionally) nourishing.
5. Let us dare to step back and spend time with family and friends.
6. I need to clean my home.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spending time with Dave and Zachariah, tomorrow my plans include going to WW for my weigh-in (LOL), take Zachariah to swimming, buying a birthday present for Ava, undecking the halls, and Sunday, I want to go to Mass, enjoy a great breakfast with my family, go to Ava's first birthday party and spend time with my siblings and their children!

its a beautiful thing

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing."

- Abraham Lincoln

~

So, 2009 has arrived. We are just getting around to getting back to normal. The kids are moping around and sleepy. Poor Zachariah has had a really bad transition time. In part, it is because over the holidays, we were all home. Most evenings, he went to bed around 8:00 p.m. and slept until 7:30 most mornings. Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, we shuttled him off to bed by 7:00 p.m. In his mind, it was because we were being mean, truth be told, it was because Mom and Dad looked at his face and decided that he needed to sleep . . . "butttttt its not my bedtime yet . . . . "

~

Lindsey, of course, had been swimming throughout her break, although instead of 5:30 a.m. practices, they were swimming from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. They had a couple of swim meets over the holidays but this week is a bear. They have practice every morning at 5:30. They had a meet Tuesday evening (she got home around 9:30 p.m.). She has another meet this evening and another one on Saturday. Because finals are next week (and all the high schools are on the same "finals" schedule, there are no meets next week but they still have practice.

~

My surgery on Tuesday went well. I knew how bad my left eye was but didn't realize how bad my right eye was until my left eye was fixed. LOL. I have "perfect" vision with my left eye and once my right eye has totally healed, they anticipate that I will have "perfect" vision with my right eye . . . well, except that I will have to wear bifocals. Its all in the details.

~

This second surgery allowed me some time with Sarah that I wouldn't otherwise have had. We had great fun. The afternoon of the surgery, I laid on her bed while she cleaned her room. We also watched Mamma Mia at the same time. It is a cute flick and there is one scene when the mom was helping her daughter get ready for her wedding that we sat and watched together. It opened up an opportunity for us to talk about us and her and letting go. If you have ever had to deal with a child leaving, you need to listen to that song and watch that scene. Just have tissues available.

~

We also talked about school. She hates it. So, she has registered to take a nursing assistant course which lasts about eight weeks. She has taken so many classes with no end in sight but flits from one thing to another. Dave and I have been paying for all of this and, frankly, it has been getting very frustrating. I think I have decided definitely that many people should not go to college right after they graduate. I think our society or at least what most of my friends and family and the school systems expect is that ALL students should immediately go to college or HAVE to go to college. It isn't true. I believe that Sarah will probably go back to college someday (hmmm, maybe just like me). But for now, she will do this. I did tell her that I expected her to finish it. We will not be paying for any more.

~

I went to the knit group last evening while Lindsey was at violin. I find it interesting the variety of the talents and skills that each person brings to the table. The one woman is into mini-knitting. Mini-hats and mini-mittens.

~

Another woman, makes prayer shawls. Her goal for 2009 is to start and finish at least four. FOUR.

~

Another made Irish Hiking Scarves for all the adults in her family for the 2008 Christmas. Big deal you say? She made 13 of them. After the holidays and everyone ohhhhhed and ahhhhhed, she realized that she was the only adult in her family without one. So, she is knitting one for herself. She says she feels guilty about doing it but . . . . She is also the person that told me about Goodreads.

~

Another woman knits incredible purses and bags. She had this fabulous bag that she made over the holidays. Seriously. Over the holidays. And its lined. Very cute. And, when her sister saw that it was lined, her sister said, "you must be giving it to someone . . . you never line anything that you keep for yourself." She was right. The woman that made then handed it to her sister, laughed and said, "think of it as either a late or early Christmas present."

~

I am still working on the scarf for Lindsey. She has decided that she wants to knit a hat with the same yarn. Of course, it is fingering weight and she couldn't figure out how to wind it and ended up with a mess. Do you think it would be rude to put a sign on my stash that says "keep out, this means you, Lindsey"?

~

Anyway, for 2009, I think I need to spend time watching people and learning from them. The kids provide incredible gifts (even if it is a 14 year old who grunts at me that she has nothing to share and then spends the next hour on the phone telling her friends about her day . . . sigh). There are incredibly talented individuals that I have contact with. Online and in bookstores on Wednesday evenings. I am lucky that my husband and I are gainfully employed and, as far as I can see, will remain so for the foreseeable future.

~

And I can see, across the street . . . and its snowing and really, really rather lovely.

Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 1/05/09

FOR TODAY
Outside my Window... it is dark . . . and I am posting this in the evening. I almost forgot as it has been a couple of weeks.
I am thinking... my eyes are tired. It has also been a couple of weeks where I have spent about 9 hours staring at the computer.
I am thankful for... my eyes. They may be tired but I can see.
From the kitchen... Stuffed shells, unstuffed cabbage casserole, cheesy garlic biscuits, waffles, bacon, all of this made this weekend.
I am creating... a scarf for Lindsey. Knitpicks, Bare in fingering weight with a simple pattern (four row repeat:

CAST on 40 stitches:

ROW 1:K2, K2tog, *YO, K1 (repeat four times), K2tog (4 times) . . . repeat from * until you are within ten stitches of edge, YO, K1 (four times), K2tog (twice), K2

ROWS 2, 3 and 4: Knit

repeat until length you desire)

I am going... to have surgery on my right eye tomorrow
I am wearing... brown slacks, green shell, flowered sweater
I am reading... Scarpetta
I am hoping... to finish Scarpetta tomorrow afternoon
I am hearing... traffic
Around the house... we are playing on the Wii all the time. My arms and back hurt.
One of my favorite things... water.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... surgery, reading, relaxing, repeat.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Sarah and Kyle . . . a couple of days before Christmas.

Cocoa Swap Questionnairre

Questionnaire
The Yarn…
1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both? Both -- prefer knitting

2. What is your favorite one-skein project? What item do you find you knit the most of?
anything felted. Although I tend to do a lot of fingerless mitts.


3. Do you like using a particular type of needle or hook? (wood, metal, straight, circular) Is there something you’ve been wanting to try, or a particular size you always seem to be short on?
wood, circular . . . no particular size. I enjoy knitpicks options. I am working on adding the various harmony tips.


4. What’s on your needles\hook right now? What’s your oldest UFO (unfinished object)?
My oldes UFO is a secret. It is a sweater that I have been working on forever. I hate it. I really don't want to pull it out because I would have to remember what it was that I was doing, exactly.

I do have a scarf and a Lucy bag on the needles, and mittens (really heavy mittens).



5. What are your favorite types of yarns? Are you allergic to any yarns, or just hate working with something? Anything type/brand of yarn you’ve been dying to try?

I love wool. I DESPISE acrylic anything.

7. What are your favorite colors? Brights? Pastels? More muted colors? Variegated? Are there that make you want to stab yourself in the eye with your needles?

I love greens and aquas.


8. What is your favorite knit accessory, your fancy needles? stitch markers? your yarn cutter? What do you have TOO many of? What do you wish you had?

Knitpicks options needles. Any tips or cables.



The Chocolate
1. Do you prefer boxed/packets, or something homemade?

boxed chocolates is perfect

2. Marshmallows or whipped cream?

Both

3. Do you use any ‘add ins’

sometimes mint

4. Are you a year round cocoa drinker or just in the winter months?

year round

5. Do you like flavored cocoas or are you just a ’straight chocolate’ kind of person?

Flavored are good

6. Do you enjoy cocoa from restaurants or shops like Starbucks? What are some of your favorites?

I like regular cocoa (don't like Starbucks, generally, too strong).


7. You’ve just made the perfect cup of cocoa - is it in a thick mug, or a thinner cup? Where would you sit to drink it?

Thick mug and I am generally reading a book at the dining room table.


8. You’re enjoying that perfect cup, what treats will you enjoy with it? Are they sweet or salty? Crunchy? Soft and flaky?

Salty and crunchy stuff to go with the chocolate



It’s all YOU!
1. Do you have other hobbies like spinning or scrapbooking?

Scrapbooking and stamping

2. Do you collect anything?

Besides yarn??? Nope.

3. What is your favorite part of Winter?

staying inside and reading a good book

4. What sort of scents do you enjoy? Any difference in what you like for your house versus what you like for your body?

vanilla. I cannot wear perfumes because my hubby is allergic to EVERYTHING!!

5. Are you allergic to anything?

Smoke.


6. Are you on Ravelry? What’s your ID?


Yes, mlj1954


7. How would you spend an ideal winter afternoon/day?

ummm, reading a good book with my feet up and sipping cocoa


8. What’s your favorite animal?

dogs.

letting go and other stuff

So, it is the new year. So for 2009 I am letting go of a pound and then another and another . . . I have at least two and possibly four weddings that I know of in the next year or so. My niece, is getting married for the first time. She will be 37. She is freaking out but he is steady and kind and very good to her. Two of my nephews will be getting married -- one for sure and the other probably. And of course, there is Sarah and Kyle.

I have to say that 2008 was okay for my family and I.

Sarah broke up with her former boyfriend in early January -- a real highlight -- he lied to her even when he knew he was going to be caught. Turd breath.

Zachariah made his first communion in May. He is such a joy -- most of the time. Although if he mentions one more time about my belly being similar to Santa Claus' we are going to have words!

Lindsey won all kinds of awards at school, including earning a couple thousand $$$ in scholarships . . . a real help.

Dave continues to be Dave. He is such a great guy and I love him so.

I started my new job and love it, most of the time.

As we all know that financial issues facing everyone have been tough. Sarah's job disappeared but she has decided to focus on school, including taking this semester to get a nursing assistant's certificate so she can get a job (what a novel idea). My 401K took a hit, as did everyone else's. I wasn't going to look at it and just shred the reports but for the financial aid for Lindsey's school, you have to report how much you have in it. Bah humbug and all that fun stuff. It dropped, oh, about, 100K+. Ouch, ouch, ouch. Being positive, however, the fact that I had that much to lose is a good thing.

Sarah has fallen in love with a wonderful young man. He is a farmer. An honest-to-God, corn and soy and pig farmer. He loves her too and they are talking about getting married. So, the problem is I have had to let go.

And, I have to tell you, I am so angry with my Mom I could spit. Sarah thought I was angry with her (which I was) but then I discovered that I was talking to my Mom. Since my Mom has been dead for ten years the conversation was rather one-sided but I did manage to fill in some of her lines as I knew exactly what she would say:

"You lied to me."
"I didn't lie."

"You did so"
"How"

"You NEVER told me that it would hurt so much to let her go. NEVER, Mom. You told me about loving that baby and the joy of holding her the first time and sleep deprivation when she was a baby and on her first and second and third and fourth . . . date(s). But you never told me that seeing her skip out of the house, floating on air and not being here with me would hurt."

sigh "Okay, so it was the sin of omission. I had seven kids. And letting go of each of you hurt, in different ways for each of you. It is part of being a parent and a mother . . . the letting go . . . so go for a walk, cry in the shower and tell her you love her."

"Mom, I am still mad at you . . . you lied."

sigh "Dogs get mad, people get angry and disappointed and hurt . . . I didn't lie . . . I let you go and I knew from the first time I saw you with our Sarah that someday you would be hurt and you would still let her go . . . I wish . . . "

"Mom, I wish too . . . I love you . . . "

Doing Right in 2008 -- a contest on Jane's blog

Hey, hey, hey!!! Happy New Year everyone!

Speaking of New Year, Jane has a contest on her blog and if you click here you can find it. If you link it to your blog, you get two entries . . . so go join the fun. It is also a great way to put a positive spin on what you did right in '08!!

Monday, monday and catching up~~~~

Well, last Tuesday, December 23, I had cataract surgery. A rather strange experience.

When I went for the follow-up on Wednesday, I had better vision in my left eye without my glasses than I had with my glasses before surgery. Woo hoo!!!!

The surgery for my right eye is scheduled for Tuesday, January 6. The problem is that I still need glasses with my right eye but not with my left, need bifocals for both and if I wear my glasses, I get really nauseous.

However, I have felt really good and except for the restrictions (you cannot lift anything over 5 lbs and am not allowed to bend over to pick ANYTHING up -- until tomorrow when I go for my next follow up) I am feeling really grand.

So, next week, I am going to work on Monday and will be out Tuesday and Wednesday and back to work on Thursday. It seems to be very bizarre to not take any sick time for over a year and then have four days within a couple of weeks. Of course, it will look good on the "books" since it has been spread out over two years -- LOL!!

~~

I was going stir crazy because I couldn't knit or read. I can increase the size of the font on the computer and did manage to convince my younger sister to write out a pattern for a scarf that I am making Lindsey. She printed it out on an index card and after the fourth repeat I have it memorized. The pattern only goes over four rows, three of which are straight knitting. The pattern is from One Skein Wonders. The pattern row is a simple combination of YO and K2tog. It looks loverly!!

~~

Our holiday was grand and the weather was great for those who had to travel. My sister and her family drove up from Kentucky. My other sister and her husband drove to Florida to spend the holiday with his family. They have now all returned home and the weather held nicely so that none of them had to travel in horrendous weather. Actually, this past Saturday, we broke record high temperatures in Cleveland with a 66. We went to a huge swim meet on Saturday evening (12 teams -- it took hours). It was so incredibly warm and humid in the pool area that most of my pictures came out rather steamy!

Wishing all who read this the best for a safe and happy new year's eve and a blessed and joyous 2009!

Simple Woman's Daybook - 12/22/08

FOR TODAY ~
Outside my Window... cold, bitterly cold, windchills well below zero. I think it is 7 degrees now and windy . . . my blinds in my office keep rattling!
I am thinking... I might be warm by May.
I am thankful for... the job which allows me to pay the gas and electric bills, my fireplace, kerosene heater and electric blankets.
From the kitchen... stuffed pork chops, rice, green beans
I am creating... mittens for Lindsey. I ran out of yarn. They are heavy. I wish I had my gauntlets for in the office today.
I am going... home today and not be back to work until January 5 (although I will be going online during the time I am off).
I am wearing... layers. tights, slacks, socks, short-sleeved red sweater, heavy black, white and red sweater. I wish I had a turtle neck.
I am reading... If there be dragons
I am hoping... to get warm (is there a theme here?)
I am hearing... the radio and soon Christmas music.
Around the house... I have wrapped many of the presents. Dave and I usually wrap on Christmas Eve night. But since I am having cataract surgery tomorrow, I decided that I should get most of it done before.
One of my favorite things... Christmas. I do love Christmas. I love the ceremonies at church. I love the songs. I love the children's excitement. I love spending time with my family.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... surgery tomorrow, follow up on Wednesday, Christmas Day with my family, my extended family is coming to my house on Christmas. We are having appetizers and desserts. They all have in-laws to visit so having appetizers and such at our house doesn't "bog" anyone down.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

The young man is my youngest sister's oldest son, Tommy, (he is in the Navy) and the rest are his kids and wife. My sister and her husband are going to Florida to spend Christmas with them and their youngest son is flying in (he is in the air force).

Michelle has had some serious health problems since the youngest child was born, breast cancer and she recently had a stroke. Fortunately, the Navy has decided that private medical care is better than what they can do, so she has been seeing some of the best doctors around. It seems that Michelle is getting better by leaps and bounds. It helps that Tommy is now based on land and teaching, is home for dinner every night and is there to support and help her with the kids and chores. They are all looking forward to a much improved 2009 and I ask that if you have an extra prayer, that you add them to your list. Thank you so much.

Friday Fill In - 12/19/08

"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."

- Abraham Lincoln

1. Said the night wind to the little lamb, so, what kind of fleece do you have, don't lay on that straw, geez, how do you expect anyone to be able to spin that stuff?

2. The first Noel, the angel did say, where is everyone else? Why am I always the first one here?

3. Go tell it on the web page, over the hills and everywhere.

4. It came upon the midnight clear, and thank goodness it wasn't snowing. I am so over snow already this year.

5. Put a smile on your face and let your heart be light and you can be happy if you choose to be.

6. And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing IN THE SHOWER . . . trust me, no one wants to hear you sing outside of the shower.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to getting home safely (it is ugly right now but they are saying it is supposed to get warmer as the day progresses), tomorrow my plans include swimming, laundry, and finishing decorating, dinner with Mario and Sunday, I want to sleep in!

This explains it all . . .

I have not failed.

I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

~Thomas A. Edison

which may be why I never finish socks.

Secret Pal 13 - Question No. 2

Part A:Are you doing any holiday knitting?

Of course I am!


Part B:Have you finished?


DUH! Its not Christmas Eve yet!!!

Surgery

I met with the doctor yesterday. The clinic is Skyvision Clinic and this doctor is so incredibly energetic.

I am having cataract surgery on Tuesday, December 23. After examining my eyes, he sat back and said "so have you been having problems driving at night? or reading at night?" Yes. Well, I need surgery on both eyes but they are going to the left first which I cannot see out of at all and he said that after it has healed, I can decide whether or not I want to have the right one done. He said that some people choose not to but only because they suffer from surgery anxiety. He thinks having both of them done would leave glasses free except for bifocals. I have had glasses since I was 10. I cannot even begin to imagine what it would be like without them. Even when I had contacts, I wasn't able to wear the contacts for longer than 12 hours at a time.

He also told me that I could have more than the basic surgery but it would cost $700/eye and probably isn't worth it to have done. How cool is that!

Simple Woman's Daybook - 12/15/08

FOR TODAY ~ Monday, December 15, 2008

The very first law in advertising is to avoid the concrete promise and cultivate the delightfully vague. - Bill Cosby

Outside my Window... it is 54 degrees and raining. The temperature is supposed to drop all day long, bottoming out at 30 degrees.
I am thinking... I am glad that I wore my winter coat
I am thankful for... getting our Christmas tree up and decorated
From the kitchen... t-bone steak, baked potatoes, carmelized onions and mushrooms, sliced apples
I am creating... mittens for Lindz to match the hat she got at Target.
I am going... to buy a new camera for me.
I am wearing... black jacket, purple shell, black slacks and shoes
I am reading... nothing. too much to do
I am hoping... to get my Christmas cards done this week . . . well maybe by next Monday.
I am hearing... the cars in the rain
Around the house... tree is up, break-front is cleaned, upstairs hall looks like a disaster
One of my favorite things... cleaning the break-front. It has glass shelves and looks so nice and neat.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... meeting tonight at Lindz' school, taking her to swim practice in mornings.
Here is a picture thought I would share with you... Dave decided that the pool needed a pool. Zachariah had so much fun in the pool's pool. I decided that given the yucky weather, I would share something from the beautiful summer!

Friday Fill In - 12/12/2008

1. Friends are gifts from God.
2. Good health; it's sometime genetic, sometime luck and lots of work (eating right and exercising).
3. I'm ready for the weekend or vacation or both.
4. Rolling over onto my husband's pillow in the morning and lingering in his smell is one of my favorite smells.
5. The oldest ornament I have are ornaments that our parents got us when we were teens (dated - probably 1969 . . . it was the year my brother got out of the Army and both of my older sisters got married . . . reducing the kids at home to four).
6. Take some one box of angel food cake mix and a can of crushed pineapple, mix it all together, bake per cake instructions and you have a heavenly low fat dessert.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to staying up until Lindsey gets done with her swim meet so I can pick her up, tomorrow my plans include taking Zachariah to swimming, cleaning the house (including the breakfront) and setting up Christmas tree and Sunday, I want to go to Mass, do the Christmas cards, clean and clean and clean.

Secret Pal 13 - Package

I order most of my presents online and have all packages delivered to my work (my mail man has "issues" with boxes and packages and has been known to lean boxes against my mail post out by the street rather than pulling in the drive). Anyway, so I have been getting boxes and packages delivered for a couple of weeks now. Most I check and make sure that it is correct, reseal the box and stack them under my desk. So, yesterday, I got this envelope from Robyn's Nest and says "Yarn Kit." Since I do not buy things for myself during this time of year, I couldn't recall what it was that I had ordered. Trust me, I love Robyn's stuff but just couldn't remember what I had ordered.

I didn't.


My secret pal did!!!! Look at what I got . . .


This yarn is fabulous. It is Sweet Surrender Spark Sock Yarn, in Sunshine colorway. The color is incredible.

The package also included stitch markers, a pattern disk, size 2, 32" circular needles, candy and a little rubber duck!

So very cool!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Knitting stuff and Christmas -- EDITED -- see RED text

I am a failure. Okay, some of you have convinced me that I am not a failure. I guess failure is too strong a word. So what is the word for "biting off more than they could chew"? Oh, and a procrastinator too.

I started this season planning early. I made the two elf hats. I started LOTS OF STUFF and didn't finish a thing, except the elf hats. Bah humbug and all that stuff.

I have no excuse except that instead of sticking with one thing until it was done, I would start something then start something else and then something else and something else . . . and go back to one or the other and just didn't finish anything.

Zachariah's socks, both of them, are completed to the heel. I mean, seriously, how hard could this be!

I have one and a half gauntlets made in one yarn, started another pair in another yarn (need to tick this one back . . . way too small needles!).

I have the flower patch mitten done to the thumb gusset. Which is perfect if the person I am making these for only needed one mitten. Unfortunately, they need two and I am not sure I like it anyway. Way too dark, but warm.

I have the Lucy bag mostly done, more than half way through the Lucy bag's first strap.

Lindsey informed me that she didn't like her hat and wouldn't wear it anyway. At least I didn't get it done before this announcement. But, she would like a pair of knee high slippers, like these. She will be lucky if she gets these instead.

Zachariah asked me about his sweater. The sleeves are done. The body is done to where I have to attach the sleeves. Sigh.

Sigh.

Sigh.

Sigh.

And, I have to have cataract surgery probably before year end because, surprise, surprise, I cannot see anything out of my left eye. Do you suppose I could milk the cataract surgery for months of not having to do anything except knit and read?

So, the way I look at it, I can either really apply myself, and not sleep, and get some things done or figure that I am way ahead of schedule for next year.

Miscellaneous stuff

I found this on Jerry's blog and thought I would share with all of you

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? I am the middle of eight. My sister was born 14 months before me, and lived only a short while. Her name was Linda Ann, and I like to believe that my name came from a combination of her name and my Mom.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? A couple of weeks ago, at my friend's home, when she talked about her husband who died last year.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Gosh no, but my kids do.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Pepper turkey
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Three. two girls (22 and 14) and a son (7).
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Probably. I am fun, even if I do say so myself.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Yes.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? fear of heights, not a chance
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Wheat Chex
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Yes
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Yes
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Butter Pecan
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? their hands
15. RED OR PINK? Red
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? fat
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My Mom, every day.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO DO THIS? Sure. I love learning more about others.
19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? black
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? 1/2 Turkey sandwich with mozzarella cheese, lettuce, tomato, honey mustard and a cup of chicken vegetable soup.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Through a Glass, Darkly (book on CD)
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Deep Green
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Frying Bacon, fresh brewed coffee, baking bread, baby hair
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My daughter
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I, ummmm, borrowed it from Jerry. And yes, I like Jerry.
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? baseball, football, basketball, tennis, golf, swimming, I guess I would rather not
27. HAIR COLOR? brown
28. EYE COLOR? green hazel
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Pizza
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Sleeping with the Enemy
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? maroon
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer
35. HUGS OR KISSES? do I have to choose
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? cheesecake
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? don't know
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? don't know
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Through a Glass, Darkly
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I don't have one. I use a touch pad
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? didn't watch tv
42. FAVORITE SOUND? my kid's laughing
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Rolling Stones
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? California/Oregon/Washington coast
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I can remember so many really silly stupid things and can not only relate what was said, but who was sitting where and what they were wearing.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Cleveland, OH

Simple Woman's Daybook - 12/08/08

FOR TODAY ~ Monday, December 8, 2008

Outside my Window... it is cold. We didn't get as much snow as had been predicted and it is supposed to be 40 degrees tomorrow!
I am thinking... this past weekend was good. We enjoyed fun and laughter.
I am thankful for... gift of patience, sense of humor, spirit of adventure
From the kitchen... stuffed shells, brocolli/cauliflower, mushrooms & onions, garlic bread . . . and leftovers tonight!
I am creating... all of kinds of things and not finishing anything. I cannot knit without lots of light
I am going... to have cataract surgery by the end of the year . . . hopefully
I am wearing... black (shoes, tights, slacks, shirt and sweater) The shirt and the sweater have "stuff" on them.
I am reading... listening to Twilight
I am hoping... to finish the shopping tonight, you know "THE SHOPPING."
I am hearing... the radio announcers discuss how really bad the Browns are this year
Around the house... need to get organized, especially if I have surgery
One of my favorite things... listening to the kids laugh together
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... shopping tonight, Lindz' first swim meet tomorrow, Lindz' violin lessons on Wednesday, Lindz' school concert on Thursday, Lindz' second swim meet on Friday . . . oh, and work and our department party on Friday and work and . . . sleep, yes, have to get some sleep in there.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... Lindz and her friends went to homecoming the Tuesday before Thanksgiving . . . yes, they go to an all-girls school . . . no, they do not have a football team . . . yes, most of the girls go to other schools' homecomings . . . no, they don't care if they did, they still want their own homecoming. So the students have a powder puff football game against the teachers and then, a dance.


In order: Elise, Lindsey, Cortney and Abby . . . Cortney and Lindsey have been best friends since second grade. Elise is incredibly mature and Abby is really bright but very scattered. My DH thinks she bleached her hair to match her personality!

Christmas meme

Kathy had a Meme on her blog about Christmas so I snagged it.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping Paper
2. Real tree or Artificial? My hubby is allergic to EVERYTHING so we have had an artificial since the get go. Two years ago, we bought a pre-lit.
3. When do you put up the tree? this year, it will be on the 13th and the 14th -- it takes the entire weekend (and will be a perfect excuse as to why we cannot go to a function that we don't want to attend . . . gee, we have plans . . . sorry about that!).
4. When do you take the tree down? before Martin Luther King weekend . . . which is when we celebrate Zachariah's birthday.
5. Do you like eggnog? YES
6. Favorite gift received as a child. a winter coat in 9th grade. It was sooooo grown up!
7. Hardest people to buy for? my daughters. They are picky.
8. Easiest person to buy for? my son. He isn't picky.
9. Do you have a nativity scene? yes
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I plead the 5th on this one! LOL.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? White Christmas
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? As soon as I find something and think "what a good Christmas present
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No (although I have given presents to charity shortly after receiving them).
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? fruitcake
16. Lights on the tree? yes.
17. Favorite Christmas song? I LOVE all Christmas songs and can listen to all year.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home and my extended family comes to my home
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel. Grew up with a star. But when we got our first Christmas tree, my hubby told me about being a child and being at a friend's house and seeing the angel on the tree. He loved it. His parents were not the best and often their holidays were sad. He said that he always remembered his friend's angel and saying to himself that someday he would have a huge tree with an angel on the top. He does. He always will.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning -- no matter how much the kids ask.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? the advertising that starts in October
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? we have a very eclectic tree with HUNDREDS of ornaments. If we find something unusual or special, we buy it. My hubby is a sucker for those.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? We have been doing appetizers only for dinner with my family. My siblings all have in-laws to visit and eat at. We don't so they come to our house and have appetizers and visit and then go to their in-laws for dinner. It works.

Friday Fill in - 12/05/08

We need not to be let alone.

We need to be really bothered once in a while.

How long is it since you were really bothered?

About something important, about something real?
-- Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451, 1953

1. Snow is great . . . as long as you are inside, by the fireplace, sipping wine or hot chocolate.
2. I'm looking forward to Christmas (my most favorite holiday . . . I enjoy the Christmas Eve Mass, the excitement that crinkles off the children and I like to see if I can surprise people with great presents).
3. Christmas is the best holiday ever!
4. One of my favorite old tv shows is Bonanza.
5. I'm done with the shopping for my kids (and don't buy anything for my husband -- thank goodness that we made THAT decision the first year we were married).
6. The most enjoyable thing around the holidays is Christmas Eve Mass.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to laundry (seriously), tomorrow my plans include eye doctor (to check on my cataract -- it is worse), 4:30 mass (Lindsey is playing the violin) and Chuck and Michelle's party (they are great friends) and Sunday, I want to finish making the cards for my Christmas exchange at work!

Totally distracted

Did you just ever have one of those days weeks where you just couldn't get it together and motivation was just . . . .

I think it is because of the holiday and travelling and eating and meetings and drinking and meetings and travelling. First of all it is THURSDAY. My sister called to tell me that her surgery went okay. And, I being the ever vigilant older sister said, "I thought you were having it tomorrow." I had even made a note for myself to call her later to wish her well. Oh, and by the way, it is my other younger sister's birthday. Make note to call her. Jeez.

I also have a cold that is just making me feel murky. Not sick just sssssllllllooooowwwww.

And, by the way, I work with stupid people. Seriously. I am in charge of the Holiday Project. The woman who has been in charge for the last ten years is currently being treated for Lymphoma. She is doing well and just came back to work part-time yesterday. She looks great but can only manage about four hours (which, frankly, I think is incredible). She has a wonderful outlook (as she said, there is an upside, her prep time for work has been cut in half since she doesn't have to play with her hair!).

Anyway, because of her dedication to the holiday project, we decided to focus our efforts on those agencies who provide services to those with cancer, their family and caregivers. We have wish lists from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Malachi House (a local hospice for the indigent), The Gathering Place (a local support center) and Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospitals Child Life Department. So, the signs have gone up (we have Christmas trees on every floor -- 15 trees in all -- a sign by every tree identifies the agency being "served" by that floor).

So far today, someone has removed two of the signs. You might ask "why." I did. Actually, I think when I found out about the second sign being missing, my response was something like "what the f*&%!" Turns out that one of our departments is having a meeting and "borrowed" the signs for their purposes. Stupid. Did I mention that the signs not only list the agency and the wish list for the agency but the floor captains and their EXTENSIONS. Would it have been too hard for this stupid jerk to call someone and, oh, I don't know "ask" or at least inform? Ah, but I forget, the person that borrowed the signs is a diva and a very important diva in her own mind.

Once the sign issue was resolved, I received an email from one of the floor captains. She wanted to know (because she had been asked) whether we would taked used items. Hello. This is a holiday project.

Then I got a call from another person informing me that the gift cards being requested by one of the agencies is going to be used by that agency to buy items needed and not given to the people being served by the agency. She wanted to know if I was "okay with that." "NO, by God, they must give it to some kid who has cancer and isn't allowed out of the hospital and that way instead of having a game to keep him occupied in between bouts of illness, he can look at his Target gift card and know that someone gave it to him."

Oh, I am so crabby. But feel so much better. Thank you for letting me vent.

Janet - dear friend

Janet
Originally uploaded by mlj1954ohio

This is a pic of Janet. Janet is my bestest girl friend. We have known each other for almost 29 years. She will be 70 next Monday. She moved from Ohio to Dallas this past January. Her husband had died in November and she wanted to be near two of her sons who live in Texas.

Anyway, all four of her sons (ages 50, 49, 48, 47) and their families, her brother and his wife (from Florida), her cousin (from Los Angeles) and I gathered together on Friday at her home to celebrate her birthday. It was early because her boys were going to be there for the holiday and figured it would be a good time to do so. Most of her grandchildren were in attendance too. It was loud and fun.

Her husband had died of Alzheimer's last November. He had been diagnosed 20 years previously. When he was diagnosed, Janet's father had recently died and her mother, who was an invalid, came to live with them. Actually, it was her mother who noticed that he was having some serious problems.

Janet took an early retirement at age 62 to take care of him because he just couldn't be home by himself anymore. Last September he had collapsed (at my home) and was hospitalized. The social workers and doctors said that he couldn't go home, yet, but was not sick enough to be in the hospital. He needed to have 24 hour rehab care. In many ways, the decision was a blessing. It was one that most of Janet's friends felt should have been done earlier, but would have been very difficult for her to make. By the social workers and doctors making the decision, it was out of Janet's hands. Needless to say, he died before he was ever able to return home. Probably, for the first time in 20 years, Janet had freedom to live.

She looks good for a almost 70 year old, although she was complaining that she was getting gray but only on one side. LOL.

Her sons were admonishing her that she needs to call them every morning to let them know she is okay. She responded that she might start doing that, but if they can never get in touch with her, they should call me since she talks to me almost every day or at least emails me (or I her) almost every day.

She is a dear friend. I miss her and it is really a blessing to have email and relatively inexpensive long distance!!

flower patch gauntlets

flower patch gauntlets
Originally uploaded by mlj1954ohio

I am using the flower patch sock pattern and making gauntlets for one of my coworkers for Christmas. I am using Wool of the Andes and Noro Silk Garden. It is loverly.

Simple Woman's Daybook - 11/25/08

It is a day late . . . and next week, it will either be done on Wednesday or not at all . . .


FOR TODAY
Outside my Window... it is raining. But it was supposed to be snowing. I prefer rain over snow.
I am thinking... that I need to make my appointment for physical therapy.
I am thankful for... my health, in spite of the physical therapy stuff . . . there are so many that are not healthy
From the kitchen... made city chicken on Sunday with mashed cauliflower and sweet potatoe fries (baked, actually, not fried), and bread
I am creating... Janet's Lucy Bag. I am onto the straps
I am going... to my sister's for Thanksgiving
I am wearing... black slacks, red sweater, black and gray checked jacket
I am reading... nothing, I have become a slug
I am hoping... to become unslug like when I return
I am hearing... cars slushing through the rain and, oh yeah, my heater clicked on!
Around the house... it is a sty . . . seriously, nothing is getting done.
One of my favorite things... chili, so explain to me why I ate veggies for lunch. sigh.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... taking off from work tomorrow, making cheesecake and an angel food thingee, Jane and Joe are coming over tomorrow evening, going to Peg's house for Thanksgiving, leaving for Dallas on Friday at 6:50 a.m., going to Janet's birthday party (well, going is not really the right word since I am staying at her house and the party is there), she has plans for us all weekend.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... my future son-in-law's daughter got Flat Stanley from school and I took it to Washington with me.

Friday Fill Ins - Friday, November 21

1. The last band I saw live was Elton John at Blossom Music Center.
2. What I look forward to most on Thanksgiving is spending time with my family and laughing.
3. My Christmas/holiday shopping is almost done, I hope.
4. Thoughts of decorating fill my head.
5. I wish I could wear high heels without my feet hurting or limping.
6. Bagpipes remind me of marching into St. Colman's on St. Patrick's Day with the pipes playing and drums whirling. It brings tears to my eyes.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to nothing, tomorrow my plans include go out to my daughter's future in-law's farm for the day and dinner and Sunday, I want to relax and maybe make some cards!

Contest by Kalurah

Contest, there is a contest that I want to tell you about.

Actually, it is a super cool contest so don't miss it (although if you enter and win . . . . then I don't . . . hmmmmmm).

Anyway, go for it friends. You won't be sorry. And Kalurah's items in her shop are fantastic and her photography is well worth a visit to her blog.

ELF Hats - DONE!!

Well, I finally finished Mary's ELF Hat. Seriously, I needed to add the pompom at the top.
The hat is actually much longer than the picture looks (23 inches without counting the pompom). Also, the colors actually look better in "real life" than they do in this pic. I also made one for Zachariah.



Both hats: one for Zachariah and one for Mary. The one with the blues is for Zachariah and, to be honest, I like it better. The colors go better together and even the red looks, I don't know, redder?

The label is from Dave Daniel's in honor of his Aunt Linda. She had provided him with the memory as a boy. The goal is to knit the hat and on Christmas morning leave it outside for your child (grandchild, nephew, niece) to find. Hopefully, the goal is that they find it and believe that they found a hat that an ELF lost the night before.

Here is a pic of the label that I received from Dave.

Simple Woman's Daybook - 11/17/08

FOR TODAY ~

Conscience is what makes a boy tell his mother before his sister does.
-- Evan Esar

Outside my Window... it is cold and snowy, depending on where you live. Where I live (about 20 miles west of downtown Cleveland), we have a dusting of snow. If you go 20 miles east of downtown Cleveland, they have about 8" of snow. I glad I live west.
I am thinking... seriously glad that I live west of Cleveland. It all has to do with the edge and shape of Lake Erie.
I am thankful for... have I mentioned the snow and how happy I am that I live West of the city?
From the kitchen... it was a very busy weekend. We had steak and baked potatoes and broccoli for dinner on Saturday night. Yesterday, Dave spent the day at school moving desks and fixing computers, etc., so we stopped at White Castle (I have never had White Castle) and picked up burgers and fries. Not bad. The cool thing is that they have sweet potatoe fries (yummy).
I am creating... a Lucy bag (shhh)
I am going... to go get my breakfast as soon as I am done with this (LOL)
I am wearing... brown slacks, green shirt, floral sweater
I am reading... Mobility (very boring)
I am hoping... to get my Christmas shopping done soon.
I am hearing... not much of anything, it is very quiet (snow does that)
Around the house... Dave and I cleaned the garage (after dinner Saturday night) and in time to get our vehicles parked in it. It was a blessing this morning to be able to just walk out and get in the van without dealing with snow and/or ice.
One of my favorite things... hot tea with good cookies or biscotti.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... I have a presentation on Friday. I need to get a handle on the budgeting issues. Lindsey has swimming early a.m. Tuesday through Friday.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... exciting isn't it. It is my bike. It has been put away until Spring. I miss it already.

and if you are looking for Simple Woman blog, please go here.

Friday Fill In - 11/14/2008

1. Please feel free to share my blog.
2. When I bake bread I can't help sniffing it occasionally.
3. My favorite thing to cook is lasagna.
4. Laughter is something I can't get enough of.
5. That's the thing I love most about my husband.
6. People at meetings that always ask questions that have already been answered at least once or more always makes me think to myself, what the heck?
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to doing nothing, tomorrow my plans include coordinating a Reconciliation Retreat for the second graders at our church, 4:30 mass and Sunday, I want to put my feet up!

A day late . . .

During World War II, my Dad was in the Army, stationed in the Philippines. Six months before the war ended, he (and many of his comrades) came down with yellow jaundice and spent a little more than a year in the hospital. At one point and while he was still in the hospital (actually, on 9/24/45), one of his friends did this pencil sketch of my Dad. My Dad, in turn, sent it to his Mom who had it hanging on her wall in her dining room. After Grandma died, my Dad got the sketch back. Against my Dad's better judgment, my Mom hung it her sewing room. And now I have it. And yes, he was this good looking.

I miss you Daddy. Thank you for everything. For the sacrifices for your family and your country. For the pain you suffered for years. For your love. For your patience (five daughters/one bathroom . . . the man was a saint). And for your kindness and gentleness.

May we never forget the sacrifices made by so many in order to keep us safe and secure.

Orchid - first bloom

While I was travelling during the last week of October, I was really concerned about my orchid. The plant was ready to bloom before I left and I kept thinking that the silly thing would bloom while I was gone. However, when I got back to work, the biggest bud had yet to open. When I came into my office last Friday, this is what I saw . . .

and here it is up close and personal.

Isn't this just loverly. I bought the orchid plant a year ago at Smith & Hawken's store in Crocker Park. It was discounted as they wanted to get rid of plants in order to put up the Christmas stuff.

Orchid plants, per se, are not pretty. But the blooms! Well worth the wait.



The plant now has many other blooms.

Seriously, I have people that walk past my office and come back to ask, first, "are they real" and then "wow, how did you get that to do that?"

To be honest, I just did what the packaging and instructions said. Trimmed it back and watered it.

Pretty cool stuff!

And so you might ask me why I keep this at the office . . . because I am here more than I am at home. Of course, it also doesn't help that it is now swim season and Lindsey has to be in the water in the early morning (5:15 on Wednesday and Fridays and 5:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays) which puts me in the office by 5:45 every morning, and, as you can see from the window behind the orchids, it is pitch black outside. The only light is those being shed by the Browns stadium. So for now, when I get here so early, I have a lovely thing to look at.

Simple Woman - 11-10-08

FOR TODAY ~

We learn something every day, and lots of times it's that what we learned the day before was wrong.
-- Bill Vaughan

Outside my Window... I am home today (the washer repair guy is coming sometime between 10:00 and 3:00) Many of the trees have lost their leaves but there are still some that are lush with bright reds and yellows. Since the temp dropped quite a bit over the weekend and this morning it was icy, we have red and yellow that look crystalized.
I am thinking... I would like to work four days a week. I could work from home. I wish my company wasn't so ensconced in a traditional work day pattern.
I am thankful for... gas prices that are under $2.00
From the kitchen... last evening we had baked chicken (crusted with corn flakes -- mix mayo with italian seasoning and some garlic salt, rub chicken breasts in it and then press into crushed corn flakes), cabbage and noodles (too many noodles to the cabbage), brocolli (steamed) and garlic bread. Tonight we are having pseudo stuffed cabbage (or lazy woman's stuffed cabbage . . . you don't make cabbage rolls, you just mix the ground meat, rice, cabbage, onions, seasonings, diced tomatoes, top with a can of tomato soup and bake).
I am creating... Lucy Bag for Janet; socks for Zachariah; gauntlets for Lindsey
I am going... to finish my cleaning the upstairs
I am wearing... jeans (it is Monday and I am at home), a black sweatshirt, slippers
I am reading... not much of anything. I am supposed to be reading Smila's Sense of Snow but have not even started it. I also have to do a presenation a week from Friday and need to prep for that so I really don't have time to read anything except some professional journals.
I am hoping... that last week wasn't our Indian summer and that we will have at least one more week of warm weather
I am hearing... the wind blowing through the trees
Around the house... the washer died after one load on Friday evening. A repairman was coming on Saturday but never showed up. I called another guy yesterday and he is supposed to be coming today. Yesterday, Lindsey, Zachariah and I schlepped the laundry to a laundromat. If it weren't so expensive, it would be a great way to do it. We had everything washed, dried and folded within 75 minutes.
One of my favorite things... spending time with my family (even when they are annoying).
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... meetings, flu vaccine, more meetings, swim team practice every morning (except Mondays), first reconciliation retreat on Saturday
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... one of the pics I am considering for our Christmas card enclosures.

SP 13 Questionaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
wool; I despise acrylics and fingerlash yarns

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
some containers

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
40 years or so ago . . . my grandmother taught me, cables and mohair. My level would be advanced . . . although I really prefer straight knitting

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
you betcha, see my blog lists

5. What's your favorite scent?
NONE

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Heath's bar, of course I have a sweet tooth.


7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
stamping and scrapbooking

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
soft rock

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
green . . . I can't stand yellow

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Married. three kids. cat -- outside

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
yes.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
anything felted

13. What are you knitting right now?
felted bag and socks.


14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
yes

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
circulars


16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
yes


17. How old is your oldest UFO?
huge secret

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?
Christmas and Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect?
no


20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
anything Vogue

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
not right now

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I am just starting knitting socks but don't know my foot measurements

23. When is your birthday?
10/09

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
Yes, mlj1954

a project

On November 28, I am going to Dallas to spend the weekend with a friend. Her sons are having a 70th birthday part for her. As it turns out, I was invited to attend a meeting on Monday, December 1, so I will be going down the Friday before, spending time with Janet, attending my meeting on Monday and returning to Cleveland on Tuesday.

Janet had commented on how much she like my Lucy Bag. So, I am going to make her one. This morning (really early), I wound the yarn, have the needles . . . now all I have to do is find the pattern.

Friday Fill In - 11/7/2008

1. My blueprint for success includes making lists.
2. Butterfinger was the last candy I ate.
3. The best facial moisturizer I've ever used is Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 30 Daily Moisturizer.
4. Knitting can be good therapy.
5. I'd like to tell you about my job, but then . . . . .
6. Sense of humor is my strongest characteristic.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having Lindsey's friend spend the night, tomorrow my plans include swimming in the a.m. and going to a reverse raffle* in the evening and Sunday, I want to go to mass in the morning, making dinner and enjoying time with my family!

________________

* A reverse raffle is when instead of the first ticket being drawn is the winner, the last ticket being drawn is the winner. Usually, the grand prize is about $2,000 and the last four people will split the pot . . . and then sometimes, one of them will want to hold out for the entire pot.

Simple Woman's Daybook - 11/03/08

Pay no attention to what the critics say... Remember, a statue has never been set up in honor of a critic!
-- Jean Sibelius, quoted in Bengt de Torne "Sibelius: A Close-Up" 1937

FOR TODAY ~
Outside my Window... the sun is shining and it is going to be a beautiful day.
I am thinking... I need to open the stack of mail waiting for me and turn in my time
I am thankful for... having a job
From the kitchen... lasagna, yummy. I made enough for two nights.
I am creating... socks (how about that, my new passion)
I am going... to work as a poll worker tomorrow
I am wearing... brown slacks, burnt orange shirt and brown sweater with fall leaves (very seasonal)
I am reading... Third Degree by Greg Iles (good read)
I am hoping... to finish socks tomorrow
I am hearing... files being moved around . . . we are shifting space
Around the house... bikes are being put away, cars will be parked in the garage
One of my favorite things... reading
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... working the election tomorrow; taking Wednesday off; going to Book and Bean for knit group on Wednesday evening while Lindsey is at violin; going to reverse raffle at Z's school.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... while in DC last week we were invited to a private tour and dinner (Wolfgang Puck runs the catering) at the Newseum. The Newseum opened in April. It is fascinating and a must see if you are ever in DC. Here is the link to it.

PA300105
Originally uploaded by mlj1954ohio

This is a piece of the North Tower that is now at the Newseum which opened in April 2008. On the wall behind it, are front pages of newspapers from around the world. I will post other photos that I took in DC. Mostly at the Newseum. We were allowed to have dinner up on the top floor which has an outside patio overlooking the Smithsonian and the Art Museum. To the left was the Capitol and the Supreme Court; to the right was the Washington Memorial.