Just Let Me Get to the End of This Row!

B-day Present

2012-01-27T17:28:00.000-05:00

She's got bling!

By The Numbers

2012-01-27T08:25:00.003-05:00

182

How's that for a number? 182 Days until the Summer 2012 Olympics in London. That's roughly 6 months. The Olympics run July 27 through August 12.

200 Nations will bring 15,000 athletes to compete in 26 sports that break down into 39 disciplines. For example...Swimming: 950 athletes will compete in 34 medal events. I can't wait to see what Michael Phelps will do this time!

Olympic Stadium will hold 80,000 spectators. I'll be watching from the comfort of my couch.

When I was a kid, I remember being glued to the TV for the Olympics. That long 4 year wait between each one really helped to build enthusiasm for the events. My high school friends and I used to go nuts for Eric Heiden's thighs. When I ask friends now if they watch the Olympics, the feeling is generally "ho-hum". I have trouble understanding this. It's so exciting! Maybe because I've competed (ok, that's a huge stretch of the word) in events that included swimming, biking and running I have an appreciation for the spirit of the events. But I'm equally thrilled with the Winter Olympics and I've never been skiing. In fact, the last time I ice skated, I broke my elbow.

I love the whole package of the Olympics. The thrill of the competition, on-the-edge-of-your-seat finishes, I love the "back stories" of the athletes, learning about the athletes from other countries especially and about the hosting country.

AND the added bonus is the knitting slant...The Knitting Olympics! (Come on...you really didn't think there could be something I love so much like the Olympics and it not include something to do with knitting, did you?) The Knitting Olympics: You cast on a new project during the Opening Ceremonies and finish it during (or before) the Closing Ceremonies. Um, yes, I can see you're doing the math as to how many days that gives you to knit something, not a lot...and the project should be something that would be difficult to do in the time allotted. You know, so you're working hard to accomplish something...like the athletes in the games. Knitting Olympics...get it?

Alright...you can pass on the Knitting Olympics if you must, but please mark your calendar, get your butt on the couch and watch this year!!

Cake Time

2012-01-22T20:26:00.001-05:00

Lighting all 18 candles...
"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Veronica..."

Make a wish!

Orangie

2012-01-02T06:44:00.004-05:00

I finished Justine's sweater last night. Now she has an Orangie to replace her Greenie.

I knit this for her back in May 2008.

She wanted another sweater out of Crayon, a very soft 100% cotton from Knitpicks that is wash/dry wonderful. Unfortunately, their website shows that every color is being removed. Now, this may mean they're getting all new colors OR they could be discontinuing the yarn line. It is a very nice yarn, but the boucle may turn some people off because it is kinda a pain to knit (you have to have sharp needles). I have two more colors in my stash...yellow and brown. I bought a ton to make an afghan and of course, changed my mind.

Anyway, I made this sweater by creating my own pattern with Elizabeth Zimmerman's guidance in her book, Knitting Workshop. My mom will be so proud! I knit the body, in the round to the chest, then the sleeves in the round (magic loop) to the pits, then joined and worked a raglan decrease till the neck was close to done. I then worked a few short rows to raise the back for a better fit...then the neck band. Done! The sleeves are LONG (per the kid), 19.5 inches. What can I say? She likes a long, long sleeve.

The sweater turned out so great...and Justine never took it off, once she put on the finished product. If you're thinking that Lyra looks pissed...well, that's just her normal cat look.

About 2 seconds after the photo was taken, Mike sneezed and the cat freaked...jumping from Justine's lap and scratching her neck. Never a dull moment.

Make it a good one!

2011-12-31T20:11:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

2011-12-30T11:48:00.002-05:00

Here we are in St. Augustine. Picture was taken with my new ipod and then sent to my computer...kinda small. Hm...I'll have to work on getting the sizing right.

I've been knitting feverishly, trying to get most of my 2011 projects done before the new year. I've finished two socks, two shawls and am working on getting Justine's new Orangie done. I just thought a clean slate would be best for all my soon to be casting on in 2012.

Christmas was fun! It came and went so quickly. Everyone loved their stuff...and I really want to thank all the relatives who send stuff to the kids. I know it's hard to get things done and shipped in time for Christmas. We really appreciate all the effort. Sure do miss seeing everyone and hanging out with the families.

2012 is going to be HUGE for us. I hope your New Year is full of new and exciting things.

Christmas Spirit

2011-12-18T18:25:00.003-05:00

Justine and friends at her Winter Concert for beginning band. It is such a fun concert. While the 7th graders were playing, some one's reed kept squeaking...I don't know why but it gave me such a fit a giggles! Then after the advanced band (8th grade) finished their songs, they played some Christmas favorites and the audience had a sing-a-long. It helped move me along toward that illusive Christmas Spirit. Can't seem to find mine this year....yet.
Veronica's new fella came with us to see the Christmas trees in Green Cove Springs. We visited the knitting group tree (and all was still intact), too. We all hung out at our house, watching football and relaxing. The weather was cool and crisp and the trees were so pretty...feeling more in the Christmas mood, that's for sure!

The kids are going to an Ugly Christmas Sweater party tonight...although their sweaters aren't really all THAT ugly. Hey, at least I wasn't asked to knit anything! Whew!

Christmas and the Band (s)

2011-12-10T16:03:00.003-05:00

The kids all dressed up for the Winter Concert. Anyone notice how Joey is just a hair taller than Veronica...and she's wearing heels!! Woohoo!
Maybe it's Joey's hair-do.

The Jr. High advanced band (aka 8th graders) marched in the Christmas Parade in Green Cove Springs...and Justine got to help hold the banner. This parade was so cute...really had the small town feel.

The High School band marched in today's Eagle Harbor Christmas Parade.

Joey's carrying that heavy base drum. Veronica didn't march, she was busy taking the ACT again. Gotta get those test scores up if she's gonna get in the honors collage at her university!

I've been knitting...(duh)

2011-11-27T18:57:00.002-05:00

Since I've been out of touch lately, thought I'd update you on what's been going on...

I whipped up a couple of cowls this weekend...

First one is Cambrian Cowl from Coastal Knits. Really, get this book!! I could knit every item in it and be perfectly happy with every project. This yummy cowl is so clever, it's knit with bulky yarn (quick) and can unbutton and fold down for warmer weather (love it!). Here's the schematic for the pattern:

Now I have to go find buttons for my FO. It's a Christmas present for someone who may or may not read my blog, so no final pics till after the holidays.

Here's the second cowl:

It's called Bandana Cowl. Duh...looks like a bandana, huh? It's another quick, clever knit...start at the front tip and work short rows for the front "v", then some decreases around the neck. It's very cute to wear. I made mine with a navy/heathered bulky called Berroco Vintage Chunky and it took less than one skein. I made some mods on the neck that are on my pattern page on Raverly, if you're interested. The pattern is free and would be a great, quick knit for giving for Christmas. But I'm keeping this one for me!

Last week we were all home...no work or school. Well, I worked on Monday, but that was the only day. It was a fun, relaxing week just hanging out with Mike and the kids. We really didn't do much, which was nice; no running around or stressing out.

Thanksgiving was easy, quiet and delicious! Mike and Justine won some cashola in the football pool my dad does every year, so that was fun! We didn't have any family in town visiting, but that's ok, everyone is busy these days and travel is so expensive. It is a difficult holiday for me to be so far from the family though...Christmas is easier, I guess because it's such a wonderful distraction.

I have a ton of Christmas shopping to do, but I'm going to tackle it with a good attitude and plenty of "pick me ups" from Starbucks! I'm hoping to recruit some friends to shop with too...

New PR and Second Place!

2011-11-13T13:18:00.003-05:00

Mike and I ran another 5K on Saturday - The Native Sun Mandarin Run. It was touch and go to even do the race, my leg was hurting, but ice and resting helped and on Saturday morning, it was feeling pretty good.

Another factor...when we woke up on Saturday it was 32 degrees! We bundled up (this means layers) and headed out to run...what are we nuts?!

The race was great! Very small, only about 500 runners. Nice flat, fast and pretty course.

I got a new personal record of 33:26 (7th of the 11 in my age group).

Mike got SECOND PLACE!!! He ran 25:08 (check that, an 8 minute mile pace)!!!

We didn't stay for the awards and now we sure wish we had. He can call and pick up his award this week. How cool is that...second place!!

Because Native Sun was the sponsor (it's a health food store, alot like Henry's, without the great produce, for your CA folks) we had wonderful after race snacks. Fresh fruit (strawberries, raspberries and blueberries) with granola, yogurt (or ice cream), bagels and bananas...and OJ!

All Dressed Up!

2011-11-01T08:43:00.003-04:00

Joey's costume...scary! He looks like a bank robber from some TV show.
Got a Madonna song in your head? You totally get Veronica's costume!
I took these photos Saturday night before their party. Last night, they had percussion practice. They're too old to trick or treat anyway.

Justine and friends heading out to Trick or Treat!

Walk like an Egyptian!

Happy November 1st to you! I really can't believe how fast this year is going by!! I see that as a good thing though...time flies when you're having fun, right?!

Boo x Three = Happy Halloween!

2011-10-30T18:14:00.003-04:00

One...

Two...

(Lyra couldn't resist a sniff.)

and three!

We're ready for Halloween!!

Personal Best!

2011-10-30T17:44:00.003-04:00

Mike and I ran in the Pumpkin Run this morning. In the cold...48 degrees! burr!!!

The course was through Evergreen Cemetery, in the heart of the city...beautiful, huge oak trees, no traffic and plenty of shade. It was fast and flat! They lined people up by their pace, so it worked out better than most races where everyone just starts together. The picture above is what the t-shirts look like...cute, huh?

Mike's time - 28:18

My time - 34:17

A new personal best for me!!!

Senior Night

2011-10-29T09:44:00.003-04:00

We caught Joey warming up with the battery! Doesn't he look great in his uniform!?

Last night was Senior Night at the High School (before the football game...last home game of the season). It's for football, cheer, dance team, guard and band Seniors and their parents. There was a nice reception before the game, then we all lined up and walked over to the field. We then met up with Veronica and walked down the field with her, arm in arm, had our picture taken... cheered on by the crowd. There were about 75 families...I'm really amazed we got through it before kick-off. Veronica presented us with a rose (me) and a pin (Mike).
Justine was with us, too! Here we are taking photos before our march down the field. Pictures taken with my phone...not bad, eh?

Mike and I were wearing our Band t-shirts!

The other night we ordered graduation announcements. And now Senior Night. I'm starting to get used to to the idea that my baby is going to graduate and head off to college. It's sinking in for her too. Last night she said, "Tonight was my last march around the field." She's not sad, she's really looking forward to her future. We are too.

Getting ready...

2011-10-23T19:15:00.003-04:00

We went to a local pumpkin patch today and bought one for each kid (as usual). Justine wanted that little one. Isn't it weird? Looks like it's got frosting on it, huh? The one in front is Justine's, Joey's is in the middle and that small one is Veronica's.
We're having a spider issue this October. And those webs!

Holy cow! That must be the mama!

Hope you're Halloween plans are spinning into place!

Coastal Knits

2011-10-17T15:17:00.003-04:00

I got my Coastal Knits knitting book today!! Yippee!! So many beautiful patterns! The book is full of photos of the central coast of California and coastal Maine. Very cool!! You can check out the patterns on Ravelry. Here's one of my favorites:

Gnarled Oak CardiganAnd just look at the cute hairdo on the model!

We had a nice picnic in Spring Park on Sunday. The weather was PERFECT! Glad we got a chance to enjoy it...rain is expected tonight, through tomorrow...2-4 inches! Then it's supposed to really cool off. Might be time to get out the wooly socks.

I finished Xenia. Another wonderful pattern by Vanessa Smith. The yarn is a sport weight by Ewephoric Fibers. I picked it up at the Florida Fiber In. LOVE the yarn...great twist on it, showed off the border pattern beautifully.

Fortunate Cookies

2011-10-06T08:54:00.003-04:00

Veronica and her friend made cookies for our newly moved in next door neighbors. Unfortunately, they moved some stuff in, then left for the day, before the cookies were ready...fortunate for us though, we got to eat them!

Football Friday

2011-10-06T08:44:00.003-04:00

We went to the football game last Friday night. Here's the band marching in...can you find Veronica? (Look for the hair.)
See Joey? Ok, kinda hard to miss him. Um...he's not the little guy in back, but the big guy, front and center. (second smallest bass drum)

Here's what they look like in the stands...right next to us. My two were in the next group over, so don't bother looking for them in this pic.

After the win...singing their school song! The team they played had the same fight song as the high school Mike and I attended. It was so fun to hear it again!

Our local Chick-fil-A came for a visit during half-time and shot t-shirts into the crowd...Mike caught one!

Lend Me A Tenor

2011-09-28T09:10:00.002-04:00

Girls Night Out last night...at the Alhambra Dinner Theatre to see Lend Me A Tenor with Jamie Farr (from M*A*S*H)!!
The play was fun. The dinner was great. And the company was the best!

Let's do it again!!

Class of 2012

2011-09-23T07:14:00.003-04:00

Veronica is wearing her Senior t-shirt today!

You get it? Ones Two...Class of 2012...12...now, you get it?

Joey, of course, said, "Ones Two...that's stupid." So Veronica shot back, "Oh yeah, let's see your class come up with something good for 14!" That's be a toughie. Maybe "The Ones Four Success"? I'll keep you posted.

Needles on Fire!

2011-09-21T15:04:00.008-04:00

Hello.

My name is Brenda and I'm a small project addict.

No, really!

It started this summer when I wanted to do some small projects instead of socks, waiting for the Six Socks in September Challenge to begin. I looked back at my project pages on Ravelry and was really surprised to see what I'd completed. Here's the list...

Sunray Cowl

Roku Mitts

Peridot Mitts (I did these in Madelinetosh dk, brown.) Really liked this pattern, it was quick and they look kinda old fashioned, the way the cuff is all bumpy. And it has one of my mom's favorite stitches...trinity stitch! Sorry I don't have a photo of my FO (a few of these don't have a photo yet). I'm hoping to have Joey take some photos this weekend and fill in the "blanks".

Darkside Cowl

Grayhaven Cowl

Packer Socks for theBecky (Beck...send me a photo!)

Thermis Cowl (I may frog this...not super thrilled with the outcome.)

Honey Cowl (This is very nice in Malabrigo!) Photo to come, sorry! I did a shorter version than the pattern shows.

THEN I knit my Six Socks in September and a beret from the new Coastal Knits per-order package. I'll post photos of that one next time.

And I still feel compelled to cast on more small projects! Here's what I'm thinking of next...

Paper Moon (new socks JUST came out with Knitty Deep Fall 2011) in bright pink Madelinetosh sock (oh my!)

Oak Grove Mitts (ordered some sport yarn from knitpicks in a charcoal gray...Ooooo)

Soleus (Madelinetosh Sock...burgundy with blue and pink)

Laurel by Jared Flood (I have a deep royal blue Woolease in my stash. I cast on last night at knitting, but dark yarn made it tough for me to see. I think this will be a daytime project only...darn you, old eyes!!

I'm making this with Woolease by Lion Brand. I know some of my knitsibs might frown upon making this in a "low end" yarn...but this yarn is really great. I made a Brambles Beret from some cream colored Woolease and it turned out beautiful (can't wait to wear it with my red coat this winter).

This one is a deep royal blue...with my red coat, it'll look great too!

Xenia (with my newly acquired yarn from the Florida Fiber In...the green stuff)

I have one sweater going...one lace weight shawl (well, two if you count the languishing Bridgewater that needs to be finished) AND I have a KAL starting in October with a friend to make the Plum Frost Cardi. ACK! These little projects are stopping me from my bigger projects, but I....can't........stop.............casting on!!!

THEN last night Justine asked me to knit her a SWEATER!! This almost never happens, you know, a family member of mine requesting a knitted item. I made her a green sweater out of Crayon from Knitpicks in 2008, and she still loves it, but it's getting a bit small. She wants basically the same thing, but a different color.

Here she is in her greenie...I love this picture!

Lucky for her, I have three shades of Crayon in my stash, enough of all three to do sweaters. Except for the brown, that's mine...I'd like a pullover in that, just a big, soft, comfy, wear-around-the-house type sweater this winter. I think I'll do a top down raglan for her (maybe an EZ sweater)...this time she wants yellow. Or was it orange? I better check.

So needless say, the needles have been on fire and will continue to be from the looks of things!

A lot of these small projects will become Christmas presents...probably. I'm using all my yarny resistance not to cast on two or three new projects!

Help! Someone talk me down!!

Yarny Goodness from Florida Fiber In

2011-09-19T16:55:00.004-04:00

Anzula "Breeze"...hand dyed lace weight, 65% silk, 35% linen, 750 yds!

This will probably become a lace shawl someday. Maybe this or something from this book (if I get it for Christmas). It looks very pink in the photo, but it's really more of a salmon pink. It has that brushed look you get from silk...very pretty and soft. The vendor was Four Purls yarn shop from Winter Haven, FL. Her booth was one of the best...plenty of yarn, kits, accessories, notions and other goodies. Three of us bought yarn from her.

Ewephoric Fibers, kettle dyed Indigo, 450 yds, fingering weight (superwash) merino. Probably will become this shawl by Picnicknits. It's hard to tell from the photo, but the color changes from deep indigo to deep green...it's very subtle and quite beautiful.

This was my STEAL!! I got it at the auction at the Fiber In (for probably $10 under retail). It's Wollmeise, color is super deep navy called "My old blue Jeans" (the color is more like new-new jeans), 574 yds, fingering weight (superwash) merino. This is the first yarn I've owned that I'm just giddy about!! I feel compelled to wait for the "perfect" pattern to come along...so I'm in no rush to find a project. I'll just ooh and aah over it for a while!

This yarn is only available in the USA at The Loopy Ewe in St. Louis, MO. (I believe, someone correct me if I'm wrong.) I went to their website to see the actual retail and they're sold out.

This is hand dyed and spun yarn by Funny Face Farms...the label reads "A little urban farm filled with chickens, geese and an entire yard of lil bun buns" (thoes are bunnies for you city folk). The gal who I bought it from was a joy to talk to, I just had to buy a skein of her work. No idea what I'll do with it. The content is a combo of merino wool, organic wool, colonial wool, superwash wool, BFL, bamboo, firestar, silk, mohair and angelina. Yeah, I don't know what they all are either. I think some of the names are a kind of bunny (angora). It's about 100 yds.

This is another Ewephoric Fiber yarn (sorry for the upside down label in the photo), kettle dyed, sport weight merino, 500 yds. This will be my next project, called Xenia. I've been wanting to cast this project on for a while...just waiting for the right yarn to come along!

We all decided that there wasn't enough yarn at the Fiber In. You wouldn't know it by my haul, but it's true. There was TONS of fiber (duh). If I were a spinner, I'd be very thrilled by the selection. They also didn't take credit cards. I, of course, had plenty of cash...I don't take chances when it comes to buying yarn!

Florida Fiber In - 2011

2011-09-19T16:47:00.002-04:00

I went to the Florida Fiber In with some of my knitsibs last weekend in Orlando!
Christine...sporting the tea-cozy of tomorrow!

Stacey's "not tonight honey" hat! (Or "time to milk the reindeer" hat. Which ever you prefer.)

Shevon & Jodi!

Lunch at Uno!

The spinners going to town with their fiber!

Taking a break after visiting the vendors (and buying yarn)!

There was a "fashion show" where all the gals wore hats, some hand knit, some just crazy! It was very fun. I think crazy Christine should have won a prize with that Union Jack tea-cozy on her head!

Kitchen Adventures

2011-09-12T18:10:00.009-04:00

I had to make cupcakes today. Just had to. Dessert can't come soon enough...but first dinner:
Chicken Pot Pie for dinner tonight! Here's the filling.

The crust.

The Godzilla. Yeah, I dropped the flour container. Thank God it was only about a third full. The flour made a huge "poof" and as you can imagine...flour got everywhere! Godzilla lives!

Dinner's ready!

Gracie says, "When is daddy coming home?"

Half way to Six Socks in September!

2011-09-09T10:28:00.002-04:00

First sock of Pair #1
Ditto, Pair #3

Half way there!!!

I just talked to my friend in San Diego and they have power back. Not sure if it's back for all of that blackout area or not, but good ole La Mesa is back on the grid.
I read that the blame could possibly fall on one person not doing their job right. I feel so sorry for that person, we all screw up on the job once in a while...but most of us, fortunately, don't have that screw up effect 5 million people.

Very Cool...and dry!

2011-09-07T07:45:00.004-04:00

I just came in from my morning run. First time out on a weekday morning in a while due to school starting and adjusting schedules and all. What a shock to walk outside (before sunrise) and find it cool and dry. Cool. And dry! Monday's run was very hot and humid, so naturally, I expected more of the same. After all it was only two days ago. I think it was in the mid 60s. It felt like October. I felt like I could run forever. As the sun rose, it broke through the trees and hit me in the face...full brightness and warmth...it was blinding, but it was great!

I'm still knitting away on my socks...I have one from two of the pairs done (half a pair?) and on the third pair, I'm about 1/2 way through the first sock. I just picked up my gusset and am working the decreases. (Beck, these are your socks and do they ever look nice!)

I'm thinking about starting a shawl or socks or something. Getting antsy to start SOMETHING, anyway. I bought the cutest fair isle sweater pattern yesterday. Its called Plum Frost Cardigan by Elinor Brown of Exercise Before Knitting (funny, huh?...I almost never, I mean ALWAYS do this!) I'd like to start it soon, but I need the base color (not enough in stash of the main color). Here's what it looks like:

Sunday Ride

2011-09-04T11:42:00.007-04:00

So I'm taking you along on my Sunday ride today. I wish it had been a sunny day, but it's cloudy and overcast in anticipation of some outer bands of rain we're supposed to get this afternoon courtesy of Tropical Storm Lee.

I'm on the Black Creek Trail...strap on your helmet and let's ride!

There are a few other bikers and walkers along the trail. If I got before noon on a Sunday, it's never too crowded (everyone is in church). The serious riders usually go on Hwy 17 which runs parallel to the Black Creek Trail.
A couple of planked walkways, too.

Not too much "vegetation" where I took the photo of this sign, but you'll see in other photos...there is a nice buffer of plants and trees all along the trail. Too bad there's no way to cut out the traffic noise.

Pine needles make a nice cushion.

In Jacksonville they say 'there's a church on every corner'...no joke, there is. And they're equal opportunity as well.

With the 10 year anniversary of 9/11 coming up soon, it was nice to see this sign.

Towards the end of the trail, the path becomes very woodsy. There are some dirt trails like in the photo...even a bench to rest on. This little spot is at the top of a little hill.

Top of the hill, looking down. This part of the trial has those giant lubber grasshoppers all over. They are so gross!! Thankfully, they are also slow moving. Running over one in your bike is a bad idea...nothing like trying to scrape grasshopper guts off your leg while riding your bike. ugh!

Let's race down the hill!! GO!

The trail ends here. There's a little park, a bathroom and parking lot. You can continue toward Black Creek on a dirt trail if you want. In the interest of not being eaten alive by mosquitos, I'm turning around and heading back.

These bring purple berries are all over this time of year. Don't know what they are, but they sure are pretty!

What's a Sunday ride without a picture of a church.

Let's go left and ride through Eagle Harbor, ok? There's lots of water to pass maybe we'll see some wildlife! Look, an egret! (He was still in that same spot on the way back, too. I guess he's taking it easy this Labor Day weekend.)

A nice spot to take a rest and have a drink of water. That's my mountain bike.

The path through Eagle Harbor is really pretty. The only thing bad about is, it's very narrow and people with their ear buds in and music blasting usually don't her my 'on your left' till I'm shouting at them. Luckily, it was pretty empty today.

Another resting spot ahead. I love the reflection of the woods on the water.

A quick stop at Doctor's Lake. This is usually a busy area with folks putting their boats in the water and getting ready to have a grand time on the water. Sounds like fun to me.
If you're a resident, you can use this private dock. Isn't the Spanish Moss pretty.

Hard to believe this setting is in the middle of a huge residential development. It was very well thought out. The long stretch home!

Thanks for coming along with me today.

One down, five to go!

2011-09-03T10:53:00.002-04:00

I sewed this fab sewing machine cover yesterday. No more dust! I used scraps in my fabric stash and an old pillow case for lining. I followed the tutorial here, but not completely...just kinda winged it, really. I'm very happy with it!
This is one sock of my Six Socks in September. The pattern is Hayrick...really lovely pattern. I modified it with my standard heel (pattern has a short row heel, not my fav). It's only 54 stitches around (smallest of three sizes given) but it fits my size 8 foot great.

September Challenge #1

2011-09-02T06:52:00.004-04:00

I cast on my first sock for the Six Socks in September challenge on Ravelry. I hardly need any motivation to knit socks, but it sounded like fun. So I cast on yesterday and got a few inches in (see lovely sideways photo below). Here's the problem: The pattern is really intended for multicolored yarn, not variegated like I'm using. I think it would be much prettier and show off the pattern much better if it were multicolored. BUT, I'm not gonna rip and re-cast on...I'm under the gun here folks!! Joke!! So I thought about it, and I'm beginning to like these socks...they look kinda "alligator-ish" to me. The pattern is super easy and when I get to the changes on the foot (see how that pattern tapers off to plain stockinette?) it should get interesting.

These are the designer's socks from the pattern page. Aren't they cute?! The socks are offered in three sizes. I'm making the smallest (60 sts). Those diamond shapes are made with just slipping the stitch for a few rows. Very clever!

I'll have to re-make these some day with some wonderful multi yarn...hmmm...maybe Mike found me something to fit the bill in Finland? I could always look for something at the Florida Fiber In in a couple weeks, too. (You might be saying, "Look in your stash, you nut!" Ok, I'll do that, too!)

Oh, the possibilities!

It's in the Bag!

2011-09-01T18:33:00.003-04:00

I sewed this little bag this afternoon! A very talented gal in our knit group makes these bags...and mine isn't nearly as nice as hers, but it serves a purpose and that's what I wanted. Thanks Stacey for the inspiration!

I followed Yarnmonster's tutorial and modified the tie to go through the side not the top.

I thought it was going to be too small, but it's just the right size for socks! I cast on the first of my Six Socks in September challenge today, too. If you look closely, you can see the green yarn in the bottom of the bag.

Summer Dress

2011-08-31T17:39:00.003-04:00

I finished Justine's dress! So it's a little late in Summer...but it'll be hot for a lot longer.

She picked out the pattern and fabric. She dug around in her closet and pulled out this cute shrug to wear with it!
She said, "Oooh! I can also wear it with white leggings when the weather cools off!"

Finland

2011-08-29T14:54:00.002-04:00

Mike found the yarn shop in Neuletikki, Finland! (Not sure if this is the one I got info from on Ravelry or not.)

Ooooh! Two skeins?! Maybe. This man knows his way around a yarn shop, so I'm sure whatever he selects, I'll love!

He went for a run down this lovely path. Wish I was there, too. heavy sigh

Happy B-day Justine!

2011-08-28T19:13:00.001-04:00

Justine turned 12 today! She had fun hanging out with her best buds.

I have one year, then there will be three teens in the house. Eek!

Life at home.

2011-08-27T10:55:00.002-04:00

Tough life...relaxing on the cool floor.

Sunset

Photographer extraordinaire.

Thermis

2011-08-26T06:45:00.003-04:00

Well, here we are again...Friday morning and me. And my early morning pattern purchase, too.

Meet Thermis by Kristen Patay. The latest in my newest addiction of cowls. I hope my mom sees this post, up to a couple days ago, she didn't know what a cowl was. I never thought I'd have use for one, living in Florida. But it gets cold here in NE Florida...really, it does. Ok, not Wisconsin cold or even northern Arizona cold, but cold nonetheless. Freezing in fact, ice on cars and lawns...teen temps over night sometimes. I love it! I live for it! And I complain about it, especially when I'm on my bike going 18 mph and my eyes are watering so much I can't see. It's easier to take while running because the body warms faster, but getting out the door to start the run is tough in our version of cold weather. Anyway, back to cowls. They're quite nice to wear, you don't get the bulk of a scarf and your neck stays toasty warm. They don't take much yarn, so you can get some yummy stuff like, um...Malabrigo or Madeline Tosh DK (which is closer to worsted weight), and make a nice gift for someone (hate to mention it, but Christmas is coming)...or yourself!

So I'll be casting on Thermis today with a lovely cobalt blue Malabrigo, sewing velcro on band uniforms, watching for signs of Irene, doing laundry and probably tucking into a musical while I knit my little heart out.

It's gonna be a good day.

Got a cowl on your agenda today?

My Five Knitterly Things

2011-08-23T06:50:00.003-04:00

I saw this on Zeneedle, one of my favorite blogs to read (and a "friend" on Raverly) and thought I'd take her suggestion and post My Five Knitterly Things (Thanks Margene):

1. My favorite things to knit - Right now my favorite things to knit are cowls, shawls, sweaters and socks. Last winter, I really came to love the feel of a circle of knitting around my cold neck, hence my love of cowls began.

2. My least favorite thing about knitting - Weaving in ends. At this moment, I have six projects that need ends woven in (and two of them are mitts!). I'll do it...but I won't like it.

3. My first finished object - Slippers. You know the ones, your grandmother probably knit them for you when you were a kid. They were knit flat then seamed up the back of the heel (I think.) I was quite proud of them and for a very long time they were my only finished object. I was knitting a lot, but not finishing anything (and nothing fit either). I've come a long way baby.

4. If I could take only one brand of yarn to my desert island, it would be - All yarns from Madeline Tosh (even ones that don't wind up so easily). I'm saying this on faith because I've really only used three of them...but they all look wonderful!

5. My current knitting obsession is - Lace. I've knit lace in socks, shawls, sweaters, cowls, etc. The change that occurs when lace is blocked is my favorite part. I'm always on the look out to start a new lace project and will have two or three going at once. Simple or complicated...I love it all!

What are your Five Knitterly Things? Reply with them, or post on your blog! I'd love to hear from you.

Camping Pi Shawl...done!

2011-08-21T14:11:00.002-04:00

My Agua Caliente Camping Pi Shawl is done!

Before blocking...

Viola! After blocking...well, technically, while blocking. I think I used two million pins.

On the Needles

2011-08-18T06:57:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I took the day off to be home with my sick kid. It was the second day of school and she felt sick. I know what you're thinking...she's nervous and doesn't want to go to school. Quite the opposite, she was crying because she couldn't go to school. Bless her little heart. She felt warm, but didn't have a temperature. She had "tummy troubles"...can't go to school with that! So we both stayed home. I felt so bad that she felt bad I just couldn't go to work. This is the part about working and being a mom that sucks. I want to be there for them when they need me, cuz that ain't gonna last for ever, huh?

Anyway, so home all day: I did the normal stuff you do when you find you're home and have time you didn't expect on your hands; laundry. Oh, and knitting.

I cast on for Xenia, but soon realized that the yarn I feel in love with is just too big (worsted not sport) to make it work. So I got a picture of it before frogging it. Look at that lovely braid!! I had no idea the pattern had you do that for the color changes...you can't tell from the picture. I'm going to Florida Fiber In with a friend so I'll look for a nice sport weight there and try again. I can' wait...sometimes I can be verrrrrry patient!

So now I have two colors of lovely Madeline Tosh DK to knit up! Oh the possibilities! I decided to make a cowl with one and mitts with another...for someone for Christmas, hopefully. It's called Greyhaven. I modified it a little just for sizing. It's a well written pattern, too. I have some leftover MTdk that will become another Christmas cowl. Why all these small projects, you ask? Well, I'm waiting for Sept. 1 to start my Six Socks in September challenge. I finished knitting my PI Camping shawl and need to block it. I have another shawl on the needles called Stravinsky too.

So what's on your needles?

Alaskan Honey Bee

2011-08-09T16:38:00.004-04:00

Finally got a pic of my new Honey Bee Sweater. The yarn is a soft blend of merino and silk. Mom got it for me in Alaska a while ago and it took a while for me to find just the right pattern.

Even in this suppressing heat and humidity, I wore it! It was very comfy and cool, too!

Tangled Up

2011-08-06T18:35:00.002-04:00

Having just been asked (read: nagged) to post on my blog, I decided to share this evening's activity with you. I just finished blocking a beautiful scarf I knit for someone who may or may not read my blog so naturally, I decided to wind up more yarn and start another project.

Cuz I just don't have enough projects going at this time...ahem.

I bought two skeins of Madeline Tosh DK for Xenia. It's the DK that's not single ply (like I used on my Minimalist Cardi), and the colors are a beautiful green and brown. The brown yarn got so twisted and knotted on my swift, I had to remove it and wind it by hand. You should have seen the mess, a HUGE tangle...also known as a cluster-fuckis-maximuckus. Well, let's just say this did not make me happy. In fact, it made me a raving lunatic! This yarn is expensive, you think it would wind easily (that's my logic anyway). Probably operator error, but I'm not willing to admit that yet. So it's the damn yarn's fault!

Luckily, Mike came to my rescue! He's patiently winding the entire skein for me. I really have no hope of doing this...the yarn is dark and well, my patience is thin (Twiggy thin!).

Hopefully it will be wound up in the next few days and I can cast on my Xenia.

(Donna: You would have been the only person on this planet besides Mike to tackle this huge mess...luckily, you don't have to.)

Um, the green skein wound with little difficulty...

S'mores

2011-07-28T06:41:00.002-04:00

So last Sunday, the official "last day" of "vacation" the girls decided they wanted s'mores. Who in their right mind would argue with that, I ask you. So they made a quick trip to the store, because believe it or not, I don't have the ingredients for this in my house. Now...you can almost always expect something sweet at my house, but usually not s'mores. Here's another thing you should know, just in case you're reading this from a state that is NOT Florida...it's freakin' HOT here!! While we're at it, repeat that last phrase and substitute HUMID for HOT and you get the idea. Even in the evenings it's still in the 90s. So standing over the grill roasting a marsh mellow isn't ideal and a bit uncomfortable...but it did the job and the s'mores were pretty tasty!

I'm happy to say I stopped at one.

Tampa Vacation Part II

2011-07-24T19:14:00.004-04:00

Our stop on Thursday afternoon was at The Florida Aquarium! This was totally worth the money...lots of cool stuff. It has all the fun stuff you'd expect to see at an aquarium plus a totally cool Florida section with fish, birds and reptiles from our area. We saw the CUTEST river otters playing with each other and doing flips and stuff. They were just adorable! We sat in on a "shark talk" and learned more than we thought we would about sharks. We also found out that the aquarium will be featured in an episode during Shark Week coming up soon! (I love Shark Week...check your local listings.)

The two old folks having a rest.

Got a good shot of this bird. It was amazing how close you could get to the animals...just one reach over the divider and you could touch them. Of course, we didn't...not even Joey did! LOL

On Friday morning we went canoeing on the Weeki Watchee River. This was by far the most fun we did the whole trip!! My first time, and I was a little nervous (cold, deep water always makes me a bit anxious). Well, it was only deep in parts, most was shallow enough to see the bottom of the river. This river is spring fed, which means it is clear water and usually stays at a constant temperature of 74 degrees. Burr!!

Here's picture (I didn't take it because I forgot my camera!!!). We saw some wild life too...birds, fish, a very small snake, a turtle and A MANATEE!!! Yes, a manatee swam right past our canoe, he even came up for a breath so we got a real good look at him (ok, could have been a "her", who knows). I was really kicking myself for forgetting the camera. And in case you're wondering...Justine forgot her camera, too. I can't believe it either!!

So Mike, Justine and I were in one canoe and Joey and Veronica, in a second one. Those two were so funny, trying to establish who was in charge, who was supposed to do what...they finally figured it out and it worked out quite well. We parked the canoes a couple times to wade in the water and have a snack. It really was peaceful and beautiful. Not too many other folks on the river, which we can only attribute to it being a weekday. It was quiet and relaxing because the current of the river was at about walking speed, so very comfortable for taking our time. The company we went through for the rental was great...no frills mind you, but polite and efficient (they carried the canoes, put them in the water, helped us in and shoved us off...I didn't even get my feet wet). They were right there to get us at the end (same as above, but in reverse). We'll do this again soon!

That's it! We drove home and upon our arrival Gracie when so nuts I thought she was gonna explode.

Tampa Vacation Part I

2011-07-23T10:00:00.004-04:00

This week we took a mini-vacation (three days) to Tampa. Mostly to check out a couple colleges for Veronica for next year, but partly because we wanted to get away and have some fun, too

We spotted this tower on the way into Tampa, thought it might be a fun spot for a picnic...but it really was only an abandoned utility tower of some sort, and the park around it wasn't that nice, but it was a good place to stop and stretch our legs.

Justine, of course, found a flower to pick (otherwise known as a weed to you and me).

You know, I brought my camera to take tons of pictures of our trip and really, I only took a few and not even many good ones at that, oh well. This is the fountain in front of the University of Tampa. Veronica wanted to check it out because it has a good Criminology program. It's a private college, small...only 6000 students, but beautiful and provides benefits that only a smaller university can offer (alot of personal attention to the students) BUT it's super expensive.

I did NOT take this photo, it's the back of the administration building. It shows off the beautiful architecture...Russian, Victorian and middle eastern (reminded me of some of the buildings I saw in Spain). The tour was very good, lots of information!

The natives got restless waiting for our tour to begin. This bench is just to the left of the porch in the photo above.

Next stop was the University of South Florida! Can you guess their mascot? This was in total contrast to what we saw yesterday...

It's a public university with a student body of around 45,000! It's huge...and didn't have all the charm of UT. It's also located outside the city, where UT is right in the heart of downtown Tampa. BUT it did have alot to offer and after the initial shock we started to really like it. The dorms are really nice, pretty much only the freshmen (and some sophomores) live on campus. We saw tons of bikes, so apparently that's how most students get around campus. Veronica really liked this one, especially the Honors College which offers a few extra perks and also the small school feel that she's used to with the AICE program at her high school.

She fits right in, don't cha think!

Sweaters+

2011-07-16T15:50:00.003-04:00

I finally got pictures of some FOs:

I finished Corrine a while ago, but finally got a photo. This is all garter stitch but done up and down(as opposed to side to side)...super easy and unique way to make a sweater. It's a Knitty pattern so you know what that means...free!

This is my latest cardi. It's the Minimalist Cardigan. My second one...first one I gave to Barb cuz it didn't fit me right (too big in the shoulders). This one I did a size smaller for the back, same size as before for the fronts but made the shoulder seam for the smaller size (hope some of that makes sense to you knitters). It fits GREAT and the yarn Madeline Tosh DK was a total splurge (thanks again Dad). I can't wait to wear this in the fall...or winter, whichever comes first.

Mike was travelling for business in Minnesota and actually went into a yarn shop and got me some sock yarn...how wonderful is that?! It's St. Seraphina Twinkle Toes in Bubble Gum. He even told the shop worker (some guy in a pony tail no less) that he didn't want any national brand yarn, because I probably already had that, but some local hand dyed sock yarn.

Um...sorry ladies...he's all mine! This is a man who not only is fearless enough to go into a yarn shop but knows what to buy while in there! And if you weren't jealous enough, he also speaks "knit". He knows what gauge is, too.

Pony tail dude threw in a few freebies, too.

Mike said that this guy showed him some thicker sock yarn, even showed him a sock knit up in the thicker yarn (working hard to make the sale, you know). So Mike says, "Um, we don't really need socks that thick down in Florida." The guy says, "Oh yeah, I guess not." LOL!

And on the subject of things NOT related to knitting...Joey got glasses. So here's the conversation between Joey and Justine after the glasses:

Justine: Joey, you look smarter with glasses.

Joey: Now that I can see you, you look dumber.

The usual.

Friendship Fountain

2011-07-05T19:02:00.004-04:00

The City of Jacksonville spent $3.1 million to renovate this 45 year old landmark...The Friendship Fountain. So we drove downtown and checked it out. The water changes constantly and at night it's lit up beautifully (so I'm told). This picture was taken from the middle of the Main Street Bridge (walking distance from the fountain for those of you not in Jacksonville).
The brick work around the fountain and the park is very nice. Lots of picnic tables under huge oaks for hanging out and enjoying the beautiful view of the fountain, the St. John's River, downtown and across the river...The Jacksonville Landing.

Behind Justine and Mike are the Main Street Bridge, some of the Jax Skyline and The Landing. (It's the view across the River from the fountain.)

No more MODIS on the Modis building...which technically, isn't the Modis Building any more.

It was such a nice day...a little warm, but very nice.

Charlize the Third

2011-07-01T09:11:00.002-04:00

Charlize #3...this time out of Pagewood Farms Denali (colorway Marine Girl).

Today is the start of a four day weekend for me! Lots of running around this morning. Joey needs glasses so I'm taking him to chose a frame and order them. I guess with all the bad-sight genes in the family, it was gonna happen sometime, huh? I'm also picking up race packets for Mike and I. We're going to run in a 4th of July 5K. The race is at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, so with any luck, it'll be cooler and maybe a little cloudy. We've had great thunderstorms the last few days, but we're supposed to dry out for the next few, so we'll see. I'm also picking up a knitting needle from the yarn shop today. I need a size 5, 40 inch for the Camping PI Shawl KAL I'm doing on July 15th. I'm hoping to find an Addi Turbo Lace. We're also going to stop by George's Music Store so Joey can pick up some more picks for his guitar.

Mike suggested a family outing this weekend...possibly tomorrow or Sunday. I'll be sure to post pictures and blog about it. Promise!

Swimming is on the agenda for today, too. I'm hoping all that rain hasn't brought down the temp of the pool too much. I'm such a wimp when it comes to cold water.

Have a great 4th of July! Go see some fireworks!

Movies

2011-06-26T07:27:00.004-04:00

The most amazing thing has happened in our house. The kids are willing to watch movies I recommend. It started a few weeks ago when there was nothing to watch on a Saturday night so I recommended we browse the movies on On Demand...under Directors...specifically, Hitchcock. We settled on Dial M for Murder, then the next week Strangers On a Train (we tried North by Northwest but it wasn't available)...and they loved them! So Friday night, Mike was out biking, Joey was across the street with his second family, and the girls and I were searching for a movie to watch. We were actually browsing all movies on On Demand, alphabetically...well, what the heck, we didn't have much else to do. We got as far as the Bs and then I saw The Bad Seed!! (If Barb is reading this she's probably got a big grin on her face and a squeeee in her heart.)

So we watched The Bad Seed. Now...if you've never seen this movie, STOP READING, cuz I'm gonna talk about the movie and it'll spoil it for you (um, yeah, Spoiler Alert, in other words).

First off, Justine always gives a heavy sigh when the movies are in black and white, I guess she's just not old enough to get that black and white doesn't necessarily mean boring. I think she might be closer to understanding after watching the movie though. The next day she even said, "That girl, mom, she was weird." And weird came out sounding like "scary weird". Watching movies with Justine is like watching movies with my older brother when we were kids. He would always ask, like in the middle of the movie, "Who's that guy?" This would be someone who is, well, a MAIN CHARACTER! Or he would ask Why? about something and my mom would say, "Mike, we've been watching this as long as you have! We don't know either." I guess maybe he thought he had missed something, or we had all figured things out and he better ask what's going on. It would drive me nuts. Well, Justine isn't that bad, but she does get lost sometimes. We usually pause the movie and just check in with her to make sure she understands what's going on. That is actually important to me, cuz when the zingers come, she won't understand if she's not up to speed. Anyway she loved the movie.

Veronica actually gasped when she figured out that the mom was adopted and that her mother was the murderer being discussed by her father and writer friend. She also really appreciated the issue brought up in the movie about Nature v. Nurture. She took psychology last year. (She's now talking about Criminal Psychology when looking at colleges.) She was jokingly saying that she wanted to girl's mom to murder someone, well, she tried to kill her daughter, but it didn't work, did it? V didn't like that it wasn't cut and dried about Nature v. Nurture, but we agreed that that was what was so good about the movie. It's supports both arguments.

Veronica will try to figure out movies. And TV shows. We would have to pause Lost all the time so she could give us her "theories"...some were pretty close to the story line. Most were WAY off...but funny to hear her try to figure things out.

At the end of the movie, after the credits...when that rotten little girl gets her "spanking", we all laughed out loud! Best part of the movie!

Last night it was me, Mike and Veronica and we talked her into watching Alien. Such a good movie...she liked it. Not quite the same as the old black and whites, but a classic.

Wheeee!!

2011-06-22T06:38:00.002-04:00

After years and years of saying I wouldn't have any type of video game in the house...I bought a Wii. Well, I realized that it was gonna be fun for the whole family and I didn't have to buy games that were violent, etc. What I didn't realize was how much friggin' fun it was!!!!

We only have two games; Mario Kart (came with the Wii) and Just Dance 2. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love to dance...even though it's been a while since I've done so. So last night, Joey sets up the Wii and we play some Mario Kart (which I suck at...all driving type video games make me slightly nauseous) THEN Veronica comes home from work (she's working part time at Mike's office for the summer) and wants to set up Just Dance 2. After the kids have a few go rounds, I say I want to try it...

I KICKED ASS ON THIS GAME!!!! I think the kids were totally shocked I could dance and score so high...one song I got 40 points short of getting 100% (10,000 points, I think...I don't understand how it works, I just love the dancing part).

Here's the best: Joey says, "Hey Mom, we finally found a video game YOU can play!"

A side note: Dear Christine...if it weren't for you I would NEVER have bought this new toy. I really just couldn't see the attraction, why was everyone so crazy for this darn Wii thing?! We played Jeopardy at your house, which was a blast, but when we were over at your house for Memorial Day and the girls were doing Just Dance, I knew then we were gonna have to get one. The best excuse in the world for me to dance around the house ever! Thank you!! (You should know, too that last night Mike asked, "Do we have Jeopardy on this thing?" haha, guess I better get that game, too, huh?)

Side note two: Dear Dad...First big purchase with my "pocket money"...I can't thank you enough!! XOXOXOXOX

Weekend Fun

2011-06-21T06:38:00.003-04:00

Last Friday night we went to our first baseball game in Jacksonville! They don't have a Major League team, but they do have a Minor League team called The Suns. Everything was on a smaller scale then what we're used to with The Padres, but we loved it! The stadium was very nice, small vendors and lots to do besides just sit and watch the game. Mike and Joey paid $1 to see how fast they could pitch (Joey was 56, and I think Mike was slower...haha.).
It was St. Patrick's Day in June at the ballpark, hence the green bat give-a-ways. And after the game there were fireworks and...you ready?....Leprechaun Wrestling. We stuck around for both. The fireworks were great and the wrestling....well, it was interesting. One guy (both were little people, not real leprechauns...hey, I never know who's reading this blog) had a HUGE gut, I thought he was gonna crush the other guy.

Mike was in heaven, sitting in a ballpark, watching the home team win, drinking beer and eating peanuts.

On Saturday night, Mike and I went to the Alhambra Dinner Theater and saw The Odd Couple, staring Barry Williams (that's Greg Brady to those of you scratching your heads)!! We sat with the nicest couple (tables of four) from Atlantic Beach, great to talk with and laugh about life and stuff. Barry was great in the play, but the guy who played Felix just stole the show, he was so funny! Barry came on stage after the play and talked with the audience, he just seemed like such a great guy, totally down to earth (must have been all those good values passed down from Mike & Carol Brady). Actually, he did tease about his "affair" with Florence Henderson, it was so funny.

Retro Apron

2011-06-13T21:45:00.001-04:00

I finished my first project with my new sewing machine!

I'll be cookin' with gas in my new apron.

Summer is Here!

2011-06-09T18:10:00.004-04:00

This is the garden sign Mike and the kids made me a few years back when we lived in San Diego. Mike was digging around the garage last week, found it and hung it in the new garden. I guess it should really read, Justine & Brenda's garden now, huh?
Tomatoes are finally turning red! They taste wonderful, too!

My friend was talking about some giant (disgusting) worms she found in her garden! Gross. I hope our luck holds and we stay "pest" free, we'll that is if you don't count Joey.

So today was the official first day of summer, and Justine is already complaining about how booooorrrrred she is and there's nothing to do. My eyes hurt from giving her my best parental eye-roll.

My Birthday

2011-06-07T21:06:00.004-04:00

Today is my birthday. I'm very happy to say that I've made it to my 49th year...and the best is still to be. I feel like there is plenty of great things ahead for me. I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up...

We celebrated my birthday last Saturday, so today was just a normal day. I did go out to lunch...very fun! And I also...

made 100 pigs-in-a-blanket for Justine's sixth grade dance.
You gotta admit...they're pretty cute, huh?

I finished my Sarai shawl this week. Made with Malabrigo Sock.

I finished Donna's Socks of Kindness.

And my Malabrigo Sock Monkeys (no purl version).

My family got me a new sewing machine for my b-day!! I'm starting my first project this weekend, so you can expect some blogging about it soon.

Since some of you will want to know...it's a Kenmore. Just a simple machine, but it's exactly what I wanted! The best is the needle threader...OMG, it's the best invention ever! Ok, I realise I'm probably (probably?!) behind the times, but I've never seen this before. It's my favorite feature on the machine because with my old eyes, I NEED it!

Kitty, tomato and cookies...

2011-06-03T14:57:00.002-04:00

Lyra is keeping Donna's socks warm.
First tomato from the garden!

V making cookies.

Oh my!

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T17:12:00.004-04:00

May 30, 2011 - Memorial Day 5K
We ran in the race this morning! It was my first race since December. All that work to come back from calve pain and knee trouble was totally worth it! I had a great run...ran the entire race and my time was 36:26!! Mike ran with me and his time was 28:20...fantastic! This was a new course for this race and was it ever nice...mostly shady and few hills. There weren't too many runners either. Sometimes there are so many runners that maneuvering around people can be kinda scary. Mike had a tougher time with that than me, so next race he's gonna start more toward the front of the pack. I like to start in the back, it forces me to stay slow and steady, that way I have some energy left at mile 2 to push ahead toward the finish.

And my number? 747...I was destined to run like a jet plane!

The rest of Memorial Day was spent relaxing, knitting, going for a drive and swimming in the pool with the family. A great day! Hope your holiday was fun too.

Oh Baby!

2011-05-24T07:09:00.002-04:00

This baby was roaming around the church where I work. He (or could be a she) is no doubt the product of two much larger gopher tortoises that live on the church grounds. The parents have dug three or four holes that lead to their home underground. This little one was so cute! He sat on my desk and other than having a pee didn't do much, but the minute he was picked up he poked his head out and started waving his legs around. We all just cracked up. Hopefully we'll get to watch him and his siblings (if there are any) grow up. That is if my job and their lives hold out!

Spiffy

2011-05-21T18:17:00.002-04:00

All dressed up for the band banquet Friday night.
Sharp lookin' bunch!

HELP!!!

2011-05-20T06:37:00.004-04:00

HELP! It's happening again! You know, this obsession/possession problem I have with knitting. I just bought another pattern by Vanessa Smith called Sarai. I have some yarn in my stash perfect for this project...Malabrigo Sock in a deep olive-y with a few other dark colors thrown in (colorway called alcaucil, if that helps). I'm gonna wind it up today and get started...help! No way can I knit this beauty in a weekend, not this weekend at least. I have alot going on, thank God, otherwise my hands might fall off.

Here's a picture of the shawl. The solid parts will really show off the beautiful colors of the Mal Sock. I'm hooked on this designer!! Her patterns are extremely well written, charts are beautiful, too. Love the way they drape on the bod, too! This shawl has choices for different borders. Woohoo!!

Pretty huh? Gotta go get by swift and ball winder and get going!! HELP!

Charlize

2011-05-17T18:55:00.002-04:00

It's probably no surprise to any of you that I have an obsession with knitting. Sometimes I'm so obsessed, I'm possessed! I saw this pattern while browsing around Ravelry on Friday. Well, I'd seen it before and thought it looked nice...but when I saw it on Friday something snapped in my brain. I bought the pattern, grabbed yarn from the stash and started knitting. I knit most of the day on Friday (my day off, and I also catch up on my shows on Fridays). Then a little on Saturday night...it was family movie night which meant pizza and The Green Hornet...more knit time. Then I finished it Sunday night watching the finale of Survivor: Redemption Island. My hands were hurting on Saturday from my feverish knitting, but I couldn't stop! So I popped a few Advil and kept at it. Believe me, no one in my knit group will be surprised at the speed in which I knit this...they'll probably ask, "What took you so long to finish?"

The pattern is called Charlize by Vanessa Smith. It's very well written, includes both written instructions and charts (which I prefer). I knit mine with Pagewood Farms Denali (sock yarn) in the colorway called Woodsy.

Charlize has beautiful drape...just hugs the shoulders perfectly.

I'd cast on another again in a heartbeat. Don't pass up on this one!

Garden Tales

2011-05-15T11:35:00.003-04:00

Can you believe this oak was a volunteer? Our neighbor has a huge live oak tree and a little sprout (ok...a million sprouts) come up yearly in our yard. A couple years ago Mike planted one in the other corner of the back yard. Amazing how big it's grown in such a short time.
Justine's tree, his name is Andrew. He seems to really like that corner of the yarn, by Justine's fort. She just loves to watch him grow...she puts flowers from the garden in his branches and also decorates him with her wooden jewelry.

The garden is growing! We've got tomatoes, green beans, peppers and crook neck squash. Nothing is ready for pickin' yet, but we're watching and waiting. Hopefully, Gracie won't eat the tomatoes before we get a chance to pick them. Or any other critter for that matter.

Pickin' weeds and fertilizing. Gracie is supervising.

Squash growin'!!

The weather has cooled a bit here after a big storm blew through here yesterday. This next week should be beautiful! Good running weather, too.

How are things in your neck of the woods?

Marcia! Marcia! Marcia!

2011-05-13T14:34:00.001-04:00

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

The cucumber was wonderful!

Socks and The Future

2011-05-10T16:46:00.003-04:00

I cast on a new sock this week...well, two new socks, but I only have a picture of this one. It's knit with Malabrigo Sock...one of my favorite sock yarns. It's a darker color than I usually knit, but I find myself drawn to the "darkside" lately. The pattern is Monkey by Cookie A., well not exactly...it's the no-purl version of Monkey.
This is Hayrick by Anne Hansen. This sock fits so well, and the pattern was easy to follow. I plugged in my own heel (eye of partridge) and toe (regular toe). I think the pattern has a short row heel...not my favorite.

So I was thinking today. My job might not last too much longer (reeeeeally long story, not worth the time to share) so I was thinking about all the things I could get done this summer if I wasn't working four days a week. I thought of quick easy projects, long involved and expensive projects, things to knit and/or sew, etc. I thought I'd make a list to remind me, just in case the time comes where time is something I have alot of...

re-do the hall bathroom

finish my Bridgewater Shawl

organize the roll top desk

go through the "craft" shelf in the garage and get rid of/give away/organize stuff to keep

paint the trim of the house (ok, this REALLY is out of my realm of possibilities)

organize the stuff under my bed

organize the hall closet

organize my stash (again)

rearrange the furniture

clean my bathroom cabinet

clean/organize my bedroom closet (jeez...I thought I WAS organized!)

teach myself to draw (a book is involved)

paint on a regular basis

get a cool sewing book and start sewing cool stuff (provided I get a new sewing machine)

How many months is summer anyway?

Cummer

2011-05-04T17:12:00.002-04:00

The Cummer Museum and Gardens

Just go...it's so pretty!! The museum part is good too. :D

Hoppy Easter

2011-04-24T15:49:00.002-04:00

Happy Easter!!

All is good here in Florida...sun in shining, the pool is sparkling (and warming up!), the house is clean and ready for Mary Lou and Al's visit on Tuesday. Yeah!! The Easter Egg Hunt is on hold while Mike and Veronica wash my car (God love them.). Mike and I stuffed, oh um...the Easter Bunny stuffed 124 eggs last night with candy. One egg had three dollars in it, we're curious to see who finds it and if they decide to share a dollar each with their siblings. Hummm...

The vegetable garden is thriving, many blooms in anticipation of veggies to come. We have 4 different pepper plants, two tomatoes, green beans and one crooked neck squash (a nod to Nana-Reba). I would love to say the green beans are contender beans, and make a double-nod to Nana-Reba, but they're just normal bush beans bought from the store, not imported from the great state of Texas. Veronica insisted we plant green beans (she always does), because she loves to pick them right off the plant and eat them. And all the kids love to stick the beans to their shirts, too (the little "hairs" on the beans work like Velcro and stick to your shirt...very fun).

Gotta go and hide eggs...

Hope your Easter is a hoppy one!

Going Camping

2011-04-15T06:52:00.005-04:00

As usual, I fell in love with a sweater pattern and am using yarn from the stash that was originally intended for another pattern. My new love is Corinne. Knit from side to side all in garter with short rows (no wrapping) for shaping. I couldn't resist the interesting construction, cute style and come on, it's all in garter stitch! I'm trying to channel my inner Jared Flood so my garter stitch is awesome like his. He's a big-time knit designer and I just love his patterns and style...check him out on Ravelry as Brooklyntweed.

I'm making Corinne out of Knitpicks Shine Sport in a deep royal blue, it's a cotton/nylon blend so should be good for Florida weather. I've just finished one front and am about an inch into the first sleeve. This picture is the one from Knitty (free pattern btw) and is knit with Madeline Tosh DK. WAY, WAY out of my price range, unfortunately. MadTosh is one of my favorite yarns...the ToshSock is to die for...and the DK is gorgeous, colors that make you drool. Sigh...someday.

Here's a sock pic I promised. It's Shur'tugal by Alice Yu. I knit it with ToshSock in the color way called Espadrilles...kinda pinky-salmony color. Mike bought it for me for Valentine's Day. Does that man know how to shop for yarn or what?! It was a great pattern to knit, easy enough but interesting...check out that heel! The pattern has a great fit, nice and stretchy. I am so grateful to Ravelry and designers like Alice who offer such quality patterns at no cost.

Here's my Alaskan Honey Bee! I do tend to think of this yarn as the "watermelon" yarn, but it is indeed from Alaska. Imported by my mom on one of her cruises. It is amazingly soft, a blend of merino and silk. I tried three other patterns before finding Honeybee Cardigan by Laura Chau. Why so many patterns? Because of the darn pooling of the colors! This pattern is working out great...I just finished the body portion last night and as you can see from the pic, the colors pool rather nicely. It's a seamless knit, casting on at the lower edge, knitting the body in one piece. Then you make the sleeves (next for me...there may be some interesting pooling because they're knit in stockinette, but with the small circumference, I'm hoping it won't look weird). You join all three pieces (one body, two sleeves) and knit the bodice with set-in sleeves to the neck. Fun construction!

I'm knitting this on my Addi Lace size 4 needle. The grip of the lace needle helps so much with the slickness of the merino/silk blend. Last week at knitting I got a couple of "Oooo...it's so soft!" comments. Thanks again mom for the yarn!

Can you see how the pattern resembles the shape of bees? It looks difficult and hard to do, but truthfully, it's SO easy...I even have it memorized, which I usually never do with even the simplest of patterns.

So there's a knitting update for ya'll. I have socks I'm working on too. Like four pairs. I'm nuts, I know. I really need to finish my Bridgewater shawl...OH! Want to see my Pi shawl?

I love how it turned out! Yarn is Pagewood Farms Willow, a lace weight wool in pretty fall colors. Another yarny gift from my wonderful mom (she's got good taste, huh?). One skein is all it took to make this beauty...ok, one BIG skein of 1350 yards!

There's another Pi shawl I'm thinking about next...it's called Pi Shawl: Camping. It's one of six free Pi Shawl patterns that Mwaa Knit released in honor of Elizabeth Zimmerman's 100th Anniversary. The pattern I did was one of them...Gull Wings (I love this pattern.). You can find all six here.

There's something about knitting a circular shawl the EZ way. It's simple yet the "wow" factor is off the charts. You have to pay attention (or use tons of markers), but usually the patterns are simple enough that it's hard to get lost. Elizabeth does recommend doing a pi shawl in July in her book The Knitters Almanac. It's self contained (just throw your ball of yarn into the pouch the shawl creates) and easy to travel with, too. A group of gals on Ravelry are going to start up a Pi Camping Trip KAL in July and knit this lovely shawl:

I have yarn in the stash for this, too. It's Shadow by Knitpicks (merino wool) in a colorway called Deep Waters Tonal. Deep to mid tones of blues and purples. Yummy!

I may just join them.

Click!

2011-03-26T16:34:00.002-04:00

I took a few pictures on our outing today...
The lions are here! The lions are here!
The Lions Bridge in St. Augustine is looking better and better...especially now that the lions are here! We drove to St. Augustine to check them out and to see some Spinners at the Visitor's Center, but it was just too darn crowded to find parking. So we drove through town, saw what we wanted and high-tailed it out of there.

The park areas on either side of the bridge are still under construction, but you can see tons of progress. We noticed some new palm trees around the American Legion building and it looks like more are going to go around the Ponce de Leon statue, too.

Then on the way home we spotted the Weinermobile!!

Totally awesome!

Cheap Chicks

2011-03-25T17:04:00.002-04:00

While checking out the fliers that come with my daily paper, I ran across this one from Tractor Supply. Never in my life have I seen advertisements for chickens (well, chicks not chickens, I guess)! And they're dirt cheap! There's no denying that I'm a "city girl", I thought this was so funny (Carol...stop laughing!). But it was the cheap price that got my wheels turning. There was a starter kit you could buy if you wanted to start raising your own chicks, and it was only $19.99. I was really tempted...but we have enough darn animals around this farm as it is!

So if you want fresh eggs, this is how you get started...

Eiki

2011-03-17T08:29:00.003-04:00

This gorgeous shawl is called Eiki (strength). The talented designer is donating all the proceeds to relief efforts in Japan. I bought it yesterday and cast on...and thinking/praying with every stitch for those poor people in Japan while they work though this catastrophe. Join me!

Hey!

2011-03-10T06:09:00.002-05:00

This is the winter drumline...Velocity! Guess you probably figured that out by their t-shirts, huh? Can you spot my two? Veronica is on the bottom row, second from left and Joey middle row far right.

Not too much to report around here...I'm still working (taking it one day at a time while things are crazy at work), busy with kids, knitting a ton, knees hurting so not alot of running, but some biking...same old, same old.

I'm so glad today is Thursday. Tomorrow is my day off and I'm doing the usual...laundry, catching up on recorded shows (CSI, Survivor and Hawaii Five-O, if it's a new one). I really tried to resist Survivor this time, but with Boston Rob coming back, how could I possibly?!

So yesterday was Ash Wednesday. Did you go to church for your yearly reminder that we are all but dust. Not butt-dust! Ok, that's a funny joke around the office, maybe not so much if you don't work at a church. Oh well. Don't quit my day job, right? Are you giving up something for Lent? I remember one time in church, the priest talking about "giving up" for Lent, and he suggested maybe doing something that was difficult or a struggle, instead of just giving something up. I thought that made much more sense and would probably be harder to do. I'm not doing either. I don't go to church at all these days, so I've taken myself out of the loop, so to speak.

On the knitting front, I just finished a pair of socks (pics to come, promise) and have a couple pair in the works for b-days coming up for friends. I'm working on a new sweater, too. Trying VERY hard to resist casting on another shawl (Girasole by Jared Flood), I really should finish by Bridgewater before I cast on another biggie. I may start a pair of mitts though...starteritis, I got it bad!

Have a great weekend...I maybe back before then to post knit pics.

The Lastest

2011-02-21T07:24:00.003-05:00

This platform is for Justine...she wanted a place to hang out "in the trees" to read, draw, whatever. Mike has made it extremely sturdy, and after a coat of sealer, it'll be ready for any "decorations" she wants to add. I'll post more photos as things progress. This is right outside her bedroom window, under HER tree...a sycamore tree named Andrew. Lyra likes to sit on the window sill and watch all the activity.
Blackrose socks...Pagewood Farms yarn...toasty, purple-ie toes.

This is a Ribbon Lace Scarf out of some hand dyed fingering weight Knitpicks yarn...Imagination, I think. I might be alittle late on this...our weather is starting to warm up.

The weather here is perfect...highs in the high-70s and lows in the 50s (I call it San Diego weather). Mike and I went on a 20 mile bike ride yesterday. We stayed in town and went down 17 to Governor's Creek. 17 is a busy, busy road...I was alittle nervous with all the cars zooming past. I didn't crash or fall (always a good thing).

You might now know, but I have been having trouble with my knee lately, well since November really. After seeing an orthopedist and having it MRI'd, the good news is I don't need surgery but I do have ITBS...Iliotibial Band Syndrome. It's a fiberous band that runs from the hip, down the outside of the leg and can cause trouble for runners. The cure is stretching and not pushing too hard (ice, too). So I'm going to take it easy, build slowly, stretch that band like a crazy woman and start moving!

I think I might start a new sweater today and go for a run.

What are you up to?

Sienna Cardi

2011-02-12T13:40:00.002-05:00

I finished a sweater...Sienna Cardigan by Ann E. Smith. The yarn is from Knit Picks...Gloss Heavy Weight. At 4 sts/inch, it just flew off the needles. It's soft and warm...I think it's gonna be a new favorite.

Gonzilla the Knitter

2011-01-18T16:35:00.003-05:00

Godzilla the Knitter strikes! Here I'm knitting some ear-warmers for Mike so when he's riding his bike on Tuesday nights he won't freeze...well, at least his ears will be warm. So I get to a point where I need to add a new ball, and being the clever knitter I am, I decide to do a Russian Join. I've attached a link, hope it works. It is designed to join the two ends of yarn (one from the working ball and a new ball) so you have a smooth transition and no ends to weave in.

The Godzilla part? I linked my working yarn with the TAIL!! I have done this join MANY times and never had this happen. You should have heard my family laughing...it was pretty funny.
Here's another PicnicKnits pattern...Sideswept! This beautiful yarn I got from my Secret Santa, Cathy. The yarn is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock.

These are my first attempt at a short-row heel. The pattern is Anastasia by MintyFresh. Another wonderful freebie on Ravelry! These are toe-up and the twist in the pattern goes in different directions for each sock. Super clever and easy pattern, but that darn short-row heel!! The first one was a struggle, so naturally, I put off doing the second one for a few weeks. When I finally got around to it, it took me several tries, frogging a bit, then finally it clicked, and I was on my way! I even did the double wraps without a crochet hook (told you it was a struggle). I'm about to wind a new ball of sock yarn to tackle another MintyFresh pattern called Leyburn Socks. Shevon from knitting did them and they were sooooo cute!! Casting on tonight!

New Bike!!

2011-01-12T05:57:00.002-05:00

I finally figured out how to download pictures from my new phone! Here's one of Lyra in the Christmas Tree. Once the lights, garland and ornaments were down, we let her climb to her heart's content....and she loved it! She would climb to the top and just sit there watching us from her perch. I kinda hated to take the tree apart and put it away, she just had so much fun with it.
Here's my NEW BIKE!! Mike said he had been putting money aside for months and watching Craig's List for some good deals on used bikes. This is a 2004 Giant, but the gal who owned it only rode it a few times, hurt her back and there the bike sat. It's in good shape, but needs some work (new cables, etc.) He switched out my saddle and pedals, too.
I rode it for the first time (a real ride, not just around the neighborhood) last Sunday. Jen, Mike and I went to the Baldwin Trail for a short ride. The bike did great, but I had trouble switching gears on the front derailer...will have the bike shop check that too. And talk about FAST! Just cruising along and I was amazed to see I was going 15 mph. The biggest problem with Sunday was the temperature...it was 48 degrees! We were bundled up and really, after the first 1.5 miles, I felt fine. Then on the way back, we had a HUGE head-wind...brutal! There's a "hill" we go down toward the end, and usually we reach speeds in the 20s...I think I was going 11 mph and really working hard against that wind.
It was so fun to get out and ride. My knee felt fine, too. The run on Saturday had me in alot of pain on Sunday morning, but the ride didn't bother it much.
Going to see a doctor soon about the knee...I miss running without pain.

Welcome 2011

2011-01-04T06:54:00.002-05:00

A belated Happy New Year to everyone!!

I had a great Christmas...it was wonderful to not have to go visiting family all day and just hang out in our pj's and play with our toys. We talked with family in California...miss seeing them, that's for sure. Santa was very good to me...I got a new road bike! Well, used, but like new, the previous owner only road it a few times, hurt her back so there it sat for a few years. My mechanic (aka Mike) is waiting on a part and it'll be ready for some serious riding. A ton of minor adjustments need to be made to the handle bars and seat, but it won't be long before I'm riding fast and comfortable. Mike also made me three shawl pins for Christmas. They're beautiful! I really needed them...I'll get some pics soon. I got a skein of MadTosh Sock from Santa and a gift cert for Knitpicks from my little bro, Kurt. Already spent the gift cert and got yarn for a shawl, socks and sweater...thanks Kurtie!! We finally broke down and got Joey a cell phone...he went bananas! Loved it! Everyone was very generous to me and my family.

New Year's was fun...we got together with some friends and played games...and ate...and drank (some, but not too much). The kids played some, did the computer game stuff and just hung out with their friends. The two games we played were Harry Potter Uno and Balderdash! If you've never played either...go get em! We're re-discovering how fun it is to play games. When was the last time you played a game with your family or friends? I have to admit, it's so much more fun with the kids being older.

So, 2011. How's it treating you so far? I'm excited for the new year. I'm looking forward to training this spring/summer and racing, too. No big goals this year as far as that goes...I'd like to keep doing 5Ks and work toward a 10K. I'd like to race in two big races, Duathlons this year, not Triathlons. I'll continue to swim as a cross train, but not in competition. I'm going to incorporate Yoga into my routine, too. It'll help with flexibility and hopefully help prevent injury. I'd like to try some new knitting techniques and make a few items that I haven't tried (or haven't knit in a long, long time). I would also like to start up with my painting and drawing again. Really miss it. Hopefully, I will continue to have a job this year, but if not, we'll work it out. So far, so good.

I hope you're looking forward to some fun this New Year...anything is possible!

Cookie Decorating City, Sweetheart!

2010-12-22T17:58:00.000-05:00

Casa de Pirie the Second

2010-12-21T18:25:00.002-05:00

Before....

After! Here's the back door.

Side view of the front.

Front door...come visit any time!

Count down begins....

2010-12-20T06:43:00.002-05:00

With Christmas approaching fast, less than a week now, I'm constantly running through the "lists" in my head. I'm in good shape, getting-ready-wise, but the lists are always there "Don't forget this!" "Don't forget that!". And here I am up at my usual time (butt-crack of dawn), the kids still asleep...I just can't sleep in.

Today I HAVE to mail my last package after work. I bought a Gingerbread House kit for the kids, so that needs to be put together (by them, not me...haha) probably today or tomorrow. Gotta hit the grocery store for some serious shopping, in preparation for Wednesday. Wednesday is Christmas Baking Day! Thursday is up in the air...then it's Christmas Eve! I only work Monday and Tuesday this week, so I'm very thankful for that! I'm picking up coffee for me and Diane this morning, too. We'll need it...baby it's cold outside!

There was frost on everything this morning! Veronica calls it "Florida snow". Mike even had ice on his windshield. Burr! It's wool for me today...socks, scarf, mitts, sweater, etc.

Here's some very cool news on the Band Front: The band has been invited to Tallahassee for the Governor's Inauguration Parade on January 4th! Awesome! I guess word of their Championship status got all the way to Tallahassee. Gov-to-be Rick Scott is one lucky devil to have them!

Shopping

2010-12-15T08:24:00.004-05:00

Last night was my last big shopping trip for Christmas. I really wanted to get it done before the weekend when everyone and their mother will be out shopping. I went right after work and was home by six...sweet! Everything fell into place, I got exactly what I wanted for everyone and a few unexpected things, too. It was one of those shopping trips where, as I started to acquire bags, I got warm so I had to carry my coat, too...and my purse. I couldn't decide which was more worn out, my feet or my arms! Usually I don't wear a coat because I know I'll have to carry it around, but it was 46 degrees at 3pm yesterday...burrr!!!

I went into one store to get some stocking stuffers for the girls and I literally could barely make it around the display carousels. I was knocking stuff off...it wasn't pretty. I have no idea how people get around in that store...I had bags and stuff, but if you were a big person with bags and stuff, you wouldn't be able to move through the store. Ugh.

What's for dinner Wednesday is kinda fallen by the wayside. I'm trying to come up with something fun for blogging for the New Year. Any ideas out there? Oh, dinner tonight? Left overs. There's ravioli, potato soup, spaghetti, grilled ham and cheese, Caesar salad and chicken nuggets...take your pick. Think I'll have soup and salad. Then off to knitting! Yeah!!

Stay warm today, if you're somewhere where it's cold (like here). If you're somewhere it's warm, well pftttt to you!

Festival of Lights 5K

2010-12-12T07:59:00.003-05:00

Last night Mike and I ran the Festival of Lights 5K with Jen & Archie. It was so cold...still we started running, then it was rather nice. Talk about crowded...over 3, 000 runners. It took almost a mile before it thinned out enough to run comfortably. My left knee is giving me some pain, so between that and the crowd, my time wasn't so great. I went into the race knowing it would be bad, but that's ok with me. The route was so nice...a little dark at times but the entire route was lined with luminaries. Very cool! I really enjoyed the run. At the finish there was this crushing sea of people...that was a little uncomfortable, but luckily Mike found me quickly. Afterwards, we all went out for dinner!

I think next year I'll do this again, but get more into the spirit of the run and dress up. Some people had on pajamas, red/white stripped socks, Santa hats, etc. There were runners with Christmas lights attached to themselves! It was a big family run, so TONS of strollers and dogs...and kids! I saw so many kids running (with little whining) and having a blast. One stroller was decked out with Christmas lights...so cute!

Mike's time: 32:53
My time: 42:32

Eagle Harbor Christmas Parade

2010-12-11T13:03:00.001-05:00

Veronica's alter-ego...symbol playing band member when not playing marimba.
Trumpet dude...who forgot to wear his Santa Hat his mother knit for him.

Two weeks from tonight...

2010-12-10T07:35:00.001-05:00

Two weeks from tonight is Christmas Eve!

HO-HO-HO!!

Science Fair

2010-12-10T07:27:00.003-05:00

My chocolate covered peanut brittle came in the mail yesterday. To say it's delicious is an understatement. The brittle part has tons of peanuts, and it's not too hard...covered with milk chocolate; it's a great combination. Mike loves it, I mean he LOVES IT! I have a feeling it will go fast.

Last night was the Science Fair Awards Dinner at Justine's school. The dinner was a complimentary spaghetti dinner...not bad either. Justine didn't win any awards, but it was fun to see the kids who did...they were super excited about science (go figure!). Some of the experiments were very clever. Nine kids made it to the district level and will compete again. We really are so proud of Justine, she stayed organized and on schedule with her project (with little to no nagging from yours truly). SHE was very proud of her project and that was very cool to see.

Going Christmas shopping today...wish me luck!
And on a date with my husband tonight...woohoo!!

Fish Hat for William

2010-12-08T16:59:00.001-05:00

I finished William's hat for Christmas!
I hope he likes dead fish.

Christmas Concert

2010-12-08T06:52:00.002-05:00

Last night was the Christmas Concert for the band and choir. A little too much choir, if you ask me, but I am a band parent so...
Joey had a solo in the concert band performance (Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas) and he also played in the Jazz Band. Jazz band is so awesome! They sound great and get the audience all charged up. Joey was one of five trumpets, who stood up the entire time during the jazz band performance...it was great, because we could see him! And when concert band played, since he's First Chair, he sat on the end and we could watch him the whole time.

Veronica played with the percussion ensemble and the symphonic band. When she plays with the whole band, she's always in the very back and usually plays auxiliary (all those funny sounds that make Christmas music so fun). They played Sleigh Ride and Veronica did the bells the whole time. A mom next to me asked if Vs arms fell off after jingling those bells through the whole song...haha.

Waiting.

2010-12-07T08:15:00.003-05:00

This is what happens when you have The World's Best Mom. She sends you Chocolate Covered Peanut Brittle. It's on its way, so I'm trying hard not to stand by window and watch...and wait.

It's almost cold enough outside this morning to build one of these guys...if we had snow, that is.

You-Know

2010-12-06T06:52:00.004-05:00

He's making a list and checking it twice!

Oh crap...missed blogging yesterday. Hope you'll forgive me. I was so busy...took Joey shopping for his "concert band" out fit. He looks like Johnny Cash...head to toe black. Pic to come soon. I baked yesterday and had the Bunco ladies over for a little Christmas party. We didn't play Bunco, because currently we're short 4 players, but we did play Harry Potter UNO. The ladies from England who brought the game, pronounce the name as You-know, which was cracking us Americans up! By the end of the third game we were yelling: You-know UNO! It was super fun, but I lost miserably (probably a good thing we weren't keeping score).

Me, the kids and the tree

2010-12-04T19:45:00.003-05:00

We went to Christmas on Walnut Street tonight. Mike took this cute picture of me, the kids and our JaxKnits tree.

Day of the Dead Fella

2010-12-03T06:51:00.003-05:00

This is a new ornament I bought this summer when we were visiting family in San Diego. It was at a little shop in Old Town. I always forget about Old Town when I think of San Diego, but it's a really cool place. San Diego Avenue, which runs down the middle of Old Town was built over a huge cemetery, part of which still exists. I find that creepy, driving over a road that's paved over where people are buried. Ewww. It also has one of the most haunted buildings in the country: The Whaley House. Regis Philbin used to be a local news-magazine type person in SD and one time he tried to stay over night in the Whaley House. He couldn't do it! Got scared and had to leave...too funny! There are some of the best Mexican Restaurants in town there plus tons of shopping. This little guy looks like he's celebrated Dia de los Muertos pretty hard...Corona still stuck to his clothes. I just couldn't resist him! I found him in an old fashioned Tin Shop.

There's no yarn shop, but there's a Tequila Museum in Old Town. I know some knitters who would love that!

Gingerbread Lane

2010-12-02T06:53:00.002-05:00

I have one of those artsy-fartsy kids, one who from the start could paint, read, color, draw and write. Now she's also into photography and decorating. She's been writing stories in journals for years and will spend hours drawing...alone in her room, perfectly happy. It's Justine. She's also my drama queen...go figure.

This little house is from a kit we got at Michaels. It's one of three that she built.

I love the photo, it looks like it's taken at night with stars twinkling in the back ground. (That's our big Christmas tree making the "star" effect.)

Our knit group decorated the tree in GCS for Christmas on Walnut Street, which starts on Saturday. It was dark and very cold. My fingers were numb! A bit of a challenge too, because we had to do it by flashlight! We did the job though, zip tied all the garlands and ornaments to the tree, in an effort to stop any thieves. After, we drove to FI for some knitting and coffee at Starbucks (the one in GCS was closed...still can't believe that!). Fun!

NO STOPPING IT NOW!

2010-12-01T06:50:00.003-05:00

Well, here it is, December 1st. Christmas is a mere 24 days away. I've only bought one Christmas gift, but I do have my Christmas trees and decorations AND lights up. Did you catch that? Yes, this year we have two trees. We've had a fake tree for years (since the year the water stand leaked and ruined my hard wood floor), so this year I requested we get a small real tree. Lord knows we have plenty of ornaments. I could probably have three and still have plenty, only problem is space...where would I put a third tree?!

Anyway, I'm going to post every day till Christmas! It'll be something related to Christmas...a picture, something fun and Christmas-ie we did as a family or with friends. Hope you enjoy it! A couple years ago I did this, but I featured a different ornament each day. It was in 2008 if you want to take a peek.

This is what setting up the fake tree looks like in our house. They eventually got it set up.

Christmas just isn't Christmas unless these three Santas are hanging up! My mom had a set of these when we were growing up (still does, in fact) and us kids would jump to see which one we could reach...this would change over the years as we grew taller. One year I copied them and made a set for me and my three siblings. One of my coolest gifts ever, if I do say so myself.

Now my kids are jumping to see which one they can reach...very cool.

What's for dinner Wednesday? Tacos tonight! Then our knit group is heading down to Green Cove Springs to decorate our tree for the Parade of Trees. You can look for an update on that tomorrow.

Bad Kitty!

2010-11-28T08:44:00.001-05:00

Just thought you might want to know what Lyra's been up to lately.

BUSTED!

Family Traits

2010-11-28T08:30:00.002-05:00

There's something about Mike's family that compels them to photograph people while they're eating. Really annoying, especially when you've got a mouth full of food! I think the trait has kicked in in my own kids! They took these photos...

Justine about to shovel food in...

Oops...caught you, Mary Lou!

This was just before we sat down to eat. Everything turned out great. It was touch and go for a while, and here's why: I didn't have a turkey baster!! Ok, if you've never cooked a turkey, you probably don't know that this kitchen tool is essential for taking out the turkey "juices" and adding them to a pot to be used later for gravy. I guess I forgot I threw my old one out.

I was struggling to spoon out the juices (and not very successfully, I might add). Then, I called my mom to wish her a Happy Thanksgiving and told her about not having a baster. She says, "Tell your driving teenager to go to Walmart and get you a baster!" So I did. It was smooth sailing from then on...you see, you're never too old to get advice from your mother.

Here's my helper in the kitchen!

Turkey Day!

2010-11-25T10:23:00.004-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to you! I miss my California family, but I'm so grateful to have Mike's folks here to celebrate with us. Hi to everyone at mom's house today...we miss you guys so much!!

Are you going shopping on Black Friday? If you are, please be careful! Drink plenty of coffee so you're wide awake for those bargains you couldn't live without at 3am in the morning. Yeah, did you see that...Kohl's is opening up at 3am! Good grief!

I'm not shopping on Black Friday...not sure what we're doing. We're probably start on our Christmas decorating. The kids have a football game that night, a play-0ff game. We probably won't go because it's supposed to rain. The weather is supposed to cool off, too. Highs going down to the 60s and lows into the 30s...oh good! Bring on the wool!!

Have a fun, safe holiday!

Wonderful Wednesday!

2010-11-25T10:17:00.003-05:00

We celebrated Al's 77th Birthday last night!
Wednesday's dinner was chicken tacos!!

We went to Green Cove Springs and walked around Spring Park. The weather was beautiful...the sun was shining and the water was sparkling!

So what do you think...would this make a good Christmas card or what?!

MaryLou and Al enjoying their vacation!

Playing and Knitting

2010-11-24T06:49:00.004-05:00

Mike's folks arrived safe and sound Monday evening. Tuesday we just hung out at home, playing games, knitting, eating a lovely lunch on the patio and just catching up.

Mary Lou said she got pulled aside at the SD airport for a "pat down". She had surgery on her knee a couple years ago and it always sets off the machine. Anyway, she said the gal was very polite, explained everything she was gonna do before she did it and for the most part it wasn't all together totally unpleasant. She didn't think it was any big deal. Good to know. I hope it never happens to me though.

These pictures were taken at our local park. Lucky for us, we have a park within walking distance of the neighborhood. If we lived in the city of Jacksonville, this would be a non-issue. Jacksonville has the largest urban park system in the country. Want to see how many? Go here.

I knit a sock yesterday:

This is Anastasia.

Kelly have me the pattern and I finally gave it a try. It has a short-row toe and heel (toe up sock). I did a regular toe (Turkish cast on and inc around). I tried something new though, I did the short-row heel! It took a couple tries, but I had my Wendy Toe Up book close at hand, and that really helped. On the second half of the heel, when you knit/purl the double wraps...ugh! What a pain. I had the crochet hook out for help on that one. It looks pretty good, but I will probably stick with the slip-stitch heel in the future. The pattern on this sock wraps around the leg...very cool! It's easy to memorize, too. I love the look of the pattern with the subtle striping of the yarn. The yarn is Knit Picks Tonal.

Happy Monday!

2010-11-22T07:14:00.000-05:00

Sabado Gigante!

2010-11-21T15:33:00.005-05:00

Saturday was great!

Veronica and Joey had their last band competition of the year, Championships in Tampa. They made 5th place in their class in prelims (drumline got 2nd) which qualified them for finals! They were so excited about just making it to finals that they were totally unprepared for the rush of joy when the band placed FIRST in their class and 5th over all in the State of Florida!!!!!!! They can't stop talking about it. They had a great season.

Now they're looking forward to Winter Drumline aka VELOCITY!!

Mike, Jen and I did the McKenzie RUN. There were over 2,000 participants. I couldn't believe the amount of people! It was difficult to run; I usually enjoy the scenery when I'm out for a run, but this crazy race...I spent the whole time dodging people (mostly walkers). My finish time was just over 35 minutes, which was great for me. I ran almost the entire time, which was also good for me. Mike had a great time, and got just over 30 minutes!!

Here we are before the race!

Um, it must be the camera or lighting, cuz I swear, my legs aren't that white!

What's Happening

2010-11-19T15:34:00.004-05:00

This week has been very busy. I didn't even post my Wednesday dinner! Yikes! We're getting everything ready for MaryLou and Al (in-laws) to visit. The house is kinda torn apart for the carpets to finish drying. I get a bit frazzled when my little world isn't in order, but I'm coping. Today I cleaned the fridge and pantry. The BIG CLEAN will happen this weekend. Now, I know if my MIL, MaryLou reads this, she'll say, "Oh, don't go to all that trouble." I love her. It's because I do that I clean for her! Oh, and Al, too. haha

Here's the latest on the computer: Mike got us a new version of Windows xp and now we're back on the old computer. Good thing, the temporary one was attacked by a virus...pretty nasty stuff. Um, not nasty-nasty, just extremely invasive. Anyway, we're still waiting for him put the old files back on the computer, but that may take a while. Hey, it's been since July, so I know how to be patient.

Here's a goofy pic of me with the beret I knit for Charlotte's mom who is going through chemo. A head with no hair needs a soft hat, don't you think? Here's the pattern if you're interested...another wonderful freebie on Ravelry. Thanks for the photo, Jen!!

I just finished another one, for me, of course. It's blocking but if you want to see the pattern go here. It's red! I used "Vintage" from Berocco...a wool/acrylic blend. Very soft.

Velocity Update

2010-11-16T06:56:00.004-05:00

Veronica and Joey had Velocity (winter drumline) tryouts on Saturday. They got the results yesterday. Veronica will be in the "pit" again and will either play vibes or marimba, apparently she won't know till she gets her music. Joey is playing cymbals. There are 20 kids total.

The music is going to be songs you know...the kids couldn't remember them all, but one is Dream On. I guess it's going to take on a "darker" theme, in contrast to last years "Love in Suspension" theme. The first practice is the first Monday back after Thanksgiving. They're super excited! Me too!!

Happy Mama

2010-11-11T17:06:00.002-05:00

I had some company knitting today. No kidding...they wanted to knit without any prompting from me. Sweet...a knitting mom's dream come true!

What's for Dinner Wednesday!

2010-11-10T14:48:00.003-05:00

I actually had a couple requests for last weeks dinner recipe, Tuna Broccoli Casserole...so here it is. It's just a guideline, but don't panic, it's really hard to mess up.

Tuna Broccoli Casserole

1 can tuna, drained

broccoli (about 2 cups chopped, fresh or frozen...fresh is better cuz you get the crunch, but frozen works, too)

Elbow pasta...or any kind of small pasta (not spag noodles, in other words) about 1.5 cups uncooked

1 can cream of mushroom soup

french fried onions

2 cups grated cheese (cheddar or jack)

milk

Cook the pasta just under al dente (it'll finish cooking in the casserole). While the pasta is cooking throw the chopped broccoli, tuna, soup, cheese and about a cup of the ffonions in a bowl. When the pasta is done, drain it and throw it in the bowl with the other stuff. Mix it together...add some milk to this, maybe 3/4 a cup, you want it moist, but not runny. Pour it in a 2 quart casserole dish (Spray it with Pam for easy cleanup, but you probably do this automatically, huh?). Top with more ffonions...or if you're not a fan of those, cheese. I usually bake it at 350 degrees for about 1/2 hour. It's weird, but oh, so good!

Ok, now onto tonight's meal!

Black Bean Soup

This is a recipe I got out of a Cooking Light Magazine and have been cooking since 1997.

Here's the recipe:

Black Bean Soup

1 tbl. oil

1 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 (15 oz.) cans black beans, drained (I usually get the low-sodium.)

1/2 c. water

1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1 (14.5 oz ) stewed tomatoes, undrained and chopped

1 (10.5 oz) can chicken broth (I just pour out a cup or so from one of those box thingies.)

1 (4 oz) can chopped green chiles, undrained

1 tbl. lemon juice

plain low-fat yogurt

Saute onion and garlic in the oil till tender. Add 1 cup of the beans and mash with a potato masher. Add remaining beans, water and next 5 ingredients; stir well. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and summer 15 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice. Ladle into bowls and top with a dollop of yogurt.

This is real quick to throw together and tastes super good. The soup is tangy and that dollop of yogurt is kinda sweet...great combo. The knit group is meeting at Panera tonight...so you know this is good if I'm passing up Panera soup for this! I do wish I had some of their bread to go with this...hmmm...I might have to make a quick stop for some bread after I go to Target. That's the ticket!