Stuff And Hot Cocoa Q

first the Q :What is your most memorable vacation? Where did you go? What made it memorable?

Hmm, many memorable ones really. The 2 weeks in florida when i was in the 2nd grade. We stayed at the disney hotel, visited all the other theme parks as well, beaches etc. (the grandparents paid)! The 3 month trip across country when i was in the 5th grade. Rv, stop when you wanted, sigh seeing, was a blast!

But the most memorable, hubby and my 13th wedding anniversary. My mom flew from NH to HI to babysit Birdie. We flew to LA, spent the first day at Paramount, then drove down to San Diego, spent the night there. Hit up Old Town then drove inland to Mission Falls and his godfathers estate, spent the night in the guest house, got spoiled by said godfather. Next afternoon started driving across the dessert to Vegas, renewed vows, played, what happens in vegas stays in vegas....and drove back to LA a few days later to fly home to HI. Very memorable, very fun, very much needed! Our gothic graveyard wedding renewal to start our civilian life together, aka: hubby's now home, remember him? Lol, topping the trip off sadly as i was checking the mailbox a new neighbor was out walking her "baby" pitbull who jumped me and bit me, still got those scars!

Hubby and I were laughing so hard last night. Maybe had something to do with sleep deprivation, but he had left one drawer of the dresser open a few inches. This dresser is tall and long with about a dozen different sized drawers. Stalker kitty stood trying to open it further to get inside and snoop. So hubby opens the drawer more for her and she crawls in looking all comfy. Then she looks back and see's space behind the drawer, and access to more drawers. She disappears and we hear clinking, knocking noises and then a drawer opens on it's own..but no cat. then another. Hubby gets up and starts slowly opening drawers, no cat, no cat, then up pops the cat like a jack in the box but with a look of "hey are you trying to take me head off?" Anyway she stands up and jumps on top of the dresser posing, very pleased and quite proud of herself. This was a first i have seen this pose from her. This cat is only about a year old and was abandonded and slightly abused/neglected so can be finicky. But i think she finally seriously feels at home here. She definately makes herself queen and stretches out on everything! Was just a funny event.

Winter Doldrum #2 and stuff.

Question #2: There are many people who ADORE receiving hand-knit or crochet items; but there are just as many who have no appreciation whatever of how much love, work, and time goes into a hand-made item. Share a story of a hand-made gift you gave to someone and how it worked out - good, bad, or ugly!

Honestly i have been pretty selective about who receives handmade gifts for this exact reason. I did make a pair of socks for my husband that i was so excited about. A friend had hand dyed the yarn in Seahawks colors and also dyed the yarn in a self striping fair isles pattern. So this "fabulous" pair of socks emerge! I thought, sundays armchair quarterback, good luck charm.... (ok, so i was dreaming) Do you know they sat unworn for 2 seasons? I saw him actually pull them out the other day to wear around the house, and yes there were other clean socks in the drawer! We had kind of spoke earlier in the week about knitting, gifts etc. He always proudly asks me to knit special things for our friends from time to time and supports my hobby, so i know he doesn't think i suck, but he rarely ever wears anything i knit for him. He explained he could never find any of the hats, scarves etc in the clustered mess in the closet. So i purchased small milk crates and they are organized, and he has now worn some as well. So .... conundrum solved!

Stuff? nah, going to go read. More drugs and read (the friday night knitting club, very good read!)

More Knit Porn !

Ok all, SMILE , "Pay no attention to the person in the vest" ..ok, this isn't Oz! Here is the vest on me. Disregard the small pile of hubby's dirty laundry he shed coming in from work, and my bum self (unshowered or put together). It is not as fitted as some might like but i do still need to block it. Might do so in a warm water to size it up a touch.



The completed socks! Came out cute. I really like the color combo I used...hmmm, can i remember what dye's I used?


This has been on my knit list for awhile. Was a super easy pattern and now my hot water bottle is less ugly! Now hubby wants a sweater out of the same yarn, Cascade 220.


A few new dishcloths/washcloths. Can never have to many. Goes nicely against the ice blue walls of the bath!

Thats it for now! The owner of the day spa called to chat. She picked up some cool items for me to do a special valentines day pedicure, lots of choc laced scrubs , washes and wraps! Surgery tomorrow morning so may be quiet for a day or so. Ahhh, drugs, I'll be on!

WIP's Completed and other finished knit porn!

Here is my WIP for the jan challenge! It is the Back to school vest from Fitted Knits. Was a very easy knit and looks much better on than just lying there. I have not blocked it yet but did wear it the other day with jeans and a button down oxford underneath...fun with a good heeled bitch boot!
This is sock number 2, Zigzag is the pattern. I am enjoying the second sock more than the first. Hmmm, i think cause my brain was confusing and overthinking transferring the dpn pattern to 2 circ's. Almost finished. Like my hand dyed yarn? I call it Blue Pacific. Reminds me of when i was teaching scuba in hawaii. Sea turtles, waves, shells and spots of deep water!
These are Fetching, which i know everyone has already knit a pair of! I need to make hubby a pair of the maching Dashing for men. This pair is for a girl friend of mine, i am seeing her just after my surgery thursday (i'll be well doped up) Her optical shop is over near my dr so we will stop in and pick up my glasses, she was replacing a lense for me, she always gives me the family discount! Spoils me for sure as she and her hubby travel abroad each spring to shop for unique frames. The pair I am picking up she brought me back from Paris 2 years back. Is kind of funny, she was actually my hubby's best friend growing up. Ok, more than friends but never having dated? She is 3 days older than i am and she and i get along so great now! Well, off to peek online at the library site and put books on hold! Thanks for reading if you made it through my rambles!

monday holiday / cocoa Q. / winter doldrums Q 1

Well, it looks beautiful outside, even a blue sky...which, hello... it is january in the pacific northwest! But i tell ya, my car is iced up, the ground was so frozen when i took the garbage and recycling outside at 730 am. And things are still iced up even though it is 2pm. So needless to say i went back inside after the garbage run and crawled back in bed with a book. We continued to be bed bums till almost noon!
My poor daughter has been fighting some head cold all weekend. She slept over to her best friends on friday, they went and saw Juno at the theatre and she was going to spend another night but did not feel quite right. Good thing as she has been recooping since. I hope she is ok for school tomorrow.
Nice long weekend! Have not done much away from home, small projects around the home. Hiking got canked due to the cold! Watched football yesterday. About sums it up! Must be responsible and get tax paperwork together tomorrow and file my state business before my surgery wednesday.

Hot cocoa Q of the week:

What is the most 'random' memory you have from your childhood?

Hmmm. I would have to say it was crawling around the fields on our farm. I remember zapping my nose on the electric fence, pulling dead mice from my overall pockets (my lab would catch them and i would pick them up and bring them home. They were fuzzy and cute!), and having my dad get upset when the cows would break into the family garden and start eating the tomato plants. Apparently they were not ALL tomato plants.

Winter Doldrums Q topic #1 :

I do not care what people call a dishcloth, dishrag, face cloth etc. I have lived so many places and had so many daily items labeled other names...i just do not care, lol. As long as we each know what the other is talking about. I knit and love dishcloth's, but do i use them near dishes or even in the kitchen? Nope! They are our washcloths. So call it what you will, fine by me! *smile

Wednesdays hot cocoa Question...

The Question?:

Now that we're in the thick of 'Winter'... has your knitting changed to match the season? Are you moving on from dishcloths, and tank tops to afghans, hats and mittens? Has your yarn changed from silk or cotton to wool, superwash or heavier cottons?

No, I find that my knitting makes no sense really. I have a thick vest just finished from "fitted knits" and dishcloths going. A lace shawl is in the planning, fingerless gloves and socks...all different weights and makes of yarn...see, no logic! Lol, i just knit what inspires me in the moment! *smile*

Winter Blah's swap questionaire

1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both? Knit only, someay maybe i'll learn to crochet..but i am so confused with only one needle!

2. What types of needles do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? any really. I have never thought about the type of needle for dishcloths.

3. What types of cotton do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? Is there any that you've been wanting to try? I have really used only the sugar n cream's but a couple of chenille as well.

4. What color(s) are your kitchen and bath decorated in (if any)?Kitchen has browns and cobalt blues with black accents. Bath is a light ice blue.

5. What are your favorite colors for yarns? Least favorite? fav's are earthy colors, naturals.(my fav colors though are purple, green and blue)

6. Do you like Winter, or do you count the days until it ends?i do like winter but love summer

7. What's your favorite way to brighten your day when you're down in the dumps? knit, watch a good old standby movie, go for a hike.

8. What is your favorite treat to indulge in and when your down in the dumps?baileys!

9. Do you drink coffee? Tea? Cocoa? coffee and tea, my daughter loves cocoa

10. If you could take a vacation starting tomorrow and go anywhere for one week and money were no object, where would you go and what would you do? i would travel around Ireland and see everything. I would take thousands of pics, and just not miss a thing!

11. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should be aware of? I cannot have heavily perfumed items. Really scratchy yarn is also a rough one. Sensitive skin.

I can't help it if my team kicked butt!

Ok, for all the many years hubby and i have been together he has been a sewhawks fan and i have supported the packers. So todays game was our game. Now granted i like the hawks,and it is fun to have your local team do well but...my team kicked butt today! Even with their 2 major screw up's in the first 4 minutes of the game. (i also do like the patriots...growing up in new england you have to) They are currentl y still playing so who knows!


Bunny thumper challenge: for more info go here: http://kitkatknit.wordpress.com/2008/01/10/bunny-thumper-challenge/





Stalker kitty was not impressed with her toes getting ticked while sleeping.

Favorite things contest:http://coconutcupcakes.blogspot.com/


Is this not the cutest fabric? I made some project bags with it:

Trees

Well, the tree is gone now. I got home from dropping off my resume and running errands and my neighbor already was at it with his chainsaw. So i quickly changed into grubby clothes and went out to get dirty. Their son came out as well and in a couple of hours time the tree was transformed into a large bonfire of branches and a good pile of small firewood cut to size to burn in the chiminea this coming summer. They were so cute and let me run to the store while they finished cleaning up the tree... of course i was buying them a case of beer which was my only item of purchase! But how wonderful, they are fantastic neighbors! When we move I will greatly miss them. (not that we are even close to moving yet)

When I moved inside the house, after being a fool and standing outside to chat with them after for an hour with no coat one ... my phone rang from where i dropped my resume off today. I have an interview on monday just to see if our personalities mesh. She let me know she already feels great over the phone and on paper, and i don't think we'll have any problems. We just have to go over the formalities, discuss commissions, etc. I am pretty flexable as long as she doesn't mind my surgery which is 1 week from our interview day, so i don't see it as an issue. The job is only part time.

Well, off to be more productive, got a bit of fabric, beads and yarn today! (yes, i feel guilty but they are all good things with specific projects in mind)

I am in a UFO challenge. Need some inspiration to finish a WIP? check here!
http://www.skeinsherway.com/2008/01/january-finish-ufo-contest.html

Snow cancells school! And it continues to fall....

Just a bit ago as i was sitting here surfing on the pc, i looked out towards the back yard through the french doors. I saw branches start swaying as if to let the snow drop, only the branches continued to fall. My red japanese maple fell over, just fell, lay down on the roof to the hot tub gazebo. Nothing on the building looks damaged but this tree will now have to be sacrificed to the chiminea gods. I used to love the pink flowers of spring and the red leaves of summer. A beautiful tree the squirrels chase in and the birds spend hours on the feeder. A moment of silence please. *sigh* My neighbor will come over when the weather is a bit better to cut it into pieces for me. (he knows better than to lend me his chainsaw) Hubby is in Canada all week. Did i say what wonderful neighbors i have!!

My old girl Ocean Myst showing off her snow angel talents. She says this is the same technique she used to use on the beach in sand.



my daughter is ecstatic! After 12+ years in hawaii she has missed school due to hurricanes, tsunami's, monsoons...but until last year had never missed a day to snow.








Here are answers to the Hot Cocoa Game though:

1.Anne K, Criquette
2. Ashley C , Tanya M
3. a.Tricia R
b.Alex E
c.Lesley & Ana-Sofia
4.Lesley, Michelle
5.Alice A, Felicia
6. Charity R (no on knitting) Cathy D
7.Natalie M (1-7) Brenda (1-7)
8.Annemarie M ,Michelle
9.Tanya M, Rachel C
10.Alex E,Mia, Criquette
11.Kris L
12. Amanda D,Alice A
13.Bea, Cathy D

Answers for the Cocoa Swap!

Cocoa:
1. What is your favorite way to drink cocoa? Prepared with milk? Water? from home made recipe or store bought?, In a tea cup, or big mug? I like a big solid pottery mug. I usually make it with water and a dollop of soy milf or half and half..makes me feel a little less guilty!
2. Marshmallows or whipped cream? Whipped cream if i do treat.

Yarn/Knitting/Crochet
1. What is your favorite type of yarn? In what colors?I honestly love all yarns. Pretty yarns.I admit i am done with the fun fur's though. I tend to lead towards hand dyed or blendy ones like Noro's. But i love the chunky ones you see in irish knits, love them!
2. Do you knit or crochet (or both)?Knit, cannot crochet to save my life, although i am trying.
3. What are your favorite type of needles, would you like to try something new? I purchased the knirPicks harmony circular needles and adore them. Otherwise i do tend to knit with clover bamboo or addi's. I know i do not like plastic needles though. They feel weird.
4. Do you have a healthy supply of notions? can you ever have to healthy a supply?
5. What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting habit (outside of yarn)?Those long covers that you can slip your double pointed knitting needles into when working on a project.
6. What is your favorite 'quick knit/crochet' pattern (quick gratification)most any fingerless glove pattern.

Miscellaneous
1. What is your favorite thing to do in the Winter?I am readjusting to winter in general. I grew up in the snowy new england but have been in hawaii for 12 years. I love the seasonal changes and being outside, so hiking year round!
2. What is your favorite animal? Hmm,turtle
3. Do you get the 'winter blahs'? i do get the gray forever blues. I do not mind the winter it is the total lack of sun we get here in WA state.
4. What is your favorite way to beat the blahs? Just get active, buy yarn,go take pictures, listen to loud music and dance like a geek!
5. What is the thing you are most looking forward to this spring? My 38th birthday! Spring flowers, birds, camping.
6. What are your favorite treat?I adore dark choc...but peanut butter rules as well.
7. What is your favorite board game?scrabble, monopoly, parcheesi
8. Do you have any children (furry or human)?1 15 year old daughter, one 13 year old golden retriever and a stalker kitty who adopted us
9. Do you have any allergies or special considerations you partner should know about? No allergies really, cannot do strong perfumey scents and i am a semi health nut.

I am really the easiest person! I just love yarn/ knit related things. I collect turtles, skulls and retro pin up girls, love purple and greens best, enjoy reading, many crafts, i sing in an alternative band, teas, etc. I am truly a geek, a hippie child, a punker, a yuppie and a farm girl all in one, just depends on which day you catch me !I am easy! And when things are homemade... even better! I enjoy anything that someone put time and thought into for me.

weekend football and knitting

Well, the seahawks won yesterday and now next weekend they play the packers. This is great as i am a packer fan and hubby a seahawks fan. We hosted the party yesterday and next weekend i can just relax, knit, yell at the tv and eat other peoples cooking! So yes....fun fun!

Contest info: A Cowboy’s Wife is having a contest on her food blog! You can win a Hamilton Beach® Stand Mixer and she’ll ship anywhere so everyone is eligible!

click here to enter: http://mywoodenspoon.com/

knitting scene: lots of fingerless gloves, conquering fingers and cables, loving it!

a bit of knitting

just a bit of knit porn! The bag i knit in an easy afternoon, the fingerless gloves have fun squirrels and trees on them.my daughter calls them "foamy the squirrel gloves!!

Fun contest! Visit: http://hissyknit.blogspot.com/

2008

wow, where did 2007 go anyway? Hard to believe it is 2008 already. Things to look forward to this year:

I will turn 38, hubby will turn 40! Daughter dear will have her sweet 16 , which also means driving will come up. I will relocate my work closer to where we will purchase a new home to live in for about the next 20 years, we will celebrate our 17th anniversary, those are a few things that immediately come to mind when i think of 2008. Of course i have had no coffee yet and everyone else is still sleeping as the noon hour approaches.

Will have to take down the outside decorations today, the sky is currently dry so no time like the present to at least drag them into the garage to dry before packing up. Always sad to put away the things inside and drag the tree out. If the tree stayed alive i would keep it up year round with just the lights on it! The kitty loves to sleep under it, it always smells so good, and such a quaint nightlight! Oh well..it is naked and sitting on the upper deck waiting to be dropped over and dragged to the fire pit. Back to nature.

Finished a fun pair of fingerless gloves at the small gathering we attended last night. Just some friends who also did not feel like going out to go crazy. Was mellow and nice and we all headed home just before new years. The roads were already slippery at 5 pm so quite slick by midnight!

Oh well.....go relax! Stick a corny movie on , a pot of soup, have a drink or some hot tea and veg out! The work week starts again tomorrow.