Diving Into The Frog Pond!

Head first, here I come! I cannot believe that I have started my much awaited purple cardigan for the seventh time and need to frog it AGAIN! As you can see by the photo above, the size is way off. Yes, I checked my gauge...twice. I must be knitting tighter than when I knit my gauge swatch because there is no way that I am anywhere near being on gauge. This sweater will be small, about 42", which will not fit a busty gal like me. I was knitting the 54" size since I wanted it large enough to be comfy and to wear t-necks underneath. So, I guess this means I rip out again and start over with size 10 needles instead of the 9's I was using. I am so bummed. Do you think this yarn is cursed? Maybe it wants to be something else. All I know is that I really want it to behave and become the cardigan I so want! I'll give it one more try. If it's another failure then the yarn gets a time-out and I knit something else. I feel that 7 attempts is quite enough.

I have started to look at townhouses even though I doubt I will move until spring. There are quite a few in the area where I live that I like. I hope that I am making the right decision. Both Walker and I are sick of yard work and snow shoveling. When I have a day off I want to relax and enjoy it, not pull weeds and mow the lawn. I know that Walker will move out someday and then I would have all the work to do myself. The idea of a townhouse really appeals to me. As long as I have a deck or patio so I can sit outside and read or knit, I will be happy. I'm not a gardener so I won't miss the yard. And as far as Summer the greyhound goes, we walk 3 times a day now so that won't be a problem. She'll probably miss the fenced yard a bit but she's getting old and doesn't run around much anymore. I found some one level twinhomes built in 2003 so they are nice and fresh. Problem is, they rarely go up for sale. I talked to a resident there to get an idea of what the neighborhood is like. She said it was quiet, and loved living there but there has only been 2 units for sale since they were built! I suppose that's a good sign...the owners like their place and stay! The twinhomes are on a quiet street and there are only about a dozen units. They are one level with walkout basements and the backs face a game preserve that will never be built on. There is a marsh area with a pond and woods. It would be beautiful to sit on the deck and have a view like that! Plus, there are walking and biking paths near by for the dog and I to take our daily treks! Please say a prayer that I can snag one of these units for my own. Yes, there are lots of others townhomes in the area, but I sort of have my heart set on one of these. I believe that all things happen for a reason and if I am suppose to live there then it will work out. Fingers crossed!

Happy Birthday Baby!

Okay, so he's not really a baby, but he is my youngest, and to me, he will always be my "baby". Walker, the youngest of my 4 kids, turned 20 on Saturday, Sept. 22nd. I didn't get a chance to post on Saturday since I worked all day and we had a party for him that night. So today is the day that I will embarrass him and post a few unique facts about Walker.

1. He is called, by his 3 siblings...Baby Walker.

2. He is also called Deeds. Long story. When he was little he wanted a cat. Tyler, his brother, is deathly allergic to cats so we could never have one. For Walkers second birthday I bought him a stuffed, life-size, orange tabby cat. He loved it, actually, he still has it! He couldn't pronounce the words "kitty cat". Whenever he tried, it sounded like "deedle dee". For years he got called Deedle and then it was shortened to Deeds. His older brother still calls him that...much to Walkers chagrin.

3. Walker has a tattoo of a circle of flames with his initials in the middle spelled out in Chinese characters. He cannot pronounce them either!

4. Walker has broken each arm, the left while biking, the right while playing rugby. He also had to have surgery twice...once for each break. We sincerely hope this trend has ended.

5. There was a time when orange was the only color Walker would wear. We are sincerely glad this trend has ended! While in this orange phase, he also wanted to eat only Ramen. Thank goodness, neither one of these "trends" lasted long.

6. Walker is my only child that has curly hair...and I mean curly! His hair is thick, dark, and if allowed to grow, produces big spiral curls. Beautiful! This is why Walker always has short hair!

7. Walker is extremely patriotic. He loves America and isn't afraid to say so.

8. Walker thanks me every time I make him a meal. Really. There isn't a time that he doesn't tell me...thanks for dinner mom. Good meal mom. Thanks for the grub mom. I guess I raised him right.

9. Walker has never made a Christmas list. Unlike his brother Tyler, who usually had a 3 page list of wants, where they could be purchased, the costs, and how he wanted them wrapped! Not Walker, when asked what he wants for Christmas or his birthday, he always says...surprise me, get me whatever you want, or even...I don't need anything. Amazing, ain't it?!

10. Walker weighed over 10 lbs at birth. Actually, 10 lbs, 1 oz. He was an adorable baby that has grown into a great young man.

11. Walker says good night to me every night...even if he has to wake me to do it!

12. Walker thinks that one day, he will win the Powerball. I SINCERELY hope he's right!

Happy Birthday Deeds! You are precious and I love you always!

I have started the purple cardigan and it is awesome. I finally got it going without any screw-ups, amazing, I know! I am liking the KnitPicks Wool of the Andes Chunky and their Options needles. It is knitting up fast and I am hoping that it will be done by next winter! Yup, I can't put anymore stress on myself so I am giving myself a year to finish it. I don't think that's unreasonable considering I work full-time. I am looking forward to retirement so I can knit for long periods of time without falling asleep!

Did anyone catch the premier of "The Bachelor" last night? It looks like it is going to be a good season. I thought last year was a bit bland, but Brad, this years bachelor, looks to be a lot more exciting. Should be fun! I love the dynamics between the women...it's so dramatic that it's hilarious. They always seem to be half tanked! I think the network keeps the booze flowing freely so they can get some good footage of the women making asses of themselves. It's sort of pathetic, but I still love it!

I Have Uninvited House Guests...

MICE! Luckily I don't hate mice, nor am I afraid of them. But, they are not allowed to reside in my home unless they sign a lease and pay rent! I thought I had seen a little flurry of fur under my stove the other night but didn't think much of it. Last night I dropped a few kibbles of dog food on the closet floor and left them thinking I'd sweep today. Well guess what, those little kibbles were gone this morning! Somewhere, probably under my stove, is a stache of dog food waiting to feed some hundreds of mice babies. OMG...I have to get the poison out since I can't do the trap thing. I hate to have to "dispose" of the bodies. I know, pretty juvenile, but it seems that every time I use traps the dang mouse is never actually dead. He's always just caught by his toe or foot and then what do you do? Last time that happened I felt so sorry for him that I let him go...outside of course. I have even used "live" traps. Yes, they work, but not very good. The mouse tripped it about 6 times before I actually caught him. Then I walked him over to the field near my house and let him go. Am I too nice? Should I be hell-bent on wiping out these little suckers? Maybe I'll try the poison...again. We used to live in a house in the country where we got lots of mice, there were horse and corn fields around us. I used poison once and the house stunk for weeks! When I moved to this house I never saw any mice. Until lately. I caught one in the live trap in the spring and hadn't seen any since, until now. I suppose they are trying to find a warm place to hunker down for the winter. Well it ain't here! I'm bringing out the big guns, figuratively speaking of course, and dishing up the poison tonight! Adios furballs!

I got a new KnitPicks catalog yesterday and was really impressed with their new needle line called Harmony Wood. They are laminated, colored wood needles and a real thing of beauty. Since they are laminated sheets of colored wood, squeezed together under pressure and glued with a special epoxy (my father was a wood worker) they are probably very sturdy. I plan to order some of the tips since they are compatible with the Options set I already own. I'm not usually a fan of wooden needles, too much drag, and the tips are so fragile. But these may be different. We will see! They sure are pretty to look at, and once again, KnitPicks doesn't pick your pocket with high costs.

On the knitting front...not much to report. I am in a knitting slump. I need to get back my knitting mojo! Since I am off today I have 2 things I want to do...make choc chip cookies and cast on the purple cardigan! Again! For good this time! Since our monthly knitting group in tomorrow night (if you live in the Minneapolis area and would like to attend please e-mail me, we'd love to have you join us!) I feel that I should have that darn cardigan going at least a couple inches. I've been saying I was going to have it finished in time for cold weather, which in Minnesota will be a couple months from now. I best get going on it NOW. My right hand is sore, especially my fingers. I fell last night while walking Summer the greyhound. It had rained all day and the ground was soaked. I was walking on the side of the road and a car came around the bend quite fast so I stepped off the road unto the top of the curb. Bad move, the ground there was slippery mud and my feet just flew out from under me and down I went. I landed in the grass so I didn't get hurt, other than my dignity. But today my right hand and wrist are sore. Maybe knitting will loosen it up and help make it better. Oh...the people in the car watched me fall and just kept on going. Nice.

I am off to pull Big Blue (my Kitchenaid mixer) out of his garage (the pantry cupboard) and start those cookies. Walker will be thrilled to see some homemade treats when he gets home from work. What will I do once he moves out? He is such a joy to have around. He'll be twenty on Saturday, and as much as I hate to think about it, someday he will leave home and I'll be alone. That may be a couple years since he wants to go to school but hasn't a clue as to what for! He'll figure it out, they always do. He'll be the last to leave home, the baby, and it will be hard on this ole mom!

Nothing New Here...

I have ignored my blog for awhile and now I feel guilty! Funny how that works?! I have been very busy at work and having to stay later than usual. Hopefully work will calm down this next week, I don't handle stress at work very well and I hate that rushed feeling. Other than that, life is pretty much the same day after day. I haven't knit much, just a little on the Baby's Breath Socks. The pattern is very pretty and easy to remember, a good pattern for a first try at a sock that is other than stockinette stitch. It is a Jean Townsend pattern and she sells it at her blog. All her patterns are very nice. I'm using KnitPicks Essential sock yarn and liking it O.K. It has a tendency to "fuzz" and look fluffy. The pattern will get lost if it gets too fuzzy! I'm knitting them on 2 circulars, also from the KnitPicks Options line of needles and loving them! I keep trying to order more but they are always on back-order.

My daughter Stacey got some new updated pictures of Logan. He is a doll baby! He is 2 months in the photo and is up to 10 1/2 lbs...just a little pee-wee. My last two baby's (Tyler and Walker) both weighed over 10 lbs at birth! Yikes! They are both tall and handsome now! Walker will soon be 20 years old and I will no longer have any teenagers. My baby is growing up. Good thing I got grand-babies to fill the void!

I dragged out the old bread machine today. I haven't used it in a couple years but I decided we needed some cinnamon rolls. They are rising as I type and will most likely be consumed before the days end. Since the weather here has cooled off immensely, like highs in the 60's and lows in the 40's, I feel like cooking and baking. Not a good thing for my diabetes but I do try and control what and how much I eat. I went to the doctor yesterday for my blood work and hopefully my A1C will be at or below 7. That is the true test for diabetes and my last A1C was 7.7 Not bad, not great, just okay. I know that if I'd lose a few of these extra pounds I could probably get rid of the diabetes all together! That would be awesome.

Has anyone seen the new Cat Bordhi book "New Pathways for Sock Knitters"? It looks very interesting to say the least. I have called all the local yarn shops and no one has it in stock yet. Maybe I will try Amazon, save myself some money too. The book has gotten good reviews and sounds very different...but then isn't that what Cat Bordhi is all about. Being unique? It's a bit pricey for a sock pattern book, around $30.00.

And for all you sock addicted knitters be sure to check out Maia's blog. She is doing a mystery sock knit along and it looks to be fun! Very fancy, and she has charted it out so it's easy to read. Looks to be for the advanced knitter though, sort of a complicated pattern. She is such a wonderful knitter and her patterns are truly great...you rock Maia!

Undated Logan Picture!

We finally have an updated picture of the cutie from Guatemala! Here is Logan with his foster mom. He is getting so big even though he is only 2 months old. Stacey and Jon are chomping at the bit to get this little guy home to Florida as are his grandparents in Minnesota! We are still hoping that homecoming will be sometime in January or February. They are waiting on the DNA tests before they are allowed to go and visit him but they hope to spend a week at Christmas with him in Guatemala. I can't wait to get my hands on this little guy! Being a Gramma is so much fun!

I tried out the new aebleskiver pan! It actually worked! You are supposed to turn them with a knitting needle...seriously, that's what the directions say. Well, I am not about to pull out my Addi's or Option needles for cooking so a bamboo skewer had to suffice. I rolled the warm aebleskivers in cinnamon and sugar...they were okay, but next time it's fruit syrup for me. I'd like to try using some fresh blueberries also. I guess I would just push some in before I flip them. They are fun to make and taste sort of like a cross between a pancake and a cake donut. I see lots of aebleskiver experimentation's in my future. Too bad these babies aren't low cal or low fat!

My dear friend Janet is very concerned that I don't get enough "comments" on my blog. What to do, what to do. A few of my favorite blogs, namely Janice's and Maia's, get LOTS of comments. I noticed that they have contests. Maybe I need a contest too! I certainly have enough sock yarn that I could easily part with for prizes. So what kind of contest should I have? How about something like...what is your favorite sock yarn and why do you like it? Or...if you were a yarn, what yarn would you be? Let me think on this a couple days and then I will post "The String-Slingers Sock Yarn Contest"! And the 4 people out there who read this blog can pass on this wonderful and exciting contest to their friends and fellow knitting bloggers so that Janet will mellow out about my lack of comments! Love'ya Janet!

At this time of year I always start to feel "antsy". Right now I am feeling particularly antsy about my house. I do not live with my husband. Although we are married, we have lived apart for the last 3 1/2 years. This was his idea. I have one child left at home, my youngest son Walker. My house has 4 bdrms, 3 baths, a living room and a family room and is really way more room than Walker and I need. Plus, there's the cleaning factor. Cleaning a house this size is way more time-consuming than I like. So I have been looking online at townhouses. No more yard work, no more lawn mowing, no more shoveling snow (remember, I live in Minnesota!) this all sounds good to me. Walker will be 20 years old next month and as much as I hate to think about it, he will leave home some day. My husband and I are good friends, the best. We talk daily and he only lives 2 miles from me. We get together for dinner and movies a couple times a week. In a perfect world he would want to live with me and I would sell my house and move back into the house where we raised our family and he still lives. Will this ever happen, I don't really know. Is this even what I truly want? I don't really know. See why I feel antsy? One thing we both have realized since Brady's suicide is that our kids are the most important thing on earth. We love them so much and want what is best for them. Family is top priority. Always will be.

Knitting. What's that? I have been so busy the last couple weeks that I haven't even touched my needles. Nor have I read any good books. When I get this antsy feeling I tend to not be able to concentrate very well. I know it will pass, it always does. I am determined to get that darn purple cardigan done no matter what! Since I have today off, and have no pressing plans, I will cast on once again and pray that I don't screw it up!

I'm Back and Feeling Good!

Hello! After the hectic and sad last couple weeks, I left town for a few days and feel much better. My good buddy Joyce, took me up to their cabin in northern Minnesota. We had fun! We ate, shopped, ate, gambled at the local casino, ate, read, ate, took walks, and ate. Their cabin is on a beautiful lake so we also did a lot of deck sitting. We went antiquing at one of the local antique malls where I bought an antique wooden box that is divided into 5 compartments and has a handle. Very cute. And very reasonably priced too! We were also fortunate enough to find aebleskiver irons on a clearance rack! What is an aebleskiver iron you ask?! It is a cast iron pan that makes little donut hole type Danish treats. My grandma used to make them and they were delicious. She had an aebleskiver pan that she bought from Denmark but no one seems to know what happened to it :( I have seasoned my pan but have not actually tried making any aebleskiver yet. Maybe today! Thank you Joyce for being such a kind and gracious hostess, it was a nice quiet and peaceful 3 day getaway that I needed. I missed my sons and the wonder greyhound Summer. Sometimes getting away makes us appreciate all we let behind.



Yesterday was my middle sons birthday, he is the young man on the right with his brother Walker. The top photo is 9 years old, so Tyler is 13, and Walker is 11, Summer the greyhound is a little over 2. The second photo is him and his girlfriend Mariah. He no longer has the dreadlocks...thank goodness! Yesterday my Tyler turned 22. He is my 6'5" baby boy and always will be. We had a birthday dinner and I cooked his requested menu. B-B-Qued baby back ribs, augratin potatoes, cole slaw (recipe below), and corn on the cob. I also made him a strawberry jello poke cake! I haven' t made one of those in years and it was really tasty. I frosted it with Cool Whip and fresh sliced strawberries. Yum. We all pitched in and got him an iPod which he has been wanting (whining about) for months. He was shocked and surprised when he opened it. It was a fun night with family and friends. I am blessed to have 3 wonderful sons and a great daughter! Happy Birthday Tyler!

Nothing new on the knitting front...just plugging away on some socks and I'm going to start the purple cardigan for the SIXTH time...yes sixth! I feel like a moron. The first couple times I read the chart as if I was knitting in the round, and I'm not! It is knit flat! DUH! So I restarted, and then I read the cable row wrong...what is my problem!? Not only did I read it wrong once...but twice! So I started again for the fifth time and was busy talking while knitting and I skipped a row! So now I am going to start once more and get it right, I think! You'd never know that I have been knitting for years if you judged me on this dang sweater! Oh well, live and learn. Or should I say...knit and learn.

Next week Joyce, Janet, and I are going on a yarn crawl! They both work for the school system so their summer is coming to an end. Since we all seem to be off work on the same day we decided to use that to our "yarn purchasing" advantage. We are going to figure out a plan for shopping and lunch. Should be a fun way to end the summer and start looking forward to cooler sweater weather! I think my favorite time of year in Minnesota is September through Christmas. I love the cool fall days, the first snowfall, and the holidays! Can't wait!

I want to leave you with a wonderful cole slaw recipe that is easy, tasty, and has a fresh flavor, unlike slaw made with bottled dressings. This is Joyce's recipe that she found in Taste of Home magazine years ago and it is good! For all you cole slaw lovers...enjoy!

Whisk together:
1/4 cup mayonnaise (do not use Miracle Whip)
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup half and half
1/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp rice vinegar

Pour over one 16 oz. package of Dole cole slaw (or use your own shredded cabbage). Toss and season to taste with salt and pepper. The slaw will look dry but after it sits it gets much more moist. Stir before serving. I usually make this a couple hours before we plan on eating it. It is such an easy recipe and so good.

Great Sadness

Minnesota experienced a terrible tragedy with the collapse of the 35W bridge last week. Many citizens are still missing and 6 confirmed dead. It has been a time of sadness and also a time of community togetherness. We all sat with a sad heart and watched the news coverage hoping and praying that no one we knew or loved was on that bridge at the time of collapse. We also prayed and hoped for the well being of the survivors and the families of the missing and those who perished. It has had a profound impact on the Twin Cities and has proven that there still are good people. Regular people, like you and me, jumped in to help with no regard for their own safety. It was a terrible tragedy, but also a triumph of the human spirit that proves the goodness of others.

After the bridge collapse last week I was not prepared to handle any other tragedies, but unfortunately, yesterday turned out to be a sad day that has touched my family and those I love. My son Tyler has been dating a wonderful young woman, Mariah, for almost 3 1/2 years. Someday I suspect she will be my daughter in law, and that pleases me greatly! Mariah's younger brother committed suicide yesterday. He was only 16. I have felt such a burden of sadness and grief for her and her family that at times it is overwhelming. If I feel this heartbroken, I can't even begin to imagine how their family feels. They are wonderful people...kind, great parents who love their children, a strong family full of life. How does something like this happen? Why does something like this happen? They are devastated. I am so sad for them and for their lost son. Please remember them in your prayers.

Introducing...Logan Michael!

I am a Gramma again! Above is a picture of my new grandson Logan. He is in Guatemala and probably won't be coming home until the beginning of 2008. My daughter Stacey, and her husband Jon are thrilled. They made the decision yesterday to adopt him and now starts all the paper work, although, they are not foreseeing any problems. Their agency said they can go to Guatemala and visit him as soon as his DNA tests come back. The US requires DNA tests to prove that the woman relinquishing her parental rights is the actual birth mother. The tests take about 1 month. He was born on June 27th and was a whopping 6 lb. 12 oz. Is he adorable, or what?! Jon, Stacey, and Mia will be flying down to see him soon. They will be able to have him with them the whole time they are in Guatemala. I am so thrilled for all of us! Adoption is such a wonderful way to have a family. They have been so blessed to have Mia and now they will add a son to their family! Time to start knitting some blue booties, and maybe a blanket!

I have a finished project! Yee-Haw...they are even done in time for the gift giving on Saturday! They are the Peach Petal Socks by Jean Townsend. Very fun pattern. I will definitely knit this pattern again. The yarn I used was a yarn called Twister that I bought years ago from a vendor in Germany. I don't think it is made any more. The ball was so big that I think I have enough left to make another pair of socks! Now that's a bargain since that ball of yarn was only $8.00! I'll pull out my digital postal scale and weigh the socks and then the leftover and see if there's enough for a pair of adult size. I'm sure my mom will love these socks. They will be given to her on Saturday for her 81st birthday. She loves hand knit socks and truly appreciates them. It's so much fun to give a gift you've knit to someone who will enjoy it.

I cast on the purple cardigan! I knit one row! Then the phone rang and all the excitement about Logan, Stacey and I talked for over an hour and I never got back to the cardigan. I plan on working on it today after I clean a little...very little! :o) I re-read the pattern and it's so well written that it will be a pleasure to knit. I hope to have it finished by fall. I know that's a long ways off but I do work full time so my knitting hours are squeezed in whenever possible. I'll post a picture once I actually have a piece of knitting to show...I doubt you want to see the one row! I am off to the vet to pick up Summer's meds. Then I will stop at the new Dollar Tree that just opened a mile from my house. I need a gift bag for my mom's birthday present, the socks and a pretty blanket I bought her. After all the "chores" are done...it's knitting time!

I Had A Blast!

I had a great time at Stitch and Pitch on Sunday. Good friends, Twins baseball, lots of knitting, and an air-conditioned bus ride to The Dome. Who could ask for more? I must eat my words (cough, choke, sputter!!) the Twins did NOT kick The LA Angels behind as I had predicted. In fact, they sort of got the snot kicked out of them...final score, 7 to 2, LA. It was a good game even if the Twins couldn't get a hit to save their hides. We had seats in the upper deck behind home plate so the view was pretty good. It was amazing to see all the knitters sitting together and working on their projects. I wish I had a count of how many knitters were actually there, I'm sure it was in the mid-hundreds or higher. But the best part of the day was when my friends sang on TV...yes, sang! Thanks to the bold and talented Janet (still blogless!) who wrote a song that is sung to the tune of Take Me Out to the Ball Game. She sang it on the bus ride to The Dome and who should be on the bus, but a lady whose husband is the media director for The Dome. She whips out her cell phone and calls him and tells him about the singing knitter, Janet. Once we get to the game, the husband decides that the singing knitter should be on TV! Janet of course begs Joyce and I to sing with her...NO THANK YOU! First, I can't sing worth a dang, second, I certainly don't want to be seen, not being able to sing, on TV. But sweet and wonderful Janet manages to snare, I mean, cajole some others in the group to sing with her. Brave souls. Above is a photo I managed to take while they were waiting to be taped for their national singing debut. Too funny! My hats off to all of you who had enough guts to get up there and sing the praises of knitting for all to enjoy!

Another great thing about going to Stitch and Pitch was that I actually knit for a couple hours and finished my moms birthday socks. Yippy! I made it with 6 days to spare, a record for me! They turned out very pretty, I will take a picture of them before they are gifted. Now that I have the socks done I am going to start the cardigan. The weather here in Minneapolis is brutally hot. Today the heat index is going to be near 100 degrees and tomorrow it's going to be over 100! I truly hate the heat. Give me a snowy blizzard and cold any day compared to this steamy, oppressive heat. But then again, come January I may eat those words. At least in January I will have a nice wool cardigan to slip into and stay toasty warm!

I am going to be a Gramma again! My daughter Stacey and her husband Jon are in the process of applying to adopt a baby boy from Guatemala. We will know today for sure what little guy they pick and the paper chase will begin. Luckily, they have all their paper work in order for their second China adoption so they are pretty much done with the time consuming, putsy stuff. They will leave their application for another girl from China active. Since the wait time for China is now 3 years, they decided to adopt a son between the 2 girls. I am so excited for them...and me too! Guatemala works the opposite way from China in their adoption process. For China you apply, do all the months of paper work, then wait. Months later (now it's years later) you get a "referral" photo and info on your child. You accept, or decline, the referral. After acceptance you get ready to travel to China in about 4-6 weeks where you will stay for 2 weeks and pick up your child. With Guatemala you get the referral first, then do all the paper work, wait 4-6 months and travel there for 3 days to pick up your child. It is faster and much less waiting time. The really fun option is...you can go visit you child whenever you want! They get to stay with you for the whole visit. Since Stacey and Jon only live 2 hours (flight time!) from Guatemala City, they plan on visiting their son at least once before they go to bring him home. I'll have pictures soon so check back to see my new grandson!

Snappy Title

As you can see by the title of this post...I'm having trouble finding something to write about. As far as my knitting, I am still working on the socks for my mom and the test socks for Jean Townsend. I will be bringing these to Stitch and Pitch on Sunday when I watch the Minnesota Twins kick the butt of the LA Angels! Hopefully. Keep your fingers crossed that the weather isn't too hot since we are all riding to the Dome in a school bus, without any air conditioning! Should be great fun!

What to write, what to write...I guess my life is pretty ordinary and I haven't got anything exciting to tell all of blogdom. Which is probably a good thing. I did just finish Dean Koontz's newest book "The Good Guy". It was good, fast moving, and suspenseful. I am reading another of his now called "The Husband", which I just started so I can't really say how it is. My friend Joyce read it and loved it, and since I trust her opinion, I'm sure it will be great. Now...who out there has read "Water for Elephants"? This book has me a bit perplexed. No, I haven't even read it and I may never read it. The perplexing thing is what people perceive as a "good" book. I read for entertainment, enjoyment, and fun. I have heard that Water for Elephants is awesome, couldn't put it down, loved it! AND, I've also heard it's, depressing, dark, sad, and , as one person put it...about as enjoyable as a bad toothache. Will I read it? Doubtful. Why would I spend my time reading something that doesn't make me feel good, leaves me sad, and has nothing happy or uplifting to offer? I know, I know, broaden my literary horizons, but I don't like to read a book just for the sake of being able to say...yes, I read the popular Water for Elephants. I'd rather spend those few hours of reading on a fluffy romance, or a good murder mystery (Faye Kellerman, Patricia Cornwell, Dean Koontz, Jeffrey Deaver, etc). In fairness to myself...I did read The Kite Runner! It was good, a bit depressing and sad, but good. Why is it that book clubs and Oprah (whoever decided she was the literary queen?) always lean towards dark, forlorn, and unhappy reading? Do they feel it makes them more intelligent, or that they come away from that book a better person? I don't buy it! There's enough bad happening in the world today...I sure as hell don't need to read a novel that embraces all the evils around us. Nope, give me the fun books, and the happy ending books, and the suspense thrillers. I want to read to enjoy it and maybe, just maybe, every year or two I'll read one of those "popular" bleak and depressing, annoyingly unhappy, books that we're told are superb. Or better yet, I'll watch the news and hear enough dismal stories that I won't have to subject myself to reading it!

I am going, with my mother and aunt, to my future nieces house today for lunch. It will be nice to sit with the "ladies" and chat and enjoy a bite to eat. Then tonight is our monthly Knit2Gather which is always enjoyable. Since it is the middle of vacation time (June-August) for Minnesotans, and it's been brutally hot, the turnout may be a bit weak tonight. You just never know. Either way, it's always good to get together with fellow knitters. If you live in the Minneapolis area and could join us we'd love to have your company! Just e-mail me for info and directions.

Same Old, Same Old

The 4th of July has passed and now it seems that summer is on the downward slide towards fall. I'm not complaining, I love the autumn season and look forward to it every year. It's at this time of year I feel like I'm in a slump, the same way I feel in the middle of January. I think I need a new knitting project to help me over the summer blues slump. Like just maybe, I should actually cast on for the purple cardigan instead of just talking about it! I have been chugging along on my mom's birthday socks and they are almost done. I will definitely have them done and in the gift bag, not just a promissory note telling her she's going to get some socks...someday! I am also working on the socks for Jean Townsend. I volunteered to test knit them and I am really enjoying the pattern.

My daughter Stacey and her Husband Jon, along with the beautiful grandaughter Mia, just returned from a trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands. They actually went to a place called Sesame Street Island! Who would ever figure that Cookie Monster and Elmo live in the Bahamas? Those lucky little furballs! They had a great time and above is a picture of them with one of the ginormous Sesame Street characters. Stacey said they had a good time and that the vacation was all-inclusive so all they did was eat and eat! Sounds like my kind of place!

My sweet friend Janet (who is STILL blogless) is taking me to "Stitch and Pitch" on July 22nd for my birthday. What is Stitch and Pitch you ask?! Well, the easiest way to explain that is to check out their website here. I will be going to the Minnesota Twins game, and luckily for Janet, I like baseball! We are really looking forward to it. We will take a chartered bus from the local yarn store (Coldwater in Excelsior) and some of our friends from our knitting group will be joining us. Should be a great day! Knitting, baseball, friends, who could ask for more? Let's all keep our fingers crossed that it's not hot that day since the big yellow bus has no AC.

Well, I guess I've sat on my fanny long enough and should get up and get my hacienda cleaned. Wednesdays are cleaning day for me and I am fortunate enough to have a beautiful, cool, summer day here in the Twin Cities! Once I get the dog hair swept and vacuumed and the bathrooms cleaned I just may cast on that wonderful Lisa Lloyd cardigan. Wonders never cease!


Update: While I was cleaning I decided that I needed to do a small "brag". I was dusting my Hoosier (a kitchen cupboard originally designed and manufactured in Indiana at the turn of the century around 1900) and realized just how much my antiques mean to me. Not in a monetary sense but in the knowledge of the traditions they represent. I love old things, I am an old thing! I have collected antiques since I first got married many years ago and they still thrill me to no end! If I was given $10,000.00 and told to buy furniture with it...I would head to the antique malls and the flea markets. I know that there are lots of people who look upon these aged treasures as junk, but not me! I love everything about them. They are a glimpse into our past, they carry marks and scars on their surface that someone caused years ago. They are personal, they belonged to someone before me and they have a history. I find that all fascinating and I feel privileged to own these pieces. Yup, my house is filled with someone else's things, maybe others would refer to them as "secondhand" but I prefer to call them mine for now. Someday they will go to my children and I can only hope that they will respect and treasure them as much as I do. The Hoosier cupboard is probably my favorite piece I own. It was given to me by my Aunt Ruth and it was literally "in pieces". I refinished it, I rebuilt it, I even reassembled the roll-top. It now sits proudly on a wall between my dining room and living room for all to admire. I don't know how many women loved that old cupboard in the past, but I do know that it is loved now, and I hope it will be loved long after I am gone.

Bundt Pan Love

Yup, I love my Bundt pan. Maybe they were popular more than 30 years ago, but I still love mine...even in 2007. My original Bundt pan is long gone. It was a Nordicware Bundt, a lovely (not!) olive green, and served me well for many years. In it's place is a sleek grey Bundt pan with a super non-stick coating that assures every cake or bread will pop right out...whole! Why do I love my Bundt pan? Simple, it works. It cooks quick breads or cakes evenly since the heat can circulate into the center. The cakes look awesome plated. Nothing prettier than a fancy looking Bundt cake on a pretty plate to impress the diners. It's easy to cut uniform pieces with very little breakage. Come on...you know I'm right. We all know what that first piece of cake looks like that you tried to pry out of the corner of a 9x13 inch cake pan. And most of all, it's a fun way to bake and serve your families favorites! Today my little Bundt pan got to be the happy bake ware for a new recipe I tried. I had printed this recipe off the net awhile ago, but couldn't seem to remember to buy the dang evaporated milk it called for. I made a list...since this bread calls for cream cheese and evaporated milk. The bread just came out of the oven and I "painted" the lemon/sugar wash over it and now I'm waiting for it to cool enough to taste test! Smells good, looks good, I think it will taste good! Be sure to check out the Nordicware website. They have some interesting recipes, contests, and best of all...the history of the famous Bundt Pan. Anyway, here's the recipe I tried sans the pecans. Nuts just didn't sound like they belonged. Plus, no one here likes nuts in anything sweet...cookies, brownies, etc. The recipe is called Lemon Cream Bread. All right...I couldn't wait any longer. I just ate a slice and I would call the finished result...divine! Very good. The bread has a nice texture: dense, moist but not crumbly. The flavor is excellent. I probably should confess that I substituted lemon juice for the 1/4 cup of water the recipe calls for. We like our lemon recipes to actually taste like LEMON! This will be a hit with all but the hubby. He doesn't like anything lemon...oh well, his loss.

Tomorrow is the 4th of July! Happy Birthday to the USA! The greatest place on Mother Earth! Yes, we've got our problems, but there still isn't any better place to be than here. I still live by the old saying "America, love her, or leave her." Like my daughter is quick to point out after living in third world countries for 5 years, "Americans have no idea what it's like to truly be poor, or needy. Our poorest citizens are rich by most of the world's standards. We are truly blessed and don't usually appreciate how lucky we are." She is a teacher and taught in the Middle East and Africa before she got married. She saw it all, and it has given her a new appreciation for all we have in our country. So let's all say a prayer for our country and her leaders, and remember to be thankful that we are citizens of the United States of America.

Banana Bread Heaven!

Hurray...the weather will cool off for a couple days, at least that's what Paul Douglas, the local weather guru claims! Since the temps today will only top out in the mid 70's it is a perfect day to bake. I turned the AC off last night because the overnight low was 54! It was actually chilly...I love it! But even with the AC off the house is cool and comfy. I pulled Big Blue out of his garage (BB is my cobalt blue Kitchenaid Mixer I got for Christmas last year) and made a double batch of the best banana bread in the USA...no, world...no, universe! I wish I could take credit for the recipe but I cannot, at least not honestly. It is from an old church cookbook that I got as a wedding gift many, many, years ago. I remember when I opened the package at my shower and thought...what the heck am I gonna do with a cookbook?? Aren't we gonna eat out every night? Oh how I've changed! I love to cook and bake. It is second in line, next to knitting, for one of my favorite ways to spend time. That old church cookbook is one of my favorites, I have gotten some of my best recipes from it. In honor of the ladies who donated their wonderful recipes for the cookbook, I have renamed the recipe "Church Ladies Banana Bread". Enjoy!

Church Ladies Banana Bread
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter at room temperature (no substitutions)
2 eggs
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
3 ripe bananas
2 cups flour

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and mix. Mix buttermilk with soda and vanilla. Add and continue to mix. Mash bananas with a fork until smooth and add to mixer. When bananas are mixed in add flour and beat until well mixed. Prepare pans with cooking spray or grease and flour. Pour batter (it will be thick) into a bundt pan, or 4 small loaf pans, or one large loaf pan. Bake at 350º for 30-55 minutes. The time varies depending on what pan you use. 4 small loaf pans only take about 30 minutes, a bundt pan about 45 mins and a large loaf takes the longest at about 55 mins. So check often to be sure. Cool for 15 minutes and de-pan. Great with butter! YUM

I have made this bread recipe at least 50 times and it's never failed me. It's pretty fool proof. Just keep adding the ingredients to the mixing bowl and beat away. It's easy, and delicious.

The sock I am test knitting is so pretty. I am enjoying the pattern, it's easy enough to memorize and looks so feminine. I'll post a picture as soon as I get permission from the designer. I don't know if she's going to sell this pattern or if it's a sock of the month club pattern. Either way, I feel lucky enough to be able to test it out and see the final results. So far the results are awesome!

I think that Church Ladies Banana Bread has cooled enough to cut a slice! That will be my lunch...maybe 2 slices! I better call my sons and tell them there is a loaf waiting for them at mom's house. That's why I always double the recipe and use the small loaf pans. I have to keep the kids happy!

One Project Done...but it's Not Knitting!

While I was on vacation last week I did manage to get the ugly green nightstand sanded, primed, and painted. It turned out so cute, I am very pleased with the results. In the above picture it is in the living room, it has since been moved into my bedroom and resides in a place of honor. Now that I finished it I want to get the little table done for the other side of my bed. It needs more work than the nightstand because the paint on it is peeling. I may work on it this week, while I'm still excited to paint. Painting is one of my least favorite things to do.

I am doing something that I do like to do! I am knitting a sock...actually, I'm test knitting a pattern for a sock designer. I can't say who since I haven't asked her permission, but rest assured, this is one cute sock pattern! I will see if I can post a picture when I am done with the first sock. It is a top down, very feminine sock that will appeal to most any female sock knitter. I am using KnitPicks Essential sock yarn in Dusk, the denim blue color. It is really soft yarn, way softer than many of the more expensive sock yarns. I am really impressed with the feel and how nice it's knitting. And, not to keep plugging KnitPicks (although I do lov'em), I am using their 24" size 1 (2.5mm) circular needles and LOVING them. They are equal to Addi's in comfort, quality, and speed. I am using the 2 circular method and have really come to like it. I have to say, these needles are a third the cost of Addi's and just as nice. The cable (which is purple on all their circulars) is very flexible, but I was concerned that the tips would be too sharp. I had read on some blogs that they were so sharp that they were painful. Evidently KnitPicks heard enough complaints and changed the tips because they are very comfortable to use. I definitely will be buying a couple more size 1's (for those multiple sock projects!) and a couple size 2's for knitting sport weight socks.

Well, I better go get the chicken breasts out of the water so I can make some chicken salad. It is very hot and humid today so we only need a light meal. I love chicken salad made with grapes, mandarin oranges, macaroni, almonds, and green onions. Yum.

Am I Too Young For A Shawl?

What comes to mind when you hear the word "shawl"? A little old granny with a wool shawl wrapped around her stooped shoulders? That's what comes to my mind! Am I too young for a shawl at the middle age of 55? Nope. I have found a pattern that I would like to knit...it is a shawl. Years ago I bought some coned cotton and linen yarn from Elann. It is a beautiful denim color and would make a great shawl. I have about half of the Fiber Trends Landscape Shawl done using this yarn and I'm not sure I like it. Today I will reassess it and decide if it is to be frogged. I have no problem frogging something that I am not pleased with. I look at it this way, I'll never use it if I don't like it, and I get double the mileage out of the yarn since it gets knit twice. The shawl I want to make is from the Elann site, the Adara Rainbow Shawl. I don't like the colors they used so mine would be a solid color. Has anyone knit this, it looks to be a fun knit with interesting shaping. I need to start another project like I need a toothache, but, you know how it is...you see something that draws your attention and before you know it, you've cast on and have 6 inches done!

My daughter and grand daughter leave tomorrow morning. It will make me sad. I have really enjoyed having them here for the last 10 days. I probably won't see them again until October when I go to the Keys to visit them. I am keeping my fingers crossed that they come here for Christmas this year. In a perfect world they would live near by and I could see them everyday...maybe someday we'll live in a perfect world.

Last night was our monthly knitting group. It was also the knitting groups 5th anniversary! When Janet and I started it 5 years ago we never thought that it would actually be successful. Oh we of little faith... it turned out to be all we had ever hoped for. We have an average of 12 people a month, we've had as many as 24 and as few as 3. All ages, all levels of skill, every knitter is welcome. There are the regulars and there are some who come only once or twice and we never hear from them again. We have some knitters who knit stunning garments and some who knit dishcloths (I am NOT dissing dishcloths, I love to knit them!). It has a been a wonderful group and I have made many new friendships that I'm sure I will treasure for my lifetime.

I Wish I Could Do That!

It was hot again today in the Twin Cities. We had a slight reprieve for the last 2 days and now the heat is back. But that didn't stop the unstoppable Mia Belle from running through gramma's sprinkler. I wish I could do that...and not have the neighbors saying "Look at that fat goober running around in her back yard! What is she thinking?" Nope, the running through the sprinkler days for me are gone forever. Not so for Mia who had lots of fun and cooled off...so cool that she got the "blue lips I've been in the water too long" thing going. She is having a good time at gramma's and tells me everyday that she wants to stay in Minnesota. Gramma would like that too!

NO, that is NOT me in the above picture, even I don't have that bad of hair days! ;o) I promised a picture of the never-ending red sweater. I took the sweater, all 6 inches of it, out of my knitting bag to photograph. It's so boring that I didn't even want to take it's picture, but I did! It is a dreaded garter stitch Tyrolean Sweater. You know the one...all garter stitch, sort of boxy, with those cute little metal clasps near the neck. What was I thinking!? I am using the pattern pictured above by Mary Rich Goodwin (the picture is from the pattern book)...awesome patterns by the way. It is a top down so you do the whole body at once. You increase 8 times (2x in 4 different spots) every other row for the shaping. You stop when it is whatever armhole length you need. The longer you knit the armholes, the wider the body will be. The yarn I'm using has slight colors changes like the yarn in the picture, only mine is reds, rusts, and purples. I know, it sounds hideous but it is really pretty yarn. So pretty that this is the second sweater those skeins have been knit into! Yup, I frogged half a sweater I had knit with the red, rust, purple yarn already, and I was sure that this garter stitch Tyrolean Sweater was THE one for this yarn. Now I'm not so sure. Honest opinions please...

Shoe Woes, Painting, and Knitting

I love Keens, they make a cute, comfortable, hard wearing shoe. The above Keen clogs are one of my favorite pairs of shoes that I own. I bought them specifically to wear to work since they are so comfortable. Unfortunately, our new HR doesn't seem to like Keens as much as I do. I got in trouble for wearing them...in fact, I got written up. This all happened the week before my vacation. Not a good thing since I have worked at my present job for almost 15 years and never been in trouble before. Let me rephrase that, I've never been written up before. The new HR, fresh out of college (and very experienced I'm sure!), is quite willing to "discipline" the employees, even us old-timers. I guess I have a problem with a 26 yr. old telling me what I can and cannot wear. First, she needs to lighten up and not sweat the small stuff. Really now, I think these shoes do have backs, they're just a bit shorter than most shoes. And what difference is it going to make in the long run if I wear these shoes or another style? Come on! Are the shoes I wear going to cause the Earth to spin off it's axis? I think not. Will world peace be impossible because I have on Keens? Pretty doubtful. So what did I do? I went to Target and bought the cheapest, butt-ugliest shoes I could find and now I wear them to work. I can't wait to retire...

I have sanded and primed the ugly, green nightstand and tomorrow it will get it's coat of fresh white paint. As you can see in the before picture, it is ugly. Not the style. Actually it has really nice lines and is quite cute, but the color is gross. It was painted back when "antiquing" was all the craze. The little table next to it was also going to get a coat of fresh white paint...but, it needs more work since the old paint is peeling. I have decided to wait on that one until later, in the fall. Don't want to get too many projects done!

My plans to get a lot of knitting done have fallen by the wayside. Or in other words, I've been a real knitting slacker! I will work on some socks tonight while daughter and I watch the movie "Redeye". Did I ever tell you about the never-ending red sweater? Well, check back tomorrow and I'll explain and have a picture. Don't get excited, it's nothing great. Off to walk the greyhound...

Dead or Alive?

The above picture is of my sound asleep greyhound known as Summer. Yes, she looks dead, but trust me, she's not. She sleeps like this quite often, on her back, on the couch. I guess she also looks like she's snarling...impossible, since she is asleep, she cannot snarl. Not that she snarls anyway since she is a wonderful ole gal (10 1/2 yrs old) that loves people. I can't stress enough how great these retired racers are. I have had her for over 8 years and I would adopt (here's the great organization I adopted her from) her all over again! She is starting to slow down a bit but there are days she still acts like a puppy. Most people think that greyhounds are hyper and always wanting to run...not true. They are loving dogs that border on lazy (sorry Summer, but we both know that to be true) and require less care than most other large dogs. They have very little inherent health problems since any problems, such as hip dysplasia, were bred out of the breed long ago. Remember, these dogs were bred for speed and a profit so health problems were NOT allowed. They like to walk, and with a little encouragement they can be great jogging partners. There are a few hard and fast rules that do apply to greyhounds. First and foremost, they can never be off a lead. They are sighthounds and they are fast, very fast, some say the second fastest land animal on earth right behind the cheetah. They need to be contained in a fenced yard or walked regularly on a leash. Unless you can run 40 mph to catch your loose greyhound, a leash is mandatory. They can see something a half mile away, take chase, and be lost before they even know it. Plus, a leash is a protector and safeguard and all dog owners should use one. Second, they are house pets. If you're looking for a dog to keep kenneled outside, a greyhound is not for you. They have very little undercoat and body fat. They get hot in the summer and cold in the winter. They need the protection of a shelter with regulated temperatures. Personally, if you don't want a dog that you will keep indoors, maybe you don't really want a dog.

Today I went shopping with my daughter and grand daughter. I returned 2 books that my aunt gave me for my birthday (shhh, don't tell her!) and bought a book I wanted. What book? Why, "More Sensational Knitted Socks" by Charlene Schurch, of course. Her books are awesome and so well laid out. I love how the patterns are all in chart form and easy to follow. I find her books helpful when you need numbers for a basic sock pattern. She has lots of ideas for making your socks "fancy" and even has stitch patterns in the back of the book. I guess that if I could only have one sock pattern book, hers would be it! Although I also love any book by Nancy Bush and Ann Budd. After we were done shopping we had lunch at Big Bowl, one of my favorite restaurants. We had dumplings and I had Pad Thai noodles. They were good. I am enjoying my time with Stacey and Mia and will miss them when they leave on Saturday.

I am going to paint my little antique nightstand today. First sand, prime, then paint. I really don't love to paint...if fact, I really dislike painting. When I moved into my house over 3 years ago I painted almost every room. It was torture. I think it's the boring factor...it's so damn monotonous. But today my little ugly green nightstand will be reborn as a beautiful white piece of heirloom (dare I call it that?) furniture. Thank goodness the temps are normal and the humidity is gone so I can comfortably work outside.

Today Is My Birthday!

55 years ago today a baby girl was born at Swedish Hospital in St. Paul Minnesota. That was me! I am getting old, but as my husband would say...getting old is better than the alternative. Tonight I will go out to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants with my 4 children, husband, mother, and the visiting grand daughter. I love it when we can all be together. So Happy Birthday To Me and hopefully many more!

I am officially on vacation starting today. My daughter and grand daughter arrived safely yesterday and we have been having a fun time. Mia is talking like crazy and what she says is so funny! She makes us all laugh. It will be nice to relax for the next ten days and just take it easy. I want to paint my nightstand white (it is a puke olive green now, that green that was so popular in the 60's) and distress it. My daughter thinks I should paint it white then sand it to let a bit of the green show through. Since most of my furniture is antiques that style would fit in well. I'll wait and see how it looks once it's white. It is a cute little antique table with drawer and door on the bottom. Usually I don't paint antiques but the wood on this was so stained and blotchy that my dear mom painted it years ago. Hence, the lovely green.

My aunt gave me some books that I am going to return (shhh, don't tell her!) to Barnes and Noble and get a knitting book I want. I don't know what one I will pick but since I am on vacation I can take my time browsing.

I also will get all my purple Wool of the Andes Chunky wound so I can start the cardigan. Of course, it has been 90º so knitting with 100% wool doesn't sound too appealing right now. Maybe finish the Peach Petal Socks for my mom's birthday next month. Either way, I am gonna get some knitting done while I'm off work!

Rainbow Morning

The days that I have to work I get up at 4:30am. I have to walk Summer, the greyhound gal, before I leave so I give myself that extra 20 minutes. Some mornings I am running late and Summer gets the abbreviated walk, not so this morning. I had lots of extra time and when I opened my front door...this is what I saw! I took the picture standing in my driveway. The colors aren't nearly a bright as the real rainbow was and it was a complete bow. A perfect arch that was full spectrum colored and beautiful! The sun hadn't risen yet so the picture looks dreary but it sure started my day right!

In less than 48 hours my daughter Stacey and my grand daughter Mia will be here, in my house, visiting for 10 days! I will take lots of pictures of the cutie...isn't that what grammas do?