Allison's Atelier

Hoppy Holidays!

2011-12-19T10:23:00.000-08:00

While gearing up for the Holidays I knit up a little Santa Bunny hat. Iliad has been a good sport wearing it to Hands On Knitting Center and to school with me. He's been a hit everywhere he goes.
More bunny news: We have baby bunnies this morning! I had just started wondering if Max was sterile. Then Inkling kindled. They appear to be dark colors. Inkling is being very protective so I haven't dug in to see them too well yet. Two didn't make it through the birthing process. I think there may be 4 or so wiggling in the nest. I'll check in a little while.
Here they are. At least 5 little faces...

How fast 18 years go by...

2011-10-17T15:53:00.000-07:00

Today Alex is 18! The age of majority. He has been an inspiration to me since the day he was born. He is a loving person. He is brilliant, curious, inventive, and creative. The music in his soul has been a joy to all who have known him. I am lucky to know such a wonderful young man, let alone having spent almost every day of his life with him. I hope he continues to have a wonderful life. He has so many interests and talents. May they continue to serve him well. I can't wait to see what else is in store from him.
Happy Birthday Alex! I love you!

Back to School

2011-08-16T21:53:00.000-07:00

Summer seemed especially short this year. Paul went off for a new job in North Creek NY. The kids stayed home. There were lots of things to catch up with around the house. I've started a veggie garden again after several years of not having one. With the bunnies I wanted to make sure the poop wasn't laying around smelling up the place. The plants are loving the fertilizer. I am loving the fresh vegetables and herbs.

Claire and Justin had big birthdays this year... 16 and 30. Where has the time gone?
I waited and waited for my car to be fixed, finally gave up, and flew to New York. Good thing Paul picked up the antique spinning wheel in Arizona and drove it to NY for Stella. Without driving there was no way for me to take it. I was only at Innisfree for about 10 days. Paul's job did not work out so we had the time together. We never have time together so I guess the Universe gifted us. I guess having time alone at camp is just not in the cards for me yet.

Stella Boyer came up to pick up her gorgeous blue spinning wheel and brought the 2 bunnies I reserved from her earlier. We so enjoyed having Stella, her son, and friend Tina at camp for the day. The ladies and I have decided to get together for a spinning/knitting/crafting weekend next summer.

My birthday was spent driving into Utica/Whitesboro to pick up a little buck from Kim in Canada and two does from Joan Hastings. We were now up to 5 bunnies to drive cross country to California with us. We left camp for Ohio where Lisa from Somerhill Farm lives. We picked up Maximo, a red satin angora buck who is beautiful and so personable. In Ohio we got the remaining health certificates for bringing them into California and then got headed west again.
We had 6 rabbits stacked behind us in the Mustang convertible. Illiad, the little buck who traveled from Canada, liked putting his paws in his water dish, shaking them off, and then licking his paws instead of drinking out of the bowl. He cooled us off many a time on the way. These bunnies have such funny sweet personalities. They had a lovely time riding in and out of the hotels on the brass luggage carts. So cute.

It was so hot while we were gone, my daughter brought the 2 rabbits at home into the house. Both adult, one doe, one buck. Guess who is pulling fur and making a nest tonight... We may have baby bunnies in the morning.

I have had students for 5 days now. I was moved to a new school for the year. Our district is trying two schools as K-6 schools this year so several of our 6th grade teachers have moved to the elementary schools. It is working out well, I think. I have also been changed from a math/science teacher to a language arts/social studies teacher. I wasn't thrilled about either change to begin with, but now believe I got the better end of the deal than the teachers left behind at my old school. The reward for getting named one of the 6 "Middle Schools to Watch" in California was to have our 6th grade team broken up and get a new principal who is a micromanager and is very pushy when it comes to standardized test performance. (Not that it was needed, our school was the only middle school in the district that has passed the 800 mark. I guess the inflated CST scores the students have been coming to middle school with will be continued to be inflated in the middles school as well...

Well, hope the school year goes well for you all. I am looking forward to it. Also looking forward to puttering around the yard again, finish the bunny hutch for the new rabbits and expanding the garden around the new cages. Now I just need to get rid of the gopher...

Ahhh Summer

2011-07-11T20:52:00.000-07:00

Let's see...what have I been doing. School for me got out the end of May. It is now July 11th and I haven't left for New York yet.
I have been working outside around the pool, patio, and garden for six or more hours a day since school got out. It's starting to look nice. The pool is filled again and the kids are using it. I have ignored my plants and yard for so long now. I lost all interest in most everything for the last couple of years. If feels good to get something in shape. Now that I finally got water that will reach where I garden I am out watering and planting like crazy. Good thing too because it is really hot.

My car is being fixed. Three people hit it in it's first year. Hope that's the charm. I am going to drive it to New York. It should be out of the shop in the next couple of days, then I hit the road. I have to carry a carrying cage for my bunnies. I am bringing back four Satin Angora bunnies. I have told a woman I will pick up her spinning wheel in Philadelphia. I am driving a Miata. Hope the weather is good because I may just need to keep the top down from Philadelphia to New York once I get the spinning wheel.
Needless to say I am traveling light. That's not something easily done for me. At least I have a spinning wheel, circular sock knitter, and sewing machine at camp already. I have to remember to take a couple of the bobbins and some fiber, and some basics for the sock knitter. Of course I need to take a couple of knitting projects too. Clothes you say? I don't remember what I left, but I do have some there. One bag with enough clothes and toiletries to get across the country and that's that.

The kids are not going to camp this year-Summer School, though they weren't offering the classes my daughter needs to take. Paul is already in New York, about an hour away from Innisfree/Cool-Shag-Na. He got a job in North Creek as Chief Mechanical Officer of a new railroad. Start-up is next week if they can get everything done. Jobs appropriate for him just aren't available in California. He's finally got a job that he deserves and can shine. Unfortunately it's on the other side of the country. Well, he or we can visit.

Before I go I still need to get two cars registered and one more fixed. It needs some suspension work and the muffler separated on Saturday. It sounds like an airplane. It's checked out and arrangements are made except for the welding of the muffler. Still need to get to the dentist and make appointments for kids to get their whooping cough shots so they can go back to school in August.
I am essentially a single parent again and hitting the road for three weeks. At least there is another mom available. Jessica, a friend of Claire's who has been living with us since before Christmas will have her mom staying with the kids while I am gone. Justin and Audra will be checking in and hopefully swimming and taking some veggies from my garden. I think all will be alright. I hope so because I really need to get away from it all for a while. I just don't know who I am anymore and need to be away from my regular life to get a grip on where I am going. The Adirondack Park is a good place for reflection on the natural world. Or should I say real world?

Ta Ta For Now...

Mother's Day a year later...

2011-05-08T18:29:00.000-07:00

I am still blessed with a loving family. Alex and Claire are busy highschoolers. Justin and Audra are together in their own apartment and have added to the family. I have my first grandbaby, Gemma Nicole. She is the most adorable baby on Earth. I love her sweet smiles and goos. I am trying to get her to say Grandma since she has already got the 'G' sound down. I am knitting her lots of things.
I still miss Nicole. I was blessed to have her for as long as I did. Life is not and will never be the same without her.

Happy Mother's Day all!

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

Today I count my blessings. Justin, Alex and Claire are beautiful, intelligent, healthy, involved children. Audra has become a cherished member of the family as well. Though it all feels precarious with Nicole gone and my husband relocating for work for the time being. I hope all goes well for him. I hope we fare well too. As essentially a single parent again, I'll have to stay on my toes.
I really have so much to be thankful for. Friends and family have helped me get this far. I am indebted to them for their love and support. I have a steady job even if it has become harder and we've had a pay cut. We have a home. I am blessed.
Happy Mother's Day!

Spring Break is not too soon...

2010-03-31T22:31:00.000-07:00

Here it is Spring already. I went back to work in December. Work is something to do, though stressful. Life is a whirlwind. It's all too much. Grief ebbs and flows through the days. I miss my baby. I feel lucky that I got to spend her life with her, but I still want more. Justin, Alex and Claire are wonderful children so I have a reason to still be here. It's joyful to see them progress and experience their lives. I am as lucky to be able to spend time with them. I'll just never fill the hole in my heart.

So I am planning to have a little fun for Spring Break. I've got lots to do too. The kids are playing musical bedrooms. Time to clean, paint and move furniture. Justin and Audra are fixing up the Carriage House to stay in. I want to finish painting our Spinning Headquarters and have a meet up next Sunday. I need to go to Laguna to throw a red glass heart into the sea. I'll be driving my new car with the top down if the weather permits. I hope to visit my brother and sister-in-law in San Diego too. Maybe I'll even do a little work in the yard. I am just so glad to have some time off again.

Giving Thanks

2009-11-27T12:43:00.001-08:00

This was my hardest Thanksgiving ever. No Holiday will ever be the same without Nicole. All I have ever wanted for holidays was to have all my children home and safe. It was hard when Justin was in Afghanistan, but this is so much worse. There is a huge hole in my heart that will never be filled.
It's strange the way such acute pain can highlight the love felt for those still here. I am so blessed to have my family and friends. So many rallied around me to help me through Thanksgiving. Audra came over to bake cookies, Alex had the house full of friends, Em came to check on me, Claire secretly invited her, Takara tried to enfold us in her family's love to get us through and my brother's family Rick, Monica and Melissa hosted us at their first Thanksgiving ever in their house. We were bombarded with Thanksgiving greetings, by e-mail and snail mail. It was a wonderful couple of days. I am grateful for the loves in my life here and gone. I was so lucky to have had my parents and daughter even if I will not get more time with them. They were so amazing. I am so much the better for having known them and still loving them.
Happy Thanksgiving my friends.

Happy 16th Alex!!!

2009-10-17T07:34:00.000-07:00

I don't know how the time has gone so fast. You were a happy, funny baby. Now a young man. I am excited to watch you grow and curious to see where your interests and achievements will take you. You make me proud. I love you <3

Happy Birthday my precious Nicole

2009-07-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

We celebrated your life with your friends today. We all wish you were here with us. I am glad to be getting to know the people you loved and loved you better.
I miss you. It is so unfair I only had you for 25 years. I was so looking forward to the coming years as you continued to bloom. You were an amazing young woman. I couldn't wait to see where your potential would take you. You were so smart and beautiful. I wanted to have the time to hang out and just be together. Your absence leaves such an enormous hole in our lives. The world is poorer without you. Your spirit was inspiring. No one will ever forget you. I love you my darling girl.

Been in the Woods for a Week

2009-07-04T05:47:00.000-07:00

We are still settling in. Lots of things to do. The boys have jobs now. This is their 3rd day. They are working at a Riding Stable. This is supposed to be a busy weekend. It's rained every day they have worked so far. They get there at 8 am and have been coming home about 12ish. The people running the place are going to give them riding lessons and show them the ins and outs of being a guide when they take tourists out on the trail. I would have loved that as a first job. They are doing some shoveling too. After all they are the new guys and there is tons of "fertilizer" in a horse barn...

Went yard sale-ing yesterday. Came home with a bicycle and a boat. The boys negotiated a deal on an 8 foot dinghy which we had to carry back to camp in the Expedition. Needless to say there was very little room for the kids on the way back. Alex and Mike squeezed themselves around the boat to get home. Alex literally was draped across the bottom of the boat (it was upside down). Fun stuff. I posted a picture on my Facebook page.

Happy 4th of July everybody. Hope your adventures are as good as the ones we're having at the moment.
Love Ya!!!

We've Driven Off the Map!

2009-06-27T16:09:00.001-07:00

We drove into camp early this morning after driving most of the night and taking a nap at a service area about 20 minutes from Utica. We didn't want to get to the grocery store too early and get hassled by security waiting for it to open. Besides, I was really tired. Nobody was at their best when we did get to the grocery store before 6 am and found that it was open 24 hours a day. Anyway, we stocked up and headed to camp a bit more than an hour from there. It rained on the way, but not hard. It is such a heady experience driving closer and closer, the smell of the balsam and pines perfuming the way. My eyes dilate to soak in the green. I LOVE trees! We don't have enough of them in Southern California. They aren't lush like these either.
I guess we are now officially off the map until we come into town to get on the internet. Through Otter Lake and after Old Forge our GPS signal failed. Our cell phones don't work here either. So I guess, we are officially off the map for the summer. You may see me sporadically here. If you don't, Have a Great Summer!!!

Lightning and downpour in Indiana!

2009-06-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

Morning update- It is clear a muggy this morning for our trip to Cleveland and the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame.

We had a long day today, driving from Claremore (near Tulsa) Oklahoma to Richmond, Indiana at the Ohio border. The last couple of hours we were treated to a light show as we drove. We finally had enough driving and got off the road to get a hotel. The lightning was a little closer. By the time we were parked and got to the room the rain was coming down in torents and I was trying to get the kids inside before someone got hit by lightning. We were all soaked in a few feet and climbing the steps. Then the power blew. We watched the storm from the room and were really glad we'd stopped when we did. What excitement!

As far as Tucumcari...

2009-06-24T06:46:00.000-07:00

We got into Tucumcari last night and stayed in a quaint little motel with the pool filled in with cement and a smell in the room. I wonder if I am just used to it or having the air conditioning on all night has made the smell go away. Kids are still sleeping. but I'll need to wake them soon. We'll be getting into Texas once we get moving and going on to my cousin's in Claremore, OK by the end of the day...I think. We're still open for a side trip if we think of one. I think we're all still having fun.

Our Expedition Begins..

2009-06-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

Off we go!

GPS tracking powered by InstaMapper.com

We got as far as Flagstaff tonight. Had dinner at In-N-Out in Arizona. Snacks in the hotel. Looks like the Rock Slide State Park is towards Sedona. Planning on doing that tomorrow... good night.

Prepping to Leave for Camp!

2009-06-17T11:31:00.000-07:00

It's getting close. The car is getting it's last touches/repairs for the trip. I am procrastinating getting my laundry done. I guess we'll all be trying to get everything done at once. Today is the planned day for getting the car carrier and Swing-Away out and ready. The kids are starting to get excited. I guess my oldest daughter will get to join us this trip too. It'll be good to spend some time with her. Lots of catch up work around the house to try to get to. Some more driving practice on the freeway in the Expedition with loaded weight for my son. We have a birthday party for my youngest daughter to get through Friday, Father's Day and Summer Birthday dinner Sunday, orthodontist appointment on Monday then ON THE ROAD!
I wish everyone was going but Paul needs to work and Justin has other things going on. Besides someone needs to look after the house. Hopefully they'll come out before we leave. Paul will probably fly in to drive us home. It's usually quite a haul on the way home. It's strange to be starting out without them.
I finished knitting a bag for the trip. I just have to felt it now. I need to get what I want to work on this summer organized. I would so like to work on some glass flame working but that is just too much equipment to have to take along. I don't know what Jewelry making stuff would be appropriate either.
Time to start packing...

Summer Vacation Starts Today!

2009-06-05T13:56:00.001-07:00

So Close I Can Almost Taste It!

2009-05-31T19:00:00.001-07:00

Only three days left of the school year! With students that is. I have to take everything down, pack it up, clean and get my paperwork in. One day extra to check out and I'm FREE!!!! From that kind of work anyway. Appointments, car service, household upkeep, and driving back East will keep me really busy!

A New Life

2009-05-24T07:20:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T05:15:00.000-07:00

Here it is the wee hours of Mother's Day. My family is dreaming in their beds as I decide what to do for the day. I will be rousing them in a couple of hours for a trek to the beach so that I can have breakfast with all the most important people in my life. The ones that make Mother's Day meaningful. Have I told you they are amazing people? Each is so different, yet completely my favorite. It seems contradictory to have more than one favorite. It just seems to fit how I feel about them. My beautiful children. Each with their own perfect heart and mind. Each with their own set of talents. They have such potential. I hope I get to see the astounding turns their lives will take. I am blessed to be their mother.

Music in the House and Flowers in the Garden

2009-05-02T15:40:00.000-07:00

Seems as though everyone is happy. The end of the school year is approaching with all of the activities that go with that. My daughter is graduating from Middle School, so there will be a semi-formal dance and trip to an amusement park. Awards assemblies are planned for band and drama. My son is still working on scuba lessons. He missed a couple having a fever for a week so we'll have to go down to Huntington Beach for him to catch up.
I have guitar lessons on Mondays and knitting on Wednesdays and Saturdays when nothing interferes.I am walking with my friend on Thursdays and husband on Sundays. Hope to start meeting with a meditation group on Thursdays too. Busy is happy, right?

Maybe it is fast enough...

2009-04-20T19:07:00.000-07:00

!00 degrees in Redlands for the past couple of days. I want summer here, but too much too fast isn't good either. My plants need a watering system. Everything is a mess in the irrigation department.

Summer is Coming, but Not Fast Enough

2009-04-19T16:44:00.000-07:00

It's got to be in the high 80s today already. It's lovely, but too hot to work in the yard. It makes me want to hit the road for New York. It's routinely still hitting the 30s at night there though. I guess I'll have to wait a little longer. And I do have a job and all.
One more week until standardized testing at my school. One week of testing, then 4 more weeks to keep the lid on until summer. I've got such an 'interesting' class this year. I am not looking forward to any of it.

Easter Rocks!

2009-04-12T14:56:00.000-07:00

Just had Easter dinner that I made. Ham with cherry pineapple apricot sauce, asparagus, au gratin potatoes, fresh berries with ladyfingers. Yum!!!! What do you call a mimosa with pina colada juice instead of orange? Or one with pomegranate blueberry juice? Because that is what I am enjoying now.
It's a beautiful spring day! The windows and doors are open. We rearranged the living room a bit. It feels like I could take control of my home again!
I get to spend the day with my family. My daughter is coming to stay over tonight. I'll make salmon for when she gets here. We played some of the player piano rolls. Hubby is out in the Carriage House playing his new amp and guitar. I wish I could always feel like this, happy and hopeful.
Have a wonderful Easter!

SPRING BREAK!!!!!!!

2009-04-03T12:35:00.000-07:00

What a Wonderful Reunion!

2009-03-16T23:05:00.000-07:00

I am in heaven. I had such a terrific visit with my cousin and his daughter. It has been years since we've seen each other. Our daughters were toddlers the last time.
His brother hosted a couple of delicious dinners at his house and we ran around like crazy for the time we had. It may take all week for the adults to catch up on their sleep. The kids seem just fine if a little sad it's over.
We went to Victoria Gardens for shopping, The Hip Kitty in Claremont to watch Mark play guitar and sing,. Laguna Beach for fun in the sun and more shopping, then back to Mark's for lobster and pasta. Yummm.
It went so fast though. I hope we get to do it again soon.

Days Full of Green!

2009-03-06T19:04:00.000-08:00

Spring is arriving. The fields are green and rain and snow are falling in the mountains. The cloud formations are gorgeous. There is such promise in the air. The teenagers are busy. Heck, we're all busy. Tomorrow one going to play rehearsal and the other for kayaking at the beach and who gets to do the driving and waiting? I just love the green though. We don't have it for long in Southern California. We're in low desert so our Spring is a transition from an unseasonably warm January(seems it happens like this every year) to back and forth swings from gorgeous soul warming 80s to back to the 30s. We've even had scorching temperatures in the 100s some years by March/April. Of course that burns the tender green of new shoots and they never come back quite the same. By May it will be tan and brown again. I am drinking in the green since I know how temporary it all is. Cycle of life and all. It is completely rich though, isn't it.

Off to San Diego

2009-02-27T21:44:00.000-08:00

I don't know how I ended up here really. I never wanted to leave San Diego. I just couldn't get started working there. Now I've been gone so long it's weird to go back. Well, at least since I haven't really got a place to stay anymore. I was there all the time when my parents were still around. Now I hardly get there at all. I miss San Diego so much.
So we are making the yearly trek to the Big 3 swap meet at Qualcom Stadium. It's a bunch of old cars and motorcycles and the accompanying classic clothing and props. It's kind of fun for a day. We're just doing one day this year. The kids are bringing friends to hang out with. We'll see some old friends from the days when my parents were members of the car clubs, some cool old cars and lots of stuff. It's just not the same though.

Cool Overcast Sunday

2009-02-22T10:19:00.000-08:00

Just got back from a walk with Paul. It's beautiful out, though a bit cloudy. Perfect weather for a walk. The snow in the mountains is gorgeous and it's nice to have some moisture in the air. Haven't done much this weekend. We did have friends over Friday. It motivated the family to help straighten and vacuum. It was nice to start the weekend with a semi-clean house. It puts a more pleasant twist on the whole thing.
Went knitting at Yarn Deli Saturday. The ladies are all getting ready to go to Stitches West this coming weekend. I wanted to go but think I should go down to the Big 3 in San Diego with the family instead. So maybe next year( I think it was the same thing last year. Stitches and The Big 3 are on the same weekend.) This year we are trying to unload some cars and find wheels for Alex's Model T. You should check out his blog, Fix the T. He's trying to get it rebuilt to drive cross country to New York next year.
Went on a date with my husband. I can't even remember when we last went out together. We've been raising kids the entire time we have been together and have not given the time we need to to maintain our relationship. The kids are definitely old enough now to take care of themselves for long periods of time. And we need to take the time to repair our relationship due to the lack of communication we have been in the habit of. We had a pretty pleasant date. It's nice to take the evening off from the usual responsibilities. We took that walk together this morning too. I am hopeful.
May be heading to Laguna to help my daughter with her sewing machine. It's cool she is designing clothing. That was my favorite thing to do when I was young. I wanted to be a fashion designer growing up. She avoided doing anything I like while she was growing up. It's nice to have a common interest now.

Near miss

2009-02-16T17:51:00.000-08:00

Have to say I am glad everything is worked out for the time being. Relationships do take maintenance. I know what my limit is because I was right there. I am feeling cared for again and have new resolve to enjoy my life. I am enjoying my friends and family. I am working towards goals and Paul is too. I've decided to take guitar lessons and to that end I have begun trying to toughen my fingertipa and learn a few chords. Still knitting, though trying to spend more time walking as well. It can be hard at times, but life is good.

FaceBook

2009-01-31T08:01:00.000-08:00

I have been having so much fun using my FaceBook account lately. I've had the account for a long time, but until my cousin found me on it, then I found a close family friend, and then a couple of friends from work I really wasn't doing much with it. Now I have the app on my i-phone and get notified whenever anyone posts. I am sending good karma to friends and have more of a reason to go through the boxes and boxes of photos I have from my childhood. It's kind of like revisiting people I used to know and have sorely missed. It's also remembering who I was long before who I am. I get a chance to reconnect those parts of myself that have been left behind while growing up. Maybe not left behind, but not expressed in a long time. It feels great!
Due to my cousin's question about a picture I posted I have also found another cousin (on MySpace) and learned that my uncle is still alive and living in the same town as he was 11 years ago when we stopped hearing from him and our mail was returned. So I am sure an interesting story or two in our lives will come from all of this.

Magellan Needs Torture

2009-01-17T06:35:00.000-08:00

Our cat Magellan is quite the character. Usually my alarm goes off at five and I need a couple of minutes to rouse myself. Magellan has taken it upon himself to make sure that people get up. He comes into the room and starts to sharpen his claws on the corner of the bed. This, of course, rouses me to chase him away. I don't want the bed ruined! If you get quiet again he comes back for more. It used to be just my room and about 5-5:30-ish. This week he's taken to walking over me at about 4:30, then waiting patiently til about 5 to scratch and get me to chase him. Of course I can't go back to sleep again after he's walked on me, is purring, and sitting there watching me.
He's also taken to doing this to other family members. No one wants him in their room anymore. My son had to lock him in the shower one night to be able to sleep. Don't get me wrong. He is a very nice cat. He is just a pain in the morning. He tears around here like a maniac once we all come down. My husband carries him around like a baby and fusses over him constantly so there's no wonder he thinks he runs the place. Well now I'm up...I've taken a nice long whirlpool bath, dressed and am about to go for a walk. I've been able to enjoy the house before anyone else is up. Thanks Magellan. The thing is, today I could have slept in...

Old friends and family

2009-01-15T23:25:00.000-08:00

This week has been a heartwarming one for me. I've started using Facebook. I've been in contact with two important people from my past. My cousin who I always wished was my twin and my friend I grew up with. Their memories of me when I was younger have shifted my perspective of who I am now. Changes are in the works. :)
Went to Market Night tonight. The weather was perfect for it. Bought wonderful breads and fruits and veggies. Haven't been in a while. It wasn't very crowded. It gets so crowded through late spring and summer. I am so glad I went. My daughter went and walked around with friends and nobody else wanted to go. I was on my own to wander. I like it.

Still Painting...Walls

2009-01-11T23:26:00.000-08:00

Why does everything seem to go in slow motion? I still have to do another coat to put on the bathroom walls and ceiling. Probably won't have time 'til next weekend again. It would be so nice to have everything done and put back together. I am starting to think that I'll always live in chaos.
Tomorrow some students are interviewing me and taking pics for the yearbook. They want a quote. I wanted to come up with something cool. Maybe I'll have to borrow from my quote book... I wonder where that is. It was right next to my desk all last year. I don't think I unpacked it this year.
The boys were all gone this weekend. Hubby and youngest son fixing trains in Campo, and oldest son doing his Army reserve duty. Can't say I used the time particularly well, but did enjoy the space. Next weekend is a 3-day. Maybe I can finish upstairs and get downstairs started. Maybe it would be even better if I set up my watercolors.

"Vacation" Wrap-Up

2009-01-05T17:07:00.000-08:00

UuuuHuhhhhhhhh..... That's the sound of the deep breath I just took thinking of getting ready to go back to work tomorrow. I still have one more painting session before I am done with the bathroom and need to move a vanity up there, hang the shower curtain, mirrors, towel bars, hooks, and toilet paper hook. Not to mention clean it all and getting the toiletries to their usable places. I should do it now, but I need to sit for a couple minutes after getting back from shopping for most of mentioned items to hang.
I'm going to have to get my husband to reattach the cabinets he took down so I could see what was behind them. I think we may have to add a washer and dryer up there. There are all the hook-ups behind the cabinets along with at least another foot of space. When I saw the extra space behind the cabinets, I though Yippee, maybe we have room for a closet. It's not quite enough for that. We could however, repurpose a couple of the cabinets and replace them with a washer and dryer. I'd love to have a steaming washer/dryer for delicates and all. I am afraid, it might end up a problem with laundry being left in the bathroom. I'll have to think about it a while.
This "vacation" was too short. The holidays were great, but I just started on some of the things I need to get done. I didn't even start on my bedroom. I prepared to start work on the downstairs bathroom, but never finished the upstairs. I just hope my son is bored enough the rest of the week to work on scraping the texture off the walls. That way maybe I could get started with the painting next weekend. My son doesn't have to go back to school til next Monday. I am so jealous. What I could do with that time.
I did go to lunch with my friend today. It put a nice touch on my last free day for a while.

In With 2009

2009-01-02T08:59:00.000-08:00

Wow, the first day of the New Year is over already. Where did it go?
We had a lovely evening with friends New Year's Eve. Drank champagne and made lots of noise at midnight.

Projects are going on for a fresh start. My daughter is prepping her room to paint. She's really cleared out a lot of "stuff". I'd really like to get a few things done around here before I go back to work on the 6th. I really want to get a new car too. I've been trying to get hubby to sell a couple of the projects cars we have sitting around here doing no one any good, but he's dragged his feet for this long I guess I'll have to do it. Out with the old, right? Really need to clear the decks in my room and finish the bathrooms for my sanity.

I've been pulling out my sewing machines and organizing the supplies so that I can use them. Even went down to the sewing machine shop to have them show me again how to thread my serger. Maybe I can use it now!
Have been organizing my yarn where I can get to some of it too (and not have it all just piled up around my chair in the living room.) Finished one pair of socks while visiting my daughter in Laguna. I cast on several socks and some fingerless mitts on New Year's Eve. Now to get with it and get them done.
I dyed a couple of sock blanks pinks and reds for Valentine's day projects. I want to get started on them soon too.
My heartfelt New Year's wish for everyone is a year filled with abundance, aspiration, and love. Have a wonderful year!

Merry Christmas One and All

2008-12-25T19:41:00.000-08:00

The Christmas table with 3 of 4 of my kids.
Christmas Eve - while the creatures were still stirring...
I awakened to chirping birds and drizzly rain this morning. All my kids were home. We had the traditional potato sausage, eggs, and fruit salad, then opened presents.

Hubby took a nap while we watched a movie.
Then I made roast beef with, asparagus potatoes and gravy. Actually it cooked from breakfast time until 1-ish. My daughter made Red Velvet cake and my son made Peppermint Bark yesterday and I made cheesecake so we had quite a selection of desserts. My friend was held up so we missed having her over. We have LOTS of food left.
Yummm, my son just brought me a margarita.
Here are my daughter and son at the local coffee shop for their holiday guitar concert this past weekend.

Christmas Carolers

2008-12-17T23:25:00.000-08:00

I love my cousin!
My cousin Marky is so cool. He's the one on the right. I was lucky enough for him to live with us my senior year of high school while he went to UCSD. Look what he's doing now. What a fun Christmas job. Don't they look festive? They were actually freezing after being out in the wind for 3 hours.

Hot Buttered Rum, Yum!

2008-12-13T18:57:00.000-08:00

What a fun day. Zipping around my my BFF Leigh Ann. Investigating zippers at Hancock's Fabric, lunch at Hello Sushi, knitting at the Yarn Deli, and more investigation at Joann's, home again for more knitting, then making hot buttered rums. I am feeling satisfied. Yummmmmm. Now I am glowing(sweating). These things really warm you up. Perfect for a rainy day in Southern California. Well, we all agree they would be pretty good up in the Adirondacks in the snow as well.

Merlin is Depressed

2008-12-07T07:45:00.000-08:00

Good old Merlin is very clingy these days. He's the gold one. Every time I sit down here he comes onto my lap. It's good I like to knit since it keeps me still long enough for him to stay a while. We took him to the vet for a check-up fearing the worst. He had a crusty feeling chin that made us think of serious nasties. Good news he has a couple of infections and common acne...Oh, and he's depressed. Does he look depressed to you? Perhaps I am insensitive, but it strikes me as funny that the vet would mention our cat's depression. How would you even tell if a cat is depressed? Now that I think of it, of course he's depressed. He's old. He doesn't feel well. He likes to snuggle. I guess I'd be depressed too. Of course I might not be if I could nap all day and be fed and petted whenever I asked. That sounds like a pretty good deal to me.
On the knitting front, I finally finished two pairs of socks.
The "Owl" Socks for my brother for Christmas. Adirondack Leaves Socks from the Zokni socks pattern

My Son the Elf

2008-11-30T21:57:00.000-08:00

I guess the Holidays have officially begun. My son helped out at the Pacific Southwest Railroad Museum this weekend. Here he is with the other elves from the Santa Train.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T10:52:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it's Thanksgiving already? It's been a whirlwind year. I imagine the rest of it will go as fast as well. What are you doing today? Us? We're having dinner here. This year I get to have all of my kids together again. That is really my greatest joy, so yes, I am extremely thankful. I hope they are happy being here as well. I've been pretty pissy lately, not at them, but other things. Life is up and down.
The holidays...I remember the wonderful gatherings my mother put together for the holidays. My parents went all out for us all the time. The delicious smells and tastes, the comfort, the laughter and tears. We had the full range of emotion on holidays. The love always won out. I miss her and my dad.
It never feels like I am able to provide the comfort and support I was given. I hope I am wrong. They are amazing people and I love them more than I ever thought possible.

Didn't take any pictures. I'll have to get some from my daughter and friend to post here. I was cooking. Had a great day! My whole immediate family and best friend were here for the day. We even celebrated Leigh Ann's birthday with her. Knitted a little too. We made birthday change purses. Still need to felt them and sew in zippers. They're pretty cool. Mine may be a little small when felted. We'll see. It was a beautiful Thanksgiving.

Last Curtain Call

2008-11-16T11:04:00.000-08:00

Here is the last time on stage for my daughter and the rest of the cast of Babes in Toyland. Did I say they were absolutely astounding. What a wonderful group of kids, teachers, and parents that were involved in this. Unfortunately, "Once you leave a part of you can never return again."

These Kids Are Amazing!

2008-11-13T23:54:00.000-08:00

My daughter and her cast had 3 full performances of Babes in Toyland today. They are wonderful. Here are the gypsys.

Today is the Play!

2008-11-10T04:38:00.001-08:00

Today is the first day of 'Babes in Toyland' performances. They will be running scenes for 6 audiences at the high school. I have decided to take the day off to try to take pictures. My camera didn't work at Saturday's dress rehearsal. Here's my babe in her Jill costume. Break a leg!

November Already

2008-11-02T12:40:00.000-08:00

It's time for the clocks to Fall back. We had our first rain of the season last night. It feels like Fall.
The long haul from August through November without a day off at school is almost over. We get Tuesday, Nov. 11 off for Veteran's Day this year. My daughter's play is coming up mid-month. Long rehearsals and performances continue for the next two weeks. Then one more week and we get week off for Thanksgiving. I am so tired. I can't wait.
Five pairs of socks on the needles still. I didn't finish a single pair in October. I restarted a pair I started on the way home from the Adirondacks this summer. They are made of woodsy green Classic Alpaca I bought at Old Forge Hardware and are a leaf motif to represent the woods. They are Zokni socks designed by Pepperknit.
I am on the foot of my Tidal socks in Lorna's Laces I started in September.
I've restarted heel gusset of my so called Owl socks. My brown Escher block socks have more cuff to knit, as do my Indian Corn socks. That is not including my raindrop socks and sideways socks that I've put away for the time being. Hmmmm, you think I have a sock fixation? It's Ravelry's fault with all the great sock knitting groups.

October Projects

2008-10-28T23:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Ole Hubby has been doing some projects around the house while he is waiting to get his back fixed. Here is is shortly after his epidural. Hope it works.
Hope the projects get finished before he goes back to work, otherwise...

In recent months I have become sock obsessed. I barely work on anything but socks any more. Here are some of the socks I'm working on now.

A Wonderful Symphony Concert

2008-10-22T21:25:00.001-07:00

My son took up string bass this year at school. He's been playing the guitar, rock and jazz. He's really done a great job in the symphony orchestra. Tonight was the fall concert. It was a great warm evening under the clear sky. Just a touch of Santa Ana winds. It was beautiful. To top it off I got to watch my son play with a terrific orchestra.

Birthday Boy

2008-10-19T13:51:00.000-07:00

It's been beautiful weather the last few days. Warm days, yet cooling off at night to comfortable temperatures. The Santa Ana winds have cleared the sky. The sunsets are gorgeous. The angel trumpet bushes are perfuming the warm evening air.

I found my son's birth announcement looking through some papers last night. Just in time to show it to him during his birthday party. It surprised him. I can't believe fifteen years have gone by already. He is turning into an amazing young man with a lot of heart. I am so happy to have been part of his beginning. Can't wait to see the things he chooses to do with his life.

And Now Back into the 90's

2008-10-15T18:03:00.001-07:00

OMG 40 degrees?

2008-10-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

My husband tells me it was 40 degrees here last night. I am sitting here with a sweatshirt and blanket and my computer warming my lap.
Everyone is still snug in their beds while I check my e-mail and watch the kitten try to abscond with a ball of yarn with two half socks attached. He's got some nerve...

Fall Cooking Weather

2008-10-05T21:58:00.000-07:00

We are just too warm and dry around here. I suppose there will be a time when I feel whiney about it being too cool soon enough, but right now I just want it to be cooler. It was supposed to rain this weekend. It was cloudy and cool, but we never got any rain. It still felt like Fall and I felt like cooking. I haven't felt inspired to cook much lately. It was fun. It's supposed to be much warmer again tomorrow.
Wednesday was Yarn Deli's 2nd Anniversary. They had a great sale. I wish I had decided already what I want to make for the holidays so I could have bought the yarn on sale. I still got a few skeins for other things. I have been spending lots of time on Ravelry trying to find the inspiration to get started for holiday gifts.
Finished my Wollmeise Sonne Crusoe socks last week and I LOVE them. I am almost finished with my third string bag. I may finish tonight if I get off the computer. I started some socks with colors that remind me of my dad this week. I am designing for my brother for Christmas. Owl socks. I am adapting Ruthieknits Owl Hat to make a design on a pair of socks

Miss my dad

2008-09-27T07:03:00.000-07:00

Thursday was my dad's birthday. I should have baked an apple pie (what he always had for his birthday.) He's been gone now for almost 4 years. I've really been missing him this week.
I went to Laguna to pick up my son and see my daughter and her apartment there last weekend. The three of us had brunch and went into a yarn shop. I found myself looking for yarn in colors that reminded me of my dad and times I spent with him. What sticks in my mind the most are how blue his eyes looked in the sky blue shirts my mom bought for him. They looked grayer in cloudy weather. We lived in San Diego and had boats. My mom liked deep sea fishing and whale watching so we went out fairly often. Of course our last boat was named for her, the"Dorothy D'. I got to live on the boat the summer I turned 16. It was so cool to have freedom for the first time. I remember the sand and kelp, the ocean skies, seagulls, sea lions, the churning swells of the ocean.
Dad grew up in Washington near Seattle. We saw movies he and a friend made of the two of them zipping around in skiffs. They were black and white movies. We went to Washington a few times and camped on Puget Sound on a lot his father owned. More pictures in my head of the gray sea. He helped us build rafts out of the driftwood on the beach. He gave us a Flag with a flying horse on it for one of them. It was the best raft we ever built. We tied up the anchor too tight and the tide came up and washed it away. The very night we finished it.
My dad was quietly supportive of me. I was so lucky to have him in my life. He changed after my mom died to become more of a rebel. He grew his hair long and wore an earring, though he was still the staunch Republican down deep. We were able to know him better once mom was gone.
I miss my dad. I was very fortunate to have had the great childhood I did. I had great parents. I wish I had more time with them.

Mid-September...

2008-09-14T22:05:00.000-07:00

Tick Tock, Tick Tock. Time is passing. Mid September already. I've been trying to ignore that Fall is approaching. School seems to start right in the middle of summer now. Fall doesn't mean much here in Southern California anymore.
Last week I finished the Bamboo Rib socks I designed this Spring. Today I finished the Rivendell socks I started while driving cross country coming home from summer vacation. I've been getting dental work done. Working hard at school. Driving my daughter to her play rehearsals. All those other family chores. This week I was down with a fever. Hope I'm done with it. I have too much to do to stay home this week.

Summer is really over for me

2008-08-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

See you next year Innisfree and Cool-Shag-Na.
I've been home and back at work for two weeks now. School is in full swing complete with parent meetings, back-to-school nights this week, lesson plans, and tech problems. My son is playing stand-up bass this year and my daughter auditioned for a play at one of our high schools, so will have to be taken to rehearsals regularly after school now.
Not too much knitting going on. I am trying to finish one more pair of socks before Summer of Socks '08 is over on Sept. 1st. I guess I'll have time to knit waiting at rehearsals.

We're working hard to get the house back together with the living/family room relocated to a bigger room and the computers relocated too. Furniture, books, and knick-knacks are all over the place. There is practically no where to sit down. We are almost done with the painting of the two main rooms and should be able to get furniture moved tomorrow (I hope.) I can't wait to see how everything looks when it's organized. Maybe I'll even have a lamp to sit and knit under.

The bathroom work is almost done. I finally have a tiled shower upstairs. Just have to wipe off the haze, seal the grout, hang the shower curtain, and take my first shower. Oh yeah, the handles still need to be adjusted. Bought primer to seal the replaced piece of wall too. We'll have a really nice bathroom soon.

My older kids are at Innisfree now enjoying the lake and my new finished kitchen. I am very envious. I only got to use my kitchen one day while we were there with all the renovations. And I really didn't get to have that much fun with everything there was to do. It's still just a wonderful place to be.

Wow, It's been a long time since I last posted...

2008-07-30T12:35:00.000-07:00

Here it is almost the end of my summer already. We've finished a lot of what we needed to do in the kitchen at Innisfree. The dry-wall is finished and painted and the floor is almost completely finished. Only one or two more coats of polyurethane to go. Here's our progress.

We found a pretty great mountain-man builder/plumber/finisher/manager/hunter/farmer/you get it, he does everything. Looks like a number of projects we can't finish will be done this fall. Yippee!!!
I finished 3 pairs of socks, two on the needles (two more started before June 21 so they don't count for Summer of Socks '08.) Then my friend Leigh Ann came up and got me started on string bags... Two down, one started.
I spent my birthday visiting my aunts in Malone and Plattsburgh with my family and cousins. It was a pretty nice day.

Best Cousins Ever

2008-07-14T17:42:00.000-07:00

We have had a great time so far at camp. We've had the great fortune to visit with our favorite cousins. Here we all are in front of the "Caboose." Didn't do that much. It was just great to catch up and spend time together. Now back to the kitchen.
The boys made up some ice cream with the old hit and miss engine.

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-04T20:39:00.000-07:00

We're here in the Adirondacks. Had a pretty uneventful 4th of July. Just stayed at camp and visited with our cousins and friend for dinner. Here's one of the fireworks we saw from our dock. It was een nicer just being on the lake while we watched instead of fighting the crowds in town.Here's the coolest moth that was resting on our screen door.
I did get to the knitting club meet-up at Old Forge Hardware today and finished my Traveling Loon socks!!! Had fun with all the local ladies. They are a funny bunch of women.

Half Way Across the Country Already

2008-06-28T15:16:00.001-07:00

We started out on Thursday about 5:30 PM. Here we were yesterday. Stayed over in Oklahoma and are now in Missouri. Still going!!!
Here are my Traveling Loon socks at the Cadillac Graveyard outside Amarillo, Texas.

Had a Little Trim

2008-06-25T21:11:00.001-07:00

Here was my hair at 7:30

Need I say more?
18 inches shorter...
I've been thinking about donating my hair to Locks of Love for a while now. I finally did something about it.

Ninja Socks

2008-06-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

I finished my first pair of Summer of Socks '08. These are my son's Ninja Birthday Socks. I started them on his birthday (also the first day of SOS). Finished in 3 days. This is the fastest I've ever finished a pair of socks. Of course they are worsted weight, but they did have more complicated toes. They are split toes for flip flops. The best thing is he loves them.
Now to decide on another pair to start and to get out of here. Our trip to New York has been stalled. Hopefully we can leave tomorrow.

Dyeing Sock Blanks and Summer of Socks '08

2008-06-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

We were supposed to leave for New York today, but have been delayed til mid-week. It's hard to wait to leave, but then again I still have lots to do and good friends and family to do it with.
Here's yesterday's hand dyed Knit Picks sock blank on the left. The dyes migrated blended a little more than they look in this photo. I hope it knits up as cool as it looks now. The one on the right I painted today. My friend Leigh Ann made a really cool striped one too.

Midnight EST June 21 was the start of this year's Summer of Socks. I joined up for the first time this year. June 21st is also my son's birthday so I decided to knit him socks for his birthday. He doesn't really like socks, but when he tried on some I knit he loved how they felt. Sooooo, I am making him some to go with the cap I knit him this fall. I had extra yarn to make sure I had enough for the beanie and never used it. It is Mountain Colors Twizzle in the Moose Creek color.

Kittens, Yarn and Father's Day

2008-06-15T23:20:00.000-07:00

The kids and their dad performed at our local coffee house for Father's Day. I wish they had played all together. Maybe next time. I'm thinking. Maybe I need to take up and instrument to play and sing along. We've got several days in a car coming up when we could practice together. The one in the pink glasses is my daughter and the one in the hat is my son.In kitten news: Kitten appears comfortably moved in. Talk about a sound sleeper. I have been doing a little dyeing and knitting. I finished the heels and gussets on my Wollmeise Veilchen Bellatrix socks.Below are pictures of my first experiments with KnitPicks sock blanks. Pretty cool!

A Sweet Surprise

2008-06-12T22:42:00.000-07:00

This morning I was awakened by my husband and daughter putting a kitten on the bed. It's a very sweet kitten. It somehow managed to ride in the engine compartment of a truck from Lake Elsinore to Colton and then spent the night wandering around the Union Pacific yard. I think it has a home. Our other two cats aren't thrilled, but it is very reasonable so I think it'll work out. Cute isn't it?
I finished my Aqua Granny Square socks.

Appointments, appointments, appointments...

2008-06-11T19:01:00.001-07:00

Trying to get caught up on all the appointments I've put off during the school year. It is definitely challenging.
I did make some progress on my Aqua Grannies.
Dyed my Maple Leaf socks. Eh, not that great. The green was too glowing and the spots of color I added to the ' leaves ' bled, so I tried to tone it down. The brown made them splotchy so I had to over-dye with a little more brown. Now they are dull. Oh well, it's all an adventure.

Quiet Weekend

2008-06-09T01:46:00.000-07:00

Didn't accomplish much other than finishing my Maple Leaf socks. The weather is pleasant out. It was nice to just rest up.

Ready, Set, SUMMER!!!

2008-06-05T18:38:00.000-07:00

Yippee!!! I am out of school. Made a stop at the District Office, signed out at school, got a chest x-ray, cleaned the microwave, scrubbed the shower, knit two heels for my Maple Leaf socks, went shopping, found dresses for my daughter to wear tomorrow night when she and my son dance at their studio's showcase performance. Now I have dinner on. It feels great to be free(so to speak.)

Socks and the End of the School Year

2008-05-31T08:29:00.000-07:00

I am so into knitting socks these days. These are a few of the ones on the needles. Unfortunately my knitting time has been limited so I haven't finished any lately. I have about 6 pairs of socks on the needles and have decided I need to make my son a pair for his birthday I haven't started yet. I am doubtful I will get any finished in time for the end of sock group deadlines at midnight tonight.

I just joined the pair a month challenge and have a great accountability partner. This will be great to have someone checking on my progress from time to time and egg me on. She is going to participate in the 52 pair plunge. I am in awe. I would like to step up my knitting to at least 2 pairs a month on a regular basis and work on other things too. Who knows maybe I'll be able to.
Only three half days left of school. Still lots to pack up and take off the walls, not to mention keeping my students from getting into trouble now that just about all their work is done. Preteens can be quite the pains when they have the opportunity.
My son has had his 8th grade dance. Paul drove him and his friends in my 30 Pierce Arrow. They had a really good time. Today is his band trip to Soak City, Tuesday is the 8th grade trip to Magic Mountain. After that he is a 9th grader.
My daughter is sad her 8th grade friends will be leaving after Monday and she'll never see them again. She really thrived and made a lot of friends the last two years in drama class.
pics later

My Own Fairy Godmother!

2008-05-14T21:23:00.001-07:00

Tonight was opening night of Cinderella at our school. My daughter has the part of the Irish Fairy Godmother. She was phenomenal! She is getting more confident on the stage with every play. I am so grateful to her teacher for this experience.

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

My reasons for celebrating Mother's Day.
Here are my babies. Not so little any more. I couldn't be more proud. They are amazing people.
Their grandparents are all gone now. Their grandmother died in March. None of them have children. I guess I am the only mother in our immediate family now. It's strange not to have anyone to wish a Happy Mother's Day to.
I guess this is my year for socks. I finished my green granny square socks on late Friday night. Have been working on two new pairs. Flaming anklets and Bamboo rib socks I designed. My April Raindrops socks need tweaking. I don't like how the foot is coming out. Have two more pair in the designing stage.

More New Starts

2008-04-26T03:36:00.000-07:00

Once again it's been a long week. State testing for my students is next week. Lots of last minute review and checking progress. I volunteered for a program they put on to motivate students Thursday night, too bad hardly anyone came. I haven't had much time to knit. I started three pairs of socks last weekend. They are my own designs. They aren't very far along. Hope I can finish them soon.
Here are two of them.
April Showers Socks
Granny Square Socks

Look at my New Socks!

2008-04-18T21:53:00.000-07:00

I finished my Tabi Anklet socks. Aren't they cool?

Spring Break is Over. Come On Summer!

2008-04-14T18:44:00.000-07:00

Here are some orchids blooming in my back yard

Went back to work and school today. My students are so cute. They went to camp over the break. One says, " I learned how to fall out of a canoe." Priceless. One fell out of a bunch bed and fell down a lot. Another almost fell off a horse. When asked who went to camp and did not get hurt most raised their hands.

I have two new pairs of socks started. My Earthy Tabi socks out of Arucania Ranco Multi and Jeanne Townsend's Maple Leaf socks out of Claudia Hand Painted yarn in the Jungle colorway. Neither will win design of the year with the yarns I'm using, but they'll be decent socks. Don't get me wrong the yarns are nice they just don't play up the patterns I'm knitting.

Went to pick up some dance shoes after school. I ordered them while on break. I don't like them. They fit alright except the strap hits at the fattest part of my ankle. Really, it's not the shoes. When did I get elephant feet? I don't suppose dancing with slim ankles down, will it?

It's Snowing in Taos!

2008-04-09T15:34:00.000-07:00

Now it's really Snowing!!!These pictures are from our balcony.

Yesterday in Chimayo

We spent two days in Santa Fe and now are in Taos. The weather is flipping between rain and snow. It is lovely. We stopped at the chapel in Chimayo yesterday on our way up. We drove through the New Mexico national forest too. Lots of cool shopping and great food! Missed two yarn shops that were closed one in Santa Fe and one outside Taos. Got to three and but only bought yarn at two. Needle's Eye in Santa Fe and La Lana in Taos. Needle's Eye had some Koigu sock yarn I bought for a pair of spring socks and La Lana has local hand-spun. I found some sport weight wool/silk and some slightly heavier mohair/wool all in light blues and spring greens.
I also finished my Annetrelac socks last night!

The Travelers Return in Time to See Me Off to New Mexico

2008-04-05T17:43:00.001-07:00

Well, Hubbo and the kids are back. They got back late last night. The had as good a time as you can going to a funeral. It's a nice thing to have family to share life's ups and downs with. They were so happy to have spent time with their aunt and uncle, cousins and husband's aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Today my daughter and I head to San Diego to meet up with my sister-in-law and niece before we all take off for New Mexico. I've been doing laundry and packing all day today trying to be ready. I think I've got done what I can for now. At least we have clean clothes to take with us and I have a couple of knitting projects to carry along. My cameras are charging and I just need to put a few more things away and bathe and dress.
At least I finished my Jaywalkers before leaving. I am going to wear them. My Noro Entrelac socks are getting there. I just had to get other things done today.

Mourning takes many forms

2008-04-02T22:06:00.000-07:00

This is a strange time of year for death. Spring with new life is in the air.
My parents both died in the fall. My husband's father died around Christmas time. Those seem like normal times to die, just as the Earth is slowing down or in the middle of it's sleep.

My husband's mother died this past weekend. It wasn't expected and it wasn't unexpected. She has been in questionable health since she had a stroke when he was five years old. That was a long time ago. Still, she was the last of our parents living. I couldn't leave work immediately because of testing and grading all being due this week. I even had to get the kids to finish final exams before they could leave. Luckily my husband's sister was good enough to hold the funeral for a day so they could get there. I am sad I didn't go with them. I sent my babies with their father to say good-bye to their last grandparent. And I wasn't there with them. I kept getting voicemail when I tried to call them to talk. I think it went alright. The Kennedy family is a large one. I guess my kids got a lot of support. They finished up the services today and spent some time with immediate family playing guitars and cards. I am glad I sent them.

I, on the other hand was able to have lunch with my older son and daughter today. A privilege I don't get often. I took a dance class. Went to my LYS for Knitting Night. Went shopping.

I took bereavement leave. I was told when my father-in-law died that he wasn't "immediate family" so that I was not entitled to leave. This time I decided to go anyway. Who are they to tell me who my family is or isn't? I wish I'd taken more time when my parents were ill and dying. Not me, I have to always live up to my responsibilities to my job. More and more responsibilities, with never a simple thank you for the time and energy they sap. I guess it's my fault I permit it.

So, I here honor the passing of a woman, mother, grandmother. May she have found the happiness she didn't find in life. With this passing, our parents are all gone. There is no one left to ask about things we don't remember from our pasts or about our ancestors they knew. I feel the loss of them all anew. They were such amazing people. The world is emptier without them.

Flame socks are Finished!!!

2008-03-23T23:27:00.001-07:00

Yippee!!! I have finally finished my son's Flame Socks. He has another performance at an awards ceremony on Tuesday so it's none too soon. He's certainly waited long enough for these. These were the first socks I ever started. I ripped them out 3 times before this incarnation.

Spring Has Sprung!

2008-03-21T12:01:00.001-07:00

How are these for Springy? Just need to put the finishing triangles on and knit the heel, foot and toe...
It's so nice to be on vacation. I spent a couple hours at Yarn Deli, fixing my Sidewinder socks so I can rush to the finish(after I finish my son's flame socks.)

Weekend Joy

2008-03-16T22:44:00.000-07:00

I had all four kids home this weekend. Nothing makes me happier. They were all joking around with each other too. My favorite sound. Really not a lot going on. Took the younger two and hubby to a dance class on Friday night. It was not the best class I've been to. Hubby was very unhappy. I am glad I got the kids started before. They looked great on the dance floor.
My youngest daughter had her top braces removed on Thursday. Tell me, does she look happy?
Here's a little progress on my Scrap-trelac Socks. I had leftover Noro sock yarn from my January KAL socks. Couldn't let it go to waste. Not my best photography, but I am tired and going to bed now.

Pi Day Cometh

2008-03-13T23:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, I haven't worked on much else this week because I have been getting ready for Pi Day tomorrow... you know 3.14. I knit a Pi Togue using the pattern by Lisa Stockebrand on the Yahoo KnittingPi group. I have another one about half done. Unfortunately I need some sleep before tomorrow or I would finish it tonight and give my first one as a prize for the most Pi saavy student tomorrow. Don't think that will happen.
We are having all kinds of contests tomorrow. I have some other hats for winners to wear. A glittery top hat with the Pi symbol and a tiara with Pi Queen on it. I have a couple of banners for them to wear, as well as several ribbons for winners. Everyone has created a Pi poster, complete with an example using a Pi formula, We are competing in equation solving involving Pi. We are having a song and dance/poetry competition. We are having a Pi couture contest. Students have been practicing memorizing Pi all week. One student says he's memorized it to 60 digits. Tomorrow will tell. I went a little off topic by also holding a culinary pie contest. That seems to be the one they all want to compete in. I think my other winners will get to be judges of this contest. If everyone brings a homemade pie who said they were we'll have about 40 pies!

Wish me luck. It will be a busy day!

CSM fun!

2008-03-08T20:54:00.000-08:00

My friend Leigh Ann and I had a great day going to a Circular Sock Knitting Machine meet-up at Newton's in Anaheim. There were 9 of us us who met up. Darn I was so busy getting my machine cranking I never took any pictures. It was a great day, though I could have gone a lot longer. By the time I was able to get my machine knitting smoothly everyone had begun to pack up. I am sooooo glad I finally got started with my NZAK though. Maybe I'll make something this weekend. I thing I am going to try to knit a pair of tube socks for the Ravelry 2008 Sock KAL group. Now that I know how to put in an after thought heel I can just knit a tube, then take it off to make the toes and heels. Maybe I'll feel like I can catch up with my sock yarn stash.

Didn't get far with my sock knitter once I got home. Here's the progress on my hand knitting. Finished my Noro Rainbow socks and started my February Jay Leapers on Feb.29th

Mis-Adventures of the Kennedys and friends

2008-03-02T16:35:00.000-08:00

This weekend we rented a motor home, packed up, and went down to San Diego to hang out in the Qualcomm Stadium for the weekend. It was the yearly Big 3 old car and motorcycle swap meet. I've been going down there for about 20 years to this event. My parents used to be the ones to get everything down there and we'd just show up and walk around, shop, and visit. Of course they didn't have jobs to go to or kids at home. It's tough to get organized enough to do it. We missed it last year. We don't live in San Diego either.

Any way, DH and DD were supposed to get down there before 8AM Friday, but didn't make it. The rest of us were supposed to leave after work and school or Saturday morning. My older DS and DD decided not to go. I wouldn't have even rented the motor home if I didn't think I was going to get to hang out with my kids. We ended up leaving Friday at about 7PM with our friends Leigh Ann and Robert. When we arrived around 9PM the gate was still open, but no one had the list of space renters and we didn't have the passes they gave us last year. They made us wait until 5AM Saturday morning to go to our spot. Ridiculous.
We kept our spot for next year, but unless we start getting ready for it months in advance there isn't a lot of point. We don't sell enough to cover the space rent let alone the motor home. It would be worth doing if we could get rid of some things doing it. We had a pretty decent time even though DH was a grouch. It was a little cold yesterday, but beautiful today. I guess next year we might do it again.
I did finish my Noro rainbow socks and decided to start the Annetrelac socks from the Holiday issue of Interweave Knits with the leftover Noro. I had some really BRIGHT yellow yarn with me (that I dyed to put a Pikachu on a present for my niece)that goes with the remaining yarn. So I started them. They will definitely be vivid. I'll be able to use up my scraps up. Don't want Noro to go to waste.
I finished one of my son's Fiery Socks in time for him to wear one to his Vista Idol competition.

Still getting well

2008-02-24T13:31:00.000-08:00

Spent 3 hours at Urgent Care yesterday to take care of the sinus infection that took over from my head cold virus of last week. My doctor was a neighbor I hadn't met yet. Very nice guy. I love doctors who take the time to explain their treatment reasoning.
The shot I got and the sinus medicine kept me up all night. I would have thought I'd have finished more with all the hours I spent knitting. I guess I just picked things that are slow going. I finished a Dream Swatch and have done a fair amount on one of my son's flame socks. Finally. I was afraid to start the intarsia part of the sock. I am pretty happy with it, but have decided I need to do a little color work on the flames. The orange and red are varigated yarns. I am not as happy as I thought I'd be when I picked them out, at least for this project. I think I am going to try to hand paint the edges of the orange and red parts of the flame just for accent. I still have a way to go before I am ready for that step.My Noro Aurora Dream Swatch
Here are my Noro Rainbow Peasant socks. Just one more heel to go...

Still sick...

2008-02-17T23:11:00.000-08:00

I had a very uneventful day. I've been in bed all day. Made a little bit of progress on my Noro Socks. Not anything close to finished though. these are taking so long.

Almost a week ago

2008-02-16T14:53:00.000-08:00

I am so falling down on the job. I haven't posted for almost a week.
I made a Valentine headband. I actually finished on Valentine's day. I have more yarn to post. I have dyed the mohair for the Quilt scarf. Just need to get the pictures up. I am taking the day off. I am sick and doing pretty much nothing but blowing my nose a lot.

Dyeing Weekend

2008-02-10T21:19:00.001-08:00

I had a great weekend dyeing yarn with my friend Leigh Ann. We used a crock pot to great results. She tried a gradient technique that didn't really work well. The yarn tangled badly and did not hold up well to being handled wet. After finally having had enough she put it aside. Later she put it in a baggie and nuked it to set it. It ended up being all one color anyway.
I dyed some terrific mohair yarn to make the Modern Quilt Wrap. I am excited to get the rest of the yarn dyed to start it. If only I didn't have so many other projects in process.

I had all my kids home for dinner tonight. I just love having them all together.
My son mentioned organizing a room for my yarn. He referred to yarn as my fifth child. They were all amused by the comment. Hubby included. Why are my feelings hurt? I definitely am very focused on yarn based creativity. It's not like I can really control them in the same way I can control yarn. Not that I would want to.

Yarn dyeing at Leigh Ann's

2008-02-09T23:48:00.000-08:00

My friend Leigh Ann and I dyed yarns together at her house today. I had a blast! We each only got one skein we were satisfied with. It was a beautiful day out. We tried a graduated color dye procedure, but the yarn ended up too worn after the removal of dye mixture.
Met my cousin and his girlfriend Susan at Sayaka's in Colton for dinner. That was fun too. Had a cool drink of Bacardi Limon with pomegranate juice. ..tasty.
We're going to go for dinner again next weekend and then going to the Vault to see her son's band, who just won best blues band, best live band, and best song for the Inland Empire music awards. Exciting.

Had a great time dancing!

2008-02-08T00:17:00.000-08:00

The kids and I signed up for dance yesterday. Tonight was my first lesson. It was fun! the time went really fast. It always does when you're dancing. I've missed it.

Dancing Fools

2008-02-06T23:46:00.000-08:00

My oldest son has been taking dance lessons for a few months now. He's doing great! We went to see him at a holiday performance and loved it. I have been envious of his taking lessons. Well, I took my other son and daughter to a party there tonight and they had free private lessons. They loved it! Now we are all taking dance lessons for at least the next 9 weeks. I have my free lesson tomorrow night...after LOST of course.
Hmmmm do you think my knitting will suffer? I do need the exercise and I love to dance. I'll enjoy it.

Cool Weekend

2008-02-04T16:03:00.000-08:00

First the yarn run, then the Yarny Not-Superbowl Party at Yarn Deli. Lots of knitting and friends. I finished the Heart Fake Isle hat. Too bad it came out child sized. I still don't have a new cool project to wear for Valentine's day. Wish I was still young and firm enough to wear sexy undies. I'd make some of them..., well maybe.
Here are pics of the finished hat.

Yarn Crawl This Weekend

2008-02-03T00:46:00.000-08:00

Went to three shops on the list and two more who did not participate. This was the first one I know about in this area. It was nice to spend the day with my friend and daughter visiting yarn shops, but the "run" itself could have been better.

I spent the evening working on my redesigned Fake Isle hat. Here's what it looks like. What do you think?

LOST starts tonight!!!

2008-01-31T19:57:00.000-08:00

My son got us hooked. We spent our winter holidays watching all three previous seasons "to catch up." We've hardly been able to wait for the new season...

A Cozy Day

2008-01-28T22:42:00.000-08:00

My son with his new haircut and braces gone. Not much else to show for the day. I gave the first rainbow one away to my cousin's girlfriend. Had to have one for myself. Hmmmm, maybe I need to have some sorbet...

I am a Winner!

2008-01-28T00:41:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful surprise!
I entered Inger's Granny Square give-away and won! Here's the beautiful rug she made.
Inger is an amazingly talented artist. See her site here

A day without kids...mostly

2008-01-26T22:33:00.000-08:00

They came home this evening, somewhat tired. Merlin had a rough day. It must be tough being a cat.My daughter spent the night with a friend and both sons went to help my other daughter move. It was strange not having kids in the house when we got up this morning. I took a hot bath and think I even took a few deep breaths. Hubby and I went to visit friends(who weren't home) and went to lunch. I messed around with beads. I was trying to fix my key chain that had lost it's bottom bead. I couldn't find my beading wire though. I have a bracelet laid out to make as soon as I find the wire too. Yesterday I worked on the Brown Koolhaas cap, but I got off pattern halfway through one row. Looked through yarn for some to make a Fake Isle hat with and balled up some undyed KnitPicks superwash sock yarn. I've decided to make a few pairs of socks and then dye them. Finished the gusset on my son's flame socks. Spent some time on my autumn Stag Bag panel.

Why do short weeks last so long?

2008-01-24T19:46:00.000-08:00

This was only the third day of a four day week. Why does it feel like it's been two weeks long? I haven't finished any other projects, except the last inch of the ice cream cozy. Went to Yarn Deli last night for Knitting Night. Worked on my son's socks and my latest mobius headband. I only have a few inches left to bind off on the headband, though it is the applied i-cord edging really. It takes a little longer. I could finish it tonight easily, but I want to work on the new socks I started with Noro Kureyon sock yarn.
I smell brownies baking. Just what I am in the mood for. My daughter is making them. Yummmmm!
My son auditioned for Vista Idol again this year and made it through the first cut. He also got his top braces off and a haircut, all yesterday.

OhMyGosh My Laptop may finally be fixed!!!

2008-01-21T16:50:00.000-08:00

Just picked it up today. We finally sent it back to Apple to get an overhaul. Apple(for a fee) seems to have replaced almost everything in my laptop and reloaded all the operating software. I am busily adding all my most important links. Perhaps I'll get as far as some pictures tonight. It's like a long lost friend returning. You'd think that maybe I'd have more time to knit without my computer taking up my time, but sadly no. Being able to load evidence of my progress on projects is the real motivator. Still, I do have a couple of things to show you. I finished some Angora Bobble socks, a Koolhaas cap, an ice cream/sorbet cozy and am farther along on the flaming socks.

Today is DH/MXL's(maybe I should just use his name?) birthday. Baking a pink cake(he likes cherry and strawberry) and making big steaks and sauteed mushrooms for dinner. I think he'll like them. He's now as old as I am. Okay I'm still 6 months ahead. Off to finish cooking so that I can play with my computer again in a little while...see ya.

DH and Weekend accomplishments

2008-01-13T17:01:00.000-08:00

It appears that my laptop will have to go back to Apple to get fixed. Hopefully it won't be months before I get it back. DH has been wonderful dealing with the repair guys.

DH (or MXL as I have decided to call him now)complained about me calling him "DH" on my blog. It seems the guys who communicate with him online and check here to see what our family is up to do not understand DH to mean "Dear Husband". They instead believe it means "Dick Head". I was led to believe I am thought heartless to call him that after he has just given me the most thoughtful gift he has ever given me for Christmas this year. What do you think honey? Will "Most Excellent Lover"(MXL) save face for you with your friends? or is it me who needs to save face?

MXL with some help from DS(Dear Son, or do I have to find another code name for him too?) worked on closing in our carport some more this weekend. We almost have a pair of doors for one side of one bay to add to the wall he built on one side. It's looking good! Can't wait for the cars to finally have some protection other than the car covers.

Finished my daughter's Christmas present this week.
Here's the Winter White KoolhaasI have finally fixed the mistakes on my son's flaming socks. I started the first heel.
The bobble socks are farther along too. I could have finished them in the amount of time I spent on my son's socks, but there are a couple of stitches that look wrong to me. Since I adapted as I went along I want to get some help on fixing the stitches before I finish the socks.
The year of socks KAL I joined is doing a plain ribbed sock as their January project. I had started on them using Noro Kureyon sock yarn. I wanted to use magic loop on one needle. I cast them on, but must have started knitting in the wrong direction. I took them back off the needles. All the other socks I am working on have ribs. Can I count them? Unless I finish my son's socks on the #1 needles I really don't have the needles to knit the Noro socks.

Back to School

2008-01-07T21:07:00.000-08:00

It's been a lovely couple of weeks. The holidays were great. I took my son to Oregon to see his friend. I painted the dining room. I would have liked to have accomplished more, but it was a good couple of weeks.It's really GREEN, but I like it. It's alive!

Happy New Year!!!

2008-01-01T01:42:00.000-08:00

My laptop crashed again.
This is really cramping my style. I haven't figured out how to load pictures from my iPhone yet.

It crashed in 2007 so the New Year is not off to a bad start. We had a few friends over so it was very pleasant.

I hope all your dreams and goals come to fruition this year. The best to all of us!
A