UPDATES

I realized I didn't ake any CHristmas photos this year. I will have to do some over the next few days.
DS2 had a hard time this time, let's suffice it to say I work in an Emergency Room setting and am used to that amount of blood but the poor boy....He has jus turned 18 so had to be disturbed from sleep anytime there was a form to fill out. Strange thing, just because you are 18 doesn't mean you suddenly understand why you are being asked to signed things. Fortunately he was admitted to a pediatric floor and while dozing early Christmas morning :santa" snuck in ad left things. It was from a family honoring the memory of their daughter. They left a beautiful stuffed Penguin(his fav animal) holding a fleece blankie, a PATRIOTS Santa hat with a Pats ornament and Slinky, a gift card and trats. It was very sweet. And the CHaplain came by and dropped of a Beanie baby Chocolate Lab, one of the puppies we have talked about getting. Isn't that just weird? He is currently sleeping and I have already disturbed him to administered drugs. He is an amazing individual. The nurses and I both though he would be staying one more night, but the surgeons whisk you out. It was probably better to come home home and rest in his own bed. So I have to come up with intersting blended foods for the next 6 weeks, especially ones I can deliver to the dorm.
I thank you all for your well wishes and will update tomorrow in knitting with pics. DH got me some amazing needles....I can't wait to show you!!!!

Mania, not Mermaid, Merriness and More

Merry Christmas to all my new friends made through the miracle of internet and blogging. You are fortunately to numerous to name individually, but you are all very special dear people. I am in the family waiting room of the hospital where I work as they have taken DS2 from me and he is in the OR. My phone just rang and caused panic as it was the OR. The surgeon wants me to have a beeper so he can text message me as to how things are progressing.
I wanted to grab a moment to thank you all for your support and friendship. Have the merriest of holidays and I will write Christams or the next day.

Tuesday Things Thanks and Timeouts

Hi All,


Just needed to blog a bit to distract myself. In 4.5 hours we will be signing for the house. EGADS!!! I will show you this picture DS2 took as we drove by repeatedly one day a few weeks back.

I have better pics but right now as it is not officially ours..... but that is the house on the right and the barn on the left. Later in the week I will show different pics, but also not in too much detail for the world is a wacky place at times.

We did the final walk through last night and suddenly the house looked like the 108 years old that it is but we concluded it has not been loved. Hardwood floors need moisture, years and years of paint on woodwork need stripping, and as many have said it needs to be decorated by us, if nothing else we definitely have a sense of style. So I will update with knitting pics later as tomorrow is a day of emptying storage unit. Since this is my first time doing this, is it rude to take my knitting along???? heehee

Winter Phenomenon

There is an unusual phenomenon that happens every winter. It snows only when I work. I work a lot but....Our first big storm was Thursday when a 30 minute commute turned into more then 2.5 hours, then I worked Saturday night into Sunday morning and it was white out blizzard conditions. I am working extra tonight, Sunday, and the snow has turned to rain which overnight will turn to ice and then whoa!!! We are to close on our house Tuesday and start moving Wednesday....when do you think the next storm will be? But as usual the Patriots played....in this mess...now I was thinking if each person attending the game brought a shovel with them and ten cars stopped at an elderly person's home even after the game, there would be a lot less heartattacks today. This is what is fondly known as heart attack snow, it is full of water and so heavy to move you can move only 1/5 of the amount of fluffy snow and it will be the same weight. It is killer snow and if the heart attack doesn't get you today, the slip and fall tomorrow will. My DS2 wants to shovel and frolic, but if we bring him to the hospital cut, broken or bruise there is a chance he will not have his surgery on Christmas Eve.
So much whining and no knitting news....
All my swaps have been mailed, I have to finish a stocking for DS2, ry to finish 3 scarfs, 2 of which haven't been started, yea right! In the early stages of going through things to get ready for packing I have found so many more WIPS that I pushed so far back in my mind!! I am going to try and very methodically group all the items in one place and record their presence. I have made a top ten list for stash busting and when that list is complete I will make another and another. My new concern is if all these WIPS become FO where will the FO be stored?? Surely it is easier to store skeins of yarn than more clothing??!!
A no pics today, perhaps tomorrow. I hope you will all be safe and wise during this season. I hope I will make it up first the hill to DS2 dorm and then the hill to the hospital I am moonlighting at tonight. THEN I am off til Friday but have the closing on the farmhouse, storage unit emptying and maybe some Christmas shopping as that has been on hold til the bank takes all our money Tuesday.

I joined on to a Top 10 Stashbuster KAL(Dec-Mar) to get rid of some of the WIPs...SOME, not all, NO NO NO, SOME is better than NONE but not as good as ALL.
1. mermaid

2. Foxie Dale sweater
3. Socks for DH-own design
4. Mystery Monkey Socks
5. Karen's Gloves
6. Jaywalker socks
7. Branching Out Scarf DONE 12/7/7
8. Christmas Stocking for DS
9. Cable sweater
10. Multidirectional scarf
Oh there are many more but this would put a significant dent into the pile

BUT I have already finished one of the WIPs. The Branching Out Scarf for the Christmas Swap. I really liked this pattern and if I have the time plan on two more for Christmas, that's right TWO more..heehee. I used Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool and have actually blocked it, WOW. I must admit this may be only the second time I have blocked something other than steaming it. I actually soaked and squeezed and rolled and pinned. I am now at work and will check it in the morning. I may measure it as well...egads! before you know I will be swatching!!!!!
I have LOST my Mermaid booklet, I know it is in the house, or van or Beetle or work or.....I have not knit on the poor thing at all as I don't know what is next. I am off Tuesday and Wednesday and WILL find it.
I LOVE the Vog On in Koigu I sent off to my Harvest sock swap Pal...I hope she does as well. .

One week(barring catastrophies)and we will close on our new home. Our very first house purchase. 108 year old farmhouse, 3 story barn, 1+acres. Merry Christmas to us!!!

Winter Knitty

OK the winter Knitty is out and there are these amazing kilt hose, now I MUST make them for DH. He wore a kilt when we married and I made those socks and have wanted to make a less formal pair. BEV!!! Look at these Kilt Socks

Happy Birthday Shamus

The shirt was from a Charlie Brown Halloween costume I made for him

Learning to ski, he now does very very well.
Sport of choice is cycling, this the Golden Gate Bridge
A Boy and his truck, it's a beautiful thing
My"thug" in Dublin.......kidding
Belfast Zoo heel kicking.....he loves zoos.

Today is my DS2 18th birthday

The final pic shows his personality best..he is a happy go lucky soul for the most part. He is kind and generous and loves life , his family and friends. He is finishing his first semester in college, majoring in Art, photography. And he is having surgery Christmas Eve/Christmas.

Happy Birthday ,Pal...you a wonderful young man.

Mermaid and Knitting posting later in week.

Thanks for entertaining this commercial break.

GOOD MORNING MONDAY!!!! Truly, it is 442am and I am starting this where? C'mon guess, really, three guesses first two don't count...WORK!! Unreal huh?
Anywho....
MITTENS, we mittens....I love these mittens, they are finished and ready to be shipped!!! The mitten on the left is palm side up...where IS the thumb?? Heeheehee I have tried them on so many times I have bonded with them!!! But alas they are going to my No More Humdrum Mittens Pal....I hope she enjoys them as much as I have already.
Christmas Around the World Swap scarf...it is twice as long and I love it. It is the Branching Out scarf pattern fromKnitty and I am using Elsbeth Lavold Silky Wool
We have had much yarn delivered for sock clubs, some over, some forgotten, LOL. We have
Duet Sock Yarn from the Lucky Lurkers Sock Club hosted by Angela of A Swell Yarn Shop
. I have admitted before to hoarding this yarn...I have much and have yet to use it...most of it is dyed in limited quantities and I have a fear of using it...haha
We also have the final yarn from the Chameleon Sock Club, the yarns and patterns are always exquisite, unfortunately Janel has to end the sock club. It will start up again in 2008.
Also the fall/winter Loopy Ewe Sock club shipment. Sheri never fails to delight with the yarn, patterns, extras. Do you see this shipment's yarn is from the Yarn Pirate? COOL!!!
There is the third I believe shipment from Carrie at Cosmic Yarns and the Potter Cover yarns Club...Always the yarns complement the book covers int the series. AND there is always a unique stitch marker!!!
Then I believe I joined a seasons yarn club on the Sundara yarn site and was delightfully surprised today with my first shipment...the yarn is Madelintosh hand dyed yarn in malachite, the pattern for it is amazing!!!



I received two amazing swap shipments!!!! FIRST we have the shipment from Stacey for the Harvest Sock Swap..WOW!!! The theory was make one sock for your pal and ship the yarn and pattern and they will make the other. Stacey emailed frequently and asked what I would like. Well, I have been eyeing the Jaywalker for a long time...I have yarn from Cosmic Fibers to make the Js for DS2...but there is something about that densely knit sock that intimidates me, a knitter of nearly 40 years!!! Stacey was kind enough to knit Jaywalker for me!!! First in ....ready.....Wollmeise, but she was not getting the desired sock and then in this Punkin head colorway....they are glorious and perfect. Well it is glorious and perfect!!! Now I will make the other and then make them for DS2. As you can see she also included some Godiva chocolate covered strawberries and some Soda Pop Jelly Belly beans!!!! I loves me the JBB!There are tow precious notebooks, one I have designated to hold new house info..the Wollmeise first used for the sock, yes I have me some Wollmeise!!!!! Happy happy joy joy dance happening!!!! The needles to knit the sock, pattern, and can you see that exquisite clutch in the back? It is by Mango Moon, and is a needle holder/project bag. It is amazing. Their site has the story behind the company. I will be purchasing from them in the future. What an amazing stash!!!!!Thank you so much Stacey.




Speaking of the Harvest Sock Swap, my Pal's sock had to be frogged and redone, but it is a quick knit and will go out the end of the week. I am using a limited edition Koigu I received from the Koigu yarn club I joined. I have a similar colorway so was thrilled to use this for my Pal.
And I received my SP11 shipment from still not named Pal. These shipments have always been generous to the extreme....just look. there is a special tea blend, smells yummy and a special cup to drink it in. The cup is perfect, just the right size for wrapping your hands around. I love it!! A candy bar we happened to have frequently in Ireland....Yorkie, not for girls is what the label says, Some very tasty biscuits, fibery, yummy just right with the tea. AND..LOOK..one of my favorites, I know I say that a lot, but truly Angora Valley yarns is another I hoard...I just used some for the Monkey Swap and now I have some new! the colorway is twilight and my Pal says it reminds here of the flowers in England...it does, having been to England myself. I am so lucky to be spoiled by this mystery person. Thank you dear sweet pal.

Yes I know all this and no Mermaid talk, My Mermaid has grown a bit, just past the armhole gusset. yes there is a picture, no it is not here. It is still on the card in the camera in the car of DH


. I am off to work in a few minutes and will address this in the AM. I can't sleep tomorrow anyways as I have to ship off the mittens and my final SP11 box and then do lawyer house things and get DS2 from school as Wednesday is an early preop appointment. Did I mention DS2 is having some surgery. It is planned and a long time coming but also not so terribly simple. When would one have surgery during the holiday season ? When else? Christmas Eve and for the first time he has to stay in at least overnight. So that s where I will be Christmas Eve and Christmas. My sons were each less than 24 hours old when I went home from the hospital. They have never stayed longer than a few hours in recovery for any of their prior surgeries, so staying over is a big deal. Luckily it is the hospital where I work so have access to everywhere and will take him on a wheelchair joy ride in the middle of the night if he needs it. I predict that is when the Jaywalkers for him will be seen as WIP.
I will go back into this at work and do the links and check the spelling...
Thanks you to my amazing swap pals and to all for your anniversary wishes. Next year there will be Annimoon pictures...well some..heehee

Isn't this neat? DS1 DGF made this for Thanksgiving. ALthough I worked and am still, I enjoyed a small piece each morning for breakfast.
Today is our 6th Anniversary...I have no wedding pictures on line but will scan one in tomorrow. DH is a wildly passionate mushy romantic. We are generally away on "Annimoon" vacations, but this year is the first time we are not. We are in the midst of trying to purchase our first house, actually an antique 108 year old farmhouse with a 3 story barn!!! We agreed no trip, no gifts, however the gift for year 6 is sugar and he surprised me with these
There are chcolate and lemon to signify the sweet and sour times of our marriage and swans as they mate for life. Who knew there was romantic pastry!!
Also, our wedding cake was Wedgewood blue with white chocolate maple leaves all over, leaves have always played an important theme with us, my wedding gown train was strewn with them as was the bodice. I made it and beaded many many leaves(DH insisted on beading the one that would be appliqued over my heart). So DH also brought home this



It is our Anniversary/Fall/Buying a house with an acre of land with a zillion trees!!!
So while I am off to work, DH has the night off :( But, this is the ONLY year we will not be on an Annimoon....)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all...
Enjoy your family and friends and cout your blessings on this day ....
I am thankful for so many things today and every day. My DH and two wonderful DSs. My family and friends. My DN serving his second tour in Iraq...may the Almighty and his Pa watch over him and bring him home safe. I could go on and on but won't.
Enjoy your day, your family, your friends. Live everyday as though it were Thanksgiving Day.

Mermaid Monday, Mittens and More

I will finish this Tuesday..
Not much progress on Mermaid, Mittens nearly done, Scarf 1/3 done. Some sock club yarn in..
I have picked up some extra time at work and have been busy with house things.
Much more informative in the morning....promise

Sock It To Me twice

The Questions
How long have you been knitting? Do you consider yourself beginner, intermediate, advanced? I am an advanced knitter, nearly 40 years
How long have you been knitting socks? Only a few years actually
What are your favorite fibers to work with? Bamboo, merino wools
What is your favorite color? Lately jewl colors, sapphire, purple, burgundy
What are your current WIPs (works in progress)? Too numerous to list
Name your favorite yarns, (brand, fibers, colors, etc.).Angora Valley, Sock Duets, anything by Cosmic Fibers or Fearless Fibers, White Oak Studio, Sundara, Dream in Color
What are some yarns/fibers that you stay away from. 100% acrylic
What is your family situation? (Married, kids, pets?) Married, 2 sons
Name some of your hobbies. All crafts, biking, skiing, camping
Name some of your favorite movies? Wizard of Oz, Willy Wonka(original) Logan's Run
Do you like to read? Yes
Do you collect anything? Mr Potato heads, Eiffel Towers, depression glass, yarn, yarn
Do you own an iPod or mp3 player? neither
What are your favorite type of knitting needles? KnitPicks harmony, retro plastic
What knitting notion could you not live without? Needle sizer thignie, Sheep tape measure
Who are some of your favorite designers? Kaffe, Rowan, Goughan,Hanne
Do you subscribe to any magazines? (Knitting or otherwise.) No
When is your birthday? February
Do you have a "wishlist", (on Ravelry, Froogle, or Amazon)? no
Do you have a Ravelry ID? KnittingKnut
If you had a sheep, what would you name it? Baaber

Mittens, Mail and Mermaid Mania Monday 2

I received my PRGE 2 final package from Carly . You may recall the lovely guacamole themed first box. This package was just as lovely. There is a bottle o wine minus the wine as you can't ship it, LOL! But Carly recommends it to go with Mexican food. The bottle however is covered in a fantastic knitted wine bottle cozy. How cool is that? There is attached some stitch markers from one of my fav ETSY dealers, Sunne . I frequent her shop often. The stitch markers are exquisite! There is also a hearts and bones bandana which will be put to very good use if a transaction I am in the midst of goes through(no reveal,,no jinx),some glitter skull tatoos and punk nail polish. Also sweet Carly included some Jamieson's jumper weight wool in a lovely maroony color(I so want to make a Mermaid with this being one of the colors!!!) ans some very interestingNew Zealand boucle-ish wool yarn in a plum color! The colors of both yarns are beautiful!!!!Thank you so much Carly!!


Also received my box from Robin for the FFBE ....Robin happened to also be my partner for the Hogwarts Sock Swap 2 and sent me gorgeous socks and spoiling items. This bag box was no different. Just look at this fantastic tote, it is lined with pockets and has a wonderful drawstring handle. The colors are perfectly me, it is huge!! I do believe this will be my Mermaid tote. Robin also sent along some Cascade 220 in green and patterns for LynnH watercolor bags...they are made from Cascade 220 and Noro Kureyon(I have sooo much of that, heehee). Also there is a bar of wonderful smelling handmade soap and a car freshener which is lavender scented. Wonderful....again I am so spoilt!!! Thank you Robin and feel better. Stop by Robin's blog and wish her well. SHe has not been feeling well and her DH is in Iraq working....

My Tiffany mitten for the Mitten Swap is moving along. This is the progress on number two and the private side of number one. I am mad for this mittens. The pattern is so well executed,look at the thumb pattern!!


Mermaid is an extremely easy knit....I had signed up for the KAL some time ago and never started due to other WIPs but kept up witht the reading of the KAL...it was gettting somewhat intimidating with the spreadsheet offering and the references to the difficulty. I think I worried for naught. SO far, there is a line or two that transaltion from the native language has confused but other than that. I haven't worked on it for a few days but this is where I am...

All the Mermaid maniacs have chosen such beautiful colors....we will be quite the atrractive school of fish.

I believe the only new yarn has been for a leaf scarf for the CHristmas swap

My Harvest swap sock is in the car so can't post a pic, but it is the Vog on again and I have turned the heel....I am hoping to mail out the end of the week.
sorry for the delay in posting, camera was unavailable, financial dealings going on, college inquiries for others being made.....

Mermaid Mania Monday Number 1

OK, so I didn't cast on until Nov 3, back problems, work, blah blah...then was merrily knitting along and noted at the same time I thought about Bev tinking back to the icord,my knitting was getting quite curly.....egad what was happening? The needle I was using was a 3.5mm or 3.75 mm NOT a 3mm. So back to the pick up row I went. Fortunately DS1GF was present to rewind as I tinked. That of course depressed me and somehow made my back hurt...LOL....but I moved on forward ...or tried to...I had a recollection of not having a 3mm long enough, perhaps that is why in my pain filled, sleep deprived mind I thought the other needle would magically work...guess what? It didn't work. So I scrounged around and had an aha moment and remembered a purchase of some KP Harmony circulars ...and yes there was a 3mm. SO I carefully picked up the pick row and moved forward. So this is what I have to show.....the yarn is a little rough on the fingers but I love it so much I am trying to be brave through the pain.
Also there has been some yarn acquired in the last week. This is the yarn for the sweater from the yet to be released IK Winter , due out Nov 13. This is from WEBS , alpaca yarn...isn't it scrumptious?


Also from WEBS, this alpaca yarn is for this hat from the Holiday IK.
It is designed by Brooklyn Tweed . Note I have two colors, for two hats, one being a gift. This is the softest yarn I have ever smooshed, ever. I may need to get more .....

I had placed an order for Kauni from Garnbutik and the order got sucked into the computerland void...I had two colors selected and can't for the life of me remember what they were. But Lisette, being the kind lady she is offered me a few combos and I settled on this turquoise color. When I recall what it is I was going to make I am sure it will be beautiful.
My Monkey socks went off to my pal, so much fun, that pattern is. AND I received my Monkeys from Chelle from BC!!!! Look at how gorgeous and c'mon folks how perfect is the color??? Chelle knit them from Panda Cotton which I used to make and Angel pair of Monkeys for the last go round. It is a wonderful yarn, so soft and some elastic in it. This color is MangoKiwi...how tropical!!! Chelle also included a Cookie A pattern I have never seen and some wonderful yarn for her area....BEE YOO TEE FULL!!!! Once again I so spoiled!!!Thank you Chelle...

Will there be a Monkey 4? We don't know yet....look at the collection of Monkeys I have and I haven't knit any of them!!!!
I also received my package from, Knitters Coffee Swap 3 ...WOW...there was so much in that box, I kept unwrapping and unwrapping...I have so loved reading Becky's blog, she is the mother to a beautiful little girl..the thrill and excitement in her blog about her child is heartwarming....
Look at that coffee scoop, is it not almost too beautiful to use? I love it!!There are some unusual "animal" crackers, chocolate a book about coffee treats, TWO bags of coffee, a humongous mug from Texas and look at this yarn. If you have checked out my Ravelry at all you will know I have some Dream in Color, but not in this color....WOW..and then there is this yarn....I hope my package to her lives up to this....Thank you so very much!!!!!




I got this from ETSY ....it was a surprise me purchase. I told her my preference in yarn colors and this is what she sent....right on the money eh?
Chameleon Colorworks sock club November sock is from this yarn, Janel always sends the best stuff.
These is my latest Loopy Ewe puchases.


Here is the progress on my mitten for the Mittenswap ...I still love them and spend a great deal of time trying them on...but I WILL send them along...heehee
I know what I am making for the Christmas swap and will post a progress pick next week.
No Foxie pic as I did not pick up the blue monster this week. However I may be working tomorrow night at my second job and will take Foxie with me...
So I think that is everything for now.