Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Rockin on




Unfortunately, my cell phone camera is not working as wonderful as I would like.

This is my new project. The pattern is called Twist, by Chic Knits. I'm making it for my mom. Her Birthday is Valentine's day, so I have a few weeks to get it done. When I helped her organized her storage, I stumbled upon some Tahki Donegal Tweed, but not enough to make a sweater. So I bought some Cascade 220 in the closest red I could find. I will be using the Tweed for the ribbings, and the Cascade for the Cables. I think it looks okay so far, but will have to prove it to you with some better pictures.

Everyone starts up school next week, but for now we're focusing on the New Year's Celebration. I'm going to see a movie with a dear friend, and my girls will stay at home and watch Joe and movies and eat junk food. I used to like the party scene, but nowadays I don't like the idea of drinking and driving. Plus I live too far out to deal with a cab. So we will hang at the local pub for a few rounds and then call it a night. 
It sure seems like the first decade of the 21st century went by awful fast. I really thought, years ago, that I would finish this decade in a much different place. Amazing how much things change.

In the meantime, it's back to work, back to school, and back to the knitting. I'm also planning on a sweater for my brother's fiancee`, Laura. She's such a sweetie, and her birthday is Feb 17. I wonder how fast i can knit two sweaters...??
Outside the moon is almost full. It's our Blue Moon. It is the extra moon (13th, to be exact) in our year. So I hope it brings all of you luck and hope for a wonderful 2010. I need all I can get.

Happy New Year!


Saturday, December 26, 2009

ready to go again


 


What a week!
I can't figure out why this blog is underlining my text. My apologies if this seems annoyng.

Got the sweater done! Unfortunately, my grandmother couldn't be here Christmas Day to receive it. We are waiting until tomorrow so I got to take the time to block it, find some really nice buttons, and make sure all the ends were woven in nicely. 

I'm ready to start another sweater. This time I think I'll go for cables. Mom really like them and her birthday is Valentine's day. She really wants a red Donegal Tweed cardigan, and I'm having trouble finding the Ox Blood red color she wants. 
I 'm ready for my girls to come home tomorrow. I just dread the 8 hours of driving up to Hood River and back. I think Laura, my brother's financee' is coming with, so that will help with the monotony. 

I hope it's nice tomorrow. It makes the drive more pleasant. 






Tuesday, December 22, 2009

the home stretch



On the home stretch! I wish I had longer dpn's though. :( Either that or shorter Circulars.
I posted these on my Facebook page and was totally flattered by a friend that said I inspired her. I felt really good about giving someone the urge to knit. It really is quite theraputic.
I still am fighting the "lonelies" that always seems to be the hardest to deal with at Christmas. I have so many memories of growing up on the ranch, and it's hard to look at where I am now and be happy. I know, I will be here temporarily, but I wish I had known just a few more things when I made the decisions that got me here in the first place.
So, I knit. and knit. and pray.


Monday, December 21, 2009

Progress



I've been making progress on the February Lady Sweater. Christmas is now officially 4 days away. I need to get this done! I have had to frog three times due to knitting while sleeping. (Missed a yo here and there). I love the progress. The Gull stitch really looks nice. I'm glad I chose this pattern. I've already got plans to start another one for my other Grandmother.
The girls are with their dad this year for Christmas, and I found myself rather lonely Saturday night. It always happens around three to four days after they leave.
Joe will have a few presents under the tree. But on the whole, things are quite lean. I only have several decorations, and the tree is outside on the deck because this little trailer doesn't have the room.
Got to housesit for a friend this weekend. I think that's when I started feeling sorry for myself. (yes, I know it's totally unnecessary, but I had a weak moment). She has this big house, hardwood floors, a washer and dryer, .etc. whereas, me,.. I got it out of my system as soon as I could but that left several unreturned phone calls from friends because I was being human. I guess.
Today we are going to be pretty busy at work. I love my job! Keeps life interesting. I only wish it paid better, then I wouldn't have to go back to school.
I was thinking about actually saving money in 2010 to go to the Black Sheep Festival in Canby, Oregon. And, maybe, if there's another Sock Summit- to get into there as well.
Well I had better get dressed.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Keep on Knitting












These pictures are a little better than the earlier ones. I was on lunch break and the natural light just looks better. I would input that they are much more purple than blue. I've finished the first one and now working the leg of his mate. I can't stress enough how easy these are to knit. I don't even need the pattern for the second.
The Wonderful green hank on the right is Cascade 220 yarn. 100% wool, and I started the February Lady sweater with it. You can find it on Ravelry. ( Cool!! I just learned how to post a link!!)

I am not impressed with myself with my Fall term grades at College. When I was all High speed-low drag to get back to the books, I really didn' t consider the time demands and how many different ways I got pulled. I took two really hard classes, and never had enough study time. I guess I'm trying to justify myself somehow, but dammit, I had so much going on, and to get a solid block of time all to myself- well that just didn't happen. I'm not quitting tho. Just backing off and re-grouping. Still have full - time credits, just pairing an easier class with a hard one.

When all this gets to me, I shut down and start knitting. I can think, I can organize, and keep sane. Millions of things going through my head. My friends say, "why do you need to keep going to school? What's wrong with your income? By the time you're done your kids will be all grown up anyway.".. My family.." You're running out of time. You need to hurry or you'll be too old." I need quiet. Mental quiet.
My daughter listens to the radio all night.. I don't mind the music but the commercials- I could reach through the radio and pull that ^$&(&* announcer right through by his ball hairs.

Not to mention, on top of all of this, we are having RECORD COLD WEATHER HERE. My cozy little 5th wheel doesn't have water (froze) or a toilet(not hooked up). It is 11' out. You try going pee out in a portable john and enjoy that little thrill of sitting on a frozen plastic seat. OH yeah. Bring it, baby! If I can make it through all this.. well I will be one HELL of a Physician Assistant. There won't be anything that some patient will whine at me for that I can't find a solution.

OH yeah that reminds me. Now that it's Christmas break, I gotta start applying for Scholarships!.. (Essays, Essays, Essays..)

"Just keep knitting, just keep knitting , knitting knitting.." (crazy giggle here..)