Tuesday, December 30, 2008

2008 100+ Book Challenge

Whew, made it with one extra book to spare!

Ghost At Work
(100)Knit Two
Grime and Punishment
Sullivan's Justice
Violation
Night Of The Blackbird
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Cross Country
Love You Forever
You're Heart Belongs To Me
A Virgin River Christmas
(90)Jingle Bell Bark
Bootlegger's Daughter
Santa Clawed
'Tis The Season!
Dashing Through The Snow
Thai Die
Fleece Navidad
The Paper Bag Christmas
Cold Company
Dead North
The Serpent
The Tooth of Time
The Serpent's Trail
Play Dead
Murder On The Yukon Quest
(75) Sleeping Beauty
Guardian
Deadfall
Suspect
The Last Cheerleader
Death Takes Passage
Born To Be Wild
The Rest Of The Story
Lost Angel
A Cedar Grove Christmas
Sleeping Lady
Flash Point
Dyer Consequence
Termination Dust
Like Water for Chocolate
(60)Murder On The Iditarod Trail
The Body Of David Hayes
Burning Angel
Beneath The Ashes
Vengeance
Perish Twice
Street Dreams
Death By Cashmere
The Last Oracle
The Inquisitor
Two Old Women
Last Seen Alive
Endymion Spring
Almost Dead
The Golden Eagle
Kimura
True Devotion
He Shall Thunder In The Sky
Purple Cane Road
Sail
Mercy
Judge & And Jury
The Front
The Florabama Ladies Auxiliary & Sewing Circle
Dark Horse
Heartbreaker
By Dawn's Early Light
Twenty Wishes
The Winding Ways Quilt
The Windsor Knot
Mugger's Day
Nightshade
Hell To Pay
Where Are You Now?
Long Hot Summoning
The Second Summoning
Summon The Keeper
Sex, Murder And A Double Latte
The Final Warning
A Free Man of Color
The Divide
Wish You Were Here
A Peach Of A Murder
The Assassins
The Accidental Florist
Grace
Now They Call Me Infidel
The Interruption of Everything
Flamingo Diner
Duma Key
The Appeal
Knitting Bones
Kite Runner
Hot
The Angels of Morgan Hill
Book Of The Dead
A Thousand Splendid Suns
Agatha Raisin And The Vicious Vet
The Darkest Evening of the Year
The Christmas Promise

2007 Books
T Is for Trespass
Cat Deck the Halls
Candy Cane Murder
The New Year's Quilt
Kissing Christmas Goodbye
Where Angels Go
Sweet Revenge
Double Cross
Exit Wounds
Knit Two Together
A Farewell To Yarns
The Dead of Midnight
Hawkes Harbor
You've Been Warned
Playing for Pizza
Hunting Season
America Alone
Slipknot
The Purpose Driven Life
Memory In Death
Dying to Be Free
The Ezekiel Project
Mr Monk Goes to the Firehouse
Cobra II
Three Bags Full
Bone Harvest
Kingdom Come
The Dastard

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Quote For The Day.. Or Week

Handle every stressful situation like a dog.
If you can't eat it or play with it,
Just pee on it and walk away.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Christmas Cactus


There is nothing I love more than seeing my Christmas Cactus bloom at the Holiday time! Today was such a great day for the blooms to turn to lovely flowers... it is cold and somewhat dreary. We had a little bit of snow overnight and this morning, but it has now turned to freezing rain and is horrible out. Besides that, there is nothing I want more than to have my children all home for Christmas and that isnt quite possible this year. Ahhh well, at least I know they are safe and happy in their lives.. and I am so very proud of all of them!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

100+ Reading Challenge 2009

Once again the 100+ Reading Challenge will be held. I joined for the first time in 2008, or at least carried the link on my blog. Am hoping to at least complete the 100 bookS for this year and will definitely keep better track at this spot next.

Happy Reading!!

1. A Farewell To Yarns-Jill Churchill
2. A Quiche Before Dying-Jill Churchill
3. Casting Spells-Barbara Bretton
4. A Cold Day For Murder-Dana Stabenow
5. Just Desserts-Barbara Bretton
6. A Class Menagerie-Jill Churchill
7. A Fatal Thaw-Dana Stabenow
8. Dead In The Water-Dana Stabenow
9. Death Trap-Sue Henry
10. Now You See Her-Linda Howard
11. The Knitting Circle-Ann Hood
12. A Knife To Remember-Jill Churchill
13. Midnight Rainbow-Linda Howard
14. A Cold Blooded Business-Dana Stabenow

February

15. Bone in the Throat-Anthony Bourdain
16. Play With Fire-Dana Stabenow
17. Blood Will Tell-Dana Stabenow
18. My Nerdy Valentine-Vicki Lewis Thompson
19. Open Season-Linda Howard
20. Breakup-Dana Stabenow
21. Anyone But You-Jennifer Cruise
22. From Here To Paternity-Jill Churchill
23. A Murder At Five Finger Light-Sue Henry
24. Silence of the Hams-Jill Churchill
25. War And Peas-Jill Churchill
26. Kill and Tell-Linda Howard

March

27. Degrees of Separation-Sue Henry
28. On What Grounds-Cleo Coyle
29. Through The Grinder-Cleo Coyle
30. Killing Grounds-Dana Stabenow
31. Mount Vernon Love Story-Mary Higgins Clark
32. Latte Trouble-Cleo Coyle
33. Fear of Frying-Jill Churchill
34. The Merchant of Menace-Jill Churchill
35. Cold As Ice-Anne Stuart
36. Murder Most Frothy-Cleo Coyle
37. Decaffeinated Corpse-Cleo Coyle
38. A Groom With A View-Jill Churchill
39. Mulch Ado About Nothing-Jill Churchill
40. House of Seven Mabels-Jill Churchill
41. Bell, Book, and Scandal-Jill Churchill
42. A Midsummer Night's Scream-Jill Churchill
43. Voice Of The Blood-Jemiah Jefferson

April

44. French Pressed-Cleo Coyle
45. The Accidental Florist-Jill Churchill
46. Dream Man-Linda Howard
47. Espresso Shot-Cleo Coyle
48. Tender Prey-Patricia Roberts(did not care for)
49. Hunter's Moon-Dana Stabenow
50. Midnight Come Again-Dana Stabenow
51. The Singing Of The Dead-Dana Stabenow
52. The Wizard Of Seattle-Kay Hooper
53. Anything Goes-Jill Churchill
54. The Ghost And Mrs. McClure-Alice Kimberly

May

55. Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder-Joanne Fluke
56. Trust No One-Christiane Heggan
57. After Midnight-Merline Lovelace
58. The Waterfall-Carla Neggers
59. Stealing Shadows-Kay Hooper
60. Shocking Pink-Erica Spindler
61. The Ghost and the Dead Deb-Alice Kimberly
62. A Fine And Bitter Snow-Dana Stabenow
63. Strawberry Shortcake Murder-Joanne Fluke
64. A Grave Denied-Dana Stabenow
65. The Ghost and the Dead Man's Library-Alice Kimberly
66. A Taint In The Blood-Dana Stabenow

June

67. Blueberry Muffin Murder-Joanne Fluke
68. The Ghost and the Femme Fatale-Alice Kimberly
69. Summer On Blossom Street-Debbie Macomber
70. Just Take My Heart-Mary Higgins Clark
71. The 8th Confession-James Patterson
72. The Ghost and the Haunted Mansion-Alice Kimberly
73. In The Still Of The Night Jill Churchill
74. Sundays at Tiffany's-James Patterson
75. Wormwood-Susan Wittig Albert
76. A Deeper Sleep-Dana Stabenow

July

77. Susie Bright Presents Three Kinds of Asking for It
78. Someone To Watch Over Me-Jill Churchill
79. The Miracle-Irving Wallace
80. The Lady and the Unicorn-Tracy Chevalier
81. Bloodlines-Dinah McCall
82. Hooked On Murder-Betty Hechtman
83. Max-James Patterson
84. Whisper To The Blood-Dana Stabenow
85. Love For Sale-Jill Churchill
86. Lemon Meringue Pie Murder-Joanne Fluke
87. Dead Men Don't Crochet-Betty Hechtman
88. By Hook Or By Crook-Betty Hechtman
89. It Had To Be You-Jill Churchill

August

90. The Shack-Wm. Paul Young
91. Fudge Cupcake Murder-Joanne Fluke
92. Who's Sorry Now-Jill Churchill
93. Left For Dead-Kevin O'Brien
94. If She Only Knew-Lisa Jackson
95. Killer Dreams-Iris Johansen
96. Dropped Dead Stitch-Maggie Sefton
97. On Thin Ice-Cherry Adair
98. Sugar Cookie Murder-Joanne Fluke
99. On The Run-Iris Johansen
100!Fatally Flaky-Diane Mott Davidson
101.Most Likely To Die-Lisa Jackson
102.The Doomsday Key-James Rollins

September

103. The Camel Club-David Baldacci *good*
104. Peach Cobbler Murder-Joanne Fluke
105. Talkeetna Twines-Suzanne Bassette
106. Hide Yourself Away-Mary Jane Clark
107. Ted, White And Blue-Ted Nuggent
108. Cherry Cheesecake Murder-Joanne Fluke
109. Gone-Lisa Gardner

October

110. Candle Sparks-Lilly Goodman
111. Laced With Magic-Barbara Bretton
112. Fatal Burn-Lisa Jackson
113. Sandcastles-Luanne Rice
114. Sea Glass-Anita Shreve
115. The Third Victim-Lisa Gardner
116. Lost-Michael Robotham
117. Nature Girl-Carl Hiaasen

November

118. Among Grizzlies-Timothy Treadwell
119. Shiver-Lisa Jackson
120. I Scream, You Scream-Wendy Lyn Watson
121. Holiday Grind-Cleo Coyle
122. Lost Symbol-Dan Brown
123. Final Truth-Mariah Stewart

December

124. The Christmas Sweater-Glenn Beck
125. The End Of The Road-Sue Henry
126. Breathing Lessons-Anne Tyler
127. Murder On A Girls' Night Out-Anne George
128. Murder On A Bad Hair Day-Anne George
129. Murder Runs In The Family-Anne George
130. Murder Makes Waves-Anne George
131. The Perfect Christmas-Debbie Macomber
132. Blue Christmas-Mary Kay Andrews
133. Murder Gets A Life-Anne George
134. Murder Shoots The Bull-Anne George
135. Murder Boogies With Elvis-Anne George
136. Twilight-Stephenie Meyer
137. Reading~New Moon-Stephenie Meyer

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Farmers Market Tote


This is a fast, fun, easy knit and was my first ever felted project. The pattern was a freebie from Knit Picks and the yarn is from Elann.

It had actually been done for quite awhile, just needed to weave in a zillion or so ends, attach the handles and felt it. Felting it made me nervous.. Had read all the stories about the messes that can be made and was just sure it would happen to me! Alas, I discovered my washer is perfect, the hot water temp is great... and it only takes a short time. Wish I would have put on gloves before I stuck my hands in the hot water though.

Will definitely be doing another felted project soon... Maybe the slippers at Knitty!

Saturday, November 29, 2008

True Love

Received this from my Canadian friend, Dean. Thought it was so very sweet and so very touching that I just had to share it with my friends!

This series of photos tells the suffering of bird shocked by his mate's fatal injury. His mate is injured and her condition is fatal.
1
He brought her food and looked after her with love.
2
Then when she lay still, he tried to move her.
3
Realizing that she would never come back to him, he cried in anguish.
4
He stood beside her, calling out in grief.
5
Finally aware that she would never return, he just stood beside her body for a long, time.
6
The photographer sold these pictures for a nominal fee to a leading French newspaper. The newspaper was completely sold out that day.Thousands of people across Europe and the US mourned for the little bird

Monday, November 24, 2008

Learning A New Method


I started this great entrelac scarf using Patons SWS in Natural Pink. This could become an addiction... never realized how easy entrelac is! After just a few blocks, the pattern is easily memorized and it is oh so wonderfully quick. It would be a lot quicker if I would quit just looking at it though. Mmm, wonder if Laura would like this for Christmas... is this your color Laura??


Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Sunrise Sunset Socks


Finished this pair of socks today. Again, I used the Knitman's pattern with a simple 3-1 ribbing for the leg. Am not positive what the yarn is-tag was gone-but I believe it is Plymouth Happy Feet. Other than the color variance between the skeins, this was fabulous yarn to work with. The color doesn't bother me~everyone know that I am off the wall anyway!
These were done on 2.00 needles with 82 sts.

Thursday, November 6, 2008


Life may not be a party, but while we're here we may as well dance!

Friday, October 17, 2008

A Good-Bye To A Faithful Friend


For those that are animal lovers, you know that the loss of a pet is a horrible tragedy. Lacey was a part of our family for many years. She played dress-up with my kids when they were little, frisbee with Bill and had to chance to eat ice cream almost every night of her life. A couple of years ago, she lost her hearing, her sight was going, she had been wearing baby diapers for a few months. This week her kidneys began to fail. We will miss her!

The Rainbow Bridge

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth.
It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge, there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass. When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water, and warm Spring weather. Those old and frail animals are
young again. Those who have been maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each other.

But there is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person who loved them on earth.

So, each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up. The nose twitches, the ears are up, the eyes are staring, and this one suddenly runs from the group.
You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again and again and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.


Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Rosemary Mint Soap

There is such a big difference between good old fashioned lye soap and store bought soap.. it is totally amazing! I started making our own several years ago, after discovering that commercial soaps contain known carcinogens. After a few trial and tribulation batches of the cold-process method, my family was satisfied with my "recipe" and have continued to use it since. Eventually, I was making so much that I started selling at craft fairs~but alas, the business was growing quicker that I could commit to... So for now at least, my soaps go to family and friends!

This is the latest batch... I rarely use any colorings, but do so love fragranced soaps, that part is a must. This is my hubbies favorite~a nice rosemary-mint, a great wake me in the morning. The fragrance is from Sweetcakes, who carries the absolute best fragrances I have found!



Monday, September 22, 2008

Thought For The Day



"It does not mean that people cease to be Christians when they hate, but they cease to act like Christians. They are no longer living like the Christians that they have become. Eternal life is no longer abiding in them, and they have slipped back into the control of the devil. It is not that love is not available to them but that it does not abide in them. If we hate someone, we have become the temporary slave of Satan. We are God's child doing the devil's work, and we need to face it on that level." ~Unknown

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Colins Sock KAL

ColinsKAl
I feel horrible. I started this pair of socks absolutely forever ago when this awesome sockknitter posted "his" pattern on his website. Colins socks are absolutely gorgeous and he has become my sock guru... oh to get mine to be as attractive as his... I am so envious. After starting these, he started a yahoo group KAL and I quietly lurked trying to gain as much info from him as I could. Many have finished their socks and learned how to get a true fitting sock without using a pattern.
Heel 1
Now, I have to say I was able to use his pattern pretty closely as our feet are about the same size. My only problem is a wee little bit of tightness in the arch, which I can adjust next time by starting the gussett just a bit sooner. The toes are gorgeous (I do have a bit of the "ear" problem, which I learned what was wrong thanks to the KAL) and the heel is a breeze.
Heel 2
All I can say is~Thank You Colin!



These were done on size O needles, my standard one at a time on 2 needles. The Yarn is from Elann Sock It To Me! Collection in Harlequin. I loved the yarn, loved the pattern and will probably make my socks like this for a long time to come. Gauge is 9.5 spi and 13 rpi. Wish I were a faster knitter...

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Alaskan Adventure


What a great surprise our trip to Alaska was! For those that need more time in a day, the daylight was great... I seemed to have so much more energy, and sleeping was definitely not a problem.

We went to visit our son Lucas, whom is stationed in Anchorage, and his girlfriend Erin. Everyday was a new adventure, with a day trip to surrounding areas. We saw mountain goats, moose, a black bear and cub... we panned for gold, walked on a glacier, traveled Hatchers Pass, Independence Mine, Elmendorf Air Force Base, the Saturday Market, Seward, Palmer, Wassilla, dinner at the Double Musky Inn and on and on. They definitely showed us the area.

I honestly did not think that I would like Alaska. Am not your real outdoorsy type, no fishing, hunting, camping for me, but the scenery alone is well worth a visit. I absolutely loved Seward, it is a very artsy community which is right up my alley.

Speaking of artsy, I had to bring back a little something for me. In Seward, we visited a small but very well supplied yarn shop called A Flyin' Skein. There I purchased a small ball of Qiviut, made from Musk Ox by Windy Valley Muskox and a skein of sock yarn dyed by an Anchorage woman Rabbit Ridge Designs. I had to purchase another skein of sock yarn at the Saturday Market in Anchorage, where The Felted Sheep had a booth and was spinning her yarn. Also picked up the book Artic Lace, which is just grand!!
Alaska Yarn

Anyone that gets a chance needs to visit Alaska at least once in their life! I will add more pictures later!

Monday, July 21, 2008

Update Humility Socks

Washed and dried the Humility Socks today to see if what was said about the ladders was true. YIPPEE, no ladders, they look great.. umm, but boy, is that a lot of bloom! Curious now to how well they will hold up.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Humility Socks


I have to call these socks, my humility socks. Was doing so well... did not understand why people have trouble with ladders~till now. Try as I might, it has ladders. Maybe it will bloom enough to hide them?

Yarn-2 50 gram skeins JL Vinca in colorways 548 (Note: No definite repeat, both skeins also had different color schemes)
Pattern-Used the Queen Kahuna method with a 3-peat basketweave leg.
2.25 needles, 72 stitches, 13 RPI, 10 SPI

The yarn is has a lot of very thick spots where it was spun tightly, it is horribly splitty... but I would use it again.

Monday, July 7, 2008

In Memory of Joshua Farnsworth

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbean
And for a brief moment its glory and beauty
belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

You are missed every single day!

Friday, May 30, 2008

Gas Prices and The American Abusers

Everywhere we go today, someone is talking about gas prices. The news covers it almost 24 hours a day. Americans have one thing in common~we are all talking about it. No doubt, it stinks. Gas in my area ranges from 4.09-4.19 a gallon today. I live in one of the poorest states in the country, with one of the highest gas taxes (will save that rant for another day!). Food prices have gone sky high, everything is following the gas trend.

But now, in the big picture, it is a global economy and we are still paying far less than say, England, France and Germany. Guess they are starting to complain about the price hikes also. Personally, there is not a doubt in my mind that most Americans could care less what someone else pays... our pocketbooks are of the only concern.

Some say the oil companies are making too much money. Are they? The purpose of any company is to make money. The corporation wants to make money, the stockholders definitely want to make money, the employees want paid, as well as the federal and state governments want their piece of the pie. Is Exxon/Mobil ripping us off? Apparently not, or we would not buy their product... at least not in the quantities that we are doing.

Am I going to suggest get rid of your SUV? Absolutely not! Or suggest not driving and use whatever public transportation your area has developed? No, that is a system that America has let dwindle away-unlike other countries that have perfected the system. I would suggest slowing down.

We Americans have a problem with "obeying" speed limits. If it is posted 55 MPH, we are sure we cannot be ticketed unless the police catch us over 61 MPH. We can save up to 10% of our fuel by just slowing down. Instead of driving 65 in a 55, slow down to 50. Great trick the independent truck drivers have learned and are doing. The company trucks don't much care-they are passing the increased fuel cost to the consumer. Umm, that is you and me. If you are a company driver and can't slow down.. well explain that to you mother and your neighbor!

Make your trips count. I used to run out of milk and immediately head to the grocery store to get a gallon. Later in the day, I might drive to the mall. That evening, we went out to dinner. Dumb, dumb, dumb. One trip does it all. Make a list for the grocery store. Spend one day a week at home. Many groups have called for specific days that every does not drive. That won't work. In a society where we are used to be able to go as we choose, a specific day is impossible. But pick any day of the week and leave the car parked. While you are at home, clean, learn a new hobby, just relax, whatever.... A friend of mine is still insisting on running to McDonald's 3 times a day for coffee and going out at least once or twice more for cigarettes, groceries, etc. Everyday. Seven days a week. Buy some Folgers, buy a carton of cigarettes. Gosh, your increased usage is costing all of us!! The less we use as a population, the less it will cost. Basic supply and demand.

One of my favorites, leave the house 5 minutes earlier.. then you won't have to speed down the street because you are going to be late and cut off someone else. Common courtesy will also go a long way in saving fuel, don't try to shove your way into a line of cars... if you see someone needs let out of a parking lot, slow down and let them go. While they are idling and waiting to get back on the road, they are getting 0 MPG. We don't want anyone wasting precious petroleum.

What about all the plastic we use? Forget those Styrofoam cups and plates for the picnic, use our reusable items. They only take a second to wash. Skip the throwaway plastics. Skip those plastic yard ornaments at WalMart. Saves money and save petroleum.

Got an oil leak in your car? Umm, that costs money and petroleum. An antifreeze leak? Petroleum. Find a repairman you trust and be loyal to him. He will take care of you and a car in good running condition uses less gas.

Take care of what you have and learn to spend wisely. I am sure there are other ideas out there to save not only money, but to conserve oil... this is our only way out. The Republicans blame the Democrats and the Democrats blame the Republicans.. but face facts, this is not really about politics, it is supply and demand.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

You Are a Believer
You definitely believe in God - and you're very unwavering in your religious beliefs.
In fact, religion and spirituality are definitely big parts of your life.
Religion shapes how you view right and wrong, as well as the decisions you make.
It's hard for you to imagine how your life would be without your beliefs.
http://www.blogthings.com/areyouanatheistagnosticorabelieverquiz/">Are You an Atheist, Agnostic or a Believer?

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Tofutsies Tidal Wave Socks Complete


Was not sure if I would like the Tofutsies sock yarn, but it sort of grew on me. Used the Tidal Wave sock pattern in colorways 736 Underfeet with 2.25 Knit Picks circs. On the downside, not only does the pattern not show up well, but the yarn had several knots and is quite splitty. Since I have slightly larger feet, thought I would need 2 skeins, but one would have been more than adequate... which reminds me of another downside~Same dye lot from both skeins but slightly different colors. Ahh, well it won't happen again because I will know that one skein is all it will take. Will use this yarn again in the future, but will drop to 2.0 needle for a little tighter weave in the sock, though I was able to get 10SPI and 13RPI with 72 stitch increase. These were done toe up and I used the Modified Russian Bind Off, which is just tee totally awesome!!! Will definitely use it again!

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Quote For The Day


People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered; forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives; be kind anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; be honest and frank anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it was never between you and them anyway. ~Mother Theresa

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Quote For The Day


The greatness of a nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. ~Mahatma Gandhi

Friday, May 2, 2008

Quote For The Day


May you live a thousand years, and I a thousand less one day, so that I may never know the world without you.
~Hungarian Proverb

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Let It Snow!


Doesn't this look like a lovely Christmas snow? But alas, it is Anchorage, AK this morning. Our son Lucas is a Staff Sargeant in the Air Force and stationed at Elmendorf AFB. He was just thrilled to have this great spring snow (NOT!), which was apparently the largest storm of winter.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Miracles?


The Friday before Thanksgiving 1999, my father was diagnosed with cancer. It had already spread from his lungs to his brain and there was basically nothing the doctors could do except to keep him comfortable. The duration of his life, he took like a real trooper.. he never complained, he developed a peace that he did not have before and he would not talk about dying.


One evening, he and I were sitting on his back deck smoking a cigarette. I asked him, if it were possible, that when something happened, would he let me know he was okay. Of course, he didn't respond and I didn't even expect him to. My dad passed away July 4, 2000 at his home, where the sun was shining out front and it was raining in the back.


I came back to our house to discover that my Christmas Cactus's-located on my front porch in direct sun had bloomed. Odd, there had been no cold weather, it was 90+ degrees. Odder yet, they have bloomed every July 4th since Dad passed away.


July 3, 2007 our son-in-law passed away. Laura, our daughter, told me she had gone for a walk the next day and a butterfly kept following her. Over the next several days, she had several encounters with a lone butterfly.


I went to Washington to be with her as quickly as possible. At one point, I was sitting outside the base hotel on a park bench and a lone butterfly landed in my hair.


Yesterday was Laura's 24th birthday. Yesterday there was a lone bloom on one of my Christmas Cactus's. It is in my bedroom.. it has heat-not a forced bloom, and it has relatively no light. It was the most perfect bloom. I like or have to believe this one is from Josh... Just can't remember if I ever told him the story of my Dad or not...

Monday, March 17, 2008

I Have A Problem!


I think I have a problem... Have decided I like to start things, and buy yarn! Keep starting new projects or finding new ones to start and never really accomplish anything. A new box of sock yarn came today from Little Knits and last week a box of yarn and patterns from Patternworks. At this rate, nothing will ever be finished!


On a positive note, I did finish a pair of socks today. They are done toe-up on 2 circs with Knit Picks Swish Superwash in Merlot Heather. Used size 2 (3.0) needles... which means they will basically stand up all by themselves. It's okay, wanted a pair of really heavy boot type socks for cold weather BUT we will not discuss the fact that the first day of spring is this week or how long it took to finish this pair!!!! At least they will be finished for next winter!


I also started another pair of socks today made with JL Vinca yarn on size 0 needles. Not sure if I like the yarn, it is a little bit splitty and quickly creates a "halo". Now if I can get the heels turned on another pair, they will be done in no time and free up my needles for more.. or maybe I should order more needles from Knit Picks! Mmmm!

Friday, January 25, 2008

Lack Of Postings

It has been over a month since I posted anything. Haven't finished a single project ... or done much of anything else for that matter. Must be a post-Holiday syndrome ... or maybe the fact that life has been somewhat difficult over the last several months. I am tired of stalkers and hackers and in general, tired of troublemakers. I am tired of the holier than thou group of people that can't leave other people alone. Does everyone think they have to know everyone's business? Doesn't anyone have their own lives to contend with? I REFUSE to let this rule my life any longer!!