Sunday, August 31, 2014
Walk This Way
These days, I am walking for my health, and though my mile is still 18 minutes, it's getting faster (slowly, if that makes any sense at all).
My path is not flat. We live close to the highest point in our small town, which means that while the walk out may be downhill, the walk back is not.
This morning I watched squirrel races as I walked on the paved area near our elementary school. (Click to embiggen so you can see one of the racers.)
And a few days ago while walking at lunchtime near where I work, I spotted these.
I'm pretty sure they won't flower or go to seed (seem to be a bit "seedy" already, though).
Labels: current events, getting healthy, silliness
Sunday, June 08, 2014
Trying to Catch Up
I'm afraid to look to see how long it's been since I posted. I report in weekly on one of my email lists and promise "film at 11" but never seem to get around to 1) taking pictures and 2) posting them.
This is an attempt to get back up to speed.
Afghans for Afghans is having a baby shower this month. Needed are socks (real socks with turned heels) and baby hats for the approximately 85 new babies born each day in Kabul.
Imagine! 85 new babies all entering the world, stark naked!
I'm really pleased with the way the self-patterning pair came out! No, they aren't identical, but they are close and that's what I was hoping for.
Here are all of my offerings. Baby sockies are so quick to make. If it weren't for other deadlines looming, I'd devote my summer (or at least June) to baby socks!
And here's one of the deadline projects.
This one is destined to be a fair entry then it will be the Purple Warrior Princess's Christmas sweater.
Buttons are coming. The pattern suggests toggles. I am tempted to go buy them, but my button stash is probably bigger than my yarn stash, so I am considering faux leather or some cross-cut antler. I think it needs something more natural than plastic.
On the health front, my spine surgeon has cut me loose. The Physical Therapists, ditto. I have to continue exercising and walking, probably for the rest of my life. The pain in my legs (except for the arthritic knee) is gone. I'll take it!
On another note, I am seeing a cardiologist regularly to deal with my blood pressure (not a new issue) and atrial fibrillation (that manifested during surgery). Three new medications and it is getting under control.
Getting old is not for the faint of heart!
This is an attempt to get back up to speed.
Afghans for Afghans is having a baby shower this month. Needed are socks (real socks with turned heels) and baby hats for the approximately 85 new babies born each day in Kabul.
Imagine! 85 new babies all entering the world, stark naked!
Here are all of my offerings. Baby sockies are so quick to make. If it weren't for other deadlines looming, I'd devote my summer (or at least June) to baby socks!
And here's one of the deadline projects.
This one is destined to be a fair entry then it will be the Purple Warrior Princess's Christmas sweater.
Buttons are coming. The pattern suggests toggles. I am tempted to go buy them, but my button stash is probably bigger than my yarn stash, so I am considering faux leather or some cross-cut antler. I think it needs something more natural than plastic.
On the health front, my spine surgeon has cut me loose. The Physical Therapists, ditto. I have to continue exercising and walking, probably for the rest of my life. The pain in my legs (except for the arthritic knee) is gone. I'll take it!
On another note, I am seeing a cardiologist regularly to deal with my blood pressure (not a new issue) and atrial fibrillation (that manifested during surgery). Three new medications and it is getting under control.
Getting old is not for the faint of heart!
Labels: afghans for afghans, baby things, children's things, current events, Purple Warrior Princess
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Has It Really Been a Month?
It has really been a month!
I promise to do better with knit blogging, but first, I must update my loyal fan.
The surgery on April 8 (2" approximate incision) was a rousing success. I was scheduled for 7:30 a.m.which meant being at the hospital at 5. Probably could have skipped trying to sleep, since that didn't happen. Hooray for early starts (no food after midnight until it's all over)! By 10, I was in the recovery room, completely alert (what a change from the last surgery experience 2 years ago) and my legs were pain free. Talk about relief!
I spent the next several hours in "holding" while waiting for a room. But that was okay. No pain. Books (Kindle) and knitting to keep me company. I sent the Other Half home to sleep.
I must say that both roommate experiences were challenging. But they are over and I have moved on.
I spent a couple weeks using a walker or a cane but have (mostly) abandoned both. Physical Therapy starts next week. I will see the cardiologist regularly and the spine surgeon a couple more times.
Life is good!
I promise to do better with knit blogging, but first, I must update my loyal fan.
The surgery on April 8 (2" approximate incision) was a rousing success. I was scheduled for 7:30 a.m.which meant being at the hospital at 5. Probably could have skipped trying to sleep, since that didn't happen. Hooray for early starts (no food after midnight until it's all over)! By 10, I was in the recovery room, completely alert (what a change from the last surgery experience 2 years ago) and my legs were pain free. Talk about relief!
I spent the next several hours in "holding" while waiting for a room. But that was okay. No pain. Books (Kindle) and knitting to keep me company. I sent the Other Half home to sleep.
I must say that both roommate experiences were challenging. But they are over and I have moved on.
I spent a couple weeks using a walker or a cane but have (mostly) abandoned both. Physical Therapy starts next week. I will see the cardiologist regularly and the spine surgeon a couple more times.
Life is good!
Labels: current events, serious stuff
Monday, April 07, 2014
Drive-By Blogging
I ran out of room on the 60" circular needle, so I have declared the 2014 Hexagon Scrapghan to be finished. Point to point, it is 72" across and odds and ends of all sorts of animal fibers.
It's a wonderfully snuggly blankie. (See comments at the end.)
And a special request from the Baby Grands (Tiny Prince Original, Tiny Prince Two/Too, and Purple Warrior Princess): Basic slippers, ala Minions!
These will go in the mail tomorrow or the next day (see below).
BELOW: I have been nursing what was thought to be Give It Time and It will Go Away Sciatica which Did Not Go Away.
Last Tuesday, I was scheduled for back surgery (simple, outpatient, an hour, tops) that turned into an overnight stay in the hospital on multiple monitors with dual (dueling) IVs and postponement due to heart issues (serious, non-life threatening).
Postponed surgery is now scheduled for tomorrow (time TBA) and I will probably be stuck overnight again for "observation.
The prognosis for my back and legs is good. I have been told that the relief (pain) will be almost immediate and that the strength will return to my legs, probably the right before the left.
I am not inclined to request prayers (that just isn't who I am), but if you could keep a good though for me, I would appreciate it.
On a happy note, I have crossed two off my Bucket List: ride in an ambulance and inject drugs. I will no longer need to contemplate again doing either! But I really had hoped to sit in the front and work the siren.
Labels: children's things, current events, life, minor rants, scrapghans
Sunday, March 02, 2014
Car Seat Blankies, Again
Working my way through the car seat blanket booklet has been (pick one) challenging, mind-numbing, an exercise in stupidity, a good way to replenish the baby gift stash.
Number 4 is shown at left. Lace Stitch. This is one of those patterns that I love to hate. It's unbalanced and biases, and even a good soak and dress helps only temporarily. I know that it will revert to parallelogram soon.
Close up of the pattern stitch (4 row pattern, stockinette on 3 rows, YO, K 2 tog on the 4th. I followed the pattern as written. If I do this one again, I will change up every other eyelet row so that the biasing is less severe.
In the meantime, this one is in the gift box along with booties to match.
Next up, Variation On the Theme. The beginning of another car seat blanket, this time in true cables that will be embellished.
I tried (really, I did) a tried and true spelled out version of this cable. After several trips to the virtual and real Frog Pond, I googled and found the cable charted.
Smooth sailing (as long as I don't run out of yarn)!
And now, in the category of I Stand Corrected: The Cascade Greenland behaved beautifully after it's soak and block! It's still sproingy, but is considerably more drapey and grew quite a lot. I am pleased. (But I still think it was the wrong yarn for the project.)
Yarn review: Valley Yarns' Valley Superwash (100% extra fine merino) which is Webs' (www.yarn.com) house brand is super soft and a real pleasure to work with. I bought it specifically to make baby garments in pink, ice blue, and spring leaf. It is perfect for that task.
And a bit on my back. Yes, I saw a doctor. No, it isn't my back. It's sciatica. It's painful. I have drugs. And exercises. And a sock full of hot rice. If it isn't better in 4 more days (or starting to get better), I will also have steroids.
And there is more snow in the forecast. I. Cannot. Take. Any. More. Winter. DONE!
Labels: baby things, current events, yarn review
Wednesday, February 05, 2014
More of the Same
Remember the shot of the deer from a couple weeks ago?
They're gone.
And in their place, we have. . .
SNOW!
And more of it!
This is the view from our front porch.
I wish I could say that it is melting, but no. Instead, there's a prediction of up to 1/2" of
Ice
To top it off.
Something warm and cozy is in order.
A new scrapghan to use up the odd bits of animal fiber yarn is currently On The Needles.
It's a wide swath of wool, llama, alpaca, angora, you know the drill. If it was previously on an animal's back (or front) it's fair game.
The Finished Object will be a hexagon as big as the needle (60" circular) allows.
Recipe is simple:
Using similar weight yarn and appropriate needles, CO 6 stitches and divide over 3 DPNs.
Join.
R2: increase in each stitch.
Knit 2 rounds, placing a marker between the 2nd and 3rd stitch on each needle on one of the rounds.
Next round, and every third round going on, increase at the beginning of each needle, before and after each marker, and at the end of each needle.
When there are too many stitches for the dpns, switch to a circular (probably a 24-29" to start, then later to a 60"), placing a marker between the stitches for each DPN. (6 markers)
Continue knitting, increasing before and after each marker every 3rd round until you run out of yarn, or space on the needle. Change stitches as desired. I threw in a purl round fairly often to make a thicker fabric and to help it lie flat. Finish with a deep garter stitch (k 1 round, p 1 round) border. Bind off loosely.
Mine is currently about 40" across (from point to point) and I am fast running out of room on the needle.
Labels: current events, knit recipes, pattern, WIPs
Wednesday, January 01, 2014
Good grief!
Wow! Has it actually been nearly a year since I posted last?
So much for being more regular!
It's a new year and new resolutions to Be a Better Poster may or may not come to pass. In the meantime, I will post my list of 2013 FOs just to keep me honest.
Not so shabby until I consider previous years. I have been tracking since 2002. This is the 10th best year (of 12). I will take into account that there are two "go to" afghans on the needles. One grows as I gain more odd balls of wool. Likely, it will never really be finished unless I declare it so. The other is a sock yarn mitered square-ghan that grows ever so slowly when I don't have anything else on the needles.
The year in reflection was a mixed one. We added the Purple Warrior Princess (Fiona Grace) to the tribe in May. Tiny Prince Original (Rowan) started school. Tiny Prince Two/Too (Conor) remains a joy to all who know him.
Retirement is looking very good and getting closer, as health issues (for the Other Half) reared their collective heads in December.At work, we are looking to make a major geographic move which I would like to see through to completion, but if it drags on. . .
Promising to be more regular on the posting! (Yes, I know I said that last year.)
So much for being more regular!
It's a new year and new resolutions to Be a Better Poster may or may not come to pass. In the meantime, I will post my list of 2013 FOs just to keep me honest.
| adult sweater | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| afghan squares | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| bibs | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| booties | 24 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| bowl to felt | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| cat toys | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| child sweater | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| christmas stocking | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| coasters | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| cowl | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| dishcloth/facecloth | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| dishtowel | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| hat | 16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| laprobe/baby blanket | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| mittens | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| napkin | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| pillow | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| place mats | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| potholder | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| preemie/baby caps | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| purse | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| runner | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| scarf | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| shawl | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| soap sack | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| socks | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| tea toter | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| teddy sweaters | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| toys/ornament | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| wristers | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| total | 124 |
Not so shabby until I consider previous years. I have been tracking since 2002. This is the 10th best year (of 12). I will take into account that there are two "go to" afghans on the needles. One grows as I gain more odd balls of wool. Likely, it will never really be finished unless I declare it so. The other is a sock yarn mitered square-ghan that grows ever so slowly when I don't have anything else on the needles.
The year in reflection was a mixed one. We added the Purple Warrior Princess (Fiona Grace) to the tribe in May. Tiny Prince Original (Rowan) started school. Tiny Prince Two/Too (Conor) remains a joy to all who know him.
Retirement is looking very good and getting closer, as health issues (for the Other Half) reared their collective heads in December.At work, we are looking to make a major geographic move which I would like to see through to completion, but if it drags on. . .
Promising to be more regular on the posting! (Yes, I know I said that last year.)
Labels: current events, serious stuff, yarn diet
Saturday, April 02, 2011
Signs of Spring
Pregnant squirrels begging at the back door
Twenty-five Little League dads raking the infield
Little kids trying to catch a fish on opening day of trout season
First yard sale of the year
Phillies home opener
And you thought I was going to say "robin!"
Labels: current events
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Ever Wonder
if there's any real difference between the store brand and the "name" brand?
This afternoon, I made 2 batches of cupcakes for a party on Friday.
The chocolate ones are the store brand from a store I trust. And trust me, the few canned foods I buy (tomatoes, beans, a couple other odds and ends) generally are this store's brand. Why? Because I can't really tell the difference. Yes, they are that good!
So, there was no doubt when I compared the incredible array of cake, brownie and quick bread packages, that I would grab the store brand cake mix.
I already had a box mix (Duncan Hines, if anyone cares) at home, but I wanted to do two flavors.
First up was the chocolate (store brand) and then the "confetti" (DH).
Technique was identical. Same eggs, same oil, same tins, same mixer, same oven. But look at the difference in the finished product(s).
Not a mistake I'll make again soon!
But heck, add enough frosting, and they'll be just fine.
This afternoon, I made 2 batches of cupcakes for a party on Friday.
The chocolate ones are the store brand from a store I trust. And trust me, the few canned foods I buy (tomatoes, beans, a couple other odds and ends) generally are this store's brand. Why? Because I can't really tell the difference. Yes, they are that good!
So, there was no doubt when I compared the incredible array of cake, brownie and quick bread packages, that I would grab the store brand cake mix.
I already had a box mix (Duncan Hines, if anyone cares) at home, but I wanted to do two flavors.
First up was the chocolate (store brand) and then the "confetti" (DH).
Technique was identical. Same eggs, same oil, same tins, same mixer, same oven. But look at the difference in the finished product(s).
Not a mistake I'll make again soon!
But heck, add enough frosting, and they'll be just fine.
Labels: current events
Sunday, March 13, 2011
What I've Been Up To
I haven't really finished much of anything since I posted two (really, that long) weeks ago. I've dipped into the scrap bag of ack odd balls and started a scrapghan for TPT. Seeing that 90% of what I had was red, white, or green (leftovers from Christmas decorations/stockings), I added a couple of skeins of Red Heart Classic (the yellow and the orange) and got down to it.
This is how far I've come. (Not very.)
I've been working on a summer layer for myself as well, pattern by Oat Couture, yarn a huge cone of reclaimed cotton in a color called "bark" that I bought from Elann.com many years ago.
I'm not sure what I was thinking when I picked this color (I also bought faded denim--long since knit up and the sweater given away--and eggplant--still on the cone). I think it will go well with some natural linen slacks that I already own. We'll see. It will definitely need to be a layer, though.
And last, the only FO of the times. A pair of booties in Patons Astra color Camouflage Ombre. Pattern is from Morehouse Farms Merino Knits. It's my go-to, hurry-up baby pattern.
Not for TPT!
Labels: baby things, big people clothes, current events
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Welcome Spring!
A walk around the yard uncovered some sure signs that 1) spring is on the way and 2) we are bound to get hit by another snowstorm before it arrives.
Daffodils, getting ready to bloom.
Snowdrops already blooming.
Labels: current events
Saturday, February 05, 2011
Sounds In the Night
There are few things that make me cringe more than the sound of the snow plow/salt truck while it's still dark out.
This morning was a Cringe Day.
Our driveway was still have ice-coated because it's in the shade for the better part of the day. There's snow pack under that ice, if we could just break through, the blacktop would be exposed and the sun's warmth would help with the melt.
Ice melt (calcium chloride) is in short supply. We were able to score 100 pounds (2 bags) at a small independent hardware store. Customers were sitting on their bags so that they wouldn't lose out.
The Big Box stores were sold out (but promising there will be more on Monday).
Salt (sodium chloride) is a piss poor substitute.
Spring can't get here soon enough!
This morning was a Cringe Day.
Our driveway was still have ice-coated because it's in the shade for the better part of the day. There's snow pack under that ice, if we could just break through, the blacktop would be exposed and the sun's warmth would help with the melt.
Ice melt (calcium chloride) is in short supply. We were able to score 100 pounds (2 bags) at a small independent hardware store. Customers were sitting on their bags so that they wouldn't lose out.
The Big Box stores were sold out (but promising there will be more on Monday).
Salt (sodium chloride) is a piss poor substitute.
Spring can't get here soon enough!
Labels: current events
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Imbolc
Today, according to the Celtic calendar is Imbolc, the first day of spring. Bring it on!
It's also the feast of St. Brigid and time for a poem.
IMBOLC
So the skies rumbled and the snows came,
And everywhere down through the centuries of this gray night,
Came women gathering to pray,
And to sink their hands into the dark earth.
They gathered seeds and prepared them for planting,
They meditated in the icy darkness,
And they celebrated the lambing of the first ewe,
To hasten spring.
And when through the earth they felt the stirring,
They sang songs encouraging the tiny seeds to grow.
In the dark, wet soil you can smell their work still;
They are digging along beside us. Listen!
The north wind carries their song across the snow,
This Imbolc night.
As the Earth prepares for Spring,
Wise women gather in circles to await the promise of new life,
And to sing praises for the green earth.
And so do we, here now,
This year, and every year.
Welcome Imbolc!
--
Jill Yarnall
It's also the feast of St. Brigid and time for a poem.
IMBOLC
So the skies rumbled and the snows came,
And everywhere down through the centuries of this gray night,
Came women gathering to pray,
And to sink their hands into the dark earth.
They gathered seeds and prepared them for planting,
They meditated in the icy darkness,
And they celebrated the lambing of the first ewe,
To hasten spring.
And when through the earth they felt the stirring,
They sang songs encouraging the tiny seeds to grow.
In the dark, wet soil you can smell their work still;
They are digging along beside us. Listen!
The north wind carries their song across the snow,
This Imbolc night.
As the Earth prepares for Spring,
Wise women gather in circles to await the promise of new life,
And to sing praises for the green earth.
And so do we, here now,
This year, and every year.
Welcome Imbolc!
--
Jill Yarnall
Labels: current events
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Spectacular Sky
I don't often get the opportunity to watch the sun come up.
Yes, I drive to work in the dark and unlock in the dark, but usually, I am so engrossed in email and voicemail that I miss the beauty of a sunrise.
This morning's was especially beautiful. This photo does not do it justice and color correction didn't help.
You're just going to have to imagine it. Sorry.
It looks like it might be a wonderful (snowless) weekend, though I am not holding my breath. There's another storm heading up the coast, scheduled to arrive Tuesday.
Labels: current events
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Where Have You Been All My Life?
Today was the last of the endless annual poking and prodding that goes with being a cancer patient.
Bone scan, MRI, mammo.
The tech who did my mammo (Donna, bless you!) was the most gentle, cheerful person ever. And it didn't hurt!
I know this is not always the case. Trust me, I have experience with this.
If ever there was a reason for me to say "no excuses," it's this!
Get those mammos grammed!
Bone scan, MRI, mammo.
The tech who did my mammo (Donna, bless you!) was the most gentle, cheerful person ever. And it didn't hurt!
I know this is not always the case. Trust me, I have experience with this.
If ever there was a reason for me to say "no excuses," it's this!
Get those mammos grammed!
Labels: current events
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Very Late In the Night
I got up to, you know. . .
Anyway, before climbing back under the covers, I peeked out the window and saw avery fat skunk snuffling on the side lawn.
Do not disturb the stripy pussycat!
Anyway, before climbing back under the covers, I peeked out the window and saw avery fat skunk snuffling on the side lawn.
Do not disturb the stripy pussycat!
Labels: current events
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
The Reports of My Disappearance
are false.
I know it has been a month (and what a month!) I was without computer for a bit of that, and just tonight got my camera software properly installed and working on the new CPU.
There will be pictures. And stories. And even a pattern.
But not tonight.
I know it has been a month (and what a month!) I was without computer for a bit of that, and just tonight got my camera software properly installed and working on the new CPU.
There will be pictures. And stories. And even a pattern.
But not tonight.
Labels: current events, promises
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
The Taxman Cometh
And ours are filed. So there!
Yes, we did wait until the last minute. That's because We Owe. Remember that little $800 "break"we all got? Well, we just returned it. Interest-free loan? Yep.
Yes, we did wait until the last minute. That's because We Owe. Remember that little $800 "break"we all got? Well, we just returned it. Interest-free loan? Yep.
Labels: current events
Sunday, April 11, 2010
To the Parents
of the child(ren) who called at 1:30 AM
Caller ID tells me your number and your name. Your Precious may have been having a "slumber" party, but trust me, she and her little friends were not slumbering.
Three times!?
Where were you?
Caller ID tells me your number and your name. Your Precious may have been having a "slumber" party, but trust me, she and her little friends were not slumbering.
Three times!?
Where were you?
Labels: current events
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
See You In Six Months
I had a follow-up visit to my radiologist.
That's what she said to me! IOW, I am doing well.
It was a good visit.
That's what she said to me! IOW, I am doing well.
It was a good visit.
Labels: current events
![[HeettheFeet20083.jpg]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRH_T42wVcDuEXnRRcJTi8Xx0pZMjwaEvKKUYxkKGb3RbfVJvbBKJaplnruL4Y1lQGy9LWjb2KhOsPi10kdPRppP6_O47YprEco3m4iD3JMmT1o-7Hc6zuCWJT-0gxesUCp_H/s1600/HeettheFeet20083.jpg)
![[mittnz2008buttin.jpg]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkbBquqYIEHAWQxsnQtaptULuJ-jj-mlpdjbffH9r1n1liR1r8yRRkXMgJLBxbeo0x3w2wU_gLhjFzrxzKrMmVgUGSqAzkP89jlWOA04Xhr2pWmVGIDgt8VGWAK-FZMfwB6j6/s1600/mittnz2008buttin.jpg)
![[heet2009-1.jpg]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SiW5ds26X6RV2guuohZ5nCdtljV9Pj8cVQCebCBg8EYaQR_DXHlIgLihx-5ddowYTS8hM11_JCwqlbN0qLGhUHjIsea9xw5v9tu4Cdnn0dHCRU5NXLAN-VH_o7jT1WW3w74R_w/s320/heet2009-1.jpg)
![[mittnz 2009 button.jpg]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuGtaAayAUpfk3b8FnVyyIvB5jI1YxPMmcN2M9PyQo9MfDK9JVxgFz2z7rLFuGjebz7CBV-frRyUYMXFzFLmwtP_xmCwd9HEgKylZaZwzwfSV8xTZ5a6vayaG0oEbFxgjYFTa5w/s320/mittnz+2009+button.jpg)