Hormones

Yea what a title. Today, my hormones have been raging, definitely major mood swings. It started out with a commute from hell. Then, once I made it to work, everything and everyone irritated me. I left early because I had another dreaded dentist appointment. By the time I made it home, all I wanted was to be left alone.
Usually on a day like this, I crave chocolate big time. Of course I knew I had none at home, and I forgot to stop and pick some up before I went home.

To my surprise, my secret pal's package arrive. Guess what was in it.



JUST WHAT I NEEDED........CHOCOLATE.. Four different kinds, I've sampled 2 already, YUMMY . Also, scented candles, a votive holder and a pretty card.

Thanks secret Pal, you made my day.

I leave you with River, actually it's still a stream, but growing.

So cool

I have such a cool secret pal. She's sent me 2 really cute e-cards. The one I received today was a talking card. The lil leprechaun (SP?) told me I have a package coming. How exciting. I wonder if there will be any clues as to who she is.

I still working on River. I haven't spent much time on it because I have to concentrate on the pattern, which means I can't knit it while watching TV, or late at night when I'm tired. So, my mindless knit has become washcloths. I don't have to pay attention, and the are quick and easy to do in one sitting.

I should have more time to devote to River over the weekend and early next week. I'm taking Mon and Tues off for my B-day and I plan to do nothing but knit.

Hopefully progress pics later in the week.

Happy Birthday Sweet Pea

Happy birthday to my 3rd daughter Amber. She's 13 years old today. She's so excited to be a teenager.

We had weather

So, I was sitting at my computer checking out blogs Look here (ignore the loopy expression and sagging of the boobage).



You see,we had weather in Southern Cal. An autumn storm which brought rainshowers, lightning and THUNDER. Nothing compared to those in Katrina and Rita's wake, but a lot for us weather deprived Californians.

Anyway, my son runs in from outside yelling MOM come quick and look!!.

This is what he was so excited about. A perfect rainbow. After my heart calmed down I enjoyed this wonderful sight.

Charts are not US

I've discovered I cannot read or memorize symbols. When I was younger, I wanted to play the piano. My best friend got a piano when we were 12 or so and I begged my parents to get one for me. Unfortunately, they could not afford that luxury, to me it was not a luxury it was a necessity. As I grew up, I harbored this secret desire, to have a piano. I swore, when I had children, they would have a piano and lessons. I shared all of this info with my husband early in our marriage. On my 30th birthday, my husband bought me a piano, finally I could fulfill my dream of owning and playing the piano. I promptly signed up for piano lessons and 2 months later dropped them. You see, my 30 year old mind couldn't read and memorize those notes. It was all greek to me.
So now I'm sure you can guess my dilemma. I'm knitting River and I've started a Flower basket shawl. Both have charts, the flower basket has numerous charts, my mind, 41+ year old mind, can't translates charts into words. I've read some knit blogs and knitters rave about how much easier it is for them to follow charts than the written directions...how can that be?? Many are my age, what is it? Oh well I will stick with the words and stay away from charts. Maybe I'm chart dyslexic??
Here's my progress so far. Unfortunately, I only had a few hours of knitting the whole weekend. Oh and I decided to knit River with dewberry KSH. That smoke color reminded me of scratchy steel wool and who would want to wear that?

RIP, RIP, RIP

My knitting week in 3 words. I frogged River. I inadvertently skip row 14 and knit 15. When I tried to gingerly tink back, it was much too difficult. Off to the frog pond it went, arrgh. I'm not so sure about the color anyway. I have some ksh in trance I may use instead. I'll decide tomorrow and get started again.

Second RIP article was my clappy. I hadn't knitted on it in a few days when I noticed a hole in the center. I thought I inadvertently added a yarn over a few rows back so I decided to tink back . Well I got frustrated with it and decided to start all over.

So instead of knitting the evenings away, I've read a romance novel each night. Now I'll be ready to start again tomorrow after work with a clear head.

I now have a self imposed deadlines for these projects as well as a FBS. My hubby surprised me with a 3 day cruise in Dec and I want to wear these on the ship. He said I seemed a little down and he wanted to cheer me up. Nothing cheers me up as good as a cruise (my favorite vacation/getaway). It really should be no problem to complete, River, FBS and clappy before Dec 9th but......who knows what other projects will distract me.

My secret pal contacted me today, Hi SP, I'm very excited to participate this round.

The River is flowing

I finally casted on for River. I had to finish a OSW for my niece first. I'd promised to make her a pair of socks a few weeks ago, but that just didn't happen. My hands hurt too much with the size 1 needles so I had to put it away. Instead I decided to make her something really cute and quick. Hence, a one skein wonder in bubble gum cotton ease.
Here she is, whew....



Now I can devote my time to this.... River...


Here I am at row 12. I went down to size 9 bryspun needles with the hopes of avoiding the large holey yarn overs. I'm not sure if that was a good idea. I hope it opens up with blocking.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to my DD #1. She's 19 yrs old today!!

Secret Pal 6

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
I must admit I am a yarn snob. I can't take the squeaking of 100% acrylic.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I don't spin and don't plan to learn, that will take up the precious knitting time. I learned the basic crochet stitches when I was much younger...Let's say 10 or so. I've never completed an object in crochet, but I'm ok with finishing with a crochet edging.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
I don't have any allergies, but I really don't like the smell of smoke.The hubby is allergic to cats and dogs (asthma).

4. How long have you been knitting?
I started knitting in March 05, so I've hit the 6 month mark.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes indeed, see my sidebar. Hmmm guess I should update it.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I prefer water based scents. Rain, ocean mist,etc.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Absolutely, can you say chocoholic with a capital C. I love milk chocolate with peanuts and caramel. Yum!

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
None, knitting is all I do.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I'm not a big music person at all. If I have the radio on, it's usually on a smooth jazz station.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
Favorites, blues, greens, earth tones. Can't stand bright variegated colors.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
No pets, my husband is very allergic. I'm married with 3 teen aged girls(19,18 &13) and 1 11 year old son. My wonderful MIL and 6 year old niece live with us as well.

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know.
I'm living my dreams.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I love the Debbie bliss yarns, cashmerino and baby cashmerino. I'm still very much in the exploration phase with yarn.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Acrylic, scratchy wools. Since I live in Southern California, I don't think I'll ever knit with 100% wool for garments. It just doesn't get cold enough here. Thank God!!

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
No obsessions yet. Just trying to expand my knowledge and challenge myself.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
See Previous answer :)

17. What are you knitting right now?
Clapotis, river and up next FBS.

18. What do you think about ponchos?
Cute for small children only.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
Depends on the project. For scarves, straights, otherwise circs all the way.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Depends on the project and the yarn. I have them all, I'm must confess.

21. Are you a sock knitter?
I've tried, knit one pair so far, but the small needles bother my hands.I want to try the magic loop method and socks with 2 cirs.

22. How did you learn to knit?
A co-worker taught me how to cast on and the knit stitch. That got me started. Everything else I've learned from the internet, books and videos.

23. How old is your oldest UFO?
Ummm 3 months, I have to rip back tempting and finish it. I'll get to it....I will!!

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
None

25. What is your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love them because each year I host those holidays at my home and its nice to have a house full of relatives and friends.

26. Is there anything that you collect?
Black Nurse figurines, teapots.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Vogue & Rowan

28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Knitting on the edge and the book of sweater patterns.

29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another??
No, I have no self control. If I see a pattern I like, it's very hard for me to not buy it right away.

Thank you in advance secret pal. This is my first time participating and I'm looking forward to making a new pal.

An almost FO and yarn porn

I've finished most of Lelah for my daughter. I'm trying to decide what to do for straps, either an I cord strap, or a 2 inch knitted strap. I probably won't finish until the weekend, because she's so busy with school and other activities, she won't have time to try it on multiple times while my brain is still functioning.

I received the Noro for clapotis, I'll restart this on the weekend as well.

I plan to cast on River tonight. I ordered KSH in Smoke, thinking this with go well with all of m "formal wear" aka black dresses, for the few occasions we dress up. It looks like balls of steel wool.

I hope it looks better knitted up.

So those are my knitting plans for the week. Straps, Clap and hmmm floating down the River.

I've been tagged

A little meme
10 years ago - My hubby and the kids lived in Moreno Valley. I worked part time as a labor and delivery nurse and stayed at home as much as possible with my family.
5 years ago- We moved to our nice home in Diamond bar, and decided, God willing we are never moving again.I was working full time as a Clinical nursing director for 4 large hospital departments. I was miserable and frustrated with managing 200+ staff and dealing with upper management.
1 year ago - I'd transitioned into another job case managing high risk pregnant women. I worked full time, but now I have the best help possible, umm besides my great hubby, my mother in law moved in with us. She and my hubby's step father moved in with us 3 years ago when he was diagnosed with lung cancer. We thought we could help my MIL cope with the numerous radiation and chemo appts, and help emotionally when he died. Unfortunately he died 1 1/2 yrs after diagnosis and we asked her to stay on with us.

Yesterday - We had a small family BBQ. I visited, knit and relaxed most of the day.
Today - I did nothing but knit, watched 2 movies, Monster &law and Sahara.
Tomorrow - Back to work, knit, take the lil ones to soccer and piano practice.
5 snacks - Chocolate, chocolate chocolate, ice cream ummm chocolate
5 songs- I don't think I know the words to 5 songs.(I'm not into music at all. It's just background noise, filler.
5 things I would do with a million dollars - Pay off my mortgage, set up trust accounts for my children and my immediate family. Travel, donate to my community and local schools.
5 places to runaway to - Italy, Greece,Tahiti, Australia, Ireland.
5 favorite TV shows - Law and Order, Csi, House, Medium, anything on HGTV
5 biggest joys - Hubby and 4 kids.

Waiting for yarn, a moment of prayer

First off, prayers to those affected by the Hurricane.

I'm anxiously awaiting yarn, not just any yarn, Noro silk garden for clapotis, I hated the look of the other yarn, secondly, some Kid silk haze for river. I've seen a few completed ones in blogland, so I decided to join the knit along myself. Whichever yarn gets her first is the one I'll start. I restarted Lelah for my daughter, I'm right on with the stitch count thanks to Spaz's suggestion that I use markers between each lace repeat. Maybe I'll finish this before my packages arrive. Pics later, another late night and insomnia, however no yarn shopping this time.

Airy is done

I finished the airy scarf today, she's blocking on the board now. I added 5 additional repeats to the pattern to make it longer. When I do another, I will double the kid silk. It was very hard to work with. I'm a tight knitter and it was extremely hard for me to knit loosely. I can't imagine working with this with a project on smaller needles.






I'm frogging clapotis. I just do not like the yarn, the colors, I was using. I was drawn to knit it after I saw Wendy's. She knit her's with Noro silk garden. I was trying to be a good girl and use up some stash. The entire time I was knitting it, I kept thinking, I'm not sure if I like this yarn, maybe I'll like it once I drop stitches. Well... I gave up and ordered some Silk garden from webs last night.




In the mean time, I'm trying to finish socks for my niece. I can only work on them for a short time each day because my hands hurt from the tiny( size 1) needles.
I have a easy scarf/ shawl project that I work on at night when I'm tired, so this project will get some attention until I receive my Noro.

Family pictures

The younger 2

The older 2




Mom and dad

A good time was had by all. I can't believe she's 18 already.

Happy Birthday

Happy 18th birthday to my wonderful daughter Nicole!!. Bithday pictures later.

Short post

I started clapotis with Knit Picks Andean Silk last night. It's a really easy pattern to follow. I hope to work on a couple of sections each day. I'm also starting the airy scarf from last minute knitted gifts, I think I'm becoming obsessed with scarves now. I stopped on the way home from work and picked up Scarf Style from Michaels. I had a 40% off coupon so I paid only $12. There are quite a few scarves in there that I will add to my to knit list. I just don't have enough time to knit. I need some vacation days... I do have a 3 day weekend next weekend for the labor day holiday. I must plan knitting time.

Branching out

Here are some photos of Branching out. I love this scarf and I will make more. My daughter is trying to confiscate it already. It was too big to fit on the blocking board.


Up next?? Too many choices....

Fabulous....NOT!!!

I went to the "fabulous fiber fest" in Santa Monica yesterday. Let's just say not fabulous, a little bit of fiber, no fest. I'd read on another blogger's site that there was very little for the knitter. Mostly quilting and other crafts. I'd planned to visit 2 yarn stores in the area so I made the trek. I did come home with a few items.
I got this pretty soy silk chenille yarn. It matches my chairs in my patio room.

 

After the fiber fest.. I went to wildfiber. What a very nice yarn store. The set up was nice, everyone was helpful and friendly and they had some fabulous fiber. I brought home some kid silk haze & aurora 8 for a shrug pattern they had in the window. Also, I bought a cute lantern moon bag and these cute stitch markers. The light green kid silk haze is for the airy scarf in last minute knitted gifts. I met another knit blogger there, Karyn, her beautiful daughter Noey and her mom. It was great to actually meet someone in person. She's the one who told me about the shrug. She's making one as well.

 

My last stop was the knit cafe. This is where the yarn harlot had a book signing when she was in LA. It's a nice shop, but I felt wildfiber had a lot more to offer.

I arrived home to this... My swift from Joanne's...guess I'll be winding some yarn this week/ It will be so much easier, I won't have to wait for my daughter to help me.


I have a finished object ( finally) on the blocking board. More pics tomorrow.

Late night shopping

I can't sleep due to a major tooth ache, a crown fell off my tooth earlier today and it will be fixed in the AM. Since I can't sleep, I may as well shop. I finally succumbed and decided to buy a yarn swift. I had a 50% coupon from Joanne's, so I picked it up for 30 dollars. Not bad, of course I had to buy a few other things, only some balene circulars. I had some of their new wool and wool blend yarns in my basket and at the last minute, I decided I didn't need anymore yarn and removed it from my cart. Aren't you proud of me, I am.
I'm going to take a benadryl, and knit until it takes effect.
Hopefully I'll post another finished object, or two, soon.

Major Frustration

I started a Lelah shirt for my daughter this weekend. My goal was to work on it all weekend and hopefully finish it or be close to finish by Monday. I'll add straps since she's only 12, and make a one skein wonder out of the same cotton ease to match it. I want to give it to her for her 13th birthday in a few weeks. Well it's now Sunday evening and here it is.....

yea nowhere. I've frogged twice and tinked back once. No matter how many times I count stitches, by the time I end the round, I have 2-3 extra stitches. I can't figure out where I'm going wrong. It's sooooo frustrating. So now I put it down. I'm working on Branching out. I'll finish it before I start again. I have until Sept 22nd to get it right.