Days Go By

And The Winner Is....

2010-06-06T16:03:00.008-04:00

The Relay took place this weekend. What an exhiliarting, emotional, and exhausting 24 hours. We walked and remember loved ones lost, honored survivors, and gave hope to those still fighting the battle. The weather was nice. It was hot, but the event was held on a park by a river which gave us some nice breeze to keep it comfortable. The team I was on was 3rd in fund-raising. Great job for our first effort. We were in 1st place going into the event Friday evening, but after all donations were tallied, slipped to 3rd. The teams in 1st and 2nd position are schools that have hundreds of families to solicit funds from. We are a team of 10 who did it on our own. Both 1st and 2nd place finishers recognized that in us and we enjoyed the friendly competition when met at the Relay.Coincidentally, our tent sites were set up all next to each other. With help from the proceeds from this raffle, I was able to achieve 2nd place in individual overall fund-raising. I, too, slipped from my #1 slot going into it Friday, but am very pleased with the results. Now, for the lucky winner announcement. There were 93 entries to the raffle.
When I shook up the hat, one entry fell out....and that belonged to:

In case you can't see that....the winner is Ann Maire W. (AnnieBanannie)! Congratulations, Annie, your gorgeous yarn will go out to you soon.
This was fun, and I appreciated all the generous donations. But, the real winner in all of this was The American Cancer Society. The proceed for the Relay to date are $83,797.00. I learned where a lot of proceeds from Relay are directed towards. Someday, there will be a cure.

Win This Yarn!

2010-05-15T07:49:00.004-04:00

Thanks everyone for your generous donations. The Relay was a huge success. The winner has been chosen, and the raffle is closed.

On June 5 & 6 I am participating in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. We all know people who are battling this horrible disease, and remember others who have lost their battle. Donations from fundraisers such as Relay for Life help support the fight against cancer. Someday there will be a cure. I've set a lofty goal for myself, and came up with an idea. I am going to have a drawing for 3 beautiful skeins of yarn: The Sanguine Gryphon's Bugga! in Ackmon Blue, Sundara Sock in Wine, and Handmaiden SeaSilk in Trillium. If you would like a chance to win this yarn (a $92 value), for each $10 donation you make on my page, you will get 2 entries into the drawing. If you do make a donation, please leave a comment here to let me know, with a way to contact you should you be the lucky winner. I will pick a winner in a random draw after the Relay. Thank you in advance for helping me achieve my goal, and GOOD LUCK!
My Donation Page

Hurricane Bill Visits the Jersey Shore

2009-08-22T18:55:00.004-04:00

Bay Head NJ--a beach picture and a Saturday Sky!

Not so much of a threat, but Hurricane Bill closed the beaches to swimmers this weekend.

Three?

2009-06-24T13:27:00.002-04:00

Is it a blogiversary if a blog is nearly abandoned? I've been AWOL again. My poor neglected blog is 3 years old today. I admit it, I've lost interest. I might get back to it, I might not. I don't think I have anything interesting to contribute, you know? Life goes on. But I am around. I'm knitting. I'm stashing yarn. I'm working (not loving it but...). I've found new like-minded friends at the LYS and I'm very happy with that. My health is same, nothing's changed. Reggae is good too! Still full of cattitude, that will never change. He came into my life 11 years ago this past Saturday, and it seems like yesterday. I haven't been to visit but a few of my blog-friends blogs, so I hope you all are well.
Last year, I ran a super-duper contest for my 2nd blogiversary, but I won't be doing that this year. One of the winners last year complained openly on her blog about her prize taking a long time to get to her...and damn, I spent time picking out good prizes for everyone, so boo on that.
Anyway....Happy 3 to me and my blog.
Hugs to you all!

Spring Has Sprung...

2009-03-24T16:14:00.004-04:00

The birds are chirping. The grass is trying to green up. Trees are trying to bud out. But damn! The temps are quite chilly to start out this first week of spring! Monday it didn't rise out of the mid-30's, today it's in the low 40's. Will it ever warm up?

I caught these crocus in a flower bed around one of my oaks on my way in to the house last night. It's rare I get to see them bloom before the squirrels munch them down, so I had to get a quick shot. Excuse the leaf debris, Mr. Lawn Guy hasn't begun the spring clean up yet.

Happy Spring!

Devil Eyes in the Cozy!

2009-03-18T04:11:00.002-04:00

Reggae has been spending some nap time in a cozy I got him when he was just a wee kitten. He is quite fickle about his sleeping spots at times. Right now he is sacked out on the sofa, since he spent all night last night, and probably most of the day, fixated at the sliding glass door on a black cat who thinks she belongs on the deck. Reggae was not happy with the intruder!
Happy Whiskers on Wednesday!

Then...And Now

2009-03-06T12:04:00.005-05:00

I am back from the Keys. What a difference a day (and 1,500 miles) makes!

I left this:

And came home to this:

I could not believe the snowstorm I'd been waiting for all winter happened while I was away. I didn't get my "snow day" off from work to enjoy it happening from home, but I sure was glad I was where I was.

I had a great time, just beaching, relaxing, shopping, dining, and knitting. The weather was sunny most of the time, but cooler on the last two days than I'd have liked. I did not get to go into the ocean because it was a little too windy and the water was kind of chilly and murky from the turtle grass, but I did have my feet in the water. I'm going back in May (hopefully) when the weather will probably be too warm!

I'll try to get more pictures up over the weekend, but I'll leave you with a "Saturday Sky" picture from last week, taken at the Westin Pier at Sunset during Dominique's Cat Show. I love watching those cats preform, and try to get there each time I visit to hear Dominique's immortal words "hurry up, take your time..."

I gotta go where it's warm....

2009-02-24T18:52:00.002-05:00

...so I'm getting on an early flight in the morning and heading south to the end road. I'll be in the Keys by mid-afternoon is all goes well. Much Love!

Two in a row?

2009-02-21T15:53:00.004-05:00

Two posts today...AND a Saturday Sky 2 weeks in a row. :-) That is a minor record of late, and I did it without the use of steroids (A-Roid reference...I'm not a Yankee fan and he's been in the news too much this month)

Today was really a lovely late winter day...cool, with temps around 40, but the sun made it feel warmer. The forecast calls for some rain and a mix of snow for tonight into tomorrow. Can't tell by this picuture! This is the sky from 3pm.

While I was outside on the deck filling the bird feeders, Reggae came out to make sure I was doing it correctly. I think he's ready for spring. I know I am!

Five from Five Photo Meme

2009-02-21T15:45:00.003-05:00

Miss Me tagged me for this photo meme. What you do is, find your 5th file folder, and the 5th picture in that folder.

Here is mine:

My fifth file is entitled, Canyon Ranch May 08. It was from my trip to Tucson last year. This is the 5th picture in that file, it is of the "L" pool at the Spa. Oh, do I love it there....

I'm supposed to tag 5 others but I'm going to let you play along without tagging if you want to, leave me a comment if you do!

Welcome Back, Blogger?

2009-02-14T18:19:00.003-05:00

It was mentioned by one of the few faithful followers of this blog that my Saturday Sky and Beach pictures were missed. Yes, I agree. I miss them too. So here is a post to combine the two.
It was 40 degrees at noon, mostly cloudy with a slight breeze.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Ten Plus One

2009-01-23T13:24:00.003-05:00

Happy BirthdayReggae!

Today my boy is eleven years old! To think I almost lost him last March, every day he is with me is a gift in itself.

Last night I wasn't feeling well enough to trek to the PetSmart after work but I had to stop at the local drug store to pick up some things for myself. I decided to get him a little pack of treats and while I was there, and spied a silly little cartoonish stuffed catnip mouse. Every cat needs a new toy on their birthday (even if he has dozens as it is) so that came home with me too. I left the bag with the stuff on the kitchen counter when I got home, and while I was doing other things around the house I happened to look in the kitchen to see Reggae on the counter with his head deep in the bag trying to get at the mouse! I told him that was for his birthday, and he couldn't have it until today. Ah, who am I kidding? I took Reggae off the counter and cut the mouse off the cardboard and tossed it to him. He loved it, and he (or we) played for a while until he lost interest. But throughout the evening I'd spy him tossing up his new mouse aorund every so often. The old boy still has some spunk left.

So, happy birthday Reggae boy, I know your time left with me is on the shorter side of long. But if you can give me 5 more years of cattitude, you know they will be full of love and all your favorite things!

A Chance To Enhance Your Stash

2009-01-21T14:36:00.003-05:00

And feel good about it. I ran across this link by chance while researching a particular yarn on Ravelry. Take a click, and if your of a mind, donate, and you will have a chance to win an amazing prize.
Selfishly, I didn't want to post the link, to increase my own chance of winning. The prizes are
:-)that good!

A Multi-Purpose Post

2009-01-07T00:01:00.001-05:00

First, Happy New Year! I am glad 2008 is over. If 2008 was wonderful for you, I wish you more of the same this year. If 2008 wasn't good to you, I hope 2009 brings you only happiness. For me, 2008 had it's ups and downs. I am hoping for more ups this year. I haven't made any resolutions, they don't stick. I am just going to try to be a better me, and see where that leads. :-)

Secondly, Happy Birthday to me! Today is my birthday; how fast time flies. Last year, I spent my birthday week in one of my favorite places, Key West and the Florida Keys. This year...I will be here, at work. I have regrets that I didn't plan a trip for my b-day, but a vacation will happen as soon as I can finagle a few things.

I found this quiz...What does your birthdate mean? This was scarily accurate for me! Yes, I do have some psychic abilities, but I don't always listen to those voices. And those who know me, know I certainly certainly clash with authority figures, especially CPAs and CFOs at work!

January 7

You Are a Mystic

You are an island. You don't need anyone else to make you happy.
And though you see yourself as a loner, people are drawn to you.
Deep and sensitive, you tend to impress others with your insights.
You also tend to be psychic - so listen to that inner voice!

Your strength: Your self sufficiency

Your weakness: You despise authority

Your power color: Maroon

Your power symbol: Hammer

Your power month: July

Since this is Wednesday, that means it's time for a Whiskers On Wednesday post , so I must share this birthday card my BFF Kathy sent me. It's so perfect for me. It's not a picture of Reggae, (scroll down for our Christmas post to see my handsome dude) but it's appropriate.

So there you have it, my multi-purpose post. I know my blogging has been far and few for the past couple months. I'll get back into the swing of things sometime. At least I will try. :-)

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T23:59:00.001-05:00

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house,
not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

We hope Santa is good to you!

Love, Nancy and Reggae

Photo Meme

2008-12-03T20:33:00.003-05:00

I saw this on Chan's blog this afternoon, and thought it might be fun to play when I got home:

* Go to your Sixth Picture Folder then pick your Sixth Picture.* Pray that you remember the details.* Tag 5 others. (like Chan, I'm not taggin'. Play along, if you wish)

My 6th folder is entiled "Canyon Ranch." They are all from my first visit to Tucson, and the Ranch, in 2003. This is the 6th photo in that folder, the "Crying Women", one of the many statues and fountains on the grounds of the Ranch. I remember taking this photo, actually! We took a "spirit walk" early one morning. It was very..spiritual! What a fun trip it was. Man...I loved that time in my life. Things were a lot easier then...

So...if you want to play along, let me know!

Another Quick Update

2008-12-03T13:26:00.004-05:00

Hello out there in blog land...how are you? Things here are winding down with my friend Kathy's visit...she's leaving for home to the warmer Florida Keys this Saturday. Can you believe she's been here since September 16?? Her uncle passed away the Sunday before last, it was expected and a blessing. Her aunt is doing well, but driving Kathy, and by default me, crazy with her stubbornness and oddness. I've no tolerance for that foolishness, bereaved or not. So I won't miss that, but I will miss my BFF. So, things should return to semi-normal around here. My job, although still boring as hell, is going to have a little more activity come next week, so that should make the time pass quicker. It's insane to be in the independent restaurant business and try to turn it around in this economy, but that's what we're going to try and do. For the umpteenth time. Hopefully some customers will have full pockets and go out for a good dinner!
I've got a finished object to share, since there has been knitting going on at home. I finished my FLS, which is more like a cozy jacket with the Malabrigo yarn I used and is a little big, but I'm wearin' it anyway! I'd knit another, in a different yarn. The pattern is easy. Once I got blocks of time to knit on it, it went fast.

Next on the needles will be finishing up some scarves, one of which is my only handknit to gift this Christmas. A couple people asked for those scalloped beaded necklaces to give as gifts, so I might make a couple of them. But, I don't think most of the people I gave handknits to in the past really appreciated them, so those that I know will enjoy them will be the only recipients of my knitting time. My next big project will be the Ombre Blanket from 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders, knit in alpaca. It will be toasty warm and match my sofa. I want to make a few more hats for charity, and regret that I didn't do as much of them as I wanted to these past couple months. Soon, I'll be back to my routine!

That's about it for my update. I must get back to that thing called work. Be well!

2008-11-27T14:50:00.001-05:00

Go Vote Today!

2008-11-04T10:49:00.004-05:00

I went to the polls before work this morning and was pleased that although there was a steady stream of voters, there were no lines at 9:10am. This year I stepped out of my box and voted with my head, and not my heart. I think I made the right choice.

This is the most important election in a long time, one that will have lasting effects on our country. So, use the right awarded to us by our constitution and get out and vote today!

Mother Nature is Confused.

2008-11-01T17:13:00.009-04:00

Tuesday: temps in the 30's with rain and wet snow! (that luckily didn't hit the ground here at the beach) Wednesday: temps didn't get out of the 30's. Thursday's temps reached a high of around 50, yesterday was sunny and warm in the upper 50's. Today, it's November 1. Partly sunny and temps in the 60's! So, what better than to take advantage of Mother Nature's confusion and sit on the beach. I knitted, Kathy read. Since I got the new cane made for beach walking, it's easier to do just that. Not too far, but far enough that I can still look for seaglass and shells. I never thought I could do that on my favorite beach again. That made me very happy.

Here is one of traveling scarves I'm working on. The theme of this particular scarf group is, "purple." The pattern I chose, appropriately enough for beach knitting is "foaming waves".

I also got a few rows done on my February Lady Sweater. I don't think I'll have it done in time for next Saturday, but I can dream. I got some advise to start knitting the sleeves now, to avoid knitting them with the bulk of the body in the way later. I think I will do that since I'm almost ready to start another ball of yarn. I'm using Malabrigo Worsted in the Cognac colorway. I love the color, but hope the lack of a twist in the Malabrigo yarn doesn't hurt my sweater's wear.

In keeping with trying to get back into a semi-regular blogging routine, here is today's sky, from the beach in Bay Head NJ. Even the boating enthusiasts were taking advantage of a warm 1st of November.

Update: Still Here!

2008-10-30T13:08:00.005-04:00

Such as it is, here is a drive-by post to let you know I'm still alive and kickin'. Thanks to Miss Me for checking in with me, it gave me the nudge to at least do a little post. All is well, I'm just not doing my regular routine since I've still got company. My poor bff never expected to be here so long, but you do what you can for family! Her uncle is hanging on still, but barely. Cancer is not kind, and her aunt is trying to come to terms with the future without her husband. I'm glad she has Kathy to lean on, but I know Kathy wishes to be home in the warm FL Keys.
My camera is full of pics of Saturday Skies, Rhinebeck (so fun!) and the spoils from there, weekend things we've done, and more. Just finding the time to get the pics off the camera, shrunk and made pretty to blog, and then blog is difficult, when I need the time to knit too! And there has been knitting going on. I can talk and listen while knitting. I've been working on (all Rav links, sorry) a cable hat, the chevron scarf, my sections for the traveling scarves, and my favorite current WIP, now that I got past the icky parts: the February Lady Sweater, which is coming out very nice. Will it be done in time for Stitches East? hmmmm...time will tell. Who's going to Stitches East next Saturday, besides Chan and Annie? I don't know if I'm more excited about Stitches or meeting these two ladies! :-)
So that's it in a nutshell. Days go by, and life goes on!

B.S.A.

2008-09-27T19:47:00.003-04:00

This is a Blogger Service Announcement! "Days Go By" is still alive and well. Donna Lee emailed me earlier this week to see if I was doing okay. I'm fine, I've just been busy and my poor blog has been neglected, as well as most of my regular blog reads. My BFF Kathy is visiting from the Keys. It was only supposed to be for a week, but it's turned into an extended stay due to illness of someone close in her family. It is great having her here, but I don't take the computer time on evenings and weekends since I have company. And I've been spending lots of time on Ravelry, something I thought I'd never neglect my blog for. But, regular blogging (as regular as I post, anyway) will resume soon. In the meantime, enjoy this picture of the rocks at Barnegat Inlet, where we went today.

Where does the time go?

2008-09-14T10:59:00.004-04:00

As I took my Saturday Sky picture yesterday out of the sunroof of my car when I remembered I had to do that, and thought that I don't think I missed a Saturday Sky since I began posting them. Well, apparently that got away from me...it was 1am when I realized I hadn't uploaded the photo or written the post. It was a busy day. Errands, getting the house ready for Kathy's visit this week, knitting sections for traveling scarves, and watching non-stop hurricane Ike coverage.

So here it is, a day late. Mostly sunny, temperatures in the upper 70's and humid.

You're not welcome here!!

2008-09-10T09:42:00.006-04:00

A couple years ago, my bbf Kathy and her husband George came up from the Keys to spend a month up here in NJ. They brought along 2 of their 3 cats, Edie and Dusty. Reggae does not like other cats, but I was determined to make it work. The visitors would be kept in the guest room, and we'd try supervised introductions. If he'd have it.

Reggae wants to know what that stranger cat Edie is doing on that bed!! (All the while I'm saying noooo Reggae! while he's growling...)

Dusty gave Reggae a wide berth as she walked by. I remember waiting for the fur to fly.

Kathy and George took a trip up to New Hampshire while they were here, and took Dusty with them. Edie stayed with me. Edie and Dusty weren't the best of buds either, so the idea was that maybe Edie and Reggae would get along, and they would leave Edie here with me when they went back to the Keys. It was going "ok"...you can see relaxed Edie and watchful Reggae. I thought it might work, and I could have 2 kitties! When they came back from their trip, Kathy said that George was very sad that she wanted to leave Edie here forever! So, Dusty and Edie left for home with their folks. But the thing is...I guess Reggae really was not thrilled other cats were in HIS house. He became extremely agitated and territorial when neighbor cats would be around, even more so than before the visitors. Either from when he saw them from a window inside, or his former "friend" neighbor cat Katie would come anywhere near the gate. So much so that he'd often turn on me in frustration. (that is scary). End of story, Reggae will be an only cat in this life! And we're happy with that.

Happy Whiskers on Wednesday!

Saturday Sky Courtesty of Hanna

2008-09-06T20:30:00.006-04:00

Tropical Storm Hanna didn't pack much of a punch here at the central NJ coast. I'm kind of disappointed, I was ready for more. We got some much needed rain, but very little wind. Not the storm that was anticipated. I suppose I should be thankful, history says NJ is due for a wallop of a storm soon. I don't think I want that! Temps were in the uppers 70's and it was very humid.

The flag flying at the beach said "no swimming". The ocean concurred.

This IS a Knitting Blog?

2008-09-01T17:05:00.007-04:00

If you're on Ravelry you might know I still knit. A lot. If you're not (if you're a fiber artist, and you're not, you should be) here is proof that I do, in fact knit:

A shoulder shawl, knit with Schaefer Anne yarn.

A market bag, in Peaches and Creme yarn.

One of two knit and beaded necklaces, a quick and fun project from 101 Designer One Skein wonders:

Two of a few hats I've knit for charity during August.

There are a few other projects but not ready to be talked about. I will say, though, one is being knit with the dreaded Noro Kureyon. I love the way it's striping. I will reserve final judgement on Kureyon until I'm through. So see? I still do knit. :-)

Where did it go?

2008-08-30T17:27:00.004-04:00

Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of Summer, at least here at the beach. It feels as just yesterday it was July 4! Time flies.

Today was a mix of sun and clouds, in the low 80's but very very, humid. Unpleasant. My internal barometer says I'm spending the rest of my Saturday inside, thank you very much.

But according to the calendar and Mother Nature, Autumn will be here before we know it. If you look very closely, toward the bottom of the sky picture, in the center, the leaves are already starting to turn color. Well, take my word for it, there were red and orange leaves on a branch when I took this picture. I don't know if I'm ready for this! I hope you all had a happy summer, and made some memories to take with you as the seasons change. One good thing about seasons, which ever ones are your favorites...they will always come back. If you're ready to put this one behind you and move on, keep smiling. Better days are coming.

Cat Pics from Saturday...

2008-08-27T21:34:00.005-04:00

...For Whiskers on Wednesday.

Reggae jumped up on my deck railing Saturday afternoon so I took the opportunity to get some shots clear pictures to show his gorgeous coloring.

He's watching a squirrel on the fence at the edge of the yard:

Getting a chin scratch from Mom:

My most handsome cat. :-)

How I spent my Sunday.

2008-08-25T20:31:00.011-04:00

Will you just look at this face??? Ever since I knit with their soft delicious yarn and saw pictures, I'd wanted to visit and Alpaca farm, and see these animals for myself. I knew there were some farms in New Jersey. In Cape May, there is Bay Springs Farm. I was going to make it a point to get there soon, since that was the only one I knew was around, except for one out near Philly. Well, imagine my surprise last week when I opened an email to my Stitch and Bitch group from Debbie Stoller. There was an event planned for Sunday Aug 24, out near Philly. It was "Pacas in Paradise" which was basically an event to showcase alpacas for sale. There would be fiber and yarn for sale too, and Debbie Stoller would be there signing books. I thought if the weather was not beach worthy, I might take a ride out and see. Well, imagine my even more surprise when I received another email to the group the next day that due to a tree falling at the original farm location, the event would be held at Alma Park Alpacas in Jackson, NJ! Less than 1/2 hour from me. Well, it was a no-brainer, I was going.

I didn't know what to expect, so I headed out expecting a crowd of hundreds, kind of like when we went to see the Yarn Harlot at her book signing. Or when I foolishly thought this year on 4th of July night I could head out to the beach in Bay Head to watch the fireworks a few miles away from Point Beach there would only be a few people there like when I was a kid, and the place was mobbed. As I headed into the farm down the dusty bumpy dirt rode, (I'm so sorry I got you all dirtyKate!) I could not believe it...there were only a few cars there. I parked my car, and walked down to towards the barn. And caught my first sighting ever of real live Alpacas! That was only a few of the many I saw there. Set up outside the barn was a canopy and tables and chairs, and none other than Debbie Stoller herself. What a genuine, funny, unpretentious person. She was signing books, and I bought along my first book I purchased when I began knitting again, "Stitch and Bitch" for her to sign, which she did. She also was there to do a demonstration on intarsia knitting, and invited those of us there to grab some needles and yarn and join in. I decided just to watch and take pictures, but I got a good grasp of the technique. If you notice, Debbie knits with one needle under her arm! I forget what method that is, but it works for her.

When I learned the event was going to be in Jackson, I clicked on the link and read Rose, the owner's blog to get a little insight about the farm. I read the post (August 4) about the little cria, Cocoa, who was born premature, and wondered if he'd be there. I'd taken a walk through the stable earlier and thought I'd spotted him (the smallest there!) but when I spoke with Rose, I asked her how he was, and she offered to take me on an up close and person meeting to see Cocoa and everyone. I got to go inside the stalls and pet (sooooo soft!) and snuggle and talk to those sweet animals. And they talk back! I did not know they make all those sounds, cooing, humming, baahhing like sheep even.

This is Rose holding Cocoa, who is doing so well! How sweet is that little guy??

I had to purchase some yarn spun from some of these guys and gals to bring home. But...I didn't purchase one of them! Although...If I spun, I could totally see me getting one of my own. Where would I keep it? Oh, I'd love to have one as a pet at home, but I found out I could board it right there! A retirement opportunity should I decide to stay in NJ? hmmmm.....

It was a fun day, I am really glad I went. I'll go back to visit for sure, and also check out the one in Cape May someday, too.

It's Never Easy

2008-08-24T01:49:00.003-04:00

If you have a second, please visit Chan and leave her some words of comfort. She had to make the hardest, but most compasionate decision to send her beloved Mugsy over the Raimbow Bridge late last night. It seems that he suffered a stroke a few weeks ago when he lost the use of his hind legs, and the effects of it were detrimental to his overall future well-being.

I hope Chan won't mind me posting this photo I clipped from her blog in memory of dear Mugsy.

I know how hard it is to make the choice. But now, Mugsy is now pain free and romping with his brother Fred once again.

My Reggae is getting on in his years, and I know that his time with me is precious. So all of you, give your fur kids some extra kisses, pats, snuggles, cuddles and extra treats today, and think good thoughts for our friend Chan and her Knight.

Lazin' on a Sunny Afternoon...

2008-08-23T20:32:00.004-04:00

Today was a mix of sun and clouds, more sun than clouds for the most part. It was only in the upper 70's, but it felt much warmer as it was a little humid. Nice though. Spent some of the day at the LYS, (yes, there IS knitting going on, as well as stashing...but that's for another post.) If you're on Ravelry, you've seen my stuff. But I will post it all here, promise, soon!

The rest of the afternoon was spent on the deck knitting with Reggae doing his outdoor thing.

This is the sky from around 5pm, a lovely summer afternoon.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Please Mom, Not the Flash!

2008-08-20T05:00:00.001-04:00

Pretty much why the better pictures of Reggae are taken while he's sleeping.

Happy Whiskers on Wednesday!

What Do You See?

2008-08-16T20:12:00.003-04:00

I took this sky picture for the pretty blue and some clouds. Didn't realize until I uploaded that it looks like a momma doggie and some pups running. I swear I've only had one glass of wine tonight. :-)

What do you see? Anything?

It was another lovely Saturday, temps in the low to mid 80's with a little breeze. I'll take everyday like this.

Cat Naps

2008-08-13T00:00:00.010-04:00

I love to watch kitties sleeping...don't you?

Happy Whiskers on Wednesday!

Almost perfect.

2008-08-09T17:41:00.002-04:00

The weather today was about as far from the "dog days of August" as it could get. Temps were in the mid-70's, sunny, a breeze that almost felt cool, and low humidity. Pure bliss. This sky is from the marshes along the edge of the Barnegat Bay.
Enjoy the weekend!

08.08.08

2008-08-08T20:00:00.002-04:00

Happy Olympics!

Did you watch the opening ceremonies? I only got home last night in time to watch most of the parade of nations. I never even heard of a lot of those countries! I have the beginning (which I heard was pretty darn good) to watch recorded on DVR. The torch lighting was quite spectacular. But what touched me most was Yao Ming carrying the flag for China, accompanied by little Lin Hao, the 9 y/o survivor and hero of the recent earthquake. Amazing.

I cast on for one of my projects for Ravelympics, and knit while I watched. I'm looking forward to watching swimming, diving, beach volleyball and gymnastics.

Butterflies are Free

2008-08-06T05:59:00.000-04:00

The hunter cat would rather catch them.

<---Reggae looked to the left.

Then looked to the right --->

Then he looked UP when the butterflies landed on a bloom. He got a few swats in before deciding just to

watch them fly around.Happy Whiskers on Wednesday!

Fly Robin Fly?

2008-08-03T12:57:00.012-04:00

This morning while out on the deck, I saw mama Robin feeding her baby, and coaxing him to fly and feed himself. It was mesmerizing. I'd seen a baby robin the other evening on the edge of my birdbath, and wished him well then. He was able to fly up onto the fence, but very wobbly. It's a cruel world for little baby birds with loose cats in the neighborhood. Today, my supervised while outside hunter cat was in the backyard, but did not see what I saw. For a while at least, until we both heard some thrashing in the honeysuckle bush off the deck. Hunter cat rushed to investigate, but was scooped up and brought inside. I know it's "survival of the fittest" in nature, and cats will be cats, but I'm not against helping the underdog (underbird??) in this case. Reggae was not pleased to be escorted inside, but it had to be done. As I scooped Reggae up, I caught sight of the baby robin holding still in the bush. I brought the camera out to try and get a picture, but the baby was gone. Then, I saw it hopping to a corner of my yard, and into another bush up against the fence.

This is what I saw, two babies!

And they held still to let me get a close up. Too young to know they should get the heck out of dodge. Perhaps instinct told them I was not to be feared. How cute are they?

So, as the song says, "Fly, robin fly Fly, robin fly Fly, robin fly Up, up to the sky." And be safe out there!

I'm pretty sure Mama and Daddy Robin were watching from a distance. A month or two ago, I saw two robins swooping down at something in my back yard one morning. Thinking it was one of those roaming cats I looked out only to find they were chasing a squirrel! Mighty funny.

A week or two ago, I noticed an abandoned bird's nest in my trumpet vine. It had been there for a while, and shortly after a storm had fallen to the ground. I don't know who's nest it was, but some industrious birds sure worked hard! Notice that long blue and white ribbon? That is woven all into the nest. There was a silver streamer in it to, but I can't see it here.

More bird watching for you: This young woodpecker made quite a racket a couple Saturday mornings ago. Woody? If bugs had ears, you surely wouldn't have gotten breakfast that morning!

And I also did manage to get a picture of a hummingbird feeding on the honeysuckle. If you zoom in you can see it better. I put some arrows towards it. I've seen a couple hummingbirds around at a time this year, usually I only see one alone. I love those amazing creatures!

Saturday Sky: Storm that never was.

2008-08-02T22:25:00.003-04:00

The forecast was for scattered thunderstorms on and off, some severe. Although the sky looked like it for a while, it never happened. At least here, anyway. The temperature was 85, and it was humid. I thought I'd be bothered by the weather today, but not so much really. I went to the natural food store this week and got some glucosamine, chondroitin MSM liquid (tastes kind of icky but....) and Zyflamend tablets. I wanted to see if there was something that would help the arthritis in my toes (my crunchy toes I call them) and general stiffness in my ankle, as well as the inflamation in my ankle. You know what? I've only been taking them for 5 days, but I definitely feel a difference. It's not only in my head, either. 2 of my toes joints don't feel as stiff when I press on them. I'll keep taking the stuff. Nothing to lose, right?
Today was a day for the post office. I packed up and mailed some gifts for exchanges, the prizes for the 3 winners from my 2nd blogiversary contest, and finally, the last of my PIF gifts. Which, considering I had a year to do them, it's about damn time. The gifts have been finished for a very long time I just never got my shit together to get them out. Hopefully the recipients will be happlily surprised.

Speaking of surprises, this week brought one for me. My BFF Kathy is swallowing her fear of flying and told me she's coming up from the FL Keys to visit me in September. Yay! I'm excited.

Have a wonderful Sunday. It's the Haskell Invitational, and Big Brown is racing. It's local, but really crowded, so I'm staying away. But all I will say is GO BB!!

Hungry Like The Cat?

2008-07-30T05:41:00.002-04:00

Whiskers on Wednesday...

Always the hunter...never the hunted!

Stash Enhancement and FOs

2008-07-27T14:14:00.014-04:00

These goodies were the spoils of my one-stop LYS yarn crawl yesterday.

There's some Noro Silk Garden Sock (I hope I will like working on it since it's not the dreaded Kureyon) The yarn in the back is for my partner in a Ravelry exchange, she likes natural colors, and Araucania yarn. It's Ranco multi, and more mixed than in the photo. The Rowan cottons are destined to become super cute beach hats, and hopefully won't suck the life out of my finger tips. Now I just have to figure out the pattern to work it in the round. I'm not a fan of seaming.

*Speaking of seaming...Dianne and I were discussing on the drive up how some yarn shops offer finishing services, to seam up a sweater or what have you. One of Wooly's sales people was finishing someone's sweater as she manned the sidewalk sale table as a matter of fact. I hate to seam, but I am not sure I'd go as far as to have someone else finish it for me. I've never even done a pattern that requires a lot of seaming, so I have no reference. Thoughts, anyone?

The Noro Silk Garden Sock does look like 2 diffent yarns the way they're skeined, don't they? But they are the same. I love those "me" colors, and until I find a perfect pattern for them they will rest in the stash bin.

And now for some things I've finished recently, to prove I really do knit, and not just buy yarn. The first is a "so you think you can hat" (Ravelry link) based on a hat worn by Mia Michaels during one of the audition segments on SYTYCD. I loved that hat and really appreciated the girl who worked it up into a pattern for us. This one went to Sublynnminal Healing as my contribution for July, but I want to make another for me sometime. I used Filatura Di Crosa "Zara" 100% merino, and I love that yarn. It's so sproingy? The hat is meant to be slouchy, and it really is cute.

When we were in Tucson, Tamar and I visted a LYS there, and she asked me to knit her this shoulder scarf. She bought the yarn, and after we got home, I had some issues with the yarn suggested by the sales girl and the pattern. (which you can read about on my Ravelry project page if you're interested) but let's just say it worked out fine in the end, even though it cost me some $$$ and angst to complete the scarf. I used Schaefer Heather, and loved the feel of the finished scarf after blocking, it's so soft. I'd use Heather again if no one offers to buy it from my destash.

There are more projects on the needles, so I better publish this and get to at least one of them.

Another Sunny Saturday

2008-07-26T21:41:00.003-04:00

My friend Dianne and I had wanted to go on a "yarn crawl" for a while now. So today, there was a sidewalk sale in Red Bank and it seemed a good day to combine that with our yarn shopping. So, we took a ride up; she'd never been to any of the yarn stores in that area, and I'd never been to Yarn-It in Deal. We decided that would be our first stop, but were surprised to find it closed. After a few wrong turns we finally found it, and it was locked up tight. Not good...if your posted hours are 12-4 and your voice mail message says the same...we won't bother to go back. so, we headed up to Wooly Monmouth knowing that would for sure be open. All the shops had something going on for sale on the side walk, it was fun. Dori at Wooly Monmouth was wonderful as always, and I aquired some Noro silk garden sock yarn, because I couldn't resist the colors...some Rowan Cotton for the cutest beach hat ever I just have to make, and some yarn for an exchange. Of course none of my choices were part of the sale. :-D

After shopping, it was lunch at a Mexican restaurant, then headed south for home.

It was a really nice day...the temps were in the upper 80's, with mostly sunny skies. The humidity was high, but a breeze kept us cool.

This is the sky at around 3:30 pm, in Red Bank.

There has been knitting happening here, but nothing worth pictures yet. I'm working on a cotton market bag for a swap, a swallowtail shawl for me, and another Montego Bay for a friend. The market bag will be finished probably tomorrow, so at least I can get that package out!

I hope everyone has a great Sunday!

Benign?

2008-07-23T15:12:00.007-04:00

My boss/friend (heck, she's my friend) Tamar's mother died from breast cancer many years ago. Tamar's recent mammogram was suspicious, with 2 small spots evident...her biopsy was yesterday. Knowing her family history, that's scary. For a few years now, I've worn this wristband in support of my "sisters" who've gone through breast cancer. Last week, it broke. I was concerned. What did that mean? I've worn that band daily, along with the LiveStrong band, except for formal or dressy occasions. Why did my pink band break all of a sudden? Was someone close going to lose their battle, or have to fight a new one? The friend I was with when this happened said no...it could mean someone was going to win. Perhaps, that was it because: Oh happy day!! Tamar's results were benign! She has to go back in 3 months to check again, but for now, rejoice! She put up a brave front: she was scheduled to travel prior to this and the Dr. said not to change her plans, but come in immediately upon her return. Yesterday, she said what ever happens, will happen, but I could tell she was not OK. This morning, she just wanted to "know". When she came in to tell me the results a little while ago, great news indeed.
I'm buying a new band. NOW. OK...so I shopped the site a little more. I needed some notecards. And what do I see a category for? YARN! Good shopping site...with a little give-back. :-)

Cat Naps

2008-07-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

For this week's Whiskers on Wednesday

Here's Reggae doing what cats do best:

Cat napping!

Life's A Beach

2008-07-20T12:39:00.013-04:00

I took off from work Wednesday since friends were coming down to visit and go to the beach. It was a perfect day, sunny, warm, wind off the ocean, (no flies!!) clear, and just the kind of beach day I loved in my "old life". With a little determination, I made it onto the sand and near the water to sit on a beach chair, and not only did my toes get in the sand on MY beach in Bay Head, my feet got to go in MY ocean. (MY as opposed to January in the Keys) The water felt very warm for mid-July, and the only thing that would have been better is if all of me got into the ocean, but it was a little too rough and with rip tides from the effects along the coast from Hurricane Bertha out by Bermuda, to even attempt that. Maybe another day the ocean will lay down enough that I can get in and out of it. Ah, in my old life I'd be diving the waves and body surfing, the bigger the wave the better. Here is my day at the beach. The color of the ocean on Wednesday was amazing, (all you doubters, the Jersey Shore is gorgeous) and if anyone ever wanted to know what I mean when I say my favorite colors are ocean shades...here they are.

There was also some beach knitting going on. What more appropriate project and yarn for a day at the beach than a Montego Bay scarf, an easy-breezy knit using Seasilk?

An end to an almost perfect day was a really good dinner and cocktails on the deck at Jack Baker's Wharfside, with a beautiful sunset and views of the commercial fishing boats coming in at the

end of a long day at sea. This boat is the Jersey Devil.

Full Moon Saturday Sky

2008-07-19T23:59:00.006-04:00

Busy Saturday: I had a lot of errands to run and then spend too much time getting ready to go to a really fun dinner party with some good friends...but I had to post the Sky. It was 96 degrees: oven-like hot and sunny. Well, it was earlier in the day...this was the night Saturday sky.

It's all about the Creature Comforts.

2008-07-16T08:00:00.001-04:00

For Whiskers on Wednesdays this week:
I took this beach chair out of my shed to sit on while Reggae was outside with me this past Saturday. He took advantage of the opportunity as soon as I opened it. More comfy than the sandy ground and grass for him!

Summer Time Saturday Sky

2008-07-12T21:39:00.003-04:00

It's summer, and my honeysuckle are in their second bloom already. Which means, hummingbirds! I don't see them usually until August, but Reggae alerted me to look up while I was having coffee on the deck this morning. I did, thinking it was one of our resident finches he wanted me to see, but to my surprise, a hummingbird darted from the honeysuckle to the butterfly bush and zoomed off. It was a glorious day today, unlike last weekend. A sunny sky, temps in the upper 80's with a light breeze.

Weekend Washout?

2008-07-05T17:36:00.005-04:00

Some years the weather for the 4th of July weekend is firey hot and sunny or oppresively hot and humid, some years, not so much. This would be one of the latter. It's more like Memorial day weather! Right now, it's 73 degrees and pouring rain. I feel for the folks who planned an outdoor party today. There is a front stalled over us, and tomorrow isn't looking any better. Yesterday rain held off here until around 10pm, but yeah...for the most part, it's been cloudy and rainy. This is the sky before the clouds started crying....

...probably for the merchants up at the beach and boardwalk who didn't make the green they hoped to on a holiday weekend. Shame, in this economy :-(

So, for some cheery color...here are my hydrangeas putting on quite the show for me this summer :-)

I hope you all had a fun 4th, if you celebrated. Nothing much here, plans were cancelled due to the weather, but I was able to get some knitting in, with more of that to be done still...there's still another weekend day left tomorrow!

2 Year Blogoversay Contest Winners!

2008-07-05T10:45:00.003-04:00

I don't blog much...mostly weekends and here and there during the week. It still amazes me that people read my humble blog. Thanks for reading, and thanks for entering my contest.
There were a total of 98 comments, links and referrals for my 2 year blogoversary contest. Ramdom.org helped me pick 3 winners out of those entries.
Those lucky winners were:
1) Miss Me
2) Rainberry
and
3) Nvrenough

I left comments on your blogs to email me your info to mspalmtree@aol.com and I will get your prizes out soon. Pictures to be added later :-)

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-04T13:08:00.001-04:00

A Most Handsome Cat

2008-07-02T13:36:00.007-04:00

For Whiskers on Wednesday , this is a favorite picture of the handsome dude. In preparation for the last spring and summer Buttercup (the engerizer bunny) was to spend outdoors, I cleaned out his cage for the transfer from indoors to outdoors. Reggae hopped in the cage to see if it passed inspection.

Road Trip Saturday Sky

2008-06-28T23:59:00.003-04:00

Cape May, NJ. 87 degrees and humid, but pleasant.

Thursday might be for dogs....

2008-06-25T15:45:00.003-04:00

But Wednesday is for Cats! Whiskers on Wednesday is a weekly excuse for bloggers to boast about the felines that allow us to share their lives. If you are owned by a cat...you know what I mean. Those of you who read my blog already know him. But for those of you stopping by for the first time from WoW, allow me to introduce:

CFA: Clarion's 'Reggae Thunder' (Reggae)

DOB: 1/23/98

Breed: Abyssinian

Distinguishing features: tip of his tail kinked due to young kitty mama's over-zealous grooming.

Personality: plenty of catitude. Loves me, but doesn't play well with others.

Likes: Being Brushed. (the furminator is da bomb!) being outside (under supervision only) being on mouse patrol in the basement (and bringing Mom his captures!), naps in a sunny spot, whatever Mom's eating that smells good. (not that he always gets it...) eating grass, 'chattering' at the window to the birds and squirrels outside, and 'protecting' Mom from, well, everything he deems necessary.

Dislikes: other cats in "his" yard, dogs barking, Mom's friends, the Vet, and car rides.

Favorite Toys: 'yellow mouse' sparkly balls, length of leather cord to jump with, cat nip stuffed pillow.

2 !?!? Contest Time!

2008-06-24T10:26:00.007-04:00

If you're stopping by today on 6/24, that little counter on the side bar says "Blogoversary Today!"

My humble blog is 2 years old today. And in celebration of that, it's contest time. Unlike last year's 1 year contest, this one requires no thought. How to enter? Easy...leave a comment. (make sure I can contact you if you're winner) Want another chance? Link to this post on your blog (let me know in your comment). Bonus entries for referrals if they tell me you sent them. What are the prizes? Oh...I haven't decided yet but be sure they will be good!

I'll leave the contest open until 11:59 pm July 4, and will have the winner(s?) randomly chosen over that weekend. Sound good?

Quick! Look! A Bunny!

2008-06-21T20:57:00.004-04:00

Today is the first full day of "Summer 2008". It didn't get nearly as hot and humid as it was supposed to, temps at home were in the upper 70's to low 80's. Very comfortable with a nice breeze. I was able to finally knit out on the deck and enjoy my new chair. Reggae enjoyed the shade it provided. He behaved remarkably well outside today, and spent 4 hours exploring and napping, and trying to catch the unsuspecting birds and squirrels. He didn't succeed, but not for lack of trying.

I've been "practicing" walking without a cane this week, and I am happy to say it's going well. One of the goals the Dr. I saw at Canyon Ranch wanted me to work towards is to stop relying on it. I'm still very unsteady and I limp, but I'm getting better each time I try. Now I just have to get busy and find a gym that has the equipment I need to use...and go there. I seriously considered putting in an ingound pool in my back yard. A pool is crucial for my therapy and I don't care for most indoor pools at the gyms I've been to. But decided against it. For one, my yard is so oddly shaped I'd have to give up a tree, and most of my deck, and for two, the money is something that I don't think I want to part with: the way work is going, who knows what I'll need. But on the flip side, my backyard neighbors practically BEG me to use their pool, and last night dropped off a key to their gates. I've promised I'll take them up on their offer. :-) Then, in the cold months, I will try to find and indoor pool that is pleasant to use. So, it's all good.

Tomorrow will bring a knit with beads class at Wooly Monmouth in Red Bank, which will be followed by a shopping trip at Whole Foods.

Weekends go by too fast....

Amazing Grace....Lace!

2008-06-21T20:12:00.005-04:00

If you read both our blogs, you know that God (and Mother Nature) laughed at our plans to meet up while Grace and her husband were on vacation at the beach earlier this month. Between the heatwave that occurred and some health concerns for Grace, it didn't happen. "We make plans, God laughs." is a saying that if more often than not a fact in my world. We will try to make it happen in the fall. Not making plans mind you, but you know. Well. Upon her return home, Grace told me she was mailing a gift she had for me. It arrived yesterday, and let me tell you, when I opened it, I cried. Grace presented me with one of her stunning lace shawls! It is beyond gorgeous, and the reason I call her "Grace of the Amazing Lace" The shawl is one of several choices she asked for our favorites on when she was trying to decide which shawl to give someone she didn't know all that well (I think, or she was being sneaky!). My favorite of the group (not the one chosen--lucky for me!) was the last one in the post: a combination of a Renee Leverington and Grace's own pattern, in Fiddlestick's Country Silk yarn is the "Earth" colorway. That beautiful lace shawl is now mine! It is very light, and at the same time, it is warm. I've been wearing it on and off around the house, (the A/C is on and sometimes it's chilly!--a good excuse!) The colors are really wonderful, and the lace, goes without saying, amazing:

Grace, your incredible generosity and kindness is so deeply appreciated. Thank you so very much.

Am I Blue?

2008-06-21T19:17:00.007-04:00

Nah...I'm not blue. But it seems we've got a blue theme going on in the knitting. Montego Bay is periwinkle...Koolhaas Hat for Sublynnminal Healing is blue...and KM put an S.O.S. out for blue squares to help put together a baby blanket for a new baby who made his way into the world under duress. The square is done, and on the way to CA. I used KnitPicks Crayon yarn, and although it's so soft...it came out too big. I knitted it on the diagonal knowing that would be the fastest route, and increased every row, and when it got to 10 inches on the side, decreased every row. It is, as I said to KM, a wonky square. Hopefully seaming will compensate for it's lack of uniformity. After a false start and sore hands, I'm making good progress on Koolhass. I am using alpaca, and I am not sure this is the right yarn for the pattern, but it is very soft, and looks pretty good. 3 repeats done, 1 0r 2 to go and then the decrease...and it's done.

Another reason I'm not blue (or did something to prevent the blues?)...I had a weak moment. Or maybe it was an out of body purchase, but this lovliness arrived at my house this week. Handmaiden SeaSilk in 3 gorgeous colors---1 seafoam, 2 seashore and 1 moss. So far the moss is the only one with a project that will be started soon, a Montego Bay scarf for my assistant at work who admired mine. That will be a quick mindless knit. The single skein on the far right is Fleece Artist Sea Wool, in the colorway "angelfish" how could I resist that?

I also received a gift from Ponyknit! When I saw the mailer I didn't recognize the return name and address, (some folks I only know by their blogger name!) and opened it to find these gorgeous stitch markers, in my favorite colors. It was my PIF exchange gift. Such a nice surprise, it was unexpected. Thank you, Ponyknit! (which reminds me I still have to finish up a gift for one of my recipients!)
And then...for more smiles, I took some things to the post office this afternoon, and this might be why some of our letters andpackages get waylaid. I guess the USPS is an equal opportunity employer!

I've never been to Jamaica.

2008-06-15T17:26:00.013-04:00

But I did finish Montego Bay! I started it on the plane on the way to Tucson, and knitted some of it while I was out there, and on the plane ride home. I thought I'd finish it there, it was a really an easy pattern. But I did not have as much time to knit as I thought. This is how much got done in 5 days:

This is the finished scarf. I love it. :-) I adore the seasilk. I love this colorway. It was a gift from a Ravelry exchange. She said she agonized over choosing the color for me, I think she did perfectly. If I knit this again, the only thing I would do differently is make the fringe strands longer, and use 4 or maybe even 3 doubled instead of 5 as the pattern suggests. The scarf itself is plenty long enough to wrap around my neck a few times.

A perfect summer accessory.

Happy WWKIP Day!

2008-06-14T22:28:00.021-04:00

If you read my blog, WWKIP Day probably doesn't need an explanation. If you're unaware, go here for info. The previous two years, there really wasn't any local events planned, so I knit solitary in my back yard. That's public, right? ;-) This year, there were many. I kind of think Ravelry had a lot to do with spreading the world. I chose to spend my WWKIP day at What's Needling You? in Toms River. I got there around 12ish, and stayed until it was over, at 2. I didn't get an early enough start, so not nearly enough KIPing for me. I didn't sleep last night so by the time I got moving it was late. But anyway. It was VERY hot today, 92. There was a canopy tent set up in front of the shop for shade, and also we were able to go into the shop to cool off in the A/C if neccessary. Luckily, there was a breeze which helped. Deb, the LYS owner had snacks, sandwiches desserts and beverages set up inside for us. There wasn't a huge crowd KIPing but as people left, a couple more people would come by to shop and KIP. It was fun. I brought along a few projects, the lace ribbon scarf, koolhaas hat I just started, and my almost done montego bay scarf. Montego bay was most admired, as it's the first time any of the knitters their ever felt the luciousness of seasilk in person. One of the ladies has been trying to talk Deb into ordering some for the shop. I hope she does, because there isn't a LYS in my area that carries it. Amanda's "Bunch of Celery" yarn was fawned over too, which I am using for Lace Ribbon.
I really love the way the shop is decorated for each season. When I was there last, it was transitioning from winter to spring, and now, it's nearly summer. I thought this was too cute, beings that we're at the beach and all..."We knit summer shells down by the seashore"

You know that I couldn't leave the shop empty handed, right? I saw this pretty sample tank top, and just had to buy the pattern and the yarn for it. (yeah, yeah...more yarn) It's the Flirty Tank from Y2Knit. I like the sample knit better than the picture the pattern provides. The yarn I bought is Cottonwood from Fibra Natura, an organic cotton that's really soft and smooth. The color is a very very pale purple. This photo doesn't showthe color well, take my word, it's lovely. To be knit....sometime.

And that's not all. There is always a 50% sale bin, and although I could have got a couple more things, I chose the 2 single Malabrigos. For 1/2 price, they needed to come home with me. There is compassion knitting and a blog contest coming up soon, you know!

I also picked up some yarn for my pal in the Ravelry 9-5 multi-tasking Swap. And since I had a full discount card from the last time I was there, I got everything for 20% off, and filled more of the next card. ;-) So, it's justified. I said so.

2pm came too soon, WWKIP here was over. I would have liked to head north to another WWKIP in Red Bank, but the skys were darkening and T-storms were called for, so I headed home. Those storms didn't come 'til around 5, and even before the rain came, there was thunder and lightening and the power went out for a while. Came back on, and then the rain came down in buckets. We really needed it.

This is the steamy Saturday Sky before the storm...

I swear, there has been knitting going on. Just not pictured. I am almost finished with Montego Bay, I have to put the fringe on one end. I heart that scarf and seasilk yarn. I did finish my lace panel tank, but not in time for Tucson, but I was able to wear it to work this week when it was near 100 degrees. I started a koolhass hat for Sublynnminal Healing for June's project (fingers crossed to finish). I'm just past the ribbing and 1/2 of the lattice, but I do see the pattern emerging. But damn...switching to the larger needles from the ribbing to the lattice? ouch my hands still hurt. That's about it. But oh, yes, Tucson still needs to be blogged about, but I have to choose from 174 pics and resize them before that happens. It is still fresh in my mind, so it will be as if it was right after. Promise.

I hope you all had a wonderful week, and have a great weekend. I was incredibly busy at work this week, not getting finished until after 8 some nights, not before 7 any night. Crazy involved projects that took way longer than I imagined needed to be done "yesterday'. They really weren't that bad, but time consuming. I did not get a chance to meet up with Grace, hopefully she had a good vacation down here, and was able to beat the heat by the beach. Maybe next time she's down my work schedule will be lighter and we'll get together.

If you are fortunate to still have your Dad with you, enjoy tomorrow. For me, it's just another day. I do miss my Dad.

Your Vote Counts!

2008-06-09T15:58:00.005-04:00

Dear Grace (of the amazing lace) is on vacation this week--not too far from where I live in NJ at the beach, we are going to try to meet up while she's here. So, I am helping to spread the word in her absence. If you have seen pictures of, or have been fortunate to have received some of her work, you know what I mean when I say amazing lace. Take a look at her entry in the Trenna Contest over at Little Knits. Then, vote for Grace's "LovinComfort Shawl" if you'd like.

It's a Heat Wave...

2008-06-07T19:27:00.004-04:00

A heat wave is in the forecast for the next few days with temps in the 90's and humid... and it's not even summer yet. Damn, it was hot in Tuscon when I was there last week, in the 90's. It was hot, but here with this humidity, blech. I spent the late morning and early afternoon outside spray painting one of the new all weather wicker look chairs and tending to my flowers until it got too hot. The chair was one of 3 I bought a few weekends ago. The other 2 are on my front porch (that I never use) and they are fine as they are, white. The white chair on my deck just didn't go, so I used that Krylon Fusion spray paint for plastics and now it's "honeydew". I'm looking forward to sitting in it (it's got a comfy cushion not shown) and knitting when it's not so freakin' hot. This is the Saturday sky, at around 3pm, 95 degrees.

Saturday Sky from the Sky

2008-05-31T15:37:00.005-04:00

Since I was up there anyway and it looked so cool just after sunrise, with the break in the storm clouds. I thought it appropriate that today's sky from 30,000 feet in the air would be a unique opportunity. I didn't have to look up today, I was in it. This is the view from the plane around 6am.

Life is Good.

2008-05-30T21:49:00.004-04:00

I've had a really wonderful time. Canyon Ranch and Tucson is exactly as my mind remembered it, and I still had that "I need to BE here" feeling. What is it about this area that just calls to me? I've always thought of the beach as my home....

Well, I have 2 hours until I'm picked up for the short ride to the airport, and then the cross-country red-eye flight back to reality. I'm taking home some more good memories. Until next time....

Saturday Sky for Memorial Day Weekend

2008-05-24T19:45:00.002-04:00

Memorial Day weekend is called "the unofficial start of summer." And by the traffic today, people are gearing up for a good one. The weather forecast is pretty decent for this year, there have been some gloomy cold ones, and unbearably humid ones as well. Today, it was partly sunny and a little cool, with temps around 70. This is the sky from this afternoon.

It looks like my trip to Tucson is going to happen on Monday after all, and I am really looking forward to seeing the landscape out there again. I spoke with Tamar this afternoon, she's home and ready to go back already. It's her escape from reality, and I am more than happy to escape with her. And perhaps at Canyon Ranch, I can talk to someone about my feelings towards my old life vs. this new one. Get a different perspective, maybe. Ah, but I have lots to do before Monday! It is funny...since I started knitting, when I am planning a trip the first thing I think of right away is not what clothes I will take, but what knitting projects will come along. I am still working on the tank top, it's not even in the home stretch, but I still am going to persevere. My neighbors are having a party tomorrow, and I accepted the invite even before I knew I was going away. I really have a lot to do, besides knit, (like pack!) I think they'd think I was nuts if I said I can't come over, I have to finish knitting this tank top...and then pack ;-) But, they are busily readying their place right now for the party (our back yards face each other) and I can see them being worker-bees through the fence. So, I will do the neighborly thing and go over for a little while and be sociable. Then scoot home and get ready for Arizona. This might be the last post until after I get back. I hope you all enjoy your weekend, and have a great next week. XOXO

Six Things

2008-05-22T14:02:00.004-04:00

KM tagged me:
The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5-6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.
1) What was I doing 10 years ago? working at this job but for a different owner; I bought my house; sent my sweet kitty Jasmine over the rainbow bridge; got my precious Reggae boy soon after; following Jimmy Buffett's tours up and down the east coast; took the best vacation ever, sailing in the BVIs.
2) What are 5 things on my to-do list for today: you mean, besides what has to get done at work? nah...these are more important for after work: stop at post office to put mail on hold. laundry. straighten up the house. Watch SYTYCD. wind some yarn to take on my trip. Knit as fast as my needles can fly.
3) Snacks I enjoy: hummus and veggie sticks or pita chips or pita bread. dark chocolate. 100 calorie snack packs (to replace my love of potato chips!) a glass of wine. apple slices. ice cream.
4) Things I would do if I were a billionaire: Buy a house on the Bay front in Bay Head or Mantaloking NJ. Buy my dream house in Tucson. Open a LYS with a coffee shop attached and hire awesome people to run it, by paying them well. Make sure my family was taken care of. Donate to worthwhile charities. Travel often.
5) Places I have lived: I've always lived in NJ. Different towns, but I am a true Jersey Girl, left inland central NJ for the shore: South Plainfield, to Brick, Point Pleasant Beach, Spring Lake Heights, Bay Head, Point Pleasant Boro.
6) Jobs I have had: Baby sitter, receptionist, retail cashier, retail store manager, bartender, office manager.
7) 6 peeps I wanna know more about:
if you want me to know more about you, go ahead and play, let me know if you did. :-)

This Week's Knitting..and a Little Trip.

2008-05-18T18:34:00.009-04:00

There has been a little knitting happening here.

I knitted two hats for Warm Woolies . They were fast and easy, good projects to knit while chatting with people at knitting group, or watching a TV show that requires more than a passing glance.

I gave Tamar her birthday present, the tank top I showed last week or so. She really liked it, and it fit her perfectly, even with "the girls', as they are. I lucked out in my guestimates.

I've also been working on a super secret project, which I can't show more than this:

It's 2/3 finished, hopefully I can finish knitting and get it blocked and out in the mail by the weekend.

I've also made some progess on my tank top. So after this post, I better get knitting! I really would also like to have this finished by next weekend...because I would like to be able to wear it sometime during the following week, even though it's not really "tank top" weather here yet, I am going to Tucson AZ! Next Monday, I'm going to Canyon Ranch Spa. Tamar asked me to go along with her (even before I gave her the b-day gift, LOL). She bought a little casita there last year, and goes often. I've been twice before, in my "old life", so this time will be a little different, but I will manage. My soul needs the desert mountain views. Of course I've been thinking of what knitting projects to bring, the temps are going to be in the 90's. (hush Mary, you're used to it by now, I am sure). I think I will bring my seasilk and start the Montego Bay scarf from Interweave Knits. The description of the project says its a perfect vacation knit, with the sea scented yarn. Sea scented? I wonder if there is any Cactus scented yarn? heh heh.

I hope you all had a nice weekend, and a good week coming up. I will be busy at work getting ready for the following week away from it. Good thing I'm going with my boss, so I don't have to be so connected to work.

Abstract Math in the Garden

2008-05-18T17:52:00.009-04:00

How does some (sum) of:

minus:

equal:

this????

I will show you. It's all in the formula for my "pots 'o happy":

A little creativity, a lot of hard work, some garden art, and voila! My late spring container garden. There were some minor casualties this year, however. (besides my lightly sore muscles). I mentioned the garden sprayer, that was shot, as was a hose. The little verdigris plant stand in the picture to the right had a glass top, but it fell through the center and smashed to smithereens on the deck while I was planting a container on it: the green one on the railing. Luckily, that heavy stoneware container didn't break too. I have to take the measurement and get the glass replaced, that table is a fixture I love.

Although I can use a few more items to fill some other pots, I am more pleased with my 1st planting this year than I was last year. Hopefully, these will thrive and grow all summer long. I made sure to get a few lavender plants to dry come fall to store in with the yarn to prevent those dang wool eaters. Besides, they smell lovely when brushed against.

My Spring Fling Coffee Swap Package!

2008-05-18T16:52:00.009-04:00

For the Spring Fling Coffee and Yarn Exchange, Amanda was assigned me as her partner. And she did a really good job of keeping her identity to me a secret almost right up until the very end. We read and post comments to each other's blogs, so keeping it a mystery was not all that easy, I am sure. She gave me a hint on Sunday in an email when she told me my package was on the way, but only "you know me". huh? I know lots of people out here in blogland, LOL. I happened to read her blog that evening and put 2+2 together and hoped, but wasn't sure, that she was my secret spoiler. When I brought in the mail on Thursday, I had a few packages, and one in particular made me smile and say hmmmm...I know I didn't order any yarn from Amanda! From the weight of the package, I knew then that she indeed WAS my spoiler.

And spoiled I was. I opened the package to see this:

The aroma from the coffee was there as soon as I opened the box. Inside my box were all these treasures:

She incorporated a "coffee at the beach" theme for me. The coffee I smelled is from my favorite roaster in Key West, Baby's Coffee. Amanda had a friend in KW see it in a store there, Fausto's, (a store in KW I know well, which is why I included the bag in my photo.) and had her pick some up for me. It is Baby's Breakfast Roast. Amanda apologized for it not being my favorite flavor, as they had none in stock. Little did she know that when I order online from Baby's , I order this one as well. The coffee has already been savoured this weekend, in the "caffe mocha" design mug she sent along.

My yarn, is "white caps" in dk, that I love from Amanda's own dye pot...I have it's twin sister, so she sent this one to be it's mate. Again, little did she know that I tried to purchase both from her Etsy shop, and I've mentioned before, Etsy doesn't make it easy to let you know you didn't update if you want more than 1 item, so I only ended up purchasing one. So, now i have both and can make something wonderful. I also received some S&C cotton in "daisy" colors (my favorite flower!) which looks like it wants to be a ball band cloth. There were some chocolates, which have somehow disappeared ;-) 2 note pads , one with a lighthouse, and one with coffee. The round cloth with the scrubby attached is really cute, and I needed a new scrubby for my non-stick pans. The other round will be used as a coaster or trivet. The whole package was wonderful and so thoughtful, but I have to mention the item that I was most tickled to receive...those #3 bamboo knitting needles! I''d been looking for them in a short length, but haven't been able to find. I have been using some vintage metal #3's and find my yarn slipping right off with them. Now I can continue my lace ribbon scarf with much less angst! Thank you, Amanda, for a fantastic package. I love it all.

If Every Day Could Be Like This...

2008-05-17T21:37:00.009-04:00

I couldn't let the day end without the Saturday Sky post. Finally,
a beautiful blue one! Most of the day was like that, a little breezy, but just lovely. The temps were around 70.
I started my day by going to a couple of garden centers...No...I didn't ask how much those awesome potted palms were, but damn, they'd look good in my yard. Too bad they wouldn't overwinter up here! But, I filled my car up with a whole lot of other happy, and took them home to fill up the deck. Wow...it was work, but worth it. I only took a break to come inside to watch Big Brown win the Preakness. That horse is AMAZING. I got to see a few shots of my boss Tamar and her husband Gary on TV. That was cool. So, now, all that happy you see there to the right is now planted in their containers around my deck, but it was too dark by the time I finished to take their pictures. I found out the hard way that hose sprayers left out over the winter will crack. :-) Not the first time, I should know better. I guess I needed a drenching, LOL. Once again, I need a new sprayer. As well as a visit from a plumber...the outside faucet is leaking. Ah, the joys of being a home owner! I really did enjoy planting up all those flowers. I used to do so much more gardening in my old life, and I miss it so. But I was feeling pretty good today, (help from the pain meds!) so I got a lot done. I even allowed Reggae to come outside for a little bit, first time this season. He still tried to do his "Houdini" act, but he did come when I called after a few times, and went inside on his own. It was a good day. But I am tired now, and going to bed. I've got some more posts for tomorrow...I have to talk about the awesome Coffee Swap package I received from my surprise secret partner who turned out to be Amanda!

Saturday Sky: A Dual-Purpose Post.

2008-05-10T19:03:00.006-04:00

Today's Saturday Sky post is doing double duty. First, of course, is the weekly view of the sky in my world. Secondly, it's encompassing the 6th and final weekly topic for the Spring Fling Coffee and Yarn Swap:

"We'll go free form this week - Post about your WIPs, post about your package, post about the weather where you are - just be sure to include that the post is for the Spring Fling Weekly Topic somewhere inside it when you tell us it's there! I'd love to hear how folks are enjoying the goodies they received, if they have, or how much fun you had shopping for your pal!"

Free form? I can do that. I will talk about the weather where I am. This time of year is my favorite: mid-may. It's supposed to be warm (sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't) the humidity is low, and things are blooming again. I love my spring flowering trees...My lilacs and my dogwoods.

This is the sky, with my 2 favorites today. Even though it was cloudy most of the day (again!) it was in the 60's and felt at least warmer than last week. Right now, the sun is peeking out at 7pm, right before it's due to go to bed. The birds are singing, the leaves are bursting out, and all is right in my world. Today, anyway!

I had a great time shopping and putting together the package for my assigned pal in the exchange, Martina, the "pro" of The Bag Lady and the Pro. I included something special I found locally in NJ at the beach which was a china cup with an Alaska motif. (Alaska? in NJ?--LOL!!) I'm so glad she and her husband liked it.

I wish you all a good rest of the weekend, and for you Moms out there, a wonderful day tomorrow.

Damage to my Wallet

2008-05-10T18:31:00.002-04:00

It's all Ravelry's fault. It's bad for the health of my wallet. Other Ravlers' yarn and book destashes are contributing to my fiber addiction and lack of self control. Actually...I jest. I can stop anytime, I swear. I scored some really really good deals on....

3 skeins of Fleece Artist Cashlana:

2 skeins of

Handmaiden Seasilk....

3 skeins of Handmaiden Silken:

among others. It's all good. Truly. Perhaps I need an intervention? Nah.... :-) I actually found some yarn in colorways for sale/trade that have been discontinued (project to be posted about in the future) through Ravelry destashes. And that is a very good thing.

This Week's Knitting: Something for Me.

2008-05-10T17:51:00.001-04:00

OK, so there are countless patterns out there to knit. Yes, I've made 3 of this pattern so far, but it's easy, fast, and I had the yarn...so I cast on, again, another lace panel tank top sweater. But this one is for me. I need to perfect my modifications I've made to the original pattern from Plymouth so this time I'm taking notes. I thought the yarn I chose, Plymouth Linen Isle, had more colors showing in it, it's rather plain compared to the other 2 I knit...but pale pink is one of the colors that looks good on me, so it's OK.

I started Monday evening I think? Here's my progress:

It's going fast, and since I only knit during the evenings this past week, I think that's something.

I have to include the close up of the stitch markers I'm using. These were in my package from my pal in the Cocoa swap, Patty R. They are from Wee Ones, on Etsy. I love them! Can you see the little toes on the bottom of the kitty feet? So cute, such detail. (clikie for biggie)

That's all on the knitting progress this week. I've needed a no-thought project, this is it. I've been stressed at work for the past 2 weeks~it's gone from I want to bang my head on my desk from boredom to being overwhelmed. No happy medium. So, the glass (or two) of wine after work and this project go along very well.

Cloudy and Cold!

2008-05-03T20:53:00.004-04:00

Brrrr....this is the beginning of May? It felt more like March. Even though the temps were in the low 50's, it was cold and damp with the cloud cover. The trees are trying to leaf out, but they are more willing to drop that brown yuck all over the place first. Cars have that fine yellow dust over them. Ah, the glory of Spring! Hopefully next week will bring a lovely warm blue Saturday Sky!

It was so chilly out that when I came home from errands this afternoon, I had to bump up the heat to get the chill out of the house. During the week, my heat system is on a timer and the temp is kept very low during the day to not waste heat on an empty house. Reggae has a fur coat and cozy blankets to curl up in, so he's fine. It's set to get warmer at 6pm when I get home. More often than not, I'd find Reggae getting his tummy warmed when I got home from work. He knows the cycle, he'd come from wherever he was in the house to take advantage of the warmth at 6pm. The heat hasn't been on much since the weather was warmer, except for today. As soon as the heat kicked on...this is what happened. He loves that floor vent.

From Forgotten UFO to FO!

2008-05-03T20:40:00.007-04:00

I was sorting out a basket of knitting stuff last weekend, and came across a UFO tucked in the bottom. I had started knitting this last fall, it was to be a Hanukkah/Christmas gift for my boss/friend Tamar. For whatever reason, I put it away, probably too many other projects, and knew I'd never finish in time. Out of sight, out of mind, I forgot about it. When it turned up, I figured, well, her birthday is the 18th of this month, I finish it for that. I'd knitted this pattern twice before, this is the 2nd time I used Plymouth Linen Isle. I like the way the colors of the yarn show up in the knitted fabric. Now that it's finished, I think the shoulder straps should have been a little longer, but I did go with the measurements of my modifications to the pattern, so we'll see. She's tiny, except for "the girls." ;-) Hopefully it will fit. I've got some Linen Isle in my stash which I purchased to make this pattern for me. I wonder if I ever will?

There's a contest over at Cass' blog to celebrate #555. She's got some great prizes for the winners, but the blog is a very good read. If you haven't, go over and enter, you have until May 7.

Big Finish for Big Brown!

2008-05-03T20:33:00.006-04:00

Wow...that horse can RUN! What a ride...what a finish. Change that caption to "official."

Congratulations to everyone on the Big Brown team. See you at the Preakness!

Condolenses to the Family and Friends of Eight Belles. So sad, poor filly.

Go Big Brown!

2008-05-01T15:25:00.006-04:00

Anyone following the Kentucky Derby? The favorite horse is Big Brown (currently 3:1) who just so happens to be a horse from a stable my boss' husband is in partnership with. They've all headed for Kentucky, but you know we'll be watching "The Run for the Roses" with interest on TV this Saturday Afternoon!

What is your time worth?

2008-04-27T15:33:00.005-04:00

I was talking to my friend Amy on the phone last night. Amy is a bartender in a restaurant at a public golf club about 45 minutes away from her home. She often calls to chat on the way home to pass the time, and also to help keep awake since she does travel over some empty stretches of road until she gets on the highway. I don't mind late night calls, that's what friends are for. Anyway...once she was on the highway and passing gas stations, she kept telling me the prices as it differed from each one. We all know gas prices are out of control, but for once, something in NJ is usually less expensive than elsewhere in the U.S. Plus, we don't have to even pump it ourselves. We got to talking about an item in the news this week: service stations on the Garden State Parkway and the NJ Turnpike can only change (read: raise) their prices once a week, I think it's Friday that it occurs. So, the word was prices were going to jump up about a quarter, and people were lining up at those stations before the prices raised to get in on the "cheap" gas. Cars were lined up at the pumps, sometimes 20 cars deep or longer. I don't know about you, but unless my tank was near empty and the next station was miles away, I would never wait in that long a line to save a couple bucks. Perhaps it is a nod to my at times rather impatient nature, and wanting immediate gratification, but I'm not doing it. Amy agreed...her time was worth more too. So I ask...what's your time worth? What would you wait in line for, and what would you never wait for?

Outbound!

2008-04-27T11:35:00.006-04:00

I was early for once...I got the package for my pal from the Spring Fling Coffee and

Yarn Swap together and boxed up and into the mail yesterday. It's winging it's way to parts known only to me and our swap hostess (I hope). I had a good time shopping for this one. This is a picture of some of the contents in disguise :-) Perhaps my pal will post a much better photo when it arrives.

I got some nice things from Mary and Jessi's, Etsy shops, and I found some handmade spring themed things elsewhere for my pal.

I decided to contribute my own handmade items that "shout spring". Well, they did to me, anyway. I hope my pal enjoys all her spoils.

Where does the time go?

2008-04-26T17:22:00.009-04:00

It's already after 5pm, and the day has flown by. But where does the time go? Surely, packing up packages to mail and taking them to the post office, ascessing the condition of my gardens, doing some paperwork, updating info on Ravelry, sorting and organzing recently aquired yarn stash could not have taken 7 hours? Well...it must have, because here I am. I have been spending quite a bit of time on Ravelry, but that's a good thing. Most of the day I spent inside, because it wasn't the most wonderful day outside: quite cool with lows in the 50's and cloudy skys. The sun tried to peek out a few times but didn't want to stay. The forecast I saw last night called for "a few showers" but so far, it's stayed dry. Where does the day go? Where does the MONTH go!? Today is the last Saturday in April. Why does time go faster the older we get?

Anyway...this is the sky from around 1pm.

This next picture is especially for Mary, some early buds on my lilac, with the oak tree and sky. While I was coming back from the post office, I saw a lilac already in bloom. Mine's not there, but promises to have many flowers this year. They don't even have fragrance yet.

*edit---that's a rather odd first comment, no? LOL

Am I in a Color Rut?

2008-04-26T17:15:00.000-04:00

Hmmm....recent aquisitions would say, YES! These were purchased in groups, at a few different times...notice a theme? No matter...they are my favorite colors....and if I have to look at them until they tell me what they want to be when they grow up, they might as well look pretty and pleasing to my eyes. :-)
Speaking of growing up...why does this group of yarn (purchased at one time) have "baby" attached to the name? I didn't notice that until I was sorting things today... There won't ever be any babies of the human variety around here, or anytime soon for the feline variety!

Topic of the Week #4

2008-04-23T12:20:00.006-04:00

I thought I'd best post one of these weekly topics...so here goes. This is the weekly question for SFCY Swap:

"Let's pretend for a minute we all live in the home of our dreams, have land, and don't have to work so time is unlimited! It's Spring planting season! What would you grow? A little veggie garden? A bed of bright spring blooms? Or is your thumb so far from green that the only thing you'd be planting is your tushy into a nice chair on the porch to get some knitting or crocheting done in the nice breeze?"

Well, if I didn't have residual effects from the injuries I sustained in the accident, I could do the things I will write about, even with work. But as this is let's pretend...here goes. I would plant flowers and herbs. maybe some grape tomatoes and cumcumbers in 1/2 wine barrel planters. Lots and lots of containers of flowers of all kinds, in beautiful clay and ceramic pots...(at one point, I had 50 scattered all over---now only about 10) My perennial beds have (had) all kinds of plants to attract hummingbirds and butterflies and bees and birds. I have gardens tucked in every nook and cranny of the yard, and garden art too. And this magical garden will weed and water itself, cuz I can't do all that much.

When all the plantings done, I will sit and knit on the deck admiring the beauty that is blooming around me.

Saturday Sky for the Birds...and Go Fly a Kite!

2008-04-19T19:14:00.005-04:00

Today was a really nice day...temps in the low to mid-60's, and partly sunny, although it felt much warmer. I thought I might take a ride to Cape May, but I got a late start. Perhaps tomorrow. I drove down to Island Beach State Park, which is only about 30 minutes from here, with hopes of getting on the beach there, but it's not season yet, and the accessible ramp is still covered with sand from winter storms, and I can't walk on sand, so I had to stay behind the dunes. Here is the sky from today, with an osprey nest, and also from the beach, with kites flying.

There has been knitting...

2008-04-19T18:48:00.008-04:00

Some, anyway. I knitted 3 hats for the Warm Woolies project as part of the "good karma" for the Guilty Pleasures/Good Karma Swap Group on Ravelry. The hats took no time at all to knit, and they are on their way to warm some kids' heads. I've already received my "guilty pleasures" package from my pal, Allison (Lucy325) and it was fantastic.I'm waiting for one more item to come in for my pal, then her guilty pleasures will be on their way.

I've been working on the Lace Ribbon Scarf from the current knitty. I love the pattern! It's interesting enough that concentration is needed, but not so much that it's still possible to look at TV, etc., while knitting it. But, I think I love the yarn more. It is so soft! I am using the yarn Amanda custom dyed for me earlier this year, "Bunch of Celery" which was supposed to be for a different project, a lace shawl KAL, but as I read the clues and saw the project emerge, I knew I was not going to be knitting that one anytime soon. I really like how the different celery colors show up as I'm knitting.

The other project I am knitting is a secret one...but I will show this much, and that's it :-)

Reggae Update

2008-04-19T18:36:00.006-04:00

I've put off posting about this for a while...I didn't want to tempt fate. Reggae is all better! I had him in to the specialist this week for the recheck ultrasound, and some bloodwork, and everything is fine. His lymph nodes are no longer swollen, white count is normal, so, we are closing the books on this episode. What ever made him so sick remains a mystery. We sure dodged a bullet this time. Mucho bucks later, I have a healthy cat. I'm to watch for any recurring issues, but for now, we can relax. Reggae has 7 more lives left. I'm counting this one, and the one when he got lost in the neighbors' yard with the dogs as two of the lives lost. Hopefully the remaining lives spread out over as many years. These pictures are after the vet appt on Wednesday...under the influence of drugs.

Stormy Saturday Sky

2008-04-12T22:26:00.008-04:00

The weather people got it right today. Scattered thundershowers, with temps varying from the upper-50's to the mid-70's, depending on where at the shore it was. Cooler closer to the ocean, warmer in from the coast. My friend Dianne and I took a ride today down to Long Beach Island (aka LBI) to visit a LYS there, Island Knits. Right now, it's a small store, but come May 1, the owner, Linda Kelly, told us she is moving to another location with more space and will have a cafe as well, with sofas, a perfect atmoshere for relaxing and knitting. Her shop is not fully stocked right now, due to the move in a few weeks, but the future location will have more room and more yarn. But of course, I could not leave empty handed, and left with a skein of "Wonderful Wool" from Steadfast Fibers in the color "columbine", a pretty lavendar blue. It looks like it might want to be an Amanda Hat. We shall see.
After Island Knits, a pretty wild thunderstorm popped up, so we stopped for lunch at a little grill and pizza place, then headed on to then sit and knit at a group that meets on Saturday afternoons at a cute shop, "That Little Something Shop". The owner, Alice, (Ravelry link) has so many lovely beachy, ocean decor and jewelry and...well, everything I wanted and for once, resisited. This time. After browsing, we sat and knitted (me) and crocheted (Dianne) and chatted with the other ladies who stopped in to do the same. Alice and some of the others are on Ravelry, which is how Dianne found out about the meet up. Ravelry...bringing fiber fanatics together! Even though I live in a beach town, it's interesting to go to see what goes on in "other" beach towns. It was worth the 40 + mile each way trip, and I hope to go back before summer kicks in and weekend traffic prohibits trips south.

In Memory of Storm and Electra

2008-04-08T23:13:00.004-04:00

Dear Mary needs some words of comfort right now. She made the most difficult, but kindest, decision to help her beloved dog Storm, and beautiful cat Electra, over the Rainbow Bridge today. Her fur kids are in good company over there running free and without pain, but have left a void in their family's life.

Reggae and I send our our love and prayers.

April Showers?

2008-04-05T21:09:00.003-04:00

The forecast was for rain and wind today, that never happened. It was mostly sunny and in the 50's with a slight breeze most of the day. Although, I did not go outside today. It is Spring Cleaning time. I had a friend come by and help me do some much over due de-cluttering and organzing. I tend to hang on to stuff forever, and I need someone to tell me to let go! Although we got a lot done, there is much, much more that needs to be tackled. It will happen, in time.

The Mystic Light Night

2008-04-05T21:00:00.001-04:00

I joined the Mystic Light Lace Shawl KAL. Although the hostess is using a yarn with oranges for fire light, I wanted my Mystic Light to represent the late afternoon sun, setting with glorious colors, blending into the dark night sky with stars. I couldn't find the "right" yarn for it elsewhere, so I asked Amanda to custom dye some yarn for me. This is her creation. It arrived yesterday, and I love it! It will look so very nice when I finally get a chance to start the shawl. I'm way behind, the 2nd clue came out Wednesday, so I guess I am not KALing, I am KLing (knit latering) But it will happen. So many projects, so little time....

Bye Bye, March!

2008-03-31T17:12:00.003-04:00

Damn! Am I ever glad this month is over. March came in like a mean spirited lion, rather like Scar in the Lion King. The shadow of Death came on it's heels and took my sweet bunny Buttercup, and tried to take my Reggae cat too, but we beat him down for now. March tried to go out like a lion too, with the way I felt this last week, but today, beings that I feel better, and I am in the mood to knit a little again, I will say it's going out like a lamb. I'm hoping for a much better April!

Everybody's Gone Surfing...

2008-03-30T18:11:00.003-04:00

...In the Morning Surf. I finally finished knitting it this afternoon, and right now it's rolled up in a towel after it's soak wash bath, ready to be blocked into shape. It was easy to knit, but quite tedious after a while. I'm in agreement with Chan, who after finishing the Clapotis, said she thinks she likes lace knitting better than drop stitch patterns.
I really do love those colors all blended together.

That's all the knitting that's been happening here for the past few weeks. I've mentioned to some that I've been in a knitting slump, perhaps that's over now because at least I am thinking about new projects to be.

Oh, and thanks for the comments on my sky post from yesterday. I'm feeling so much better, It's hard to believe that 48 hours ago I felt like last week's garbage. ;-)

Saturday Evening Sky

2008-03-29T19:37:00.003-04:00

Before the day faded away I got this sky. It was sunny, but cool today, temps in the mid-40's. There hasn't been much knitting going on here, nor blogging for that matter, I been sick! I had to go to the Drs. today, which meant I'm really sick...I avoid Drs unless it's absolutely neccessary. This was. I had a cough that wouldn't quit, felt like a brillo pad was scrubbing my throat and it hurt my ears when I swallowed. I was running a fever, and the Doc said I had what he's seen a lot of, sinusitis, and bronchitis, and prescribed a strong antibiotic and a cough medicine. I'm starting to feel better, finally, it's been a bad couple days. I still have the NYC pictures from last weekend to share, perhaps tomorrow. Have a good weekend!

Saturday Sky NYC Style

2008-03-23T17:32:00.005-04:00

My Saturday sky photo is published on Sunday because yesterday we went into NYC for my boss' son's Bar Mizvah party. And wow, what a party it was!
Here's a view from late yesterday afternoon.
It was great to be back in "the city"; it had been a long time, I think in November '04 before the accident was the last time I'd been in. I'd forgotten how much I like it, and regret that I'm not able to get around by foot as I'd like to. But, my wallet sure is thankful. ;-)
More on the party and the rest of the NYC trip another time, I'm quite tired now and must rest. ;-)

Reggae Update

2008-03-18T22:11:00.005-04:00

My Reggae boy has been home from the hospital a full week. And I am pleased to report that he's doing really well. He's been asking for food, eating, and keeping it down, and being, well, Reggae. He's more active than he's been in weeks, and is right now is standing on my dresser in my bedroom looking out the window watching a stray cat across the street. To him, that's unacceptable. LOL. I will give him the last dose of antibiotics tonight, and continue to monitor him for any recurrence of symptoms, but I think we're out of the danger zone. I hope I am not premature in thinking he's better, but from where we were a week ago, this is a world of difference. I am so thankful I was able to share some good news about Reggae today. But, please go visit my friend Amanda and leave her some kind words; she had to make the difficult decision to help their beloved kitty pass on. If only our fur kids could live forever...

I Am Such the Joiner..

2008-03-16T16:43:00.006-04:00

I wasn't going to. I was cutting back on exchanges. But....I NEED coffee, and I love yarn, so...I'm joining the Spring Fling Coffee and Yarn Swap.

I don't have any knitting to show, I've been working on Morning Surf, and it's growing, but that's it.

So, here are my answers to the Questionnaire.

Coffee

1. What is your preference? Whole beans or ground? Either, but I could use some ground to take to the office if I'm of a mood to.

2. What kind of coffees do you enjoy? A rich, bold roast; a light, fresh one, or something in between? I prefer medium to dark roasts. Leaded or non? Fully leaded please, I've no use for decaf.

3. If you were headed out right now to buy some coffee for the house, what would you be picking up? Some Starbucks Breakfast blend, or I'd go online to order some Baby's Key West Old Town Roast.

4. Do you drink for caffeine, pleasure, or both? Indeed, both.

5. Do you enjoy flavored coffees? not particularly in the a.m. In the afternoon or evening, yes. How about add-ins or flavored creamers? With the exception of an occasional peppermint mocha or a mocha Valencia, I take my coffee black, so the answer is no.

6. A large, lovely mug or a small, dainty cup? a mug.

7. Describe your perfect cup - not JUST the coffee, but how you'd enjoy it! I really do enjoy coffee on my deck in the late spring, early summer weekend mornings when all is still quiet and the only sounds are from birdsong.

8. You're sitting down to enjoy a nice cup in the local coffee shop, knitting bag in hand, iPod all tuned up - or maybe you're there with a few friends for knit night! What treat do you pick up to enjoy with your coffee? A sweet, rich brownie, or something more healthy? How about a salty treat? What goes best with that great cup and company? Depends where I am. If at Starbucks, I like their cinnamon chip scones, or perhaps and espresso brownie. If at an indie shop, whatever looked good to me. Nothing overly sweet as far as pastries go, but with chocolate, almost anything goes. :-)

Yarn

1. Do you knit or crochet? Although I *can* crochet a little, I am a knitter.

2. What are your favorite types of yarns to work with? I adore alpaca, I love supersoft merino, and can't resist a colorful soft smooth wool/silk blend. I do a lot of lace knitting, so fingering weights are becoming a favorite.

3. What do you have on the needles (or hook!) right now? Morning Surf Scarf, and in hibernation are my Lotus Blossom Shawl and a Lace Panel tank top.

4. What are your favorite colors in yarns? The more I work with yarn, and color, I find I like just about any colors and shades. I am not a fan of brights or primary blues, reds, or yellow, but blends with those colors can be nice. My favorites? Oh, can't go wrong with aquas, lavenders, or pinks. Think: Ocean, Caribbean, or English Garden.

What about those that you'd never find in your stash? I surprise myself with just what is in my stash. I don't think I have any plain orange, unless it's dishcloth cotton.

5. What sort of needles or hooks do you enjoy using? I do enjoy my bamboo or wood straights. I love my Denise set, and my addi turbo lace needles

Any you just detest? I don't much like metal straights, but must admit they came in handy when I had no bamboo or wood in #3.

6. Are there any particular notions you absolute do NOT need? Some of us swap a lot - are you sure that you have enough tape measures to last your lifetime? Enough stitch markers to mark every stitch of a 10 foot wide afghan? I'm good with tape measures, but can never have enough stitch markers, especially if they are fun and unique.

7. You walk into the yarn shop and have exactly and only enough money to purchase 2 skeins of yarn in their 2 for 20 special they have going..The choices are a soft, thick cotton/viscose blend in your favorite colors, slightly variegated..a beautiful sock yarn that's just squishy and sproingy in your hands.. a soft, worsted weight wool like malabrigo.. and a lovely bamboo blend with colors to just die for. Which do you walk out the door with?

Since I've just realized that sock yarn can be used for other than knitting socks, I'm going for the sock yarn.

Spring

1. We're starting sign-ups on the first day of Spring - is it already truly Spring-like where you are? March is fickle. Yesterday, I would have said yes. Today, it's cooler, but the birds are singing, days are longer, so, I would say, not quite. Ask me next week, I'll have another answer, no doubt.

2. What's your favorite spring flower? Daffodil. Do you have one? I've got a few that rebloom in my gardens each year. And I always pick up a small plant or two to go in my garden window each spring, and will plant them outside when they're spent. I also adore Lilacs, and I do have a tree that will bloom in May, with hope.

3. What do you most look forward to about springtime? All the flowers blooming, the leaves coming back on the trees, and finally feeling the warmth of the sun for the first time.

4. They've predicted a gorgeous day tomorrow - Sunny and about 65 with a nice breeze - how do you spend your day? This is in my perfect world right? When Monday is not a work day? :-) I'd go out on my deck and knit, while Reggae wandered around and patrolled the yard. I'd also walk around my yard and gardens, cleaning up what little I could without tripping and falling.

5. The day after, it's going to be cooler and pouring down rain - does that impact your mood? If it doesn't continue for days on end, it would be OK.

How do you spend that day? I'm going to stay inside and catch up on what's recorded on the DVR and knit, do a little blogging, and watch the rain come down.

what helps cheer you up? Talking to friends, and a good cup of coffee.

Odds n Ends

1. Do you collect anything BESIDES yarn and needles? Nothing really, I'm trying to pair down what excess I do have.

2. Are you allergic to anything? Nothing really in regards to the exchange, but I can't stand cigarette smoke or rose scented items.

3. Do you have pets? Reggae, my cat. And Freckles, my goldfish.

4. Is this your first swap, or are you an old pro? I've been swapping a while.

What are the last 2 swaps you participated in? Hot Cocoa Swap and the Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap.

5. List 3 of your favorite blogs - craft related or not - and tell us why you love them.

I enjoy all the blogs I choose to read, and it's going to be hard to pick only 3!

But if I must: In no particular order, Crazy Aunt Purl. Laurie makes me laugh, and I can emphasize with some of her writings. The Bag Lady and the Pro. In the blog shared with her sister Martina, Anne keeps me up to date with what's going on in blogland almost every Sunday, which I appreciate because I can't always get time to read all the blogs I'd like to. So by clicking on her links, I can get to them a little at a time. A Day in the Life of 5, 3 & 1. KM most always has Friday Flowers for me to drool over, especially good for me in the winter, and always has beautiful projects on or off the needles. And I enjoy reading about her time spent with her kiddos, now 6, 4, and almost 3!

Has it Been a Week?

2008-03-15T20:10:00.004-04:00

Or, it has been a week! Wow...thinking back to last week at this time, I couldn't imagine that my dear Reggae cat would be home now, and how much better he is. It is a little miracle. Indeed, a few of those 9 lives of his were spent, but hopefully he's still got a few left to get him through another hurdle, if that should arise. I'm still watching him like a nervous mom, but so far, so good. He's been eating, and keeping it down, and showing interest in more than just sleeping. The test results of the urine culture were normal, and the urinalysis was negative. I guess it was just an infection that invaded his system, and hopefully eliminated. I've learned: gagging and throwing up is not only signs of a hairball, and any changes in "normal" behavior are cause to get to the vet ASAP. Cats are very good at hiding their illnesses until it's almost too late. This is the sky today, which, unlike last week, has some happy! with hints of spring in the air, temps were in the mid-50's.

Finally..Knitting Progress.

2008-03-12T15:41:00.009-04:00

Since things with Reggae are "status quo" for now, I can get on to what this blog was really about, my knitting! I've owed some FO's and WIPs for a couple weeks I think. So, here they are.
First, is the scarf I made out of the left over Dream in Color "smooshy" 'lipstick lava'. I used the horseshoe print lace pattern. It came out nice after it was blocked. This will more than likely be a PIF gift. :-)

Next, is the hat I knit for Anniebananie's project to knit hats for her cousin Lynn who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer, or for the Winchester Medical Center where she's having treatment. I decided on the Chapeau Mariner, and used koigu kpppm for mine, rather than a solid color. btw, I am a fan of koigu now, too. I don't have the ribbon for the hat yet, and will probably block it to open up the lace pattern on the brim. I liked the way the koigu blended as I knit in the round. I'd like to pull a pink color out of the yarn to match to a ribbon to symbolize the fight against breast cancer. I think it turned out cute, and hope it's something that brings some cheer and comfort! Oh, and this was the hat I needed my Boye #6 tips that I'd misplaced to helpt with the cast on and thenswitch to #2s. Of course, I found the #6 tips and the attached cord after I'd finished the hat. I was packing my go-knit bag Friday night to take to the vet on Saturday because I knew I'd be waiting, and there they were, in that bag. At least they are no longer MIA. I discovered that it wouldn't be a bad idea to get an extra pair of #2 and #3 circular needles soon too.

My next object is a WIP, another gift for PIF. It's Morning Surf. Better images on Ravelry if you're in. I am using Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in the Lakeview colorway. This is a fun pattern, with the drop stitches and all. I like the way this colorway is blending. I can see how it will be very pretty after some blocking. The pattern calls for casting on 76 stitches, which I did, and knit a few rows of the pattern. I decided that was too wide, and frogged that and cast of 46. I'm happy with that. It is recommended that straight needles are used for this pattern to support the wraps for the dropped stitches. Shoot...I didn't have #3 straights. But wait! I just might have...I won a 'lot' of vintage needles last year on ebay. Some metal, some wood, I just stuck them in a vase in my spare room. Yep, a pair of 3's! Metal and a little slippery, (i prefer bamboo or wood straights) but they'll do fine.

So that's the knitting progess for the past couple of weeks. Not nearly as much as I'd hoped to accomplish, but I'm pleased with the projects. Next on the agenda is awating the arrival of the yarn from dear Amanda that she's custom dyeing for my Mystic Light Lace KAL. I can't wait to see how the colors we've been discussing play out!

Thanks From Reggae!

2008-03-12T15:35:00.001-04:00

My mom sez I got lotz of prayers and get well wishes when I got sick and went to the scary loud place on the weekend. I think they helped cuz I got to go home last night. They still don't know why I am sick, but I feel a lot better. I did not like being in that place, but mom and the doctors said I needed to be there to get better. There were d-o-g-s and other cats there, and too many people. I really let them know I wasn't happy. They kept doing things to me and poking me..they even shaved my beautiful fur on my belly leg and neck! I hope it growz back cuz it looks like those silly spinx cats hair(less). Someone cut my nailz, shorter than mom usually cutz them, I think that's cuz I might have tried to fight them. I don't know, I waz sick! I did a lot of hissing and growling. I was really happy when mom came to visit me those nights so I could purr again. I didn't want her to leave me, but I knew she'd come back for me. I did not want any food the doctors tried to get me to eat, I only ate for mom. I had a fever yesterday and Monday, but my doctor said it might have been because I was upset, and I might do better at home. My doctor told mom I started to be nice to her yesterday, finally, but really I was just playin' her. :-D Mom says I'm home on a "trial" whatever that means. She said, as long as I eat some food, don't throw up and seem happy I can stay here. I really don't want to go back, so I'm tryin' real hard. Mom has to give me icky medicine that tastes like bubblegum, and some tummy pills for a whole week. I am very tired though, and have been taking lots of naps. Mom snuck in and took this of me napping on my favorite throw on her bed. Mom covered me up cuz she thinks I'm cold. I'm not really, but I let her, and it's cozy warm anywayz. It is just so good to be home where it is quiet! Mom sayz she has to call the dr. to find out what the results of my "urine culture" (big words!) are, and I have to go back in a month to have them take pictures of my belly again. I hope they can do it in one day, I don't want to stay away from home never ever again. Thank you evr'y body for helping me get better enough to come home. I know my mom was scared and worried and missed me so much, and I missed her too.
Love,
Reggae

Reggae is HOME!

2008-03-12T00:01:00.007-04:00

My boy is home with me, and soundly sleeping on my sofa as I type. He is exausted, and I know he needs quiet and rest before I can see how he is "really" doing. But, he wanted to eat as soon as he got in, gobbled up a small portion of food and managed to keep it down. (whew!) Except for Monday night, he hadn't really eaten since last Tuesday night. He was discharged on a trial, I am to monitor him for any recurring issues. I'm to give him some meds for 7 days (oh joy). The Vet feels that since Reggae is not the model patient in hospital (ha!) he would be better off in his home surroundings. Although, she did say tonite, that he was slowly warming up to her, accepting pets and rubs without hissing and growling, and showing interest in what was going on outside his cage. She'd prefer to keep him a few more days, but since he wasn't eating for the staff and still had a fever which probably was from stress (we hope) she released him, in hopes that he'll return to normal. Still don't know what caused the infection, and still waiting on a few results. I am so glad he's home. And to think I thought it was a hairball he couldn't eliminate! My poor boy is sicker than I realized...I guess it's akin to seeing someone everyday who is losiing weight...it's not noticable until it's, well, noticable! Thank you, again x infinity, for all the prayers, well wishes, and support. I'm taking a personal day off the keep a watch on Reggae, I think we both need a chill day. There will be knitting happening, and maybe those FOs and WIPs I couldn't get to this past weekend. We're not out of the woods by any means, but there is hope, and a little bit of happy in my world tonite.

Oh, the Indignity!!

2008-03-11T11:54:00.003-04:00

Will you just look at my poor, proud Reggae boy? I can just imagine what is going through his mind.

With any luck, if things remain status quo, I may be bringing Reggae home tonite. I was able to get him to eat some food for me last night, only about 1/4 of a 6oz. can, but he kept it down. He won't eat for the staff at all. He seemed better too, more alert and less clingy, but still purred and loved on me much of the time. He is exausted though, I doubt he's resting. There are still some things that are of concern to the Vet, but it might be better if he were home and I could monitor him in his own surroundings.

Thank you x infinity for all the well wishes. I can't answer each of you individually because the emails don't link in the comments, but I've read them all and appreciate all the support and prayers.

I will update again when I have more news.