SECRET PAL 14

Well I have been a bit tardy in getting this up but here finally are my answers to the SP 14 Questionnaire.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
My favorite yarns to knit with are sock yarns, lace weight yarns but I just love yarns with stuff in it like beads, sequins and other goodies. I love cashmere, alpaca, silk, soft wools,and wool to be felted and not felted as long as it is not scratchy and rough. I love yarns I can't get such as Indie Dyers, Woolmeise, etc. and hand dyed and hand spun yarns. I love yarn with silver in it like I received in my previous SP swap. AND I find interesting yarn made from strange things such as the yarn made with milk I received. I do not like Phentex, and don't need any fun furs as I have way too much. I don't care for acrylics anymore since I am trying to use only natural yarns now.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I keep my Harmony DPNs from Knit Picks in the case they came with and the other I am slowing tying up with those little curly elastics and they are in a basket. I use mainly Denise needles even when with straight knitting but occasionally do use short straight needles. Those are all in a basket. My Denise are in a plastic bag as the container they come in broke. I do have crochet hooks and they are in a case. I try to keep my circs in the case they come in.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I have been knitting ever since I can remember (school age) and I can’t believe how many years that is now but I still consider myself an advanced beginner - intermediate as there is still so much for me yet to learn.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No. I don’t know how to do that. I have a list of some of my books in my library on Ravelry. I have more than those but the rest aren't on Ravelry yet for me to list. I have a wish list on Raverly in the about me site.

5. What's your favorite scent?
My favorite scent is from LUSH called Karma. I just had to go and put some of the body cream on. I find it very earthy.I need to get the Karma soap and Karma talc. I have the spray, the solid perfume and body cream.
Other favorites include sandalwood oil (from the Body Shop), lavender, rose, ocean, fresh scents, some musks (Body Shop has a nice one) actually it depends on my mood. I am an Avon rep and am now in my 12th year of selling. Some Avon rep I am. HEE HEE

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I most certainly do, unfortunately. I love chocolate, dark, chocolate, expensive chocolate and one of absolute favorites is "American" Hershey’s chocolate especially with nuts. I also love Jelly Bellys especially popcorn, margarita, garlic, watermelon, jalapeño flavors and pear. PLEASE no Black licorice YUK YUK!!!!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I would love to learn to spin. I am trying to learn how to use a spindle but but it is very slow going. I don’t yet own a spinning wheel yet. It is my desire to get one. I certainly don't expect one from a swap partner but it is on my wish list. Last year I took a spinning workshop in the hopes of one day getting my very own spinning wheel. I don’t have carders either. I crochet a little as long as there isn’t any or much shaping involved. I sew and quilt and now that I have finally moved into my townhouse I can sew and quilt again. YEAH! I love to sew children’s clothes, bags and aprons. I used to do needlepoint, embroidery, ribbon craft and numerous other types of crafts but now despite having lots of it in my basement to use again I stick to knitting and sewing. I am a bit rusty sewing as I haven't done much for a while. I do spend a bit of time trying to learn how to use the drop spindle and just today took a book out of the library on spinning both spindle and wheel.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD.
I love the oldies from the 20’s to the 60’s. I love blues and jazz. I am not a big fan of country although there are a very few songs I do like which I have put on a couple of CDs. I don't care for any Christian music but I enjoy Christmas music. I listen to symphony but not opera of any kind. I have a DVD player and a Walkman that play MP3’s. My computer plays them fine. The cd players (all three) in my stereo aren't working.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
PINK!!! PINK!!! PINK!!! I do like reds, blues, purple, black, white and some greens. I don't like orange, yellows and olive green or any autumn colors. I don't mind brown only if it a very dark brown with a PINK. The colors can be most any shade or hue.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I have one feline fur toddler Solara (the princess) who was three this past March and that is basically it for family.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I wear scarves, mitts, gloves and should wear hats. I live in the great white north which has a very cold winter climate. I wear shawls but haven't worn a poncho in ages.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Socks, shawls, bags/totes, toys and whimsies. I do knit most things as the need arises and have the February Lady Sweater on the needles.

13. What are you knitting right now?
This is a loaded question. I am knitting what else socks, shawls and bags. I have the first of three socks for this month on the needles. I am in the Ravelry Cookie A KAL and the Ravelry Makin' Cookies KAL and the 2009 Sock Pentathlon. I have my second Clapotis on the needles and an Ulmus on the needles. I am also knitting a pair of socks for birthday gift for a five year old. Then there are two bags and the February lady Sweater waiting to be finished.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Of course. I love when someone takes the time to make something just for me.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I use my Denise circs for straights. I have the blue and would love to receive the PINK set. I would also love to get more ADDI Lace circs or the Knit Picks Options. I love bamboo, woods and my Knit Picks Harmony DPNs.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I am excited I can now say yes to both.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Too old. I should be ashamed.

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?
Ha any holiday where I can get pressies and eat turkey and have great meals. I guess that means all of them. I always loved my birthday (HMMM love cake and ice-cream & pressies of course) but living alone means there isn't much celebration and Christmas even thought I am not a Christian. Since I live alone most of my holiday and birthday pressies are from swap exchanges although I do receive a few gifts from a few friends. As for Christmas I love the happiness of the season, the lights and the fact that most people are kinder to one another than usual which should be an all year round occurrence but… Living alone does make most holidays lonely. My next favorite holiday would be Thanksgiving. AH another food holiday. BUT of course there is Valentine Day, Easter and Halloween which are candy holidays.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Does yarn such as sock yarn and lace yarn count, fabric, books, patterns, magazines, and cooking accessories. I am a bit of a textile, yarn and magazine junkie. Did I mention yarn. I seem to be collecting all kinds of tape measures. I must have about 20 now and sheep. I keep getting them in swaps.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I have no subscriptions to any knitting magazines at this time but wouldn't mind having one to Interweave or Vogue. If they look good I buy them and other knitting magazines. I would love sock blockers, or mannequin feet to use to photograph my socks. I would love a spinning wheel. Right. As for patterns I would love to have the following bag patterns: The Beach Buddy Tote by Terry L. Ross, The Noni Medallion Travel Bag and The Noni Green Earth Grocery Bag. I also would enjoy receiving Staccato by Kirsten Kapur (Through the Loops) but you never know I may end up treating myself to them. I love Tillie Thomas yarn and would love some Material Whirled yarn. My wish book list keeps growing and some of it can be found on about me on Ravelry.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I want to learn how to make stitch markers. I want to be better at reading charts. I can read simple ones now.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes I am a sock knitter. I wear a medium size sock and a size 8 – 8.5 shoe. The circumference of my foot is 9”, my ankle is 9” and the length of my foot from heel to toe is 9” – 9 ¼”. I try NOT to make them to long so is that I make them with more negative ease or less.

23. When is your birthday?
Feb 4

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
Yes and my rav ID is pennala.

A ROSE IS A ROSE IS A ROSE....

.... AND it is so beautiful.

This is my first rose from my newly transplanted rose bush. The first photo was taken yesterday Saturday in the rain when I realized it had opened.

This picture was taken today. When I bent down to smell the rose it was faint but such a heavenly scent. I have had a craving for baked macaroni for a while and with all the rain I decided it was time to make it. I would like to share some but all I can share with you is the photo of it. It really tasted good. I topped it with canned fried onions to give it an extra nice crunch.

Knitting Goodness

I received my Ravelry Tea and More group Summer Tea Swap from Stacy and she did good. I got some very lovely items. Of course she sent me yarn. This is the yarn I found in my swap box.

First this lovely Cascade 220 Paints in a luscious deep red and black colorway,

this very soft 100% bamboo yarn called Be Sweet, and two skeins of a PINK ribbon yarn from Crystal Palace called Party.
Stacy also knit me two PINK dishcloths which will NEVER touch a dish. For my dishclothghan I hope to put together one day.
It is a tea swap and here is my tea. Not only did I get tea to drink Twinings Green Jasmine Tea but I also received Tea candy. AND it tastes just like tea. It is so good.
Even Solara was treated well in the swap. Look at what she got, another box of Friskie Party Treats and Catch of the Day Treats. She is just so spoiled.

I also found some wonderful stickers, magnetic note pad, PINK heart button, small point protectors and little curly thingys to hold DPNs together. They have already been put to use. I am going to put the stickers on my next swap packages I mail.
AND then the next day or was it the day before I found this in my mailbox. I tried to enter a Debbie Macomber contest and wasn't able to b/c I live in Canada. On her site there was a contact me link and so I wrote to them letting them know I was unable to fill out the form as there wasn't any place for a Canadian city and province. I really didn't expect to hear back and was surprised when I got a reply. It was an apology that whoever put the contest together didn't vet it well enough and Canada got left out. As an apology gift I was going to be sent Debbie Maccomber's next book. It is even autorgraphed. I won't be giving this away.

It is now July 5 AND a week and weekend after I started this post and I still haven't finished my blog post. Sad news is my rose is no more. It sure was pretty when it was in full bloom.

BUT I have been keeping busy. Some of my being busy was knitting. I have finished my Cookie A Sunshine Socks which was the pattern chosen by the Ravelry Cookie A KAL group to knit in June . It was a very easy pattern. More photos are on my ravelry project page.

AND I also knitted and felted some hand cuffs as my project for the mystery book The Husband by Dean Koonz I read for the whoduknit yahoo group I belong to. Here is my victim tied to a tree with the hand cuffs and a chain (AKA Marley's Ghost from Knitty and knit by the victim herself). The cuffs weren't fully felted when I took this photo.

They are much smaller now that they are fully felted.

I am in three sock KAL this month with the third not needing to be completed until August 31. The first is the Ravelry Cookie A KAL and the pattern this month is Rick. I have been so very busy this month I haven't had much time to get much knitting done and so far this is all I have completed and there are two & 1/2 socks I need to complete. I am finding the pattern very easy to knit. I hope the foot is as easy. It has a big chart and both the left and the right feet are different as they are mirror images.

I will also be knitting Eunice for the KAL in the Ravelry Makin' Cookies once these are finished. I will be knitting these in a PINK DIC Smooshy yarn.

For the 2009 Sock Pentathlon I will be knitting a mosaic sock using a solid and a multi skein of Lorna Laces in a plum color.

Because I am using my Cookie A Sock Innovation book so much I decided to cut the spine and put a spiral binding on it. By the time I got it to the shop to have it done I had broken the spine. It was very reasonable. It was $2.15 and with the taxes it was $2.41. I know some of you out there are probably upset that I would do this to a book but believe me it due to all the usage this book is getting and will continue to get it has been great. If I could have laminated each page I would have loved to do that also. Some gals in the Cookie A KAL group have even had the cover laminated.

Oh and my Tupperware has been delivered. This is what I purchased at my party last month. I was able to order these two very large tumblers for attending a party (mine).

This mini pickle keeper was $10 and half of it went to a charity. I am trying it out as a feta cheese holder.

I meant to get these way back many years ago when I sold Tupperware but never did so I bought then using what FREE money I earned. The photo was of them in blues and greens. When I looked in my bag and saw these, Oh my Gag Me ORANGE. The color was a BIG disappointment.

I purchased the peeler as my half price item. It is extremely expensive for a peeler BUT it peels an orange and leaves the white pith on the orange giving a nice clean orange rind which is good for cooking and baking. I did check before I bought it. You can also change the angle of the peeler
This is the FREE bowl I received for holding the party.

For all you who read my blog for photos of the princess here she is.

MAGICAL MIRACLE DRUG

WOW it is a magical miracle drug. I can type without any pain now. I saw my plastics doctor who has fixed six locking fingers, both wrists, elbows and removed numerous lumps and bumps due to my disease this past Monday. While I was there I showed him my wrist which he thought was quite swollen. It wasn't the swollen wrist that bothered me as much as the soft lump and the pain when I typed. I could type maybe three lines and I was in just agony. I had three x-rays taken at the hospital after I left his office a few blocks from the his office and filled a prescription for a gel to put on my wrists (the right hurts more than the left which hurts only occasionally). The prescription is for Diclofenac 4%. You can get 1% over the counter without a script. In English, it is called Voltaren. My doctor thought it could be rheumatoid arthritis but he wasn't 100% sure so he requested I have the x-rays taken. If it is he is going to send me to a rheumotoidolgist. I was curious about the soft lump on both the wrists which is larger on the right but he said that can be a sign of rheumotoid arthritis. The gel cost me close to $20.00, $13.00 which was in dispensing fees as they have to make it and it is in a small bill bottle size container with a false bottom and NOT filled to the top so it looks like you get more than you do. I know it is working as NOT having pain for several days this past week I didn't put the gel on for a day and WOW the next day I couldn't type again. I certainly know better now NOT to skip applying it. Live and learn as the saying goes. I only hope that this treatment works and all of a sudden it doesn't stops.

I guess I should wish all the deserving dads out there a HAPPY FATHER"S DAY.

Now to do some bragging of my latest two swap packages I received.

Knitting Goodness

Sometime about two week ago I received my the 5th Ravelry Coffee Chocolate and Yarn Swap Package from Pam in Kansas. She sent it early and I received it very quickly but with all the pain I was having in my wrists all I could do was send a personal thank-you to her at the time. Needless to say she really spoiled me.

I received Ethiopian Sidaimo coffee beans from The Spice Merchant. It smells sooooo good.

From the Spice Merchant Pam also purchased for me Lychee Nut Jasmine flowering tea. Now I need the tea pot for flowering tea. It is clear so you can see the buds when they open into flowers as the tea steeps.

Also, from the Spice Merchant was two packages of tea leaves Hibicus Flower and an Iced Tea Blend. I can't wait to try them.

There was lots of candy in my package also. AND it wasn't melted when I received it. Can you see all the mini Hershey Bars. YUM YUM. I have a few left. There was also chocolate fudge which is almost gone, dark choclate squares and lots and lots of Jelly Bellys. I love Jelly Bellys. I have my favorites BUT the only ones I really don't like and won't eat are the licorice (black) Jelly Bellys.

AND yes there was yarn in my package. Look at this lovely sock yarn. It is sooooo soft. It is Happy by Wendy. I think it is from England and is also made by Patons. The yarn is 75% bamboo and 25% nylon.
I also received some wonderful fluff to spin when I get good at it. I am going to save it until I spin a lot better than I do now or until I have that spinning wheel I want. Look at what this fluff Dawn's Roving from Custer Cottage consists of. It has the neatest PINK feathers in it to spin into the yarn. This is melt in your mouth spinning fluff. The name says it all Flashy Flamingo.
Now check out this PINK Flax (100% linen). My heart stopped when I saw all this PINK yarn and fluff and the colors are so gorgeous too.

I received lots of other goodies. Pam sent me this very adorable knitting case to put my accessories in. You can see how stuffed it is already. I put the white paper in so you see the cute design on the case. That must be a cartoon of Solara and I.
I found this very cute button in the above case. It has a great saying and I have already worn it several times and get quite a few comments when I wear it.

Also, tucked in the knitting case was this adorable sheep stitch marker for my knitting and my sheep collection.
Two mystery books and I haven't read either. I have sent On What Grounds to Swap partners but haven't gotten around to reading it yet. They both are on my reading list now. I am currently reading the latest Joe Grey PI mystery Cat Playing Cupid I was able to take out of the libray and when it is in paperback I will get it to add to my collection. And between the two new mysteries are Lace Knitting cards with lovely patterns. It wasn't on my wish list but after having seen it at the LBS I definitley was contemplating purchasing it eventually. Now I don't. I have already picked out a couple patterns in it I really like. One has beads on it.
These were also tucked in the plastic knitting accessory case. Another tape measure for my collection. I must have about 20 now. Who knew there were so many different tape measures. I haven't lost any in the black hole for a while. There were two yarn bras, two magnetic book marks my favorite kind of book mark (one with a pic of a kitty on it and one with food [cheeses] on it) and a couple of coffee candies.
I have a feeling I may have forgotten something. If so I am very sorry as it probably has been put to use.

You have to agree I was well spoiled by Pam. AND Pam's package is ready to be mailed the end of this week

Thank-you Pam for putting together a wonderul swap package for me.

The second swap package I received was my Ravelry Felted Bag Swap #1. Yes there is going to be another Ravelry Felted Bag Swap. I am glad b/c besides knitting socks and shawls and learning to read charts I enjoy knitting bags and felted bags also. Even thought Jessica was late in sending her package to me it was well worth the wait. The bag she knit and felted for me was stunning. I have shown it about and have received many compliments on it. The roses are so beautiful. So what do you think of my new bag?
Here is the inside which she lined for me. Aren't the PINK handles lovely.

My dear little oops large princess Solara also received treats. She waits for my packages as excited as I do and when they arrive she sits on the box and hopes there is something inside it for her also. Most times there is.

Jessica is from California and she adores Mickey Mouse so I got a stuffed Mickey Mouse and a post card. Guess what I bought myself from Avon today. I hope I like it? The new Minnie Mouse pocket book in red. I can't wait to see it. See I love Mickey and Minnie also.

Is this key chain a blast. Property of Alcatraz Penitentiary. I love it.

AND there was candy for MOI. Delicious milk chocolate with caramel filling squares by Ghirardelli. As you can see there is one special square with almonds. I have eaten that one already and most of the others. I had company when it arrived on Thursday and shared some HA ONE piece of the candy with my friend who was over to have BBQ dinner with me.

Lastly, Jessica sent me some other little goodies. The cutest coin purse shaped like a kitty, a bookmark with my initial "P" on it, a tin of candy, note cards with my initial "P" on the front and really cute sticky notes with a picture of a kitty. I love and use lots of sticky notes when I am knitting and up at my computer.

Thank-you very much Jessica for a great swap package and a beautiful felted bag.

What else has been going on in my life?

I finally finished digging up the sod for this year in my front yard for my garden.

AND put my plants and seeds in.

Here is a close up of the tomato plants.

In the backyard I planted a rhubarb root,

and a PINK smelly rose bush I got as a gift from my friend Shelagh.

This is how big the Lamb's Ear is this year and I only planted a small piece of it last summer which I also received from Shelagh. It is Lamb's Ear on steriods.

Here is my Columbine.

AND here is a close up of the flowers.

These are the Texas Tulips I received as a house warming gift last year.

Here is another great photo of my other Tulips.

AND here is a photo to show how large the leaves have grown.



Now what has the princess been up to while I was working away in my garden. Trying to get back inside the house. She couldn't wait to get outside and as soon as I put the lease on her and put her outside all she did was meow and look at the door going back inside.





When I finally let her inside she stayed in there showing absoulutly no interest in going back outside. In fact, when I would open the door she would go in the other direction further in the house, yet until the door was open she would be sitting in front of it. Silly little girl

I did put up my new unbrella in the little hole in my plastic picnic table but haven't put the mesh around it. I was waiting until I filled the top planter in my backyard with new top soil as once the mesh around the patio table is set up it is quite large and I didn't think the wheel barrow would get in my yard also. AND I am waiting for the on slaugh of mosquitos which will be any day now.
I have been knitting too.

I am still knitting away on my Cookie A Sunshine socks. I may even make a second pair in August. It is really a very easy pattern and easy to memorize. I am just taking my time as I know next month will be a big knit month.



Here is a close up.



What does the princess do while I knit. Sometimes she sits at my feet. YUP you read that correctly. She sits at my feet. Not on my lap and annoy me. Or she sleeps on a pillow. Talk about a life!!!!



It rained on June 11. I don't remember it being a heavy rain or a lot of rain but then maybe it was and I forgot but I managed to take this photo and don't remember any rain before I took it. I was in the car heading to the yearly meeting for my co-op I reside in.

I should also let you know that SP 14 is still open to join up until Monday June 22. I don't know what time it closes but it was extended. So if that interests you by all means join.

I am working on not only finishing up my Ravelry Coffee Chocolate and Yarn Swap #6 which I will be sending Pam. No it isn't a secret swap. I am also finishing up my Ravelry Tea and More June Summer Swap which I plan to also send out the end of this week. In July there will be the July Color Swap for the Ravelry Tea and More group. Also, the Ravelry Color Swap will be having it's 4th swap with partners being given out July 1. It usually is a secret swap. I bet you can't guess what color I will choose (again). AND then there will be another Ravelry Felted Bag Swap but when that will start I don't know.

Click the link for an interesting hat pattern from Materialed Whirled.

http://reeniewhirled.blogspot.com/2009/06/journey-hat-beaded-variation.html.

There is another contest over at Darcy's Knotty Knitter. If you haven't seen the work of Karen Snyders “KaratStix" you certainly need to check it out. What lovely items she sells. I wasn't able to get into her etsy shop but did get into her flicker account and saw lots of very interesting items.

One person will win the socks rule guage keyring and little sock stitch markers. To enter go here http://darcyknottyknitter.blogspot.com/2009/06/karatstix-giveaway.html and follow the instructions to enter. Don't forget to mention I sent you. Then I get another entry in the contest.

Here is a super easy contest to enter http://sawkmonkey.blogspot.com/2009/06/happy-anniversary-to-meeeeeeeeee.html.
All you have to do is leave a comment (with a way to contact you - either email address or Rav id) telling sawkmonkey either your favourite book/author, or favourite music (band, artist, album, whatever!). Both would be fine too! She will pick a winner on Canada Day (July 1). Anyone can enter cuz she is willing to ship anywhere.

Over at http://blog.alpacadirect.com/2009/06/help-name-our-alpaca-contest.html there is a contest to name their newest alpaca. The contest ends June 30 so you still have lots of time to enter. The winner will get a $25 gift card from Alpaca Direct. So go and have fun naming a newbie alpaca.

HAS SPRING SPRUNG?

It is hard to believe it is spring here in Winnipeg. Another day I wasn't able to get to play in the dirt. Today it rained all day (Monday June 8). Yesterday (Sunday June 7) it was cool. Or it has been just downright cold, or windy and then there has been the lack of topsoil available at the complex for about a week when the weather was a bit better.

BUT my tulips sure are looking wonderful. I received the bulbs as a house warming gift last year.



This is the very first tulip that came up which I planted last fall. It opened May 16. All the rest followed soon after.

They were very tall. So tall everyone who has seen them has mentioned their height asking what is in the soil? It is the same place as where my nine foot tomato plant was last summer. Can you see how tall the two stalks are without the pretty flowers?
I have some tulips in the front which look exactly the same as those I planted but I don't remember planting them. There were some bulbs when I moved in but I though I had accidentally taken most of them out. Also, I don't remember there being so many either when I moved in last June.


Here are some I planted in the back.

I have this waiting to get planted when the weather starts to cooperate and I had plans to get some more.

What you see in the above photo to the very left of the plants that are waiting to get planted are these columbine. They are ready to bloom. They were here when I moved in last year. They also look healthier than they did last year.

I still need to find a rhubarb root to plant in a nice space to the left of the columbine.

I have dug up sod in my front yard and will dig up some more to make my veggie garden and am putting that sod in the back where the fence gate is. When they removed the big pine tree last year it left the area muddy with sawed tree bark.
The area behind the gate is getting sod to walk on and the area around it will get plants over a period of time. I did purchase a peony root (PINK) which I plan to plant somewhere on the outside of the gate behind my yard along with some hostas. AND yes that is a new quite large umbrella that fit in the hole in my smallish white plastic table. I also got some netting to go over the umbrella so I can sit inside it and knit without being bitten by mosquitoes.
Here is where I am working on the garden in the front of my yard. I guess every year I will dig up a bit more. This is the start of it. I am not sure what I will do with those rocks I took out of the garden.
Now it looks like this and has been for a while since the weather has been so uncooperative. You can see the area I still plan to dig up. Next year I will dig up more of the length of the front yard for my garden.
Saturday (June 6) I had a Tupperware party and I received these FREE products.

A bag which could have several uses. I could take it to the grocery store with me or I could use it as a knitting bag

I received a smidget, midget, a very small container and two key chains. One key chain I received when I went to my friend's Tupperware Party. She is the reason I had my party, to help her out.
I also received a large bowl but won't get it until my order comes in. What did I order. I used my FREE money to pay for most of the fridge mates set, then took for my half price item the veggie peeler b/c it is great for peeling the rind off the orange for candied orange peel, a wonderful recipe I got from my knitting buddy Anne whose blog is here http://madlyoffinalldirections.blogspot.com/. I also got the mini pickle jar which was $10 with $5.00 going to a charity and I got the two large tumblers with lid and straws which were on special as they were attendance specials.

I mailed my Whoduknit Scavenger Hunt Swap Package on June 2 and is now somewhere in the states. It should be received by the end of the week baring any complications. I am still waiting for my Ravelry Felted Bag Swap Package.

AND today I received another swap package. It was my Whodunkit Scavenger Hunt Package. That made this dreary day better. It was from Barbara.

The package consisted of a scavenger hunt finding things using the the letters in the word MYSTERY using those letters to find the following items:

M = MURDER MYSTERY And it is a book I haven't yet read. YEAH!!

Y = YOUR CHOICE Barbara chose to send me some Cotton Candy scented body lotion, body wash and lip balm.
S = SOMETHING SILLY For this she sent Solara some treats and a toy. What a spoiled feline furchild I have.
T = TASTY TREAT HMMMM Home made granola and some Godiva Chocolate Pearls. YIPEE I have gotten the Godiva Chocolate Pearls for my swap partners but never have gotten myself any.
E = EWE MAKE IT This could be something made for me or something for me to make. Barbara sent something she made me, a potato chip scarf which you can see being modeled in the next two photos by Solara. It is nice to receive one. I have knit several but have always given them away.

Here she is saying Oh Mother not another photo.
R = REGIONAL ITEM This is a tray from where she comes lives. With a BBQ and table outside this will come in handy.
Y = YUMMY YARN Here are two skeins of Boa in a PINK color I received and
three skeins of something called Bird of Paradise another eyelash type yarn.

This swap was a lot of fun. More so since that first scavenger hunt swap I was in never produced package for me.

I should again remind you that SECRET PAL 14 is under way so go and sign up for it. It will run over three months July, August and September. If you are interested go here to sign up http://secretpal.bidwellfamily.net/, log in or create an account and log in, then follow the instructions. The official SP 14 blog is here http://secretpalxiv.blogspot.com/, make sure you read the official rules posted there.

Here is a an easy contest.

June Contest for Knitting Surprise Package
Worldwide June Contest
Leave a comment on the blog to say what you are knitting/stitching and on June the 30th the comments go in a random number generator and a winning number will be picked.
The winner gets a surprise bag full of goodies.

Is anyone interested in winning a sock blocker key chain? Contest ends June 15. If so you can enter to win one by going here http://pattscreationsmadness.blogspot.com/2009/05/sock-blocker-keychain_17.html. Follow the simple rules as I am doing by posting this on your blog and then letting her know you have done so. You can get more entries by doing other things which are listed on her blog.

WOW there is a contest over at The Alpaca Yarn Company ending June 15 here http://alpacayarnco.blogspot.com/2009/05/spring-contest.html. I just received two skeins of this yarn and don't know if I have to time to think of something CREATIVE to knit with it and enter it. AW SHUCKS!!!

WONDERFUL PRESENT

Despite a stressful and just horrible days this past week, it ended on a high note. Yes I have three swaps to report I received BUT I got the most wonderful gift from a knitting buddy at my Tuesday knit night. She is going through some rough and extremely difficult times right now herself and yet she was able to think of me during this time. She gave me her BBQ and yesterday with the help of another Tuesday knit night buddy she brought it over, including all the accessories that go with it: cover, utensils and propane tank. Thank-you thank-you thank-you. I won't mention your name here as you know who you are and I think most at Tuesday knit night also know who you are.

Isn't it a lovely BBQ? Here it is with the cover that came with it.
Here is my BBQ with the cover off and the lid down. See it even has a side burner to cook up those mushrooms and onions on.
This is what it looks like with the lid up.
It came with utensils and
a propane tank.

I just need to clean it up and it will be ready to go.

Yes I received three new swap packages. On May 27 I received my Ravelry Coffee Chocolate and Yarn Swap 5 Package and on May 29 I received both my Ravelry Color Swap Package 3 and my Ravelry Tea and More Tea Swap Package.

Knitting Goodness

Here is my Ravelry Coffee, Chocolate and Yarn Swap 5 package when I lifted the lid of the box.
All my goodies in my Ravelry Coffee Chocolate and Yarn Swap 5 Package.

This yarn looks quite yummy. I have already been on ravelry and found two interesting patterns I can make with it.
I not only received four smaller skeins of this lovely PINK cotton yarn but....
.... one large skein of the same yarn.
This is a coffee swap so here is the coffee I received. It is from a local roaster in her town. Frances says she loves it. I will be grinding beans in a couple of days once I finish what I have ground already.
AND the candies included my favorite Hershey bars with almonds (two packages of six bars which are now gone), Hershey kisses with almonds and chocolate covered coffee beans.

Frances asked me if there was anything I really wanted and besides the Hershey bars I told her I would love a small bottle of Jean Nate After Bath Splash as I was just finishing up what I had left from last year's small bottle I got when a friend went down to the states and picked one up for me. Look at what she sent me? Not only a did I get a LARGE bottle of Jean Nate After Bath Splash but also a LARGE bottle of Jean Nate Body Lotion. AND oh how I love it. I guess this really ages me. I can't find it here where I live and I didn't even know it was made by Revlon. I am sooo happy. This will last for several years.
Frances also made me soaps. They all smell so nice. I am using the orange one on the left now. She didn't say which was which but they are Karma, Lilac Srping and Lavender. They all contain olive, palm,coconut and Castor oils and cocoa and Shea butters. Two are fragrances with essential oils and the Lilac Spring is from a fragrance oil.

Included in my package was a plastic sheep to add to my sheep collection and in the sheep was a treble. AND you can see the PINK plastic container to hold sharp items.
YUP this package made me very happy.

On May 29 the bell rang and it was the postal truck with a package for me. He handed me a box (didn't need a signature) and I casually mentioned that I was expecting two more packages. He told me it could be on another truck. I went back inside but stopped at the window to watch the postman go in his truck and come back out with another package for me. This one needed a signature. I really would have been upset if he only gave me one package and then made me go to the postal outlet to pick the other up. It seems sometimes they only leave a card in the mailbox and don't even bother to ring the bell to see if anyone is home.

The first package was my Ravelry Tea Swap package all the way from Finland. Oh my was it ever so very nice. Check out the outside of the box. Look at those stamps.

Aren't these stamps amazing. I have an Avon customer who is a friend of my friend's late dad who collects them for someone. I will give them to her so she can pass them on.
Most of these stamps have NO cancellations on them.

The box had just tons of stamps.

Once I got all the stamps off and opened the box you can see what I saw.

Some small PINK napkins.

A bar of soap, a key chain and a pin.
Two Finish chocolate bars. I am going to have one now.

Some other candies. The jellies are almost finished now.

Two different teas. The box is bagged and the red bag is loose. I have already been in the bagged tea. YUMMY.

Some stitch markers.

Yes there was even yarn. Sock Yarn!!! Despite this looking like light blues, it is really a periwinkle color which is very difficult to photograph.
AND more Sock Yarn.

AND there were these most wonderful socks knit just for MOI!!! Oh what a happy dance I did. If you look closely at the photograph above of the box of goodies you can see them peeking out.

AND here they are on my feet. They fit so well. I notice the toe is not done how I do them. I kitchner (graph) them but these are finished completely different.

AND here is the package in all it's glory.
AND now my Ravelry Color Swap package. I don't know why the postman didn't bring it to me when he brougth me my Ravelry Tea Swap Package and had to make a second trip to his truck for it.

My partner who sent me my swap package was Betty-Jean who picked up some pressies for my box while she was at the DFW (Dallas Fort Worth) Fiber Fest. Isn't that sweet how she went to the a fiber fest and thought about what she could pick up for me.

This is a very cute tape measure and pen and it has a great saying on it also.
Look at this cute mug with a sheep on it.


Of course, Betty-Jean also sent me some small Hershey Bars, a lavendar sachet, a magnet from where she lives which is on my fridge.

One of the requirements of this swap was to send a hand crafted item to your partner and Betty-Jean knit me this lovely scarf. She also included the left over yarn.
Other items I received included hightligher tape. I knew it came in yellow but NOT blue. Apparently, it does come in PINK but there was none around when it was purchased.
Look at these adorable stitch markers
I also got this small PINK knitting project bag,

these cute short knitting needles (the ends are plain solid PINK- the flash made the ends look the way they do),

small scissors with PINK handles in a black case.

The yarns I got included this most wonderful flat by Cojoined Creations. It is all PINK which will end up as PINK stripes.

Betty-Jean also sent me this bulky skein of Teddy by Novita

and two skeins of this bulky yarn which is 55% alpaca, 15% wool and 30% acrylic. It is more PINK than the photo shows it.

I was so excited when two packages came to me in one day. AND I was very pleased with both packages.

So what have I been doing knitting wise?

I have completed my Kai-Mei socks. They are knit with Dream in Color Smooshy colorway "Luna Zazzle". Once I figured out where the stitch marker went it was a piece of cake. They fit so great.

I also finished the first sock for little Sayon who will be five in August. I used some eyelash I had in my stash for the cuff and then I started knitting it using some PINK Sisu but not liking how it was coming out I ripped it out and purchased some Socka Mexiko to use in it's place. I like it much better now. I only hope it fits as I am pretty well winging it.



I have started knitting my Cookie A Sunshine Sock using some yarn I received in my Harvest Sock Swap a couple years ago. It is 100% alpaca. The pattern is very easy with no explanation or help needed but after finishing the cuffs and set up rows on both socks I started on the leg doing one complete pattern and six rows of the second repeat when I decided it was way way way toooooo wide. I didn't take a photo and just sat at the pond and went swimming. I have decided to use a size 2mm or 0 US needles instead of the size 2.5mm I was using as per the instructions. You start out with 60 stitches increasing to 80. I thought b/c there is a cable I would need to use the larger size needle but, alas, I was wrong. So this is all I have completed.

Oh if my Harvest Sock Swap partner is reading my blog I wanted to try again to finsh the second sock of the first you sent me since I am doing much better at reading charts but don't know where I put the pattern and would appreciate if you could send me another copy. I am sure it is still around but it is a matter of finding it since it isn't where I thought I had put it.

I am still working on my Ulmus shawl and the three others I have started and also my FLS. I will be starting a project for the book the Husband I read a couple months ago shortly. So many projects so little time.

For the life of me I can't figure what Solara is looking for. Can you? I lifted the cushion but there was nothing under it.

She sure has been whinning a lot lately. Her Auntie Shelagh bought her a brush and does she love being brushed. She is so funny when I brush her. She starts kneeding and she purrs.

Here is a very funny video. Oh dear, try NOT to look up. My girlfriend sent this to me a while ago and I found it on you tube so I can share it with you.

ANOTHER TEST IS OVER

I had another test yesterday (Thursday May 14). I had to have a Small Bowel Series AKA Barium Swallow. I was told it could take 3 - 4 hours and it has been known that sometimes a person has to return the next day for further x-rays. I was to check in at 8AM and it was scheduled for 8:30AM. I checked in and at 8:50AM was given that most wonderful pina colda island drink minus the pineapple, coconut and rum AND not only was super sized but I was given TWO glasses to drink. By 9:10AM I finished them both and went for my first x-ray. I had to lie on my stomach and when it was done I got to see the picture taken on the computer of my stomach filled with barium AKA chalk.
Twenty minutes later I went for my second x-ray and now I could see part of my small bowel filled with the barium. Actually, I could see almost all of my small bowel filled with this chalk on the computer screen. AND 10 minutes after this second x-ray I was in the bathroom and it was all coming out. After my trip to the bathroom I had my third and final x-ray which I also got to see. Then it the test was deemed over and I was sent home. It all took less than an hour for me. I guess some are not as lucky. BUT I am still glad it is over. I am also glad it wasn't on Wednesday as it was pouring out and was cold most all day. Now I wait to see what the doctor says and if I need to have another scope with a longer tube. Not having a car I have to take the bus. I get on the bus hoping to at least make it downtown before I need to go potty again and THE BUS BREAKS DOWN!!!!! I did make it downtown without any accidents and then home also without any problems. I think the only problem was having to get up early for the test. I needed a nap when I got back home. OH AND I did knit while I was there. I worked on my Cookie A Kai-Mei socks.

My doctor did say he would like me to have one of those camera capsule tests done where you swallow a capsule with a camera inside and it takes pictures as it goes through your bowel. I don't know if it will be done and if it will be done when as they only do it at one hospital in the city and they only do 30 of them each year. So I will wait and see. He didn't say he was scheduling this small bowel series and the papers just arrived in the mail one day soon after my follow up appt with him.

Now on to lighter and a funny video.

Check out this most adorable video. It is Dagwood a cat playing ping pong.



I have been quite busy.

What have I been knitting?

I finished a pair of footsies for my ravelry Color Swap 3 partner Katie. I called them Tickle My Toes. She put down teals and turquoises as the color she wanted to receive. I used Kroy Sock Yarn for them and put the left over in my Entrelac socks I made for sock #2 of the 2009 International Sock Pentathlon.

Here are the footsies on me. Yes I washed them before I mailed these footsies to my partner.
AND here they are on my partner's feet. Here is a close up of the heel.

Here is a close up of the lace pattern.

I made these once before for a partner in a bottle swap I was in. She never received her bottle of goodies. The other pair of socks I knit in a variegated yarn. These are very easy.

For my felted bag partner Andrea I knit her an Andrea Bag. This is the photo she took as it is better than the one I took.

Here are the pre felting pictures. These first two are of the entire project.


This is a photo of the handles and flowers.
Here is the inside lining of the bag. This was originally a tee shirt. I found it at Mona's (Wolseley Wardrobe), my local consignment and fine yarn shop. The colors were a perfect match and I loved the design of hearts and lips. Unfortunately, the sewing could have been better.
I can't remember if I wrote about the Lily pad I knit. All knitters end up at the frog pond eventually. Well this is in case the water is too cold or you don't feel like going swimming. You can sit on the lily pad while you rip. HA HA. I gave it to Nate in addictedtoknitdishcloth yahoo group as one of his birthday gifts since he is KF (King Frogger)

I also gave him a snake drafter door dodger. He thought it was to stop snakes from sneaking in his house. Nate doesn't like snakes.


For MOI I have completed another pair of socks (#2) for the 2009 International Sock Pentathlon. They are entrelac. I am NOT sure if I like them or not. If I were to like them and knit another pair I would remove one or two more of the squares to make them narrower on the leg. I used Noro Kureyon Sock yarn for the legs and feet and Kroy actual color is called Blazing Blue for the cuffs, heels and toes.

I didn't do anything to match these socks. It was just magic between the correct needle size, pattern and my foot size I guess. I have enough Noro left to knit another just like these two also with perfect matching.

I purchased this wonderful household help at Canadian Tire mid April. I waited until it was on sale. I think now what the heck did I wait for? It is wonderful and I highly recommend it if you don't already have one. I got mine when it was on sale for $69.99 (regular price $99.99). It sure makes mopping floors a breeze. No more buckets of water or sponges to wring and squeeze out. No more waiting for floors to dry. It can also be used to damp mop a carpet.

So my post has been sitting this far. Finally, I am adding this last bit and will publish it and start another and get it done much faster.

I also received a Round Robin seed box. I found some nice seed packets in it and also some glad bulbs. There were just tons of seed packets. We had to replace each TWO packets we took with only one. The glad bulbs was an extra gift for each of us.

Of course, Solara, my princess had to get in the action as soon as I emptied the box.

Here is a photo of her enjoying and checking out the box my seeds came in. It seems the smaller the better.

Before I close I want to let everyone know the Ravelry Starbucks Swap is starting up. When you sign up there will be a place to list who recommended you. Don't forget to mention my name. This is a very small, quick and simple swap only requiring a $10 Starbucks card, skein of yarn, a pattern for the yarn, and some stitch markers. Minimum swap value NOT including postage is $20 - $30. I am a moderator and hostess in this group. If you are a member of ravelry you can find it here http://www.ravelry.com/groups/a-starbucks-and-yarn-swap.

Also, Secret Pal is opening up soon for sign ups. I am a moderator and will be a hostess for this group also. You can find information on it here in ravelry http://www.ravelry.com/groups/secret-pal-14 if you are a member. If not the blog will be up shortly. Information on when the blog will be up should also be on ravelry.

LONG MISSING SWAP PACKAGE POST

I had hoped to get this post done a lonnnnnng time ago but never did and an entire month or more has gone by.

It is time to acknowledge those lovely pressies I received in the mail finally with sincere apologies for not doing so sooner. BUT I did acknowledge the senders after they were received.

AND this part was already written when I never finished it.

YUP I got some more lovely treats in the mail when I returned from my retreat. They were needed since mail was so poor last week. I sure hope it is better this week.
I received my Whoduknit Mystery Yarn Ball Swap Saturday April 4 from Georgi and picked it up on Monday.

What a lovely lovely package it was. It was wrapped in PINK tissue paper with a couple of items separate. All that pretty pink tissue has made Solara very very happy too. I hope to eventually start on my mystery project so I can dig into the ball and see what "ALL" those goodies are.

Here is my package before I unwrapped the tissue.
Here are a couple of photos of the mystery yarn ball with goodies wrapped and hidden inside the yarn.

Here is some sock yarn by Deborah Norville that was NOT wrapped in the mystery yarn. I have never seen this yarn here. It is very very soft. It is 50% merino wool, 25% bamboo and 25% nylon. A good combination and the reason it is soooo soft. I just love the colors!!!

Well I couldn't wait any more and I finally unwound my mystery ball. Here is what I found hidden in my mystery yarn ball including these very small stitch markers in PINK. I need these since I mainly have larger ones. YUP all this was wrapped in that funny looking skein of yarn pictured above including the latest Joe Grey PI mystery in paperback for my collection. I still need to knit up my mystery pattern. Inside my mystery yarn ball I found chocolate, a voltive, a pen, several teas, a book mark, a container of Burt's Bee's, kniffy mints, a row counter, from Knit Picks: DPNs, a tape measure, and sock in progress needle tubes. There was also a guide for measuring needle sizes only it seems it is backward or there is something on it I can't remove so I can only see the backwards side.

This was a wonderful PINK Knit Picks Cotlin yarn contained many mystery items that I had fun unraveling and finding out what was all hidden in the yarn. Even the pattern has NO name and is a mystery until knitted with the skein of PINK Cotlin yarn from Knit Picks.

I also received my Ravelry Coffee Chocolate and Yarn Swap from Dorothy. We were partners in another swap. Boy did she spoil me.

Here is my package from actual upopened box to the revealation of what it contained step by step opening it.

First here is the box as I picked it up. It was hugh!!!!

Then I opened the lid of the box and this is what I saw.

When I removed the packing popcorn this is what became visible.

And then I took the box out and opened the lid of it to see this.

AND then I pulled back the tissue paper to reveal everything was wrapped in PINK tissue.

OH and before I forget here is what the box looks like. Ain't she a beauty? I think I am going to use it hold all my knitted socks. I don't have enough to fill it yet. In fact, it will be a while so it will last a long time as my sock box.

Now you want to know what was in it I am sure.

Dorothy sent me all this.
Those two containers in the bottom right are filled with two of my favorite Jelly Belly's flavors, watermelon and popcorn. Dorothy also sent me Cappuccino Jelly Belly's.
and above the mug is the most adorable little sock project bag. I didn't find out if Dorothy made it. I need to ask her. Hey Dorothy if you are reading this, did you make the bag? I love it and it is PINK!!!!!!
I got these most fabulous little stitch markers Dorothy MADE for MOI and they were in ....

.... this cute little container.

In the box was another Mary Englebreit item, this magnet which is now on my fridge. What a great saying.

I also received a couple of small stitch markers made by Clover that I never saw before. I wish they were sold around where I live. I love the little plastic piece you put on your needle too as it won't catch on fine yarns.

Here is that fabulous yarn I received. This yarn was dyed by a friend of Dorothy and she wrote she made several pair of socks using it. I am going to use it for a pair of Cookie A socks from her new book Sock Inovation in the Cookie A KAL but not this month. This month I can use yarn with more colors and patterning in it.

I also received this SWTC yarn called Gianna. It is 50% Soysilk and 50% Wool,

a skein of Paton's Classic Merino,

a Starbucks mug filled with little chocolates and

Kitty treats for Solara. Solara thanks you Dorothy. They are already gone.

This is a coffee and chocolate swap so here is the wonderful tasting coffee I received. I have used half of it only as I had to get a new grinder. I don't think mine has been grinding the beans that great anymore which is a waste of coffee. Then after I got the new grinder I thought I may have paid too much so I had to wait until I could check to make sure I got the best deal. More on my NEW coffee grinder in my next post. In the meantime I have been using some delicious tasting Tim Horton's already ground coffee. Tim Horton's coffee is nothing to make fun of. It is delicious and makes a great cup of coffee.

Here is the chocolates I received. Or should I say these were the chocolates I received. The one in the purple striped wrapper was the second to be demolished. It was the smoothest most wonderful tasting coffee flavored chocolate. YUM Next I ate the Extra Dark Hershey's with POMERGRANTE. That is something new to me and OOH LA LA!!! People around me know I am a very big fan of LINDT round candies so they are gone. The Goodiva chocolate covered cashews were eaten as I opened up everything so that is an empty box in the photo. I live alone and so I share very little. Most goes in my big tummy. If someone is here I do offer. Notice the 'if". All that is left of the chocolates are some of the small ones that were in the cup. I won't even say how fast that Hershey's with nuts went. I think I just inhaled it.

Last BUT not least was a lovely knitting keychain.
Here is a close up of the charm part of the keychain.
Since I now have two of these I am debating if I should try to turn them into earrings or stitch markers????

Now you have to admit that was some wonderful package I received from Dorothy.

Raverly Coffee Chocolate and Yarn Swap #5 is now underway.

Onward to more goodies.This isn't anything with a photo but I have been part of the Ravelry Tea Swap called The Tea Swap and More. The first is the one without photos was the envelope tea swap where we sent each other assorted teas. I have received an awful lot of lovely teas. There are several different swaps in this group.

Next is the Everlasting Traveling Tea Box which is a round robin that goes from one person to another. When you receive it you take out what you want and put in the box an equivelant. The basic rules are:

1. You may take out as much or as little as you wish, but you must replace as much as you take! (ie you take 10 tea bags and a crochet hook, you must put in 10 tea bags and a small item)
2. You will have ONE WEEK from the date you get the box to send it on to the next stop, these travel boxes keep going for a long time but we never want it to stay too long in one place! If you need longer, please let me know ASAP!
3. You must get delivery confirmation when you send the box on to the next stop, this only adds around 75 cents to the cost.
4. You must use a box with the dimensions of 11” x 8-1/2” x 5-1/2”

According to the group site the box has been posted to me and tracking says "Your item was accepted at 1:17 PM on May 4, 2009 in LOUISVILLE, CO 80027". WHOO HOO

Then there is The Secret Traveling Tea Swap which is the same as the above traveling box but you don't who is getting it until the person receives it. The only ones who know is the co-ordinator and the person who just received it and is mailing it out.

AND, of course, there is The Local Swap #1 which is a basic tea package swap. Mine package went out to Belgium and has been received. The one I am receiving has been mailed from Finland and I hope to receive it the end of next week.

This ravelry group has many other swaps to join if interested. I haven't joined any others yet.

I also received lovely hand dyed yarn from Joy in the whoduknit group. I wish I was able to dye yarn as nice.

Here are the yarns received.

Joy included in her yarn package these goodies.

Nadine in my Wednesday and occassional Tuesday evening knitting group gave me this most darling miniature kitty in a shoe as a belated house warming gift. Nadine is known for her miniature knitting.

There was a sale at Mona's in April and I just couldn't resist. Here are my purchases.

Two skeins of Fiddlesticks Zephyr Wool Silk Lace weight yarn to add to my lace weight yarn collection. The color is Cassis aka PINK.

A skein of Dream in Color Smooshy color is Luna Razzle and

a skein of Arequipa in plums and purples and a bit of periwinkle.

So it is now Tuesday evening and I have returned from my Tuesday knitting group. I needed to decide which yarn to use for my Cookie A socks KAL. I brought with me the Aequipa, Dream in Color Smooshy, the two skeins from Joy and a skein I purchased at the retreat. The decision was to use the Dream in Color Smooshy. So it is now in two cakes ready to go. More on it in my next post.

WINTER WOOLY WEEKEND RETREAT

Oh my did I ever have sooooo much fun last weekend. It was just the best time I have had in a very long time. Just imagine a weekend of endless knitting, yarn petting, being around friends, having wonderful meals served, and not having to cook the meals and clean up after, no phones to answer, no Avon to worry about and no deadlines with a list of must get done chores/items. Yes it has taken me a weekend to get this written. Sorry about that. BUT coming back and resettling in, it is that Avon you know, and the winter storm with heavy duty shoveling I cheated doing; time just passed by. I did, however, upload my photos and now I can report on the great time I had.

I was picked up on Friday around dinner time. Solara and I waited patiently for Deb to come and get me.
The retreat was held at Delta Marsh a little more than an hour from my home. Here is where you can find some information about Delta Marsh http://www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/science/delta_marsh/index.html

If you click here Facilities you will get a drawing of the area and different buildings. My room was in the Mallard Lodge.

Wikipedia has this to day about Delta Marsh http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_Marsh and you can find lots more information when you "google" Delta Marsh.

When we arrived we checked in which took place in the dining room and we signed our rights away meaning we were granting permission to take photos of us and post them. OH help me please!!!!! HEE HEE We had to give our next of kin. Was that in case we were killed by DPNs or a pointy stick or suffocated in a pile of yarn and fluffy rovings? We received a goodie bag and a name tag to fill out and wear. I brought my own name tag. In the goodie bag which was a reusable bag everyone received two skeins of Just Bamboo by Sidar. Mine was a dusty blue BUT Shelagh traded with me as she received a dusty PINK.

I also found a hand knitted dishcloth with a snowflake and the pattern for the dishcloth, pen, pencil, notepad, candy and one of the round rubber doohickeys you use to open jar lids with. I certainly didn't expect to get a goodie bag and such a nice one also.

I shared a room with my friend Shelagh in Mallard Lodge.
Mallard Lodge over looked the lake and a few weeks earlier students were there and built igloos on the ice. Then they slept in them. The colder it is outside when they spend the night the better their bragging rights are. It is very difficult to take photos of igloos being they are white ice on white snow on a frozen lake but I did try.Here are some photos surrounding Mallard Lodge. In these first two you can also see the lake.



In the great room of Mallard Lodge there was a very long table with lots of fiber and yarn to pet and purchase. AND what you could find by digging deep into the bottom of those piles of yarn.
This is at the end of the retreat on Sunday afternoon and you can see how tired Dorian (Mona's son) is. He worked so hard and he played hard also. Now he was going to have to help pack and clean it all up so he too could go home.

Off the main room was a porch where vendors had items for sale. So there really was a lot that could be purchased. Some of the items sold by the vendors included items from these spinners. I met one of the gals (the one in the doorway) when I was on my Alpaca tour this past fall. The mystery yarn I bought from her, I knit into my Dead Before Dark project, the Love Bites Scarf.
Dorian taught a FREE drop spindle course which I initially had planned to take but instead took Tunisian Crochet. I did end up learning to use the drop spindle a bit from the spinners and then at knit night this past Tuesday I was shown how to get started. Here is Dorian using his drop spindle Dorian wasn't the only MALE who attended the retreat. A young high school boy named Bret did also. Here he is concentrating on his Estonia Lace after the class. He joins us most Tuesdays to knit at Mona's and he has become quite an accomplished knitter having knit a hat, mitts and now is working on socks.
There were lots of FREE classes. I took one on Tunisian Crochet and here we are with our great big hooks.

In the end I chose to use a small afghan hook I had with me to work on a scarf using Noro Kureyon. There are two skeins of yarn as it is two sided (both sides are right sides). It is very interesting and when I got home my girlfriend who is a crocheter and NOT a knitter didn't know about it. I got to teach it to her.

Dorian taught a class on knitting a mobieus. I don't have a photo of what I am knitting but I am using the beautiful yarn I received in my first ravelry color swap. I only hope I put on enough stitches.

Another FREE class I took was felting soap. I know how to but since there is always more information to learn I figured I could learn something new and I did. I also think depending on the fluff you use determines how easy it is to felt. This was the easiest soap I have felted so far. It was way tooo much fun

Here is my felted soap.
Another class I took was on Estonia Lace. The cost was all of $10.00. It was taught very professionally with a slide show presentation and a break in the middle to do exercises which I was way too stiff to do.


Here is our teacher Helen on the right teaching Deb on the left the finer points of lace knitting. Deb is also the wonderful gal who picked me up and drove me to the retreat and drove me back home.

I learned I don't have to put big nups in my Estonia Lace. WHOO HOO

We didn't just KNIT and/or CROCHET we also ate. We were fed very well.

These two photos were taken on Saturday morning. We had sausages and French toast, fruit, yogurt, drink mix, coffee and tea.

Sunday morning we had ham and pancakes with two kinds of yogurt, fruit, drink mix, coffee and tea. Lunch on Saturday was home made veggie soup and fresh baked rolls with chicken, egg salad, ham, beets, lettuce and tomatoes, drink mix, coffee and tea. Sunday lunch was home made tomato rice soup, grilled cheese sandwiches and salad with choice of two dressings. Saturday dinner was lasagna, garlic toast and ceasar salad, drink mix, coffee and tea. All meals ended with a dessert from cookies to cobblers and snacks were provided for us in between meals. Meal time was 8A, Noon and 5:30P. On Friday when we arrived there was a ton of snacks to nibble on such as a fruit tray, veggie tray, crackers, dips, cookies, chips, muffins, peanut brittle and I made some rice pudding and magic bar. There was plenty left over to nosh on Saturday evening. There was also lots of wine being imbibed over the weekend. BUT we didn't just KNIT, CROCHET and EAT. You could also book a massage appt. I didn't bring enough cash for that and then I would have needed to find a time slot that wasn't already taken in my very booked schedule.

Mona was shocked when she was presented with a present for all the work she had done. It was given to her by Letty who helped with this wonderful retreat we were given the opportunity to partake in.

Here is Shelagh being silly.
There was a fabulous auction table set up in the great room in Mallard Lodge opposite the yarn table.
This is the end of the retreat on Sunday afternoon while we were waiting for the auction tickets to be drawn. I didn't win anything but I did put a large Avon gift basket in and Mona added some yarn and a candle pack to it.

Here are some participants waiting to see if they had a winnng ticket.

We had 33 people attend and I can pretty much guarentee it will be a sell out for our second retreat this fall called "COLORS". It is being held Friday September 25 - Sunday September 27. I so want to attend again. Now all I need to do is finish up my income taxes and send them in, wait for my refund and purchase my washing machine and then I can save for the next retreat.

While I was at the retreat I met some very fine yarns. AND I take a few of those new friends home with me.

Here is what I purchased at the retreat.

This first yarn is from a Cherry Hill Tree Indie Dyer. This particular yarn is 80% super merino and 20% nylon. It is naturally dyed with botanical and insect based dyes. Then in hand writing this is added to the label: lac, cochineal, osage orange, madder, sandalwood.

Is this NOT absolutely beautiful yarn?



I also found this hat pattern attached to a few different skeins of Fleece Artist yarn.
I checked the table until I found a color yarn I loved and here is what I chose. It is Wooly Silk 3 Ply. It is 65%wool and 35% silk
I found a cup on the table and it had a sign on it that said 50% off. There wasn't much in the cup but on the bottom I found these earrings which I got for $5.00.
At the end of the retreat I ended up also buying a spindle. One day I would like to be able to spin the yarn before I turn into knitted socks. I know that will take me a while. What I have spun so far is still thick, the spindle drops and the fluff into yarn breaks but I am getting better. It is a very slow process. Maybe in six months or even three and who knows maybe next month I will be much improved. AND eventually I want to get a spinning wheel, carders (hand and eventually a drum carder). Maybe the carders will come first due to the cost of a spinning wheel.

I loved being away and gladly would have loved the retreat to last longer but it is always good to get back home.

Solara survived while I was gone. She didn't stop chatting at me until we went to sleep that night.

When I got home Sunday afternoon after putting all my stuff away, I was playing with my spindle and she discovered the small container that was holding some colored fluff and thought it would be a swell place to sit.

She soon left that to play in the rovings. She went to sleep in it. She also loved to pull at it with her teeth and knead it.

When I returned home I found a card from the postman that he tried to deliver a package to me earlier on Sunday but b/c it needed a signature he took it to the postal outlet for me to sign for before I got it.
Then on Monday another package was delivered to me. Talk about exitement.
The rest of the week there was only mail delivered on one day Tuesday. Very strange if you ask me.
Today I received a package from the postman.
That will be in my next post.

PHEW IT'S OVER LET THE FUN BEGIN

Well I am so glad it is over. My test is done for a year. I do know they found some adenomous tissue in my duodenum but until the biopsy comes back that is all I know and that some polyps from my stomach were also removed for testing (apparently I have a stomach full of polyps). I need to call the doctor and remind them to send me a copy of the pathology report when they get it for MY records. AND yes I did wake during the procedure needing more sedation. I am sure that is why I end up with a sore throat. If I could sleep through the procedure I wouldn't be fighting the tube. OH WELL. I know I started off with between 5 & 10 of Versed and 100 of Fentanyl but was given more of the Versed when I awoke. I do know for one procedure I had to be given 14 of Versed before I dropped off to sleep. It is very strange as the nurse injects the medication in the IV and you are talking to her and then it gets hazy and next you know you wake up.

So now I am getting ready to go to my GP for my monthly B12 injection and get a referral to see the plastic surgeon. I have seen him many many times before and have been told "just call for an appt when you need to come in again, you don't need a referral" but all of a sudden they want a referral. So I will get that today also. I need him to check my left middle finger which won't bend and also several (seven) lumps and bumps I have. He has removed numerous lumps and bumps already. Some are sebaceous cysts from my illness and others apparently are lipomas. I have had a few very large lipoma's removed, in addition, to the many smaller ones. I think these are in the small range to middle range and definitely not as large as the one I had in my back. The largest of them is annoying and about 2 - 3 inches above the right ankle protuberance bone. I even was on the ball and called for my mammogram when I didn't get my letter to go for my appt. I remember going in March every other year but last time it was April so that is why I haven't received my letter yet. I now have an appt for April 30. It is part of the screening woman over 50 get in Manitoba. They are done every other year.

While out I will get 4L of milk to make rice pudding to take to the retreat and come home to make not only rice pudding but also magic bar. I have a bottle of red wine I will bring but I do need to get some 7 Up to mix it with. Then I need to put labels on my Avon brochures and pack the orders when it arrives this evening so I can get some deliveries done tomorrow before I leave for the retreat.

HMMMM I guess packing would be a good idea. Now should I have a larger suitcase for two days of clothes and toiletries or my knitting projects????

It is now 1AM and I can finally finish this post.

Rice pudding is made as is the magic cookie bar I am bringing to the retreat. My Avon is packed and ready to be delivered tomorrow. Of course, not all of it as I don't have a car and have to hoof it. Three orders were even picked up this evening. My clothes and blankie are washed just not packed. My toiletries are also packed except for what I need tomorrow (my face cream). I just need to decide on which bag to take. NOT suitcase bag, pocketbook bag. I got two new ones from Avon b/c I couldn't decide. One I can't take if I decide to keep it since it is white but the other is PINK. Or do I take my old black bag. I have chosen what knitting I want to bring too. I am bringing my Salida Socks, the bag for my felted bag partner, my new Clapotis shawl I started in hospital waiting for the procedure using my new "Silver" yarn and my February Lady Sweater. HMMMM do I need to bring more to last until Sunday. Remember it is a woman's perogitive to change her mind. I also am bringing my new Knit Picks ball winder and new swift. AND I am bringing an Avon basket of goodies for the auction table. I put some really nice goodies in it. I just need to pick up clear wrap tomorrow after I finish delivering my Avon. I must remember to take need two birthday packages to mail when I head out tomorrow.

Knitting Goodness

On Tuesday my Knit Picks package finally came. This is what I ordered and received.

First I ordered two books. I have always wanted this book and I finally got it. It has such cute little fruits, vegetables and people you can knit.

AND I also wanted this book. It has some interesting articles and a great dragon pattern. There are a few other nice patterns. It is very expensive if you don't get it from Knit Picks. Not a lot mind you but a few. It s a great coffee table book and there are a lot of lovely photographs. I am like a child I love picture books.

I received my Knit Picks Ball Winder. PHEW I figured with my luck it would be back ordered but my luck as not been too bad recently. It not only has a clamp but it also has a handle. AND for people like me who take a while to figure things out by the handle it has an arrow that says turn this way. LOL Oh I am holding it in my hallway. On the other side of the wall to the left is the kitchen and to the right are the stairs ,going up is behind me and going to the basement is in front of me..

Here is my set of Harmony DPNs. I hope to eventually get a second set as I contiue to knit my socks two at a time but on DPNS. I rather use two of the same brand needles when I can.

This is the magnetic chart holder I ordred. It makes reading the charts much easier than leaning over the TV table. You can't actually see the chart b/c my Salida Sock pattern is on it. Thanks to a knitting buddy Donna I really didn't have trouble with the wandering cables b/c I colored each of the three different cable patterns a different color. That sure made it easier to follow that looking at all the slanted lines and wondering if I did it correctly.

AND I got some yarn. I ordered two more skeins of yellow Palette in Cornmeal just in case someone asks me to knit them a bag of potato chips. Now I have a question about knitting potato chips. One of my friends did ask me what I would charge to knit her a bag of chips. She though it would be fun if she was putting a basket of food together as a gift to include them. She doesn't knit, crochet, spin, dye yarn or do crafts so I can't do an exchange with her. Okay, what is a good price to knit up a bag of chips?

I also ordered and received two skeins of Shimmer which is a baby alpaca and silk blend lace weight yarn. It is light as air and very very soft. The color is Galaxy.
This purchase was possible due to a wonderful gift certificate I received a while ago and have been saving for just the right time.

I would have liked to get the new Cookie A Sock Innovation book but it isn't available until March 31. There were a few other books I would have liked among lots of other items.

AND even though I live in Canada I didn't pay any shipping which was another bonus. I heard there was FREE shipping in Canada in March but that was after I received my treats.

Oh yes how did Solara feel about me receiving such a lovely package. What do you think?
I forgot to show off my NEW rubber boots. I purchased them Saturday at Wal-Mart for $24.99. Being I hoof it a lot and have to deliver Avon and the puddles now and for the next few weeks are large and deep I thought these would do the trick. That is until the bumps on my toes get larger and I need a larger size boot I also got another sheep to add to my ever growing collection on Saturday the day of Solara's "pussy" party. I need a name for her. Isn't she sweet?
She is thick and fluffy.

Now I can show you what I knit for my secret pal BJ and sent in her third package. I knit her a Challah Cover which I found on her ravelry queue. I can't tell you the particulars as the name of the yarns I used until I find the labels which I misplaced.
Here is the back of it. I did it in fair aisle as I found this much easier than doing it in duplicate stitch. I did use duplicate stitch for the two stitches on two letters on the bottom of the row and I was pulling out my hair doing just those four stitches!!!! I also have turned the heel and decreasing the gussets of both Salida socks.
There is definitely a chance that I will get these finished by the end of the month.
Soon it will be time for me to go on my Wooly Winter Fiber and Knitting Retreat. I am going to Delta Marsh about an hour out of the city tomorrow (Friday). I am being picked up between 4P and 5P. I am so very excited and it is because of a generous gift from another knitter who isn't attending as she isn't from here and has left our fine city last week.

I AM SO VERY EXCITED. LET THE FUN BEGIN AND YES I AM SHOUTING from my rooftop. Well I am would be if I could get to my rooftop so I am shouting from my computer. I have signed up for the FREE course in soap felting to learn something new to add to what I know, the FREE course on making a mobieus and also the FREE course on using a drop spindle. I am taking a paid course on Estonia Lace ($10). Yes even though there are NUBs (baby sized bobbles so baby sized tumors) I don't like bobbles because they remind me of tumors. By taking the course I thought I might be able to get more help in chart reading. I don't have to knit those Estonia Lace Shawls that have nubs. There are some without them.

I hope you all have as much fun this weekend as I plan to have.

STRESSING

YUP I can't sleep. I am too busy stressing over later this morning. I know I should be going to bed now since I have to be at the hospital for 10AM but maybe I will be able to in a couple of hours. I am always so overly concerned I won't get enough medication to carry me through the procedure. I seem to wake up during the procedure and they have to remedicate me. I remember it even. Later I do forget b/c of the type of medication they give me.
I also do stress over the results.

I got a package in the mail today not now it would be yesterday. My Knit Picks order arrived. I will post that in my next blog. I am quite excited about what I received.

PRIZES SWAPS AND PURCHASES

WOW What a busy weekend I had. That is why I didn't get to post on my blog.

Saturday afternoon I went thrift shopping at the Sally Anne and Value Village which we call V V Boutique. I found some real good bargains. I purchased some tops, bottoms and in the men's department I found a pink Hoodie. I consider them bargains b/c all the items were in MINT condition. I even got a pair of pants for $4.00 at Wal-mart. Then when I got home I freshened up and went to a social. I rarely go to those any more. I met my girlfriend there and she had a seat saved for me. Where did we sit?????? Right on top of the speakers. Needless to say I was deaf when I left. Sunday afternoon I submitted my Avon order online and went for dinner at my friend Paula's. While there I did a couple loads of laundry. I am still saving for a washing machine.

AND now I am stressing over my scopes on Wednesday.

BUT I want to post my swaps and again thank my wonderful swap partners.

I will start with my Cocoa swap as my partner has been most patient with my tardiness in posting. Her name is Kate.

As you know Kate had already sent me a wonderful package but she went and sent me a second even more wonderful package than the first. I don't think anyone can say they had as wonderful a partner as I did. Check out this second package which seemed bigger than the first one I received. Can you see my blab buddy peeking.
Here is what was in the box.

Yes these were my mugs but they arrived broken so I wrapped them up carefully so when they were taken away no one got cut from them.

Now close up of what was in my package. I received one skein of 12 ply mohair made in New Zealand,

one skein of SWTC Melody a ribbon yarn with 400 yds in the skein,
one skein of CherryTree Hill Bunji Merino in colorway winterberry. There is 910 yds in this eight ounce skein of this ribbon yarn.
AND there were also two skeins of Regia Silk Color sock yarn.
HMMM HMMM Yummy yarns.

I received another set of Denise cords. I am soooooo lucky especially since several of mine have been catching the yarns where the black part joins with the blue cord and then there are a couple cords that don't hold the tips securely anymore which is quite dicey when you are in the midst of knitting and they seperate. Now I need more tips. It is a shame they don't sell tips separately like they sell cords. I have three projects going with the #8US tips right now.
This is what I received as extra cords. I feel so extra specially lucky.

Last but not least is my blah buster buddy. Isn't PINKY sweet.

I received my WEBS prize. It is just like the photo but only nicer. Here is what was in my prize package.

First I received a small bottle of Eucalan no rinse delicate wash, a WEBS tape measure to add to my collection and a tin of Blue Sky Alpaca Hand Balm which says it contains almond oil but when I applied it, it smelled a little like Hemp.
There were two sets of bamboo DPNs.

The cutest little sheep pin.

This wonderful Lantern Moon Bag which is much nice in person than in the photos. I have had many compliments already from people who have seen both the photo and the actual bag. AND it really holds a lot.

Here is the selection of yarn I received. There were two skeins of each a dark brown, light brown, blue (deeper than photo shows) and black. I will put the colors separately on ravelry. These yarns are very very soft.

I recieved a WEBS catalogue and these sock patterns.

I am still in awe that I won such a lovely prize. Looking through the catalogue I found a pattern I like but I also found HIGH LIGHTER TAPE. I have been looking for that and haven't been able to find any.

I also finally received my Roxie Sock Kit. I am going to need a degree in sock knitting to do these. First it is toe up using a Turkish cast on and then the pattern is an entire booklet.

This is the Roxie Sock Kit.

This is the yarn for the socks. It is bamboo.
AND here are the beads. I also received some Jaggerspun Zephyr yarn for the beading as the silk content makes the yarn stronger. The beads consist of silver-lined pink rocaille bead size 10/0 and frosted silver-lined light grey hex beads size 8/0.

I am sure I will enjoy the beading part of these socks. It is the pattern itself. I will be good and read it AGAIN before I start the knitting. I do have a couple of projects before it first.

I have discovered my secret pal has received a notice she can have her last package redelivered or she can pick it up. I am excited to see if she is pleased with what I sent her. So soon you also will see what I sent her.

Solara likes to sit on the bridge table in the dining room next to the wall dividing the dining room and the kitchen and watch what I am doing. Here she is doing that.

Here is the photo not showing her close up.

SOLARA'S PUSSY PARTY

This past Saturday and ghee it almost a week now, my feline furtoddler turned three which I guess in human years means she is an adult cat now. Do I call her a furtoddler or furcat? Anyway, she had a lovely party. She wore a hat. I don't think she was impressed. She did let us put it on her and take pictures. She is a good kitty. Solara had cake. She had a DQ ice-cream cake. Her mommy's favorite. Isn't it a pretty cake?
I wonder what she thinks of it
Oh no you aren't going to drop me into the cake, she is asking.

I am sure she is probably wondering what she is supposed to do now?

She received cards. This lovely Irish folding card was from Helen. Helen made it.
Aren't they adorable. Two cute cards for a cute kitty.

She got lots of toy pressies. A pillow from her lady in waiting Aunite Janice and a real looking mouse from her Auntie Andrea.
Two identical toys. One is from her Auntie Jennet who spent $5.99 for it and the other from her Auntie Shelagh who got it from Dollarama and spent a buck for it.
A dangly toy.

AND she got food. Her Auntie Helen gave her an entire can of sardines. I don't know if she will like it and eat it. She doesn't like salmon and chicken is only sometimes okay. She loves tuna and ham though. I do know kitties that enjoy having sardines.
Look at all the WET food she received. It is given occasionally as a treat. I feed her dry food. She eats Eagle Pack and it is very expensive.

BUT this will be her favorite. She just loves these treats. She asks for them constantly during the day from the moment I get up to the moment I go to bed. AND if I don't give her what she feels is enough she will meow at me until I give her more and she is satisfied.

I guess these two frames are actually for me. Shelagh is going to help me put nice pictures of Solara in them.
Speaking of me, Shelagh even brought me a treat. She was at Ram's and picked up these for me. She tells me that she didn't "break the bank" getting it for me but it is the thought that was so nice and it is PINK, too. Thank-you Shelagh.

This is Madril Kid Seta. It is Kid Mohair and Silk and it is PINK!!!!!
This is Patons Lacette in PINK.

AND of all she received I think this is her favorite until it is destroyed.

AND yes Solara even gave out loot bags to those who came to her party that had fur children at home.

I want to thank everyone who came to her party and helped her celebrate.

Solara exhausted herself at her party and had to sleep most all day Sunday and rest up from all her entertaining and allowing everyone to touch and hold her.

I got another swap package today (Thursday). It was the second part of my cocoa swap and it was amazing. That will be for tomorrow (Friday's post)

KNITTING

I think that is an apapro title for this blog since I am going to write about knitting goodness and knitting on the needles.

I will start with Knitting Goodness

I received my cocoa swap package and was told there is another package on its way. This one didn't have my blah buddy buster and boy could I use it now with the awful cold weather we are once again experiencing. None the less I did receive some wonderful goodies in my first package. Look at it all.

I received the Knitter's Bible. It is a smaller but a complete version of the larger regular size book. Only. this book was part of a kit and came with needles, fun fur yarn, ribbon....... see photo. I was thinking of getting this book eventually.
I also got kitty note cards, a note pad with my initial on it, and a kitty note pad that comes with sticky notes.
This is a bar of French milled soap but I think the poor kitty's ears were frozen in transit to me as that is what a kitty's ears would look like if left outside in this awful cold weather we are having.

OOH OOH OOH candy. I love the little Valentine Hearts with saying on it. As for the cookie. Oh well it is no more. It is just a cute empty tin now.

I received this cute little project bag perfect to hold a pair of socks and two pair of anklets. Check out the design on one of them. It has darling little mugs of cocoa on them. I can't wait for spring so I can wear them. AND best of all they won't be tight on my ankle and make big indents like most socks do except those that are hand knit. Did you also notice the PINKness of these?
I got yarn gorgeous mouth watering yarn. It is Cherry Tree Hill Orenbury Lace yarn. This very small skein has 600+ yds in it. There is a lovely sheen to it when you hold it and see it.

Of course, this being a COCOA SWAP, I received Cocoa. This tin of Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa isn't the kind you add water to either!!! AND I also received two individual packets of mint chocolate my favorite kind.

AND I am getting another package too.

On Monday I received my final SP package. It turns out that my secret pal was my secret pal Emily in a previous swap (a tea swap). Oh and she too was in the Cocoa Swap.

I received two fantastic packages from Emily. If you remember the first had the awesome "Silver" yarn from Dye-Version with the sterling silver in it among other goodies. Oh and I did get a second skein of the "Silver" yarn so I can knit another Clapotis. I even had Mona at my LYS speak with Dye-Version about seeing what she can carry in the shop. So this next package contained more wonderful treat for me which included candy, two little Lindt bars almost eaten now, more incredible yarn. This yarn is the same color as my "Silver" but is called auLait and is made of 50% MILK and 50% cotton. YUP you read that correctly. It is made from MILK.

I also received this lovely scarf kit. It is the Garden Pinwheel Scarf Kit complete with hand dyed 86% kid mohair and 14% nylon yarn, needles from SWTC needles and stitch markers.
Here is the label of the scarf kit. It is from Lakeland NB Canada.
I received a crocheted pot holder.
Here is a close up of the pot holder.

I received a knitted dishcloth too.

Here is a close up of the dishcloth.

Tomorrow I will have photos of the yarn and beads that came with my Roxie socks. Having read the pattern booklet (yes booklet), I think I may need a degree to do these socks. First they are toe up which I haven't learned yet. AND you cast on with a Turkish cast on. There is always something new to learn in knitting. I have read the pattern a couple times and until I am familiar with it I guess it is something I will need to work on when it is quiet.

What am I knitting?

I am working on my Salida Socks. I hope to have a photo of those tomorrow also. I am almost finished with the first 25 rows on both socks, I have just six more rows on sock #2 to do.

I have started a hat for Tatiana called the Frivol. I only have three rows completed but it is a start.

I also have my February Lady Sweater on a Denise cord but that uses the same 8US needle as the Frivol hat does.

Every now and then I do a few rows on my Cavendish Serape Shawl but it too uses an 8US needle.

I really need another set of Denise Circulars!!!!

I have a pair of Flat Feet Socks on the needle also.

I have decided to take the yarn for the bag I am knitting and then will felt for my partner in the ravelry felted bag with me to work on when I to to the retreat a week from Friday. I am considering taking my "Silver" yarn with me if my ball winder from Knit Picks arrives and I am able to turn my skein into a cake. It should be here by the end of next week. In fact, it may even be here by the end of this week.

I also finished a few items but I again I can't say until they are received. One was mailed Monday and should get to its destination by the end of next week. The others haven't been mailed yet.

Remember those potato chips I knitted and felted for Joy? She dyed me the most fabulous yarn in exchange. I got to see it before she mailed it. I am soooo excited. When it arrives I will post photos but you can always go and peek at it on her blog here http://1sexygramma.blogspot.com/.

While visiting Joy's blog I found this.



Do you like to sew? Do you like to sew aprons? If so check out this blog http://angrychicken.typepad.com/tieoneon/. I love to sew and I do so enjoy sewing aprons. My first favorites to sew are totes, bags, children (especially little girls) clothes and to quilt. I haven't done much in sooo long I may have to learn how to sew again!!! Well that is if I can find my sewing machine.

A week from today I have to go and have my two gastroscopes done. One is to check the polyps in my stomach and see if there are any bad ones among them all. Apparently, I have a lot in my stomach. The other with a different scope, called a side viewing scope is to check the head of the pancreas and the ampulla of vater area again for polyps. If any are found they are removed and biopsied. Last year they removed a couple from both areas. One that was removed with the side viewing scope was an adenoma. BUT it is gone and I hope no more have grown in it's place. How I dread this test. Even thought I am given a whole wack of medication, way more than the normal average person gets, I still wake in the middle of the procedure gagging and choking. I am still having them only once a year but the year has come around too soon. It is time again. Since my knitting fiber retreat starts Friday March 2o wishing it to come soon only means I am wishing this test comes quickly also since it is taking place on Wed March 18.

Next week will be another busy one with the test, my Avon that arrives Thursday evening for me to pack and then Friday start delivering it before I leave for the retreat

I try to be disciplined and make my bed daily. I don't always succeed. The other day Solara slept in so I didn't get to make my bed.

I hope tomorrow to get on the blog all about the Princess's "pussy" party.

CONTESTS CONTESTS CONTESTS

Would you like to win this?

1 skein Spica sport weight sock yarn (yellow)100% superwash merino Approx. 110g/4ozApprox. 307m/366ydsRetail value - $18.00

1 skein Starry Night fingering weight sock yarn (blue and yellow)100% superwash merinoApprox. 110g/4ozApprox. 500m/550ydsRetail value - $18.00

Yarn Bowl #412Retail value - $30.00

And 2 Knit Witch pens!!!

Then stop over here http://knitpurlgurl.blogspot.com/2009/03/knit-witch-wicked-fun-giveaway.html and get the scoop on how to enter.

You have until March 23.

Or would you rather win this? I entered to win so why don't you? What do you need to do? Go here http://mommatudes.blogspot.com/2009/03/laurens-lovelies-butterfly-necklace.html and follow the instructions.

This contest also ends March 23.

Here are some more contests you may want to enter.

March is National Craft Month...to celebrate Heather Knits Design is giving away
her DIY magnet tutorial, a c o m p l e t e - t u t o r i a l Do it yourself! This contest end Friday March 13 so hurry over and enter.To enter go here http://heatherknitzdesigns.blogspot.com/

Heather has another wonderful contest which also ends Friday March 13. Hurry and enter to win. http://heatherknitzpatterns.blogspot.com/2009/03/blog-giveaway-pick-pattern.html?showComment=1236193020000

If you love funky yarns you must check out Egg Hunt in honor of spring. You might even win it. BUT first you need to enter the contest over at http://reeniewhirled.blogspot.com/ and write a spring poem. OMG I did a limerick. LOL I am not a poet so it wasn't easy for me.

AND here is another contest http://irisheyesknitters.blogspot.com/

Enter one or enter them all. When I find some new ones I will post them.

Even though Solara is washing her "mouse" shes says please go and enter the contests. I know I know. I should be posting about my cocoa swap package #1 of 2, my secret pal 13 final package, my Roxie socks I found in my mailbox today and Solara's pussy party this past Saturday but I wanted to let you all know about these latest contests especially with two ending on Friday.

A FEW SIGNS YOU MAY BE KNITTING-OBSESSED

I laughed a lot reading this. Laughing is good for the body and soul. Remember it releases endorphins which are good. So try and read them all.

I found them on Knit Purl Gurl blog here http://knitpurlgurl.blogspot.com/

1. You've contemplated naming your children and/or pets any of the following: Knit, Purl, Frog, Rowan, Malabrigo, Cascade, McPhee, Addi, Dolores, Bob, Freckle Girl, Lime, Violet..

2. When hugging your SO, you quickly take a 'hands' measurement of the width of his/her shoulders so you know how wide to make his/her sweater

3. You have more pictures of your FOs than of your children

4. A co-worker sees a picture of your family on your desk and comments, "How adorable." And you say, "Thanks. I knit that sweater with Noro and I just love how it worked up."

5. You judge your friends by whether or not they are 'sock-worthy'

6. When you walk into your LYS, they all know your name (Like Norm from Cheers)

7. Your personalized credit card has a picture of your knitting on it

8. You've friended Franklin Habit, Vickie Howell, Eunny Jang... on Facebook

9. You've also friended them on Twitter

10. AND, of course, you have friended them on ravelry ( I added this one)

11. You're in line at the bank and it's finally your turn. You signal to the bank teller that you'll be with her in a minute once you finish the row

12. Your friends and family have started calling you 'Crazy Yarn Lady' behind your back

13. You know they call you this behind your back and love it!

14. You friends have closets lined with couture and your closet is full of yarn

15. Your friend shows off her latest Kate Spade handbag and you show off your new Namaste bag

16. Your daughter needs to have her hair put up for her ballet recital and you can't find any combs or clips. You put her hair up using DPNs and stress to her that she can't lose them!

17. You belong to how many Ravelry groups (I changed the number)

18. You try to recruit everyone you meet to come over to the dark side

19. You read about it; blog about it; talk about it; and tweet about it

20. You're being treated for knitting elbow

21. Your hubby suggests you buy "something sexy for tonight." You buy a gorgeous silk-cashmere blend yarn and CO right away.

22. You have Knitty Gritty, Knit & Crochet Today, and Knitting Daily on season pass on your TiVo

24. As you're watching movies, you're reverse-engineering all of the knitwear you see on the screen

25. You're in an airport and spot both Brad Pitt and Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. You can only stalk one of them for their autograph. You choose the Harlot because she may be able to help you with your gusset problem.

26. You think there should be PSAs about the dangers of moths

27. You absolutely believe that if world leaders and heads of state would all knit, the world would be a peaceful and better place

28. You think World Wide Knit in Public Day should be a holiday

29. You've started decorating your house with your knitting supplies and yarn because you no longer have any place to stash it.

30. Your hubby turns to you and asks you what 'stash' means. You slap him

Dynasty-style and tell him that if you have to tell him then he obviously doesn't know you at all.

31. You find yourself wanting to fondle complete strangers' sweaters

32. You have 10 knitting Podcasts on your iPod at any given time

33. You feel so badly for your newly sheared sheep that you knit them sweaters

34. You whole-heartedly believe that an Alpaca would make a terrific house pet

35. You research available treatments for second sock syndrome

36. You frequently quote The Yarn Harlot

37. 3/4 of your friends knit

38, You feel as though you've won the lottery when someone comments on your FO in Ravelry and count your fan club daily (I added the last part)

39. You feel like a total rock star if more than 5 people visit your knitting blog in a day

40. You've knit your hubby a wallet-cosy

41. You husband whispers knitting patterns in your ear in place of sweet nothings

42. You think that knitting is a privilege, not a right

43. You're convinced that G-d WANTS you to knit in church/synagogue/mosque

44. You know when your 'knitterversary' is

45. The kids have no clean clothes. There's no food in the pantry. AND you haven't seen the living room floor in a month. But you've finished your sweater!! (And a few little sweaters for the dust bunnies that have taken up residence under your furniture.)

46. You dream about laying in a bed of wool (think 'American Beauty')

47. You haven't bought yarn in a month and your LYS, credit card company, and bank all call to see if you're okay.

48. You knit presents based on how much you like the recipient: Scarf= I tolerate you. Socks = you're a pretty good friend Lace = I trust you with my life

49. Your Christmas wishlist looks like the menu bar of WEBS

50. You've made a blanket out of your gauge swatches

51. You absolutely will NOT pay $80 for a sweater that you can make yourself for $200

52. You get regular manicures.. not for vanity's sake but because your nails are snagging your yarn.

53. Not only do you count sheep at night.. you count skeins

54. Your psychologist keeps saying, "I think you're knitting-obsessed."

55. You're a firm believer that yarn is the universal language

56. You're less interested in who will star in "Friday Night Knitting Club" and more interested in what yarns will be featured.

57. You've knit a sweater for your child's guinea pig

58. You know the entire history of Aran knitting.. American History, not so much

59. You have a bumper sticker that reads, "A skein is a terrible thing to waste."

60. You secretly wish there were knitting soap operas

61. Everytime you see a celeb knitting in a pic OR a movie or commercial depicting someone knitting, you post it on your blog and/or Facebook.

62. While shopping in the produce isle, you wonder if Malabrigo makes sock yarns in all of those colors

63. More people know your Ravelry name than your real name

64. You go out to eat at a Chinese restaurant and procede to rip your napkin into strips and knit with your chop sticks

65. You've switched from paper books to audio books so that reading doesn't impede progress of your socks

66. You have your LYS on speed dial

67. You switch your college major to Bachelor of Fine Arts in hopes you'll get to knit more

68. You find ways to incorporate knitting into your lesson plans (teachers)

69. Your Weight Watchers Leader checks your daily planner to see what might be derailing your weight loss and sees that you've assigned 10 activity points to knitting..

TALK ABOUT HAVING A GOOD DAY

I am just besides myself. I can't believe it. It usually happens to other people but this time it has happened to MOI!!!! I almost fell off my chair when I read the email.

For those of you who read my blog and who check out the links I list, do you remember the webs contest link where you would win this?
Lantern Moon Project Bag with all sorts of goodies:
8 Skeins (2 each of 4 colors) of Huntington Sock Yarn
2 Sets of DPNs
A bottle of Eucalan
A Tape Measure
Hand Balm
A Pin
A Catalog of Sock PatternsA $75 package!!!!

Well guess what? Guess who won it?

YUP I WON IT!!!!! Now that is certainly how to start a day.

Those who know me and those who read my blog know when I moved into my townhouse there was a new gas stove and fridge. My place was completely renovated. ONLY the stove didn't have a grill pan and tray. I have been trying to get one since last June when I moved in. I have been given every excuse you can imagine from people take them when they move out and they are too expensive to replace when previous tenants take them (since the stove was new and no one was living here when the new stove was delivered who would have taken it?) all the way to maybe b/c they stoves were bought in bulk at a reduced rate they didn't include the broiler pan and tray. I tried to explain that would be like providing a fridge without the racks to put the food on or the stove without the burner rings or the trays in the oven. Since this is gas stove to use the broiler under the stove once you pull out the draw you need those missing parts to actually broil. All they gave me was the metal rack to put the pan and tray on. Well I got a phone call today from the office and there is a broiler pan and tray at the office for me now. The office staff called to say she tracked down the supplier and was told something about it was forgotten. I did tell them when I went to pay my housing charges this month they should check up on it not just say they would b/c if the pan and tray came with the oven and I don't have and it they paid for it then they aren't getting what they paid for. Where are all those inspected by numbers when you need them?

AND it keeps getting better. Tonight I went knitting at Mona's. While I was there Tania gave me a beautiful stitch marker. I let her have one of mine this past summer. She chose a butterfly. I was NOT expecting to be given one in return. It was a lovely surpriseDespite having a good day I have been fighting a migraine with the queasy stomach yet. I was feeling not to bad at knitting but once I returned home I could feel it just waiting to start again.

I brought my new swift i purchased from ebay to Mona's tonight for show and tell and tried it out. Here it is winding some lovely alpaca yarn. I can't believe how inexpensive it was.

If you are interested you can check it out on ebay. Scroll down to find a link or just search for swift on ebay.

I have heard that Knit Picks has ball winders on for $20 US, of course, and they have a handle in case you want to hold the ball winder when you use it. You can still clamp it to the table. I had planned to purchase mine from Mona's. I discussed this with Mona as I felt bad not getting it there with my gift cards but she seemed to understand and explained that since she had a shop she needed to carry a few at all times. I found out these new ones she received came with an increase in their cost. I think my eyes spied $50 on the box. BUT I did use up my gift certificates on some yarn I have in my stash in the back of the shop. I don't think you could possible imagine what I chose or what color. I will post pictures tomorrow but a hint.... PINK and SOCK YARN. I probably didn't have to even say that much as you all most likely know my taste by now.

While at Mona's tonight I added to my stash bag in the back of the shop. I picked out yarn for my felted tote bag exchange partner. I have to finish a knitted gift before I start that. I will work on my Salida socks when I finish what I am knitting now until I get the yarn for the bag. Then I will work on both of them.

So tomorrow I will order my ball winder from Knit Picks with a gift certificate I have. I will no doubt use the entire gift card to make it worth ordering. There are a few books I am interested in, magnetic pattern holder, Harmony DPNs and I could go on and on.

While at Mona's I asked more friends to Solara's party. There could be a house full here on Saturday evening but from previous invitations I know everyone doesn't show up. Even if it is crowded I am sure everyone will have fun. Oh and there won't be any red wine.

This evening when I came home from knitting I noticed I received my partner for the ravelry tea swap. She lives in Belgium and the person sending to me lives in England. Soon I will be able to open my own tea shop.

I even got an email card this evening from my SP who says she is sorry for being so late in mailing her packages and feels she is in the dog house. She adds I should be getting a package by Friday. WOW that is only a couple days away. The card is very cute. Even though her first package was very late, it contained that wonderful pink yarn with sterling silver which not only did I fall in love with but several others have also.

Knitting Goodness

Solara received her Ravelry Kitty Valentine Swap package on Sunday and she was in the box in a flash once it was opened.

Look at what she got. This is already missing a feather.

She loved the stuffing. I am going take another photo since this one is a bit blurred and exchange it in the next few days.
Here is what I got. Isn't this a lovely tin?
Look what was in the tin.I got a note pad and pencil and a package of pink ribbon tissues,

some heart shaped candies with cute sayings such as 2 CUTE and HOTTIE,

red, white and pink buttons in a clear container and,

yarn called Sweet Pea from Yarntopia Treasures on ebay. It looks like sherbert to me. I just don't know what the content of the yarn is.
Both Solara and I were very happy with our packages.

I hope I haven't forgotten to post any swap I received. If I have please let me know and I will correct that.

I did take some videos of Solara in the box and playing with her new toys, that is how I know I needed a new flash card for the camera and a thumb drive to store the photos on. I had no more room to take a photo of her with her goodies. BUT I do have a photo of her washing her mouse. I even have a video of her washing her mouse. I will get the video on you tube and on my blog shortly. I have too much of a headache to play with it on window movie maker first.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOLARA

I found this searching the computer for a good photo for Solara's birthday.

Yes Solara's "pussy" party (HEE HEE) is progressing along as best as I can with a megga headache. I started the morning trying out for a Hilltop study BUT I didn't get on the study. After I stopped at Dollarama I purchased loot bags and furchildren treats, party napkins, and a candle for Solara's cake, a big #3.

I also purchased a new camera compact flash card (another 2G) and thumb drive (4g for $14.99 at The Source), labels for my Avon brochures, computer paper and black ink but that is all I managed to get done. When I got home I put my head and eyes to bed.

Tomorrow I will order the bread to make party sandwiches. I love party sandwiches and I think Solara would also. Well actually she would just want the filling. I am sure Solara would rather them all be made of tuna and ham but there isn't going to be any ham. I plan on making cream cheese and cherries, cream cheese and olives, egg salad and tuna. I am going to order four loaves, two white loaves and two brown loaves . Party sandwiches go very quickly.

Do you want to be part of the Rock Star Club? If so follow these instructions.

1) Go to Wikipedia and hit the random link on the left sidebar, under the navigation heading. The first article you get is the name of your band.
2) Go to the website The Quotations Page. The last four or five words of the very last quote on the page is the title of your album.
3) Go to Flicker's Randomizer feature. The third picture, no matter what it is, is your album cover.
4) Use Photoshop or another photo editing software to create your album cover.
5) Post your album cover on your blog, along with this text. Be sure to nominate at least 5 friends (by leaving comments on their blogs with a link to your post), and tag me, by leaving a comment so that I can see what you've created.

Here is what I created. I did the best I could as I am new to playing with photos.

GREEN CONTEST

I hope your day hasn't been like this.
More great photos can be found here http://spynet.ru/photos/17072-ochumelye-ruchki-56-foto.html

Anyway if you are having a day like above go here http://reeniewhirled.blogspot.com/2009/02/february-yarn-giveaway.html
for a chance to win a lovely skein of yarn. It is nice and would make me happy also as I am sooo tired of all the cold and snow. It is spring yarn. I sooo would have loved to win the previous contest yarn. When you see it I am sure you will agree. BUT, alas, I didn't and will try again. I love her yarns and some of the yarns also found here http://www.pluckyfluff.com/yarn.html.

One day I hope to be able to spin yarn and also spin yarn with stuff in it. I not only would need a spinning wheel with a "large" orifice but also a drum carder to be able to card some of the fancies in with the rovings and fluffy stuff so they can be spun together. That would mean two spinning wheels . One can dream

Solara says to say hello but she wants to remain in her felted bed having a nap. I did take a video of her holding her mouse and washing it today.

CONTESTS AND SOLARA

I love to enter contests. Here are some contests I have entered and others can enter also. Oh you should mention where you heard about the contest from. I think you should for all contests.

The first is from Ruby's blog http://greatgranknittingblog.blogspot.com/.

the first 5 people to respond to this post will get something made by me , my choice for you
this offer does have some restrictions and limitations
I make no guarantees that you will like i make
what I create will be just for youwu\ill like
what i make what i create will be just for you
it'll be done in the next 12 months
you have no clue what its going to be;
I reserve the right to do something unusual
The catch?
you have to put this on your blog

Hurry over there are only two comments so far.

AND another contest is

WEBS Contest

Pop on over to http://knitpurlgurl.blogspot.com/2009/02/wonderful-webs-giveway.html and enter to win some fantastic prizes. Thanks to Joy for her post about it on her blog and good luck to everyone entered. Hurry over though cause it ends March 2nd.

There is also a contest here http://gimpykatk.blogspot.com/ but it will end on Feb 28. Sorry I just seemed to find out about it.

Don't forget to blog all about contests on your own blog.

AND on Monday it will be Solara's third birthday. I remember when she was just a kitty.

I will be having a birthday party with cake for her. I am randomly asking friends to come over. We will have appetizers, finger foods and cake to celebrate Saturday March 7 starting at 7PM. If I didn't ask you and you want to come let me know and by all means come by. We will gab, eat, knit/crochet and try to play with Solara. I will again try to get her to wear a birthday hat. Birthday party loot bags will go home with those friends when they leave if the share their home with a furchild.

ROXIE, MORE BIRTHDAY GIFTS AND KNITTING GOODNESS

The Roxie Sock is finally available.

Check it out here.
http://www.tsocktsarina.com/sockkits/roxie.html

I see you have to purchase a kit, you aren't able to just the pattern.

It was the December sock pattern/kit of the 2007 TsockFlock Club.

Do I have enough patience to wait until into March or April to purchase it. I don't think so. HELP I need a program for sock pattern/kits/yarns addiction!!!!

It is now Friday as I finish this blog post and I am so very happy to tell you my ebay purchase of a SWIFT has arrived. It is soooo nice but I don't have a ball winder yet. The order Mona put in hadn't arrived yet when I was there on Tuesday evening. I hope it is there this Tuesday. There is already a waiting list of yarns to turn from skeins to cakes. Once I have my ball winder I will take a photo of Swift with some of my yarn on it I am turning into a cake.

Also, arrived yesterday was the second skein of Silver to knit another Clapotis Shawl. Who knows I may even knit a third. They are quite addictive and I would have started the second one if I had my ball winder. I can't help it I have a bad case of startitis

BUT I did finish one of two birthday gifts for someone I can't name. All I can say is LOLOLOLOLOLO, HEE HEE HEE. AND everyone needs one!! I am ready to start on the second gift. Once I have my ball winder I will be starting on another birthday gift.

Speaking of birthday gifts, I got a few more.

From Charlotte in the addicted to knit dishcloth yahoo group I received a very lovely crocheted shawl,


some soft fluffy yarn from Joanne's called Angel Hair Boucle in a soft baby blue,
a small skein of Bernat Handicrafter dishcloth cotton believe it or not called Denim Blue,

A hugh skein of Bernat Handicraft dishcloth cotton called Sunny Sky,

a tea cozy, and

and Knifty Knitter Loom Clips.
Again a big thank-you Charlotte for such lovely birthday goodies to help me celebrate my big 6-0.

From Nate in the addicted to knit dishcloths group I received the following birthday gifts have yet to post what he sent. I am sorry for taking this long to post photos. So here is what Nate sent me.

Two lovely dishcloths,

a slew of mysteries and

a lot of yarn which included dishcloth cotton (P&C, S&C, Bernat), a skein of DMC cotton and a skein of Cotton Ease.

I did take photos of the yarns individually in case I want to put them on my ravelry stash page one day.

Both Charlotte and Nate have been personally thanked and the receiving of the gifts have been posted on the group.

I love receiving yarns even dishcloth cottons. I am a fiber junky and love touching and looking at it.

I also received other personal birthday gifts.

My girlfriend Laura gave me a $40 gift certificate to The Bay which includes Zellers and a home store. I am thinking of using it for NEW phones since my two last about 40 - 60 minutes only now.

From my friend Elsie I received three house plants and
an absolutely hugh chocolate bar.

Now I need to tell you about house plants and Solara. Solara loves house plants. She loves to eat them. When she was a kitty and we were living in the apartment I had a very very large Aloe plant and a very large African Violet plant. Both were doing extremely well in my bedroom window. Then along came baby kitty Solara. As soon as she got big enough to get up to where they were sitting she started nibbling. She would sit in the African Violet plant and eat the Aloe plant. She killed the African Violet plant after continually sitting in it and ate the ENTIRE very very large Aloe plant with many stalks. So I knew what was going to happen when I received these three newbie house plants which need tender love and care and not nibbling on. As soon as I put them on the coffee table from taking them out of the wrapping I brought them home in, dear dear Solara honed right on them. She was up on the coffee table in a flash faster than the eye could see. AND she started to sniff and then yes to nibble. I told her no in a very firm tone and she just looked at me. So I did what I had done when she was a kitty that didn't work. I went to fridge and got out a spray bottle of cold water. I gave her a big spritz and she looked at me and took off. She came back a short while later. I said no and she just looked at me. Then I pointed to the bottle and she still looked at me. I picked up the bottle and she took off. Well a while later she came back and went to nibble my plants. I looked at her and just pointed to the bottle and she took off. The last time and now the bottle was back in the fridge I just looked at her and went to the fridge and she flew off the table. She hasn't nibbled them since and it has been a week. She does go up on the coffee table as she has a mug with water on it. She even looks at the plants but she doesn't go near them. Now I haven't left them while I have been out of the house but I will when I go for a short outing to see what she does. She seems to like to do what she shouldn't when I am home.

I received some nice birthday gifts from my friend Lori. She gave me this lovely very Martha Stewart looking wreath. Now for sure I can't wait for spring to arrive.
I also got these two lovely pink candle sticks. I also received two white candles but after putting them in the candle holders both Lori and I felt pink candles would look better.

I also received this pretty little paper flower arrangement.

Knitting Goodness

I received my Ravelry Coffee Chocolate and Yarn package from Mary in Ohio. What was in the box excluding the candies.

First the candies. OH MY!!! Mary is certainly helping me with my American Hershey Fix. One Hershey from the tin is missing. Check it all out

BUT that wasn't all the chocolate I got. Here is more. HMM one of the Ghirardelli's has been eaten as has three of the Lindt and three of those yummy candies in the white box.
I received some great PINK beads and a wonderful mug. Brown is the best when paired with PINK.
Here is a close up of the saying on my new coffee mug.

AND this is a coffee swap so here is my coffee. It is Rich Chocolate from Cracker Barrel. Once many years ago when visiting my girlfriend in Florida she took me to a Cracker Barrel. We had some great food and a lot of fun. They had such interesting things you could buy before you left. I also received some Stash Earl Grey Black Tea.
As I unwrapped more packages I found a knitting mystery book (Knit One Kill Two by Maggie Sefton) and a coffee magnetic pad. As you can see even Solara received two pressies (not counting all the tissue paper) from Mary.
Last BUT not least the wonderful yarns I received. Mary sent me TOFUTSIES sock yarn. It has chitlin in it which is fiber from shrimp and crab shells and, thus, is naturally antibacterial. AND check out the color. WHOO HOO!!!

Mary also sent me a second skein of sock yarn from a place called The Unique Sheep. It is 25% Tussah silk and 75% superwash merino. It is also a yummy yarn. Oh how I love swaps. I have gotten such lovely sock yarns I wouldn't other wise get.
The last in the knitting goodness I want to show off is the prize I received for my whoduknit Santa Cruise project (those potato chips).

These were chosen by Jane as I told her to surprise me. She sent me two DPN holders,
assorted stitch markers and

a variety of teas.

The two DPN holders and stitch markers were made by Vigdis which makes them extra special.

I haven't had a chance to read the January book Casting Spells yet. I received it quite late in the month and was reading other books. Thus, having received it late and having not read it yet I didn't do a project for it. I have read the February book which was And There Were None by Agatha Christi. I am now reading Debbie Mccomber's Twenty Wishes. some of the characters are from the Blossom Street knitting books she has written since this is about the bookstore on Blossom Street. In March we will be reading Nevada Barr's book Winter Study which I have from the library and will start as soon as I finish Twenty Wishes in the next day. I haven't decided on a project yet for And There Were None but I have a few ideas.

I will end with a photo of the princess.

OH AND I ordered the ROXIE sock!!!! I can't wait for it to arrive. I wonder how long it will take.

UPDATED, EDITED & SHORTENED VIDEO OF SOLARA

I have finally figured out how to cut out and put together different parts of a video. So if you scroll down to the previous blog post where Solara's original video was you can view a new edited and shorted version. Please tell me what you think. This was my first time editing a video. It has gone from over seven minutes to about 2:05. I was going to see if I could have my friend do it but when I had trouble sending the file of the original seven minutes I decided to try to do it myself. I have deleted the long video from you tube.


There is another blog post underway but I spent over an hour on this and I now have raging headache so I will finish my other blog post later when the headache is gone and I have had some sleep.

Potato Chips

Some of you have seen and even touched my potato chips. Hey I am talking of knitted potato chips not a secret code of any kind. Aren't they interesting. AND they have no calories and lots of fiber!!!!!
Here is a close up. They were knitted for my whoduknit Santa Cruise by the Higgins our December 2008 read project. For exactly why I knit them you will have to read the book. It is very easy, quick and a very fluffy mystery without much heavy duty content or character depth. I knit and mailed out a bag of chips for someone who asked me. I have also knitted a bag of chips which I mailed to Jane for her to put in the whoduknit prize locker in case someone else is hungry for low calorie fiber.

This post up to here was written on Valentines Day and has been sitting in my blog unpublished. I don't know why I do this.

So I will just add some more recently knitted projects and then start another blog entry.

Solara was in the Kitty Valentine Swap. I knit these and stuffed them with catnip for Solara to send to her two partners. They were very easy to do. She tested them and approved of them.

Here is Solara checking out her box of goodies from her partner Moe. She is still waiting to receive another package.In the Cocoa Swap 2 we were required to send our partner a blah buddy buster to help with the winter doldrums. I sent my partner Shirl the Sheep. I also made sure she was warm for the winter including knitting a hat and leggings for her. For the warmer weather which I hope will come very soon I also knit Shirl the Sheep a shawl. More information for all my knitted projects and on this pattern can be found on my ravelry page .


I also was in the ravelry color swap and again we were required to make something for our partner. It didn't have to be knitted. I chose to knit and sew my partner Dante's Purse. The next time I make this bag I will knit it in feltable wool and felt it which will make it firmer able to stand better and have a firmer bottom. It was an easy knitted and sewn item. I knit it larger than the pattern calls for.

I do have another item I have finished knitting for someone BUT until it has been received by my partner I will NOT post a photo here or on my ravelry project page. Those who knit with me have seen it. I am very excited to be able to mail this particular knitted item.

I found these items I knitted and have yet to post so they too are now on my ravelry project page. They were knit several years ago.

This is called Textured Caplet and is a Ram Wools FREE pattern. I have to put on the buttons when I find some that fit with the wonky buttonholesDuring the FUN FUR craze I knit this for myself. I also knit one as a gift in a swap package.

I knit two of these called Carol's Butterfly Collar from the Knit 'N Style June 2004 magazine. This one is black was knit for MOI. A green one was knit for my friend Helene in Florida. It was another easy knit. The red doesn't show as much as this second photos makes it appear to
AND I am still knitting my February Lady Sweater. I have about two or three rows until the third buttonhole. Then the yoke will almost be complete and I will be up to the Gull Lake Lace pattern. I will take a photo when I have completed the yoke.

I have knit 10 rows on one Salida Sock and 25 rows on the second Salida Sock. Once I have 25 rows completed on the second sock I will take another photo.

I will now post this and finish the next one I have started.

AND as I look out my window I see it is snowing out, lots and lots.

SOLARA'S ANTICS AND.......

Solara really enjoys playing in tissue paper. This tissue paper and the floor has been sprinkled with a little catnip for a little more amusement for her. You may even hear her purring. You can give this video a rating on you tube also.



The mess the tissue paper is in was done by Solara after many times playing with it. So Shelagh now you know why she looked like she did and seemed so tired when you came by today.

Knitting Goodness

It has been a long time and I need to post my wonderful swap package I received from Malgosia in England which came last month and I have been very tardy in posting. She has not only been thanked but a personal phone call was made to her. She has been away and should be home today. so it is a good time for for me to post this. First I received three lovely dishcloths.



a menorah dishcloth,

(this dishcloth is actually in blue),
and a butterfly.
I received a Christmas decoration.
There was just a ton of wonderful different teas. AND candies wow. Three large Lindt bars of chocolate: Dark Ginger, Dark Chilli and Dark Madgascar.
Malgosia even sent me Karma solid perfume from LUSH which is great (as I can't find mine anywhere so now I have another). One of this Avon lady's favorite scents.
There was the most interesting cross stitch pattern of the University of Oxford Original Coat of Arms something you just can't get here. It is so nice to receive items you would not otherwise be able to get.
Even Solara my furchild princess wasn't forgotten. She got three toys one being a "mouse" that moves when you pull a string.

What Malagosia did for me was just wonderful. I ordered some yarn from England to knit an Orenburg shawl. I found the shawl pattern in the July issue of Simply Knitting. When I first read about it I just fell in love with the yarn. It is fine goat down and and plied with a strand of spun silk only when I was reading the shipping information on their website it seemed they didn't ship across the pond. Thus, I figured I would knit it with other yarn ONE DAY. I was not as enthused to knit it with a different yarn than the one shown and called for. BUT when I got Malagosia as a partner I asked her if I ordered the two skeins of yarn and had it sent to her would she send it to me in my swap package. She agreed. I was so thrilled. I ordered it to find out they would have sent it to me but I just needed to email them to find out how much it would cost which would have been a lot more than I paid. So here is the yarn and pattern photo which is also on my ravelry project page.
AND here is a close up of the yarn.

Yes the shawl has been started. I have done about 12 rows and am using an Addi Turbo Lace needle size 4.5mm. It has been put aside temporarily due to needing to complete something else with a deadline. In fact I have several knitted items on a deadline. None can be shown as they are for other people and I don't want to give anything away. BUT when they have been received I will post photos on my blog and on ravelry.

In my next blog I will show some more knitting I am or have done. A swap I sent has been received and so I can blog the hand knitted item now. Also, a birthday package received needs to be blogged.

INCREDIBLE GIFT RECEIVED

Tonight I received the most incredible gift you can imagine.

Mona at my LYS consignment shop Wolseley Wardrobe is putting on a Winter Wooly Retreat in March. AND as much a I would love to attend I still don't have a washing machine and the money from my income tax refund along with monies from stuff sold on consignment at Mona's is for the NEW washing machine which is a priority item needed.

When it has been really cold out and Mona is at the shop knitting with us I usually get a ride home from Mona. Tonight after most everyone left and I was gathering up my knitting Mona called me over and said she had something for me. You will never guess what it was. One of the gals at knitting that night paid for me to go to the Winter Wooly retreat in March. I was stunned, shocked and was speechless. For those who know me can understand how that is an almost impossibility for me to be speechless. Then she showed me the paper where it was said it was paid for. Mona said I was to know after she left to go home from our knitting group but I know who she is. There are some really wonderful people in the world.
If you are reading my blog please accept my many thanks for giving me this most wonderful gift.
I was quiet composed at Mona with only a few tears but once I got home into my safe abode there was a flood of them and it is making this a difficult blog to write.

LATER

I want to share with you a very funny video of cats and olive tree wood. YUP not only do cats love catnip and honeysuckle but also olive tree wood that is made into bowls and probably other items.

Pet Hall Of Fame:How To Make Cats Go Crazy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

Yup it is that time again. Only now I have turned the big 6-0. Where oh where has the time gone. I have been told that 60 is the new 40. I don't feel like I am 60 BUT then never having been 60 I am not sure what it is supposed to feel like. All I can say is I never thought I would be 60 and here it is the day I turned 60. So in honor of my birthday.

It seems as if I will celebrate this birthday for a few days. Yesterday I went knitting at Mona's and there was a very large tasty cake for me. I thought a certain someone there was going to take some home for her kiddies but from what I took home it seems like her kids got none, nada, zip, zero. I cut it up and put it in the freezer so I can savor the cake for a while. I love cake, cake and ice-cream, ice-cream cake, strawberry shortcake with ice-cream. Did I say I love cake and ice-cream? Oh and I love cookies and cookies with ice-cream also. AND a big thanks goes to Tania who gave me a container of Diva's Delightful Crisps (Cranberrylicious, Peppy Pecan, Rosemary Raisin and Almond). HMMMM YUMMY. Apparently they are from Cosco and I don't have a membership to Cosco.

Saturday I am going out for a breakfast special. For $3.00 sausage and pancakes, juice and coffee all for $3.00. I wonder if there will also be hash browns like in Dec and Jan but then it wasn't pancakes it was bacon and eggs and ham and eggs. After Genie, Jennet and I are going bargin hunting. We have been invited to a Norwex party but I don't know if we will be in the area at the time of the party since our plans for the day had already been made. Once back to my place we will have appetizers (Jennet is providing) and order dinner. My choice is Chinese food. I mentioned dropping over to my place to a couple other friends and one (Luna) is unable to make it and the other doesn't know. I really would have liked Luna to come over so we could also exchange out "Christmas" gifts and NOT have to wait until July to do it like we always seem to. LOL

I planned on getting myself a ballwinder yesterday as my birthday gift BUT Mona didn't have any. I have my name down for when one arrives and with my $40 is gift certificates (from last year) I have almost enough now so it won't cost much. I am seriously thinking of getting a swift also. I have it mentioned on my raverly about me page and a fellow swapper in the Cocoa Swap contacted me to let me know about the one she purchased from ebay. As much as I would like to get one locally there is quite a difference in price with the one being sold on ebay. Check it out here http://cgi.ebay.ca/Portable-Oak-Yarn-Swift-Winder-Decorative-Base_W0QQitemZ140294071377QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item140294071377&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1215%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

I am just curious if it will slide off the table when it is going round and round and round. I think those would be two very nice birthday pressies to me.

I did shop before I left Mona's but it was for my swaps. I have most everything I need now. I just need to write some notes, seal the boxes and mail them. Solara's two swaps are not quite ready yet. The toys for those two packages need to have the catnip added to them and then they also will be ready to be mailed. More on sending and receiving swaps further down the post.

Today Janice took me out for dinner for my birthday at one of my all time favorite salad restaurants. Not they don't make other great dishes but they sure make a mean salad. An absolutely hugh salad when you order a "large". For my birthday Janice gave me some very nice yarn, four skeins of Crystal Palace cotton chenille.

I can see hat with this yarn. She also gave me the new edition of Vogue Knitting and some "Turtle" candies. After we ate we went knitting at Starbucks in Chapters. It was a small group but a fun time.

Knitting Goodness

Of course, what made today extra special was I received two swap packages.

I finally received a package from my Secret Pal. I should be getting my third package but this was only my first. My secret pal sent me some massaging soap from LUSH, some lip gloss and two skeins of yarn. One is Austermann Step which has ALOE and JOJOBA Oil. This is my first skein of it and I can't wait to try it. I have heard it makes your hands very soft after working with it. BUT that will have to wait a bit as I have two pair of socks on my needles now.
BUT the second skein of yarn is to die for. OMG!!! First thing I noticed was the sparkle in it. How I love glitter and sparkle. Then I read the label of what the yarn is made of. Are you ready? 63% Merino, 20% Silk, 15% Nylon and 2% Sterling Silver. YES you read that correctly this yarn has sterling silver in it. That is what makes the yarn sparkles so nicely. It is by Dye - Version. the color is Tickled PINK and I love the name of the color. The gauge is 6.75 - 9 stitches per inch on a 2 - 3.25mm needles. First I though SOCKS as I always think socks but then I decided a lace shawl would be ever so lovely with the sterling silver glittering in it. Maybe another Clapotis Shawl???? Only I would have to get at least two more skeins since there is only 385 meters in the 100 gram skein. I hope you can see the glittering sterling silver in my yarn. I know my heart stopped when I first saw it and then read there was sterling silver in my new yarn.

Solara certainly liked joining the yarn in the box after everything was unwrapped.
She became very possessive of my new yarn and even decided to check it out herself. We ended up having a tousle over it as she didn't want to give it back to me. BUT not to worry it didn't get damaged.
Then I opened my Raverly Color 2 swap package. I wonder what the color would be. LOL "Like" PINK "Duh" , of course. I did say I liked some other colors but my most favorite color is PINK which I emphasized.

WOW was there ever a ton of PINK goodies in the box. Here goes the list with photos.

First was a PINK teddy bear.
As soon as I put it down to photograph it, Solara decided she needed to check it out and okay it.
It must have passed inspection b/c she then started to kiss it (she was licking my PINK teddy bear as if it was her baby).

Also, in my PINK box was two skeins of this KISS yarn which is a blend of Australian Merino yarns (50%) and acrylic (50%). There is 90 meters (99 yards) in each of the 50 gram balls. Is it every soft. The color is PINK.
Two skeins of Elann Peruvian Baby Lace Merino 50% "baby" alpaca and 50% fine merino. Each 50 gram skein has 550 meters (600 yds) of lace weight yarn. At first I read the yardage incorrectly and thought I would need more but after reading it again I think 1200 yards should be enough for a shawl. I don't think you can ever have too many shawls or too many PINK shawls. LOL Depending on the light sometimes this yarn does look pink and other times a more rusty color. It is called PINK on Elann. Anyway I am happy with it and that is what counts!!
For non yarny goodness in my color package I found the following treats; sticky notes, pink sparkly notebook, to do magnetic note pad and calendar,
teeny tiny shiny pink purse, and
some PINK items for my kitchen including pink sponges, pink smelly garbage bags and small zip lock bags with several different designs of PINK hearts on them. I wish I had a larger kitchen and could decorate it in PINK. I have seen several appliances in PINK. Again Solara wanted to get in the photo b/c she likes PINK also. On the bottom of the box was this lovely book. There is the card that came with my package.

AND there were also some bath items: a PINK shower pouf, PINK tub pillow, PINK bath bomb, PINK toenail accessories, PINK colored hand gel, PINK lip gloss which tingles when it goes on and tastes not bad at all.

Then there was some PINK gardening gloves, three pair of PINK socks, a scarf with a lot of PINK in it.

PINK ribbons, PINK buttons and PINK beads.
Last but NOT least was the handmade item which was a requirement of this swap. My partner knit me a mug rug cozy (already I can see what age is doing to me LOLOLOLOL and a little bag.

So I thank you Rhonda in Florida for your wonderful package. It certainly helped keep that smile on my face today. It also made my Solara happy

I wonder if there are furchildren at Rhonda and my SP's home as Solara sure couldn't keep away from "my" new toys. She was all over them.

She also thanks you for the tissue paper.

AH there is my tail.

Bet you can't find me?

So now what swaps am I currently participating in? Ravelry Color Swap 2, Ravlery Coffee Chocolate and Yarn Swap 3, Cocoa Swap 2, SP 13, and Knitter Coffee Swap 4. I still have packages from the above groups to receive and three others from the birthday club in my addicted to knit dishcloth group. AND Solara signed up for Kitty Valentine Swap 5 but she NOT only signed up it, she decided to take on a second partner when she discovered there was a couple of kitties who didn't get there names in on time. I think swapping maddness is contagious.

Knitters Coffee Swap #4

1. Whole bean or ground?
Whole bean please

2. Fully-loaded or decaf?
Fully Loaded Rich and Bold just NOT bitter

3. Regular or flavored?
Regular or flavored but NOT Irish Cream flavored

4. How do you drink your coffee?
With honey, whitener and even Splenda so I guess you could say sweet. I love it cold and hope one day to get a toddy maker.

5. Favorite coffee ever?
I love most rich and bold roasts

6. Are you fussy about your coffee or will any old bean do?
I can get any old bean here so I like what I can’t find in my city.

7. Favorite treats to have with your coffee?
Biscotti but NO ANISE in it please or any licorice flavoring

8. Anything else about your coffee preferences?
I like mine in a large mug. In a past recent swap I even got a Bodum to make coffee with. HMMMMMMM AND I even received a traveling Bodum in one swap.

9. Yarn/fiber you love?
I love yarns I don’t have such as STR, and indie dyers including some of those found on ravelry (ie Fresh from the Cauldron). I love love love Tilli Thomas yarns and Material Whirled yarns and yarn with stuff in it. Sock weight yarns and lace weight yarns are my favorite too and, of course, I do use lots of wool for felting. I hope one day to get a spinning wheel. I have tried to use a spindle but just can't get the knack of it.

10. Yarn/fiber you hate?
Absolutely hate Phentex and those never wearing out slippers. I can do without acrylic. I have more than I need

11. What's on your needles?
Maybe I should answer with what is NOT on my needles. LOL Socks with Flat Feet yarn, February Lady Sweater with Cascade 220, Lovely Lace Shawl using Fine Goat Down plied with a strand of Spun Silk, will start on Feb 1 a pair of socks in the 2009 Knitters Pentathlon International, MS4 still only have completed clue #1 and some toys and stuffed things. Should I go on with the rest?

12. Favorite colors?
PINK I do like reds, purples, blues and some darker greens, black and white but no orange and yellow (fall colors) or most browns unless the brown is with PINK

13. Allergies?
Wasps. ABHOR black licorice and anything like it (anise and fennel).

14. Other information.
I do not smoke and do not like yarn that smells like cigarettes or cigars . I have a cat and her fur finds its way into everything.

KNITTING PROJECTS #1

I have been busy knitting. Knitting for myself. Yes I have been the recipient of some of my own work which will be in another post. AND knitting for others, a couple for friends, the rest for swap buddies since NOT all my friends fully appreciate the work involved and the love knit or sewn in something I make. A project or two I would do differently next time and I am sure there will be a next time. Unfortunately, I can't show it to you as it goes to a swap partner. So without further ado here are some of my recently completed projects which I am able to show you as NOT to give away those that haven't been mailed yet. These are also on my ravelry project page with the particulars.

Yes I know some of these have already been blogged but I am just putting them all together in one blog now.

For my friend Vickie for the seasonal holiday just passed (I am not sure if she wanted it for Christmas or Hanukkah) I knit her a pair of Fetching in black made of a combinations of merino and possum yarn I received in a swap a couple of years ago. When she saw the ones I made my swap pal she got so excited about them and how it would keep her arthritic wrists warm she was almost drooling. So VOILA for Vickie.
These are the Fetching Vickie saw which she fell in love with. They were knit for my Amazing Autumn Coffee Swap partner. They are made with Rowan RYC Cashsoft Aran yarn.
For my addicted to knit dishcloth Christmas exchange partner in England I made her a pair of Mrs. Beeton wrislets. I knit them to match the sparkly Avon scarf I was sending her. It turned out to be a perfect match. I showed these to my friend Paula who after seeing them pulled our her new coat to show me how a pair for her would match her coat. So Paula got an identical pair. She also has the same sparkly scarf from Avon. These are knit with Araucania Ranco Multy for the ruffle part and with Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool double stranded for the cuff. I went down a needle size also. Both were extremely happy with their Mrs. Beeton wristlets.
While out with my friend Jennet she told me she needed a hat and we looked for one but she didn't see anything she liked. So for her birthday the first week in January I made her the Lisa Hat by Kirsten Kapur. She was very surprised I was able to knit it that quickly for her and was pleased to receive it. She has since told me it stretched some and asked if I had any yarn left so she could tighten it up. I used a sayelle yarn TLC. AND yes I have a fair bit of yarn left over to give her. I have knitted several items for her b/c she appreciates and wears what I knit and give her.

For another swap partner this past fall I knit the Misti Chunky Ribs and Ruffles Scarf by Nancy Kleiber. I used Diamond's Baby Alpaca yarn for this.
Close up of the scarf. It is a free pattern; it is easy and uses only one skein of yarn.
Since this is an old post that should have been completed and posted ages ago I will end it here and begin another with more projects I am working on and my Addicted to Knit Dishcloth swap Christmas package I received.

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

BUT despite it being frickin' freezing out I had to go and drop off Avon brochures this afternoon after all they are dated Friday and the order goes in Sunday. I waited until afternoon as this morning it was -38C and with the windchill-49C which would be about -56F NOT that I was up that early as to go out then or stupid enough to. It has warmed up slightly.
It is now ONLY -27C (-16.6F) and with the windchill -37C
(-34.6F). I was wearing cotton velour pants, long johns, leggings and wind pants on the top of it all. I had my snow goose jacket, hoodie, heavy red scarf which turned white after being out only a short while, gloves (three pair), boots and I could still feel the cold. B/C I was walking it wasn't as bad as if I was standing still. The little bit of my face showing was frozen. It was done within an hour and I came back into the warm house to a whining "Princess" who should only know how cold it out there. My snow goose jacket which is meant for temperatures of -40C is very heavy due to all the down. I would have never believed a jacket could be that heavy. It has a hood with fur (ruined by the cleaners) that when is zipped covers most of my face. I didn't wear my like Sorrel boots as I find it very difficult to walk with them and my jacket on together.

Ah yes Avon. When it is delivered every other Thursday it is like Christmas and I love it. Avon gets me out and I meet people and I love most of the products yet at the same time I sometimes think it is the bane of my existence ("....something that may profoundly annoy us but is certainly bearable" and yet fun?????... "Bane of my existence" is now almost always used in a semi-jocular, "what are you gonna do?" sense. This explanation is from google of what is the origin of "Bane of my existence"). Avon comes way to late when I have a lot of orders to pack, there are too many shortages and repeated shortages, items NO LONGER AVAILABLE, to little time to get the orders delivered, money in the bank to get the next order and new brochures out. BUT give it up I really doubt it. It has become part of my life.

Now what am I going to do since one of the local knitting groups is having a weekend retreat in March. Can I go? Do I want to go? Will I be able to go? I want to go but not sure if I can swing it at about $250. I still need to purchase my washing machine which I am saving for. I am leery with my medical situation and my poor sleeping habits. Then YUP Avon arrives on the Thursday of the retreat. I try to get my deliveries out on Friday and the Monday and Tuesday following. The money has to be in the bank by the Thursday after it arrives unless a Monday is a holiday than all that is changed and the times are shortened and that is because I do it online. If I was dropping off my order and money it would ALL have to be done by the Tuesday after the order arrives). I guess if I could round up the money, not worry about my medical issues and sleeping problems I might be able to get my Avon delivered elsewhere and pick it up after I get home on Sunday. HMMMMMMM!!!!!!

I guess this makes a good segway into those Avon brochures and deliveries. It isn't that I don't have help. I have a supervisor to watch what I do and make sure I do it all correctly. She doesn't actually lift a paw to help just watches checks and supervises.

First the brochures have to be labeled. I print up labels on the computer and then take them to the table downstairs to stick them on all the brochures which by the way I pay for. There are very few freebies from Avon.

Check out the photos to see my supervisor.

Here she is saying, "Come on mom, I am ready to help get these brochures labeled".
"What is it you want me to do now", says Solara, my helper.
I can hear her thinking, "Don't forget you have to do some of the work also, I am not going to do it all".
Once the brochures are labeled it is time to unpack the boxes and sort them. Things in the boxes are all mixed up.



I take out all the cosmetic, toiletries and fragrances and separate them from the "other" items.
I will sort them and put like items together for ease of packing orders but first Solara has to check out the boxes to make sure they are acceptable.

AND once I start sorting the items Solara will come and inspect to make sure I am doing it correctly and everything meets her satisfaction.

When it comes to the packing the smaller make-up and jewelry items Solara assists me by letting me know which I need to get from the assortment on the table to put in the customer's bag.

Yes Solara is a mighty helpful supervisor AND I don't know what I would do with her help.
Now that this blog is ready to post the temperature has warmed up quite a bit. It is -6C which converts to +21.2F. Despite it being warmer and our blood being "thick" due all our cold weather, I don't think it is warm enough to wear shorts while walking the dog. I can't believe my girlfriend Genie said she saw a guy in the complex walking his dog in just a pair of short!!!!

The next blog post will feature what I am knitting now that I am able to show. AND for those who want to get a head start on next Christmas, some photos of ornaments I have made over the past few years.

BACK TO THE BUSINESS OF BLOGGING

Boy I hope writing this blog is easier as the last was difficult. I would write and write and then have to wait for it to appear. It doesn't seem to be doing that now PHEW!!!!!

Knitting Goodness

It is time to acknowledge a couple of swaps I received after Christmas.

I received my third of four packages from Allison in the weluvknitting group on yahoo. The reason it arrived late was despite having the correct numbers of my address they weren't in the correct order so my package sat in the postal office somewhere from Dec 22 to Dec 29. BUT it eventually arrived intact.

She sent me a lovely assortment of goodies.
This is a very cute knitting kit. It has mostly easy simple patterns. I found one for a mouse I would like to knit for Solara and fill with Catnip for her. Her birthday is coming up soon and I could get if finished for her by then. HMMM I may even get her hoodie done by then also.
This is information about where Allison lives. As part of the swap each package is to contain something local. For this package I sent Allison some homemade shortbread. I figured you couldn't get more local than right out of my oven.
Allison made me this little sewing basket ornament.
Here is another ornament I received from Allison.
You can't send a package without candy especially around Christmas holidays.
AND what would a swap package be without yarn. I love love the color. Of course, it is pink. I have purchased some roving so I can make a pair of thrummed mittens with this yarn. First I got some deep blue but on my next visit to Mona's I was able to get some deep rose which looks better. I didn't see it the first time and wasn't sure if I wanted the blue or white which I didn't purchase. I had planned to get white until one of the girls who found the deep rose decided she wasn't going to purchase it and said I could. Actually, the girls are doing a thummed mitten KAL now at Mona's. I made a pair for a friend a couple years ago. I need a pair since I have to hoof it and bus it not having a car and it has been downright frigid outside recently.
All in all this was a very lovely package

Then I received my lovetoknitdishcloths Christmas grab bag from Noreen and funny there was a problem with this package also. It went back to her to be mailed again and she isn't sure why. She thought maybe it wasn't taped enough??? Both of these gals also live in Canada so packages that should have only taken 2 days and 4 days max took a couple of weeks.

Here is all the goodies she sent me.
Here they are individually for clearer viewing. Some Red Heart, Heart and Sole with Aloe sock yarn which I saw at Mona's and wanted. It is even the the same colorway I wanted from Mona's shop.
It is a dishcloth group swap and here is the luscious cotton yarn. You can't get this here and it has to be ordered from the states. The closest we get here is Sugar and Cream but it has to be ordered from Mary Maxim.
Of course, some candy.
A wonderful book that teaches how to knit two socks on two cirs.

Look at these stitch markers. There are 13 of them. I really need to learn how to make them myself.
A close up of the stitch markers.
Yes this was another lovely swap package. Thank-you Allison and Noreen for your generosity and wonderful packages.

AND to think there are two more on the way to me as I type. One is my addictedtoknit dishcloth Christmas swap coming from England. It should be here this week if what Malgosia was told when she mailed it is correct, that it would take only 13 - 14 days. I was told mine to her would only take 6 - 10 days as it was mailed via "air" but took a month. AND in this package is NOT only her swap to me but also some yarn I ordered and had sent to her. So I am doubly excited to get this package. There is also my SP13 #1 package which I haven't gotten yet either. I don't know if it is on the way but I would think so unless instead of three packages I am getting two. We are no longer allowed to send only one very large package. I know my secret pal has received her first package.

The other swaps I am in aren't due to be sent for quite a while yet. One involves a hand made item but I can't put it here in case my pal figures out who I am. This is a secret swap. It is the Ravelry Color Swap 2 and my hand made item is completed. I have ideas how to do it differently if I do it again. I have had lots of compliments on it already the way it is but I am just NOT to sure if I would do it the same way again.

I am also in the Ravelry Coffee, Chocolate and Yarn Swap 3 (not secret)and the Cocoa Swap 2 (secret). There is a handmade item in this one also but it is a blah buddy buster. In other words, a toy to help with the winter blahs. I have an idea but I am not sure if it exactly what is expected. I may have to check with the hostess of the group and see if it is an okay item to make.

What did I knit before, during and over the holidays?
I knit two identical pairs of Mrs. Beeton wristlets. One was for Malgosia in England to match the Avon shawl/scarf I also sent her and one was for Paula's Christmas gift. She has the same Avon shawl/scarf.

I knit a pair of Fetching in Merino and Possum for Vickie.
I knit Lisa Hat for Jennet.

I also knit two dishcloths, one for each of the dishcloth groups I am in that I sent swap packages to. The blue, white and lilac went to Malgosia (addictedtoknitdishcloths) and the red, green and white to Tracy (lovetoknitdishcloths). No I didn't send to Noreen. These are very easy and quick to knit up and look so nice.
What is on my needles now will be another blog post. The photos are still in the camera and need to be uploaded to the computer.

So now it is 2009 and we need a review of last year's news. I hope you enjoy this.



A few photos of Solara for those of you following her antics.

Here she is in a the Christmas box from Noreen.

Now here she is after she discovered that little wax spot. Did you think she wouldn't notice it?
AND here is another interesting video for you cat lovers.

Come back to visit my blog as I will have an interesting post on how Solara helps me with my Avon shortly. It will feature lots of photos of the "Princess".

COCOA SWAP 2 QUESTIONNAIRE

I meant to get this up yesterday and also finish the post in my draft section but I fell asleep very early after this busy week of early morning and long days. I will get the post up shortly so you will have to scroll down past this one to read that post waiting to be finished. I can't do it now as I am going to put this questionnaire here and lie down. I have a raging headache and sore upper back and neck.

My Cocoa Swap 2 Questionnaire

The Yarn…

1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both?
I mainly knit. I do crochet but only granny squares but I did do that Hat of Horns from Anticraft (see my ravelry project page for a photo) for a Hat Swap my partner wanted. I had to have instructions to learn how to crochet the horns. I am not good at shaping so I stick to knitting.

2. What is your favorite one-skein project? What item do you find you knit the most of?
Socks and shawls using one skein, even the odd scarf but you can’t use as many scarves as you can socks or shawls. One can never have too many pair of socks. What I knit the most of is socks, totes and bags, shawls and now I am learning how to read charts but not difficult ones yet, I can soon add lace shawls. I am still learning so the charts still remain fairly simple. I also like to knit toys and whimsies (odd things, food, funny silly things (toilet paper rolls) etc. I do tend to give most of what I knit away though.

3. Do you like using a particular type of needle or hook? (wood, metal, straight, circular) Is there something you’ve been wanting to try, or a particular size you always seem to be short on?
I like my Denise Needles for knitting in the round and as straights. Using round for LONG straights is easier on the hands and arms. Occasionally, I use short straights. I seem to be missing my #10 Denise tips though and would one day like a second set of Denises and more #8 tips. I use them a lot and have to pull them off started projects. Actually the smaller tips are all used a lot and that is why a second set would be great. WOW and now they have PINK Denises. I like wood DPNs around 6” but sometimes when I am knitting something that has only 4 or 6 stitches to start with the 5” DPNs come in very handy even if they snap easily. I find there is less slippage using the wooden ones. I have one set of Knit Picks Harmony in a 2.5mm so I need more of those. One day maybe I can get the set of Harmony DPNs. I do use the metal ones when I need it to slip easier. So one day I may donate my long metal straights but I will need help to do that b/c I seem to hang on to everything as you never know when it will come in handy. I am debating if I want a set of Knit Picks Options, also.

4. What’s on your needles\hook right now? What’s your oldest UFO (unfinished object)?
I just started a hat from a Lousia Harding magazine which I purchased the yarn for early last year some time. I also cast on a pair of socks using my new Flat Feet I got myself for Christmas in the Jane’s Hedgerow Socks pattern By Jane Cochran. I will be casting on shortly for my whoduknit Santa Cruise project and also for my partner’s Blah Buddy Buster. I have two ideas so far. I am only NOT sure is one is the correct idea but I think it would be fun. Also, I picked up yarn to knit my friend the hat she asked me to make her called Frivol (in my ravelry project page). Finger in throat GAG due to all those bobbles (that remind me of tumors) but since she is my friend I will knit it for her but in a color I can handle. AND I still have my cat hoodie on my needles without the tips only I need to figure out how to adjust the pattern for Solara’s size and she is twice or there about what the pattern calls for. I am up to the armholes or should it be paw holes. AND there are a few others WIP.

5. What are your favorite types of yarns? Are you allergic to any yarns, or just hate working with something? Anything type/brand of yarn you’ve been dying to try?
I really don’t like PHENTEX. The kind that knits those never dying slippers. I do use acrylic for some things but rather have very soft superwash wool to knit those same items. Nothing I get goes to waste. If it is something I don’t like I pass it on especially acrylics in ORANGES, YELLOWS, DULL GREENS, BROWNS or autumn colors to a friend who despite NOT liking those colors will crochet them into hats to donate. I don’t give her the wools though (she is allergic to wool) and would find some other use for them. I love soft cashmere and alpaca yarn, sock and lace weight yarns. I also like super soft wool and wool that can be used in felting since I love to felt things. I do use eyelash yarn and have a hugh clear plastic bag of it. I find some people still like eyelash scarves and it is great in bags and as a trim. I LOVE yarns with STUFF in it such as beads, sequins and other things (see Material Whirled) and have the book Intertwined. I love Tillie Thomas yarns. I don’t have any STR (Socks That Rock) sock yarn yet. I love yarns from indie dyers and one of a kind yarns. I also like cottons. I am not allergic to any wools but do not like scratchy wools and can’t wear them.

7. What are your favorite colors? Brights? Pastels? More muted colors? Variegated? Are there that make you want to stab yourself in the eye with your needles?
UGH!!! I don’t care for YELLOWS, ORANGES but a pale coral is okay, BROWN but if it is a deep rich brown mixed with PINK that is a different story. I also don’t care for autumn colors. I do not really have a use for neon colors either. Pastels, dark, light, variegated in PINK, red, purple, blue, are wonderful. Teal is nice and dark green, leaf green but not olive green. I like black and white and even grey. So when it comes to autumn and Halloween swaps I like to stick to black and white (bats, ghost and angels) NOT orange pumpkins LOL

8. What is your favorite knit accessory, your fancy needles? stitch markers? your yarn cutter? What do you have TOO many of? What do you wish you had?
I am NOT sure I have a favorite. I do have a few favorite stitch markers of all I received in swaps. I love my Chibi and gold darning needle with the bent tip. I love tape measures and now have so many I store them in their own plastic bag. Who knew there were so many different tape measures? Not only do I have a white sheep measure but a black sheep too. I can always use more row counters, the clicky click kind and the kind that hang on the neck. I also can always use more stitch markers which I should learn to make since I have all the things needed to so do. I especially need some for size 3.25mm 3.75mm needles. I would love to have a ball winder and swiff also. I also wish I had a spinning wheel. I have wanted one ever since I can remember which is decades now. They are just soooo expensive. I have tried to use a spindle but can't get the knack of it. I did know how to use a spindle at one time but I was in my early 20's then and leaned b/c even then I couldn't afford an actual spinning wheel.

The Chocolate

1. Do you prefer boxed/packets, or something homemade?
I have never had homemade. I love all of it.

2. Marshmallows or whipped cream?
BOTH or EITHER

3. Do you use any ‘add ins’
Just marshmallows

4. Are you a year round cocoa drinker or just in the winter months?
Mainly in the winter but if it is cool inside due to air conditioning than a hot chocolate can hit the spot.

5. Do you like flavored cocoas or are you just a ’straight chocolate’ kind of person?
NO IRISH CREAM! If it flavored I love MINT. HMMM YUM!

6. Do you enjoy cocoa from restaurants or shops like Starbucks? What are some of your favorites?
I loved loved loved the Starbucks new cocoa they came out with earlier this winter with the variety of flavors of cocoa, whipped topping and then the salt. BOY was that good. I also like frozen hot chocolate. Second Cup a local coffee shop used to sell that. It was the same as regular hot cocoa but they then mixed it up with ice and frapped it. It tasted just like hot chocolate but was cold and thick and you drank it with a straw.

7. You’ve just made the perfect cup of cocoa - is it in a thick mug, or a thinner cup? Where would you sit to drink it?
It is a mug and I sit on the couch with the TV on, a book and or knitting.

8. You’re enjoying that perfect cup, what treats will you enjoy with it? Are they sweet or salty? Crunchy? Soft and flaky?
Something not overly rich as the cocoa is rich in itself. NOT that I don’t like cookies and cake and biscotti. Cake and ice-cream are my down fall.

It’s all YOU!

1. Do you have other hobbies like spinning or scrapbooking?
I sew. I like to sew quilts, children’s clothes and bags. I read. I like mysteries. I have a cross stitch project started which maybe one day I will finish. It is the eyes now that I don’t see close up well after my cataract surgery several years ago but boy can I see far away. Before the surgery it was the opposite. At one time I did all kinds of crafts and who knows what the future will bring. I have a small garden area now and I always loved to garden. I can’t wait to get back to it again in my new place. I love my computer. I love cooking and baking and would love to cater and take a culinary course.

2. Do you collect anything?
YES, yarn, fabric, magazines, books (knitting, cooking, baking, and mysteries). I am a textile junkie. I have a few sheep I have been given on my stereo. I also have some cat items, angels, fairies and fancy tassels but they are all still put away since I have no place to display them anymore.

3. What is your favorite part of Winter?
How about knowing it will be over eventually? I love looking at the pretty scenes from my window. It looks like a winter wonderland sometimes. I definitely do not like the cold, the ice and the tons of snow when I am out in it. Sitting in front of a fireplace would also be nice.

4. What sort of scents do you enjoy? Any difference in what you like for your house versus what you like for your body?
My new favorite is Karma from the shop LUSH. I just got a new body cream and have the perfume. I also love Sandalwood from the Body shop and they can put the oil in creams and lotions and make other things with it since it only comes in oil. I like lavender. I can’t put oil on my body. I am an Avon rep.

5. Are you allergic to anything?
WASPS but I doubt I will receive that. I abhor LICORICE the black stuff. I have been told it was an acquired taste. I am lacking the gene to enjoy it so I never acquired the taste for it. I also don’t care for anise or fennel since it has the same flavor or taste as black licorice.

6. Are you on Ravelry? What’s your ID?
I am on ravelry. I am pennala.

7. How would you spend an ideal winter afternoon/day?
Knitting with some nice music on or the TV or with company also knitting and having something nice to drink.

8. What’s your favorite animal?
Cats and kitties, of course.