Happy Mothers Day everyone!

Off to Church this morning, saw my Mother there <Hugz>

Phoned MiL wished her Happy MiL Mothers Day.

Hanging basket of Geraniums for both.

DH and DS took me out to a Dreamers Cafe in Port Hope for lunch and to listen to BiL perform. A duo called “Gingersnaps”. 

Was great, now they are making me a roast for dinner.

WIP Weds: Zonked!

On friday I told you about all the firsts I would be involved in last weekend…

My friend Bonnie and I went into Toronto for the DKC Knit Frolic!

2013 DKC knit frolic – Bonnie and I high on fibre fumes :0)

Lots of people and potential treasures

Some friends from home

The Girls!

 and hi Debbie D! (wish I took your picture too)

Treasures that came home with me :0)

I will highlight my purchases on Friday, so you can get a better look.

 First Communion of my Cousins little girl.

First Birthday of their little boy.

1st Birthday Party

and I actually learned to Crochet a strip of Mile a minute afghan 

Dk weight yarn

well more like a foot in and hour… Cool, my only crochet accomplishment has been granny squares to this point!

Really good video instruction!

Background for this success story: Crochet has never really appealed to me, I had a brush with brain tumors, a few years ago. Stuck in bed with mobility issues, and knitting being a little too much to wrap my head around, my darling mother brought me a crochet hook and a Ball (a round ball) of yarn, and a book… needless to say the book and hook went into beside table drawer and ball is still on vacation with the dust bunnies somewhere! Totally frustrated…who wants to crochet anyway (this was probably a really bad time to start a new skill) DH brought me a spindle and a hand full of fibre, tranquility was restored :0)

and the Scrap Jar for April

Oh and Jack is famous, he’s in the Guardian Uk news 

And after all this I am Zonked!

Current WIP List (13)

I am starting to note how close to done my WIP’s are.

1. Sssydney and friends two more to do
2. Mile a minute afghan 1st crochet project
3. From Dawn Till Dusk shawlette / scarf 45% Done
4. Camellia shawlette - A wedding gift (due May 25) 5%
5. Sea of Dreams Blanket 60%
6. Top Down Swing Pullover – Both sleeves done 80%
7. Beryl Blanket – Long term project  (60 hexs)
8. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project  (17 squares)
9. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost 90%
10. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry 80%
11. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest 60%
12. Cozy Winter Shawl 85%
13. Pine Forest Baby Blanket 75%

FO’s 2013 = 36

WIPS 2013 = 13

Used of 37 purchased patterns from Rav = 8 (29 to go)

Stash Used 2013 = 34

Books 2013 = 14

Thanks again for visiting,

cya Friday :0)

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

FO Friday: Looking forward to a weekend of Firsts!

TGNP (Thank God No Physio) today!

Saturday promises to be a lot of fun.

Bonnie and I are heading into Toronto for the DKC Knitters Frolic!

This is a first, because I have never been on a road trip with my friend Bonnie! I will report on this Wednesday…

First Communion of my Cousins little girl. Here is her gift.

Handmade Catholic Rosary.

First Birthday of her little brother. Here is his gift.

Size 2 for 1st Birthday :0)

and  there will be a large family party on Sunday.

Finished a few friends for Sssydney!

Sssydney’s friends

and an XL Coffee Cup Sweater 

Doing these for the Craft sale in June.

Both Sssydney and XL Coffee Cup Sweater are my freebies on Ravelry.

The usual installment of found on Ravelry: Milly by Vanessa Ewing  would look rather nice over a tank top.

and I came across this rather good Crochet Tutorial for Mile a Minute Afghans. I am going to start linking anything I find that might interest you… Look under Techniques and Video Tutorials :0)

Current Book: Badger’s Moon by Peter Tremayne

The Sister Fidelma stories are set in the middle of the 7th century, mainly in Ireland. She is a Celtic religieuse, a legally recognized lawyer and sometimes Judge. So far I am really enjoying it. There is an interesting and informative introduction which explains the Celtic legal codes of the time.

Current WIP List (12)

I am starting to note how close to done my WIP’s are.

1. Sssydney and friends six done a few more to do
2. From Dawn Till Dusk shawlette / scarf  45% Done
3. Camellia shawlette - A wedding gift (due May 25) 5%
4. Sea of Dreams Blanket 60%
5. Top Down Swing Pullover – Both sleeves done 80%
6. Beryl Blanket – Long term project  (60 hexs)
7. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project  (17 squares)
8. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost 90%
9. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry 80%
10. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest 60%
11. Cozy Winter Shawl 85%
12. Pine Forest Baby Blanket 75%

FO’s 2013 = 30 + 6 = 36

WIPS 2013 = 13

Used of 37 purchased patterns from Rav = 8 (29 to go)

Stash Used 2013 =  33 + 1 = 34

Books 2013 = 12 + 2 = 14

Thanks again for visiting,

cya Friday :0)

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

How to Celebrate Christmas…NOT!

My mother painted this porcelain Nativity set many years ago. I sits on the mantle every Christmas season

I just got over the sniffles, yay!

After of 28 years of marriage, I have spent 21 (now 22yrs) being sick or damaged at Christmas.

I was feeling good, and a little sassy. Nasty cold behind me.

• house clean and tidy, check
• the tree was trimmed, check,
• the food was purchased for the Christmas eve feast, check,
• Dessert purchased for Christmas day Supper, check
• Gifts made and purchased, check
• parcels wrapped, check,
• stocking stuffers stuffed, check.
• Good nights sleep, check

Get up in the morning, shower, dress, looking good, feeling better.

Proceed down the stairs…

Fall down the stairs!

Emergency trip to clinic, wait, wait, wait,

(did I say I had people coming for dinner?)

Trip to Hospital, X-rays, wait, wait, wait, wait

(did I say I had people coming for dinner??)

Emergency dept to see another Doctor, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

(did I say I had people coming for dinner??? panic was setting in!)

Finally Doctor, the place was really busy, and boy did I have pain!

Loads of soft tissue damage to Right shoulder Rotator cuff and Right knee.

Upside nothing broken,

Downside feel like I fell downstairs, and got run over by a bus!

This is what happens when you step around a sleeping Cat!

DH was wonderful, finished up all the little things that needed doing, cooked roast beef dinner with all the trimmings, which was wonderful, and cleaned up.

Then we all went off to midnight Communion at Church. Somehow I felt a little better celebrating Christmas by going to Church. Not my best idea, but this is the part of Christmas that means the most to me, my family all together at church Christmas eve.  The evening was magical, as we left Church the snowflakes were sparkling in the lamp light, dancing in the air. It had begun to snow.

In the morning we had our own little family Christmas, DS, DH, myself and the furry children. Willow and Jack really enjoyed their “Marinated Mice” (toy mice in a container of catnip)

Then packed up parcels and headed over to my families for lunch.

The Tree at Mom and Dad’s

Everyone else arrived for dinner. Lovely visit with everyone!  My brother and his family were sorely missed, as my nephew was not fit to travel from the states after his knee surgery. Maybe next year…

This year everyone received a knitted something, scarves, socks, and washcloths. This was last years New Years resolution! Everyone was very happy with their gifts :0)

DH and DS gave me some lovely knitting related gifts

and some patterns

I intend to knit both of these this year!

and

BiL gave me a knitting book (well $ to purchase one)

received bunch of dvd’s, (Casablanca, Gone with the wind, Singin in the rain, A streetcar named desire, Dr Zhivago, Showboat, Anne get your Gun, Kiss me Kate and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers) the family knows I have a thing for old movies. :0)

MiL gave me a Koboglow, not sure how it works yet.

and a set of new everyday dishes, from Mom and Dad. Our original set is looking a little dog-eared, what is left of it.

Well it is Boxing Day, and the guys dragged me into every Electronic store and I nodded and smiled, about gigs and ram and rpg, then they took me to lunch, so fun was had by all.

I am healing up but still pretty uncomfortable.

I want to thank everyone for making this Christmas a merry one in spite of everything.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

Thanks again for visiting,

cya Next Year

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

FO Friday: Twas the Last post before Christmas

I have to admit I am hopeless about sending Christmas Cards!

So this year I am going virtual.

This will likely be the last post before New Years.

Happy news! MiL is no longer stoned (as my DH pronounced to his mother, always the good and thoughtful son that he is :0)

The ERCP procedure worked a dream, 3rd times the charm. She is free and clear of Gallbladder, stones and all for the first time since last January. Now she can actually enjoy Christmas dinner.                              The best Christmas gift for us all!

I have a sweet treat for you.

Here is a fast and super easy recipe for Mincemeat Squares

an old Christmas favourite from my mother’s family.

2 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs

1 1/2 cups Mincemeat

15 oz can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk

Mix ingredients together, Bake in well-greased 9″x 12″ pan

on 350F for 30 mins. Cool then Cut.

chop candied cherry and decorate top with a small piece.

I finish the Picot edged baby blanket

It was a good fast and practical baby blanket to knit. I recommend this pattern. This basic blanket was lovely and warm on my legs as I knit it and will be a good stroller or car seat blanket. I used 2 balls of Northern Worsted, knitting the first ball expanding to the 1/2 way point and finished the 2nd ball reducing to the end.

During my travels Christmas Shopping, I hit the Dollar Store (a chain of stores in Canada, that has most items in the $1 – $2 dollar range, think up scale five & dime) to get some Christmas wrap and stocking stuffers. I lucked out!

Totally cat proof bags, till they learn to open zippers!          Look all you wanta guys, Wahahaha!

This weeks Christmas audio book: A christmas treat my Dad used to read to my Brother and I.

Twas the Night before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore

More favourite Christmas Carols:

Coventry Carol by  Loreena McKennitt

And Amid the Winters Snow by Kings College Cambridge Choir

For other music links and other Audiobook links

FO’s 2012 =  76 + 1 = 77

Patterns from my own Library = 6 + 1 = 7

WIP’s 2012 = 4 – 1 = 3 (plan to start the year at 0)

Stash used 2012 = 85 + 2 = 87 (stunned by this total!)

Beryl Blanket Hexes = 48

Books = 45 + 1 = 46

All that remains to be said is,

I wish you all a Joyous and Merry Christmas,

and to you and ours a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Thanks again for visiting,

cya Next Year

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

WIP Weds: Poor Jack and Small favours

Good morning all!

Poor Jack is now 9 months old, and is on an overnight visit to the vets to be remodeled. He will return this morning. I always feel guilty about being a good cat parent, but in the long-term everyone is happier. Willow has totally enjoyed his absents as she finds him an awful pest.

The guys sleeping

Working on projects for the next Craft Sale at the Church, December 8. We are still raising money to build a wheelchair ramp into the church hall.

Frill Seeker scarf # 1

Ruffle Scarf

Ok, you’re not seeing things. I swore up and down I would never do one of these things! Well there is an older couple at church and she was very taken with a similar scarf at the church Bazaar. Her husband a very kind man asked me if I knew anyone that would knit her a red one for Christmas… what could I say?

And another for the Craft Sale

Frill seeker Twilight scarf

And another for the Craft Sale

Bernat Twist & Twirl scarf #3

Fabulous Fake Fingerless Mitts

Fabulous Fake fingerless mitts front and back

This pattern was designed by and available at Soper Creek Yarns.

“Bombur’s Travelling Socks”.

Bombur’s Travelling Socks, just about finished

 Toe-up, spiral toe, with after thought spiral heel. Knit 2” to 3” past the waste yarn insertion for the after thought heel. I worked the heel from the other end of the ball of yarn. Then continued to knit the leg to desired length or run out of yarn. Working from a 50gm ball, this assures that there is enough to finish the leg of the sock.

Purchased Picot edged baby blanket pattern from Churchmouse Yarns at Soper Creek Yarns last week.

This weeks Audio book: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, (1 of 14)

FO’s 2012 =  69

Patterns from my own Library = 6

WIP’s 2012 = 2 + 2 = 4

Stash used 2012 =  77

Beryl Blanket Hexes =  48

Books = 40

Thanks again for visiting,

cya next Friday.

WIP Weds and Friday’s at Tami’s

For links to my blogwalk come join me in the blogpond :0)

FO Friday: Contemplation on the “To do list”.

 Mixed martial arts and crafts posed, what I feel is a very important question last week. Refering to a post by The Underground crafter about reconsidering the list of people on your list that are given Handmade gifts. I have given this a lot of thought. With 2 months to Christmas I am reviewing my gift giving.

Over the last few years I have attempted the impossible, a little something for everyone. Looking back, I was spending most of my year working on lovely stuff that some of my loved ones never wear, or value. In examining my feelings on the matter, I have decided this doesn’t hurt my feelings, but it does make me sad. Maybe if these people received only the occasional handmade gift it would hold more meaning.

There are some thickies in my family tree who see this kind of a gift as cheap, handmade equals more junk for the back of the closet or drawer, needless to say these people are the first to go off my list, gift cards I think.

So in attempt to rationalize the list, I am going to trim it down and reconsider the size and amount of time, and money I am investing in this endeavour. After all this is supposed to be for the pleasure of making and giving!

I have decided to give priority to those closest to me. I cannot show the gifts yet as those who will receive them read my blog on occasion.

The still to make for list:

My DH and DS both are very pleased to receive that little parcel of handmade specialness :0) (maybe more than one gift each)

My Mother is a crafter and gets it (medium gift, I already give her handmade on almost every occasion)

My Father tries, but it must be useful and come with a book. (so something small)

My Brother and SIL, I have come to the conclusion the one handmade item between them will work best.

My BiL really appreciated the Handspun hat I made him a few years ago. (occasional gift list)

Maybe list

My MiL doesn’t really want a gift at all and tends to put them in a drawer… (purchase something special)

Niece – Occassional list

Nephew – purchase something special

Bumped off the list

Thickies in my family tree who don’t get it! (this covers a few people)

Ready for the Bazaar tomorrow!

Book of the week: Water Bound by Christine Feehan

Another of the Sea Haven novels that began with the Drake sisters. Rather good read.

This weeks Music: “Bailero” – Sung by Netania Davrath

FO’s 2012 = 59

Patterns from my own Library = 6

WIP’s 2012 = 4

Stash used 2012 =  67 (this FO used left overs)

Beryl Blanket Hexes =  48

Books =  32 + 1 = 33

Thanks again for visiting,

cya next week

WIP Weds and Friday’s at Tami’s

For links to my blogwalk come join me in the blogpond :0)

WIP Weds: OMG! How Bazaar, and Christmas is coming!

Good Morning all! It’s Wednesday yet again. Happy to report that “Harley” my Gio-bike has returned from the shop. So I am motoring around town again.

The weather is becoming cooler here in south central, Ontario, Canada. The Annual Apple festival was on Saturday.

(bet you can’t guess what the farms grow around here :0)

The trees have begun to turn. Autumn is in full swing..

The Annual Church Bazaar is at the end of the month and I am still in christmas present high gear (only 69 days to go).

Sorry, wee bit long today, lots to share!

Progress on my 3 wips:

October Socks:

October socks and current book ”Mr Darcy takes a Wife” by Linda Berdoll – great follow-up to “Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen! (see review further down)

Drop Stitch Scarf:

Drop stitch scarf – truly yummy yarn! Sorry poor pic…

Oaklet Shawl:

Oaklet shawl with beads - about to but in the monofilament safety Line (8lbs fishing line) before starting the lace section of the pattern.

I bought “Nifty Knit Dishcloths” this week.

I plan to knit a facecloth, and gift them with a bar of soap in each stocking this year. Well that’s the plan!

Book this week: Mr Darcy Takes a Wife by Linda Berdoll

Ever wondered what happened after Pride and Prejudice? This is a really delightful read, evidence I am reading it again. Wickham and Lydia continue in their selfish ways. Jane and Bingley are very happy. Mrs Bennet would still try the patience of a saint! Elizabeth and Darcy are very much in love. Realize, Miss Austen probably wouldn’t have continued the book in this way as she was a maiden lady, born in 1775 and died in 1817. This book is a much more contemporary and intimate portrait than would be acceptable at the time. A totally delightful and slightly racy read.

Music: As promised Gregorian Chant. I think this the hymns of St-Hildegarde of Bigen, I hope you like it, it’s very soothing.

Webwalk: “23 weird but awesome knitted things” (think outside the box)

and finally a Willow break :0)

Her Willowness looking quite regal, she was fed up with all the Jack pictures and insisted on a portrait of furry purrrfection :0)

FO’s 2012 = 55

Patterns from my own Library = 5

WIP’s 2012 = 4

Stash used 2012 =  67

Beryl Blanket Hexes =  48

Books =  32

All the Best,

Take Care and cya Friday

WIP Weds and Friday’s at Tami’s

For links to my blogwalk come join me in the blogpond :0)

WIP Weds & FO Friday: I’m Back!

I hope all you Canadians out there had a lovely “Thanksgiving”

I’m back! Well at least on my feet. After some excellent care from the people at Bowmanville Hospital, my Family Doctor and Bowmanville Physiotherapy, I am feeling better than I have in some time. No more wheels! I am still taking it slowly and carefully. My heart felt thanks for all the kind wishes and support from everyone here and on fb.

The upside of being stuck in my chair on and off for 4 weeks,

read 5 books,

and have 3 Christmas presents in production.

October Socks – my design

October Sock with Spiral toe and after thought Spiral heel

for my darling son, who held me while I was weeping in emerg

Drop Stitch Scarf by Christine Vogel

This is part of the Knit along forum for Oct. I think this will be for my BiL

Oaklet Shawl by Megan Goodacre

This is part of the Knit along forum for Oct. I knitted this for the first time in May last year. I’m thinking number 2 will be for someone special. It’s a secret :0)

I have been wiki-walking my way through my favourite music on you-tube. Have you heard of “The Celtic Women“? Here is a concert, really worth a listen! In the middle of the concert there is an aria that is incredible, Lascia ch’io pianga Aria from Handel’s opera “Rinaldo”, performed by Hayley Westenra. Not my usual music. I will start linking something once a week if you like… amazing what you can find :0)

FYI: Watch for the newest promotion at the grocery store!

Get one kitten in your case of bottled water :0)

Jack in the Box (6 months old) and still cuddly!

FO’s 2012 = 55

Patterns from my own Library = 5

WIP’s 2012 = 4

Stash used 2012 =  67

Beryl Blanket Hexes =  48

 Books =  27 + 5 = 32

Take Care and cya Friday

WIP Weds and Friday’s at Tami’s

For links to my blogwalk come join me in the blogpond :0)

Events: Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Wishing you all a terrific Thanksgiving!