ten on tuesday

10 Inventions That Have Made Life Easier

1. Computer
2. Midi keyboard - these for me are coupled together
3. Microwave
4. Cell phone and blue tooth
5. Cordless/speaker phone - pairs with the above as well
6. Self defrosting freezer/self cleaning oven
7. Digital Camera - wish I had a good one again
8. TIVO - not that I have it, but maybe I'd watch my favorite shows if I did
9. tilt-in windows -for the rare times I wash them!
10. weed whacker - no more blisters from the hand trimmer :-)


I'm on the handle of the Squatty Sidekick. I should not knit late at night. I spend more time frogging than knitting.

Today I stopped at the Salvation Army thrift store in Quakertown on my way home from my cousins funeral. I picked up a black sleeveless dress that is 55% linen and 45% rayon for $5. It's really long (which is a good thing) because after I got home and was showing my MIL, I noticed a hole in the back. I'll cut it and make a sleeveless tank and a skirt (or some such thing).

I also got this Cashmere sweater for $3 to frog and recycle the yarn. It's a Laura Ashley ladies size 8 so it would NEVER fit me... even when I was skinny. The side with the buttonholes I won't frog, but perhaps felt and cut to make a baby lovey. The rest I may dye, although I don't find the color obnoxious.. it's kind of a caucasian flesh tone.

The last purchase was a brand new 100% cotton white blouse for $4. I bought a white skirt not too long ago and this will really look nice with it.

There was no yarn nor needles to be had, but I think I fared well.

Off to pick up DD at her friend's house while DH takes DS1 to gymnastics.

las medias

here they are, long awaited and returned, together finally.... and some happy feet as well.

Pattern: George's Socks by PiaCusick
Yarn: Schachenmayr nomotta Regia Stretch
Color: 61 Olive Green
Needle: US2 KnitPicks Harmony sock needles




and lizard ridge block 11 that has been done for a long time now

Mom called yesterday to tell me that my cousin Kim succumbed to ovarian cancer... that C word seems rampant lately, or maybe I'm more sensitized to it. A friend just had a lumpectomy to removed a tumor in her breast this past week as well.

I forgot to mention that I cut my hair. I was under the misconception that locks of love didn't accept dyed hair. Otherwise I may have gone a couple more inches to donate it. Well there's always next year. As you can see there isn't much purple left in it now anyway...it's barely noticeable and when you can see it, it's more blue than purple!

silvia has returned :-)

with a new optical drive and double the RAM. Thanks Greg.... love havin' a geek in the family.

So much to share and where to start?

Last Monday we had a day out with Thomas the Tank Engine We went with another family that are wonderful friends with 2 boys. Everyone had a blast. We took picnic lunches and ate under the shade of the trees by the train museum in Strasburg. There was so much to do that we were all exhausted by day's end.

We stayed over at the Holiday Inn Express next to the Rockvale Outlets. The idea was to go shopping. Aba and I went that night while the men took the kids to the pool, but the next day we didn't hit any stores because DD convinced DH that we HAD to go to Dutch Wonderland which was down the street from the hotel. We had been there 2 years ago and I guess she had a great time. This time DS1 could go on every ride in the park. We stayed until a bit after 3 because DS1 had gymnastics class at 5:30. I went to the school board meeting in the district where I work for some evening entertainment. Honestly, I can't believe the poor ethics of the directors there. But I guess having all my previous knowledge I shouldn't have been too surprised.

Wednesday was a quiet day (we needed to recuperate) DD had gymnastics in the evening.


Thursday was DS1's birthday and we had a kid party at Bounce U. I'm telling you they take care of everything. It's a parent's dream party. The cake was even tasty... we had dominoes pizza, beverages and cake from Weis Markets. He opted for a power ranger cake.


We had workmen at the house all day Thursday and Friday installing AC in the kids rooms. I have to say the 2nd floor is so comfortable now. And the units on the wall are very small and unobtrusive. I'm very happy :-) But that meant that we were out chopping down the rose bushes so they wouldn't eat the poor guys doing all the installation. It's a condensor unit outside that has some copper tubing and wiring that goes into the unit which hangs on the wall. There is a small hole through the side of the house in which all the pipes etc travel. Gives me even more resolve to stay here for quite some time.

Yesterday we had the family party for DS1. It was cookout style. Hamburgers and hotdogs for those meat eaters and veg stuff for us. This was the first year that I didn't make his cake. We got it our our local grocery Wegmans I did, however, make yummy potato salad and a kind of Waldorf salad. I didn't really measure anything but this is somewhat how it goes

Carole's Blue Cheese Waldorf Salad:

• 8 celery cut into 1/2" chunks
  
• 4 granny smith apples cut into 1" chunks
  
• 1 c chopped walnuts
  
• 1 c crumbled blue cheese
  
• 6 T mayonnaise (more or less)
  

Mix together and refrigerate until serving.

Sorry I forgot to take a picture. If I make it again I'll post the picture here with the recipe.

I finished DH's socks. Here's one... I'm hoping he'll model them. A funny story to go along with them. We were singing at a union ceremony on the 14th. We were invited to a rehearsal dinner at which the accompanist would be there as well as some other performers (there wasn't a rehearsal per se) so of course I took along my knitting. And thinking I'd be knitting up a storm, took along the finished sock to have something to measure the 2nd one against. While we were rehearsing with the accompanist (and waiting our turn) I pulled out the sock to knit... unknowingly dropping the completed sock on the floor) We left later that evening and went to our hotel (yes the first night ever away from the kids together) and I noticed I was missing sock #1. So I called the folks and asked them to bring it to the wedding. They did but we all had our thoughts turned elsewhere, so when it came time to leave the reception, they told us that the sock was around somewhere but they didn't exactly know where at that moment because it had been carried around all day. Well I knew DH would see them the next week so I wasn't too worried, but the thought that maybe it decided to walk away by itself did cross my mind. I finished the 2nd sock without it's mate and DH brought it home today to reunite the two. I'll post more details about the pattern with a picture of the couple together.

I started a pair of socks for myself as well. They're going faster than DH's. It's with yarn I bought on ebay. I believe it's a company called ColorMe.


I had a misfortunate occurence today. I broke one of my Lantern Moon needles. It snapped in two... along with it snapped my heart! I only use these to knit on the Lizard Ridge... I guess I'll be making a short needle and a DPN ... I wrote to Lantern Moon to see if by any chance they have a replacement policy... keeping my fingers crossed.

I need to start a Squatty Sidekick for MIL and I need to find something to knit for me for the knitting olympics on ravelry. I had wanted to do the wild stripes for a friend who is due at the end of Sept. Thought it would give me a push... but that doesn't qualify since it's not for me! Oh what to do. Also signed up for the tour de fleece in which I hope to finish spinning the yarn for DH's vest. Maybe I can get that made for him for Christmas!

well nuff said for now... I'm so glad silvia is back. How I missed you!

happy birthday DS1

I can't believe you're 6 years old today. I hope you get everything you wish for!

We're off to Bounce U for the kiddie party. The guys were here all day installing AC in the kids rooms. Quiet beautiful day.

:-(

my puter is still in the shop.... and it looks as though it won't be finished for a while... my nephew needs a smaller torx driver and may have to order it. argh
I did finish the socks for DH... of course I left the first one at the rehearsal dinner on Friday night, so he still only has one sock. Hopefully Jason will remember to give him it on Sunday (if he didn't lose it carrying it around all day last Saturday)

I started a new sock for me last night at the Board meeting... now that was entertainment!

hope to have a real post soon

happy father's day

to you DH, and all the other dads out there

I won't be posting pictures or much text for a while. My laptop is getting a new optical drive, hopefully today... so no pictures as I can't load them on DH's computer. :-(

but at least the drive will work again.

I'll be back another day...

finished object friday

I made a bookmark for DS's teacher as part of her end of the year gift.

Pattern: Elegant bookmark by Michele Thompson
Scroll down to 5th row for pattern
Yarn: from mom's stash
Color: light blue
Needle: size 2
Bead: wire wrapped glass bead bead package bought at Walmart

Since the yarn was really stiff I didn't feel the need to starch the bookmark. I did put my lace blocking wires on it and steam it with the iron however. I'm really pleased with the way it turned out.





Also finished is square 11 of the Lizard Ridge in color 134C

and one complete sock for DH for father's day... and on the second, I'm turning the heel.

We went to IKEA on Wednesday to get plain legged desk chairs for the kids rooms and a toy box. DD's chair is light pink and DS is blue. The chairs still awaiting construction. The 'toy box' has 5 shallow white bins and 2 deeper red ones. We agreed that if we got the deepest blue bins, the toys would more than likely be scattered about the room. You can buy lids for the bins and all the Trofast styles would be great for storing yarn as well.

We also bought the cutest teapot in white. With the in-laws visiting, we're drinking loads of tea and I didn't have a proper pot. Now to figure a pattern for a cozy for the interesting shape!

Today is the kids last day of school. They are excited beyond belief. Summer vacation begins for everyone in 2 hours.

We are going to a committment ceremony tomorrow, perhaps I'll kip there ;-) At any rate I got a great blue reversible dress to wear at the VIA boutique near my home... love it and the price even more :-D One side is light blue with navy polka dots and the other side is navy background with light blue paisley. It's polyester but very light and flowing fabric and is cut straight... super comfy. I'm gonna love this dress :-) DH bought a new suit. 'nuff said

ten on tuesday

this week is 10 things that annoy you about work. I'm opting out this week. I'm sure I could come up with at least 10, but I rather not try. In reality, there are parts of my job that I wouldn't trade for the world and many of those parts are the kids I teach. At any rate, no negativity today... instead

I leave you with my latest craftiness:

Today was twin day (remember the 8 YO drama) Well I'm happy to say that DD has a friend that she is a twin with. This friend's first name also begins with M as does DDs. She got the idea of making shirts with m&m's on them that said GO M & M.... so of course I took charge and made these:




The other M's mom made hair barrettes that they could wear and they're wearing shorts with their school logo and sneakers. When she was approached by the other parties for a solution to their outfit, she politely told them it was OK, she found a new twin. I'm so proud of her :-)



DS2 had his last day of daycare on Friday and took these wooden boxes in for the daycare workers. My idea was to get them flowers, but he saw me making boxes for his siblings special teachers and wanted in on the action.








They're decorated on the sides as well. If I had had more time, I would have liked to have lined them. But what can you do with only 2 day's warning?






His brother and sister are taking these in to their special area teachers.







These are also decorated on the sides and signed on the bottoms








Here are the ones in the back so you can see their sides as well



I'd love to say I've finished knitting something. Well I have, just no pictures. I finished 1 of DHs socks. working on the other ready for the heel, and another lizard ridge square. Also for WWKIP day I made 2 squares and am working on the third to donate to the collective blanket. (I did those during the faculty meeting today)


School's out for summer :-D Although I'm contemplating painting my classroom in the old building. It hasn't been painted in 20 years.... could use a new look. And of course I'll be working on all my plans now so that I can knit during the school year as well.

I've been working on assembling the blanket for the Linus Project as well. I hate seaming!

hope it's cooler where you are.... 99 degrees here today, as was yesterday.
happy crafting

copycat

1. for Carole..., 2. Iranian mini-pizza, 3. Lower Trenton Morrisville Bridge, 4. Purple Rose, 5. Harrison Ford - Actor, 6. coffee art, 7. my private island, 8. tiramisu, 9. Opera singer, 10. Of The Earth And Sea And Oceans Free, 11. Crunchy, 12. crafty mini folder



I saw this on CurlyPops and sew-funky's blogs and thought it was so interesing so decided it would make a good Saturday post

Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

Rules:
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd's mosaic maker

Questions:
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One Word to describe you.
12. Your flickr name. (mine came up empty as did my blog name so I used crafty instead

Created with fd's flicker toys. Even if you don't make your own mosaic... go check out all the toys there. It's a good way to spend a couple of hours ;-)


We spent the HOT afternoon at the pool. DD met several of her school friends there and DS1 a few of his. Refreshing and hopefully will wear them out for an early bedtime.

I started seaming the Linus project blanket today... and finished the first of DH's father's day socks (not that he'll be wearing them anytime soon LOL)

fits me to a T

I took the which craft fits your personality quiz that I found on on Vicki Howell's blog

My result:
Get Handy
You're social but also super-meticulous. Intricate handiwork such as knitting, embroidery and needlepoint suits your personality best. These crafts are portable (little to no cleanup required!) and allow you to socialize with pals while you purl or chain-stitch your cares away

Special thanks to Craft magazine editor Carla Sinclair, who was interviewed for this quiz.

how can it be... it IS me!

flower friday

except today is thursday... oh well, wishful thinking to bring on the weekend.
I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden.....do you remember that song from the 70's, sung by Lynn Anderson? It was a 2 grammy winner in '71, one for Anderson and one for writer Joe South. Anyway, it popped in my head as I was snapping pictures in my garden. The roses are particularly pretty this year.
















I'm sad that I didn't get some taken of my favorite before DH cut it back. The petals are deep red on the interior and white on the exterior. It's a very thorny stem and near the back door. Always makes me a bit nervous with the kids around.













This is one that was one of the first things that caught my eye May of 1999, when we first looked at this house. It's a very tall plant and the root ball is loosening.





This bush is saving itself... When I stand at my kitchen doing dishes and look out the window, this is what I see. It's a beautiful deep peach color. I love this bush. And it's right next to the lilac. How pretty it would be if they bloomed at the same time!




My neighbor gets to appreciate this bush that climbs up the side of my house. If it's not trimmed well it bites you when you walk past. I try to let it sneak in a wide path though so I can see it from the kitchen window as well.


Lest you think there are only roses, I leave you with a beautiful iris. I really love these giant Dutch iris. And another of my favorite flowers. These can talk to you. The ones I have now are volunteers.






One year I planted about 10 snapdragon plants and I've had them every year since. I really love them even though I pulled many out last summer. They had overtaken the yard like weeds. Always need to have some in the garden though :-)

ch ch ch changes

This week's 10 on tuesday is how have things changed since you were in school.

hmmmmmm... it seems I'm still in school (as a teacher) but I'll assume this means as a student and I'm going to take it from say late 70s early 80s which is my high school/college days.

• cell phones.....we joked around taking the phone from the Bell Tell office to our college apt holding the receiver up to our ears as if we were talking on the phone while driving in the car... thinking it was so ludicrous.
  
  
• internet.....I know it was around, but not for me!
  
  
• Digital: music, photos, movies you name it.... we played LPs, maybe cassettes but certainly not CDs and mp3... how can you fit all that stuff on something so small?
  
  
• life was simpler, you knew all the people in your neighborhood and everyone watched out for the kids. My parents didn't worry when I would take off on my bike and ride for 20 or 30 miles or if I was gone for the day. No news was good news. I know I'd never be comfortable with my kids doing that.
  
  
• reality TV..... we lived real life, not watch it.
  
  
• the dollar actually had some worth and the stock market was in better shape...nuff said
  
  
• we all played outside because there was no such thing as video or computer games....my kids still love to play outside and we have staved off at least the video games (although I'm not sure for how long)
  
  
• hybrid cars.....were a science fiction anomaly
  
  
• MRIs.......you want to see inside your body, take an X-ray
  
  
• the way kids treat their elders.... has changed incredibly even in the 21 years I've been teaching, and I think it has lots to do with their parents. Maybe I'm living in the wrong decade
  

drama for an 8YO

DD has a very good friend (call her G) at school who was going to be her twin for twin day next week. Until another friend (call her T) gave said friend an outfit for her birthday that was the same as T's... and said at the party (in front of DD) now we can be twins for twin day. Of course DD was heartbroken... so suggested they go as triplets to which the other girls agreed... except that the outfit is no where to be found in our area... Yikes the drama of being 8! I don't remember it being so hard when I was that age.

on a happier note, I got home from work today and found this in my mailbox

it's from my dishcloth exchange pal on ravelry, aka zellspin.... I love everything. The grapes in the background belong to a small project bag that she made. The colorway for the yarn is fairy tales. Thank you so very much!

I finished #10 of lizard ridge square fame> This is color 116D. I'm thinking I better start to knit with the brighter Noro in my stash or I'm going to want this afghan to stay dark. I really love knitting this (I have mentioned that already, no?)


DH's socks have picked up a bit... especially when I realized that father's day is less than 2 weeks away. I'm adding some wooly nylon to the heels and toes hoping that they wear a little better.

And my MIL claimed this cloth:

Pattern: Lace Loops (chante's tricks) from Shirley's Knitting Knook Yahoo group
Yarn: Sugar and Cream
Color: Newport
Needle: US6

I'm only too happy for her to have it!


Over the weekend I finally untangled this pile of yarn, that I had spun ages ago and dyed Easter Monday with coffee. It was a tangled mess from the dyeing process and was sitting in a basket by my chair for a long time... so now it has its own little mini skeins..I think I'll spit splice them all together and then it will be one single ply skein of about 240 yards to do something fun with. I'm thinking it's Romney, but wouldn't bet any money on it.

wish me luck finding that outfit made by Fang clothing. I know they carry that brand at Boscov's so maybe another outing will prove successful.

tagged

I was tagged by angie with this meme:

The Rules:

Rules are posted at the beginning. At the end of the post, the player tags 6 people and posts their names. Then the player goes to each of the “named” people’s blogs and leaves a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. If you’ve been tagged, you do the same, letting the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer. Your answer, of course, is the answer to the following questions. Here we go!


1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
10 years ago, I was finishing my school year, preparing for my first trip to Argentina which was a master's degree graduation present from DH (who wasn't DH at the time) as a kind of introduction to his family and friends. No kids yet, how different life was!

2. Five things on my to-do list today?

* Laundry - like every weekend
* Cook - with company, it's never ending
* KNIT
* dishes (doesn't that go hand in hand with cooking?)
* work on teacher gifts for my kids.

3. Snacks I enjoy:
chocolate in any form!

4. Places I’ve lived:
Bucks County PA, Lehigh Valley PA, Wyoming Valley PA (do you sense a theme of eastern PA here) and Warren County NJ (not too far from eastern PA, eh?)

5. Things I would do if I were a billionaire:

* travel
* open a yarn store (so I could knit while I worked)
* buy a house with a craft room and a music room
* found some philanthropic organizations (green initiatives, clean water, nutrition and health issues)
* assure my children's future financial security (without their awareness, until the time became necessary)

I don't really like to tag, if you're reading this and would like to do it, consider yourself tagged! Then, please leave me a comment so I can read your meme and learn more about you. Thanks