Crafty Carole

happy new year

2011-12-31T15:28:00.003-05:00

I am so blessed. I have 3 great, happy healthy children, a loving, caring, generous, kind husband, and really terrific friends whom I love a lot and I feel their love as well,a warm house, enough food and drink, vehicles that take us where we need or want to go, and the beauty of the world that God provides us. What more could a person need?

I'm not one for new year's resolutions. It seems as though they fall by the wayside shortly into the year. I would like to finish some outstanding projects: home improvement and craft, organize my time a bit more and become a bit more motivated, and maybe lose a few pounds, but no promises ;-)

2011 brought us lots:
The first year my sons played organized baseball (and the oldest one LOVED it).
The first year my kids played organized soccer.
The completion of my first year as a junior high music teacher (totally NOT my age choice).
The year my daughter became a woman (TMI I know).
The little patio in the back.
A cool hammock stand for the hubs so he can USE the hammock.
A new furnace and water heater (ouch on the wallet).
Experiencing my first earthquake.
My first year as a parent of a middle schooler.
Dealing with a leaking roof... still dealing with that one :-(
Snowstorm before Halloween causing multiple day power outage.
The first time my oldest son auditioned for a play (and got the role he wanted YAY!)
A larger project knitted from my handspun yarn :-)
The Christmas where I truly found no need to receive any gifts because of the pleasure I got from giving them (and this was the best gift of all!)
The least stressed holiday ever (and the most organized I've been in years)

I am so blessed. May you have a blessed 2012

yule moon

2011-12-11T17:20:00.004-05:00

was yesterday. There was a lunar eclipse on the west coast of the US and I believe in the southern hemisphere on Friday. Of course, we didn't see it.

Today I found this

"Hierbas Buenas" Valley Petroglyphs (Night Time Lapse Movie) from Stéphane Guisard on Vimeo.

set to Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. So beautiful.

DS1 joined the science club at his school and his work for this week was to watch the moon. The beginning of the week was a bust as we had cloudy skies and lots of rain (yes the roof still leaks) but since Thursday the skies have been really beautiful.

Last night I went to see DH's women's chorus at Moravian College Vespers. I decided to hoof the mile to the church in spite of the sudden low temps. It was a beautiful walk.

Today I feel miserable. I finally have the cold that's been going around school. Thank goodness it waited until my concert at school was over (and my Messiah gig)

The vest... what a story I have to tell with that. I'll wait until it's complete then tell the while mess at once.

3 batches of cookies are baked and dough for cut outs is in the fridge. Today I started to infuse a pint of Bombay gin with pomegranate.... Has to work it's magic for a month.

Some Christmas gifts are made, others have yet to be finished. And yet I feel this still calm in my soul... like no worries. It'll get done in time before the baby is born.
8 days of school until break. Not that I'm counting ;-)

muppet madness

2011-11-26T10:21:00.004-05:00

Last night we took the kids to see the new Muppet movie. If you remember the old muppet movies or the Tv show you will LOVE LOVE LOVE this film... Even my husband who had no clue about the muppets laughed and my kids loved it as well. A good night of family fun!
And don't forget to check out bakerellas muppet cake pops. They're really adorable. If only I had the time.. although I woulnd't want to eat them then!

11.11.11

2011-11-11T04:37:00.002-05:00

Today's date: only happens once a century. Unfortunately at 11:11 I'll be in the middle of a rehearsal at school. I hope something magical happens. My chorus could use it.

What will you be doing?

it comes in 3s

2011-10-31T22:15:00.002-04:00

end of August was the earthquake

September brought a hurricane to the northeast knocking out power all over.

and Saturday the 29th of October..... a major snowstorm hits the Northeast knocking out power all over.

Enough already! So that should be the end of the surprises from Mother Nature right???

after 48 hours we have power again. I was able to get a hot shower and put a dent in the laundry. We were able to cook at home AND do dishes.

And now I think I'll go to bed. (just as soon as I grade these school papers)

Happy Halloween!

sip

2011-09-17T13:38:00.003-04:00

The third Saturday of September is world wide spin in public day (sip) So I took my wheel to the son's baseball game and spun about a half bobbin of yarn :)

So busy with school preparations and running after the kids I don't knit spin or play at all lately. Hoping it settles down soon!

Go out and spin in public today!

happy birthday mom

2011-09-07T20:19:00.003-04:00

91 today... hope you enjoy many many more!

photo courtesy of simplysweetsaz

happy labor day

2011-09-05T19:25:00.005-04:00

I'm so thankful for the long weekend.

Friday night I was able to catch up on some lost sleep from the first week of school beginning. We were blessed enough to not be hit too hard by hurricane Irene. In the town I live, the schools were closed because of lack of power and flooding but where I teach we were a go. So I had a full week to put in with students... and boy was I tired by Friday.

Saturday morning called for a fall baseball game. Then some cleaning while DH ran to the supermarket to pick up a few things for our company for dinner Saturday evening. What a wonderful visit with fantastic friends.

Sunday, DH ran off early in the morning for church and I cleaned up from the night before. All three kids had soccer in the afternoon. They came back beat. The hub and I watched the end of the very long (and sad) Phillies game. I wonder how their protest will turn out.

Today, I've spent most of the day working on school lessons, still not finished. It's raining again. Baseball was cancelled this morning. FOr dinner I made 40 empanadas: spinach, egg and cheese, corn & blue cheese, walnut and celery. I also made baked feta for DH and I from this recipe I found on pinterest. I'll tell you how it was after we eat

earthquake day

2011-08-23T22:43:00.005-04:00

Well the east had an earthquake today. The first that I've ever experienced. I was at school sorting band music, putting the mess in order that my predecessor left. I was wondering what the custodians were doing that would shake the building... turns out it was an earthquake. Whodathunk??

I made Betz White's cashmere bunny for two baby gifts. Paired it with a copy of the Velveteen Rabbit. One couple are both colleagues from work. The other mom was a student of mine for my first years of teaching.

DD needed a few more things tonight for school and I noticed a sale at Staples. We got a boatload of stuff: 6 one subject notebooks, 5 retractable bic pens, 12 dixon ticonderoga pencils, a package of 6 mechanical pencils, 2 reams of copy paper, an 8MB thumb drive, a clear 18" ruler (for me), 20 pencil top erasers, 2 sharpie markers, 100 sheets of notebook paper... between the $5 off coupon, and our staples rewards and the sale. I spent $1.53 and we put in for $11 in rebates... ROCK on thrifiness :-)

My Phillies won tonight and the Little League team from PA won too!

Peanut butter cookies surrounding Reese's peanut butter cups baked after dinner.

Great day!

it's official

2011-08-04T00:00:00.002-04:00

i managed to spin over 2 Kilos of yarn during July... 2020g to be exact. I finished the BFL/BL fleece (the never ending brown fleece) and swatched to see what kind of vest I can make for DH. Using US8 needle I get 16 stitches x 23 rows for a 4x4 square.

Smaller needles gives a fabric that is too dense. (trust me I've knitted 1/4 vest on 5's and 6's... and ripped out both)

I'm almost finished the first recycled cashmere sweater blanket... couple of things to do yet, but it's pretty nice If I do say so myself. Grays, black and a touch of grey, white and red argyle. Needless to say, it's super soft.. trimming it with black blanket binding
Here's a sneak preview:

There's still some work to do, but it's looking pretty good.

OK... gonna grab a banana and be off to bed. I've been a little under the weather lately.

color?

2011-07-28T15:20:00.003-04:00

for the new craft room to be done after the furnace switch... I'm thinking of perwinkle with white furniture accents... which means I'll have lots of painting to do...
and I want a floor with that foamy stuff so I can block on the floor directly. I'll have lots to paint... maybe I'll do one of the bookshelves in a darker shade of the periwinkle.

so opinions??

Oh and the glass doctor said he can't fix the window. The husbeast will have to do it. I wonder how much he'll charge the kids :)

guess what I made?

2011-07-27T23:09:00.009-04:00

These

Sliced

Reamed with my new toy from the Moravian Cookshop. A whole pound of these babies.

and baked to perfection

for the hubster for tmrw after the Iron Pigs game. Our neighbor gave us 2 tickets for a late morning game so he's taking the boy who LOVES baseball, while I wait for the window repairman to come.

The recipe for the body of the pie is from Emeril's (the same one I always use) but this time I topped it with meringue from the Joy of Cooking cookbook.

THe mans' birthday is Saturday, so I'm trying to surprise him a little each day this week. Yesterday I brought home the cutest t-shirt from the zoo... 4 beetles crossing a pedestrian crosswalk.. and it says in the correct font The Beetles. Today was a few dark chocolate truffles from the Moravian cookshop. Champagne, cappucino, coffee, raspberry, amaretto, and some pyramid looking one. Sunday was a Phillies towel that you take to the game. Monday was a lost day, I'm afraid. but I have lots more planned for him.

Just a bird's eye shot of what I made during the 2011 Tour de Fleece. There's lots of yarn there... and a few rolags to spin yet. It will be finished before school starts.

from the Philly zoo

2011-07-27T18:05:00.005-04:00

all my animal friends would love you to check them out We went yesterday and I took far too many pictures. I've only posted a few there.

still spinning the fleece from the tour de france.

day 21

2011-07-22T22:17:00.002-04:00

I finished 3 bobbins and plied them together.
Two skins fo about 220 yards and one of 175 yards... not bad... now to wash it and set the twist and fluff the yarn a bit....

found out a friend of mine has breast cancer today... sad day....

also got a paire of etienne aigner shoes at the thrift store for less than $5. They have no wear and fit great. Perfect for school :) I'll post a picture later.

bobbin bobbin who has the bobbin

2011-07-20T23:45:00.005-04:00

I managed to finish almost a whole bobbins worth today.

Here's a pic of the two bobbins that are done:

Yesterday we went to the Camden Aquarium. On the next street over is the RCA Victor building with this beautiful stained glass window

We touched jellyfish, and sea stars, stingrays and sharks and saw lots of stuff but my favorite was the sea turtle...If you want to see the best pictures point your browser to my facebook album

a little color

2011-07-17T21:22:00.003-04:00

I went to a wedding party yesterday. Two colleagues that I played a little cupid with. They're perfect together and the party was just as perfect. Outside at her parents farm. The food was all in the barn which was decorated so cute... the weather was perfect and the band was awesome!

I've been spinning up a storm... lots of brown and a little more color. I have this pink roving that I spun up. Not quite sure what it is but I think it's the stuff that Kraemer's in Nazareth makes Mauch Chunky with. It isn't super soft, but I love the way it spun up!

more of the same

2011-07-14T00:45:00.004-04:00

spinning spinning spinning.... carding, carding, carding. There are 6 baskets of rolags

Today was the first day I didn't spend cleaning the basement out. Although I was a freecycling queen again today. Glad someone can use what we no longer need. Rather see that than it go into a landfill. I also did some big league napping this afternoon. Thanks to my angelic children for letting me sleep.

Watched the AAA minor league all star game tonight.. Hooray that the IL won! Got to see some of my favorite Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs play too.

Yesterday I did 4oz. of a color other than brown.. soft squishy corriedale from Spunky Eclectic I love it and whenever I finish spinning the fleece in my stash, I'll be buying from her... what a lovely spin

if at first you don't succeed......

2011-07-08T01:32:00.004-04:00

been cleaning out.... garage attic, basement front.

We have to move everything from the front of the basement out so the guys can convert the furnace. It WILL be finished by Sunday...Temporary inconvenience for permanent improvement.

I started the recycled cashmere patch blanket. It's all laid out and one length is sewn. It would be a cute scarf. If it turns out OK, I may gift it to the SIL who loves black.. THis is all blacks and greys.. that is if she likes it. If not, it will get plenty of use at my house... after the grey/black will come the colored... pinks, burgundies, greens, tans and browns.

My SIL comes Monday. The erupting volcano in Chile is delaying her flight. She WAS to arrive tomorrow.

And of course the spinning continues. Today I plied this. Lesson learned, don't navajo ply when the youngest wants your attention.

I'll never finish the Brown BFL THere is SO much fiber.... Although I did locate my hand carders today. So it will make things go much easier. I wish I could rent a drum carder. It would make my spinning life so very much easier....

spinning wheels

2011-07-04T00:27:00.002-04:00

well I've tried twice to post a movie.. to no avail

but I will give you a sneak peek what I've veen working on while the boys in France are pedaling their brains out.

stitch, stitch, stitch

2011-07-02T01:16:00.010-04:00

June was a month for sewing a bit. I oiled up the machine and FINALLY finished the cushions on the window seat in the basement. (After DH nudged rather strongly)

I'm happy with the way they turned out. I finished them the day before DS1s birthday (and party)> Now we have 'stadium' seating in the family room.

We're going to a dinner on Sunday and I thought I'd like to take a little gift along with the bebidas and dessert. So I whipped this together today. I got the idea from Kate S. Thank you to her! But of course I tweaked her directions. Instead of having two seams show on the outside, I have no seams showing. I did use batting and quilted it, but I quilted the liner and outside separately. (I don't have a quilting machine. Just a regular Kenmore so the quilting is very plain.
Here were my steps:

Cut two rectangles from coordinating cloth.
The one you'll be using on the outside 7" x 16"
The one you'll be using on the inside 6" x 15"
Cut 2 rectangles of batting in the same dimensions.

Quilt the batting to the wrong side of each fabric.

Cut two circles about 5" in diameter from both fabric and batting.
Quilt the 2 circles (batting on the wrong side again).

With the fabric for the outside, put the long right sides together and sew a long seam (I used 3/8 inch allowance)
Do the same for the inside fabric.

Sew a circle to the bottom of one of the tube. (right sides together) I had to ease the circle to fit the circumference of the tube.. Not an exact science since I didn't really use a pattern.

Repeat with the other tube.

Turn the outside tube right side out. Leave the inside tube inside out and place it inside the outside tube.

Cut the top shape as you desire. I used bias binding to attach them together.

Flatten the tube centering any shape you've given the top

With the sharp point of scissors, cut through all layers of fabrics making a slit the desired length of your handle. Once the slit is made shape the handle as you'd like

I was going to use bias tape here as well but decided against it. Instead I folded the cut edges in and handstitched the outside to the inside.

I really like how it turned out. Maybe they'll make good Christmas gifts this year. Cut down on the fabric stash a bit!

I got my progressive lenses yesterday. It really made the sewing SO much easier. Both by hand and threading the machine. Should have done this a while ago.

one of these things is not like the other

2011-06-28T15:40:00.010-04:00

so we're having some work done outside the house. The guys that are doing it all look alike except one.... (there's a fourth who matches but isn't in the picture cuz he's driving the grapple bulldozer thing.)
anyway can you spot the 2 differences in the men?

so we're attaching the gas line to switch the heating from oil to gas. Getting a new furnace for the summer vacation. The hole they put in the street is large enough to bury me. and the two in the yard could bury small animals (like dogs or cats) of course my snapdrapgons are now gone for good... They've been there since 8 AM and it's almost 8 hours later.... lots of tools too.

The downside (may be an upside) is I have to empty the stash rooms and clean them out when the furnace people come to take out the oil tanks and furnace and water heater and install the new ones.... i guess a little revisit to the stash will be useful. Perhaps it will be a great time to destash on ravelry or elsewhere

what's for lunch?

2011-06-26T21:50:00.004-04:00

Today I decided to raid the refrigerator after I went grocery shopping to try to use up some of the older food and make room for the new stuff.

We had Chinese take-out Friday night and didn't eat the white rice. So I started with that.
I added some green olives cut up in pieces
about 3 oz. crumbled feta cheese
cut up some grape tomatoes
cut some canned beets
and hearts of palm
and finally to about 3/4 cup of mayo added one diced chipotle pepper... mixed together and then added to the rice salad.

It was quite yummo.... with that we had some sliced tomatoes, mozzerella and basil sprayed with a bit of olive oil.

Dinner came late.... spinach empanadas, corn empanadas and blue cheese, nut and celery empanadas.....

For dessert..... Emeril's key lime pie YUM

DD went to Dorney Park with a friend and the boys stayed home. DH was at church ALL day. The in-laws and I hung out with the boys... not a bad day.

you can ring my bell rock?

2011-06-17T11:16:00.006-04:00

Yesterday we took everyone to Ringing Rocks State Park Even though I've lived so close all my life, I've never been there. So with hammers in hand off we went... I had to convince DS1 that it would be fun. Once we were there he was springing over the rocks like a sure footed mountain goat. We found rocks that made harmony by themselves depending on where they were struck. Plenty of rocks that made just a thud. It's a strange and wonderful place. As DS 2 was trekking among the rocks, exploring he found this Eastern Milk Snake. I couldn't identify it on the spot, but looked it up as soon as we got home. That experience curtailed his jubilance at exploring a bit. He decided to sit with the apos and hit rocks nearby.
I walked down to the bottom of the field to where it expandes left and right... trying to make some historical sense of it all. I did see one blue jay right at the lower edge of the field but nothing besides the snake, some spiders, a few moths and butterflies and a dragonfly or two the entire 2+ hours we spent there.

If you're nearby, make a trip. It's worth it. If you forget a hammer pick up a small rock and use that. We were able to play a couple of tunes with some careful boulder choice.
And don't make our mistake... continue down the trail to check out the waterfall. That's for our next visit, I guess.

thrifty

2011-06-15T18:45:00.002-04:00

actually went to the thrift store today to drop off a TON of kids clothes and toys. Picked up a few things for home.... 2 books and a CD for DD, a car holder that unfolds into a playmat for DS2, a cashmere sweater to frog and this Mikasa bud vase....

penny wise and pound foolish

2011-05-15T09:38:00.003-04:00

they cut 12.5 teaching positions, plus secretary and custodial positions and this is supposed to be the easier year between this year and next. Class sizes will near 40. My department has suffered a 50% loss over the past 3 years. And the instrumental program has been obliterated. Sad time to be in education

happy teachers day!?!

2011-05-03T21:07:00.003-04:00

our teachers' union found out today that the school board did not accept our offer for pay freeze. we asked for a few concessions that would not cost them any money but offered to 'give back' over $250K. I don't get it. So I can't help but wonder what that means will be the fate for our programs and teachers. Anxious would be a word to describe the state right now.

My performance in the Rachmaninov all night vigils was successful, albeit short. I sang in the 2nd movement with my best Russian alto voice. That was pretty much my weekend.

My boys had baseball, the dd had a concert and a GS project and we managed to go to a birthday party in there as well.

the countdown is on at school. 25 student days left. Of course it's my busiest rotation. and 6 days until the spring concert. I'll be glad when it's all over and i can sleep.

One month until the in-laws arrive.

i nit 2 little baskets and filled them with chocolates for my own children's teachers today. Of course I sent them off to school before i took any pictures... I've made the basket many times before. It's a quick knit and a great stash user. Each one takes about 45 yards of worsted weight so it's easy to do with scraps.

school work beckons......

spring?

2011-04-17T22:44:00.010-04:00

The daffies are up and about spent, but the tulips haven't yet bloomed.
On Saturday, both sons had baseball scheduled. The youngest one's game started at 9. The real feel was 38°F. But early afternoon it was raining so hard and windy that the 5:45 game was called. It was a day for knitting and sleeping and reading.... all of which were done by the entire family (not all by everyone, but all by the 5 of us)

I finished MIL's bday gift.

Pattern: Echo Reversible Drop-Stitch Mobius by Kristin Omdahl in Interweave Knits Spring 2011
Yarn: recycled Abercrombie & Fitch 80 wool/20 nylon
Color: brown
Needle: US13
Buttons: Coconut shell purchased at A.C.Moore
Recipient: MIL

The only thing I needed to do was to ply the yarn double to make it bulky enough. I'm afraid it could be a little too long but I'll let her figure out how to deal with that. She loves brown and loves cables... hope she likes this.

Have to put this cute picture of the little man on opening day of baseball. Don't tell the older one that I forgot to take the camera to his game. I'll get some good shots of him soon. I had other stuff in the front of my mind. We had a concert that night that DH was conducting and I was soloing at. Left the baseball game early to go to the concert. This spring is going to be running around for sure.
DD found this nature anomaly today and insisted I take a picture of it. I call it the siamese twin dandelion.... kind of interesting.

pentatonic wonders

2011-03-28T22:27:00.002-04:00

I've seen this video several times before, but it is SO worth sharing. Particulary in our current mindset of budget cuts which directly affect the arts in most cases.

perigee moon

2011-03-19T23:21:00.012-04:00

picture from nasa of the moon rising above the Lincoln Memorial I use this because my own picture isn't that good and it was later and not nearly as large.

Tonight our great friends came for dinner... Manicotti (or canneloni) with homemade crepe shells some with vodka sauce, others with puttanesca sauce and some with cheese and spinach filling with alfredo sauce. For dessert just see the pics below. To say I'm stuffed is an understatement.

alfajores

ricotta pie

tiramisu

After it was all said and done and everyone (well almost everyone) had gone to bed, the middle child and I spent some time writing notes to each other. Then we spent another hour talking. I wonder how long he'll put up with doing that with his old fart mother.

This is my pathetic shot of the moon last night...

A local photographer Hub Willson has a WONDERFUL photo that he took last night with a 900mm lens... breathtaking

why i do what i do...

2011-03-16T16:33:00.001-04:00

let's do the twist

2011-03-14T19:44:00.004-04:00

I started a pair of socks for me... then realized I hadn't read the pattern completely so ripped them out last night.. I'll start them again. Knitty's Twisted but I'm wondering if I do 3k and the twisted purl if I can then turn them inside out to make them. they are reversible after all. I asked the designer and she said no one had tried it that she knew of.. and that the toe and heel shaping is very specific. although twisting the purl stitch can be a pain because you hvae to grab it from behind to twist it.. so it might not be worth it.

Anyway state testing begins tmrw and I have to proctor for close to 4 hours a day. The rest of the day I sit with my homeroom... doing who knows what so I'll be taking knitting along!

a walk about

2011-03-09T18:13:00.009-05:00

town on Monday with the hub....
My school was cancelled due to 'inclement weather' but at home it was cold windy but sunny and beautiful so our kids had school. After dropping them and returning home for breakfast with the hub we decided to take the time to go for a walk since he is on spring break from the college. We walked about 3 miles or so and then stopped for coffee at one of my favorite places in town that isn't my house!

Along the way I took these photos. I could live in any one of these houses I think ;-)

I love how the sun crosses in front of these gorgeous wooden garage doors. The garage that owns these doors belongs to this house. This is the side view of the house.. there is a gorgeous enclosed sunroom on the north side of the house and an open covered porch on the south side.

Down the street near the library is this cute brick house and the single brethren house of the Moravian Church. Both of these are historical buildings.

But my favorite picture is this which met me on Sunday afternoon. It says Mom and Dad I love you bye Pablo. He was so angry with my hub cuz he asked him how to spell by and hub thought he meant as in goodbye which he didn't.... but it's still too cute!

fastnacht socks?

2011-03-08T22:07:00.004-05:00

here they are... a long overdue Christmas gift for the love of my life.

Pattern: Manly Socks by Hannah Six
Yarn: Noro Kureyon Sock
Colorway: 149
Needle: US2 (my new sox stix by lantern moon :-) )
Recipient: the hubby!

He requested them to be longer than the last 2 pairs. I had very little yarn left. I think it's going to be kept in a safe place for the inevitable darning. I was calling them fasnacht socks because all day they only had the end of the toe left to do... I teased him that I was going to leave them that way like a donut!

I'm not really crazy about this yarn. I didn't rewind the skein and maybe that would have helped but it was really sticky in pulling it out and I spend LOTS of time undoing little knots.

Now I need to cast on something for next week at school when I'll be proctoring exams and watching my homeroom for hours.... Something mindless because Lord knows I'll be interrupted enough!

american girl knitting

2011-03-06T22:56:00.006-05:00

long overdue

Pattern: Julie's Jeans by Cathy Bird
Yarn: ? 2 different yarns
Color: medium blue and light blue
Needle: US7
Recipient DD

I found this pattern on ravelry. I won't link it but you can do a search to find it there as well

Pattern: Ernestine Doll Hat by Wendy Poush
Yarn: Berroco Cotton Twist Solids
Colorway: 8359 Inchworm
Needle: US 8
Ribbon: From stash bought at Joanns
Recipient: DD

Pattern: Shoes from 18" doll summer fun ensemble by Caroline Dlugy-Hegwer
Yarn: Scraps
Colorway: Dark Teal
Needle: US8
Recipient: DD

There is still a skirt and sweater to post but that will be a while yet I'm afraid. DD loves her AG clothing... I'll make her more after I finish the man's socks... working on the foot of the 2nd. I get about 7 minutes a day to knit if I'm lucky!

just to mention that I couldn't post in firefox today. Had to open the safari to get this in... a little frustrating

best.day.ever.

2011-02-26T22:33:00.003-05:00

according to my 6 YO son.

Wake up... Donuts with Dad at his school
come home
Batting Cage with Dad and his older brother
grab pizza
come home
Train meet in Allentown with mom
happy meal at McD
come home
dinner (did I mention he likes to eat?)
Family movie - Free Willy 4 (he's got this thing for whales right now)

As for me....I want to get out of my slump.

the jellicle moon was shining bright

2011-02-21T12:15:00.003-05:00

and jellicles came to the jellicle ball.
We all went to see CATS last night at the State Theatre in Easton. All 5 of us... not an inexpensive adventure, but worth it. The boys were entranced. Although DS2 said that there were moments he didn't like, but his favorite was McCavity. And admittedly, the whole meaning was well over the kids heads, but I'm determined more than ever to take them to as many live performances of quality as possible.

Last week DD and I went to see ASOs condensed version of Carmen. DH directed the chorus so the only cost for us was the babysitter for the boys. She loved it.

After looking at the page for the company that put on the show I noticed that they were at the Flynn theatre on Valentine's Day. I had a friend from HS that used to do stage managing at the Flynn (among other art venues in CT and VT) who just passed away last month. As I was at the show last night I imagined him running it, without knowing that were he still alive he WOULD have run it just a week before. I believe he's running some bigger shows right now. I also felt this presence of a former colleague of mine giving me props for taking the kids to the theater. She was quite a classy lady whose son is a dancer on Broadway. So Mike and Rho... thanks for the visits last night. I know you were smiling at me.

Day off today and we had a little bit of snow... and I have a headache for the I can't tell you how many day in a row... I remember mom having headaches a lot... now I'm feeling your pain....

sticky

2011-02-20T11:43:00.003-05:00

so I wanted to make a breakfast food for DD and her friends that were staying over.
There is a local philly pretzel company that has this cinnamon butter. (YUM x 3000) and i was thinking it would be great in a cinnamon bun......

So I had thought on going to buy some of the dip but didn't get to it before the store closed. I forgot about it... DD didn't

This morning I asked what they wanted for breakfast and she said those buns you were going to make...I hadn't made the dough.... ugh

What to do??? (cue light bulb going off)

1. Preheat oven to 350° F

2. Make cinnamon butter... found a recipe on the web... doubled it... next time I tweak it it will be a little less butter...like this maybe

3/8 pound of room temp butter
1/2 c brown sugar packed
2 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg

Cream all ingredients together whipping until light and fluffy

3. Mix topping
3/4 c brown sugar
4 T melted butter
1 Tbsp maple syrup
3 Tbsp honey (I used buckwheat)

Mix together until well blended and pour into a 9" square baking pan.

4. With two packages of refrigerated crescent rolls. (you can buy it without the perforations...I didn't have this on hand tho) I split the dough in half (if you buy the crescent roll for the rolls it comes out in 2 pieces kind of)

push all the perforations together to make a larger piece (i did half the package at a time)

spread cinnamon butter on the dough and roll the dough short end to short end. CUt the 'log' into four equal pieces. Lay pieces on side in the pan containing the topping mix. Repeat with other half of dough and other package.

5. Bake in 350 oven for about 28 minutes.

6. Let cool some before turning out of pan!

7. Eat and enjoy......

the parade of doll clothes

2011-02-10T21:12:00.004-05:00

DD's AG Elizabeth will be busy modelling over the next few days. Now that I've found the card reader for the camera, I can take some shots other than with my phone.
This one is from the phone though.

Summer Fun Ensemble by Caroline Dlugy-Hegwer
Yarn: Top and pants Paton's Grace shoes-some remnant
Color: Sky teal
Needle: US3 US8
Recipient: Daughter
I didn't do the ribbon on the pants and I put my own belt from yarn in until I could go out and find ribbon to fit through the loops. I'll replace it though I'm sure.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the slippers... handfulled them in the kitchen sink... but they are so darn cute!

There are more clothes to come!

We went to Mama Nina's for her birthday dinner yesterday... I was stuffed and brought enough home for 2 more meals...

I can't believe she's 11. I really like the young woman she is becoming. So proud of her!! I love you sweetie

swinging to the right

2011-02-08T23:06:00.001-05:00

ok so he can't pronounce da Vinci... but if this guy believes it... I may be in for a change

I have stuff to show you... but maybe tmrw or later...

do i need any more reason

2011-02-06T20:42:00.001-05:00

to teach the national anthem at school?

So this doesn't happen from any of MY students! COme on... at least learn the words. It's a 2 minute song and you're on national TV.... how pathetic!

great vw commercial!

2011-02-05T19:31:00.001-05:00

ice

2011-02-02T13:20:00.005-05:00

two more days off from school. Can't do a thing but bake, eat, knit, watch movies.

so tired of winter.... glad Phil saw no shadow... the hope for spring grows by the day.

Yesterday i made a pair of pants for DDs American Girl Doll.. wish I had bound them off differently, but they still work. CO 4 times for them. Here's a picture... details will follow when I finish the outfit

It all started with the retro cardi... that still needs buttons... Also made a flouncy lacy skirt... that needs elastic... maybe I should do all that today so I can update this blog.

she decided she wants to do her room a la 70s hippie.... found these sheets at Garnet Hill. She opted for the white with the matching comforter cover. Since she has a full comforter on a twin bed, I bought a new duvet in twin size also.... from overstock.com. That came today.

Shoveled out heavy icy slush... did the neighbor too. will be a nice surprise for them when they get home. He helped me out last Thursday by lending his muscle when I needed to get to work.

Off to make the kids lunch.. they came to play while I was out working... although DD did help shovel a bit.

snow......

2011-01-29T12:06:00.004-05:00

i've had enough... i love the beauty of it, but really.. I'd rather enjoy the long summer days without kids pining to be OUT of school.....

So.. this week, we went to school late Monday because of cold. It was -5° F in the town I teach 2 hours after school was supposed to begin... brrrrrrr
Tuesday was a normal school day.
Wednesday we got out 2 hours early because of impending snow, which came to my home, but not to the town where I work. At my house 3".
Thursday, 2 hour delay. At home there was an additional 9.5", which meant my car didn't clear the snow in the unplowed alley. In the town I teach, maybe 3". So I left the house at 7:20 am, after shovelling, and by 8:10 was on the street in front of my house (just trying to get out of the alley).... got to work by 9:00 to start teaching at 9:30. It's usually a 35 minute commute.
Friday another normal day.

It's killing my instrumental lessons... kids forget their instruments, lessons are shorter than they should be. My 7th grade class has been shortchanged by about 30% of class time.

And my own children are crazy. My son informed me that he hasn't had a full week of school in 7 weeks. It's flurrying as I write this post.. and there's a storm predicted for mid-week.

I'd post pictures, but I've misplaced the card reader for the olympus... guess I should start searching for it!

Sorry, but I'm ready for spring.......

another year older

2011-01-14T22:42:00.002-05:00

I am thankful for being able to celebrate yet another birthday... a few days before mine came a old high school friend passed. I'm still having a hard time digesting it. So when my birthday came, I said a little prayer of thanks that I was here celebrating it with my family. And another prayer of thanks that I had the day off even if it was because of snow.

DH has come through his knee surgery with flying colors. He went today to have the stitches removed and got the news that he is SO good, he doesn't even need PT.... Even more reason to give thanks!

Tonight a colleague invited me to go to a concert with her. PMEA district 10 chorus.. It was really wonderful. I so enjoyed it and for that I'm thankful.

Ok... I know it sounds a little like Thanksgiving... but I realize that I am sometimes a bit whiney... and need to be more grateful...

Find something in your life to be grateful for. You'll be surprised how happy you become!

thrifty

2011-01-09T11:24:00.005-05:00

I needed to take the clarinet to get worked on and between here and the shop is a VIA thrift store so the car headed that way on the return trip, even though it was snowing.

No fibery finds but....

a beautiful mug for 99¢ love the shape and color. There were 2 more, but they weren't in such pristine condition.

glow sticks for next Halloween (yes I was thinking ahead.. hope that doesn't make me a hoarder) 300 10" with connectors for $5.97 They were a HUGE hit this year and I paid about $1 for 20 sticks

But the best find of the day by far, a 1.5 qt Calphalon infused sauce pan for 2.99

DH was happy with the last find. He'd like a set of cookware like that as would I without paying the original price tag. Guess I need to keep my eyes peeled. It gives me a reason to thrift.

Came home and took the kids sledding so that DH could get some quiet rest. He's recuperating from orthoscopic surgery on the knee.

DD and I made manicotti Friday for dinner... with crepes as the shells ....really yummmo. The recipe may become a staple!

1-1-11

2011-01-01T23:17:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year.

WE spent the start with my best cousins. I love them so much and we all get along so well. I am such a lucky girl. The kids all play great together and we all just enjoy each others company like crazy! How fun!

I started a beanie for DS1 this afternoon... then we went to the movies. DD and I opted for Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader we were NOT disappointed... I loved the movie. The boys went to see TRON. The young boys loved it... the older one, not as much. Of course he took a nap during the movie, so he really has no right judging it!

Anyway, much to my surprise, I finished the beanie this evening. It was 2 color work and looks like this:

Pattern: the skull beanie
Yarn: 100purewool single ply
still working on knitting down the stash
Colors: negro, crudo
Needle: US9
Recipient: DS1

Hope he likes it. He's sleeping now and I just finished it about 20 minutes ago.

now back to the regularly scheduled socks for DH with the Noro sock yarn (which I don't like at all) on my lantern moon ebony sox stix (which I love so much)

Have a healthy new year! I'm hoping my broken toe mends really fast. I can't believe how much the darn thing still bothers me.

preparing

2010-12-28T23:49:00.003-05:00

my big fat Greek dinner party

Hors d'oeuvres:
garlic hummus & red pepper hummus (χούμους)
with warm pita triangles (πίτα)
olive tapinade (ελιάς)
dolmadas (ντολμάδες)
mozzarella cheese balls for the kids

crudité (λαχανικά)

Entrée
Caesar Salad (Σαλάτα Caeser)
Lentil Soup (φακές σούπα)
Spanokopita (σπανακόπιτα)

Dessert:
Greek butter cookies (μπισκότα βουτύρου)
Greek lemon cake (κέικ λεμονιού)- yes in the bundt pan have to pay tribute to the flick somehow.... now how to fix the hole????

it's the family of an old student of DH that we've grown accustomed to/fond of

Hope Santa was good to you.. I'm still recovering!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T10:46:00.010-05:00

to all!

and to those that don't celebrate, have a wonderful time with family and friends.

I plan on visiting with MANY friends..... organizing a bit..... baking... playing.... knitting.... planning... it will be a VERY packed 10 day break from school..

I pray that the new year brings peace to all....

Just a few quick pics to put you in the spirit
DD's new stocking. She picked out the sweaters that she wanted included. The lining is a cute Christmas flannel print that is red green and white and has Christmas balls on it and says from me to you... maybe I'll get a picture of it later.

Greeting you at the front door of my house
To your left

In front of you

To your right
The windows have wreaths and candles but were in a shadow when I shot these pictures and there are icicle lights hanging from the roof of the porch and a pointsettia flag. It looks simple but nice!

The Girl Scout leader got a smaller version of the wreath on the door.

I'm making something for mom and my SILs as I type... felting in the washer. It's a very small but useful gift.

Gotta run and clean....

Happiness and Joy to all of you!

3 days

2010-12-22T20:44:00.001-05:00

left and a broken toe.... smacked the foot on the privacy panel in the bathroom and broke the second to last toe on my right foot.. man does that smart!

the stocking will be finished tonight and the girl scout wreath as well... maybe DS2s hat.

but now.. to put the kiddos to bed.

4

2010-12-21T22:32:00.001-05:00

and so much left to do...

on the docket for tonight... DDs Christmas stocking while DH wraps. Good news is that DS2's big gift will arrive in time to go under the tree... I was really sweating it out, especially when I got an e-mail today that they still didn't have it and did I want to cancel my order (that I placed 12 days ago....and they charged my CC for 10 days ago) It's sold out everywhere so I was desperate.

Cookies left to bake and some craft projects left to do... it really NEVER ends does it???

5

2010-12-20T00:39:00.005-05:00

the number of fingers on one hand
the number of toes on one foot
the number of people in our family

how many days left until Christmas.... ACK!!!!!!!!

What a great weekend... Friday night was the MoCo dinner dance.. the theme was China. Culinary mix of Chinese and American food. Entertainment was Chinese dancers. DH gimped on the dance floor with me for a bit.. what a trooper.

Saturday brought playing Santa... finishing up the last minute shopping. I must be crazy. Next year, I swear it will ALL be done online!!!!!!!

Although I found a nice JCrew sweater at the thrift store and it was the right color tag so it was 75% off.. bulky 100% wool.. should yield some nice stuff :) and a set of Crate and Barrel 7" discontinued Christmas plates new in the box for $5. I may gift them... very cute. There's a set on ebay for $30.

Saturday night brought the Boksan's party. Thanks to our awesome friend Heather we were able to go. She had the kids over to her house.... our 3 and her 2 to play for a few hours. The hostess at the party gave out wine this year as a gift.. and her sister made little cute cozies for each bottle. caps and capes some bags, som with caps and scarves, one had a santa suit on. All knitted. VERY cute!

Sunday, ah the day of rest. Not quite! DH left for church early and I got up shortly thereafter. I ordered more gifts online, made chocolate pretzels with the kids, peanut butter kiss cookies, wrapped teacher gifts, made a gift for the GS leader, helped decorate the tree, and made this Eucalyptus wreath for my mom to give my SIL.

I hope she likes it. She didn't want mom to spend a lot... I understand now why they're $50 and up... never again!

Also have some knitting to show:

Pattern: Maggies Mitts
Needle: US3
Yarn: Recycled Abercrombie and Fitch and 100Purewool
Colors: Smokey Black and meloncoton (think Flyers)
Recipient: Mr. Beaman

This is DS2's classroom teacher's gift. Also from recycled sweaters. I bought the little red balls at Target in a container that looks like a round ornament. There were plenty in the container for the GS leader's wreath and a larger one for us to hang here at home (just need to get the balls on it and a bow!)

Now to address the Christmas cards.. I've had them for a week. DH sent his to Argentina and did no more :-/

And I have a few more things to make... some things for the girls. They're on their way, just need some extra time... and more cookies of course!

cusp

2010-12-07T01:23:00.004-05:00

the hour is bridging the cusp of two birthdates of very important people in my life.
December 6, my grammy.... I hope that someday I can be like her. I miss you grams.

And my dad. Not a day passes that you aren't in my thoughts... miss you too! You both impacted my life in ways you may have never realized.... thanks.......hasta la vista!

just an old bag

2010-12-05T23:35:00.007-05:00

well I have 3 bags to show you actually

the latest is for DS1s teacher... this one she'll be getting as a gift ;-)

Pattern: Bag it Up! by Vicki Mikulak Holiday Mystery Gifts 2009
Yarn: Recycled Abercrombie and Fitch sweater 80 wool/20 nylon
Color: Oatmeal
Needle: US 10.5
Lining: Cotton Flannel from stash
Recipient: Mrs. Austin

The sweater cost me $4. As you can see, the yarn felted up very nicely... and this yarn is really soft. And I have 3 full skeins left. So for $2 worth of yarn I have this bag. I wanted to line it to put a couple of pockets in and stiffen up the bottom, but I had nothing to stiffen the bottom with. So I cut out the fabric to line it and lo and behold in among the toys laying around from DS2 was this piece of plastic packaging from an over the door wreath holder that the boy had taken out of the Christmas box to play around with, and left it lie (as is his usual MO) I took it as manna from heaven and checked and low and behold with about 1.5" cut off the length would be the perfect size for the bottom of the bag. Thank you very much :) Before I added the lining I cut letters from a navy felted sweater and appliqued them on the bag (the teacher's initials) as per DS1's request.

This WAS the purse she was going to get... I don't like the shape so I don't know what will become of it! It's too wide and not tall enough... lesson learned from Paton's chestnut merino.. so sad.

This little bag fits in my möbius purse to put whatever in that I don't want to lose!
Also Paton's merino in chestnut brown with worn denim trim

It's from the Bordhi book. I learned to make it from the bottom up so I can use that technique for toe up socks someday.

Speaking of socks. I finally spent a gift certificate DH and the kids got me eons ago at yarn market for a set of Lantern Moon onyx sox stix and a skein of noro kureyon sock yarn. I'll make DH a pair of socks.. Doubtful they'll be finished in time for Christmas. I still have DD's teacher's gift and some AG stuff for her to make. But maybe by 3 Kings day.. if I'm lucky.

OK... off to do some school work. I graded all my papers, now I need to plan for the week. I'm off Friday to go to my own children's parent/teacher/student conferences. These 4 days can't go by quickly enough My concert is Thursday night.. I'll be so happy when it's over!!!!!!

today

2010-12-04T23:17:00.002-05:00

I think I really should go tmrw.... we were at a birthday party today so we couldn't make it. But it looks like fun!

yesterday

2010-12-04T13:00:00.002-05:00

The living advent sponsored by Wildflower Cafe, specializing in vegetarian cuisine.... sounds like my kind of restaurant!

I served candles at Moravian College Vespers last night. It was a first time for me. His women's chorus did an outstanding job. So proud of him!

My chorus had their dress rehearsal in the HS auditorium yesterday. I don't know about them, but it makes me a little nervous.. They have some work to do before the performance on Thursday.

i live under a rock

2010-12-02T22:00:00.005-05:00

apparently

for the 3rd year running my town has a live advent calendar. If it weren't for the posts from the city on facebook, I'd still not know about it. I want to take my kids now.. it's only about .75 miles from the house..sounds like a good early evening walk!

here's yesterdays

and todays (sorry I missed it... )

I LOVE this idea. Get to know local businesses and learn fun history about the Christmas holiday... I love my town!

would NOT make my day

2010-11-30T18:38:00.003-05:00

I've been knitting like crazy on a bag to felt for DS1s teacher... the yarn spit splices but now I'm thinking that it's recycled from a 80% lambswool/20% nylon abercrombie and fitch sweater.... it would make sense... cables yield lots of yarn and turtlenecks as well and there's a pile of yarn here.. .of course it would serve me right since I didn't mark the skeins... ARGH It's a lovely yarn and the extra will make a great scarf or hat... now that the bag is almost finished knitting, (read HOURS for me) it's 20" wide by 7.5" deep and I have 13" of the height complete... (which is all the pattern calls for)... it would really stink if this thing doesn't felt... keep your fingers crossed for me....

ETA I just balled up an 18" piece and it felted very well in under 2 minutes so I should be OK.... hopefully there'll be a picture to post soon.

Oh and mom, if you're reading, I'm feeling much better...should be back to normal by tmrw.

give thanks

2010-11-25T07:04:00.005-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving. I have a few minutes to spend (not spare) off to finishe the preparations (read make the turkey and stuffing) I was looking something up on the net and looked out my front door to see this:

It's gorgeous. Gone now but thankfully captured in my memory and on digital photography.

Here's my winter möbius purse

Pattern: WInter Möbius bag by Cat Bordhi from the 2nd treasury of knitting
Yarn: Paton's classic wool (merino)
Color: Chestnut Brown and worn denim
Needle: US 11
Recipient: me

It's actually warm to wear. the strap is the möbius part and it acts as a kind of thin wrap when you wear it. It took me a while to post because I wanted to line it. So I needed to clean out the machine...etc but now it's ready to go for making gifts.

I have more to post but no time right now.

Have a wonderful holiday. I hope that you spend it with all your loved ones. Remember to tell them how thankful you are that they are in your life!

2010-11-14T19:28:00.004-05:00

Last night our neighbors dryer caught on fire. There were 3 fire trucks police and everything on the block. Never leave your dryer run unattended.... especially if you aren't home.Fortunately she was home and got herself and the baby and dog out with no one being harmed. They were already scheduled for a new dryer delivery on Thursday. Scary what can happen when you least expect it.

I found some more information on my broccoli... and tonight we ate it. The kids (well the older two) loved it...it takes like a cross between cauliflower and broccoli.. more like cauliflower. But they like broccoli so that was the seller.

DS1 has to give a report in character of a person who was important in history. He chose Leonardo daVinci... so the question is how to make the beard?? I had made this newsboy cap for him for a music concert he had in KDG. We're attaching long black yarn for long hair but I have to figure the beard out.
So I crocheted a single chain attached to the cap... then attached yarn to the chain that will hang down in front... kind of like this

I hope he's happy with it

I had a nice long nap this afternoon around 4:45 just as it was turning dark. I swear, if I was alone, I'd be in bed by 5 in this season. I feel like a wild animal... ready to retire when it's dark. Kind of depressing! Last night I was sound asleep by 10 and woke up with no alarm this morning around 7. If only I could sleep like that during
the week...

I want to put a lining in the purses before I post them... It's cut, now just to get the ambition to clean the machine and sew the lining...

what the day brings

2010-11-08T20:30:00.008-05:00

well today was kind of a a poopy day at work... I'm blaming it on the time change. My percussion student was absent, my clarinet make-up didn't have his horn.... AGAIN!! and my students well lets just say it wasn't their best foot forward today. I'll add to the fact that I could have been a little crabby with the time change... seriously all it does is make the day shorter. I leave in the dark and now practically come home in it.

DD had chorus after school today, so I sent Prince Charming to pick up the boys from school and I did the grocery store chore before picking her highness up. While there I found this most interesting romanesco broccoli. The shape intrigued me, so I had to bring one home. THere has to be some kind of fibonacci series in those points! I'll make it on Wed with dinner.. supposedly more tender than cauliflower!

When I went to load the groceries in the car I looked to the northeast and saw this:

Not the most brilliant but still a promise of better days. There was a brilliant double one on Friday that I missed. A friend caught it on film and shared it on facebook, so I was able to appreciate it albeit vicariously!

After I grabbed DD from her rehearsal, we stepped out of the school and looked west to a GORGEOUS sunset. The iPhone truly did NOT capture its beauty. There were many purple hues that were lost in this photo.

WE came home to a yummo dinner of spinach quiche (a family fave) and mashed potatos (whites and yams mixed), the latter being much needed comfort food after the day.

So even if you think the day is rotten, look for the many blessings bestowed upon you. They're there, you just need to open your mind, eyes and heart!

oh on a knitting note... I finished the Möbius winter bag and it's felted :) And I finished another little buttonhole clutch yesterday... so i felted them all together.. Pictures to be posted after they're lined...(which could take a bit of time) But will be worth it!

Now to decide what to put on the needles next......

thrift finds

2010-10-23T21:41:00.007-04:00

today was church rummage sale day.... one of the local larger moravian churches and the largest local UCC church... happy day for me
Rosetti purse for me.. Originally I thought I'd use it for the handles but I think I'll use it as a purse for a while. Spent a whopping 50¢ for it.

A tri-fold Nine west wallet that DD will take for 50¢.

Quite a few books for the oldest two children (and a later tongue lashing from the youngest that I brought him none) 50¢ each

Shot glasses for my nephew-in-law for Christmas in the shape of beer mugs.

Pampered Chef patriotic heart cookie mold $1

At the second sale:

A great hamper (ok the color is garish, but the hamper is GREAT!) I'll probably paint it

Putter practice for my brother from the kids for Christmas

Gingerbread bath soap flakes to use as a little gift

note card stationery

krups mini espresso maker $1 even if it doesn't work, it was worth the gamble

2 pearl necklaces $1 each... gonna have them checked out Monday to see if the pearls are real or not... they are heavy necklaces though. Interestingly enough, the second one has a
cool clasp.. it goes into the last pearl. You can see the entry for the clasp in the picture.

DD and I went to the thrill the world at the local Y tonight sponsored by Pennsylvania Youth Theater. Couldn't convince her to join the dancing though.. maybe next year. It was amazing the people that were dressed up!

and the verdict is.....

2010-10-05T12:44:00.001-04:00

strep throat.. my poor daughter. I hope we got it in time before she shares with the rest of the family.

what we've been up to

2010-10-04T18:45:00.010-04:00

DD is sick today

Saturday was DS 2's family birthday party
Celtic Classic

mom's party

I made the cookies and breads... Wood River Village made the little yummo cheesecakes. My SIL got the cake at a local to there bakery.

I made the empanadas: spinach, corn, roquefort walnut and celery, and egg and cheese. Wood River Village made the little sandwiches (quite tasty) and the fruit and veggie trays. We all had such a great time.

Great Wolf Lodge was a blast. DH and DD had the most fun. The little boys and I got a bit waterlogged... plus I was exhausted from school. We 3 were in bed Friday night before 9. The adventurers stayed in the park until it closed. We were back in the park Sat AM when it opened. It's a fun place, but I'm not a huge fan of being wet all day. A few hours is enough for me. Then I like to be warm and dry! The weather outside was cool and rainy, much like yesterday and today!

I've actually finished a knitted project

My Socks
Pattern: from 2009 Pattern a day Knitting calendar
Yarn: Premier Yarns Serenity Sock Weight
Amount: 2 skeins
Colorway: 05 paprika
Purchased at: Joannes Fabric and Crafts
Needle: US2
Recipient: ME :)

I haven't knit a stitch since Labor Day though.... school is REALLY usurping ALL my time. I'm lucky to get 4 hours of sleep a night.

.....and a friend I found on our house

not for the faint of heart

2010-10-04T17:19:00.004-04:00

One of my grad professors posted this on facebook and I want it in a spot I'll be able to find it easily. It's the physiology of singing and completely fascinating unless you're grossed out easily.....so beware before you click play!

happy birthday pablo

2010-10-02T22:22:00.003-04:00

My baby turned 6 today at 12:16 PM.... it seems like yesterday that he was born!

He wanted THIS cake... told me exactly how to make it... so I had to oblige.
It was the perfect day for comfort food... after all the appetizers... veggie chili, cornbread casserole and mac and cheese... yum

off to do some school work. Yes that's where I've been... I' still alive, just no time for anything but work ... so sad!

happy birthday mom

2010-09-07T00:54:00.002-04:00

it's the start of your 91st year.... I'm so happy with how well you're doing and how sharp you are...

I love you so much mom! You've been a great influence on me and I'm proud to be called your daughter. Have a GREAT day!

Happy Labor Day

2010-09-06T19:11:00.002-04:00

7 days of classes in and I'm still alive... working hard on listening to the music choices of my students' listening logs....so I'm laboring in a way on Labor Day.

Meet the Teacher Thursday night.... I got to speak about band and chorus... and plug my webpage for my students.

Friday I had off... we took the kids out of school early and went to Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos... It was fun... we had a kid cabin suite. I don't know who liked it more DH or the kids!

Sunday was a picnic at friends.

I've worked on the möbius purse and have now finished the strap... that's a lot of stitches!

Today was just working on school stuff... quiet, boring but oh so necessary.

Tmrw is Mom's 90th birthday.... I'll give her a shout out now HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM... but I'll try ot post a picture of her tmrw.

what have i been doing?

2010-08-29T23:03:00.003-04:00

well mostly getting ready for school. The month of August has FLOWN by. My SIL left at the beginning of the month. It took a couple of days to recuperate from all the running. We're not so used to late nights and then being out all the next day and we (and the kids) were tired... so we spent a couple of days just getting our legs back, so to speak.

That next weekend first a little rest and relaxation and renewal with two of my best friends from college... it was WONDERFUL. We picked up just where we left off over 20 years ago. I can't say how good that was for my soul. Now we're staying in touch with facebook, although I may drop them a text message now and again, just to haunt them!

Then I got home and one of my dear friends and colleagues passed away from cancer. It was a shock to all of us. It was merely one month from diagnosis to death. I spent that week in a fog. I still can't believe she's gone.

The rest of the time was spent in full steam preparation for the kids and myself for school... uniforms - check, school supplies - check, open house at the kids school- check, meeting the new teachers- check, get my classroom in shape - check (or thereabouts) lesson plans - ongoing check (which is why I've been awol.... it's a long story that I'm not ready to complain about now, because there is no time to do so)

I was really leary about this year and was in my principals office my first day weeping a bit. Of course some of that could have been because my baby went to kindergarten that day and I didn't even get to say goodbye because I have to leave before the kids are awake.
But then last Tuesday as I was driving to school I saw this:

I took it as a sign that things would be OK this year....And for the first inservice day I knit the wallet in the Cat Bordhi book A Second Treasury of Magical Knitting. So I learned the invisible cast on and can now use that to knit toe up socks!

The baby still doesn't want to be at school although I picked him up after his first day and he was all smiles... but he doesn't like the fact that he's learning Mandarin Chinese. Well we're all doing things we'd prefer not, and we have to do them the best that we can. I remind him of that daily.

My first 3 days with students was fine... I hope it continues that way. I know it's the honeymoon, but......
The schedule is nuts. I meet with each class for about 90-100 minutes for 30 consecutive days, then don't see them the rest of the year. So I need to cram a lot of stuff into a small time. I'm still waiting on the recorders to be delivered. I have some really fun plans with those!

The kids and I visited mom today with the sheer intent of finding her hearing aid. It's been lost for a month. THere was an angel on my shoulder because I found it after about 4 minutes of searching. SO Mom left for church and we stayed and I cleaned out a little more... could you find everything mom? I tried not to put too many things in new places. Cleaned the cat litter since she can't. Today I also started the winter sling bag from the same aforementioned Bordhi book, on the way home while DH drove. I want to put the wallet in the bag so I'll be felting them at the same time. That möbius strip takes forever to knit! I'm hoping the end result rocks.

OK that's it for now... I'm beat and have to pack my lunch and finish some school work and be out of the house by 6:15 tmrw...

what are we doing fun today?

2010-08-01T11:35:00.018-04:00

we've been on the go like crazy.

Monday we went to see the Iron Pigs . The game was tied 3-3 in the 5th.... and the tie broke in the top of the 15th.. they lost! We sat on the picnic patio with the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the American Chemists Society.

Tuesday we went to Coney Island. First the aquarium. The only thing we didn't get to see was the children's petting part. We didn't arrive until about 11 because the traffic was pretty backed up. It worked out OK though because there were lots of groups from schools and day camps there and they cleared out earlier than we did. This is part of our membership for the zoos in NYC area. There are plenty more pictures.

After that we went up on the boardwalk and hit a few amusements. The kids did some and DH and I went on the famous Wonder Wheel. Of course we took a swinging car... there is one point when you're coming down that feels like you'll continue right off the edge of the ferris wheel. Cool views..and interestingly enough it's made from steel from Bethlehem Steel. I thought the price was a bit steep for one ride. Now I understand the allure of places like Hershey and Dorney Parks.

After that he and I and DD went on the Cyclone Rollercoaster It was SO much fun. There is a discount for second ride if you do it right away. Instead of $8 it's $5... We only did it once... but i LOVED it!

Wednesday, DH and I went into NYC while my SIL watched the kids. I wanted to take him to see Wicked for his birthday, but he didn't want to spend that much on tickets. So we took a bus in (waited at the depot for 2 hours.. .darn Bieber lines, that's a whole other story though...) stood in line about 10 minutes at TKTS and got 50% off tickets for West Side Story.. a show he really loves. We ate lunch at the Olive Garden I love that you can have as much salad as you want. Saw the matinee and then walked up and in and around Central Park, about the city etc after the show. We took the night tour bus and crossed the bridge into Brooklyn (that bridge crossing felt almost like an amusement park ride! You are so high up!) We really had a blast and I took lots of other pictures...

Thursday I took a friend to her doctor appt. and then ran to the doctor myself. My legs were swollen and had little spotted red broken blood vessels that originated from my sock line looked like this. None of the docs could figure it out, but after some research, my symptoms point to Henoch-Schönlein purpura. The swelling has resolved and the spots are lighter... I'm not worried.

Friday we went to dinner at Mama Nina's for DH's birthday. Later we had a cake for him. We feted him with breakfast in bed and some Argentine gifts, soccer ball, water bottle, bag, lanyard etc and I made him this necktie.

Pattern: My own - will post later
Yarn: I spun during last year's Tour de Fleece. Top was bought at Milana Hilados in Buenos Aires
Needle: US1
More details to follow.

Yesterday we went to Bushkill Falls
We hiked the red trail, ate lunch, went mining for gold, played on the playground, ate ice cream. The weather was perfect and DS2 lasted almost until the end of the hike (good thing because he isn't a lightweight)

We saw a doe in the woods. She couldn't have cared a bit for all the 'human' noise around. It was a perfect day for the hike. Weather was incredible! And we all slept VERY well. SIL and I stayed up to watch the DVD the Blindside... beautiful story. Bullock deserved the oscar she won!

My SIL leaves tonight and the rest of the week is the start to prepare for back to school for all of us. I have a few fun excursions left though b4 it all ends....

I'll post the tie pattern later :-)

home again, home again

2010-07-25T01:44:00.015-04:00

jiggity jig!

I wanted to post a few pictures from the beach....
sunrise

sunset

quickly fly the days.... the vacation went by so quickly.

Sad to say goodbye, perhaps only auf wiedersehen!

walking with whales

2010-07-23T14:46:00.002-04:00

Yesterday while I was sitting on the beach, 2 whales came in close enough to see. Their acrobatic display was glorious. We could see the spray from their blow hole and tails and occasionally their entire body out of the water. My guess is that they were humpbacks because they were sighted in June off the coast and this YouTube video is almost exactly what we saw I'll post more later

oooo

2010-07-22T15:30:00.004-04:00

Sunrise to a beautiful day at the beach. Just experimenting to see if this works

summer sun

2010-07-17T21:32:00.004-04:00

It's perfect beach weather. Sunny, breezy, warm. The water was a great temp and the waves ere rockin. The kids LOVE their boogie boards. Can't say as I blame them. I rode a few waves in myself. I had my big sunglasses on. Wish I could show you the tan lines bt I cant figure out how to do that on the phone. Poo

delivered

2010-07-16T17:48:00.007-04:00

clapotis #2

I took some photos with SIL and the clapotis... want to do more after the beach. (maybe we should take it to the beach!) Everything about this one is the same as the last except it's a bit bigger... I think I did more repeats on the increase (and henceforth decrease)

now to decide on beach knitting. We went to the library today and I took out 4 books Nicky Epstein Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch, Melissa Leapmans' Knitting Beyond Scarves, Vogues Knitting on the go Felting and one I may have to buy... Sweater Renewal by Sharon Franco Rothschild... great for decreasing the felted stash from the thrift store :-D

I'll be quiet for a week.. have to finish packing... making empanadas and alfajores for the trip tmrw.... DH is making banana bread

as if....

2010-07-15T22:43:00.003-04:00

I had all the time in the world. I add more stress to my life. I decided to go for something that I'll divulge later, but it's a quick deadline with lots to accomplish. Crazy, I am!

I finished the clapotis yesterday, but haven't taken pictures yet... it looks like the other one except a tad larger.

I walked alone today. 4.3 miles.. around and about town. The only interesting thing was the sound of a woodpecker, but I didn't stop to try to spy it.

Pool this afternoon with the kids. It was so humid today... I hate to think of seeing our electric bill with running the A/C and the deregulation. I have friends that told me theirs tripled this month... ugh!

hoping for pictures tmrw....amidst the craziness I create

bronx zoological park

2010-07-13T08:51:00.008-04:00

was the 'fun' thing to do yesterday. That was after the 5 mile walk in the morning to which I saw a kingfisher and some whitetail deer!
I'm posting a few pictures but if you want to see more, surf on over to my Bronx zoo album on facebook... there are some decent shots in there as well :-)

this Andean condor didn't like when I said she had an ugly face. There was a lady that visits weekly and when she calls to the bird it comes running over to her. She tells it how pretty it is and I guess the bird really likes her. The woman said every time someone says that the bird is ugly she runs away or squacks... too funny.

The snowy owl IS beautiful I think. This reminded me of the owls in Where the Wild Things Are. Snowy owls hunt by day and night, unlike other owls, because of the length of the summer day in the arctic.

We saw the elephants were on the monorail. Unfortunately for us our fellow passengers were little boys from the boys club whose chaperone was as rude as they were and it was very difficult to hear the commentary. But I did learn that an elephant has 40,000 muscles in its trunk. It can pick up an egg without breaking it and they flap their ears to keep cool. I think this elephant looks happy.... (stop anthropomorphizing, right?)

They had camel rides, which we didn't do, but I went over to say hello. This one started to sing to me. You can see his lips in a perfect [u] formation.

VV is here so I may be shy on the posts (or not).

Working on the decreases of clapotis #2!

what are we doing fun today?

2010-07-11T23:25:00.005-04:00

If I had a nickel for each time I've beard that.....

Watched the tour. Poor Lance. If it wasn't for bad luck he'd have had none at all today. But the last kilometer was very exciting! Andy is showing that he's something to be considered.

During lunch, we watched the Phils sweep the series with the Reds. Today's game only took 8.5 innings though. The shortest of the series. Between innings were filled with the world cup final. Congrats to Spain!! DH was happy (as much as he could be, that is).

Then miniature golf. Followed by dinner at the oasis diner. Home for a short spell and the movie at friendship park presented by north by northwest. The movie tonight Where the Wild Things Are based on the book by Maurice Sendak. I have to say, I didn't get it. They had a hula hoop contest before the movie and DD and her friend each won a huge hula hoop :)

Home for showers and bed 6 am date for a 4 mile walk then off to the Bronx zoo and meet VV in Manhattan. Look for wild thing pictures tmrw.

klp

2010-07-10T08:59:00.003-04:00

that's key lime pie..I made one for DH on MOnday. He replaced my garbage disposal so needed a well deserved treat. This time I used plain greek yogurt with some powdered sugar added for the topping.It is really too tasty....and even better a day later.

battle of the sexes and the big apple

2010-07-09T22:22:00.009-04:00

the boys went to the Statue of Liberty (well it was more than boys but the immediate ones at least) and the girls to Manhattan (mostly to the American Girl store... nuff said, right?) We had fun but everyone is beat.

The girl and I went to the AG store and stayed for lunch. Forgot to snap a picture of the cinnamon buns but here's the rest.
appetizer

My entree (DD had pizza)

dessert

I couldn't finish my meal... neither could DD.

Then we traveled to Rockafeller Center and took in the Lego store Notice a theme in these 2 pictures?

Then we were headed uptown to the Disney store... completely passed where it should have been according to the Google app on my iPhone and decided to detour into FAO Schwarz Meandered around in there a bit oogling all the cool toys. They had a HUGE Chewbacca on display made of Legos

Headed uptown a bit more into Central Park. Try as I might, I could NOT convince the girl to go into the Zoo at Central Park with me, nor walk through much of the park. She was getting tired already. (well we had been walking/shopping for about 5 hours minus an hour for lunch) But I did catch a glimpse of Bruiser from outside. He was swimming around and showing off for the crowd. All the artists in the park were freaking her out cuz they all kept coming up to her to ask to do her portrait. I have to admit, she looked really beautiful today. I french braided her hair on the bus on the way into the city.

Then we went back to search for the disney store only to find that in it's place is the Coca Cola building. Disney closed the store in the beginning of the year and are opening around Thanksgiving at a new location according to the guy working at the coca cola building.

She was so bummed by this... but we went to the Gap they were having a sale on shirts. Buy one get one free. So I got her 2, to wear with a pair of capris that she was complaining last night she had nothing that matched.

She kept bugging me when were the boys picking us up.... we walked a bit and were just about to go to the MOMA but I got the brilliant idea of going into St. Thomas' so we could sit and be quiet, not much noise from the city (which she hates) AND a big bonus for the day AC. We got in as the organist was practicing All Creatures of Our God and King! Gave me chills.. we had this hymn at our wedding....took all the strength I had not to start belting it out. Boy, she would have KILLED me for that move! I believe the tune is Lasst Uns Erfreuen

well we got a text to meet them at 9th and 57th so off we went again. We got up to about 8th and they found us. All in all we trekked about 4 miles not to mention all the walking in the stores..my dogs are dog tired!

Dinner at Cracker Barrel on the way home... I had the wholesome morning sampler minus the meat. YUM!

The day was topped off by the Phils pulling out a win at the last inning...well tied in the ninth, won in the 10th with a walk off home by Ryan Howard. I wasn't watching until the 10th cuz I was so depresesed they were back 6-1 in the 5th or so.

And of course I knit on the way in and out of the city. Gotta love not driving!!!!

humidity..........

2010-07-08T07:27:00.003-04:00

it's really really humid.. which makes it feel even hotter. Just wish it would rain already.

Just got back from a 4 mile walk... and along the towpath, we met Yertle

the snapping turtle. Eventually we backtracked and he had meandered off to the river... you could see the trail from his tail.

almost finished the increases on the clapotis... this one is going faster and I really love this knit!

Happy Thursday.

heat wave

2010-07-07T21:08:00.002-04:00

Today wasn't AS bad as yesterday. There was at least a breeze at the pool. I walked 4 miles alone this morning. It was a lovely walk!

I started another clapotis today in the same yarn, same color, for a friend who was loving the first as I was knitting it. DD and I are headed to the city on Friday on a bus, so I'm hoping to get a bunch done then!

Nothing else much to speak of... lots of work drama, but I rather not dirty up the blog with that!

two in one day?

2010-07-06T15:58:00.004-04:00

While reading Kristyn's blog,I was reminded of 10 on Tuesday, which I haven't done in forever. Yanowhatimean isn't doing it anymore but I found one here

1. If given the oppotunity, would you choose a mediocre job that paid well or your dream job that paid poorly?
Ideally, the latter.... realistically probably the former. Having 3 kids makes you change priorities.....

2. What is your favorite thing about the 4th of July? (For the foreigners: What is your impression of the 4th of July?)
Fireworks.. although the memory of making homemade vanilla icecream at my grandma's house ranks at the top... with freshly picked raspberries from her garden... ah!

3. What’s the most random fact you know about American history?
George Washington liked to dance. Learned it on the history channel last week while sitting in the dentist's office.

4. What is the best fireworks display you’ve ever seen?
Probably right here in my town. They do a bang up job! (pun intended)

5. Who taught you how to put on makeup?
Who said I know how now?

6. Have you ever gone through a financial planning process? Tell us about it.
Hmmmm not really

7. What was your favorite outfit as a kid? Bonus points for pictures.
I made this pink gauzy top and embroidered a rose on the front... really loved that thing.

8. Do you prefer a beach, lake, swimming pool, or no water?
beach hands down

9. Do you recycle? If not, why?
I wear the queen of recycling crown TYVM!

10. What are your thoughts and feelings about the Twilight Saga?
Not interested, except to impress my soon new to be JHS students LOL

hoT hOT HOT

2010-07-06T13:50:00.007-04:00

I would pick the hottest day of the year to be working on the last stitches of this:

Pattern: Lizard Ridge by Laura Aylor
Yarn: blocks Noro Kureyon, seaming and attached i-cord recycled Abercrombie & Fitch sweater
Colors: 40U, 52P2, 95, 102Y, 116D, 134C, 147A, 148A, 149F, 153A, 157A, 156B, 163D, 164E, 165C, 170, 172E, 175C, 178C, 182D, 184E, 185D, 188D, 194C and charcoal
Needle: US8 and US10
Modifications: I made it 6x5 instead of 6x4 in order to wrap my body in it.
Recipient: Why ME of course!

I skipped walking yesterday and opted for sleep... today i walked 6 miles... and it's super hot.. I probably had a slight case of heat stroke while waiting for the kids at swimming lessons.

DH replaced the garbage disposal... I promised him a key lime pie, so now that I've recuperated from the heat, I guess I best get moving on that... squeezing all those little limes... jeesh!

Have to look for cording to either cover or head out to Joanns to buy some covered so I can make the window seat pillow.. want that done b4 the SIL comes.

last night we had a decadent life. Watched the Phils win, put the kids to bed then took the laptop in bed and watched Must Love Dogs.. that movie is really to cute..we laughed so hard!

I decided not to go in to work this week. No one cares and frankly, it's too bloody hot to be there with no A/C.. I'll start plans from home.

Stay cool!

these feet were made for walking

2010-07-03T13:42:00.004-04:00

today was 7 miles... yesterday 6. the rest of the week 4 a day.

I've spent far too much time at school and there's no end in sight. So much for summer break.

Phils...well we won't go there.

I've decided on attached I cord for the lizard ridge. I've rounded one corner and nearing a second.

Occasional spinning outdoors.

Kids to swim lessons.

kind of boring, no?

Oh I can add this:

Pattern: Clapotis by Kate Gilbert
Yarn: Knitting Fever King Tut
Color: Green
Needle: US9
Recipient: SIL

wasn't there, but.....

2010-06-25T15:40:00.002-04:00

the phillies game had a rain delay yesterday

The guy who made this video found the perfect match of soundtrack for it! What a great job he did.

Me, I'm walking up a storm.... avg a bit over 4 miles a day. Yesterday was 6, today was just shy of 5.

Between that and getting my head in the junior high game, playing with family and knitting one or two stitches, my summer is occupied.

pie, anyone?

2010-06-21T01:11:00.003-04:00

I wanted to make something special for DH for father's day. So I thought oooo a key lime pie. He'd love that. So I did... those little limes are such a pain to squeeze... there must be some kitchen tool that does the job... so the entire bag later plus the juice from squeezing 1.5 regular limes and voila:

A slight diversion of Emeril's key lime pie. His topping calls for sour cream with a pinch of sugar mixed in.. which I'm sure would be fab but I had 6 egg whites to use up from making tiramisu last week, so merengue topping won out. If you read the comments on the recipe page.... it really is VERY good. DH was in heaven. Next time I try the sour cream topping... and I'll find something to squeeze those little limes before then too ;-)

happy father's day

2010-06-20T21:47:00.003-04:00

Missing my dad, appreciating the father of my own children!

well it's official

2010-06-19T23:52:00.004-04:00

i've been moved to the junior high...
i'm speechless
i got a letter in the mail. no phone call to let me know. DH read it to me as i prepared the potato salad.

i have my summer work planned for me...............

DS birthday is today. We had about 24 people over for a party.

nature's lace

2010-06-15T15:52:00.006-04:00

The blocks on LR are together.. now to seam the columns and learn to crochet!

Clapotis is coming along nicely. Although I was knitting last night while watching a streaming school board meeting on the internet (a 4 hour very heated meeting) and forgot to drop in the repeat... went on another 14 rows before I noticed... so in went the lifeline and back I ripped... it's ok... no worries, it's summer!

The kids started swim lessons yesterday. So I get some sun while they swim.

This morning I walked 4 miles with a buddy. We left at 6AM... felt great. Gonna make it a daily activity. That's the time I can escape the house without anyone caring.

Tonight, my own district's board meeting (as in employer). Hot topic...uniforms. I could care either way but some folks have some very strong opinions against it. Personally, I think if they can't enforce the guidelines they have now, they're mistaken that a uniform code will make a difference... those who want to dress inappropriately will find a way no matter what....

summer, ah!

2010-06-13T22:19:00.008-04:00

We're all off from school now. Swim lessons start tmrw. Kids finished Friday. I was done Tuesday. I'm forgetting all about the place. I still have no clue where I'll be come Aug 24 so I really am not going to waste any of my summer planning... phhhhhhhhhhhbbbbbbt!

I've been spinning up a storm... did some sheep and cheingora, reclaiming wool from sweaters, knitting and trying to finish off a project or two. This is the latest accomplishment. All the lizard ridge squares are now blocked and I've begun to sew them into strips.. I hope to have the blanket assembled by next week, so I can work on the border. If it's complete in time, I *may* enter it in the Allentown fair... we'll see.

I've started a clapotis for an unnamed recipient.

And we had guests for dinner last night. I made this yummo Rachel Ray recipe with lemon pesto on penne with asparagus, zuchinni and french green beans. Very fresh and summery. Finished the meal with homemade tiramisu. There were other yummies to munch on as well, but you get the drift! I sent the lady of the evening home with my cloth experiment:

Yarn: Elmore Pisgah cotton
Color: Potpourri
Pattern: my own unvention
Needle: US7
Recipient: Boksans

Here's the pattern as I remember:
CO 45
K 1 row
k2, [knit 3 pass first knit stitch over other 2, YO] repeat to last stitch K1
purl
k1 [knit 3 pass first knit stitch over other 2, YO] repeat to last stitch K2
purl
bind off when length desired is reached.
Not terribly exciting
Use it if you'd like for whatever but please don't call it your own. You can link back here although I'm sure I didn't make up the stitch myself... It's unvented

how we spent memorial day

2010-06-01T03:26:00.006-04:00

Guess what we did as a family? Or better yet what IS this picture?

Give up?? Here's the rest of the animal.

We had a great day. I knit a little. Especially while waiting to go up on the zoo balloon. Yes, we've been members for years and it is never working when we go. So today, it was. We stood in line for 40 minutes... only to have them tell us when we were once ride away, they were closing the ride because of the wind. ARGH! Oh well... maybe next time.

Here are some more pictures from the zoo that I uploaded to facebook.

It was a great weekend. The end of school is near and my grades are done! 5 student days 2 of which are half days (not that it matters, I teach 4 classes instead of 5 on those days) but I am SO looking forward to summer. Have heard nothing regarding the plan for the music dept. not that it surprises me.

The clematis in the back yard (actually it's the neighbors but grew through the fence) It's spent now as are the orchids but the roses are out. We planted some flowers, herbs and veggies this weekend.

I was spinning this weekend too... and my two forefingers are killing me... i wonder if it's related. I mean doing simple things like opening my wallet hurts so much.... I'll spin with my middle fingers from now on.

phillies

2010-05-22T14:38:00.004-04:00

11 years have made DH and I think too much alike. This morning, i was gifted for our wedding anniversary with a Phillies cap and sweatshirt, Polanco t-shirt and tickets for us for tonights game!

Part of his gift, a Phillies hat and t-shirt... I contemplated tickets for tonights game, but didn't have the time to get it all together with a sitter....

What a guy!

My last concert for school was last night... 3 concerts in 9 days... WHEW.. I'm so glad it's over even though they're fun while they're happening... it's a TON of preparation work that has nothing to do with music. The music preparation is enough in and of itself.

Now to finish out the year... and wouldn't it be nice if I knew what was happening with me and work next year???

maybe I can resume knitting now!

happy mother's day

2010-05-08T22:12:00.003-04:00

wish I had more to say. I am totally SWAMPED with work.. no time to blog, knit or sleep.

hearty wishes

2010-04-11T18:18:00.005-04:00

will be given to the happy couple at the shower, April 24th.

Pattern: 2 Heats as 1 by Cathy Waldie
Yarn: Sugar and Cream
Color: White
Needle: US3
Recipient: Heather

We were shopping with the kids yesterday and I saw this sign at Sears. Do you see the problem with it??? Needless to say, I didn't take advantage of the sale.

Picked up 3 silk ties at the thrift store to try the egg dyeing again. DH claimed the one from the MOMA so it's hanging in his closet now.

love, love, love

2010-04-07T21:56:00.002-04:00

all you need is love

Pattern: Love by Rachel van Schie
Yarn: Circulo Yarns
Color: red
Needle: US3
Recipient: Heather

I used small needles so the design would pop. This will go along with the red and white ball bands. I'd love to do a checkerboard one.. I wonder fi I could figure that out.. maybe double knit potholder.. hmmmmmm

PSSAs started today at school. Had 19 knitters to teach... ouch... and it was over 90 degrees today with no A/C at the school or in my van either for that matter.

Sitting watching the Phils; love those boys!

a different celebration

2010-04-05T12:10:00.005-04:00

for us this year. Kids up before 6AM.... got baskets... piled in car....off to church. 90 minutes later,....drop DH off..... take kids to starbucks for breakfast....go to mom's...visit....pick her up .....all pile back to car.... church....rehearse... service.... Easter dinner at Carlucci's with kids, DH, mother, brother, nephew and brother's MIL....head back home..... chill for 30 min... hide eggs in yard... kids hunt (takes all of 5 min)..... make dinner....watch newsies... sleep!

Oh and I got to knit while in the car. Finished this:

Baby Hoodie by Hannah Garcia
Yarn: Grace by Paton's
Color: Spearmint
Needle: US6 (kind of...)
Recipient: baby William Bott
Mods: left off front pocket, changed construction of hood.

Now to pack it up and mail it off... so he can wear it at least once before he outgrows it!

Must. do. school. grades.

happy easter

2010-04-04T00:04:00.003-04:00

The bunny was a very busy girl today. Went shopping for baskets... not candy, but some last minute goodies, like bike helmets a movie, etc. Stopped at the thrift shop to donate a large bag and went in and came out with a large bag... hahaha cashmere sweaters, wool sweaters to felt for a Christmas gift project, a pizza stone, pants for DS2, a movie for DS1 and a silk tie.

I wanted to try my hand at literally tie dyeing eggs... It wasn't too successful... I'm not giving up though!

Speaking of dyeing... this week I dyed some handspun in colors that remind me of tulips...The green is the leaves and stems and well the rest is the flower itself.

My SIL was admitted to the hospital today with double pneumonia. We usually have Easter at their house, but I knew she wasn't feeling well so had thought we'd stay home and I'd do the dinner thing here for the family. My other SIL is sick as well, so I wanted to make sure that mom had someone to celebrate with. We're all heading down very early in the AM and bringing her to church with us then going out for lunch. Fortunately, I was able to get reservations for us at a favorite Italian restaurant between church and her 'village' and not far from the hospital that my SIL is in. So I convinced my brother and nephew to join us, since they still need to eat! DS1 will be just as happy not to see his dog cousin!

The hoodie is almost finished.. making the hood now... I think I realized a kind of major error, but it looks ok... so I'll let it slide. IF I ever make this pattern again, I'll be using the yarn it calls for... just didn't have it in boy colors and I want to knit from stash this year only (if at all possible)

At any rate, enjoy your holiday... It's my favorite one of all (actually my favorite church service was Friday... something about that tenebrae service really hits me.)

yikes

2010-03-24T11:46:00.005-04:00

I think it's been 10 months since I've been sick... I remember now I hate it. I broke down and took the day off from work today. Slept in and have been dozing off and on the rest of the time. The low-grade fever is finally gone after 5 days and now it feels like a croupy cold..blech.

On the knitting front, I finished a second cloth for my exchange on Saturday
Pattern: Springing up Flowers by Kris
I think you can find it on ravelry too
Yarn: Peaches and Cream
Color: mint green
Needle: US3
Recipient: it's a secret

My 1st cousin once removed just had a baby boy.. what should I make??

Still working on wedding shower gifts too. Saturday, I'm actually singing! Helping with a Good Friday recording. Hope the voice is back to 100% by then.

wearin' the green

2010-03-17T00:38:00.003-04:00

Pattern: A little Lace kitchen cloth by Carol Bristol
Yarn: Peaches and Cream
Color: lemon/lime
Needle: US7
Recipient: a secret

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

searching

2010-03-15T21:57:00.011-04:00

for photos from the zoo for DD's Pennsylvania alphabet book on my external hard drive, and I came across these photos.

I remember taking this series. DS2 woke up very early one morning and to prevent him from waking everyone, we went down to the beach to watch the sun rise.

Such a peaceful start to the day. Makes me long for summer and the beach.