recycled yarn

I've been recycling yarn lately. Remember the cashmere sweater I wrote about a few weeks ago? Well I took it apart but had some troubles unraveling, so I let it sit. In the mean time, I unraveled a 100% merino XL ladies long sleeve sweater that is 2 ply laceweight yarn. I've learned that I need to be really careful when undoing the seams. It's even harder to see the threads that you can cut on these fine weight yarn sweaters. Well this cake is from the 2 sleeves and the front of the sweater. I have another smaller cake from the sweater back. The ends are spit spliced so there'll be no knots in the skein. I'll wind it on my skein winder, wash it and probably overdye it.

I also frogged merino longies that I had made for DS2 quite some time ago from a JCrew merino sweater. I had frogged the rest of the sweater and have about 1000 yards from that. Now, there's an additional 400 yards (give or take) from the longies (both arms) so I'll add that to the other and have quite the mother lode of very soft 2 (very loosely) ply merino in hunter green.

So tonight, after spinning for the tour de fleece, I decided to try my hand at one of the sleeves of the cashmere sweater and lo and behold... it started to unravel :-)
It's super fine weight cashmere and the places that I've cut wrong I just spit splice and it turns out fine. I'm so psyched now. My first cashmere.

I've been spinning up a storm and DD has decided to get rid of her polly pockets, so we've been organizing to take photos of them to list on ebay. She should get a haul since the collection is immense. We counted 100 pairs of shoes (just shoes, not including the 20ish pairs of boots) I'm making her do most of the work, after all she'll get the cash, but a little supervision is always a good thing.

We went miniature golfing today with the kids. On the way home DS2 asked where are apo and aba? We told him that they went home yesterday. He wants them to come back. LOL Guess 6 weeks wasn't enough.

I've cast on for the 3rd time for the yoga bag... this time I used circulars with a bigger circumference AND a stitch marker forthe beginning of the round. The pattern is written for flat, but I'm knitting it in the round :-]

I also started Tina's cloth for the love2knit dishcloth exchange. I hope she'll like it. I think I found a perfect cloth for her!

OK... it's soon time to wake up and I've yet to go to bed. I heard someone stirring upstairs at about 4 AM... lately one of the 3 kids has been up at that time for the past week.

ten on tuesday

in no particular order:
Hans Solo - Star Wars (obviously)
Indiana Jones from any of the Indiana Jones films (haven't seen the latest though)
Jack Ryan from Clear and Present Danger
Yesterday - from the African film of the same name
Erin Brokovich from the film of the same name
Guido Orafice from Life is Beautiful
Cole Sear from the Sixth Sense
Harry Potter from Harry Potter (did I need to mention that?)
Mr. Magorium from Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
Wall-E from the film of the same name

hmmmmm

You Are No Swimsuit

You are totally, completely comfortable with your body. And you're not judgmental about other people's bodies either. You are connected to nature. You feel best when you are outdoors. You are a serene and peaceful person. You focus on what's truly important... not material possessions.

What Kind of Swimsuit Are You?

guess this does describe me... no suit but only for a moonlight swim!

forgot this

sand art that DD made at the DaVinci science center... I wanted to post it cuz I think it turned out cool looking. You put all the sand in a funnel which is inside a frame and hung from the 4 corners. You can move the funnel however you'd like and the sand comes out of the funnel to make a picture. Looks like a seashell to me!

la tour de France fleece

silly me... what do I know about bike riding, except that I used to do it all the time in my youth. Well I've actually spent quite a bit of time watching the tour while spinning myself... not on 2 wheels though only on one and only using 1 foot. And here's what I have to show for it so far:

2 bobbins(started the third) of single ply BFL. I admit to cheating a bit on this, as it had been started before the race, but it's mostly what I'll be spinning this month.






and 408 yard of navajo plied Finn. This was taking up a bobbin and seeing that I only had one bobbin, I decided to practice navajo plying. (took me forever to do all 400 yards) It's my first attempt at this type of ply so it's not too bad. I'll probably dye this and make socks for myself :-)

I did a bit of spindle spinning early (as in 2 AM) Monday to try to finish off the Licoln fleece that I have. There's only about a pound left and I'd like to get it all spun. Have no clue what it will become... and also return P's Ashford spindle. I prefer the top whorl to the bottom whorl, but want to finish all this yarn the same.


Monday, we went to the DaVinci Science Center DD has been bugging me to go for months. Finally I found a place where I wasn't the only dalfujensia in the family :-) (I'm not sure I spelled that correctly.. I'll ask DH in the morning). It's like a please touch museum of all things science. DS2 wasn't impressed but found some things that he was attracted to. I'm sure we'll be back to visit again, especially since it's only about 15 minutes from home! Afterwards we went to the nearby Perkins for a late lunch (we were all starving). As we were almost ready to leave an older woman came up to me to remark how beautiful our children were. And how patient we were as parents (you talkin' 'bout me?????) Actually the kids were having a good day. And were in a particulary snuggly mimos mood. Anyway, that really warmed the cockles of my heart, so thanks ma'am!

Guess I need to think of something for Tuesday! The in-laws leave for home Wednesday evening. I don't know if we're all going to the airport or just DH... probably the latter. It's such a long trip to drag the kids on, plus the van is still in the shop.

Speaking of..... the shop called today. Apparently it's all related to the alternator. When the alternator goes wacky, so does the computer and all the misbehavior is related. I had DH mention to the mechanic about DS2 thinking that the cassette player was piggybank last summer. (Oddly enough a woman called in to car talk about this very thing last week) Carlos, the mechanic, said "oh.... that's not good" meaning that it could also be related. So we may be shopping in the junk yards for a new radio/tape/CD component to install (click and clack's suggestion as well) Maybe it's unrelated, but for a while the radio would turn itself on and off depending on how the coins were in the tape deck. I retrieved quite a number of them, but some are impossible to reach and I'm sure have worked their way in even farther. He was an equal opportunity depositor... any denomination worked as long as it was a coin! Even pesos, bridge and chucky cheese tokens. That's my boy... an investor!

OK... now for some knitting news. I've started Lizard Ridge square 12 with my new LM needles. I think that they are cursed. I've had to rip back 3 times now and each time I was on the last wave repeat..... it's ok, I'm method with this one. no rush to finish!

But these are finished:

Pattern: Charade by Sandra Park
Yarn: ColorMe
Color: Regal
Needle: KnitPicks Harmony dpns US2 (3 mm)
For: ME!!

Love the stitch pattern. Wish that this yarn didn't flash but oh well.... this is a great stitch pattern for a guys sock as well and super easy to memorize. I'll probably make DH a pair in a solid (black, blue, brown, or tan... you know a boring color) But they will definitely be on my feet as soon as the weather cools a bit. (I wore them to spin last night hehehe) I'm really loving the sock thing right now. It's become my new obsession (pushed dishcloths right out of the running... but they'll be back) I have a few skeins of sock yarn to use... then I have an excuse to buy more :-D


In nature news, we have 4 painted lady chrysalis now. One fell off the little paper that it was suppose to attach to and is laying at the bottom of the butterfly garden. Hope that doesn't damage the metamorphosis process. I tried to take pictures but they don't do them justice. They're kind of a brown with these shiny gold dots on them. and only about an inch long, much smaller than the black swallowtail that we did last summer. I think about 10 days we'll have butterflies. I learned when we were at the butterfly house that black swallowtails will not voluntarily feed when in captivity. You need to uncurl the proboscis onto the nectar.... which explains why our guy was not interested at all in the watermelon pieces we gave him. Had I known... at any rate he was released in plently of time to eat and mate (which after all is what they're supposed to do) I'm excited for the kids to see the process again. DD will be studying about growth this year as one of the units of inquiry and they concentrate on butterflies.


Well I'm off to spin some more before retiring...

happy crafting

what did you do on the 4th?

what a day.....we had plans to go to our friends' house for a picnic and then fireworks. The rain and our schedule of events cancelled out the fireworks.


We're driving along and all of a sudden the battery light goes on..... (mind you the check engine light has been on for about 5 1/2 weeks and nothing has been done about it) a few miles later the ABS light comes on and then the engine starts to rev. I suggested that we pull over... and turn off the car. So DH kindly followed my instructions. Then tried to start the car and it gave that rr, rr, rr sound of a dead battery. So call AAA (thankfully we have AAA+ which tows for 100 miles for free) and I start thinking who can pick the 7 of us up? My brother won my vote and as serendipity would have it (in a bad situation) his van was finished getting fixed, so he just had to pick it up and my nephew followed in his car. They let us have to van to use until ours gets fixed. Mind you, my brother lives 50 miles from me (albeit in the direction we were traveling) but still, he's an Eagle Scout through and through.
We unloaded the car with stuff that we'd need and all the people and parked in someone's front yard along the side of the country highway (a state route... that is fairly busy) and waited for the tow truck, which came pretty quickly once we figured out where we were. Oddly enough after the tow truck took away the car, the people in the house came out and looked a bit puzzled but were very kind in offering their facilities should we need them. My brother and nephew came and rescued us with their van and rabbit (be a better story if they rode in on a mustang, no?) and we continued on our merry way.
I'm curious to know what the problem is and if it's related to the check engine light.

Two of the caterpillars have pupated and one is in the J. The fourth looks about ready. I'd take pictures but the batteries in my camera died and my kids used the rest of the AA batteries in the house, so I'll have to go get more tmrw.

I started this cloth on the way down, finished it at our friend's house and left it for her. I found the idea on ravelry and think it's a brilliant way to use up those scraps of kitchen cotton.

Pattern: Lizard Ridge Dishcloth by Laura Aylor
Yarn: Lily's Sugar 'n Cream
Colors: Delft Blue, Red and White
Needle: US6
Made for: Gaby

There's one goof in it, but I left it go. All in all it's a great patriotic cloth and another wonderful use of the Lizard Ridge pattern. Thanks Laura! :-)

I still haven't finished sock #2. There is about 3 inches left to knit. I should get cracking. Tomorrow, OK technically today, starts the Tour de France and with it the Tour de Fleece... I'll spin up what I have in rolags and hope to card more as well.

And last but not least, some pictures from the Philly zoo yesterday. We bought the family deluxe membership so the kids got to go on all the stuff that was available and we'll have to go back again in the next year (I personally could go there every day!) We arrived around 11:30 and stayed until closing. Suffice it to say that there were 7 very tired people when we got home!










The tree house. This is a very cool large room where everything is oversized even for adults. You can climb up inside the tree and look out at the room. There are giant frogs kids can climb inside. A HUMUNGOUS beehive, gargantuan monarch caterpillars and butterflys, Some dinosaur replicas, a flower seat and more. The kids had a blast here.

There will be more pictures after I steal them from my FIL's camera ;-)

finished

Pattern: Amanda's Squatty Sidekick from Interweave Knits knitting daily
Yarn: Paton's Classic Wool Merino
Color: Chestnut Brown
Needle: US 10.5
Lining: purchase at Wilson's Calico booth at Kutztown Folk Festival
Button: gift from Argentina (ironically from my MIL)
Recipient: MIL

I just finished sewing the lining in. It's not perfect, but it can be a constant reminder to her that neither am I......

I wanted to do more, but I need to sleep.... I think it's the zoo tomorrow if the weather holds.

citizenship

comes with certain rights and priveleges. The most important being the right to vote.
DH became an American citizen today. The Philly convention center grand ballroom was packed with 1500 new citizens and all their guests. The color guard are volunteers that are all descendents of Gen. George Washington's original colorguard. I didn't think it would be a big deal, but there were moments that choked me up a bit. So now, I'm married to an American citizen. He did register to vote immediately after the ceremony. It took all of 3 minutes as they had many volunteers there registering the new citizens.

In other news, my brother turned 53 today. Happy Birthday E.... even though you tormented me all those years, I still love you!

I can now say that I have knit at the Philly convention center and the Market St. train station.. making that kip list longer every day LOL. This decoration was at the end of the food court in the train station. If this was the Mason Dixon blog, I'd put it under found objects, but it's not, so I just have it here. I also missed taking a great picture of a metal outline sculpture of Ben Franklin on a bridge crossing 676 heading out of town.. just not quick enough with this camera. I'm finishing up my second sock, working on a lizard ridge block and frogging the second leg of a pair of longies that is merino (the rest of the sweater has been frogged for quite some time and the wool is luciously soft!)

I need to sew the lining to MIL's purse. I was interrupted last night as I was readying the machine by a little boy with a nightmare.

busy busy busy

I have stuff to post, just no time.

I've finished 1.5 socks of the Charade and fulled my MIL's squatty sidekick. She chose (and bought) fabric for the lining at the Kutztown Folk Festival at Wilson's calico booth. We went there Sunday as well as to the Crystal Cave. The fair was great. I could have spent more time there but the kids were worn out. The disappointing thing was the lack of knitting and fiber. There was only one booth which sold knitted items, some handspun yarn, square needles, and roving. Her fiber is gorgeous. She has goats, bunnys and sheep....nice lady. When I find the paper with her info, I'll add it to this post.We got there at about 10 and left at about 4. At Crystal Cave, I stayed in the car with DS2 who was taking a LONG nap. Everyone loved the cave.

Yesterday, we went to the Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary which is owned by my friend Mari Gruber. It was a great program and the kids loved it. In fact, DD asked me this morning when can we go back there? DH was chosen to be the human butterfly. I'll post pictures when I get them off the card of that. It was quite humorous!

Today we're off to Roadside America I haven't been there since I was about DS2s age...that's a long time ago and tomorrow DH swears in as an American citizen.

And I've been busy carding rolags to prepare for the Tour de Fleece on ravelry. I want to get as many ready for spinning as possible. Brown BFL for a vest for DH

I'll be adding to this post later, but for now I need to get ready for the trip!

happy crafting

ten on tuesday

10 sports you like to play/watch

• swimming
  
• tennis
  
• gymnastics
  
• diving
  
• baseball
  
• figure skating
  
• ice dancing
  
• ballroom dancing
  
• ski jumping
  
• dressage
  

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