Got Gauge

New Hours

With the move came new household hours. The Husband's commute is now about 4 times longer than before. Luckily we are both morning people. I get up, pour the coffe, make his breakfast and pack his lunch. I should go to the gym after that but instead I sit down at the computer. I try to spend a little time catching up on personal stuff before I settle into my workday.

But that's all got to change. I need to get back into the gym. I just don't have it in me to work out, really get in a good one here at home. And it's too cold for me to go outside to run. I don't enjoy running that much. So make sure that by the time the calendar hits December, I take care of that gym thing. I know it will also help with my grumpiness. Which was also helped by my dear friend's call yesterday. She knew EXACTLY the remedy to cure my grumpiness. Caffiene and an all-girl lunch date. I just have to wait for a slightly more reasonable hour to call and set that up for tomorrow.

And this will give you a little giggle. Or it did for me.

So who are you rooting for on Dancing with The Stars? I just adore Warren but I also like Lance and Lacey. Burke is good but it's also a bit like she's too perfect from the beginning. I think she's danced before. And that stomach of hers is just unreal.

Happy Day! I'm off to start my workday.

Happy Thanksgiving Week

As co-founder of SPOT (The Society for the Preservation of Thanksgiving), I feel like I have not fulfilled my duties this year. I haven't taken a great deal of time out to be grateful and thankful. And, quite frankly, I'm more than a bit grumpy about this year's festivities. We were supposed to go see my family but it's not going to work out with the Husband's job. And well, I just can't see to leave him by himself. That would be wrong. And it would make me sad.

So please excuse my grumpiness today. I am extremely thankful that we are healthy. I am thankful for my many friends and those members of our families who actually give two hoots about us. People it is not a given that just because you're blood mean you deal with one another. I know in some families it's that way, but not all. In some families, blood isn't thicken than water. Moving on cause that will just make me grumpier. I am extremely thankful for my family in all forms. I am very blessed to have them in my life.

I am also thankful that I do not have a large food processor and my spring form pan went missing about 10 years ago. Because if I had either, I'd be making and eating this right now. All of it. With a pot of coffee. I might share a bite.

I finished knitting Basil. I need to iron the edges and seam her up! I will iron today, seam tonight and wear this week. Hooray! I am not sure I like the Fetching fingerless gloves. I finished 1, well I need to do the thumb. I am not sure they are long enough.

Off to drink more coffee and get ungrumpy.

Thankful It's Friday

I'm so not liking Typepad these days. It was good, now photos don't load and I'm back to typing and not seeing anything. Not thankful about that today.

Speaking of Thankful. How did it get to be less than a week to Thanksgiving? The Husband found out that he has to work Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Which means we are staying at home. It's nice to be at home for the holiday but I had my heart set on spending some time with my family. We'll just have to plan a visit down or they come up. I certainly need some help with the green and brown things surrounding the house. I am CLUE-LESS when it comes to gardening. Remember how much fun was made of me and my ultra-tight knitting? Well, let's just say that would make my gardening look stellar. That's how bad I am. Maybe astro-turf and plastic plants?

I know we need to move the rose bushes that are up against the house. There is a narrow piece of dirt between the pool deck and kitchen windows.

I wish I had a pointer but it's the ones smack-dab in the middle of the picture. It blocks the view and the boards behind the bushes aren't looking so hot. They are beautiful bushes but they need to go. Maybe they can be replanted. When do you dig up rose bushes for moving. Speaking of replanting rose bushes. I wonder if Granny has any in her garden? Might be neat to have a flower from Granny's house.

Goodness, just looking at that picture makes me want to keep the rose bush. It's so pretty. Maybe some low colorful somethings there. I adore those Elephant Ear plants. First thing I ever planted with my Heart Mama. I had just moved in with my Dad and her. We always did household chores as a big family effort. Cleaning, yard work, washing the cars and even family night at the laundromat. Even once the washer was fixed, we kept going. Do you know how much easier it is to get everything started at once? And viola! it's all done. None of us liked to do laundry. So we all met, first one there got it started and made short order of it. Perhaps that's why I prefer to tackle household chores the same way to this day. I like the group effort of it all. And the feeling at the end of the day when you sit down with an ice-cold beer and know you worked hard and the results show.

We re-did the living room at the MC House. I was in school so Dad and Sach did a great deal of it during the day and I would come home to chaos and some craziness. It was stunning what they did. This was before HGTV and Sac could have taught them a thing or three about design on a budget. And style. Wow! that room has sass and spunk. To celebrate we had a big party, complete with a ribbon cutting ceremony. I need to find those pictures to show.

I'm so not focused today. My Heart Mama is a Master Gardener, my Auntie is a fabulous gardener. My Granny was too. And I believe my Nana on my Dad's side was pretty handy with growing things herself. One would think I have those genes somewhere. Maybe they are hidden and needed the light of this new house to come out?

I don't know. But I know that I want to finish Basil to wear on Thanksgiving. Take a look at the
back and sleeves.

I think it's going to look great with tan pants or jeans. Shoes. I don't think I have the right shoes. But I will not go buy shoes until I have looked at all shoes currently in stock and determined I truly don't have the perfect pair. I am trying to conserve cash resources and only spend on necessities. Yes, I believe shoes are necessary but I may not need a pair for every. single. day of the year. Speaking of not spending money . . . I found a great buy on a fire pit!

I was on eBay buying a heated towel rack. Needed because the Master Bathroom has NO place for a rack on the walls for one. The previous owners has a heated towel rack in the tiny 6 inch space between the shower and tub. I got the item number from them only to find out it was discontinued. Thankfully there is a reseller of returned items to this store on eBay. I got the last one. While I was buying that I also bought wireless speakers for the hot tub room (or by the pool in the summer), a sonic jewlery cleaner and the fire pit. All for less than the towel rack cost originally. And no, I will not use the fire pit in the foyer.

Wishing you a wonderful and relaxing weekned!

Stash Elimination Plan

Mid-summer I packed up much of the yarn stash and put it in a storage unit as part of the big House-Going-On-The-Market-Must-De-Clutter exercise. So it wasn't until we moved in, unpacked and unloaded the storage unit that it became crystal clear - I. Have. Too. Much. Yarn. And this is after I've cut the stash in half. At least.

Here is my embarrassingly messy yarn and craft closet.

I know my stash isn't as large as others I've seen out there but it's too big for me. I need to make a dent in it. Actually knit and FINISH something. I have so much yarn that's been knit and ripped. Including this one. Notice anything?

Yeah, that's a Scooby-Doo bandaid.  In the summer my wonderful Niece and her BFF came for a visit. They left behind an entire box of Scooby-Doo bandaids. As this proves, I'm still finding and still screaming. I HATE Scooby-Doo. Hate it. Freaks me out and, quite frankly, it's scarey. Seriously. I don't like it.

In an effort to eliminate some stash, I printed two patterns today. I need some fingerless gloves to wear while working so a pair of "Fetching" will take care of the remaining DB Cashmerino Aran. (Leftovers from a lovely bucket hat.) And that bag of stunning Cash Iroha that's been at least 4 starts of projects so far. . . . I'm thinking Lady February. I'm still not 100% on that choice. Thoughts?

Basil is still going well and I think it might actually become a worn FO. Imagine that.

Mom, pay attention to me, please.

Happy Thursday!

Brrrr - it's cold

We only moved about 30 miles west but I swear it's colder here. Yesterday, I saw snow flurries! I think I might need to be a snowbird. I LOVE snow. Adore it. I don't like the cold. If it's cold, I want snow. So much snow you can't go to work. Um, wait a second. I work from home. That means no snow days, doesn't it? Goodness, it would have to snow a great deal for me to not make it into my office in the loft. 

There is nothing like a snow day. I love getting all cozy with a good book, a great knitting project, excellent old movies, a hot drink and a fire. I have a feeling this house is going to be fabulous watching the snow fall!

This is the living room/great room, whatever it's called this decade. You might notice Bosco curled in the corner of the couch. That's his morning spot if I'm working in the loft. Sophia is up here with me . .. snoring. Once we live in the house a bit, we want different furniture. Right now, we don't know what will work best. I'm thinking a big couch and two chair and a halves. But the view. Oh the view! I love it. Not so in love with the 80's blinds and light fixtures. And all that white. Need to get some color on the walls.

And the fireplace. See all the pillows, throws and dog toys on the floor? Those were all on the couch this morning. Well, not the dog toys. I will have to start putting them in the green chair.

 

I was going to light a fire last night but I decided not to. I don't really know how to operate the fireplace. It's the whole flue (sp?) thing. Is it opened or closed? Must google that and see. Isn't it amazing how our learning has changed over the years? Much more informal and self-service learning happens than just 5 years ago. People want and expect to have the answers just a google search away. Amazing. 

Who are you behind on Dancing With The Stars? Is Warren Sapp married? I'll go google that one.

Have a wonderful day!

 

Pioneer Woman Wanna Be

When I downloaded my pictures this morning I realized I  was just like the Pioneer Woman. Okay, not really. Maybe Pioneer Woman Light. No that won't work because I'm sure she's lighter than me. Maybe Not-Quite-Pioneer-Woman?

As I've been saying since I moved into my new house, my kitchen just needs to be cooked in. And I'm trying. I might need to expand my horizons a bit. Maybe a cooking class might be good.

On Sunday, after a 2 hour trip to the grocery store, I made chili, bread and cupcakes. Yes, I did say 2 hours in the grocery store. Wegman's, it's the store that that Jenny Craig built. Seriously, some diet guru built the thing because once you're in, you can't find your way out. I am not sure I like it. The prices are good but I really don't want to wade through December holiday decorations to get my sour cream. Nope. I want a GROCERY store. Where  food and only food items live. Maybe an occasional ice cream scoop or aluminum foil pan but beyond that. nothankyou. I don't do my grocery shopping at the likes of Target. I don't know, it freaks me out a bit. I'd honestly prefer to have a farmer, a butcher and a baker.

Sunday's Cooking in pictures. Jalapeno Cheese Bread. (for those who don't read the Pioneer Woman, she gathers the ingredients like I have pictured below.) She probably does it for the picture. I do it to make sure I have everything.

Devils Food cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting. No after pictures. Sorry!

And chili!

View from the front porch. Done Pioneer Woman style. Just not as lovely.

I'm knitting the front of Basil. Back and both sleeves are complete.
 I'm about 20 rows from splitting for the front. So far I like the way the Silk Garden is looking. Sometimes the colors don't work with the pattern. And nope, I'm not matching the colors. I'm from the fall as they wish camp of Noro Knitters.

Although the sleeves are very close to matching. I will not try to make each side of the v-neck. They will be similar since I should be starting new skeins on each side. My gauge is a bit off. (imagine that!?!?) So I made the largest size. I also added just a little to the length and took a little off of the sleeves. We'll see if it fits.

Next I need to find something to do with the Louisa Harding Grace I have in stash.

Happy Day!

Picture Pages

Were you a Captain Kangaroo fan? Remember,

Picture pages

Picture pages

Time to do your picture pages

Time to get your crayons and your pencils!

And who says we are more productive with the internet? Take a look And because once I start, I can't stop. I feel a bit like that internet joke about the woman who was going to get the mail and gets sidetracked 50-11 times on her way by a series of things she saw that needed to be done. Do you know the one?

I got the Husband off to work with his breakfast, coffee and a packed lunch. (Watch out June Cleaver!) And thought I'd post a few pictures today. The camera lives in a draw in the kitchen so I know where it is. A place for everything and everything has it's place. It only took me two drawers to open to find it. But I was singing the picture pages theme. I was curious if I had it correct (I did) and so I googled that . . . and well 30 minutes and a dozen Captain Kangaroo videos later. I am ready to post some pictures.

Sophia thought this new bed was for her. NO, NO, So So.

 

While Bosco is just happy soaking up the sun in the kitchen.

We prefer to eat cake. (The Husband's 40th at the end of September.)

And cook, he's over the moon with this grill. Real charcoal and fire! The gas grill has not been used since we moved in.

And I like it because the Husband will roast marshmallows for the whole family after dinner!


Sophia continues to provide great comedy to our days. A few of you might remember the Sheepie murder and how she narrowly escaped jail time. Now she's jailing herself. In the yard.  And I can't figure out how she does it.




The first time it happened, Sophia was in there for 30 minutes or so. I was on the deck reading and just thought she was barking and whining and playing. She even laid down and settled in. It wasn't until Bosco started barking at her that I realized she was trapped. These pictures are from her second time (?) in jail. The wire fencing goes from the back porch all the way around with no breaks. The only thing I can think of is that she jumps in? I don't know but it's dang sure funny! And I'm not too sure she hasn't been in there more often.


Both dogs are enjoying the deck. I know one of them might end up in the pool next year. For now there is a cover on it and it will support their weight. They tend to stick to the edges but it's just a matter of time. And for the record (ahem Em!) I have NOT fallen into the pool.
 
This is one of my favorite places to see them in the house. They spent a few mornings here while I worked at the kitchen table.

And Bosco always loves to make a bed from the leaves!

And just so you know she doesn't always think she's a princess . . .


Have a great day!

It's Been Too Long

Wow! it's been forever and a day since I've updated my blog. I'd say "I've been busy." But I hate when people play the busy card. Honestly, you find time for what's important and things you really want to do. I also hate when people play the I work harder than you card. Seriously? Is it a badge of honor that you go to work sick? I don't think so and I'm sure all of your co-workers you've now infected with whatever bug you have are just thrilled that you think you are so dang important.

I miss writing. I've been writing for work a bit but now I'm doing other stuff and I miss writing. Did I say that already? Anyway. 

We are settled in to the new house. For the most part. All unpacked boxes are stashed in closets (of the room the stuff will eventually occupy) or living in one room of the house. Those are the boxes that are full of things that don't yet have a place. As my friend Kim says, "a place for everything and everything has a place." I like that. And if things aren't finding a place, they are going in the large box in the garage. I think I'll join in the Community Yard Sale. 

I want to paint the guest rooms before I move the furniture to it's rightful place in the room. I was hoping to have that done by now but I've just been too lazy to go get the paint. One room I know the color, the other is still a bit up in the air. Blues are a bit difficult. So I think I might paint this weekend. Or not. 

The doggies are settled in and enjoying the yard, the house and making new doggie friends. We had  real doggie door installed from them 2 weeks ago. They don't always use it and will still knock on the kitchen door to go out. HELLO, for years they had a "Redneck Doggie Door". Which was a broken screen in the sliding glass door. Seriously, the Husband would re-screen the door and within hours, Bosco was charging through it after a squirrel, deer or fox. So we stopped fighting that battle and called it a Doggie Door. Anyway, they both understood and used it. This new "real" one. Not so much. 

I finished a sweater vest in 15 minutes the other day. It's the super-bulky one from Knitty. Not sure it's a good look for me but I enjoyed the process. I also finished another Clapotis. And now I'm working on Basil (rowan summer tweed pattern) in Noro Silk Garden. I finished the sleeves last night while watching Dancing with the Stars. We now have a DVR, it's good. So far it has not been filled up with Hockey.

The Capitals are off to a good start! I just love going to the games. Except on Saturday night, the woman behind me pulled my hair. Oh, yes she did. She was an a*s. Made snarky comments when we sat down and moved the chair covers around. For some reason, they always put the Husband's on my seat and mine on his. (The covers have our names on them. Wasn't our choice, something the Capitals did. Would rather forgo the nonsense but whatever.) Anyway, we switch so that the names are correct. She made some comment like, "feel better now?" It was more the tone than would she said. I simply smiled and said, "well bless your little cotton socks! Obviously you don't realize sports, hockey especially, is all about superstition and rituals. We are going to win tonight." And we did. 

Oh,the hair pulling part. I wasn't wearing any red. And when I say any, nothing. Not even red that people don't see. Well, unless tequila is involved and that's another story. The woman that sits next to me and I were joking around during a stop in play about me not sporting the colors. Which is highly unusual for me. So we put my seat cover on my head like a hat. Juvenile, yes. But really we weren't blocking anyone's view as nothing was happening. Well "the thing" behind me grabbed it off my head (along with some hair) and tossed it back at us saying, "grow up!" Excuse me? You just pulled my hair. We said not a word but the situation was taken care of. Maybe I don't mind having my name on my seat after all.

Off to give myself my weekly B12 shot. That's new. Well, just a new mixture that has other veggamettavitamins in it too. And the needle is longer and bigger. With this and all the other supplements I'm taking, I've been able to reduce my thyroid meds! After 5+ years of doctors just upping and upping the dose, my new doctor is figuring out the why and making corrections. Not with more meds but with diet, exercise, vitamins and other natural stuff. And I feel fabulous! Hope you have a great day!