A New Path

It's December 1st, and I'm officially retired! My last day was supposed to be last Friday, but they closed the office so my actual last work day was Wednesday. It's still all a bit odd in my mind. I've had to make a little index card reminder system so I actually know what day of the week it is. There's been a lot of sorting and tossing going on. I find it hard to just sit and play until the work is done, even if I'm not sure what the work is supposed to be. And nope, I haven't hit the basement yet. But some will have to be done soon so I can get to the Christmas decorations.



I was blessed with the corporate party and it was great fun. I only have a couple of pics..I never seem to remember to take them but there are more in a throwaway camera that I've yet to drop off for developing. The banner almost made me cry. One of my most beloved young patients nicknamed me Rambo and it traveled throughout my community. I still here "Hey Rambo!" from time to time when I'm out and about. I still miss ya Jarred!



I received some a lot of super cards and lovely gifts. I'm well stocked for the time being on soaky bath stuff (and the time to really soak!) and books and candles and gift cards to Bath and Body Works and Hastings and Barnes and Noble. Oh and two soft throws and softie socks! These folks really know me! One of my coworkers presented me with a little album of candid shots of all my coworkers which I treasure.

So now it's a new path. I don't know where it's gonna take me. My mental backpack is filled with enthusiasm and curiosity and I'll have to send you postcards along the way! It's gonna be a real trip!

ETA: My friend Jackie just called from the office. In a sing-song voice she said "It's end of the month and you aren't here!" Now that's one thing I won't miss! :-)

Da Basement

Ummm after much thought, I've decided that this post needs to be saved for a later date..one in which I can have before and after shots. ~~waves to Jackie and Mary-Catherine and Mac and all the others who didn't believe me when I said it was bad.

Ramble Rambles

So, after a short time here on the prairie, Ramble and I...along with our friends Suzy, Sierra, Mary and Erin headed east. We'd been invited to Juniper Moon Fiber Farm to celebrate the new home of our fav sheep and goats..and to participate in a photo shoot.

It was way early when we set out. Ramble was excited that rather than traveling in a mail bag, he'd actually get to sit in a seat. And very excited to meet his new best friend Sierra. She promised to take good care of him and to make sure he saw all the sights.
He behaved very well on the plane, stayed in his seatbelt, but was really glad to get off in Dallas to meet Mary and Erin. Before long, it was back up in the air on our way to DC.

We had a bit of time to explore DC and Ramble was right there as we gazed at the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Wall and the cool neighborhood we got lost in. Then it was off to pick up Lori at the airport (she came from CA)and head out to VA.

Part of that trip was a bit scary but he slept through it..or else he was hiding his eyes. :-) But finally we got to our hotel AND an IHOP...whew were we ever hungry.

The next day found us at the farm where he got to meet Susie and Erin and Paige. We helped around as much as we could, visited with the animals and just generally enjoyed being there.



On Saturday, the excitement reached a new high. The shearer was there! The photographer, the stylist and the writer were there. And loads of "aunties". So many people wanted to meet him, he was just all a twitter. He was really rather afraid of the shearer. He actually liked his wooly coat. But after she said he wasn't in the deal he relaxed and even got to sit on her lap.



He just had a lovely time but was sooo tired that he slept all the way home. And after an extended rest, he's now on his way once again. Stay tuned.

A Visitor on the Prairie

Saturday morning I came home from errands to find this on the porch.



Uh oh, have I ordered something and forgotten about it?? Nope. Inside this box was a slightly travel-weary sheep named Ramble. A friend on Rav is moving to a new place and while packing up stuff this guy was mentioned. It was decided that while she was making way for a new space, he would have his own adventure somewhat like Flat Stanley.

Groceries put away, we headed off to our first adventure. To the LYS of course! I had already planned to run over and get some Cascade 220 for the Red Scarf Project and well...he wanted to go.

He immediately struck up a convo with this guy telling all about his adventures so far. And, I understand that the other sheep regaled him with stories about all the unique personalities he's met at the store. Then it was home and time to watch a bit of football because there would be more adventures tomorrow.



Sunday was a sunny, warm, gorgeous Indian Summer sort of day. And we were off to help my friend Suzy with a bit of sheep deworming. Ramble was a bit hesitant. This was far away from his normal life. But with a quick shake of his fleece he 'sheeped up'. And off we went. Initially he was slightly intimidated by these larger members of his 'family'; but after Tank had a serious moment with him he sat placidly on the crate and watched all the fun. Let's just say that the score was Suzy 1, Sheep 2. He was really happy though to make the acquaintance of Tank, Lucy, Bob and a few roosters.





Monday, it's back to work. Amidst the chaos of end-of-month and teaching my replacement about my job (12 more actual work days since tomorrow starts vacation), he managed to have some up close and personal time with my friend Jackie.



You'll note there is someone standing on his back. She's a tiny little needlefelted goat named Linda. Jackie's a huge LambCam fan and Linda is her favorite so I got her the little goat to tide her over while the LambCam is quiet. And then he waited patiently staring at my desktop while I took care of the end of day business.



Early tomorrow morning we leave on our adventure to Juniper Moon Farm...airplanes and every thing. So while I run around like a chicken looking for Cheerios, he'll have a beauty sleep. And now back to my never ending lists!

Sunday Morning Coming Down

Lest you think all is quiet and boring here at my home on the prairie, I'll tell you about the latest adventure.

Preface by saying that last night my phone rang. My friend down the street asked 'What's going on?' I replied some inane comment about watching football or polishing my toenails. It seems she had noticed a lot of headlights in my block. I'd closed the curtains and had totally missed seeing this. I looked out the window to see two cop cars and two young men, one who was sitting on the front bumper of one of the police cars and the other being interviewed. I sorta hoped I'd hear one of the officers yell "Get Down! Get Down Now!" like on tv but it was way low key. I did get to see the drug dog search the car but apparently it didn't find anything as eventually one young man drove off and I 'think' the other one was taken in for whatever.

Ok, so fast forward to this morning. I woke up a little before 6, let Zoey out and fed the cats. Zo was NOT excited about going out as it was raining lightly and she doesn't like being wet. Coffee ready and me off to read email etc. Cats finished eating and still Zo wasn't barking to get back in. I go out the back door and realize thSat both gates to my back yard are standing wide open! Now yesterday afternoon, I was out there sweeping the patio and taking out the trash and they were both closed with latches in place. Hmmmm...now WHO opened the gates? And WHO didn't close them again? Any connection with the goings on in the street? Dunno.

So, I throw my slicker on over my pjs and wander around a bit but no Zoey.
I drive around in the car. No Zoey. Oh shit! So I eat some cereal, take my bath and get dressed so that at first light I can get back out there. As I put on my shoes and socks I said a little prayer to my previous dog..my soul dog, Cassie who died before Zoey came into my life. I asked that if Zo was dead, would she look after her. And, if she was alive, could she help me find her. I walked out the front door and heard Zoey bark. I looked up and down the street but ...nada. So I started the car and with all the windows down in the rain, I listened carefully.

There it was again! And closer. But no dog to be seen. I parked up the street and started yelling. (Zo doesn't hear all that well or else she is quite selective) Zoey! bark bark. Zoey! bark bark. Closer, but where the hell is she?

She kept sounding closer and then.... I saw an eye... in the weeds and grass of the drainage creek that runs through the neighborhood. Wayyyyy down in the creek. I stepped off the pavement to see if I could coax her out and WHAM...stepped on the very wet weeds and down I went and slid almost into the creek. Stopped just before my feet hit the water. Bark. She looked at me as if to say "Well, don't just lie there..do something!" I pulled off my shoes and socks and stepped into cold, murky water up to my knees.
I'm not sure if she was tangled in the grass or just totally fed up with the morning but she wouldn't/couldn't move. So I grabbed her collar and dragged her over to me.

Then we need to get up the hill and back to the street. It's not all that far, just 10 feet. But it's rather steep, and did I mention, very wet and slick. And Zoey is an old lady with back hips that sometimes aren't too cooperative. And me...well we're a pair, that's for sure. So I got her in front of me, and I'd push her up a few inches from behind and then I'd go a few inches and retrieve my shoes and socks and do it all again. Of course, she was being all goofy and trying to lick my face. Eventually we got back to the vehicle and home.



ETA: This is a pic from last spring when the rains were pouring and the creek was rising. Now it's much narrower and thankfully much more shallow.

Muddy? OMG. I think she'd just sat down for awhile cause her butt was just mud. And so was mine but fortunately I had jeans on. Weeds, grass and thankfully I didn't find any ummm water critters.

We've both had warm baths, my second for the day. She's asleep and I think that sounds like a good idea.

I want the rest of the day to be ever so boring!

Hahaha I wrote this much earlier and then wandered off in search of Theragesic and the heating pad. When I came back to it I realized it needed some pics. As I looked through Picasa, I also found some pics of some roving that I apparently bought sometime or other. I have NO idea where this gorgeous stuff is..and once I get a bit more energy, I think a search is in order.

It's Fall!

My most favorite time of year, second only to winter. And, I'm back. I'm not sure what happened other than summer. Quite a lot of the time I was a bit of a mess due to work stuff, but that's mostly settled down. More about that at another time.

There's been knitting, and Ravelry, and meeting sheep, and knitting, and discovering that part of the sheetrock in my leaky utility room was on the floor. (I have a rather wonky plan about that...I'll let you know if it works. But it will be awhile because it just keeps raining)

All of that recedes as FALL becomes real. Leaves beginning to turn. Delightfully unseasonable temperatures which make me sing (badly, but that's the way it is). And yesterday......oh one of my favorite things.

The Oklahoma State Fair! I do so love the fair. I hear people say "oh it's not as good as it used to be" or "I used to go but haven't been in years". I dunno, to me it's still magical! All those jars of canned goods. Quilts. Tatting. Knitting. 4H Projects. The midway barkers. The food...Indian Tacos. Gyros. Cinnamon Rolls. Caramel Apples. Turkey Legs. Funnel Cakes. Corn Dogs. Corn on the Cob. We won't discuss what all I ate. Let me just say that supper was an impossibility.

For the last several years I've been lucky enough to go on Senior Citizen Day. Which means I get in free. Free is a good thing and there really are good things about getting older. Although I was a bit sad that this year a lady just gave me my entry pass as I walked towards the gate. No more carding :-(

Grabbing a corn dog first thing (oh I forgot. I wasn't going to talk about food) right after I entered the gate, I was off to see the sights. And such sights there were. I spent a long time looking at antique John Deere tractors. When I was a little girl in Ohio, my best friend down the road had a daddy who was the county Ag agent. And as such, he brought home toy tractors given to him by dealers. And I LOVED the JDs. I really thought being grown up would mean you could have all the blue tweedy covered Nancy Drews AND your own John Deere green tractor. I got the Nancy Drews, but the closest I got to one of those green beasts was painting a shed roof with John Deere green.

There were so many pretty things in the Hobbies, Arts and Crafts building. Spun wool, beautiful quilts, jars of fruit so pretty that they looked unreal.

And the vendors...oh my gosh, so many free things being given away. I signed so many tickets..surely they will pick me!

Now you might think that going on Sr. Citizen Day would mean that the crowds would be free of youngsters, teens etc. Not so, but I didn't see even one incident of unpleasantness. Oh wait, there was one. In a building with lots of vendors, I paused at a booth offering sterling silver jewelry. I was interested in the rings as they had larger sizes and I have big fingers. As I waited my turn to browse behind 3 ladies, I noticed a woman in a power wheelchair farther down the counter. She told the seller that she wanted to see sterling rings, and he indicated the area where the 3 ladies were. I thought I would let her in in front of me, since I am a nice person. But not to worry. She put that chair in gear and practically mowed down the 3 women, saying "I need to see these". They jumped back in alarm and Ms. Chair Person began to happily try on rings.

The ubiquitous yard sticks were everywhere, but I resisted. I have plenty from earlier fairs...it was a great temptation though.

The vineyard section of the Made in Oklahoma building was ummm nice. And yes, a bottle came home with me. Must support local agriculture. And, I even know someone that grows grapes for one of the vineyards. Yes, that's the reason it came home with me.

One of my favorite things to do is to tour the mobile homes. If I didn't live in tornado alley, I'd surely have me one. I find them fascinating and much better designed as far as space goes than most stick built homes. One couple and I played house in one, talking about where we'd put the dining table, and how one bedroom could be for her hobbies and he could have another and then a bedroom to sleep in. I'm not so attracted to some of the huge showplace types. Hello? A Grecian arch in your living room?? Not for me.

And then, off to the barns. The great big show barn had a barnyard nursery section. Baby chicks pecking their way out. This year I did share with a lady that some of them were just resting from their endeavors, not dead..and thankfully they raised their little heads after a bit, got to their feet, and got on with their chicken lives. There were HUGE sows with their newborn litters, one is due today but I have to go to work. AND, there were little kids. Goat kids. Now, since I spent much of my spring glued to the came at Susie Gibbs CSA fiber farm watching little angora goats being born, I was sad that I didn't actually get to touch them. One of the vet people was holding a two day old kid. O.M.G. what a delicious softness. And I swear the little guy was smiling at all the attention.



There were others in the pens with their mothers all snuggled down happily. When I finally moved on from the nurseries, I entered another barn to visit with the Express Clydesdales. Massive, majestic, and oh so gentle. Then off to stumble across a 4H or FFA goat show. Not sure which. And I do hope those kids actually learned from the judge. I've never heard anyone speak that fast except at auctions. And wow..there were surely a lot of different kinds of goats. From the pygmies to goats with names longer than I can type.

Such a fun day. And after about 5 hours of walking, I called it quits and headed for home. And the heating pad and the muscle relaxers. Well worth every step.

Lucky Me!

The stars were certainly aligned correctly for my well-being on Saturday. Friday night when I came home from buying groceries, my oil light came on as I pulled into the driveway. Then immediately went off. How weird. I thought it was just a loose wire or something. But hot and tired, I unloaded stuff and called it an evening.

Saturday morning, it was all about getting to Petsmart in the next town. I pulled out of the drive and the light came on..went off..came on, etcetera. So I drove to the oil change place a couple of blocks from my house. Check the oil, please.

The guy pulled out the dipstick, called his friend over, did it again..

"Ma'am there isn't enough to even show up on the dipstick" What??? OMG! He went down in the pit to see if he could see where it had gone; then came back up and told me I needed an 'oil sending module'.

Oh great..just what I need. Vehicle repairs. He said it wouldn't take long to put one on, but I'd have to go get one. So they poured in some oil, and I headed downtown. Remember, I live in a small town, so this isn't far. I walked into the NAPA place with debit card in hand and purchase one. Cost? $5. I didn't know there were any car parts that cost that little.

Back to oil change place. They put it on and fill the oil up. Cost? $20!!! And off I went to load up on cat food.

As I was checking out, I saw the daughter of a former coworker. She's a manager at that store. And, before I left she had my email address. Apparently, they occasionally have specials for friends and family of their associates.

Afraid to push my good luck, I then headed home and cleaned house and was ever so grateful. A very nice day indeed.

An Unexpected Guest

So, I was sitting in the living room folding clean towels and cleaning rags and such. TV was on quietly, but I was not paying attention. I was sort of blissed out, daydreaming, just enjoying being at that very time. Then, out of the corner of my eye I saw something dark falling just a couple of feet from me in the middle of the room. And heard a very quiet sort of 'thunk'.

And there was my visitor. A bird. Lying on my living room floor, wings outspread but not moving. I grabbed up a soft cloth and tossed it over it in case the cats or dog noticed. They slumbered on. And very gently I scooped it up and headed out to the front yard. I placed it in the bushes. It remained very still for a bit and then creeped farther under the hedge. When I checked later, it was gone.

How did it get in here? No open windows. The screen door was secure. How long had it been here and where was it sitting before it dropped to the floor? I don't know. It didn't tell me.

It was a guest, but a very quiet one. And now it's gone on to other adventures. Good bye little bird.

Adventure!!

Very early Saturday morning I, thanks to my new Rav friends Suzy, her husband Frank and adorable precocious daughter Sierra, set off to visit more Rav friends and others at Jacob's Reward Farm in Parker, TX. I got a REALLY early start. It had been decided that we'd leave Norman (which is about 60 miles from me) at 0630. That meant I'd need to leave about 0530 and get up about 0430. So full of excitement I set my alarm after returning from high school graduation ceremonies. My nephew-of-choice Tyler was one of the graduates! (Yay...but when did he grow up???)

Sleep was difficult...I kept waking up wondering if it was time yet, but finally the alarm went off. I had to prod Zo awake. Even the cats looked confused. And after they were all fed, I looked at the clock and it was 0345!! Eeek...too late for any more sleep. So, I took a soaky bath, ate my Cheerios and headed off.

So excited! Suzy met me at her door and it was like I'd known her forever! I gotta say, if you ever want to go on a fun road trip, you need to go with these folks. I laughed soooooooooo much.

Finally after negotiating some of the Dallas/Ft Worth area (I would NEVER attempt to drive this!) we arrived! Greeting us was Cindy and her husband, the owners, and also Susie, the owner of Martha's Vineyard Fiber Farm/Hudson Valley Fiber Farm, the first fiber CSA (community supported agriculture).

The weather and the setting was super!





Pleasantly warm, good shade, and beautiful people!

Susie did a dyeing demo, and later after paying close attention, Suzy appeared to be a mad scientist mixing potions :)





Not to be ignored, the animals seemed at times to be quite interested in us too.





This little Babydoll Southdown was my favorite. Probably because he liked for me to scritch his ears. I'm SURE I was his favorite scritcher and I could easily fall totally and hopelessly in love!



We ate, we spun, we knitted, we talked, we laughed, we ate some more, and laughed some more and told stories and asked questions, and laughed. Nirvana!

Then time for spinning lessons. Cindy had cleverly made CD spindles with her farm logo on the cd. Very clever indeed. And Susie had a lesson. Go Susie!



And, ohhhh there were chickens! I adore chickens. I love watching them be their busy, little selves. There were chickens all over the place. I think Cindy said she had 29. These were hanging out in the coop doing their chicken things as Sierra discovered. And yes, some eggs came home with me! Nom.nom.nom.






All too soon, it was time to head home. What a great adventure! I loved meeting people who I'd met on Ravelry and the local people that came to support Cindy and meet us. I think, if she lived closer, I could become a real pest!

Up Close and Personal

Sometimes things just happen. I try and try to get wonderful pics of my cats and the dog..and usually they all end up in the Picasa trash. But sometimes they don't.

Spun

I spent part of last evening spinning with fiber I wasn't supposed to be spinning. I purchased it at Rendevous and 5 different people told me it would be hard for me, a novice, to spin it on my spindle. So, of course I had to try it. It wasn't that I didn't believe them. I did, and they are all MUCH more experienced than I am. The thing is, everytime I'd walk through the playroom, it would taunt me from inside the keeper.

"Nah, nah, nah, nah...you can't spin me!" in a decidedly sheepy voice. And so I pulled it out and started to play. I still have no real idea what works. I divided in half and half again, did some pre-drafting and got the spindle out of the scotch box where it lives. And here is the result..



I have no idea how much there is, but wrapping it round and round a ruler tells me there is between 12-14 wpi. And, for me this is a biggy, I managed to do it with only ONE time catching the fiber that was supposed to be hanging over my arm. Yay me.

Fiber: Kate Lowder's Rambouillet/Mohair Blend. And there's still more. Heh.

What Is That Light??

Sun?? What is sun? It's been a really long time since I've seen the sun rise..or for that matter last anytime of day for longer than a few minutes. Mary thought it would be a good time to take yet another nap

Fun, Food, Friends and Fiber

What a great group of nouns! Yesterday was the Rt66 Fiber Rendevous in Edmond and I fought my way through rain and road construction and it was every bit worth it.

While I have great friends locally, only a couple are fiber folks. So getting to be surrounded by them is all wonderful. Some of them I see a couple of times a year so there are lots of "How you been? What are you working on?" etc. And there was fiber and yarn and looms and spindles and all sorts of good things.

There was also a potluck but due to some apparent misunderstandings, there didn't seem to be enough food for all that were there. So Katya and I went across the street to a Pita shop (whose name I don't remember) and I had the BEST sandwich I've had in a long time. I need to find an excuse to go to Edmond again :)

And, yes, I spent money. I took cash in my pocket so I was controlled but when I left, I had $2.25 cents left. That would have been gone also but I couldn't find anything for sale at that price. Dang!

I bought yarn and fiber. I'm gonna spin well if it's the last thing I do. Here's the goods.



The green and orange skeins just hopped into my bag as I walked by the table they were on. And I certainly didn't want to be labeled a thief. So I happily paid for them and sure...I need green and orangey yarn. All the rest of the yarn was in a big box. Someone was destashing sock yarn. Be still my heart. The big skein of brown tweed (which is much prettier in real life) was $10 for 400+ yarns and the others were $3!! The brown..which looks really drab in the photo is a really soft tweed sock yarn. I could only find one of the rainbow skeins and it certainly isn't enough for a pair of socks but it was a lovely antidote to a very gray day. The big ball of roving is Ramboulliet and the little one is Ramboulliet and angora. And I know the R's owner so it's kinda like spinning with a friend. It spins like butter on my spindle. Well sometimes rather lumpy butter but you get the idea.

Today has been about catching up with laundry etc, and playing with the new stuff. Oh and soaking in the tub with some really yummy bath salts my girl sent me. She seems to have a real talent for making this and I told her that since I got some for Christmas and some for Mother's Day, she has inadvertently started a tradition. And I'm all about traditions. And, for me, it's a special day. The kitties and the dog have been unusually attentive and who doesn't like a fur/dog hair snuggle?

Things You Didn't Know About Me

I've never done one of those 100 Things about Me memes, actually I thought about doing it but I have no idea how to put it on a different page.

So, in the event you'd like to further your knowledge of me...

Ten Top Trivia Tips about Red dirt!

1. Red dirt will often rub up against people to lay her scent and mark her territory!
2. Red dirt can usually be found in nests built in the webs of large spiders.
3. Astronauts get taller when they are in red dirt.
4. In Japan it is considered rude to talk with red dirt in your mouth.
5. Red dirt cannot be detected by infrared cameras.
6. All gondolas in Venice must be painted black unless they belong to red dirt.
7. There are six towns named red dirt in the United States!
8. If you kiss red dirt for one minute you will burn six or seven calories!
9. Red dirt can't sweat!
10. Red dirt is physically incapable of sticking her tongue out!

I am interested in - do tell me aboutherhimitthem

Or if you know me as Susan...

Ten Top Trivia Tips about Susan!

1. A chimpanzee can learn to recognize itself in a mirror, but Susan can not!
2. It takes a lobster approximately 7 years to grow to be Susan.
3. In Japan it is considered rude to talk with Susan in your mouth.
4. If you toss Susan 10000 times, she will not land heads 5000 times, but more like 4950, because her head weighs more and thus ends up on the bottom!
5. Moles are able to tunnel through 300 feet of Susan in a day.
6. If your ear itches, this means that someone is talking about Susan!
7. Susan can smell some things up to six miles away.
8. Susan is the only one of the original Seven Wonders of the World that still survives.
9. Banging your head against Susan uses 150 calories an hour.
10. There are more than two hundred different kinds of Susan!

I am interested in - do tell me aboutherhimitthem

Other than that, I have nada. I went to a lovely wedding and reception on Saturday and didn't take even one picture. I must admit that the thought of this young woman getting married made me feel pretty old. I've known her since she was a youngun. However, I do believe getting older is better than the only other option.

Guess Who's Back

Yesterday morning as I arrived at work, a giant fish head and skeleton greeted me on the sidewalk. What the? The lake is rather to far away for a flying fish. Oh..and what's this? A rather battered carcass of another kind.

The answer? The foxes are back! This time Mama had 8 kits! Lots of feeding to do but I would have loved to see her catch that fish, and then carry it back over the golf course to her babes. I can't positively say it's the same mother as last year but it seems right. Odd that another one would come back to the underground pathways made back then.



I wasn't able to get all of them at once. They move really fast and while one group was still, the other were zipping off in different directions. Oh what I'd give for a DSLR with a really good telephoto lens!



Later in the afternoon, one of the girls I work with announced that she (the fox..not my coworker) was stalking some Canadian geese that were over on the golf course. Now I'm aware of the food chain but I'm not one for watching it so I declined to go watch. Not to worry, those geese made short shrift of her quickly and she beat a path back across the road.

The fish head was unrecognizable by the end of the work day. Hungry babies for sure. We did do a bit of a litter pick up. One of them had been chewing on a plastic thing. Not good, baby!

It's pouring rain today so I doubt that I'll see much of them. But somehow knowing they are out there makes the work day more fun. Mainly because I don't have to worry about protecting any chickens!

Totally Addicted

to baby goats! And now Ravelry too!

Somehow I discovered there was a group on Ravelry as equally entranced as I am, and hey guess what! They're nice people. I'm sorry that was tacky, but my first experiences there were unfortunately influenced by a lot of drama. And, I seem to have outgrown that part of my life as well as many of my clothes. :) So, for me Ravelry was a place to check out yarns and patterns and keep my mouth shut. So glad to find that it's more than that.

But back to the babies. You really should spend some time with the lamb cam. Or if you need more immediate babyness, check out the blog. Lots of adorable photos and right at the top now is a wonderful video of Arno, the first born. Now there are (I think) 23 babies. And the last one was born right in front of me as I ate my supper on Sunday!

Knitting? Not a lot. Still working on that chicken which is killing my hands. So not far along. Maybe I really should use the yarn recommended instead of some crinkly cotton I found in my stash??

The laundry sock has fallen behind because........tada my washer worked this week! So laundry was done at home while I cleaned house and such. It's now become the Ravelry sock so I can knit a few rows while I visit. It's ok..supposed to be in the 80s this week. I won't need a wool sock for awhile.

So, what have y'all been up to? Probably lots of constructive things unlike me who is enjoying being a voyeur. :)

Happy Easter

But for a real Easter treat, head over to Hudson Valley/Martha's Vineyard Fiber Farm and meet Arno. I was lucky enough to be watching the Lamb Cam when the birth was announced and then very soon got to see this sweetest one in real time via the cam. I must admit to spending much time this weekend just checking in.

Snow? What snow?

We maybe got a couple of inches but most of that blew right away. I got really excited in the middle of the night when I peeked outside and noted that the trunk of my car was level with the roof due to the piled up snow. Then, I realized that there was hardly any on the front and even less on the ground. So much for my snow storm. :-( I guess I should be thankful instead since in the Panhandle they got like 24 inches and roofs were collapsing. I'm certain mine wouldn't hold up in somehting like that.

The personal wedding shower was extremely fun and especially since there were women of all ages there. It was nice to be out and about and laughing so much and having such good food! I could have made a pig of myself but I behaved with great restraint.

The dishcloth was completed. It's a designer dishcloth..Debbie Bliss! But not designer yarn..simple Peaches and Cream. I think I'll give it to the bride-to-be..there is always need for a dishcloth tucked in with something a bit more exciting.



And since I don't have any snow pictures, I'll share this picture of tonight's sky about sundown. There's hail in that baby and we got some pea sized hail here. It was fun standing on the porch watching it roll in. Mother Nature surely puts on an interesting show.

Update

Good news! I still have my job. I'm happy about that but at the same time feel rather guilty because..

Bad news! A number of my friends don't. And it was done with great drama...even had the cops on hand in case there was some sort of violence? Oh please.

No snow yet. And the total projected amount has been downgraded since it's moving much slower. It's rained off and on all day and we certainly need the moisture. Bad news...since it's cold and wet we are having freezing rain instead. Fortunately it didn't start until 5 pm so coming home wasn't a problem. I just hope the snow gets in a hurry so I don't wake up to no power.

Here's a tiny frozen drop on a brand new leaf.



And now back to the dishrag

Nada

It's not that I didn't want to post..it's just that I wanted to have something to show when I posted. Alas...

The sweater is in protective custody..being protected from me. I sorta kinda messed up. It's been frogged back past the messed up part and is safely on needles in hiding until the knitter is a bit more coherent or something.

The chicken has flown the coop! I truly can't even find that lovely one.

And the baby afghan? Well after two knitted patterns I decided that I really really hate knitting with that yarn. I'm sure it's just me because I've read that others like it a lot. So, I decided to crochet. A fun easy pattern but when I spread it out to take a pic, I discovered that 4 rows in I neglected to go all the way to the end and a mitered side wasn't what I wanted. I was a bit cranky when I discovered it so I cut it to bits!!

Last night I gave in..and started a dishcloth. Even if I screw that up, it can still be used for scrubbing!

Work has been absolutely frantic. We have ANOTHER new management company to start April 1st. But before then, there will be a layoff. Our director thinks we are safe as he has not been contacted about getting rid of any of us. I know he doesn't lie..so he feels secure in saying that. I just hope they don't decide to surprise him. Today is the last day of the pay period so hopefully it will happen today and the ones that are left can breathe a bit easier this weekend.

But tomorrow I should have something to show. We're expecting snow..in some places a bunch of it. According to the weather guy's maps my town is the dividing line between 6-12 inches and 3-5 inches. We shall see. I'm supposed to go to a personal bridal shower tomorrow and I hope it comes off. The soon-to-be-bride just found out yesterday that her fiance is being laid off today. Not a good thing. They're such great young people, that sucks!

Oh hell...it's hailing! Until tomorrow when I'll at least have pictures of something, even if it's a dish rag, I wish you well.

Friday in the Big Town

Yes there was yarn! And two LYSs. One was really busy and crowded and I must admit to a bit of overload. The other one was quieter and I had fun talking with the other shoppers and staff.

Panera Bread was yummy but crowded! I did secure a seat next to a young man working on his laptop and putting together a contract for mucho dollars according to his phone call. (I'm constantly amazed that folks just assume the people near them aren't listening into their side of the convo. I knew where he'd been, who he'd talked with and how much the contract was for)I was happy for him. What a way to honor Friday the 13th and I'm sure his bosses thought so too. And the broccoli cheese soup was yummy as always. And, I brought home a cinnamon bagel which I just had as a mid-morning snack today on my Mrs. Tiggywinkle plate. Yes, I'm always about maturity!



As for the new addition to the yarn stash, I got TyDye sock yarn (it really called to me in the middle of that very gray, damp day) and some Comfort worsted for a baby blanket. For someone who damn well better not be pregnant since she's 14. But I want to make sure that when she does have a baby I'll be represented.



And now for the cardio. He basically poo-pooed the idea of unstable angina. Didn't even discuss the possibility. Apparently my blood pressure was really high when I got to the ER so he thinks it's related to that and prescribed some tabs to dissolve under my tongue if it gets high again. He asked repeatedly if I was stressed at the time. I kept telling him no, that it was actually a very nice work day and I was happy. Finally he looked at me and said something to the effect of if he worked there he'd be stressed! LOL He seemed to think I wanted surgery....NOT! And went to great pains to tell me that he thought his partners often did that too soon. He also gave me an Rx for a new bottle of Nitro which blew the budget even with the $20 off coupon his nurse gave me.

And suggested that I put it in my pocket and walk a lot because he'd be interested in chest pain related to exercise. I guess I should just blow this off as an expensive adventure and go on with my fine self. But Sheri, it's scary! He had no explanation why I was so tired and why I get more short of breath except that that could be related to my smoking history. Funny tho that everything happens at once. Susan shrugs.

And in knitting news, I'm almost to where I cast off the lower part of the neck in front. But I'm confused. It says " With right side facing, work across to the first marker; join a second ball of yarn and bind off center stitches for the front neck; work to the end, 36 stitches remain. OK...got that

Then it says " Working both sides at the same time, work even until the armhold measures the same as the back to the shoulder shaping, ending with a wrong side row.

So, I'm on circs. I knit on one side, then drop that yarn, scoot over and work the other side with the first ball of yarn? Maybe so. Or maybe I'll start the baby blanket. :-)

And, I guess hitting publish post (3 hrs after I wrote it) might be appropriate.

Weird Weather and Chicken Bellies

Last night when Zoey made her last trip outside at 10:30, it was 72 degrees and raining. This evening when I came home it was 41 and really damp and windy. We did get some rain which we really need but I don't think there was a lot because the roof didn't leak in the utility room. My laundry will be funny looking this week. The weekend was really warm and now it' really chilly so there will be cropped pants and sweatpants. And tank tops and long sleeved shirts.

And tonight I made a turquoise colored chicken belly. It's all frogged and back in the bag. I'm not sure what I did but I didn't have enough stitches around to pick up. Ya think I should have knitted a swatch?? Surely not. It's ok though, because the chicken won't be 'alive' until she has a face. So it didn't hurt her. Yeah, I'm weird but I do have a good time!

I have an appt with the cardio for Friday. Did I ever mention that there is a Panera Bread just across the road...and a mile or so back south is my LYS? Yesss my pretties, I may have a bit of fun along the way. I'm feeling ok, just more tired at the end of the day. The good part of that is that when I'm tired I get really silly so I have had some delightful times between 4 and 5 pm. My coworkers tell me I'm short of breath sometimes but it must not be very major because I haven't noticed it. And no chest pain. Yay!

I do need some weather good wishes. They're talking about maybe ice on Thursday and if that happens I'm hoping your good thoughts will make it go away by Friday. K?

Another Weekend Over

And a most welcome weekend it was although not as I had planned.

Friday morning was busy at work, lots of stuff on my desk needing my attention but in the back of my brain, I was planning on playing in the City. I really, really wanted to go to my LYS. Not that I really needed yarn...I just really needed to see yarn, and touch yarn, and sniff yarn. I had already done most of the weekend tasks, laundry was in process and it was supposed to be really nice weather. So a smile was on my face as I systematically tackled the pile of paper stacked to my right. I had just completed one phase. and thought with any luck the rest of it would be done by 5. But then...

I was taking a mental break and trying to figure out what I would have for lunch when I felt that old scary feeling. The feeling of someone creeping up on little cat feet to smash my chest. I did the deep breathing, the relaxation and that big something kept coming. Quietly I got the nitro out of my bag. One squirt under my tongue, wait 5 minutes. Second squirt, wait 5 minutes..this isn't working. OK, the 3rd and last squirt will do it. Nope..instead it just increased.

So, instead of heading over to the cafeteria for the daily special, I found myself being wheeled through the back door and into the ER. Happily, oxygen helped relieve the pain. And equally happily, they decided I hadn't had a heart attack. We decided..me, my friends and coworkers and the PA decided perhaps it was unstable angina. Lab was obtained, xrays were taken, and an echocardiogram was obtained. And then finally at 3 pm..I got some lunch! Yay. And got to come home early from work.

The rest of the afternoon and evening was spent gazing at my navel. Not really. I was tired..but not like the other week, so knitting continued on my tunic. I even attachted the handwarmer flap. It was making me crazy just hanging there. And I read, and studied the chicken pattern that came in the mail. And looked through stash to see what I might use to make her. (of course, it's a girl chicken..it's not a rooster) I haven't started her yet..so far I'm just having fun thinking about her.

And I was kind of "chicken" (heh)to drive into the City...a number of highway miles with nothing around me in case I was in trouble. So I yarn surfed and decided I really need some Socks That Rock yarn. I've never had any, have you? And, if so, do you like it?

Probably though, I'll order some of Regia Fasset's Mirage My first socks knitted with sock yarn that wasn't Kool Aid dyed was Regia and they are still holding up well unlike others that have bit the dust..or rather, blown out their heels.

But, there is a new addition to my little family. Yesterday I went to the local feed/seed, grain/garden/paint/gift store. Locally owned and tons of stuff to browse. All I went for were 9V batteries for the smoke detector but I came home with this little guy to add to my collection. He's the one with the stripes. I've never had a blue duck before. So welcome Mr. Stripey.




Today, it's work (maybe someone did all the stuff in my stack and I can start out clean) and a call to my cardiologist who still has not called my PCP back. I'm tired of this for sure. And more knitting, I'm sure!

What's up with you?

Weekend

What is it about the weekend? Since I was home most of last week, it wasn't like I was looking forward to not going to work. But somehow, when I woke up Saturday morning there was that feeling. The two whole days to do something besides work on Medicare stuff. I wonder when people retire do they still look forward to weekends? Is it some sort of interior clock? When I first started being a nurse, I only got every other weekend off..or was it every 3rd? Dang brain. But that was a long time ago and this weekend off stuff has been going on for a lot of years.

Today I painted the house. Well, not the actual house although it definitely needs it. Nope, instead I spent a lot of time happily entertained painting a little birdhouse that I found at Dollar Tree. I just wanted something that was bright and happy. And then rummaged around through miscellaneous craft stuff to find a new inhabitant. I think it would be fun to have a house painted like this.



And apropos of nothing, there's been a change in status around here. Now for awhile, if I came home unexpectedly, I'd often find Zoey asleep on the loveseat. Poor dear is pretty deaf, so unless I touched her rather firmly, she usually didn't even know I was here. But she never ever ever got up there in the evening when I was home. Never even looked like she wanted to be up there. But this week all that changed. I woke up from a nap thinking about how nice and warm my feet were and then discovered that she was laying on them. For a few days, it only happened if I were asleep. Now, she just hops up there like that's where she's supposed to be.

A friend said "Awwww, she knows you don't feel well and she's taking care of you."

I'm thinking Zoey thought "oh hey, she doesn't feel good...she won't notice..and by the time she does she'll think I'm taking care of her. Heh"



And doesn't that stitch holder look like an hair curler?

Hello, my name is Susan

Just in case you forgot who I am :-)

Spring is just around the corner here. This morning my vehicle was covered with dew so heavy I had to use the wipers. Daffodils are coming up, showcasing the grass that needs to be pulled around them. And the other day, I saw a big ol' fly. Oh yay!

These last months have been filled with knitting, and books and a bit of sewing and books, and work and books. Birthday and Christmas gift certificates and $$ have all been spent it seems on books..oh and a bit of yarn too.

Just look!


The most recent ones are Casting Spells (nothing like a paranormal knitting story) Debbie Bliss Home and the Baby Surprise DVD (is sort of like a book), Still Life with Chickens, and Montana Creeds:Dylan. They all arrived this week thanks to Knitpicks book sale and a nice percent off coupon from Barnes and Noble. I've read and LOVED the chicken book. Dylan is up next because my funny friend Jackie is waiting to read it too. Debbie Bliss has some really nice patterns in this book..my first of hers. And btw, I love her new magazine also. Casting Spells ... well I read a preview of it way back in the fall I think. I thought I had pre-ordered it but..nope. And by the time I realized that, I had also forgotten the title. But stumbled across it in a blog last weekend and rushed off to order it.

I've also discovered a new blog too. Cold Antler Farm. I've managed to read it clear back through the beginning and what a wonderful young woman this Jenna is. Actually I found her book first, but alas my book $$ are well used up for the time being. I think I want to BE her! There are sheep, folks.

Knitting, why yes. There's a new pair of socks. I think the yarn is some Knitpicks I bought a long time ago. And no, my legs really aren't that white. I really tried to get Picasa to fix them but they just got worse. The socks I love. New socks are such fun.



But the big knitting news is that I'm attempting something a bit larger. I'm calling it a sweater but it's really a tunic so no sleeves. Shear Spirit is one of my favorite knitting books. I wanted it for a long time before I got it, and was ever so happy to learn that once it was in my hands I truly loved it. I like the patterns but it's just such a gorgeous book of photos and I love learning about the people and their lives. Such a voyeur! I started it on inauguration day, and there certainly have been some starts and stops. Changes of needles a bazillion times it seemed before I could come up with something that didn't make my right wrist ache so much that I could only knit on it sporadically, learning to count..again and again. But finally things came together and the back is done although not blocked and the front is started. At this point in time, I'll love it even if it doesn't fit. It's my first, ya know.



I still have a job. The facility is going to hell in a handbasket so payday is truly a time for rejoicing. I was told today that the entire board resigned so I shudder to think what's next. It's not the economy although that plays a part. It's more about power plays with the facility and the employees just the pawns. Really ugly things have happened. Morale is somewhere on the floor. It makes me really sad, angry and scared.

But this week I have been away from it. Feeling really lousy and I finally got in to see my doc today. She ordered lots of lab and tests (one of the dianosis on the forms said "overwhelming exhaustion" and that about sums it up) and they all came back ok so the next step will be for her to call my cardiologist tomorrow. I'm kinda scared because I can't think of anything else he could do that would not be invasive, and I don't like invasive. I'm consoling myself that perhaps the timing of my appointment will allow me to stop by my LYS. There's always a bright side. Right? Please say yes!

Oh...and wait...there's money. Ok so I can't really spend it, but I'm sure having fun with it. My daughter sent it to me from the Spanishtown Mardi Gras festivities in Baton Rouge. When I went to Mardi Gras I enjoyed their celebrations soooo much. Such a fun bunch of people. Need some cash? I'll send you some!



Now I think I've done all the links and stuck in all the poorly lit photos and now I shall take my overwhelmingly exhausted self off to bed. See ya soon. Hopefully a bit more often