Attention Span Of A Gnat!

Plutarch - An Alien with Attitude!

2008-11-06T17:50:00.000-08:00

Of Hats, Cats, and Spiders

2008-08-30T17:54:00.001-07:00

This little beauty was a quick crochet for a blogger friend of mine over at I Hide Yarn. I've been following Bliss' blog for a long time now and it never ceases to amaze me how full of life she is despite the hardships life has dealt her.

This is my pond spider! Isn't she pretty! Yes, I guess I am crazy but I am fascinated by these creatures who help keep our world from being over-run by all the bad insects. If you look close she actually has a little bug she's feasting on.

And finally, this is my first little knitted kitty. It's for a swap over at Ravelry and it's on it's way to Canada as I type this. Took only an hour to complete. Think I'll have to knit a few more!

2008-08-17T18:55:00.001-07:00

What Your Fridge Says About You

You like to be surrounded by things you love. You aren't exactly greedy, but you can be materialistic at times.

You tend to be a fairly thrifty person. You splurge occasionally, but you're mostly a saver.

You are a very adventurous person. You love to try new things, and you get bored very easily.

You are responsible, together, and mature. You act like an adult, even when you don't feel like it.

You are likely married, possibly with kids.

What Do the Contents of Your Refrigerator Say About You?

Website Wenesday #2

2008-08-14T00:22:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know, it's technically not wednesday, but it's close enough!!! This one is a site I just love. I have always been fascinated with France and Paris Daily Photo is just wonderful.

Hopefully will have some knitting/crochet content in the next post!!!!

Website Wednesdays #1

2008-07-30T12:57:00.001-07:00

Things have been really wild here lately. I have somewhere in the neighborhood of 3 weeks left before work begins for another year and I still have things I need to track down. We've been on vacation, I've been trying to get all my swaps caught up, and spent some time writing. I'll post about the vacation later, but for now I thought I'd start a new thing...I'm calling it "Website Wednesdays" and I'll write a little something about a website I have found that I really like.

So, here goes. My first Website Wednesday is a site called Bent Objects. This site showcases art made from wire and mundane, household objects. I am truly amazed by these little works of art! Unique! Go take a peek.

Another Fat Bottom Bag

2008-07-13T14:15:00.000-07:00

I have finally finished another Fat Bottom Bag. This one is made using Peaches n Cream cotton in blue and white. I really like how it turned out, just might make another one for myself, but this one will be going to my C'ville Summer Secret Pal on Monday. I wish I had the drive (nerve) to line it, but once again I have chickened out!

Miscelaneous Ramblings

2008-06-22T19:23:00.001-07:00

O.k..I must admit that I am a huge Hoops & YoYo fan. They are adorable! And I've been sending their ecards to just about everyone I know. One of these days I'm going to have to break down and buy the little plushies...too cute!

Anyway, last night I was trying to clean out some of my craft area and ran across a couple of embroidery projects that I haven't finished in I don't know how long. So last night, while watching the Bourne Ultimatum with my youngest I decided to try and finish at least one. Here it is...

Wandering The Web

2008-06-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know, this poor blog has been sorely neglected. But, hopefully, I will have some projects to post soon. I'm currently working on a fat bottom bag in Peaches n Cream cotton yarn, and am trying to finish up some other bags. I've been in a purse buying frenzy lately. I've never been much of a shoe gal, but purses really get me going. Anyway, I've been wandering the web lately, viewing all the eye candy and nuch much else. There's this fantastic blog I've found (you may already know about it) that's called Chez Larson. I wish I had half the organizational skills this woman has! She has some fantastic storage ideas. And I wish I could have an all white pallet, but with too many guys, three dogs, two cats, and other assorted creatures I don't think it's going to happen. But a gal can dream!

A "Scarf-y" Week

2008-06-04T17:20:00.001-07:00

It seems that scarves flew across the pond in both directions in this swap! The red cashmere/silk scarf I crocheted for my ISE6 pal arrived safe and sound at Christine's place in Australia and no sooner than it did my lovely scarf arrived from England!

Many thanks to the wonderful Dani for the fantastic swap package, it's fantastic!

ISE6

2008-04-20T14:33:00.000-07:00

I've finally settled on a scarf and pattern for this swap. I orignally wanted to do some knit lace, but I didn't like the stitch definition with this fiber (a silk blend), so I thought I'd try some crocheted lace instead. I'm really liking the way this is turning out so far.

Spring has sprung!

2008-04-02T21:27:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad spring is finally here! I do love my rainy, windy, cold weather but there is nothing like those first warmer days to get a body going.

Ana Banana

2008-03-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

Ana Banana noticed that there were way too many cat pictures on my blog...so she insisted that I post one of her. Silly little hound!

Everybody wants to be a cat.....

2008-03-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

Because a cat's the only cat who knows where it's at!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T12:59:00.001-07:00

I wish everyone a very Happy Easter! Enjoy!!

The Divine Hat!

2008-03-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

Yes, finally there is some fiber content. I whipped up this hat yesterday for my C'ville secret pal. It took only 2 hours and was lots of fun. So much so, in fact, that I think I'll have to make a couple more for myself. Hopefully this surge of creativity will continue and I can get some more projects done. I have to admit that I was organizing my pattern collection and yarns yesterday and found five projects that I had completely forgotten about. Yes, that's typical of me. I found it almost depressing. I'm going to have to decide whether it's worth it to finish them or if it's better to just send them to the frog pond.....

I've also taken the plunge and joined ISE6. (hence the pattern organization frenzy) I participated in the first 3 and they were great fun. Got to know folks from all over, even Singapore!

Field Trip!

2008-03-02T18:27:00.000-08:00

Sorry, still no knitting or crochet. BUT I do have some great pictures from our aquarium trip! This picture was taken by me with my new camera. It did really well in the low light conditions.

Mercer Cavern #2

2008-02-17T23:21:00.000-08:00

Mercer Cavern

2008-02-17T23:19:00.000-08:00

Gratuitus Filler

2008-01-05T16:03:00.000-08:00

She of the many claws is always curious!

My Recipe Box...sort of....

2007-12-29T20:22:00.000-08:00

Over at the Mason-Dixon blog Kay and Ann are having a recipe box challenge. I just couldn't resist, even though I don't actually have a recipe box. So I took a quick picture of the shelf that houses all my cooking stuff (note the ancient Betty Crocker cook book! It's missing a few pages but I can't bring myself to throw it out). Anyway...I keep most of the family recipes in the small recipe keeper. The recipe I've decided to share is my grandmother's chili recipe.

The story goes something like this: When my parents were first married...back in the fifties, my mom offered to make my dad some chili because he loved it so much. That night my mom served up her own version of chili and my dad ate several helpings,... and,.... well,.... let's just say my mom has never been the greatest cook. My poor papa spent the next 24 hours 'indisposed'.

After that my poor mom decided to call dad's mom for her chili recipe. (Never did understand why she didn't do that in the first place. But then it wouldn't have been an often told family story, poor mom.) Anyway, grandma's recipe was a favorite of my dad, me, and now my family.

So here it is, my grandmother's chili:

3 cans kidney beans or piquito beans, use liquid from 2 of the cans.
1 lb hamburger
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large can italian stewed tomatoes
2 cans tomato paste
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
2-3 teaspoons chili powder (to taste)

In a large pot, brown hamburger and onions. Add beans, tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir over medium heat until well blended. Add garlic, cumin, red pepper, and chili powder. Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Add onions and grated cheese on top to serve..it's also great for chili dogs!

Ornaments = Memories

2007-12-18T13:30:00.000-08:00

The simple knitted bells were made by my Aunt Esther many, many years ago. She died of breast cancer when I was 15. They still grace my tree every year and remind me of walking on the beach with my Auntie, looking for shells, agates, and polished sea glass....the time when you could easily find such things :)

2007-11-25T21:32:00.000-08:00

Here I Go Again

2007-11-24T14:51:00.001-08:00

When one finishes a project one must immediately start a new one or one will court bad karma. Yes, indeed, there is no doubt about it. I've decided now would be a good time to start Lady Eleanor from 'Scarf Style'. I've been drooling over this pattern for more than a year, but was a bit scared to try it...and I've discovered something. Entrelac is Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy! Why did I wait so long? I'm knitting it in Noro Silk Garden color 228A. Hope I can get myself to finish this in time to wear it a bit this year!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T18:13:00.000-08:00

I hope you are enjoying your Thanksgiving holiday as much as I'm enjoying mine. Since I have the entire week off I've been trying to finish the odd project and get things under control here before the Christmas rush. Yes, I have managed to get my tree put up. I've also finished the 'Maple Syrup Serephina Shawl' I started almost a year ago. The color of the yarn is called 'Maple Syrup' and it's from Knit Picks. It's been washed and is drying now. I'm thinking it will be a gift for my mother this year. I'm also avoiding working on some 'work' related things that I do need to finish by this weekend. I wish I had worked up the gumption to finish them at the beginning of the week so that it wasn't hanging over my head...but there you have it. Anyway, I'm off for more cheesecake!

Where did the time go???

2007-11-12T12:49:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted, but I guess that's what happens when you finally get a job and have to work full time, lol. I've been extremely busy at work and I have to admit that at times it "sucks the life out of me". I can barely make dinner and do a few loads of laundry before I toddle off to bed. Anyway, I wanted to post about the wonderful swap I received from my pal "Padma Caudwell". As you can see the socks fit! And she sent along some wonderful littles gifts as well...stitch markers, Hogwarts House bookmarks, notebook and pens, and some fantastic pumpkin spice soap! Thank you so much Padma!!!

I have also been sucked into the great "Ravelry" rift and have been spending waaaaay too much time looking through patterns, pictures and the like. What a great place! I've been busy posting projects, yarns, needles and books. I love the organizers and I especially like the idea that I can access my lists from anywhere, not just on my home computer. Maybe, just maybe, I will become organized! (de-Nile is a wonderful place, hehehe).

On the knitting/crocheting front I have started several new projects. I'm working on a hexagon blanket a la' Moonstitches, as well as a giant granny square afghan, and a ripple shawl in royal blue. I will hopefully have something to show here sooner than a month down the road, lol.

White Wine and some blogging....

2007-08-18T22:52:00.000-07:00

I've finally found some time to relax...so what do I do? I pour myself a glass of White Zin and head off to read some of my favorite blogs. There are so many wonderful projects out there that I'd love to try my hand at, especially Moostitches' hexagon afghan and then there's Monster Crochet's "Bad 2 the Bone" dog sweater that would be adorable on Anna, but I must finish my sock pal's socks. Almost there!

These pictures are of the wonderful gifts my crochetville Summer Camp Pal sent me. She sent a wonderful hook roll and matching project bag with lots of yarn!

Here's the first sock finished! I'm half way there on the second. Hope my swap partner likes them!

We finally managed to get away for a quick weekend getaway before the end of the summer. We went to Hearst Castle, drove up Highway 1 up to Santa Cruz, then to San Francisco to see a Giant's game and then it was time to head for home. One of these days we are going to have to take a longer vacation.

I spent some time on the pier that is part of the Hearst Castle estate. It was a warm, windy, and clear day and the sea weed was dancing!

Finally, a day at the "show". No, we didn't get to see Barry break the record....we missed it by a few days. Poor dh missed that and then had to deal with the fact that his beloved team lost while we were there.

Ever since I was a little girl I've loved baseball......the hotdogs, catchers, peanuts, catchers, sodas, and did I say catchers? (I had a crush on the catcher of the local triple A team when I was in high school) But there's something about the garlic fries at the stadium. They smell good for the first hour and then all you want to do is get away from them.....far, far away.

Harry Potter has arrived!

2007-07-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

Yes, indeed, the book arrived here at 10:00 a.m. Unfortunately someone performed the summoning charm faster that I could and it has disappeared into some unknown dark cave a room. I know he's a fast reader, so hopefully I get to see in soon!

Hogwarts Sock Swap 2 Questionaire!

2007-07-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

Whew! I made it in to the Hogwarts Sock Swap2! I'm officially a first year Griffindor. If anyone would like to join in the fun check out Hogwarts Sock Swap 2 for the details.

Anywhooo, here's my Hogwarts Sock Swap Questionnaire

1. What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into? Gryffindor

2. Shoe size? 7 1/2

3. Foot Length? 9 inches

4. Foot Circumference?
Ball of foot 8 1/2 inches
Ankle 8 1/4 inches
Instep Circumference 9 inches

5. List your three favorite double-point needle brands, including size and length.
a. Clover size 2 5"
b. Boye size 3 (not a huge fan of metal, but these are purple!!)
c. Clover 4 5"

6. Would you like to try a new brand needle? If so, which brand? Size? Length?
Yes! Any brand and size or length is fine!!

7. Allergies? Do you have any? Will your knitting be exposed to smoke or animals?
No allergies here, but I do have cats and a dog!

8. Are you an international participant (outside US)? Are you willing to have an international Hogwarts Sock Pal?
Just the US this time please.

2007-07-08T17:25:00.000-07:00

Easy to connect my "#$**"!! O.k.....we've added a new computer to the household last week and here I am still trying to get it to connect with the internet. I've been driving myself crazy with the whole thing. I bought one of the little USB adapters and all went well...it detected the network, signed in, got a partial ISP address and then promplty informed me that it could not connect to the internet...what the &*&*?? Well, needless to say my fuse is short so I'm having the provider to come out and do it as I'm fed up. I'm sure that when the guy comes it will take him all of 2 seconds to fix the problem and I'll feel like a total idiot. I'm trying to remind myself that id doesn't matter as long as it works, *&^% it!!! MACHINES!!!!

2007-07-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!!

2007-06-29T12:26:00.000-07:00

O.k. ...so I tried to post a title and these characters from another language come up and I can't get rid of them. What's up with that???? Blogger is driving me crazy yet again...sigh....Anyway, I wanted to post the wonderful gift I received from my C'ville Summer Secret Pal. Knowing that I adore Harry Potter this package was packed with Hogwarts goodness. Some really fun things included Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans as well as my very own owl!!!! "Coolio" as a certain young one says quite often.

More HP Nonsense.....

2007-06-25T19:24:00.000-07:00

O.k....so I'm avoiding the housework! Is that a crime? I stopped by the official JK Rowling website and checked to see if my Wombat 3 Exam was finished and indeed it was. I received an "Exceeds Expectations"! So I guess I need to use all that magic to get busy with the laundry...sheesh.....

Harry Potter Type Names....

2007-06-25T18:27:00.000-07:00

I've been playing around on the net again and have been having some fun with all the different Harry Potter Name Generators that are out there on the net....Who do you think I should be?
Daisy Boomslang
Phyllida Bladvak
Arabella Ackerley
Winifred Wartbobble
or
Madam Ferula Vablasky ????

I'm leaning toward Winifred Wartbobble.....or maybe Daisy Boomslang??????

Another Quiz

2007-06-18T21:07:00.001-07:00

You Belong in Amsterdam

A little old fashioned, a little modern - you're the best of both worlds. And so is Amsterdam.
Whether you want to be a squatter graffiti artist or a great novelist, Amsterdam has all that you want in Europe (in one small city).

What European City Do You Belong In?

Books, Scarves, and Socks

2007-06-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

The dh was surfing Amazon.com the other day and wanted to purchase a book...so of course I had to add one for myself, lol! I couldn't resist as they had this one on sale for $5.95!

This is actually the reason I purchased it. I adore the Doctor's Bag. This is definitely on my to do list!

Then, I'm rather ashamed to say it, but I finished these slytherin ankle socks. Let's just say that I started them almost a year ago.....blush.....

And finally, I received a glorious purple beaded scarf from my ISE4 exchange partner. It really is beautiful. I also received a gift card to Star Bucks, a nice selection of ribbon, lighted knitting needles, and a great note pad. Thank you Laura!!

More Knitting than Crocheting!

2007-06-07T14:26:00.000-07:00

Phew! I finally finished the scarf for my International Scarf Exchange pal....on the day it's due in the mail, lol. My arms are very sore, but I think it turned out great. I didn't have a chance to block it properly, but at least it's done and on it's way. I included some blue sock yarn and an orange candle in the package. Hope my exchange pal likes it!!

A Round Ripple and Other Stuff

2007-05-30T18:37:00.000-07:00

My C'ville SP asked me what type of needlework I do, so I thought I'd post a picture. I love to embroider and do cross stitch, but I don't have much patience :) So I tend to do small projects, especially Christmas ornaments. Here's one I never finished...all it needs is stuffing and a ribbon...wonder why I didn't do that?

This is the camoflage round ripple I started last week. The center needs to be redone, but I don't think I will on this one as the person it's intended for is very impatient and wants me to get on with it, lol!

My Buddies!

2007-04-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

Luscious Yarn!

2007-04-28T20:58:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd show off the beautiful yarn my mother brought home from her travels...mohair and wool in my favorite colors! I can't wait till she goes to England this fall...hehehe!

2007-04-28T20:55:00.000-07:00

Just received some lovely yarn from Cabin Cove! The top colorway is the canoe colorway and the bottom is called campfire. I'm participating in Sockapalooza 4 and can't wait to see what colors my pal will like...maybe one of these?

As If I don't Have Enough To Do....

2007-04-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

As if I don't have enough to do with finishing up school, I finally received my copy of the spring 2007 Interweave Crochet. I was getting worried after noticing that everyone else in blogland has theirs. I even say it in the bookstore, but refrained from purchasing it. Anywhooo, there are some great things in this one! So I've added to my todo list: the Linen and Lace Cardigan (I adore purple and I really like the dark plum in the picture!), the Beachcomber Tunic, and the Flora Kimono! Mmmmmm, looks like more yarn to purchase!! (Hermione says, "More Cat Treats! Now Human!")

My Tote Has Arrived!

2007-04-06T11:04:00.000-07:00

Will ya take a look at this! I received my tote from the tote exchange and I absolutely adore it! It is just perfect. Many Thanks Karen!! My wonderful swap partner also included some candles, a knitting journal, and stitch markers. What a great way to start the day!!

A Secret Scarf Started!

2007-04-05T15:04:00.000-07:00

I've been dithering around for a pattern and yarn for the International Scarf exchange. Finally, I've made a decision. I've decided to use some 50%/50% merino silk from Cabin Cove in a very pretty light brown color. There is just enough silk in it to make it shimmer. The pattern I've chosen is called lace leaf, which I found in a magazine. I really hope my sp will like it!

I've also been pluggin along on the stripey and the lumberjack afghan. Hopefully I will have those finished soon. School starts next week. I'm really ready to be finsihed with this...I hope I can make it without sucumbing to spring-itis...sigh.

Anyway, here is a picture of my mom somewhere in Indonesia. She just got back from a month long cruise that went through Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Wish I could have gone with her!.

I'm Back, Sort Of......

2007-03-28T10:02:00.000-07:00

Well, things are moving along. I managed to keep my host and some of the files. It will probably be a long, drawn out process to rebuild. What a pain. (by the way, does anyone know how to get that stupid blogger bar off the top of the template?????)

I just finished up classes again. The new quarter won't start till next week, but I already know what my assignments are. I'm hoping to get some of those out of the way before the insanity that is me trying to finish school begins again. Me, acutally finish something...a novel idea. BUT, in something as important as this I do indeed finish things. Go figure.

I've been busy crocheting like crazy. Still working on the stripey afghan, have started the Lumberjack afghan (pattern can be found at crochetville.org) and have plans for a ripple. Yes, I'm still knitting...I've got plans for a lace scarf for the International Scarf Exchange, but I do seem to be obsessing with crochet more and more. Never fear, in my usual way I will continue to knit and thus have twice the amount of UFO's to whine about, hehe.

Stripey Progress

2007-03-12T13:46:00.000-07:00

I've slowly been making progress on the stripey blanket. Now celebrating row 74!! Hopefully I will finish it soon as there are a couple more wonderful afghans I'd like to start. I'm not sure how it happened, but I've become totally obsessed with crochet. Of course I don't have much time for it as the finally two weeks of this quarter are slowly grinding to a halt and that means final papers, portfolios, and the like. I know I've mentioned this before, but I will be surprised if I still have all my hair on my head when I'm finished. 18 more weeks to go!!!

Starting Over

2007-03-11T14:30:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately my blog ended up quite a mess, and I was unable to renew with my current host so I'm in the process of trying to find my blog a new home. Please bear with me!