Clean Up

HP monthly updates are still running on my desktop so I'm doing this post from my phone.  I picked up a vanity light fixture tonight so that's the last of the major things I need for my bathroom remodel.  Remember how I  cashed in my pennies at Coin Star last week?  Well I used that for part of the light fixture - woohoo!  Now I just need to move things out of there and start tearing out the old stuff.  Good thing a long weekend is coming up!

Slow Progress

I haven't been able to spend much time weaving the scarf I'm making from the Mountain Colors yarn I showed you last week.  Too bad.  I really like the yarn and it's coming out nicely but since it's a light-weight yarn, progress is a lot slower than when I use a worsted weight yarn.  I've only woven 6" so far.  That leaves about 66" to go!

And my ever-faithful companion, resting in her crate: 

Such a hard life!

Petite Purls

How often do you start zipping your way through the Internet and forget how you landed somewhere?  That happens to me all the time.  Today I found a great website and blog courtesy of the Knitty.com blog.  It's called Petite Purls and if you're looking for things to create for the little ones in your life (or soon to be in your life!) be sure to check them out.  They put together a quarterly e-zine plus posts on their blog -- definitely enough there to inspire you to craft something a little one will enjoy wearing or playing with!  They are 'OMG' cute!  I've added them to my blogroll on the left so be sure to check back often to see what they're up to.

The Big Reveal

Yes, after months of waiting, Holly & Mike announced they're expecting a boy.  They are currently planning to name him.........Denver Nicholas.  That means his initials will be D.N.R.  Yep, just like the Department of Natural Resources.  They both love the outdoors -- hunt, fish, boat, camp, so I'm not surprised by this.

Yesterday's shower got pretty busy so I have just a few photos taken before everyone got there.  Those are the 5 dozen cupcakes I made in between them:

Each shower giver had to make two gift baskets.  I did a garden basket and a wine basket:

I saw this balloon at Party City and knew I had to have it for Holly since her theme is monkeys:

Happy day for all of us:

I take such lousy pictures.

Anyway.  She got many, many nice gifts and loved mine which included the Cadillac of baby backpack carriers from Kelty:

You can find one at Amazon.com.  They are really fabulous because they come with a cover to protect the baby's head from sun and twigs if they're walking in the woods.  Here's a shot with the protective hood up:

There are all sorts of pockets, zippers, and compartments - even a changing pad for a poo in the woods.  It can be used for years - up to 5 years old, depending on their weight.

I also gave Holly several eating accessories, a cookbook for puréeing their own baby food, children's first aid book, three more reading books, the first sweater I knit for her, a pair of angora booties (something old/something new) and this:

I knit this blanket using Shepherd's Wool from Stonehedge Fiber Mills in East Jordan, MI.  I knew Holly & Mike would appreciate locally produced yarn and the blanket is super soft.  You wouldn't even know it was wool and it's so much nicer than acrylic.  I have two more skeins left -- could be a sweater to match coming soon???

After the shower we headed up to Holly & Mike's house to help carry in the loot and sort things out for her.  I also brought home my craft show tent while I was there.

I will say that I was quite hungry when I left there.  I only had a salad at the shower, picking out the meats and cheese and didn't use any dressing.  This was pretty tough when there was plenty of delicious pizza slices and tantalizing pasta to choose from.  I wanted to stick to my 17 day diet, though, and I know it's worth it in the end.  As of today I've lost 5 pounds.  Not a lot but I could tell already when I put my dress pants on yesterday.  I didn't eat any cupcakes either, though I'll admit to testing the buttercream frosting on Saturday.  My only transgression so far.

No More Suspense

Today was the baby shower for my daughter Holly.  After months of waiting, today the sex of my grandchild was revealed.  But you will have to wait for tomorrow's post -- I'm too tired tonight.  I just got home and it's time to kick off my dress shoes and relax before the busy week ahead at work.

I'm such a brat! (No fair leaving a comment Renee, giving it away!!!!!)

The Early Bird....

......buys a bathtub.  I was out the door right after Kevin left for work today.  8 AM I headed over to the plumbing supply store to look for a bathtub.  I love that store - it has so many beautiful things there - stuff I could never afford but it's fun to look at.  I ordered a bathtub and it should come in next week.  I'm hoping to have the work on the bathroom demolition begin on July 3rd.  I'll be off work on July 4th and can 'supervise' the construction guys.

I picked up some paint today at Home Depot along with the towel bar, toilet paper holder and towel ring.  Jeez, this stuff gets pricey.  I used some gift cards from my birthday earlier this year.  Now the only big item I still have to purchase is the tile.  I think I know what I want but they didn't have it at the store I visited today so it will be back to the other location, probably on Tuesday.

Once I was done at Home Depot I got my car washed, so it will look a little nicer for tomorrow's baby shower.

The cupcake factory (ME!) started at 11:30 and didn't finish until 4 PM.  I baked, frosted, and decorated 7 dozen cupcakes, with 5 of those dozen readied for the shower.

Here's a blurry smartphone photo of the cupcake liners:

Holly l-o-v-e-s them so I guess everything that went into shopping for and buying them paid off.

So everything is ready for tomorrow's shower.  Gifts, prizes, cupcakes.  Tonight I went back out to shop at Macy's and hopefully find a top to wear tomorrow.  I had one in mind but I wore it for my niece's bridal shower last month.  I found a potential candidate and it's in the washer right now, getting ready for it's debut tomorrow.

My feet are aching from standing so long making the cupcakes so I'm going to be heading for bed ASAP.  Tomorrow will be a fun, long day.  It will be good to get back to work on Monday.  Did I say that outloud?

Day Off

On my day off from work today what could I have possibly have done??

Chores for one:  cleaned the bathroom, washed some towels, did the dishes left in the sink from my roommate (arghhh).

I gathered up my load of pennies I'd been collecting in an old carafe and went to the grocer who had a Coin-Star machine.  First time experience for me with that.  I chose the e-coupon option for Lowes (considering my upcoming bathroom makeover project) and started loading my pennies in.  A bit of a learning curve here -- DO NOT PLACE ALL OF YOUR PENNIES IN THE TRAY AT ONCE.  At least not if you expect them to travel through the verrrrry narrow slot.  Re-tried after putting the coins back into the bag I carried them in with. Believe it or not, I had $15.95 in pennies -- woohoo!  Should be good for some grout!

Next I headed to Home Depot to nail down some materials for my bathroom makeover.  Amazingly I was there for over 3 hours.  My feet were aching, my head was spinning, and my stomach was growling.  In the end, Kory helped load the new vanity and top, medicine cabinet, faucet, and bathtub faucet into my minivan.

Then I headed to the yarn shop to get some advice on color selections for the tile and walls.  Everyone agreed that my tile selection was spot on but there was some back and forth on the paint choice.  In the end, Betsy helped me choose by virtue of the yarn she was knitting with -- the perfect shade for my walls.  Scientific, right?

After a delicious dinner of mixed greens with cucumbers and chicken, I moved on to my gift wrapping project.  I got everything wrapped except for one basket -- I still need one little thing for it.

Now, I'm whipped.  Maybe I should have been at work today -- I was missing a meeting and the gal running it said she'd miss my input - yeah!  Score one for me.  It's always nice to make a good impression with people who can put in a good word for you, right?

I'll be turning in before too long.  I've got 5 dozen cupcakes to make and decorate tomorrow.  It would also be good to tackle some weeding in my front flower beds after the rain we've had this week.

Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Super Cute Coasters

I just love this project from the gals at Purl SoHo in Manhattan.  Makes me want to get them made up to go with the hot summer time weather!

I had a chance to visit their store when I was in Manhattan a couple of years ago.  It was full of yummy yarn goodness but definitely a snug fit.  They've since moved to bigger space and I'll have to check it out the next time I get to NYC.

Wild Raspberry

First I have a really cool tip from Worldstart.com for you if you use Windows 7 operating system on your computer.  If you click on your 'Start' button it will reveal a Search box.  Type 'Sticky Notes' in the box and you will have a virtual note appear on your desktop.  Type a note to yourself or someone else who uses your computer.  Here's my blurry shot of my note to self:

So tonight I warped my loom with the Fuchsia shade of Berroco Ultra Alpaca that I received last week from a Ravelry purchase.  Next I wound the beautiful, beautiful hank of Mountain Colors Mountain Goat yarn in Wild Raspberry:

Isn't this a lovely cake?

I should be able to start weaving tomorrow night.  I'm taking Friday off of work and I know what I'll be doing.....

Door to Door Organics

Once again I came home to a box of fabulous produce -- just what I need on this 17 Day Diet.

Perfect timing since I used up the mixed greens salad I bought last Wednesday at lunch today.  The fruit looks wonderful -- can't wait to dig into it!

Tonight I'm heading to the Chicken group meeting for June at my friend Sue's.  Torture!  She always makes delicious snacks and dessert for us.  I will have to be content just sniffing and watching others enjoy!

Truly, Madly, Deeply

Have you ever been so truly, madly, deeply in love with something that you couldn't bare to use it?  Fiber people know what I'm talking about.  I have Liberty of London fabric I've not been able to cut up.  There's hand dyed wool fabric that sits on a shelf, waiting for the perfect project that may never actually materialize.  I've got loads of yarn sitting on my Expedit shelves, ready to jump off as I peruse them for my next knitting or weaving project.

This is such a yarn:

NO project was good enough for this exquisite skein of mohair and wool loveliness from Mountain Colors.  Oh, I thought I had the perfect project a time or two, but no, back onto the shelf it went.  I fondled it, sniffed it, lovingly gazed at it.  But now........it's about to be turned into a woven scarf.  I can sense the joy I'll have as I throw the shuttle full of this masterpiece of yarn.  The colors are glorious, wouldn't you agree??!!  It's called Mountain Goat and the color is Wild Raspberry -- positively delicious, eh?

No, I haven't been drinking.

Father's Day and More

I visited my Dad at the cemetery for Father's Day.  There were many, many other people there doing the same, no doubt.  If you're lucky enough to have your Dad still with you, I hope you showered him with love today.  I sure do miss my Dad.

I'm not sure what to make of it but I heard from my roommate that Jessica came home yesterday the same way she left - in an ambulance.  Maybe she was going to therapy?  I'll try to check on her later this week.

I finished weaving what I hope will be my first bag.  Here's a shot from when I first got going on it:

I'm not really certain how to finish it just yet.  I washed it and it's drying while I wait for an epiphany to present itself.

I also finished another scarf last week using some handspun yarn I bought at last year's Charlevoix Fiber Festival, spun by Suzanne Higgs from Hooked on Felt.  Here are the pictures of it before and after I washed it: 

Can you tell the difference between the two photos?

Tonight while I was weeding my flower beds and cutting back the roses I suddenly began to smell skunk.  Not sure where that undeniable odor was penetrating from, I stepped out of the flower bed to re-assess the situation.  Odd that I didn't smell it until I start cutting away at the over-grown roses bushes.  I quickly finished what I was doing and put everything away for the night.  It's supposed to rain over the next few days so I won't get back to the beds until Thursday at the earliest.  Maybe you've got a brilliant idea??

I should really put another warp on the loom but I'm just feeling too pooped out to start something that requires so much attention.  I'll just read another weaving book and get some new inspiration instead.

Jessica

The sun is shining brightly, so far, today.  I was reading emails at my computer when I heard Maggie start barking.  Nothing new, but I wanted her to be quiet, figuring she was barking at the next door neighbor.  No, she was barking at this:

The ambulance was picking up my elderly neighbor Jessica.  It wasn't like a hospital run -- no EMS, fire truck, or police car came.  

Jess is about 85 years old and is originally from England -- she still has her lovely accent.  She was widowed about 5 years ago when her husband died from Alzheimer's disease. I haven't spotted her out of the house for a couple of weeks.

As the attendants rolled her out to the ambulance she didn't have a mask on or any IVs so I wonder about her health.  She's been walking with the assistance of a cane lately and I saw her daughter-in-law carry a folding walker out of the house.  Maybe she fell?  I've been worried about her but she still shoveled the snow from her sidewalk this past Winter and hauls her own garbage out to the curb.

I hope that's not the last I've seen of Jess.  She would often come over to visit with me while I knit on my front porch.  I haven't done that all Spring.  Weaving is keeping me indoors these days.

Day One

Today was the first day of my new eating regimen courtesy of the 17 Day Diet.  I was remarkably good and I think the only thing I strayed on was the raspberry salad dressing that was not fat free.  I'm cutting myself some slack there -- only 4.5 grams of fat for 2 tablespoons and a lot of flavor.  I devoured my salad so I think the end justifies the means.

I drank lots and lots of green tea and water today.  I must have gone to the bathroom about 10 times at work!

Another part of the diet is to exercise for 17 minutes, twice a day.  I took Maggie for a 1 1/2 mile walk and I was whipped.  It was really steamy outside due to some rain coming through and Maggie was pulling me all over the place.  It's harder to walk her on garbage night -- too many distractions at the curb.

After the walk, I flipped on the air conditioner and kicked off my shoes and socks.  Maggie was panting too so I wasn't alone there. I spent the evening reading a weaving book and now I'm so ready for bed!

Costco Run

How many times have you actually walked out of Costco with only the items you went into the store to buy?  Nothing more?  I can probably count on both hands how often I've done that over the last 8 years.  

I went in to pick up items for my new diet eating regimen but came home with way more than just salmon and lettuce.  How about a new shopping cart, anniversary gifts for Holly & Mike, a gizmo for my toilet so it flushes for #1 and #2 separately, plus a whole lot of food to get me into the dress for my niece's wedding next month.  I walked by loads and loads of things that are prohibited from the '17 Day Diet'.  Many things that ordinarily would have jumped into my shopping cart.  Alas, not today.

I'll keep you posted of my progress.  I did not like the looks of the person staring back at me in the Macy's dressing room on Saturday.  Let's hope she shapes up soon!

P.S. Joyce - I got the last copy of that book yesterday!

Your Eyes Are Feeling Sleepy, Sleepy....

You could knock me over with a feather tonight.  That's how tired I am.  I thought Monday was rough, but yikes, Tuesday was not any better.  I found out today that a team of people I've been working with for the last few months, will be replaced.  Remember, I'm an 'S' -- I like same ol', steady work.  Hang on - it's going to be a bumpy ride.

Mondays

Good thing Mondays only come once a week.  I've had enough for one Monday.  You've had Mondays like this one, too, eh?

The co-worker who went with me to the open casting call on Saturday lost his father that night to dementia and a bad fall.  Geez, where have I heard that before??

Tonight's quilt guild board meeting ran 3 1/2 hours for me, once I finished handing off all my Treasurer's books, etc. to my  successor.  Good luck with that!  I've got to get the audit done next week, help her balance June's bank statement next month and I'm done.

I was hoping to finish another woven scarf tonight but that's not happening.  I'm going to go to bed and hopefully be re-charged for tomorrow.

Poor Eagle

Last September my daughter Holly and her husband Mike adopted a pregnant Brittany Spaniel.  I wrote about them here.  This morning Holly called me to say the puppy they kept, Eagle, had died suddenly last night.  They kept Eagle because of a known heart defect but they never expected him to die so young -- not even 9 months old.

Things were going well until last night when they were out in their yard and Eagle starting yelping horribly.  In less than 15 seconds he was gone.  Mike tried chest compressions and breathing into his mouth but it was too late.  Eagle's mother, Dottie, tried pushing him with her nose, and finally just started licking him, like she did when he was a newborn.  Very sad for everyone.  Mike's dad, a retired veterinarian, said it was most likely a massive heart attack.

Mike mixed up some cement and together they made paw prints for Eagle, adding his name and the dates.  It will be a stepping stone in their garden.  There's a little pet cemetery on their property and that's where they've buried him.  Poor little guy.

Secret Mission

Ta-Daa -- Today I went to an open casting call for extras for a movie to be filmed in my area.  The specific need I thought I could fill was they needed people 4'10" and shorter for.......'Oz, the Great and Powerful', being directed by Sam Raimi and starring James Franco.

I don't think I've acted in anything since the second grade so I didn't have any particular expectations today.  I met a co-worker and together we stood in line for about an hour before we made it into the building:

They asked for people 6'6" and taller to go to one area, and those 4'9" and shorter to go to another spot.  I joined  the short people since they originally asked for 4'10" and shorter.  A casting director barked out the rules and what not for the extras, asking those in attendance how many had worked on previous films.  Many raised their hands and she remarked how enthusiastic she found Michiganians to be.  Too bad our governor wants to cut the tax incentives for film companies.  Many, many people have found work due to the various film production projects but oh well.

Ours was the second group of 400 prospects to be let in and there were many people yet to come through the door.  They need 6000 extras with 1000 to be costumed.  I stand a good chance of getting picked but I have to get a head shot off to them soon.  Have I ever mentioned how much I dislike photos of me???  Ugh.

I spent nearly 3 hours today at Macy's and Nordstrum's, then Macy's again, searching for a dress to wear to my niece Carla's wedding next month.  Double Ugh.  There's something about shopping for clothes that can just absolutely kill a good mood.  For one thing, the temperature in dressing rooms needs to be about 50º.  Not one degree higher.  I sweat like a pig in dressing rooms and it does absolutely nothing for my perception of how I look.  Another thing -- don't you think they'd sell more clothing if the mirror made you appear smaller than you are?  They use that technology on the side view mirrors of cars -- why not dressing rooms????

Anyway, after trying on no fewer than 25 dresses, I gave up.  How I wish I'd been able to get back into the gym and lose 20 30 40 pounds before now but I haven't and now I have to face the music.  I look and feel bad.  There....I said it.  It makes me sad.  Not sure what can be done in the 5 weeks leading up to the wedding but it's time to get on the stick.  Time to pump up the flat tires on my bike.  Time to get in some walking before I can start weaving or knitting each day.  It's just time.

It's the little things.....

....in life that make your day.  Today was a pretty typical Friday at work.  Everyone eager to get out and enjoy the weekend.  Me too!

When I was getting my lunch together this morning I spotted one last banana from the Door to Door Organics delivery this week.  Ordinarily I would have left it for my roommate since it was a bit more ripe than I like.  But a light bulb went on in my head and I took it to work.

First thing when I got to the office I headed down to the cafeteria to buy an ice cream bar -- woohoo!  Can you tell where I'm going with this????  My reward for eating a Lean Cuisine mystery meal was........a banana split!  I sliced up the banana into my bowl and them mashed the ice cream bar on top!  It was a real treat and perked me up for the afternoon.

Tomorrow morning I'm going on a secret mission.  I'll tell you all about it tomorrow but for now, it's a secret!

Excellent Job

Back here I posted about Judy Laquidara and her quest to help funnel relief money to the American Red Cross to help the folks in Joplin, MO, rebuild their lives.  Her goal was to raise a thousand or so dollars and if she got 50 checks for $25 or more, the donors would be entered into a drawing for one of her handmade quilts.

Well, Judy did much better than she ever imagined and today she delivered $11,245 in checks to the local American Red Cross office.  They must have been so surprised to get that stack of checks.  Just think how much good that will do.  Most of us think our little ol' checks don't matter much when the cause is so great but collectively, it can do so much!  

As I said to Judy when I sent my check, people are innately generous -- they just need a cause to rally behind.

Now originally Judy thought she'd do a drawing and give away a quilt if she received more than 50 checks.  Her son cajoled her into giving away 11 quilts -- 1 for each thousand dollars donated.  I sure would love to win one of her quilts but if not, I still feel good in my heart about donating to this cause.  After all, we're ALL only one storm away from disaster, right?

Duh!

Sometimes I'm just plain ignorant. I just found out the long green tops of what I thought were green onions were actually edible parts of green garlic. Problem is I threw the tops in the garbage last night when I was putting the produce in the fridge. DUH!

Door to Door Organics

Yesterday I got a larger than usual box from Door to Door Organics because I added a few items.  This time I ordered some organic pork liver (everyone groan at once now!), extra Vidalia onions, some dog treats for Mags, and some organic crunchy peanut butter.  Here's what came yesterday:

I'm looking forward to cooking up that liver.  I've never had pork liver before and while it is loaded with cholesterol it is also full of great things - like 85% of your daily iron, something I know I can use more of.  

Another thing I'm looking forward to trying is the Green Garlic -- never had that before either.

See why I really like the variety and freshness you get from Door to Door Organics.  If you live in Michigan and haven't given them a try yet, let me know and I'll hook you up for a half off coupon on your first box!

Fiber Photos

I've been telling you about that spiteful scarf I wove last weekend.  Well, here's a photo of part of it as it dried on my blocking board:

I also told you I finished my first knitted item for my soon-to-be grandchild.  I'm just going to give you a sneak preview, just in case my daughter Holly actually reads my blog:

I blocked this item on my new blocking board too and it really helped a lot:

No more on that until I give it away on June 26th at Holly's shower!

Need Help??

I found this great site today courtesy of Worldstart.com.  There are all sorts of tips for knitting and crocheting so if you're lost reading a pattern check them out!

Mags

My dog Maggie has a lot of personality.  That's a pleasant way of saying she's probably manic.  Sometimes she loves me bunches.  And then there are times like Saturday, where she grabbed a tissue unbenownst to me and paced back and forth at the back door, as if she needed to go outside. I finally caught on when I saw the contraband in her mouth once she was standing on the back porch.  I tried to extract said contraband from her vice-like grip which only yielded a lot of snarling and sniping once I nabbed the tissue from her mouth.

But then I remind myself that there must be some love in her, somewhere, when she lies on the rug beside me while I type, type, type away on the computer.

Pretty darn sweet, right??

Warped

Time to get more warp on the loom again.  I'm giving up on the last yarn I used.  I think the tension was a problem from nearly the beginning of the last scarf and alas, I'm calling it a 'second'.  It has a lot of issues -- narrow here, wide there; lumpy bumpy in spots; kinda short.  Could end up being a booth decoration for a Fall show.  I'm calling it done and moving on.

On to bigger and better things.............

Phew!

Today was one of those days where I started early and got so much done.  Many Sundays are spent dinking around and not being particularly productive.

Here's what I did today:

1. Sprayed the wasps in the sheds
2. Sprayed the roses for aphids (forgot the Rose of Sharon - darn!)
3. Washed the windows on the outside 
4. Sprayed the weed killer on the driveway/sidewalk cracks
5. Returned the new mailbox I bought yesterday and bought some spray paint
6. Watered the lawn to help the new seeds that were tossed on the front lawn on Friday
7. Transplanted the Cilantro that Holly & Mike gave me for Mother's Day
8. Spray painted the old mailbox (saved $12)
9. Finished the woven scarf from H&LL
10. Finished my first knitted gift for my upcoming grandchild
11. Grocery shopped
12. Made pork stir fry
13. Blocked newly finished baby gift (see #10)
14. Blogged!

I've got a busy week at work coming up, including a 1 on 1 with my boss's new boss tomorrow.  Hmmmm.  Thursday is our last quilt guild meeting for the year, until we meet again in September.  It will be a great week!

Argh!

Courtney asked to see pictures of my loom and here they are:

I've since realized that putting on that extra long warp has been my downfall.  I ran out of the brown paper that I used to separate the layers on both the front and back beams and unfortunately, used any material I could put my hands on.  There's a good reason why they tell you to use the brown paper -- it keeps the layers separated AND keeps the tension in place.  I had to finish the first scarf sooner than I wanted to when the tension went kerplooey.  I've learned my lesson but it's too late tonight to re-warp the loom so I'm leaving that task for tomorrow.

Finally

I've been waiting since May 6th for the lawn company I hired to clean up my yard to finally show up.  Much of the delay was the rainy weather we've been having and them getting behind.  But I swear if they hadn't shown up today I would have given them the boot and found someone else.

My yard has been neglected for many years.  I tried to dethatch it once.  Once.  That was enough for me to know I'd never try that foolishness ever again.  Ever!

Today the lawn company dethatched, aerated, edged and over-seeded my lawn.  They even 'vacuumed' the lawn when they were done.  Here's the guy working his way through the backyard.

I will be so happy when it rains tomorrow!  That will really help my lawn on its way to greening up again.

Now there is a slight problem.  I only contracted with them to do the front lawn, not the back.  I can't wait to see how this one plays out.

Before you know it!

I've got some serious preparing to do for Holly's baby shower on the 26th of this month.  June already -- hard to believe!  I'm in charge of procuring the cupcakes and their take home containers, for a mere 58 people!  I also need to work on two prize baskets.  I know what I'll be doing this weekend!

Golf Carts -- Who Knew?

My quilting friend Judy sent me this video.  Sometimes you just need a good laugh: