Wrapping Up the Thirties and the Weekend

Well this is the last post as a thirty-something since tomorrow is (cue music) THE BIG 40!!!!

So I figured I would wrap up this decade of my life by wrapping up some stuff I meant to post about this week but haven't gotten around to yet.

Great Lakes Fiber Festival --

This was Saturday. There were alpacas

OK all together now --- say awwww. Aren't they cute? And much to my friend Marcia's dismay, our friend Sally and I did not buy her one.

There were moths (and their cocoons for making silk)


There was lamb......


This was my lamb sandwich that I had for lunch but there were live still bearing wool lambs at the festival too. I just didn't get a picture of them.

There were Ravelers......

We had a meet-up in the food vendor "area" (OK I'm honestly not positive that two carnival type food trucks constitute an "area" but whatever!)

And of course there was fiber. But I was well behaved and only bought enough yarn for two pairs of socks.

I came up with some red and white yarn from Stone Barn Fibers from their Gypsy Girl Creations line in the color Peppermint Twist. It's 100% superwash merino.

Can we say Miami socks anyone????


And I got some more 100% superwash merino from Diane at Creatively Dyed Yarns

She was working on a pair of socks in this yarn and it looked great.

On Monday I went to Heather's house for a cook-out. Let me just say that the Ravelry CPAaGg knows how to party!!!

We did have actual food there too but the cupcakes were a 17.8 to 1 ratio between cupcake and guest. They were all great too but I really loved the Mexican Chocolate and the Wasabi-White Chocolate has inspired me to tweak it and see what revisions I can come up with.

OK I think that is it for this one. We've wrapped up the weekend and my last post of my thirties. See you tomorrow! Or the next day with a full report of dinner at Lolita's!

The post with no name

Well I'm sure as heck not calling it "more beaver shots!!!!" I got the cutest package in the mail on Wednesday. While I was wandering through Jess's flickr account looking at pictures of Bob (the cutest ravelry mascot ever!) I discovered some Boston Terrier stich markers someone sent her. I went to check out the site and discovered BEAVER stitch marker. OMG HAD TO HAVE THEM!!!!!

I placed my order and they arrived on Wednesday.

2008 - the year of naughty knititng

Apparently 2008 is the year of knitting naughty things. First we had the vibrator cozy and now we have the penis chapstick holder. Ummm yeah anyone reading this with small children MIGHT want to clear the room of rugrats at this point.

I made this for one of my ravelry buddies for our latest swap. I promised my other internet knitting buddies on the ex-prodigy site pictures and a pattern link so here we go!

I used Caron's Simply Soft in the color Bone (yeah I know ..... we don't need to cover the jokes here!) and already have a request for another one - this time from one of the girls at work.

The pattern is here or the ravelry link is here.

Enjoy!

Another quiz

Found this one on Needlephile's blog.

you are aquamarine #7FFFD4

Your dominant hues are cyan and green. Although you definately strive to be logical you care about people and know there's a time and place for thinking emotionally. Your head rules most things but your heart rules others, and getting them to meet in the middle takes a lot of your energy some days. Your saturation level is medium - You're not the most decisive go-getter, but you can get a job done when it's required of you. You probably don't think the world can change for you and don't want to spend too much effort trying to force it. Your outlook on life is very bright. You are sunny and optimistic about life and others find it very encouraging, but remember to tone it down if you sense irritation.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

Not postive that I agree with that last bit though -- maybe someone that actually knows me can tell me if I'm "sunny and optimistic" about life.

Hi Heather!

Well I almost titled this post "my beaver" but thought that might just be asking for too much trouble so never mind.

Heather and I were chatting tonight on ravelry about the PBS auction and I mentioned my Nyland planter. She googled it and the second link is to here, and my mentioning that I don't have a picture of it.

Well I dragged my tush off the couch and now we have pictures of the infamous Nyland beaver planter. And as a side note - I flipped it over and I've had it for 12 years now. I bought it during the 1996 auction.

Please ignore the messy table!!!

This is a picture from above - you can tell that the interior is unglazed and it's actually designed to be used as a planter. Just in case anyone is wondering - I have NEVER put anything inside this, nor do I ever plan on putting anything in it.









Isn't his little face just the cutest thing? I love the clover too.

My first OFFICIAL MeMe

Well I have FINALLY been tagged for a meme!!! Heather tagged me for the seven random things meme.

The rules:

Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.

Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.

Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.

Let them know they are tagged by leaving comments on their blogs.

OK I won't be tagging 7 people (mostly because I don't think I HAVE seven friends with blogs.)

Random facts:

1. I have one sister and she is 31 years older than I am. Her three kids are all older than I am as well.

2. I keep track of all of the books that I read. This started when my dentist's receptionist mentioned that I was always reading a new book when I came in (yeah I'm there every six months) and she wanted to know how many books I read in a year. I had no idea so I started keeping track. Now I do it all the time.

3. I was the hockey reporter for my college newspaper. For two years I also travelled with the team, and believe me one female checking into a hotel with a bus full of men gets some SERIOUSLY weird looks.

4. I have had three birds at various times. Two of them were actually rescues that were found. My first bird, Wylie, was a great little cockatiel who I found walking around my street one day. He was the best bird that I ever had.

5. I have a list of things that I guarantee would get me fired from work that I swear I will do if I ever win the lottery and don't have to worry about being employed any more.

6. I believe that my aunt visited me before she died and that I had to tell her I would be OK before she would move on. I also believe that my sister was visited by our dad when she was in the hospital last summer - in part because I told him he wasn't allowed to let her die since I still needed her here.

7. I have "dress crocs" that I wear to work. They are black MaryJanes and I am so glad it's warmer again so I can wear them.

OK so now who to tag:

LeeAnn

Ann

Faith

Evil Science Chick

Just stuff

No real point (or pictures) for this one. Just felt like posting (especially since I've been up since 5:30 this morning).

Why was I up so early you ask? Well even though today is my day off and I COULD have slept in - I got up for the 6:15 abs class at the Y. Yep.... me - I got up (willingly) and did it so I could have Tony make me do crunches for half an hour.

Then it was off to the Wal-Mart to buy some towels and ant traps. No relation other than I needed them.

I must say it was a little wierd to have worked out, shopped and had breakfast all before 8:30 am on a day off. I already raveled (not topless! - long story unless you're a member of the CPAaGg on ravelry) and now I need to get ready to do the laundry.

I think I'll take the car in for the dumbass e-check that I have to get because I live in Cuyahoga county. Ummmm yeah it's a good thing to protect the environment and I'm all for that part but it's dumbass because not EVERYONE in the state has to do it, only those of us that live in certain counties. Like no one from the other counties drive their pollution belching cars into my area.

Plus I need to make some phone calls regarding the BYOD (Buy Your Own Dinner) birthday party I want to have for the rather SIGNIFICANT BIRTHDAY I have coming up next month.

Right now I am leaning towards Lolita or maybe Lola (but Lolita is ahead by a teeny tiny bit). Sokolowski's University Inn is still in the running too but for some reason I REALLY want to go to Lolita's. Of course this being a "hot trendy" Michael Symon restaurant I need to see how soon they would have to have a reservation for my event.

Ahhhh things to do!

Nom Nom Nom

No knitting in this one but LOOK WHAT I FOUND!!!!!

Yep that's right - single serving Ben and Jerry's!!!

Just to show how tiny the carton really is I included my camera case behind it in this one.

But look --- it's more than JUST ice cream! They even give you a tiny little spoon under the lid to eat it with. I suppose that's in case you have an ice cream emergency on the way home from the store or something.

My only real complaint is that there only seem to be three flavors available right now (or at least my store is only carrying three flavors). And none of them are my favorites, I can't wait to see a teeny tiny serving of Chubby Hubby or New York Superfudge..... NOM NOM NOM!!!

Sounds about right actually

What Mary Means

You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated. You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want. You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way! You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in. You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising. You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

They do say Spring ahead, right?

Well the saying is spring ahead and that does happen tonight but you would never guess that based on what is outside my door right now.





Yep snow ... lots and LOTS of snow.....



I did manage to shovel myself out (in theory because I didn't actually try to move the car) and hopefully I will be able to make it to the grocery store tomorrow. Of course I know I need to shovel some more tomorrow - it's been snowing all day long and the winter storm advisory is on until tomorrow at 4 am.



You know it has to be bad when CHURCHES cancel services...... AND the bingo place closes down for the day!

Alice?

Which Alice in Wonderland character are YOU? created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Alice You scored Alice! You are kind-hearted and curious and give yourself very good advice, but seldom follow it, which leads you into trouble. You always try to be courteous and polite, but you become cross when people speak in nonsense to you and scold them sharply. Alice 92% Queen of Hearts 83% March Hare 83% Cheshire Cat 83% Carpenter 75% Mad Hatter 75% Walrus 75% Caterpillar 67% The Dormouse 67% Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum 58% A Playing Card 58% The White Rabbit 42% Flamingo 33% Oyster 33%

Brace yourself

Rumor has it this is occasionally a knitting blog. That being the case I figured I might show some actual knitting content. This was a gift for my friend Kristen's bachlorette party in January. What do you give someone for an adult toy party? Well an adult toy cozy of course! You may want to avert the eyes of any small children in the room!




Turns out this is a pretty good use of leftover sock yarn. Several people suggested I might want to try and sell these - maybe I'll look into it!

St. Brigid's Day

Technically I am a day behind since yesterday was actually the Blogger's Silent Poetry Reading in honor of St. Brigid's Day. Well figuring better late than never ....

Siren Song by Margaret Atwood

This is the one song everyone
would like to learn: the song
that is irresistible:

the song that forces men
to leap overboard in squadrons
even though they see beached skulls

the song nobody knows
because anyone who had heard it
is dead, and the others can’t remember.
Shall I tell you the secret
and if I do, will you get me
out of this bird suit?
I don’t enjoy it here
squatting on this island
looking picturesque and mythical
with these two feathery maniacs,
I don’t enjoy singing
this trio, fatal and valuable.

I will tell the secret to you,
to you, only to you.
Come closer. This song

is a cry for help: Help me!
Only you, only you can,
you are unique

at last. Alas
it is a boring song
but it works every time.

More sock-ventures

Yep the sock had another adventure last night. OK it is a different sock than the one that met authors last year but whatever!

My book group (yes the three of us constitute a group!!) had a guest last night. Casey Daniels joined us to discuss her latest Pepper Martin book, Tombs of Endearment. This is her third book in the series and despite my usual reservations about reading a series book out of order I bit the bullet and dove into the book. I enjoyed it and will go back to read the first two books since as I told Casey last night with my usual reading quirk not knowing what happened earlier was JUST enough to make me slightly nuts!! but you don't have to read the first ones to enjoy this book.

She was a great guest and even willingly posed with the sock.



Oh yes it might help that she is also a knitter!

A Meme (with pictures)

Once again I am swiping a meme (well most of it) from someone (since I never get tagged for them!). This one comes from melliesmama a ravelry friend.

1) Answer the questions below

2) Take each answer and type it into Photobucket (whoops I used Google Image!)

3) Take a picture from the first page of results and post.

4) You can’t copy the persons answers who posted this before you!

1. The age you will be on your next birthday:


40


2. A place you would like to visit:



Alaska

3. Your favorite place:



on the water

4. Your favorite object:



couldn't find a picture of my Nyland beaver planter so this one has to do

5. Favorite food




I really can't decide so I picked two!

6. Favorite animal



I would love to get a dog and always thought I might like one of these.

8. Favorite color



Red

9. Your hometown




Cleveland


10. Name of a past pet



Skittles

I know I know

OK I swear I am not dead and have not run off to Tahiti (although the second option sounds REALLY REALLY tempting right now). It's been super crazy with work and work (oh yeah and WORK) plus the holidays didn't help either. I promise I will come back and post a real post soon - with pictures (of actual knitted items (yes knitted by me shut up!!!)). Got to get ready for a bachlorette party tonight......

Shhhh we don't want to startle her

I was on vacation the week before last and I finally started cleaning out my craft room. I was ruthless and went through all (well almost - sock yarn still needs to be done) of my yarn. I tried to be realistic and realize I was getting into SABLE status (Stash Acquired Beyond Life Expectancy) which leads to the question - what in the world am I going to DO with all of this yarn????

(Sorry no before pictures of the stash - it was too unruly to pose)

Luckily for me one of my online friends is a much more prolific knitter than I am and does a great deal more knitting for charity than I do as well. I aspire to knit for charity the way that she does but alas I am not there yet.

Anyway, I sorted the wild and unruly stash into four categories: 1) stuff to use to knit for ME, 2) stuff to use to knit for gifts and/or charity 3) stuff to go live with Ann and 4) stuff to give to the St. Vincent DePaul society for resale (most of this is partial balls - enough to do some small things with or for kids crafts).

This is the yarn that is going to St. Vincent DePaul - yes that is five bags of yarn.


















Now this is why we don't want to startle Ann - she knows that I am sending her some yarn but she has no idea HOW MUCH yarn......
This is what it looks like looking into the packed box.

Now for reference this is the box next to the foot stool (according to the box itself and the lovely lady at the post office who had to measure the box because of it's ginormous size it's about 20 inches high)

As a side note, please please PLEASE someone remind me the next time I decide to mail a package the last weekened for Chrismoose mailing. The line was literally half an hour long. Luckily there were several nice people in line with me and we had a nice time chatting. Plus I got in some nice knitting time on the purse sock.

You might very well be asking yourself at this point "Gee I wonder if Mary has any yarn left for herself at this point?" Don't fret about that .... this is the no longer unruly stash.
I think casa mary will be OK in the yarn department for a little while.

Chris-moose knitting

Chris-moose is coming and I have my first knitted gift done!!!


It's the gelato bag from Fiber Trends and I made it with Paton's Classic Merino in Look Pink!




















It was pretty darn close on the yarn. This was all I had left of the two skeins I purchased for the project. Believe me I was starting to sweat it near the end!




















This is a close up of the button I found for the decorative closure. There is actually a magnetic snap under the flap to really close the bag.

OK this is insane

I went to Wal-mart yesterday to pick up a few things (yes I know they are evil and horrible and all of those things but they have products I can afford to buy so whatever). I really wasn't paying attention to the cashier and how she was packing my purchases (I was too busy making sure all the prices scanned correctly) and was STUNNED by how many bags I had when I put them into the car.

Was it that I bought that much stuff? Nope (although I did spend more than I planned but that is another story). I came home and counted - I bought ELEVEN things and came home with...... FIVE bags!!!!

What did I buy: a diet coke 20-oz not even a two litre (she put this in it's own bag, actually this purchase got TWO bags since there was a new bag stuck to the one the soda was in)

underwear (three pair), some razors (two packs), chapstick stuff, concealer (gotta look all pretty sometimes!), tooth brushes (one pack of two) - this she managed to squeeze into TWO bags. Apparently brand new undies might contaminate everything else since they were sequestered in their own bag.

a gift bag for Chris-moose which was placed in it's own bag.

a digital key chain photo frame (again in a bag alone).

and a mailing box which was too big for any bag.

This is INSANE!!!! I know I could have solved part of this problem by taking my own reusable bag with me but I didn't have any in the car with me. I do try and take my own bags to the grocery store each week but don't always remember to keep an extra bag in the car for stops like the one yesterday.

Even so I think that I could have easily left that store with one bag (two at the most) - there is no way that I needed 5 plastic bags. I do recycle my bags (those that I don't reuse for small garbage bags) so I try to reduce my impact on the planet. But all I can think of when things like this happen to me is what about all of the people that DON'T reuse or recycle their bags.

As I learned from Martha (Stewart for those unfamiliar with my obsession) there is the equivalent amount of petroleum in 14 plastic bags as there is in ONE GALLON OF GAS!!!!

OK I think I'm done now... does anyone have a ladder so I can get off the soapbox?

It's here!!!

My Shaun the Sheep kit finally arrived from England on Friday! If you want to see a picture of it for now there is a picture further back on the blog from when I first ordered it. Edited to note I fibbed - I don't see a picure of it on here so here goes -

Of course I have my first Shaun to finish before I start this one. And I have some Chris-Moose knitting to get done as well. I'm making a Gelato felted bag for someone (refusing to say for whom in case they are reading).