PurlySpaniel

Bloom

2012-01-25T15:41:00.000-05:00

This Christmas Cactus was a gift from a friend when my Mom died. I've kept it at work and the "plant manager" has done an excellent job of keeping it alive. It's bloom cycle has moved around a bit and I couldn't be happier. What a lovely sight come late January!

One Word Wednesday

2012-01-18T07:12:00.000-05:00

Find

Ten On Tuesday

2012-01-17T14:23:00.001-05:00

As Carole said, we've been hit here in New England. Winter has finally shown its face and we've had some cold temps. Da' boys cleaned it up a couple of times and it pales compared to last year, but it's here. So...what to do when it's too cold to go outside? Well, here I think DRD would say it's never too cold to go outside. Just put the right clothes on and go. But...being far more lazy than he, I can think of plenty to do!

1. Knit! Of course. But that goes with out saying. And without cold temps.

2. Read.

3. Reorganize something. I blew through 5 drawers this weekend and felt pretty good about that.

4. Bake. Raisin cake was the recipe of choice. A request from our roommate - my Dad.

5. Sit and veg and watch mindless television. No, of course I wouldn't watch The Bachelor! ;-)

6. Clean. Nah, creating a mess sounds like much more fun.

7. Surf. There is just so much out there.

8. Go through cookbooks. I'm always looking for a new idea.

9. Call someone, catch up.

10. Learn something new. That photoshop progam has arrived!

Ten on Tuesday

2012-01-10T08:25:00.000-05:00

(Andy Warhol)

Such fun! Carole has us listing our 10 favorite soups. I love soup! DRD doesn't care a rat's patouty about soup. How we've made it this far with such serious discourse is beyond me. (Kidding!)Fortunately I've always worked near a good soup maker and Suzette has been my go to girl for the last 11 years. Man can she make soup, along with a lot of other things. So....let's talk soup!

1. Sausage veggie soup. Quite possibly my favorite.
2. Chicken noodle.
3. Tomato with any kind of pasta involved. Or a grilled cheese sandwich.
4. Pea with chunks of ham.
5. Borsch. Yes, sour cream please.
6. Any kind of fish stew. Yes, stew counts as soup.
7. Corn chowder. Yes, chowder is soup too.
8. French onion soup. Lots of cheese and bread. Thank-you! I recently discovered a couple of local haunts at make a delicious French onion and that has been a wonderful thing. Seems like a forgotten soup!
9. My good friend Lorie's sausage tortellini. I believe fennel is the secret.
10. Chicken salsa soup. Another Suzette specialty. With tortilla chips and cheese.

Make sure you go visit Carole and see what everyone else is offering up today!

TLP Rocks

2012-01-09T13:13:00.000-05:00

TLP is a rock climber. He's also a boulderer. This big old boulder is called King Phillip Rock (KPR) and it's located in the state rec area near our house. On the day after Christmas DRD, TLP and I took a walk out to see what kind of boulder cred this rock would have. It was ch-ch-chilly!

If you look at around 5:00 on this photo you can see Dan and see that KPR is indeed a respectable size. Dan was pleased and began to assess the "problems" that presented themselves on the rock, what kind of routes were possible.

Hmmm...cracks.

In the mean time I walked around and took fancy artsy pictures. This is the surface of the rock. Pretty cool huh?

All of these little dips and shapes in the rock are part of the problem, which is the cool climber term for getting to the top of the rock.

Out came the tools. The toothbrush and chalk are used to clean off the little lip that can be used to pull him up or hold him in position while determining where to go next. (My story here- preparing for editorial once read by said climber.)

Cracks are good news and helpful. Erosion is a beautiful thing.

Shoes are important. They have sticky toes for gripping the rock. Of course the sport would involve shoes. This from parent set that purchased no less than 30 pair of running shoes over the years. We know shoes.

The chalk bag. Also important.

So the climb begins. Feet are placed, hands are placed and the hanging on begins.

There was a lot of broken glass here so he didn't go very far. Christmas cash has allowed for the purchase of a crash pad.

Looks like he's set. That kid is pretty strong these days. And he's outside. There are lots of places to climb in the U.S. and the southeast is full of great bouldering and climbing. Looks like New England's got some cool spots too.

Face I expect to see regarding this post.

TLP - you rock.

Ten On Tuesday

2012-01-03T08:45:00.001-05:00

Happy 2012! Carole has us considering 10 things we'd like to do in 2012. This seems so much more fun than "resolving" to do something. The gym was surprisingly empty today - the January folk possibibly starting in the evening or maybe taking the Monday, Wednesday, Friday route. We started the year off somewhat motivated, a little home improvement and a little extra push on the knitting front over the weekend. Here's some thoughts on continued motivation throughout the year...

1. Continue an active fitness routine. As long as I've been a runner I've now also become a walker.

And I'm liking it.

2. Learn Photoshop. My brother gifted me the program for Christmas and I know it's going to be a

challenge!

3. Knit Gwendolyn. In Brooklyn Tweed Shelter.

4. Run another 1/2 marathon.

5. Redecorate the bedroom.

6. Improve the dinner rotation.

7. Get my thumb fixed.

8. Take a trip somewhere.

9. Read at least 12 books.

10. Become a more informed voter.

What do you have planned?

It's Been Real!

2011-12-30T15:57:00.000-05:00

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! See you in 2012!

Going Green

2011-12-22T15:51:00.002-05:00

Lots of you out there are writers, journal keepers and allaround great at chronicling your world. As much as I would like to, the fact is I’m not very good at it.

Meet my newfriend.

With all that is going on around here, and my new responsibilityof keeping another’s schedule and concerns straight I’m hoping “green” willhelp with lots of things.

And as much as I’ve been telling DRD that I’m certain to be assexy as Kalinda with a journal in hand, let’s hope I at least make it to thedentist on time. And have somethinginteresting to say about it. Yeah, I guess that would be a reach. ;-)

Ten on Tuesday

2011-12-13T08:29:00.002-05:00

Top 10 Hostess Gifts

1. WineStopper and nice bottle of wine. Pretty much everyone likes a bottle of wine!

2. Baked goods or homemade candy. Packed up andpretty.

3. Or…candy from the local candy store.

4. An ornament.

5. A seasonal candle.

6. A plant – we received that poinsettia at workyesterday – gorgeous!

7. Somebody you really like…knitted mittens or acowl!

8. A puppy! Kidding – I’m running out of ideas.

9. A dried dip mix and some interesting crackers.

10. A pound of specialty coffee. Starbucks or some independent coffee house.

Bring on the parties!

Copying

2011-12-07T07:30:00.000-05:00

Kym has done a couple of these riffs. I like them tremendously and it’s actually alot like how I think. Last night,driving home from seeing my Dad, I got it going in my head. Let’s see how I do.

Things are a little tense right now.
But my car is getting me through it.
Well, actually my radio is getting me through it. Though I do love driving my car.
I get in - the tense things run through my head - and my radio sends me a song.
A song with meaning, happiness, calmess, the ability to sing along.
Loudly.
This has happened again and again this week.
Like the car knoooooows.
Or an Angel is watching. I like that idea.
The music has given me the opportunity to put the situation in perspective.
Or a call to DRD has put me in perspective
Yesterday he told me the ER Doc would most likely not have a consult with me.
Because I didn't have a PATIENT.
I hope that made you laugh a little.
He didn't even make me feel crazy about that idea.
I was just going to "stop by".
I was just a bit concerned about my Dad and wanted to talk with a healthcare professional.
Our healthcare professional is not available.
And trust me, it's okay.
So, what I've taken from all of this is - I can't control everything.
I really want to though.
Fix. It. Now.
Thankfully throug the music I am taking the opportunity to live in the moment and take the message the moment is offering.
Sounds pretty deep eh? Heh, heh.
And speaking of the DRD perspective - about 50 bullets back.
He never let me buy a mini-van either. He said I lacked a common characteristic of mini-van owners. Children in the plural sense.
I would still get one though. I would. I like the idea of all that room.
End of this story but a question for my blog pals.
My Mom's diamond solitaire ring is beautiful. Do I wear it as a ring or have it set into a necklace?
I'm not sure I like the idea of two solitaires - one on each hand. Not really my look.
Thanks for your help and I welcome your thoughts on this!
Happy Hump Day!

Ten on Tuesday

2011-12-06T08:28:00.001-05:00

(Please excuse the crappy pictures - it was raining this morning and quite dark!)

10 on Tuesday Holiday Tradition Edition!

1. Each year,for at least the last 15, we’ve hung a big wreath. First it was on the side of the house, and thenthe garage once it was complete. It’s especially nice now since the town has shutoff all of the street lights!

2. Ashopping trip. DRD have taken a day andshopped each and every year. The lasttwo years were weekend events. Now that’sa tradition I can live with!

3. Baking Chocolate Crinkle cookies. A family favorite and the only time of year Imake them.

4. Christmas Eve at my Mother-in-law’s and all thatgoes with it. Deb’s cheese ball andshrimp dip, fresh shrimp, lots of wine, delicious lasagna and Dee Dee’s pumpkinbread. Dru’s chocolate chip cookies and DRD as Santa!

5. Taking at least one evening to bake for gifts, ormore recently make this bark.

6. One of my personal traditions is to hang thelittle angel bell ornaments that came from my Grandmother to my parents andthen to me. There are three of fourremaining and I always hang one of them first.

7. The Girls Christmas Swap. It’s about a 5 year old tradition at thispoint. We go out to eat and have aYankee Swap. Good times.

8. Putting on the Christmas music. I don’t listen to it in the car and I can’tstand to hear it in the stores but loud and clear in my kitchen – just right.

9. Painting my nails…red of course! (And can I tellyou – this year the color is fabulous!)

10. Go to Church as a family.

For Real

2011-11-28T12:39:00.001-05:00

Since Thanksgiving has passed it's time to really address the fact that Christmas is on the way and people will be exchanging gifts. The sunrise this morning, brought to my attention by DRD, was a beauty and a sure sign that I should take advantage of Cyber Monday. And so I have. There are some pretty good deals out there today!

This weekend brought some time to knit and the completion of socks! I started these in July on our trip to Colorado. 4-5 months seems to be my standard timeline for a pair and so these are right on schedule.

Jaywalker pattern - my third or fourth pair.
Modification - Eye of Partridge Heel

Woolen Rabbit Pandora Sock

Yarn club color - Robins Egg.

Squishy soft and heavenly on my feet.

I've been due for a new favorite pair and I think I've got them.

We had a quick visitor too. Always good to see the boy.
Hope your weekend was wonderful!

They're Home!

2011-11-21T12:51:00.001-05:00

Seems the kids are adjusting just fine!

Now we'll just pray for the parents!

Home Is Where The Heart Is

2011-11-18T11:02:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday everyone! I took this picture as I walked out of the house I grew up in for the last time. 9/10/11. My Dad wouldn't let us take the big picture down so we left it for my cousin to dispose of. Not a real problem since there was a dumpster on the driveway. We're headed back this Sunday for a visit. There have been big renovations and changes. I think it's going to be a little emotional but heavy on happiness for the young family now calling this house home!

Gimme Shelter

2011-11-16T12:31:00.001-05:00

Back awhile ago when the leaves still looked like this I wrote a long drawn out post about my quest for Shelter. It involved my birthday, a lunch gone wrong, a trip to Harrisville and my yankee selectiveness. I didn't want to spend $12.50 for only 140 yards. It was wool. So I bought some Harrisville worsted and went home. I also didn't publish the post.

Fast forward nine months. I'd been cruising around Ravelry looking for an instant gratification project. Wanting to make something for TLP and chose Fortnight. (Even though the chance that he will wear it is slim please tell him if you see him that all the cool climbers wear wool hats.) Well let me tell you. I was wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. This yarn is as special as you want it to be. It has a wonderful feel to it. Soft with a lot of naturey goodness - if that makes any sense to you. Once washed the wool is even softer and if I were I hat person I'd keep it for myself.

But I'm not and I won't.

But one thing I will do is buy more of this. This photo better represents the actual color of the hat, Pumpernickle. I'm going to gather my pennies and head right on back to Harrisville. That's a $112.50 sweater that I'll have to make myself, but boy is it going to be worth it.

Ten on Tuesday

2011-11-15T13:01:00.001-05:00

When I was growing up I spent years and years in, on andaround cranberry bogs. We camped aroundthem, we picked weeds on them and we got in them at the end of the season whenit was time to cultivate the crop. As Carole said, nature offers us a special sightat cranberry harvest. The flooded bogs thathave been worked are beautiful, the raw berries shiny and crisp and theculinary delights that follow…abundant! I have two Makepeace cranberry boxes that came into my hands when I wasin college. (Not really saying how…)They’ve held books and stereos and lots of other treasures. They reside in the dining room now holding cookbooks and knitting booksand patterns. They are truly two of myprized possessions. I’m not sure I can offer much that hasn’t already been saidby others but here’s a go at Top 10 Ways to Use Fresh Cranberries.

1. Fresh Cranberry Sauce. DRD’s Grandmother always made it and thetradition is carried on by his Aunt currently. It’s a soupy texture and it keeps for a month. I wonder what the heck is in there???

2. Cranberry bread. Delish.

3. Orange Cranberry muffins. My favorite.

4. Stringing popcorn and cranberries. I’ve only done it a couple of times but itlooks great.

5. If you’re a kid – throw them at your siblingswhen they’re not looking.

6. I’ve read this several times this morning – fillglass jars, bowls or what have you, with fresh berries. I’m going to do this – I imagine itwill be very pretty for the holiday!

7. Make a cranberry crisp.

8. Make a cranberry punch and float some berries on the top. I think you could even make a pretty little cranberry ice ring to float around the top!

9. There must be a way to dehydrate them and then use them like craisins??

10. That's all I've got! But thanks to Carole and friends we've got some excellent ideas!

Ten on Tuesday

2011-11-08T07:20:00.000-05:00

Today Carole has asked Ten Ways to Care for Yourself WhenYou Have a Cold. I will tempt fate andtell you – I rarely ever get a cold. Maybe a one dayannoyance but really it has been years and years since I’ve been hit hard. I haven’t had the real flu since 1986 andtruly I think it’s been close to 10 years since I’ve had to call in sick with something other than my back renderingme completely unable to move. I’d trade that for a cold any day!

So…if I do get sick this is how to best deal with it.

1. Get plenty of rest. There aren’t too many reasons to lie aroundand do nothing. Take the opportunity.

2. Drink plenty of fluids. A cup of tea or ten serves a sick body well.

3. Try to exercise once you feel a littlebetter. I’ve always been a believer thatmy running is what keeps me healthy. Sweat it out.

4. Watch mindless t.v. – such a treat sometimes.

5. Take nighttime cold medicine in the day!

6. Stay home. Don’t infect the rest of the world.

7. Eat something sweet. Chocolate seems to make everything better.

8. Let your loved ones take care of you. Let them make you toast.

9. Wrap up in your most comfortable knit if you've got one.

10. Read a little and knit a little.

The Thursday Three

2011-11-03T07:32:00.000-04:00

Taking an idea from Carole’s blog today I’m going with theThursday three. Three things that aregoing on right now...

1. Threeknitting projects. The Sycamore Vest byHannah Fettig. A pair of Jaywalkers in WoolenRabbit Pandora. This was the firstselection from the yarn club and truly a joy to knit with. Of course. And Fortnight in Shelter. There will be more about that later.

2. Three days until I attend the New England FiberFestival. I haven’t been to anythinglike this since the New Hampshire Sheep and Wool at least 5 years ago. I’m headed with a knitting bud I haven’t seenfor a while and it can’t help but be a wonderful day! And…back home in time forthe Patriots game. Let’s hope theycontinue the wonderful day theme.

3. Three weeks until Thanksgiving! And that means it’s really time to hop on theholiday train. If you’ve got yourshopping done I don’t want to hear about it!

Ten on Tuesday

2011-11-01T14:02:00.003-04:00

10 Great Interview Questions

Carole’s topic this week is 10 Great InterviewQuestions. I don’t conduct manyinterviews and there is no way I could really add to Carole’s questions or theones Mary posted either. They’re purposeful, intelligent and interesting. I’vebeen working at the same place for over 10 years now and it’s a reasonably smallfacility. Many of us have been here along time so let’s just say we’re all a bit snarky and sarcastic at this point. So instead, I’m going to offer 10questions I’d like to ask in an interview but can’t!!!

1. Do you plan on showing up every day? Monday IS a work day here!

2.   Do you plan on being helpful and a team playeror do you subscribe to the “it’s not my job” philosophy?

3.   Will you refill the coffee, paper towels, toiletpaper, copy paper, toner, etc. if you use the last of it?

4.   Are you a shit stirrer?

5.    Do youcatch every virus /flu /cold and while we’re asking – how’s your back?

6.   Have you ever made a mistake?

7.   Do you have any bill collectors, ex-girlfriendsor wives, pain-in-the-neck children or current relationships that find itnecessary to call you numerous times during the day?

8.   Please, tell me about the computer websites youfrequent.

9.    How’syour office supplied…at home?

10. Are you a blogger? :-)

Hope you got a couple of snickers on this one. Happy Ten on Tuesday!

Mother Nature

2011-10-31T14:08:00.001-04:00

Though I was away for the weekend, DRD and Petey were pretty busy!

That would be 22.5 inches!

That would be Petey saying...WTF? (He's such a potty mouth.)

And that would be the SPOOKY tree with orange lights.

Happy Halloween!

TGIF

2011-10-21T14:10:00.002-04:00

Wishing you all a wonderful fall weekend.

Enjoy them while they last!

Ten On Tuesday

2011-10-11T08:01:00.003-04:00

This week Carole has us listing 10 Things You Did This Weekend. It was a beautiful New England weekend and we made the most of it!

1. Rode 20 miles on the Northampton Bike Trails. If you are any where within a couple of hours this is well worth the trip!

2. Stopped by Webs since I was in the neighborhood. Only purchased needles though.

3. Had a wonderful roof-top lunch at the Northampton Brewery after the ride. And a delicious Pumpkin Ale.

4. Baked cookies and brownies to send to TLP for his trip to Red River Gorge.

5. Visited with a friend I hadn't seen in a year.

6. Talked with another on the phone for an hour. It was awesome!

7. Took my Dad and my doggie to the brook. The dog swam, we lazed in the sun.

8. Watched the Patriots.

9. Went for a run.

10. Finished one sock and moved on to the next!

What did you do this weekend?

Ten on Tuesday

2011-10-04T12:59:00.001-04:00

This is the bridal bouquet from the wedding we attended this weekend. It's here at work today so that it can be shipped out and preserved for all eternity. Really - all eternity, kind of like marriage is supposed to be right? There were three on the docket this late summer / fall and they were all lovely. Filled with happy brides, happy families and bright futures. It's also quite apparent that things have changed since 1987. Alot. And in the best interest of women everywhere, thank God bridesmaid dresses have changed. This summer both navy and brown were prevalent and all three dresses were styled in a simple classic manner that could lend itself to another event. Also, the bride and groom sit together at a sweetheart table. No more lining the bridal party up at the head of the reception. At first I wasn't so sure about the idea (because clearly DRD and I would not have wanted to be singled out!) but it makes perfect sense that members of the bridal party sit with their respective "others" once the reception begins. And one other observation, there are pretty spiffy favors at weddings now. I think this is a relatively new concept. (?) We've received chocolates, a wine topper and caramel apples. Nice! I hear some weddings are holding the ceremony at one time and the reception several hours later. I haven't experience that one yet but my thought is...where do you go all dressed up for three or four hours? Is it a two outfit affair? I like that idea, but truly seems a bit complicating overall. So today Carole has us listing 10 Things You Love About A Wedding. Here goes!

1. The Bride! The dress, the hair, the anticipation of seeing her when she appears for the first time.

2. Getting together with family and friends.

3. Getting dressed up.

4. If with family or great friends...tearing it up on the dance floor!

5. Seeing the couple smiling, taking the day in, having a great time.

6. Wedding cake!

7. Often, the music at the ceremony. Though Simon Cowell may have an opinion on some of that.

8. Checking out all of the fashion and shoes on the other women at the wedding.

9. Sometimes the speeches can be a riot!

10. Dancing with my honey. I can generally get one slow dance out of him.

Now that...was a wedding! :-)

Mountaineers!!!

2011-09-30T14:51:00.000-04:00

Did you know I've never been to a BIG football game before? I did go to the Patriots once a long time ago, but I can't really count it because all I really remember is the guy peeing in the beer bottle behind me and Bruce Springsteen blaring out of the car on the ride home up Route 1. Hey, it was college. And I didn't care about sports. At all.

As usual, we headed up the hill to the parking lot and tailgating! This parking lot just doesn't do the scene justice. There is some serious fandom in these parts. Everyone was dressed in black and gold. There were stripes and checks and hats and scarves and umbrellas and flags. There were RV's and grills and beers and 57,000 bean bag games. Frisbees, footballs, big kids, old farts. This is Mountaineer country. It was fun.

So we headed to the stadium. The Rock. It holds the same amount of people that Fenway Park holds - about 32,000. But the fans here were HAPPY. Just putting that out there.

There were beautiful cheerleaders.

There was a big marching band. We were on the visitors side so they didn't face us.

.And there was football!

There was a bit of praying at one point but the Mountaineers came from behind and won. And that made the rain that followed just a little easier to take!

We had a blast, met some great people and can't wait to get back next year. Unless of course they're headed for a national championship. Again. We'll go...right Doug?

The High Country

2011-09-29T12:35:00.002-04:00

TLP's school is located in the high country of North Carolina. We headed out to parents weekend and had, really, our first opportunity to take a good look around. Holy hills Batman. We headed out to take a look at "the climbing house". A frequent, shall we say, weekend get-a-way for TLP, and a place we'd heard a lot about. Just a hair up the hill from the house is Howard's Knob. This point, high above Boone, overlooks the entire campus. There were a handful of kids up there, swinging in their hammocks, just taking in the view. Oh college kids I want to be you.

Next, we headed out to Valle Crucis where we had rented a small cabin for the weekend. After driving up the longest one lane gravel road with twists and turns that rivaled Lombard Street we arrived at our destination. Oh my, take a look at that!

And then take a look at this! The view from that!

There was a beautiful and relaxing view from the bedroom, the back porch and the dining room.

I told DRD - give me a car full of food, ample wine, and a few people I love and I could have stayed there for a week.

As long as I didn't have to drive up that hill again!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-28T12:44:00.001-04:00

Recently seen together in Boone...

Ten on Tuesday

2011-09-27T13:02:00.006-04:00

In all reality I have trouble doing anything the same way twice. DRD would sell his soul if I would stick to one meatloaf concoction. I drive to work one way, I drive home another. Even in my job, which can be exhaustingly repetitive at times, I can't bring myself to do the same task exactly the same way if I'm doing it over and over. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that I HAVE to go to work every day. I HAVE to get up and take a shower and get out the door. I HAVE to go to the grocery store on the weekend. There is so much that I have no control over I guess it's just how I feel like I'm in charge! So Carole's list today is 10 Things You Do Every Day. In no particular order, except for #1.

1. Get up and have a cup of coffee. Crucial.

2. Watch some kind of t.v.

3. Knit - really if it's even only one or two rows.

4. Read something. Newspaper, magazine, book.

5. Check Facebook, blogs, email.

6. Talk to my Dad.

7. Kiss my honey good-bye in the a.m. and goodnight in p.m. Without fail.

8. Text TLP, LJP, LJR and JAP.

9. Try to be thankful for all that I've got.

10. Make sure the sink is empty of dishes!

Favorite Yarn Place

2011-09-16T14:46:00.007-04:00

I'm a big fan of Kim's yarn. On the rare occasion these days that I do make a yarn purchase (read that as thumb that does not work) I generally head over to The Woolen Rabbit. I've also joined the yarn club and the first installment was a skein of Pandora sock. I've knit a few pair of socks in my day and find some yarns aren't everything you'd hoped for. In the early days it seemed Koiju was all the rage. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. From the moment the socks came off the needles it felt as though the yarn was deteriorating. Socks knit with Sunshine Yarns, unbeatable. Cherry Tree Hill - another goody. And so, I'm happy to report, with no surprise, that this Pandora sock is like butter. 70% merino, 20% bamboo and 10% nylon. A pure and simple pleasure. I went with the trusty old Jaywalker pattern for mindless knitting and couldn't help but think this morning how good this felt in my hand. I also thought, crap, I have to go to work and I'd much rather sit here with Robin Roberts and that cute news guy Josh but that's a different story. So, if you're inclined to buy yourself or someone else you love some yarn this weekend go on over and check things out!

Enjoy your weekend! (Apologies to Sunshine and Cherry Tree Hill - linking won't work!)

Ten on Tuesday

2011-09-13T07:38:00.001-04:00

This week Carole has us pondering 10 things we buy each week. This was tough! The list wasn't to include groceries so my purchasing power was limited. Here goes...

1. In the summer, a stop at a local farm stand. Take a look at those delicious blue potatoes I scored last week!

2. A newspaper. We used to get daily delivery of up to three but now we've reduced that considerably but still make a Sunday paper purchase.

3. Petro.

4. Lunch - at least once a week.

5. Wine. Yum.

6. A dinner out. (Technically DRD purchases it most of the time.)

7. Lately - UPS charges. Seems there's something going to NC each week.

And because I can't think of anything else...how about three things I'd like to buy each week!

8. Shoes.

9. Clothes.

10. Yarn.

And It All Comes Down To...

2011-09-04T18:25:00.006-04:00

We're emptying my parents house. For those of you that don't know my Mom has been gone for almost two years. My Dad is down-sizing. What a process. I think they moved there in 1957. I thought he'd been doing a pretty good job of houghing (real word look out WWF peeps!) over the years. One and so far 1/2 dumpsters later...yeow. BIG kudos to the dumpster company that came today SUNDAY and picked up and dropped off another. Tips for emptying out the house of an old guy (said in a most loving way). Keep him away from the dumpster. Do not ask if he wants to keep something. Today's random keep: a tape dispenser. He LOVES that tape dispenser! I understand it's stressful. He kept saying he couldn't believe there was so much stuff. I think there are 300 screwdrivers in that house. I found a jar with 100 washers. I'm sure they are the ones the hardware store is out of.

What's been most interesting is the things that are the hardest to deal with. The items on the front of the refridgerator. Finding the top of your parent's wedding cake. Finding the pulled out 1954 Modern Bride (modern...1954???) advertisement for your Mom's wedding dress. The dress that I wore.

I have a huge hummel that was broken into many pieces years and years ago and glued back together. Worth nothing but so defines my Grandmother. In the living room. I have the pitcher that my Mom made koolaid in. The item that I truly thought about when I woke up in the morning for a week and said I wasn't going to take. Dumpster diving is not beneath me. I have three pair of unworn silly mid-calf white socks that TLP has been wearing lately to send off to him. There is the green bean casserole casserole dish. There are two sets of salt and pepper shakers SO WE DON'T HAVE TO USE THE STUPID PAPER ONES AT THANKSGIVING!

Overall...kind of fun. My brother rocks. My husband rocks. They did some serious work the past couple of days with a smile and a laugh the whole time. Sister Sledge (hammer) was their trusty companion. And...these little guys are making their way to a new home.

Scenes From a Hurricane

2011-08-29T07:30:00.001-04:00

The day before...crazy sized mushrooms popping up!

Wading through downtown.

This guy had the most fun of all...this is the main street in town!

My guys checking it out later.

Water in the woods.

Are those leaves...CHANGING???

The greens were fantastic!

End of An Era - A FO!

2011-08-26T07:15:00.000-04:00

Presenting Irish Coffee - Parttern by Babycocktails.
I must have bought this yarn three, four, five years ago when TLP was in high school and the colors were purple and white. I'm matchy matchy like that. Not. But anyway I was loving the school and the purple and feeling connected and like I needed to own something that wasn't tan or white or black or red. So bought it I did. At the Webs sale actually. Here we are years and years later with a winner! Kind of a nice circle of life thing. That school gave a lot to TLP and I'm thinking this Purple Irish Coffee is going to give a lot to me. It fits beautifully. It appears that it will keep me not too hot and not too cool. And despite the baggy pants it looks pretty good on!

The back - I'm not so lumpy here.

Makes the thought of September a little easier to take.

Here's to a nice weekend. And a little song for ya

Counting Crows

2011-08-17T15:55:00.008-04:00

August is one of my favorite albums and a favorite month. We had another fantabulous vacation in the White Mountains. 14 years plus and it is wonderful each and every time. The food, the company, the smell of clear mountain air. The p-i-t-a tourists from a country north. Well maybe them not so much but thankfully we really only shop one day. We climbed our way around Mount Washington. Traveling to Huntington's and Tuckerman Ravines. Our fearless leader was an accomplished White Mountain trekker and planned the 7 mile route. We were all pretty pleased with the effort put forth that day.I was thrilled that I'd earned the right to eat like a savage.

We also traveled to the Zealand Falls Hut. A favorite hike we hadn't done since 2007. It's relatively flat and was a welcome excursion after the last march. The falls are comprised of many levels so there's plenty of places to sit and get wet. I did not. It was freezing.

TLP returned for two weeks. One week of vaca with us and three of his three peeps, and one week at home. He's off again to school which starts tomorrow. I think in addition to climbing around rocks, putting up with a party here and there and locating the bookstore once again...he's happy to be back in the throws of college life.

I try not to wish my life away but mid-August...come back soon.

Ten On Tuesday

2011-08-02T07:05:00.003-04:00

10 Favorite Romantic Comedies

Really...I have to choose just 10? Thanks to Carole via Mary for this fun topic. There is no particular order here, except for #1.

#1. The American President. Not only do I love Virginia Baked Ham, I love this movie and will stop just about anything to watch it. Annette Benning is p-e-r-f-e-c-t!

2. When Harry Met Sally. Just a smile a minute.

3. Tin Cup. I love them all. Kevin, Cheech, Don and the beautiful Rene Russo.

4. Shakespeare in Love. Though I've only seen it once...hmmm heading to the DVR.

5. My Best Friends Wedding. The soundtrack alone makes it a winner.

6. Runaway Bride. More good music and Richard Gere.

7. Pretty Woman. Never enough Julia.

8. As Good As it Gets. Jack was acting wasn't he?

9. Maid in Manhattan. Fun and I'll admit to being a J-Lo fan.

10. Breakfast at Tiffany's. It's what started it all for me.

Looking forward to seeing the rest of the lists today!

This Old House

2011-07-29T11:41:00.013-04:00

This is what we experienced the last time Johnny Richard came to town.

We live in a pretty old house. Though documented in the town history, there really isn't any information about it. Except that it was owned by the Hitchcock family. They weren't early settlers or land barons, more likely just folk who worked at the mill up the street.

So, with an old house come new problems. Our 20ish year old deck was coming away from the house. The boy wonder in the tan shirt, Johnny, diagnosed rotted sills - yes! Show me the rot! Spend me some money! So once the deck was torn away and the problem alive and well for all to see it was decided to just re-clapboard (new verb) that side of the barn that houses the family room. It's always interesting when you take something old apart.

I guess this was the era before 2 x 4's? We tried to get John to guess how old he thought the barn was as our house was absolutely build it pieces. But he couldn't do it. Any ideas? He said the nails were not square...Have a nice weekend!

Lily-Palooza

2011-07-22T06:55:00.005-04:00

The Lilies have arrived!

Have a nice weekend and try to beat the heat!

Rocky Mountain High

2011-07-15T13:28:00.018-04:00

Here's a list of things I don't want to forget about this trip.

1. The absolute beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

2. The generosity of good friends.

3. The mountain lion!

4. Lightening like I've never seen before.

5. Coming around the corner at Kenosha Pass.

6. The Aspens.

7. The genuine souls that TLP is working with.

8. The raging north fork of the South Platte River. Man was the water moving out there.

9. The elk herds.

10. Kind Coffee - Estes Park, CO - thanks to TLP buddy Grant below. 11. The Safeway grocery store. We've got a lot to learn here in New England!
12. The beautiful wildflowers.
13. That we didn't take nearly enough pictures.
14. George's ribs and guacamole.
15. A week without television isn't such a bad thing!

And the one thing I'd like to forget...the three rollover accidents we came upon.

Slow down people!

Red Rocks

2011-07-13T13:13:00.009-04:00

We had a great vacation so I'm going to take a couple of days to show some highlights. We spent a couple of nights at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Red Rocks was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1936 and 1941. The man who had this vision was a genius. A performer who has been on my bucket list for a long time is Kenny Chesney. Because his music is pretty important to me I would never pay to see him in a big stadium setting. It has always been small venue or none at all. After I nearly choked on my coffee when I read he would be at Red Rocks while we would be in Colorado I had to investigate. Short story: a lot of $$ and a lifetime memory worth every penny. Our friends were able to get tickets and the show was everything I could have hoped for. The reason for our visit was to see TLP who is working in CO for the summer and to reconnect with a lifelong friend of DRD. When we arrived Tuesday we headed directly to Dan and picked him up for dinner with our friends. He informed us that he'd like to go to a concert at Red Rocks on Saturday evening. (Great minds think alike heh, heh.) Now, forgive me for doubting when I initially heard that the tickets were purchased by a friend of his in TN that he goes to school with in NC and they were going to be at the will call window. The friend had planned to come to CO for vacation and it fell through. Well, God love them, it all worked and to the show we went. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals and The Avett Brothers. Needless to say, we had a rocking good time and it was great to see Dan!

Random Friday

2011-07-01T11:23:00.002-04:00

Celebrated 24 years of wedded bliss this week. Thanks to DRD for making the ride a great one. He sooooooo has a bigger row to hoe than I do.

The roses were a complete and wonderful surprise.
I've joined the Woolen Rabbit Yarn Club. Kim has long been one of the few places I order yarn from. She never disappoints and the colors and textures are wonderful. The fact that she is based in New England is an added plus for me. The first shipment is Pandora Sock yarn. I chose to receive muted colorways and this is called Robins Egg. It's a bit brighter than pictured here but not much. It's got a green/grey/blue look that's hard to describe. Quite nice actually. The need for mindless sock knitting had me cast on for another (3rd!) pair of Jaywalkers. They were the first real pair of socks I made years ago and are still the pair I reach for most often.

A trip west to visit old friends and TLP is on the horizon. There are some exciting aspects of that trip ahead which will hopefully provide some decent blog fodder!

Happy 4th of July Weekend! Bring on the summah!

Ten on Tuesday

2011-06-28T09:57:00.003-04:00

Ten on Tuesday
10 Things to Love About The 4th of July

Oh how I love the 4th of July weekend and as far as I'm concerned the hotter the better.

This year is especially nice as July 5th begins a week long vacation to CO to visit TLP and some old friends. Bring it on!

1. Generally hot weather though I know we were wearing fleece two years ago!

2. Family cook-outs.

3. Fireworks on the lake with great friends.

4. Running through the full campgrounds and smelling the campfires and bacon.

5. How somehow it's relaxing no matter how much is going on.

6. The flowers are really starting to bloom.

7. My year-end work commitments are done!

8. Hot dogs.

9. Just having that extra day off.

10. And hopefully with the cortisone shot today...lots of knitting time!

Wishing you all a great holiday weekend!

10 on Tuesday

2011-06-21T11:39:00.005-04:00

Beals Memorial Library, Winchendon MA

10 Books You Would Recommend To A Friend

Unfortunately I don't read like I used to. I know I've said that here a couple of times before. I have hope though. Hope that I will return to being a big reader. There's nothing more relaxing than walking around a book store or peering through the stacks at the library. So, in no particular order are some favorites.

1. To Kill A Mockingbird. Yes, Doug you really should read this.

2. The Red Tent. I didn't want this book to end.

3. Lassie Come Home. The story never gets old and makes me cry like a baby each time.

4. The Art of Racing in the Rain. Enzo got a blog post from me I was so touched by this book.

5. The Pillars of the Earth. One of my most favorite. Ever.

6. The Hunger Games. I didn't expect to like it so much. Got to finish book 3 soon!

7. Man Eater. This is a fun, ridiculous story that had me laughing out loud. It's a beach book.

8. East of Eden. Classic.

9. Summer Sisters. I lived it, except for the part where she slept with a girl.

10. The Thornbirds. Yes! Go ahead and re-read it!

Cousins

2011-06-15T12:21:00.002-04:00

The baby is 40!

A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to go breezing around the city of Boston with my cousins. There are 15 of us on this side and Kristin is the baby.

Three generations.

And a beautiful night for dinner.

Project Spectrum Re-boot

2011-06-02T12:05:00.006-04:00

The May portion of Project Spectrum didn't go so well. Though red is my absolute favorite color, I had nothin'. There was alot of brick that I thought about photographing but it rained virtually everyday in May and getting out of the car just seemed like too much work.

The color this month is green. Yes! And the best part of green so far...the lovely colors that come along with it.

Ten on Tuesday

2011-05-31T09:01:00.002-04:00

What a weekend! Summer has arrived in spades! Though I think most New Englanders would have preferred a couple of 60 - 70 degree days to get us into the spirit, three days of 80 plus did a world of good in the mental health department.

To kick off summer Carole has us listing 10 Favorite Things to Put in a Salad.

1. Spinach.

2. Craisins - I don't like them alone, but in a salad, yummm.

3. Cheese - generally just cheddar.

4. Black Olives.

5. Tuna.

6. Red Bell Pepper.

7. Red Onion.

8. Cottage Cheese.

9. Beets.

10. Hard boiled egg.

Belmont Boy

2011-05-25T12:32:00.007-04:00

On the day of the supposed rapture my brother, my Dad and I took a ride to the south shore to visit a cousin who recently moved here from California. It was our version of Nugent-paloooza. There aren't many of us so 4 can be considered a bunch. It was a beautiful day and the visit was wonderful, including lunch on the water in Scituate.

After we parted company the three of us headed down the road to Brant Rock.

For our entire lives we've heard stories of summers spent pulling lobster traps, setting bowling pins by hand, and time well spent with family. The last summer my Dad spent there was 1942. Instead of returning back to Belmont with the family he stayed for the summer and worked. The room he rented was $7.00 per week and supper was fifty cents. He was 15 years old!

The cottage is long gone but the footprints of the three original cottages are still there. Dad's cottage is the one behind him on the left.

Dad felt the area looked a bit run down, and it did. The sea wall was in severe disrepair and there were some abandoned cottages. I found that particularly surprising because they are directly on the ocean. Despite the changes I'm pretty sure Wally was happy to have taken the trip down memory lane and it was great for Jim and I to take it with him!

Ten on Tuesday

2011-05-17T07:30:00.004-04:00

10 Favorite Things To Do Outside

Wow has this been difficult. Blogger has decided to put spaces between everything. I don't know one minute of Html so off to the internet I went. Trying to fix it only created a bevy of other issues. So...there were more pictures but at this point this is what you're going to get!

1. Sit on the deck and read or knit. Or do nothing but soak up that sun.

2. Hike
3. Kayak

4. Garden - sometimes
5. Play in the snow.
6. Running7. Eat
8. Wander around nurseries.
9. Sit around a fire.10. Go to the brook and watch the dog swim.

Monday WIP

2011-05-16T07:12:00.000-04:00

Baby Cocktails Irish Coffee

Simply enjoyable.

Cascade 220 Heathers - hoping it doesn't pill like the Central Park Hoodie. Which began pilling before it came off the needles. I swear.
Loving the purple - accentuates the cables beautifully.

Still whining about the thumb. Current rate of progression guarantees a fabulously fashionable garment just as the leaves begin to change.

Project Spectrum

2011-05-05T07:18:00.000-04:00

I've decided to participate in Project Spectrum. This is a new adventure for me and something I'm hoping will help with the whole looking at the world a little differently thing. The first color is red and fortunately for me - my favorite color! My world is full of red. The house, the bedroom, the trim in the family room, my phone, a decent part of my wardrobe and a healthy part of my yarn stash. Though this started in the knitting world it's meant to encompass really anything - food, crafts, photography. So we'll spend the month of May looking for red, taking pictures of red and hopefully experimenting with some red foods. I just felt the "what the..." from the menfolk in the house. Hey - lobster is red isn't it???

Ten on Tuesday

2011-05-03T10:30:00.002-04:00

10 Favorite Birds

1. Indigo Bunting - I know exactly where I was the first time I saw one. It came to the feeder when we lived in Ashburnham. I believe it returned only one or two more times. It was 24 years later that I saw another in Mars Hill, NC.

2. Scarlet Tanager - Another elusive bird. Seemed I saw one every summer but now it's been years and years.

3. Baltimore Oriole - They nest in our trees each spring. As a matter of fact we heard one Sunday so they're back!

4. Cardinal - This was my Mom's favorite bird. It doesn't get much better than a red cardinal on a snowy day. They also nest in the yard.

5. Whippoorwill - The sound of summer and camping on Cape Cod. This is an interesting fact found on The Wiki Whippoorwill page- One New England legend says the Whippoorwill can sense a soul departing and can capture it as it flees. Hmmm...

6. Northern Bobwhite - another sound of summer and Cape Cod. And the obnoxious Mockingbird that hung out on the wire outside my bedroom window.

7. Bald Eagle - I feel so fortunate to have seen several. They nest on Connecticut River so there's a pretty good chance you'll see one if you take paddle out there.

8. Owl - Any and all. I've only seen them in captivity and would give my eye teeth to see one in the woods! DRD and my neighbor have both seen them in the neighborhood. Envious!

9. Rose-breasted Grosbeak- Once in a while one will show at the feeder. Always a treat.

10. Pileated Woodpecker - They are ever present in sound and holes but catching a glimpse is tough.

Check out Carole's site for more bird action!

Training Camp

2011-04-27T13:04:00.006-04:00

DRD were out running and came across some fresh wood chips on the ground. My first thought was those @#$% beavers had made their way up into the woods looking for MORE forest to devastate.

But DRD looked up and saw the canyon that had been pecked into the tree. It was huge! We headed on our way, chatting about the certain Pileated woodpecker who had been responsible for that canyon and another on the side of the tree.

The next day we headed out another way and this is the first thing we saw! The training camp!

Man, those birds are busy!

Ten on Tuesday

2011-04-26T06:59:00.007-04:00

I'll go on record here as saying that 90% of what we buy at the grocery store is the same every week. There isn't a lot of variety in our menu. Not pointing any fingers, just sayin'. So saving at the grocry store is kind of a foreign concept. Yes, I buy what I buy on sale when I can find it. We don't have any ability to buy in bulk as the house is viturally closet free. Yeah, I know, nice. None of those crazy closets messing up the internal landscape. So let's see how I do preaching what I don't practice...

10 Ways to Save at the Grocery Store (or Grossery store as I call it.)

1. Make a list and stick to it.

2. Plan your menu. We sort of do that.

3. Carry a calculator, stick to the budget.

4. Buy in bulk when possible. Though I know this can be tricky, those big warehouse stores need to be watched.
5. Read the flyers that come to the house.
6. Skip a week!

7. Check out some of the store brand product. Some things are okay. Never tuna.
8. Send your kid off to college!
9. Clip coupons.

10. Read the other links for ideas!

Digging

2011-04-25T14:30:00.002-04:00

The writing. It doesn't come easily. The ideas. Seem to be hard to locate. I think it's most likely more laziness on my part with the camera. I've been taking it along a little more often, but hesitate to ask for pictures or to hold up the whomever to take a few shots. And we know, it takes more than a few shots. So, once again, I'm going to try. I'm going to think a little harder, open my eyes a little wider, and seek out the interesting. Here's what I found today and I'm trying not to think too much about the message.

4/14/91

2011-04-14T07:05:00.004-04:00

We turn not older with years, but newer every day.

~Emily Dickinson

D Double D

A Animated

N Naturalist

I Inquisitive

E Explorer

L Loved

Happy Birthday Dude!

April Showers

2011-04-07T13:38:00.002-04:00

We had a baby shower at the house this past weekend. Here's a little peek!

Straighten Up!

2011-03-28T12:27:00.001-04:00

I had a consultation with the local physical therapy house today. What I assumed was a shoulder issue is actually a bicep problem. The main culprit - posture! After having my spinal fusion over 30 years ago I've prided myself on my remarkable posture. I can stand as straight as any palace guard! For hours on end! No, I'm not as rigid and inflexible as I look, I just have excellent posture! Just ask me! Well, not so much. Turns out I'm a slouch. Round shoulders 'r Us. I have now been attempting to sit up straight for the past three hours. Not easy. Try it. See what I'm saying?

So to the PT folk I will go. I blame it partially on my new chair. The last office chair I had (for 10 years) was pretty straight. This chair is kind of a big lazy executive guy kind of chair. I think I'll grab that pretty pillow from the porch and stuff it behind me. I'm going to win this one!

10 Reasons to Be Glad It's Spring

2011-03-22T17:34:00.003-04:00

And we certainly know it isn't spring around here yet!

1. Sunshine - so I'm told.

2. Being outside in less than three layers of clothing.

3. Sitting on the porch.

4. Green grass and flowers.

5. Rolling the windows down in the car, opening them in the house.

6. Summer drinks!

7. Hiking.

8. TLP arriving home from college. Or at least stopping by on the way through!

9. More opportunies to use the camera.

10. Sitting around the neighbor's fire.

Ten on Tuesday

2011-03-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

10 on Tuesday - Pie Edition!

In no particular order, with the exception of #1. Which by the way, I would sell my soul to enjoy just one more piece of.

1. My Grandmother's Lemon Meringue Pie. The most perfect meringue tips you've ever seen.

Look at that face - she's probably thinking about that right then and there. Or how tired she is from working at the rectory and she can't believe we're there and expecting dinner!

2. Chocolate Cream Pie. Homemade whipped cream.

3. Blueberry. Vanilla ice cream on the side.

4. Coconut Cream Pie. Sunflowers Cafe, Jaffrey, NH

5. Squash. Nothing fancy, just traditional. Which reminds me, I owe my Dad one.

6. Boston Cream Pie. Yum.

7. Key Lime Pie.

8. Peach Pie.

9. Mississippi Mud Pie.

10. Apple. Like it, but along with #1 - this is probably a true placement. Sorry Apple.

Spring

2011-03-14T07:29:00.006-04:00

On Friday Carole suggested we go outside and look for signs of spring. There were some nests I came across after the snow melted. This is the bigger of the two. Tucked into the back of the bush against the house. Still pretty close to the road. This teeny tiny nest confirmed something I had suspected. Earlier in the summer I hadn't been able to determine whether there was actually a nest in this bush or not. The branches are really thick and full of leaves. But the Cardinals were around. Alot. So I should have trusted my instict. If the behavior stays the same I think this will be year number three.

No parking on the front driveway!

Ten on Tuesday

2011-02-22T07:33:00.000-05:00

When Carole put this one out there I knew there wouldn't be any issue trying to think up 10 Favorite Cocktails/Mocktails. As she said, it was scary easy. Here goes!

1. Side Car - Introduced to by Babycocktails. The sugared rim is a must.

2. Cosmopolitan.

3. Bombay Gin Martini - extra olives.

4. White Russian. From the early days.

5. Dark and Stormy. Ginger Beer and Goslings Dark Rum.

It's got a bit of a bite but really refreshing.

6. A good 'ole Margarita.

7. Gin and Tonic.

8. Meyers and Coke.

9. Perfect Southern Comfort Manhattan.

10. Bloody Mary with a good kick of horseradish.

Birthday Girl

2011-02-21T18:27:00.003-05:00

I spent the week deciding what I wanted to do for my birthday. Harrisville, movies, dinner. That was the plan. What movie? Where to have dinner? Those were the questions. Final decision. Lunch at the Sunflowers Cafe, Jaffrey, NH. It was all about the Coconut Cream Pie. Then Harrisville and movie at home. Great plan.

Actual chain of events: Grocery store. Snowshoeing. Sucked into jigsaw puzzle by snowshoeing partner. Missed lunch. Missed pie. Lunch at a another little place - great company DRD. Visit to wonderful kitchen store in Keene, NH. Home. Spent one hour looking through movie listings. Really. An hour Patty? Called TLP for recommendation. Watched recommendation. Take my recommendation - don't watch Get Him to the Greek.

Birthday was still fabulous. Just having a birthday is fabulous if you think about it.

End of story. Surprise piece of pie picked up by DRD the next day. Yessss!!

Thumb Thing

2011-02-17T07:48:00.000-05:00

Good thing we have a sense of humor in our house. This thumb thing has been plaguing me a good 6 weeks now and is about 80% better. I still can't really hold a pen or grasp anything with any significant strength but the pain is bearable. I could call the doctor again...but that's not really what I do. At least I'm no longer yelling through the house I'M LOOKING FOR THUMB THING! THUMB THING!!!!! while looking for the brace. But I can't resist saying the above pictured knitting is the thumb total for the last two weeks. One row in the morning and one row at night. It helps with the mental health issues. Who knew how much I really do need this hobby?

Babycocktails is one of my favorite designers and this will eventually be Cassis. There's a baby blanket in the queue too but I have a feeling the baby will be here before the blanket.

Rocket dog says get a grip - almost 11 years - zero thumbs.

Family Friendly Post

2011-02-16T07:26:00.000-05:00

Yesterday the 10 on Tuesday posts introduced a lot of interesting new blogs to the participants. I haven't even begun to peruse the lists in detail but there was one that caught my eye. Blue Ridge Blog. Holy blogamoly. This beautiful blog has so many links with information relating to the mountains of North Carolina and specifically the Boone area that a mother-missing-her-kid feels like she's hit the jackpot! Looking around you can see what a special part of the U.S. this region is and how much exploring there is to do. So fam and friends if you're interested to see where he's hanging his hat, here you go. Now, I've got to figure out how to disarm the link here so TLP will stay in the library like he's been doing every day and not want to get out and go! That is what he's doing right?

Ten on Tuesday

2011-02-15T07:14:00.006-05:00

What a great subject this week! 10 Favorite Non-Knitting Blogs. Be sure to check back at Carole's site and see what else everyone has to offer.

1. Pioneer Woman Like a lot of people I found her via a recipe. She's entertaining, the photography is great and she puts a lot of different things out there.

2. Go Fug Yourself - Just plain funny.

3. Phantom Gourmet - Not really a blog but a wealth of information and I'm always interested in a new restaurant!

4. My Baking Addiction - One of the first baking sites I started to read. Lots of good recipes and plenty of great reference points!

5. Penelope Trunk - Just plain interesting and a bit controversial. Not for everyone.

6. NOLS - Since TLP went on his big adventure I've been reading this blog. Informative and provides high hopes for the future!

7. Quiet Life - She's a talented photography pal of Pioneer Woman.

8. Fresh - New England - Just like it says: Your Guide to New England's Culinary Treasures.

9. Post Departum Depression - A friend and exceptional writer.

10. Dooce - Entertaining, funny and smart!

Winter Wonderland

2011-02-10T10:16:00.005-05:00

We've been working pretty hard to stay active this winter. Mother Nature has rewarded us (trying to stay positive here) with piles and piles of snow and in turn we've been trying to make the most of it. As I've said before we're fortunate to live near a huge recreation area.

For several Friday nights now we've headed out through the paths, snow shoes attached, head lamps on high. And then again on Saturday or Sunday. It's got me thinking. We've made initial investments in kayaks, climbing boots, high tech clothing, snow shoes, cross country skis, and running shoes. And the truth is - with the exception of the shoes that will wear out - the rest is gravy. My brother-in-law once said - every pond is your own. And so is every mountain, trail, and road. Grab your stuff and go. Actually there is so much available to do if you look around for it. Here's to an active, healthy weekend. Even in February! Soon we'll be dressed like this again!

Ten on Tuesday

2011-02-01T11:37:00.002-05:00

10 Items on Your Bedside Table

Which for me is a small nightstand. And there is no way I'm showing you a picture - though I did dust it around Christmas.

1. Broken Lamp. The bulb works but the weld between the shade and the post has broken so the shade tends to wabble.

2. Telephone. Which fortunately rarely rings while we're sleeping. That's always SO SCARY.

3. Speaking of scary - my GD Alarm clock. I have grown to completely despise it and often greet it's call with "I hate you". And really, those shouldn't be the first words one utters in the morning. I keeping telling DRD there must be an alarm clock out there that gently calls my name...Paaaaatty.....Paaaatty....time to get up Sunshine. Oh I know you don't want to, but come on Sweetie...it will be okay. Paaaattty...

4. Electric Blanket Control. Yessssss.

5. A statue of Mary. A friend gave it to me when she came back from Haiti years ago. I'm thinking she's watching over me and keeping me safe. Along with DRD of course.

6. Kleenex.

7. DUST.

8. Right now the dreaded thumb splint. I can't decide whether to sleep with it or not so I go back and forth.

9. At times - the remote.

10. At times - a book.

And there you go. Nothing too interesting. But if there's something you're needing - maybe a new alarm clock - be sure to let me know!

Bingo!

2011-01-27T09:04:00.004-05:00

This is my favorite weatherman, Barry Burbank. I've been watching him forever. I'd love to have a meal with him. He's a real outdoorsman, a marathoner, skier and seemingly all around nice guy. And you know what, he's often right! I think DRD would agree, this is getting old.

Ten on Tuesday

2011-01-25T08:39:00.003-05:00

10 Favorite Health and Beauty Products

I like to think I'm a pretty low maintenance chick but truth be told there are some things I just can't - or more truthfully won't - live without. New England winters can be tough, let's see what we've got to win the battle.

1. And this truly is #1 Crabtree and Evelyn Gardeners Hand Therapy. Not too greasy, not too smelly and it works like a charm.

2. Olay Total Effects Daily Moisturizer. I've had to up my game from Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer. Though I used it for 20 years or more it lacks a SPF and the time had come. The Olay seems to be doing the job nicely.

3. Clinique Sparkle Skin. This is a favorite. It's a minty fresh scrub that regenerates this Irish potato skin. You don't need to much and you don't need it everyday. I'm sure there are less expensive options but this is nice stuff. And I hate the word stuff.

4. OPI Nail Polish. Say. No. More.

5. Flat and straight are terms that have been used to define different parts of me but today we're talking hair. Redken Spray Starch. Adds a little texture to this pretty blah head of hair.

6. Carmex. This is new to me but I like it and has a nice soothing feel. We're having a pretty rough winter here and this is certainly helping!

7. MAC Plushglass Lip Gloss - color Power Supply. Just a hint of color and a shimmery feel.

8. Redken Blonde Glam Shampoo.

9. Clinique Mascara - everyday.

10. The Sun. As bad as it is for us, boy it does a mind good.

Philosophical Me

2011-01-19T14:51:00.002-05:00

I just finished this book. My eyes still feel puffy from all the stupid sobbing I did. The best part about it though - most of those tears were tears of joy. Enzo - you are the man. Well, the dog. It is not often that a character in a book can completely take over my mind, my soul, my every conversation. Those of you that have endured my every conversation for the last 12 hours, I appreciate it and I promise to shut up soon. This guy made me laugh out loud. He made me keep looking at my dog and wonder...what ARE you thinking? 353 pages of reading heaven. I'm generally a fact reader. I skip all the flowery descriptions and move through to the facts. But something was different here. I actually jotted down a couple of page numbers because I felt what he said was so telling, so meaningful and true, about how we should live our lives. Yup, what the dog said. I've been a little antsy because my thumb is not working. I can't knit and really, it hurts all the time. Enzo really wants thumbs. Dude, I can so get through this. Thanks.

Ten on Tuesday

2011-01-11T07:20:00.003-05:00

Very timely! There are closets and closets and drawers and drawers that could use sorting. There's a yarn stash, and things stored away 15 years ago that need to be sorted. The towels, the photos, THE GARAGE.

The topic this week: 10 Ways to Be More Organized.

1. I practice this and it works. Sort the mail every day and throw the junk away immediately.

2. Toss some clothing each season. Whether you donate it, hand it down, or put it in the rag bag. It it hasn't been worn in two years get rid of it.

3. Put some shelves up. We've been talking about this for a couple of years. It's time to just do it. There are so many things that you want but only use a couple of times a year. Put them away somewhere and out of the everyday mix.

4. Everything in its place. No coats on the back of chairs, shoes where you took them off. Urrr... that chair piled high in the bedroom. This isn't sounding like much fun right now.

5. Make a damn grocery list. I've got 10 cans of regular corn for shepherds pie but no cream '0. I've got 2 bags of flour and no bag o' sugar. Do I need bittersweet chocolate or semi-sweet???

6. Use the little calendar in your pocketbook. Actually check it when making plans.

7. Stay on task. DRD is forever calling me Patty Three Things. "How many things you got going now Patty????"

8. Slow down. Taking the time to actually make a plan for organization would most likely serve you better than just diving in. Sometimes the diving in just makes for another pile somewhere else. Not that I know anything about that clothes pile on the porch.

9. Don't renew a magazine subscription if you're not reading it. I'm really trying to break-up with Newsweek but have been getting it my entire life. Getting it and reading it are two different things.

10. Go read the other 10 on Tuesday posts this week. I'm sure there are some rocking ideas out there! You can find some links here.

Wolf Moon Hawthorne

2011-01-07T16:25:00.008-05:00

Out the window pic...Blue Ridge Mountains.

Happy New Year Everyone! 2011 started with a 1700 mile round trip jaunt to drop TLP at school. It was uneventful and virtually traffic free. Exept for the tractor trailer trucks. Really. I had no idea that there were THAT MANY tractor trailer trucks traveling the highways. Articles such as this aren't helpful. I'm not going to read any more of them. This is going to be a part of our world for at least the next 4 years. It's a beautiful ride and encouraging to see so much open space and so many farms on the east coast. And for the record, the truckers were generally exceptional drivers, any craziness we witnessed was stupidity on the part of people driving cars.

Hawthorne was my constant companion.

Kind of a first for me and I fell head over heels in love with it as soon as I saw it here. The Mara yarn was wonderful to work with and I used just short of the two skeins. I enjoyed knitting it so much, and felt that it was that special a FO I've got another two sitting behind my chair for a Hawthorne birthday gift.

But there's just one problem. My thumb has decided it doesn't want to work any longer. Trying the anti-inflammatory route and hoping for the best. In the mean time, maybe I can read 12 books this year!

Ten on Tuesday

2010-12-28T09:06:00.004-05:00

It's the end of the year! Wow, time does fly when you're having fun. Carole put it out there this week and I love that she used the word intention rather than resolution. It seems like success could be an option!

10 Intentions for 2011

1. Use the camera more and don't be so lazy - take the tripod out!

2. Master the ipad.

3. Continue the current workout schedule.

4. Learn photoshop.

5. Read more. Got to find a balance with knitting and reading.

6. Climb Mount Washington. Maybe.

7. Run a half marathon.

8. See my cousins more.

9. Get to church a little more often.

10. Keep a positive attitude!

Ten on Tuesday

2010-12-14T09:05:00.004-05:00

Well, the snow arrived this morning and I'm certain Christmas will too. By the time I finish this list I'll probably be rocking under my desk in the fetal position. Here goes...

10 Things on My To Do List

1. Make this bark. It's easy and always well received.

2. Finish shopping! I'm almost to the HOLY CRAP stage.

3. Wrap. Everything.

4. Pick up the Yankee Swap Gift.

5. Finish shopping for a birthday gift. Birthday tomorrow.

6. Get TLP ready to head to college 1/3/11.

7. Finish decorating tree.

8. Think up the gifts for #2. And #5. Heading toward desk.

9. Get. House. In. Order. - More difficult due to arrival of TLP. Happy problem to have.

10. Relax and Enjoy!

Purlyspaniel Etiquette

2010-12-03T12:15:00.001-05:00

You know I've started to write this post 10 times over the years. Then I mellow out and don't bother with it. But after the way this week has played out I'm putting my thoughts out here. Most of this will relate to work and basically business etiquette. Which, in my opinion, has gone by the wayside. So here we go.

Purlyspaniel Business Etiquette 101

1. When you send me an email please include a subject. Especially if I don't know you or haven't communicated via email with you before. In case you haven't heard of SPAM, we recieve hundreds of emails daily from morons with too much time on their hands that we don't know. Most of them thankfully go to the spam filter, but there are those few that make it through. I'm not going to open it if I don't know what it is.

2. If you've never corresponded with me before and are sending something how about "Hi Patty - here's the blah, blah, blah you were looking for. If you have any questions please give me a call". Best Regards, Competent Employee. I mean really - these wordless emails with an order or some paper attachement are a mystery to me. And in all honesty our boss would kick our butts if we ever sent anything out without acknowledging the individual to whom it was sent.

3. The phone!
Me: Good Morning Purlyspaniel 'r Us!
Dope: May I speak to Patty?
Me: May I ask where you're calling from? (We screen here.)
Dope: Indiana
Me not out loud: Dope!
Me: May I ask what company you're calling from?
Dope: Company from which they're calling. (Brilliant!)
Well alrighty then! Now I can get you where you need to go. Is it just me or what? When calling somewhere I say hello - this is Patty from the Purlyspaniel. May I speak to Ms. America please? Pretty effortless.

4. Dude. Nobody enjoys the comical use of the word Dude more than I do. Dooooooooooood. I love it. I know some people hate it. Whatever. My point here is this is business. I am not your dude or dudette. "Not too shabby" is not not really an okay answer to "how are you" the first time you're speaking with a business contact. And "yup" is never, ever an okay answer to an email.

5. I'm almost done here. Please, please, please turn on your spell check or at least give your email a quick review before you hit send. I mean really, do you want to look like the dope I probably already think you are because you called earlier from Indiana?

Thank you for enduring that. Thank you for tolerating my for certain misuse of " " . And I promise not to address the empty coffee pot, toilet paper roll, copy machine paper drawer, toner supply...Here's hoping you have a great weekend!

Here It Comes

2010-12-01T06:14:00.001-05:00

Are you getting ready? DRD and I spent time (and yes, more DRD than I) on Sunday getting rid of fall and beginning the process of getting ready for Christmas. I took all of the pumpkins and gourds and chopped them in half and distributed them out in the woods behind the house. DRD picked up the Christmas tree, garland and wreath.

I'll show you that later. He stretched and wrapped the lights, his trusty assistant Rocket by his side at all times.And then we put up the first in-house decoration. Penelope isn't staying but I think she kind of works it don't you?

Ten on Tuesday

2010-11-30T12:41:00.003-05:00

10 Favorite On Line Shopping Places

1. The Woolen Rabbit. We're not talking only presents here.

2. LL Bean of course. Quality, customer service, return policy...it's all good.

3. EMS. There's always something there for someone on the list. And they've gotten back to their roots, realizing not everyone can climb Mt. Everest.

4. Dancing Deer Baking Company. Reasonably priced, great selection, delicious and local!

5. Amazon. Enough said.

6. J. Crew. It's served us well over the years. A little on the steep side but for somebody special it's okay.

7. Google. I know it's not a site to speak of but it can get you where you need to go!

8. Eddie Bauer. Like EMS I think they've gone back to where they were when I first came to like the styles offered. Simple and classic, earthy colors.

9. The Kitchen Store. There's always something you need for the kitchen!

10. Tiffany and Co. Hey, a girl can dream can't she!

Thar She Knits!

2010-11-29T07:07:00.001-05:00

A tale of two vests. I knit this vest for my Dad for the Christmas of 2008 and never had an opportunity to get a good picture of him or it. I was so surprised when I came home Thanksgiving eve and he was in the house wearing the vest! He likes it! He wears it! The truth - he was cold and so he put it on. Sorry Dad - let me show you where the thermostat is. It was also the first day I wore my recently completed Back to School U Vest. Details are on Ravelry.

There isn't one thing I didn't enjoy about this project. I think this picture best represents the yarn, Berocco Inca Gold, which was an absolute dream to work with. The darts were a great detail and really make the fit of this piece. The waffle pattern is gorgeous and all and all this will get a lot of wear. So much that I'm inspired to knit another vest soon. This knitting season seems to be all about the short and sweet. As much as I'm jonesing to start one or three of Thea's cardigans that I've got the pattern and yarn ready to go I'm liking the almost instant gratification of the smaller pieces.

Can you say hello to Ebba? She was the recipient of the pink blanket. Isn't she just precious? I'd heard she'd been hiking and knew she needed a proper hat! I based it on a pattern from the Itty Bitty Hats book I've got but dropped the pom pom because I couldn't master it. Yes I can knit just about anything at this point but I can't make a pom pom. She didn't mind.

So that's what I've been up to. I've got about 12" left on another project, which I'd like to complete today or tomorrow and then on to Hawthorne. The yarn has shipped from The Woolen Rabbit and hopefully will be waiting for me when I arrive home today. And that will be a whole lot better than coming home to a cold Dad!

Ten on Tuesday

2010-11-23T10:08:00.002-05:00

10 Reasons to Love Thanksgiving

1. This empty kitchen will soon become the center of the holiday. The cooks, the guests, the food, the clean-up crew!

2. Family, family, more family and friends. 25+ this year!

3. The Patriots will be playing in the midst of it all - there is nothing more exciting for this bunch. Can we pull the entire meal off at 1/2 time?

4. Yes!!! #4!!!! 4 days off.

5. All of the veggies. Yes, the turkey too, but more for leftovers.

6. The systems we've got in place to make it all happen pretty darn smoothly.

7. It's the beginning of the season. It's hectic but it's fun.

8. Dessert.

9. Watching movies over the weekend.

10. Relaxing at the end of it all.

Thankful Thursday

2010-11-18T06:51:00.006-05:00

I headed out after the run this morning to try and take a picture of something beautiful on a chilly November morning. Down toward the lake I went and immediately the sun was starting to come up over the water and through the trees, it was a pretty sight.

This is easy I thought! I continued to drive around and realized it was Thursday and that there was so much to be thankful for right there!

So I'm thankful for the lake that provided relief and fun to a young TLP and now provides a quick kayaking opportunity for me and DRD.

I'm thankful for the trails that we run every weekend and the miles and miles of unpaved roads that keep our knees happy.

I'm thankful for the streams that have cooled my dogs over the years as they happily run along beside us.

And I'm thanksful that someone had the good sense to preserve these parts of our world for recreation rather than neighborhoods or industry. I've got my spot all picked out where I'm going to sit and read and knit and nap when I'm 85. I just hope I can find someone to give me a ride out there!

Penelope

2010-11-08T07:33:00.002-05:00

Penelope

I've got a friend named Albert. He's just turned 92 and is one of the most interesting people I know. He's extremely talented and a storyteller extraordinaire. We're lucky enough to have him join us for holidays and sometimes he'll just arrive for a visit. He's a WWII veteran, former salesman, photographer and painter.

He recently moved from his house to an assisted living community. He asked me to come over and take a look at what I might like. There was no doubt that I wanted Penelope to come home with me. Though she hung over his fireplace in the living room, Albert said she liked the kitchen. Well lucky for Penelope we have a fireplace in the kitchen. I hope she's happy!

NOLS

2010-11-06T07:00:00.001-04:00

Since TLP left for NOLS I've taken to checking the site and reading the blog on a daily basis. When this adventure began we knew it was all about hiking and climbing and canyoning and wilderness first aid. It was learning about yourself, leadership skills, problem solving, and some science here and there. The organization has a long history of developing youth but what I didn't realize, or more specifically didn't think about, was the commitment to conservation. Take a look here, it's interesting stuff. Happy Saturday!

Thankful Thursday

2010-11-04T09:44:00.003-04:00

In an effort to maintain this blog on a little more regular basis I'm jumping in. Many bloggers do Thankful Thursday during November and Lord knows I've got a great deal to be thankful for.

Today we'll start with family. I'm thankful for in-laws, out-laws, next of kin, aunts, uncles and cousins. To say that our family is great is an understatement. We support each other, keep in touch and most importantly are respectful. I mean really, who agrees with everything family members do?

I'm also thankful for new great-nieces! (Nice blanket eh?)

Ten On Tuesday

2010-11-02T07:40:00.001-04:00

Ten Ways To Simplify Your Life

This seemed like an excercise that could be taken both philosophically and by practicality. When I began my list the first thing I thought of was...

1. Learn to say no. This little word can make life so much simpler and less stressful.

and...

2. Never try to keep up with the Joneses

and...

3. Lose the people in your social circle that drag you down or you just don't enjoy seeing. This can be a tough one but those times are hard to come by and important. They should be fun.

Then I got practical.

4. Sort the mail everyday and throw the junk away. (Recycle if possible.)

5. Plan your meals. I could learn from this.

6. Put things away when you're done with them.

And then I started dreaming about how to simplify...

7. Complete Christmas shopping by November 30th.

8. Plan the work attire - and iron it - every Sunday. That's a funny one.

9. Find a good place to re-locate used books.

10. Buy only what you need.

November One

2010-11-01T13:03:00.003-04:00

We had the opportunity to run around the state on Saturday and catch a couple of cross-country meets. This may not sound like the most exciting thing to some of you but it's what we did for 6 years and we kind of miss it. The first, at the collegiate level, was held at Franklin Park in Boston and we caught up with one of TLP's former teammates who now runs for the University of Virginia. The speed at which these kids run is mind boggling. Go ahead, turn your treadmill up to a 5 minute mile and let me know how you feel. The second was a high school meet in Northampton, MA. A great venue for a fall race and the team performed well. Always a better day that way.

I made my way into Webs and came out empty handed. That was a really hard sentence to type. The vest should be ready to debut Wednesday and at this point I'm not sure where to head next. Part of me is looking for another project that could be finished in a few weeks and possibly use the Lark purchased. I'm taking suggestions for something not too fiddly if you have any shawl or scarf ideas. There is some stash Cascade 220 in the line up for Dark and Stormy. I thought that project had the edge until I saw Casis up in the corner. Too many choices!

Random Friday

2010-10-29T13:37:00.004-04:00

As you may or may not know TLP is on a gap semester in the Rockies. He's been gone since September 8th and will return December 11th. For the record the country will be completely storm free December 9-11th to assure a swift and safe arrival at Logan Airport. But anyway the ability to converse has been minimal. During the change overs or "re-rationing" times he's got a day or so to use his phone and catch up. This week he came back to Lander and one of his mates offered him her computer for a 1/2 hour to Skype. It was our first experience and seeing him look so happy and sound so happy was just the best. Talk about a fast 30 minutes! He's off now through November. What a life.

And speaking of what a...what a fall. I think we've all said it. 2010 has been fantastic weather wise. The summer was spectacular and the fall has been just as nice.

Getting into the car this morning I noticed that the branches were pretty empty. November is here and all that it brings with it. How about we stay in October just a little bit longer?

Happy Halloween!

Serving Two Masters

2010-10-25T15:13:00.003-04:00

Master #1 Please forgive the crappy picture. Progress continues at a pretty respectable rate on the Back to School Vest. Typical no-swatch effort seems to be working in my favor this time. The pictures don't represent the color accurately, its really got more of an orange tint. I can't say enough about this Inca Gold yarn either. One of the nicest I'v ever used. Let's hope it wears as well as it knits! The simplicity of the waffle stitch pattern up top, two rows of stockinette and a row of alternating knit and purl, have created a really substantial fabric. The addition of the darts in the pattern have given the piece real definition. I put it on this morning for a little test run and with the addition of a couple of tennis balls in my bra it should fit perfectly! :-)

Master #2

Lisbeth Salander. After a very long spell - like 5 years -of reading only two or three books a year, I am completely smitten. A little late to the party but the Stieg Larsson series that began with Girl With the Dragon Tattoo has reignited a life long love and I couldn't be any happier. It's a real joy to want to get home to read the book (I'm on book 2 - DRD book 3.) I've got a list that follows this series, a few of the selections coming from Kym's side bar. Oh boy, this is really exciting!

See you soon!

October Whirlwind

2010-10-21T12:20:00.007-04:00

When TLP gave us a ring last week (he had four hours in between his treks in Lankin Dome and Sinks Canyon ) we were headed out once again. His remark was something like "Do you two ever stay home"? Well yeah we do but it's been a busy fall and all of this activity has helped with the whole you don't have a kid in the house any longer thing. We headed to Norfolk, VA for a family wedding. This is Virginia Beach, where we'd never been before. Very cool place - in October. I imagine that it must be an absolute horror show in July. 95 degrees and 50,000 of your closest friends fighting for beach rights and strip space. Looking at the sights along the way. We decided Poseidon looked just like Yosef, the Appalachian State Mountaineers mascot. (We'll be official Mountaineers come January.)

We had a relaxing seaside lunch.

We had afternoon cocktails and some viewing pleasure for DRD. Seriously our waitress was clueless and gorgeous. It's got to be some kind of test they take in order to work there. And it was the only place near our hotel. We do not seek out the Hooters and we did not go there for the wings.

We headed to the rehersal dinner. Typical to city living the family owns a big apartment in a brownstone type home. The rooms were huge and the setting perfect for the 67 out-of-towners who arrived for dinner. The handsome dude is my Uncle and father of the bride, the ladies are the mother of the groom and her sister. These people are fun.

The bride and groom were radiant and so deserving of the perfect weekend. There was a Wedding Day 5K complete with bagels and Bloody Marys, a beautiful ceremony, an orchestra to beat the band and passed hor doeurves 'til you burst. And more of those fun people.

I'm giving Norfolk 4 out of 5 stars. It was a really nice city that's easy to navigate with a lot going on. There are lots of quiant neighborhoods and several museums, lots of restaurants, the waterfront, a huge mall, and truly some pretty spectacular architecture. I hear the traffic can be a real drawback though.

We ended our travels with a weekend in Maine with great friends. There had been a storm the night before so the ocean was giving us it's all. We walked the beach for a couple of hours, deciding whether we wanted the $1.3 or $1.9 million piece of property and just enjoying life.

So much happening in the empty nest...

Ten on Tuesday

2010-10-12T09:02:00.003-04:00

Ten Ways To Have Fun On A Long Car Ride

I'll be interested in what the other participants have to say today! This is a subject near and dear as we'll be taking the big 15+ hour ride to bring TLP to North Carolina for school in January. An awful lot could be accomplished held captive for 30 hours.

1. Without a doubt - knit. Generally a couple of projects are in order. Easy socks and then whatever else is in progress.

2. Read. For those of you that can't read in the car you have my deepest sympathy. I will start stashing magazines a month in advance for a long ride. And a good book.

3. Stare out the window. It just never gets old.

4. Sing to DRD. I know that this is his favorite part. :-)

5. Talk about the landscape and how things are different from New England.

6. Make up stories about people you pass in other cars. This generally occurs when the silly-been-in-the-car-way-too-long stage sets in.

7. Eat candy. Red licorice is a long car ride staple.

8. Play "If I was filthy rich I'd..."

9. Take a nap.

10. Play with the Blackberry.

Ten on Tuesday

2010-10-05T08:26:00.004-04:00

10 Things to Love about Fall

1. Pumpkins, gourds, cider, corn stalks, mums.

2. Fairs and all the yummy food that goes along with them.

3. Apple picking and leaf peeping.

4. Thinking about what wool cardigan to knit next.

5. Warm days and cool nights.

6. It's perfect running weather.

7. For me this fall involves traveling and what's not to love about that!

8. New television programming.

9. The relaxation that comes with Sunday afternoon football games.

10. One last paddle around in the kayak.

Baby Love

2010-10-04T11:28:00.007-04:00

We had a great weekend and the opportunity to use pretty plates...

Spoil a mother to be... And show off a finished object...Cradle Me by Anne Hanson. I originally saw the blanket on Carole's site this summer and knew right away this was a blanket fit for a special baby. This Mom is extra special to me she is especially close to TLP, so nothing but the best was in order.
It's my first baby blanket and I chose to knit the stroller size. Unblocked it's about 30 x 35. The Sublime cotton was a pleasure to work with a just a little splitty. Details are on my Ravelry page.

The day was great, family and friends were present in full force, the cake was delicious as usual and that is one lucky baby!

Ten on Tuesday

2010-09-28T10:54:00.003-04:00

10 Things in Your Refrigerator

Oh boy this could be tough. Since TLP left the pickings have been slim. And in all honesty it's never very bountiful in there to begin with.

1. Left over cream cheese mixture to stuff mushrooms.

2. Beer and wine. Which we're taking a break from during the week. New healthy lifestyle. Who knew healthy was so difficult?

3. Pub cheese, colby cheese, low fat cheddar cheese, american cheese. Yum...cheese.

4. Turkey pepperoni. Better than the real stuff. Only positve side of healthy I've seen so far.

5. 57 varieties of mustard.

6. Kalamata olives to make these. Delicious and different enough to bring to a gathering and be pretty certain there won't be another batch there!

7. Eggs, always.

8. The final gathering of garden tomatoes.

9. Pink lemonade.

10. Aloe - just in case!

(Picture above - Wind River Range, Wyoming - where TLP is currently hanging his hat.)

Just for Jill

2010-09-16T07:30:00.006-04:00

Well, hello. I haven't meant to be gone so long but Blogger would not load pictures for some reason, about a million times, and so no pic, no post. As you can see I've been knitting. I whipped up these hats for my cousin Jill. Hi Jill. Jill is a reader and also a reader of a few of you who stop by here. She's a peach. She's 42ish I think, mother to three youngin's, wife to Tom and caretaker of one dog named after some television character, which escapes me and I'm sure you're thinking just get the heck on with this Patty. Well Jill called a few weeks back and let me know that she has breast cancer. How absolutely craptastic is that? But, she's not going to let that little dark cloud change things up much and is in the process of taking chemo. Now we all know what can happen there. Sooooooooo the hats. Let me first give a major shout out to the Wool Pack newly relocated to Acton. It's such a great store to visit and Debbie could not have been more helpful and concerned.

First up is just a standard hat, a pattern I used to do the same for my Mom last year, and a win win each time. You can find it here. I used Fibranatura Mermaid. Lovely.

This is the Dean Street Hat knit in Frog Tree Hill Meriboo. I wanted something a little more snug and this seemed like a good choice. I can only hope once it's on her head it looks somewhat like the completed projects on the pattern page because it sure doesn't look like that here!

I have a cousin named Jill. And I hope you"ll say a little prayer for her.

Wyoming - It's an excellent state!

2010-09-06T21:26:00.010-04:00

I'm taking my "my kid is leaving and I'm sad" moment. I'm happy for him and it's all good and blah, blah, blah. But he'll be gone and it will be different. This picture was taken on a hike up Mount Washington with his best buddies on our vacation a couple of weeks ago. Let's just say we can only dream about the walk in the park this hike was for them. Damn youth.

This is TLP atop Mount Monadnock last week and a true representation of the next 90 days. TLP will be attending the Gap Semester at NOLS. I think he's going to be pretty tired and I know there is no computer and very little contact with us. Maybe every 15 or 20 days. We're a pretty happy bunch, generally in touch so I'm guessing it will be an adjustment for the three of us. But it's good. If I had a dollar for every person that said they wanted to do it I'd be able to get a room in the bunk house and just say hi when he came back around. I need a shower a little more often than I think they're going to get one. But it's good.

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

I think Mr. Frost knew what he was talking about.

Ten on Tuesday - Try Two

2010-08-31T06:40:00.010-04:00

Let's just say Blogger and I aren't on speaking terms this morning. In an unprecidented fashion I prepared this entry yesterday. The site wouldn't load pictures correctly but the words were in place. This morning - the whole thing corrupt. Whateverrrrrrrrrrr. Love this weeks subject, always looking for good ideas to lighten a mood. Here are my thoughts!

10 Ways to Lighten Your Mood

1. The abolute #1 way to lighten my mood - go out to eat.

2. Turn on some music. Dance around the kitchen, sing your heart out in the car.

3. Call a favorite friend.

4. Play with your camera.

5. Read some blogs.

6. Go to brook with honey, dog and cooler.

7. Do something relaxing like read or knit.
8. Watch a comedy.

9. Buy a little something. Don't break the bank just a little pick-me-up.

10. Do a little exercise - may sound like a bad idea at first but you'll feel better when it's over!

(And don't dwell on fact that blogger is totally wacked today - how 'bout all this spacing???)

Sunshiney Goodness

2010-08-05T15:38:00.003-04:00

Sunshine Yarns was one of the first yarn artisans I bought from when this gig started 5 or 6 years ago. I had joined Sockapalooza (remember that pre-Ravelry genius?) and wanted to use yarn that had been produced locally. Over the years I've found Dani's work can be counted on each and every time to knit up something special. Once again the Classic Sock didn't dissapoint.

This pattern is the Retro Rib sock by Evelyn Clark. A great pattern and the socks themselves are wonderful, but the knitting got a little bit too much for me late into the second sock. There is a lot of knit, purl, knit into the back on this row and not on the next. I'm happy with the result but like my sock knitting a little more mindless. The pattern is easy enough to memorize - just a work out with all the back and forth with the yarn!

Happy Saturday all - enjoy the day!

Shaelyn

2010-08-04T16:13:00.004-04:00

In the midst of this crazy work summer there has been knitting. There are a pair of socks, just short a toe. There really is a Nantucket Red, just short a finisher. And there is Shaelyn. I'd like to go on record as saying this is truly one of the most satisfying projects I've ever completed. The rhythm was right for the place I was in. Not complicated but pretty enough to give me a smile as each lace row grew. DRD will tell you that I tend to admire a project that I've completed and am happy with like it's a newborn baby. Look, touch, admire, make your family acknowledge the goodness, rinse, repeat. This baby was a 10 on the Apgar scale.

It's a little smaller than I would have liked and the display above works but really isn't me. I'm going to hold on to it as is, see what it gets for use, and if it's minimal I'm going to rip and re-knit on bigger needles. There are at least 70 yards of yarn left and it's just too nice to not get put to use. Details: On the Ravelry page.

Thanks for stopping by! Next up - super secret vacation knitting.

Ten on Tuesday

2010-08-03T09:31:00.007-04:00

10 Things to Take on Vacation

This is especially near and dear to me today as we're heading out on vacation Saturday! I love every minute of this vacation. It's a combination of rest and relaxation with a little hiking and kayaking thrown in. Just a perfect mix. Add 4 of TLP's friends and their 19 year old irreverence and the laughs just keep on coming. Here we go!

1. Reading material - deep and shallow!

2. Knitting

3. Wine glasses. The institutional glasses at the condo just don't do vacation justice.

4. A few bottles of better-than-the-junk-I-usually-drink wine.

5. Hiking boots

6. Camera

7. Lots of food.

8. Friends and family

9. Pillow from home.

10. The ability to leave it all behind and enjoy!

Self Preservation

2010-08-02T12:37:00.002-04:00

As I mentioned before, I've been in a bit of a rut. The job is pretty stressful right now, and by that I mean people are ALWAYS ASKING ME SOMETHING and customers are PUSHING, PUSHING, PUSHING. And it weighs on me and I can't get anything done. I'm done whining about that now but believe me when I say something's gotta give. So, in his ever wise way, DRD suggested we climb the mountain on Saturday morning. We started at 9:00 and our pace was decent and we made it up in about and hour and fifteen. It's a pretty rocky summit and takes a little muscle to get the job done . But we did, and I am not exaggerating when I tell you the morning could not have been better picked. It can be chilly at the top but the temp was probably about 70 degrees and the wind was light. So couple that with a really relaxing Sunday that included finishing Shaelyn and I'd say the weekend was perfect. Hope yours was too. FO pics soon!

2010-07-30T07:11:00.002-04:00

The Bee Balm is crazy in the yard. The red and pink have gone by and the purple is in full bloom. Is anyone else amazed that this results in a couple of seasons from just one plant? The perennial garden has been beautiful but this is certainly the fall for thinning the crop.

There was so much activity out there last evening. There were bees everywhere.

And these guys. The Hummingbird Moth. I'd read somewhere that it was suspected that these varmints are responsible for tomato worms. Of which we have many. And at first these pictures pretty much confirmed that to me. But I dug a little deeper (and I apologize to my gardener readers who may be nodding off because this is just old news) and found this. Why are they here one year and not another and why my yard but not my neighbor just yards across the street? We seem to be battling them pretty well, and many thanks to DRD for being the big gun in that activity.

So in an attempt to end this blather somehow, for me, the real information gathered here today is that there are way more creepy green things in the world than I care to know about!

Have a great weekend!

10 on Tuesday

2010-07-27T08:58:00.003-04:00

10 Things To Do Instead of Watching T. V.

Let me first say that television is a huge stress reliever for me. I love to sit in the chair some Saturday mornings for two or three hours knitting and vegging. But I know this isn't what I should be doing as there are so many other fun activities so let's go!

1. Bake - one of my favorite things to do.

2. Read, of course. (What the heck is that pregancy book doing there?)

3. Clean the house. Or maybe not!

4. Go for a walk, run, bike, hike whatever you can. Outside.

5. And inside - go to the gym.

6. Work in the garden.

7. Talk on the phone with an old friend. (But do not knit lace during this activity.)

8. Go on line, read blogs! Comment!

9. Teach yourself something new.

10. Go for a ride with your honey.

Saturday Knitting

2010-07-24T07:45:00.008-04:00

Happy Saturday! Actual knitting! And what a perfect project it is. Shaelyn is just what I need right now. My job is really, really busy and I'm not much on brain power once I leave. I imagine that has something to do with the exercise rut I'd mentioned.

I am participating in the Loopy Ewe Sock Club lite which involves two shipments. The first arrived and it's String Theory Caper in "Bye Bye Blues", a lovely cashmere, wool mix. I'm not a huge blue person and I knew I didn't want to make socks with this, but it is just a little bit special and deserved a well picked pattern. The package did arrive with a scarf pattern but that didn't really float my boat either. Enter the power of Ravelry and Shaelyn.

I'm in love. The 22 row repeat is a piece-o-cake and this project should be finished in less than two weeks which, for me, is monumental! The top picture represents the color best.
Just a couple of weeks until vacation! Here's hoping the restaurants are cool and this baby gets a lot of wear.
Off to the yarn store to purchase vacation knitting and then to enjoy the weekend. Wishing you a great one too.